Normally, Wilson McLellan would leave rosemary at the Lismore cenotaph on Anzac Day. But this year, under social distancing regulations, everything will change.Wilson has been the secretary of the Returned Servicemen’s League (RSL) Lismore City sub-branch for 21 years and said despite not being able to gather for the usual dawn service at the cenotaph, he encourages people to still pay their respects to those who have fallen in wartimes. The cenotaph at Lismore Memorial Baths.“We can’t do much at all this year, but people can have their own driveway service," he said.“It’s easy, at dawn go to your driveway, have a moment's silence, or have your own service. “You can say a few words to acknowledge the fact that many paid the supreme sacrifice all those years ago, as well as the ongoing conflicts still happening in the world.”Wilson said it was important that we continue to remember Anzac Day because “in the long run, it might give people more thought about what’s to come”.“There’s a lot of young blokes left Australia shores and never came home,” Wilson said. “We remember them at dawn especially, because that’s when they landed at Gallipoli and the whole ANZAC movement began,” he said.“It’s time of refection for all war, including World Wars 1 and 2, the Korean and Vietnam wars and all armed conflicts.“Some soldiers came home with internal baggage and we take time to remember.“We don’t want more war - it’s said after every war and we are still learning.“My two great uncles’ names from WW1 are engraved on the on inside entrance to the memorial baths - they never came home.”How You Can Commemorate ANZAC Day 2020Click on The Lismore App ANZAC Day button to hear the Last Post and see historic Anzac Day photos Light up the dawnAt 6am on ANZAC Day, go to the end of your driveway or stand on your balcony and listen to a brief commemorative service. Together – even while apart – we’ll remember those who served and sacrificed. You can sign the pledge to light up the dawn at http://www.rslanzacspirit.com.au Tune into live services and virtual commemorative servicesThe ABC will be broadcasting a 5.30am service from the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. There will also be a 10am service from the Anzac Memorial in Sydney that will be broadcast on ABC and streamed live.Reach out to a mate who might be aloneMany people are alone during this time of isolation. It’s an opportunity to invoke the ANZAC value of mateship and check to see how a mate is doing. Donate to the ANZAC Appeal online at http://www.anzacappeal.com.auDonations support Australian veterans and their families in need. Donations in New South Wales support services provided by RSL DefenceCare and Veteran Sport Australia.

"Cautiously optimistic while remaining vigilant" are the words from Wayne Jones, Chief Executive Northern NSW Local Health District today after another "0" in today's column of new confirmed COVID19 cases. Lismore remains at 5 for yet another day bringing the total of coronavirus free days to 23, with the last increase on March 31.While there have been no new recorded cases of COVID-19 in residents of the Northern NSW Local Health District for 6 days now, Mr Jones is reminding the community that it is not yet time to relax or celebrate.The Local Health District is encouraging everyone in the community to continue practicing social distancing, staying at home, and keeping high standards of hygiene.Mr Jones said the lack of any new cases should be considered a positive sign that the majority of people are doing the right thing, but there is still a chance we could see more spread of the disease if we are not careful and united in our behaviour.“Although many of us may feel cautiously optimistic, our organisation is remaining vigilant, and I urge community members to do so as well,” Mr Jones said.“As an additional safety measure, we are now screening all staff on arrival to work at public hospitals and health services. This has already been implemented for hospital visitors for almost two weeks.“We are pleased to see the number of new cases of COVID-19 stabilise across NSW and are encouraged by the community’s willingness to come forward for testing.Anyone who is feeling unwell with a fever, cough or other symptoms of COVID-19 should call their GP for assessment or attend their nearest COVID clinic to be assessed for testing.“We’re also encouraging anyone who works with vulnerable populations, such as in aged care or disability settings, or in close contact with others to present for testing if they have any symptoms, however mild. The absence of a temperature is no guarantee of being COVID-19 negative.”NNSWLHD can now confirm that at least 32 people infected with COVID-19 have recovered, out of the total 56 cases in the District. That figure is correct as at 8pm Tuesday 21 April 2020.To find out how long it takes people infected with COVID-19 to recover, NSW Health staff have begun contacting all cases at three weeks after their illness to ask them about their COVID-19 symptoms. 

