Tenants forced to terminate their lease due to the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic have now been granted reduced penalties, with a two-week cap placed on break-lease fees.With 27% of the Lismore population living in rented dwellings, and a median rent of $250 a week, these changes mean good news for tenants and landlords too.The change to break fees — set at four weeks’ rent if less than 25% of a fixed-term agreement has expired — was one of several amendments put forward by Labor at an emergency sitting of NSW Parliament on Tuesday. Previously, only renters more than halfway through a fixed term would pay a penalty of two weeks or less.Tenants who are unable to negotiate a rent reduction with their landlord can seek to terminate their lease through the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), which will limit compensation to the landlord at no more than two weeks’ rent.Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said the push to create a Rental Hardship Fund came after she was approached by local Mum and Dad investors and real estate agents highlighting how the Government’s initial lack of action and then city-focused measures ignored country people.“And also tenants, through no fault of their own, found themselves without funds,” Ms Saffin said.The Lismore Electorate has 7553 rented dwellings, representing 17,657 tenants (27% of the population) and 6941 landlords. Local real estate agent Sharon Dowling from The Professionals said she hasn’t yet seen a “massive impact” of Covid-19 on local renters.“Before the government increased the benefits at the start of the pandemic, some people came in in a bit of a panic, but it’s ok now,” she said.“We’ve also had a couple of landlords offer to pay water consumption for their tenants.”NSW Labor’s Rental Hardship Package makes use of the Property Statutory Interest Account, which has approximately $250 million in funds.Funds from this account can then be directed into the Property Services Compensation Fund, which will fund the Covid-19 Rental Hardship Fund for struggling tenants and landlords.The Fund will supplement the NSW Government’s land tax relief package that covers the 16% of landlords who pay land tax in NSW.To receive assistance, the landlord must demonstrate that a tenant has suffered a loss of income of 25% or more, that the tenant has less than $5000 in savings, and that they are paying more than 30% of the tenant’s income in rent to the landlord.The landlord must also reduce the tenant’s rent. The Fund makes a maximum amount of ‘top up’ payments of $2500 available per tenancy.To read the NSW Labor Hardship Fund amendment, clickhttps://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/bill/files/3745/OPP%20c2020-042C.pdf

An additional two cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the last 24 hours in residents of the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD). Now, the total stands at 57 cases.The new cases include one resident who acquired the illness overseas and one resident whose case is still being investigated with regards to the source.  The local health district reported that 51 of the local cases are recovered and there are no cases being treated in hospital. By likely source of infection, 53 cases were acquired overseas or interstate; 2 from contact with a confirmed case or in a known cluster; 1 not identified and 1 under investigation. A breakdown of where cases are in the Northern NSW Local Health District shows Lismore as having 5 confirmed cases, with the other confirmed cases as follows: Ballina 10, Tweed 14, Byron 16, Clarence Valley 8.Other cases are not yet to be listed as statistics on the following Local Government Area case breakdown page: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/covid-19-lga.aspx  NNSWLHD chief executive Wayne Jones advises people to take care from tomorrow, with the new relaxed gathering restrictions.“As we move to easing some restrictions on public gatherings, dining and outdoor activities from tomorrow, I want to remind our community to take their personal responsibilities seriously,” Mr Jones said.Read more news: Get ready to dine out: Lismore’s food venues open up tomorrow“It’s good news that we’ll be able to move about more freely and catch up with our friends and family, but we still have an obligation to practice social distancing measures to prevent transmission of this virus.  “As we’ve seen in recent days, the numbers of new cases can vary from day to day, we have certainly not overcome this pandemic.  “Please do your best to keep your 1.5 metre distance from others, keep up frequent hand washing and avoid touching your face or public surfaces where possible."I also encourage everyone to download the COVIDsafe app, to help with contact tracing as we become more mobile."

