The Easter long weekend is almost upon us, and with the prime directive being ‘stay at home’, there’s not a lot of options of what to do.You can however, buy food and petrol, so The Lismore App rang around to find out what’s still open, apart from service stations, on the public holiday weekend, April 10-13.CafesMost of Lismore’s cafes will be closed on the Friday and Monday public holidays, but Dragonfly Café will open Saturday 7-3 and Sunday 8-2. Flock will be closed all weekend.RestaurantsThe Grill Shack, will be open Friday through Sunday, but closed Monday.Indian Mumtaj Restaurant will be open Friday through Monday nights for dinner, but not for lunch.Thai Satay Hut will be open on Saturday night only.Supermarkets and shoppingThe NightOwl Convenience Store is open every day, but with changes to opening times - 8am to 10pm.NightOwl staff told The Lismore App, there will be a fresh delivery of milk over the weekend, but bread delivery is uncertain. Don’t worry though – there will be frozen bread available for emergencies and yes, they still have toilet paper. Woolworths at Lismore Centro (in the CBD) will be open on Friday, from 11am-5pm; Saturday 7am-10pm; then Sunday and Monday, 8am-10pm.Lismore Centro’s specialty stores will be open Saturday through Monday, from 10-4.Lismore Shopping Square will have Coles and Woolworths open Friday, from 11am-5pm, then normal hours Saturday through Monday.Shops such as Kmart and Big W are closed on Friday, but will open Saturday through Monday.Have a happy Easter weekend and if you eat any chocolate - enjoy!NEWS: The message is clear - don't come to the North Coast

A lit candle in a paper bag outside your home is just a symbol – but a powerful one – that when it comes to cancer there is hope at home. Residents of Lismore were the first ever in NSW to show their support for people living with cancer by lighting Hope at Home candles.The Hope at Home candle event was held in place of the annual cancer Council Relay For Life fundraising event for the Cancer Council, which was postponed due to the current pandemic.Erin Turnbull from the Cancer Council said she put her candle outside on her veranda, so people passing by could see it.“We are all confined at home, but it was so good to acknowledge the original night of Relay on March 28 and show support for people living with cancer,” Erin said.“The entire State watched on with love as the Lismore and villages community and Relay For Life participants lit a bag in their homes.”Erin said on the same weekend, the Lismore & Villages Relay For Life committee held their first virtual major raffle draw and were able to give out four prizes to winners. “The Hope at Hope event was so well received that Hope at Hope will now extend to the whole of NSW on Wednesday, April 29, and the entire state will place their Hope at Home bags on their porches in unison,” she said.“Funds raised through these events will continue to provide local patients with access to pro bono legal and financial assistance schemes and to our Northern Rivers Transport to Treatment service which will help local people get to and from their appointments."To support the Hope at Home initiative, you can register at any time and purchase your Hope at Home kit or donate, visit http://www.give.cancercouncil.com.au/hopeathome Relay For Life

"Don't come to the North Coast" this was the very clear message sent to everyone thinking about coming to Lismore, Nimbin or other areas of the Northern Rivers. The words at a press conference this morning at Lismore Base Hospital, came from Wayne Jones, Northern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive and Richmond Police District Command Superintendent Toby Lindsay.(Wayne Jones and Superintendent Toby Lindsay greet each other with an elbow bump at Lismore Base Hospital today)"As we are about to enter the holidays and I am encouraging people to please stay away," Mr Jones said.These words were echoed by Superintendent Lindsay, who said "the Northern Rivers has done an exceptional job in practicing social distancing". "As we have heard from a number of weeks now this is really important to keep our communities safe," he said."Please stay at home. Please don't travel over the Easter long weekend and if you do have to leave home make sure it is only for one of those key essential purposes which is going to work, seeking medical assistance, caring for another, seeking food or essentials or for exercise. "It is vitally important that everyone in the community does their bit to help keep the community safe."NSW police will be out in force over the long weekend, as is normal but police will be paying particular attention to coastal areas, up and down the northern area to make sure people do keep away and keep our communities safe.The key message is please stay at home where you can for your own safety and the safety of others.Following the press conference, Wayne Jones confirmed that Lismore's confirmed coronavirus case numbers remain at 5.The total number of cases in NSW stands at 2,773 - however the good news was that there were only 39 new cases in the last 24 hours, which is the lowest daily count since March 16.There does look to be some hope of life slowly returning to normal in the coming months but only if everyone in our community keeps heeding the 'stay at home' advice.

