livestreamed on November, 2022 from 2pm. The NSW Government has announced a record 10,148 full-time equivalent staff will be recruited to hospitals and health services across NSW over four years, in the nation’s largest-ever health workforce boost, as part of the NSW Government’s 2022-23 Budget. The additional staff will include nurses and midwives, doctors, paramedics, pathologists and scientific staff, pharmacists and allied health professionals, as well as support and ancillary staff who ensure the continued operations of NSW hospitals and the wider public health system.

Party kits help families celebrate without single-use plastic

Ballina Shire Council and Richmond Tweed Regional Libraries have joined forces to offer reusable kids’ party kits as part of their ongoing commitment to reduce single use items across the shire.

The kits are available for loan to library members at Alstonville, Ballina, and Lennox Head libraries. Each kit consists of a drinks jug, tablecloth and a set of bowls, plates, cups, and cutlery to serve 12 people, which are made from recycled plastic.

Parties can generate a lot of waste, explains Council’s Waste Education Officer, Samala Heart.

“A public bin audit showed that on weekends, some of our park bins can be sadly clogged with single-use partyware”, said Ms Heart.

“Switching to reusables reduces a party’s carbon footprint as well as waste going to landfill. The new kits provide a fun and colourful way to participate in a circular economy.”

Our local libraries are equally keen to support the community.

“The reusable party kits will support parents to model cost-effective sustainable practices to their children,” said Ballina Librarian Taryn Kelly.

“With 12 colours, they also allow for each child to colour match their partyware, ensuring simple yet achievable hygiene.”

Loaning a party kit is cheaper than buying disposables and after each loan the equipment is returned to be used by other community members.

For more information contact your local library branch. Richmond Tweed Regional Library staff Clancie Flick and Taryn Kelly join Samala Heart, Waste Education Officer at Ballina Shire Council to show off the new reusable party kits available for loan.

NORTHERN RIVERS RECONSTRUCTION CORPORATION ADVISORY BOARD APPOINTED

Eight local and technical experts have been appointed to the advisory board of the corporation tasked with rebuilding flood-affected Northern Rivers’ communities.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said board members have the knowledge and practical skills needed to guide the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC).

“The board will advise on the flood recovery work already underway, providing on-the-ground feedback on the rebuild of large and complex infrastructure,” Mr Toole said.

“We’re not just building back for now – this is about future-proofing communities by ensuring they are better prepared for future disasters.”

Members of the NRRC Advisory Board are: Mr Gary Barnes, Chair, Secretary, Department Regional NSW; Mr Michael Cassel, Secretary, Department of Planning and Environment; Mr Peter Duncan, Commissioner and Deputy Chair, NSW Independent Planning Commission; Former CEO of Roads and Maritime Services; Mr Andrew Hall, CEO Insurance Council of Australia; Mr Darren Kershaw, Executive Chair, North Coast Aboriginal Development Alliance; Ms Jane Laverty, Regional Director Northern Rivers, Business NSW; Ms Sharon Cadwallader, Chair Northern Rivers Joint Organisation; and Mr Michael Rayner, Former General Manager Tweed Shire Council, Tweed community member, Technical Expert.

MAGICAL QUEST FOR KIDS AT LISMORE QUAD

A magical quest is taking place in Lismore Quad from 15-23 August. Deep underground, right beneath the town (and unknown to the human inhabitants of Lismore) there has lived, for thousands of years, a community of tiny magical beings called The Miniatures.

During the last foods, cracks and portals throughout the city were opened up by the power of the water and an amazing thing has happened, the Miniatures have found pathways into the Up-top land of Lismore.

A very brave Miniature called Mirabelle was the frst to fnd her way up and is busy making doorways for her friends to come up through.

Mirabelle would like to invite the (small) Giants of the Up-top land to play a game she is setting up in Lismore Quad in August. You can play any time you like between 15-23rd August (during daylight hours is best).

Parents/Guardians: To play the game with your child download and print the game invitation from www.lismorequad.org. au and head to The Quad between 15-23 August to fnd the Miniatures. There is also a lovely letter and activity from Mirabelle that parents/ guardians can give their child once they have completed the game (available for download from www.lismorequad. org.au)

Mirabelle’s Game is a new self-led theatre game created by Valley Lipcer of Roundabout Theatre for The Lismore Quad and The Lismore CBD.

