It's that time of year again, when the going gets tough and the tough get going in the Lismore Samson Fitness Challenge at Hepburn Park in Goonellabah, the major fundraiser for local charity Our Kids. This year's Challenge – the 10th since it was founded by Dr Chris Ingall in 2001 – sees a whopping 135 teams competing, with four members each, drawn from Southeast Queensland, the Gold Coast and Sydney as well as the local area. They will test themselves in events whose names are even enough to tire out normal people, including the sled pull, Jerry-can run, dead-ball carry, tyre flip and push-a-prowler. Also on the gruelling programme is a run from Hepburn Park to the Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre, where competitors will swim a kilometre before running back to the park. There they will face an obstacle course and the expectation of 100 burpees.Several classes of competition mean no-one has an excuse to not take part, from the Elite and Competitive to the Social, the last just for the fun of it, "which is an interesting concept in itself", jokes Our Kids fundraising co-ordinator Rebekka Battista.Our Kids – or the Northern Rivers Children’s Health Fund, to give it its proper name – provides medical equipment and support to help children stay local when needing medical care. Over the years it has helped improve the health services for children in the Northern Rivers through raising awareness and vital funds to buy life-saving medical equipment for the paediatric wards such as Children’s Ward, Special Care Nursery and Accident and Emergency at Lismore Base Hospital and other hospitals across the region.The Lismore Samson Fitness Challenge has raised more than $135,000 in its 10 years of competition, and Rebekka expects this year's collect to be around $25,000."We couldn't do it without the fantastic community spirit behind us," she said. "The 120 or so marshalls, our fantastic sponsors and all those who volunteer. I'd like to say a huge 'thank you' to them all."It really does take a village to raise our kids, and to help keep them healthy."The Samson Fitness Challenge goes from 6.45am to 3.00pm tomorrow, Saturday, March 7, at Hepburn Park, corner of Holland St and Oliver Ave, Goonellabah. 

With the increasing media reports about COVID-19 or Coronavirus, the Lismore App decided to see if the panic has set in around Lismore.I was surprised that the panic buying of basic grocery items like toilet paper was affecting our local supermarkets. Not only that but hand sanitiser and mask supplies are already non-existent. Is this "being prepared" or is this an overreaction through what is commonly known as Crowd Psychology?A walk around the CBD gave a rather shocking view what the threat of the coronavirus can do to people.First stop was Dan O'Connell at Chempro on Woodlark Street. Dan told me that they had two bottles of hand sanitiser left and they will be gone in a few hours.Steph Bulmer at Blooms on Keen Street was next with the same story, no hand sanitiser and no masks. "We have them on back order," she told me. So, it was around to Helen Brand at Brands Pharmacy on Molesworth Street; same story with Helen hoping to find a new supplier.The Goonellabah Pharmacy was next, same story and a phone call to the Nimbin Village Pharmacy painted the same picture.Armed with that knowledge, it was then time to check out our toilet paper supplies.Coles in Goonellabah, completely out. The amusing aspect here is that I was told people were lining up in the morning waiting for the morning delivery. For toilet paper!IGA Goonellabah did have some on their shelves.Hand sanitiser and masks are understandable, but not the bulk buying of toilet paper. So, why is this happening?One theory is Crowd Psychology -- the phenomenon where people see or hear stories on the media or through friends and family then copy that behaviour, fearing there is something to the story whether it is based on fact or not. Basically, if one person is buying six large packs of toilet paper then there must be an important reason why and I had better not miss out.The fact is that most of our toilet paper is actually made in Australia. The likelihood of us running out is minimal.Quilton is made by ABC Tissue Products in Brisbane, Sydney and Perth, while Kleenex is made in Millicent, South Australia.Supply runs out when demand is well above what the normal levels of supply are on a weekly and monthly basis.So, don't panic. Just keep to your normal buying habits and the toilet paper will once again return to the shelves.Masks.The Chief Health Officer for NSW, Dr Kerry Chant has said that masks are not recommended for healthy people but only for those people who show flu-like symptoms. The majority of people do not need to wear face masks.The spread of influenza and the coronavirus is through close contact with an infected person through coughing, sneezing or contaminated hands. This is why only unhealthy people should be wearing masks. You cannot contract coronavirus through food, packaging or mail.Hand sanitiser.This is the product that can help people not contract the flu or coronavirus. Dr Chant has said that the "practice of good hand hygiene is important in not contracting the coronavirus". This can also be done through the regular washing of hands throughout the day.Do not rush to buy bulk supplies of face masks, a few will do for when you may come in contact with healthy family members or friends if you are displaying flu-like symptoms. There must be enough to go around everyone in our community.What should you do if you have flu-like symptoms?The focus of NSW Health is on "containing the spread of the virus".This means that if you feel the symptoms of the flu then do not rush to the doctor as we would normally do. You should contact your doctor and make an appointment, making them aware of your symptoms. They will advise you to wait in your car until a physician comes out to assess your condition and what the treatment should be.If someone in your family has symptoms, do not go to work or school. Isolation is the best way to tackle a potential outbreak, according to doctors.The mortality rate of the coronavirus is smaller than SARS in 2003. SARS' mortality rate was 9.5% while coronavirus is between 2 and 5%. The common flu has a rate of 0.1%.To give this more perspective, people under 50 have a mortality rate of 0.2 to 0.4%. In 50-59 year olds it rises to 1.3%, 60-69 3.6% and 70-79 8%. The age group most in danger are 80+ people with a 14.8% mortality rate. People with health issues are also more susceptible than the average person.The statistics suggest that if you have loved ones that are above 80 years of age and you develop symptoms of the flu, stay away from them. As would be the case in any normal flu season.We need to approach the next few months with a great deal of common sense not panic.The facts are that through good hygiene practices and isolation when displaying symptoms we will continue to live normal lives.The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, runny nose, or shortness of breath. The most important step in protecting yourself from any illness, including COVID-19 is regular handwashing, especially before preparing and eating meals or drinking.There is no need to panic buy grocery items.There is no need to not continue our everyday lives and support businesses in our local community.As of yesterday March 5, 2020 there were no confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Northern NSW with 25 cases confirmed in NSW.To stay up to date or to get more facts about coronavirus, go to the Health NSW website page https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx.This page includes important information on flights with confirmed cases of coronavirus. There are a lot of people still travelling overseas, either for work or pleasure. If that is you, this page is definitely worth taking note of.

