Saffin secures one-off grant for Thistles’ shower cubicles project

LISMORE MP Janelle Saffin has helped secure a one-off grant towards Lismore Thistles Soccer Club Incorporated’s project to construct and install six lockable shower cubicles at its East Lismore clubhouse.

Ms Saffin, who championed the club’s priority project, thanked NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper MP for approving the $15,710 (ex GST) grant under the NSW Government’s 2023-24 Project Support Program recently.

Ms Saffin said Thistles would engage a local contractor to build the six cubicles – three for home teams and three for away or visiting teams – promoting safe and diverse participation for girls and women.

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“The fact that the club owns this site rather than leases it from Lismore City Council has meant they do not qualify for infrastructure repairs or rebuilds under normal disaster funding arrangements,” Ms Saffin said.

“Thistles is a very proactive club but having its clubhouse and fields located in a low-lying area, has meant that it has had to wear the costs of fixing damage caused by the devastating floods of February and March 2022.

“This is one of those small sporting infrastructure projects which will make a big difference to players.

“I thank club officials for their innovative and inclusive approach, particularly Grants Officer Dr Pascal Scherrer.”

Lismore Thistles Soccer Club President Tina Cotroneo said: “This grant is going to make such a difference for players having their own space to shower and relax after a game in a more private environment!

“Our goal at Thistles is to provide a fun, safe and enjoyable sporting environment that encourages all members to reach their full potential.

“This grant supports our efforts to encourage inclusion, provide a safe sporting environment and foster the growing participation of women and girls in football.

“Thank you again to all involved in the process.”

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Rising Tide Northern Rivers Gains Momentum with Film Nights and Action Initiatives

Rising Tide Northern Rivers, a dynamic climate defence movement, has officially launched in Hastings Point and Lismore, galvanising local communities to address Australia’s significant contributions to the global climate crisis. As one of the world’s largest exporters of coal and gas, Australia faces crucial challenges, which Rising Tide aims to confront by targeting coal exports, especially through Newcastle, the world’s largest coal port.

The formation of Rising Tide Northern Rivers was inspired by a significant turnout at the World’s Largest Blockade of the Port of Newcastle in November 2023. Over 2,000 activists, including more than 100 locals from Northern Rivers, participated in the 32-hour blockade using hundreds of kayaks. This monumental event led to Australia’s largest mass arrest for climate action, with seven locals among the 109 detained.

At the movement’s Hastings Point launch, attendees took to Cudgera Creek in kayaks, discussing motivations behind their climate activism and exploring strategies to expand the network. The Lismore launch featured heartfelt welcomes from Uncle Roy Gordon and musical contributions from Terri Nicholson and Paul Paitson, who performed songs echoing themes of resistance and environmental stewardship.

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Emma Briggs, who attended the Lismore event, expressed her commitment to challenging the ongoing reliance on fossil fuels within Australia. “Despite international promises to move away from coal and gas, domestic practices remain largely unchanged. It’s crucial that we implement the environmental safeguards we needed decades ago,” she stated.

Upcoming Events: Rising Tide Northern Rivers continues its outreach with upcoming film screenings of ‘The First Wave: The People’s Blockade’. These events aim not only to educate and inspire but also to support crucial environmental campaigns:

• Brunswick Heads Picture House: Join us on Sunday, 5 May at 5:00 PM for a screening that will benefit the Save Wallum campaign. Tickets are available in advance through the Brunswick Heads Picture House website.
• timbre in Lismore: Another opportunity to engage will be on Friday, 24 May at 5:00 PM. To attend this event, please RSVP at The First Wave Lismore Screening.

These film nights are excellent opportunities for community members to come together, learn about the impacts of coal and gas, and take actionable steps towards a more sustainable and equitable future. Rising Tide Northern Rivers is at the forefront of local climate action, urging residents to join in their ongoing efforts to protect our planet.

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Lifeline Northern NSW Seeks Volunteers to Join Crisis Support Team Amid Rising Demand

Lifeline Northern NSW is inviting community members to become volunteer crisis supporters, responding to the growing need for emotional and crisis support across the region. The call for volunteers comes as Lifeline has observed a 35% increase in demand for its services since the COVID-19 pandemic began, further exacerbated recently by economic pressures.

On Thursday, May 2, Lifeline Northern NSW will host an information session from 5:00 to 6:30 PM at their Lismore centre, for those interested in learning about the volunteer opportunities.

Potential volunteers can register for the session at Lifeline Lismore Information Session.

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Volunteering as a crisis supporter involves undergoing extensive training to prepare individuals for handling sensitive calls, offering hope and empathetic listening to those in distress. The training, which initially takes place online over eight to ten weeks, equips volunteers to manage a range of challenging situations with calm and effective responses.

Kathryn Russell, a youth program worker and volunteer crisis supporter, shared her transformative experience with Lifeline. “The training was unexpectedly life-changing. It taught me deep listening, empathy, and how to maintain composure during intense situations,” Russell said. She recalled a poignant moment when she helped a caller develop a safety plan, providing them with a renewed sense of hope.

Crisis supporters typically commit to one four-hour shift every fortnight, with flexible training schedules and volunteer hours to accommodate varying lifestyles. Lisa Barnes, a team leader at Lifeline, emphasized the inclusivity of the program. “We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, ages, and experiences. You don’t need to have prior counselling experience; we’re looking for empathic individuals eager to make a difference,” Barnes stated.

Lifeline Northern NSW is one of the 43 Lifeline centres nationwide, where over 4,000 volunteers answer close to one million calls each year. The organization provides 24-hour support, including phone calls, text messages, and online chats, addressing the critical need for suicide prevention and crisis intervention.

This opportunity not only offers a chance to contribute meaningfully to the community but also provides volunteers with invaluable skills and experiences in the mental health field.

For more information on becoming a crisis supporter and other ways to help, visit northernNSW.lifeline.org.au.

If this story or any personal issues raise concerns for you, please reach out to Lifeline at any time by calling 13 11 14, texting 0477 131 114, or engaging in an online chat at lifeline.org.au.

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