‘Mirabelle’s Game is a magical adventure hunt, designed to be experienced in people’s own time and at their own pace. The story re-frames The Lismore Quad as a place of wonder, colour and possibilities from the perspective of the Miniatures - who have discovered it for the frst time. The game is a gentle invitation to indulge in some imaginary play together. At a very challenging time for our community I am hoping this game will inspire some smiles and joyful silliness.’

More info www. lismorequad.org.au

“Leemo has views on just about anything”

IT’S ALL A BIT ON THE NOSE REALLY!

‘Leemo Cat’ writing. Ooooh…‘Mum Jane’ is TRULY lucky to have me around, looking out for her. We sat at table to-day having an amicable chatty lunch to-together like Mums & Sons do. (NOT!) But THEN, I spied a red trickle coming out of her left nostril. Eeek horror! OMG… what should I say or do? Should I simply continue eating my ‘Fancy Feast’ treat and avoid staring at her nostril? Or should I say ‘Mum, I’m secretly a Vampire, so may I lick your nostril?’ NUP, I decided to say ZILCHO…SO much safer. Ooooh. This is a truly bad situation. Fortunately, God in his care and wisdom intervened. Mum fnally noticed the trickle of red stuff drizzling right on to her cheese, salad & mustard pickle sandwich. It sure wasn’t beetroot juice. An old lady shrill scream of horror emanated. ‘Leems, quick, call the 000 number. Get an Ambulance pronto. Pack my PJ’s, Toothbrush & Paste, Mouth Wash, & Floss, Rosary Beads, Nivea cream, 3xironed handkerchiefs, 3xclean knickers, Slippers, Sox, Hair Brush, Comb & stuff. Hurry hurry HURRY Leems!!’ This calamitous situation called for my ‘Feline’ astuteness in understanding humans which I possess in reams. (specially with ‘Mum Jane’) I proceeded with a most gentle demeanour. Oooh. This will be challenging! ‘Mum, you are being SO overthe-top melodramatic about a simple bloody nose bleed? Did you get a bit of a shrub stuck up your nose when you were mauling the garden? (Like before??) I am not calling an Ambulance and that’s fnal. Remember, I was told off and fned under ‘Public Nuisance’ Law last time you made me phone. HOWEVER, my diligent fact-fnding over many years has provided nifty helpful facts about nose bleeds. SO LISTEN! Pliny, a Roman elder, believed that stuffng the nostrils with burned up ashes of Tadpoles helped. The Greeks, on the other hand, held that vaginas and nostrils were much the same thing, ‘cos both bled every now & then so just get used to it. (Crikey, now I understand why Mum had her nose changed!) I soldiered on. ‘Ancient Egyptians had even more nifty beliefs Mum. One is contained in script from the ‘Kahun Papyrus’ (dating to 1800yrs BC) stating that nosebleeds were seen as a magical sign of fertility. The script contained a magic spell to bring on nose bleeds. If a woman’s nose bled via the spell, she’d get pregnant. If it didn’t, she’d always be childless. The spell was not ‘spelled out’ in detail which is a bit susso to me. In fnishing, I informed Mum that at various points in history a substance called ‘Usnea’ was also reportedly the best possible cure for nosebleeds. The issue was that ‘Usnea’ was a type of moss that grew over the skulls of improperly buried corpses. You just stuffed the moss up your nose and were ready to go. Powdered Egyptian Mummy was also recommended. Oooh… Mum is looking kinda green? BUT, guess what? Her nose bleed has stopped. I just knew I could help her. Goodie! I shall now skippetydoo outside to fnd Tadpoles, a Magic Spell, an Egyptian Mummy and some ‘Usnea’ for next time it happens. She will be SO pleased with me. Purrsies, Leemo.

CONSTRUCTION FOR NEW HOSPITAL REACHES HIGHEST POINT

The new seven-storey $723.3 million Tweed Valley Hospital development has reached a major milestone, hitting its highest point of construction.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the new hospital campus is the state’s largest regional hospital project.

“This is about delivering world-class health facilities and services closer to home to transform healthcare for communities in the Tweed Valley region,” Mr Toole said.

