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Byron Shire
June 18, 2026

Rescue group seeks new members

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Vale William ‘Bill’ Ewen

The funeral service for Marine Rescue Ballina volunteer William ‘Bill’ Ewen was held on Monday at Ballina RSL Club.

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Up to 550 homes pegged for Byron Shire’s newest suburb

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Load limit increased for Byron Creek Bridge

The load limit for Byron Creek Bridge has been increased to 24 tonnes, say Byron Shire Council, following structural analysis of the bridge.

Lismore’s Blakebrook quarry proposal meets resistance

A recent gathering of locals concerned about a proposed ‘mega dump’ landfill at Blakebrook quarry has been supported by Lismore Greens councillors. Lismore Council say they are still considering the proposal.

Burn After Dark: Three Blue Ducks

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VRA-EJ-9W6A2782-1200px

Photo Eve Jeffery

At 7.30 on Sunday morning, when most of us would still have been in bed, members of Brunswick Valley Rescue attended a motor vehicle accident on Coolamon Scenic Drive and helped with the sad task of recovering the body of the deceased driver.

The Brunswick Valley & District Volunteer Rescue (VRA) is the primary rescue agency for our region and they are equipped and trained to handle motor vehicle and aviation entrapments, land search and cliff rescue. The team also help out with ocean, industrial and chemical accidents as well as assisting other rescue services in cases of fire, flood and other water-related incidents.

In the past 12 months the VRA donated 38,407 person hours to public service. This included training, 24/7 public phone access and 40 rescues.

Occasionally, as was the case on Sunday, the team have to assist with tragic and fatal vehicle accidents, so later in the day clan mama Sue Biggar supervised a little letting off of steam.

The VRA as always, is seeking new members. All training is provided – visit www.vrabrunz.org for more information.

 

 



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Empowering women and girls

Applications are now open for Northern Rivers Community Foundation's (NRCF) 2026 Empowering Women & Girls Grant, offering local not-for-profit organisations the opportunity to secure funding for projects that empower women and girls across the Northern Rivers.

Big things are happening at The Paddock — and one of them has a flush

There are two milestones worth celebrating at The Paddock this season as they push ahead with their innovative project.

Byron Writers Festival reveals 30th anniversary program

As August draws near and authors gear up for a big weekend in Byron Bay, Byron Writers Festival has revealed its complete program for its 30th anniversary edition

Are retirement villages what Byron Bay needs?

Developer DD Resort Living is seeking community feedback until June 18 on its proposed retirement living development in Byron Bay.