Measles Alert Issued for Lismore

By Jeff Gibbs

Northern NSW Local Health District Urges Community to Stay Vigilant

Health authorities have issued a measles alert for Lismore after a confirmed case of the highly contagious disease. The person, who recently returned from overseas, was infectious while visiting several public locations in Lismore.

Potential Exposure Locations and Times:

• Lismore Square Shopping Centre (Cnr Brewster and Uralba Streets)
  Date: Sunday, February 2 | Time: Between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm
• Lismore Base Hospital Emergency Department
  Date: Thursday, February 6 (6:15 pm) to Friday, February 7 (2:20 am)

The Northern NSW Local Health District Director of Population Health, Dr. Valerie Delpech, advised residents who visited these locations during the specified times to monitor for symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Measles

“Symptoms to watch for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose, and a persistent cough, typically followed by a red, blotchy rash that begins on the face and head before spreading to the rest of the body,” Dr. Delpech said.

Symptoms can appear up to 18 days after exposure, so people who were at the above locations should remain alert until Tuesday, February 25.

“If symptoms develop, seek medical attention immediately. However, it’s important to phone ahead so that precautions can be taken to avoid further spread,” Dr. Delpech advised.

Protect Yourself and Others

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles. It is administered free of charge to children at 12 and 18 months of age. It’s also available for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t received two doses.

“Anyone planning to travel overseas should ensure their vaccination is up to date, as outbreaks are currently occurring in several regions globally,” Dr. Delpech warned.

For children under 12 months traveling to high-risk areas, the first dose of the MMR vaccine can be given up to three months earlier than scheduled. Parents are encouraged to consult their GP for guidance.

Where to Get Vaccinated

The MMR vaccine is available from GPs for all ages and from pharmacies for individuals over five years of age. Those unsure of their vaccination status should get another dose as an additional dose is safe.

For more information, visit the Measles Factsheet or contact your healthcare provider.

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HISTORIC AGP FEBRUARY 15 AT CASTROL LISMORE SPEEDWAY

By Dennis Newlyn

The seventy-second running of the prestigious Australian Speedcar Grand Prix will be the centre stage highlight of the Saturday night February 15 fixture at Castrol Lismore Speedway.

There will also be racing for Wingless Sprintcars, AMCA Sedan Nationals, RSA Sedans Junior Sedans.

The world acclaimed Australian Speedcar GP, which this year pays $5,000 to win,  is a very special event steeped in magnificent history and tradition after it was first held in 1938 at the former Sydney Sports Ground venue.

For promoters Kim and Mick Sauer it’s a major coup to again host this annual race at the historic Lismore Showground Speedway venue which in more recent years has become the home of the AGP.

“It’s an absolute honour to have the Australian Speedcar Grand Prix here following on from 2023 and last year’s successful event,” Kim Sauer said.

“It’s what this race stands for in the history of Australian and world Speedcar racing. It really counts for something with its perpetual shield and the glory of winning one of oldest Speedcar races in the world.”

In addition to Australia’s all time greatest Speedcar drivers, competitors representing America, New Zealand and England have won.

The legendary four times Indianapolis 500 winner AJ Foyt is a two times AGP Champion (1975 and 1976), at Sydney’s Liverpool Speedway, while the ‘king’ of world Sprintcar racing 20 times World of Outlaws American Champion Steve Kinser has his name etched on the trophy after he won in 1986, also at the Liverpool circuit.  Englishman Bill  Reynolds was the 1956 winner at the Sydney Showground.

Ten times Australian Sprintcar Champion Garry Rush took out the event in 1977 (at Liverpool Speedway) and the Sydney Showground (1996) while Sydney’s late, great multi Australian Speedcar Champion and 1988 Australian Sprintcar titleholder George Tatnell won at the Sydney Showground in 1973.

In the decades of the fifties and ‘sixties the AGP was held in consecutive years at the world famous Sydney Showground venue.

Top drivers from New South Wales and Queensland dominate the 2025 Lismore entry list.

The defending AGP titleholder is Sydney’s Kaidon Brown who last weekend took out the Speedcar main event at the Perth Motorplex.

For more information on the February 15 fixture at Castrol Lismore Speedway log on to www.lismorespeedway.com.au

AUSTRALIAN SPEEDCAR GRAND PRIX WINNERS: 1938-2024

*The Australian Speedcar GP was held twice in 1978. The first was part of the 1977-78 season and the other in the early stages of the 1978-79 season.

** New Zealand’s Frank Brewer late became an American citizen.

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Lismore Community Invited to Shape Reconciliation Action Plan

By Jeff Gibbs

Lismore City Council is calling on community members to actively participate in the development of its new Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This important initiative seeks to foster meaningful reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities while engaging the broader public in a shared journey of respect and understanding.

Community Consultation Session Details

The upcoming consultation session offers an invaluable opportunity for residents to contribute their insights and help shape the RAP. The session will be held at:

• Location: Lismore Central Shopping Centre
• Date: Wednesday, 19 February
• Time: Drop-in anytime between 10 AM and 2 PM

This open-format session welcomes all community members, providing a platform to share experiences, ideas, and feedback that will influence the plan’s development.

A Shared Commitment to Reconciliation

Jon Gibbons, General Manager of Lismore City Council, highlighted the significance of community involvement in this process.

