A man has died following a single-vehicle crash in Ballina this afternoon.About 2.30pm today (Saturday, 9 August 2025), emergency services were called to River Street, West Ballina, following reports of a crash.Officers attached to Richmond Police District attended and found that a vehicle had crashed into a building.The driver – a 55-year-old man – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.State Emergency Services attended and worked to secure the structure of the building, which suffered significant damage.Officers established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.A large area of electricity has been turned off as emergency services work to secure the site and motorist are urged to avoid the area.A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Byron Shire businesses have taken home top honours at the 2025 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards, shining a light on the region's unique contribution to the visitor economy.Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said events like this are a great reminder of the close connection between our region and the visitor economy.“We must always keep locals and the environment at the heart of this conversation because a successful tourism industry depends on a healthy, vibrant community and the protection of the natural places people come here to experience,” Mayor Ndiaye said.The awards—jointly hosted by Byron Shire Council and Destination North Coast—celebrate excellence, innovation, and the positive impact of tourism across the region.Local winners included:First Sun Holiday Park – GOLD in Caravan and Holiday ParksCrystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens – GOLD in Tourist AttractionsLet’s Go Surfing – SILVER in Adventure TourismCape Byron Kayaks – BRONZE in Adventure TourismMayor Sarah Ndiaye said it was encouraging to see local businesses recognised, including the Council-owned First Sun Holiday Park.“Not everyone realises that Council owns two beachfront caravan parks, First Sun in Byron Bay and Suffolk Park Holiday Park, both of which play an important role in welcoming visitors and supporting local jobs.“Congratulations to the team from Belgravia, who manage First Sun, for their dedication to quality and visitor experience. This award is a reflection of their hard work.”Mayor Ndiaye also congratulated Peter Noble and the Bluesfest team on their induction into the Hall of Fame, acknowledging the festival’s decades-long role in shaping Byron’s cultural and economic identity.The awards follow another standout event in Byron Shire, the 2025 Regional and Remote Music Summit, which brought together national artists, promoters, and policymakers to discuss the vital role music plays in regional communities.“This week the focus turns to reading and writing at the Byron Writers Festival in Bangalow, which is always a highlight of the calendar,” Mayor Ndiaye said. “It’s another example of how the Shire continues to inspire, inform, and bring people together,” she said.

Ballina Shire’s A Ward Councillors are inviting local community groups, clubs and not-for-profits to be part of the upcoming Community Connections Expo, taking place on Saturday, 30 August 2025 from 9am to 12pm at the Ballina Surf Club.Following the success of the Lennox Head event earlier this year, this free expo will be a great opportunity for local organisations to connect with residents, new families, and businesses in the area – and to attract new members or volunteers.“The Community Connections Expo is all about showcasing the incredible groups that make our community so strong,” said A Ward Ballina Shire Councillor, Erin Karsten. “It’s a chance for the public to discover how they can get involved, give back, or just learn more about the support and services available locally,” Cr Karsten added. Community organisations are encouraged to register for a free table to promote their group and activities. Each group will be provided with a 1.8m table, chairs, and signage. Groups are welcome to bring their own table coverings and promotional material.Register before 15 August via https://forms.gle/Qp4tJ7gTmT84QgUHA. Come along and discover opportunities to connect with communityThe Ballina Community Connections Expo will be a fantastic opportunity for local residents to learn more about these community groups, meet their passionate volunteers, and explore ways to get involved and give back to our community.There’s already over 20 community groups registered to attend, from sporting clubs and environmental groups to creative collectives and support services. Come along and discover what’s happening in your community – and how you can be part of it!Event details:Time and date: 9am – 12pm, Saturday, 30 August 2025Location: Ballina Surf Club (65 Lighthouse Beach Parade)

