The state’s planning department has approved Ballina’s first conservation zone, although it’s unclear how the land will stay protected given the council’s recent vote for an ‘opt-in’ policy.

Paul Wilson is telling me about their new chilli garlic halloumi and how it’s ‘fantastic over summer served with a green paw-paw salad,’ and my imagination is fired. It’s a rare thing for this hinterland business – around for some 17 years now, Paul and Kerry at the helm – to introduce a new cheese as ‘we try to stay focused on traditionally hand-made cheeses.’ And their stable of 12 – best sellers the Nashua washed rind and Tintenbar triple cream – include both cow and goat milk cheeses.

Plans for the first major residential development within the West Byron urban release area feature nearly a dozen breaches of planning and environmental protection rules and should not be approved, Byron Council staff say.

Don’t ask me how my house is. Please. This question brings forth an escalated spike in my nervous system, and a sense of panic and dread.

Last week, Labor PM, Anthony Albanese, delivered a national apology to all Australians impacted by the thalidomide tragedy.