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Byron Shire
June 18, 2026

Screening at Ballina airport

Latest News

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.

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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.

Big things are happening at The Paddock — and one of them has a flush

There are two milestones worth celebrating at The Paddock this season as they push ahead with their innovative project.

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.

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport Manager Julie Stewart. Photo David Lowe.

Due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak in the Greater Sydney area, Ballina Byron Gateway Airport wishes to assure all travellers and the general public that stringent measures are in place to protect community health.

In line with public health advice, all passengers travelling from Sydney are being screened by NSW Health officials upon their arrival at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport.

Airport Manager Julie Stewart said the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is committed to working with the NSW Government to maintain a safe and secure facility that provides important transport links for the region.

‘We will continue to work with the airlines and the NSW Government to ensure the safety of passengers, staff and the community,’ she said.

Current public health advice is that those who feel unwell do not travel and get COVID tested.

It is also recommended that passengers wear masks.

The following measures are now in place at the airport

  • Contactless temperature testing.
  • Safety screens at customer service desks within the terminal.
  • Increased cleaning and sanitisation of all touch points, counters, tables, chairs, bathrooms, doors and screening equipment.
  • Access to the terminal is restricted to passengers only, except where passengers require genuine carer’s assistance.
  • Social distancing of 1.5m required whenever possible as per guideline markers on common floor areas.
  • Hand sanitisation stations installed at all terminal entry points.
  • Airport staff wearing masks when serving customers.

A statement from Ballina Byron Gateway Airport states that, ‘The airport and our airline partners are closely following all Federal and State Government public health orders. These health orders are based on advice from medical professionals.

‘The airport has a COVID-19 Safety Plan and is a registered COVID-19 safe business on the NSW business register.

‘At this time, scheduled flights to and from all destinations will continue to operate. If there are any changes to scheduled flights airport management will advise the public. Travellers should always check the airline partner website directly for the most up-to-date flight information.’



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Caring for community

The Rotary Club of Mullumbimby presented a cheque for $10,000 to the Brunswick Surf Life Saving Club (BSLSC) in support of its ongoing operations.

Lismore shops enchanted for Lantern Parade

Winners of Lismore’s Enchanted Windows comp have been announced, with The Two Ravens taking top spot. The comp is part of the city's Lantern Parade, to be held this Saturday, 20 June.

AI: Artificial Intelligence, or Artificial Inflation?

It feels as if AI is everywhere – whether it’s those intrusive bots on every website or every headline about how it’s either going to be a boon for humanity, or end us.

Flood gauges installed in Ballina and Wardell 

Residents in Ballina and Wardell will have more more localised flood warnings, giving them time to prepare before floodwaters arrives, thanks to new flood forecast services along the Richmond River.