The NSW Government is helping specialist food and drink businesses from across NSW take centre stage at Fine Food Australia to be held in Sydney next month - showcasing their products at the largest industry event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.  Following an expression of interest process, the NSW Government has provided subsidies of $4,500 each to 18 unique food and beverage manufacturers from Greater Sydney and Regional NSW, including producers of sauces, spirits, chocolates and spices, who will exhibit within the ‘Flavours of NSW’ zone at the tradeshow. Two of the 18 manufacturers are from the Northern Rivers: Aurum Mead, Gather By and Mindful Foods. Around 25,000 trade visitors from over 50 countries will converge on the International Convention Centre (ICC) from 8-11 September, providing a prime opportunity for NSW businesses to connect with interstate and international buyers, secure distribution partnerships and explore export markets.  In 2023-24 NSW produced 45.6 billion revenue in the manufactured food and beverage industry, making it the largest manufacturing sector in NSW, comprising of 4,600 businesses.   Business support and trade experts from the NSW Government will be on hand to help the exhibitors showcase their products and facilitate connections with prospective buyers.    The NSW Government’s support for Fine Food Australia aligns with the local manufacturing mission of the NSW Industry Policy, while agrifood is a focus sector in the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy, providing significant export growth opportunities particularly in Southeast Asia. For more information on Fine Food Australia visit: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/why-nsw/focus-sectors/manufacturing/food-and-beverage-manufacturing/flavours-of-nsw-2025/fine-food-australia-2025 The NSW businesses receiving subsidies to exhibit at Fine Food Australia 2025 are:  Alka Power Water: Producer of alkaline water sourced and bottled in NSW’s Southern Highlands Aurum Mead: A Byron Bay producer of wines made from varietal honey and native ingredients.   Chef Luca Ciano: Producer of sauces, pasta and salad dressings, based in Bondi.  Chief Nutrition: Sydney-based producer of beef jerky, collagen bars and snacks.  Choices Gluten-Free: Sydney-based producer of gluten-free baked goods, including breads and cakes.  Dharawal Distilling Co: First Nations producer of native vodka and gins, based in the Illawarra.    Duro Pasta: Based on the South Coast, Duro Pasta is made from 100% Australian durum wheat and produced using sustainable farming practices.  Gather By: Northern Rivers based producer of Australian Manuka Honey and Manuka gummies.  Healthyroo: Producer of protein powder blends, protein bars and shakes from Sydney’s Northern Beaches.  Karu Distillery: Produces a diverse range of gins, rums and vodkas from its distillery in the Blue Mountains.  Kreenuts: Family-owned business in Sydney, producing chocolate and cookie covered peanuts.  Mindful Foods: Producer of organic and activated granolas, nuts and snacks, based in the Northern Rivers  Nimbus: Sydney-based producer of powdered oat and soy milk.  Nunka. Hampers & Gifts: First Nations business in Penrith, producing native sauces, jams, compote and blends.  Pacdon Park: Based in the Murray region and uses local ingredients to produce British foods including black pudding, scotch eggs and haggis.  Rub-A-Dub: Sydney-based producer of seasonings, rubs and sauces.  Spicevine: Sydney-based producer of gluten free vegan marinades, stir-fry pastes and sauces.  The Honey Library & Meadery: Producer of alcoholic mead, creamed honey, chilli honey and raw liquid honey, based on the Central Coast.   Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said, “Fine Food Australia is an incredible platform for our up-and-coming food and beverage manufacturers to showcase their unique products, connect with buyers, and pursue growth opportunities both domestically and internationally.   “The NSW Government has been involved in this annual tradeshow for over 20 years, helping to grow our world-class food and beverage industry. “From spirits to sauces, from jams to jerky, we’re delighted to support our exhibiting businesses and their exceptional products that are made right here in NSW.” Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said, “Regional NSW is the engine room of the state’s agrifood industry, home to thousands of food and beverage businesses, and many more jobs.  “Our producers lead the way in terms of innovation and ingenuity, with many utilising native ingredients and sustainable ingredients to bring their products to life.   “Protecting our food’s excellent reputation is critical to domestic consumption and international trade and that is a key driver for the Minns Government’s recent historic investment in biosecurity plus primary industries research and development.  “Fine Food Australia is one of the biggest trade events in the industry and is unrivalled when it comes to connecting with key players in the industry and I wish our producers all the best in promoting their goods.”  Chef Luca Ciano said, "Cooking has always been about family, tradition, and quality for me. Growing up in Italy, I learned the art of creating fresh pastas and sauces from my family, who instilled in me the values of using the freshest ingredients and time-honoured techniques. "With the support of the NSW Government, I am excited to showcase our products at Fine Food Australia and connect with international distributors, retailers, and investors who value quality as much as I do.  "It presents a fantastic opportunity to introduce our products to new markets, grow our brand, and help us to share our passion for fresh, quality ingredients with the world." Mindful Foods Director Jordan Epstein said, “Mindful Foods is thrilled to be exhibiting at Fine Food Australia to feature our wide range of Organic & Activated Granolas, Nuts, Snacks & herbal teas with an audience of B2B buyers across the health food, independent grocery and food service channels.  “Mindful Foods is actively exploring export opportunities into new markets, so Fine Food Australia will be a great platform to meet international buyers and share the special story behind each of our delicious products!”