A man has been charged over an alleged shooting in the state’s north at the weekend.About 6.30am on Sunday (19 April 2020), a man found a 19-year-old woman on a Nimbin property with a severe injury to her left hand.She was taken to Nimbin Hospital before being flown to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane for further treatment.Police will allege the woman was in a Subaru Impreza earlier that morning with a 22-year-old man, travelling around the Lillian Rock area, about 11km north-west of Nimbin, when she was shot in the hand. She got out of the vehicle and ran to find help.Officers from Richmond Police District commenced an investigation and conducted extensive inquiries to locate the 22-year-old man.About 10.45am yesterday (Tuesday 21 April 2020), police attached to Tweed/Byron Traffic and Highway Patrol were travelling south along Dulguigan Road, Murwillumbah, when they noticed an allegedly stolen white Hyundai Accent travelling north.Police activated all warning lights and initiated a pursuit, with the vehicle allegedly travelling 140km/hr in a signposted 80km/hr zone.The pursuit was terminated a short time later before police located the vehicle at Terranora Road, Terranora, and initiated a second pursuit.The Hyundai lost control and travelled down an embankment before police arrested the alleged driver – a 22-year-old man.He was taken to Tweed Heads Police Station before being transferred to Tweed Heads Hospital under police guard, for treatment to existing injuries.He has since been charged with the following offences and an outstanding revocation of parole warrant was also executed:Discharge firearm etc with intent to cause grievous bodily harmDrive motor vehicle during disqualification period (x2)Police pursuit - not stop - drive at speed (x2)Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerousPossess prohibited drugUse class A vehicle with unauthorised number plate affixedGoods in personal custody suspected being stolen (not motor vehicle)Use unregistered registrable Class A motor vehicle on roadUse uninsured motor vehicleThe man has been refused bail to appear at Lismore Local Court today (Wednesday 22 April 2020).Investigations are continuing.

The Special Rates Variation is finally and officially dead after iPart processed and displayed the letter submitted by Lismore City Council General manager Shelley Oldham late yesterday.Lismore City Council had submitted an application for the SRV on February 12 for a 24% cumulative increase over four years to raise much needed funds for infrastructure projects such as roads.There has been a great deal of speculation as to why the application was not processed sooner following the Council vote against the submission on March 10. Shelley Oldham has been adamant when questioned by the media and councillors that the document had been sent to iPart and the withdrawal of the SRV was with their department.This is the letter that was posted on the iPart website.With the SRV out of the conversation, the big question is "what services the Lismore City Council will have to cut to stay solvent for the rest of 2020"? (Lismore City Council to run out of money, tough decisions ahead).NEWS: CBD business rates to drop; homeowners' rates to rise

If you interested in exhibiting at Lismore Regional Gallery, you are invited to submit your proposal now.Artist submissions should include images, a CV/ Artists Bio (including contact details), web links (if available) and an exhibition statement.Artists will be paid an Artist’s Fee of $500 and the submission deadline is April 27. Gallery director Brett Addlington said the plan was to have the first floor of the gallery showcase curated exhibitions, touring exhibitions, as well as a dedicated gallery for the permanent collection."We will balance our program in these spaces across the year so that it reflects the diverse interests and voices of people from our region and beyond," he said."The prominently located downstairs gallery will prioritise local early career artists in a program of about eight exhibitions per year."The gallery has gallery lighting and hanging tracks."Artists will receive a fee of $500 per show, and be expected to help with installation/de-installation."With a large floor to ceiling window, the gallery space will be highly visible to people passing by and those engaging in activities in the Lismore Quadrangle."Exhibition proposals can be submitted anytime throughout the year and selected by a panel. A selection panel will assess all proposals following our deadline (27 April 2020). Exhibitions assessed in the April 2020 round will be programmed from April 2021, primarily in the downstairs Jenny Dowell Gallery.To apply, email your applications to: art.gallery@lismore.nsw.gov.au  For more information, visit https://lismoregallery.org/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-WVH-06-81-52#.Xp5uqshLhPa

