Once again, our Northern Rivers communities have been let down by a less-than-transparent “consultation” process. In August, we were asked by the CSIRO/NEMA to rank which of a predetermined, limited but vague list of hard engineering flood mitigation measures for the Richmond catchment we would like to be modelled, without clear and detailed information to make an informed decision. The measures now selected by the CSIRO include many new names and locations that no one could have specifically voted for. Bundle 1 includes Upper Nimbin, Rocky Valley, Corndale, Fawcetts and Barlings detention basins, and bundle 2, in addition, includes Collins Valley, Booyong, Bentley, and ominously,  Dunoon. Along with the “Tuckombil upgrade”, none of these particular locations were listed in the original fifteen options presented. After multiple attendees being consistently told at drop-in sessions that there would be no dams, only gated detention basins to hold back water “temporarily” during floods, flood model lead scientist Jai Vaze later admitted that there could, in fact, be dams after all. Jai mentioned that a detention basin could serve a dual purpose, so it becomes part dam...So normally it will only hold 50% of the capacity. When the flood comes, the gates close, and they will hold another 50%.”(Lismore App, 29/9/25). Given “Dunoon” snuck into the second bundle of measures, I suspect the excuse of flood mitigation (in this case, only a few per cent of total flows into Lismore) might be used by some to try and resurrect the enfeebled case for the Dunoon Dam zombie. Yet we otherwise still don't know exactly where all these dams/detention basins would go. To make any substantial impact on flood heights in a 2022 scenario, it has been estimated they will need a combined holding capacity of 400-500 gigalitres. It would require 28 to 35 basins the size of Rocky Creek Dam (14 gigalitres) to hold that much water back! If it really wanted community consultation and social licence for the mitigation measures it chose to model, NEMA/CSIRO should have clearly stated the specific dam/basin locations and sizes up front, clear to all, so people could give proper informed feedback on them. These specifics need to be decided before the model takes its many months to run, so why not tell us beforehand? Have these organisations been directed to keep potentially controversial details from the public, or at least make them very difficult to obtain?Whose homes and farms, which forests or cultural sites will be endangered during construction and floods? How long will forests and farm vegetation remain inundated – what are the kill-zones? Where will the earth come from for construction? How will all this affect landslip risk? How much will these multiple large, basins/dams with gates cost to build, operate and maintain?  The CSIRO has spent millions of taxpayers' dollars developing this flood model, and it is so complex that scenarios take many months to run on their supercomputers. It is a waste of valuable modelling time and money to include measures that would likely never be granted the social licence, let alone the many billions of dollars of government funding required, if the details of their costs and impacts were known.However, when it comes to Nature Based Solutions (NBS), we see a double standard applied. Despite NBS not being included as an option to vote for in August, they were nonetheless demonstrated to have deep community support through comments on feedback forms. Yet the CSIRO responded that “no details have been provided for these proposed interventions... Therefore, we are not in a position to implement any of these at this time”. This is disingenuous. Few details were provided for the hard engineering measures, yet we were given a tiny box on the paper forms and only 255 characters online to provide their “detail” for NBS. If the NEMA/CSIRO were serious about this consultation, they should have proactively sought to delineate and model NBS, alongside other mitigation measures, with community support, from the start. To ensure the flood model incorporated the multiple, specific parameters needed to look at NBS, and to use data from NEMA-funded small-scale NBS trials run by Richmond Landcare and associated universities to then model NBS at a catchment scale.Our rivers used to be pristine and full of life – deep, clean water that was drinkable, swimmable and fishable. But with the clearing of 99% of Big Scrub rainforest, the draining of wetlands and inappropriate agricultural practices, they now have some of the worst river health ratings in this state. Further hard engineering measures, such as massive dams and interfering with natural wetlands, are likely to only make this worse. In contrast, NBS, such as restoration of rainforest, riparian zones and wetlands, in addition to helping mitigate small-medium floods, could have multiple other benefits, including erosion prevention, decreasing sediment loads and restoring water quality in our rivers, restoring vital habitats and native fish stocks, and sequestering carbon. And yes, “beautification” of our degraded landscapes and rivers too, with all the added benefits that brings for our mental and physical health, and for recreation and tourism.Ultimately, however, for major and catastrophic floods like 2022, no mitigation measures are likely to stop them. As reported in his recent Lismore App interview (29/9/25), lead scientist “Jai reinforced that nothing could hold back the impacts of a February 28 2022, 14.4m flood.” So what would be the point of spending billions of dollars on infrastructure that won't prevent another flood like 2022? Are we expected to cross our fingers and hope it doesn't happen again? I doubt this will be good enough for the insurance companies, let alone taxpayers paying for wasted infrastructure and especially those still sitting in harm's way on the floodplains.Indeed, the only guaranteed way to keep people and property safe is to get them off the floodplains. The NSW government's attempts to do this so far have been grossly inadequate - patchy, glacially slow, and again, with poor community consultation. A relocation and house raising program – based on 2022 flood levels (at least) – done once and properly is likely to be far cheaper than building, maintaining and compensating landowners for the large-scale, widespread and invasive hard engineering measures proposed. Our community wants to be protected from the impact of flooding. We do value the role of good science in helping achieve this. But we expect to be consulted properly, and not corralled into meekly accepting a mutating list of expensive and destructive hard engineering measures that do not have the social licence claimed. It is not too late for the CSIRO/NEMA and government to finally listen and serve our community.Dr Luke RobinsonUpper Richmond catchment resident & spokesperson for Lismore Greens

Southern Cross University (SCU) has joined the ranks of the Globe’s top 500 universities in this year’s Times Higher Education World University Rankings, climbing more than 80 places in just one year.Professor Ben Roche, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Education Impact) at Southern Cross University, told the Lismore App that the eighty-place increase landed SCU at 497."So, and that brings us into this rather exclusive Top 500 club globally, which we're very proud of," he said.The University’s enhanced standing in this year’s rankings is attributable to a range of factors, including continued strong growth in research income, strength in completion of doctoral candidates and an overall boost in the proportion of the University’s faculty holding a doctoral level qualification.This year, measures relating to the quality and impact of the University’s research also improved, marking the continuation of a now well-established trend over several years.Professor (Prof.) Roche explained the criteria for the Times Higher Education World University Rankings."The breakdown of data is quite detailed, so we get a very good sense of it. It was really driven by our research performance. Basically, they look across a whole range of categories, but it was our research performance that really lifted this one. And so, specifically, that looks at things like our growth in research and industry-funded research income. That's a big one."They look at a whole bunch of quality metrics. One of those is the ratio of staff with PhDs, which is kind of considered a very standard one. But the really important one is what they call citation impact, which is effectively when peers, so other researchers around the world, are citing and referring to the published output from Southern Cross researchers. That grew significantly."I have to say, it's incredibly powerful for staff to get this kind of recognition. I mean, a lot of people dwell on the institutional level benefit and strategy, but for researchers and teaching academics who are on the coal face, there's that recognition that they're at a university that is world-class, and for a place that is 31 years old, punching well above its weight."It's important, not only for their recognition, but for our ongoing growth and ability to attract our world-class talent."Prof. Roche mentioned three research projects in which SCU is leading the way."We have one called Harvest to Health, which really looks from that whole spectrum of breeding and growing all the way through to application in a medical and clinical context. And we've been doing a lot of work, leading the agri-futures hemp research work nationally."Just recently, we got another half a million dollars from the ARC (Australian Research Council) to look at improving hemp breeding, basically, and that's all with a view to establishing a hemp industry in Australia. The core issue with that is we haven't really bred seed. All seed at the moment is bought from China or France. We're really looking at how to breed a locally adapted seed variety that can then be used to grow the industry broadly. So, that's one example."There'll be a big announcement soon around a really significant project, which is actually a collaborative project globally that we're leading, looking at how to apply, effectively, archeological knowledge to cultural heritage management in the resources sector. That's a really interesting one, so we don't repeat a Rio Tinto, and we can get to a stage where they're starting to see their role as cultural managers as well."The final one I'll give you is a project called Sister Screen, which is a part of a long body of work that we've been delivering that really looks at how we support greater indigenous or Aboriginal health outcomes. Sister Screen just got funded by Cancer Australia to the tune of $2.5 million. That's really looking specifically at how to increase cervical screening rates of First Nations women during that pregnancy and postpartum period.There are no set goals for SCU in terms of increasing its Times Higher Education World University Ranking. The goal is about continuous improvement in the research sector."We see research as the foundation for pretty much all that we do, but particularly for growing our reputation and our position nationally and globally. So, leading with that really substantive agenda that is really effectively about how we apply knowledge to create impact. We're really doing a lot of work to grow the relevance and the alignment of our research with priorities of both industry and governments at all scales."These ranking systems bounce around. You can go up 20 or down 10; it all depends on the volume of universities entering that ranking system. But the most important thing for us, which we derive, whether it's the Times Higher Ed or the other one, is the QS system; they're the two most prestigious, and we've been on a very significant upward trajectory overall since about 2010, and that's what drives us."For us, it's not really about the rankings, but it is about that continuous improvement agenda that sits under that because most of the the metrics, the rankings, use metrics to do with improvement of quality and impact, and so for us, it's just all part of this better every day, kind of mindset that we've got at the university and focused on how we keep improving and using global best practices as our reference point for that."Southern Cross Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tyrone Carlin, praised the University’s researchers and staff, highlighting projects as diverse as cloud brightening, hemp seed yield research and clinical trials at the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine as “outstanding examples of excellence and impact.”“This is terrific news for Southern Cross and for the regions we serve. I am proud of our staff and students whose dedication is being recognised on the global stage,” he said.Academic excellence is central to what we do, but equally, it’s our culture of care, boldness and ownership that sets us apart.”He said the University’s progress was built on strong values and a determination to make a difference.“When those values come together in our teaching, research and community engagement, they create real impact. That’s what is driving our work and the contribution we make to the communities we serve.”

