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Byron Shire
July 14, 2026

Shining a light on our local seniors

Latest News

From refugee to community contributor – a personal story

When I first arrived in Australia from Syria, I carried many emotions with me. Like many refugees and newcomers, I was grateful to be safe, but I was also overwhelmed by the challenges of starting over in a completely new country.

Other News

Protecting the marathon globetrotters, the terns

Sunlight sparkles on the sea, where lazy swells gather momentum to form perfect waves before playing out onto the deserted shore.

Alleged native tree removal continues in Lennox, says councillor

With a government agency now investigating the alleged clear felling of natives on a large private block in Lennox Head, Ballina Greens councillor Kiri Dicker has told The Echo that contractors were felling trees all morning, ‘trying to get the job done’.

Amani’s bite of the Big Apple

Although I was grateful that The Echo wrote an article about my daughter Amani Wiriyanjara being accepted into the...

A hidden gem of culture and fun

With 73 films under their belts the Drill Hall Film Society are inviting you to come and see the next film they are showing – the 1971 classic and hilarious Harold and Maude.

Ballina king tide alert for 13–16 July

Ballina Shire Council is encouraging motorists to drive safely over the coming days with king tides leading to minor flooding of some local roads.

From refugee to community contributor – a personal story

When I first arrived in Australia from Syria, I carried many emotions with me. Like many refugees and newcomers, I was grateful to be safe, but I was also overwhelmed by the challenges of starting over in a completely new country.

Tamara Smith MP. Photo Tree Faerie.

Member for Ballina Tamara Smith MP is calling on locals to nominate an outstanding older person for the NSW Seniors Festival Local Senior of the Year Awards, celebrating the invaluable contributions of seniors across the Ballina electorate.

‘Our older community members are the quiet heroes who hold so much of our social fabric together,’ said Tamara Smith.

‘We are fortunate to have so many seniors in our local community who are generous with their time, energy and commitment. From volunteering in local organisations to mentoring younger generations and supporting neighbours, seniors contribute immeasurably to the strength, kindness and resilience of our region.

‘If you know a senior who goes above and beyond whether through their community service, creativity, innovation or simple acts of care now is the time to nominate them for this well-deserved recognition.’

Diverse enrichment

Previously known as the NSW Seniors Local Achievement Awards, the Local Senior of the Year Awards highlight the diverse ways older people enrich our communities.

Nomination forms are available from all MPs’ offices across NSW and must be submitted by Friday 16 January 2026.

Successful recipients will be recognised during the NSW Seniors Festival 2026, which runs from 2–15 March 2026. For further information, contact Tamara Smith MP’s office on (02) 6686 7522 or email [email protected]



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Oz Grom Open wraps up in Lennox

The 2026 Soundboks Oz Grom Open saw a fairytale finish to competition yesterday with huge performances, bluebird skies and local wins in dreamy two-foot conditions.

Jeff Dawson captures Mullum Roots Festival

Did you make it to Mullum Roots Festival on the weekend?

Coorabell art show inspired by natural world

'Elemental: Conversations with Nature' is the title of a forthcoming exhibition featuring eight established and midcareer artists working across painting, drawing, weaving, ceramics, and textiles.  Inspired by the natural world, each artist explores the forms, patterns, materials, and forces found in nature.

NSW Women of the Year nominations closing soon

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is calling on residents of the Lismore electorate to get their nominations in for the 2027 NSW Women of the Year Awards.