One of the biggest complaints from rate payers is that the Lismore City Council needs to fix our roads.Over the past few years the council has had financial troubles which has meant some road projects have been delayed. Well, now the State Liberal/National Party government has some financials issues of its own with a reported $3.8 billion roads maintenance shortfall.This could have an impact on our local Lismore and surrounding town roads because the State Government promised to take back 15,000 kilometres of regional roads from local councils at the last election.While the exact roads involved in the 15,000 kilometres have not been identified as yet, State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin has written to the NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole in 2019 identifying Wyrallah Road, Nimbin Road, Kyogle Road, Dunoon Road, Blue Knob Road and Coraki Road as options for the 2480 postcode.In a press release today, Ms Saffin wants a rock-solid assurance from the Berejiklian-Barilaro Government that it will deliver on its major election promise. Ms Saffin said she was going into bat for the four councils in her electorate – Lismore City, Kyogle, Tenterfield and Tweed shires – all of which in good faith will be submitting priority regional roads for assessment by the independent review panel overseeing the handover process. “There is an expectation from councils, ratepayers and residents that this election promise will be kept, but if there is a big shortfall in Transport for NSW’s road maintenance budgets, it will throw many road and bridge projects into doubt,” Ms Saffin said. “The Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands regions have copped it all during the past year; drought, bushfires, COVID-19, business downturn, a rise in unemployment, and a cruel wage freeze for our frontline public servants. “The last thing we need now is for significant roads and bridge projects which are in the pipeline to improve safety and connectivity, and boost local and regional economies, to potentially be put in jeopardy.” “We’re talking about roads like the Lismore to Woodburn Road, the Tweed Valley Way, the Clarence Way and the Bruxner Way, among others, which deserve more attention than they have had in past decades.” Ms Saffin’s concerns follow The Sydney Morning Herald’s exclusive coverage of the final Roads and Maritime Services Asset Management Plan 2020-21 to 2029-30, which confirmed a $3.8-billion roads maintenance shortfall at 30 June 2019 had grown by $36 million on the previous year. The document, handed to the Government last September, before RMS was dissolved into Transport for NSW, states that insufficient capital funding available to fund ‘shortfalls for projects under delivery, state component of federal election commitments and state election commitments’ as being a ‘very high’ risk. The likelihood of that occurring is ‘almost certain’ and the consequences would be ‘major’, the document states.

A man will face court today after firearms were seized from a Coraki home yesterday.About 11.15am (Tuesday 9 June 2020), officers attached to Richmond Police District executed a search warrant at a home on Union Street, Coraki, where they spoke with a 41-year-old man and a 15-year-old teenage boy.During the search, police seized four firearms, ammunition, an extendable baton, an electronic stun device and cannabis.The 41-year-old man was arrested and taken to Lismore Police Station.He has been charged with 13 offences, including possess prohibited weapon, possess prohibited firearm, possess unregistered prohibited firearm, not keep firearm safe, possess unauthorised firearm, cultivate prohibited plant, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV).He has been refused bail to appear at Lismore Local Court today (Wednesday 10 June 2020).The teenage boy was issued with a cannabis caution under the Young Offenders Act.

