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Byron Shire
March 28, 2024

New permit system to leave Sydney – no new cases on North Coast

Latest News

Where should affordable housing go in Tweed Shire?

Should affordable and social housing in the Tweed Shire be tucked away in a few discreet corners? Perhaps it should be on the block next to where you live?

Other News

UK court seeks assurances from US over Julian Assange

The UK High Court of Justice has released a 66 page judgement seeking more information from the United States relating to Australian citizen Julian Assange, which it says it needs before deciding whether to grant the WikiLeaks founder leave to appeal his extradition.

A health check as Medicare turns 40

If you’ll forgive the earnest tone, I’d like to propose a toast. To a friend who’s almost always there when you need them most. To a system that aims to treat people fairly and respectfully. 

Queer family visibility

Did you know that, statistically, if you’ve met a redhead, you’ve also met a trans person? Over 800 trans and gender diverse people live in the Byron Shire, which includes at least 200 children. They’re often a bit hidden though, so come on down and celebrate with them this Trans Day of Visibility!

Mullum pods

They look so uninviting and dismal. It would not cost a lot to change the name to ‘tiny homes’...

New report highlights gaps in rural and remote health

The second annual Royal Flying Doctor Service ‘Best for the Bush, Rural and remote Health Base Line’ report has just been released. Presenting the latest data on the health of rural and remote Australians and evidence on service gaps, it identifies issues in urgent need of attention from service providers, funders, partners and policy makers.

Cinema: Wicked Little Letters

Based on a true scandal that stunned 1920s England, Wicked Little Letters centres on neighbours Edith Swan and Rose Gooding in the seaside town of Littlehampton.

Northern NSW Local Health District.

There are no new COVID cases in the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSW HD) however, there has been the detection of fragments of the virus that causes COVID-19 in the Yamba sewage treatment plant (STP).

Fragments of the virus have also been detected in the STPs of Bathurst and Orange though there are no known cases in those areas either. Fragments had also been detected in Lennox Head and Ballina STPs, however the Ballina STP has subsequently returned a negative result on 15 August. People in these areas are being asked to come forward for testing as they could indicate undetected infections in those areas.

‘Sewage testing is an additional surveillance tool which can help provide early warning of undetected infections,’ Lynne Weir, Acting Chief Executive NNSW HD.

‘We are also strongly encouraging people who may live on properties which are not connected to the town sewage supply systems, to please be alert for any symptoms of COVID-19 and get tested immediately.’

A new drive through testing clinic has opened at Lennox Head. The new testing clinic has been opened at the sports field opposite Epiq Marketplace in Lennox Head and is operational Thursday 19 August, 9am – 2pm and Friday 20 August, 9am – 2pm.

Yamba

A new testing clinic will be operational from today in Yamba:

  • QML Pathology Drive Through Clinic, Raymond Laurie Sports Centre, 78 Angourie Rd, Yamba. Open 9am- 3pm. No appointments required.

Other testing clinics in the Clarence Valley are:

  • Yamba Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology, 72 Yamba Road, Yamba. Open Monday to Friday 7.30am – 2.00pm, appointments required.
  • Yamba Respiratory Clinic, 12 Clarence Street, Yamba. Open Monday to Friday 8.00am – 5.00pm, appointments required.
  • Grafton Base Hospital clinic, 184 Arthur Street, Grafton. Open seven days 9.00am – 5.00pm, no appointment required.
  • Grafton South Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology, 94 Bent Street, Coles Complex, South Grafton. Open Monday – Friday 7.00am – 2.00pm, appointments required.

To find your nearest testing clinic, visit the NSW Health COVID-19 testing site or contact your GP.

New permit system

Deputy Premier John Barilaro told a press conference yesterday that ‘70 per cent of infections are in people under age of forty’.

With infections continuing to leak into regional NSW Barilaro reminded everyone that ‘if you don’t have to leave home, don’t leave home’.

He said that the NSW government had increased retrictions in place for Sydney and they were meeting yestreday afternoon to confirm the details of a permit system that ‘will be in play by Saturday for anyone who needs to leaves Sydney’.


Recent stories, information and updates regarding COVID-19

Fresh air federal funds for Northern Rivers schools in need

Eighteen schools in the Northern Rivers division of Richmond have received $25,000 each as part of the federal government’s School Upgrade Fund, Labor Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said last week.

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COVID-19 pandemic has cut life expectancy globally

COVID-19 reversed earlier trends toward longer life expectancies. During the pandemic, life expectancies globally dropped by 1.6 years according to a new study published in the Lancet medical journal.

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COVID-19 update for New South Wales

Let’s not forget that Covid-19 is still a big issue in our community with 31,935 cases reported across Australia in the last week – an average of 4,562 cases per day.

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Five graphs you need to see before the Global Carbon Budget...

The Global Carbon Budget is about to be refreshed, giving the world a critical insight into how efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are (or are not) progressing.

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Public transport mask mandate to end

Masks will no longer be mandatory on public transport from tomorrow, Wednesday 21 September.

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NSW Police: be COVID-vigilant at Splendour in the Grass

SW Police are urging festival-goers at this weekend’s music festival to celebrate in a safe and responsible manner, whilst also being aware of COVID-Safety measures.

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COVID-19 update for the NNSWLHD – May 23

The Northern NSW Local Health District reports that to 4pm yesterday, Sunday May 22, there were 40 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with one of these in ICU.

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AEC says COVID voters can phone from home

The AEC says that voters who have recently tested positive for COVID-19 will be able to phone in their vote in the federal election.

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COVID-19 update: May 16

The Northern NSW Local Health District says that to 4pm yesterday, 15 May, 384 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the District, including 82 positive PCR tests and 302 positive rapid antigen tests.

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It’s National Volunteer Week

Volunteering Australia says volleys are the backbone of the country in times of crisis and emergency.

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Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

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Making Lismore Showground accessible to everyone

The Lismore Showground isn’t just a critical local community asset that plays host to a number of major events each year, but has also been used as an evacuation centre during past natural disasters in the region. 

Iconic Lennox beach shed upgraded –  not demolished

Lennox Park and the shelter shed has now been upgraded and reopened.

Govt cost-shifting ‘erodes financially sustainable local government’

Byron Shire Council looks set to add its voice to the growing chorus calling on the state government to stop shifting responsibilities and costs onto local government.

Saddle Road group home DA decision this week

Plans to build Byron Shire’s first permanent group home for women and children in housing stress are moving ahead, with the development application for the project coming before Council this week.