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Byron Shire
June 29, 2026

Female firefighters welcome

Latest News

Fresh ink: new releases making their festival debut

This year’s Byron Writers Festival is a first-look destination, with several of Australia’s most anticipated new books arriving at the festival before the ink has barely dried.

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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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The ghosts of generations – Siang Lu at Byron Writers Festival 2026

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Ballina Council finds savings in chairs

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Man in court today after alleged pursuit near Kingscliff

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It’s investors who are causing the housing shortage

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