This is not a very exciting or sexy Lismore news story, nor is it groundbreaking; however, it does affect every household in the Lismore LGA.The first of a fleet of eight new state-of-the-art garbage trucks arrived in Lismore and will hit the streets of Lismore on Monday.The benefits to local residents are delivered through efficiencies because the brand new Volvo garbage trucks are fitted with IVMS (In-Vehicle Management System), which allows digital data to be collected and analysed so that the quickest waste bin route can be mapped and followed through GPS.Kendall Brazendale, Council's Waste Team Collection Leader and Matt Potter, Acting Chief Operating and Financial Officer, said other benefits include safety, missed bin collection and bin maintenance, meaning council will know before you do about particular bin pick-up problems."We have buttons here for missed bins. We've got cameras on board here so we can monitor our collection runs. The efficiencies we can gain by the onboard tech of these trucks is amazing. We haven't had that in the past. So we can make sure that we're picking up the service that the customer has paid for. At the moment, without that tech, we're picking up bins and assuming that the bins are all out there for a reason, but we can actually monitor everything that's being done by these trucks," Mr Potter explained."We're running off paper-based maps at the moment, so it's going to be a massive difference moving into the future of the digital world," Kendall added.The new Volvo garbage trucks are manufactured in Sweden and then imported into Australia to add the high-tech components, which include making the truck twin steer (right and left-hand drive), the IVMS, and increased safety features in case of an internal fire caused by lithium batteries.There is a hose fitted at the rear corner of the truck that is a full fire suppression system. It has the ability to plug into a garden hose or a fire hydrant and completely flushes the internal body with water. It also runs a unique Booker paddle compaction system that has no pinch points, which is the main cause of battery fires.As well as that, the new pick-up arms are longer and can pick up bins that are touching, if they are placed that way by residents, especially in unit complexes.There is also a local connection to the new garbage trucks. Southside Trucks in South Lismore is the local Volvo dealer. The added technology allows them to download any sensor issues the trucks have, which include ABS and EBS braking, and autonomous braking to make sure they are running optimally.Apart from the more efficient garbage bin pick-up routes, Lismore City Council benefits through a more fuel-efficient vehicle that has the latest emissions engines, so they will have a lower fuel bill and reduce their carbon footprint.Mick Potter also said the eight new trucks will allow council to fill their waste team structure."By the teams working together with the union to save these jobs for local people, we've been able to fill our structure. So, for the first time in, I'm not sure how many years since the argument started, whether this was going to stay in-house or go external, we've now been able to fill our structure of drivers. We've got a waste manager, team leader and a full complement of drivers, so eight trucks and 13 permanent employees.If we go back in time a couple of years, Lismore City Council was thinking of outsourcing the garbage collection because its ageing fleet of trucks was spending more time in the workshop than it was on the road, and because of its dire financial position, it could not afford to renew eight garbage trucks. That is where the state government stepped in, to the tune of $5 million.Mayor Steve Krieg, Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, Minister for Local Government and the United Services Union (USU) sat down to work out a deal that suited all parties. It wasn't an easy negotiation, "Council actually butted heads a little bit at the outset," was how Mayor Krieg described the beginning of the talks."See how we've all come together to work together to get the best outcome, not only for Lismore City Council, our employees who have to drive these trucks, I mean, to see the conditions that they've had to be putting up with over the last three and a half years post the flood. We've got a fleet of seven or eight trucks. Three or four of them are in a workshop constantly. We're hiring trucks off other contractors."It's just been such a challenge. And thanks to the two ministers who are here, Lismore City Council is well on the way to many, many good things in the waste area. And so, on behalf of Lismore City Council, from me, it's just a simple thank you. Thank you to the unions. Thank you to Bucher. Thank you to the Robinson family. Thanks to our staff, who do a great job."The mayor's sentiment was reinforced by Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin. "What we're seeing today is the power of everybody working together. There's an old saying, working together, we really can make a difference, and that's what happened here. Steve mentioned that there was a bit of butting heads early on, and there certainly was because we're very passionate about what we need here, and we're very passionate about maintaining council employees.Ms Saffin said they sorted out a deal with Mayor Krieg and the USU at a pub in Grafton."I said to my colleagues in the union and to Ron, look, we've got a problem here. We just need to sort this out. We can find a way through. Of course, it needed a bit more money, and that's what I thank Minister Hoenig for, because it's not easy to get money out of Treasury, but we needed that extra, and it means we've got this super duper fleet of trucks, and we've got in-house (collection), we've got local procurement with the Robinsons, and that's what we love."Minister Hoenig added, "Local Government works at its very best when it employs local people, injects into its local area and provides local career opportunities for its citizens."The USU praised the mayor, Minister Hoenig and Ms Saffin, but took a swipe at previous terms of Lismore City Councillors for not renewing their assets and asked the federal government to match the state government's investment in the Fresh Start Program that hires apprentices in local councils around NSW.

