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Byron Shire
June 18, 2026

Recognise your local legend in the Tweed Sustainability Awards

Latest News

In loving memory of Dr Tony Parkes AO PhD (1929 – 2026)

Dr Tony Parkes AO PhD, one of Australia’s most visionary conservation leaders and a pioneering force in ecological restoration, passed away last Thursday at the age of 96. He spent his final months at Honey Bee Homes in Ewingsdale.

Other News

Vale William ‘Bill’ Ewen

The funeral service for Marine Rescue Ballina volunteer William ‘Bill’ Ewen was held on Monday at Ballina RSL Club.

Rainbow Guy recovering from serious car accident

On Sunday, 24 May one of the Northern River’s most beloved and legendary figures Rainbow Guy, aka Guy Feldmann, was involved in a car accident on Tandy’s Lane by Uncle Tom’s.

Lismore’s Blakebrook quarry proposal meets resistance

A recent gathering of locals concerned about a proposed ‘mega dump’ landfill at Blakebrook quarry has been supported by Lismore Greens councillors. Lismore Council say they are still considering the proposal.

New maternity unit at Grafton Base Hospital

Pregnant women and their families across the Clarence Valley will benefit from an upgraded purpose-built maternity unit following a $20 million funding boost from the NSW government.

Flood buyback homes, pods to be offered as social, transitional, crisis homes

Buyback homes in the Northern Rivers are set to get a new lease of life as part of a housing reuse initiative by NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) and Homes NSW.

The Pocket Winter Festival bringing you music, food and fun

The Pocket Winter Festival is set to return on Sunday, 21 June, from 10am to 2pm, bringing together the community for a day of music, food, entertainment and family fun at The Pocket Public School.

Voting in now open for the People’s Choice in the Tweed Sustainability Awards.

Thirty-three local groups and individuals have been nominated for the Tweed Sustainability Awards, and Tweed Shire Council is now asking locals to vote and decide this year’s People’s Choice winner.

A wide range of nominations highlights the community’s dedication to protecting the Tweed’s natural environment, with examples of sustainability initiatives including:

  • Neighbours collaborating to create a sustainable public walkway.
  • Creating backyard habitats for wildlife with native plants and bird shelters.
  • Businesses reducing energy use by installing solar panels.
  • Composting to enrich school gardens, reduce landfill waste and grow fresh vegetables.
  • Promoting eco-tourism across the Tweed.
  • Embedding sustainable agricultural practices into everyday farming operations.
  • Leading by example to inspire and educate young people about the environment.
  • Weed control, planting and endangered species protection in conservation sites.

For a full list of this year’s nominees and to vote, go here. Voting closes at midnight on Sunday, 14 September.

Tweed Council says the award winners will be announced  at a showcase event on Wednesday, 15 October 2025.



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Caring for community

The Rotary Club of Mullumbimby presented a cheque for $10,000 to the Brunswick Surf Life Saving Club (BSLSC) in support of its ongoing operations.

Lismore shops enchanted for Lantern Parade

Winners of Lismore’s Enchanted Windows comp have been announced, with The Two Ravens taking top spot. The comp is part of the city's Lantern Parade, to be held this Saturday, 20 June.

AI: Artificial Intelligence, or Artificial Inflation?

It feels as if AI is everywhere – whether it’s those intrusive bots on every website or every headline about how it’s either going to be a boon for humanity, or end us.

Flood gauges installed in Ballina and Wardell 

Residents in Ballina and Wardell will have more more localised flood warnings, giving them time to prepare before floodwaters arrives, thanks to new flood forecast services along the Richmond River.