Melinda Turner was about to close her shop Shoes on Magellan, in Lismore’s CBD, and move her business online - when a lifeline was extended to her.“When I told the real estate agent, Andrew Gordon, I was going to close and explained my situation, he said ‘don’t worry about it’,” Melinda said.“He had spoken to the building’s owners Reg and Denise Miller the night before and they said I could get 90 days free rent while this pandemic was going on."I pinched myself – it was great news.”After two years in her current Magellan Street shop location, Melinda had seen her business drop by two thirds in the last few weeks, as people were staying home, avoiding coronavirus.Her plan to quit the shop and take over her living room with her shop stock and follow up enquiries with front door customer visits would have been problematic, so she is glad to be stable and still in town.“I am still open Monday, Thursday and Saturday - fitting shoes in the shop,” Melinda said.“I was born into shoes and feet– my dad and granddad were shoe makers and it’s in my blood.“I love fitting shoes. I see the shape of someone’s foot and know my stock so I can find the right shape and style for you and make sure it fits properly.Shoes on Magellan is open Mondays 8.30am-3.30pm, Thursdays, 10.30am-4.30pm and Saturdays 9.30am-1.30pm.You can find Shoes on Magellan on Instagram, and if you ring Melinda on 0428 117 924, she’ll come in especially to do a shoe fitting for you.Good business senseReal estate agent Andrew Gordon said the decision by the building’s owners to offer rent relief to Melinda was not only a generous offer, but it made good business sense.“Landlords will still need tenants in their buildings after this crisis is over, so it’s great business sense to keep them there,” he said.“It shows we value the tenants and also allows someone else the opportunity to thrive.”Other landlords in Lismore have also been offering rent relief to tenants.Barry Robinson, owner of the East Lismore Shopping Centre has also offered rent assistance to some of his commercial clients affected by the business downturn.“I’m in the lucky position that I can – not like some other building owners,” he said. “We help where ever it’s obvious the tenant can’t trade.“One of my tenants has a partner who is immuno-compromised and can’t afford to catch the virus. It’s on a case by case basis – if business has a valid reason for needing rent abatement, we help them out on a month by month basis – that’s the fair way.“It will be difficult recovering from this virus – the world’s 14th most deadly thing - and hopefully there’s something to come back to at the end of it.”CBD ratesThe good news about rent relief comes after last night’s Lismore City Council meeting where an agenda item to discuss a CBD rates drop of 50% was held over until the next Council meeting scheduled for next week.Andrew Gordon believes dropping CBD business rates in the CBD by 50% is just a case of “robbing Peter to pay Paul”.“If we reduce CBD rates and impose the rate hike on others in residential community - is that forging better relationships between the community and business?" he said.“It’s a disaster waiting to happen. We need the best of both in mind.”NEWS: GM confirms SRV is being withdrawn at Council meetingNEWS: Inner CBD businesses holding their breath

While most of us stayed home over the Easter long weekend, Richmond Police District officers were busy, making sure people comply with social distancing and stay at home directives. Yesterday in Nimbin, police found a man drinking - and issued him with a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN).Local police reported that about 4.40pm yesterday, officers observed four people drinking in a park at Cullen Street, Nimbin. One of them, a 27 year old man, told police he travelled to Nimbin from Casino because he was bored. The man also told officers that he was aware of the current ministerial direction, but that he did not believe in Coronavirus – then he was issued with the $1000 PIN. As most of us stay home in isolation, the slow spread of coronavirus moves through NSW. As of 8pm last night, NSW Health reported a small increase (7 cases) in the number of confirmed cases across the State, bringing the total to 2870. There have been 26 deaths in NSW from Covid-19.When we look at a breakdown of Covid-19 cases in our local health district, the number of cases in Lismore remains at 5, with 16 in Byron and 14 in Tweed. The general and ongoing message is: stay home, stay safe – and wash your hands.Other PINs issued locallyAbout 12.50pm yesterday, officers from Richmond Police district spoke to two men at Lake Ainsworth, Lennox Head, and warned them they were in breach of the Public Health Order. Fifteen minutes later the pair, aged 22 and 25, were spoken to again at the Pat Morton Lookout, Lennox Head, and they were both issued with a $1000 PIN.About 2.10pm yesterday officers from Richmond Police District spoke to a man in a hire car at a boat ramp on Riverside Drive, West Ballina. The 32-year-old failed to provide a reasonable excuse for being there and was issued a $1000 PIN. He was also served with an outstanding Firearms Prohibition Order and Weapons Prohibition Order.About 4.10pm yesterday, officers from Richmond Police district detected two vans with South Australian number plates at Sharpes Beach carpark, Skennars Head. A 56-year-old woman and 54-year-old man were issued move on directions, but around an hour later police returned and the pair had not moved. They were both issued a $1000 PIN.