ANZAC Day 2020 will be like no other in our living memory. Gone are the crowds, the street parades and the sense of a community coming together to commemorate a special day in our annual calendars.To keep this tradition alive, the Lismore App wants everyone to still rise early and take their mobile phones down to the end of their driveways or on their patios or verandahs. You are encouraged to light a candle or turn on your mobile phone torch on as you would at a dawn service. Then at 6am play the Ode and Last Post link on your ANZAC Day button and have the one minute silence to remember those that have given so much for our community and country.To motivate you and your family to continue the ANZAC tradition, I would like you to read a story about another ANZAC legend. Norman Alex Melville.The name Norman Melville may sound familiar to some of you. Think Melville Silk Shoppe and now the iconic Melville House on Ballina Road.Norman was born in Lake Cargelligo, NSW in 1892 and was the eldest boy of five children.Norman and his best mate Roy decided to join Australia's war effort together in 1915 at the age of 23. They were in the 20th battalion AIF.Not many soldiers wrote in a diary during their time at war but Norman did. What follows are excerpts from his dairy. While not full of detail they piece together a picture of Norman's experience at Gallipoli.(Norman's diary, medals, dog tags and emblems)1915 June 26 "left for Egypt from Sydney on the steamer Berrima."July 26 "disembarked the boat and took the train to Cairo. The sand is awful".August 3 "I am transferring from the infantry to machine gun section."August 15 "boarded a ship for the Dardanelles."August 23 landed at Gallipoli, "bullets and shrapnel flying everywhere"September 10 "watched beachy Bill (Turkish artillery gun that fired down on Australian troops).September 18 "nearly got hit by a sniper, too damn close to be healthy"October 10 "15 weeks away from Australia, doesn't seem that long."October 22 "cold and raining a treat. Bomb (hand grenade) landed 15 metres away."October 31 "new bomb issued" (diagram in diary)November 27 "snowing and muddy"December 5 "expecting Turkish attacks at any time"December 6 "rumours about being relieved. Hope so because we are nearly finished."December "evacuated from Gallipoli"Norman suffered shrapnel wounds in December 1915 (date unclear).1916 January 3 "on a ship home to Sydney"January 8 "being chased by two submarines"Norman arrived at Sydney heads at 5am on Wednesday May 16, 1916. Sailing into the harbour at 7:40am.For soldiers like Norman who risked so much, remember them this Saturday at 6am (ANZAC Day).Lest we forget.

Living with others can be stressful, but with the added pressure of the coronavirus outbreak, now is the time for housemates to practise good communication … and hygiene.Southern Cross University mental health expert Professor John Hurley says dealing with a housemate who isn’t adhering to strict social distancing measures can be tricky.“The best advice I can give to people who want to inform a housemate about the importance of social distancing, is being able to let them know your position, but doing so without any heavy emotion,” Prof Hurley said.“No matter what your situation is, you can’t actually make other people do what you want them to do. They have to make a personal choice regarding their own personal responsibility.“The best you can do is have a direct honest conversation.”Prof Hurley says the key is communicating without becoming angry or overly emotional – an important skill during times of stress.“If your emotions are heightened, chances are your housemate won’t hear the message or your sound reasoning, but only the anger or emotion within the message.”Before talking with your housemate, Professor Hurley said there are three steps to work through:1. You need to work out what outcome you want2. Regulate your own emotion3. Do everything and say everything in a way that will help get the outcome you want“It’s appropriate to let the person know their decision not to isolate could impact vulnerable people, and ask them if that is the kind of person they’d like to be. That way they are required to reflect on their own behaviour without you judging their behaviour,” Prof Hurley said.“Where possible it is beneficial to foster positive housemate relationships and feelings of ‘being in this together’ and being on the same team, as these are the people you may be spending a fair bit of time with under the same roof.“As a household you can visit health department websites that give up to date information and show how to maintain hand hygiene so that you are all ‘armed’ with the same information.”Professor John Hurley specialises in youth and mental health and emotional intelligence.

The NSW Government is considering whether to phase out several plastics and wants your help to decide what the plan of action should be. A short five minute survey has been developed to gather your feedback about the 'Cleaning Up Our Act: Redirecting the Future of Plastic in NSW' discussion paper.The discussion paper provides details of the proposed comprehensive action plan to reduce plastic use and manage plastic waste and pollution in NSW.Your views on the targets and priority directions proposed in the discussion paper will inform the development of the NSW Plastics Plan.Some of the questions proposed include: What issues will we need to address when we begin to implement and enforce the phase outs? Do you support the target to reduce plastic litter items by 25% by 2025? Do you support a requirement for all new plastic packaging to contain at least 30% recycled plastic by 2025?Do you support making producers of plastic items more responsible for collecting and recycling in NSW?To take part in the survey, click here.

