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Byron Shire
June 4, 2026

Female firefighters welcome

Latest News

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Hamas war crimes allegations

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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.

From right: Rob Rose, Axel Ojeda (Deputy Captain), Paul Banister, Cass Lloyd, Mellony Burke (Deputy Captain), Stephanie Rake, John Brierley (Captain), Luke Nichols, Mick Goodwin, Bob Crick, David Henry, Chris Goodman. Photo supplied

Byron’s Christmas Community Initiative presented a cheque for $307 to the Deputy Captain, Mellony Burke of the Byron Bay Rural Fire Brigade volunteers at Suffolk Park.

The funds were raised at the successful ‘Christmas Movie Under the Stars’ at the Byron Bay Bowling Club. The donation will help towards providing firefighting facemasks especially designed for female volunteers.

Join the brigade

Captain John Brierley is particularly keen to welcome more women of all ages to join this dedicated RFS team and says, ‘no, you don’t need to hold a hose, we need help running the station and supporting our front line crew’. [But, of course, you can hold a hose too! I like to hold the hose – Ed].

Stephanie Rake from Byron’s Christmas Initiative said, ‘We are grateful to our amazing firefighter volunteers, they provide us with a sense of security in times of great need – we trust them, rely on them, and respect the vital role they play in protecting our lives and homes.’

Fun for everyone

‘Christmas is an important fundraising period for the brigade and few moments are as heart-warming as seeing the joy on the children’s faces when Santa steps off the fire engine, and the appreciation of the locals and visitors alike.

‘Our community comes together in many ways throughout the year and Christmas is a special time that we celebrate connection, generosity and community spirit – and this was a wonderful example of that coming together so thank you,’ said Stephanie.

To join and for more info visit https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/contact/fire-station/243



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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.