From today, visitors presenting at Lismore Base Hospital, as well as other hospitals in Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) will have their temperature checked in addition to the existing screening questions already in place. NNSWLHD chief executive Wayne Jones said the new measure will provide an added level of protection for patients, staff and the community in reducing the risk of transmission of Covid-19.The limit of one visitor per patient still applies, and hospital visiting hours are restricted to between 1pm – 6pm daily. When they enter a facility, as well as having their temperature checked, visitors will be asked:• Have you returned from overseas in the past 14 days?• Have you had close contact with a person confirmed or suspected to have Covid-19?• Are you feeling unwell with any flu-like symptoms?Anyone answering yes to any of these questions, or having a temperature of 38 degrees or above, will not be permitted to enter.

When the Federal Government announced free childcare for all Australians last week most of us said "about time" and kicked our heels up.Most, except those who are part of the Family Day Care or Home Care system.Family Day Care is where you have you child in a family environment, that is someone's home, rather than a larger childcare facility.Home Care is where someone goes into another person's home and helps look after their children for a while because of health issues like cancer or disabilities.Family Day Care is a not for profit organisation that has been serving the Lismore area for 40 years.Kylie Burnett, a co-ordinator for Family Day Care Australia said that day care Educators are registered and regulated professional who are on the front line looking after kids for those that work in essential services such as teachers and nurses."A lot of our educators are getting paid less money because of the the 50% payment from the Federal Government. Our people are feeling very undervalued", Kylie said, "they are doing the same job for half the pay".One hundred and fifty Family Day Care educators provide childcare services for 1300 children in the Northern Rivers. Lismore and surrounds has 38 sole trading educators providing care for 325 children.One of those educators is Rebecca Newton who lives in North Lismore.Rebecca has been providing child care for the last eight years while bringing up her own three children."This is very heartbreaking", Rebecca said, "we are encouraged to stay open as we are providing an important service for essential workers but we are getting paid less money for the same work"."Teachers, nurses, even supermarket workers all have to go to work and we are running as normal to help them and with a higher health risk"."I have run some numbers and by my calculations I will be $200 a week worse off but I will need to confirm this when the first government payment comes through", she said.Rebecca and the 38 other sole traders in our local area, had the 50% payment start on Monday April 6. The 50% payment is determined off the usual fees that the day care facility received over a two week period before March 2.The problem for Family Day Care providers or Home Care providers is what happened in that two week period. If a person had their own children sick and had to close for a day or two or they simply had less kids during that period because the children themselves were sick, they would receive less than they normally would for the next three months.On top of this calculation, there is the upcoming school holiday period when schools are closed and parents look to facilities like family day care for the two week period. This certainly will not be taken into consideration when the 50% payment is calculated in late February. In effect, these essential workers are not being paid for this extra work.What appears to be an unfair part of the Federal Governments free child care package needed some clarification. The call went out to Federal Local member Kevin Hogan to shed some light.Mr Hogan replied "Family Day Care services are eligible for the Government’s Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package and the JobKeeper payment.Under the new plan, the Government will pay 50 per cent of the sector’s fee revenue and provide a $1500 fortnightly wage subsidy. If educators require additional support, they can apply for further funding amounts via the exceptional circumstances process. This will open today, Thursday 9 April on the dese.gov.au website.Australia’s child care centres have had a significant reduction in enrolments. This threatened their ability to provide care. In response, our Government introduced a new system to ensure families could still access child care while also ensuring the viability of services".CEO Northern Rivers Family Day Care & Children Services said in response to Mr Hogan, "We are grateful for what the Government is proposing to give us however there are some major loop holes which affect the Educators weekly income. We are aware that changes are coming through daily but in the meantime these are our major concerns below.We are Not for Profit organisation that has been operating for 40 years, supporting families within our region.We are one of the largest schemes in Australia with over 2,000 children and 180 Educators. For us to remain financially viable during this time is extremely difficult as we have cut our Admin levy by 50% to assist our Educators.The Educators from this week lose 50% which is based on a specified period in early March. During this period some Educators were not working due to taking holidays or sick leave and had no income that week, therefore they will not be entitled to the full benefit of the subsidy. Some also have more children then what they had during that period and these children are not included in those numbers. Potentially they are taking on more children and not being paid.Some of the families requiring care are nurses, doctors and ambulance workers, whom work shift hours and these are out of core hours which usually attract a higher fee.The Job Keeper payment is not eligible to all Educators. Some Educators have been working less than 12 months and we are still not clear on what the criteria is. This payment doesn’t come in until May – Educators who are eligible will go without money until then.The majority of our Educators are the main bread winner in their household or single parents therefore putting a huge strain on them.Our Educators are caring for children within their homes and are essential workers to ensure the economy keeps going, however they are expected to take half the pay. Some of our Educators are the Sole bread winners in their family so this can make life extremely difficult for themEducators are putting their own families at risk by having the children of frontline worker in their own home due to the risks associated with COVID-19.We are very concerned that the CCCF Special circumstances COVID-19 grant has been abolished as our educators were relying on this grant if they weren’t eligible for the Jobkeeper payment. We have serious concerns about Educators that need assistance to stay viable.Since the FREE CHILDCARE has been offered, we have experienced a spike in non-working families returning to care. This concerns us as families do not appear to be adhering to the Governments isolation guidelines.Our In Home Care service is suffering tremendously. We have had to give notice to 15 families with child protection concerns, medical conditions such as cancer, parents with disabilities and children with disabilities and shift workers. Educators are disadvantaged in so many more ways due to the nature of this service. They are not eligible for Job Keeper and their pay would drop by approximately 75%.While most of us rejoice about free childcare, keep in mind that some groups are disadvantaged through this new Covid-19 policy.

