With International Overdose Awareness Day approaching on 31 August, NSW now has the evidence, the tools and record overdose deaths but lacks the will on permanent, community based pill testing.

Urgent questions are being raised about Byron Bay’s future as the NSW government increasingly uses fast-tracked planning pathways that can allow major developments to bypass or vary local planning controls, including height limits, raising concerns about how Byron’s unique character, built environment, and community expectations will be protected.

The winners of one of the Northern Rivers’ major regional art awards will be revealed at Tweed Regional Gallery this Saturday, as the 2026 Wollumbin Art Award exhibition opens in Murwillumbah.