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Byron Shire
June 24, 2026

Do you know an unsung hero?

Latest News

Twelve winners at Byron Bay Herb Nursery

The Byron Bay Herb Nursery continues to create constructive pathways to achievement with twelve students from Byron Bay Herb Nursery’s disability support program recently graduating with a Certificate II in Horticulture.

Other News

Helping hands create strong communities

Volunteering fosters meaningful connections and Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre creates a shared space where people from all backgrounds and circumstances gather.

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.

Lismore students pitch sustainability projects

Young people will take centre stage in Lismore this Friday when the HalveIt Festival brings student sustainability pitches to decision-makers in what organisers are calling 'part innovation expo, part community festival.'

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'.

Twelve winners at Byron Bay Herb Nursery

The Byron Bay Herb Nursery continues to create constructive pathways to achievement with twelve students from Byron Bay Herb Nursery’s disability support program recently graduating with a Certificate II in Horticulture.

Douglas Dickie retires after 51 years as firefighter

As the bagpipes let out their mournful melody approaching Wandana Brewing, Douglas Dickie was celebrated for his 51 years of service in fire brigades from Scotland to Australia.

The Fred Hollows Foundation’s Humanity Awards for year 6 students. Phot supplied

The Fred Hollows Foundation’s Humanity Awards for year 6 students and the Fred Awards which recognises adults who care for others in a decent, practical and no-nonsense way have opened for nominations.

This is a chance to nominated a friend, family member or colleague who makes the world a better place. 

Founding Director Gabi Hollows said, ‘The Fred and Humanity Awards are a testament to Fred’s deep faith in the goodness of everyday Australians. He would be incredibly proud.’

The Fred and Humanity Awards, launched in 2021, celebrate the legacy and down-to-earth humanitarian spirit of eye doctor Fred Hollows, opening for nominations on what would have been Fred’s 96th birthday on April 9.

‘We invite you to nominate a friend, family member or colleague in this year’s Fred and Humanity Awards. We all know someone who makes the world a better place and deserves to be celebrated,’ said Gabi.

The Fred Awards recognises adults who care for others. Photo supplied

Young heroes

The Humanity Awards recognise compassionate Year 6 students from across the nation and has celebrated more that 3,000 amazing young people since it inception. 

The 2024 New South Wales Junior Ambassador to The Foundation and Humanity Award winner was Noah Bartolo-Stafford from Milperra Public School, who was recognised for his passion, maturity and dedication to making a difference. 

In 2024, The Foundation named audiologist Vi Bui as Humanitarian of the Year and recipient of the Fred Award for her work providing free hearing care to refugees, migrants and people experiencing homelessness. Vi said, ‘We can all make a difference, we can make the world a better place.’

Fred Hollows. Photo supplied

A judging panel led by Gabi Hollows will shortlist a group of finalists who will be put to a public vote, from which the 2025 Fred Hollows Humanitarian will be decided. The Foundation will also select a group of Year 6 Junior Ambassadors.

In New South Wales, The Foundation partners with several organisations to improveaccess to eye care in regional areas such as Lightning Ridge and Bourke.   

The Fred and Humanity Awards are open for nominations until Friday, July 18. Learn more and nominate at hollows.org/awards.



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Lismore students pitch sustainability projects

Young people will take centre stage in Lismore this Friday when the HalveIt Festival brings student sustainability pitches to decision-makers in what organisers are calling 'part innovation expo, part community festival.'

Consultation lacking with rail trail

Byron Shire Council is pursuing an unfunded on-formation bike trail, risking significant ratepayer liability for ongoing maintenance, while disregarding advanced plans for a commuter...

NT Intervention

I refer to the NT Intervention article, Echo page 4, 17 June. Recent events in the Northern Territory (NT) would tend to indicate that the...

Aged care

The Byron Central Hospital (BCH) branch of the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) would like to express our grave concerns regarding the delineation...