Growth Spurt for Lismore’s Community Gardens

IAN ROGERS

Lismore’s beloved Community Garden, a hub of hope and healing in the wake of the 2022 foods, has received a much-needed boost through Greater Bank’s Northern Rivers Community Funding Program. The volunteerled initiative, known for its lush produce and welcoming atmosphere, won the latest round of funding, aiding its mission to rejuvenate the gardens and nourish the community.

Rebuilding After the Floods

The foods devastated much of the garden’s infrastructure, including water tanks and solar panels. However, thanks to a dedicated group of 20 volunteers, the garden has slowly come back to life.

“Progress is slow, but our aim remains to nourish the community with food, socializing, and support,” said volunteer Rhonda.

“The gardens also serve as a venue for community activities and gatherings.”

The volunteers also stock a ‘sharing table’ with fresh fruits, vegetables, and seedlings for locals to enjoy and grow in their own backyards.

A Community Effort

Greater Bank’s Regional Manager, Steph Smith, praised the volunteers for their dedication and highlighted the bank’s commitment to the region.

“Over the last three years, we’ve donated over $100,000 to groups in the Northern Rivers region, all working to improve our communities,” she said. “The volunteers at Lismore Community Garden are incredibly generous with their time and produce, and we’re thrilled to support their efforts.”

Rhonda also expressed her gratitude for the program’s impact.

“We rely on donations to keep the gardens sustainable, and we’re so grateful for this support,” she said. “It’s a wonderful program that lets our community have a say in where the funds go.”

Call for New Volunteers

With plenty of work still to do, the Community Garden welcomes new members to join their team of volunteers. The group tends to the garden on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, though the space is always open for the public to enjoy.

Next Funding Round

The November round of the #GreaterNorthernRivers Community Funding Program offers another $3,000 in funding, with entrants including Lismore Preschool Incorporated, CFD Foundation Henry James Fund, and Ballina Little Athletics Inc. For more information or to support the Lismore Community Garden, stop by on a volunteer day or connect through the garden’s community events.

Liam Jennings

The Ryze Element Smart Ring is making waves as the latest innovation in wearable technology, combining sleek design with advanced health and ftness tracking capabilities. Crafted from durable nanoceramic and stainless steel, the lightweight ring is both stylish and functional, catering to a wide range of users.

Unveiled this month, the Ryze Element offers comprehensive health monitoring features, including real-time tracking of heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and body temperature. It also provides insights into cardiovascular health and tracks heart rate variability.

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate its ability to monitor steps, calories burned, workout distance, and duration.

Sleep tracking is another standout feature, analysing sleep patterns to optimize rest and recovery.

The ring’s menstrual tracking function adds a personalized touch, enabling users to log and predict cycles. For safety, the built-in SOS function allows users to quickly contact a preset emergency number.

Beyond health metrics, the Ryze Element includes smart touch controls for managing music playback, phone cameras, and more, making it a versatile daily companion. Water-resistant up to 5 ATM, it is designed to withstand swimming and other activities.

The device boasts impressive battery life, lasting 4 to 6 days on a single charge, with a charging case that provides up to 40 additional charges. A quick-charge function ensures minimal downtime.

Available in sizes 8 to 13, the Ryze Element is now on sale via Ryze’s offcial website and major retailers such as JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman. Priced competitively, it’s positioned as an essential tool for those seeking to enhance their health and wellbeing with cutting-edge technology.

The Ryze Element Smart Ring represents a leap forward in wearables, seamlessly blending innovation with everyday practicality.

OPPO’s return to the Australian market after a two-year hiatus LIAM JENNINGS

The OPPO Find X8 Pro, launched in Australia on November 21, 2024, marks the brand’s return to the Australian market after a two-year hiatus. This fagship smartphone boasts a range of advanced features designed to enhance user experience.

Design and Display

The Find X8 Pro features a sleek design with a 6.78-inch AMOLED display, offering a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals. The screen achieves a peak brightness of 4500 nits, ensuring clear visibility even under direct sunlight.

Performance Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset, the device delivers robust performance suitable for multitasking and gaming. It comes equipped with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, providing ample space for apps and media.

Camera System

A standout feature is its quad-camera setup, developed in collaboration with Hasselblad. This includes four 50MP sensors: a wide-angle lens, an ultra-wide lens, and two periscope telephoto lenses offering 3x and 6x optical zoom. The AI Telescope Zoom enhances image quality at higher magnifcations, and the Lightning Snap feature captures bursts at up to seven frames per second, ideal for action shots.

Battery and Charging

The device houses a substantial 5910mAh silicon-carbon battery, supporting 80W SUPERVOOC wired charging and 50W AIRVOOC wireless charging. This setup allows for rapid charging and extended usage, with the battery capable of powering up to 24 hours of Netfix streaming or 23.4 hours of YouTube streaming.

Artifcial Intelligence

Features

The Find X8 Pro integrates AI capabilities powered by Google Gemini, offering features like AI Photo Remaster

For Advanced Outdoor Security LIAM JENNINGS

Arlo has launched its frst-ever wired foodlight camera, a signifcant addition to its lineup of outdoor security devices. The Arlo Wired Floodlight Camera, powered by continuous electricity, is designed to deliver superior protection with cutting-edge features. A standout in the security market, the camera captures crisp 2K HDR video, ensuring every detail is visible in recordings. Its wide 160-degree feld of view offers comprehensive coverage of outdoor spaces, while color night vision guarantees clear images even in low-light conditions. Combined with its adjustable foodlight, which emits up to 2,000 lumens of brightness, the camera not only captures activity but also deters unwanted visitors.

The Arlo Wired Floodlight Camera integrates seamlessly with leading smart home platforms, including Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT. These integrations allow homeowners to automate their security setups and control the device with voice commands or through existing smart home ecosystems. Safety is further enhanced by the device’s built-in siren, which can be triggered manually via the Arlo app or automatically when motion is detected. This feature adds an extra layer of deterrence for potential intruders. The foodlight also boasts DIY-friendly installation, connecting directly to existing electrical wiring for a reliable power source without the need for batteries.

Users can access live video streaming, two-way audio, and motion notifcations for free. However, for for enhancing image clarity and removing refections. Additionally, AI tools assist with content summarization and workfow management, enhancing productivity.

Additional Features

The device includes a new Quick Button, similar to the iPhone 16’s Camera Control button, allowing for rapid camera access and zoom control. It also features Touch to Share, enabling easy fle transfers to iPhones via NFC.

Availability those seeking advanced features, an Arlo Secure subscription unlocks benefts such as 30 days of cloud storage and custom alerts for specifc motion types, including people, vehicles, animals, and packages.

The OPPO Find X8 Pro is available in Australia, with pricing and specifc availability details accessible through OPPO’s offcial channels and authorized retailers. Overall, the OPPO Find X8 Pro combines advanced camera technology, powerful performance, and innovative features, positioning it as a strong competitor in the fagship smartphone market.

Subscription plans start at $7.99 per month, offering fexibility for varying security needs.

The Arlo Wired Floodlight Camera is now available for purchase on the Arlo website and through select retailers. With its robust features, it aims to set a new standard in outdoor security solutions, appealing to homeowners seeking enhanced protection and smart integration.

By providing highresolution video, reliable lighting, and seamless connectivity, the Arlo Wired Floodlight Camera promises to be a valuable tool in keeping properties secure.