Pregnancy vaccination coverage in New South Wales (NSW) has declined since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new study led by National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) experts has confirmed. The research found a decrease of nearly 10 percentage points in pregnancy vaccination coverage for influenza (from 58.8% in 2020 to 49.1% in 2022), and 1.4 percentage points for pertussis (from 79.0% in 2020 to 77.6% in 2022) reported to the NSW Perinatal Data Collection (PDC). This study represents the first post-pandemic assessment of pregnancy vaccination coverage using Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) and NSW PDC linked data sources.Professor Bette Liu, Associate Director, Population Health at NCIRS, emphasised that the ‘stalling pregnancy vaccine uptake that has been seen not just in NSW but also in other jurisdictions is a clear call to action’.  ‘Every year influenza, pertussis and respiratory syncytial virus [RSV] cause a significant number of hospitalisations and occasionally death among infants. ‘Vaccination against these diseases during pregnancy is strongly recommended to protect infants in their first months of life, when they are most vulnerable.’ A new National Immunisation Program (NIP)-funded RSV pregnancy vaccination program was recently announced, meaning three vaccines (influenza, pertussis and RSV) will now be routinely available for pregnant women. In this retrospective, population-based cohort study, 555,553 pregnancies were assessed for vaccination coverage between 2017 and 2022. ‘Linkage of AIR and NSW PDC data sources gives us a unique and more complete picture of pregnancy vaccination practice in NSW – including the vaccination date, pregnancy stage, provider type and the specific vaccines administered,’ said Nicole Sonneveld, Senior Research Officer at NCIRS. ‘We’d like to see these kinds of linkages become routine and conducted nationally.’ The study also identified significant under-reporting of pregnancy vaccinations to the AIR compared with the perinatal dataset – despite the Australian Government mandate to report all NIP-funded vaccines that started on 1 July 2021. ‘Ensuring we maximise the impact of the RSV pregnancy vaccination program in Australia also relies on accurate reporting to the AIR,’ noted Professor Liu. ‘There’s never been a more important time to ensure our national and jurisdictional data systems are able to collect, link and enable analysis of vaccination coverage data – as this is critical to effectively evaluate and improve our immunisation strategies, particularly for pregnant women and their infants,’ Sonneveld concluded. 

A "shower or two" and "showers" is the word on the weather from the Bureau of Meteorology for the last weekend of the school holidays.There is a 70% chance of rain on Saturday with a 0 - 7mm range, while Sunday increases to 80% with a 0 - 9mm range. The winds will become quite strong (15-20 or 25km/h) on both days.The first weekend of February and the last of summer is very quiet, with the Lismore Farmers Markets the only event on the schedule.From 7:30am to 11:30am, the Farmers Markets is a good place for a cuppa, breakfast or brunch, fresh homegrown grown fruit and veg and live music from Tapestry Road.There are plenty of options to amuse the kids before they go back to school for 2025, such as the Rail Trail, Walks, Heritage Park and Rollerworld.Live music over the weekend includes Katie Brooke at the Northern Rivers Hotel tonight (Friday) from 7pm and Chris Fisher Duo for the Sunday Session between 3 and 6pm.It is not long until the entertainment for 2025 kicks off at the Lismore Workers Club. Forever Olivia - A Tribute to Olivia Newton-John hits the stage on Saturday, February 15, Reputation - the Ultimate Taylor Swift Tribute Show on Friday, February 21 and the Fab Four - The Ultimate Beatles Tribute Show on Friday, March 7.Check out all the live music in 2025 at the Lismore Workers Club website.February will be a busy month for events with:Legends of Cricket on Saturday, February 15 at Oakes Oval. To find out more information about the weekend and to book tickets, click here.Country Championships at the Lismore Turf Club featuring Lismore's richest race on Saturday, February 22.Samson Fitness Challenge starts on Friday, February 28, at Hepburn Park in Goonellabah.Here are the cheapest fuel options in each town:E10 is 178.9 at the 7-Eleven in South Lismore, 175.9 at the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street and The United on Johnston Street in Casino, with The Metro and the Mobil on River Street in Ballina cheapest at 170.5.Unleaded 91 is 179.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, Lismore, 177.9 at the NightOwl Puma, and 172.5 at the Metro and the new Mobil in Ballina.U95 is 188.5 at Bakers Corner, Terania Street, North Lismore, 193.9 at the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street in Casino and 185.5 at the Metro and Mobil on River Street, Ballina.U98 is 196.9 at the Liberty Foodmart on Ballina Road and the Liberty at 113 Union Street, South Lismore, 198.9 at the two Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino and The United on Johnston Street, and 193.5 at the Metro and Mobil in Ballina.Diesel is 189.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, the Coles Express on Dawson Street and the Caltex on Leycester Street, Lismore, 192.9 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino and 192.5 at The Mobil and Metro in Ballina.Have a great weekend!Here are the Friday Funnies.....

Have you seen the following men?They are wanted by police on outstanding arrest warrants.Treece McLennan, aged 21. He is known to frequent the Goonellabah area.Wesley Dickson, aged 19. He is also known to frequent the Goonellabah area.Mitchell Carter, aged 43. He is known to frequent the Casino area.Steven Neilson, aged 49. He is known to frequent the Woodenbong area.Anyone with information about the whereabouts of any of the above is urged to contact Lismore Police Station, 000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 33 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.All information is treated in strict confidence.

