Lismore-based doctors and scientists are working on a new wound dressing technology that could mean no more stitches, staples or glue are needed to heal wounds. Pinoeered by a research team from Southern Cross University (SCU), the Rapid Repair technology development changes the way molecules repair, enabling skin to heal more quickly.It means wounds could potentially heal in days rather than weeks without using stitches.The team of scientists, led by SCU GP Dr Rosemary Craig, has caught the attention of NASA.Dr Craig is working with biomedical researcher Dr Nedeljka Rosic and business consultant Gerard Criss. NASA and clinical trialsThe team recently presented the novel technology to a NASA’s Ignite the Night iTech Event panel online, winning this round and securing the team’s place in the August semi-finals.Dr Craig first came across the idea while recovering from a surgical procedure, when she developed a device that appeared to heal full thickness skin cuts in a much shorter timeframe than normal. Her team has begun clinical trials, and has developed the commercial potential of the product through their repeated successes in CSIRO’s ON Accelerate program.“NASA is already planning for the future including the ‘Moon to Mars’ mission and hosts this competition series to hear about latest scientific advances and innovative space ideas,” Dr Craig said.“The panel of NASA scientists said they thought our rapid healing product would be very useful and valuable in space, especially as communication back to earth can often have a 10-minute delay and this is such a simple treatment to apply.“We really are over the moon to win this part of the competition. It’s pretty unexpected in a way as the quality of the other innovations was extremely high.“To have NASA support and promote our product is amazing. We’ve had a lot of support from CSIRO to progress our product to market, which makes our product a realistic proposition worth backing.”While the team was unable to travel San Francisco for the competition due to current travel restrictions, they were able to take part in NASA coaching sessions and give a series of virtual presentations and interviews across the week, mostly between 2am and 6am Australian time. Of the 25 semi-finalists, 10 teams will be chosen to spend a week at NASA when restrictions lift.Pilot study at Lismore campusDr Craig said a pilot study at Lismore campus’ Southern Cross University Health Clinic – where she is a practicing GP – showed promising clinical outcomes. There are plans for further clinical trials in collaboration with the University of Queensland (UQ) to prove the clinical advantages of the device with a greater dataset.“During our clinical trial on skin cancer wounds we were able to remove patients’ stitches after just one day. These trials are showing this novel dressing works on all skin types, including on aged skin and people with diabetes, and can minimise scarring,” Dr Craig said.“Future trials plan to heal cuts and wounds without using stitches at all.“It is simple and painless to apply, using a non-invasive device with a long shelf life."The potential impact of this technology is enormous as it not only increases the rate of repair but significantly changes the way wound healing is understood.”The Rapid Repair wound dressing is already entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG 331993) and with a greater dataset will soon be able to register with the FDA.Southern Cross University Head of the School of Health and Human Sciences Professor Julie Jomeen congratulated the team on their project success, saying their win is an “amazing achievement and the school is excited to see this innovative research develop and deliver real impact in wound care”.Read more news: Wireless machine gift helps women in water births

There is no doubt that the coronavirus pandemic has caused total disruption to lives and businesses since the March lockdown.The hospitality industry which includes cafes, restaurants and pubs were some of the hardest hit parts of our community.Some businesses closed their doors for a few weeks to reduce costs and overheads while some saw it as an ideal time to take a break and recharge. Other owners saw the quiet time as an opportunity to renovate their premises so when the restrictions were eased their business looked fresh with minimal disruption to their normal operation.Tony and Tamaya at Cafe Cappello took the renovation option."We wanted to renovate the cafe this year anyway then COVID hit and we thought it was an ideal time to get it done now", Tamaya told the Lismore App.The table and dining area has a fresh modern wood look with bench seating against one wall surrounded by more tables while upstairs has also been renovated to include bench stools. The main feature is a mosaic tiled portrait of the Greek god Apollo and two vertical hanging gardens.Some of you maybe familiar with Apollo as it was first commissioned when Tony owned La Baracca Espresso bar on Keen Street from a local artist. The artwork has been sitting in their garage for about 12 years and now proudly adorns the walls of the newly renovated dining area. "We have haven't quite finished the renovation yet", Tamaya said, "the serving area needs the chalk boards artwork done, more signage, lighting there will be a new juice and blender area where we will start serving smoothies plus and an extended food display case with an increased range". "This will be completed over the next two weeks".You will find Cafe Cappello at 24 Carrington Street (turn right off Magellan Street).