The weather is looking like a mixed bag this weekend, the last of the spring school holidays.The chance of rain is 20% on Saturday and 50% on Sunday; however, that is in the afternoon or evening with the chance of a thunderstorm. So, the days should be mostly sunny.A hot 33 degrees is the top temperature tomorrow, with 31 degrees forecast for Sunday.The maximum temperatures will cool down thanks to a southerly change from Monday.Hopefully, maximum temperatures in the mid-20s and blue skies will continue for the duration of the 2025 Elders Lismore Show, which begins next Thursday, October 16, at the Lismore Showgrounds.You can check out all the details by clicking 2025 Lismore Show via the app or https://lismoreapp.com.au/2025-lismore-show/ via the Lismore App website. This includes purchasing tickets.The Show runs for three days, closing on Saturday, October 18 at 9pm.Other spring events coming up include:Final Nimbin Roots Festival: Friday, October 24 to Sunday, October 26Eat The Street: Saturday, November 15MARKETSThere will be a change to the Lismore Farmers Markets next Saturday due to the Elders Lismore Show; it is one of the few times the markets won't be running.However, the gates will swing open tomorrow from 7:30am, closing at 11:30am at the Lismore Showgrounds for all the usual fresh fruit and veg, breakfast, spring seedlings, and live music from Mish Songsmith.The Sunday Markets are on at The Channon this week between 9am and 3pm at Coronation Park.Fresh food, friendly faces and loads of handmade goods are waiting for you to peruse in the hills of the Lismore LGA.ARTSThe Bulaan Buruugaa Ngai exhibition is on at the Lismore Regional Gallery at 11 Rural Street, Lismore, between 10 and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.Nine ancestral woven objects held in the Australian Museum Collection are on display. The historic pieces stand alongside ten newly commissioned works by contemporary Bundjalung, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr, and Kamilaroi artists.LIVE MUSICDan Grace Music is performing tonight at the Northern Rivers Hotel, Bridge Street, North Lismore from 7pm to 10pm.The popular Billy Gudgeon Band will be rocking the Northern on Saturday night from 7:30pm.The Shania Twain Show is on at the Lismore Heights Sports Club on Saturday night between 6pm and 9:15pm. It is $60 a ticket, which gets you a roast dinner and the show. Call (02) 6624 3040 to book.Coming up at the Lismore Workers Club:Women Up North Spring Gala: November 8 from 6pm. All proceeds go towards housing for women and children experiencing domestic violence or abuse.The Noughty Nineties Party featuring all your favourites like Blink 182, Shania Twain, Britney Spears, Robbie Williams and Beyonce. Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 7:30pm.CHEAPEST FUEL PRICESFuel prices were steady across Lismore, Casino and Ballina this week. If you are heading to the beach, Ballina is still the cheapest town to fill the tank over the weekend.Here is the list of the cheapest service stations:E10 is 172.9 at the EG on Diadem Street near Lismore Square and the 7-Eleven in South Lismore, 171.3 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 165.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 173.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 173.3 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 167.5 at the Metro and the Mobil on River Street, Ballina.U95 is 182.9 at the two Independents on Terania Street, North Lismore and the Liberty on Ballina Road, Lismore, 198.9 at the Independent at 169 Canterbury Street in Casino, and 179.5 at The Metro on River Street, Ballina.U98 is 190.9 at the Liberty on Ballina Road, Lismore, 193.5 at the two Independents on Hare and Centre Street in Casino, and 187.5 at The Metro on River Street in Ballina.Diesel is 178.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road in Lismore, 181.9 is the price across most of Casino, and 185.5 at Metro and the Mobile on River Street in Ballina.Have a great long weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....

Australians for Mental Health is calling on governments to prioritise social connections this World Mental Health Day, with this year’s theme focusing on mental health responses in humanitarian emergencies.  “We know more regular and intense weather events are on the cards for Australians. We unfortunately come face-to-face with natural disasters too often. But connected, resilient communities look out for one another, which can help them recover more quickly after a crisis,” Australians for Mental Health Chief Executive Chris Gambian said.  “We shouldn’t just be focusing on people’s well-being after a disaster hits. Connected communities with programs or social infrastructure in place to reduce loneliness are critical. That’s why we need to invest in places and programs that bring people together before an emergency strikes,” he said.  The New South Wales Nature Conservation Council’s Hotspots Fire Project has proven that preparing together before a disaster not only reduces risk but also strengthens social ties.  In collaboration with the NSW RFS, the program runs education and training workshops that help locals better understand fire in their landscape.  “We set out to help people better prepare their properties and communities more broadly for fires. But building social connections has been a happy byproduct that we believe will strengthen any future responses to a disaster,” Hotspots program ecologist Kevin Taylor said.  “Knowing your neighbour is about more than information sharing during a crisis. It’s someone who understands, cares and is willing to be there when it’s all over. That’s powerful. “The project also found being connected to nature and helping in its recovery from disasters also helped a community’s social recovery,” Mr Taylor said.  There is a growing body of evidence that social connection is a protective factor when it comes to mental health. Australians for Mental Health is urging governments to continue building public policies that improve social connection.  “Local councils are uniquely placed to create and help maintain social connections, whether that’s by investing in public pools, libraries or intervention programs suited to their communities. They should be resourced to reduce loneliness in this way, and also measure their progress too,” Chris Gambian said.  “Connection is not some nice-to-have. It’s essential, and in the context of disasters, could be life-saving. If we back building stronger community connections, we back resilience and mental well-being,” he said.  Australians for Mental Health is also calling on the Federal Government to put wellbeing at the centre of decision-making across portfolios. By taking a whole-of-government approach to wellbeing, we can ensure policies don’t adversely affect mental health, but instead support it for all Australians. 

Every community has unsung heroes, the people, groups and teams who go above and beyond to make Lismore a better place. Now is your chance to celebrate them!The annual Australia Day Awards recognise those who inspire, care and contribute to our city in varied and extraordinary ways.The 2025 Lismore Citizen of the Year was Neville Graham. He was honoured for his extensive volunteering with the SES, the Police Rescue Squad, and the Westpac Helicopter, accumulating over 40 years of service to the community. Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said this is a chance to recognise our unsung heroes who put in many hours as volunteers to make our community a great place to live and raise a family.“One thing that has always stood out to me is that our community is full of quiet unsung heroes,” he said.“Australia Day Awards give us a chance every year to honour those passionate people in our community who dedicate a large part of their lives to building a stronger, healthier community with no thought of personal gain.“If you have a friend who works hard for a volunteer group, know a student who is kicking goals in life or admire a person for the work they do for our community, please nominate them.“It only takes 5-10 minutes to complete an online nomination, so please get online before the deadline and nominate today.”Award Categories:Citizen of the YearYoung Citizen of the YearServices in the Community (Individual)Services in the Community (Group)Junior SportspersonSportspersonSports Team/ClubEnvironmentArts/CultureAcademic Excellence – NEW!Contribution to Economic Excellence – NEW!Nominations close on Sunday, 30 November.You can submit your nomination here: https://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/.../Australia-Day-Awards.

The rise in electricity bills for the average household has added to the cost-of-living crisis in the last three years. The Australian Energy Regulator has said NSW customers will see an increase in the next twelve months of between 7.9 to 9.7 per cent.To keep electricity bills as low as possible and reduce the average household carbon emissions, the state and federal governments have incentives in place to encourage households to install solar panels and add battery storage capacity in support of the Federal Government's renewable energy target of 82% by 2030.A potential third benefit has been revealed by property research company Cotality, which involves an increase in the value of a home that has installed solar panels and/or has a high energy efficiency rating. The benefit is a 3.2% increase in the value of your home. Depending on where you live, that value can be as high as $23,567 in regional NSW.Watt’s it Worth has examined the relationship between residential energy performance and market value, with a specific focus on solar power systems and estimated thermal energy efficiency. The latter relates particularly to new builds.In a Cotality report, it says that as energy costs fluctuate and household budgets are under pressure, consumer preferences are shifting."Buyers are increasingly drawn to homes that offer more than aesthetic appeal or location advantage, such as improved comfort, lower running costs, and resilience to rising electricity and gas prices. These expectations are now improving with a more suitable supply network too, as new builds adopt more efficient standards and solar uptake continues to accelerate across existing housing stock, partly driven by the increasing standards in the National Construction Code (NCC)."Responding to these key market shifts, the property technology sector, which underpins all aspects of the property experience for the real estate sector and consumers, has recently launched the Proptech Energy Efficiency Features Standard for residential property. This Australian-first industry-led, data standard for energy efficiency features in residential property will enable clarity and visibility for these features at key decision-making moments in the property journey. It sends a strong signal that energy efficiency features and energy ratings are key to the next generation of property experiences and insights."Watt's it Worth is a defining report that answers questions and addresses the need for credible information. It demonstrates that energy performance and energy-efficient features are increasingly a measurable contributor to property value."Totality claims that this report confirms a clear trend: homes with solar power systems and higher energy ratings are attracting strong buyer interest and demonstrable price premiums. We put that question to two Lismore real estate agents.Andrew Gordon from R Gordon & Son was quick to say no, having a solar system does not lead to a higher house price."No one's ever said to me, I'm buying that house because it's got a solar array on the roof. They buy the house, and it has a solar array; they can either say, Well, that's beneficial, or it's of no benefit to me, or it's just part of the package."In my mind, solar has no influence on the purchase of a home. People go to look at the house if it has a solar array, well, that's just like, well, booyah."Brett McDonald from Raine & Horne Lismore agreed that a house price was not higher because it had a solar system, but did see a benefit."Buyers are asking about solar. It matters, although I haven't seen an obvious shift in house prices that have a solar system. It makes home buyers feel better about purchasing the house they like."If we had two identical homes and one offered a solar system, the home with the solar would sell first. However, the house without it would still sell, and for the same price."While the research strongly suggests there is a correlation between solar and house prices, on the ground, that doesn't appear to be the case in Lismore.

