Jewellery Design Centre Launches “Tell Our Stories” to Celebrate Lismore’s History

Advertorial by Daniel Pinkerton

The Lismore Jewel Centre, a beloved fixture in the community, has reopened its doors in the Starcourt Arcade under a new name: Jewellery Design Centre. To celebrate they are launching a heartwarming initiative to commemorate the history and cherished memories of Lismore and the old store.

“Since reopening, we’ve had so many come and tell us how happy they are we’re back and share their fond memories of the old Jewel Centre” says owners Gary and Mariska Pinkerton.

“We love it, and so we want to invite more people to share their stories with us!”

The old Lismore Jewel Centre. It will be missed dearly.

The ‘Tell Our Stories’ campaign invites locals to share their personal stories of connection, community and the special jewellery that has played an important role in their lives.

“The stories have played a special role in our lives too,” says Mariska.

“While we were closed after the flood, we did house calls and had customers come visit us at home which put a whole new light on the jewellery experience. All of a sudden the glitz was gone and our appointments were stripped back to just us and our customers. In this setting people naturally began to share their heart felt experiences with us, and we got to know them in a whole new way.”

It was this experience, they explain, that inspired the new Jewellery Design Centre in Lismore’s Starcourt Arcade.

“It’s smaller and not as ritzy as the old Jewel Centre was,” says Gary of the new store, “But for us it captures that feeling we felt when we would sit around dining tables with our customers.”

Just like home- a picture of the new interior’s cosy setting.

Gary and Mariska are now inviting community members to visit the store and share their own memories and experiences, with the chance to win exciting prizes.

Each person who shares their story online or in-store will be entered into a draw to win a $500 voucher, while those who have a piece repaired, remade, or custom-designed during the campaign period will have the opportunity to win a pair of $1,500 diamond earrings.

“We especially want to hear stories about the rich history of Lismore, memories of the old Jewel Centre or touching moments where jewellery has played a special part in your life.”

“More than the prizes, this is about celebrating the stories of the Northern Rivers and the memories that bind us together,” says Mariska.

Entries are open until May 24. For more information about the “Tell Our Stories” giveaway and how to participate, visit the Jewellery Design Centre in the Starcourt Arcade or follow the QR codes below to their social media channels.

For more business news, click here.

Lifeline Opens Northern Rivers Warehouse and Shop in Goonellabah

Lifeline, a leading provider of suicide prevention and support services, is proud to announce the opening of its new Northern Rivers warehouse and Lifeline shop in Goonellabah NSW. The store will showcase antiques, vintage, quirky and collectible goods, quality furniture and homewares, offering a unique shopping experience for customers while supporting vital suicide prevention services in the local community.

Opening its doors to the public on 7 days a week, the Lifeline Shop in Goonellabah will provide customers with the opportunity to browse and purchase a diverse selection of affordable pre-loved goods. Proceeds from sales at the store will directly fund Lifeline’s local suicide prevention initiatives and crisis support in the Northern NSW region.

Ruth Marshall, Area Manager, commented that this was a milestone moment post-floods to have a warehouse to service the Northern NSW shops once again, stating, “The warehouse provides an easy central and convenient point for the drop-off of donations 7 days a week, which we will then distribute to Lifeline shops across the region”.

“With the rising cost of living, Lifeline is excited to offer another option for used furniture and pre-loved goods, complementing the recently expanded shop in Magellan St, Lismore, as well as retail outlets in Casino, Ballina and Byron Bay. By shopping at Lifeline, customers not only gain access to quality products at great prices but also contribute to life-saving services in their community”.

Ms Marshall highlighted the importance of community support in meeting the growing demand for Lifeline’s services, encouraging individuals to also consider volunteering at any of new Goonellabah warehouse or one of the five shops in the region. “Volunteering is a meaningful way to give back and support Lifeline’s mission,” said Ms Marshall. “Whether it’s assisting customers, organising displays, or working in the warehouse sorting donations and driving trucks, every contribution makes a difference in saving lives.”

With the Goonellabah store marking Lifeline’s fifth op shop in the Northern NSW region, the organisation continues to expand its reach and impact in the community. Residents are encouraged to visit any Lifeline Shop to shop, donate, or volunteer, knowing that their involvement supports the provision of Lifeline’s crisis support telephone, SMS and webchat services.

For those interested in visiting the Goonellabah shop, it is located at 29 Lancaster Drive Goonellabah, and is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, Saturday from 9am to 4pm, and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Donations and volunteering inquiries can be made in-store or by calling 1300 152 854. Additionally, a furniture pick-up service is available by calling 6621 8516.

As suicide remains a significant public health concern, Lifeline remains committed to providing support and hope to those in need. Nine Australians die every day by suicide and more than 65,000 Australians make a suicide attempt each year. For local information visit here.

For more local Lismore news, click here.

Green thumbs take note!

By Samantha Elley

If you have ever had a desire to work in a career where you can be outdoors and help make things grow, then the Certificate II in Horticulture may be right in your garden bed.

This new course will be split between Wollongbar TAFE and the brand new Byron Bay Connected Learning Centre and enrolments are open now, which starts on May 1.

NSW TAFE Relieving head teacher for Horticulture, Robert Davies said the course is for anyone from 16 to 60 who has a desire to learn how to grow produce and plants and eventually find a career in the industry of horticulture.

“The course is for those straight out of school, already working in the industry as trainees or it is even open to those people with a general interest,” he said.

“One year we had some attend from a gardening club just to improve their skills and knowledge in general.”

The course can be attended over six months, two days a week or over a year, one day a week and the days go from 9am to 3.30pm.

“It is 50% practical and 50% theory,” said Mr Davies.

“And you pretty much learn to do everything from propagating, pruning, planting, mulching, potting, identifying, from seeding to the finished product.”

With new facilities at Byron Bay, Mr Davies said there is more opportunities for those in the area to do the course.

“We’ve got a big expanse of land to create a vegetable patch and orchard,” he said.

“The seedlings are grown at the propagating facility in Wollongbar, then the students will plant in the patch at Byron and weed them and monitor them for pest and disease.”

After the course is complete, Mr Davies said students have the opportunity for further study in the Certificate III in Horticulture or the opportunity to work in nurseries, orchards, council to garden maintenance.

“The Northern Rivers is a big area of horticultural produce and is desperate for skilled workers,” he said.

“Running this course at Byron Bay Connected Learning Centre is a great opportunity to make use of this brand new facility with room to grow.”

To learn more on the Certificate II in Horticulture course, visit tafensw.edu.au or visit Student Services at Wollongbar TAFE.

For more Education news, click here.