They are French, and their name is pronounced Citro-ennn.Local mechanic Graham Dunstan’s specialty has been the Citroen car since he started his apprenticeship in Lismore in the 1970s.In a rare occurrence this week, two of these classic cars have found their way into his Milano Motors workshop on Junction Street. His expertise in doctoring Citroens has made him a sought-after mechanic for collectors of these now-rare cars. But once they, were all the rage.“I was 19 when I started my mechanic apprenticeship in Lismore and we used to have five or six of these cars turn up every morning from all over – Grafton, Tenterfied and the Gold Coast,” Graham said. "So, I learned a lot about them.”What makes them so special? Graham said he loves their unusual shape - they are built for aerodynamics.But the biggest unique feature is the hydro-pneumatic suspension (there’s a song in Grease that talks about this)– that makes the car go up and down.Graham demonstrates and starts the car and pulls a lever near the driver’s seat - and the back end body of the car lowers down over the wheel into the ‘service position’. “It’s so you can change the tyre,” Graham said. “You chock up the car and then, you pop off the rear guard by removing a bolt.“In France, the idea was to be able to drive it in a paddock, by having the car body move up higher gives more clearance between the underside of the car and the wheel.“When I was younger, not many mechanics would work on them at the time, because they were so complicated. People were working on HQ Holdens, which are pretty basic cars. “The suspension freaked them out and they didn’t want to know about it.“I love the Citroen’s uniqueness and how they are built for comfort– they are well thought out in terms of the engineering for the day – the suspension makes the ride hard to beat."Other cars are rough, but you get in one of these and it is like riding on air - they are built for comfort, but they are not a speed car. Graham said over the years, the Citroens disappeared.“Some were crushed, some sold,” he said. “Now people are bringing them back because they are worth money and people are buying them.“They can be worth $40,000 to $70,000 depending on the models. I gave a 1972 one here with air conditioning and fuel injection, the other one is just the carburettor engine.”Now, Graham is teaching other mechanics about the Citroens because there’s not too many people left who know how to work on them.“There’s one mechanic in Penrith, and one in Sunshine Coast, and me – that’s about all,” Graham said.

Another day has passed and Lismore still has 5 confirmed cases of coronavirus. More good news.The Northern NSW Health District (NNSWLHD) still sits at 47 cases too.As it is a good news day, NNSWLHD needs more front line health workers in a range of casual positions. These include nurses, allied health professionals, security, cleaners and wardsperson roles.Chief Executive Wayne Jones said the District was encouraging anyone who has experience in health or related roles to come forward and apply.“We have ongoing casual recruitment opportunities throughout the year, but this is a targeted effort to attract people who can help us respond now and in the coming months as this pandemic continues,” Mr Jones said.“This boost to our workforce will ease pressure on our existing workforce and enhance our capacity – ensuring we can continue to deliver high-quality care for the local community.Interviews are being conducted weekly, in a continual process of application and review.“We encourage anyone who is interested, to visit our website and apply now,” Mr Jones said.“I also want to congratulate our existing workforce on the incredible job they’re doing so far, and thank them for their willingness to adapt and respond as the situation changes.“From clinical care, to support services, to planning and administration, our team is working exceptionally hard, and should be extremely proud of their efforts.” For more information on positions available and how to apply, visit the NNSWLHD Website: https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/about/employment/casual-positions- open-now/ . 