Class of 2020 graduates from Southern Cross University (SCU) - forget about throwing your mortarboard into the air and grouping together for a photo beside your class mates. SCU has made the decision to postpone all graduations for the remainder of 2020. The reality of not having a traditional graduation ceremony after years of study has come as a blow to some students.SCU student, Sarah, was due to graduate from her three year degree in health at the end of 2020, and said she was “blindsided” and thought “don’t take our graduation from us” when the university sent her a message saying there would be no group ceremony.“You look forward to it over the whole degree –the ceremony is an important marker after you put so much time and effort into it,” she said.“It’s a symbol that you’ve finally done it and you are proud and celebrating alongside your cohort and with your family, wearing the cap and gown.”The decision to stop graduation ceremonies comes after months of Covid-19 social distancing restrictions.In a statement made to The Lismore App, SCU stated “although social distancing restrictions are being wound back, we do not expect to be able to deliver graduations at sufficient scale to provide the sort of experience that students and their families want”. “This decision does not disadvantage graduates’ employment opportunities. We are producing testamurs for those who have fulfilled the requirements of their courses.”Sarah said she had been “holding out hope that things were calming” and that the ceremony would still go ahead, but yesterday she received a survey from the university asking her for feedback about the way forward. “I know restrictions mean we would have to have limited numbers in a real ceremony,” she said, “I was hoping they would change their mind – why not do smaller ceremonies with people and academics from individual courses.“I don’t think they are looking at it in a solution focussed manner.”Instead, SCU are planning an online graduation for those who chose to take part in it.Sarah said SCU’s solution was for graduates to pay $50 to hire a gown and cap and get their photo taken, which would then be uploaded as part of an online powerpoint ceremony, which would cost another $50. To buy the photos was offered as another, extra cost.“I know SCU has money problems but I’m disappointed they are using this as an opportunity to make money out of us,” she said.“I won’t participate in an online ceremony and I want more information – I’d prefer the university to consider holding off the ceremony until next year when we can hopefully do it in person again.SCU stated that graduation ceremonies have, in recent years, been held three times at the Lismore campus, in April/May, September and December. Graduation events are also held at the Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour campuses and in Sydney and Melbourne.Note: Sarah is not the graduate’s real name. She requested to use a pseudonym so as not to influence her chances of getting a graduate position after she finishes her studies.

Todays rain is a taste of what is to come over the next 7 days according to the Weather Bureau.Alex Majchrowski from the Bureau told the Lismore App "Lismore can expect 15-20mm today and tomorrow due to the coastal trough hanging about for the next couple of days".This trough will move away as we head towards the weekend but showers will continue on Saturday before the next cold front comes our way on Sunday evening bringing more rain with it.When is our next lot of winter sunshine?Alex said "conditions will be better after the Sunday front has passed through so you can expect some partly cloudy days but some showers will linger".Bottom line is to make sure the umbrella is in the car for the next week.

Would you like to see a public information session about the future of aviation training and flight paths held in Lismore? The Lismore App reported yesterday about Lismore residents' concerns about plane noise over residential areas of Lismore.Read the article: Noise complaints put planes over Lismore in the spotlightIt also raised concerns about the potential increase in air traffic when the planned international flight school goes ahead in the future, and who is responsible for monitoring and regulating flight paths and noise.Lismore City Council is responsible for maintaining and managing the airport, and the airport is open for use by any pilot who wants to land at the strip - and who pays a fee for it.Noise complaints are supposed to be dealt with by the national regulating body, Airservices Australia,Northern Rivers Aero Club (NRAC) head of operations, Bill Kiernan, said the current noise problem was not with the pilots in training at NRAC, but with the other pilots who flew into Lismore from other places.Bill is keen to see a public information session held where members of the public, Council, NRAC and Airservices Australia come together to discuss what the future holds for Lismore Regional Airport.If you think this is a good idea that might bring clarity to the current and future situation of planes flying over Lismore, please leave your comments on the Lismore App Facebook page.