Tonight’s online Lismore City Council meeting heralds a new way for councillors to meet remotely – and for the public to watch.In a new world of Covid-19 social distancing, everyone is adapting. Councillors have already been trialling the online meeting software (Zoom) in workshops, from the comfort of their own homes.Cr Neil Marks said they getting familiar with new electronic ways to put their hands up, or to let the Mayor know when they wish to speak.So, tonight, if you log onto the Council weblink to view the meeting, you’ll still get to see the faces of the councillors broadcast on the screen, and any slides or information they share with the group.“The community will see what we see,” Cr Marks said. “We have 11 councillors and several staff who’ll be in the meeting.“Any member of the public who has already booked in to ask questions during the meeting will be able to dial in and speak too. As councillors, we’ll only be able to hear them, not see them.”“We’ll also be discussing whether or not council meetings should start earlier in the day than 6pm,” Cr Marks said. “We need to discuss how it will affect councillors who have other jobs if we make the meeting earlier in the day.“Ultimately, we could save staff costs if we didn’t have night meetings – and avoid paying staff overtime to have them here in the evening.“We’ll be looking at setting new guidelines for council meetings past September and we need to offer flexibility for those that work other jobs.”Cr Marks said he expected there to be plenty of public input at tonight’s meeting, from concerned Monaltrie residents, over a Development Consent application to modify an existing quarry to increase its life for another 25 years. At tonight’s meeting are also two notices of motion being proposed by Crs Bird and Lloyd.Cr Edie Lloyd is proposing Council holds a workshop on the impact of cost shifting on council and on NSW regional councils.Cr Elly Bird will be proposing a motion that Council needs to put pressure on the Federal and State Governments to direct economic stimulus packages to local governments through the Covid-19 crisis.Councils rely on residents paying rates to keep the cash flowing, and if the Covid-19 restrictions and closures forced on towns means rates don’t get paid, Councils will all be in the same boat when it comes to a lack of cash flow to keep operations running.In short, while the 2019 Special Rates Variation (SRV) to increase rates to help pay for road works has been stopped already, it is possible that Lismore City Council could have to apply for another SRV in the next 12 months, along with many other councils.If you want to watch the Council meeting live and online tonight, starting at 6pm, you can find the link here: http://webcast.lismore.nsw.gov.auNEWS: Inner CBD businesses holding their breath

If you have been tested for Covid-19, you can now receive your pathology results via text message. A first in the State, the development by NSW Health Pathology means you’ll get your results faster.Instead of waiting up to a week to get the results, an automated SMS message will be sent to you within 24 hours of getting the test done at a specialist lab.Patients who test positive for the virus will still have their results reported immediately to their referring doctor and public health unit.A NSW Health spokesperson said “this major development is about putting the patient first by helping reduce the anxiety of waiting for results in isolation. It will also help ease pressure on busy hospital and laboratory staff”. To receive their results via this new service, a patient must opt in through a registration and identity verification process when they are being tested for Covid-19 at a NSW public hospital.“Data security is critical to this process and the SMS notification system will integrate with existing statewide security and other support infrastructure to ensure patient privacy and data integrity is maintained,” the spokesperson said.Following is an image of the SMS people will receive, if they test negative for COVID-19:

Police are seeking community assistance with locating 22 year old Ashleigh Deahm, who is wanted by virtue of an arrest warrant. Miss Deahm is known to frequent the Lismore and Bentley areas.If you can help locate Miss Deahm, contact Lismore Police 02 6626 0599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

