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Byron Shire
June 25, 2026

One in five NSW young people vaping

Latest News

Planets and weather align for Cape Byron Steiner Winter Solstice success

Last Thursday, in the days before the Winter Solstice, and after weeks of on and off rain that had more than a few parents nervously eyeing weather apps, Cape Byron Steiner School's annual Winter Festival went ahead.

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Monk’s meditation and ceremonies return to Crystal Castle

During the Gyuto Monks’ stay they will conduct daily programs from 10.30am to 4.30pm which include meditation, multiphonic chanting, Buddhist talks, tantric art classes, and empowerment ceremonies, all included in the general admission price to Crystal Castle precinct.

Consultation closes Friday on Lismore’s 60,000 population plans

The future of Lismore is now up for discussion, with Council's Strategic Planning Framework currently out for public exhibition. Now is your time to have your say – consultation closes 26 June.

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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Kyogle bridge build completed in under three months

Kyogle mayor Danielle Mulholland says a new bridge on Gradys Creek Road, off Summerland Way and north of Kyogle, has opened to traffic. She says it took Council less than three months to build Methvens Bridge.

57 Station St, Mullumbimby amended DA on public exhibition

The development application (DA 10.2025.212.1) for the carpark at 57 Station Street, Mullumbimby is now back on exhibition for eight weeks from 22 June.

A Byron kickback with the Gimelli family

The Gimelli family ran a small Italian restaurant on Jonson Street from about 1995 into the early 2000s. It was a classy joint, ahead of Byron’s culinary curve, serving dishes from every corner of Italy.

12 winners at Byron Bay Herb Nursery

The Byron Bay Herb Nursery continues to create constructive pathways to achievement with 12 students from Byron Bay Herb Nursery’s disability support program recently graduating with a Certificate II in Horticulture.