Behind every strong community are people who give their time, dedication and compassion to make a difference. Nominating in the Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards is your chance to say thank you and shine a light on their contribution.There are volunteers saving lives in emergencies. Locals rallying behind fundraisers and community events. Young leaders are driving change, while others build and advocate for sport in the region. Artists preserve and share culture through performance and creative expression, and environmental champions rescue wildlife and restore our coast. Together, they show that our shire is full of quiet achievers and passionate leaders making a real difference.They might be humble and selfless, or well-known for their energy and passion. What unites them is their commitment to others and the positive change they bring to Ballina Shire. Their actions strengthen our community and inspire those around them.“When selecting recipients, we consider not just what they’ve accomplished in the past year, but also their ongoing contribution over time. These awards recognise both remarkable groups and individual achievements and the enduring commitment that helps shape a stronger, more connected community,” Cr Cadwallader said.“What consistently stands out about our nominees is not only what they achieve, but the way they lift others up and inspire positive change. Each of them leaves a lasting mark, and these awards give us an opportunity to celebrate that,” she said.Help recognise local heroes by nominating in the following categories:Young Citizen of the Year (30 years or under)Recognise young achievers making a difference.Senior Citizen of the Year (60 years or over)Celebrate the wisdom and dedication of our seniors.Volunteer Award (open age)Applaud those who selflessly support our community.Sports Award (individual, team, coach, sports administrator)Honour sports excellence and contributions.Arts and Culture Award (individual or group)Celebrate creative visionaries enriching our culture.Environmental Award (individual or group)Acknowledge eco-warriors protecting our environment.Community Event of the Year (event held during 2025)Spotlight outstanding events held in 2025 that unite us.The 2026 Ballina Shire Citizen of the Year will be chosen from all nominees across all categories.To nominate an individual or group visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/2026Awards. Nominations are open until Monday, 27 October 2025.The 2026 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards ceremony will be held on Monday, 26 January 2026 at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre, where Ballina Council will recognise the contributions of our exceptional community members.

The speed limit through Cudgen Tunnel will remain reduced for weeks as repairs continue to infrastructure severely damaged in a copper wiring theft on Saturday.The act of vandalism shut down the tunnel’s lighting system, which requires the speed limit through it to drop from 110 to 80 kilometres per hour for the safety of motorists.A control room housing the main switchboard that supplies communications for the 134-metre-long Pacific Highway tunnel had its copper wiring ripped out, while the nearby high voltage transformer providing the power supply was also vandalised.The power supply was isolated before inspections and repairs to cut cables began on Sunday. Repairs are likely to take all of this month to complete due to the damage.Transport for NSW Executive Director Regional Road Network Maintenance, Alistair Lunn, said this should not be considered a petty act.“This copper theft has interrupted the tunnel’s power supply and inconvenienced thousands of motorists who take this route on the Pacific Highway,” Mr Lunn said.“It’s an extensive and expensive repair job, but what’s worse is that this malicious damage could have put lives at risk, including those responsible.“For anyone driving through the Cudgen Tunnel, please turn your headlights on while tunnel lighting is out and drive to the reduced speed limit of 80 kilometres an hour.”The matter has been reported to NSW Police who are investigating. If anyone has any information about the incident, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.For more information on this work, visit https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/247789, download the Live Traffic NSW App or call 132 701.

Cybercrime Squad detectives have charged a man under Strike Force Angle after he used cryptocurrency to allegedly buy child abuse material online.Strike Force Angle is an ongoing investigation by State Crime Command’s Cybercrime Squad into alleged offenders using cryptocurrency to access or distribute child abuse material online.Strike force detectives executed a search warrant about 6am yesterday (Thursday, 4 September 2025), at an address in South Grafton.During the search, police located and seized two laptops and a mobile phone, MDMA, ketamine and LSD.A forensic triage of the electronics was conducted with child abuse material, images and videos were allegedly located saved in the devices.A 21-year-old man was arrested at the address and was taken to Grafton Police Station.He has been charged with seven offences including two counts of possess child abuse material, possess prohibited drug, supply prohibited drug more than indictable and less than commercial quantity, supply prohibited drug more than or equal to commercial quantity, possess instructions for manufacture etc of prohibited drug, and hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty.He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 1 today (Friday, 5 September 2025).Anyone with information that may assist investigations into the distribution of child abuse material 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.

