The Buttery is a not-for-profit, charitable organisation delivering mental health, and alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services across Northern NSW, from Tweed Heads to Port Macquarie.

A repeat drink-driving offender was caught driving in the Tweed Byron Police District without their court-ordered alcohol interlock device fitted, officers said last week.

Schoolies 2025 officially started in Byron last week, sparking a dedicated police operation involving multiple departments, dogs and the annual stars of many selfies in the Instagram-famous paradise, horses.

The Byron Shire community is split on its support for the proposed Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) in Byron Bay with many people highlighting the lack of financial commitment from the state government to meet increased community safety and transport needs, which they argue will be caused by any SEP because it will allow extended opening hours for licensed venues.

Ballina Shire Council's conservative majority got its way with several contentious issues at its last meeting.

A local alcoholic addict in recovery is making waves in the men’s mental health space. 

Youth crime has been touted as a significant problem across NSW, as well as locally, and has led to several meetings being held in Ballina earlier this year and the introduction of tougher youth bail laws across the state.

Mounted police, the riot squad, extra highway and traffic patrols and specialist youth command officers are in the Byron shire for the next few weeks for this year’s Schoolies.

The issue of heavy alcohol consumption by Australians was highlighted during the pandemic lockdowns, but a new report shows that current habits have continued the upward trend owing to the increases for wine and ‘RTDs’ (Ready-to-drink).

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