The NSW Government is encouraging landholders across NSW to take advantage of $850,000 worth of free grain and bait on offer as part of a statewide crackdown on feral pigs.The support is part of the government’s plans to strengthen and build the state’s primary industries sector and is available through the Government’s Local Land Services.Funding is part of the Government’s Feral Pig and Pest Program with funding from the State’s more than $1 billion biosecurity budget. It is the third year the Government has provided free grain and bait to landholders as part of the program. Since July 2023, the NSW Government has committed more than $40 million to initiatives aimed at supporting landholders to control feral pig and pest animal populations.This funding has led to the removal of some 223,000 feral pigs and the supply of more than 475,000 kilograms of bait to landholders.The cost to farmers of grain for feral pig trapping and baiting can be significant, but landholders in NSW can now receive these supplies for free while supplies last.Feral pigs pose a major threat to agriculture, native ecosystems and biosecurity. They damage crops and pastures, prey on livestock and degrade natural habitats.On-farm baiting and trapping programs are critical to reducing the impacts of feral pigs and should be used in conjunction with other control methods, such as aerial and ground shooting.Landholders interested in accessing free grain and bait and seeking tailored advice on pest control options can contact their closest Local Land Services office on 1300 795 299.Local Land Services' 11 regions are Central Tablelands, Central West, Greater Sydney, Hunter, Murray, North Coast, North-West, Northern Tablelands, Riverina, South-East and Western.To find your Local Land Services region, visit www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/local-land-services/lls-regionsMinister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said, “Feral pigs are wreaking havoc on our landscapes, threatening biodiversity, damaging crops and undermining biosecurity.“With free grain and bait being offered across the state, we’re backing our farmers and regional communities with real, practical support.“Increasing access to baiting and trapping resources gives landholders the tools they need, meaning greater impact on the ground and fewer pigs out there causing damage.”Local Land Services Feral Pig Coordinator Bec Gray said, “When it comes to feral pigs and pest animal control, unfortunately, there’s no silver bullet, which is why we need to support the use of multiple control methods, such as baiting, trapping and shooting.“Feral pigs don’t respect fences or boundaries. They move across landscapes and cause widespread damage. That’s why we’re encouraging landholders to team up, plan strategically and use the free bait and grain available across all 11 Local Land Services regions.”“This isn’t just about individual properties, it’s about community-wide action. The more unified the response, the greater the success.”Sheep and cattle farmer Colin McCrabb said, “We found pigs causing problems with predation of ewes and lambs, so we were in touch with Local Land Services to see what we could do. We’ve used their knowledge and support to not only set up traps, but permanent baiting stations with real-time monitoring.”“Baiting is a great option for us because it’s passive, and to be honest, I’ve been really surprised by the number of pigs we’ve had. You don’t think you have any on your property until you set it up and see what is actually going on. We’ve removed hundreds since we started our control program.”“The support from Local Land Services is fantastic. My message to others who don’t think they have a pig problem is you will be surprised what you discover once you start looking for them. The predation and damage of pigs is horrendous, plus the biosecurity risks are very real, so we are doing anything we can to put a stop to that.”

In July this year, Council installed electronic signage and temporary lights on the Hinterland Way at Bangalow as part of a project to reduce the number of koalas being killed or hit by cars.Have you noticed them? Do you slow down when you see the signs?The five trailer-mounted solar lighting towers and two electronic message boards are in place on the Hinterland Way until January 2026.They are in locations where koalas are known to cross the road, and these sections of The Hinterland Way are dark and near corners where lines of sight for drivers are poor.It’s hoped that improved lighting will help drivers see koalas, and the signage will prompt them to slow down.Jane Baldwin, Council’s Koala Project Officer, wants to get a feel for the impact of the lights and signage so far.“Thankfully, there have been no koalas hit by cars in the last several months, but I am very interested in finding out if drivers are taking notice of the signs and are finding the lights useful,” Ms Baldwin said.“In the last five years, there have been 18 koalas killed on the Hinterland Way. “Of the 30 hotspots for koala vehicle strikes in NSW, six are in the Byron Shire, so it’s really important that we do what we can to influence or change driver behaviour,” she said.“I am really hoping people can take five minutes to do a simple survey on Your Say Byron Shire.“All contributions and feedback are welcome, and we will use this information to improve future awareness programs,” Ms Baldwin said.“And of course, the message for all drivers is to slow down and keep watch for koalas because they can dart onto the road very quickly,” she said.The survey about the signs and lights on the Hinterland Way closes on 13 December 2025.