Byron Shire Council is inviting the community to review and provide feedback on its updated Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2025 to 2029 by 28 September 2025.You can visit Council’s Customer Service Centre in Mullumbimby for assistance with providing your feedback, or go to Council’s website at: https://yoursay.byron.nsw.gov.au/DIAP.Easy read versions are available online and in hard copy, or contact us on 6626 7000 to discuss your needs.The draft Plan has been informed by over 280 community submissions received during consultation in late 2024, and outlines Council’s commitment to building a Shire where everyone belongs, is welcomed, and can thrive.“This Plan is shaped by lived experience and informed by the hard work of our Access Consultative Working Group and local organisations supporting people in our community with disability,” said Council’s Project Officer, Malcolm Foard. “It’s not just words—it’s a roadmap for real change that commits us to delivering a range of actions, so that we can continue to ensure that accessibility is at the heart of everything we do at Council, and throughout the Shire,” Mr Foard said.Key actions include:Improved processes to put access and inclusion front and centre of grant funded community projects.Improvements to accessibility in parks, playgrounds, recreational facilities, public facilities, and Council owned holiday cabins.Ongoing upgrades to footpaths and ramps.Coordinating a disability-inclusive emergency planning forum to improve our response during disasters.Support for local businesses to enhance inclusion.A public awareness campaign on visible and invisible disabilities.An accessibility audit of Council’s Lone Goat Gallery to support more inclusive programming.Ensuring that Council’s Access Consultative Working Group informs the implementation of the Byron Bay Town Centre Master Plan implementation.“We encourage everyone to read the draft Plan and share their thoughts, so that the final Plan reflects local needs and aspirations – to ensure we’ve got it right,” Mr Foard said.To view the DIAP and provide feedback, visit: https://yoursay.byron.nsw.gov.au/DIAP.

NSW Farmers is calling for urgent protections for farmers who host renewables after the former Energy Infrastructure Commissioner warned farmers could be on the hook for millions in the future.In an interview published on Wednesday, former Energy Infrastructure Commissioner Andrew Dyer warned farmers could be left “on the hook” for the costs of decommissioning old renewable installations on their farms, if contracts were unclear on “who pays what”.“It might cost you more to decommission the turbines left on your property than the revenue you earn over the next 25 years,” The Daily Telegraph reported.NSW Farmers’ Energy Taskforce Chair Reg Kidd said energy developers should be required to pay a bond to cover the costs of decommissioning the projects they had built, so farmers were not left to pay millions in project clean-up costs.“Farmers are being told they need to bear the burden of powering our future, the very least government can do is guarantee they won’t be bankrupted as a result,” Mr Kidd said.“These comments from Andrew Dyer are really alarming, farmers could be left with a clean-up bill in the millions for some of the projects being built on their farms – and that will simply cripple them.“Many landholders have been pressured into signing contracts that are unclear as to who must remove this infrastructure at the end of its life, and if developers disappear or run out of cash, then farmers could also be left high and dry with huge bills to pay.”With media reports claiming the costs of decommissioning some of NSW’s largest wind developments could be as much as $50 million, Mr Kidd said there must be swift reassurances and legal protections from government to protect farmers. “We’ve got one of our top energy experts in the nation telling us that farmers could be left with a bill that’s more than 25 years’ worth of their income to clean up the mess that these renewable projects leave,” Mr Kidd said. “So we’re expected to feed people, clothe people, power their homes, and in 25 years’ time we might be relying on the goodness of some foreign multinational not to leave us high and dry.“This race to renewables is a government priority, so if they care about the farmers and communities that host these developments, the very least they can do is guarantee we won’t foot the bill.” 