Chappy and Prince, two fine-looking Kelpie crosses, gaze out at the camera.Prince has a pleading look in his eyes. He wants a home, with some lovely human companions to play with him, to love and be loved by.They both do, because it’s getting a bit boring in the Lismore Pound, now that all the other dogs have been adopted out.Two weeks ago the Pound was at capacity – nine dogs in all, an unusual state of affairs, according to Lismore City Council’s senior law enforcement officer Jody Hinds.“It might happen once or twice a year, if that,” he says, and only when a range of circumstances come together.That might include February’s heavy rains, which could have knocked down fences and let dogs run off. That wouldn’t matter if the dog’s microchip was current, Jody says, but when people change address, or get a new phone, they can forget to update the details on their pet’s microchip, extending the time before they can be re-united.In the rare cases of dogs not being micro-chipped at all, they are kept for seven days before efforts are made to re-house them; owners of micro-chipped dogs have 14 days to locate their four-legged friends.The two kelpies have the Pound to themselves now because following a Facebook call-out about the facility’s full-house, two of their mates were re-homed and the remaining five and were fostered out through an animal rescue group.It put the Pound rangers in the slightly awkward position of having just Chappy and Prince left for their Open Day at the end of February.It was a nice problem to have though, says Jody, because the most satisfying part of the rangers’ job is seeing dogs leave the Pound, ideally to loving new homes, micro-chipped, desexed, vaccinated and registered.Deciding to take a dog home is a serious matter, Jody says, and his team – all dog devotees themselves – put a lot of time and thought into finding the right match.“We’re not just dog-catchers, we’re dog lovers trying to break the cycle of a mis-match between human and dog.“Choosing a dog is not like going to the supermarket and picking something,” he says. “It’s a full adoption process; we talk to prospective owners, find out about their hobbies, their lifestyles, and try to match a chilled dog with a laidback owner, or an active one with someone who likes to exercise.“We don’t want people making an emotional decision. We’ve got to make sure that it’s a right fit.“We’re looking for a home where a dog will be loved and cherished for the rest of its life.”To that end he encourages anyone to come and talk to the rangers at the Pound – and perhaps even join the waiting list for a breed they like.The Pound is located at the Lismore City Council Recycling and Recovery Centre on Wyrallah Road.