“Today’s ‘topping out’ ceremony is a signifcant milestone for this incredible new health facility which will double capacity of the existing hospital to better meet the current and future healthcare needs of this community which has grown by 6,000 people since this project was frst announced.”

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the hospital will feature two new major services, including an interventional cardiology service and an integrated cancer care service with radiotherapy and PETCT.

“These services will be a game-changer for the local community, providing treatment locally to ensure up to 5,000 people no longer have to travel outside of the region to access lifesaving treatments,” Mrs Taylor said.

“Once complete next year, the new hospital will boast almost 200 more beds and an extra 16 new Emergency Department treatment spaces.”

Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said in addition to the worldclass health facility, construction for the hospital has provided a boost to the local economy, supporting hundreds of jobs since work began.

“As the project moves into the internal ft-out stage, work is ramping up with around 400 people on-site each day,” Mr Provest said.

“Importantly, many of the workers contributing to this project are from the local community.”

The hospital has been designed in close collaboration with staff and the community and will include: • More than 400 overnight and day only beds to address future demand for health services • Expanded emergency department with 42 treatment spaces • Expanded outpatient services with more clinics • 12 operating theatres, an increase of fve from the existing Tweed Hospital • New interventional cardiology service • New radiotherapy service as part of integrated cancer care, including a PET-CT suite • Outdoor green spaces • Campus roads and car park.

With the hospital reaching its full structural height, construction teams will continue the internal ft-out of the building, services installation and the hospital’s facade.

Construction of the new hospital is on track for completion in 2023.

A new $50 million multi-storey car park will also be delivered as part of the project, providing staff, patients and visitors with access to over 1,200 car park spaces at the new hospital campus when complete. Construction is underway and on-track to open in 2023.

The Tweed Valley Hospital development is part of the NSW Government’s record $10.8 billion investment in health infrastructure over four years to 202425, with nearly a third of the spend in this fnancial year earmarked for regional and rural health facilities.

Since 2011, the government has delivered more than 170 hospitals and health facilities across NSW, with more than 110 currently underway – of those, more than 70 are in rural and regional areas.

Independent Flood Inquiry report should be released without delay

Lismore MP Janelle Saffn has requested that NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet release without delay the Independent NSW Flood Inquiry’s fnal report, adopting all of its recommendations as promised.

“Ideally, this report, which was delivered to the NSW Government at the weekend, should be publicly released in the Northern Rivers, preferably Lismore, as soon as possible so that local residents, business owners and councils have some certainty about our future,” Ms Saffn said.

“I suggested early on that we needed an independent inquiry; and that it had to be the inquiry which breaks the litany of half-hearted public inquiries in Australia which have been either ignored or acted upon in a piecemeal manner.

“I’ve requested that the Premier do the right thing by us up here by releasing the report in our region and without delay, not ‘within the month of August’ as Acting Premier Paul Toole told a press conference.

“I made it clear very early on that the Premier can adopt Commissioners (Professor Mary) O’Kane and (Mick) Fuller’s recommendations in full and sight unseen because he trusts them to do the job. Further that the Premier also needs to announce an implementation mechanism that goes to the heart of the machinery of government or wholeof-government, and that reports to Government and the Parliament periodically.”

Ms Saffn said she had every confdence that the Commissioners’ fndings will refect our experience of the catastrophic foods in February and March, and that their far-reaching recommendations will speak to the resultant humanitarian disaster that will take years to recover from.

“I would expect them to have provided frank and fearless advice, just as I did when giving evidence to their inquiry and to the Parliamentary Legislative Council Inquiry when they held hearings and interviews in Lismore,” Ms Saffn said.

The MP made a 20,000-word submission to both major inquiries. To read her submission, go to: www.parliament. nsw.gov.au/committees/ listofcommittees/Pages/ committee-details. aspx?pk=277

Housing petition handed to MP

The not-for-profit organisation, Social Futures, has collected almost 400 signatures calling for more social housing in the Northern Rivers in just one day.

During National Homelessness Week, Social Futures, which runs homeless support programs, organised the petition and worked with the communities of Grafton, Tweed Heads and Lismore to make 186 tiny origami homes – representing one-hundredth of the approximate 18,600 houses needed in the area.