Ballina Shire Council is hosting an Emergency Services Expo at Ballina’s Missingham Park on Saturday, 20 September.The free, family-friendly event is designed to help residents build resilience and prepare for emergencies, while giving community members the chance to meet their local heroes.“Whether it’s fire, flood, storm or other natural events, it’s never too early to be prepared. This expo will be a fun day out for all ages and will give our community a chance to meet and learn directly from the people who protect us during crises,” said Lloyd Isaacson, Ballina Shire Council’s Alternate Local Emergency Management Officer.“We can’t control when emergencies will happen, but we can control how prepared we are. Taking a few simple steps now can make a big difference in keeping yourself, your family and your community safe,” Mr Isaacson added.Come along to meet and chat with frontline responders from:NSW PoliceNSW AmbulanceFire and Rescue NSWNSW State Emergency Service (SES)NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS)Marine RescueRed CrossSurf Life SavingAnd moreThe expo will also feature live demonstrations, interactive displays and practical information about local risks such as floods, bushfires and storms. Kids will love the chance to climb aboard fire trucks and see emergency vehicles up close, while adults can learn how to access emergency alerts, prepare a household emergency plan, and use apps and resources to stay informed during a crisis.There will be opportunities to ask questions, get personalised advice, and connect with the agencies that lead disaster response and recovery in our region.All residents are welcome, whether you’re new to the area or have lived here for years. Come along to learn, plan and connect with the services that help keep our community safe.Event information:When: 10am – 2.30pm, Saturday 20 September 2025Where: Missingham Park, BallinaThis event has been proudly funded by the NSW Government through the NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government.Find out more via Council’s website at ballina.nsw.gov.au/emergencyservicesexpo.  

Byron Shire businesses are invited to come along to a free workshop called Ground Swell and learn how to boost their environmental credentials.Byron Shire Council is partnering with the awareness group Take 3 for the Sea to work directly with local businesses, providing practical tools, strategies, and resources to help reduce the environmental impact of litter through prevention techniques.“Litter harms both the environment and tourism, and this is a great opportunity for us to collaborate with local businesses and tourism operators to create positive change and stop waste at its source,” Anika Brown, Litter and Illegal Dumping Prevention Officer, said.“This Ground Swell workshop is about showing people what has worked in other tourist areas in Australia and giving them tools and information about how to be more sustainable and how to address the massive problem of single-use plastics,” Ms Brown said.“There is a lot for a business to gain by showing it is operating sustainably with many customers placing a value on an organisation’s commitment to the environment,” she said.All Byron Shire businesses are invited to sign-up for the free Ground Swell workshop.It will be held on 11 September, from 10:30 to 12pm, at the Byron Community Centre.People can reserve a ticket on Council’s website.

Yamba Road at Palmers Channel will be upgraded to improve long-term flood immunity and make vital infrastructure more resilient to natural disasters.The Federal and State Governments are providing Clarence Valley Council with $9.98 million to deliver the upgrade. Scheduled for completion in May 2026, weather permitting, the project is being delivered through the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package (RRTRP) jointly funded under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).As the main access from Yamba to the Pacific Motorway near Maclean, the upgrade is a key component of the Yamba Road Flood Resilience Strategic Plan to improve long-term flood immunity and make vital infrastructure more resilient to natural disasters.During the severe flood event in February and March 2022, local businesses were either almost or completely out of supplies when Yamba Road was cut off for seven days.Local authorities have been calling for improvements to its flood immunity to ensure sustainability for local economies during and following severe weather events.Council is keen to get started with this work in the coming months, which will include the removal of a low spot in the road that causes it to be closed even during minor flooding.The project will lift the level of Yamba Road by about one metre at Palmers Channel South Bank Road, to help reduce the frequency and duration of flood-related road closures.Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain, said, "The whole nation witnessed the flooding across the Northern Rivers region of NSW in 2022 and, in its aftermath, it was evident more needed to be done to ensure communities were better able to recover from similar events in future.“The Albanese Government is proud to be part of the first stage of the Yamba Road upgrade, which will help reduce the impacts on the local community during and after floods.”NSW Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison, said, “Clarence Valley Council provided clear reasoning for the improvement of Yamba Road, to reduce impact to SES and other agencies, so road access is maintained, and they can continue to respond to calls for help during emergencies.“By raising the road embankment and providing widened and sealed shoulders, the road will be more resilient to water damage and will recover more quickly from future flooding.”Quotes attributable to Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin, said, “Ensuring Yamba Road recovers more quickly from inundation is vital for Yamba and surrounding communities to stay connected.“We are building back better and creating more resilient communities for the future.”Clarence Valley Mayor, Ray Smith, said, “Securing this funding marks a significant step forward in improving Yamba Road’s resilience to flooding."It's fantastic to see us pushing forward with the Yamba Road and Palmers Channel Southbank Road intersection upgrade, it is such a critical project for our area. “The upgrade is a key component of the Yamba Road Flood Resilience Strategic Plan, aimed at improving long-term flood immunity and strengthening the resilience of vital infrastructure."

