With half the Northern Rivers suddenly an expert on how water moves across the landscape, there will be a chance to hear from some real experts at the next Science in the Pub, to be held on Thursday 3 September at the Federal Hotel in Alstonville.

As the weather warms up, so too are community volunteers. In mid August regional volunteers gathered at Clunes for the quarterly Interhall Committee meeting.

The Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce and Community with First National Real Estate have stepped up and provided $1,000 of equipment for the new 20-bed Care Awaiting Placement (CAP) ward at Byron Central Hospital that opened in June.

With the absence of all four of its progressive councillors for various reasons, Ballina Council pushed ahead with its agenda at yesterday's monthly meeting, including a decision which is likely to close Ross Lane for months while the road is upgraded.