George Sparnon, ex-president of the Lismore Men and Community Shed, has passed away at the age of 76.Current Men’s Shed president Bob Grieg said George passed away in an Adelaide hospital last week surrounded by his family.“He had diabetes and his liver shut down, but he died in his sleep,” Bob said.“The night before he died, he asked his family to come to the hospital and when they came, he told them what he wanted done.”Bob said George was there for the Men’s Shed as a leader at the beginning about 11 or 12 years ago when it was a counselling centre. “He was rough around the edges and had a heart of gold and he made the shed the shed,” Bob said.“When it officially became the Lismore Men and Community shed, George became president. “He believed the Shed is not only for men – women have problems too.“A lot of women want to use tools and George wanted them to be able to join and learn how to use them.“His ability to talk to people got them to come along and hang out.“Some people hated him and others loved him. “He called a spade a spade. He would challenge people and was blunt and upfront and would let people know his personal preferences."George also worked at transforming unroadworthy caravans into housing for homeless Vietnam veterans.Bob said George was a known motorbike enthusiast and had a Honda and a Triumph, as well as being a member of an Adelaide motorbike club.“George was responsible for saving his life,” Bob said.“He saved my life after my motor bike accident. “I was suicidal, had broken ribs and couldn’t do anything.“George saw I was suicidal and talked to me.“He knew what I’ve been through and where I was coming from. “I took over being the president after illness made him step down and he moved back to Adelaide to be near his family.“We gave him a lifetime membership - and he will be missed.”George leaves behind his wife Judy, children and grandchildren.The funeral will be held in Adelaide this Friday, May 15 at 2.30pm and the link to the live-streamed funeral service will be posted on the Lismore Men and Community Shed Facebook group site https://www.facebook.com/groups/279892162634184/

If you’ve been feeling cooped up – get ready to eat out. Cafes, restaurants and pubs and clubs that serve food, will be allowed to open from tomorrow, Friday, May 15. But you'd better check to see how busy the venue is, because only ten people at any time can be dining in. The NSW Government's easing of business restrictions now allows food businesses to recommence modified operations and seat 10 patrons at any one time for indoor and outdoor dining.Restaurants and cafes in pubs and clubs will be able to open so long as they adhere to social-distancing requirements.Bars and gaming facilities will remain closed, however table service for alcohol with a meal will be allowed.Takeaway services can continue to operate as at present.Start up information for food businesses To assist preparation, food regulators have developed a voluntary checklist for food businesses in all states and territories who are preparing to recommence operations.The checklist is available on the FSANZ website and can be downloaded here: Food safety checks for food businesses.  Please be aware that operators must continue to comply with existing requirements under the Food Standards Code, with particular vigilance on maintaining good hygiene practices.The NSW Food Authority has also updated their Food Businesses and COVID-19 webpage which includes the above information.  For more information, contact Lismore City Council's Senior Public Health Officer Cameron Smith on 1300 87 83 87.

Two people were arrested and charged after ‘Ice’, MDMA, GHB and cash were found in a car stopped in South Lismore.Officers attached to Richmond Police District’s Target Action Group (TAG) stopped the car on Webster Street about 8.45am yesterday, Wednesday, May 13.Police will allege in court that when the car was searched, trafficable quantities of methylamphetamine, MDMA, cannabis, liquid GHB and $2220 cash were found.A 29-year-old woman from Numulgi, a 25-year-old man from Blue Knob, and the driver, a 29-year-old woman from Lismore, were arrested and taken to Lismore Police Station.The Numulgi woman and the man have each been charged with six offences;• Supply prohibited drug – indictable/commercial quantity (two counts)• Supply a prohibited drug• Possess a prohibited drug• Deal with the proceeds of crime, and,• Possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit.Both were refused bail to appear in Lismore Local Court today, Thursday, May 14.The second woman has been released pending further inquiries.

Staff at both Lismore Base Hospital were all smiles yesterday when they were treated to a free cuppa. The big ‘thank you’ to the Hospital Heroes of our community happened after local charity Our Kids put a call out for community donations in a show of support for the crucial work of health service staff. Paediatrician Dr Chris Ingall and Lismore Base Hospital Nurse Brett Zaferis were among the happy staff who received a free beverage.Enjoying a cuppa is Dr Chaandini Subramanian, Dr Chris Ingall and Dr Tayla Potter.Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator, Rebekka Battista said “there are so many unsung heroes who work for our hospitals”.“They work in the background, they keep the place going, they take care of all of us when we are sick and we just wanted to say thank you,” Rebekka said. “This campaign has allowed the community to join with us to say a huge thank you during these tough times.“Our Kids arranged for WHSmith Fresh+, the café operators inside the hospitals at Tweed and Lismore, to provide everyone on shift that day a hot beverage to say thank you.Dr Tayla Pottter with Fresh+ Manager Tammy Vidler.“The Our Kids charity raises funds to purchase paediatric equipment for our local hospital but due to COVID-19 fundraising events have been postponed. “So instead the Our Kids Family has been busy building community and championing our hospitals.”Rebekka said the Our Kids family includes the Board and the Platinum Partners who are: Southern Cross University, Far North Coast Law Society, The Northern Star, Lismore Echo, Telstra, NBN TV, Events Party Hire, Hurford Hardwood, Byron Bay Coffee Company, Beach Byron Bay, Suzette Pearce, Damian Chapelle, Kevin Carter, Chris Ingall, Tanya Jones, Tania Kirkland, Luke Hoolihan, Sean Radburn and Rebekka Battista. For more information on how you can help, contact the Our Kids Office on 0438 417 085. Read more news: Nursing 'heroes' celebrated, but still underpaid

