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Byron Shire
June 20, 2026

Premier to open Lismore hospital’s $80m upgrade

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Hemp industry given boost with development plan

A Hemp Industry Development Plan has been announced by the NSW government, which promises 'to unlock new opportunities for NSW businesses and add value to the state's low-THC hemp industry, which is forecast to become a $100 million Australian industry by 2032'.

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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.

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Dale Emerson’s letter last week expanding on Chris Hanley’s attitude to The Echo, and to our world, was impressive....

NSW Premier Mike Baird’s visit to the northern rivers today will include the official opening of the $80 million redevelopment of Lismore Base Hospital this morning.

Mr Baird will be joined by federal health minister Sussan Ley, as well as state health minister Jillian Skinner and federal Page MP Kevin Hogan and Lismore MP Thomas George.

The third-stage redevelopment work on the hospital began in 2009 and includes new emergency and renal units.

It will also later include a helipad, maternity suite and paediatric unit in a three-year $260-million stage.

The premier’s visit to the northern rivers today will also see him oversee the installation of the controversial first shark net at a Ballina beach tomorrow.

But Ballina’s Greens MP Tamara Smith has accused Mr Baird of acting with undue haste in an effort to gain ‘glory for the nets’.

(See https://www.echo.net.au/2016/11/govt-rush-install-first-shark-net-tomorrow/)



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Gambling harm recognised by Tweed Council, supported by Wesley Mission

Faith-based, not-for-profit organisation providing community services in NSW, Wesley Mission, has welcomed Tweed Shire Council’s decision to publicly recognise the impact of gambling harm and advocate for stronger harm-minimisation measures.

Winter Warmer fundraiser for homelessness

The annual Winter Warmer Homelessness Relief campaign, hosted by Dharma Care, will return for 2026 with cabaret at Salt, Kingscliff, on Thursday 2 July, headlined by comedian Mandy Nolan, interactive performance artist The Space Cowboy and the Kinship Doobai Dancers, with a Welcome to Country from Aunty Jackie.

Tweed Shire Council presents flood resilience series – part one

Over the coming weeks, Tweed Shire Council will present a flood resilience series, which looks at how 'Tweed's story is different from the standard flood recovery narrative and what happened next'.

Community housing industry call for major expansion in upcoming NSW budget

The community housing industry are calling on the NSW government to use next week's State Budget to unlock a major expansion of community housing.