NSW Farmers warns that the impacts of a new merger between two major farm supply companies must be closely monitored to ensure prices for essential inputs do not skyrocket. On Thursday, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) approved the acquisition of Delta by Elders, provided Elders divests six Delta stores in Western Australia.NSW Farmers Vice President Rebecca Reardon said many farmers feared the new merger would reduce competition and drive prices up within the agricultural supplies market.“We’ve had a lot of farmers telling us they think this merger will spike prices for critical farm supplies, and could create a monopoly in parts of NSW where Elders and Delta are the only ag suppliers,” Mrs Reardon said.“With input prices and inflation soaring in recent years, having two or three outlets competing for price for the same products has made a real difference when it comes to keeping costs down.“Now there’ll be little chance to shop around, we’re really concerned about what this lack of competition will mean for the cost of feeding and clothing the nation.” Mrs Reardon said it was disappointing there were no divestment undertakings in NSW, given the concentration of stores in the state, and said it was critical the ACCC monitored how the merger affected farm supply prices in case intervention was necessary. “Australians need their farmers to feed them, and as farmers we’re telling the ACCC they need to protect competition in the farm supply market, otherwise we can see some pretty poor outcomes down the track,” Mrs Reardon said. “Farmers deserve fair prices, be it for agronomy, agency services or ag supplies, and it’s important that this merger doesn’t put that at risk.“No doubt the proof will be in the pudding, and how our bills change over the next year or so will say it all.”

The Lismore Library has been open to the public since early February 2025; however, an important and final part of its restoration, the lift, was only installed two weeks ago, which meant it could finally be officially opened to the public today.A small but enthusiastic crowd took part in the ceremony and ribbon-cutting at The Quad's entrance, with Acknowledgment of Country by Aunty Delta Kay, followed by speeches by Mayor Steve Krieg, Carmel Cook (representing Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin) and Lismore Librarian Michael Lewis, followed by a tour and morning tea to celebrate the completion of the library rebuild.Mention was made of the devastating scenes of March 2022, when tens of thousands of books were tossed outside the front of the library and the subsequent gutting of the library interior, so it could slowly dry its 100-year-old brickwork and repair its foundation slab, and of the fantastic work by Bennett Construction and BKA Architecture for its resilient rebuild."You get a little bit emotional when you do things like this. I remember going up to the RTRL (Richmond Tweed Regional Library) office in Goonellabah. Lucy was there, remember unloading, what was it? Seven Australia Post vans full of books donated from all around the country. And to see where we are now, it's not even four years. It really is an astonishing act of resilience and determination to get back to where we are."The restoration of the Lismore Library was made possible thanks to $5.6 million in funding from various sources:$4.5 million from the Flood Restoration funds shared between State and Federal Governments$135,821 from the NSW Governments's 2022 Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package - Arts and Cultural Priority Needs Program$494,400 from the 2023 Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package$325,427 from the State Library of NSW Public Library Infrastructure Grants$222,000 from Lismore City CouncilFederal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, is sitting in parliament this week. He wrote, "The library sits in the heart of our CBD. Seeing it restored and improved, with better accessibility, and new community spaces, is something we can all take pride in."This project shows what can be achieved when governments at every level work with community."Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is also in parliament this week, said, "We've waited a long time for this moment. The lift is working, the shelves are full, and the energy is back. This library isn't just open, it's thriving."I have supported this refurbishment all the way, and with major State and Federal Funding, it has been able to happen."Lismore Area Librarian Michael Lewis reflected on the events of 2022 and the amazing work of his library team and the community."For so long, the library has been a beating part of our town at a steady pace through everything else. Suddenly, that part went quiet. What happened next is one of the most humbling experiences of my time here. People started turning up, not because they were asked, but because they cared. Library staff, Council teams came in to help wherever they could, community members arrived just to check on staff, to bring food or simply to ask, What do you need?"That willingness to act, to show up, is what defines this community. It's what's carried this project. And when you walk through the library now, you can feel that spirit in every part of the space, in the shelves, the artwork, the light and in the care that went into bringing it all back."This new library isn't just a rebuild, it's a reimagining of what a public space can be. We've built a space that feels open and inclusive, from the reading tree in the children's area to the new youth corner that gives young people a space to belong, to the study areas that support students, professionals and lifelong learners alike, and to the quiet spots where people can simply breathe and feel at home again."It's a library where people come to connect, discover and escape, whether that's through a book, a conversation or a moment of calm in a busy day. But it's also a space that looks forward. We've designed this library to grow with our community, host programs, workshops, digital learning and local creativity. It's a place where ideas can be shared, stories can be told, and connections can keep forming long after today, a place where old and new meet, where our community's history and its future sit side by side."The floods may have tested us, but they didn't defeat us. What came after the teamwork, the care and assistance is what defines this space. And when you walk through today, I encourage you to look closely at the mural works and the birds in flight along the walls, each one carrying a message from the many donations we received. They tell the story of resilience and renewal, of how our community lifted itself together towards something private."This building is more than just bricks and shelves. It's proof that when people care deeply enough, they can bring even the most damaged spaces back to life, stronger, warmer and ready for whatever comes next."The Lismore Library is in The Quad, with plenty of parking at Harold Frederick Car Park off Dawson Street. It is open:Monday to Wednesday: 9:30am to 5pmThursday: 9:30am to 7pmFriday: 9:30am to 5pmSaturday: 9am to 1pmSunday: 1pm to 4pm

