While many people were enjoying time with family and friends over the Christmas and New Year period, care for the 20 koalas at the Northern Rivers Koala Hospital continued without pause, thanks to the commitment of Friends of the Koala’s volunteers and staff.

When a young medical student opened a small Mexican restaurant in Canberra 20 years ago today, the idea that a fast-casual food business could balance social impact with commercial success was met with deep scepticism.

Three years ago, the not-for-profit Global Ripple Charity Op Shop was devastated by a fire. A week later it rose phoenix-like from the ashes on a wave of support from the local community. Saturday marked its reopening in a new home.

When you’re the PM, or you’re at the very least polishing your bald nog, wearing a suit and lining up for the top job, here’s a tip gleaned from recent history. Don’t go to Hawaii in a bushfire. And definitely don’t go to a party in a cyclone. Especially a swanky Vaucluse fundraising party for the Liberal Party when your electorate (the people WHO ELECTED YOU, i.e. technically your employers) are facing the prospect of losing everything.

This week, Bangalow Koalas reached a remarkable milestone. They have planted their 400,000th tree since 2019. That equates to roughly 360 hectares across six shires in the Northern Rivers of NSW.

Has it ever been truer than it is today that,  ‘He who pays the piper, calls the tune’?

This week saw a delicate operation at the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital and Sanctuary, with the installation of a new hospital ward, via truck and crane, in what was once a playground, now to be a Wildlife Recovery Centre.

The Lismore City Council’s Flood Appeal is now closed to allow the distribution of the remaining balance of donations to all eligible applicants.

This is no joke! At 11.30am today The Echo Northern Rivers 2022 Flood Donation appeal had raised just over $74,000 and has distributed $70,000 to groups helping flood-affected communities.

Many Australians from all states and territories and all walks of life have been affected by the summer bushfires. Understandably, there are priorities as to where financial support goes.