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Byron Shire
June 23, 2026

Government gives mental health $110m boost

Latest News

Science in the Pub, Lismore, 16 July

An engaging and informative Science in the Pub event is planned on Thursday, 16 July, from 5pm at Two Mates Brewing, South Lismore.

Other News

Pool tenders

A final word on the Mullum and Byron pool tenders. The five councillors who voted for Belgravia obviously care deeply...

In loving memory of Dr Tony Parkes AO PhD (1929 – 2026)

Dr Tony Parkes AO PhD, one of Australia’s most visionary conservation leaders and a pioneering force in ecological restoration, passed away last Thursday at the age of 96. He spent his final months at Honey Bee Homes in Ewingsdale.

Will council support community participation in MHS development?

This Thursday (today), Byron Shire Council (BSC) will be discussing the establishment of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Byron Shire Council and Homes NSW (HNSW) as well as the potential for a Community Assessment Panel for the old Mullumbimby Hospital site.

Pauline at the Press Club, and on Planet Gina

Last week Australia had a glimpse of what life might be like under Prime Minister Pauline Hanson, via two speeches, one in Canberra and one in Townsville.

Byron Council budget up for discussion as rates rise looms

There is a potential 30 per cent or more rate rise in the wind for Byron Shire ratepayers by 2030. What’s needed is clear and concise budget documentation, accessible to your average ratepayer. It would seem the least Byron Shire Council (BSC) could provide in accordance with commitments to inform the community.

Shark culls not the answer

It has been a confronting and devastating year with a 12-year-old killed by a shark in Sydney and another shark attack in Coogee over the weekend. The NSW government has said there is nothing off the table in response to the latest shark incident. But it is vital that we don’t just start going out there and randomly culling sharks.

The Turnbull government is set to announce a $110 million package to fight anxiety and depression among young people.

News Corp Australia publications report that the package, to be announced on Monday, will include a $46 million boost for beyondblue’s education drive.

Teachers will be given advice to identify mental health issues in the classroom.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said mental health was an important issue which touched Australians of all ages.

“Keeping children and young people healthy and happy is good for them, their families and for the broader community,” he told Melbourne’s Herald Sun.

“These positive initiatives will help schools and communities to support the wellbeing and mental health of our kids and respond rapidly to personal and community challenges.”

Other organisations to benefit from funding increases include Emerging Minds, headspace, ReachOut, Kids Helpline and Orygen.

Australian readers seeking support and information about depression can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged 5 to 25).



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Six dwellings proposed on flood-prone Mullum block

Six units are proposed at the eastern end of New City Road, Mullumbimby, on a site that was inundated during the 2022 floods. Submitted by Duncan Band's Kollective, Development Application (DA) 10.2026.269.1 at 73 New City Road is on public exhibition with Byron Shire Council, and sits within the Shire's flood planning area.

Mullum Scout Hall fire overnight

At 1.45am this morning the NSW Fire and Rescue Mullumbimby Station 388 Sans and Brunswick Station 240 were called to a fire at the Mullumbimby Scout Hall.

Expansion on farmland around Tweed Valley Hospital opposed

Residents are holding firm against a proposal to develop State Significant Farmland (SSF) near the Tweed Valley Hospital at Cudgen, after the Northern Regional Planning Panel (NRPP) held a public meeting on Friday 19 June around the Planning Proposal for Cudgen Connection (PP-2023-2669-Cudgen Connection).

E-bikes destroyed by police in Tweed

Thirty-five e-bikes that were seized during police operations near Tweed Heads have been destroyed, say police.