Police have commenced an investigation following the discovery of a woman’s body at South Grafton earlier today.Just before midday (Sunday, 9 November 2025), emergency services were called to a house on McNamara Avenue, South Grafton, regarding a concern for welfare report.Officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District located the body of a woman inside the house.Following the discovery, detectives from Coffs/Clarence Police District commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.A crime scene has been established, which is being examined by specialist police.The woman, believed to be aged in her 30s, is yet to be formally identified and a postmortem examination will determine the exact cause of death.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Kids’ parties in Byron Shire can now be cheaper to host and more environmentally friendly with Council offering loans of reusable party kits.The party kits, which include brightly coloured plates, cups, bowls and cutlery, are sustainable and a perfect alternative to disposable dishes that go straight into the red waste bin when the party is over.Decorations are included in the kits, with local business, Possumbilities, providing bright bunting made from repurposed, second-hand fabrics.“These party kits look amazing, and I really hope that parents get behind this initiative as a way of reducing single-use waste,” Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said.“It also makes so much sense to borrow a party kit rather than having to store partyware away for 12 months until the next birthday rolls around.“These sets are beautiful, free to borrow and can be used over and over,” Mayor Ndiaye said.Anika Brown, Litter and Illegal Dumping Prevention Officer, said the aim of the kits is to raise awareness around where single-use waste is often created, with kids’ parties generating a lot of single-use plates, cups, serviettes, plastic wrapping and decorations. Single-use waste is a major issue, making up around 40% of litter found in our environment. Balloons, in particular, are one of the leading threats to Australian seabirds and pose a serious risk to marine life."We are providing people with a solution that aligns with the Balloon-Free Byron Shire initiative by offering free hire of reusable party items and decorations.” Ms Brown said.Bookings for the reuseable party kits can be made on Council’s website.This project is a joint initiative of Council and North East Waste.

Construction of a new raised pedestrian crossing is planned to begin in mid-November near the corner of Byron Street and Ashton Street in Bangalow.Isabella Avelino Gianelli, Council’s Project Engineer, said that the new crossing will create a safer passage for pedestrians and bicycle riders as they walk or ride across Byron Street. “At the moment, people wanting to cross to the other side of Byron Street have to negotiate not only traffic on the main road but also be aware of traffic coming out of Ashton Street,” Ms Avenlino Gianellli said. “By building this crossing, it will make it much safer for pedestrians and provide a better connection for people going from town or Piccabeen Park and onto the Bangalow Sports Fields or beyond.“This project was identified in 2019 as part of the 10-Year Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP).“After completing investigation work, we realised it could not be an underpass as originally hoped, but we are looking forward to delivering this important road safety project,” she said.During construction:Byron Street will be reduced to one lane and will operate under traffic control. Please expect delays.Ashton Street will be closed to outbound traffic.Working hours will be from 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.Traffic control and signage will be in place. Construction of the new pedestrian crossing will take a month to complete (weather permitting).The project is funded by NSW Government’s Safer Roads program.More information about the project can be found on Council’s website.

