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June 17, 2026

COVID-19 update: March 31

Latest News

Vale William ‘Bill’ Ewen

The funeral service for Marine Rescue Ballina volunteer William ‘Bill’ Ewen was held on Monday at Ballina RSL Club.

Other News

Israel’s assault on Global Sumud Flotilla – a first-hand account

It hit me like a lightning strike. It was the latex gloves that did it. Those pale blue five fingered clinical sheaths made me want to vomit. Last Tuesday, having just been repatriated from my time on the Global Sumud Flotilla, I was at Tweed Valley Hospital getting a forensic medical examination for my sexual assault at the hands of the Israeli occupation forces.

Wanted: citizen scientists to check on our creeks

The Richmond River upper catchment is currently sitting on a C- in the Richmond River Ecological Health Report Card. It's not a number we can accept without doing something about it.

Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens – where health grows

The Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens is a calm, quiet, soothing place to stroll, relax, and recharge. Be still and some of the one hundred species of birds will shyly share their beautiful haven with you.

Councillors silent

I spent some time preparing a submission regarding the draft DCP for the redevelopment of the Mullumbimby Hospital site. I...

What sovereignty?

The gravest threat to Australia’s sovereignty comes from the security doctrine and foreign policy of strategic dependence on the...

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.

In the 24 hour period to 4pm yesterday, March 30, the Northern NSW Local Health District has confirmed there are 545 new cases of COVID-19 in the District, including 82 positive PCR tests and 463 positive rapid antigen tests (RAT)**.

Confirmed tests by LGA (PCR and RAT included):

• Ballina 78
• Byron 87
• Clarence Valley 102
• Kyogle 12
• Lismore 73
• Richmond Valley 55
• Tenterfield 1
• Tweed 137

There are 19 COVID-19 positive patients in hospitals in Northern NSW, with one in ICU.

Sadly, today Northern NSW is reporting the death of one person aged in their 70s from the Ballina area.

With cases and hospitalisations increasing, we urge people to take particular care to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

If you have even mild symptoms or have had known contact with a COVID-19 case, to please get tested as soon as you can.

COVID-19 testing clinics are open seven days a week at Lismore Base Hospital, Byron Central Hospital, North Street Grafton and The Tweed Hospital.

If you are unable to attend a testing clinic, please take a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) and isolate while awaiting your result.

If you test positive using a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT), please register your result with Service NSW.

** Please note these RAT results may be from within the previous seven days, and there may be some cases included in these numbers where people have reported positive RATs on multiple days and/or where people have also had a positive PCR test during the same reporting period.

For the most up-to-date COVID information visit nsw.gov.au


 

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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Empowering women and girls

Applications are now open for Northern Rivers Community Foundation's (NRCF) 2026 Empowering Women & Girls Grant, offering local not-for-profit organisations the opportunity to secure funding for projects that empower women and girls across the Northern Rivers.

Big things are happening at The Paddock — and one of them has a flush

There are two milestones worth celebrating at The Paddock this season as they push ahead with their innovative project.

Byron Writers Festival reveals 30th anniversary program

As August draws near and authors gear up for a big weekend in Byron Bay, Byron Writers Festival has revealed its complete program for its 30th anniversary edition

Are retirement villages what Byron Bay needs?

Developer DD Resort Living is seeking community feedback until June 18 on its proposed retirement living development in Byron Bay.