After 23 years, Cobbler John's familiar face will no longer seen in his Just A Minute Repairs shop on Conway Street, under the Post Office in the CBD.Cobbler John (aka John Savage) has closed his shop doors and packed up what’s left of his customers’ shoes - and his key blanks.He’s now working a reduced service key cutting and shoe repair operation from his home.“I had to shut shop because the business and rent was unaffordable,” he said, “I’d like to come back later on, but not in the same place - I can’t afford the rent.”John said a downturn in business since last year, with droughts, floods, fires, then finally Covid-19, were contributing factors to the decline in his business.“It’s frustrating – I’ve been in town 34 years and the business was going ok, but after all of that and the Covid shut down, I just couldn’t afford to keep the shop open.“I was sitting there in March with no business for six weeks and I eventually closed by April 30,” he said.“If I’d have stayed there, I would have been paying dead rent to the landlord. Even if I went to the landlord and got the rent deferred, I’d still have to pay it sooner or later.“It was crazy – I was struggling and the florist next door was going gang busters because people couldn’t see each other and wanted to send flowers.“Then on Mother’s Day, she was turning work away because international flowers were not coming into the country.“It’s a sign a of the times.”Read more news: Cafe Cappello have been busy during COVIDHe blames part of the downturn in the shoe repair business on the fact that most shoes these days are not made to be repaired – just replaced.Cobbler John has been working in Lismore since 1984, starting work with Mr Minit, then opening a shop in Lismore Centro, before moving to his Conway Street location.He said he still cuts keys for the Post office and has always had a good reputation.“Keys have always been a sideline to the shoe repairs and people always came to me because my keys worked,” he said.At 63 years of age, he says he still has a few years to go before he can retire, but that he can’t afford to get sick from Covid-19.“It’s always in the back of your mind,” he said. “During winter I’d always get the flu from my customers.“This thing’s not over – we might have a year of recession or depression.”Read more news: Financial battle puts Southern Cross University in crisisRegardless, Cobbler John is still looking for a more affordable shop and hopes to open in another location in the future.Anyone looking to pick up their shoes that might still be with him for repair can call him on 0411 636 196.You can also visit his website at http://www.cobblerjohns.com/

From fake news to drought, social media and climate change - Lismore will soon see leading experts discussing challenging issues when a free virtual Community Resilience forum comes to Lismore.Hosted by Farmers for Climate Action, the forum on June 9 invites the whole community to join in with experts in Australian media and trauma recovery.It’s part of a new program aimed at building resilience and hope in rural and regional communities and develop the strength and resources to face the challenges of climate change.Farmers for Climate Action is a group of farmers and rural leaders working to ensure farmers and regional communities are a key part of the solution to climate change.At the forum, journalist and academic at Deakin University Professor Matthew Ricketson, who writes about Australia’s media, will discuss how social media is being used to stoke division within communities and what people can do to ensure they are not taken in by fake news.Professor Ricketson said he was looking forward to talking with people from the Northern Rivers region about the recent shutdowns at local and regional news outlets across Australia and what the loss of those publications meant for the public’s understanding of important problems.“The impact of recent cuts and closures in regional, rural and local news outlets is dire,” he said.“Fewer newspapers means fewer journalists digging up stories, meanwhile social media is being used to spread misinformation about a number of issues, including climate change.”Farmers for Climate Action chief executive Wendy Cohen said that regional communities such as Lismore and the Northern Rivers region have had a very difficult few years, and that the forum aims to bring people together to develop strategies to face the challenges that lie ahead.“Rural and regional Australians have an extraordinary capacity for coming together and tackling challenges as one,” she said.“It has been a tough few years, with communities facing drought, bushfires and COVID-19, but we want to bring people together to identify and pursue the solutions that will make them stronger, more resilient against climate and economic threats, and help alleviate the threat of climate change.”Other featured speakers include clinical psychologist Rob Gordon.Anyone who is interested in joining this free, online forum can register their details at https://www.farmersforclimateaction.org.au/bairnsdale_2020_forum