The skies of Goonellabah and the walls of the Rochdale Theatre were lit up by laser lights last week when Lismore Theatre Company joined in solidarity with other arts organisations around the country.The local theatre company took part in Light Unite on April 15 to raise awareness of the impacts of the global pandemic on the entertainment and arts industries. The lights showed messages thanking medical professionals for the work they are during during the coronavirus pandemic.Lismore Theatre Company’s technician Luke Kane said traditionally theatres are not dark for long and having every theatre in Australia shut down is unprecedented. “All theatres whether professional or community based are feeling the financial and emotional effects,” Luke said. “It was 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.“All of the theatre’s productions are currently on hold, but the volunteers will be back stronger than ever and we will be keen to welcome more people to be part of our theatre.”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. 

Today’s announcement by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian that students will return to school from May 11 (week three of term two), has been received with mixed feelings by local parents.Lismore parent Binnie O’Dwyer is still unsure if she will send her two children – in Years 6 and 9 - back to school, under the Premier’s piecemeal approach. The Premier has said initially, students will return will one day a week and then, progressively, two days a week. “And then we hope by the end of term two we'll be in a position to have students going back to school in a full-time capacity, by term three," Ms Berejiklian said.Parents will also be asked to stagger drop-off and pick-up times, and recess and lunch breaks will be staggered within schools.Binnie is a single mother, working full-time and said the premier’s suggested return guidelines sounds complicated.“I would prefer an all or nothing approach,” Binnie said.“Keeping track of which day is their school day or what time is the lunch break is will be hard to manage for me. It might be easy for some parents, but I work full time too.“It’s already a bit overwhelming with the amount of email communication I need to keep on top of from the school."They are sending one email per subject per day for the online education delivery.“It’s tricky knowing what to do. Learning online is hard for one of my kids and we have one computer for three people in our house. “I know the kids would both be willing to go back to school if they knew all their friends were there, but they might not all be there at the same time,” Binnie said.“I’m happy to comply with the rules, but initially I thought we’ll just wait until term three – then I know they are safe and engaged at school each day.“If they miss six months of school, they won’t die – they are relaxed and happy.”Extra safety measuresPremier Berejiklian also announced extra measures to ensure safety would be set up at schools, including extra cleaning, sanitiser and health provisions - including forehead thermometers and health equipment in sick bays."We've made sure we have used this time not just to build up our online capacity, in case children - or a proportion of them - need to continue learning from home, but we've also made sure we have enough hand sanitiser, soap, and all those things which make a school community feel safe, not just be safe," she said."Schools will also have capacity for temperature checks where they think it's appropriate. There will also be extra cleaning of playground equipment and other things during the day."This is really to ensure that not only are our school communities safe, but everybody feels safe within them, whether you're a parent, student and of course our teachers."Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said individual schools would have "flexibility and discretion" while managing the gradual return of students."We want them to make sure they are having about a quarter of students on campus each day, but how they break that group up will be a matter for them," Ms Mitchell said."But we are asking them to certainly consider family groupings, keeping siblings together, so that will make it a lot easier for parents as we transition back to normal schooling."Ms Mitchell also said casual teachers would be guaranteed work in term two, if they had already done 10 days of teaching in term one.