Celebrations for International Women’s Day (March 8), ranging from the formal to the fun-filled, kick off tomorrow, Friday.A luncheon hosted by the Lismore City Council will have as its focus a keynote speaker, Fay Jackson, the director of Vision in Mind and deputy commissioner of NSW Mental Health, who will address the theme of the event, “An equal world is an enabled world”.“This is a great opportunity for local women from all walks of life to come together and share their experiences in a fun and supportive atmosphere,” said council general manager Shelley Oldham. “Organisations and businesses are now realising how important mental health is to their workplaces,” Ms Oldham said. “However, they often do not have the knowledge to deal with these issues.”“The luncheon will start a discussion about how we can make workplaces a safer and more nurturing place, not just for women but for all of us.”On Saturday evening, there is a screening of the Women’s Adventure Film Tour, a collection of award-winning short films celebrating inspiring women doing extraordinary things in the name of adventure.The programme features a cast of Australian athletes including four-time world champion cliff diver Rhiannan Iffland, climber Angie Scarth-Johnson, trail runner Jacqui Bell and many more, including women in snow sports, mountaineering and mountain biking.Guest speaker is Terra Roams, who after five decades exploring the world is shifting her focus to story collecting and telling a few of her own. Over the years she has walked and snowshoed more than 22,000kms solo, including almost 6000kms in wilderness.Ms Roams is passionate about conservation and climate action and uses her expeditions to highlight important issues and solutions.The evening includes a prize draw as well as the screening.Meanwhile, the Lismore Women’s Festival will run all weekend, A weekend-long celebration hosted by YWCA Australia.Events include The Roar Women’s Music Festival on Friday, headlined by singer-songwriter Essie Thomas, who grew up on the Northern Rivers and is now an internationally recognised musician.On Saturday is the She-Rated Cabaret for over 18s and a burlesque workshop, in which a former World Queen of Burlesque will teach women how to striptease.On Sunday, events range from the uproarious (The Fabulous, Funny and Female Comedy Show with Vanessa Larry) to the highly serious –a workshop to train people what to do when they find themselves a bystander to violence. Other workshops provide opportunities to learn about nutrition and perimenopause, said festival co-ordinator Emma Newman. “We’ll also have dancing, yoga and relaxation sessions each day, as well as visual art at Serpentine Gallery in North Lismore.”Lismore City Hall will be the main venue for all events, “where women can go from workshop to workshop: listening, debating, writing, relaxing, dancing and laughing their heads off”.The biggest gathering will be on Sunday, March 8, for International Women’s Day. There will be a gathering on the lawn outside Lismore City Hall with a Welcome to Country ceremony, followed by Young Women on the Mic. “People can enjoy music, food, talks, a feminist panel and browse a wide range of stalls on the day – all in the spirit of empowering women,” Emma said.Topics will range from growing trees, intercultural awareness, performance, environment, music, feminism, health, communication and comedy. Closing the day will be a concert by the Our Women in Harmony Pop-up Choir – Beautiful Songbirds at City Hall.For festival programme details, visit www.lismorewomensfestival.orgWomen’s Adventure Film Tour is at Star Court Theatre, 126 Molesworth Street on March 7 at 7pm.The LCC luncheon will be held in the Fountain Room at Lismore City Hall tomorrow, March 6 between noon and 2pm.Individual tickets cost $50, or $45 each for a table of six. Bookings are essential. For tickets, see www.visitlismore.com.au

A man will face court today after he allegedly broke into a home in Goonellabah and sexually touched a woman who was sleeping inside.On Wednesday 4 March 2020, a 33-year-old woman and her two daughters aged four and five, were asleep in their Allingham Place, Goonellabah home, all sharing the same bed.About 4am the woman was woken by a man sitting on her bed sexually touching her. She screamed, and the man ran from the premises.Officers from Richmond Police District attended and commenced an investigation with the assistance of Detectives and Crime Scene Officers.About 3pm yesterday (Wednesday 4 March 2020), a 19-year-old man was arrested at a home in Simpson Place, Goonellabah.He was taken to Lismore Police Station where he was charged with aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence (sexual touching).He was refused bail and will appear in Lismore Local Court today (Thursday 5 March 2020).The two children were not harmed during the incident.

Autumn is upon us but, with continuing high temperatures and high humidity, it still feels like summer.And what a summer it was, with extreme dry relieved in February by extreme wet, inconvenient for some but welcomed by farmers, gardeners, householders and above all, firefighters. The rain started in the north and progressed southwards, and by February 13 it had helped to douse the bushfires that had dominated the headlines and devastated the lives of hundreds of people.It was “a summer of two halves”, in the words of Bureau of Meteorology climatologist Andrew Watkins, with the two main drivers at the start of the season being a very strong positive Indian Ocean Dipole and a near-record negative Southern Annular Mode, which led to the warmest and driest December on record – a staggering 4.31 °C above the long-term average.Those drivers “returned to neutral levels” in January, with a very late arrival of the northern monsoon finally bringing some tropical moisture to our shores.While they helped to put out the flames and cooled temperatures compared to December, the extra moisture and cloud couldn’t stop January and February from ranking among the 10 warmest on record for the country as a whole, Dr Watkins said.So what does autumn hold for us? Continuing “very much above” average temperatures, both during the day and at night.And, while most areas of the state are showing no strong push towards wetter or drier than average conditions over autumn, the Northern Rivers has slightly increased odds of wetter than average conditions. (Sadly, in the far west of the State, the forecast is for rainfall to be “very much below average”.)"Typically, in autumn our main climate drivers are resetting, which means they're exerting less influence on our weather patterns,” Dr Watkins said."This means we can expect our weather over the coming month or two to be driven by more local conditions, and that makes the seven-day forecast an important tool for assessing upcoming rainfall. “By winter, we will have an even clearer indication if this will change, and hence what the weather will look like for the rest of 2020."

