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October 20, 2026

Nats to hold ‘meet the candidates’ meeting at SCU

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The candidates are Andrew Gordon, Peter Petty and Austin Curtis. (pic NSW Nationals)
The candidates are Andrew Gordon, Peter Petty and Austin Curtin. (pic NSW Nationals)

A ‘meet the candidates’ forum will be held at Lismore’s Southern Cross University Enterprise Lab tomorrow evening to give locals the chance to grill prospective candidates.

The NSW National Party, which is holding a community preselection on 18 November, is organising the event, which begins at 6pm.

The candidates to front the audience will be Lismore real-estate agent Andrew Gordon, Tenterfield shire mayor Peter Petty, and Tregeagle farmer Austin Curtin.

Anyone enrolled in the Lismore electorate can have their say and participate by voting for their favourite candidate at one of the six polling booths located across the electorate.

More information can be found at: www.lismorevotes.com.au

Meanwhile, reports indicate that Sue Higginson, former head of the NSW Environmental Defenders Office, will be putting herself forward as the Greens candidate for the Lismore electorate.

The former candidate Adam Guise, who was narrowly pipped by outgoing Nationals MP Thomas George at the last election and is now a Lismore City councillor, has not yet indicated publicly whether he will be standing although Greens sources indicate he won’t be.

Ms Higginson, who has an impressive history as a front-line environmentalist, and later as a lawyer, would be a strong contender, although it is yet to be seen whether she might be swayed to have a go for an upper house seat.

One reliable source has suggested that Ms Higginson agreed to consider nominating after being approached by former Greens MLC Ian Cohen.

The Echonetdaily has asked Ms Saffin whether she would be putting herself forward against Lismore mayor Isaac Smith, and another local, Jasmine Knight-Smith, for a tilt at the state seat but she is yet to respond.

It’s understood however, that she has indeed agreed to run for the seat.

 

 

 



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Interview with Genevieve Clay-Smith, director of Boss Cat showing at the Byron Bay Film Festival

When Sonja (Olivia Hargroder) loses her mother without warning, the only steady presence left in her life is her grandmother, Doris. But Doris’s idea of stability means dismantling everything Sonja has built. For Sonja, who lives with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and has spent her life fighting to be underestimated by no one, Doris’ plan feels less like protection and more like erasure. Directed by Genevieve Clay-Smith, Boss Cat is a vibrant, big-hearted Australian dramedy about independence, family and self-determination, anchored by a fearless lead performance.

Something for everyone at the Picture House

From Australian superstar musos, to brand new documentaries, to comedians at the top of their game, there really is something for everyone at the Brunswick Picture House.

Thirty-six unmissable films

The 2026 Russell Hobbs British Film Festival features an unmissable line up 36 films, including five retrospectives which will screen from 28 October to 29 November at Palace Byron Bay and Ballina Cinemas.

A timeless story of self-discovery

A husband with a promotion, two adorable children and a lovely new house. Nora thought she had it all. But did she? What was the discontent that was whispering to her in the shadows?