Tweed Shire Council (TSC) is facing growing criticism over a proposal that would protect large exotic trees – including camphor laurel – under its draft Development Control Plan currently on public exhibition. Camphor laurel is recognised by the NSW Department of Primary Industries as an invasive weed, with long-standing advice that it should be controlled and progressively removed. That advice applies regardless of whether the land is public land, zoned rural, residential or conservation. NSW Farmers’ Far North Coast Branch chair Craig Huf said the proposal sought to protect trees that were doing extensive harm to the landscape. “These are trees that cause massive environmental damage and stand to ruin the scenic amenity of the Shire,” Mr Huf said. “Every year, these large camphor laurels produce vast quantities of seed, which are widely spread by native birds, and they remain as permanent seed factories, reinfesting surrounding land year after year.” Mr Huf estimated that Tweed landholders incur a cost of around $4.3 million each year in lost production, spraying, managing and attempting to contain camphor laurel infestations, a cost that continued because of the constant growth of new seedlings from mature trees. “The answer lies in opening up pathways for the commercial harvesting of camphor laurel, allowing mature trees to be removed at scale rather than left standing as permanent seed sources,” Mr Huf said. “If Council was genuinely focused on environmental outcomes, it would be investing in ways to help commercial operators remove camphor laurel, not protecting it.”

Richmond Valley Council is inviting residents and visitors to come together and mark Australia Day at Rappville Hall on Monday, 26 January, with celebrations starting from 9am.The event is the official Australia Day celebration for the Richmond Valley and will bring the community together to recognise the people and values that help shape the region. A key part of the morning will be the Richmond Valley Australia Day Awards, beginning at 10am.Twenty local nominees have been recognised across the award categories: Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year, Volunteer and Young Volunteer of the Year, Sportsperson and Young Sportsperson of the Year and the newly introduced Community Organisation of the Year. Together, they reflect the many ways people contribute to community life across the Valley.The nominees are: Annie Vandervegt; Archer Craggs; Casino Youth Hub; Connor Shepherd; Crystal Gill; Frangipani Care; Helen Cowan; Isabel DeWit; Jan Danaher; Jeff Gibbs; Jocelyn Serone; Joel Beaumont; Kyden Bolt-Williams; Lachlan Coe; Malcolm Hancock; Neville Braithwaite; Phil Cornish; Tony Curtis; Ty Phelps; and Vida Stenner.On the day, a multimedia display featuring photos and short videos will share the stories of each nominee and their involvement in the community. Following Australia Day, the exhibition will be available to view at the Casino Community and Cultural Centre for a further month.Mayor Robert Mustow will also lead a citizenship ceremony, welcoming new Australian citizens from diverse backgrounds who will officially pledge their commitment to Australia before the awards are announced.The celebration will include live music, children’s activities, and a range of food and market stalls, making it a relaxed and welcoming event for all ages.The community is encouraged to attend and take part in a day that recognises local effort, community spirit, and what it means to belong in the Richmond Valley.For more information, visit the Richmond Valley Australia Day Facebook page.

Byron Bay – January 16, 2026 — Byron Bay Cycle Club (BBCC) is celebrating a remarkable achievement as club president Rachel Pearson claimed three gold medals at the 2026 AusCycling Road National Championships held in Perth.Competing in her age category, Pearson dominated across all events she participated in: the Road Teams Time Trial (with the BBCC Team), Team criterium and Grand Fondo, securing a clean sweep of national titles.These achievements made history, as the first time the Byron club has won three golds at the National Championships.Pearson’s performance showcased not only her skill and determination but also her dedication to the sport. Balancing her leadership duties as BBCC president with a rigorous training schedule, she has become an inspirational figure for cyclists across the Northern Rivers region.“It’s been an amazing week,” Pearson said after the event. “ The triple gold feeling is fantastic. It was a sort of secret desire, when I went over there, to try and ride and come away with as many medals as I could.”Under Pearson’s presidency, the BBCC has seen a surge in membership and community engagement, with growing interest in women’s cycling and racing.The club will celebrate Rachel’s achievements in March 7, at the Gala night of the “Lumini Vintage Vélo Classic". The event will be a two-day classic cycling experience, incorporating viewing the Giro D’Italia, showcasing vintage Italian design and a ride through the beautiful Byron Bay hinterland.On March 7, steel cycling enthusiasts will converge at the Lumini Collections showroom in the Industrial Estate for a social evening celebrating Pearson, followed the next day by a guided ride through the countryside starting at the Cavanbah Centre.

