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Byron Shire
June 20, 2026

Airbnb steps up

Latest News

The NT intervention laws that shape lives

This Sunday marks 19 years since the then Howard Government announced the Northern Territory Intervention laws – ‘The Intervention’ began with a media release by Mal Brough, Minister for Indigenous Affairs, on June 21, 2007.

Other News

Local media needed

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Shark culls not the answer

It has been a confronting and devastating year with a 12-year-old killed by a shark in Sydney and another shark attack in Coogee over the weekend. The NSW government has said there is nothing off the table in response to the latest shark incident. But it is vital that we don’t just start going out there and randomly culling sharks.

Northern Rivers clubs shine at Clubs & Community Awards

Club Lennox and Twin Towns were among Northern Rivers clubs recognised at the Clubs & Community Awards, held last Thursday in Sydney.

Eclectic Selection for the week beginning 17 June 2026

Eclectic Selection: What’s on this week is a taste of some of the events that can be found in the Byron Shire and beyond this coming week.

Speaking and listening

All of a sudden Council’s supposed experts condemn the Wilsons Creek weir water quality during rain events, which would...

Fisherman dies at Evans Head

NSW Police have reported that a fisherman has died after being swept off the rocks yesterday at Evans Head.

Airbnb comes to aid of flood evacuee. Photo supplied.

In coordination with the NSW Government and the Australian Red Cross, Airbnb has announced that hosts can offer free, temporary accommodation to evacuees impacted by the catastrophic NSW floods.

Through this coordination effort, hosts on Airbnb can volunteer their homes by providing their contact information through this dedicated page: airbnb.com/2022aufloods.

Airbnb says it will then work with the Australian Red Cross to provide flood evacuees and those in need with free, temporary accommodation.

Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb’s Country Manager for Australia, said, ‘Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the floods and the local authorities working hard to keep our communities safe.

‘Through this effort, Hosts on Airbnb can provide free, temporary housing to people displaced by the flooding. We are grateful for the generosity of our Host community and proud to support the work of the Australian Red Cross as they continue to coordinate closely with local emergency agencies and other local partners to help those in need.’

Flood-damaged mattresses being thrown out of motel on River Street, Ballina, 7 March 2022. Photo David Lowe.

Terrible situation

Stuart Ayres, NSW Minister for Tourism and Western Sydney, said that opening up homes to evacuees was a vital way people could help those in need.

‘This is a terrible situation with thousands of people needing a roof over their heads,’ he said.

‘We’ve seen in past disasters how Airbnb Hosts can make a valuable difference during times of crisis and we want to encourage Hosts in impacted areas to volunteer if they’re in a position to be able to offer free, temporary accommodation.’

Hosts on Airbnb in impacted regions across NSW can now share their listing details with the Australian Red Cross to offer free, temporary stays to those in need.

Airbnb is also encouraging people to donate to the Australian Red Cross Floods Appeal by visiting redcross.org.au or calling 1800 733 276

Hosts on Airbnb can volunteer their homes by providing their contact information here: airbnb.com/2022aufloods.



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Hemp industry given boost with development plan

A Hemp Industry Development Plan has been announced by the NSW government, which promises 'to unlock new opportunities for NSW businesses and add value to the state's low-THC hemp industry, which is forecast to become a $100 million Australian industry by 2032'.

Gambling harm recognised by Tweed Council, supported by Wesley Mission

Faith-based, not-for-profit organisation providing community services in NSW, Wesley Mission, has welcomed Tweed Shire Council’s decision to publicly recognise the impact of gambling harm and advocate for stronger harm-minimisation measures.

Winter Warmer fundraiser for homelessness

The annual Winter Warmer Homelessness Relief campaign, hosted by Dharma Care, will return for 2026 with cabaret at Salt, Kingscliff, on Thursday 2 July, headlined by comedian Mandy Nolan, interactive performance artist The Space Cowboy and the Kinship Doobai Dancers, with a Welcome to Country from Aunty Jackie.

Tweed Shire Council presents flood resilience series – part one

Over the coming weeks, Tweed Shire Council will present a flood resilience series, which looks at how 'Tweed's story is different from the standard flood recovery narrative and what happened next'.