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Byron Shire
June 4, 2026

National eSmart Week to focus on digital safety

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TweedCAN makes it easy for locals to make a difference on climate change

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Ballina Council wrap

With local government meeting practice across the state returning to confusion following the NSW Legislative Council's recent decision, Ballina Shire Council's last meeting included a lot of unanimous decisions and an argument about the remnants of the Big Scrub, in which Mayor Cadwallader used her casting vote to squash Cr Simon Chate's motion.

Tweed truck crash claims life

A man has died after a single-vehicle crash in Tweed Heads West, say police.

Tweed man charged with alleged child abuse material

Detectives say they have charged a man with alleged child abuse material offences in the Tweed Heads area.

Bungawalbin Levee repair to improve flood resilience

A critical section of Bungawalbin Levee is proposed to be partially relocated to build its long-term resilience, benefitting the community, environment and agricultural industries in the Richmond Valley.

National minimum wage increases to $26.44p/h

With the Fair Work Commission’s decision to increase the national minimum wage by 4.75%, Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) is calling for further action to support people doing it tough, as well as the frontline community services helping them. “People are under severe pressure from interest rate rises, rent increases, higher fuel costs, and growing economic uncertainty due to the conflict in the Middle East,” said ACOSS Acting CEO Edwina MacDonald.

A love letter to nature

A very special film will screen as part of the Bangalow Film Festival, preceded by a fascinating Q&A (avec moi) looking at old-school filmmaking.

Preparing for National eSmart Week. Photo supplied.
Preparing for National eSmart Week. Photo supplied.

Digital literacy is important for all children and a key part to the effective navigation of the digital world is cyber safety.

‘It’s so important for the community not to fear technology, but to be able to navigate it comfortably, safely and competently. Every child requires digital literacy,’ said Lesley Podesta, chief executive f the Alannah & Madeline Foundation.

Schools, libraries, communities and parents are being urged to register for National eSmart Week, from September 4 to 8, and show their commitment to cyber safety. The week creates awareness, solutions and ideas to keep our children safe online and encourages the whole community to be smart, safe and responsible when using digital technology.

The initiative has been set up by the Alannah & Madeline Foundation which works to protect children

from violence, the week celebrates online safety through the foundation’s eSmart Schools,

eSmart Libraries and eSmart Digital Licence.

‘We’re asking schools and libraries to register and learn more about keeping their children safe. Parents can register for the free webinars,’ continued Ms Podesta.

For information or to register for National eSmart Week click here.

To register for the free webinars click here.



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Ballina Council wrap

With local government meeting practice across the state returning to confusion following the NSW Legislative Council's recent decision, Ballina Shire Council's last meeting included a lot of unanimous decisions and an argument about the remnants of the Big Scrub, in which Mayor Cadwallader used her casting vote to squash Cr Simon Chate's motion.

Conversations in the Pub starts with Janelle Saffin

Conversations in the Pub – Lismore’s new civic meet-up – kicks off on Friday 19 June with its inaugural special guest, the NSW Minister for Small Business, Minister for Recovery, Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin MP.

Bungawalbin Levee repair to improve flood resilience

A critical section of Bungawalbin Levee is proposed to be partially relocated to build its long-term resilience, benefitting the community, environment and agricultural industries in the Richmond Valley.

Aussie MPs celebrate World Bicycle Day

The leaders of the Parliamentary Friends of Cycling have joined in front of Parliament House in Canberra to celebrate the United Nations’ World Bicycle Day.