The Byron Creek Bridge at Bangalow will remain closed next week (19 to 23 January) with investigations continuing into the structural integrity of the bridge.The bridge was closed unexpectedly last Friday afternoon (9 January) after a fire underneath the bridge.Specialist structural engineers have assessed the bridge, and Council is still hoping to be able to reopen it to light traffic.“What we need to determine is the maximum weight load the bridge can cope with, and once we have this information, we will know what sorts of cars, utes or heavier vehicles will be allowed to use the bridge,” Phil Holloway, Director Infrastructure Services, said.“The engineers need to have full access to the bridge to do this work,” he said.The bridge is on Bangalow Road which is an alternative access to the southern part of Byron Bay and one of the busier roads in the Shire, carrying around 5,000 vehicles a day.“The bridge is quite close to Bangalow and the current detours add significant travelling time for drivers.“We want to see it reopened as soon as possible but the first priority is always safety,” Mr Holloway said.Drivers should check Live Traffic NSW for updates.

Essential disaster recovery work is underway on the Bruxner Highway at Mallanganee thanks to a $9.5 million investment from the Albanese and Minns Governments. Funding has been made available under the Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).This investment will help to ensure the Bruxner Highway can continue to provide essential access between towns and villages across northern New South Wales.Transport for NSW will carry out work, which includes repairing and stabilising two downslopes that were damaged in a landslip between Willock Street and Bulmers Road at Mallanganee, about 40km west of Casino.Work will require the installation of soil nails and micropiles, which are drilled deep into the slope, together with improvements to drains and culverts, which are expected to take about six months to complete. (Photo: supplied)The funding provision to ‘build back better’ is also under the DRFA, Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package.Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain, said, “This investment through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements will help to ensure the Bruxner Highway can continue to provide essential access between towns and villages across northern New South Wales.“This is important work, which will mean the highway will be able to better withstand future storms and flooding.”NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin, said, “The Bruxner Highway is a vital artery in the state’s north, connecting locals, freight and tourists from Ballina to Boggabilla.“It is also one of the key local roads in my electorate, taking me directly to Tenterfield—a beautiful Tablelands town I proudly represent—and I know every twist and turn of this road. “We have faced repeated severe weather in recent years, and this work is about more than repairing damage; it’s about strengthening our transport network so communities can recover faster and be better prepared for future events.”

A Byron Bay woman has bagged more than milk and bread at the grocery store after discovering she’d pocketed $100,000 in yesterday’s Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot draw. The Northern Rivers resident held the 1st Prize winning entry in Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot draw 11056, drawn Monday, 12 January 2026. She looks forward to a total prize of $100,000. “Did you just say $100,000? Oh my god! Wow!” she exclaimed when an official from The Lott confirmed her prize.“I never expected to win this much “I can’t even think right now. “I’ve just been at the grocery store, so this is a real surprise. “I think I might need to ring my husband and tell him we’ve won the lottery.” Despite feeling dizzy with dollars, the stunned woman shared she would use her prize to help cover her family’s flights on an upcoming holiday. “I’m going on a holiday to Bali soon, so I’m sure the prize will come in handy there,” she shared. “I’m going with some family, and I’m just thinking to myself that I might be able to help pay for their flights. “Thank you so much!” Her winning entry of one random number was purchased at Byron Bay Newsagency, Shop 1, Centrepoint 47, Johnson Street, Byron Bay.The Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot prize is now $21.28 million for draw 1754, while the Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot prize is now $500,000.00 for draw 11057. 