Australian Food Safety Week 2025 is held from 8 to 15 November, and this year, the Food Safety Information Council and Byron Shire Council are reminding people of some of the biggest food myths.One myth is that you can’t eat food past the ‘best before’ date.Sarah Nagel, Manager Public and Environmental Services, said that it was important to pay attention to things like ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates, to keep yourself safe and healthy, but also reduce food waste.“We know that grocery prices have increased in previous years, that’s why it’s important to pay attention to things like the ‘best before’ versus ‘use by’ dates on your food. “’Best before’ is only an indicator of quality and can still be eaten after that date, but you should use or freeze food by its ‘use by’ date,” Ms Nagel, said. “Simple things like freezing things like tomato paste into portions can prevent mould forming once you open the jar and save you money on your groceries,” she said. The theme for this year’s Food Safety Week is ‘Don’t swallow the myth – Food safety myth busting’ and some common myths are:  Hand sanitiser is better than handwashing.If you drop food on the floor, it is ok to eat up to five seconds. Hamburgers can be served rare.You can tell if food is contaminated because it smells or tastes ‘off’. It’s okay to cut mould off food.For more information about food safety visit the Food Safety Information Council website. “North East Waste also has some great tips for reducing food waste,” Ms Nagel said.

Byron Shire Council is inviting the community to complete a survey and provide feedback on its draft Playspace Action Plan—a long-term strategy to improve the quality, diversity, and accessibility of playgrounds across the Shire. The Plan is a review of all 37 playgrounds in Byron Shire and considers their location, condition, and how well they serve the needs of local families and children. It responds to years of community feedback calling for playspaces that are more fun, more inclusive, bigger and better equipped, designed for all ages and abilities. “This is a 15-year plan that looks at play spaces as a whole and suggests ways to improve some playgrounds by making them bigger, more inclusive and more fun for all ages, which is what the community has been asking us for over many years,” Council’s Open Spaces Coordinator, Mr Jim Roberts said. The Plan also proposes retiring some smaller or underused playgrounds—particularly those located within 400 to 800 metres of larger play areas—once they reach the end of their life. This would allow Council to redirect maintenance funding into creating larger, better-equipped playspaces that more people can access and enjoy. “We’ve set out a draft plan for the future and now we want to hear from the community—do you support the ideas we’re proposing? Does the Plan reflect what you want for your local play spaces?” Mr Roberts said. “If you’re interested in the future of local play spaces, please read the Action Plan, complete the online survey, or come along and chat with staff at local Farmers Markets during November. “Your feedback will help shape the future of play in Byron Shire—creating spaces where everyone can play, connect, and thrive,” he said. Take the survey today - have your say at www.yoursay.byron.nsw.gov.au.

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSLWHD) is thrilled to congratulate staff member Jason Whitton, as one of the recipients of the Small Acts of Kindness Award at the 2025 NSW Health Awards.Acting Operational Services Manager at Casino and District Memorial Hospital (CDMH), Mr Whitton was recognised as a joint winner in the Small Acts of Kindness Award category at the annual NSW Health Awards in Sydney on 30 October.The NSW Health Awards recognise the people, teams and programs making a significant positive impact on the health and wellbeing of patients right across the state. Above all, it is a celebration of the entire NSW Health team enriching health in millions of ways every day.The Small Acts of Kindness Award celebrates individuals who contribute to our culture of kindness at NSW Health. NNSWLHD Chief Executive Tracey Maisey said Mr Whitton was acknowledged for the support and reassurance he gives to all around him and his readiness to always lend a helping hand.“I couldn’t be happier to congratulate Jason on his win at the 2025 NSW Health Awards,” Ms Maisey said.“Jason is renowned for always being available to lend a helping hand, no matter how big or small the task, no questions asked. His small acts of kindness leave a lasting impact, and it came as no surprise to hear he was nominated by his colleagues for this award. “We are so grateful to have people such as Jason working with us in Northern NSW, helping to deliver high-quality healthcare to our patients while contributing to the workplace.”Ms Maisey also congratulated members of Grafton Base Hospital’s Day Stay Joint Replacement team, who were finalists in the Transforming Patient Experience category at the Awards.Mr Whitton, whose trip to Sydney to attend the Awards was his first visit to the city, was blown away by his win.(Jason and Bec Whitton enjoying the sights of Sydney)“Shocked! I didn’t know how big the award was. I’m just a security officer in a rural hospital, trying to do my bit for the hospital and the community,” he said.“This award means the world – just getting nominated was an honour. I’m just an ordinary guy that comes to work and tries to do the best I can. To be nominated and then win, is unreal, I’m very proud.”CDMH Executive Officer-Director of Nursing Sandra Vidler said Jason’s teammates at Casino hospital were over the moon with his achievement.“Jason truly underestimates the impact he has on our team, patients and visitors by simply being kind, sharing his big smile and being so very humble,” Ms Vidler said.“All of us here at Casino are incredibly proud of Jason for winning this award.”Jason was one of 16 winners recognised across NSW at the awards ceremony. Find out more about the full list of winners at 2025 NSW Health Awards.Watch this video to find out why Jason’s colleagues nominated him for this award: https://vimeo.com/1084139257/303237f0f2.