Jan Olley is the 2025 Byron Shire Community Member of the Year.Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, presented Jan with her award on 5 August in front of friends and family at the Byron Shire Community Awards.The annual Community Awards recognise local champions, with nominations and selections made by members of the community. This year, Council received 95 nominations across eight categories.“Jan Olley’s contribution to the protection, awareness and preservation of birds in the Byron Shire is truly exceptional,” Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, said.“Jan, well known for her hat and the binoculars around her neck, was a founder of Byron Bird Buddies some 20 years ago, a conservation group committed to the preservation of habitat for resident and migratory birds including their roosting, breeding and feeding areas.“Jan is a fierce advocate for the birds and so very respected, in the community, at Council and by many other agencies such as the NPWS and BirdLife Australia.“Last year the Bird Buddies spent 270 hours doing surveys for conservation, with Jan leading the charge.“You’ll find Jan at workshops, stalls, developing educational materials, doing guided walks, bird counts and environmental clean-ups.“Her knowledge is immense, she shares it so willingly and she advocates passionately for the birds, with strong support from her fellow volunteers.   “Jan Olley is a powerhouse, and thanks to her, and the other Byron Bird Buddies who carry out bird surveys all year round, we have incredible, important, recorded data on bird life in the Byron Shire over many years.“Congratulations Jan – it’s an honour to be able to present you with this award as a very small, but heartfelt token of our sincere appreciation,” Mayor Ndiaye said.The award winners in other categories were:Young Community Member of the Year – Billie Rettenmaier21-year-old Billie Rettenmaier lives and breathes community spirit and is a keen volunteer with WIRES, protecting and rehabilitating injured wildlife.She’s also a volunteer with the Newrybar Rural Fire Brigade, offers young children free music lessons and is a regular face at community gardens.Access and Inclusion Award – Pauline MenczerLocal legend Pauline Menczer is well-known for her love of the beach and her work to make it accessible for people of all abilities.She’s often seen with a wheelbarrow and spade at Torakina, shovelling sand around the wheelchair beach mat and she has a large range of accessible equipment that she loans to the community.The former World Number One surfer gives back to the sport by voluntarily coaching surfers living with disability.Caring for Country – Lisa SandstromLisa Sandstrom is an organiser of Save Wallum, a campaign to protect a parcel of land at Brunswick Heads from development.Lisa is a regular face at the Mullumbimby Community Markets every week, raising awareness and money for the Save Wallum campaign.Creativity Award – Virginia Reid and Anouska Samantha GammonThere were two winners in this category.Virginia Reid has taught at the Byron Community College for more than a decade and mentored many people in their creative journeys well beyond the classroom through exhibitions, performances and showcases.Virginia’s own work is well known in the Byron Shire – exhibited in the Byron Hospital and at the Byron Writers Festival.Anouka Samantha Gammon is the person behind the highly regarded Bangalow Theatre Company, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to bringing innovative, breath-taking and professional theatre to the Northern Rivers.Her other passion is sharing her love of theatre with young people through her company BANG Academy of Performing Arts.Contribution to Health and Wellbeing Award – Dianne BrowneDi Browne is keeping the Byron Shire active and feeling great, one person at a time and the community loves her for it.Di is a motivator, passionate about promoting the social, mental and physical benefits of keeping active and being connected.She runs Pilates classes that are affordable for everyone, Chair Pilates for older people as well as hiking, arts and crafts, health retreats and social activities.In Business for Good Award – Perigee Farms Perigee Farms is a community-oriented organic farm committed to sustainable agriculture, providing local employment opportunities and environmental stewardship.They use regenerative farming techniques and hire locals, some with limited to no farming experience, preferring to teach them about sustainability with a focus on personal growth.Community Initiative of the Year – Sound Shell Piano and Community Care by Laura Upsall It was the appearance of an old piano at the Sound Shell at Brunswick Heads that piqued the interest of Laura Upsall.To keep the ivories tinkling she brought in local piano tuner, Norman Appel, to maintain the piano which was a much-loved part of the town, but it needed replacing.Laura entered the ABC’s Play It Again competition and this year won a new piano for the community, much to the delight of locals and visitors.

Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina, is thrilled with the $899,000 Ballina Shire Council will receive to remediate contaminated land earmarked for future housing, and the $13.9 million investment to convert 58 pods in Brunswick Heads into key worker housing.The NSW Government announced the funding yesterday. The land’s former industrial use for cattle tick dipping left the soil contaminated by chemicals such as arsenic. Remediation of the sites will involve the safe removal of contaminated soil to a licensed waste facility and its replacement with imported clean soil.Remediation Action Plans have been developed to clean up 3.9 hectares for future use.Crown Lands in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will fund the remediation of a former cattle dip site and yards at 31 and 33 Canal Road, with Council contributing $100,000. Remediation of this land is critical as it will enable a planned adjoining residential development to proceed.Member for Ballina, Tamara Smith MP, said, “The housing crisis is glaringly evident here in the Ballina electorate. The 2020 pandemic saw an influx of people moving to the area. The 2022 floods saw an increase in homelessness. It seems a drop in the bucket but affordable, social and worker housing is so desperately needed.”“I am thrilled that 58 pods will be converted to key worker housing. This is needed, and frankly, it is a relief to see infrastructure that has already cost taxpayers so much continue to be utilised for the good of our communities.“The clean-up of 3.9 hectares of land that is currently contaminated is not only an environmental imperative, but also unlocks potential housing in a shire hard-pressed to accommodate our current population. It’s a big win for our region.”“I hope that this land in Ballina will lead to appropriately flood resilient housing that contains a mix of affordable, social and worker housing to support the needs of our community.”“The next two years will see the delivery 48 public and community homes in Ballina. This is another step to meeting the housing demands we have here. Key to a successful delivery will be to ensure that our infrastructure is able to support this new housing, especially in an area so prone to climate-related disasters.”Minister for Land and Property Steve Kamper said, “This is a great outcome for the North Coast and the local environment. Restoring this idle land not only protects our natural surroundings but helps unlock land for new homes.Housing affordability and availability are one of the biggest pressures facing families, particularly in the Northern Rivers, where repeated natural disasters have made the situation even harder.Reactivating land like this allows us to ease some of that pressure by creating opportunities for more homes and stronger, more resilient communities.”Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said, “There is a shortage of housing on the North Coast, so it is vital that we take measures like this to activate unused land that can support more new homes for our growing community in Ballina.“This land is also ideally located near the popular Fripp Oval, and will encourage community connectedness, recreational activity and support for our local sporting clubs like the Ballina Bears Cricket Club and Ballina Bombers AFL Club.”