For a while, the future of Lismore’s community radio station, River FM - 92.9 was looking shaky in this Covid-19 restriction-filled world - but for now, it’s still on-air.Recently, community radio stations in Victoria received an email saying the Victorian Government had determined community radio stations were ‘entertainment’ facilities, not essential services. This brought the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) into fighting mode and it is now working with government to ensure the media and broadcasting industry, including community radio, is not shut down.CBAA chief executive Jon Bisset said in an email to River FM “to date, no other media organisation in any state or territory has been deemed ‘essential’. As such, the whole media industry is in this together”.Lismore’s River FM manager Basia Klim said community radio is an essential service that speaks directly to the community.“We have a connection via the groups we are representing – from cultural minority groups to a cross section of the community’s demographic,” she said. “We offer specialist programs, local news and live events in the community. There’s a big difference between us and the ABC – many ABC shows are not locally produced and not embedded in local community. River FM is personal – it’s us taking to you as a fellow member of the community.”Basia said the local station, based in South Lismore, had already changed how they operate to manage social distancing and hygiene guidelines, as recommended by CBAA.“We limit numbers of people in the station to minimise the exposure of people to coronavirus and have a ‘one presenter at a time’ in the studio rule,” she said.“About 50% of our programs are pre-recorded at home by presenters who already have the technology and capacity to do that.“We are training others trained in how to do it by giving them information online.“Some older presenters have been advised not to come into the stations and that marries up with what they government is saying about them staying at home. We’ve been rejigging their old shows and playing them in their time slot, so we still get to experience the show."Basia said some people are still coming into do their shows and that they are following hygiene protocols, using alcohol wipes to wipe down desks before after and shows.Some of the River FM regular programs which are being pre-recorded at home include the Blues and Roots show on Monday, the Italian show on Wednesdays at 6pm, the World Music show on Thuursdays at 6pm, and the Literature Word Nerds on Thursdays at 10am.The Environment show on Saturday afternoon and the Arthouse show at Drivetime are currently in transition to prerecording. For more information about River FM’s programs, visit http://2ncr.org.au/NEWS: NORPA emerges on top of arts sector 'carnage'

The light at the end of the tunnel is now shining for Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA) artistic director Julian Louis.Yesterday, he announced that for the first time, NORPA had been successful in securing a coveted and competitive four year funding grant of $1,295,000 from the Australia Council for the Arts.“It’s carnage out there,” Julian said.“There were 49 major companies across Australia who applied and were not funded. We are lucky and have articulated our body of work so well and connected theatre to community, that it stood out.”Julian said coronavirus restrictions had severely impacted on the whole arts sector, but for him, knowing that NORPA would be able to use the funding to generate new creative works gave him hope for the future.“The funding is a game changer and means NORPA can create more new works that tell stories inspired by place, expand our youth theatre program, employ local artists and create new audiences for regional theatre,” he said.“Recently, it’s been a difficult time and we are all still reeling from the show cancellations and the loss of revenue.Scene from NORPA's production Wildskin.“The biggest concern was maintaining staff and I’ve been working hard at maintaining jobs and advocating for our industry.“We have improvement works going on in the Lismore City Hall venue by individual staff, and we are still working on writing and developing projects so we can get going again later this year.“Our industry not only contributes over $110 billion of value to the Australian economy each year, it keeps our communities connected, resilient and healthy. "We're acutely aware of our role in fostering these qualities in our community through our art."NORPA’s previous works include placed based works such as Railway Wonderland, presented on the disused Lismore Railway Station; Dreamland presented in the Eureka Hall and Bangalow A&I Hall and Open House, set in a residential house starring The Pitts Family Circus; along with Djurra, meaning ‘lore’ in Bundjalung; and Wildskin.NORPA, based in Lismore, was founded in 1993 and is one of a small number of theatre companies creating professional contemporary theatre from regional Australia.“Our body of work, created with associate artists, creative and production personnel, have all made this a reality,” Julian said.“This is a huge win for our area and is a reflection of the creative energy and talent in our region.“We intend to make the most of this opportunity, to tell great stories, to push the art form, and to surprise and delight our community with great theatre.”For information about NORPA, visit http://www.norpa.org.auNEWS: Peggy Popart takes art adventures online

