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Latest News
New data reveals NSW social housing waitlist blowout
A fresh analysis by Homelessness NSW reveals where people are waiting the longest for social housing, sparking calls to double the supply of social homes and boost services funding.
Other News
Reclaiming childhood in the ‘device age’
A century and a half ago, the visionary Henry David Thoreau declared people had become ‘the tool of their tools.’ In this device-driven age of smartphones, social media, and artificial intelligence, few observations could be seen as more prescient.
Cr McCarthy versus the macaranga
This morning Ballina Shire Council will hear a motion from Cr Steve McCarthy to remove the native macaranga tree from the list of approved species for planting by Ballina Council and local community groups.
Funds sought to complete clubhouse
Byron Bay Football Club may finally get the funds to complete its new clubhouse, with Byron councillors to consider loaning the club $200,000 at this week’s meeting.
New insights into great white shark behaviour off California coast
Marine scientists using tracking devices have been able to shine a spotlight on the behaviour of great white sharks...
More Byron CBD height exceedance approved
Two multi-storey mixed-use developments with a combined value of $36.2 million have been approved for the centre of Byron Bay, despite both exceeding height limits for that part of the Shire.
Celebrating Tweed Museum’s 20th anniversary with all and everything
A stunning new exhibition has opened to celebrate the Tweed Regional Museum's 20th anniversary – Omnia: all and everything.
Stories about "Drownings":
17 year old dies jumping off Hastings Point bridge
A 17 year old male was declared deceased on scene after lifeguards and members of the public recovered his body from the water at Hastings Point on Saturday, 30 March.
Lifesaver recruits needed
Both the Byron and Bruns Surf Lifesaving clubs are appealing for recruits to help make the beaches safe this summer.
Royal Life Saving NSW summer-ready checklist
Royal Life Saving NSW says that as another scorching summer approaches, the service is preparing communities to avoid the alarming spike in drowning incidents witnessed last year.
Tragedy as three drown on Easter Sunday
Surf Life Saving NSW reports that there were three people drowned yesterday during a 'horror day' for volunteers on the east coast beaches.
Byron Bay: Search for missing swimmer called off
The search for a man seen struggling in the surf of Main Beach on 1 March has been called off.
Emergency Response Beacon for Lennox Head in 2023
The importance of Emergency Response Beacons (ERB) to reduce the risk of drownings has been highlighted by a number of drownings since the beginning of 2023.
Deadliest year for coastal drownings in NSW
In their latest safety report, Surf Life Saving NSW says that the 2021/2022 season had the highest number of coastal drownings on record.
North Coast weather warning for New Years – stay out of the water
Showers and cooler conditions are expected over the next few days with a tropical low over Queensland that may generate large waves and hazardous surf conditions from Sunday on the North Coast.
44 drownings on NSW coast in one year
More than a third (34 per cent) of the drownings happened when people were trying to swim but 18% were due to rock-fishing accidents.
Local role model drowns at Brunswick Heads
Jose Hernandez was 'simply someone who would make your day better just for witnessing his smile,’ says his friend and manager Daniel Tiffin.
National News
Domestic violence service calls for urgent action to address crisis
Relationships Australia NSW is calling for urgent intervention from the NSW government to address men’s violence against women, following the horrific murder of Molly Ticehurst.
Local News
Menacing dog declaration revoked
David Lowe - 0
After an emotional deputation from the owner of the dog involved, Ballina Shire Council has this morning revoked a menacing dog declaration for the kelpie Lilo, which was brought into effect following a bite in July 2022.
Byron Echo
More Byron CBD height exceedance approved
Paul Bibby - 0
Two multi-storey mixed-use developments with a combined value of $36.2 million have been approved for the centre of Byron Bay, despite both exceeding height limits for that part of the Shire.
National News
eSafety commissioner granted legal injunction as X refuses to hide violent content
Australia’s Federal Court has granted the eSafety Commissioner a two-day legal injunction to compel X, Elon Musk’s social media platform, to hide posts showing graphic content of the Wakeley church stabbing in Sydney.