The Northern Rivers Rural Fire Services has declared the Bushfire Danger Period over – one month early.The high-risk period is usually set down for seven months, running from September 1 to March 31, during which anyone wanting to light a fire requires a permit from their local fire control centre.Because of the extraordinary dry, hot and windy conditions this season, total fire bans were in place for many months.“People are no longer required to get a permit,” RFS Inspector Boyd Townsend said, “unless their fire poses a danger to buildings.”However, anyone wanting to light a fire is still required to contact their neighbours and local fire control centre 24 hours beforehand, he said.The Bushfire Danger Period is variable, according to Insp Boyd, and because the Northern Rivers “fire season” starts earlier than elsewhere in the State, the official danger period can be started and finished earlier.It is not unusual for the danger period to be called off early, he said.This year was a perfect example, with fires starting in our region from August, and later in the south of the state, and being extinguished here earlier also.January and February’s torrential rains experienced across the region means there is no longer significant danger of fires breaking out, Insp Boyd said – a great relief following the horrific, out-of-control events at Mt Nardi and elsewhere in the later months of 2019 and early January.

Two donations for bushfire relief from Lismore’s sister city Yamato Takada in Japan will be handed to the Lismore Rotary Club secretary Graham Hargraves and Lismore mayor Isaac Smith tomorrow.The donations are to be delivered by Southern Cross University Professor Peter Wilson on campus at 3.30pm.During a trip to Yamato Takada at the end of February, Professor Wilson visited both the Yamato Takada Rotary Club and the city’s mayor.The president of the Rotary Club, Katsumi Nakahori, handed over funds collected by members of the club and asked that they be given to their sister club in Lismore.“Kaatsumi handed me an envelope with 220,000 yen and a letter. He asked if I could bring it back to give to the Lismore Rotary Club President, Trevor Hopf,” Professor Wilson said.The other donation was gifted on behalf of the Lismore and Yamato Takada Sister City Association, by President Yoshikiyo Yakimoto, with the request that it be passed on to Cr Smith. This money was collected by students and parents of the Bamboo English Class in the local primary school in Yamato Takada.Lismore and Yamato Takada have had a sister city relationship since 1963, and have continually strengthened ties through student exchanges, cultural programs and official visits.

A man will face court today charged over the sexual touching of a young girl in a public bathroom at the Lismore Transit Centre yesterday.Officers from Richmond Police District responded following reports a 15-year-old had been sexually touched by a man, who is known to her, at the Transit Centre about 12.20pm (Tuesday 3 March 2020).On arrival, police conducted inquiries before arresting a 26-year-old man.The Lismore man was taken to Lismore Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of sexually touch child 10-16 years and incite to crime.Police will allege in court that the man approached the girl and led her into one of the toilet areas, where he sexually touched her.It will also be alleged that the man asked the girl to buy cannabis on his behalf.He has been refused bail to appear at Lismore Local Court today (Wednesday 4 March 2020).Inquiries are continuing.

Police have charged a man after he allegedly sexually touched a woman during a poker tournament in Lismore at the weekend.Officers from Richmond Police District began an investigation following reports that a 25-year-old woman had been sexually touched by an unknown man at a licensed premises at Lismore on Saturday.Police allege the woman was approached by the man at a poker tournament and sexually touched on several occasions before he was ejected by security.Following extensive inquiries, a 31-year-old man was arrested at a unit in Lismore about 7.30pm last night.He was taken to Lismore Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of sexually touch another person without consent.The man was refused bail to appear at Lismore Local Court today, Wednesday, March 4.