Cancer survival rates have improved over 3 decades as cancer mortality rates decline, according to new data published today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).  The report, Cancer data in Australia, explores cancer prevalence, survival, incidence, mortality and risk for over 100 different types of cancer to inform understanding of cancer in Australia and how counts and rates have been changing over time. The report also explores cancer data by ranking, age, state and territory, country of birth and region.  The 5-year relative survival rate for cancer increased from 50% to 72% over about a 30-year period between 1987–1991 and 2017–2021. Five-year relative survival is the percentage of people diagnosed with a cancer who survived for at least 5 years after diagnosis, relative to people of the same age and sex in the population.  The age-standardised cancer mortality rate has decreased from 257 to an estimated 194 deaths per 100,000 people between 2000 and 2025.   ‘The chances of survival for prostate and breast cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian males and females respectively, have been gradually improving over time,’ said AIHW spokesperson Justin Harvey.   The 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer among females has improved from 75% to 93% between 1987–1991 and 2017–2021. For prostate cancer, the 5-year relative survival rate for males has increased from 60% to 96% over the same period.  Consistent with improving survival rates, age-standardised prostate cancer mortality rates have also decreased from the peak rate of 63 deaths to 33 deaths per 100,000 males between 1994 and 2025. For breast cancer, mortality rates were around 38 deaths per 100,000 females in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but are estimated to be around 22 deaths per 100,000 females in 2025.  ‘Close to 1 million Australians have been diagnosed with some form of cancer in the past decade, with an estimated 170,000 new cases in 2025,’ said Mr Harvey.  ‘Although nearly 9 in 10 people (88%) diagnosed with cancer are aged 50 or older, cancer incidence rates are increasing among younger age groups.’  The age-standardised rate of cancer incidence for people aged 30–39 has increased from 121 to an estimated 135 cases per 100,000 people between 2000 and 2025. This increase has been driven by higher rates of bowel cancer and thyroid cancer.   For people aged 40–49, estimated cases rose from 280 to 313 cases per 100,000 people, driven by breast, prostate and kidney cancer as well as bowel and thyroid cancer.  An estimated 20,000 cases of cancer will be diagnosed for people under the age of 50, around 5,500 cases for people in their 30s and 11,000 cases for those in their 40s. ‘Despite cancer becoming more common for people in their 30s and 40s, cancer mortality rates for these age groups have generally been decreasing,’ said Mr Harvey.  For people in their 40s, cancer mortality rates have decreased from 60 to an estimated 37 deaths per 100,000 people between 2000 and 2025. They have also decreased for those in their 30s over the same period, from 18 to an estimated 11 deaths per 100,000 people.   Breast cancer by tumour size  ‘The report also examines new data on cancer incidence and survival trends for breast cancer by tumour size and for melanoma of the skin by Breslow thickness,’ Mr Harvey said.   Of the approximately 18,900 cases of breast cancer diagnosed in females for 2021, there were around 14,300 where the tumour size was known. Of these, almost 63% were less than 2cm, 31% were 2cm to 5cm and 5.9% were larger than 5cm. These sizes had a 100%, 95% and 84% survival rate, respectively, when examining 5-year relative survival in 2017–2021.  Melanoma of the skin and Breslow thickness  Age-standardised incidence rates for melanoma of the skin have increased from 54 to an estimated 63 cases per 100,000 people between 2000 and 2025.   Breslow thickness is the measurement, in millimetres, of how deeply a melanoma has grown into the skin from the surface. A greater thickness is linked to lower survival rates.  Of the approximately 15,000 cases of melanoma diagnosed in 2021, there were around 14,000 cases where the Breslow thickness was known. Of these, 68% were less than 1mm, 14% were 1mm to 2mm, 9.7% were 2mm to 4mm and 8.1% were larger than 4mm.   The 5-year survival rate for thickness less than 1mm was about the same as for people without melanoma in 2017–2021. Whereas, for thickness greater than 4mm, the survival rate decreased to 66%.  Future work  Data on Indigenous status, remoteness areas, socio-economic status as well as geographical data by Primary Health Network, Local Government Area and Statistical Area 3 are also scheduled for release in 2026.

Every 65 minutes, an Australian loses part of their vision that could have been prevented. This World Sight Day, the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) is sounding the alarm: eye health can no longer be treated as an afterthought. World Sight Day, today, 9th October, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about blindness, vision impairment, and the importance of good eye health. “Sight is the sense that connects us to the world, yet so many Australians are at risk of losing it unnecessarily,” said ASO CEO Katrina Ronne. “This World Sight Day is a wake-up call. Early detection saves sight, and sight saves independence, mobility, and quality of life.”The 2025 theme, #LoveYourEyes, calls on everyone to make eye care a global priority — promoting accessible, available, and affordable services for all. The campaign inspires people to book an eye test, share their eye health stories, and advocate for stronger vision care policies.“Looking after your eyes doesn’t have to be complicated. Book an eye exam once a year, eat plenty of dark leafy greens, colourful fruits and veggies, fish rich in omega-3s, whole grains, and healthy fats,” Mrs Ronne said. “Don’t forget your sunnies when you’re outdoors, or protective eyewear when you’re working around dust, chemicals, or machinery.”This year, the ASO is taking eye health awareness beyond the clinic and into the community with the launch of the Super Eye Socks, in partnership with Swanky Socks. Originally designed for doctors as part of the Crazy Socks 4 Docs campaign, the socks are now available to the public, raising funds for the Australia and New Zealand Eye Foundation (ANZEF). “The Super Eye Socks are cute, quirky and have become a fan favourite among our members.” Ms Ronne said. “They’re a symbol of hope for ophthalmologists and for the future of eye care. Every pair sold helps fund initiatives that keep Australians seeing clearly, and they remind us that caring for patients and caring for practitioners must go hand in hand.” The Super Eye Socks began their journey as part of the Crazy Socks 4 Docs campaign, which was a grassroots movement to break down the stigma around mental health in the medical profession. That message is stitched into every pair. “While the socks now raise important funds for eye health, they also continue to champion mental wellbeing among doctors and healthcare workers,” Mrs Ronne said. “It’s about sending a clear signal: looking after patients starts with looking after the people who care for them.” With conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease rising, Australians are urged to book an eye check, talk to loved ones about their vision, and join the movement to protect sight. “We want Australians to understand that vision loss is not inevitable. By supporting eye health, you are investing in your future and the well-being of generations to come,” Ms Ronne said.

Twenty-six registered bidders vied for the 12 flood-affected homes up for auction at the Lismore Workers Sports Club at Goonellabah on Tuesday night (October 7), with sale prices ranging from $10,500 to $54,500.To date, 83 properties in the Northern Rivers have now been offered for sale in the Northern Rivers, capturing nationwide attention.PRD Real Estate conducted the auction of 12 flood buyback homes from central Lismore, South Lismore and North Lismore.Several families bought houses, as well as one long-term renter buying a home for the very first time, which will go on a large block of land in the south of the Northern Rivers.As has been the case for previous auctions, builders, investors and house removal companies from outside the region also participated in the auction, which attracted an audience of 50 people, including four phone bidders.The twelve buyback results were:157 Magellan Street, central Lismore: $41,50058 Ewing Street, central Lismore: $47,50061 Brewster Street, central Lismore: $54,500171 Magellan Street, central Lismore: $15,50013 Rhodes Street, South Lismore: $32,50023 Rhodes Street, South Lismore: $39,00036 Barrow Lane, North Lismore: $11,50037 Barrow Lane, North Lismore: $16,000118 Terania Street, North Lismore: $10,5080 Terania Street, North Lismore: $14,50071 Bridge Street, North Lismore: $22,0008 Simmons Street, North Lismore: $15,500.Some people made bids, but pulled out when the bidding got too high, proving there is still an appetite for the Resilient Homes Program buyback auctions. Two more will be held in November:First National Real Estate at Murwillumbah on November 11 PRD Real Estate in Lismore on November 17All NSW proceeds from the home sales are reinvested into the Resilient Homes Program to support more flood-affected residents.There is no reserve price on these houses, meaning bidding can start and end at $1, making it one of the most accessible housing opportunities in Australia. Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “I asked for the steamrolling of the selling of these houses, and that’s exactly what we are doing.“We have set an ambitious target of putting an extra 42 houses up for sale by Christmas and are well on our way.“It’s great to see the continued interest in this program, which is giving so many people a chance at something affordable in the housing market.“With these tin and timber homes, we are delivering the hopes and dreams of a generation to own their own home while ensuring the unique character of this great region lives on.”NSW Reconstruction Authority Executive Director Northern Rivers Adaptation Division Kristie Clarke said, “The Resilient Homes Program is one of the most ambitious initiatives undertaken after a disaster in Australia.“Through the buyback process, we’re removing homes from the floodplain and creating new opportunities by making some of these available for relocation.”