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions this week on Blackwall Drive at Wardell for repair and maintenance work to be carried out on Wardell Bridge and a CCTV pole.Work will be carried out from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, 4 September, and Friday, 5 September, weather permitting.Single lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place during working hours. Motorists should allow extra travel time during this work.Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.For more information on this work visit https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/247122, download the Live Traffic NSW app or call 132 701. To receive updates direct to your phone, search for ‘Wardell’ in your Live Traffic app, select the incident and click ‘Follow’. 

Bundjalung woman Jasmine Pilling has been recognised nationally, receiving the Youth Inspiration Award at Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia, National Conference in Darwin.The award celebrates Jasmine’s strength, resilience, and leadership, qualities she has shown in overcoming immense challenges in her young life.Growing up, Jasmine’s childhood was marked by instability. With her mum struggling with addiction and periods of incarceration, Jasmine faced neglect and hardship from an early age. Later, she experienced the impacts of domestic violence, and in 2022 was among those devastated by the Lismore floods. Despite these setbacks, Jasmine has found strength in her culture and community, turning her experiences into a powerful drive to create change.Now working as a Community Engagement Officer with the Ready Quit Solid - Tackling Indigenous Smoking program, Jasmine empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to live strong, healthy lives.“This recognition isn’t just about me, it’s about the power of culture, community, and the strength we all carry. I want young people to know that no matter where you come from or what you’ve been through, you can create your own path and inspire change.” Jasmine said.Jasmine has also contributed to projects with the University Centre for Rural Health and WellMob, and continues to advocate for youth empowerment, Indigenous health, and healing through community connection.Her recognition shines a light on the strength and leadership of young Aboriginal people across Bundjalung Country and beyond.

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions from next week on Bruxner Highway east of Mallanganee to carry out geotechnical investigation work between Willock Street and Valley Road, Mallanganee.   Work will start from tomorrow (Wednesday, 3 September) for six weeks, weather permitting. Work will be carried out from 7am to 5pm. There will be no work on weekends.   A single lane alternating traffic flow arrangement and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place during the work hours for the safety of workers and road users. There will be no changed traffic conditions outside of work hours.   Motorists should allow extra travel time, drive to traffic conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.  For more information on this work visit https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/247388, download the Live Traffic NSW app or call 132 701.   To receive updates direct to your phone, search for ‘Mallanganee’ in your Live Traffic app, select the incident and click ‘Follow’.  

A man has been charged following an investigation into an assault alleged to have occurred in Byron Bay in July.About 9.35am on Tuesday, 15 July 2025, police were called to Jonson Street, Byron Bay, following reports of an altercation.At the scene, police were told two men were involved in an altercation before one of the men allegedly assaulted the other with a rock.NSW Ambulance paramedics treated a 28-year-old man at the scene for head injuries before he was airlifted to the Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition.A 37-year-old man was arrested at the scene, suffering minor injuries, and was taken to the hospital under police guard.A crime scene was established, and inquiries into the incident commenced by police attached to Tweed/Byron Police District.The younger man has since been released from hospital after making a full recovery.Following inquiries, the older man was arrested by police in Newcastle about 2pm on Friday, 29 August 2025, upon release from hospital.He was taken to Newcastle Police Station, where he was charged with reckless wounding.He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court on Saturday, 30 August 2025, where he was formally refused bail to appear before Byron Bay Local Court today (Monday, 1 September 2025).

