The euphemisms were flying when Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles announced last week that an extra $50 billion would be spent on our military over the next decade, and that $72.8 billion of already announced spending would be redirected.

The legendary Northern Hotel’s Backroom opens its doors to laughter when it welcomes The Byron Comedy Fest with eight big headline shows. With audiences packing out shows every year, Festival Directors Mel Coppin and Zara Noruzi have decided a new venue with increased capacity was in order. It also means the festival is an all-weather event – expect all your favourites!

The youth of Kyogle were asked what their number one priority was and they said it was ‘is looking after the health of the river and they want to be involved in healing it’.

Ballina Shire Council has started preliminary investigation works at Fishery Creek Bridge, on River Street, and Canal Bridge, on Tamarind Drive, as part of their plan to duplicate both bridges.