The Byron Creek Bridge, on the outskirts of Bangalow, will be closed until at least the end of the week while Council reviews a report from specialist structural engineers after a fire underneath the bridge last Friday (9 January).Staff are now working with structural engineers to determine what short-term solutions may be available to get the bridge on Bangalow Road reopened. The road is currently closed between Coopers Shoot Road and Arrow Head Lane.Engineers were onsite late Friday afternoon with preliminary advice about the structural integrity of the bridge, given to Council on Monday afternoon (12 January).“Visual inspections on Friday afternoon showed the potential for structural damage, and we are hoping we can reopen the bridge to light traffic while we figure out what repairs are needed,” Phil Holloway, Director Infrastructure Services, said.“We know the closure of the Byron Creek Bridge will be very disruptive to our community, but we cannot open the bridge until we know it is safe,” he said.Bangalow Road is an alternative access from Bangalow to the southern part of Byron Bay, carrying some 5,000 vehicles a day. The Byron Creek Bridge is a relatively new structure, built by Council five years ago at a cost of $2.5 million.Police and the NSW Fire Service are investigating the cause of the fire.Council is aware some people had been sleeping rough under the bridge for several months.Council staff are aware of the location of many rough sleepers in the Byron Shire, a problem which is well-documented by the NSW Government in its annual Rough Sleeping Count.Claims that Council “delivered” rough sleepers there after the closure of Red Devil Park to long-term camping are incorrect.The closure of Red Devil Park for long-term camping was not a Council matter. 

A revamped Respectful Relationships Education program will be rolled out to an additional 150 public schools, as part of the NSW Government’s continuing work in primary prevention to stop violence before it starts in our communities.As a priority under NSW’s first dedicated primary prevention strategy Pathways to Prevention, the NSW Government has provided $8 million in funding to the Respectful Relationships curriculum, with the pilot program ready to be expanded to 150 additional schools in Term 1, 2026.The Federal Government has also provided $17.6 million in funding under its Commonwealth Consent and Respectful Relationships Education (CRRE) Measure.Ten schools across New South Wales have already piloted the new evidence-informed, age-appropriate program and came together at the end of last year to share their experiences. None were in the Northern Rivers.The new Respectful Relationships Education Program focuses on the whole school community to embed equality, empathy, and safety.It provides teachers, leaders and school staff with access to resources, professional learning, and system-based expertise to implement whole-school approaches to address the drivers of gender-based violence and promote gender equality.Every NSW Public School will also have access to resources, tools and support to embed a whole school approach in their school context, including new K-12 Teaching Respectful Relationships Curriculum resources.The NSW Government has also provided an $8 million boost in funding for the All-In Early Education program run by Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre (WAGEC). The program runs in select early education centres across NSW to equip early childhood educators and families to engage with children on respect, safety and equality.A year since the launch of its primary prevention strategy, the state government has been rolling it out across the community, including:Establishing the Multisport Coalition for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual ViolencePartnering with Local Government NSW to lead best practice primary prevention at the local levelFunding local organisations through our Multi-Year Primary Prevention Grants to run primary prevention programs across the state, including work with boys and menProviding one-off grants for community organisations to engage the community in raising awareness about domestic violence and gender equality during 16 Days of Activism.Find out more about Respectful Relationships Education here: https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/curriculum/respectful-relationships-education.Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said, “Preventing gender-based violence must start long before harm occurs, and the Minns Labor Government’s investment in Respectful Relationships Education is about giving young people the tools to develop healthy, respectful relationships in their lives.“The results from our pilot schools have been encouraging, and we are now ready to expand the program to 150 more schools in 2026.“Schools will be supported with evidence-informed, age-appropriate resources that help address the drivers of gender-based violence.”Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said, “Through our Respectful Relationships Education, we are giving our children and young people the tools to challenge rigid gender norms that are the underlying drivers of gender-based violence so they can live free of violence. “Everyone has a right to be safe and respected and to live a life free of domestic, family and sexual violence.“We must work as a community to address domestic, family and sexual violence and change attitudes and behaviours that tolerate violence against women.”Support:For information on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.