It’s Homelessness Week and Byron Shire Council is joining local services and community groups to advocate for more resources as well as to drive solutions to end homelessness in Byron Shire, starting with rough sleeping. The NSW Government’s 2025 Street Count found Byron Shire has the second highest number of people sleeping rough in the State, and despite this, of the 355 public and community homes to be delivered in the Northern Rivers in the next two years, none are planned for the Byron Shire.The theme for Homelessness Week this year is Homelessness Action Now!“Homelessness and housing stress are critical issues for our community, and solutions will take a whole of community approach,” Anna Lockwood, Backbone Lead Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration Byron Shire, said. “With co-funding from a philanthropic foundation, Council employs the Backbone team of the Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration Byron Shire, a community-led initiative with more than 30 members, including the not-for-profit and community services sector,” Ms Lockwood said.  “Our remit is to work together and share knowledge and resources that identify and address the root causes of homelessness and the housing crisis, so we can develop and advocate for solutions that work for our community. “The Collaboration’s focus right now is the 1000 Voices Project, where we are seeking 1000 local people to complete a survey which asks people in the Byron Shre to share their thoughts on homelessness and what they think can be done to solve it,” Ms Lockwood said.Council also employs two Public Space Liaison Officers who are in the field every day, speaking with and checking on rough sleepers, connecting them to services and help.“My ask is that people in the Byron Shire take a moment out of their day this week and take action by completing our 1000 Voices survey or becoming a community researcher,” Ms Lockwood said.Information about how to get involved and take action against homelessness is on Council’s website.

Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina, announced $447,808 in funding for 18 new community infrastructure projects through the NSW Government’s 2025 Community Building Partnership Program (CBP).The Member for Ballina has assisted more than 100 community organisations and delivered nearly $4 million in grants through this program since being elected in 2015.Member for Ballina, Tamara Smith MP said, “These community-based grants supply a much-needed source of funding for grassroots projects and organisations that are so often doing the heavy lifting in terms of providing social supports.”“We know that this program adds value to the work that community-based, not-for-profit organisations do to improve the lives of people and the quality of our natural environment.”“I congratulate all of the organisations that were successful in their application and look forward to seeing the positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes in our community.”“The next round opens in September. Contact my office if you would like more information.”About the Community Building Partnership ProgramThe Community Building Partnership program has funded more than 22,400 community projects since it commenced in 2009.Local not-for-profit community organisations and councils were eligible to apply for grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with up to $450,000 allocated per electorate.For more information, visit the Community Building Partnership website: nsw.gov.au/cbpThe full list of successful projects and funding amount in the Ballina electorate for the 2025 round are:

Ballina Library will undergo major renovations starting on September 1, 2025, with an expected completion in early November 2025.“This project is about giving our much-loved library a freshen-up so it continues to serve our community well into the future”, said Cr Sharon Cadwallader, Mayor of Ballina Shire. “We’re renewing the flooring, painting, upgrading the service counter, and installing modern, movable shelving to make the space more flexible and welcoming”.To maintain services to the community during this time, a temporary library will be set up in the Ballina Indoor Sports Centre (BISC) from September 8. Opening hours will be 9am to 2:30pm on weekdays. Patrons can pick up reserved items, access a limited collection (comprising adult and junior fiction and non-fiction, youth fiction, picture and board books, and a small number of audiobooks and DVDs) or return loans.On weekends, from 6 September 2025, the Mobile Library will offer similar services parked opposite the Ballina War Memorial Swimming Pool on Saturdays from 1 to 4pm, and Sundays from 9:30am to 4pm throughout the refurbishment works. Read, Make, Play community programs will be held every Wednesday at the Richmond Room, located behind the Library (access via 5 Regatta Avenue). All other programming will be on pause throughout the refurbishment works. The after-hours return chute at Ballina Library will not be available during this time. Patrons can access after-hours return chutes, along with other library services, at both the Lennox Head and Alstonville Libraries. Cr Cadwallader said, “The refurbishment is being delivered in partnership with Richmond Tweed Regional Library and is funded through the Public Library Infrastructure Grant from the State Library of NSW, along with Ballina Shire Council’s 2025/26 Capital Works Program. We thank our community for their understanding while the work takes place.”Further information and service updates can be found at https://rtrl.nsw.gov.au/Ballina_Library.