When the “gig” economy dried up a few weeks ago, it meant the end of life as we know it for local musicians.The coronavirus-forced closure of pubs, clubs and venues as places for music and performance meant no more income for musos and actors – and the end is still not in sight.Goonellabah-based musicians Chris Fisher and Marcelle Townsend Cross (aka Monkey and the Fish) found themselves facing uncertainty in the future, but have kept making music, performing recently from their own home, and streaming the concert live on Facebook in The Pub With No Fear.“The musos are lining up for Centrelink – there’s nothing in the government’s rescue package for the casual gig economy,” Marcelle said.“Chris has signed up for Centrelink benefits and we are surviving because I still have some teaching work.”Chris had been running the East Lismore Bowling Club open mic events until the club was forced to close under social isolation restrictions.“We lost all our gigs,” Marcelle said. “Most musicians plan their gigs six months in advance, so everything is lost.“But our garden is looking good – Chris has not just been sitting around – he’s been doing stuff around the house.”Bring on the online pub - The Pub With No Fear.Monkey and The Fish in the band's gigging days.It’s a Facebook group set up by Alstonville musicians Debi Martin and Brad Buckley as a concert space to give musicians a chance to keep performing, and people who love live music to keep hearing it.“We did a Monkey and the Fish solo set last weekend,” Marcelle said. “Chris had fun setting up for it on the day. He set up lights and a backdrop and the sound system. He spent a day getting the sound right – we still wanted the performance to look and sound great.”At The Pub With No Fear, musicians' performances are scheduled throughout the day, and if listeners like the music, they can put money into the performer's Paypal account, if they have supplied one.Marcelle said all the recordings stay on the site for a while and you can watch performances live or catch up later.“Friends of mine were watching and they loved staying connected with us and our music,” Marcelle said. The Pub With No Fear’s instigators Debi Martin and Brad Buckley said setting up the group was one way they could keep doing their job as musicians, which they loved.“Like so many others, we have worked hard to get to where we are and be gig match fit - only to be thrust into a world of uncertainty,” they posted on Facebook.“This means our craft stands to slip if we don’t find a way to keep it up."We have to keep music alive, give people a place to go to retreat to … maybe kick back and enjoy a few hours watching musicians in real time perform from their lounge rooms, studios and outdoor home settings."If you are interested in listening or performing, find The Pub With No Fear on Facebook. Tuesday is official open mic day and upcoming and new performers get a chance to stretch their wings.NEWS: Local theatre ready to light the night sky

While the stage remains dark, the Rochdale Theatre’s outside is set to be brightly lit this Wednesday, April 15 in a show of solidarity with other entertainment businesses forced to close in the Covid-19 crisis. In lighting up, the Lismore Theatre Company joins other arts facilities around the nation, like the Brisbane Powerhouse, for Light Unite Australia.It’s heralded as a mark of respect to all fighting the pandemic and draws attention to the plight of the entertainment business and the loss of income for a whole industry.LTC technician Luke Kane said “it's a great way to bring a little colour to keep our spirits up during this period as almost everybody in the entertainment industry is currently unemployed”.Light Unite is an Australian Lighting Industry Association initiative to raise awareness of the impacts of the global pandemic on the entertainment and arts industries. “Traditionally theatres are not dark for long, so having every theatre in Australia shut down is unprecedented,” Luke said.“All theatres, whether professional or community based are feeling the financial and emotional effects.”LTC president Sharon Brodie said “it is difficult for creative, community minded people to just stay home, but in the end our committee was proactive in postponing our scheduled shows to protect our audiences”. “I believe that our community has appreciated what we have done and will be eager to support the theatre when we reopen,” she said.“Meanwhile, we can light up our exterior from 7-9pm on 15 April to remind the community and the government that we are still here.”Educating Rita was to open on March 20 for three weekends and the pantomime Puss in Thongs was scheduled for six performances in late April. The Company’s Artistic Director and Educating Rita’s Producer Kylie Fuad said “although it has been a huge setback for our 50th year at the Rochdale, we will celebrate with Educating Rita as the first show of our 2020 season, whenever it starts”. “Our volunteers are a resilient bunch and will be back stronger than ever and we will be keen to welcome more people to be part of our theatre,” she said.While in this forced period of closure, the company is posting photos of past shows on its Facebook page and providing links to the many free on-line productions streaming from theatre companies around the world.Keep an eye on the skies over Goonellabah from 7-9pm on Wednesday, April 15 and LTC social media pages to see what’s happening.NEWS: The Pub With No Fear invites local musos to play