Byron Shire Council has released its Annual Report for 2024 to 2025, showcasing a year of substantial achievements in infrastructure, environmental protection, and community programs.Over the past year, Council has made significant progress in environmental management and sustainability. The Climate Change Adaptation Plan is rolling out 100 targeted actions to cut emissions and build resilience and the Move to Reuse program has saved more than 120,000 single-use items from landfill at markets, events and community activities.Council’s bush regeneration team worked on regenerating 285 hectares of bushland and maintained 147 hectares, alongside ongoing flying fox management, agricultural support, and coastal management initiatives.Council also delivered critical infrastructure improvements, grading 57 roads, resealing and patching 16 roads, and completing major upgrades on Booyong Road and Rife Range Road.Work began on South Beach Road improvements, and the redevelopment of the old Byron Bay hospital was completed, with $5.7 million in grants secured for roads, paths, and renewable energy projects, to name a few."What a year it was for a newly elected Council, and this is just a snapshot of the work that was done with the community always front and centre of our work,” Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, said.“I am so proud of the achievements of the Council in 2024 to 2025.“I hope our community takes the time to look at the Annual Report to see how busy it has been and the breadth of Council’s work," she said.The report also highlights Council’s ongoing support for community-led initiatives, including $653,442 in donations to 130 groups and hosting events like the Furry Friends Festival and the community awards.Housing and social support remain a focus, with programs such as the Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration and Public Space Liaison Officers helping people in need.Council’s Planning team processed 635 development applications valued at $415.6 million, faster than the NSW benchmark.The Annual Report is on Council’s website.

Community members now have more free spaces to meet, study and access services, with the addition of three new multipurpose meeting rooms at the Casino Library.The new meeting rooms were officially opened today by Member for Clarence Richie Williamson and Richmond Valley Council Mayor Robert Mustow. The project was funded with a $173,803 grant through the NSW Government’s Public Library Infrastructure Grants program administered by the State Library of NSW.The rooms provide small, accessible and private spaces for a range of purposes, including telehealth appointments, private study, interviews, and appointments between community members and service organisations.Across the Casino and Evans Head libraries, bookings for existing rooms have grown from 728 in 2023 to 991 in 2024. These new facilities respond to the community’s increasing need and the growing popularity of the Richmond Upper Clarence Regional Library.Member for Clarence Richie Williamson said libraries have always been at the heart of local communities — places where people come together to learn, connect and grow. “These new meeting rooms at the Casino Library are a wonderful example of how modern libraries are evolving to meet local needs,” Mr Williamson said.“I’m proud to see NSW Government funding supporting projects like this one, which make a real difference for people in regional areas. Whether it’s for study, telehealth, or a quiet space to meet, these rooms will make the library even more accessible and welcoming for everyone.”Mayor Robert Mustow paid tribute to the library staff who had helped bring the new facility to fruition and for their work in connecting the community.“Our library staff do exceptional work, and I am sure these new rooms will further enable them to provide an outstanding service,” Cr Mustow said.Richmond Valley Council Manager Regional Library, Ngarie Macqueen, said the Regional Library team was proud to provide new shared spaces to the community.“It is fundamentally important to us that public libraries continue to provide not only access to books, resources, and information, but also accessible and flexible community spaces for all,” Mrs Macqueen said.Each room accommodates between four and six people and includes access to the library’s free Wi-Fi and loan laptops. Use of the rooms is free for community members and available for commercial hire.The rooms can be reserved through Council’s SpacetoCo booking portal at https://www.spacetoco.com/org/richmond-valley-council.