Make sure the umbrella is in the car in the coming days because we are about to be hit by trough that will move through tomorrow afternoon or evening bringing some rain with it.There will be no need to put your gum boots in with the umbrella though as we will only get a couple of millimetres. But, and there is always that small but, there may be a storm but the chance is slight.As has been the case recently the showers are more coastal, however some rain bands will make their way inland and fall on our gardens and farms.Friday, Saturday and Sunday look similar with maybe 1-2 mil predicted, while Monday and Tuesday should see between 3 and 5 mm's come our way.Helen Kirkup from the BOM says temperatures will remain relatively comfortable with maximums 22-23 degrees while minimums a touch warmer due to the cloud cover at 10-12 degrees.

Captain Philip Sutcliffe from the Northern Rivers Salvation Army knows the community is doing it tough through the Covid-19 pandemic.“It will take a long time to recover from because of the huge financial impact on our society,” he said. “As soon as we open the doors again, everything won’t just fix itself.”Captain Sutcliffe said the services of the Salvation Army are now in more demand than ever and the success of this year’s Red Shield fundraising appeal is crucial to keep the work of the Salvos happening. “We are seeing huge increases in numbers of people unemployed around Lismore and in the CBD, some business closed doors for good,” he said.“It’s a situation people never expected themselves to be in and already people are reaching out to us for the first time.”“It’s had a similar impact in the long term as natural disasters like floods and fires do. It can take two to three years to work through this with affected communities.”Red Shield appeal does digitalEvery year, the Salvos choose a weekend to fundraise by knocking on people’s doors and asking them to donate money to the service. But with Covid-19 restrictions in place, this year, the door knocking is going digital.Captain Sutcliffe encourages people to fundraise, or donate what they can online instead.Normally, the Salvos would collect about $4.6 million nationally over one weekend of doorknocking, but the digital doorknock will be open through the month of May, with the weekend of May 23 and 24 being the main focus for activity.To get involved, you can sign up to become a digital fundraiser and use your connections to collect money for the Salvos. Captain Sutcliffe suggests people could create a fundraising page and share it amongst family and friends to encourage them to donate to the appeal. “You can join our Northern Rivers team and set your own fundraising goal and whatever you raise will stay in our region,” he said.“With people doing it tough, they may be not able to donate what they did in previous years, but even a couple of dollars adds up and will help us reach our goal adds up reach our goal of $26,000 in our local region,” he said.“This money is used for projects like giving Christmas assistance - providing toys, financial assistance and food hampers. “Without the money, it will be hard for us to support people coming up to Christmas at the end of the Covid period.To sign up and help out the local Salvos fundraise, visit https://digitaldoorknock.salvationarmy.org.au/t/northern-rivers-salvos To leave no one in need, please donate at http://www.salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58)

It seems there’s been some confusion as to where the free parking at Lismore Base Hospital is. On social media recently, people were complaining of seeing $114 parking fines on cars parked near the hospital.This comes after last week’s report that some 10 hour parking areas around the were now free to park in. Read more: New map reveals where the free parking is at Lismore Base HospitalSo, just where are the free parking areas and who are they for?Lismore City Councillors voted last month to introduce free parking in the 10-hour zones on Hunter and Dalziel streets for the next six months.Parking restrictions have also been waived on Weaver Street, Laurel Avenue and McKenzie Street to enable all-day parking for the same six month period.With parking patrol officers now checking for infringements, The Lismore App contacted Lismore Council to find out why people might be confused.Lismore City Council’s Manager Development and Compliance Chris Watts said street signage around the hospital precinct has already been amended to reflect the changes.“People now need to need to look at the signs and check to see if they are in one of the free parking areas before they park,” he said. During the first two weeks the free parking was first announced, Mr Watts said no one was fined for non-payment - just warned about where they could park. “Once the street signs were changed, patrols began fining people who were parking illegally or dangerously and getting in the way of ambulances,” he said.Do health care workers get free parking?Another question raised by members of the public is if the work of all our health care workers has been deemed so crucial and essential, why are they not all given free parking anywhere near the hospital?Mr Watts said there were no special car stickers given to any health care staff to differentiate them from a member of the public.“We don’t know who is a health care worker or not, so we treat all cars the same to avoid confusion,” he said.What is Lismore Base Hospital doing about staff parking?With more health care staff being recruited, and an increased demand for all-day parking - what is Lismore Base Hospital doing to manage parking for hospital staff?Lismore Base Hospital general manager Ian Hatton said since the NSW Government’s April 10 announcement to provide rostered medical staff with free parking, Lismore Base Hospital staff can now access additional free parking.“The free parking is in the single level Hunter Street car parking station, which is within the grounds of the hospital campus boundary,” he said.“This is currently available for any staff to park free of charge at any time. “Staff members with pre-existing paid access to the multi-storey carpark on Uralba Street can also use this car park free of charge at present. “Free parking is also available in the multi-storey carpark for staff on afternoon and evening shifts, including staff who do not hold a pre-existing paid permit.”Parking costsThe hospital’s multistorey level carparks can be accessed from Uralba Street and the prices for non-rostered staff and members of the public are as follows: 0 - 15 mins Free; 15 mins - 1 hr $3.50; 1 - 2 hrs $5.50; 2- 3 hrs $6.50; 3 - 4 hrs $7.50; 4+ hrs $8.60.There is a 5 minute drop-off and pick-up area at the Main Entrance and a 5 minute drop off–pickup area outside the Emergency Department.Accessibility car parking is available at the hospital front entrance on Uralba street, and in the Uralba Street carpark.Free parking mapYou can also navigate your way to hospital parking bliss by looking at Lismore City Council’s handy parking map at: https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/covid-19-information-updates

