You could call it a battle of the sporting codes with a difference. This Friday, two Lismore locals are ready to leap off a ten storey building.Brandon Williams from Lismore Marists Brothers and Scott Collis from Liverpool FC International Academy have signed on for the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter’s Leaders Leap challenge.The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter recently put the challenge out to the community for anyone who wanted to brave over 10 stories of abseiling in its inaugural ‘Leaders Leap’ event taking place this Friday, February 28. The venue is the Southern Cross University Gold Coast campus.Brandon and Scott will attempt to not only abseil the dizzying heights, but also fundraise $2,500 each to help the Rescue Helicopter save lives. Their support has turned into a battle of the sporting codes, football vs rugby league, with both Scott and Brandon excited to take part and represent their individual love of sport. Rescue Helicopter Service spokesperson, Zeke Huish said the event is definitely not for the faint hearted. “Both Scott and Brandon are to be congratulated for not only signing up but also for the support they have received from friends and family who are donating to their online fundraising pages in association with the event,” he said. “This is a great opportunity for Lismore to show its support for Scott and Brandon as they prepare themselves in this final week before the big leap”. To find out more about the Leaders Leap event visit https://leadersleap.blackbaud-sites.com/tweed To show your support for Scott and Brandon, visit their individual fundraising pages via the following links: https://tweedleadersleap2020.everydayhero.com/au/liverpool-fc-international-academyhttps://tweedleadersleap2020.everydayhero.com/au/lismore-marist-brothers-brandon-williams

More fantastically dangerous and challenging than ever, Andy and Terry’s Treehouse has reached an amazing 91 Stories.The 91-Storey Treehouse is NORPA and The Macadamia Castle’s latest kids’ production – and it’s coming to Lismore City Hall on Thursday, March 5. It’s the latest installment in the wild, weird and wonderful world of Andy Griffiths’ and Terry Denton’s bestselling series, building on the stories of 13-, 26-, 52- and 78-Storey Treehouses.Featuring a deserted desert island, a whirlpool, and a giant spider, this adaptation by Richard Tulloch will challenge Andy and Terry like never before.Mr Big Nose has sent his grandchildren to the Treehouse, and they don’t want to just sit quietly. Can Andy, Terry and Jill master this extreme babysitting challenge? What does mysterious fortune teller Madam Know-It-All really want? And will the Big Red Button really destroy the world?The best-selling, award-winning series of books has inspired children across Australia to let their imaginations run wild. The 91-Storey Treehouse has been short-listed for the Speech Pathology Awards 2018 and long-listed for ABIA Book of the Year for Younger Children 2018. The stage adaptations have also been successful throughout Australia, including The 52-Storey Treehouse winning the 2015 Sydney Theatre Award for Best Production for Children. The Macadamia Castle team will be at NORPA from 4pm with their interactive animal display and Pancake Van. The production is recommended for children aged 6-12.The play will be on stage at NORPA at Lismore City Hall, on Thursday, March 5 at 5pm and 7pm (60 mins no interval). Tickets cost $25 - $38To book tickets, visit http://www.norpa.org.au or phone 1300 066 772.

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.

A second electric bike has been stolen from the area within three weeks.A red-coloured Leitner Tirol brand electric bike, worth more than $1000, was stolen from a property on Cecil Street, Nimbin, on Saturday, 15 February.Richmond Police District are appealing to anyone with information about the theft to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or 41488@police.nsw.gov.au, quoting police event number E74059662.This crime follows the stealing of a $2000 black-coloured Dillenger brand electric cruiser from the Southern Cross University grounds in Lismore on the 28 January.The brazen theft of the $2000 black-coloured Dillenger brand electric cruiser from the Southern Cross University grounds.Anyone with information on this crime was urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Lismore Police Station 02 6626 0599, quoting police case number C73825857.