The first lot of relocatable homes that are being sold to the public through an expression of interest moves into the second week of property viewings on Monday.PRD Northern Rivers Principal and Licensee Rob Horder said the first week of viewings saw quite a few people at each location, depending on the condition of the house."Frank Street was popular. We had 18 people through there. Most of the properties, we've had four to six," Rob explained."The Murwillumbah properties were popular as well. We had probably 8 to 10, with 12 the biggest group through there. Other than that, they were sort of five and six as well.As for who is turning up at the Open Homes, Rob said there are a few people who turned up at every inspection, looking for the right house to purchase, and then there are those who have viewed the houses on the PRD website, who are very specific about what they want."Some are looking for a fully renovated house, of which there are some, while others are looking for a smaller house."Rob explained that a smaller house doesn't mean cheaper moving costs."The biggest cost is the truck. So you've got to split them. Most of them have got to be split in two. So, whether it's a three-bedroom with a sleep-out or two-bedroom, you're going to need two trucks anyway."Of course, the bigger the house, the more stumps, so there is variation. People need to do that research with the house removal companies to get quotes and, basically, look at the access to remove them and the access to where they're taking them to."We have a client that I previously sold a block of land to. They've got a young family, and they're looking to move a house to the block they're purchasing. We've had a lot of people looking to move to rural or rural/residential blocks, so I guess the availability is there if people have those blocks already, and you can move one of these homes onto those blocks."A lot of blocks in the new residential estates have covenants, so you can't move a second-hand home onto them. There are some developments where I believe they're starting to relax those covenants."Rob said he hasn't spoken to any flood-affected people looking to purchase a house and relocate, but that did not mean they weren't part of the viewing groups."There may be some that have gone through that I haven't had the opportunity to talk to in more detail with. But mostly, I'm seeing local buyers looking to move houses locally, which is a good thing.""There are a few investors who I have spoken to looking to move the home onto a block and then rent them out, but mostly, I think they're looking at more owner-occupiers at this point."One gentleman at the Magellan Street house was looking to relocate a house to his piece of land in Nimbin. Something made possible through Lismore City Council's new planning laws around relocatable homes.All 31 listed relocatable homes will be open for inspection next week. You can check out the state of the homes via the PRD website.The Open Home schedule is listed below:

School zones will be back in force across most of NSW from today (Friday, 31 January) as students prepare to start Term 1 after the summer holidays.  Transport for NSW Executive Director Transport Safety Chadi Chalhoub, said although some schools have School Development Days between Friday, 31 January and Wednesday, 5 February (inclusive), other schools do not and will have children returning during that time, so it’s important that motorists are aware school zones will be in place.“After six weeks of school holidays, school zones are back tomorrow to ensure students attending school in those four days are safe and to prepare drivers for when all students are back to school across most of the state on Thursday, 6 February.“For students in the Western Division of the state, the school term will start a week later – and school zones will be in place from Friday 7 February. “Children are some of our most vulnerable road users and can be unpredictable on the road, so please look out for them when they are crossing, waiting to cross or as they get on or off buses or in and out of vehicles,” Mr Chalhoub said. Mr Chalhoub said, sadly, two school-aged pedestrians were seriously injured in an active school zone in the first half of 2024. “Speeding, even just a couple of kilometres over the limit, could be the difference between being able to stop in time or not at all and in a school zone; this could mean hurting a child.“I urge parents, guardians and all drivers to be patient and slow down around schools to ensure children remain safe on their journeys to and from school. “The start of the new term is also a good opportunity for parents and guardians to start teaching children early about road safety and remind them to Stop! Look! Listen! Think! every time before they cross the road,” Mr Chalhoub said. Transport for NSW Executive Director Active Transport, Anna Bradley, said, “Families are also encouraged to walk, ride or scoot to school when possible, as it provides a great opportunity for exercise, quality time, independence and mental health benefits while reducing traffic congestion during peak periods and improving environmental outcomes. “The NSW Government remains committed to making these journeys safer and more accessible across NSW through the Get Kids Active Program,” Ms Bradley said. School zones generally apply from 8 to 9.30am and from 2.30 to 4pm on school days, and motorists who don’t obey the rules face heavy fines and demerits. Some schools have non-standard school zone times in NSW. You can identify these by the red or orange school zone signs, which have the school zone times on them.   For more information, please visit: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/community/schools/school-zones.

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan is making sure that 34 young Northern Rivers Sporting Champions are given every opportunity to follow their dreams.At a Local Sporting Champions Award event yesterday, Mr Hogan presented the local teenagers with a certificate in recognition of their achievements and confirmed their grants from the Local Sporting Champions program.“Those who received the Awards have excelled themselves representing the Northern Rivers on the national and state stage,” Mr Hogan said.“The Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance to young people aged between 12 and 18 years to compete, coach or umpire in their chosen sport.”“The Northern Rivers has produced some outstanding sportspeople in the past, and it is important that we support the next crop of our local sporting talent.” “Unfortunately succeeding in sport doesn’t just take talent and determination – parents also often have to put their hands in their pockets to get their children to competitions. I’m very pleased to be able to help these families with financial support through these grants.”“Sport is important in the development of young people: it teaches them life-long skills like teamwork, keeps them fit and healthy, and allows them to excel in something they love and enjoy.”“I encourage any budding champions out there who have the opportunity of competing at a state, national or international event to apply for a grant by contacting my office or checking out the website ausport.gov.au.”Our latest Northern Rivers Sporting Champions are:Lachlan Barnes from Alstonville, CricketAmber Bryant from Blakebrook, AthleticsJames McCullagh from Bonalbo, AthleticsConnor McCarthy from Caniaba, BaseballCrystal Gill from Casino, AthleticsBryce Byrne from Casino, Touch FootballAllora Gould from Casino, NetballMatilda Austin from Chilcotts Grass, NetballSkye Skillen from Corndale, AthleticsPadraig Heffernan from Dunoon, Cross CountryMacy Field from East Lismore, Rugby UnionElla Morgan-Spooner from East Lismore, NetballXavier Dann from Eltham, AthleticsWillow Dann from Eltham, AthleticsTyler Packham from Goonellabah, AthleticsSophie Powell from Goonellabah, NetballMaya Mcnamara from Goonellabah, NetballMax Venables from Goonellabah, HockeyMax Alcorn from Goonellabah, FutsalJack Elphick from Goonellabah, Touch FootballCaitlyn Halliday from Goonellabah, HockeyMatilda Green from Green Pigeon, NetballTalis Walker from Jiggi, AthleticsTennille Owen from Kyogle, AthleticsPippa Kennedy from Kyogle, AthleticsMorgan Selesele from Kyogle, AthleticsJed Mulcahy from Kyogle, CricketIsabella McPherson from Lismore, AthleticsZoe Silver from Lynwood, Water PoloHadley Dowton from McLeans Ridges, AthleticsAmity Dzendolet from Modanville, AthleticsShakyia Gambrill from North Woodburn, AthleticsIsabelle Slater from Wollongbar, Touch FootballJada Kliewer from Geneva, Athletics