Last week the 20/21 Draft Operational Plan and Draft Budget was approved for public submission, this plan and budget is now live on the 'Your Say Lismore' council website.It was a close vote, 6 for and 5 against which highlights how controversial it was for our eleven councillors.It was called a "back to basics" budget. This is because there was an initial $2.3 million cashflow deficit which has now been cut to $282,000.To achieve that reduction a number of services and planned projects were removed from next years budget.The councillors have had their say and now it's your turn.Take the time to read and fully understand the council documents (right hand side of the Your Say website page)You have a section where you can express your thoughts so take the time to let Lismore City Council councillors and staff what your thoughts are, good and bad.Mayor Isaac Smith recorded a message after last weeks extraordinary council meeting, you can view it here https://www.facebook.com/LismoreCityCouncil/videos/707383683370885/.There has been a lot of whingeing on social media about council and our councillors, they way council is run and where our money is spent or mis-spent. Now is the time for us to stop wingeing and make informed comments on what happens in our community over the next twelve months.You have 28 days starting today to make your thoughts known.

Residents and businesses are no longer required to make bookings to visit the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre or the Nimbin Transfer Station.Residents can also drop off recycling (cardboard, paper, glass, plastics and aluminium) for free again at the Wyrallah Road facility as Lismore City Council works to progressively return services to normal.Household items for the Revolve Shop and hazardous wastes are still not being accepted at this time and the Revolve Shop and Brewster Street Drop-off Centre remain closed until further notice.Infrastructure Services Director Peter Jeuken applauded residents for being patient with Council's waste restrictions, which are designed to protect public safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.“We would like to thank residents for adhering to the restrictions and for their understanding during these challenging times. The safety of our community and our staff has always been and continues to be at the forefront of our minds,” Mr Jeuken said.“We are putting in place stringent new safety measures before reopening each service at our waste facilities as we recognise the journey through this COVID-19 pandemic may go on for quite some time.“We need to be prepared and have safe practices in place to operate effectively into the future. We will continue to make community announcements as more services are reopened in the coming weeks.”Residents and business operators can now dispose of general waste, recycling and green waste at the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre.The Return and Earn bulk collection centre is also open Wednesday to Saturday from 8am to 3pm.The Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 3pm and the Nimbin Transfer Station is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 3pm.Please note that all visitors must pay using electronic payment – cash is not being accepted at this time.For further information, visit www.northernriverswaste.com.au or phone 1300 87 83 87.