Instead of reaching for the cigarettes and alcohol, start improving your health and immunity and kick start a healthy lifestyle. If you are looking for a healthy project to occupy you and your family during the current Covid-19 social isolation period, free recipes, fitness exercises and coaching are available for you to do online.Northern NSW Local Health District Health Promotion Manager, Jillian Adams, says the free coaching programs cover everything from giving up smoking, to getting more exercise, managing alcohol consumption and eating healthier. “It might seem tempting to reach for the cigarettes or alcohol at the moment, but those substances actually decrease your body’s ability to cope with stress,” Ms Adams said. “Data shows smokers are particularly at risk of poor outcomes if they contract Covid 19, and drinking more than two standard drinks lowers your immunity. “It’s not easy to change to healthier habits, which is why we have programs like Get Healthy and Get Healthy in Pregnancy. “These are phone coaching services backed up with workbooks, that guide you along the path to health and fitness, including support for safer drinking habits. “For smokers there is the Quitline phone support, or ICanQuit website with online information and a network of support to tap into.” The Go4Fun after school program is suspended for time being, but the Go4Fun Online program is still available across the region for Term 2. “Go4Fun is for 7 to 13 year olds above a healthy weight and is packed full of activities that support healthier, more active kids,” Ms Adams said. The NNSWLHD Health Promotion website also has a dedicated recipe page with simple, healthy meals for all ages, including recipes for kids in the kitchen. Quitline: 137 848 or ICanQuit: www.Icanquit.com.au Get Healthy/Get Health in Pregnancy: 1300 806 258 www.gethealthynsw.com.au Go4Funonline:1800 780 900 or www.go4funonline.com.au Health Promotion Recipes: https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/health-promotion/ 

Over the past three weeks, it feels as if we always give you bad news. Whether it be increased numbers of coronavirus or local businesses closing their doors temporarily.This afternoon I want to write some good news, to show that there is some cautious optimism around coronavirus. I don't want to underplay the importance of the role we are playing and will continue to play regarding self isolation and social distancing but numbers don't lie.As of 8pm last night there was one additional confirmed case of coronavirus in the Northern NSW Local Health District and that was in Byron.Lismore remains at 5 and has done now for the last seven (7) days.That means we deserve a pat on the back as a community. Our hard work and diligence is paying dividends. I know, we are not finished yet.Acting Inspector Turner from the Richmond District Police told me this morning that Lismore has had only one (1) Penalty Infringement Notice handed out since the tighter restrictions came into place. One. Another reason to be optimistic.As you may have read in our earlier stories, Mayor Isaac Smith has asked visitors not to come to Lismore over the Easter break and the school holidays. This has been reinforced by the NSW Police Commissioner.As a community, we have done it tough (like everyone else) but we are seeing the fruits of our labour. If we continue in the same vain then we can protect the elderly and the vulnerable in our community as well as end our isolation sooner. We all just have to play our part.For now, let's celebrate the good news.

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions from this week on Lismore Bangalow Road at Nashua for improvement work to be carried out on Wilsons Creek Bridge.To allow truck movements into and out of the work area, there will be intermittent stoppages on Lismore Bangalow Road, west of Booyong Road. A reduced speed limit is in place for the safety of workers and motorists, with truck movements expected to be completed by Friday, April 17, weather permittingMotorists are advised to drive to the conditions, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

High school teacher Madeline Beveridge has always been good at learning. So, she decided to create a resource to help high school students to become better learners.Madeline said her downloadable six week study guide ‘Structuring Preparation for Examinations’ is perfect for students learning from home at the moment. Madeline, like many others, is now working from her Goonellabah home and teaching students at Xavier Catholic College. As she herself transitions from traditional teaching to a blended learning delivery mode, she is learning what works best for each class and adapting a teaching and learning style to suit different classes.“Now that parents are getting more involved in home schooling, it’s important that they help their children to plan and adapt their days to allow more effective study and stress management,” she said. “My study guide has tips on how to structure a study session, and examples of planners to plan a whole week of learning and allocate time to them.“It’s important to work out when is the best time for you to study. Is it morning? Then plan your day around that. “There’s good tips on setting goals and sections for students to reflect on assessment tasks by looking at feedback and then using that to plan and strengthen their performance in a subject.”High school teacher Madeline Beveridge when she graduated from University.Madeline said she was inspired to write the study guide after she completed her PhD in education and she discovered she was good at art.“I enjoyed studying and found it easy and when I thought about what made me a good learner, it inspired my PhD which looked at developing people’s learning skills,” she said.“After my PhD, I felt there was a gap in what we teach, after speaking to students about it. We needed to have less focus on content, and more support for students’ learning across subjects.“They wanted to know ‘how do I manage exams?’ or ‘what do I study for two hours a night?’“So, I combined my PhD with my love of creativity and art to write the study guide and made it visually clean and aesthetically pleasing – it even has plant drawings which can be coloured in.”Madeline said that parents had already been buying it for their own children or nieces or nephews. The study guide costs $9.95 as a digital download, which can be printed at home.  To access the guide, visit https://www.madelinebevs.com/shop/six-week-study-guide