Ready Fest, family and first responders day, which is being organised by The Office of Advocacy of Children and Young People, gets underway at 5pm this evening at Crozier Field.The event addresses childhood trauma from the February 2022 flood event and allows people to gather together in a positive way to reconnect children with all emergency services (in this area) in a fun and positive way.This event was hugely successful in the Eurobodalla area- ' Playdates with Emergency Services' addressing childhood trauma from the Black Summer Fires of 2019/2020, and the local children now have a more positive connection with our local emergency services teams. Jacklyn Roque is the Community Engagement Officer for Eurobodalla. She said that through their experiences with children from the black summer fires of 2019/2020, which is backed by a 'BiBs Study' conducted by the University of Western Sydney and the team from Australian Breast Feeding Association/Protection of Infants and Young Children project."We see that children are still traumatised by natural disasters, and we have seen through our own experiences that children are still having reactions to seeing the Emergency Services teams, lights/ sirens and changes in weather."What we have achieved in the Eurobodalla area is having all Emergency services including NSW SES, RFS, NSW Ambulance, NSW Police and Youth Services, Maring Rescue, VRA, Fire and Rescue, Australian Redcross, Salvation Army- emergency services and Children services from Eurobodalla Shire Council come together in a fun and informative event."The children learn through play experiences, have an opportunity to explore emergency service vehicles, dance with NSW SES 'Paddy the Platypus', parents and caregivers have an opportunity to speak to emergency services teams members (in a less stressful environment).Gates open at 4 this afternoon at Crozier Field, Magellan Street, Lismore CBD. The even runs from 5pm to 7pm.As well as an Emergency Services Vehicle display and staff on hand to talk to families, there will be live music, inflatable water slides, an obstacle course, face painting, sausage sizzle and snow cones.Everyone is welcome.

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has congratulated eight local sporting organisations on sharing in $500,000 funding from the NSW Government for new potentially life-saving defibrillators.“With more people than ever participating in sport and active recreation in our Electorate of Lismore, it’s vital that our local facilities are equipped with these potentially life-saving devices,” Ms Saffin says.“I congratulate the recipients and commend them for prioritising the safety and well-being of their participants.”Lismore Electorate recipients include:Cawongla District Tennis and Recreation Club Incorporated – Cawongla Tennis Club & Community Defibrillator, $2,345.Dunoon United Football Club -- AED at Dunoon 2480, $2,999.Flourish Projects Incorporated, Lismore -- Defibrillator Installation for Community Safety, $3,000.Lismore GG’s Golden Rugby Club -- Saving Players’ Lives, $2,290.Murwillumbah Croquet Club – Murwillumbah Croquet Club AED, $2,450.Northern United Rugby League Football Club, Lismore -- Defibrillator on standby at Northern United RLFC Improving survival rates with a rapid response, $2,999.Rainbow Roos AU Incorporated, Lismore -- Fun & Inclusive Soccer For All, $2,499.Urbenville & District Bowling Club -- Urbenville Bowls Club Defibrillator Project, $2,999.Funding was awarded to 193 sport and recreation organisations under the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program, which provides up to $3,000 for the purchase, installation and training in new automated external defibrillators.  Yesterday’s announcement brings the number of devices awarded since the program commenced to more than 2,500.

Northern Rivers residents are on their way to safer and more reliable drinking water with a total of $357,000 in funding secured to progress planning and design work that will significantly improve water quality for Nimbin and Casino.The NSW Government is investing $123,500 toward these initiatives, along with $165,000 from Lismore City Council and $68,500 from Richmond Valley Council to fund work that will deliver the best infrastructure solutions for treating water to a higher standard.In Nimbin, concept designs are moving ahead for a new filtration and treatment system that will produce better-quality water for the town’s 2,422 residents. A temporary plant was installed during the 2022 major floods in the Northern Rivers as part of the recovery response, but a more permanent solution is needed. Building a modern, fit-for-purpose plant will enable the town to treat raw water that flows from Mulgum Creek into the D.E Williams storage dam more effectively, eliminating boil water alerts for residential households in Nimbin.  At Casino, investigations are underway to explore the most viable options to upgrade the local water treatment plant, boosting water quality for the town’s 11,000 residents while making it easier and cheaper for council to maintain and operate.The 40-year-old plant has been declining in condition and struggling to treat river water when algae and organic matter is present, particularly after significant periods of drought, heavy rainfall or bushfire. The Nimbin and Casino projects are funded through the NSW Safe and Secure Water Program, and the concept design and options study are both expected to be finished by the end of the year.The program is supporting up to $1 billion worth of regional projects across the state, with more than 260 in various stages of delivery.State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said, “Water security is front of mind for the Northern Rivers region, so it’s great to see the NSW Government is looking to the future to ensure places like Nimbin and Casino get the water services they deserve.“These funds will get the ball rolling on boosting drinking water quality in both towns, which is excellent news for locals as well as the many visitors who flock to this region every year.   “Getting the planning and design processes right is extremely important because these are the essential stepping stones that can help us make sure we’re putting the right infrastructure in place that will serve local communities for decades to come.” Lismore City Council, Mayor Cr Steve Krieg said, “Joining forces with the NSW Government to complete the concept design for a new filtration system for Nimbin, kitted out with 21st-century technology, will treat water to a higher standard and help put an end to boil water alerts for those on the town water network.“We know raw water supply in Nimbin is often affected by weather conditions and organic matter in Mulgum Creek, which is why we are keen to move this project into the next gear and get it to tender ready stage to improve outcomes for the community.” Richmond Valley Council Mayor Cr Robert Mustow said, “Kickstarting investigations into the best options for upgrading the water treatment plant to help future proof water services for Casino is a big win for locals, businesses and visitors. “We know extreme weather events can significantly impact the quality of water in the Richmond River, so ensuring we have advanced infrastructure in place to produce high-quality drinking water is a necessity.”