A new antiques and collectables emporium is set to open this Saturday at on Woodlark Street with live music and classic cars.Complete with a vintage Austin Healy 1966 car parked inside the front door – and two motorbikes – it’s set to be a “one stop shop” for antiques and collectables.Inside the new shop.The inspiration to open the emporium comes from Northern Rivers Collectables owner, Adam Bailey – a local who is not new to the collectables business.He first opened a Northern Rivers Collectables shop on Carrington Street last year, but now, he’s moved to a larger building and expanded the business to include other shop keepers who will share the premises with him. “Running a shop was becoming expensive and I wanted to give other people a go too – so they can pay a little rent for space,” Adam said.“David and Anna have their own little shop inside called Lismore Collectables – and there’s lots of retro stuff. Dave specialises in glass ware and china.Read more news: YOUR SAY: Should we have a public information session about Lismore's aviation future?“Then there’s Luke Punt and Crick who have lots of kitsch stuff and they make stuff out of old wares.“There’s also Anton who has a shop called Eclectica.”Adam also plans to move his infrared sauna business into the back of the building (it had been previously located on Dawson Street.)There’s also plans for a media room, where Adam and others can continue to make podcasts, where locals are interviewed and shows are recorded.“The podcast is called chat@155,” Adam said. “It’s about local people and local businesses.“We also have a beer and pie podcast with a sports focus.“You can listen to them on Apple – we’ve already had a few international listeners.”Northern Rivers Collectables will open at 10am, this Saturday, June 13 at 126 Woodlark Street (in the building where the baby shop used to be).There will be a live band and coffee vans, as well as Harleys, hotrods and motorbikes.The shop will be open six days a week, Monday to Saturday and Adam hopes in the future to also hold markets at the venue.Read more news: Noise complaints put planes over Lismore in the spotlight

A car accident on Ballina Road in Goonellabah has caused delays in traffic along the busy stretch of road this afternoon.Two cars were involved in an accident on Ballina Road this afternoon, with a ute blocking the left lane. Live Traffic NSW reported the accident occurred at 3.39pm near Bruxner Crescent and traffic is affected in both directions.Emergency services have attended the scene of the accident and authorities advise motorists to exercise caution, allow extra travel time and reduce your speed.

The Lismore City Council has its monthly meeting tonight with councillor Bill Moorhouse bringing a notice of motion stating that all future items of clothing purchased must be made in Australia and preferably within the region.In tonight's council meeting business papers, Cnr Moorhouse says "the recent COVID-19 crisis has highlighted Australia’s vulnerability because we have been purchasing large volumes of crucial materials from overseas – principally China." He goes on to say that Lismore like many other councils supplies workwear and uniforms to staff.Also, on the agenda tonight is approving the March 2020 Quarterly Budget Review Statement. The Net Operating Result for the Year is forecast to be a deficit of $763,400. To achieve that mark there are some recommended budget changes of $1,134,000 in savings that need to be approved by council tonight.A reminder that the Draft Operational Plan and Budget is available for public input on councils website which closes tomorrow June 10, https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/budget1.Council staff are also seeking clarity from Councillors over the proposed Inner CBD Rates Resolution adopted during the April 14 council meeting. The resolution stated that the Inner CBD rates were to be frozen during 20221/22 and 2022/23 while passing the costs onto other rate paying sectors like the Outer CBD and Residents. Management are wanting the freeze to be in place for two years then reviewed when the next Auditor Generals valuations come in.The Lismore City Council meeting starts at 6pm tonight, you are invited to watch the meeting live via a video link https://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-DVR-70-64-45.