Once you have tantalised your tastebuds at the 2020 Norco Eat the Street Food Festival on March 14, head over to the Southern Cross University Entertainment Stage and excite your ears with local talent and the Brisbane-based octet Steele Syndicate.For those who like an eclectic, genre-bending sound that re-imagines elements of old school funk, reggae, ska and indie rock, Steele Syndicate is the band for them.The 2020 Norco Eat the Street Festival is much more than a celebration of wonderful food with some great performers entertaining foodies between noon and 9pm.Festival events officer Virginia Waters said she was "excited to provide local performers with the opportunity to perform at Norco Eat the Street"."With some of Southern Cross Universities top musicians on show, we hope to highlight the abundance of talent we have in the region,” she said.Local performers include SCU student and talented singer and songwriter Joe Conroy who has just release is debut EP.“Our line-up of artists will be sure to get everyone up and grooving, adding to a great day of food and entertainment,” Ms Waters said.Eat the Street will come alive on Saturday, 14 March from 12pm to 9pm in the heart of Lismore. There will be more than 50 stalls offering tasting plates, plus boutique drinks and beverages, home-grown produce and locally made products.

“The government needs to be doing more to support carers”.Local carers - the unsung heroes in our community - today with NSW Shadow Minister for Carers Julia Finn at Lismore Workers Club.  The carers discussed their needs as part of a round table discussion, hosted by MP Janelle Saffin, along with representatives from local groups and support organisations in the Northern Rivers area.Ms Finn and Ms Saffin heard about the innovative work of carers groups working with mental health carers, disability carers, carers of the sick, young carers and Aboriginal carers, and about how government can better support carers in regional areas. “The sad reality right now is that many carers are not being cared for themselves,” Ms Finn said. “Reports have found health and social outcomes for carers fall far short of where they should be. This is particularly true in regional areas.” Unpaid carers in rural locations spend on average 11 hours more a week caring for another than those in urban communities. Carers also experience barriers to employment. Only 56% of primary carers aged 15 to 64 participate in the workforce, compared to 80% of non-carers. “These are statistics that must change,” Ms Finn said. “NSW Labor is committed to better supporting our carers.” “In NSW, they play an enormous role and making sure our states' carers are looked after is not only the right thing to do; it is critical to our economy. “Carers are unsung heroes in our community. “There are 904,400 carers in NSW, including approximately 278,700 primary carers. Carers currently provide the majority of care in our state. “In 2010, the replacement value of the care they provide is estimated to exceed $40 billion Australia-wide, which equates to approximately $13 billion in NSW – this number is estimated to have greatly increased.  “Our carers are doing so much with so little,” Ms Saffin said. “I know that many carers in the Lismore Electorate would greatly appreciate better support from the government.“The main take away from the discussion was that the government needs to be doing more to support carers, particularly in regional areas like Lismore.” 