Local not-for-profit organisations can apply for one of the up to $5000 community grants up for grabs from Summerland Credit Union.Applications close on April 30 and are open to a wide range of organisations throughout the community, including charities, schools, sporting organisations, social clubs, and community events.Previous grant recipients include Goonellabah’s Care-Ring Children’s Centre to update the centre’s vegetable garden and the outdoor play area; Eltham Public School P and C to create a butterfly garden; Lismore Friendship Festival to put on the Piazza in the Park Festival; RED Inc to provide a specialised bed and lifter designed for someone in a wheelchair; and South Gundurimba Hall to improve the catering options for all hall users from the community.To apply, click https://summerland.com.au/community-grants

How can we make employment and business ownership easier to access for Indigenous Australians?The Indigenous Affairs Committee in the Federal Parliament has launched a new survey seeking your feedback on how to achieve this.This survey forms part of the committee’s current Inquiry into Pathways and Participation Opportunities for Indigenous Australians in Employment and Business.Committee chair Julian Leeser said a focus of the inquiry is removing barriers.“What better way to start than by removing barriers to participating in the inquiry?” Mr Leeser said.“You can fill out the survey in only five minutes, and if there’s something you’d like to raise with the Committee in more detail you can still make a longer written submission to the inquiry and be considered as a possible witness at a future public hearing.”The Committee plans to announce hearings around regional as part of the inquiry.You can find more information about the inquiry on the Committee’s website: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Indigenous_AffairsThe survey can be accessed at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IndigenousParticipationSurvey

Alcohol-based hand sanitiser is dangerous if ingested, particularly for children.  The message from NSW Health to parents comes after a recent spike in the number of emergency calls due to hand sanitiser exposure incidents - mostly by babies and young children ingesting it at home.NSW Poisons Information Centre said while hand sanitiser is an important tool in stopping the spread of Covid-19, even a small amount can be harmful for young children and babies if ingested.The Centre’s senior poisons specialist Genevieve Adamo said hand sanitiser products should be stored safely and out of reach of children. “When they are used by young children it should be under the supervision of an adult,” Ms. Adamo said.“Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is also a safe and effective option to help combat Covid-19.”Consumers are reminded to be aware of imported products which may not be clearly labelled and may contain more toxic alcohols such as methanol that make the product more dangerous. Products may also be packaged in a range of container types, including beverage containers, which can increase the risk of accidental ingestion and poisoning.Additionally, there have been reports of people making their own hand sanitiser, which may increase the risk of potential poisoning.Most minor ingestions can be safely managed at home but telephone assessment is still important.“Regardless of the quantity, people should always call the Poisons Information Centre for first aid and monitoring advice and should ensure they have the container of the ingested product with them,” Ms Adamo said.“Calling the Poisons Information Centre first to see if you or your child needs to go to hospital may prevent unnecessary visits to the Emergency Department and will help to keep Emergency Departments free for emergencies. “In the current climate, it also prevents people increasing their risk of exposure to Covid-19.”Everyone can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by practising social distancing, thorough hand washing, cough etiquette and staying home if they’re unwell. To learn how to protect yourself and others see https://preview.nsw.gov.au/covid-19 For advice on possible poisoning, please contact the 24 hour Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.  