Local residents complaining about the noise of small planes flying over residential houses in Lismore have put the future of regional aviation in the spotlight. The complaints, recently reported to Lismore City Council and the Northern Rivers Aero Club (NRAC), come at a time when Council has already signed a lease for an international flying school to be established at the local airport. Read more news: Lismore airport to become aviation training hubThe complaints bring up numerous questions such as:What are the regulations for small planes flying near residential areas?Whose responsibility is it to monitor and regulate plane flying behaviour?Who do you make a noise complaint about a plane to?The Lismore App spoke to Council, NRAC and local residents to find out where the situation stands. ResidentsOne Lismore resident, Ruth Rosenhek, said she had written letters to Council about the plane noise and flying behaviours - and she had ongoing concerns that operating another flying school in Lismore would cause ongoing noise problems for residents. “I was sitting around the fire a few weeks ago when the plane came overhead and I was startled by it and became alarmed,” Ruth said.“I have a stress reaction when I hear loud planes flying overhead and my first thought was ‘will it drop a bomb?’"Then I found a Facebook thread with others complaining about it and heard it was an ex military plane. One of the small planes photographed by another South Lismore resident concerned about the noise.“People were saying planes are frequently flying low and noisily in South Lismore and Girards Hill and I’m concerned about this. “The engine on the military type plane is extremely loud and at times it is dangerously low -I wanted to know what are the standard operating procedures for planes?"Ruth then wrote to Council, concerned about the planned international flight school for Lismore airport. She wanted to know what environmental and social impact assessments would be done prior to establishing the school.“I didn’t think [the school] fits with the climate emergency motion council passed last year,” she said. “Increasing the number of flights here won’t help lower greenhouse gas emissions.”Ruth said she heard a response back from three councillors, but was concerned that the approval for the flight school was made “in a closed session”.“There was no consultation with the public and someone said it’s a stunt man getting his hours up and flying 360s.“My partner is concerned about crashes – a man died in a light plane crash near Maitland a few weeks ago and last year, 220 aircraft were involved in accidents in Australia.“The noise and air pollution is disturbing especially as we have all become used to the slower pace and more relaxed air space here.”Council’s response – who to complain toIn a statement made to The Lismore App, Lismore City Council clarified that anyone with a noise complaint about aircraft noise should direct complaints to Airservices Australia at http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/“Current flight data shows there has been a decrease in the number of aircraft movements over the past 12 months,” the Council statement said.“A recent investigation of a noise complaint found that it was a private resident who had recently purchased a former military aircraft, which is louder than other aircraft.“We asked the resident to take alternative flight paths to reduce noise in residential areas.”International flight schoolWith regards to the establishment of the international flight school, Council stated that “Councillors were given a full briefing about Airways Aviation’s proposal of establishing a training school at the airport before the lease agreement was signed with the company”.“Airways Aviation has been conducting training at the Lismore Airport for a number of years, so it is not expected to add to aircraft movements,” the statement said.“Lismore Regional Airport is an important community asset that generates revenue and jobs for our community. Its future growth is detailed in the existing Imagine Lismore plan that was adopted by Council after extensive community consultation. “The airport is also an approved facility for aircraft operations.“As such, there are no specific requirements that apply to flight schools or other aviation services, nor are there restrictions on flight times and hours of operations.”Northern Rivers Aero Club (NRAC) respondsNRAC's head of operations, Bill Kiernan, said the current problem was not with the pilots in training at NRAC, but with the other pilots who flew into Lismore from other places.“People automatically think NRAC is responsible, but the aerodrome is open for use to anybody in Australia,” Bill said.“A lot of flying schools at the Gold Coast are coming here to use this airport as a training base because it’s cheaper - and more convenient than fitting in up the coast.“The last thing we want to do is cause distress for residents. "The Northern Rivers Aero Club has been operating out of the Lismore aerodrome since 1930, and our pilots are always careful to follow the rules."Specify a timeBill said he and his staff been the target of complaints from residents, but that he can’t so anything about it. “People have been harassing my staff on the telephone, but the majority of complaints are not specific about when the noise happened, so we can’t check. “If it’s one of our planes, we can do something about it - so if people have a complaint, they need to specify a time it happened and we can work out which airplane was here."Landing feesBill said Lismore Regional Airport was owned by Council, but the air space and the regulation of the strict operating rules was the responsibility of Airservices Australia.“Anyone who uses the aerodrome pays a landing fee to Airservices Australia and a part of the fee goes to Lismore Council to maintain the airport.”Air travel laws – what height and flight path is allowed?“Air travel has more laws than road travel does – at Northern Rivers Aero Club, we are careful we stick to the rules because there’s pretty savage fines and compliance is strict,” Bill said.Bill clarified that a plane flying over Lismore must maintain a height of 1500 feet.If a plane taking off or landing, the height is 1000 feet.A plane can also maintain a height of 600 feet if it is travelling a low level circuit.“But there is no perimeter as to how wide you can go in your circuit,” Bill said.“At the club, we fly a tight circuit and stay close to the hills and not over residences in order to minimise the noise. We also don’t go out on Sunday mornings in order to avoid noise. “But some people from up north fly wide circuits and we can’t control these people.”Public Information sessionBill said he would like to see a public information session held at the airport where NRAC, Lismore Council and residents could share information and bring clarity to the current and future situation of planes flying over Lismore.“We could even invite Airservices Australia to come to the session to answer questions -but Lismore Council would need to invite them,” Bill said.“If we can get enough people behind the idea of an information session, I’d like to bring some transparency to the situation.”