February is one of those months where not a great deal is happening.Christmas and New Year have been and gone, the kids are back at school and we all settle back to the routine of a working life.March is where the action is with International Women's Day weekend from March 6 to 8 and Eat The Street on Saturday March 14.This weekend we are relying on the good old markets to keep us entertained.The Lismore Farmers Markets kick off at 8am at the Showgrounds Saturday morning while the Blue Knob markets start at 8:30 tomorrow.The monthly Nimbin markets are on Sunday from 9am to 1pm. Loads of multicultural foods, great coffee, handmade items and spiritual concepts.The Regional Gallery has three exhibitions on that is worth checking out. RocoColonial, Blinman Slag and Media Studies. Find out more here (Lismore Regional Gallery)The weather looks ok for the weekend. Yes, there is a 50-60% chance of rain but the prediction from the BOM is only 0-4mm so don't let it ruin your chances of getting out and about.This is welcome news for those involved in Sport, finally games may not be washed out!The inaugural T20 Club Challenge between Goonellabah Workers and Cecil Magpies is on at Oakes Oval tonight at 6pm. T20 is always a bit of fun with loads of action so get down to Oakes Oval and see some spectacular hitting.It's the penultimate round of the region's prestigious L J Hooker Competition and third-placed Lismore Workers, full of promising youngsters superbly led by Jason Caught, face Tintenbar-East Ballina at Oakes Oval from 1pm. Marist Brothers Lismore will have to be at their best when they entertain second-placed Pottsville at Neilson Park, East Lismore, in a match Brad Cleaver's side have to win if they are to have any hope of making the semi-finals. Ipm start too.All grades of Northern Rivers Concreting Cricket League should be on for the first time in three weeks with heavyweights Goonellabah Workers Sport and Marist Brothers facing off in First Grade at Heaps Oval from 1pm.On Sunday, Richmond Rovers FC create history when they take part in the FFA Cup. Todd Jones' side entertains Grafton United, from the North Coast Football Association at Neilson Park, East Lismore, at 3pm. .If you are looking for ideas, it can be fun looking at the new houses for sale (For Sale) or if you are thinking about buying a car check out the new used cars loaded today (Used Cars)A final word on Relay For Life. You may have seen our new button this week on the main page. I urge you to push on the button and check out what you can do to help raise money for the Cancer Council. Cancer comes in many forms and affects many people in our community.Saturday March 28 at 3pm is when the Relay For Life walk begins with the end on Sunday March 29 at 9am. The venue is the SCU campus on Military Road, East Lismore.So far, 50 teams have registered with 303 participants, 67 of those are cancer survivors and carers.The goal is to raise $100,000 dollars from the Relay For Life event. So far the total is just over $30,000 with 38 days to go. Please get a team together and participate or if you are unable, donate, which you can do from the Relay For Life button.Have a great weekend!

A very strange bright light was seen in the sky in the early hours of this morning by residents living near Nimbin. The reports were scattered across social media forums this morning and were backed up by reports of a meteor sighting on the Australian Meteor Reports Facebook site. “At approximately 2.20am AEST a nice bright green meteor lit up the sky at about 30 degrees vertically, North of Mt Burrell in Northern NSW,” the site reported.“It was travelling probably South to North, but maybe North to South.”Another report on the same site stated “something BIG passed over central NSW last night and headed for QLD”.One local resident said her internet had stopped for 20 minutes then described the sighting at about 2.30am as “a green blue really bright light, lit up the sky from behind a dark cloud and fell from the sky over mt Warning. Then a rumbling sound, not a star in the sky. What was that? I've NEVER seen anything like it?”According to space.com, thousands of tiny pieces of space rock, called meteorites, hit the earth each year, but most are undetected.“Meteoroids are rocky remnants of a comet or asteroid that travel in outer space, but when these objects enter Earth's atmosphere, they are considered meteors,” the site reported.“Most (between 90 and 95 percent) of these meteors completely burn up in the atmosphere, resulting in a bright streak that can be seen across the night sky. However, when meteors survive their high-speed plunge toward Earth and drop to the ground, they are called meteorites.”For more information about meteor sightings, you can visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/AustralianMeteorReports/?ref=share

If you're travelling on the Pacific Highway next week, you'll see changed traffic conditions at the St Helena Tunnel on Monday night.Essential maintenance work will close the tunnel overnight on Monday, February 24, between 7pm and 5am.Motorists are advised to allow up to 10 minutes additional travel time and are asked to drive to the conditions and follow the direction of signs and traffic control.Routine maintenance of the St Helena Tunnel is carried out every three months and involves a range of measures such as inspecting the various operating and safety systems.Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit http://livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