Now that we are home bound for a while and you can see many people working on their lawns, hedges and gardens, we felt it was a good idea to give some tips on what type of fruit and vegetables to plant in Autumn.Our source is The Garden Centre in South Lismore, a locally owned business. We spoke to Oliver Blythe who passed on this advice.Autumn brings cooler growing conditions which is good for root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, radishes, parsnips, onions and garlic.There are quite a few other vegetables that also do well in autumn such as peas & beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and kale.Some herbs will also keep you in fresh supply such as parsely, spring onions and corriander.If you are lacking in room then pots are a viable option for herbs.Preparing your garden bed for two weeks before planting is ideal, digging in some compost to loosen the soil and mix in the nutrients.The cabbage moth is still active while we have these remaining warm sunny days but there are natural remedies available to protect your crops.For the fruit lovers, it is a good time to plant citrus trees so oranges, lemons and limes as well as mangoes and lychees.As you know, we at the Lismore App want you to shop local and keep your money in our community. If you are already a gardener or if you want to give growing your own vegetables a try, you can call the Garden Centre, order what you need then quickly pick it up soon after. There are strict social distancing rules that will be enforced.Coronavirus has shortened trading hours to three days:Sunday 9am - 1pmMonday 9am - 4:30pmTuesday 9am - 4:30pmThe phone number is 6621 7305 and the address 67-69 Union Street, South Lismore.Oliver mentioned they have plenty of seedlings at The Garden Centre.Good luck with your autumn and winter crops!A reminder that to further shop local and support businesses that are doing it tough at the moment, go to the Takeaway/Home Delivery yellow button on the front page of the Lismore App.You can help save a business from closing by ordering takeaway or getting home delivery whether it be coffee, lunch or dinner or sheets for your bed.

In the past few days, we have had people ask what you can and cannot do during the coronavirus pandemic restrictions.I hope we can give some clarification for you on a few hobbies after discussions with the Lismore Police station this afternoon.FISHINGFishing is considered 'passive exercise' so is acceptable. You cannot drive 3-4 hours to fish but Ballina is fine and you must practise social distancing from other boats at a wharf or other fishermen on the beach.Keep in mind that many NSW beaches are closed so please check before heading out.In a statement from NSW Police Commissioner gave this advice "If you do need a break and if [fishing] is your exercise, then do it sensibly and do it quickly and return home".EXERCISING ON OR NEAR THE BEACHAs you maybe aware, exercise is permitted for 1 hour per day with one other person or the people in your household that are living under the same roof. If you are exercising with a friend then you must practice the 1.5 metre social distancing rule.You can drive to your exercise location and this includes beachside locations, as long as they are in your vicinity and not 2-3 hours away. Most NSW beaches are closed but if there are running tracks close to the beach these may be used.MOTORBIKE RIDESIf you own a motorbike, the official word is that your bike should stay inside unless it is your mode of transport. Weekend rides to de-stress are not considered exercise therefore are banned. The Richmond District Police have caught some riders that thought it was safe to do so.VISITING RELATIVESVisiting relatives is only allowed if you are caring for that person or providing supplies.A family Easter Sunday visit to watch the Easter egg hunt or for an Easter lunch is not allowed.This is the part that will be difficult for most families, including ours. The best result is a virtual Easter egg hunt through one of the many platforms available like Facebook live, Instagram live, Zoom, Google hangouts and Houseparty.The final word is from Mick Fuller, the NSW Police Force Commissioner "As I keep saying, a good rule of thumb is that if you are questioning whether you should be doing something, it is best to give it a miss".Don't forget you can contact the Lismore App at anytime through the 'Contact The App' button at the bottom of the front page.

The Northern NSW Local Health District has increased its confirmed cases of coronavirus by 2 to 53.It has not been named which specific local health districts these cases occurred. The last confirmed count for Lismore from the NSW Health website says 5, as of this afternoon.A reminder that the Lismore Base Hospital Fever Clinic remains open every day over Easter from 10am to 6pm if you develop or are suffering from any of the following symptoms;A feverA coughA sore throatShortness of breathThen you should seek medical attention.In NSW there were 44 new cases in the last 24 hours to 8pm Friday April 10 bringing the total confirmed cases to 2,857 with 23 deaths. A 91 year old female with pre-existing conditions passed away in hospital.