We will have some showers and cooler weather on the way in the next few days but this should be clearing on Friday so we can enjoy some warm weather again for the rest of Easter.Shuant Want from the Bureau of Meteorology said we should see cloud increasing this afternoon due to winds coming from the east/south east. These clouds could bring some light showers today and tomorrow with best chance of rain due on Thursday.As for amounts, only 5mm is expected to some areas.You will notice cooler temperatures with maximums around 24-26 degrees and minimums dropping to 15 degrees. Could mean the use of a blanket for the first time in a while.There will be another warmer system coming into the Lismore area on Friday evening which will bring a return to temperatures between 27 and 29 degrees for the rest of Easter.No excuses to not get the Easter Egg hunt done in your already pristine front or back yards.Weather

Lismore City Council's Mayor Isaac Smith said that Lismore has always been happy to welcome tourists to our region, however, now is not the time to visit.“People should stay home and not visit our community,” Mayor Smith said.“It’s clear from the Federal and State orders that now is not the time for a holiday or a day trip. We are urging regional travellers not to visit Lismore and its villages this Easter school holidays or until restrictions are lifted and it’s safe to do so.”"The NSW Government’s Public Health Order directs the community not to leave their homes unless it’s for essential work, education, food, medical care or exercise.“The State Government has been very clear with what is expected under this order. It’s important people take this seriously and understand the significant ramifications if they do not follow these guidelines.“Lismore and Nimbin caravan parks have been closed to new residents and council is working closely with privately owned/operated caravan parks, boarding houses and backpacker accommodation in the area to ensure compliance with Public Health Orders.“We also urge anyone who requires temporary or emergency accommodation to contact the Department of Family and Community Services on ‍1800 152 152 for assistance to find a safe place to stay.“We need to keep our community safe. Please stay at home, unless you have an essential reason. This is the only way we will overcome this pandemic and save lives.”"Lismore City Council is taking all necessary precautions to keep the community and staff safe."This includes the closure of the Lismore Memorial Baths, Goonellabah Sports & Aquatic Centre, the Lismore Regional Gallery, and restrictions at the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre and the Nimbin Transfer Station."Council parks and open spaces remain open however, all play equipment, BBQ’s, skate parks, exercise equipment and similar are closed and unavailable for use.National Parks have also closed its campsites and parks, including Minyon Falls. Rocky Creek Dam is also closed to the public.For full details of the changes, visit: https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/covid-19-information-updates

Peggy Popart won’t let a pandemic stop her. The local art buff is taking her love of art out of the Lismore Regional Gallery and into everyone’s homes. Her regular art tours and activities in the gallery have instead gone online, starting with a free Facebook Live event this Thursday at 11am. “The aim of Peggy Popart’s online adventures is making art with stuff you have at home,” Peggy said. “It’s not too complex and super fun and accessible for lots of people – the next one will be Auslan captioned.“Even if people are stuck at home, I still want still wants kids and families to be connected to art and bring them activities and joy.”This week, Peggy’s online art adventures is focussing on abstract art.“I’ll be looking at the paintings of Grace Crowley and showing examples of her works from the local gallery collection,” Peggy said.“Then we’ll do an art activity based on her artworks with art materials that you have at home. “I’ll give you tips on the sorts of things you might want to use - like paper, masking tape, pencils, paints or textas – whatever you have got. We’ll make an abstract artwork of a geometric patten using tape, shapes and colour in negative spaces.”You can find more information about Peggys Online Art Adventures here: https://www.facebook.com/events/248133106238811/And the link to the event is here: https://www.facebook.com/Peggypopart/live/Storytime artAs well as Peggy’s online art classes, she’s just finished filming a storytime story for Richmond Tweed Regional Gallery, and it’s being Auslan captioned at the moment.Peggy reads the story Where The Wild Things Are and presents an art challenge for kids to draw something and share their art and stories via her Facebook page.Art and literacy kit onlineThe Lismore Regional Gallery also has a number of online resources for kids of all ages, to keep them in touch with art while the gallery is closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.An art and literacy kit is available to download from the gallery’s website, and it contains printable activity sheets based on works from Lismore Regional Gallery Permanent Collection.To access the resources, visit https://www.lismoregallery.org/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-WYH-06-81-62#.XoV2cIhLhPYQuick Draw Club goes onlineThe Lismore Regional Gallery’s Quick Draw club is also online, with the next session scheduled for April 16, from 5-6pm with local artist Renee Bolten.Réne will give an online tour of his home studio and will present a fun, quick still life drawing session for people of all drawing skill levels. You can find it here:https://www.facebook.com/LismoreRegionalGallery/live/Worlds art events onlineYou can also link to other art events happening online around the world in galleries and museums, all currently closed to the public because of the Covid-19 pandemic.Click here: https://creative-capital.org/2020/03/18/online-arts-events-during-the-covid-19-outbreak/