According to Northern Rivers snake catcher Jack Hogan, red belly black snakes prefer to hang out near creeks, and the area near Lismore’s Trinity Catholic College has a good population of them.Despite the cooling weather, the autumn days are still sunny and snakes are about, soaking up the warmth.Jack is one of the few people in the area catching snakes (apart from local wildlife rescue groups) and is getting calls from concerned locals who have unwanted snakes they want relocated. “Snakes don’t go into hibernation in winter,” Jack said.“They have a period of slow metabolism called brumation, so they become sluggish and rely on the sun’s energy to get warm. That’s why in the cooler weather, you see them on roads or in warmer spots near houses.”Jack has been a professional snake catcher for three years, but grew up on a farm and has been catching snakes all his life.This week, it took five attempts and over two hours for to catch a red belly black snake hiding under a car.“I tried to get a hold of him in a way that wouldn’t hurt him, and so he couldn’t turn around and bite me,” Jack said. “Snakes have delicate rib cages and scales made of keratin that don’t like to be rubbed the wrong way - I didn’t want to yank him out. “I don’t use tongs like some snake catchers – they can cause damage."Yellow-faced whip snake.Are eastern brown snakes the bin turkeys of Lismore?The snake was one of many that Jack gets called to catch and relocate – like the eastern brown snake he removed from the front steps of Lismore’s Centrelink recently. “He was a young, quick and not happy,” Jack said. “To get him, I had to squeeze into the high walls in front of Centrelink, hoping he wasn’t near my ankle - and then release him in grass by the river.Jack gets a lot of calls from people in the Channon, Dunoon and Rosebank areas. He says the snakes found in those areas are more interesting, more endangered - and often older and bigger. “I was called to remove a large death adder at the Channon a couple of weeks ago,” Jack said. “There’s not as many of them around anymore – I found a newspaper article from 1978 that said there were large ones in the dunes near Byron, but now they are more in the hinterlands like the Channon.”Jack said that as housing development encroaches on animal habitat, it’s pushing snakes further into suburban areas.“Eastern browns won’t just flee to the bush, and they get a bad reputation because they are poisonous,” Jack said.“But they are very adaptable and thrive on our waste products, so that’s why we encounter them more.”GoonellabahIn Goonellabah, one of the most common snakes he is called to relocate are common tree snakes. “There’s lots of elderly people in Goonellabah with nice citrus trees and frog ponds, so common tree snakes hang out there. Then they enter people’s houses and garages. “Snakes love the higher parts of Lismore where there’s grassy, rocky terrain and horses and agriculture.Jack’s mission is to educate people to live harmoniously with snakes and understand them better.“It’s our fault we have so many snakes,” he said. “They don’t choose to terrorise people – they move from a to b and we encounter them.“The only reason a snake will bite is if it fears for its life. Common sense is to leave the snake alone and call someone to help relocate it. “Only a small percentage of people actually step on a venomous snake if they are walking – and if you stay calm and go to the hospital, there’s a 98% survival rate.”Jack said snakes are often mis-identified, and the mildly venomous yellow faced whip snake is often mistaken for the eastern brown snake.If you’ve seen a snake in your yard, be aware that juvenile snakes vary in colour and patterning. Jack has seen eastern brown snakes with stripes on their backs, or spots on their heads with orange down their backs .His advice is “leave snakes alone”. “Call a snake catcher, stay at a safe distance put pets and children away from the snake,” Jack said.“Stay calm and watch from a distance and if possible send a picture of it to the snake catcher. “If we can put fear and ignorance aside and gain a healthier understand of these animals, it will he good for the snakes and us.”Don’t worry, when Jack relocates a snake, he releases it in a place according to official guidelines within a set radius of where the snake was found - often near bush or creek lines, but well enough away from roads and houses. To contact Jack, you can phone him on 0411 039 373, or find him on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/snakecatchernorthernrivers/

After weeks of looking at cheaper petrol prices all around Lismore like Casino, Newrybar and Evans Head, it looks like we can finally save some money at the petrol bowser.The United petrol station on Ballina Road has unleaded E10 for 114.9. The lowest we have seen prices in a long time.As we look around on Petrol Spy unfortunately the rest of the petrol stations are still charging 129.9.In these COVID19 times when a tank of petrol lasts a month, when it used to last one week, it does pay to shop around. United on Ballina Road is your cheapest option to fill the tank today.Casino has 106.9 pricing, Coraki 112.9 but the winner is still Newrybar which has dropped to 99.9!Lismore should have more lower prices ahead.

