The Byron Bay Winter Whales (BBWW) took to the ocean for the 39th time this year on the first Sunday of May and raised $43,000 for local organisations and charities.

Last week Australia had a glimpse of what life might be like under Prime Minister Pauline Hanson, via two speeches, one in Canberra and one in Townsville.

Cheek Media founder, Hannah Ferguson, will headline a panel of prominent women leaders at the Regent Theatre in Murwillumbah next Thursday, in an event the organisers say brings, 'the kind of line-up you'd usually travel to Sydney for' to the Northern Rivers.

Byron Shire Council has moved a step closer to seeking a special rate rise, unanimously endorsing a community engagement program that will form a key part of any future application to increase rates above the state-imposed cap.