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Byron Shire
June 4, 2026

Richmond RiverFest launches in Ballina on Sunday

Latest News

TweedCAN makes it easy for locals to make a difference on climate change

TweedCAN members Sally Evans, Conal Hanna, Isabela Keski-Frantti and Gerard Bisshop Do you believe in climate action, but struggle to...

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The Greens’ 3-way comp: Ballina Councillor vs Byron candidates for state preselection

Byron Greens members could expect to be asked to take the future of the Richmond River further south into account when choosing a candidate for next year’s state election.

Rail Master’s Cottage

The destruction by fire of the Rail Master’s Cottage prompts questions of social justice. Is this land still related...

Byron Bay’s sub-culture of sexual violence investigated

An ABC investigation has found a sub-culture of sexual violence including child abuse existed in Byron Bay in the early two thousands, with at least fifteen survivor victims having spoken out. 

Roadworks an upgrade?

I hope that Council kept their receipt for the Mullumbimby Road upgrade. Not even a year old and falling...

A love letter to nature

A very special film will screen as part of the Bangalow Film Festival, preceded by a fascinating Q&A (avec moi) looking at old-school filmmaking.

World Environment Day celebrated in M’bah, 7 June

A free family-friendly community celebration for World Environment Day will be held on Sunday, 7 June, at the Murwillumbah Showgrounds from 10am till 3pm.

Riverfest is coming soon.

The Richmond River has a rich history, from Bundjalung lore through to being one of the busiest waterways in Australia in the 19th century. It now needs our help to rejuvenate it and make it once again the beautiful, drinkable, swimmable, and fishable river it should be.

Bringing everyone together over the next month is the Richmond RiverFest, which is being launched on World Rivers Day at Fawcett Park in Ballina this Sunday, 28 September from 10am.

The free RiverFest will feature children’s activities, weaving, storytelling, live music and inspiring talks on restoration and river care.

Food will be available for sale, from seafood fresh from the river, a sausage sizzle courtesy of the Outriggers Club, fresh coffee and vegetarian options.

The event culminates at 3pm with launch of the six-day Tinnie Adventure. The trek up the Richmond River from Ballina to upstream of Kyogle will highlight the state of the river.

‘This year’s theme reminds us that whether we live by the sea or in the hinterland, the river connects us all. RiverFest is a time to celebrate what the river gives us, and to strengthen our commitment to making it drinkable, swimmable, and fishable again,’ said Richmond Riverkeeper President, Zoe White.

Find out more at: www.richmondriverfest.com.



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Ballina Council wrap

With local government meeting practice across the state returning to confusion following the NSW Legislative Council's recent decision, Ballina Shire Council's last meeting included a lot of unanimous decisions and an argument about the remnants of the Big Scrub, in which Mayor Cadwallader used her casting vote to squash Cr Simon Chate's motion.

Conversations in the Pub starts with Janelle Saffin

Conversations in the Pub – Lismore’s new civic meet-up – kicks off on Friday 19 June with its inaugural special guest, the NSW Minister for Small Business, Minister for Recovery, Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin MP.

Bungawalbin Levee repair to improve flood resilience

A critical section of Bungawalbin Levee is proposed to be partially relocated to build its long-term resilience, benefitting the community, environment and agricultural industries in the Richmond Valley.

Aussie MPs celebrate World Bicycle Day

The leaders of the Parliamentary Friends of Cycling have joined in front of Parliament House in Canberra to celebrate the United Nations’ World Bicycle Day.