The CBD has another new business, although it has been in the CBD before.Hanging Rock Flowers started a bricks-and-mortar life in the Star Court Arcade in 2020, just before COVID changed the way we live for two years."So, we'd been through COVID, and then my partner decided to have a heart attack and triple bypass a couple of months later," owner Linda Heilbron explained.Hanging Rock then moved to the heritage building on Woodlark Street (corner of Molesworth Street)."Woodlark Street was really pumping before the flood like we had The Golan and Miss Lizzies, the cafes and the retail shops. Woodlark Street and Molesworth Street were just pumping and the place to be."Then the big puddle hit and we all sort of tried to reopen and come back to where we were, but then the shops weren't opening. A lot of the retail shops had moved out. So, you didn't have foot traffic. We didn't have the foot traffic. We had the customer base, and we were keeping afloat; pardon the pun; it just wasn't working."The next move was to Wollongbar, inside the Edible Garden cafe."It was a great space, but it just didn't work for us. We didn't have that constant foot traffic going past. We still had people coming out there, but it wasn't a great place for our flowers."So, we decided really quickly after Christmas that we needed to be back in the CBD. And the welcome that we've had this week from customers has been amazing. They haven't bagged us out about our confusing moves, they've just welcomed us back with open arms. We've not had one negative comment, which is incredible."And the other business owners in Keen Street, I'm good friends with Becca Curious Craft and Felicity at Scoops and Candy, and we've got Robert and Christine next door at Adornments. They're fantastic. And then we've got for Farid's bakery here, so you get through traffic, not to mention the sourdough smells that come through.Linda was also excited to be in a building that has a lot of Lismore heritage.For the last 50 years, Summerland Travel occupied the building. However, it was a cafe first."It was the first cafe in Lismore to have an espresso machine and sell espresso coffee. There's a plaque on the footpath,"But our landlord, Nick Valpato, who is amazing, his dad, Floriano Volpato painted our back wall that. So, it's a painting of Portobello in Italy. He painted that from the back, so he painted it in reverse.The picture works for a travel agent, and Linda wasn't sure if it would work for flowers when she first moved in. She has now changed her mind, loving the backlit artwork."I'll probably hang some drapes and greenery over there eventually, just to make it look like a bit of a 3D effect. But it's great having that there. It's a talking point and it's part of Lismore's history.Quite a few business owners in Keen Street say it is the new Molesworth Street when that was the centre of shopping for the Lismore block."They put all the advertising and promotion into Keen Street, but I can see why. And if you can't beat them, join them. So, we're here to stay now."One aspect that hasn't changed for Hanging Rock Flowers is that the product is grown on their own farm."Over our break, we'd be doing a lot of wholesaling to the Brisbane flower markets. But we like to keep things local. If we can't, we try and support other local farmers. But it's 90% from our farm."Linda and her partner Paul have a farm at Wadeville, halfway between Nimbin and Kyogle."It's up in the foothills of the border ranges. It's beautiful. And that's where we grow everything. So, I bring the fresh flowers in every day, which is great."My partner works full time. He's the farmer and picker and grower. We've got a big, cool room at home that he picks for me during the day and puts it all in the cool room until I bring it in in the morning. "It's just 24/7 working on a farm. Any farmer can say that. But as a flower farmer, it's not just paddocks of beautiful flowers and foliage. It's the maintenance. It's the mowing, it's the weeding, it's keeping the weeds down. It's the replanting. It's constant, constant work.""I don't know if I could just work on the farm. I thought about just going back and working on the farm with Paul and doing what he does. I couldn't do it, even though I'm actually an introvert. But I love talking to people, and talking to people about what I love, which is the natives (flowers), and educating people about how to grow natives. "We eventually want to have things like farm tours and talks, and we'll be selling plants of what we grow from seedlings, so we can tell people, okay, it's no use growing this type of thing. It won't work. It's a Western Australian variety. Try growing something that's a little bit more endemic to the area, and will go a little bit better."That's another part of it, as well, the education side of things. Not just selling people a bunch of flowers, it's telling them how it's grown and how to grow it. People would say, oh, I've got a protea, and it's not doing so well. What can I do about it? And we can tell them that. We can say, maybe try a different variety or maybe try growing it here, and don't bother growing this one; you're better off growing these other ones. It's really rewarding."While part five of Linda and Paul's Hanging Rock Flowers is in the future, for now, get into the CBD, park on Keen Street, pop into 97 Keen Street (next to Camera House) and say g'day to Linda.

Do you want to buy Lismore's BCC Cinema on Keen Street?EVT (Event Cinemas) today announced it will seek a new owner for BCC Lismore. Recognising the important role cinema plays in local communities, EVT is prioritising divesting the asset to a new cinema operator.   The Lismore Cinema has been closed since the 2022 flood caused significant damage to the building and equipment.Over the last nearly three years, the Lismore App has requested an update for the local community, who have had to travel to Ballina or Kygole to see a big-screen movie.The standard reply was, "We are still exploring our options for Event Cinemas Lismore, and hope to provide an update in the new year/later in the year." This went on every six months.In a statement, EVT said:The company would like to thank the many loyal customers who supported BCC Lismore over the years, as well as the dedicated staff who have operated the cinema. EVT is focused on facilitating the transition to a new owner who can revitalise the location. A sale process to identify a suitable new owner will begin imminently, with expressions of interest being sought. While the opening of the Lismore Cinema will be a while away, at least our community knows what is happening as the process begins.