The Lismore Theatre Company committee and their volunteers were very happy after last night's Lismore City Council meeting when councillors voted unanimously to grant them another five year lease for the Rochdale Theatre building in Goonellabah.The lease was due to expire in July of 2020 and councillors like Darlene Cook spoke glowingly about the role the theatre company plays in our community saying that 'council should support the arts". There was no debate or division within council about extending the lease.The only concern for the Lismore Theatre Company was the slight increase in costs to "cover a modest increase in the lease fee to at least match the average annual maintenance costs of the building to Council".The increase in costs in numbers is $2,615 per year. Not a great deal but those costs have to be covered by the theatre company, who are all volunteers, through some other means.President Sharon Brodie said "last nights unanimous vote was wonderful news, this has been hanging over our head and now it gives us security for the next five years so we can plan what shows we would like to put on".In regards to the higher costs Sharon said "this increase will be very hard to find, we have to be creative"."We could increase ticket prices but we are reluctant to do that, we could charge for our sign on Ballina Road to be used in between shows, hire the theatre out for parties or a film night or maybe council can start the increase in costs next year due to COVID-19 this year, we are not making any money because of the crowd restrictions"."These are just ideas, any proposal would have to be ratified by our wonderful committee".The long term goal is to buy the building from council."The best way would be to be successful in gaining a State or Federal Government grant", said Sharon, "or an amazing benefactor leaving us the money", she added hopefully.At least we have certainty of seeing some local theatre when the social restrictions and social distancing rules are lifted.This could happen in Step 3 when social gatherings are increased to 100 as the Rochdale Theatre holds 90, but if social distancing is still in place this reduces the capacity to 25 which makes it an unviable option to put on any show.When the green light to perform is switched on, one months notice will be given before Elyse Knowles and Gray Wilson can step on stage for Educating Rita.Hopefully, this will happen sooner rather than later.

Your creative ideas on how to transform our local streets into shared public spaces are needed. Your ideas will help Lismore Council apply for a share of the NSW Government’s new $15-million Streets as Shared Spaces fund.The grant funding is for Councils to implement pilot measures to increase public places where people can safely walk, cycle or exercise with social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic.State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said simple changes like widening footpaths or closing a street to vehicles on weekends will make our community healthier and more walkable.Lismore’s Deputy Mayor Darlene Cook said the funding brief already echoes Council’s ideas about creating revitalised, user-friendly walkways and public areas.“In the 1980s, Council was considering turning the Lismore CBD into one-way streets with a pedestrian mall,” Cr Cook said.“But if we close off streets or redesign them into shared spaces, we would have to change our approach to traffic access.“In the past, we tried a temporary pop up in Club Lane which went so well, we permanently closed the lane to traffic and now it’s a lovely spot with laneway dining from the Bank café.“We already have shared zones with low speed limits on Carrington and Magellan streets too.“This grant funding could let us pilot some more areas like this and we could try rolling out some of this without disrupting major traffic.“Where do we want people to come to? “We can enhance the footpath dining experience and maybe promote shop top housing – where you can see people promenading outside your house. “We could have more gardens, green spaces and treescapes.“We want to enjoy the CBD and link it with the river – we already have a project underway to start this, linking City Hall with Heritage Park and the river.“If we can reduce the traffic load on the streets, maybe people will get active and ride their bikes more.”Cr Cook said it would be great to bring the concepts out of the CBD and into North and South Lismore too. The shared spaces grant funding allows Councils to apply for grants of up to $100,000 for short-term, quick response projects, such as widening footpaths and temporary cycle lanes.They can also apply for up to $1 million for longer-term projects, such as changes to road alignments and widths and trialling lower speed limits.NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the program will help communities transition out of the pandemic, support the construction industry and encourage economic activity back into our streets.“If the pilot projects gain widespread community support, we’ll look to make them permanent so more people can enjoy the outdoors once this pandemic is over,” he said.Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said community input is essential in helping councils choose projects that will benefit their communities. “An online social pinpoint map is available on the NSW Government website for users to click directly on a specific area and leave their comments and ideas,” she said.Cr Cook said Lismore City Council will make information available to the local community on its website in the near future. Lismore City, Kyogle, Tenterfield Shire and Tweed Shire councils can apply for Streets as Shared Spaces grants until June 30, 2020.For more information visit: https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/streets