A man has died following a single-vehicle crash west of Kyogle today.About 2pm (Sunday, 3 August 2025), emergency services were called to Mount Lindesay Road, Koreelah – approximately 82km north west of Kyogle – following reports a motorcycle had left the roadway before hitting a fencepost.The rider – a man believed to be in his 50s – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.The man is yet to be formally identified.A crime scene was established, and police commenced an investigation into the incident.A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.Anyone with information about this incident or any footage 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 man will face court tomorrow over an alleged robbery in Byron Bay today.Just after 9am (Sunday, 3 August 2025), police were called to Jonson Street, Byron Bay, following reports of an alleged robbery.Officers attached to Tweed-Byron Police District were told a 71-year-old woman was approached by an unknown man before he took an amount of cash from her and left the scene.The woman was not injured.Following inquiries, about 2pm today, police arrested the 19-year-old man on the same street.He was taken to Byron Bay Police Station, where he was charged with robbery and breach of bail.He was refused bail to appear at Bail Division Court 1 tomorrow (Monday, 4 August 2025).Anyone with information about this incident or any footage 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.

With forecasts of big seas predicted to build across the north coast this weekend and into next week, there could be more erosion on some beaches in the Byron Shire.Beaches at Suffolk Park, New Brighton and South Golden Beach were badly eroded during Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, and more sand could be stripped from these areas in the coming days.This means that beach access paths may drop off steeply, and the dunes could become unstable.Members of the public are asked to be aware of the potential for erosion, big seas and changed conditions to pathways when going to the beach in the coming days.People should also stay away from the foot of sand dunes.Council’s Open Space team will be inspecting beach accessways and closing them if necessary.

It’s koala breeding season, and this means koalas are out looking for mates.It’s also the time of year when koalas are very vulnerable and are often hit by cars.A $65,000 grant from the NSW Government will see new, temporary lighting installed on the Hinterland Way near Bangalow, a hotspot for koala activity.“Between 2019 and 2025, 18 koalas died on the Hinterland Way, just outside Bangalow, so we are hoping the temporary lights will give drivers more of a chance to see them and avoid them,” Liz Caddick, Council’s Biodiversity Team Leader, said.“Electronic message boards will also be in place, warning drivers about koala activity in the area,” she said.“We are very grateful to the NSW Government for providing funding for the lights and message boards, and I know that Bangalow Koalas, led by the amazing Linda Sparrow, is also very supportive and thankful for this initiative,” Ms Caddick said.In 2024, after the sad death of well-known local koala, Moji, Council successfully trialled the use of a solar-powered lighting tower to illuminate a dark section of Broken Head Road at Byron Bay.After the installation of the lights, there were no further koala road deaths in that location.  This new project is being funded by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).People can report a sick or injured koala, 24 hours a day, to Friends of the Koala on 6622 1233