In disappointing news, Primex has announced it is leaving Casino. Richmond Valley Council has worked hand-in-hand with Primex Field Days over the past 40 years to assist in growing the event and promote our region and agricultural industry.Each year, Council provides $25,000 cash in direct sponsorship support, as well as extensive in-kind and logistical support over the last decade to support the success of each event. Richmond Valley Council General Manager Vaughan Macdonald said Council had committed to continue this level of financial support for a Richmond Valley based event venue.“Council supported Primex through COVID and the impacts of natural disasters, which required changes to the event’s timing,” Mr Macdonald said.“Council was recognised in 2023 as one of the inaugural members of the Primex Hall of Fame in recognition of the role it has played in the event.”Council continues to work with businesses and groups, both locally and across the country, to attract high-quality events to our area that promote and stimulate economic development. Recent events, including the Australian Working Dog Championships and Heritage Weekend, showcased our newly redeveloped Casino Showground and Racecourse to a national audience. Council has also worked with a dedicated group of volunteers to develop the Casino Truck Show into a multiple-day event, which is now recognised as one of the largest attended regional events in the country. Mr Macdonald said with Council’s Invest and Live team and the newly released Economic Development Strategy, Council is committed to further establishing the Richmond Valley as a regional growth centre, broadening our economic base and growing the visitor economy.“Richmond Valley Council wishes Primex every success for the future in its new location and wishes Lismore City Council and the new venue well with its new relationship,” Mr Macdonald said.“The Richmond Valley community can be assured Council will continue its long-standing commitment to promoting our region's vibrant rural and agricultural sector and will pursue other opportunities to boost our annual events calendar.”

Human remains, believed to be those of a man last seen at Halfway Creek in the Clarence Valley earlier this year, have been located.The 81-year-old man was reported missing on Wednesday, 19 March 2025, to officers attached to Parramatta Police Area Command.Following inquiries, the matter was referred to Coffs/Clarence Police District.Despite extensive inquiries to locate the man and his vehicle, and four public appeals for assistance, the man was not located.About 4.20pm on Friday, 29 August 2025, police were called to a property at Dirty Creek following reports a vehicle was located in thick scrub.During a search of the area, police located human remains, believed to be those of the missing man.Police will prepare a report for the information of the Coroner.

The rebuild of Tumbulgum Public School, following the devastating 2022 floods, has reached a major milestone with the delivery and installation of new building modules.Students and staff gathered this week to watch as cranes positioned the 22 modules that will make up the new school onto flood-resilient steel structures.Manufactured offsite for rapid onsite assembly, these modules will fast-track the delivery of the school’s new library, administration area and modern classrooms.The project at Tumbulgum Public School includes restoring the old school bell and incorporating select pieces of the school’s signage and plaques, ensuring the school’s history remains part of its future.The elevated and flood-resilient school will also include a canteen, outdoor landscaping, and a playground.The rebuild is expected to be completed and ready for students and teachers to use later this year.Since 2022, 16 flood-damaged schools have been repaired or rebuilt in the Northern Rivers, including Blakebrook Public School which opened to students this term.Construction is also underway at nearby Condong Public School, while construction is expected to begin on Lismore South Public School in the coming weeks.The Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding flood-affected schools in the Northern Rivers region, ensuring schools are built back better with flood resilience for local students and local communities.Funding to rebuild nine extensively flood-damaged schools, including Tumbulgum Public School, has also been provided by 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 and installation of these new modules is a huge step forward in rebuilding Tumbulgum Public School and having visited the school in July I know how exciting this will be for all of the students and staff. “The new school has been specially designed to be flood-resilient, giving students, teachers, and the community confidence that learning can continue no matter what challenges arise.“Students have been learning from Tumbulgum Public School for more than 150 years. The Minns Labor Government is committed to building back stronger, ensuring we provide the foundation for many more generations of education in this beautiful community.”Minister for Recovery and the North Coast Janelle Saffin said, “It’s fantastic to see the rebuild progressing at Tumbulgum Public School and to share in the students’ excitement as they see their new classrooms coming together.“Rebuilding schools like Tumbulgum is a central part of the recovery work we are doing to create more resilient communities following the 2022 floods.“We are building back stronger, ensuring our kids can thrive in schools that meets their educational needs in a resilient and safe environment.”Tumbulgum Public School Relieving Principal Genevieve Esgate said, “We are thrilled to see the new school buildings coming together at Tumbulgum Public School.“Our students are buzzing with excitement and curiosity as their future classrooms are assembled, and we are eagerly looking forward to moving into our new buildings later this year.“Our students and community have shown incredible resilience and adaptability throughout this journey, and these new facilities will be a wonderful celebration of everyone’s perseverance.”

