An announcement about Lismore's rates had sent a sigh of relief through the community who are still struggling after the Autumn floods.

The People in the Park rally and march in Ballina on Sunday gave voice to many widespread concerns about unpopular Abbott government policies. People of different ages and backgrounds are protesting for the first time in their lives over issues such as the environment, education and detention of children.

Many felt they took a step back in time when they saw a full-size replica of one of maritime history's greatest exploration vessels, a caravel, tied up at the Ballina's Lance Ferris Wharf on the weekend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgQop6yI6iU When turtles, pelicans or any other marine wildlife are found in distress, fishing and plastic debris is usually the culprit. Sharon Shostak visited the...