In a robust debate at the Lismore City Council meeting last night, Councillor Nancy Casson's 'rat in the house' will be condemned but not identified after Councillor Neil Mark's motion was voted down.What was voted on, and carried is that Council 'condemns the leaking of confidential information into the public domain and recognises the harm and damage these leaks have on Lismore City Councils reputation with our community and our stakeholders'.While being condemned, the person or persons that have been leaking confidential information will not be identified, and not held accountable. The motion included both council staff or the councillors themselves.Councillor Ekins, said she would like to see the person "named and shamed" and added "we know who it is".Councillors against the motion, identified the investigation as a waste of time and money and a distraction from council getting on with doing their job.Councillors voting for the motion expressed a concern over not receiving "frank and fearless advice to make informed decisions", with Cnr Cook saying she "didn't want to go another 18 months not knowing who I can trust and who I can't".To understand Cnr Marks motion we need to understand what the code says;Use and security of confidential information 8.10 You must maintain the integrity and security of confidential information in your possession, or for which you are responsible. 8.11 In addition to your general obligations relating to the use of Council information, you must: a) only access confidential information that you have been authorised to access and only do so for the purposes of exercising your official functions b) protect confidential information c) only release confidential information if you have authority to do so d) only use confidential information for the purpose for which it is intended to be used e) not use confidential information gained through your official position for the purpose of securing a private benefit for yourself or for any other person f) not use confidential information with the intention to cause harm or detriment to the Council or any other person or body g) not disclose any confidential information discussed during a confidential session of a Council or Committee meeting or any other confidential forum (such as, but not limited to, workshops or briefing sessions).8:11c appears the most relevant line "only release confidential information if you have authority to do so"It was mentioned by councillor Marks that after one leak there was a code of conduct training session provided for all councillors but the person who leaked the information didn't show up.The question must be raised if the identity of the person is known then why is that person not held accountable?When the next leak happens and let's face it, the chances are strong, council will condemn this person but not identify them and hold them accountable.So......the 'rat in the house' remains.Read more: Neil Marks wants to find the "rat in the house"

It will soon look like a premier performing arts centre, ready to showcase live music and theatrical productions.Lismore’s City Hall – home to Northern Rivers performing Arts (NORPA) - is undergoing a transformation, complete with digital illumination. A large LED digital sign will soon be added to the corner of Molesworth and Bounty Street establishing the Lismore City Hall precinct as a prominent gateway to Lismore and the CBD. The upgrade to the building heralds a new era for NORPA, and NORPA’s artistic director Julian Louis said “we can’t wait to open the doors to our community in Lismore and beyond, when we are able to do so legally and safely”.“The upgrade is a turning point for NORPA and the community,” Julian said. Julian said the upgrade was funded by a $1.16 million dollar grant from the NSW Government’s Regional Cultural Fund.The money covered the upgrade of the audio and lighting equipment, along with outside signage and illumination at Lismore City Hall to elevate the venue to the standard of contemporary performing arts venues."The upgrade increases the profile of Lismore City Hall and awareness of the cultural activities that happen in and around the building,” Julian said. “The hall and NORPA are crucial to the nightlife and night-time economy of Lismore.“Local businesses know when there’s a show on because there are more people around and they are busier.“We’re looking to expand this even further with our live music program which will include showcasing local talent at our new Courtyard Bar and regular band and cabaret nights in the Studio. “We will continue to build on our relationship with Kate Stroud, formerly of the Dusty Attic live music venue, in making Lismore City Hall a space for our music loving community to come together."Venue and Events Manager Jumana Schriefer is excited to get the lights back on.“Lismore City Hall has gained recognition amongst national and international promoters and touring companies as a premiere venue to include on their national tours,” Jumana said.“We’re actively talking with the industry during the lockdown as touring is expected to increase dramatically once restrictions are lifted.”Production Manager Karl Johnson, who has worked at NORPA for 20 years, said the upgrades will significantly reduce electricity consumption and the costs of maintenance, equipment hire and labour. “It also provides opportunities for established technicians and young people in the region interested in technical production,” he said.Ben Franklin MLC was delighted to see the outcome of almost two years of work. “The refurbishment of Lismore City Hall is one of the most exciting things to happen in the cultural space in the Northern Rivers in the last decade," he said. "I hope once the pandemic is over the community will get behind it.“Julian Louis is looking forward to gathering the community together to mark the reopening of an important cultural and community asset for Lismore.“When the time is right, we’ll invite the community to come together and celebrate Lismore City Hall,” he said.“It holds a special place in our hearts and history as a meeting place for our community for some 55 years.“There is great pride and responsibility in managing and carrying this tradition for our town.”For information about NORPA, visit http://www.norpa.org.au