Construction of a new roundabout on Bayshore Drive, at the intersection of the access road to Byron TAFE and the IGA shopping centre, is going to take five months longer than first scheduled to complete due to unexpected road and stormwater issues. The new roundabout is a $2.4m project including footpaths, garden beds, new kerbs and gutters and lighting – and is now due for completion by the end of March 2026, weather permitting.The project is part of the development of a 5.8-hectare Council-owned block of land where the Byron TAFE is located, known as Lot 12 Bayshore Drive.“Since starting works, we’ve had a number of unforeseen and substantial stormwater drainage issues around the roundabout construction site on Bayshore Drive and they can’t be ignored - they have to be fixed now,” Council’s Manager Assets and Major Projects Christopher Soulsby said.“Unfortunately, some of the stormwater issues are complex and have been compounded by months of rain and a very high water table which makes upgrades to the drainage and construction of new roads really problematic. “We wanted to be up front about these issues and let the local community and businesses know about the expected delay to completion of works as soon as possible. We’ll continue doing all we can to work with everyone to minimise impacts and we’ve introduced work on a Saturday to speed things up,” Mr Soulsby said.Council built a slip lane through the Lot 12 Bayshore Road (TAFE site) earlier this year to ensure two lanes of traffic remain open for the majority of the roundabout construction and to provide access to the shopping complex. “The new roundabout, once completed, sets up this education and innovation precinct for success and will be a great long-term asset for the future of Sunrise and the Byron Arts and Industry Estate,” Mr Soulsby said. For more information about the roundabout works go to Council’s website.

