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Byron Shire
June 3, 2026

Do you know an unsung hero?

Latest News

TweedCAN makes it easy for locals to make a difference on climate change

TweedCAN members Sally Evans, Conal Hanna, Isabela Keski-Frantti and Gerard Bisshop Do you believe in climate action, but struggle to...

Other News

Severe weather threat downgraded, but rain to persist

The threat of severe weather for Urbenville, Kyogle and surrounds is now reduced, according to the SES.

Tweed Council offer community grants

A new round of Tweed Shire Council community grants of up to $5,000 will open to not-for-profit groups across the Tweed from Monday 1 June.

Remembering the Peacekeepers

Last Friday a small group gathered at the Cenotaph in Mullumbimby to commemorate International UN Peacekeeper Day.

Fire destroys Mullumbimby family home

A Gofundme campaign has been set up to help a family who lost everything in a house fire last week. Frea Bandini-Alefosio writes, 'We are neighbours and friends of Jeff and Alma Jackson, long time Mullumbimby locals, we are setting up this fundraiser to help support them after a devastating house fire'.

World Environment Day celebrated in M’bah, 7 June

A free family-friendly community celebration for World Environment Day will be held on Sunday, 7 June, at the Murwillumbah Showgrounds from 10am till 3pm.

A love letter to nature

A very special film will screen as part of the Bangalow Film Festival, preceded by a fascinating Q&A (avec moi) looking at old-school filmmaking.

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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Ballina Council wrap

With local government meeting practice across the state returning to confusion following the NSW Legislative Council's recent decision, Ballina Shire Council's last meeting included a lot of unanimous decisions and an argument about the remnants of the Big Scrub, in which Mayor Cadwallader used her casting vote to squash Cr Simon Chate's motion.

Conversations in the Pub starts with Janelle Saffin

Conversations in the Pub – Lismore’s new civic meet-up – kicks off on Friday 19 June with its inaugural special guest, the NSW Minister for Small Business, Minister for Recovery, Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin MP.

Bungawalbin Levee repair to improve flood resilience

A critical section of Bungawalbin Levee is proposed to be partially relocated to build its long-term resilience, benefitting the community, environment and agricultural industries in the Richmond Valley.

Aussie MPs celebrate World Bicycle Day

The leaders of the Parliamentary Friends of Cycling have joined in front of Parliament House in Canberra to celebrate the United Nations’ World Bicycle Day.