Featuring entertainment from Lismore’s own Jex Lopez, a virtual forum tomorrow, May 13, will explore how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) people in regional NSW.‘Covid-19 and Our Regional Communities’ is hosted by NSW’s leading health organisation for sexuality and gender diverse people, ACON and people are invited to join in the conversation from 3pm. ACON Community Health and Regional Services director Sarah Lambert said while COVID-19 is affecting all Australians, its impact can play out differently for a range of communities, such as LGBTQ people living outside of major metropolitan areas.“We know that COVID-19 is having an impact on LGBTQ people in regional communities,” she said.“There is also a lot of misinformation out there, and this can sometimes make understanding Covid-19 difficult.“Those that live in regional and rural settings already face unique challenges when it comes to accessing appropriate health services and support, which can be compounded by the pandemic.“The forum will deliver messages on keeping safe, accessing support and staying connected in regional and rural NSW and will provide health information and issues relating sexual health, mental health, trans and gender diverse health and Aboriginal health during the Covid-19 pandemic.”The forum’s panel features a range of clinical experts, health care professionals and community members.It will be facilitated by writer and performer Maeve Marsden, and feature performances from Newcastle entertainer Timberlina and Northern Rivers performer Jex Jopez.“As well as being a forum to get information, this virtual event is also a chance for LGBTQ people in NSW to come together and connect with others,” Sarah said.“So, we encourage everyone in our communities – wherever you are across the state – to join in and be part of the conversation.” ‘COVID-19 and Our Regional Communities’ is on Wednesday May 13, from 3- 4.30pm. For event details and registration, visit the ACON website.Speakers at the forum include:Dr Kat Taylor: Public Health Physician, Hunter New England Population HealthDr David Smith: Medical Director, North Coast HIV/Sexual Health ServicesDr Emmanual Vlahakis: Sexual Health Physician & Gender Affirming Care Specialist, Northern New South Wales Local Health District and Mid North Coast Local Health DistrictCarlie McDonald: Youth Care Coordinator & Community Engagement, Headspace BegaSimone Jordan: Community Relations Team Leader, AwabakalSarah Lambert: Director Community Health and Regional Services, ACON

Hailed as heroes by many, nurses around the world are being celebrated today, May 12, for International Nursing Day.Lismore-based nurse Christina Sharman has been a nurse for 40 years and has seen the insides of a fair few hospitals.She said while nurses are being called heroes in this time of Covid-19, they actually save people’s lives every time they go to work – and that the government is not rewarding them accordingly.“Just because the virus is here, people are lauding us as angels and heroes,” Christina said.“But it’s always a life-saving job – when you are a nurse, you are not allowed to make a mistake.“It can be a stressful eight hour shift.”Underpaid heroesDespite the new hero status, Christina said nurses are not being paid accordingly.“The NSW Government put a freeze on pay rises this year, which means we won’t get our 2.5% pay rise in July,” she said.“We are not being treated like heroes – and 95% of the nursing staff is female.“Nurses and cleaners have become so important, but who gets the pay rises?“We call football stars heroes and how much do we pay them?”Risky jobChristina said the job of cleaning staff was also an underrated one, especially with Covid-19 making infections a risk.“Hospital cleaning staff do an astonishing job with their workload,” she said. “If they clean a covid room, they get a tiny compensation per shift for being exposed to covid.”Christina has seen changes over the past 40 years in how new nurses are trained. “When I trained as a student nurse at the age of 20, I learned on the job,” she said. “I didn’t need a university degree and I trained in hospital wards.”Christina lived in the nursing quarters when she was training and loved being able to move out of her family home and finally get her own room. “I had the choice to do a new college course that had just started or train in the wards, but it would have been hard trying to work to earn money to get through college as well as study,” she said. “I got a job, got paid and got to leave home.”Nurses' and doctors' responsibilityAs the years went on, and nursing changed, Christina said the profession became more technical and nurses constantly needed to upskill themselves with courses.“While doctors ultimately make the decisions, nurses are the ones doing the work,” Christina said. “Every year I have to do an annual exam to make me eligible to work in the small hospitals in the area – like Nimbin, Bonalbo and Kyogle.“We are not paid for having this extra accreditation, or for taking on the responsibility if the doctor is not there.“I can give morphine if I have to, within guidelines – and when you work in the Emergency Department as a nurse, you need to do things more quickly and find solutions to things on the spot.Quick thinking“We need to be quick thinking and our actions need to be quicker.“Sometimes you don’t even a dinner dinner break till its nearly going home time.”Despite the stresses of working in a life saving role, and work that often requires short work (including the dreaded night shifts), Christina said she likes the interesting nature of her job and thinking on her feet.“I like finishing a shift with a sense of satisfaction of having done your best.“I enjoyed having a practical job - always moving around and not sitting down all day.“It’s also good that you can make someone day good by being lovely to them.If you want to be a nurse, Christina said you should “like science, be fascinated by the human body, and hate having a social life”.“You will often miss Christmas morning or Mother’s Day, but the shift penalty rates keep the wage reasonable,” she said. Healing Hearts of NSWA Healing Hearts initiative to honour the more than 50,000 nurses and midwives in NSW hospitals, has been launched to celebrate our front line medical staff. The next time you go to any hospital, you will find blue and purple hearts, representing the colours of nursing and midwifery, popping up in the form of stickers, posters and postcards. NSW Health Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Jacqui Cross, said “nurses and midwives are the healing hearts of our health service”.“Nurses and midwives are there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and you would be hard-pressed to find anyone who has not experienced care from our nurses and midwives,” Ms Cross said.Ms Cross invites hospital staff and the community to post pictures of themselves wearing the stickers on social media, using the hashtags #everyperson and #exceptionalcare.  The Healing Heart postcards provide a way to recognise and thank nurses and midwives for their unique contribution. For more information, go to NSW Health’s dedicated Nursing and Midwifery page: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/nursing/Pages/default.aspxRead more news:Need for new nurses sees online study open and courses fast trackedKaren Troy-Smith knows there's no place like hospital at home

