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Byron Shire
July 11, 2026

Learner charged after Bruns roundabout crash

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A 16-year-old learner driver has been charged with a string of offences after a crash in Brunswick Heads on Tuesday night (26 January, 2021).

Photo: Aslan Shand.

Motorists travelling from Ocean Shores to Brunswick Heads were met with the unusual sight of a car mounted on the roundabout at Brunswick Valley Way and Riverside Crescent on Wednesday morning.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Kehoe from Byron Bay police station told The Echo that police responded to the incident around midnight and arrested the young driver.

The 16-year-old was charged with domestic violence assault, assault police, resisting arrest, special range drink driving, and being an unaccompanied learner. Bail was refused and he was due to face the Ballina Children’s Court on Wednesday.

Detective Chief Inspector Kehoe said the driver’s family was making arrangements for the removal of the car.



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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.