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Byron Shire
June 4, 2026

Keeping life peachy with a new Queer beer

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TweedCAN makes it easy for locals to make a difference on climate change

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Ballina Council wrap

With local government meeting practice across the state returning to confusion following the NSW Legislative Council's recent decision, Ballina Shire Council's last meeting included a lot of unanimous decisions and an argument about the remnants of the Big Scrub, in which Mayor Cadwallader used her casting vote to squash Cr Simon Chate's motion.

Fund set up to help Chase Goldstraw’s family after tragedy

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help the family of a young father recently killed in a truck accident in Tweed Heads.

The Greens’ 3-way comp: Ballina Councillor vs Byron candidates for state preselection

Byron Greens members could expect to be asked to take the future of the Richmond River further south into account when choosing a candidate for next year’s state election.

Wandana Brewing Co turns six

Six years ago, Wandana Brewing Co set up on the outskirts of Mullumbimby with a simple ambition: to make great beer and build something the community could genuinely call their own. This Saturday the Wandana Brewing crew are marking the occasion with a free, all-day birthday celebration, and everyone is invited!

Norths desert Bangalow Bowlo… again

Eight Bangalow community members attended Norths AGM on Monday, 25 May, to seek answers about the future of Bangalow Bowlo, but received no meaningful engagement, with their concerns merely ‘noted’.

Before The Shed falls silent…

Join the Nudge crew this Saturday for the season ten finale of Nudge Nudge Wink Wink (NNWW) in The Shed at the Billinudgel Hotel – bringing another unforgettable night of music, connection and community spirit to the Northern Rivers.

The Peachy Cheeks team are getting excited about the upcoming launch.

Keeping it fun and keeping it Queer Stone & Wood have been collaborating with the Northern Rivers LGBTQIA+ organisation, Queer Family Inc, to create the Peachy Cheeks beer.

‘When we were imagining her, she was fun, she was summery, she was local and timely. She’s running down the beach, she wears heels if she wants to. She’s body positive, she’s fun, she’s lively, she’s queer,’ said Queer Family Inc Managing Director, Aiden Gentle.

Queer Family is a peer-led, volunteer run not-for-profit that aims to improve mental health and reduce social isolation by creating safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ people and allies in the Northern Rivers to connect and build community.

Stone & Wood describes Peachy Cheeks as an effervescent, summery beer whose personality brims with positivity, inclusiveness and a float-full of fun.

‘We value inclusion and diversity in our communities and it has been such a pleasure working with Queer Family Inc on this collaboration,’ said Elise Skinner, Stone & Wood’s impact lead

Peachy Cheeks time!

‘So much fun, learning and mutual respect along the way made this an amazing experience for our crew. I have such admiration for the work and ethos of the LGBQTIA+ organisations around us, they role model the need to lift our heads and open up, reaching out beyond our own experience to embrace and celebrate what makes us all interesting and vibrant little humans!’

Designing the label was local queer artist Nina Hurr who has had a great time being involved in the process.

‘Sometimes beer culture is super blokey. Stone & Wood haven’t done that, they’ve created something that is super inclusive and that makes me feel part of something, feel heard. As a queer artist, it’s really exciting to have an opportunity like this.’

Peachy party

The launch of the Peachy Cheeeks beer is taking place on Monday, 29 March at the Byron and Brisbane Breweries. Get tickets online at Stone & Wood.



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Ballina Council wrap

With local government meeting practice across the state returning to confusion following the NSW Legislative Council's recent decision, Ballina Shire Council's last meeting included a lot of unanimous decisions and an argument about the remnants of the Big Scrub, in which Mayor Cadwallader used her casting vote to squash Cr Simon Chate's motion.

Conversations in the Pub starts with Janelle Saffin

Conversations in the Pub – Lismore’s new civic meet-up – kicks off on Friday 19 June with its inaugural special guest, the NSW Minister for Small Business, Minister for Recovery, Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin MP.

Bungawalbin Levee repair to improve flood resilience

A critical section of Bungawalbin Levee is proposed to be partially relocated to build its long-term resilience, benefitting the community, environment and agricultural industries in the Richmond Valley.

Aussie MPs celebrate World Bicycle Day

The leaders of the Parliamentary Friends of Cycling have joined in front of Parliament House in Canberra to celebrate the United Nations’ World Bicycle Day.