It is good to see that petrol prices are coming down in price, albeit slowly.If your car is in need of a top up after your limited driving during the 'stay at home' phase of COVID-19, here are the cheapest prices.At the time of writing, Petrol Spy has United on Ballina Road, Lismore is the cheapest at 125.9 for E10 Unleaded. The same price can be had in Nimbin at the Matilda Blue on Sibley Street.BP around the corner (Dawson and Conway) is at 129.9 as it is at the BP at the roundabout near Trinity and Lismore Fuels in South Lismore (Terania & Tweed St).Everything else is in the 130's from 133.9 up to 147.9.Around the 2480 post code you have 119.9 in Kyogle, 121.9 in Casino, 112.9 in Coraki, 110.9 at Evans Head and Newrybar has 106.9.Don't fill up in Ballina as their cheapest is a 137.9!On April 6, I wrote a story about why petrol prices remain high when a barrel of crude was at $20, the lowest price since 1999. While it has risen to $23 prices are still very low in comparison to the last 5 years Lismore Petrol Prices - why are they so high?.

For anyone who normally attends religious services, this Easter brings some changes in how we find that connection, while in isolation – and staying at home. A number of local churches are offering online services this weekend and The Lismore App had a look to see what was happening.Anglican ChurchThe Anglican Church will celebrate Easter with a dawn service, beginning at 5.30am on Sunday, April 12.Anglican Church Pastor Christian Ford said the service would be pre-recorded and then uploaded to be watched on Facebook and then made available on YouTube“It’s an old tradition to have the Easter Sunday vigil of a dawn service,” Pastor Ford said. “We start in darkness and end in light as the sun rises.”Pastor Ford said this Easter’s deviation from traditional gatherings was being felt by many people, who get comfort and meaning from being able to go to church.“But Jesus was about the breaking of tradition,” he said. “He showed that death was the end of everything – that was the biggest break ever. We might feel uncomfortable, but we’ll get through it.“We just need to remember we are a community and remember the wellbeing of others too.“Today, Good Friday, we remember that sacrifice is involved with love – I’ll miss out on being with my mum and dad today, but we sacrifice that for a greater good.” Southern Cross Presbyterian ChurchYou can join the Presbyterian congregation online this Sunday at 10am: https://zoom.us/j/657139469?status=successCentreChurchCentreChurch will broadcast online on Facebook on Sunday morning at 9.45am: https://www.facebook.com/Centrechurch-Lismore-169646339912064/Catholic ChurchThe Easter Triduum in the Cathedral will be live streamed on the Lismore Diocesan YouTube channel.Mass times are:Good Friday - Celebration of the Lord's Passion 6pmEaster Saturday - Vigil Mass of Easter 6pmEaster Sunday - Easter Mass 8amBishop of Lismore Reverend Greg Homeming said in a letter to parishioners "until the emergency is over, I will offer daily mass for each of you"."I will also spend more time in prayer asking Our Heavenly Father to take all fear from your hearts, to fill you with gentleness and peace, to give you and your loved ones His protection and to bring healing to those who contract the virus. I would be very grateful if you would remember me in your prayers,” he said.With regard to Confession, he said "the Church teaches that, when it is impossible to go to Confession, all that is required is an act of contrition and a promise to go to confession in the future".NEWS: Fun things to do this Easter

Just in case you were tempted to get in your car and drive into nature for the weekend, Lismore City Council has put a stop to it and closed a number of roads.The decision was made after National Parks and Wildlife closed both Minyon Falls and Nightcap National Parks due to Covid-19 restrictions.Barricades and signage have been erected on Minyon Falls Road, at the intersection with Coopers Creek Road. Nightcap Range Road is also closed at the Middleton Way intersection.Lismore City Council said regular checks will be performed on the road closures to ensure compliance. “Anyone found to be flouting the closures will be reported to the Police,” a Council statement said.Local residents can still access their properties, as can emergency vehicles if required.NEWS: Churches broadcast online Easter services NEWS: How to cope in your family bubble during the school holidays