Due to structural issues and termite infestation, Byron Council was forced to close the popular Tallow Creek footbridge at Suffolk Park today because of risks to public safety.The closure comes after engineers inspected the bridge and found it to be unsafe.The footbridge is on the path between the Byron Bay High School and the Ingenia holiday park at Suffolk Park, providing pedestrian access to the beach across Tallow Creek.The timber bridge was built in 1987, and it has withstood all sorts of weather, including storms and floods.While Council has maintained the bridge over the last 38 years, it is now beyond repair and needs to be replaced.“We know that the closure of the footbridge without warning is a blow to the community, but unfortunately, we have no option when it comes to public safety,” Phil Holloway, Director of Infrastructure Services, said.“Staff have looked at ways to keep the existing bridge open, but the salty environment is so harsh that it is not possible.“Because the footbridge is such an important piece of pedestrian infrastructure, we are now looking at the possibility of an interim solution, such as the installation of a temporary structure that will allow people to cross Tallow Creek.“As soon as designs for a new footbridge are finished, we will immediately be looking for grant funding for the construction of a new bridge because it is such an important asset and link to a beautiful, peaceful part of Byron Bay,” Mr Holloway said.

Relaxation, adventure, wellness, environmental sustainability and how to capture these experiences for visitors are being unpacked at this week’s 2025 North Coast Tourism Symposium being held at the Byron Community Centre.The Symposium is jointly hosted by Byron Shire Council and Destination North Coast.The theme of the conference is Inspire! Shaping Tomorrow’s Visitor Economy.“Byron Shire is fortunate that we are a destination people want to come to, and while the industry is still rebuilding after COVID and the floods, the most recent official figures have us hosting some 1.8 million visitors a year,” Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, said.“For me, shaping tomorrow’s visitor economy is about acknowledging that when community life is thriving and we have a well-protected and biodiverse environment, then we have something real to offer visitors.“The opportunity and the challenge we have before us is to shape a visitor economy that has depth and reflects our strength and resilience as a community,” Mayor Ndiaye said.“This Symposium is about sharing information, and it’s an opportunity for us to hear and learn what other regions of NSW are doing well, what’s working and what’s not,” she said.The Symposium will culminate with an evening event on 31 July, the 2025 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards.The annual awards recognise exceptional tourism businesses and initiatives from the Tweed to Hawks Nest and out to Lord Howe Island.

Detectives are appealing for information following a home invasion at South Grafton earlier this month.About 12.45am on Sunday, 13 July 2025, police were called following reports a group of unknown males armed with knives forced entry to a home on Tyson Street, South Grafton.An altercation occurred inside the home, resulting in a 25-year-old man sustaining serious injuries to his hand.The group fled the scene once police were notified; however, smashed the windows of two vehicles at the property as they left.The occupant of the home was taken to Grafton Hospital for the treatment of lacerations and other injuries. He has since been released.Officers attached to Coffs-Clarence Police District established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the incident.During a search of the area, police located a knife that has been seized to undergo forensic examination.As inquiries continue, detectives have released images of a silver-coloured Holden Commodore seen in the area at the time of the incident.Investigators urge anyone able to identify the vehicle or its occupants to come forward.Anyone with information 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.

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions from next week for maintenance and repairs on the Bruxner Highway at Tabulam, including culvert outlet repairs, table drain cleaning and improvements, and sign installation.Work will start on Monday, 4 August and be carried out from 7am to 6pm on weekdays, and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays, and is expected to be completed by Friday, 29 August, weather permitting.Single lane, alternating traffic flow arrangements and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place during work hours for the safety of workers and road users. Outside work hours, a reduced speed limit of 60km/h will be in place.Motorists are advised to allow up to five minutes’ extra travel time, drive to traffic conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.For more information on this work visit livetraffic.com/incident-details/243088, download the Live Traffic NSW app or call 132 701. To receive updates direct to your phone, search for ‘Tabulam’ in your Live Traffic app, select the incident and click ‘Follow’. 