LISMORE MP Janelle Saffin says applications open today (Tuesday, 28 January 2025) for the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program, with her electorate’s funding allocation boosted from $300,000 to $450,000.Ms Saffin says the enhanced program invests in local infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes while promoting community participation, inclusion and cohesion.“Incorporated not-for-profit community organisations and local councils will be eligible to apply for grants of between $10,000 and $100,000,” Ms Saffin says.“For this 2025 round, grants must be for building, refurbishing or repairing community infrastructure or for buying freestanding equipment or vehicles.“The program invariably is over-subscribed and highly competitive but previous rounds have shown how transformative grant success can be for worthwhile projects which meet community need.”Since 2009, the Community Building Partnership Program has awarded more than $464 million to more than 20,900 projects across the state.Program Guidelines are available now at www.nsw.gov.au/cbp.Applications will be accepted online from Tuesday, 28 January 2025 and will close at 5pm AEDT, Friday, 21 February 2025.Successful organisations will be announced in August 2025.

Two people will face court today charged following a police pursuit in Lismore yesterday.About 5.30pm yesterday (Monday, 27 January 2025), officers attached to Richmond Police District observed a Ford Territory SUV on Terania Street, North Lismore, before stopping the vehicle on nearby Wilson Street.The occupants, a 32-year-old man, and a 24-year-old woman, are alleged to have swapped seats in the vehicle and refused to produce identification.Police attempted to arrest the man, who resisted before the pair drove off, and a pursuit was initiated.The pursuit was terminated shortly after before further police attended to assist, and the Ford was found abandoned at Bentley, near Lismore.A search was conducted with the assistance of a police dog, and the man and woman were arrested after being found hiding in a paddock with a six-year-old child and three dogs. During the arrest, one of the dogs was killed by police after attacking the police dog.The man and woman were taken to Lismore Police Station.She was charged with police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously, driver licence expired more than two years ago, unlawfully possess number plates, use motor vehicle with unauthorised number plate affixed, Drive with one passenger seatbelt/restraint not properly fastened and goods in personal custody suspected being stolen.He was charged with licence expired more than two years ago, drive with one passenger seatbelt/restraint not properly fastened, hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty, use motor vehicle with unauthorised number plate affixed, and goods in personal custody suspected being stolen. Two outstanding warrants were also executed.They have both been refused bail to appear at Lismore Local Court today (Tuesday, 28 January 2025).Police are liaising with the Department of Family and Community Services, and the police dog is being monitored for injuries.

Southern Cross University (SCU) has a new cafe and community space for students and the general public part of the Deck & Lounge opposite the Goodman Plaza, the Campus Grind.Manager Lauren Flint said the name is pretty self-explanatory, "It comes from "the cafe being part of the SCU campus and coffee grind".Before COVID, the space operated as an SCU business before having a contractor for about a year."After that, we put out some expressions of interest at the end of last year and didn't really get anyone suitable, so they decided to take it back over, yeah, which is really exciting," Lauren explained"Everyone's been really supportive, and they're really happy to have a uni coffee place back open on site."The Campus Grind only opened a week ago, so the team is small at this early stage."I've got three front-of-house staff and a couple in the kitchen, but I'm still hiring even today. I've just hired a pastry chef, which is amazing. She does incredible food and amazing sweets and cakes and stuff. So they'll all be made in-house.As for future staff numbers?"I think, at the moment, I've got it covered. We don't really know yet because we've been open for one week, so I don't really know how busy it'll be. There's only about 120 students actually on campus now, so the rest is staff, in general, on-site."Lauren is referring to SCU students; however, there are more students on campus from other schools, such as Trinity and The Living School, plus Lismore High and Richmond River, at the entrance to SCU from East Lismore.As well as the cafe for breakfast and lunch, the Campus Grind is offering catering and functions."We can do catering all on-site. We have a license for the whole of the site, and we can do it for external parties as well, but we definitely cater for any university events."The Campus Grind has started small but has aspirations to grow back into a full-service business once another business moves out next door."We'll have a conference and functions area again, so we'll be able to cater to private functions and conferences in there from March. That is not just for students and staff but for anyone in the community.""We have a pool table in the corner. We're starting a sort of chill-out space over there. I've got a few great big bean bags and things so that people can just go in and sit down and have a coffee and chill or a beer."We've got three local breweries we offer, none of them on tap. All the beer lines will be decommissioned; they don't work."So, we've got Spangled Dongo, they're from Bangalow. They just do the two beers, a pale ale and a lager. For every beer that we sell, they plant or recover one-metre square of the environment, and they support endangered animals, which is amazing."Common People Brewery do lots of local community work. And then we've got Seven Mile as well, and I've got wines that are from Little Giant. They support Wires and Wombat Rehabilitation."I've tried to choose all environmentally friendly items, which have as little plastic as possible and as local as possible."I'd really like to have a live music venue, and have regular evenings and push it out more to the community, and be available for what hours people want, and have a bit more of a bar going," Lauren concluded.The Campus Grill is at SCU opposite Goodman Plaza. They operate 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday, with the kitchen operating from 8am to 2:30pm.There is a 'grab and go' section as well for those looking to get something to eat and drink on the run that has all premade ready to go food wraps and salads.