Lismore Liver Clinic is playing a key role in a campaign aimed at making Australia free of hepatitis C by 2030.Around 182,000 Australians live with chronic infection, and the Northern Rivers is a hot spot. The TEST CURE LIVE campaign is aimed at the estimated 3000 people living in the region with the virus, to encourage them to seek a treatment that is 95% effective.“If you think there is any chance you may have contracted hepatitis C, even if it was decades ago, through needles, a blood transfusion or tattoos, I would urge you to ask your GP for a blood test to find out,” says Krista Zohrab, Lismore Liver Clinic’s clinical nurse consultant.“There is no reason to live with hepatitis C. A simple test followed by tablets for two or three months is all it takes to be cured. Treatment is cheap, with few or no side-effects, and 95% successful.”Sometimes shame about their drug-using past can stop people from coming forward, Krista says, and she suggests that anyone not comfortable talking to their GP should call the Clinic direct on 6620 7539.“We can help organise testing and treatment anywhere on the Northern Rivers,” she says.The campaign – a Hepatitis Australia initiative in collaboration with Hepatitis NSW and the Northern NSW Local Health District – is aimed primarily at people 50 years and older. Many of them may have contracted the virus unknowingly in their youth, when it was only known as “non-A, non-B”. Hepatitis C can lie hidden for decades, a “silent” presence in the liver, showing few symptoms. If left untreated, it can cause fatigue, muscle aches, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, a rash and itching – symptoms many people mistakenly attribute to ageing. As the virus progresses, hepatitis C can damage the liver slowly and silently, leading to cirrhosis (or scarring), liver cancer and liver failure.Around 72,000 people have been cured since new hepatitis C antiviral medications were made available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in 2016 – more than 2200 of them in the Northern Rivers. The new range of medications are a massive improvement on the older treatments based upon the drug Interferon, which was gruelling and relatively ineffective.Everyone over 18 with a Medicare card can access the new antivirals, Krista says.Confirmation of a cure can be provided within 12 weeks of completing treatment, with those clearing the virus reporting feeling “transformed”, their wellbeing, energy and mental clarity restored, she says.For more information, visit the TEST CURE LIVE website testcurelive.com.au.

Lismore TAFE teachers are “collapsing” under the workload of trying to teach a new, revised TAFE curriculum.As the first teaching term of the 2020 TAFE year gets underway, TAFE teachers are complaining of being left to deliver new courses that have little to no resources provided for them to use.One TAFE teacher, who requested not to be named, said her workload had tripled, and she was stressed as she struggled to create teaching materials she could use to deliver the subjects.“Most teachers are casual workers, on temporary contracts and we are just getting the same hours of pay as before,” she said. “It’s the same for every teacher across the whole State.”She said all courses taught by TAFE in Australia had been revised and rewritten last year, after being audited for consistency and standards.“Education auditors found that TAFE needed to improve in order to achieve compliance with assessment and standards of competence – and this needed consistent across the whole country,” she said.“Only a couple of courses were audited, not every subject, but a decision was made to re-do every assessment across all skill sectors - and it was done in a hurry, without collaboration or consultation across the board.“In some units, the new assessments have many parts and this increased the amount of time needed for teachers to conduct and mark assessments – as well as increased time for students to do the assessments.“Everybody is collapsing because they are over-assessing the students by giving too many assessments.“The workload is unfeasible and unmanageable and we are not given any extra pay for the extra workload. “Staff are already taking stress leave because they can’t handle it. “One teacher who works teaching hospitality in Casino in a working kitchen said two teachers were needed in order to teach the unit, Bbut one teacher’s position was cut and now there’s inadequate staffing in the kitchen.“We have given feedback to the higher ups, but nothing has changed.”TAFE has already seen cuts to funding and services over the last few years. A new review of the TAFE system has been announced this week by the NSW Government, and has already received criticism amidst fears it could lead to a privatisation of the already struggling system, or to even more cuts to services.Read more:  Where are the apprentices? New TAFE review brings criticismThe Lismore App contacted TAFE NSW for comment about the new review, but TAFE NSW declined to comment.