If you’re a creative with an idea for a short doco or factual film, 15 places are now available for regional Screenworks members in a new online workshop program designed to see you bring your idea to life.Creative Factual Storytelling: From Ideas to Screens will give you two months of mentoring to be a great storyteller, offering strategies for taking your ideas from the page to the screen.Part 1The programme involves four weekly, two-hour workshops delivered via zoom, covering how to find a story, how to research the subject matter, tell the story visually and in sound, research the audience, get to know the potential market place and deliver exciting, engaging, successful stories.Participants will work with a tried and tested manual, which they can use for reference and can stream the sessions to revisit as requiredPart 2Then comes what Media Mentors call the “long tail.”Participants put into practice what they’ve learned by delivering a short film in just 4 weeks!It could be a proof of concept, a trailer or a scene from their factual idea, and you can work as an individual or as part of a team.The style and content of the short film will be decided during the course and the duration will be between 1 and 5 mins.At the start of part 2 there’ll be a one-hour online via zoom setting goals session defining what they will achieve in the next four weeks of production.A moderated and supported WhatsApp group will run throughout this period to support all participants to produce fantastic content they can use to pitch their idea or be part of their film.Finally a show and tell online via zoom graduation session – where the work they’ve done during the course is shown to the group – with a BYO glass of something to celebrate the screening.Who is this designed for? For the amateur and the professional – and everybody in between – who want to know how to tell a good yarn or to improve their story-telling skills.Applications close 28 June 2020 and you can visit the Screenworks website for more information and to apply https://screenworks.com.au/event/creative-factual-storytelling-program/

Lismore Police are investigating an incident which occurred in Lismore on the 30th of May and believe this person may be able to assist with inquiries.Anyone with information regarding this person's identity is urged to contact Lismore Police Station on 02 66260599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Please quote Police event number E74396035.

Three locals have received awards in this years Queens Birthday Honour list, they are Daniel O'Brien from Federal, Dr Austin Curtain from Tregeagle and Lyn Larsen from Tuntable Creek.Dr Austin Curtin received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) award for significant service to medicine, and health outcomes in regional communities.Many people from Lismore and the Northern Rivers will know the name Dr Austin Curtin in some form. Dr Curtain has more than likely touched your life in some way directly or indirectly through your connections with family and friends."When I received the email from the Governor General's office, it was a surprise to tell you the truth", Dr Curtin told the Lismore App, "the reason for receiving the award aligns itself with my fundamental beliefs for being a doctor".Dr Curtin arrived in Lismore as a qualified doctor in 1985 from Sydney."I wanted to be an old fashioned general surgeon, one that is not tied down to one specific area of surgery. I loved to work in a community of normal people, it is part of my passion".Soon after moving into the region Dr Curtin wanted to develop a rural medical clinic for Lismore. "Universities were forcing students into rural areas to complete their education so I joined a group of people to lobby government so we could improve the infrastructure to turn our hospitals into training hospitals", he said."We really wanted to improve the outcomes for people in regional areas so what is available in the country is similar to what they have in the city".Dr Curtin was also Lismore Citizen of the Year in 2015.