Mayor Steve Krieg joined the Talking Lismore podcast last week to discuss expectations for 2025.If 2024 was the year of 'getting stuff done', how would he characterise 2025?"2025 will be a year of “cutting ribbons,” he said tongue-in-cheek as a number of projects come to fruition. Mayor Krieg has an optimistic outlook for 2025, with a slew of projects set to significantly benefit the community. He highlighted the reopening of the Lismore Library in early February as a major milestone. The library, a significant community asset, has undergone extensive renovations following flood damage.“What an amazing asset that's going to be for our city and our residents,” Krieg said.Other projects nearing completion include the refurbishment of the historic Municipal Building on Molesworth Street, set for occupancy in the first quarter of 2025. Work on the old Visitor Information Centre is also underway, while City Hall has received the green light for continued renovations.The recently opened Art Gallery and the ongoing refurbishment of the Conservatorium are expected to contribute to a revitalised central business district. Mayor Krieg emphasised the importance of these cultural hubs in bringing life back to the city.One of the mayor's hopes for 2025 was to see construction activity in the CBD, including the start of some high-rise buildings. Mayor Krieg expressed his desire to see cranes dotting the Lismore skyline by Christmas 2025."We've all seen the old Lincraft building that's in the process of getting cleaned up and demolished at the moment, and I know that the owners of that site have plans of building up. I know of probably two or three other sites in and around the CBD or just on the CBD fringe that have plans of building up as well. And as a council, we are really trying to be proactive in working with these developers to get things happening and moving."The mayor stressed the need to reimagine Lismore, embracing its history while looking towards a modern future as a regional centre.When discussions moved to plans for the vacant land once buyback houses are removed, Mayor Krieg said preliminary discussions have centred around zoning regulations of these sites. He emphasised the importance of increasing the rate base to support Lismore's long-term sustainability, acknowledging the impact of the floods and the buyback program on the city's finances. The final part of our Talking Lismore podcast chat was about the upcoming Legends of Cricket T20 game to be played at Oakes Oval on Saturday, February 15.The biggest change from the inaugural event, which was funded by the state government, is the second Legends match is being underwritten by Lismore City Council, so tickets need to be sold."We're going to have more than what we had last time, by the looks of it, that is world-renowned Aussie cricketers in town, all who are here just to help promote where Lismore is at, where we've come from, and where we're headed.""I just really want to test our capabilities as a city. Coffs Harbor, for example, had a big bash game a couple of weeks ago. Didn't get a ball in because it rains there. But, are we, as a city capable, of hosting events like that? And so, this is the first step in testing our capability, testing our facilities, the ability to be able to host 10,000 people at Oakes Oval. To really determine what our potential is as a city, and it's not just sport, you know, it's all the significant landmark events." You can purchase tickets for the Legends of Cricket T20 game by visiting the Visit Lismore website or by clicking here.To listen to the complete Talking Lismore podcast, click on the link.

