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Latest News
Child protection workers walk off the job in Lismore
Lismore and Ballina child protection caseworkers stopped work to protest outside the defunct Community Services Centre in Lismore yesterday after two years of working without an office. They have been joined by Ballina child protection caseworkers who had their office shut in January.
Other News
Waterlily Park weed control underway
The reintroduction of weevils that have previously kept weeds at bay at Waterlily Park in Ocean Shores is now underway while the weather is favourable, say Council staff.
Cape Byron Distillery release world-first macadamia cask whisky
S Haslam
The parents of Cape Byron Distillery CEO Eddie Brook established the original macadamia farm that you can see...
Big names at local chess tournament
A major Northern Rivers chess tournament was held at the Byron Bay Services Club in late April.
‘It was well-attended,...
Celebrating Tweed Museum’s 20th anniversary with all and everything
A stunning new exhibition has opened to celebrate the Tweed Regional Museum's 20th anniversary – Omnia: all and everything.
Getting ready for the 24/25 bush fire season
This year’s official NSW Bush Fire Danger Period closed on March 21. Essential Energy says its thoughts are now turned toward to the 2024-25 season, and it has begun surveying its powerlines in and around the North Coast region.
New Brighton parking
To quote a Joni Mitchell song, ‘They paved paradise and put in a parking lot’ – this adequately describes...
Stories about "Drugs":
Natasha Lechner inquest verdict released
State Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan was in Byron Bay Courthouse on Friday afternoon to deliver her findings in the inquest into the death of Natasha Lechner, who died after taking kambo in Mullumbimby in 2019.
Antonovich inquest delayed again, as new witnesses emerge
The inquest into the kambo-related death of Jarrad Antonovich has taken a surprising turn, with new witnesses coming forward to police. As a result, the rest of the planned dates this week have been abruptly cancelled by the state coroner, with the process set to begin again at Byron Bay Courthouse in late May.
Police horses expected to star in Byron Schoolies’ selfies as youth majority skip the grog
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.
50-yr-old Byron camper found with drugs, weapons
Tweed Byron police say they’ve charged a 50-year-old Byron Bay man over possession of prohibited drugs and weapons found at a local campground over the weekend.
Weak politics prevents drug reform
When I first left the bench, I was approached by a group of enthusiastic, committed young medicinal cannabis entrepreneurs and activists to lead DriveChange – a lobby group for the driving rights of patients. I thought it was such a minimalist no-brainer...
Call for cocaine regulation and taxation in NSW
Sydney saw five deaths last week, 11 known recent deaths, that are believed to be linked to drug supply and now there is a call to rethink NSW approach to drugs, its supply and regulation.
When western medicine doesn’t work
Once I finally admitted I needed help with vicarious trauma, I tried a few techniques to ease my troubled mind.
Charges laid over alleged manufacture of prohibited firearms
NSW Police report that the Drug and Firearms Squad detectives have charged a man, and seized drugs and firearms, following an investigation into the alleged manufacture of prohibited firearms near Coffs Harbour.
Questions mount at Jarrad Antonovich inquest
Yesterday the coronial inquest into the death of Jarrad Antonovich moved temporarily to Ballina Courthouse, with a toxics expert, two ambulance officers and a neighbour taking the stand. After the power failure in Lismore which caused the move, there were more questions than answers when NSW State Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan reopened proceedings.
Inquest into death of Jarrad Antonovich begins
Yesterday the NSW State Coroner, Magistrate Teresa O'Sullivan, continued her investigations into deaths on the Northern Rivers following 'natural therapies'. The latest coronial inquest is examining the death of 46 year old Jarrad Antonovich at Arcoora Arts & Eco Retreat near Kyogle in 2021.
Political Comment
Youth crime is increasing – what to do?
There is something strange going on with youth crime in rural and regional Australia. Normally, I treat hysterical rising delinquency claims with a pinch of salt – explicable by an increase in police numbers, or a headline-chasing tabloid, or a right-wing politician.
Local News
Coffs Harbour man charged for alleged online grooming of young girl
Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged a Coffs Harbour man for alleged online grooming offences under Strike Force Trawler.
Byron Echo
Blockades continue as councillors wave next Wallum certificate through
Paul Bibby - 0
A second subdivision works certificate for the Wallum estate was signed off by a majority of councillors last week, who again argued that they have no legal standing to further impede an approved development.
Byron Echo
Ancient brewing tradition honoured
An annual event and brewing ritual to honour ancient brewing traditions was held at Stone & Wood’s Byron brewery last week.