Three locals have received awards in this years Queens Birthday Honour list, they are Daniel O'Brien from Federal, Dr Austin Curtain from Tregeagle and Lyn Larsen from Tuntable Creek.Daniel O'Brien has received the Medal of the Order of Australia."I was very surprised to receive the award, it came as quite a shock", Daniel told the Lismore App, "I find volunteering very rewarding and now this has happened I think volunteers can be recognised by their communities".His story is one that many of you will not know.Daniel has been recognised for his work with war veterans and their families. However, this is not the usual war veterans that you see and think of at ANZAC time but the unknown veterans that in World War II fought for the Unites States Army during the South Pacific Campaign. These soldiers fought for the United States Army because they were not eligible to fight for Australia for age reasons or medical reasons but were quietly, actively recruited by the Australian Government."There were kids as young as 15 and as old as 80", Daniel said, "not only that, there were disabled people too, some one armed and one legged soldiers fighting in New Guinea. Anyone who didn't fit the mould"The problem over the years has been that the Australian Government has not recognised these veterans were part of the Australian War cause and this is where where Daniel comes in to the picture.Daniel works on behalf of the US Army Small Ships Association to gain recognition for their war efforts for veterans and their families. Not necessarily for financial support but just recognition like any other Australian soldier would receive.Daniel said "This is a community award. There are still hundreds of men that remain unrecognised and some carry shame and resentment with their war efforts".(Walsh Bay, Sydney war memorial plaque)"If anyone believes their ancestors served with the US forces during World War II they are most welcome to contact me at secretary@usarmysmallships.asn.org.For more information on the US Army Small Ships Association push on this link http://www.usarmysmallships.asn.au/."I've been fighting the government for 15 years", Daniel commented, "and I will continue to fight until every soldier is identified and gains recognition for their war efforts".

The devastating impact of the 2019 bushfires is still very fresh in our minds with vivid memories of hundreds of thousands of hectares of bushland being burnt out, millions of wildlife getting caught in the inferno's as well as people losing their houses and some even their lives.Nymoida is a town not in our 2480 postcode, it is south of Grafton but there is a man and his mother that need help and when the Lismore App received and email from G'Day Farmers Mark Cockburn asking for assistance we gladly went about writing this story.Mark and his wife work on behalf of Australian Mercy on a project called G'Day Farmer (https://australianmercy.org/projects/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuYGDifHs6QIVgiQrCh1hOgqIEAAYASAAEgLUK_D_BwE).G'Day Farmers vision is to help our Aussie farmers and their surrounding community who are doing it tough, in order to help get them back on their feet.Mark explains more "Our current project is focused on the Tabulam and Nymboida areas west of Ballina and Grafton, wherein we are working to provide temporary housing to those who lost their homes during the 2019/2020 bushfires, by way of providing outfitted shipping containers that are fully insulated""Our role in this project, is to travel around these areas looking for those who really are needing warm and dry shelter. In that effort, we have come across a man who along with his mum, lived in a rented house on a property along Glens Creek Road Nymboida. Naturally, we cannot mention names, but sadly, the house they were renting was burned to the ground, thus forcing the man's mother to relocate to town - where we understand she is not doing well at all, while the man has relocated to a friend's property." "My wife and I have personally seen where this man is living. It looks like a small outside meat house, he's on a dirt floor and, the white ants have moved in. Because he is living on another person's property, we can't give him a container, but we then realised that if we could find him a caravan, he could take that with him should he decide to move." "As you can appreciate, as there were 105 houses lost in this area, rental properties are like 'hen's teeth', and these two people love living together in the bush."So what can we as a community do for this helpless man and his mother?Mark said, "We are needing about a 15' - 20' caravan that doesn't leak - something in which this man and his mum can be warm and dry until such time that they can find further accommodation. It doesn't have to be registered - the Police advise that so long as it is 'road worthy', we can get an 'Interim Slip', which allows us to tow it to the property. We are prepared to take care of all arrangements to relocate the van from the current owner's property to this man's location."Mark is hoping that some kind and generous reader of the Lismore App will such a caravan that they can donate. If this is you, contact Mark by phone on 0418 297 295 or email mark.cockburn53@gmail.com.