A financial battle induced by Covid-19 has brought Southern Cross University into crisis, with the university considering some major changes, including withholding wage increases for staff.Stating an income shortfall of $58 million over the next two years, the University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker outlined the scale of the crisis in a video address to all staff on Monday.“I cannot sugar-coat this,” Professor Shoemaker said.“We are experiencing an economic crisis which is still building in intensity.“Southern Cross University stands at a critical juncture. The decisions and actions that we take together over the coming weeks and months will either serve to secure our future; or see us lose the right to determine it.”The address to staff outlined key issues being considered, including:Withholding two wage increases proposed for July 2020 and July 2021; staff voluntarily reducing their work hours; and further transformation across the institution through the proposed New Southern Cross Academic Model. No job cuts A university spokesperson said at this stage there are no job cuts planned, and a series of meetings with university staff are being held to get ideas on potential cost saving measures. The outcomes of these meetings will be shared with staff first, before a public announcement is made.PandemicIn his address to staff, Professor Shoemaker said “you are all aware of the global devastation being caused by the Covid-19 pandemic”.“Our immediate priority has been to secure the health and wellbeing of our students and colleagues," he said."We have done that incredibly well. But it is not over.“We must now apply the same clear and unified focus on our response to the economic challenges which we face as an institution. Health and financial health—together. We must solve for both. “The financial impact on us in 2021 will definitely be greater than in 2020.“That is mainly due to the pipeline effects of the enormous downturn in international student recruitment which we have all seen. I wish it were different.No return“We are not returning—we never will return—to the way we were before Covid-19 struck. There is no return to an ideal state."There is a new world of work and of academic work ahead of us.“There is no option of a return to what used to be thought of as the ‘status quo’. That ship has sailed permanently.”Unions step inThe Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) NSW, which looks after professional staff on university campuses in NSW, is meeting with university staff this week to find a way through the crisis.CPSU NSW organiser Asren Pugh said union staff will attempt to find a solution “that doesn't hurt staff and puts the university in a stable and resilient position".“According to research by the Grattan Institute, the electorate of Page has already suffered a 10% blow to jobs during the COVID-19 crisis,” Mr Pugh said."Lismore and the North Coast can't afford any more job losses.“University campuses are the hub of regional economies - we need to invest in them to keep the broader community afloat. "It is clear the university sector is in a perilous situation - we need JobKeeper in our universities now, and then we need a fundamental rethink of the higher education system."

According to local pediatrician and founder of charity Our Kids, Dr Chris Ingall, the day of your birth is the most dangerous day of your life, next to the day you die. That’s why the new gift of a new wireless CTG machine for the Women’s Care Unit at Lismore Base Hospital is a blessing for all the women in our community who will be giving birth locally - and particularly for those giving birth in water.Dr Ingall said the machine increases the chance of saving babies lives. The new life-saving machine has been on the wish list for the hospital for a while now, with the Our Kids charity fundraising to purchase two of the machines since November last year.But Our Kids fundraising coordinator Rebekka Battista said since the usual Our Kids fundraising events were postponed due to Covid-19, it has been much more difficult for the charity to continue its support for the hospital. Bring on the Seaton Foundation.Lismore Base Hospital Director of Nursing Narelle Gleeson said the Foundation members have donated $40,000 to help purchase one new wireless CTG machine for the hospital. It is expected the machine will be in place in the next few weeks.Read more news: Local doctor trials new wound healing tech and NASA approvesLismore Base Hospital Director of Nursing Narelle Gleeson.Dr Ingall said the wireless CTG machine helps the medical and midwifery team monitor the vital signs of mother and baby during labour. “It is the most sensitive heart rate indicator we have and tells us how well a baby is travelling during labour,” he said. “Survival rates increase when we use one – it allows doctors to make decisions to prevent mortality and treat the mother and child in a timely way, picking up on the early signs of distress.”Being wireless, the machine can be used during a water birth and also allow women to be mobile during labour. “Mothers can be free to move around the birth suite room, in or out of the water as they please, to make their birthing experience both more effective and less painful,” he said.Rebekka thanked the directors of the Seaton Foundation for their “generous support which will be so beneficial for many families in our region”. Belinda Seaton of the Seaton Foundation, said the organisation is a strong ambassador for groups that aim to improve and benefit the community. “We are proud to be supporting Our Kids to assist in changing the lives of people living in our Northern Rivers community,” Belinda said.

