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Byron Shire
July 11, 2026

One in five NSW young people vaping

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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Music comes to Mullum this weekend!

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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’.

Two forums on vaping are being held in Northern NSW. Photo Wikimedia Commons

The number of people in NSW who smoke cigarettes has fallen to its lowest level on record while vaping rates are said to be stabilising.

NSW Health has published the latest data in the lead up to World No Tobacco Day.

The 2024 Population Health Survey showed around one in 10 adults (11 per cent) smoked daily or occasionally, a reduction from 14 per cent in 2015.

Meanwhile, people aged 16-24 years had the highest rate of vaping of any age group with one in five, or 20 per cent, reportedly vaping.

The government said there was a rapid increase in rates among this age group from 2018 to 2023 but that vaping rates had started to stabilise.

Data from Cancer Institute NSW showed the telephone information and counselling service Quitline had received more than 27,000 calls in the past 12 months.

More than 15,000 calls reportedly related to smoking and 5,000 calls to vaping.

Free quit support

A new Pave app to support people quitting vaping had been downloaded by 5000 users since its launch in February, the government said.

The app provides users with tips, tracking tools, distractions for when cravings hit, and activities and information to navigate common barriers to quitting vaping.

Anyone needing support to quit smoking or vaping was advised to talk to their GP or call the NSW Quitline on 13 7848, a free and confidential telephone counselling service that provides customised assistance to help people quit.

Aboriginal counsellors are also available via the Quitline, providing culturally sensitive and customised support.

The iCanQuit website also provides information about smoking and vaping and resources and support to quit.



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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.