Fears and feelings on COVID-19 pandemic

Tracksuit pants, endless cups of tea, Netflix binges, and napping with my baby – Life in isolation from Coronavirus, or COVID-19, on a day-to-day basis isn’t all that different from my life as a mum on maternity leave, but with a crushing weight of anxiety and a whole heap of life disruption sprinkled (or, rather – poured heavily) on top.

We’ve all been affected one way or another by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Either you’re self-isolating to help flatten the curve of the outbreak and keep others safe (Or you’re refusing to do so, complaining that your football has been cancelled, protesting that this has all gone “too far” and think it’s all a bunch of bullshit – in which case: You, my friend, are bullshit).

You or someone you love may be in actual quarantine with symptoms or following exposure to the virus. You may be working from home or unable to work at all. Your children may not be able to attend school or nursery.

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Lantern Parade and Fiery Finale lights up Lismore

Photo Credit: Peter Derrett. Sourced from Lismore Lantern Parade’s Official Facebook Page.

Once a year Lismore’s streets are lit up with hundreds of handmade paper lanterns, carried through the town to the collective sounds of awe and cheer, as the annual Lantern Parade brings together the region.

Running for over 20 years now, the Lismore Lantern Parade and Fiery Finale is a volunteer-organised and run event which celebrates everything wonderful about the Northern Rivers region, and marks the Winter Solstice (the longest day of the year).

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How to make a lantern for the Lismore Lantern Parade

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The Lismore Lantern Parade is the signature event of the year in my hometown region, where thousands of people from across the Northern Rivers come together to mark the Winter Solstice, and to either walk in the parade, perform at the fiery finale, or watch as spectators.

Each year there are new lanterns created, to parade alongside ones that have been star attractions in years past.

Now in it’s 24th year, the Lantern Parade is a seriously fun event – whether you’re watching or participating.

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Good food, good company, good sights – Byron Bay

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It’s always so lovely to meet new friends who have similar interests, hobbies and goals.

So I was super pleased to catch up with Amanda Round The Globe while she was in Byron Bay recently, for a day of adventure.

Together we devoured some delicious vegan food, walked a popular beachside track, visited the famed Byron Lighthouse, and even spotted some whales!

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Getting to know our native wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

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I found myself in a bit of an ethical and emotional pickle whilst formulating this blog post and my latest video.

You see, as a vegan, I feel very aware that I may be judged negatively for the experience I’m about to share with you.

But I’ve just got to square my shoulders and bear that, if it does come to that.

See, in January, when my British boyfriend visited me here in Australia, we took a trip an hour and a half up the highway to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, so I could introduce him to some of Australia’s most famous native animals.

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Soothing my soul with Alstonville and Wollongbar’s waterfalls

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I’m a proud Northern Rivers girl, which you may have gathered from my ongoing Northern Rivers series.

My region is a very beautiful place – there’s no doubt about that.

While I generally tell people I’m from Lismore, I only really say that because it’s a regional centre that more people know the name of, and it’s where I work.

In fact, the truth is I grew up in Alstonville (Until I was 8), and Wollongbar, and apart from stints living in Sydney for study, and in Lismore itself, I’ve lived in the same house in Wollongbar since 2000.

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Celebrating freedom at the Nimbin MardiGrass

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One a year the small Northern Rivers town of Nimbin comes alive for a big weekend of protesting and celebration for the annual Nimbin MardiGrass.

The MardiGrass began 25 years ago as a protest for the legalisation of marijuana, and continues to protest for the same outcome today.

My friend, and fellow YouTuber, Tom, headed to Nimbin to check out the 2017 festivities.

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