With the Queens Birthday long weekend coming up plus the easing of more restrictions on June 13, the Lismore App went on a search for what families can do to entertain themselves.The result is not good in the short term with all indoor venues closed until June 13 so the long weekend options will need to be outdoors..Rollerworld in South Lismore is looking for clarification from Services NSW about the new June 13 regulations where indoor venues can have up to 10 people per class and 100 people in an indoor venue. Those people still need to adhere to the four square metre rule. Owner Craig Newby was originally thinking of opening on July 1st, just before the school holidays. "We are updating and cleaning the rink at the moment but also asking if we can begin our Learn To Skate classes when the new regulations come into operation on June 13", Craig said.The updates at Rollerworld include increasing the seating area for social distancing and outdoor seating for parents as well as introducing an on-line booking system so people can see that a session is full before they arrive. Stay in touch at www.rollerworld.com.au.Birch Carroll & Coyle Cinema's Lismore is in the same situation as Rollerworld saying they will definitely not be open in June while hopeful of a July opening for the holidays.Lismore Ten Pin Bowl owner Kristy Lawton reiterated the point of waiting until Step 2 was introduced in NSW so indoor entertainment, which is listed under sport, can open their doors again. "Queensland have moved to Step 2 so their bowling alleys are open but under certain restrictions still", Kristy said.Kristy has been working on what life will look like when they can potentially open their doors on June 13. "We have a plan with 20 people coming in for an unlimited session including bowls, games and amusements for 1 hour then closing for 30 minutes to clean before the next session begins" Kristy said "but we need to be flexible because the numbers could change at any time then so do our plans". You keep up to date with the new website at www.lismoretenpin.com.au.Still confused? So are the owners of our entertainment venues.The bottom line is all are closed for this long weekend. Moving forward, clarification is being sought as to how they may be able to open on June 13. We will provide and update next week.

After 60 years in business, North Lismore’s Italo- Australian Club looks set to close permanently after months of closure due to Covid-19 restrictions. In an interview on ABC North Coast this morning, club president Americo Melchior said the club has been struggling financially for a few years, and the Covid closure period for two months was just the “nail in the coffin” for the club.Mr Melchior said the “sad decision” to close the club was made at the club board meeting on Monday night, but any final decisions to close would be made after a Special General Meeting (SGM) for the club’s 420 members later this month.The Italo-Australian Club has been an important fixture of Lismore’s social scene, hosting functions, dances and music since it was established in 1960.“We had weddings and a lot of work coming in that kept us going… but we lost the work and now have no money,” Mr Melchior said.Read more news: The Channon Village transforms the monthly craft marketMr Melchior said the club was built by volunteers, and relied on the patronage of Lismore’s Italian community for years, but the numbers of patrons had dropped over the years.“For years the club was thriving and every Sunday lots of Italians would be down at the club,” he said.“But in recent years, there’s only been a few – that’s been a downfall too.“In its hey day, it used to be that on Thursday and Friday nights it was packed out.“Now, there’s no young people and we can’t afford big bands.“It’s stressful not having money coming in through the door.”Mr Melchior said there has also been ongoing problems with vandalism at the Barrow Lane club with windows being broken.“It’s located in an area away from town,” Mr Melchior said. “There’s been quite a few break ins too.”Read more news: New CBD parkland plan creates Lismore's green lungsMr Melchior said it was surprising how many people were upset about the decision to close the club, “but where were they when they when we battled to try to keep open?”.Mr Melchior said the upcoming SGM would give club members a chance to put forward their ideas about a better way forward for the club, or a way to provide money to keep it open. “Until the members meet, we can’t do anything – we can find out the legal stuff,” he said.“Without public or independent help, we cannot keep trading.“In a few months, we might be right – that might be wishful thinking – we’ll see what happens.”In a comment on social media this morning, club members also made reference to the fact that the club couldn’t have its regular smorgasbord anymore due to coronavirus restrictions, and this made it hard to keep trading too.“The kitchen is downstairs, so it’s also too hard for the older volunteers,” one comment said.