Schools can apply for grants of up to $500 to learn more about the impact of Stolen Generations history on Australia.The Healing Foundation grants enable teachers to bring truth telling to life with age appropriate lesson plans that include the option for schools to receive book bundles with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander literature.The Healing Foundation Chair Professor Steve Larkin said the grants would support schools to engage students in meaningful truth telling activities about Australia’s past.“We’ve seen a national shift in perception around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues and this is being driven, in part, by a thirst for more Indigenous knowledge at the school level,” he said.“Parents understand their children’s desire to know more about the true history of Australia and the schools kit is a great way to educate our kids and we’re seeing that flow on to Mum and Dad.“We all share the same past and understanding our common history and rewriting the story in a safe way means that together we take some of the stigma out of the narrative.”The Healing Foundation’s Stolen Generations Reference Group Chair Ian Hamm said the schools kit played an important part in healing the nation and for the thousands of children who were forcibly removed from their families and communities between 1910 and the 1970s.“The schools kit is an important part of the ongoing healing of our nation,” he said.“Our children are our future and we’re finally giving them the tools to better understand and frame discussions around truth telling and healing.“My hope is that all schools will one day soon be teaching our kids what really happened so that together we can create change that builds a better future for Australia.”The Stolen Generations Resource Kit for Teachers and Students was developed by The Healing Foundation in consultation with Stolen Generations survivors, teachers, parents and curriculum writers.It includes suggested lesson plans for Foundation Year through to Year 9 and professional learning tools for teachers. Each year level includes four activities that can be taught over a day, week, month or term, mapped to the Australian Curriculum.The lesson plans, case studies and other resources are available for free download from The Healing Foundation website.Grant applications open on March 3 and close on April 15. To find out more or apply visit www.healingfoundation.org.au/schools

Don’t be scared to clog up your drains, because Lismore’s apprentice plumbers may not be an endangered species anymore.Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has welcomed TAFE NSW’s decision to offer a Certificate IV course in Plumbing and Services (Operations Stream) at Wollongbar TAFE Campus from April 27.Read earlier story: Where are the apprentices? New TAFE review brings criticism Ms Saffin described the announcement as a win for up to 20 local tradesmen plumbers who needed to further their education closer to home rather than take the far more costly option of doing the course in Coffs Harbour. Ms Saffin said confirmation of the Wollongbar course and opening up of applications came late last Friday following strong representations she had made to NSW Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Dr Geoff Lee on January 21 this year. “I also thank TAFE NSW Regional General Manager North Region Susie George for acknowledging that there is a demand for this course, and a need to run it in Wollongbar, putting up an offering for it (to start after Easter) and asking potential students to enrol,” Ms Saffin said. “For the local tradies who contacted me, travelling to and staying at Coffs Harbour was not an option due to the associated travel, accommodation and other costs. “Further to this, I was advised that to complete this course, a student must do 14 blocks, with each block of three days’ duration. Not every employer would be able to accommodate and afford this arrangement. “I asked Minister Lee to investigate the matter and to use his good offices to reconsider offering the course at the Wollongbar campus, and I welcome the positive outcome for local tradies and their employers.” Tradesman plumber Jamie Swinton, 23, of Goonellabah, who has worked for Sidney & Hacking Plumbing for the past three years, said he would definitely be enrolling in the Wollongbar course and thanked Ms Saffin for her advocacy. “I recently finished my apprenticeship and have been trying to further my study to become a licensed contractor for over 12 months,” Mr Swinton said. “The Coffs option just wasn’t viable and my life would have been put on hold for another year waiting to find out if the course would be offered at Wollongbar. “Now I can get on with it. It’s an 18-month course and I’m eligible for the $2850 subsidised course fee, which I can just afford. “Down the track, I would like to do a Diploma in Hydraulic Services, which goes more into design and engineering.”

Move, relax and stretch in a free Tai Chi tomorrow, Tuesday, March 3 is free (yes FREE!). If you have never tried Tai Chi, but have been intrigued watching others doing Tai Chi, tomorrow is your chance to join in, in a friendly and accepting environment - at a regular beginner class.This month Tai Chi instructor, Rhiana, will hold free community sessions every Tuesday starting at 10am on March 3 at The Quad.Health benefits include improved circulation, balance and posture, increased strength and flexibility, and reduced stress.Feel free to drop by any of our classes and meet our instructor.Wear loose clothing and flat footwear, and bring a yoga mat.Rhiana has been a dedicated Tai Chi practitioner for over 10 years, she studied un Chen Zaozen in Chen Jiagou in China. The form that Rhiana will be teaching is a Yong style, developed by one of the sons of Yong whilst doing a 20 year prison sentence, hence can be performed in a 6sqm room. The class will begin with some Toaist yoga followed by some stretching and then form practice with the aim of learning where our bodies are at, keeping in mind that everyone’s Tai Chi is perfect, experience the joy of connecting with our bodies.For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2629727123915719/?event_time_id=2629727130582385

