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Byron Shire
August 29, 2026

An award for women with future-changing, bold ideas

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How can we keep paying for incompetence

The only way forward is going backwards. That’s how I explain the current situation of Byron Shire Council. The...

Other News

How can we keep paying for incompetence

The only way forward is going backwards. That’s how I explain the current situation of Byron Shire Council. The...

Big Council rates rise coming – self-reflection

A chance for self-reflection? Maybe Byron Shire Council should look at having a staff reduction, instead of a rate...

Need a little free legal advice?

Lawyers from Tyndall & Co say they will provide free legal advice covering most areas of law including domestic violence, elder abuse and visa issues at their upcoming Pro Bono Cafe in Byron.

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Turn and Face the Change

‘Changes’ – It’s my favourite Bowie song. How do we change? And I don’t just mean personally. I mean as a large community of humans. As a species? Because we have to change. Now.

Lynda Dean – a life of love and making the world a better place

My beloved Lynda Dean was the rock and the heart that held in place not only me and our family, but an extraordinary network of friends and communities throughout the Byron Shire and far beyond.

Editorial – Drug-checking saves lives

No-one would tolerate killing six teenagers with methanol-laced alcohol in Australia, as occurred recently in Laos. But in Australia, you can’t check your drugs to see if they’re safe.

Do you know a woman with bold ideas and a drive to create positive change in rural and regional Australia? Then it’s time to nominate her for the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

Now in its 25th year, the award is Australia’s leading platform for recognising and supporting the leadership of women across rural, regional and remote businesses, industries and communities.

The award champions those who are already making an impact and supports them to take their vision even further.

Celebrating and elevating women

AgriFutures Australia Chief Operating Officer Belinda Allitt said the award celebrates and elevates women whose ideas have the potential to shape the future. ‘Every year, we meet women who are challenging the status quo and finding new ways to strengthen their industries and communities,’ she said.

‘The Rural Women’s Award is about more than recognition – it’s about providing the tools, networks and confidence to turn ambition into action.

‘It is an opportunity for women from every corner of the country, whether they’re based on-farm, in a regional hub, or working from the city, to step forward with a project that can make a tangible difference to rural and regional Australia.

The potential for positive impact

Ms Allitt said what matters most is the potential for positive impact. ‘We’re looking for women who are ready to challenge the way things have always been done, who see opportunities where others see obstacles, and who are committed to building stronger, more resilient communities.

‘We’re proud of the legacy this Award has created, and we’re excited about seeing the next group of leaders bring their vision, energy and determination to the national stage.’

State and territory winners

State and Territory winners each receive a $15,000 grant from Westpac to progress their project, business or program, along with access to professional development and the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Alumni network. The national winner and runner up, announced at a Gala Dinner, will receive an additional $20,000 and $15,000 respectively.

Women with an established project, business or program that benefits rural industries, businesses or communities are encouraged to apply.

Applications close Friday, 7 November 2025 (Friday, 30 January 2026 for NT applicants). Find out more and apply at: agrifutures.com.au/opportunities/rural-womens-award.



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Greens urged to back pathway to end native forest logging

Some of NSW’s most respected and long-standing forest campaigners and scientists have today urged the Greens not to support the Nationals' attempt to disallow the Improved Native Forest Management (INFM) method.

Ballina Council makes decision on Ross Lane

With the absence of all four of its progressive councillors for various reasons, Ballina Council pushed ahead with its agenda at yesterday's monthly meeting, including a decision which is likely to close Ross Lane for months while the road is upgraded.

Mullumbimby puts new governance models first, and now wants to build it

Imagine Northern Rivers says Mullumbimby is the only community across the region to rank new models of governance and decision-making as the number one element of its preferred future, and last week locals gathered to work out how to make it real.

Appeal to locate man missing from Broadwater

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a local missing man.