A treehouse cafe, events stage and promenade are two of the proposed features for Lismore City Council's Lismore Park - a 29-hectare green space adjacent to the CBD - and the park's master plan is now open for community feedback until July 8.Situated between the central business district (CBD), Lismore Shopping Square and Lismore’s health precinct, Lismore Park is intended to be an important amenity and landscape of the CBD, providing sporting and recreational opportunities and the ‘green lungs’ of the city.People can play sport, ride bikes, have picnics and fun.Lismore City Council recently adopted a new draft Plan of Management for Lismore Park and a draft Master Plan for Lismore Parklands at its Ordinary Meeting on May 12.Both Plans are now open for review and community feedback, and local residents are encouraged to take the chance to have their say and lodge a submission.Read more news: The Channon Village transforms the monthly craft marketLismore Parklands Master Plan The Lismore Parklands Master Plan outlines the proposed development of 8.1ha within Precinct 1 of Lismore Park.The estimated $25 million upgrade will be a regionally significant development, making Lismore Parklands a premier destination for both local residents and visitors from outside the region, celebrating the region’s rich and diverse culture and identity.Lismore Parklands would be able to host both night and day events and provide for an extensive range of passive and active recreational experiences.Construction and operational costs for Lismore Parklands are currently unfunded, however, the master plan will be used to apply for government grants and other funding sources to undertake the works.The plan can be undertaken in stages following the confirmation of funding sources for both construction and ongoing operational costs.The Lismore Parklands Master Plan provides a framework and implementation plan for the future development, upgrade and management of this parkland. The upgrade will benefit the community, tourists and visitors, and the wider Lismore region.The draft Lismore Parklands Master Plan suggests major changes to the park’s current sporting uses and passive leisure and recreational opportunities.It proposes a range of possible enhancements, including:The main pedestrian promenadeA multi-level 'treehouse' playground and caféNumerous playground facilities, including an all-abilities playgroundBespoke water play facilityOpen space passive recreation areas and picnic facilitiesAn exercise trailEvents stage and lawn with a capacity for 5000 peopleUrban playground including skatepark facilitiesWedding/function areasEntry plazasExtensive landscaping, lighting, signage and public artCar parkingPop-up caféTo make a submission, visit https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/lismore-parklands-masterCheck out the video of the proposal here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3XHtJB043c&feature=youtu.be

While the monthly craft market at The Channon Village won’t be returning any time soon, the market management committee is preparing for some big changes over the next few weeks. Market manager Robyn Kelly said the committee was in consultation with the Channon Village residents to put on a local farmers’ market instead, but needed to work out which day would suit it best.As well as this, Robyn said a new online directory of regular Channon Craft Market stall holders was about to be launched in the next few weeks, with an online shop to follow a few months later. “The Channon market brings in about 4000 people into the village every month,” Robyn said. “Even when the next level of reduced restrictions comes into place, there’s no way we can manage a market restricted to 500 people.“We usually have 240 stall holders as well as at least 20 staff – there’s no way we could have tourists too. That would be bigger than Ben Hur."Read more news: Gyms, yoga and dance studios in NSW to reopenWeekly marketInstead of running the eclectic Channon Craft Market we all know and love every second Sunday of the month, the committee wants to establish a weekly local farmers market, just like Blue Knob, Lismore and other places have.“We can hold a market selling plants, seedlings and food produce – that’s allowed under the current restrictions – but we can’t sell crafts and clothes like the Sunday market would have,” Robyn said. “Another farmers’ market could make for a bit more competition for sellers in the area, but it will benefit the region and promote economic growth and let local producers have a place to sell from.”Online directoryRobyn said she had been receiving calls from people trying to locate stall holders who would normally sell wares at the market – and this sparked the idea of creating an online directory.“It will open up so much for the region by linking everyone up and having a regional map,” she said.“I imagine people could map their weekends and visit businesses and cottage industries on a tour of the rainbow region and hinterlands.“We can also promote cottage industries and small businesses in the CBD – lots are family businesses.Online shop“The Channon market was established 44 years ago and we’ve change to a new world now. “The market has moved on from having hand drawn newsletters to online shopping.“But not all retailers might want to take it up selling through an online shop.“It depends if their products are shippable – but at least the contact will be made between the seller and customer.Community and the futureRobyn said the committee and crew that runs the Channon market are made up of mostly volunteers, with a handful of paid workers.But, luckily, the Government’s Jobkeeper package enabled seven of the market crew to stay on the books and they have been using the Covid downtime to revitalise the market site. “The committee put money aside for a project we wanted to do and this covered the first payment for Jobkeeper and we put the money back into there afterwards,” Robyn said.“Like elves in the workshops producing for Christmas, we’ve been working and preparing for the future.“We got our staff doing tasks we would have loved to do in the last 44 years.“Painting the inside of the stone council toilets, replacing furniture at Coronaion Park. They also gurnied the concrete paths.“We also worked with Hugh and Nan Nicolson to get another grant for bush regeneration from Robinsons Bridge to Hugh and Nan’s at the back.Read more news: Horse owners warned to be vigilant: bat-borne virus causes horse's deathBullet proof plan“We want to make a bullet proof plan to create what we want for our community - and it will take all of us to do it.“Our volunteer market committee has been under financial stress for a while.“We suffered loss in the floods in February and we wondered what to do to create more income - so when Covid happened, it was so scary.RevitaliseRobyn said it was important to revitalise the cottage industry businesses that were the backbone of the Channon Craft Market.“We have the community behind us and we did some strategic planning with Council two months ago.“They are supportive and we have policies and procedures in place to support a farmers market and an online directory and shop being established.“Without council support, the market couldn’t be where it was for the last 18 years. I take my hat off to them- we are a demanding community with long roads.“It’s a huge area for council to look after progressive community in.”