Award winning author, Chris Hammer, will appear “In Conversation” at the Goonellabah Library tomorrow, courtesy of Richmond Tweed Regional Library's new Regional Readers Book Club.Chris's latest best-selling crime novel Silver is the first title selected for the recently launched book club which encourages readers from across our community to enjoy the same book throughout February and March. Readers are then encouraged to join the conversation on the Library's Facebook page and to come along to the talks.Regional Library Manager Jo Carmody, said “the new book club is a great way for people to be able to participate in a book club, without being tied to a time and place as all of the conversation is happening on the Library's Facebook page”.“It's wonderful to have such a well¬renowned, award-winning author visiting our area and we are delighted to be featuring Chris's book, Silver, as our first Regional Readers Book Club title,” she said.Before turning to fiction, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years, dividing his career between covering Australian Federal politics, and international affairs. He reported from more than thirty countries on six continents for SBS television. While in Canberra, his roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin, senior writer for The Age, and Online Political Editor for Fairfax.His book, Scrublands, won the 2019 John Creasy 'New Blood' Award for best first crime novel at the UK Crime Writers' Association, Dagger Awards. Chris has also written two non-fiction books, The River (2010) and The Coast (2012). The River won the ACT Book of the Year Award and was shortlisted for the Walkley Book Award.Throughout March, the library will be posting questions about the book on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RichmondTweedRegionalLibrary. There are plenty of copies of Silver available to borrow or download. You can find out more about Regional Readers Book Club on the library website at www.rtrl.nsw.gov.au or on the Library App.Chris will be joined in conversation by former Lismore City Mayor, Jenny Dowell. The talk will be held at Goonellabah Library, 27 Oliver Ave, Goonellabah on Tuesday, March 3 at 7pm.

In line with national advice, NSW Health today urged people returning from Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand to be vigilant in monitoring themselves for respiratory symptoms or fever. In addition to the outbreak in mainland China, there are increasing reports of transmission of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) or the potential for outbreaks in these countries.  NSW Health has daily telephone conferences with the Commonwealth and other states and territories to ensure a national process to assess the risk associated with travel and for developing consistent advice. The Commonwealth Department of health website is regularly updated with the latest health and travel advice. Travellers should check SmartTraveller web site. NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant said symptoms may be very mild, and include fever, cough, sore throat, or shortness of breath. “If symptoms develop, immediately isolate yourself and call your doctor or health direct 1800 022 222 for an assessment,” Dr Chant said. If you have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, or returned from mainland China you must self-isolate for 14 days since last contact or departure from mainland China. “Please avoid gatherings if you have been in contact with suspect cases in countries where there have been outbreaks,” Dr Chant said. NSW Health provides up-to-date information on COVID-19 on its website and will continue to advise the community of developments.“I want to stress there is still no evidence of community transmission of COVID-19 in Australia,” Dr Chant said. “This advice is to protect the community and the health of individuals who have visited higher risk international destinations.” Practising good hand and sneeze/cough hygiene is the best defence against most viruses. For more information, find the facts at www.health.nsw.gov.au.

We have had our fair share of rain recently especially on the weekends so it is with pleasure, and a little hope, that I can tell you we will have some sunshine over the two days.Take a look at this photo I took on Wednesday night in Goonellabah just before the storm hit us. The sky can provide some spectacular sights sometimes.The BOM has said a 60% chance of rain later this evening plus the same chance of showers and a possible storm tomorrow evening with the days looking pretty good. Sunday is the pick with only a 20% chance of rain and tops of 28 glorious degrees.Our fingers are crossed for David Lander and the team at Lismore Speedway for this Saturday night's meeting. They haven't had one now for five weeks because of the wet weather so they are due some luck and we are due some great racing action at the Showground track. The V8's Modified Dirt Scramble is the main event with the street stocks, national 4's plus for lovers of old cars the Legend Cars are back at the Lismore Speedway. Action starts at 5:30pm. Get down and show some love for the speedway.Hopefully, we will see a full round of sport this weekend also. Check out what's on in Sport.If your Friday night is vacant, you could try being spontaneous and check out some live theatre at Lismore City Hall. One of Australia's favourite performers Jonathon Biggins plays Paul Keating, our former PM. The Gospel According to Paul is a comedy so no need to worry about which side of the political fence you sit. The show gets under way at 7:30 with tickets $59 adults and $53 Seniors and Concessions.Maybe live music is your scene? Live Baby Live the Inxs tribute show is on tonight at the Workers Club from 7:30 for some more spontaneity. Relive the songs from one of the biggest bands in the world in the 80's with Devil Inside, Need You Tonight and New Sensation.The leap year brings an extra day of entertainment with the Cath Simes Band playing at Mary G's on Saturday night from 9:30.The Lismore Farmers Markets are on again tomorrow morning from 8am. Say g'day to Scott and Kristin in their Mayfields Market Kitchen food van, their omelette is very good but beware it is also large!The Blue Knob Markets open their doors at 8:30am tomorrow then on Sunday the Lismore Car Boot Markets are on again from 7:30am to 2pm.With the weather looking positive, it is a good time to get your walking in for Relay For Life coming up on March 28. I will do a shameful plug for the Lismore App team, you can find us here. We would love as many people as possible to join our team or if you cannot make it for the walk please donate some of your hard earned cash to help those who are suffering from or in recovery from cancer. Like many businesses ours is made up of some wonderful people who have had first hand experience of this dreadful disease. Push on this link to join or donate https://www.cancercouncil.org.au/relayforlife/teams/ei00156614/.If you are in the market for a new or update on your car, check out the Cars/Bikes For Sale button. We welcomed Lismore Nissan, Lismore Used Car Superstore and Lismore Motorcycles this week so there is plenty to choose from Cars/Bikes For Sale.Finally, Saturday March 14 is fast approaching so invite your extended family and friends to the Norco Eat The Street food festival in the CBD now. The food, drink and entertainment has been ordered, now for the weather.Enjoy the sun and enjoy your weekend!