A man has been charged following a fatal two-vehicle crash in the state’s north last year.About 10.30am on Saturday, 4 October 2025, emergency services were called to Tyalgum Road, Tyalgum – about 26kms west of Murwillumbah – following reports of a crash.Officers attached to Tweed / Byron Police District attended and found a car and a motorcycle had collided.The rider – a 69-year-old man – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics but died at the scene.The driver – an 87-year-old man – was not injured and taken to hospital for mandatory testing.A crime scene was established as specialist police attached to the Crash Investigation Unit commenced an investigation.Following extensive inquiries, today (Saturday 10 January 2025), the 87-year-old man was issued a Court Attendance Notice charged with dangerous driving occasioning death-drive manner dangerous, negligent driving (occasioning death), drive across dividing lines to do U-turn - motor vehicle and his licence suspended.The man is set to appear before Murwillumbah Local Court on Wednesday, 18 February 2025.

Byron Shire Council has closed a section of Bangalow Road near Bangalow this afternoon (Friday, 9 January) following an incident. NSW Police and NSW Rural Fire Service are investigating.The road is closed at the bridge between Coopers Shoot Road and Arrow Head Lane, and it is expected that it will remain closed over the weekend and into early next week as further structural assessment of the bridge is required. Motorists are advised to use an alternate route and check Live Traffic NSW for the latest update.“The road has been closed so that Council can inspect the bridge and make sure it is safe to reopen,” Phil Holloway, Acting General Manager, said.

A third teenager has been charged after a spate of alleged break-and-enters in the state’s north late last month.Officers attached to Operation Soteria commenced an investigation following incidents at five homes across Ballina, East Ballina and Skennars Head on the morning of Tuesday, 30 December 2025:Between 1am and 3am, a Porsche SUV was allegedly stolen from a home on Norton Street in Ballina, and a BMW SUV was allegedly stolen from a home at Skennars Head.About 2.15am, car keys and a wallet were allegedly stolen from a home on Pacific Terrace, East Ballina.About 2.20am, a group of males allegedly attempted to break into a home on Shelly Beach Road, Ballina. The group were unable to enter the home and left the scene.About 3.15am, police were called to a home on Canal Road, Ballina. At the scene, police were told that a group of males forced entry to the home before threatening the occupant, an 87-year-old woman. The group allegedly stole electronics and jewellery and left the scene. No injuries were reported. Police commenced patrols of the area; however, were unable to locate the group.Police established crime scenes at all locations and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incidents.Following inquiries, the BMW SUV was located abandoned in bushland in Kempsey later that day and was seized for forensic examination.Following further inquiries, police executed search warrants at houses in Greehills and West Kempsey. Two 15-year-old boys were subsequently arrested and each charged with 13 offences. Both boys remain before the courts.About 1.10pm yesterday (Thursday, 8 January 2026), a 16-year-old boy was arrested outside a home in West Kempsey.He was taken to Kempsey Police Station where he was charged with 13 offences:Aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal (three counts)Dishonestly obtain property by deception (three counts)Take and drive conveyance without consent of owner (two counts)Aggravated commit serious indictable offence in dwelling - use violenceEnter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuseDestroy or damage property (greater than $5,000 and less than or equal to $15,000)Armed with intent commit indictable offence, andCommon assaultHe was refused bail to appear before a children's court today (Friday 9 January 2026).Inquiries are continuing under Operation Soteria

Two large Camphor laurel trees in Bangalow’s Piccabeen Park have been purposely poisoned by tree vandals and will be removed.The trees are believed to be at least 40 years old and are around 25 to 35 metres high.Malcolm Robertson, Manager Community Facilities and Open Spaces, said it is a blatant act of vandalism that will have a massive visual impact on the park.“Piccabeen Park is a peaceful, green space in Bangalow, and it has been a gathering place for the community across generations because of the local weir,” Mr Robertson said.“The deliberate poisoning of these large trees is extremely upsetting and illegal.“It’s a big blow for the volunteers in the Piccabeen Parklands community group, who work so hard to make the park the special place that it is.“While Council acknowledges the Camphor laurels are an exotic species, they were also highly regarded for creating the shade and atmosphere in the park,” Mr Robertson said.Members of the community contacted Council this week to say they had noticed the trees had lost their leaves and an inspection found holes had been drilled at the base of each tree.The trees are dying and will be cut down in the next two to three weeks.People who have information about the poisoning of the trees should report it to Council either via the Report It tab on the website, or by emailing council@byron.nsw.gov.au.The fine for someone found guilty of killing trees is $3,000 per tree.

