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Byron Shire
June 26, 2026

Sporting groups in Ballina electorate boosted by govt funds

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Byron’s Winter Whales raise $43,000

The Byron Bay Winter Whales (BBWW) took to the ocean for the 39th time this year on the first Sunday of May and raised $43,000 for local organisations and charities.

Cartoons of the week – 24 June, 2026

The Echo loves your letters and is proud to provide a community forum on the issues that matter most to our readers and the people of the NSW north coast. So don’t be a passive reader, send us your epistles.

The NT intervention laws that shape lives

This Sunday marks 19 years since the then Howard Government announced the Northern Territory Intervention laws – ‘The Intervention’ began with a media release by Mal Brough, Minister for Indigenous Affairs, on June 21, 2007.

Elite footballers in action for the Northern Rivers Football Academy. Photo supplied.

Local sporting clubs are set to benefit from the 2025 Local Sport Grant Program.

Member for Ballina, Tamara Smith, said in a media release she was able to facilitate $50,000 in funding which will ‘support grassroots sport across the region, helping clubs improve facilities, purchase equipment, and deliver programs that increase participation’.

“We love our sport, and we know that our community sporting clubs rely on the blood, sweat and tears of volunteers. Any boost to the facilities and enjoyment of our clubs is fabulous,” Ms Smith said.

“Local sport changes and improves so many lives, primarily made possible by the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of community members who give their time and resources.”

“This funding will help local clubs continue the incredible work they do, creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to connect through sport and active recreation.”

“The process was as competitive as the sports themselves. While I congratulate all successful applicants, I also thank the volunteers who make community sport possible at every club across the electorate.”

“The Local Sport Grant Program provides funding to clubs and organisations to support initiatives that:

  • Increase participation in sport and active recreation
  • Improve access and inclusion
  • Upgrade facilities and equipment

Successful 2025 grant recipients include:

  • Brunswick Byron Netball Association Inc – training and development of coaches and players: $2,600
  • Mullumbimby Brunswick Valley Football Club (MBVFC) – upgrades to playing field surfaces and equipment infrastructure: $7,017.90
  • Richmond River Sailing and Rowing Club Inc – accessible sailing training boat: $10,000
  • Northern Rivers Football – EmpowerHer Girls’ Development Program (jerseys and goals): $4,371
  • Byron Bay Runners – increasing athletic participation through community running initiatives: $2,227
  • Ballina District Junior Cricket Association – Flicx multi-age roll-out composite cricket pitches: $13,998
  • Ballina Junior Rugby League Football Club – PA system to enhance community engagement: $9,743”

For more information about the Local Sport Grant Program, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/local-sport-grant-program-lsgp-2025

 



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When it comes to real estate, everyone can use an advocate

With 45 years combined experience across both sales and property management, husband and wife team Mark and Michelle Errichiello have recently moved to the Northern Rivers and teamed up with Byron Property Search to provide advocacy services for people looking to buy or sell across the region.

Savour The Tweed returns, 22 October

Food and drink event, Savour The Tweed, returns to excite tastebuds this spring, from Wednesday 22 October to Sunday 26 October.

Conservationists welcome carbon credit scheme to protect forests

Today’s release of the government’s proposed Improved Native Forest Method, which allows governments to claim carbon credits in return for stopping logging has been welcomed by the North East Forest Alliance and North Coast Environment Council as "providing a way to end native forest logging on public land".

Charge dismissed for activist hindering coal exports

An activist who came to national attention after being punched by a police officer while protesting, has had an anti-protest charge dismissed in court today.