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Byron Shire
November 9, 2026

COVID-19 outbreak in Ballina aged care facility

Latest News

Green Heroes among 2026 NSW Environment Award winners

The NSW Environment Awards, hosted by the state’s leading environmental advocacy organisation, Nature Conservation Council NSW, was recently held at Customs House in Sydney.

Other News

Questions remain over October Belongil Creek fish kill

The artificial opening of the Belongil Creek, an Intermittently Closed and Open Lake and Lagoon (ICOLL), on Monday, 12 October led to yet another significant fish kill with locals and vistors advised to avoid the area and not swim nearby.

Conservation zoning proposed for disputed Hastings Point site

Environmental protections and tighter housing controls are proposed for a disputed Hastings Point development site, following a court decision allowing its subdivision.

What does the US blue tsunami mean for us?

In a stunning repudiation of Donald Trump and the Republican Party he remade in his image, US voters have chosen alternative candidates across the country in midterm elections.

Cinema: 500 Miles

Is it even possible to not love a film with Bill Nighy? Well, no! In this beautiful, sweeping and life-affirming adventure that celebrates the human spirit, 500 Miles follows a broken family that must come together when two young boys, Charlie and Finn, run away from home in England to reach their beloved but estranged grandfather (Nighy) on the west coast of Ireland.

Money before trees

Remember back to not long ago when holiday parks were called caravan parks? Families from all walks of life...

Casino Truck Show crowned NSW’s Best Visitor Experience

The North Coast Petroleum Casino Truck Show has taken out the Outstanding Visitor Experience category at the 2026 NSW Business Awards in Sydney.

New South Wales Health reports that COVID-19 activity remains stable at a high level as Bupa Aged Care Ballina experiences an outbreak.

Though not in lockdown, the Ballina facility has asked residents to stay in their rooms to help minimise transmission. 

A Bupa rep says that visitors are still welcome but are asked to complete a rapid antigen (RAT) test before entering the home and to wear a mask during their visit. All team members are in full PPE and providing full care to residents.

New South Wales Health says that influenza activity is also at a high level and continues to increase, with the number of presentations to emergency departments increasing and the number of influenza notifications also increasing. 

Test positivity for influenza, which is a key indicator of activity, has increased to 18.9 per cent in recent weeks. 



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Remembrance Day 2026: 11am, 11 November

It is estimated that in WWl there were 20 million dead and 20 million injured. From a population base of fewer than five million,...

Love books? Join Friends of the Library

Friends of the Libraries, Byron Shire are looking for some fresh, new, younger faces to join the group and help keep it moving forward.

Racehorses shot for pet food by NSW breeder

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Byron Bay Surf Lifesaving Club youngsters shine

Two young members of Byron Bay Surf Lifesaving Club have delivered outstanding performances at the Paddle NSW State Sprint Championships, held at the Penrith International Regatta Centre over the weekend.