This Saturday we all commemorate ANZAC Day but this year will be different, as we know.There will be no public dawn service at the war memorial, or no street parade with veterans marching and families with photos and medals from their relatives.We can still commemorate those that gave their lives for our freedom in a very simple but effective way.On the front page of the Lismore App, look for the ANZAC button, it will be dark green with an ANZAC hat.When you push on the button you will find the ode and last post at the top of that page.We encourage you and your family to wake at 5:30am on Saturday morning and make your way to the end of your drive-way or toy our balcony, verandah or porch before 6am. Then at 6, push the Youtube video link that will play the ode and last post.Feel free to light a candle in remembrance or to turn on your phone torch.Once the last post has concluded, take the 60 seconds of silence to reflect on all the wars that have claimed the lives of our soldiers and of those that have fought in our wars.Encourage your neighbours to do the same thing so that your street can take part as a collective. Feel free to take a photo and send it to the Lismore App (simon@lismoreapp.com.au) so we can share it later in the day.Also, on the ANZAC button are some photos from most of our wars. Take some time to have a look at each section to remind ourselves of what was lost and what we need to avoid in the future.There are so many stories from many soldiers and many families that shed a light on experiences that we hope will never be repeated.Stories like our own Ken Jolly.Ken fought in Malaya, Borneo and then did a one year tour of duty in Vietnam in 1966. In fact today Ken celebrates 53 years since he came home from Vietnam.Ken arrived in Nui Dat and straight away had to clear an area within eight hours. He was a tunnel rat which meant Ken had to crawl on his belly into enemy tunnels head first with a bayonet and a torch."I was shit scared", Ken said, "it was dark and wet and sometimes I could stand up, but mostly I would crawl on my belly"."The enemy were down there. We were looking for cache supplies of ammunition and were laying mines and booby traps", he added.Ken was our Sunday Profile story and as you read it you can understand why ANZAC Day is so important to so many Aussie Diggers."In Vietnam, the people I was with have become friends I'll never lose", Ken said. "Friendships forged under gunfire will only die when we die", he added.Read Ken's full story in yesterday's Sunday Profile SUNDAY PROFILE: Ken Jolley, tunnel rat to war memorial.

Last night, Richmond Police District officers arrested two men wanted on serious warrant offences.The men were sighted in Cathcart Street where a foot pursuit ensued. Both men were arrested upon Ballina Road, Lismore, one in the rear yard of a home.A 21 year old Lismore man was bail refused on domestic violence, property theft, robbery and firearms offences whilst a 24 year old Lismore man was bail refused on domestic violence offences.Both will appear before the Lismore Local Court today.

Richmond Police are asking for your help in locating a missing 14 year old Sydney girl could be in Lismore or Goonellabah.Crystal Walker has been missing since 9am on Thursday March 26 at Petersham railway.She is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 175cm tall, of thin build, with long dark curly hair.Crystal has orthodontic braces and was last seen wearing a grey long sleeve jumper and black leggings.It is believed Crystal may be frequenting Lismore or Goonellabah.Anyone with information or who may have seen Crystal are urged to contact Marrickville Police Station on (02) 9568 9299 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The coronavirus updates appeared more important when the numbers were climbing to keep you informed of where we, as a community sat.However, it is important to celebrate the milestones that come away during these times.So, in the 24 hours to 6pm yesterday there were not only 0 cases in Lismore (confirmed case count is still at 5) but 0 confirmed cases for the Northern NSW Local Health District which includes Tweed, Byron and Ballina.This is confirmation that what the Stay At Home Stay Healthy campaign is working.It doesn't mean that life will return to normal next week but it does give us all hope that restrictions will ease in the coming weeks and life can slowly return to some sort of normalcy.For now, we all deserve a pat on the back Lismore.As it is the weekend and you are thinking of not cooking, check out the Takeaway/ Home Delivery button (yellow) on the front page.We have been adding more and more businesses each week that need your help to keep their doors open and to keep employing staff.If you think about it, tell them the Lismore App sent you!Remember to Support Local Businesses.

00000Before we have a laugh with this weeks coronavirus jokes let's look at the weather and cheap petrol prices incase you do need to get out of the house for exercise or buying some DYI material.The weather, as you can see, is looking perfect. Slight chance of rain tomorrow (Saturday) and maybe a thunderstorm in the afternoon but don't hold your breath. Tops of 26 or 27 is on the agenda for the week ahead as well. We could do with a bit of rain but otherwise no complaints surely (Weather)As I write the cheapest petrol can be found in three locations in Lismore. United on Ballina Road, Caltex on Woodlark Street and Caltex on Diadem Street, all 124.9.Nimbin will find a 125.9 on Sibley Street.If you do happen to find yourself driving Casino has 116.9, Coraki 112.9 and Newrybar 106.9.Now, for that much needed laugh on a Friday afternoon.One from Easter Monday.Where's Wally COIVD-19 edition.Have a great weekend!