When Halls school bus driver Jeri Hall walked in the torrential, flooding rain last Thursday, cut off from her Numulgi home, a neighbour saw her and plucked a spider out of her ear.Jeri was walking to a meeting point on Lockton Road where her husband was going to meet her on his jet ski to take her the last leg of her journey home. The day had been an emotional journey of heroic proportions for Jeri, who had driven the school bus through heavy rains to safely deliver home children to their Whian Whian and Numulgi homes.Jeri Hall, her husband and their children.For the past three years, Jeri has been doing the morning and afternoon school bus runs from Lismore for Halls Bus Service (owned by her and her husband). She knows all the local children in Numulgi and Whian Whian and their parents, and said she’s “more than just a bus driver”. “We keep the kids safe and take care of them,” she said.So, earlier that day when she noticed that the heavy rains were filling up Coopers Creek and that Numulgi Bridge was close to going under water, her first thought was “how will we get the school busses out to pick up the kids from school in Lismore?”Numulgi Bridge as it was starting to go under water last Thursday.“I was renovating our farm stay cottages in Numulgi where we kept the busses and my in-laws helped me to drive them out past Numulgi Bridge to the hall,” she said.“The water was over the bridge by time we got back. So, I rang the local families who would be cut off from town and told them I was going to get their kids home from school.“Then I called the schools and said we needed to collect some of the children.”And so, began a mammoth coordination effort between the local schools at Woodlawn and St Carthages in Lismore.“Woodlawn had already closed the school and kids were being bussed into Lismore - and water was already crossing road at Woodlawn,” Jeri said.Numulgi Bridge was fully submerged by Friday.“Then it was madness as parents were arriving at schools to pick up kids and some were on busses and I was trying to find the ones that needed to get home to Whian Whian and Numulgi.“By then, Bangalow Road leading to Bexhill was 3/4 under water. “We got all the kids onto one bus in the end and I remember driving up on the road to Whian Whian Falls in the heavy rain with water gushing down hillsides – it was pretty scary.“By the time I dropped off all the children, and parked the bus at Numulgi Hall, I knew I was going to be cut off from my home in Numulgi.“Luckily, my husband had already picked up our kids from preschool and had made it home.“All I had on me was my rain-soaked clothes and my phone, so I rang my husband - and he said I should walk a kilometre down the road to a point where he would meet me on his jetski.”Like a knight in shining armour, her husband arrived and took her the final kilometre home – soaked, and emotionally exhausted.Drone footage of the roads once they were under water.“I’d been worried about my own family too, and when I got home to my own kids, I burst into tears and was thankful it was all over,” Jeri said.“I’d had to be the grown up and make tough decisions all day.“I’ve been living there for three years, but hadn’t seen the water come up so quickly before. For the water to rise one foot so quickly is insane.“In 2017, it was a similar kind of flood – off the back off a cyclone.”Families were stranded at Numulgi in the floods last week.Jeri said the local families have been thanking her for getting their children home safely.“Sometimes your job is thankless – people just expect you are there and doing it - but everyone was grateful we got the kids out of school and danger,” she said.“There was no school run the next day either because we were all cut off from Lismore - all roads into town were closed.”Jeri said she left a corporate job three years ago to drive the school bus when she and her husband bought the company.“I’d never driven a school bus before, but I love it and intend to keep doing it,” she said.

Travel into the undergrowth to unearth some of the secrets of the rainforest tonight at Science in the Pub at the Eltham HotelIt’s the launch of ‘Australian Rainforest Seeds’ - a new guide to collecting and propagating the seeds of 300 subtropical rainforest species.The book’s authors Mark Dunphy, Steve McAlpin, Michelle Chapman, and Hugh Nicholson will share information based on 30 years of research in northern New South Wales.They will crack the shell on how to sustainably collect, process and germinate rainforest seeds and share some of the ‘eureka’ moments when they first discovered the secrets of germinating Books will be available for purchase in person from the authors, with signings after the event. Just 10 minutes from Lismore, the Eltham Hotel will have bar snacks and bistro open for dinner till 8pm. With free finger food served at 5.30pm, there will be time to charge your glasses in the name of science before sprouting into the science of seeds at 6pm.This event is the first of the Northern Rivers Science Hub’s 2020 ‘Science Walks/Science Talks’ program. These science education events feature local science experts and address local issues to engage the community in innovation, education, and science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). ‘Science Walks/Science Talks’ harnesses the collaboration that forms the core of the Northern Rivers Science Hub. The Northern Rivers Science Hub is a regional focal point for science communication and engagement activities in the Northern Rivers NSW. This is a free event brought to you by the Northern Rivers Science Hub and Richmond Landcare, funded by Inspiring Australia and the NSW Government and supported by Wilsons River Landcare and Firewheel Rainforest Nursery. The coordination of this event is made possible by the NSW Landcare Program. The event is on 5.30-8pm at the Eltham Hotel, 441 Eltham Road, Eltham.For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1030418397329651/

