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Byron Shire
July 16, 2026

Autism Awareness Australia launches nation’s most comprehensive resource for families

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.

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The numbers behind Byron’s proposed rate rise

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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.

Deadly weaving at Lismore gallery

Eighteen months ago, a group of First Nations artists from the Northern Rivers came together at the Lismore Regional Gallery as part of the Gathering Space project.

Autism Awareness Australia.

Autism Awareness Australia has announced the launch of ‘Navigating Autism – In the School Years’, a ground-breaking, free and accessible digital platform designed to support families of autistic children throughout their school years.

The nation’s most comprehensive autism resource covers more than 250 key topics, providing parents and carers with expert-backed tools and advice to help their children thrive both academically and emotionally.

Autism Awareness Australia says the platform offers a one-stop destination for families looking for information tailored to the unique challenges autistic children face between the ages of 5 and 18.

From transitioning into school and managing friendships, to coping with puberty, mental health issues, and preparing for life after school, ‘Navigating Autism – In the School Years’ is an indispensable resource for families at every stage.

child at school
Cloudcatcher Media.

Designed for real families

‘We’ve designed this platform with real families in mind,’ said Nicole Rogerson, Founder and CEO of Autism Awareness Australia.

‘We listened to the experiences of autistic individuals, parents, carers, clinicians, and educators to create a tool that’s not only comprehensive but addresses many topics that are often ignored.

‘This is the most comprehensive, evidence-based family friendly resource available today, providing parents with practical and easy to digest interactive tools, videos and articles,’ she said.

‘The disability landscape is going through some major reform right now and that’s why it’s even more critical that we double down on the support to families.

‘We know that families in remote areas often struggle to find support, by making this resource digital and free, we’re ensuring every family can access expert advice, no matter where they live,’ said Ms Rogerson.

child at school
Cloudcatcher Media.

Collaboration and evidence-based content

Autism Awareness Australia says the platform was developed through a collaborative effort involving the autism community, including autistic individuals, parents, educators, and healthcare professionals.

The content is grounded in evidence-based research and covers a range of crucial topics including communication skills, NDIS navigation, mental health, and educational strategies.

The organisation says it’s committed to empowering families by giving them access to trusted, up-to-date information and strategies that have been vetted by experts and designed with real-world challenges in mind.

Find out more here.



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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.