The Northern Rivers Times Newspaper Edition 220

The latest edition of the Northern Rivers Times is out and packed with engaging stories and features relevant to the Northern Rivers community. You can grab a copy from major outlets like newsagents, Woolworths supermarkets, Ampol Foodary, EG Fuel outlets, and select rural stores across the region.

Featured Stories This Week:
– The Nineth Clarence Councillor: A decisive role in determining the new mayor.
– Lismore: The grand opening of a $7 million sewerage system that paves the way for 66 new home sites.
– Women in Leadership: Spotlight on women ready to lead in local councils.
– Flood Resilient Schools: Schools reopening after recovery from the 2022 floods.
– JADA Art Exhibition: A visual feast at the gallery.
– Jacaranda Honour: Celebrating former Matilda, Jo.
– CWA’s Student Support: Keeping students afloat with vital support.
– NSW Government: A $20,000 sign-on bonus to attract midwives to regional areas.
– Byron Shire: Tackling litter with an EPA grant and becoming the first in NSW to enforce a 60-day cap on holiday lets.
– Driver Testing Shortages: A call for action in the Lower Clarence.
– Community Consultation: Addressing mobile blackspot issues.
– Ballina Shire: Launching a reusable products rebate for residents.

In addition to these stories, the paper offers its usual sections, including health, entertainment, real estate, memorial and funerals, business, motoring, wine, and a TV guide.

Pick up a copy to stay informed on the latest developments and community updates!

New Trial for Safe Disposal of Embedded Batteries, Including Vapes, Launches in Lismore

The Lismore Community Recycling Centre is participating in a new NSW Government trial designed to help households safely dispose of embedded batteries commonly found in wireless products such as light-up toys, single-use vapes, and other electronics. The initiative, led by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) in collaboration with Lismore City Council, aims to reduce the number of these problematic products ending up in landfills and mitigate fire hazards caused by battery disposal in household bins.

As part of the trial, the Lismore Community Recycling Centre on Wyrallah Road is now accepting embedded battery products from households and small businesses free of charge. This new service will help the community safely dispose of products with built-in batteries that cannot be easily removed, such as:

• Single-use vapes
• Electric toothbrushes
• E-bikes
• Smart watches
• Portable speakers
• Vacuums

Embedded batteries, often made of lithium-ion, pose unique challenges for waste management due to their difficulty to recycle and their potential to cause fires. In 2023, the number of lithium-ion battery-related fires in NSW surged to 285, more than double the previous year.

Dedicated Bins Now Available

Lismore is one of 21 community recycling centres across NSW taking part in this EPA-led trial, which includes dedicated bins specifically for embedded battery products. E-waste items such as laptops, gaming controllers, and tablets should still be directed to Lismore Council’s e-waste collection service.

The trial is active and will run until September 2026. More information can be found on the NSW EPA website at: NSW EPA Embedded Batteries.

Community and Environmental Benefits

Janelle Saffin MP, Member for Lismore, praised the initiative, saying: “This trial is a much-needed initiative that will help protect our local community and environment by reducing the number of embedded-battery products that are mistakenly disposed of in yellow and red kerbside bins. We hope Lismore residents will learn more about these products, the risks they pose, and the importance of correct disposal.”

Penny Sharpe, Minister for the Environment, also highlighted the importance of the trial: “We want to make it easier for people to do the right thing with embedded batteries, to help prevent fires in bins, rubbish trucks, and waste facilities, while reducing what goes to landfill. The majority of embedded battery products, including disposable vapes, end up in rubbish bins where they pose significant risks. This trial will help mitigate those hazards and increase recycling efforts.”

The trial represents a significant step towards a safer and more sustainable approach to managing hazardous materials in NSW.

Jacaranda honour for former Matilda Jo

By Tim Howard

One of the Clarence Valley’s leading sporting and business identities former Matilda Jo Powell has accepted the invitation to the Guest of Honour for the 90th celebration of the Jacaranda Festival.

Festival manager Mark Blackadder said he was thrilled to announce the beloved local icon would headline this historic occasion.

“This milestone event will take place from Friday October 25 to Sunday November 3 and promises to be a memorable highlight for the Clarence Valley community,” he said.

Mr Blackadder said the Grafton born and bred sportswoman and business person embodied the spirit of the town.

“With a storied career as a Matilda, she has not only made her mark in the world of women’s football but has also become a powerful advocate for empowering individuals, especially young women, to pursue their dreams and become the best versions of themselves,” he said.

As an influential figure and current Matilda alumni, Ms Powell reflected on her journey and how she used her platform to inspire others to embrace their potential.

“I am incredibly honoured to be part of the 90th anniversary of the Grafton Jacaranda Festival,” she said.

”This festival is a celebration of our community, our culture, and the incredible spirit of Grafton. I look forward to celebrating 90 Years in Bloom with everyone and empowering our youth to chase their dreams.”

The Grafton Jacaranda Festival is a cherished tradition that showcases the beauty of the jacaranda tree and the vibrant community of Grafton.

This year’s festival will feature a range of events, including parades, live music and cultural activities, all aimed at bringing the community together in celebration and putting on a show for the thousands of visitors.

Mr Blackadder invited Grafton people in the Jacaranda City and beyond and anyone who wished to be part of one of the country’s oldest floral festivals to join in honouring Ms Powell and all that she represents at the 90th Grafton Jacaranda Festival.

For more information about the festival and its events, please visit here or visit the Grafton Jacaranda Festival Facebook page.