Community groups who use crown land reserves, including public halls, scouts and guides, the PCYC, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service and showgrounds management are set to benefit from the announcement of funding for crown reserves improvement. Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin said applications for a share of $14 million in the NSW Crown Reserves Improvement Fund are open until July 10.“Councils, Crown land managers and community groups that use Crown land, across the Lismore Electorate are invited to apply to upgrade and maintain community facilities and reserves,” Mr Franklin said. “Crown reserves provide great spaces for the community and include areas like sporting fields, beaches, and some public buildings,” Mr Franklin said.“The fund will support improvements to community, recreational and tourism facilities on Crown reserves while also supporting local businesses and economies.“It also funds bushfire management and weed and pest control to keep reserves safe and functional and to protect our environment and native plants and animals.”The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund maintains and upgrades reserves and community facilities on Crown land across NSW and the Nationals are investing in the Ballina and Lismore electorates to benefit the whole community.“Grant applications are open to Crown land reserve managers including local councils, community groups who use Crown land and showgrounds, so I strongly encourage eligible local organisations to apply,” Mr Franklin said.Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said quality public reserves were vital to the health and well-being of local communities.“Residents need quality natural spaces to relax and rejuvenate and this fund enhances local reserves that provide green open recreational space and protect our environmental diversity,” Mrs Pavey said.Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the grant program would be welcome news to communities who will benefit from improved access to great quality public spaces.“This year’s funding will prioritise restoring and strengthening the resilience of public facilities and crown reserves that have suffered through bushfires, drought and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Stokes said.“We also want to make it easier for the community to walk and cycle with new tracks and trails across and between reserves and open spaces.”For further information on the Crown Reserves Improvement fund and to apply, visit https://reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au/funding/crif

The Black Lives Matter rally held at Spinks Park today saw a large crowd, in excess of the legal 500 number outlined by the NSW State Government for outdoor events, gather in the streets of the CBD.The rally started at 12:30 with the numbers of supporters increasing until they filled the Magellan Street roundabout and were standing on both sides of Molesworth Street. Police ultimately closed access to Molesworth Street from Woodlark and Conway Streets.Read about Lismore's Aboriginal Community Liasion Officer Ros Sten SUNDAY PROFILE: Widjabal Elder Ros StenLed by local Widjabul Wybal woman Cindy Roberts and popular Nimbin artist Gilbert Laurie who belongs to the Yaegl and Widjabul tribes, the message was to end injustice and racism so we can more forward as a united nation.The 432 aboriginals deaths in custody was acknowledged and the point made that "there has been no justice for any of those deaths, not one perpetrator charged, nobody convicted"."We are asking for justice, we are asking for no more racism, to stop racism within the system".There was often applause and cheers from the large crowd throughout the talks.As is the case in America our local police force was sent a message "You have good coppers and bad but it's up to the good ones to say to the bad ones enough is enough. Tell them no because thats where it starts in your organisation".The overall tone of the rally was the acknowledgement that just being born Aboriginal put a target on your back within a racist system."We have lost so many young lives. What about white lives, we matter, yeah you matter, all you other nationalities, yes you matter but when you're black you don't know what it's like to be black and in a system of racism. You don't know what it's like to be targeted everyday of your life because of the colour of your skin."We stand today in solidarity with America because we know their pain, because we feel it and go through it everyday".This reference was to the recent death of African American George Floyd who was killed by a member of the Minneapolis police force while other members watched. His death was recorded and the video went viral around the world."We live in the year 2020 and we are still asking for justice and still asking for change, shame, shame, shame on you."Nimbin artist Gilbert Laurie spoke of education, "for me it's a privilege to go and teach in our schools, teach our language, teach our stories also teach our heart"."The paintings we leave is for all of us, they bring us together, that's what I teach in schools the next generation. There's no division, theres no racism, it's all about us coming together and walking together as one."While the rally today became illegal as the numbers grew to above 500, the organisers were passing around hand sanitiser with most people wearing masks.The Lismore Police Force were visible throughout the rally but keeping to themselves, watching proceedings and controlling traffic.Cindy told the Lismore App that more people turned up for the rally than she expected, "I hope we continue to stand in solidarity, peace and love", Cindy said.

