20.3 C
Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Retooling fire-affected community services

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Mullumbimby Road to be temporarily closed

Byron Shire Council says Mullumbimby Road will be closed to outbound traffic for three days, except for buses and emergency vehicles, for three days from 16 to 18 November.

Many local community groups lost tools in the summer fires. Photo– energepic.com.

Many Australians from all states and territories and all walks of life have been affected by the summer bushfires. Understandably, there are priorities as to where financial support goes.

A lot of money has been raised both publicly and privately but after weeks, and in some instances months, not much has reached individual people, many who are desperate and need it the most.

A number of Men’s Sheds, community gardens and other community groups have lost their premises and tools and in a lot of cases, these are the groups who are able to help out others.

Many are starting their own individual cleanup with temporary accommodation set-ups and fencing. The biggest obstacle to this is the lack of equipment because tools have been destroyed. Even if these items were insured, it’s a long haul before claims can be processed.

To remedy this, a tool drive has been started to try to re-equip some of these services. Many need basic cleaning equipment such as shovels, rakes, hoes, crowbars, wheelbarrows and yard rooms. Other items which will help the rebuilding process are hammers, screwdrivers, spanners, pliers, wire cutters, tin snips, drills, drill bits, saws and any other constructions tools.

The drive is being coordinated in Ballina at present and will be distributed across some of the smaller communities that do not have the priority for aid that the larger populated areas have.

To donate please contact Max [email protected] or by phone 0417 237 574. A pick up a service can be arrange for donations in the local area.



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Interview with Genevieve Clay-Smith, director of Boss Cat showing at the Byron Bay Film Festival

When Sonja (Olivia Hargroder) loses her mother without warning, the only steady presence left in her life is her grandmother, Doris. But Doris’s idea of stability means dismantling everything Sonja has built. For Sonja, who lives with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and has spent her life fighting to be underestimated by no one, Doris’ plan feels less like protection and more like erasure. Directed by Genevieve Clay-Smith, Boss Cat is a vibrant, big-hearted Australian dramedy about independence, family and self-determination, anchored by a fearless lead performance.

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A timeless story of self-discovery

A husband with a promotion, two adorable children and a lovely new house. Nora thought she had it all. But did she? What was the discontent that was whispering to her in the shadows?