There are a lot of fun - and safe - activities to entertain you and your family at home this Easter.While Lismore’s playgrounds, art gallery and libraries may be closed, you can still do a daily workout, see an art exhibition, listen to children’s story time and even borrow an e-book – from the safety and comfort of your own home.Here is a list of things you can do this Easter.FITNESSStay at home and keep moving: Lismore fitness options go onlineBoost your health and immunity with free online programsAfter gorging on chocolates and hot-cross buns, why not work off those extra calories with Goonellabah Sports & Aquatic Centre’s Switch Fitness program.Every day, GSAC’s Yonika Mantel is posting work-outs that you and your family can join.These are great for the mind as well as the body. Go to the Switch Fitness Facebook page and get fit for free: https://www.facebook.com/SWITCHFITNESSCENTRE/ART GALLERYPeggy Popart takes art adventures onlineFor lovers of art, the Lismore Regional Gallery is there for you. Its doors may be closed but its windows to the world are open wide.You can watch the story and see the craftsmanship behind the world-famous Hannah Cabinet that is now on permanent display in our gallery, visit Online Exhibitions, listen to previous Podcasts from the popular and thought-provoking Thursday Night Live series, or unleash your pent-up creativity by joining an online art class.This and more, is available at the Lismore Regional Gallery: https://mailchi.mp/lismore/lismore-regional-gallery-update-april-2020LIBRARYFor bookworms and storytellers, the place to go this Easter is the online Richmond Tweed Regional Library.Adults and children can join the library and download e-books, e-magazines and audio books by clicking: https://rtrl.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/MSGTRN/WPAC/JOINThe young ones will be mesmerised watching the special Easter Storytime that will be published on the Facebook page on Saturday morning. https://youtu.be/2cRSKVhodFMThey can also watch the local librarians present online Storytime, Toddler time and Baby Bounce: https://rtrl.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-JMV-32-26-07, or direct Youtube link for all past sessions: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHiMpHlIYykZFGE0iuy8GRwAnd of course, no-one should miss the Special Guest Peggy Popart from the Lismore Regional Gallery reading Where the Wild Things Are.Peggy is a character with an awesome knowledge of art and is a terrific tour guide who loves to draw a picture or two with kids, big and small! Oh, and she also has some pretty bold dance moves! https://www.rtrl.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp….You can see the previous online library videos on Lismore City Council’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHiMpHlIYykZFGE0iuy8GRw. 

The latest major Lismore event to fall victim to the Covid-19 crisis is the Italian-themed Piazza in the Park.This has been held for the past four years, usually in late June, and in 2019 was organised in conjunction with a Lismore Italian Film Festival.Festival organisers, Lismore Friendship Festival Committee, have decided to postpone the events and hope to make a decision in coming months about future plans.Committee president, Dr Ros Derrett, said the festival has played a significant role in the region’s community cultural landscape, and intends to continue the celebration with vigour and creativity in the future.“Last year 4500 people attended the Piazza in the Park, held in Spinks Park, and over 300 attended the inaugural Italian Film Festival at Lismore Cinemas,” Dr Derrett said.“We are determined to offer locals and visitors the free family fun that has been characteristic of the outdoor festival, but only when safe to do so. “We will work with festival partners, public funders, our sponsors, business stakeholders, Council, volunteers, stallholders to ensure a full return to sustainable events.“We acknowledge the city’s connection with two Italian sister cities and residents of Italian descent who have contributed much to the region’s rich cultural life.”She urged the region’s residents to keep track of future plans and preparations through the festival’s social media platforms and website.

Hot cross buns delivered at the right time can make all the difference. People receiving cancer treatment in Lismore’s purpose built accommodation, Our House, received a delivery of local hot cross buns from Football Far North Coast.The small “sweet gesture” was a joyful one to show the community that someone was thinking about them, Football Far North Coast general manager Steve Mackney said.“What better way to say we care than with hot cross buns,” Steve said.“We recognise that with the restrictions and recommendations for staying at home, the guests at Our House may need some encouragement from others during this time.“It’s about recognising that both clubs and local charities are affected right now, but together we can work through this season.“Covid-19 has made an impact in our country, and businesses including sporting clubs and local charities have been hit hard through this holiday time. “Staying at home to stay lives this Easter is the message for all and despite the hardship we are all feeling, we just want to spread some Easter joy to those doing it tough.”Our Kids and Our House Fundraising Coordinator Rebekka Battista, said Covid-19 has impacted charities.“Like all businesses we work with community and with the restrictions to help save lives our fundraising has been effected,” Rebekka said.“A huge thanks to Football Far North Coast and the soccer community, they have supported Our Kids and Our House for years and we know too they have been hit hard. "We really appreciate them championing us through this.”