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Byron Shire
November 9, 2026

Thank a First Responder Day event in Ballina 

Latest News

Green Heroes among 2026 NSW Environment Award winners

The NSW Environment Awards, hosted by the state’s leading environmental advocacy organisation, Nature Conservation Council NSW, was recently held at Customs House in Sydney.

Other News

Riverbank recovery project receives industry award

A major effort to rehabilitate almost 30 kilometres of flood-affected riverbanks across NSW has received international recognition, with Local Land Services and the Soil Conservation Service winning this year’s International Erosion Control Association Australasia (IECA Australasia) Environmental Excellence Award.

Love books? Join Friends of the Library

Friends of the Libraries, Byron Shire are looking for some fresh, new, younger faces to join the group and help keep it moving forward.

Horse lovers say nup to Melbourne Cup

As more horses risk life and limb at The Melbourne Cup today, animal lovers are gathering at Flemington Racecourse and across the country to stand up for the victims of what has been described as an outdated and exploitative horseracing spectacle.

Extra $9 million for Lismore flood pumps and higher spillway

An additional $9 million will fund two more pumps at Lismore’s Browns Creek pump station and raise the levee spillway, with the works intended to reduce flood risk for 300 buildings.

Thank you!

On Thursday I slipped on the wet Mercato travelator, then three beautiful angel women helped me up. Thank you,...

Bus politics: more public transport for Northern Rivers

The state government has announced more than 670 additional weekly bus services to run across Northern Rivers bus networks starting from 6 December, 2026.

Once again the recent floods on the North Coast of NSW have reminded everyone of the importance of first responders and the work they do to keep us safe, help in emergencies, and protect our communities. 

From frontline medical responders, fire fighters, police officers, national security officers, emergency call operators, to frontline medical staff and the many volunteers who make up our state emergency, marine rescue, search and rescue and surf lifesaving organisations.

Tomorrow, Wednesday 11 June is an opportunity for the community to say thank you to the hundreds of thousands of first responders and is also a key fundraising event  for Fortem Australia and the mental health and wellbeing support they provide to first responders.

The  Ballina Thank a First Responder Day  is taking place at the Ballina RSL on Wednesday 11 June 10.30–11.30am.

‘Funds raised helping Fortem to deliver a holistic range of social connection, clinical, career management and mental health literacy services for eligible first responders and their families,’ said a spokesperson for Fortem Australia. 



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Remembrance Day 2026: 11am, 11 November

It is estimated that in WWl there were 20 million dead and 20 million injured. From a population base of fewer than five million,...

Love books? Join Friends of the Library

Friends of the Libraries, Byron Shire are looking for some fresh, new, younger faces to join the group and help keep it moving forward.

Racehorses shot for pet food by NSW breeder

Thirteen thoroughbred horses deemed no longer useful, have been destroyed with eight horses destroyed by firearm at Berkeley Park Stud.

Byron Bay Surf Lifesaving Club youngsters shine

Two young members of Byron Bay Surf Lifesaving Club have delivered outstanding performances at the Paddle NSW State Sprint Championships, held at the Penrith International Regatta Centre over the weekend.