With over 30% less apprenticeships available now in the Northern Rivers than seven years ago, the future for local tradies is more dire that ever.This week, the NSW Government announced a review of the TAFE training system - the largest vocational education and training (VET) provider in the country. The review has been hit by criticism, with fears it could lead to the privatisation of the sector and an increased skills shortage.Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the review would be led by education expert David Gonski and Professor Peter Shergold, who will report to the NSW Government by July 2020.“We want students to think of TAFE the same way they think of university, as a leading institution for furthering their education and gaining the skills of the future,” Ms Berejiklian said in a statement.“This Review will consider initiatives like a HECS-style program for TAFE students, greater industry involvement in co-designing courses and making sure courses are as up-to-date as possible.”State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is worried that despite the review, NSW TAFE campuses will remain under threat, having already had more than 5000 staff cuts state-wide, and now with 175,000 fewer students.Australia Bureau of Statistics data provided by NSW labor shows about 750 apprentices and trainees in the Northern Rivers region have been lost as a result of the Federal Government’s $3 billion dollars in cuts to TAFE and training. In the electorate of Page, the number of traineeships in 2013 was 2386; while in March 2019, numbers declined by 31% to 1636.Ms Saffin said the TAFE sector needed to be rebuilt, after the Coalition government had decimated TAFE by “slowly cutting the valued public education institution to the bone”.Dire situation She said the situation was so dire that she now had numerous local tradies contacting her about being unable to complete their plumbing courses. “I received a letter from one Lismore man in his early 20s who had recently finished his plumbing apprenticeship and had been trying to further his study to become a licensed contractor for over 12 months,” Ms Saffin said. “He has been unable to do so because his local TAFE is not running the course. “Another tradie complained to me said that they have been told there are not enough students to run the course and he was told to go to Coffs Harbour - but my inquiries tell me there are enough students. “They were told to drive 2½ hours three days a week for a 14-week block, and to take time out of their jobs. How can they do that? It is impossible.” Ms Saffin said the fact that TAFE had had four managing directors over the 12 months of 2018-19 “said it all”, and suggested that the $6 million the Government had spent on consultancy fees would be better spent on not introducing HECs fees for the VET sector. Ms Saffin said she was particularly concerned about the way the Government treats TAFE as a private VET, as it does the higher education providers.“TAFE should be the core of the VET sector, education and the workforce – just like Medicare is to the health sector,” she said. More cuts?NSW Labor has also slammed the Liberals and Nationals, after they refused to rule out cutting TAFE courses and closing TAFE campuses. In Parliament this week, Liberal Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee refused to guarantee TAFE services would not be cut as a result of the newly announced TAFE review.NSW Labor Leader Jodi McKay said in a statement “this follows Ms Berejiklian’s failure to rule out the privatisation of TAFE in media reports earlier this week” and that “it should be ringing alarm bells”. Premier Berejiklian said TAFE could become a better option for students than university, when it came to some high-end technical jobs.“We need more tradies in existing trades, but we also need to prepare workers in new areas like 3D printing, robotics and other technology industries to provide the jobs of the future in places like the Western Sydney Aerotropolis and the Sydney Tech Hub,” Ms Berejiklian said.“In 2019-20, the NSW Government is investing $2.3 billion in the Vocational Education and Training sector to build a skilled and employable workforce, which includes approximately $585 million in funding from the Commonwealth.“TAFE NSW is the largest VET provider in the country, with a budget of $1.85 billion in 2019-20.”What the review will look atSome of the issues to be examined by the new Review will include;• Opportunities to resolve current skills shortages to benefit the State’s economy• How TAFE NSW can better work with industry to meet future skills shortages• Better integration of secondary, vocational and tertiary learning opportunities• How findings can be implemented through exemplar projects.