From telling a scammer to send the ”hot ones” to arrest you over your fake arrest warrant, to keeping a scammer on the line for fun - how do you deal with a suspected scammer if they call you?With so many scams out there that we are being warned about, The Lismore App thought we’d share some of the amusing ways people get rid of them. The following ways were reported on the Crimestoppers NSW Facebook site:“I just let them get on with their spiel and then ask them to hold the line for a second. I then very quietly ask if the call has been traced then get back on and tell them you are a Federal Police Officer from Scamwatch Squad and to remain where they are as the call has been traced and staff are on their way to their location. I have not had a scam call for months.”“I received a call and advised i would meet them at my local police station so they could enforce the alleged arrest warrant...they hung up.”“They always ask’ How are you today?” I thank them for checking in on me and asking how I am, tell them I am fine, then hang up.”“I like to keep them on hold while I... 'turn my computer on' and let it warm up etc... I pretend I don't really know what I'm doing so they think they've got me hook-line and sinker. I figure the longer that are waiting for me to get my pretend act together the longer they are leaving someone else alone.” “I call it rope a dope and love playing along and seeing how long I can keep them on the line. Pretend I’m hard of hearing, don’t know how to operate pc/phone etc., can’t read properly… ask if they can come look at the interweb (give false address).”“I got one of these calls, I told them I was looking for my credit card. Put the phone down and watched a movie on tv I then hung up. They called straight back, so I did the same again only this time after having them on the line for approximately 3hours I told them I'm not interested. The guy on the phone went off at me for wasting his time.”“My friend turned the tables on them by trying to sell them something, she asked for all their information including their credit card details. They got so confused and every time they tried to speak about their scam she just spoke over them and kept asking for their details...It worked, they hung up very confused and she had a good laugh at their expense."“My latest was from ‘do not call registry’ asking me for my Visa card numbers as the service is now charging! Told the caller I didn’t have a Visa card she then asked how I paid bills...I told her I didn’t and that I’m in debt up to my ears so stand in line...rudely she hung up on me!”“I like the insurance scam the best, just ringing to let me know that they will be repairing my car and asking how I am after my car accident. I let them talk a bit then I reply, I think I’ll be ok, I didn’t break anything but the funny thing is I don’t own a car or drive, then bang down goes the phone.”“I get the calls about my computer ......I don’t have computer! I can keep them on the phone playing the game until they give up!”“I just tell them I'm recording them for quality assurance purposes. They hang up though.”Find out more about scams at https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams

Scammers have recently been calling Australians telling them that there is a warrant out for their arrest. Scamwatch is warning consumers the calls may be claiming to be from the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) or Australian Tax Office (ATO).Read more about amusing ways people deal with scammers: Funny ways people deal with scammersMany people have reported to Scamwatch that messages have been recorded on their answering machines asking them to call back later. The scammers may spin a range of stories about why an arrest warrant has been issued, including that you have failed to pay taxes.Scammers typically ask for money to be sent via wire transfer as it’s nearly impossible to recover money sent this way. They may also ask for people’s financial and other personal details to access their money and use this information to commit other scams.If you provide your bank account details or other personal information, the scammer may use it to commit identity theft or to steal your money.One of the telephone numbers provided is 02 6100 3027, among many others, and they ask you to call during office hours to discuss the matter further. However, the telephone number has no connection with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, Australian Taxation Office or any other state or commonwealth department.Scamwatch advises people to be on guard, if you receive such a phone call - hang up and do not respond. If in doubt, don’t use the contact details provided - look up the government department or organisation yourself in the phone book or online and phone or email them.Tips to spot a scam:The call may sound like it is an automated message with an American accent.The scammer will ask you to telephone a number that appears to be Australian but is likely to be a VOIP number.The CDPP is advising people to be vigilant when receiving phone calls of this nature and if in doubt about the authenticity of a call that you receive from the CDPP, contact them on one of the publically listed phone numbers https://www.cdpp.gov.au/contact-us or email inquiries@cdpp.gov.au.You can report scams to the ACCC via the SCAMwatch report a scam page https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam

Mozzie numbers are increasing after the recent heavy rainfall and warm weather - and with that comes the danger of Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses being spread.So, "avoid being bitten", is the message from health authorities.North Public Health Unit assistant director Greg Bell, said Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses are transmitted by infected mosquitoes that breed in flooded, grassy and swampy areas and around waterways. Mr bell said people can take simple steps people to avoid being bitten, including; when outside, covering up as much as possible with light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and covered footwear. Use an effective repellent on all exposed skin. Re-apply repellent within a few hours, as protection wears off with perspiration.The best mosquito repellents contain Diethyl Toluamide (DEET) or Picaridin. Those containing oil of lemon eucalyptus also provide adequate protection. Using mosquito coils outdoors and vaporising mats indoors to repel mosquitoes from an area. Devices that use light to attract and electrocute insects are not effective. Cover all windows, doors, vents and other entrances with insect screens. When camping, use flyscreens on caravans and tents or sleep under mosquito nets. “To reduce areas for mosquitoes to breed around your home, clean up your yard and remove all water-holding rubbish, regularly flush out pot plant bases, keep house guttering clear, and make sure openings of septic tanks and water tanks are covered and screened securely,” Mr Bell said. Ross River Fever symptomsSymptoms of Ross River Fever vary from person-to-person and may include fever, chills, muscle aches, rash, fatigue, aching tendons, swollen lymph nodes, headache, especially behind the eyes, joint pain, swelling and stiffness.The most distinctive and distressing feature of Ross River virus infection is usually joint pain. Any joint in the body may be affected, but the most common sites are the wrists, knees, ankles, fingers, elbows, shoulders and jaw. The pain may be more severe in different joints at different times.In most cases, symptoms disappear within six weeks, though some people may still have symptoms after a year or two and the symptoms may come and go. About 10% of people have ongoing depression and fatigue.Barmah Forest Infection symptomsFever, chills, headache and muscle pain.Joint swelling, stiffness and pain, especially in the mornings.A rash, usually on the trunk or limbs. The rash usually lasts for 7 - 10 days.A feeling of tiredness or weakness.More information about mosquito-borne infections is available on the NSW Health website at: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/mosquito.aspx 

