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.”

We are now into the Easter break and the first set of school holidays for 2020 - in most unusual circumstances.At The Lismore App we thought it wise to discover how the family unit (or bubble as it is now known) will be affected and get some tips on how to cope - just in case you may need some advice.Difficult questions need an expert response, so we contacted Basia Radlinska, a Clinical Psychologist with the Southern Cross University.For the last two weeks, Basia has been working with young people on-line through the coronavirus pandemic.Coronavirus self isolation What she is seeing since children are now mostly home schooled, is different forms of anxiety. Children that suffer from social anxiety actually feel better in this environment and are enjoying being at home. While children that have depressive symptoms are struggling more, because they have lost their main support network - their friends."The result of self isolation is a loss of motivation to do anything, let alone any schoolwork - and a loss of connection with their friends, Basia said, "Developmentally, young adults connection with their friends is the main part of their identity".Parents of adolescent children may find this relatable, as their kids spend more time talking to their friends and less with the family - which is normal behaviour."That is what evolution wants us to do at that age," Basia said. "Connect with our peers, rather than our family to prepare them to leave the nest. This can be really challenging to some parents."So, now their identity is really confused - as it had been wrapped up in their friendships, and now they are isolated at home.No more structureBasia talked about how there is no structure in their lives anymore - like going to class at a certain time, where the teacher tells you to do certain work. Young or adolescent children are not particularly self driven. This is because the frontal lobe of the brain is developing until they are 25. This is about self motivation, planning and structure - which is why a set external school structure works for children."When kids are at home, they struggle to set that structure for themselves" Basia said.So, what can parents do to help their children at this time?"These school holidays will bring less of a difference between what is happening now and what traditionally is the case", explained Basia, "usually children go from being at school physically for seven hours a day then travelling for holidays, there is less distinction now because they have been home for the last three weeks"."The daily school work will stop coming in, and normally kids will be spending a lot of time outside with their friends doing some sort of activity. This leads to the child saying "I'm Bored!".Basia's advice for parents is: "Try to maintain a routine where you are getting up at the same time, having regular healthy meals, trying to get exercise in your day and trying to get social connection in your day," Basia said."Those are the absolute pillars of wellbeing - diet, sleep, exercise and social connection - whether there is a pandemic or not."Also, time out is important. One of the difficulties with everybody being home is that people lose their personal space and their private time."Parents can think that this is a good time for family bonding, but everyone is used to having eight hours away from each other, so it is important that you allow time-out for everybody in the family. That's place that someone can go for as long as they want with out being questioned or judged."It will be a real challenge finding activities for them during the holidays. There is already a tendency towards screen time which is a big battle for a lot of parents already and this pandemic is exacerbating those screen time issues."Your children's screen time Basia's advice is to be more gentle with your children about the screen time issue.Be more relaxed about the amount of time spent playing games, or chatting to friends - because it is their only source of social connection right now."Those battles around screen time are only going to escalate", Basia said, "the emphasis right now should be on maintaining harmony in the home, rather than having battles about screen time," Basia explained."I know some parents are worried about what kids are accessing on their phones, i-pads and computers."Open up those conversations so you can understand what apps and websites they are using and getting them to explain what it is and how it works."This can appear to quite complex to parents, but my advice is to sit down and talk to your children and ask them to show you their apps. I am sure they would enjoy showing you their music apps or game apps like how to make a Tik Tok video."Increased stress levelsPeoples stress levels and anxieties will increase in the coming days and weeks which could lead to parents tempers being a bit shorter.At this time Basia says we should be showing more compassion toward one another and to realise that these are particular circumstances that will pass. We could also practice more forgiveness than we normally would and make relationship harmony the priority."We are allowed an hour of exercise a day so encourage your kids to get out of the house for that hour, she explained, "be clear what the rules are: they can exercise for one hour with one other person, as long as they maintain social distancing. Parents should facilitate that for their kids if the child's best friend lives close by"."This can be a big relief for people who are cooped up. It's the same for adults - make the most out of what we are allowed to do".Stressed? What to do.If you find yourself in a stressed moment, what do you do?"The same self care advice applies to adults. Maintain as much structure and compassion as possible in your days", Basia explains."In times of stress some people 'over structure' because they cannot control what is happening in the world but I can control what happens in the day. The problem with over-structure is that you are setting yourself up to fail, there is no wiggle room for the normal parts of life"."Then there is 'under structuring' where nothing is planned or scheduled so nothing gets done. It is about finding a happy balance"."Setting out a schedule is great as long as there is some downtime in the day as well"."What can work is making some really specific lists that feel achievable so it allows you to tick some things off to feel like you have accomplished something. The list has to be specific and not big - like clean the house - as this is nondescript, you could endlessly clean the house. Be specific on your lists like clean out the cutlery drawer".Set some SMART goalsSet yourself some SMART goals.These are specific, manageable, attainable, realistic and time bound."In these uncertain times we are looking for normalisation in our daily lives", Basia said, "there is no right or wrong way to get through this pandemic but I think when people prioritise the things they value the most in their lives they tend to cope better"."We need to ask our selves what do we value more? Do I value more that our child is following a very specific schedule or do I value our relationship and that my child is not feeling super anxious".Good luck with your family bubble over the coming two weeks and more. I hope Basia has given you some good tips on how to not only survive but thrive during these homebound school holidays.

Our good news has come to end regarding new coronavirus cases for Lismore.Between 9:45am this morning when Wayne Jones, CE Northern NSW Local Health District said there were still 5 cases and now we have another confirmed case taking the total for Lismore to 6.Another warning shot across the bow for us to keep practicing self isolation unless necessary and social distancing when we do need to venture outside of our homes. Then it is keeping up the high hygiene standards by washing or sanitising our hands regularly.The total count for the NNSWLHD is now 51 with 44 of those contracted over seas. Unfortunately, one of these cases is in ICU.The Lismore Base Hospital COVID-19 clinic will remain open during the Easter break between 10am and 6pm.

It is an Easter Long Weekend and the start of school holidays, normally we would have the car, the trailer or the caravan all packed up and ready to shoot off north or south to the coast for a week or two.As we know, life is very different now compared to twelve months ago. Home is where the camping will occur for now. A tent in the backyard or a caravan in the driveway if you want to still feel part of the holiday spirit.So, at the start of this difficult time, here is a coronavirus joke or two to kick off our Easter festivities!Stay healthy, keep smiling and have an awesome Easter!From the Lismore App team.

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.