“We collected hundreds of signatures very quickly,” Social Futures Chief Performance Manager Jana Hall said

“Clearly the community supports our call for a huge investment in social housing. We know there was a shortfall of affordable and social housing before the floods, and the loss of so many homes in the catastrophe has exacerbated an already desperate situation.”

Ms Hall today gave the Social Futures petition to Lismore MP Janelle Saffin along with the origami houses made by community members. Ms Saffin has given a commitment to table the petition in state parliament.

Using data from the 2019 study done by the UNSW City Futures Research Centre and Everbody’s Home, Social Futures estimates that the Northern Rivers needs about 10,000 social housing units and 5,000 affordable housing dwellings.

“It is very difficult to say exactly how many buildings were destroyed or damaged by the floods, but the SES estimated statewide, the floods left more than 4,000 houses uninhabitable, so we have added 3,600 to the 15,000 figure,” Ms Hall said.

“We want the government to commit long term to investing in social housing, and hence we are calling for 18,600 more houses.

“The Northern Rivers needs more social housing now, like never before, and we ask governments, both state and federal, to build it as an investment in the future of our communities.”

NEW POLICE STATION FOR BYRON BAY

More than $19 million will be invested in a new police station for Byron Bay to meet the needs of the growing community.

Acting Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the investment was part of a record $434 million capital investment in new and upgraded police stations, buildings and training facilities across the state.

“The NSW Government is committed to providing our 22,000 sworn police officers and staff with worldclass infrastructure and equipment to ensure they have all the tools they need to stay ahead of the game when it comes to tackling crime,” Mr Toole said.

“The current 101-yearold Byron Bay police station is home to 36 general duties police as well as Traffic and Highway Patrol officers and Prosecutors – and the new station will help meet the needs of the growing Tweed Byron Police District.

“Once complete, the modern facility will provide the right resources to better support the critical work of our police.

“Local officers go above and beyond, whether it’s responding to emergencies or road accidents, at the frontline of flood operations and rescues, or day-to-day community policing - so it’s critical we arm them with the facilities and resources they need.”

Commander for the Tweed Byron Police District Superintendent Dave Roptell said the new station would assist in managing the resource requirements associated with seasonal and festival demands.

“Byron Bay receives a significant amount of visitors during the summer months and major local events which impacts the way we resource and service the local community,” Supt Roptell said.

Free solar - savings up to $600 on electricity bills

The NSW Government is ofering a new way to assist people on low incomes with their power bills by installing free solar systems for eligible households in place of their Low Income Household Rebate. This program aims to improve energy afordability by helping households unlock long terms savings on their electricity bills. While this means you will no longer receive the $285 annual rebate on your electricity bill, you could receive up to $600 in savings per year from your new solar system!

The ofer is only available to households that live in the specifed regions and meet the eligibility criteria. When participating in this program households will receive a free, fully installed 3kW solar system in place of their Low Income Household Rebate.

SAE Group are the approved provider, designing and installing solar systems to eligible homes in your region.

To be eligible you must: - Currently be receiving the Low Income Household Rebate - Agree not to receive the rebate for ten years - Own your own home - Not already have a solar PV system - Hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card or a Department of Veteran Afairs Gold Card - If you are not the registered homeowner, but your spouse is, you may be considered eligible collectively as a household

A 3kW system is designed to generate an average of 12.6kwh per day, which will deliver electricity savings depending on each household’s energy consumption. Managing Director of SAE Group Glen Ashton comments “We know electricity bills continue to place a lot of pressure on households, and we are pleased to be working with the NSW Government to help ease the pressure on low income households.”

SAE Group are an Australian owned and operated organisation with over ten years’ experience in the solar industry. SAE Group are a Clean Energy Council Approved Retailer, and hold accreditations ISO 9001, ISO 45001 for safety and quality systems. Safety is paramount to us, and it our goal to ensure we provide quality solar systems to eligible households that will deliver ongoing savings for many years to come.

Want to fnd out more? Visit: https://energysaver.nsw.gov.au/solar-low-income-households to check your eligibility and apply online or visit www.saegroup.com.au or call us on 02 66 389 439. The Solar for Low Income Household Ofer is supported by the NSW Government.

Are you eligible for free solar?

Save up to $600 in electricity bills!

SAE Group is the approved provider, designing & installing solar systems for the NSW Government Solar for Low Income Households Offer.