Member for Ballina Tamara Smith MP is calling on locals to nominate an outstanding older person for the NSW Seniors Festival Local Senior of the Year Awards, celebrating the invaluable contributions of seniors across the Ballina electorate. “Our older community members are the quiet heroes who hold so much of our social fabric together,” said Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina.“We are fortunate to have so many seniors in our local community who are generous with their time, energy and commitment. From volunteering in local organisations to mentoring younger generations and supporting neighbours, seniors contribute immeasurably to the strength, kindness and resilience of our region.”“If you know a senior who goes above and beyond, whether through their community service, creativity, innovation, or simple acts of care, now is the time to nominate them for this well-deserved recognition.” Previously known as the NSW Seniors Local Achievement Awards, the Local Senior of the Year Awards highlight the diverse ways older people enrich our communities.Nomination forms are available from all MPs’ offices across NSW and must be submitted by Friday, 16 January 2026.Successful recipients will be recognised during the NSW Seniors Festival 2026, which runs from 2–15 March 2026.For further information, contact Tamara Smith MP’s office on (02) 6686 7522 or email ballina@parliament.nsw.gov.au.

Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged a man for allegedly attempting to groom a child online under Strike Force Trawler just north of Ballina.Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation by State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.In October 2025, strike force detectives commenced investigations into the online activities of a 64-year-old man.Assuming the online identity of an adult woman with a young daughter, detectives spoke with the man who engaged in sexually explicit conversations about the child.About 7.15am yesterday (Monday, 3 November 2025), strike force detectives executed a search warrant in Cumbalum in the state’s Northern Rivers Region.At the address, police arrested a 64-year-old man.He was taken to Ballina Police Station, where he was charged with use carriage service-groom <16 procure for sender+prior, use carriage service-groom under 16 yrs for sex+prior, use carriage service make available child abuse and fail to comply with reporting obligations.The man was refused bail and appeared in Bail Division Local Court 1 yesterday, where he was formally refused bail to next appear in Ballina Local Court on Thursday 1 January 2026. Anyone with information that may assist investigations into the online grooming of children is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

A key stretch of Wilsons Creek Road between Upper Wilsons Creek Road and Alidenes Road in the Northern Rivers will become more resilient to future weather events thanks to almost $10.7 million in combined disaster recovery funding.Devastated in the 2022 floods, Wilsons Creek Road is the only evacuation route for the hinterland communities in Wilsons Creek and the adjoining valley areas of Upper Wilsons Creek and Huonbrook/Wanganui, about 65 kilometres north of Lismore.Provided by the Australian and NSW Governments as part of the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package and Essential Public Asset Restoration works under the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the funding will help to reduce maintenance and repair costs associated with future natural disasters and also ensure the road will better withstand future extreme weather events.  Road functionality is vital to ensure efficient and timely evacuations and support of emergency responders during a natural disaster or crisis. The project covers work at several locations and includes upgrades to culverts, landslip repairs, shoulder widening, drainage improvements and strengthening the road pavement through pavement stabilisation and resurfacing.Work is being carried out by contractors with road stabilisation activities, including resealing, expected to start mid-November 2025 and be completed by March 2026, weather permitting.Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said, “Accessibility is a key issue for people in regional areas, especially in situations where there is only one way in and out, as is the case for the hinterland communities in Wilsons Creek and the adjoining valley areas of Upper Wilsons Creek and Huonbrook/Wanganui.“That is absolutely vital in emergencies, when people need to evacuate and then return to their homes when it’s safe to do so.“This project, funded through the Australian and NSW Governments, will assist access, helping our rural and regional communities remain connected throughout natural disasters and bounce back quicker.”NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “Wilsons Creek Road is a critical local artery, connecting communities and providing access to essential services in Mullumbimby.“That’s why it’s great to see these roads being built back better and more resilient to future disasters.“Northern Rivers roads and bridges have really copped it from mega floods over the past few years.”Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said, “Flood recovery works at Wilsons Creek have been progressing well and works to improve about eight kilometres of Wilsons Creek Road surface will be underway shortly. “We thank residents for their patience while we get this important work done and are grateful for the funding to improve Wilsons Creek Road.” 

