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Byron Shire
June 18, 2026

Hopeless hopeful

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

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.

Cudgen Lifesaver among King’s Birthday honourees

Far North Coast Director of Lifesaving, David Rope, was awarded an Emergency Services Medal as part of the King's Birthday honourees this week – acknowledging his significant and sustained service to the movement.

Lismore’s Blakebrook quarry proposal meets resistance

A recent gathering of locals concerned about a proposed ‘mega dump’ landfill at Blakebrook quarry has been supported by Lismore Greens councillors. Lismore Council say they are still considering the proposal.

Do you want the rail trail completed? Sign the petition

The local Byron and Mullumbimby chambers of commerce, and the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Supporters (NRRTS) are asking everyone who supports making the rail trail happen to get on board and sign up to support the rail trail at www.northernriversrailtrail.com.au/support.

Vale William ‘Bill’ Ewen

The funeral service for Marine Rescue Ballina volunteer William ‘Bill’ Ewen was held on Monday at Ballina RSL Club.

Byron Shire Rebels gutsy efforts

A day of contrasting rugby fortunes for the Rebels at Ballina, with the Men’s XV putting in a gutsy...

PM hopeful, Peter Dutton, Australia’s opposition leader (who always likes a song and dance) has again dragged up the nuclear power alternative as an election issue. Going along is Richmond’s National Party candidate, Kimberly Hone, who’s advertised the fact that 29 first-world countries have all gone for nuclear power, but not Australia.

The implication is that something must be wrong, Australia.

Well, how about the obvious logic that maybe, just maybe, Australia got this one right for a change?

In a sunny country (worlds away from European and British madness and hopefully one day American madness) why would Australia not seek to use solar and green energy?

What Australia should stop doing (an economic bridge too far away) is continue to export coal to third-world countries to continue to pollute the atmosphere of the only home and planet we’ve got!



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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.