A second teenager has been charged after a spate of alleged break-and-enters in Ballina and Skenners Head.Officers attached to Operation Soteria commenced an investigation following incidents at five homes across Ballina, East Ballina and Skennars Head on the morning of Tuesday 30 December 2025:Between 1am and 3am, a Porsche SUV was allegedly stolen from a home on Norton Street in Ballina, and a BMW SUV was allegedly stolen from a home at Skennars Head.About 2.15am, car keys and a wallet were allegedly stolen from a home on Pacific Terrace, East Ballina.About 2.20am, a group of males allegedly attempted to break into a home on Shelly Beach Road, Ballina. The group were unable to enter the home and left the scene.About 3.15am, police were called to a home on Canal Road, Ballina. At the scene, police were told that a group of males forced entry to the home before threatening the occupant - an 87-year-old woman. The group allegedly stole electronics and jewellery and left the scene. No injuries were reported. Police commenced patrols of the area; however, were unable to locate the group.Police established crime scenes at all locations and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incidents.Following inquiries, the BMW SUV was located abandoned in bushland in Kempsey later that day and was seized for forensic examination.Following further inquiries, police executed search warrants at houses in Greenhills and West Kempsey. A 15-year-old boy was arrested at the Greenhills address and was taken to Kempsey Police Station, where he was charged with 13 offences. He remains before the courts.In the early hours of Saturday, 3 January 2026, the Porsche was allegedly involved in a pursuit in West Kempsey. The pursuit was terminated due to safety concerns and the Porsche was later located abandonded in Kempsey. It was seized and will undergo forensic examination.As a result of extensive inquiries, police arrested a 15-year-old boy at a home in Kempsey just after 8am on Monday (5 January 2026).He was taken to Kempsey Police Station, where he was charged with 13 offences:Aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal (three counts)Dishonestly obtain property by deception (three counts)Take and drive conveyance without consent of owner (two counts)Aggravated commit serious indictable offence in dwelling - use violenceEnter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuseDestroy or damage property (greater than $5,000 and less than or equal to $15,000)Armed with intent commit indictable offence, andCommon assault.He was refused bail to appear before a children's court on Monday (5 January), where he was formally refused bail to appear before a children's court on Monday, 13 January 2026.Inquiries are continuing under Operation Soteria.

A number of flood recovery projects have now been completed or are nearing completion. Council’s Infrastructure Recovery Team and various contractors have been busy repairing landslips, culverts and more, following the extensive damage caused by the 2022 floods.“We’ve made some great progress on Wilsons Creek Road, Left Bank Road and Main Arm Road over the past few months with some of the more major landslips now repaired,” said Phil Warner, Council’s Manager Infrastructure Recovery.“I want to thank the staff and contractors involved in these projects and give a huge thanks to the communities living near the work sites for their patience, as we deliver this work. “There will be more work happening this year and beyond. Unfortunately, it does take time to deliver such a large program of work,” said Mr Warner.Upcoming projects (beginning in early 2026)Binna Burra Road – landslip repair.Coopers Creek Road – repair of landslips, culverts and a small section of damaged road. Coopers Lane – repair of a damaged culvert and road repairs commences this month. Cooper Shoot Road – road shoulder repair including minor road and drainage repairs.Dry Creek Road – repair of a landslip near 58 Dry Creek Road commences this month.Goonengerry Road – landslip repairs in multiple locations.Huonbrook - Repair of culverts is currently underway and will continue this year. With further work to happen later. Kings Road – landslip repair.Left Bank Road – repair of a major landslip near 599 Left Bank Road and some causeway repairs are now complete. Two more culvert repairs will begin from early this year.Main Arm Road – repair of landslips, and the repair of some causeways are now complete. Remaining causeway, culvert and road repairs are expected to occur this year.Monet Drive – landslip repair.Mullumbimby Road – stage three heavy patching works are planned early this year, with most of the project now complete. Piccadilly Hill Road – road shoulder repair including minor road and drainage repairs.Possum Shoot Road – landslip repair.Wilsons Creek Road - Pavement and sealing works between Alidenes Road and Upper Wilsons Creek Road will commence this month (January). Replacement of culverts and repair of some of the landslips is now complete. Further landslip repairs will take place later this year, with repairs in Upper Wilsons Creek and Wanganui to continue into 2027.  “There will be or continue to be some disruptions to traffic. We thank everyone for their patience and encourage people to stay up to date via Council’s website and communication channels, and Live Traffic,” said Mr Warner.Council also reminds all road users to drive with care through construction zones, follow signage and directions from traffic controllers, and allow extra travel time for their safety and the safety of workers on site.These projects are jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. Some projects also received additional funding from other programs.For updates and information about flood repair work, please visit Council’s website.

