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Byron Shire
June 18, 2026

Learn how to respond in an emergency

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

Calls for micro-abattoirs to boost food security

Local farmers and food producers are calling on NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty and Minister for Small Business and the North Coast, Janelle Saffin, to work with farmers, industry and local communities to develop practical, evidence-based reforms that support a diverse, decentralised and resilient food production sector.

Northern Rivers clubs shine at Clubs & Community Awards

Club Lennox and Twin Towns were among Northern Rivers clubs recognised at the Clubs & Community Awards, held last Thursday in Sydney.

Marine Rescue volunteers assist disabled dive boat

Volunteers and two vessels from Marine Rescue Point Danger safely assisted thirteen people to shore on Saturday afternoon after a commercial dive vessel experienced engine issues and was unable to safely cross the Tweed Bar.

Call for nominations for NSW Australian of the Year 2027

Nominations are now open for the NSW Australian of the Year 2027.

Pottsville Beach Community Hall celebrates 40 years

The Pottsville Beach Community Hall is celebrating its 40th birthday and the whole community is invited to join the party.

Lismore rallies to save homes from demolition

Around hundred residents met at the Lismore Quad on Saturday to demand the demolitions of heritage homes cease, the flood recovery promised is delivered, and that every person be housed.

SES women – Jen Townend – Deputy Local Commander, Tweed Byron Cluster,
Andrea Smyth, Jen King, Catherine Garvan – Deputy Unit Commander, Mullumbimby, Angelique Jauffret and Tracey Morison – Unit Commander, Mullumbimby. Photo supplied.

The Mullumbimby SES Unit is holding a workshop at the end of the month to inform women in the community about things they can do to protect themselves and their homes.

The EPIC workshop – Emergency Preparedness in Community – will teach skills for preparing your family and home for natural disasters.

The free, women-only event will show you how to sandbag, clear gutters, use a fire extinguisher, do basic first aid, get a home emergency kit together and use technology tools like the Hazards Near Me app.

The event is limited to 30 participants and is open to adult women.

Learning new skills

Deputy Local Commander for the Tweed Byron SES Cluster, Jennifer Townend, says this in not a recruitment drive and is purely to provide these important skills to women in the community. 

‘Women are often the planners and organisers within a household and knowing what to do and where to find information to prepare and stay informed before, during, and after an extreme weather event is key to the overall safety and protection of family and property,’ says Townend.

‘Just knowing what you can do yourself or where to obtain critical information to enable you to make informed decisions in an emergency situation builds confidence and self-reliance.’

Participants must pre-register for catering and resourcing.

‘Come along and enjoy a fun and interactive day with an awesome team of skilled SES ladies,’ says Townend.

The EPIC workshop will be held at the Mullumbimby SES Unit, 33 Coolamon Scenic Drive on Saturday, October 26 from 9.30am to 4pm with lunch provided.

Call Jen on 0409 092 422 for more information on how to register.



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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.