Neville Graham has been named Lismore City Council’s 2025 Citizen of the Year at this year’s Australia Day Awards held at the Whitehorse Theatre at Southern Cross University. Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said Neville “embodies the very best of Lismore’s spirit”. “I congratulate Neville on winning this award and thank him for his commitment to our community,” he said. “I would also like to congratulate and thank all the winners and nominees in the various categories who have all freely given their time and energy to making Lismore an even better place to live, work and raise a family.” Citizen of the Year – Neville GrahamNeville Graham is an outstanding community member who has 40+ years in emergency services and given his time to the Lismore community through his volunteering with the SES, Army Reserves, Cave Rescue, the police and Police Rescue as well as the Westpac Helicopter and other sports and community groups, events and initiatives. He is selfless and giving of his time, strongly valuing community and helping others. Neville has been involved in many aspects of community service in Lismore and beyond. Since Boys Brigade to the NSW Police Force from 1982 – 2006. During that time, he was highly trained and skilled, working in the Police Rescue Squad full time from 1989 – 1993 and then instrumental in his work and training in Lismore Police Rescue Squad from 1993 – 2006. He has officially been a member of the Lismore SES since 2008, volunteering many hours of his time to the maintenance, training, meetings, events, incidents and wellbeing support of others. His local knowledge and skills in rescue and events is invaluable. Neville has been President for Souths Cricket Club and part of the District Cricket committee. He has been a Westpac Rescue Helicopter Volunteer and has led and been involved in Helicopter fundraising events such as a postie bike tour to Cape York and as a participant in many annual events such as the ‘Hell on Water’ Kayaking event, often recruiting others through his social and SES networks. Neville has received medals for his roles in both Police and SES. Recently receiving medals through SES for his roles in the Lismore Fires and Floods. 1998 National Medal NSW Police2010 National Medal – Clasp 1 NSW Police2017 SES Commissioner Unit Citation for outstanding efforts during the flood event2018 National Medal – Clasp 2 NSW Police2020 Premiers Bushfire Emergency Citation2023 SES Long Service Award 15 years2023 NEMCL5 Bushfires 2019/202024 SES Commissioner Commendation for Courage for the courageous actions during flood rescues at the 2022 Flood event2024 SES Commissioner Unit Citation for exceptional commitment to the community through life-preserving support rendered during the 2022 flood event.  Other winners announced during the Australia Day celebrations were: Services in the Community (Individual) – Tracy Ward Since purchasing the South Lismore Post Office, Tracy started a campaign to raise the heart of Lismore. She has created a number of community initiatives, including an inter-generational communications activity that has seen hundreds of local children sending letters, pictures, postcards and parcels to the older persons who are ordinarily disconnected from our community. She has visited schools and nursing homes with her message of kindness and the Story Book Gardens Campaign and has seen hundreds of pictures transforming the walls of local nursing homes. As a reward for the children's efforts, she transformed her post office into a Gingerbread house, delighting the community, generating tourism, business and community connections and raising the morale of the entire region. Further, she initiated the #Lismore Boom, an initiative designed to draw attention and foot traffic to local businesses whilst inspiring play and creativity, providing Boomers for local businesses and linking them to social media, driving traffic and sales. She is currently restoring the 1880's cottage to draw tourism to the region, with a strong focus on building and restoring community, and raising the heart of the region. Tracy has developed multiple programs and tools for the betterment of children in need, created a play-based children's social well-being program launched at the Stop Domestic Violence Conference as a new frontier in primary prevention of domestic violence, and wrote and developed 30 programs for special needs children. She has devoted the past decade to undermining Adverse Childhood Experiences and, along with her pilot program, wrote a 152,000-word thesis that combined voices from across the domestic violence sector that is now used by police and healthcare professionals as an educational resource. She devotes time to speaking out against domestic violence.Services in the Community (Group) – Lismore CWALismore CWA has been serving the community of Lismore for 100 years since 2 December 1924. First starting as a baby change facility at City Hall the branch has evolved into being something for everyone from wonderful crafters and cooks to small town political activism, the branch continues to be guided by its members whilst working within the whole organisations ethos and protocols. The Lismore CWA fundraised $120,000 for flood-affected people in 2022. This began when CWA were contacted by a Sydney company who wanted to raise funds. The initial $20,000 started them thinking of how they could help. A lot of funds came through sister branches across the state and other organisations. The Lismore CWA premise was to buy vouchers from local businesses to support them as well. They have supported and distributed 100 of Christine Porter's initiative of torches for older women - these torches had a radio, clock, torch and alarm on them and could be powered by sun, wind up and mains electricity. These went to 100 women in flood zones across the region. They were successful in asking CWA to recognise and help protect koala habitat at the 2023 conference. Lismore CWA remains committed to the CWA principles of diversity, charity and change despite an ageing membership and fluctuating numbers due to Lismore’s population decline post- flood. Volunteer of the Year – Len Ward Len began his basketball journey in the 1960s, and since then, he has been a steadfast and invaluable presence in the Lismore Basketball community. Whether offering his expertise, officiating at school carnivals, or volunteering in the canteen, Len has always answered the call whenever Lismore Basketball needed him. In the 1970s, Len played a crucial role in fundraising efforts for the construction of the local basketball stadium, helping to lay the foundation for the sport's continued growth in the area. Today, at the age of 80, Len remains as dedicated as ever, actively documenting the rich history of Lismore basketball while continuing to referee two nights a week.Len's enduring commitment to the sport and his community makes him an exceptional role model. Len will always greet you with a big smile and sometimes a cracking ‘dad joke’ that will have you laughing. His lifelong passion for basketball and selfless service have left an indelible mark on the Lismore basketball family, inspiring generations of players and supporters alike. Len has been:Referee CoachDevelopment officer and trainerPublicity OfficerJudiciary Chair for far North Coast BasketballTreasurerPresident 1960 and 1991Committee memberInstructor at Lismore Police Boys Club in trampolining and gymnastics when it first opened in Lismore.involved helping with catering for Lions, Lismore Pipe band and Lismore basketball functions. He also:Supported other basketball associationsRefereed at state level for juniorssupports and encourages young Aboriginal kids to play Basketball. Today Lismore boast 25% membership identifying as aboriginal.Has been the Vice President of the Southern Cross Conference which covered Southern Queensland and Northern NSWWas made a Life member Lismore BasketballCoached the SCU women’s hockey and basketball teamsProvided free catering for SES Richmond/Tweed training daysSupported the Rescue Helicopter with crockery and cutlery for functions and provided a 2 course meal for the Rescue helicopter Volunteer Christmas party (178 people)Volunteered at Food for flood for Wardell and Lismore For over six decades, Len has been a pillar of the Lismore Basketball community. From refereeing and fundraising to documenting the sport’s history, Len’s tireless commitment inspires generations. Junior Female Sportsperson – Caitlyn Halliday Caitlyn has shown a huge commitment to her sport as she travels over 15 hours a week for training and games, juggling this with her part time work and being a student at Lismore High. In 2024, Caitlyn played her junior club hockey with Ascot Arana in the Brisbane and senior hockey with Casuarina in the Gold Coast League. Caitlyn played in many tournaments throughout 2024 including: Under 15 Indoor Nationals in CanberraUnder 16 Outdoor Nationals in HobartQld State Under 18 Championships.  From these Championships, she was selected to represent Qld at the Under 18 National Championships.Under 18 National Championships on the Gold Coast.Under 16 Qld State Championships on the Sunshine CoastUnder 18 indoor State Championships in Brisbane.Under 16 indoor State Championships at Maryborough. From these Championships Caitlyn was selected in the Qld Team to compete at the Nationals in Canberra January 2025Mirnawan Tournament in Malaysia in an Under 17 Queensland team Caitlyn was awarded Toowoomba's 2023 Indoor Player of the Year for both Under 15's and Under 18's at the annual awards night. Caitlyn has also competed at School State Championships for swimming, cross country and athletics. Junior Male Sportsperson – Alex Sipple Alex Sipple age 16 has recently returned from the World Power Lifting Competition in Chicago USA. He won the Gold Medal for his age and weight class and is now the World Record Holder for the Bench Press after he broke the world record in his 2nd out of 3 attempts of Bench Press at 132.5kg. Then on his 3rd attempt he broke his own world record and lifted 140kg. Alex also currently holds four Australian records.  Sports Team, Group or Organisation – Lismore Rowing Club  The Lismore Rowing Club has been part of the sporting community for well over a century and the current members and Executive have been dedicated for decades. The Club was devasted by the 2022 floods but has come back and kept rowing. The club provides regular training to Trinity College and is open to all other schools. Individuals are welcome to the club for free learn-to-row classes. Lismore has been represented in the Olympics and at state and national level and is active at yearly Northern Rivers rowing regattas. In 2021, the Club hosted the inaugural "2480+ Lismore Regatta," a distinctive event drawing crews from up and down the coast and New England to compete along a scenic 5-kilometre course on the Wilson River. The event, known for its challenging distance, begins near the Lismore Rowing Club at Lismore Lake and finishes in the heart of the CBD. The Regatta included divisions for mixed, men’s, women’s, and masters' crews, and has quickly become a popular event contributing to the local sporting community and showcasing Lismore’s rowing scene. Arts and Culture – Victoria Collingnon Victoria and her business ‘The Artisans Table’ are very generous. She works part-time to fund her shop and the service she provides our community has more benefits than one can write. Her business is a safe place for people to connect, unwind and relate. She teaches skills, fosters creativity and nurtures artists and creators in a kind and compassionate way. Victoria’s shop has been a saviour to many people looking for social connection, for art as therapy, for relief of stress, to learn new art forms and develop friendships. She runs children’s classes and nurtures creativity and uniqueness in all of them, encouraging each child to be themselves and express their truth through their creations. She is always up for a project and will always be the first to volunteer her time, knowledge, resources and space when she can support both kids and adults in our community to access art and craft and is rarely shown the appreciation she deserves.