Parking meters are being installed on Broken Head Reserve Road at Broken Head in mid-November.Council will use four machines to manage approximately 33 parking spaces which will operate from 9am to 6pm daily, with a three-hour limit.Byron Shire residents who have pay parking permits will not have to pay the hourly rate of $5, but they will need to heed the three-hour time limit.People can pay with coins, credit/debit cards, pay wave, QR code or the Pay Stay app.Phil Holloway, Director Infrastructure Services, said the installation of pay parking has been planned for some years, but there first needed to be improvements to the parking layout to improve safety for pedestrians and drivers.“We did that work several years ago and we expect that the parking meters will be operational in December,” Mr Holloway said.Council’s meters are separate to the ones that are currently operated by NPWS in the Broken Head Nature Reserve.Signage has been updated and yellow lines indicating ‘no parking’ areas have been painted on the road.“Broken Head Reserve Road is a narrow road that is used by a lot of people so ‘’no parking’ areas are necessary for the safety of pedestrians, amenity of residents and to make sure traffic can move in and out of the area,” Mr Holloway said.Information about pay parking in the Byron Shire is on Council’s website.

Weed biosecurity officers from NSW, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia will soon take advantage of the latest environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to detect the aquatic weed, Amazon frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum).The NSW Government Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is running free workshops in November in Wollongong, Cessnock, Wollongbar and Innisfail, and in Melbourne and Gingin in early December, to upskill weed managers in the new technology.  The Wollongbar eDNA workshop is on Tuesday, November 11.NSW DPIRD scientist, Karen Bell, said the department’s weed research team used eDNA samples they took from NSW waterways to develop the world’s first laboratory assays for frogbit DNA.  “We now aim to give local weed managers access to the technology with practical training on how to take eDNA samples in the field,” Dr Bell said.  “eDNA sampling can detect unseen or hidden frogbit plants in waterways, allowing weed management teams to target unwanted weeds and eradicate new incursions before they infest our environment and farmland – saving time and money. “The technology can be used to accurately map infestation areas by taking eDNA samples at sites surrounding known infestations.  “Weed managers will learn how we conduct eDNA assays in the laboratory using the samples they have taken.”  The half-day workshops are co-funded by NSW DPIRD and the Australian Government with support from local weed management authorities.  Amazon frogbit is a floating freshwater plant from Central and South America. It can rapidly invade and smother waterways and is a serious biosecurity threat.  In NSW, anyone who becomes aware of or suspects the presence of frogbit must immediately notify DPIRDunder the Biosecurity Act 2015. This plant must not be sold in NSW.  More information about how to identify and manage invasive weeds is available from NSW WeedWise, https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/.  

Major repair work is underway at Lavertys Gap weir in Mullumbimby to repair serious erosion along the creek bank.As part of the repair work, a helicopter will be operating in the area of the weir and Wilsons Creek Road on Thursday, 6 November and Friday, 7 November.The helicopter will be lifting large boulders into place as part of the protections being created on the eroded area.Residents may notice some noise from the helicopter throughout the two days of operation.This work is dependent on weather conditions and may be rescheduled if weather conditions are not suitable.Lavertys Gap weir is an active construction site, and access to the area by land or by water is strictly prohibited.The erosion being repaired, on the bank at the southern end of the weir wall, has been progressing for some time and was worsened during the 2022 floods and Cyclone Alfred earlier this year.Byron Shire Council Acting Manager Utilities Dean Baulch said the work at the 100-year-old weir on Wilsons Creek will protect and preserve one of the Shire’s most important heritage assets.“Without repairs, there is a risk of channels forming in the earth around the weir wall, causing leaking.“NSW Public Works will carry out repairs that will preserve the heritage fabric of Lavertys Gap weir and secure its long-term integrity,” Mr Baulch said.