Over the weekend, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases increased to 47.Northern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive, Wayne Jones said this was an additional three cases.In Lismore, we had some good news, the number of cases remained at 5.We can assume that the majority of people in the 2480 postcode are abiding by the Federal and State Government self isolation rules. If everyone does the right thing now, we will benefit quicker than some other areas.The most confirmed cases is in the Tweed (13), Byron (13) and Clarence Valley (8) with Ballina also stagnant on 1-4 along with Richmond Valley. Of the NNSWLHD cases, there is currently 1 patient with COVID-19 being cared for in our hospitals. The Public Health Unit is following up close contacts of cases who are located within NNSWLHD, who are being asked to self-isolate for 14 days from last contact with the confirmed case. They will be contacted daily to check that they are well and anyone who develops COVID-19 symptoms will be tested for the virus. If you are considered a close contact of a confirmed case, a Health officer will contact you directly. For advice and information about COVID-19 visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx Residents of NSW can also call new the 24-hour COVID-19 hotline on 13 77 88 for advice and support on non-health related enquiries. For health related advice, please continue to liaise with your GP, or phone HealthDirect on 1800 022 222. NEW STORY - Facemasks - health necessity or functional fashion? Facemasks: health necessity or functional fashion?

To wear a facemask, or not? It’s a simple decision – or is it? The Lismore App was wondering what people are doing locally when it comes to personal protection against Covid-19.With a shortage of available face masks to buy in the local area, some people are wearing their own home made face masks when they go shopping.So, are face masks as effective at stopping the spread of coronavirus as we all think, and should we all be running out to buy one, or make one?The Australian Department of Health is telling us that there is no need for the general population to be wearing masks to protect themselves from coronavirus, but that frontline medical workers should be wearing them, as they could be more exposed to people who may have the virus.The UK Government has said Britons do not need to wear face masks in public, while in America, President Donald Trump is now recommending Americans wear ‘non-medical cloth’ face coverings, after previously suggesting that masks were unnecessary for people who weren't sick.Types of masks and effectivenessShould we make our own gear?Recently, there was a call to action from the NSW Government for Northern Rivers businesses to help out and start making high demand products such as face masks, hand sanitiser, hand wash soap, gloves, cleaning products, protective clothing and paper products. The call comes after supermarkets shelves were quickly emptied of these products and they became hard for many concerned locals to get, and Service NSW were reported as being unable to get supplies from its traditional sources.The call has been hailed by Lismore MP Janelle Saffin as an opportunity for businesses in a downturn due to COVID-19, to adapt to making new things, and thrive. Local businesses can register their interest here.Lismore runs dry (almost)Firstly, The Lismore App checked in with local pharmacies to see how available face masks were and discovered many of them hadn’t been able to get face masks delivered for weeks or months.Lismore’s Southside Pharmacy are out of stock and haven’t been able to get any masks since January. The same goes for Blooms the Chemist on Keen Street and the Chemist Warehouse on Ballina Road. Goonellabah Pharmacy are out of stock, but have them on order.Chempro on Woodlark Street currently has little blue masks for $2 each, with no limits on the number of masks purchased. Priceline Pharmacy has some at a cost of $5.99 each and a limit of one mask per person.Local seamstress Jeht Burgoyne wearing one of her masks.Local masks under constructionLocal seamstress Jeht Burgoyne is making masks in her workshop at home and said she did her research on what was needed to make them, and then experimented with different materials “I knew the linings needed to be from a non-woven fabric,” Jeht said. “You can’t use two woven fabrics. So, the inner lining is different to the cotton outside layer and I put in triple pleats so it fits around head and chin properly. “I’ve also put aluminium strips in so it fits around the bridge of the nose - and they are reusable and hand wash-able in warm water with disinfectant. “A friend of mine who is a surgeon said the nose piece was important, and I’ve been supplying them to medical staff on the Gold coast too.”As a creative person, Jeht has made masks with colourful designs and said she’s also sold some to people in Sydney and Victoria who are buying them for their loved ones with compromised immune systems or in nursing homes. Her masks cost $22 each and you can find them here.Edda Lampis wearing her bandana mask.Bandana mask fashionEdda Lampis wears a home made mask when she leaves the house and washes it when she gets home. It’s made from a bandana, folded and held on with elastic bands.“I have them in lots of different colours, so I’m still fashionable and I can colour coordinate with my clothes,” she said.