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Byron Shire
June 18, 2026

Old nemesis thwarts Byron Shire Rebels

Latest News

In loving memory of Dr Tony Parkes AO PhD (1929 – 2026)

Dr Tony Parkes AO PhD, one of Australia’s most visionary conservation leaders and a pioneering force in ecological restoration, passed away last Thursday at the age of 96. He spent his final months at Honey Bee Homes in Ewingsdale.

Other News

Tweed tip gets an upgrade

A major upgrade of the Stotts Creek Resource Recovery Centre has been completed say Tweed Shire Council, 'transforming the Tweed's tip into a site that is easier to use and recovers far more material from landfill'.

The Pocket Winter Festival bringing you music, food and fun

The Pocket Winter Festival is set to return on Sunday, 21 June, from 10am to 2pm, bringing together the community for a day of music, food, entertainment and family fun at The Pocket Public School.

LECC find police failed in their duty in the death of Lindy Lucena

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission’s Operation Almas has criticised the police response to the violent death of Ballina woman Lindy Lucena at the hands of her partner in 2023.

Difficult times

We live in difficult times: so it’s good to know some things are certain; the sun will rise in...

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.

Labor and housing

I met Treasurer Jim Chalmers on the beach here a little while back. I asked him, ‘Are we in...

The Rebels (blue) had their first loss of the season after giving away penalty points. Photo Vicki Kerry

The Byron Shire Rebels hang on to top spot on the Far North Coast first-grade rugby ladder despite being bested by Wollongbar-Alstonville Rugby 14–8, last Saturday.

The Rebels travelled to Wollongbar for the game, a rematch of last year’s grand final won by WAR.

Sol Hyde’s try for the visitors was matched by the effort of WAR’s Bodi Smith, and only a penalty separated the teams at half time.

But the second half went the way of the home team who added a further two penalties, from the boot of Sam Kerry, to their total. 

Ballina and Casuarina also had wins leaving the top three on the table unchanged. WAR sits in fourth, well ahead of Lismore and Casino.



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Caring for community

The Rotary Club of Mullumbimby presented a cheque for $10,000 to the Brunswick Surf Life Saving Club (BSLSC) in support of its ongoing operations.

Lismore shops enchanted for Lantern Parade

Winners of Lismore’s Enchanted Windows comp have been announced, with The Two Ravens taking top spot. The comp is part of the city's Lantern Parade, to be held this Saturday, 20 June.

AI: Artificial Intelligence, or Artificial Inflation?

It feels as if AI is everywhere – whether it’s those intrusive bots on every website or every headline about how it’s either going to be a boon for humanity, or end us.

Flood gauges installed in Ballina and Wardell 

Residents in Ballina and Wardell will have more more localised flood warnings, giving them time to prepare before floodwaters arrives, thanks to new flood forecast services along the Richmond River.