Saturday, November 15, is a very special day for the Kyogle community. It is when the Memorial Hospital celebrates its 100th anniversary, and everyone is invited to the celebrations at a special Open Day. Now known as Kyogle Multi-Purpose Service (MPS), the hospital will mark its centenary at the community Open Day, highlighting the various services offered today, as well as the fascinating history of the healthcare service over the past century.A highlight of the day will be the display of the bright yellow 1938 Dodge Ambulance – the original ambulance based at Kyogle Memorial Hospital – which has been kindly loaned to the Kyogle Museum by the Tamora Ambulance Museum. The ambulance has been transported back to Kyogle thanks to a community fundraising drive hosted by the Kyogle Museum.(1936 Dodge ambulance will be on display. Photo: displayed)Admitting its first patient on 2 May 1925, Kyogle Memorial Hospital has been a central focus of the Kyogle community for over a century, providing high-quality healthcare to people across the region.Co-located alongside a private General Practioners’ practice, Kyogle MPS today provides emergency, general medical, and aged care services as part of a flexible model of care tailored to the local community. It includes care for 26 aged care residents who live on site.The community Open Day will be held on Saturday, 15 November from 9am to 1pm, with official proceedings to take place at 10am. The event will also include:step back in time with Kyogle Museum displayhealthcare information and checkssign up to be a Healthcare Helper volunteer at the hospitalhealth career informationinteractive wildlife display and snake bite advice from our doctorskids activities including teddy bears’ clinic, pony rides and moreKyogle Hospital Auxiliary standLions Club sausage sizzle and coffee trucklocal community services, including Kyogle Council, SES, sports clubs and moreheaps of fun for the whole family!The Open Day follows a special community luncheon hosted by the Kyogle Hospital Auxiliary in June, to mark the start of the centenary celebrations.

The Lennox Head community will greatly benefit from the official opening of a new rural fire brigade station at Lennox Head and a significant fleet enhancement for local brigades.Commissioner of the RFS, Trent Curtin, joined special guests at an official opening ceremony to mark the occasion and hand over the keys to seven state-of-the-art vehicles.(Photo: Lennox Head RFB)"The Lennox Head Brigade has a proud history of protecting this region, and today’s opening gives them a modern, fit-for-purpose station to continue that vital work for generations to come,” Commissioner Curtin said.“This new state-of-the-art facility is designed to better serve the growing needs of the brigade and provide them with modern and practical facilities in a new location. “The new station features two truck bays, a multipurpose space for training and meetings, change rooms and amenities and a storeroom, most of which the brigade did not have previously,” he said.Commissioner Curtin also handed the keys over to six new firefighting tankers and a logistics vehicle.“I am proud to hand the keys over to members of the Lennox Head, Mullumbimby, Main Arm, Cudgen, Byron Bay, Chillingham and Far North Coast Support Brigades,” said Commissioner Curtin. These new vehicles include the latest crew protection systems and capabilities, which will enable the brigades to strengthen their firefighting efforts in the local area.“Providing RFS members with access to modern firefighting technology helps brigades prepare for and respond to fires and other incidents, no matter where they are across the state,” said Commissioner Curtin.Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, said the NSW Government is proud to deliver state-of-the-art facilities and fleet to our RFS volunteers, who are called upon in times of need.“Nearly $2.1 million has been invested into this facility that marks a significant milestone for the brigade’s 52 members and the local community,” said Minister Dib.“Every upgraded station opened and new vehicle handed over is an investment by the NSW Government in the safety of our communities and appreciation for the dedication of our RFS volunteers.“The strength of our emergency services lies in the collaboration between volunteers, local communities and government. This new station and vehicles will play a role in keeping people safe and preparing for whatever challenges mother nature sends our way.”

A woman has died after being hit by a car in the state’s north earlier this week.About 1pm on Friday (31 October 2025), emergency services were called to a home on Dry Dock Road, Tweed Heads, following reports that a pedestrian had been hit by a car.Officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District attended to find a Mazda sedan had collided with an elderly woman, causing her to fall onto the road.The woman, aged 76, was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for serious head injuries before being taken to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition.The driver – a 67-year-old woman – was taken to Tweed Valley Hospital for mandatory testing.Police have since been told the 76-year-old died yesterday (Saturday, 1 November 2025).Officers have commenced an investigation into the incident, and a report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.