Northern Rivers Community Gallery welcomes 2026 with four exceptional exhibitions by local and interstate artists, offering rich explorations of interior and exterior landscapes, magic and ritual, and our relationship with the world around us. Opening Thursday 8 January, the new exhibitions feature painting, photography and digital animation.Gallery Coordinator Imbi Davidson says, “NRCG is excited to launch its 2026 exhibition program, which will showcase leading Australian artists alongside emerging talent from across the region. Our first series of exhibitions presents a great opportunity to engage with artworks that explore the realms of nature, magic, landscape and beyond.”Into the Forest | Karyn Fendley Karyn Fendley’s art practice is grounded in a deep and enduring respect for nature. Her body of work over the last two decades reflects a long-standing exploration of the natural world, and her most recent series of landscape paintings turns its focus specifically toward forests. These paintings are drawn from the lakes, estuaries, and forests that grow in the coastal national parks of northern New South Wales.Temporal collapse | Linsey GosperLinsey’s work explores the intersection of art and magic through analogue photography and dark-room processes. Central to this exhibition is the altar - an assemblage of symbolic objects, serving as a timeless site of ritual, devotion, and offering. Through imagery of personal magical practice, altar objects, and the mythic, the work reveals the visual language of inner experience and esoteric tradition.A Light Hold | Eliza Adam Presented by multidisciplinary artist Eliza Adam, A Light Hold responds directly to her surroundings and explores recent and distant histories of place. Drawn from quiet observations of the natural landscape, these works are a meditation on the substance and the essential material nature of our world and our relationship within it.Boundary Rider | Jacqueline & Dane ScotcherScotcher and Scotcher believe that connecting with the natural environment’s rhythms is at the threshold of deeper inner knowing. Through a ‘slow’ approach to digital animation and abstract painting, the duo attempt to give credence to these often intangible and quiet internal terrains, which are essential in navigating an increasingly noisy external world.These exhibitions open on Thursday, 8 January and continue until Sunday,1 March. The official exhibition launch will be held from 5.30 to 7.30pm on Thursday, 8 January.The Northern Rivers Community Gallery is located at 44 Cherry Street, Ballina and is open Wednesday to Friday from 9am until 3pm and weekends from 9.30am until 1.00pm. For further information, contact the Gallery on 02 6681 0530 or visit the website www.nrcgballina.com.au.