Lismore is set to benefit from a transformative $1.98 million project to restore its critically endangered urban rainforests and improve the health of local waterways. The Rainforest to River project will enhance 42 hectares of lowland rainforest across 17 sites, protect native wildlife, and strengthen the community’s connection to nature.Mayor Steve Krieg welcomed the funding as a major boost for the region’s environment."This project will breathe new life into Lismore’s urban landscapes,” he said.“By restoring our rainforests and waterways, we’re creating a healthier, more vibrant environment for our community and future generations.”Council's Environmental Strategies Officer Hannah Rice-Hayes said the 17 different sites are called biodiversity hotspots."Because much of the vegetation in our area is some of the most bio diverse that exists in the country. We're in this very rich region where we have rainforests, we have eucalypt forests, and we have wetlands. So we've chosen 17 different sites that form some of the core of our vegetation and ecological communities."We've got places like Rotary Park, which is a remnant of the subtropical rainforest, which once carpeted this landscape. We've got work sites on so we've got Browns Creek catchment, which has got Paul Brierly Reserve, Rotary Park Reserve in town. We've got a couple of sites on the Leycester Creek, which is the one that comes in from the west. So working over at the South Lismore Duck Pond, doing wetland restoration, working right down on the banks. "And then we've got a number of sites along the main river, so on the Wilson's River starting up on a private property up out of town, which is going to give us a fantastic demonstration site for how rural landholders can get into their banks and what they need to do to really protect the rivers and to get additional primary production benefit. "We come down the river, and we've got places like Currie Park, which is, I think, one of Lismore's best-kept secrets, it's an absolutely beautiful place, and also a remnant vegetation, so very large site. "I won't name them all, because I'm sure to miss one, but we're working on lots of different smaller riparian sites along the river, including where we're standing today, which is the Riverside Park, doing things like just improving the edges, improving the amenity for people using the park, increasing shade, cooling the space down, making the entrances to the river, like the boat ramp we've got behind us, feel a little bit safer, feel a little bit more secure and more beautiful for people to enjoy our blue and green spaces."(Hannah and Mayor Steve Krieg planting the first of 25,000 plants as part of the Rainforest to River project)Hannah confirmed that the $1.98 million project will take place over the next three years. She praised their partners in the project."One of the reasons that we've chosen the sites that we have is that we have an ongoing investment from Lismore City Council and from our partners. We have got an incredible group of partners who are committed to looking after these sites long term. So we know that when we do ecological restoration, it's not a one-stop shop. You have to keep coming back, constantly caring, constantly connecting, looking after country, and so we're doing that through a range of different programs, which has funded support long term, through the Biodiversity Management Strategy.Hannah was referring to an additional $1 million in cash and in-kind contributions from 17 partners, including Lismore City Council, Landcare groups and First Nations organisations, which will further bolster this effort. The Rainforest to River project has received just over $1.98 million through the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program.Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, said the funding is great news for native wildlife and the community.“The Albanese Government is proud to invest nearly $2 million into protecting and improving the incredible natural environment around the Northern Rivers.”“We’re very pleased to partner with the Council and local organisations to deliver this program.“With so many native plants and animals reliant on our rivers, creeks, wetlands, and estuaries, protecting and restoring the health of local waterways is essential.”The Rainforest to River projects key activities include:Rainforest and wetland restoration and revegetationCultural ceremonies and yarning circles led by Widjabul Wia-bal EldersCommunity tree planting days and educational eventsThe project will establish a connected riverside green corridor, linking riverbanks, parks, wetlands and other key natural assets. The first community events as part of the Rainforest to River project will be:Wilsons River Landcare planting event – Saturday, 12 OctoberSouth Lismore Duckpond planting event – Saturday 18 OctoberRiver Time community launch + tree planting – Sunday, 26 OctoberRiver Time will serve as the official community launch of the Rainforest to River project and is also a featured event of Richmond Riverfest, a month-long celebration of the rivers, cultures and communities of the Northern Rivers region.In a further win for Lismore, Goonellabah Tucki Landcare Inc. has also received over $300,000 through the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program to restore the riparian rainforest in Upper Tucki Tucki Creek.As Mayor Steve Krieg said, "It is a priority for Lismore City Council to repair our riverbanks, to improve our waterway health, and to see our river as an asset, not a liability."There are doubts as to whether the Wilsons River will ever be as clean and pristine as it once was. Council's Environmental Strategies Coordinator Kate Steel said it is an unknown quantity, where the answer lies in a whole of catchment approach."It's possible, it's a lot of work, and it needs a lot of buy-in from agencies and communities and businesses and farmers and residents in town and councils up and down the Richmond catchment. We need everybody looking at what can be done and the threats that need to be managed better in terms of water quality and riparian health and the habitat connection that those areas provide. "There is a lot of work being done, and there's organisations, councils, community groups and government coming together around a couple of initiatives. The watershed initiative is one. This project is one. This Rainforests to Rivers project. We've also got the Richmond River collaborative partnerships, and that is bringing together organisations to look at these problems, just to bring a holistic whole of catchment solution. And there's estimates of hundreds of millions of dollars required just to start to turn the tide around ecosystems."Rome wasn't built in a day.

The Lismore Theatre Company is in rehearsals for its new play, Female of the Species, at Rochdale Theatre, with tickets on sale now. Opening night is Friday, October 24, with performances running over three weekends, until Saturday, November 8.Female of the Species has been critically acclaimed, with Australian Stage saying, "The Female of the Species is a witty, sassy, and intelligent comedy from one of Australia’s leading playwrights,” and Variety saying, “A lacerating farcical attack on 'old-style' feminism.”Margot Mason, hardcore feminist, writer and cutting-edge academic, has writer's block while working on her latest book; she knows it has to match her seminal creation, 'The Cerebral Vagina,' and she is stuck in a rut.In comes Molly, a devoted fan who wants Margot to account for the beliefs she has espoused throughout her career.Margot must face the harsh truth about her life's work and defend her actions with both Molly, her own daughter, Tess, her publisher, a random taxi driver, and finally, the audience.(The cast of Female of the Species at rehearsals)This play was first performed in 2006 and is loosely based on the real-life experience of Germaine Greer when she was held hostage by a former student.Joanna Murray-Smith is a prolific writer, with a body of work that continues to have a significant impact on the performing arts landscape both here in Australia and internationally.Director Junia Wulf is working with a dedicated group of actors, many of whom are new to the Lismore Theatre Company, and are excited to be working on this extremely funny play that demonstrates that the female of the species is not only deadlier but also funnier than the male.Performances begin on Friday, the 24th of October, and will run over 3 weekends, finishing on Saturday, the 8th of November 2025Toni Forbes, who plays Margot, said, "The play is so well written, it is sharp, funny and very clever. It's definitely a play that will incite a fun discussion well after the final bows."Zoe Buckley Lennox, who plays Molly, said, "I think this show is wickedly funny, insightful and also bleak in its comments. It wrestles with the fallibility of celebrity in our society, the messiness of (white) feminism, stereotypes and frustrations of humans trying to navigate and do good in capitalistic Western society, hell bent of profit and exploitation."Tickets are on sale now through Trybooking: https://www.trybooking.com/DEFQO. Tickets are $30 for a single ticket and $25 for pensioners and students.

A new report by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has found that 77 per cent of homes in high-risk flood zones are not insured for flood. Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the findings are another strong reminder of why flood mitigation must remain a top priority.“The best way to bring insurance premiums down is to reduce the risk itself. Every dollar invested in mitigation saves lives, protects homes, and helps keep insurance within reach for families and small businesses,” Mr Hogan said.“Flood mitigation is the only solution for our region. It not only protects homes, businesses and roads, but also helps make insurance more affordable.”“Three out of four homes in flood-prone areas have no flood cover. That should be a wake-up call.”Mr Hogan said the timing of the ICA’s findings coincides with a major milestone in the CSIRO’s flood modelling for the Richmond River catchment, which has just entered its next phase.“CSIRO has confirmed they will now model engineering solutions. This work is crucial to identifying the measures that can actually lower flood heights and keep our community safer,” he said.Two bundles of potential engineering options are now being modelled, including detention basins, as well as upgrades to Boundary Creek, the Bruxner Highway, and Tuckean Swamp drainage.These scenarios will be tested against the 2022, 2017 and 2008 flood events, with the final CSIRO report and recommendations due in June 2026.“Our community fought hard to make sure CSIRO models real solution. This latest insurance data proves why this work is so important. Mitigation is not optional - it’s the only way to keep families, farms and businesses safe for the long term.”