​About 10.40 this morning (Saturday, 25 January 2025) emergency services were called to Casino Street, South Lismore, following reports of a crash.Officers attached to Richmond Police District attended and found a motorcycle and a car had collided.The motorcycle rider – a 19-year-old man – was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Gold Coast Hospital in a serious condition.The Westpac Rescue Helicopter said the man was stabilised by hospital staff, the NSW Ambulance critical care paramedic and a NSW Health doctor from the helicopter’s critical care medical team before being airlifted to Gold Coast.The occupants of the car sustained minor injuries. Police established a crime scene and commenced enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash, with the assistance of crash investigators.Inquiries are ongoing.

The start of the year means a big cleanout of unwanted household items or the extra waste generated by the festive season for a lot of Lismore homes. The cost of the cleanout can be considerable.To help with the cost of disposing of those unwanted household items, Lismore City Council provides one (1) waste voucher per eligible property, which is capped at 5,000 in total per financial year. You can apply if you are a property owner or someone paying rent.The application process is simple and quick and can be done online. Once a voucher is issued, you have 30 days to take your waste to either Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre or Nimbin Transfer Station.If you don’t use your voucher within the 30 days, it will expire and you can apply again another time.The value of the voucher is $74.40. It is best that you sort your waste beforehand as much as possible because it will it be cheaper for you and enable Council to recycle items and keep more out of landfill.For more information on conditions of use and to apply for a voucher, go to https://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/.../Waste.../Waste-vouchers, call Council on 02 6625 0500 or visit the front counter at our Corporate Centre in Goonellabah after the long weekend..

Three traffic bottlenecks within Lismore City Council are among 10 priority projects identified by Regional Cities NSW as part of a pre-budget pitch aimed at improving the safety and efficiency of the freight network across New South Wales. The bottlenecks are along Union Street, Lismore; Kyogle Road to Rosehill Road and Rifle Range Road in Tuncester; and Coraki Road to Wyrallah Ferry Road in South Gundurimba. The locations are among 93 across the state’s freight network identified in a new business case commissioned by Regional Cities New South Wales (RCNSW) as responsible for $80 million in lost efficiencies each year. The Regional Transport Pinch Point Program report found the network’s connectivity and efficiency would be improved with a $346 million investment in 10 priority projects. RCNSW chair and Lismore City Council Mayor Steve Krieg said resolving the issues at each of the three locations within the local government area would have local and state-wide benefits. “Resolving bottlenecks like the three identified in our area will get freight moving so it can reach its destination sooner, which can boost the competitiveness of our local businesses and industries,” Cr Krieg said. “It also helps to improve safety for all road users and strengthen the connections between the regions and our regional cities,” Cr Krieg said. “This is the first time Regional Cities NSW have collaborated on a project like this. It’s an important issue and we wanted to take a detailed look across the state and see the areas that need upgrades,” Cr Krieg said. “Everyone who lives in regional NSW can see how many trucks, b-doubles and road trains are on our roads now.” “Our freight task is growing daily, and action is needed to make sure this growth is safe and efficient for our shared communities and industries,” Cr Krieg said. The benefits of this approach have been confirmed by an independent panel examining freight policy reform on behalf of Transport for NSW. The Transport for NSW’s Freight Policy Reform: Interim Directions Paper called on the government to review RCNSW’s work as a basis for encouraging a “One Network” approach.  The paper further noted that “unlike other levels of government, local government has no direct mechanisms to raise funds for road construction and maintenance. This is an issue where heavy vehicles are regular or frequent users of these local roads.” According to Transport for New South Wales, freight is worth nearly $66 billion to the state’s economy annually, while Infrastructure Australia has forecast the volume of goods transported by road and rail will increase by 80 per cent over 20 years to 2031.Regional Cities and their LGAs have a combined population of 800,000 or 10 per cent of the population in New South Wales. This number is expected to grow by 150,000 by 2030.Member cities generate $44 billion in gross regional product annually. The combined workforce is 420,000 workers and there are 75,000 active businesses. Healthcare, social assistance, retail trade, education and training, accommodation and food services represent nearly half of all jobs in member cities. The 10 priority projects identified in the Regional Transport Pinch Point Program report are:  ●       Armidale: Lambs Avenue / O'Connor Road / Dangar Street / Railway Parade / Kentucky Street (congestion)●       Dubbo: Boothenba Road / Newell Highway (safety)●       Dubbo: Wheelers Lane (accessibility)●       Dubbo: Boothenba Road (congestion)●       Goulburn/Marulan: Hume Highway (congestion)●       Goulburn: Windellama Road (connection issues from the Hume Highway)●       Lismore: Union Street (accessibility)●       South Gundurimba: Coraki Road to Wyrallah Ferry Road (accessibility)●       Tamworth: Country Road and Burgmanns Lane (alt. heavy vehicle route)●       Tuncester: Kyogle Road to Rosehill Road and Rifle Range Road (accessibility) “This report identifies the location of problem areas in the freight network and quantifies the cost involved to get them fixed,” Cr Krieg said.  “RCNSW has put the business case to the NSW Government as one of our priorities for the 2025 budget with an initial request of $346 million,” Cr Krieg said. RCNSW will continue to advocate for this investment in the lead up to the June 2025 State Budget.