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Byron Shire
June 7, 2026

Tweed Christmas appeal targets wildlife and homeless

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Tweed mayor Katie Milne, with Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers volunteer Jan Pilgrim and rescued possum, Carool.
Tweed mayor Katie Milne, with Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers volunteer Jan Pilgrim and rescued possum, Carool.

Tweed mayor Katie Milne has launched the shire’s Mayoral Christmas/New Year Appeal, choosing two charities: Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers and homeless support organisation, You Have a Friend.

‘Last year’s appeal was a great success and as we’re extending this appeal into the New Year to the end of January, I’m sure this year’s will be even better,’ Cr Milne said.

‘While we celebrate this joyous time with family and friends our hearts go out to those who are struggling or alone,’ Cr Milne said.

‘I heard some shocking statistics just recently that by the age of 65, 68 per cent of us will be flat broke, 50 per cent will have a mental illness and 82 per cent will have a chronic illness. This just goes to show that any one of us could find ourselves in a difficult position through no fault of our own.

‘Our wildlife needs our compassion too. One of the greatest losers from our population growth is the unintended consequences for our innocent wildlife.

The Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers do an incredible job answering thousands of calls each year, often late into the night, to rescue sick and injured animals, all on a volunteer basis and largely at their own expense.’

Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers are seeking: towels (old or new), pillow cases, hot water bottles, old beanies and puppy training pads.

You Have a Friend has requested donations of tinned goods and toiletries.

Items can be dropped off to Council offices in Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah or Brett Street, Tweed Heads.

Anyone wishing to make monetary donations is asked to contact the agencies directly:

Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers – www.tvwc.org.au/donate.php or call (02) 6672 4789

You Have a Friend – www.youhaveafriend.com.au/sponsorship or call (07) 5524 2008.



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Marooned yacht on rocks near Ballina

A local photographer has shot a marooned yacht at Flat Rock, in Ballina Shire. It's the second boat to be washed ashore in recent months

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