“It’s good to think about fashion at a time like this. It makes me feel good and I look great - no shame."World Health Organisation guidelinesUntil now, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended that if you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection, or if you are coughing or sneezing. However, WHO advisers are considering whether to suggest new guidance for the public on wearing face masks as a way to limit the spread of coronavirus.This comes after new research suggests that coughs and sneezes may project particles further into the air than previously thought — six metres for a cough and up to eight metres for a sneeze.The WHO website states “masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water” and if you wear a mask, you need to cover your mouth and nose and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.“Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water,” the website states.“Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks.“To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.”Matt Farragher wears a home made mask.AustraliaAustralia’s Commonwealth Deputy Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said face masks were crucial protective equipment for health workers, but "not recommended for the Australian public".He has also stated that limited supply and the potential for misuse was what informed the Government's advice, and he wouldn’t rule out a move to masks in the future.There are some concerns that if everyone is wearing masks (which are in short supply in places) then it will be taking away precious resources from medical staff who really need to wear them. So, should everyone wear a mask?The question about whether we should all be wearing masks or not is still being debated around the world.The debate depends on understanding how coronavirus spreads and how closely people follow hygiene guidelines when using any protective gear.Some research has shown that people can often shed the virus two days before they begin to show any symptoms – and some people with the virus don’t show any symptoms at all.  Some people believe if everyone wears a mask when they leave their house, then people who have the virus, but who don’t have symptoms will be wearing a physical barrier that can catch infected droplets that escape their mouth or nose. That helps protect everyone.Some believe that the available scientific evidence does not show that masks are effective enough in public settings to warrant a mass recommendation. Wearing a mask could also give people a false sense of protection, where they ignore recommended advice about staying away from other people, or not going out in public if they have a fever, cough or other virus symptoms.Some people believe it causes the wearer to touch their face more often, but for others, it is a deterrent - a reminder to not touch your mouth and nose while wearing it.Government hygiene adviceThe Australian Government’s recommendations for good hygiene practice are as follows:• cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue• put used tissues straight into the bin• wash your hands often with soap and water, including before and after eating and after going to the toilet• use alcohol-based hand sanitisers• avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth• clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces such as benchtops, desks and doorknobs• clean and disinfect frequently used objects such as mobile phones, keys, wallets and work passes• increase the amount of fresh air available by opening windows or adjusting air conditioningAlcohol-free hand rubs have not been shown to be effective against viruses like COVID-19, and experts recommend against using them.Everyone must also stay 1.5 metres away from other people whenever possible.You must self-isolate if you are sick, have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, or have recently returned from overseas. For more coronavirus information, click Coronavirus

Free short courses are now available online from TAFE NSW. If you want to upskill during the Covid-19 pandemic, you can choose out of 21 fee-free courses on the TAFE study menu.The short courses include: eMarketing for Small Business; Engaging Customers Using Social Media; Writing and Presentation Skills; Computing Skills; Team Leader Skill Set; and Administration Skills for Team Leaders.State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the pandemic response has had a dramatic effect on communities and working life, but these select courses will assist job seekers and workers looking to diversify their skills during these times. “TAFE NSW has been a reliable educational institution for more than 130 years supporting communities all across NSW. These fee-free courses will be put to good use on the Northern Rivers during this challenging time,” Ms Saffin said. NSW Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Dr Geoff Lee said TAFE is committed to ensuring people have access to the highest quality education. “The NSW Government understands that circumstances have changed for a lot of people and business owners, which means the way they work and how they conduct their business has also changed,” Dr Lee said. “The TAFE NSW fee-free accredited courses will contribute to helping businesses stay in business and people stay in jobs. “It’s vital we keep people employed and ensure we have the ability to rebound when things do improve. “We also understand that many industries are in hibernation, so using this period to upskill for the future is time well spent.” More information, including a full list of courses, is available here or by calling 131 601.