As Lismore moves into the planning and construction phase of its 2022 flood rebuild, Lismore City Council has released new data from Tourism Australia, which shows Lismore’s visitor economy is recovering from the 2022 floods and has exceeded pre-flood levels.There were 629,000 visitors in 2021/22, which had grown to 761,000 by the end of 2024.In terms of the contribution to the local economy, those visitors helped generate $181 million in 2024, an increase of $64 million in a little under four years.Of the 761,000 visitors, 262,000 were overnight visitors, and the domestic overnight spend is up from $58M (2021/22) to $83 Million by the end of 2024.Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg told the Lismore App, "It's great to see the Lismore economy recovering and with council actively pursuing events and experiences in the Lismore LGA."We hope that these numbers are only going to grow to put Lismore back on the map as a major destination for people in NSW, South East Queensland and the rest of Australia to visit."You could expect the 2025 visitor numbers to be higher than the newly released 2024 numbers because of the strength of events this year, such as the Legends of Cricket, A-League trial soccer game, Lismore Lantern Parade, Masters Games, and a successful Lismore Cup.Still to come is the return of Eat the Street to the Lismore CBD in November, further bolstering visitor numbers.Lismore City Council is excited to announce the return of Eat the Street, the city’s signature food, arts and culture festival, on Saturday, 15 November 2025

This Thursday is national headspace day. Mental ill health is the primary threat to the health, wellbeing and productivity of young people, with nearly 40% of 16–24-year-old people experiencing a mental health disorder according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.  When it comes to seeking support for mental health, many young people hesitate. Some might imagine a counselling session as a clinical experience, sitting on a couch under fluorescent lights while a doctor in a white coat takes notes. But at headspace Lismore, headspace Ballina and headspace Tweed Heads, delivered by Social Futures, the reality couldn’t be more different. National headspace day is the perfect time to explore what a headspace consult can look like and why making space for your mental health and wellbeing is so important. This year’s theme, Make Space, encourages us to carve out time for the things that matter to our mental health, whether that’s taking a moment for yourself or enjoying activities that lift you up.A space that feels like yoursSheree Dixon, Clinical Lead at headspace Ballina, explains that the consult rooms at headspace are designed with young people in mind. “The room is a nice, open space,” she says. “We adjust the lighting to suit the needs of the young person. That might be by having the window open, dimming the lights, or providing young people with a cosy blanket. It’s all about what makes them feel comfortable.”The seating arrangements are also flexible. “The chairs aren’t fixed, so if a young person prefers to sit side by side, we can do that. They can sit on the ground, bring in bean bags, whatever works for them,” Sheree adds. “We always ask, ‘Where would you prefer to sit? Does this feel comfortable for you?’ It’s about giving them choice and ownership of the space.”This approach helps break down the perceived power imbalance that can sometimes exist in traditional counselling settings. “From the moment they walk in, we want young people to know this is their safe space, and they have control over it,” Sheree says.More than just talk While talking is a big part of what happens in a consult room, headspace staff use a variety of creative and interactive modalities to help young people feel at ease. “We have these beautiful desks that can extend up, so young people can sit and colour, draw, or do something with their hands while they talk,” Sheree explains. “We always have big art books, markers, and fidget tools available, especially for young people with differing sensory needs who might find it easier to engage while doing something tactile.”Other activities might include clay-making, collaging, or even grounding exercises. “Sometimes we’ll take the session outside into the backyard for a grounding exercise, like putting their feet on the earth,” Sheree says. “It’s about being adaptable and meeting the young person where they are.”For Leon, a 16-year-old member of the Lismore Youth Advisory Group (YAG) at headspace, this flexibility made all the difference. “It wasn’t what I expected at all,” he says. “It was less laboratory vibes and more like just sitting on a couch and chatting. They’d ask questions occasionally, but mostly, I just got to talk. It was nice.”Space for what mattersThe theme of this year’s National headspace day, Make Space, is a reminder that mental health and wellbeing deserve our time and attention. For Leon, making space means playing music. “I play the drums and I’m learning bass,” he says. “Music helps me focus and lets me let out all my energy. It’s something I can do just for me, without worrying about messing up.”Sheree agrees that finding time for activities that bring joy and calm is crucial. “A lot of people try to cram as much as they can into their lives, but it’s so important to make space for things that help you unwind,” she says. “It doesn’t have to be something big, it could be drawing, painting, or even a colouring book. Just something low-stakes that lets you relax.”Seeking support is importantFor young people who might be hesitant to reach out for help, Leon has a simple message: “There’s no risk to it. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to keep going. But just talking to someone can make such a difference.”“At headspace, our message to young people is simple: you don’t have to go through this alone,” says headspace CEO, Jason Trethowan. “Whether it’s through our centres, online services, or the everyday support of family, friends, and community, help is always available and reaching out is a powerful step.” Sheree says headspace consultations are designed to be accessible and welcoming. “It’s free, and people can access eheadspace services using their mobile device if they are feeling nervous about attending face-to-face. The important thing is to take that first step.”Leon says stigma still persists around youth mental health, but it is improving. “There are still people who treat it as something weird or something to avoid. That kind of attitude can make it so much harder for young people to seek help, but I think things are getting better.” “The stigma is lifting, and more people are starting to understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. We just need to keep spreading the word.”“There’s no harm in trying. Just go for it.”Ready to make some more space for wellbeing? The headspace website has lots of interactive activities to help: https://headspace.org.au/interactive-activities/wellbeing/.If you or someone you know is struggling, headspace is here to help. You can take that first step by calling headspace Ballina or headspace Lismore on 02 6625 0200 and headspace Tweed on (07) 5589 8700. Send an email via our website: https://socialfutures.org.au/headspace/.Or drop in and see them: headspace Tweed: 145 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9:30 am – 5:30 pm; Thursday 8:30 am – 6:00 pm; Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm) headspace Lismore: Level 1, 29 Molesworth Street, Lismore (Monday to Thursday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm; Friday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm)headspace Ballina: 32 Swift Street, Ballina (Monday to Thursday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm)headspace Lismore, headspace Tweed Heads and headspace Ballina are operated by Social Futures and funded by Healthy North Coast through the North Coast PHN Program.  