Hendra virus has been confirmed in a 17-year-old unvaccinated thoroughbred horse on a property south of Murwillumbah. Now, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is urging horse owners to remain vigilant for the signs of Hendra virus infection in their horses, as symptoms are very non-specific early on.Signs of Hendra virusSome of the signs of Hendra virus include: frothy nasal mucus, high temperature, rapid heart rate, sweating, muscle spasms and twitching, muscle weakness, balance difficulties; and rapid deterioration of the animal. The horse’s owner noticed the horse was depressed and having difficulty breathing on Friday, May 29. A private veterinarian took samples for Hendra virus exclusion, but the horse deteriorated and was euthanised over the weekend. NSW Chief Veterinarian Officer, Dr Sarah Britton said Hendra virus was confirmed late Monday evening. “This is the first case of Hendra virus infection in NSW this year,” Dr Britton said. “A District Veterinarian from the North Coast Local Land Services is undertaking risk assessments on the property in regards to other animals; at this stage no other animals are showing any signs of ill health and we will continue to monitor their health status. “Hendra virus infection is notifiable in NSW under the NSW Biosecurity Act and the movement of animals and people on and off the property will be restricted for at least 21 days.”The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has been working with Local Land Services to encourage private veterinarians and horse owners to be aware and undertake sound biosecurity.   In NSW, there have been 23 confirmed horse deaths as a result of Hendra virus since 2006, with most cases occurring on the north coast. “The vaccination of horses is the most effective way to help manage Hendra virus disease,” Dr Britton said. “Owners should also keep their horses away from flowering and fruiting trees that are attractive to bats. “Do not place feed and water under trees and cover feed and water containers with a shelter so they cannot be contaminated from above.” If your horse in unwell, keep people and animals away from the horse and call your private veterinarian immediately. If your vet is unavailable you can call a District Veterinarian with the Local Land Services or the Animal Biosecurity Emergency Hotline on 1800 675 888. For more information about Hendra, visit the DPI website.

Gyms, yoga studios and massage parlours in NSW have been given the green light to reopen again from June 13. The easing of coronavirus restrictions was announced this morning by the NSW Government, with limits on numbers of people and social distancing restrictions still in place. Fitness, gymnasiums, pilates, yoga and dance studios can reopen with up to 10 people per class and 100 people in an indoor venue.Community centres, including their recreational facilities can reopen.Some indoor recreational facilities including pools and saunas can reopen with restricted numbers.Tattoo and massage parlours can also reopen with up to 10 clients.The four square metre rule must be applied at all times.All fitness facilities will be obliged to sign in all guests to assist with any potential coronavirus tracing and enforce the four-square-metre rule.Gyms were shut around the country on March 23, and NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the demand to open gyms again was second only to beauty salons."There's a lot of people desperate to get back in there and the [Deputy Premier] and I are just desperate to get back into the gymnasiums," he said.Sport competitionsKids’ sport and community sport competitions can restart for those aged 18 years and under from Wednesday 1 July 2020.The return date for adult community sport activities will be made at a later stage. Mr Hazzard said COVID-19 safety plans for each activity or sport are critical to enable this re-start.“Sport and businesses will need to do things a little differently than in pre-COVID-19 times and following their safety plan is key to keeping people safe,” Mr Hazzard said.“Re-opening kids’ sporting competitions on 1 July 2020 gives groups and local government which manages many of these facilities, time to work through all the new changes.”Learn more about what you can and can't do under the rules.

