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Latest News
New data reveals NSW social housing waitlist blowout
A fresh analysis by Homelessness NSW reveals where people are waiting the longest for social housing, sparking calls to double the supply of social homes and boost services funding.
Other News
It’s MardiGrass!
This year is Nimbins 32nd annual MardiGrass and you’d reckon by now ‘weed’ be left alone.
The same helicopter raids, the disgusting, and completely unfair, saliva testing of drivers, and we’re still not allowed to grow our own plants. We can all access legal buds via a doctor, most of it imported from Canada, but we can’t grow our own. There’s something very wrong there.
Tweed Council wants your ideas on future sports facilities
Tweed Council is looking for feedback from residents about future plans for sport and recreation in the area.
Connecting people, rivers, and the night sky in Kyogle
The youth of Kyogle were asked what their number one priority was and they said it was ‘is looking after the health of the river and they want to be involved in healing it’.
More Byron CBD height exceedance approved
Two multi-storey mixed-use developments with a combined value of $36.2 million have been approved for the centre of Byron Bay, despite both exceeding height limits for that part of the Shire.
Flood insurance inquiry’s North Coast hearings
A public hearing into insurers’ responses to the 2022 flood was held in Lismore last Thursday, with one local insurance brokerage business owner describing the compact that exists between insurers and society as ‘broken’.
Save Wallum now
The Save Wallum campaign has been ongoing and a strong presence of concerned conservationists are on site at Brunswick...
Stories about "Australia Day Awards":
Ballina argues about Australia Day, again
The last meeting of the Ballina Shire Council saw another rancorous discussion about whether the local community awards ceremony should coincide with Australia Day.
Lennox Head’s Joel Taylor recognised
Ballina Shire's Citizen of the Year was recently announced as Joel Taylor. A Lennox local since birth, Mr Taylor has made quite an impact in the world of surfing and beyond.
Ballina’s garbage service to be fully privatised
At its last meeting, Ballina Shire Council voted for one of the three Rs of local government – roads, rates and rubbish – to be entirely taken over by a private company, with council's existing rubbish collection vehicles to be sold off as part of the deal, for $740,000.
Local legend awarded for her work with Red Cross
Kerrie Gray has recently received a Medal of the Order of Australia and is also Ballina Shire's newest Senior Citizen of the Year. She met The Echo in Alstonville to talk about the ongoing crises facing our region, and what everyone can do to help.
Ballina community leaders honoured
Koala conservationist Maria Matthes was named Ballina's Citizen of the Year in yesterday's Australia Day Awards, which were closed to the public but livestreamed from the Lennox Head Cultural Centre.
Kindness to animals recognised in Tweed Shire Australia Day awards
The care Amanda Philp has provided to numerous animals on land and from the sea has seen her recognised as Tweed Shire Citizen of the Year.
Byron Shire 2022 Citizen of the Year
Jacqui Boyett, founder of the not-for-profit Global Ripple charity and op shop, is the Byron Shire 2022 Citizen of the Year.
Ballina Australia Day Awards nominations open
Do you know someone worthy of recognition in Ballina Shire? Award nominations are now open in categories including community-based activities, sport and the arts.
Where’s my gong?
Fast Buck$, Coorabell
Another Australia Day has come and gone and still I've received no gong! After more than eight years attending nearly every Council...
Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards closing soon
The people of Ballina and surrounds have until Monday 30 November to nominate people who are doing extraordinary things in their community.
National News
Domestic violence service calls for urgent action to address crisis
Relationships Australia NSW is calling for urgent intervention from the NSW government to address men’s violence against women, following the horrific murder of Molly Ticehurst.
Local News
Menacing dog declaration revoked
David Lowe - 0
After an emotional deputation from the owner of the dog involved, Ballina Shire Council has this morning revoked a menacing dog declaration for the kelpie Lilo, which was brought into effect following a bite in July 2022.
Byron Echo
More Byron CBD height exceedance approved
Paul Bibby - 4
Two multi-storey mixed-use developments with a combined value of $36.2 million have been approved for the centre of Byron Bay, despite both exceeding height limits for that part of the Shire.
National News
eSafety commissioner granted legal injunction as X refuses to hide violent content
Australia’s Federal Court has granted the eSafety commissioner a two-day legal injunction to compel X, Elon Musk’s social media platform, to hide posts showing graphic content of the Wakeley church stabbing in Sydney.