The Lismore Women’s Festival is gearing up for a weekend of fun, workshops and entertainment on March 6-8 – and you’re invited. It’s the fourth year the annual festival has been run by the YWCA Australia, and while it’s called a women’s festival, coordinator Emma Newman said men are very welcome to come along.Emma said this year, the festival activities will be concentrated around Lismore City Hall. “It’s so we can have a hub where we can connect, build and focus our energies in one place over food and coffee in the day,” she said. “Our feedback from participants in the previous festivals said having a women’s festival was important to give women a chance to hang you with groups of other women.“There’s a rare delight in having a large gathering of people - and people who identify as women are welcome to join in activities.“It allows us to feel empowered. There’s still more work that needs to be done to support and encourage women to rise to be who they are.”The festival runs from Friday, March 6 to Sunday, March 8, with activities scheduled morning, noon and night.“We’ll be having the Roar Women’s Music Festival on Friday as part of it, with singer-songwriter Essie Thomas as the headliner,” Emma said. “Essie grew up in the Northern Rivers and is now an internationally recognised musician.”There’s also the She-Rated Cabaret for over 18s on the Saturday and a burlesque workshop, teaching women how to striptease.It’s run by Imogen Kelly, who was named the World Queen of Burlesque in 2012 and she’ll be performing at the cabaret.On Sunday, the Funny and Female Comedy Show with Vanessa Larry Laughs Out Loud will be on, as well as a workshop training people what to do when they find themselves as a bystander to violence. “There’s also workshops where you can learning about nutrition and perimenopause,” Emma said. “It’s coming to being understood and more openly talked about now. “We’ll have dancing, yoga and relaxation sessions each day, as well as visual art at Serpentine Gallery in North Lismore.”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.“There are a whole range of topics, such as growing trees, intercultural awareness, performance, environment, music, feminism, health, communication and comedy. “Please look to find something for you and book ahead if you can.”YWCA Australia is also looking for volunteers and young women to be part of the Youth Tent, or to help with running the festival - and women can also join a women’s choir, organized by Northern Rivers Conservatorium. “It’s always fun to be part of the team at a festival, and there’ll be a variety of ways to help out and hang out,” Emma said. If you are interested in helping out in any way with the festival, email Emma at nsw-womensfestival@ywca.org.auThe 2020 Lismore Women’s Festival Program can be found at https://www.lismorewomensfestival.org/ and on Facebook.

Once again, high-dose orange MDMA (ecstasy) tablets have authorities sending out a health warning.NSW Health is warning the community of the dangers of MDMA tablets labelled “QDANCE”, which are currently in circulation. NSW Poisons Information Centre, clinical director Professor Andrew Dawson, said the dangerous drugs contained more than two to three times the common dose. “Just one MDMA tablet or capsule alone can cause life-threatening toxicity,” Prof Dawson said. “The risk is greatly increased if high doses or multiple MDMA tablets or capsules are consumed over a short period, or if MDMA is consumed in combination with alcohol or other stimulants, such as methamphetamine or cocaine. “Hot, humid weather also increases the dangers, as MDMA causes the body to dangerously overheat, potentially leading to organ failure, loss of consciousness and death. “Consumption of high doses of MDMA has been linked to cases of serious illness and death in NSW. It can cause severe agitation and paranoia, raised body temperature, seizures or fits, heart rhythm problems and death.” Prof Dawson urged anyone who feels unwell from MDMA to immediately call Triple Zero. “Look after your mates. If you feel unwell, or if your friend feels unwell, do something about it. Don’t ignore it. You won’t get into trouble for seeking medical care,” he said. NSW Police recently seized a series of the orange QDANCE tablets. For images and information about the tablets see the NSW Health website. The NSW Government has been placing Amnesty Bins at some music festivals so patrons have a chance to discard illegal drugs without fear of prosecution or penalty. The measure is a key part of the NSW Government’s response to the Deputy Coroner’s recommendations following the inquest into the deaths of six patrons at NSW music festivals, which found five people died from MDMA toxicity and one person died from combined MDMA and cocaine toxicity. NSW Health has also released updated Guidelines for Music Festival Event Organisers which support the delivery of safer music festivals. For information about adverse effects of MDMA contact the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.For confidential and anonymous telephone counselling contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) – 1800 250 015 – a 24/7 service. The 2019-20 NSW Budget commits $231.6 million to delivering alcohol and other drug prevention, education, treatment and ongoing care programs statewide.