In the first week of opening their first business Taco Love Bros on Conway Street, the coronavirus took hold and business closures followed due to lockdown.Not the most positive of signs for your first week of your doors being open. But then again this wasn't the first hurdle that brothers Dylan and Jordan Morris came across."We worked so hard for thirteen months to make this happen" said Dylan, "Jordan, my Dad and myself did the fit-out ourselves through the time of the D.A. process", he added.That process caused some financial roadblocks and stress that needed to be overcome while the fit-out was taking place."One of those roadblocks was a commercial rangehood that council wanted us to use at a cost of $20,000 to eliminate the odour and the air. We had to provide a report that what we were doing was enough which was difficult because we hadn't started cooking yet.The final price for the installed rangehood was $5000 plus another $2000 for compliance.Dylan and Jordan operated out of a mobile van for six months as the D.A. process was being ironed out because they were paying rent on a building they loved the location of so committed to a lease before any approval took place with council.When they had permission to ditch the van and operate out of their new premises, COVID-19 struck. However it wasn't all bad news."Because we were a takeaway business and there were limited options in town, people were enjoying coming out trying new food and have a chat as well. It wasn't too bad during those first weeks", Dylan said.Now that life is returning to normal and the 'new' tag has worn off slightly Dylan is waiting to see how the Taco Love Bros business grows in the coming months.You'll find Taco Love Bros on Conway Street on the left hand side just before the Wyrallah Road roundabout. Tell the brothers the Lismore App sent you.

In previous more predictable years June would be a month that showcases our city to the community and visitors through numerous events including The Lantern Parade, Piazza in the Park, Lismore’s Stocktake Sales, the Little League Australian Baseball Championships and Viking Village Solstice. While we have started to see restrictions ease with COVID-19, the public gathering restrictions remain in place and are likely to remain for some time. Many of these events have been either cancelled, suspended or re-imagined.One re-imagined event is Lismore’s VIRTUAL Lantern Parade – Lightntheheart. This year Lightntheheart is calling on local businesses to create wonderful enchanted window displays to captivate, interest, build awareness and showcase the creative energy of Lismore through their online campaign, showing Lismore off to the world.We need to show our resilience as a community and get behind this initiative put forward by CEO/Creative Director Jylie Jackson and her team. It takes no money, some creative flair and a load of fun and enthusiasm.It is free to register for businesses in the Lismore CBD and South Lismore with each registered business receiving a Lightntheheart pyramid lantern kit. To participate in this project, visit www.lanternparade.com and complete the online registration form.Registrations close 5pm, 8 June 2020 so you have one week to show your support.The Lismore App is a proud sponsor of the 2020 Virtual Lantern Parade.

Day 1 of the new restriction laws and it was good to see the beer flowing and the food rolling out of dining areas throughout the CBD today.In a turnaround from the originally announced table service, you can even go up the bar and order your own drinks. Mick Bulmer from the Rous Hotel said "the Hotel Association spoke to the government about how restrictive it was to have table service for drinks. It means hiring another person to serve drinks that we can't afford right now".The Rous Hotel had beer and drinks flowing today but food will not start being served until Wednesday with lunch 10am to 2pm and dinner 6 to 8:30pm Monday to Saturday.The Gollan Hotel which opened its doors for first time in 10 weeks had "a good first day" according to Manager Glenn Tomkinson. During the COVID break Glenn has been hard at work painting in readiness to start serving beer and food again. Girie Baikuntha is the new chef with the new look luncheon menu being served from 10am to 2pm. Girie has spent the last five years in Dubai and has moved to Lismore with his wife who is studying at SCU.Mary G's across the road was doing a good lunch trade today but their upstairs renovations next to the bar were not complete yet to take advantage of this first week of more patrons. Manager Cath Simes saying "the new carpet will be in by Monday and we should be good to go next Monday".The Station Hotel doesn't serve food but drinks were flowing there too with 28 people being allowed out the front bar and 28 out the back with 6 in the gaming rooms.The Civic Hotel on Molesworth Street had their doors open too.As for the timing for the further easing of restrictions, July 1 is the hopeful date where pubs and restaurants can move from the 4 square metre rule to 2 square metres between each table of 10, which is your largest group at any table at this stage.

