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Byron Shire
June 14, 2026

10pm Monday – update of COVID venues of concern

Latest News

Man charged with murder in Tweed

A man and woman have been charged over their alleged involvement in the death of a man in Tweed Heads this morning, say NSW Police.

Other News

Mono wins in Hawaii and Japan

Australian adaptive surfing champion Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart has once again celebrated success on the international stage. Mono claimed victory at...

Catalano’s twin Wategos mansion DA wins court approval

A controversial dual-mansion development at Wategos Beach has been approved by the NSW Land & Environment Court, ending an 18-month battle between media entrepreneur Antony Catalano's company and Byron Shire Council.

Damning police culture review puts pressure on NSW govt for reform

An independent review into NSW Police Force culture has found systemic sexual harassment, bullying and discrimination against female officers, prompting calls for the Minns Labor government to immediately expand the powers of the state's police watchdog.

Social homes completed in Casino – what else is in the pipeline?

With 17 new ‘social housing’ dwellings being announced for Casino, what other similar projects are underway in the Northern Rivers?

Compassion missing

Predictably, Marianne McCormack (Letters, 3 June) chooses to ignore my personal claims that I am not a racist, to support...

Protests against closure of life-saving facility in Murwillumbah

The announcement that Murwillumbah's Safe Haven would be closed this week due to the end of funding arrangements has been greeted with shock by locals who have come to rely on the mental health support services the facility provided.

The Northern NSW Local Health District has been notified of a number of venues of concern associated with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the region.

Anyone who attended the Kingscliff Beach Hotel at 102 Marine Parade, on Sunday 19 September between 4pm and 9pm is a close contact and must get tested and isolate for 14 days since they were there, regardless of the result.

NSW Health sends a text message to people who have checked in at close-contact venues with further information.

Anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed are considered a casual contact and must get tested and isolate until they get a negative result.

• Lismore Shopping Square Cnr Uralba St & Brewster St Tuesday 14 September 12.45pm to 2.30pm

• Lismore Prouds Jewellers Shop 63, Lismore Shopping Square, Uralba St & Brewster St Tuesday 14 September 1pm to 1.40pm

• Lismore Woolworths Shop 71, Lismore Shopping Square, Uralba St & Brewster St Tuesday 14 September 1.40pm to 2.15pm Goonellabah

• IGA X-press Rous Road Tuesday 14 September 5.30pm to 6pm

If you are directed to get tested for COVID-19 or self-isolate at any time, you must follow the rules given to you by Health staff, whether or not the venue or exposure setting is listed on the NSW Health website.

Extra testing clinics will be open this week:

QML Drive through testing clinic – TAFE NSW Kingscliff, 806 Cudgen Road, open from 10:30am to 4pm.

QML Drive through testing clinic – Cavanbah Sports Ground, Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay, open from 10am-4pm.

We are reminding the community that anyone who has been in Greater Sydney or Lismore or other areas which have stay at home restrictions are required to abide by the stay at home restrictions even after they leave that area.

Stay at home restrictions mean you can only leave your residence for essential reasons, including shopping for food, medical care, getting vaccinated, compassionate needs, exercise and work or tertiary education if you can’t work or study at home.

More information about the current restrictions for various parts of NSW is available here 

Anyone with even the mildest of cold-like symptoms is urged to immediately come forward for testing and isolate until a negative result is received.

There are more than 500 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week. Find a clinic at COVID-19 testing clinics or contact your GP.


Recent stories, information and updates regarding COVID-19

COVID-19 reduces Australian life expectancy

New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Life shows life expectancy in Australia has decreased slightly for the second year in a row.

Wuhan market increasingly likely origin point for COVID-19

An international team of researchers has found more evidence that COVID-19 came from animals in a Wuhan food market.

Editorial – There’s a bat in my lab! 

The lab-leak theory that Covid-19 came from the Wuhan Institute of Virology – instead of a nearby wet market – was thrashed about in public recently, with the US Senate Homeland Security Committee holding a hearing into 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.

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.

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.

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.

Public transport mask mandate to end

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

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.

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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Up to 550 homes pegged for Byron Shire’s newest suburb

Community feedback is now sought on three planning documents that will shape the future of Gulgan Village, a new residential suburb proposed on the elevated slopes of Saddle Road. 

Load limit increased for Byron Creek Bridge

The load limit for Byron Creek Bridge has been increased to 24 tonnes, say Byron Shire Council, following structural analysis of the bridge.

Festival and event grants on offer

Community organisations are encouraged to apply for NSW government grants to bring cultural festivals and events to life across the state over the coming year.

Dr Bronwyn Bancroft wins prestigious Ochre Award

Bundjalung woman and artist Dr Bronwyn Bancroft AM has received the Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Artistic Excellence.