The rollout of the new regional seniors’ transport card has been labelled as a “fiasco”, by Lismore MP Janelle Saffin.Ms Saffin said carers and disability support pensioners remain ineligible under the NSW Government’s new scheme.The regional seniors travel card provides eligible seniors living in the Lismore Electorate with a $250 prepaid card to help with the cost of everyday travel, and can be applied for through Service NSW.“The Berejiklian-Barilaro Government late last week caved in to sustained opposition and community pressure by extending the card to war veterans and war widows, many who are our locals here on the North Coast,” Ms Saffin said.“During last year’s State election, the Nationals and their candidate for Lismore Mr. Curtin trumpeted this card as something really special for seniors, but the reality is that it is for a lucky few.“I know our pensioners across my four Local Government Areas thought ‘great’ … just as I did … a bit of relief for petrol, some need it to take their loved ones to medical appointments and for themselves.“In the country, we cannot always hop on a bus or a train like our city cousins can.“Firstly, there was a nine-month delay in making the card available, followed by disbelief from veterans that they, and others, would be treated as second class citizens.“To exclude veterans, who have given such great service to Australia, was just plain wrong and the Berejiklian-Barilaro Government had to be shamed into correcting this error of judgment.“To continue to shut out carers and disability support pensioners is cruel and hurts country folk and communities harder. These seniors are no less deserving of the card.“The Nationals claim they are the only ones looking after country New South Wales, which is bunkum anyway, and their mean-spirited approach to who qualifies for this card, shows how silly their posturing is.”

Thieves who stole an electric bike stolen from the Southern Cross University grounds are still at large - and local police are seeking help to find the culprits.The bike was a black Dillenger brand electric cruiser worth $2000 and was stolen from the university grounds on January 28, 2020.Richmond District Police urge anyone with information, or who recognise the people in this video still, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or phone Lismore Police Station on 02 6626 0599.You can quote police case number C73825857.

If you’re passionate about regional and rural issues, you have until the end of February to nominate for the Local Land Services board election.North Coast Local Land Services (NCLLS) is encouraging people to get involved on the local board and help deliver meaningful services.NCLLS works with land managers to help secure the future of agriculture and the environment for NSW communities,  Local Land Services ratepayers can nominate online, at Local Land Services offices and those wishing to lodge by ‘snail mail’ will need to raise their hand earlier to ensure their nomination is received in time. NCLLS general manager Louise Orr said community input was an essential part of improving primary production and natural resource management around the state. “Local board members connect with people and communities within their region to help identify and deliver services relevant to local needs,” Ms Orr said. Those wishing to throw their hat in the ring will need to officially nominate before the end of February, with voting due to open on 9 April 2020. The current round of nominations follows the recent recruitment process for 29 Ministerially-appointed members. Ms Orr said while the current focus is on nominations, there have been a few changes since the last local board elections. “It is now easier to participate without the need to enrol,” she said. “All eligible Local Land Services ratepayers will be included on the electoral roll automatically - however, you’ll need to let us know how you’d like to receive your voting pack - either online or in the post.“The regulation allows for one vote per ratepayer or company in each region, regardless of the number of holdings you have in the region. “This means that each ratepayer in the region will have an equal say in who will be their representative on the local board.” Local Land Services is aiming for diverse and dynamic boards that reflect modern agriculture in NSW. As such, nominations from women, Aboriginal people, younger people and other under-represented groups are strongly encouraged. “With so many people in our region who are skilled and passionate about land management, I expect we will attract candidates with strong and varied skills and experience to provide a voice for our regional communities,” Ms Orr said. “I encourage anyone who is eager to contribute at a local level to nominate for a board position before February 28.” Across all 11 Local Land Services regions, ratepayers will elect 34 board members to work with Minister-appointed board members and the Chair to ensure local priorities drive the effective and efficient delivery of services to farmers and land managers across the State. To nominate as a candidate, visit www.austelect.com.au or www.lls.nsw.gov.au and download a candidate information package and nomination form. Voting opens 9 April and closes at 5pm on 8 May 2020. The announcement of board members will by the end of June 2020.