People of Lismore and the Northern Rivers, it's time to roll your sleeves up. Lifeblood is urging thousands of Australians to donate as plasma demand hits a record high.The mother of a little boy whose life depends on plasma for an extremely rare bleeding disorder - found in only one in a million people - is personally asking Australians to donate, as demand for the liquid gold part of blood reaches record levels.Two-year-old Joey is the only child in Australia with severe Factor V deficiency who requires regular plasma treatment to prevent life-threatening internal bleeding.“Plasma is his entire life,” Joey’s mum, Alexandria, said. “He’s able to be a rambunctious little toddler because of it. Without plasma, even a simple fall could be catastrophic.”(Two-year-old Joey relies on plasma to keep him healthy)Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is calling for thousands of new plasma donors to help meet soaring demand—including among vulnerable patients in children’s hospitals, where 45,000 plasma medications and transfusions are needed each year.The call coincides with International Plasma Awareness Week (6-10 October), with plasma now the most needed type of blood donation in Australia and a record 17,500 bags required every week.Lifeblood Executive Director Strategy & Growth Stuart Chesneau said demand is being driven by medical advances, with plasma used to treat more than 50 acute and chronic conditions.“Australia is one of the top three users of plasma medications per capita in the world. Yet fewer than one per cent of Australians donate plasma, even though we estimate more than 10 million are eligible,” Stuart said.“We need 900 extra plasma donors every day this month to help meet demand and support patients like Joey.”Diagnosed at just four months old, Joey receives plasma through a surgically implanted port in his chest—treatment that allows him to live a mostly normal life.“Joey is truly one in a million,” Dr Sally Campbell, Paediatric Haematologist at Queensland Children’s Hospital, said. “Without plasma, he faces the risk of serious internal bleeding, including into his brain. Access to donor plasma has been life-changing for him and his family.”“We are incredibly privileged in Australia to have such generous plasma donors. Plasma is a powerful product—and for patients like Joey, it’s absolutely essential.”Across Australia, thousands of children rely on plasma. It contains antibodies that protect those with weakened immune systems. It also has proteins that can stop blood loss, support cancer patients through treatment, and prevent serious complications in pregnancy.Lifeblood supplies more than 6,500 plasma medicines and transfusions to hospitals every day. Plasma can be donated every two weeks, making it one of the most impactful ways to support the health of others.“If you’ve ever considered donating, now is the time to find your reason to save a life,” Stuart said.To book a plasma donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Lifeblood app.

Member for Lismore and Minister for Recovery, North Coast and Small Business, Janelle Saffin, sat down for a Talking Lismore podcast on Friday to talk about buyback auctions, house raising & retrofits, future land use, Resilient Lands Program and more.Ms Saffin spoke about the increased number of houses that will be sold before Christmas, 42 in total."It is moving forward very quickly. As Minister, I said, steamroll the selling. The RA had one real estate agent, so I said Get more. If one can't handle that many or share it around, get more. So we've got three."On the 7th of October, there will be 12, then there's another 22, in November, and some more coming. So it's great. People are interested Australia-wide. It's surprising how many people have contacted me and said, What's this about? They're really interested in it. They haven't seen it before."There's a lot of interest, and a lot of younger families are interested, because they either can afford a block and then move it. And a couple I know who've done that, they've got young kids, they told me it is a lot less expensive, cheaper than going out, and buying a house as is. And there's some who are moving onto farms as a secondary dwelling, particularly in our LGA. So it's an opportunity to get into the housing market, and we know how tough that is."When asked about the negative comments around House Removal companies buying multiple houses to on-sell, Ms Saffin said, "I'd rather them buy them than not, because I want them sold and they will be reused, they will be recycled. They will on sell them to someone, so it will go to a local family. They're hanging on to them. That's how I see it."House raising and retrofits are not on the same upward trajectory. They appear to be taking a long time to get going."It has quickened up a bit, because I've seen about 460 odd assessments done, and they'll do well over 1000 assessments, even more than that. So that is moving along again. I asked if that could be sped up, and just do as many as you can in a week."So look, sometimes I just say, Get your skates on, because I want it done quickly, things like that. And I'm well aware that quite often they just don't have the people who can do it. There's people around, but they're booked up elsewhere.When asked if bureaucracy was also part of the problem, Ms Saffin replied, "Half and half, I would say."Workshops for Future Land Use were announced during the week. A sign that Lismore was starting to look to the future rather than the rearview mirror."That really pleased me. I said, This is a chance for renewal. 2022 was thrust upon us. This one we can do ourselves. We can say, we can renew. We can reimagine what Lismore will be like with houses gone, but with more open space. What do we do with it? And it doesn't preclude some of the business and the light industrial, but people building back or building in a way that is flood-resistant."We still want our car boot market back, albeit in a different place, but we still want that back, and we'll need to have that big roof. I'd suggested Richmond River High School. Other people have said they want something else there. I don't mind, but let's get back that market."And the big thing for me was, let's connect each other so we'll still have a South identity, a North identity, an East, a CBD, light industrial surrounds, but we'll be connected, and that's what I'm hoping will come out of our precincts,"It would be lovely to have a footbridge. Now, some people tell me it can't happen, some say it can, but let's have the discussion. We'll have nice walkways coming from the precincts into town, that's important, and walkways and bikeways. One of the things we often struggle with, if you watch people walking around Lismore, is someone with a pram or in a wheelchair."The Resilient Lands Program has been frustratingly slow, especially Mt Pleasant Estate in Goonellabah. Does the Minister feel that, too?"I'm local, so of course, I'm frustrated, and I've been assured that will happen by year's end, so by 2026, people will be able to buy and move there. And I keep saying, Hurry up, hurry up. So I'm really clear on that. I feel like you with that."North Lismore. It's in a legal process, so I can't quicken that one. But that will be great when that happens. And we'll have Richmond River High there. "Then with the land, the Crawford Road land, RA own it, and Landcom are getting it ready. I'm told that they will break ground soon. I emailed and asked for Landcom to give me an update, and I got an email back saying that will happen soon. As soon as I get that update, I'll let people know or ask them to make it public."Since taking over as Minister for Recovery at the end of March this year, Ms Saffin was thrust into the flooding on the Mid North Coast and Hunter Valley. With her Northern Rivers experience, she got to thinking about the big picture. "There are some priorities where I want the Reconstruction Authority to be, the recovery to be. I said we need a very particular Recovery Road Map, because, understandably, as a community, we did it, we all do it, we want everything after a disaster. But what can any government do, no matter who they are? What are the main things we do? How do the disaster relief funding arrangements work? What do we get from it? What does the state do? What does the federal, what do local do? Just so, at the outset, we say in recovery these are the things that are done. "Works underway on that. What I do as minister is let it be known some of my intentions, and that's one of them, with the personal hardship payments that people get that's administered through Service New South Wales. They do a pretty good job. But I really want that in the community, because they know the communities best. You've got neighbourhood centres, a lot of them all over the state. We have partners, like the Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul, Anglicare and Australian Red Cross. Now, they might not want to do it, but certainly they could be involved in the personal hardship payments. "I really want community to be at the centre, and that's a good way. So there are some things like that that I've started to work on that's not formally announced in any way, but it's stuff I've got underway and looking to get some support. "The other thing is, whole of government. The Reconstruction Authority is a coordinating agency, and every other agency is involved. Mal Lanyon and I did a lot more work on that, so that it wasn't just the RA, it was every other agency, and I've even got some of them excited, and to be at the table earlier. "The other thing is, recovery starts with response. They used to wait till the formal handover, and now it's no, we've got a disaster or an impending disaster, recoveries are there, side by side. So just some of those things, working through those. Of course, I've lost Mal Lanyon now. With the recruitment process in place, what do you look for in a CEO for the RA?"Three things: compassion, a communicator and competent in whatever they do. So they're the three things I look for in a person's particular experience. It may be from a combat agency. It may not be. It may be someone who's worked in any area, but they've got to have those three and understand, really understand, the community when these disasters happen. It's not a physical rebuild and repair; it's also psychological. There's a whole lot of things to it. And be able to give reassuranc. Mal was able to give that. Ms Saffin said the recruitment process will be around three months. Until then, the acting CEO is Kate Meagher.She has those qualities. She is competent, she's compassionate, and she's a good communicator. When Kate was in the Premier's Department, she had a role in emergency management, because there's a team in there who also work on that, and I liaised with them in 2022. When I said I need people here on the ground, a lot more people, she brought them in from everywhere, and she was there herself. "She never said to anyone, Look, I'm from here, this is who I am. She was just there quietly on the ground. The same in the mid north coast and Hunter, same thing in the recovery centres, just working away, checking, making sure things were working. She knows this space really well."There is more discussed in the Talking Lismore podcast (via the App or https://talkinglismore.buzzsprout.com/ via the website), such as what Ms Saffin enjoys when she attends the Lismore Show and her show BBQ.