“Reconciliation is a shared journey, and we want to ensure that our Reconciliation Action Plan reflects the voices and aspirations of our community. Meaningful engagement with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents is crucial in building strong, respectful relationships and creating positive change,” Gibbons stated.

Expert Facilitation and Community Engagement

To support the consultation process, the Council has enlisted Tim Roberts from East Coast Heritage and Archaeology. Roberts will collaborate with the community to gather valuable input, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered in shaping the new RAP.

Currently in the community consultation phase, the RAP aims to outline practical actions that will:

• Strengthen Relationships: Build strong, respectful connections between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader community.
• Promote Respect: Foster a culture of mutual understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and contributions.
• Create Opportunities: Develop initiatives that support economic, social, and cultural opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Have Your Say

In addition to the in-person session, the Council has launched a Your Say survey to capture further community feedback. Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas by visiting here.

This consultation phase is a critical step in ensuring the RAP is comprehensive, inclusive, and reflective of the community’s collective aspirations for reconciliation.

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Two Charged Over Alleged Property Offences in Lismore

A 41-year-old woman and a 16-year-old boy have been charged in connection with a supermarket break-in in Goonellabah, as part of an ongoing investigation by Richmond Police District under Strike Force Imperium.

Around 3:05 am on Monday, 3 February 2025, a supermarket in Goonellabah was broken into, with five televisions allegedly stolen. Following extensive inquiries, police executed search warrants at two homes in Goonellabah, where they reportedly recovered the stolen televisions and their original boxes.

On Tuesday, 11 February 2025, officers arrested the 16-year-old boy and the 41-year-old woman at one of the homes.

Charges and Court Appearances

The 16-year-old was taken to Lismore Police Station and charged with aggravated break and enter to commit a serious indictable offence. He was refused bail and appeared before a children’s court the same day, where he was granted conditional bail to reappear on Friday, 7 March 2025.

The 41-year-old woman was charged with:

• Goods suspected stolen in/on premises
• Goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen
• Receiving stolen property

She was granted conditional bail and is due to appear before Lismore Local Court on Monday, 31 March 2025.

Ongoing Investigation

Strike Force Imperium is continuing its investigation into the incident, with further inquiries underway.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppers.com.au. Information provided will be treated confidentially.

Lismore Cricket Legends are back!

By Samantha Elley

Cricket lovers are in for a treat this weekend, according to Lismore mayor, Steve Krieg.

The Mayor’s XI team will be versing Adam ‘Gilly’ Gilchrist’s XI team at Oakes Oval and it promises to be a spectacular day.

“For the second Legends of Cricket game…it is a weekend chock full of activities and a chance to engage with some of the nation’s best ever cricketers,” he said.

The teams are a mixture of cricket national legends, local legends, some musicians and even a NSW state politician.

“I think even though the teams are picked supposedly to make it even, I still think Gilly might have had a hand in the naming of the teams, but that’s ok, that will get runs on the board, so to speak,” said Cr Krieg.

“While I can’t wait to win and show Gill’s XI whose boss, I’m genuinely excited about what this event means for Lismore.

“Our community deserves this celebration.”

For cricketer, Adam Gilchrist, it’s a chance to showcase his hometown and how far it has come since the floods.

“Lismore is where I grew up; it will always hold a special place in my heart,” he said.

“Seeing so many of my cricketing mates come together to help support this town and its people is incredible.”

Cr Krieg said the event will be a test for the newly upgraded Oakes Oval.

“We’ve just won a state award for the best regional AFL ground in NSW,” he said.

“I want to test our facilities. I want to make sure we can cater for 5-6,000 people here. My dream is to get 8-9,000 to really test our capability, to make sure our toilets work, to make sure our grandstands are comfortable and fit for purpose. To check the new Adam Gilchrist Pavilion which we will be officially naming with Gilly on Friday.”

Some glamour to the teams include: Powderfinger’s Bernard Fanning and Grinspoon guitarist Pat Davern, who will swap the stage for the pitch.

Grandstands will be full on Saturday to watch our local and national cricket legends compete.

Gilly’s XI

• Adam Gilchrist
• Claire Moore
• Nathan Hauritz
• Michael Kasprowicz
• Jason Gillespie
• Jodie Fields
• Tim Buckett
• Lenard Blok
• Cooper Williams
• Bernard Fanning
• Tim Cohen
• Paul Scully (Minister for Planning and Open Spaces)

Mayor’s XI

• Steve Krieg
• Dan Christian
• Steve O’Keefe
• Andy Bichel
• Sammy-Jo Johnson
• Georgie Redmayne
• Joe Parsons
• Pat Davern
• Peter Thomas
• Lukey Shay
• Ebony Hoskin

Gates open at 1pm with the game starting at 3pm.

Tickets are available from www.oztix.com.au

Ticket prices: $22.45 – Adult, $12.25 – Concession, $54.10 – Family, Free – Children 11 and under.

Young cricketers aged 5-14 can take part in the Legends of Cricket Junior Cricket Clinic from 8.30am to 12.30pm with registration available here.

Fans can also join Adam Gilchrist and Trevor Chappell in conversation with Geoff Lawson OAM at the Legends of Cricket Sportspersons Breakfast presented by Alder Constructions.

Tickets are available at www.visitlismore.com.au

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