On International Nursing Day, May 12, The Lismore App highlights the work of nursing staff, working not just in our hospitals, but in our homes too.The importance of the work of nurses in keeping us healthy and happy is not to be underestimated - as the story of Karen Troy-Smith shows.Hospital in the Home (HITH)After being diagnosed with a rare lung infection, local woman Karen Troy-Smith, thought she’d be stuck in hospital for months. Thanks to the Lismore Hospital in the Home (HITH) team, Karen, 52 is instead receiving treatment at her home just outside Lismore, with her family and home comforts close by. Karen’s diagnosis of mycobacterium, a non-tuberculosis bacterial lung infection, saw her admitted to Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane on March 2, under the care of a specialist respiratory physician. Two weeks later, Karen was back at home, having daily check-ups by the HITH nursing team, and daily case review by her Brisbane-based doctor. “It’s brilliant,” Karen said. “To be able to be home with my family and in my garden, and I can ring HITH at any time if I’m feeling unwell.” SpecialistsHITH have coordinated Karen’s care through their small team based in Lismore, working with Lismore Base Hospital to secure the specialised testing Karen’s physician has ordered. “The respiratory specialist has been able to see me through the HITH team, with the nurses consulting with him and organising all of my tests.” With the current COVID-19 restrictions, being at home and close to family is even more important for Karen at present. “My dad, who’s 83, lives next door and if I was in hospital he wouldn’t have been able to see me at all. Still abiding by the social distancing rules, we could catch up. That’s been wonderful,” Karen said. The HITH service provides treatment and care for acute and post-acute patients outside the hospital setting, operating every day of the year. Patients can access HITH either in their home or a Residential Aged Care Facility, or by returning to Lismore Base Hospital (LBH), or a community health service for treatment. “HITH provides a comprehensive, patient centred service which includes the full involvement of the patient and carers,” Lismore Community Health Acting Nurse Unit Manager, Bronwyn Browne, said. Covid-19 responseAs part of the Covid-19 response, the HITH team are also monitoring Covid- positive and high-risk patients in their homes, with daily telehealth consultations and health screening to make sure they’re recovering well. “In the height of the pandemic we were monitoring up to 10 patients per day for Covid-19, doubling our usual patient load,” Bronwyn said.Being able to have expert medical care delivered in the comfort of their own home is one of the major benefits for patients using the HITH service.“They are able to sleep in their own beds, eat their own food and go about their everyday lives,” Bronwyn said. “As our clients often say, there’s no place like home.”Read more news:Nursing 'heroes' celebrated, but still underpaid Need for nurses sees more online study and courses fast tracked

The need for more nurses in Australia and world-wide comes as the World Health Organisation has named 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and Midwife. To quickly get more nurses into the health system, the Australian Government announced in March changes in how nursing graduates would be supported to help fast-track new graduates.The good news for anyone considering becoming a nurse, is that Southern Cross University (SCU) is now taking mid year enrollments for its Bachelor of Nursing degree.SCU School of Health and Human Sciences acting head Professor Wendy Gilleard said the degree is currently being offered online, and those studying already may be fast-tracked through the system to provide support through the Covid-19 pandemic.“Domestic student enrolments are already quite high for the mid-year intake - and final year undergraduate nursing students may have their registration fast-tracked,” she said.“The university has been in talks with local hospitals to prioritise clinical placement hours for third-year students to ensure they can meet registration requirements as soon as possible.“We are supporting these students who may experience front line Covid-19 response while on their current clinical placements and during their nursing degrees, unprecedented challenging times.“We are also in talks with the registration bodies to discuss the possibility of student nurses being supervised by teams of nurses rather than individual nurses while on placement, and also whether registered nurses working at the University may be required to join the work force to supervise students on placement – if so our team is ready to help.”To find out more about SCU’s nursing degree, visit https://www.scu.edu.au/study-at-scu/courses/bachelor-of-nursing-3007303/Read more news: Nursing 'heroes' celebrated, but still underpaid Karen Troy-Smith knows there's no place like hospital at home