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Byron Shire
July 11, 2026

Who to vote for and where to pre poll for the seat of Page

Latest News

Plastic not so fantastic

There is nothing healthier than drinking some water – or so I’ve always told my kids. It doesn’t contain sugar or colour additives – as one person used to tell us as children, ‘it’s sky juice’! What could be better?

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$5.5 million for surf clubs

The NSW government says the state's surf life saving clubs can now apply for a share of $5.5 million through the Surf Club Facility Program, to upgrade, rebuild or future-proof the facilities that keep beaches safe.

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Bigger community say on hospital land

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Community rallies behind beloved Byron local facing cancer battle

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Independent Richard Wells who has listed himself as a ‘farmer’ has landed the ‘donkey vote’ (first) position for the electorate of Page in the Lower House (House of Representative) for the 2025 federal election. 

Sitting member, National Party member Kevin Hogan, has come in in fifth position while Labor’s Wendy Backhous is in third position and Greens Dr Luke Robinson is in sixth position on the ballot. 

All together there are 11 candidates vying for the seat of Page that covers Evans Head, Wardell, Lismore, Nimbin, Kyogle, Casino, Iluka, Bonalbo, the northern suburbs of Coffs Harbour, and Grafton. 

Who the hell is what?

Some of the parties that are running seem benign, but really aren’t once you get under the hood. For a quick guide to who represents what according to environmental sustainability and social equity check out our The good, the bad, and the ugly: 2025 election senate voting guide – from identifying the ‘harmless hippies who like pot’ to those who have been ‘standing up for racist bigots since 1996’ – we’ll give it to you like it is.

Candidates in order of ballot are:

Richard Wells – Independent

Donna Lee Pike – Trumpet of Patriots

Wendy Backhous – Labor

Kevin Hogan – Incumbent Nationals MP

Jennifer Baker – Australians Citizens Party

Dr Luke Robinson – The Greens NSW

Brenton Williams – Liberation Party

Andrew Grady – Family First

Jordan Colless – Independent

Peter Nottle – Pauline Hanson’s One Nation

Josh Pianca – Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party

Early voting open

If you don’t want the challenge of voting on Saturday, May 3 you can head to your local pre-polling stations and cast your vote early. For the seat of Page you can pre-poll at:

  • Richmond Room, 5 Regatta Ave, Ballina
  • Goonellabah Community Centre, 27 Oliver Ave, Goonellabah
  • 4 Zadoc St, Lismore
  • Maclean RSL, 38 River St, Maclean
  • Casino Community & Cultural Centre, 35 Walker St, Casino 
  • Grafton Cathedral Hall, Edwards Hall, Cnr Duke St & Fitzroy, Grafton
  • Rigby House, 27-29 Duke St, Coffs Harbour

For further information on opening times go to the Australian Electoral Commission(AEC) website



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Ballina courthouse windows smashed, man charged

Police say a man will face court today, charged after 12 windows were allegedly smashed in Ballina last night.   Police say, 'About 10.35pm (Thursday 9 July 2026), police were called to Martin Street following reports of a man smashing windows'.

Alleged native tree removal continues in Lennox, says councillor

With a government agency now investigating the alleged clear felling of natives on a large private block in Lennox Head, Ballina Greens councillor Kiri Dicker has told The Echo that contractors were felling trees all morning, ‘trying to get the job done’.

Ocean Shores man charged with advocating terrorism online

Police say a 20-year-old Ocean Shores man is behind bars (refused bail) and will face court in Tweed Heads Local Court on 18 September, charged with advocating terrorism.  

Ballina king tide alert for 13–16 July

Ballina Shire Council is encouraging motorists to drive safely over the coming days with king tides leading to minor flooding of some local roads.