Take a bow Lismore Base Hospital staff. They took the time during what has been an extremely busy period in their lives to record and release their version of the GitUp Challenge.What an incredible result it was, the most fun any business would have had over the last three months.So, what is the GitUp Challenge?The GitUp song was released by Blanco Brown last year and started a worldwide fad of people re-enacting his dance. You can watch it here.The initiative was the brainchild of the Nursing and Midwifery Managers to raise morale and to celebrate International Year of Nurse and Midwife. Charmaine Murphy has done a marvellous job with the filming and editing of the video. Take a look at some of the still shots from the video, then push on the link and take a look at the full version via the Northern NSW Health Local Health District facebook page.https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1107106539659108The Lismore would like to set every business to take the GitUp Challenge, it is a great deal of fun in what has been a serious and tense time in the last 3 months. You don't need to make the entire 3:31 of the GitUp song, you can do a verse and chorus depending on how many staff you have.Once you record your GitUp dance send it through to simon@lismoreapp.com.au.

With everyone cooking at home more these days, The Lismore App's new Coronavirus > Recipes section could hold a few recipes that might entice you to try cooking them.We invite readers to send in their recipes to share with others (include ingredients, cooking method, a photo and why you like to cook it) and email it to: liina@lismoreapp.com.auWoolworths reports on buying trendsAs the Lismore App’s search for recipes from the local community continues, Woolworths reported today that the trends of foods we buy and cook with are changing as coronavirus restrictions on socialising ease.The supermarket chain said “entertaining” products like specialty cheeses, olives and premium crackers have grown by 23% on last year and baking and desserts are up 34%. Perhaps it is because we’re able to invite people over again and show off our new baking skills?At the same time, Woolworths also speculated that people are becoming more adventurous with what they are coking and reported that there is “strong growth” in sales of all forms of vegetables, with eggplant up 38% on last year, herbs up by 28%, ginger up 18%, garlic up 26% and chillies up by 36%.Toilet paperIronically, toilet paper sales are reported as being 9% down on last year as people use what they already have at home. Woolworths now only has product buying limits remaining on antibacterial wipes, hand wash and frozen fruit.So, if you are looking to become a little more adventurous with your cooking, why now try out some of the recipes submitted by The Lismore App reader Debbie Stark. Debbie’s muffin recipe will give you a chance to make a paleo-vegan style dessert, and her chicken recipe gives you a chance to get out the spices and impress yourself, if not your family and friends!Read Debbie’s muffin recipe: Cranberry and orange muffinsRead Debbie’s coconut chili recipe : Coconut Chili Chicken

Northern Rivers Buslines customers can look forward to the Route 688 - Late Nighter bus service again this weekend, when it returns to normal services on Saturday, June 6.The bus service commences from Keen & Woodlark Streets then Zadoc Street - Molesworth Street, then as required via Albert Park - Wyrallah Road Military Road - Southern Cross University - Ballina Road - Holland Street Oliver Ave - Rous Road - Ballina Road.It leaves Goonellabah Tavern at 11.50pm, and Keen & Woodlark at midnight, 12.30am, 1.15am, 2am, 2.45am and 3.30am.Look out for Late Nighter destination signs on bus Route 688.Here is the link to the timetable: https://www.buslinesgroup.com.au/northern-rivers-maps-timetables