Get in touch with SAE Group today to find out more 1300 18 20 50 www.saegroup.com.au

Health representatives reimagine their role after pandemic

A new joint study by the Australian Centre for Health Engagement, Evidence and Values (ACHEEV) at the University of Wollongong (UOW) and Health Consumers NSW has revealed the COVID-19 pandemic was a crisis that unexpectedly enabled consumer representatives to transform their role as active partners in health services.

The study examined the experiences and activities of consumer representatives in healthcare services during the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic response in

New

South Wales (NSW). The study’s fndings will be presented at a webinar on Thursday 4 August.

Health consumer representatives are members of the community who represent the views of healthcare users and the public, regularly advising and contributing to service delivery matters at local hospitals, Local Health District boards and other healthcare organisations.

Sociologist and ACHEEV Research Fellow, Dr Patti Shih, said health consumer representatives in New South Wales played a crucial role in bringing the voices of patients, carers and the wider community to the pandemic response - but not in the way they expected.

“We interviewed 30 consumer representatives from diverse backgrounds and communities across NSW to fnd out more about their experiences and challenges during the early stages of the pandemic,” Dr Shih said. “It was important to learn about their experiences so we can understand where gaps are in the system and improve it.

“When the pandemic hit, an urgent focus was placed on acute hospital care and outbreak control and this understandably demanded a top-down chain of command. The routine consulting and engaging with consumer representatives had to stop. Consumer representatives told us that this in itself showed that they were not as well-embedded in the decision-making processes of health services as previously thought.

“Indeed, as months passed, signifcant policy and service design decisions were made without the input from them. This included things like family visitations in hospitals and healthcare facilities, which impacted so many people during the pandemic.

“Yet it’s vital that health consumer representatives are included in decisions like this, particularly when it affects the wider community.

“It was quite incredible to learn about the innovative new ways consumers started networking and mobilising their communities.”

After it became clear health consumer representatives weren’t going to be a priority in pandemic related service design, consumer representatives mobilised their own networks to lead new ways of engaging during the pandemic. Some of this work was supported by Health Consumers NSW, an organisation that represents the interests of patients, carers and their families in NSW.

“Some of the consumer-led work included research and policy recommendations in hospital visitation policies and telehealth. There were also some impressive local community mobilisations organised by consumer representatives, particularly in regional and rural communities that infuenced various improvements in COVID-related healthcare delivery.”

The study showed that consumer representatives were an important part of a resilient healthcare system, having the capacity to adapt, adjust and strengthen their way of working in the face of shocks and disruptions. Rather than waiting to be ‘asked’ to be involved by decisionmakers, like they had been before, consumer representatives were proactive in shaping the healthcare agenda.

Dr Shih said consumer engagement should become a ‘new normal’, rather than an afterthought. The study clearly demonstrated this.

“The biggest takeaway we have from this study is that when we’re planning for future emergencies, we should use new and existing consumer engagement networks and consumers should determine their role in the system partnerships, not the other way around.”

Winners of Local Government Awards announced

Councils across NSW have been recognised for their outstanding achievements over the past year at the Local Government Week Awards 2022.

Lismore City Council gained special acknowledgment in Division B – population between 30,000 – 70,000 for the One from the Heart Concert after the foods.

The awards, which were staged at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney, celebrate councils who demonstrate excellence across a range of categories such as arts and culture, events, communications and planning.

Woollahra Municipal Council was the big winner on the night, taking home three awards including two Leo Kelly OAM Arts and Culture Awards and a LGNSW Planning Award. Two of the awards were for the Woollahra Aboriginal Heritage Study, which provided the council with a much better understanding of the Aboriginal history and heritage of Woollahra.

Gilgandra Shire Council also won multiple awards including a RH Dougherty Award for excellence in communication and a Department of Communities and Justice NSW Youth Week Award.

Murray River Council received two RH Dougherty Awards as well for innovation in special events and reporting to its community.

In addition, Fairfeld City Council also had a winning night, receiving a RH Dougherty award for excellence in communication and a NSW Youth Week Award.

Local Government NSW President Darriea Turley congratulated all the award recipients and nominees.

“As the peak body for local government in NSW, we are so proud to showcase the wonderful work our NSW councils are doing right across the state for the beneft of their communities,” Cr Turley said.