With the Fair Work Commission’s decision to increase the national minimum wage by 4.75%, Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) is calling for further action to support people doing it tough, as well as the frontline community services helping them. “People are under severe pressure from interest rate rises, rent increases, higher fuel costs, and growing economic uncertainty due to the conflict in the Middle East,” said ACOSS Acting CEO Edwina MacDonald.

Those wanting to make a submission on Byron Shire Council’s budget for next year, along with its operational plan, and long-term financial plan until Sunday, 31 May.

Local Mullumbimby businesses say they have been facing a challenging time and are encouraging locals and visitors to shop local.

Detectives say they have charged a man with alleged child abuse material offences in the Tweed Heads area.