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Byron Shire
July 16, 2026

‘Break4Millie’ fundraiser to support local teen

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What was once comes again

The Byron Shire has been renowned for its music, its festivals, and its innovation that has had a huge impact on the Australian music scene.

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Break4Millie fundraiser.

Northern Rivers Shukokai Karate is proud to announce Break4Millie, a high‑energy community fundraiser in support of local teenager Millie Trustum.

In 2018, at just 7 years old, Millie was diagnosed with T-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma.
After years of intensive treatment, she bravely beat the disease and had been in remission for nearly six years. Tragically, in May 2025, her family received devastating news: Millie was diagnosed with a High-Grade Glioma, an aggressive and incurable brain tumour.

While treatment may extend her life, Millie’s time is now precious. Her family and our community are now focused on one goal: helping her live out her bucket list and filling her days with joy, adventure, and memories that will last forever.

Fundraiser

Millie has long been supported by generous local businesses and community members. This year the karate club is inviting the Northern Rivers community to get involved in a more hands‑on, uplifting way.

To honour Millie’s incredible spirit, Northern Rivers Shukokai Karate is hosting a Karate Board Breaking Fundraiser, on Sunday 18 January, starting at 9.30am at 2/67 Bridge Street, North Lismore.

Break4Millie will see participants purchase timber boards – available in a range of thicknesses – and come together for a spirited board‑breaking session. On the day, attendees will warm up with a short practice using re‑breakable boards before stepping up to break the real timber boards in a show of strength, solidarity, and community spirit.

This event will be open to the entire community, giving families, friends, and supporters the chance to purchase a board and smash it in a powerful, symbolic gesture to ‘break the cycle of cancer’ and stand in solidarity with Millie and her family.

Organisers are also seeking additional prize donations from local businesses, to be raffled. All funds raised will go directly toward supporting Millie’s bucket list experiences.

Find out more about Break4Millie from Northern Rivers Shukokai Karate Dojo Sensei, Barry Potts, via email: [email protected], or phone (02) 6625 0091.



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CSIRO mega dam report supported by Lismore mayor

The inclusion of a recent controversial CSIRO Richmond River flood report into Lismore City Council’s Flood Risk Management Plan has been defended by Mayor Steve Kreig, with him telling ABC North Coast, ‘It’s about having the most up to date scientific info and preparing for future flooding events’.

Help establish a First Nations bush-food nursery

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Inspiring arts, culture, business collaboration

Byron Fest, a multi-week festival in June 2027, will be a festival for the Shire, say Destination Byron as they finalise the $200,000 grant from the Regional Night-Time Economy Program.

Palestine community action day Sunday

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