Richmond District Police have warned people of a new scam that entails victims being contacted by a person claiming to be from ‘Service NSW’ and are told that their tax file number was used for money laundering.‘Service NSW’ then transfers the victim to ‘Police’ who advised them to change their tax file number.The victim then receives several calls from ‘Crime Stoppers’ displaying the 1800 333 000 number which appears to have been spoofed.Do NOT engage with these scammers. This is not protocol. Be aware and be safe.Please share!

About 8pm last night, Police observed a stolen vehicle travelling along Ballina Road and located it abandoned a short time later in Invercauld Road, Goonellabah.Police established a perimeter. and located two Goonellabah boys aged 14 and 15. They were arrested and conveyed to Lismore Police Station.The 14yo was charged with being carried in conveyance without the consent of the owner, and dishonestly obtain property by deception (fail to pay for fuel).The 15yo was charged with Drive conveyance without the consent of the owner and never held licence.Both boys were bail refused to appear before Lismore Children's Court today.

With the further easing of restrictions in Step 2 on Monday June 1st to include regional holidays in NSW in time for the long weekend, life is looking more and more normal.Yes, we have a way to go before absolute normal but with zero new cases announced today by NSW Health we are on the right path.One aspect of life that hasn't received much publicity is National and State Parks and the bush walks that we can enjoy over the Queens Birthday long weekend.While it is not a normal full list there are three options available to you.(Minyon Falls from the base of the walk)The Minyon Falls bushwalking track will open from Monday. Minyon has two options, the first being the short walk to the top of the falls looking over Nightcap National Park or the longer second option to walk to the base of the falls which will take about 4 hours round trip and does involve climbing rocks (Minyon Falls walking track).(Protester Falls)Protester Falls will also open Monday and is an easier walk involving 1.4 km's round trip that should take about 1.5 hours Protesters Falls walking track).The Big Scrub bush walk is open but National Parks has said that the access road is closed so you will need to walk in and back to your car.For those interest in camping the Rummery Park campground will re-open on Thursday June 5 in time for the long weekend.(Rommery Park campgrounds)Bush walks that remain closed include Mount Matheson loop and Pholis Gap as they are still affected by last years bushfires.A call to Rous County Council also confirmed that Rocky Creek Dam will remain closed for the time being although it could re-open very soon with deep cleaning the only stumbling block. A spokesperson for Rous County Council saying "we understand the communities desire to get out there but we do need to ensure the safety of people who visit the area".Further updates in The Weekend Wrap next Friday.

The Lismore and Nimbin Showgrounds have been granted another lot of money to keep updating their facilities from Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin.Lismore Showgrounds received $125,000 to finish off stage two of the electrical work needed to replace the old 1950's/60's meter boards. North Coast National Secretary Mark Bailey said "this will give campers and other users substantially better facilities at the showground"The Nimbin Showgrounds will use their $25,000 will be used to tile an amenities block with President Phil Williams saying "we've had problems with this block for a number of years and this will allow us to tile the shower and toilet area making it easier to clean".This new grant is on top of the April 29 grant of $445,000 allocated to each showground when Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan presented Lismore City Council with $1.3 million for the Bushfire Recovery grant.The Lismore Showground upgrade list includes:Repairs to ventilation and insulation in top 2 pavilions.Fit-out of Flood Free Kitchen adjacent to top pavilionsProvision of movable and demountable fencing for animals including off load ramps and gatesUpgrade of 1905 beef/dairy sheds and 1930’s horse stablesWhile the $445,000 upgrade of the Nimbin Showground includes:New awning and concrete slab adjoining main pavilionEnclose existing large shelter and install roller doorsNew awning and concrete slab to existing storage shedsRebuild holding yards and shelter for cattle/horsesNew kitchen in the main pavilionNew floor coverings to area in main pavilionSo, when we can have major events at our showgrounds once again, the facilities will be much improved from their current state.When asked if work has started on the improvements both showgrounds said the money has not been received as yet and with the Nimbin Show potentially on in its traditional September slot, work would need to start soon. Although, no decision has been made to hold or cancel the 2020 Nimbin Show.