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Byron Shire
June 20, 2026

Announcing Sprouts!

Latest News

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'.

Other News

Appeal to locate wanted man Adam Richards

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a man wanted on outstanding warrants in the Casino area.

Tradie ladies graduate civil construction TAFE program

Twelve Northern Rivers residents are celebrating the completion of a groundbreaking program designed to build essential skills and unlock employment pathways for women in civil construction.

Morrison Avenue a ‘disgrace’

Local Mullumbimby residents are saying Byron Shire Council (BSC) needs to step up and fix Morrison Avenue properly.

Byron High brings you SAAM – full of humour and chaos

In the vein of a speculative sci-fi, this comedy misadventure is simultaneously relatable, playful, hilarious, and unnerving. SAAM will be performed for three nights by Byron Bay High’s Year 11 Drama troupe on 23, 25 and 26 June from 6.30pm.

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.

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.

Queer Family

Sprouts is a fun-filled program for queer or questioning kids and their families.

Queer Family is thrilled to launch this exciting new program designed especially for kids aged 8-12 who are queer or questioning, along with their parents and guardians.

Sprouts is a unique and vibrant space where LGBTQIA+ kidlets and their families can come together, connect, and celebrate their identities in a supportive and affirming environment.

Sprouts is the only program of its kind in our region specifically catering to younger queer and questioning kids and their families. It’s a groundbreaking initiative that fills a significant gap in local community services, providing a much-needed haven for children to explore their identities and for families to find solidarity and support.

Sprouts is a monthly meetup full of fun and engaging activities, specifically designed to foster connections. Facilitated by qualified youth-workers from the queer community, Sprouts is a space where supportive friendships can be made and identities, however they may shift and change, are celebrated. At Sprouts, you will meet other families who understand and celebrate the diverse experiences of queer and questioning kids.

Whether you’re looking to find community for your child, find support, or just have an opportunity for safe and affirming fun, Sprouts is the place to be. Come along and sprout some new connections.

There will be a meeting on Saturday from 10am to 12pm, and on Saturday, 24 August from 10am to 12pm.

It’s important to note that this is not a drop-and-run event – it’s time for families to spend together.

For more information and to register, reach out at [email protected].

Sprouts is made possible through the Social Futures Resilient Kids program.



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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'.

Community housing industry call for major expansion in upcoming NSW budget

The community housing industry are calling on the NSW government to use next week's State Budget to unlock a major expansion of community housing.