Byron Shire Councillors have supported a motion put forward at Thursday's ordinary meeting for Ethical Procurement Policy in Compliance with International Human Rights Law.The motion appears to have brought a war of words to the Northern Rivers, causing division in the community. Byron Council staff said, 'The proposal to strengthen these commitments through greater alignment with international human rights standards is consistent with Council's policy direction. However, given the complexity and potential breadth of the proposed changes, it is essential to proceed with caution and utmost diligence. A thorough assessment is required to ensure full compliance with Council's legal, operational, and financial obligations, and to mitigate the risk of unintended consequences which could affect Council’s governance, financial position and service delivery.''Implementing the actions proposed in the Motion would require a significant increase in staff time, legal oversight, and procurement resourcing.'The advice was ignored, the motion passed, and two press releases were sent by the Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine and the Northern Rivers Jewish Community Association.NORTHERN RIVERS FRIENDS OF PALESTINEByron Shire Council today voted to boycott companies operating in illegal Israeli settlements, taking a step forward in protecting ratepayers’ money from human rights abuses.“In 2024 we said ‘Not In Our Name’ — and now we’re saying ‘Not With Our Money’,” said Subhi Awad from Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine. “Our community, and communities across this country, do not want our money going to bombing hospitals and killing kids. This isn’t about division or anything else, it’s about basic human decency. It’s another clear signal to the government that we want sanctions on Israel and another huge win for the boycott movement.”The original motion was co-sponsored by Greens Councillor Elia Hauge. Her motion was foreshadowed by Labor councillor Asren Pugh, whose motion was similar but removed the 2025 list of companies that listed in Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese’s report, From Economy of Occupation to Economy of Genocide. Cr Pugh’s motion referred only to a smaller 2020 UN list of companies. Cr Pugh’s motion was carried.Cr Hauge has said: “Ethical procurement is core council business. People here don’t want their rates funding companies that demolish homes, displace families, or profit from killing civilians. This is good governance — and good conscience.”Greens Cr Michelle Lowe, who seconded Cr Hauge’s motion, has said, “This motion asks us to live up to our existing values, to listen to our community and to take meaningful action in solidarity with those facing atrocities. It is the least we can do and it’s exactly what is expected of us as community representatives. Collectively we have power.”Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine welcomed the progress but pledged to continue campaigning for full divestment from all companies complicit in Israel’s war crimes.THE NORTHERN RIVERS JEWISH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONThe NSW Jewish community condemns the decision of some Byron Shire councillors to import division and hatred into our communities by supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign.Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions is not a peace-based movement, its leaders openly oppose dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians, reject a two-state solution, and advocate for the dismantling of the world’s only Jewish state.The Byron Shire decision will have no impact on the global conflict raging in the middle east but will risk feeding the antisemitism and bigotry already running rampant on our streets. Councillors were provided with compelling evidence of this escalating hate in the region and chose to ignore it. Stunningly, councillors admitted during debate that no work has been undertaken to examine the cost of this decision to ratepayers.The motion includes an order that council will be “ceasing to conduct business” with any business named on an opaque United Nations list that includes Airbnb, Booking.com, TripAdvisor.com and Expedia. This list is intended as advisory only and has been criticised for politicisation by the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and Canada.It is unclear what that will mean for the thousands of short-term rental providers, tourism operators and hospitality businesses in the region.Council must answer questions about whether it will continue to collect rates and levies from businesses and owners which operate with these providers, and if so, how it can justify doing so.NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO Michele Goldman said, “This isn’t just virtue signalling, this will cost rate payers and council must tell them how much."Weighing into an overseas conflict will not bring peace to the Middle East but is causing clear rifts between Byron community members where they were previously harmonious, undermining local cohesion and hurting both the Jewish and broader local community."Northern Rivers Jewish Community Association President Annalee Atia said, “The Byron Shire Council conducted no meaningful engagement with its constituents on this divisive and highly contentious matter and despite several attempts, has chosen to ignore important input from the local Jewish community, causing irreversible harm with their decision to adopt this motion and greatly affecting their relationship with one of its minority communities.“Many misinformed and divisive statements were made on the day. We respect that councillors hold strong personal views, but motions that single out one nationality or community are discriminatory by nature and have real, negative implications for our local community.”It appears that the effects of the Gaza war have reached the Northern Rivers.

A man has died following a single-vehicle crash near Grafton overnight.About 12.30am today (Friday, 29 August 2025), emergency services were called to Bent Street, South Grafton, following reports of a crash.Officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District attended and located a vehicle that had crashed into a tree.The passenger of the car, a 19-year-old man, was found deceased at the scene.The driver, a 39-year-old man, was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being airlifted to Gold Coast Hospital in a critical condition.A crime scene was established by police attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District, and an investigation into the crash has commenced.As inquiries continue, anyone with information or dashcam footage of the crash is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.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 treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Attention Byron Shire-based community groups, schools, P&Cs and not-for-profit organisations.  Applications for the 2024/25 Byron Shire Mayoral Fund are now open until Friday, 3 October. There’s a total pool of $3,500 available. “Last year, the Mayoral fund provided small grants to ten community organisations to support a diverse range of projects and initiatives happening across the Shire,” Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye said.“Small, well-considered projects can create very meaningful change, and I encourage all community groups to have a think about how they could put a modest funding boost to use and get an application in.“This fund is all about supporting projects with heart that will make a significant, positive impact on our local communities,” the Mayor added. Last year’s Mayoral Fund recipients included:Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce - $500.Drill Hall Theatre - $500.Byron Youth Service - $500.Bangalow Quilters - $300.Bangalow Public School - $300.Shara Community Gardens - $300.Hinterland Christian College - $300.Mullumbimby High School P&C - $300.Ocean Shores Public School - $300.Ocean Shores Public School P&C - $300. More information about the Mayoral Fund and how to apply is on Council’s website. Applications close at 9:00am on Friday, 3 October 2025.