Students and staff from Condong Public School have marked the next phase of construction on the rebuild of their school, with the delivery and installation of the new school building modules.Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos joined the school community to welcome the arrival of the new classrooms, which are being craned onto a raised steel gantry.The installation of the school buildings is taking place in two stages, with the next phase scheduled for mid-August.Condong Public School Relieving Principal Debbie Francis said, “Having the students here to watch the trucks arrive and see the cranes at work is such an exciting experience.“It really brings home how close we are to a new chapter for our school, especially after the challenges our community has faced with such strength and resilience.”“We are all looking forward to the day when our new school becomes a permanent, safe, and welcoming home for our students, designed specifically to meet the needs of our community and providing a fantastic learning and teaching environment for our Condong students.”(The new Condogn Public School; artist's impression)Nearby Tumbulgum Public School will soon follow the same rebuild process, with the school’s modules manufactured offsite and ready for installation late next month.New buildings at both schools will be raised above the previous flood level, making them more flood resilient, while also providing new, modern classrooms, a new library, a canteen, administration spaces, and external landscaping.   Tumbulgum Public School Relieving Principal Genevieve Esgate said, “Our school community has endured so much since the devastating floods of 2022, so we are beyond excited that our new buildings are nearing completion and will be ready for delivery and installation at the end of next month.“This will be a major milestone in our community’s recovery and a big step towards returning to a more permanent, flood-resilient school environment where our students can continue to learn, grow, and thrive.”(An artist's impression of the new Tumbulgum Public School)Both rebuilt schools are expected to be completed and ready for students and teachers to use later this year and are part of a broader effort to build back better following the 2022 floods.At Condong Public School, the department is working with the local community to preserve significant items, including the Great War Honour Roll, painted murals, and plaques. The department is also working with the community at Tumbulgum Public School to restore the old school bell and repurpose historical building materials as part of its Heritage Interpretation Strategy. The NSW Government is committed to rebuilding flood-damaged schools in the Northern Rivers region, ensuring we build back better with flood-resilient schools for local students and communities.A portion of the funding for the school projects has been allocated through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, which is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said, “The arrival of these brand new classrooms marks a significant step for Condong Public School and Tumbulgum Public School, as the Minns Labor Government builds both back better and more resilient.“I want to thank the school and the local community for their patience during this challenging period, and look forward to students returning to their new classrooms by the end of the year.” Minister for Regional New South Wales Tara Moriarty said, “The rebuilding of schools across the region that were devastated by the 2022 floods is among the most important activities the State Government must be doing.“Watching these schools emerge out of the flood waters must be reaffirming for the students, teachers, parents and communities.“It’s wonderful to see the rebuilding of Condong and Tumbulgum Public Schools moving ahead knowing they are among nine school rebuild projects jointly funded with the Commonwealth following the 2022 floods.”Minister for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “I know how important this rebuild is for the Condong community because I saw how many people turned up for the sod-turning to mark the start of works.“The new flood-resistant school buildings will give students and teachers the stability they deserve after having been displaced by floods twice since 2017.“It will serve the community for generations to come.”

1000 Voices Byron Shire is calling on every single member of the Byron Shire community to take part in this unique community-led project by completing a survey. You can complete the survey online at www.byron.nsw.gov.au/1000-voices, drop into Council’s Mullumbimby Offices for a hard copy, or call for assistance on 6626 7000. The survey is open until Sunday 14 September 2025. “We are grateful to everyone who has signed up as volunteer Community Researchers for this project so far,” Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration Byron Shire Backbone Lead, Anna Lockwood said. “Our Community Researchers are personally reaching out to friends and neighbours to gather as wide and diverse a range of ideas and views as possible.  “Now we’re putting the call out to every single person in the Byron Shire to take part in this project and make sure their voice and ideas are part of the 1000 Voices!” Ms Lockwood said. “We believe our community hold important ideas, perspectives and lived experiences from across the Shire,” she said. “Each voice contributes to shaping action on homelessness in the Byron Shire, and deserves to be heard,” she said. On 11 November, the whole Byron Shire community is invited to a Community Gathering day to share the 1000 Voices ‘What we Heard’ report, alongside other critical projects of the Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration and decide together our next steps.   To take the survey or join our growing team of Community Researchers, visit www.byron.nsw.gov.au/1000-Voices.