A teenager has been charged after a spate of alleged break-and-enters around Ballina yesterday.Officers attached to Operation Soteria commenced an investigation following incidents at five homes across Ballina, East Ballina and Skennars Head yesterday morning (Tuesday, 30 December 2025):Between 1am and 3am, a Porsche SUV was allegedly stolen from a home on Norton Street in Ballina, and a BMW SUV was allegedly stolen from a home at Skennars Head.About 2.15am, car keys and a wallet were allegedly stolen from a home on Pacific Terrace, East Ballina.About 2.20am, a group of males allegedly attempted to break into a home on Shelly Beach Road, Ballina. The group were unable to enter the home and left the scene.About 3.15am, police were called to a home on Canal Road, Ballina. At the scene, police were told that a group of males forced entry to the home before threatening the occupant, an 87-year-old woman. The group allegedly stole electronics and jewellery and left the scene. No injuries were reported. Police commenced patrols of the area; however, they were unable to locate the group.Police established crime scenes at all locations and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incidents.Following inquiries, the BMW SUV was located abandoned in bushland in Kempsey about 7.10am yesterday and was seized for forensic examination.Following further inquiries, police executed search warrants at houses in Greenhills and West Kempsey.A 15-year-old boy was arrested at the Greenhills address and was taken to Kempsey police station.He was charged with 13 offences:Aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal (three counts)Take and drive conveyance without consent of owner (two counts)Dishonestly obtain property by deception (three counts)Armed with intent commit indictable offenceCommon assaultAggravated commit serious ind offence in dwelling-use violenceDestroy or damage propertyEnter inclosed land not presc premises w/o lawful excuseHe was refused bail to appear before a children’s court today (Wednesday, 31 December 2025).Investigations under Operation Soteria are ongoing.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from Ballina in the state's north.Cicily Spiers, aged 51, was last seen in Ballina about 4pm on Saturday, 18 October 2025.Officers attached to Richmond Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.Police and family hold concern for her welfare.She is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165-175cm tall, of thin build, and with light brown hair.Cicily is known to frequent the Ballina, Yamba and Tweed areas.Police believe she might be travelling in her vehicle, a silver Honda CR-V with registration AZ56MC.Anyone with information about her whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Bring your friends, and family and come into the heart of Byron Bay for the Soul Street celebrations this New Year’s Eve for a festival of entertainment and music for all ages.Things get underway at 4pm in Jonson Street where there will be live music, outdoor dining and face painting aimed at younger families.Jonson Street is closed to cars, creating a wonderful fun and safe environment for the kids to run and play and reclaim the street.At around 6pm the focus moves to Dening Park, on the foreshore near the surf club, where there will be the always popular silent disco, lighting installations, circus workshops, kids’ entertainment and live music.The main stage at Dening Park will have a rolling line-up of performers providing top-notch entertainment from dusk and a variety of food vans to suit everyone’s tastes.The focus of Soul Street is on family entertainment in a safe and fun environment. Soul Street is an alcohol-free event and there are no fireworks displays at midnight.Road closures will be in place and more information about temporary changes are on Council’s website.  “Soul Street is all about celebrating together safely so bring your friends and family, look after one another, and enjoy the amazing local entertainment that makes Byron shine on New Year’s Eve,” Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, said.“When heading into town, plan your trip. Walk, ride, use public transport, or carpool with friends.“Let’s keep the roads clear and the good vibes flowing.“And please, as Soul Street is an alcohol-free event, we ask everyone to respect our beaches and foreshore — no drinking, just dancing, laughter and great music under the stars,” Mayor Ndiaye said.Soul Street is a creative initiative of Byron Shire Council to promote positive and safe activity in public space.

Three people have been charged after a pursuit that crossed from Queensland into NSW yesterday, ending in Ballina.Queensland Police were tracking a sedan stolen from Brisbane about 11am yesterday (Thursday, 25 December 2025), when it crossed the border southbound about 5pm.A short time later, the vehicle was seen on Kennedy Drive, Tweed Heads West, and a pursuit was initiated. The pursuit was terminated a short time later due to safety concerns.The Queensland Police Air Wing continued to track the vehicle towards Byron Bay, where a road spikes were successfully deployed; however, the sedan continued south on the M1 Pacific Motorway before turning off at Tamarind Drive, Ballina, and coming to a stop in Russell Street.The three occupants were arrested a short time later and were taken to Ballina Police Station where they were charged.A 36-year-old man has been charged with three offences:Drive conveyance taken without consent of ownerPolice pursuit – not stop – drive at speedDrive motor vehicle while licence suspended.He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 1 today (Friday, 26 December 2025).A 24-year-old woman has been charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner. She was refused bail to appear before the same court today.A 14-year-old boy has been charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner. He has been refused bail to appear before a children’s court today.