Today, the call went out to local Lismore businesses who can help feed hungry workers at Lismore Base Hospital.With the hospital’s café now closing at 5pm, hospital workers who work evening and night shifts no longer have anywhere to buy their meals. Health Services Union (HSU) organiser Peter Kelly said over 100 workers were daily affected by the café’s closure, and they all wanted to support local Lismore food businesses by buying their meals. “Hospital workers are putting in long hours to keep their people safe during this difficult time,” Mr Kelly said.“We are all locals and we all eat and want to do our bit to get fresh meals from other locals.“We want to support businesses doing it tough down town – especially businesses open for dinner hours.“When I talked to some of the hospital workers, their eyes lit up at the idea of some of our local cafes and restaurants delivering them food. We have some great burger joints here as well as great restaurants.”Mr Kelly said the Fresh Plus café at Lismore Base was currently working on reduced hours due to the changed visiting hours, and closing at 5pm Monday to Friday.If any local businesses want to help out with food deliveries, Mr Kelly said they should email their menus to Lismore MP Janelle Saffin’s office.“We’ll make sure the menus get to the workers and place them on staff noticeboards at the hospital,” Mr Kelly said.Ms Saffin said local restaurant The Flavour of India was already delivering meals to the hospital on a regular basis, and delivered free entrees and mains for up to 30 people to the hospital on Wednesday night as a thank you gesture to workers.“Spending money with local cafes and restaurants is one way we can help keep the doors of those businesses open, and keep people in jobs,” she said.“One thing about our community is that we stick together and support each other.”Cafes and restaurants interested in delivering to hospital workers can email copies of their menus to Ms Saffin’s office at lismore@parliament.nsw.gov.au.NEWS: THE WEEKEND WRAP - Petrol, weather and more jokes

Artists and musicians sitting at home out of work, are called to creatively respond to adversity and develop a creative work for Lismore Quad and Lismore Regional Gallery.The paid creative work will be part of the new Together//Alone project. It comes at a time when the coronavirus outbreak has put an end to all community celebrations, and galleries, festivals and public spaces have closed. During this, many Northern Rivers artists are facing serious income loss.The Together//Alone project offers paid opportunities for Northern Rivers artists across all artforms to develop a creative concept over a two week at-home ‘residency’ that includes a component that can be communicated via a digital platform. Artists do not need to present fully formed complete works - the emphasis is on the creative process and connection. Works will be shared via The Quad and Lismore Regional Gallery’s websites and social media channels.Together//Alone asks Northern Rivers artists to creatively respond to the question: ‘How do we remain connected to community places from our homes?’The Quad Placemaking Officer Jane Fuller said “we ask that a component of artists’ projects can be shared digitally so that our community can connect and engage with the work; view it, sing along to it, dance to it, admire it, read it, be inspired by it, and feel a sense of connection with community”. “Together//Alone with The Quad and Lismore Regional Gallery is an opportunity for Northern Rivers artists to extend their creative practice from an isolated location and counteract the lack of access to our shared creative community gathering places of The Quad and Lismore Regional Gallery,” Jane said.“We are redirecting the funds from Create NSW for The Gallery and The Quad’s cancelled public programs to Together//Alone so we can help support Northern Rivers artists directly during this time of hardship. “The importance of the arts in responding to and helping us through these times cannot be underestimated. We’ve seen it already with Italians singing on balconies, the Australian Opera’s chorus singers performing in Sydney’s Waterloo, and an amazing suite of live streams of dance, music and writing coming from our artists. The Quad and Lismore Regional Gallery are committed to our wonderful Northern Rivers creatives and maintaining the vital connection with our community.’Northern Rivers based artists working in all mediums are invited to apply to be part of Together//Alone, including, but not limited to: writers, musicians or other performance artists, sound and or multimedia artists, video, installation or performance artists, ceramicists, craft or textile artists, comedy, dance workshops, animations, experimental music, conversation and panels, ezine’s, photography, podcasts and more.”A minimum of five artists will be selected to participate in the first Together//Alone project (April – May 2020) with future programs to be considered. Expressions of interest will be considered by The Quad’s Placemaking Officer, Lismore Regional Gallery Director and Lismore Regional Gallery Learning Officer. Applications for the first project are open until Friday, May 22.Visit http://www.lismorequad.org.au for more information or to discuss concepts.Artists are welcome to contact Jane Fuller at jane.fuller@lismore.nsw.gov.au.