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Byron Shire
July 11, 2026

The Owl & PussyCat lived by the sea…

Latest News

Plastic not so fantastic

There is nothing healthier than drinking some water – or so I’ve always told my kids. It doesn’t contain sugar or colour additives – as one person used to tell us as children, ‘it’s sky juice’! What could be better?

Other News

Bigger community say on hospital land

Byron Council has voted to give the community a greater role in shaping the future of the former Mullumbimby Hospital site, despite concerns from some councillors that additional consultation could further delay the delivery of desperately needed housing.

Screen industry leaders to converge in Lennox Head

Film-maker advocacy group, Screenworks, has revealed the first speaker line-up for Regional to Global Screen Forum 2026, which will be held in Lennox Head on Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 September.

Solar and batteries for every public school in NSW?

Parents for Climate, Future Ready Schools, and the NSW/ACT Electrical Trades Union (ETU) has welcomed a motion passed at the NSW Labor Conference on the weekend calling for a comprehensive rollout of solar generation and battery storage at every public school and early learning centre in New South Wales.

Nudgel Nuts returns to Mullum Farmers Market

A familiar favourite has returned to the Mullumbimby Farmers Market, with Nudgel Nuts back for the new macadamia season. Owner...

NSW confirms first case of H5 avian influenza

A giant petrel found near Hawks Nest, north of Newcastle, was confirmed positive on the weekend for H5 high pathogenicity (H5 bird flu) avian influenza in laboratory tests by the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.

Where to from here for a healthy future?

Sometimes it is hard not to lose hope, with the depth and breadth of the challenges that have faced the Northern Rivers. From the droughts, fires, Covid, and the 2022 floods it’s sometimes hard to see a way forward.

Nixie-Pixie Starbright and Angel the chicken with one of the special postcards about the sanctuary. Photo Tree Faerie.

Eve Jeffery

Like most farmers, the last 12 months have been pretty tricky for B Starbright, but unlike most farmers, there is no hope for a future income from her farm because Owl & PussyCat is a sanctuary for animals and not an operation that profits from them.

Owl & PussyCat is a family-run, self-funded farm-animal haven doing it tough. ‘With drought and bushfires we thad to evacuate animals. With floods and COVID-19, it has meant that to continue to support our rescue family we’ve had to get creative.’

B and her partner Finn are graphic artists and copywriters by trade, and they have come up with an idea to help finance the upkeep of the dozens of animals in their care.

B and Nixie-Pixie Starbright and friends at home at the animal sanctuary at Crabbes Creek. Photo Tree Faerie.

‘I’m so relieved and super excited to announce that after 100s of hours of work we have just launched our first ever website and our ethical gift-that-keeps-on-giving – Owl & PussyCat Tales – just in time for Christmas.’

Gifts include illustrated, snail-mail letters that share colourful stories told by a different members of their rescue residents every month.

Suitable for all ages, these double-sided, collectible letters are educational, affordable, interactive and fun.

‘They are a unique and accessible way to support our rescue family and for people to be part of their journey and every letter includes a free postcard featuring photos of our residents.’

In time for Christmas

B says they can post the stories anywhere around the globe. ‘But if people are concerned that their letter won’t arrive in time for Christmas, we will email a beautiful e-card that you can give to people at Christmas-time, or we can be email them directly. We also have electronic versions of the letter available.

All proceeds go directly to supporting the rescue residents and Owl & PussyCat’s ongoing rescue work. ‘B feels it is important for animals to have a safe place. ‘We provide a loving, safe haven for abused, neglected and abandoned animals. Without sanctuaries like ours animals, like horses and cows, are sent to slaughter every day.

B says she loves seeing the light come back into their eyes once they know love, care and respect. ‘It’s a joy getting to know every individual’s unique personality. It’s the best job in the world!’

Locals are welcome to visit Owl & PussyCat. For more information abut the sanctuary or purchasing the Owl & PussyCat Tales, visit: www.owlandpussycatfarm.com.au.



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Ballina courthouse windows smashed, man charged

Police say a man will face court today, charged after 12 windows were allegedly smashed in Ballina last night.   Police say, 'About 10.35pm (Thursday 9 July 2026), police were called to Martin Street following reports of a man smashing windows'.

Alleged native tree removal continues in Lennox, says councillor

With a government agency now investigating the alleged clear felling of natives on a large private block in Lennox Head, Ballina Greens councillor Kiri Dicker has told The Echo that contractors were felling trees all morning, ‘trying to get the job done’.

Ocean Shores man charged with advocating terrorism online

Police say a 20-year-old Ocean Shores man is behind bars (refused bail) and will face court in Tweed Heads Local Court on 18 September, charged with advocating terrorism.  

Ballina king tide alert for 13–16 July

Ballina Shire Council is encouraging motorists to drive safely over the coming days with king tides leading to minor flooding of some local roads.