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Byron Shire
July 16, 2026

Shitbox MKII heads to Perth in 2024

Latest News

Renewables and battery storage stable amid global uncertainty

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, in partnership with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) today released the GenCost 2025–26 Final Report, finding renewable energy supported by storage is helping to protect Australia against global energy shocks and continues to provide the lowest cost pathway for Australia’s electricity system to achieve net zero emissions.

Other News

Draft Bangalow Flood Study on public exhibition

A draft study examining flooding Bangalow is on exhibition by Byron Council.

Alleged native tree removal continues in Lennox, says councillor

With a government agency now investigating the alleged clear felling of natives on a large private block in Lennox Head, Ballina Greens councillor Kiri Dicker has told The Echo that contractors were felling trees all morning, ‘trying to get the job done’.

Music comes to Mullum this weekend!

Wild Rocket blast into Mullum as Mullum Roots Festival lights up the town this coming weekend. Three venues around Mullum will host music, while songwriting workshops will happen at the Drill Hall Theatre on Sunday.

Emergency 000

When I worked for Telecom, I often manned the 000 position when it was still a cord and plug...

Data shows biggest danger to wildlife is people, not cats

Human-created hazards are responsible for most wildlife rescues in New South Wales, and researchers are calling for more prevention strategies to save threatened species.

Tree lopping accident

Around 2.45pm, on Monday 13 July, a Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked by NSW Ambulance to a tree lopping accident near Grafton.

A couple that drives together, thrives together? Russell and Alison, with the 2024 Shitbox, are having a garage sale this Sunday to raise funds for the Cancer Council. (Note, oil-drum bass NOT for sale). Photo Tree Faerie.

Dunoon mechanic Russell Wilson had so much fun at the Shitbox Rally last year, he has asked his wife Alison to join him and head out to the back blocks of Uluru next April for another go at making a $1,500 car attempt the almost impossible. 

Russell and Alison will drive for approximately 46 hours (depending on the Shitbox) over 3,842 km from Adelaide to Perth via Uluru to raise money for the Cancer Council.

Russell and Alison will drive for approximately 46 hours (depending on the Shitbox) over 3,842 km from Adelaide to Perth via Uluru to raise money for the Cancer Council.

The Shitbox rally is a challenge to achieve the unthinkable – to drive cars worth up to just $1,500 across Australia via some of its most formidable roads, all in the name of charity.

Last year Russell and co-driver Ulf Steinvorth drove from Rockhampton to Tassy and raised around $10,000 for the Cancer Council.

An ’83, ’84, ’85-ish Toyota Hiace

This year the Wilsons would like to double that amount for a good cause, and they even have a new ‘car’ for the event. Gone is last year’s 1989 Red Roadrunner and taking up space in the Wilsons’ workshop is an ’83, ’84, ’85-ish Toyota Hiace complete with a mattress and rust spots.

Neither of the couple have been to this part of Australia before so they have no idea what to expect. ‘But, we’ve got solar panels, a bed, a deep-cycle battery. This will be our house on wheels.’

The Wilsons are hoping to attract some sponsors – someone with $20k would be perfect – with all of the funds raised going to the Cancer Council, as the couple fund the car and the trip themselves.

Russell with last year’s Shitbox, which will be raffled off to raise money for this year’s event. Photo Tree Faerie

Garage sale on Sunday

To help things along there will be a garage sale at the Dunoon workshop on Sunday with lots of bits and pieces ready to be offloaded in the name of cancer research, including raffle tickets – the winning prize being last year’s Shitbox.

The garage sale is at the Dunoon Automotive workshop at 111 James Street (the main drag), Dunoon.

You can follow the adventure in Instagram at: @rustymotorhead or on the Shitbox Rally website.



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Lismore Boulevard Project announced

Design concept plans for the Lismore Boulevard – Shared User Path project are now available for community consultation, following Lismore City Council securing $2,383,030 in funding through the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active 2025–2026 program, administered by Transport for NSW (TfNSW).

Community responds to detention dams proposal

More than 110 residents gathered at Rock Valley Hall on Sunday 12 July and rejected claims that the recently released CSIRO report on flood mitigation was informed by strong community consultation.

Data shows biggest danger to wildlife is people, not cats

Human-created hazards are responsible for most wildlife rescues in New South Wales, and researchers are calling for more prevention strategies to save threatened species.

Try pickleball and support a great cause

Northern Rivers Pickleball Club are holding a marathon day of pickleball on Sunday, 19 July at the Goonellabah Tennis and Pickleball Club on Reserve Street, Goonellabah.