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Byron Shire
June 7, 2026

Volunteers get silly for a serious cause

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Cartoon of the week – 3 June, 2026

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Cartoon of the week – 3 June, 2026

The Echo loves your letters and is proud to provide a community forum on the issues that matter most to our readers and the people of the NSW north coast. So don’t be a passive reader, send us your epistles.

Wardell Knit n’ Knat Group – 22 years of knitting and giving

Since 2011, 15 years, Dawn and Robert Sword have been entrusted by the Wardell Knit n’ Knat Group with the privilege of distributing the beautiful handcrafted rugs, scarves, beanies and other knitted and crocheted items they have made to people in need throughout the Ballina Shire.

Organisers and volunteers for Support for New Mums celebrated the 35th Annual Red Nose Day and raised awareness of sudden infant deaths. Photo supplied.

Volunteers with Support for New Mums recently got together for a ‘Silly for a Serious Cause’ event to celebrate the 35th Annual Red Nose Day, and to raise awareness of sudden infant deaths.

Red Nose Australia has grown from small group of families to Australia’s leading organisation dedicated to saving little lives during pregnancy, infancy and early childhood, and supporting anyone impacted by the death of a baby or child.​

80 per cent reduction in sudden infant deaths

Organisers say funds raised on Red Nose Day over the last 30 years have resulted in an incredible 80 per cent reduction in sudden infant deaths. That’s 11,357 babies saved and counting.

The initial Red Nose Days sparked a global movement and catalysed research into the reasons why babies die suddenly in their sleep. As a result of this research we now have six evidence-based steps all parents can take to reduce the risk of their baby dying in their sleep.

The theme made some volunteers get VERY silly. Photo supplied

As well as a fun get-together for the Support for New Mums at the Pottsville croquet field, the day provided volunteers with the opportunity to become up to date with Red Nose’s safe sleep recommendations and the importance of safe sleep practices, very important information for volunteers supporting new families especially as the latest research tells us that more than a third of new parents don’t know how to safely sleep their baby.

Everyone dressed in red in honour of Red Nose Day

About 35 volunteers played croquet at Pottsville under the tutelage of the croquet club members –everyone dressed in red in honour of Red Nose Day and was very silly. 

The volunteers at Support for New Mums offer a free home-visiting service in the Tweed and Byron Shires to support the health and wellbeing of mums in the last trimester of pregnancy, the first year of the baby’s life and beyond if needed.

The group has over 50 volunteers supporting new mums and their babies but as the need for our service is growing, so is the need for more amazing volunteers.

If you would like to know more about volunteering with Support For New Mums go to their website or email Deb at [email protected].



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Marooned yacht on rocks near Ballina

A local photographer has shot a marooned yacht at Flat Rock, in Ballina Shire. It's the second boat to be washed ashore in recent months

Echo celebrates 40 with awards night tomorrow

Tickets are selling fast! Come join a fun-filled night of community celebration – This Saturday (tomorrow) The Echo is set to mark its 40th year in style with a ’30s swing-era style party and community awards night featuring the dynamic sounds of the Melbourne Ska Orchestra.

Author Tristan Bancks follows up with Two Wolves sequel

Local author Tristan Bancks launched his new book for readers 10+, Raised By Wolves, at Byron Book Room last night (Thursday 4 June).

Lismore City Council recognised for environmental leadership at LG awards

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