Grafton Police have charged a third teen during an investigation into an alleged fatal stabbing near Grafton earlier this week.About 1am on (Wednesday 17 September 2025), emergency services were called to the Gwydir Highway near Hay Street, Waterview, following reports of an assault.Officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District arrived to find a 35-year-old man had been stabbed.The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.A crime scene was established, with Coffs/Clarence Police District detectives – assisted by State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad detectives – commencing an investigation under Strike Force Meldine into the incident.About 2.40pm on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, strike force detectives executed a search warrant at a home on Bent Street, South Grafton.During the search, detectives arrested a 17-year-old boy at the home before taking him to Grafton Police Station.About 7pm the same day, strike force detectives attended a second home on Maxwell Street, where they arrested a second 17-year-old boy.The teen who was arrested on Bent Street was charged with murder DV, while the other teen was charged with affray.Both teens were refused bail to appear before a children’s court yesterday (Thursday 18 September 2025), where they were formally refused bail to appear before a children's court on Thursday, 25 September 2025.About 1.35pm yesterday (Thursday, 18 September 2025), a third 17-year-old boy was arrested at Grafton Police Station.He was charged with affray and was refused bail to appear before a children's court today (Friday, 19 September 2025).

The Clarence Valley community is being invited to view and provide feedback on the design of the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment, with a new fly-through animation released today. The NSW Government is investing $263.8 million in the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment to provide new and enhanced health services for the region, which includes a new 3-storey acute services building.  The animation offers the community a virtual tour of the new hospital and coincides with completion of the detailed design for the project, which has been shaped by extensive consultation with staff, stakeholders and the community.The redevelopment will deliver a new and expanded emergency department, new emergency short stay and a new medical imaging department, including an MRI suite and inpatient unit, enhancing health services for the region.The day surgery and operating suite will be expanded to provide two extra operating theatres, increasing overall capacity. The new building will also provide space for maternity services to be relocated in the future, as well as zones for potential further development.The new inpatient building, located on the north-east side of the campus, will be seamlessly integrated with the existing hospital via a new hospital street at the current public main entrance. This will connect to a lobby in the new building to enhance access.The redevelopment will also improve access to the hospital for patients, visitors and staff including public access to the hospital from Arthur Street, with a turning circle drop-off zone for visitors as well as a new road off Queen Street to provide ambulances with direct access to the emergency department, and a new car park.The local community is being encouraged to attend upcoming community information sessions to meet the project team and provide feedback on the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment design at Grafton Shoppingworld on: Monday, 29 September between 3:00pm-5:00pmTuesday, 30 September between 9:00am-11:00amFeedback can also be provided online via the project website.In the coming weeks, the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) planning documents will be placed on public exhibition, providing the community with further opportunity to view and provide feedback. Construction timeframes will be confirmed once planning has been finalised, and a builder is engaged.As part of the redevelopment, a refurbishment of two administration blocks within a section of the old Grafton Gaol is progressing, which will provide contemporary administration, office and training support facilities for hospital staff. For more information about the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment, to view the new fly through animation and provide feedback, visit: https://nsw.gov.au/grafton-base-hospital-redevelopment.Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park, said, “The Minns Government is committed to rebuilding essential healthcare services in regional NSW.“The Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment will deliver modern facilities, expanding and improving care for the community.“We’re grateful for the input provided by staff and stakeholders into the planning process that has helped shape this project and look forward to the community sharing their views and feedback on the new design in the upcoming information sessions.”Minister for North Coast, Janelle Saffin, said, “This upgrade is essential to maintain the high level of care the growing community of Grafton deserves.“It’s great to see the upgrade being progressed with community input and feedback, and I encourage everyone to have a say to ensure we get the best possible outcome.“By working together, we are enabling health staff to deliver excellent patient care in environments that support patients and their families to feel safe, welcome and comfortable.”

Two men have been charged following a fatal two-vehicle crash in the state’s north earlier this year.About 2.20pm on Saturday, 15 March 2025, emergency services were called to Kyogle Road, Uki, approximately 46km north of Lismore, following reports of a two-vehicle crash.Officers attached to Tweed-Byron Police District were told a ute and a motorcycle collided before the rider was ejected from the motorcycle.The rider – a 35-year-old man – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being airlifted to Princess Alexandra Hospital, where he later died the same day.The driver of the ute – a 52-year-old man – was taken to Murwillumbah District Hospital for mandatory testing.A crime scene was established, and an investigation into the crash commenced.Following inquiries, on Saturday (13 September 2025), the driver and passenger of the ute – a 30-year-old man – were issued Future Court Attendance Notices.The older man was charged with negligent driving (occasioning death) and never licensed person drive vehicle on road, while the younger man was charged with Learner not accompanied by driver/police officer/tester.Both men are due to appear before Tweed Heads Local Court on Monday, 27 October 2025.

A woman has been charged following a fatal single-vehicle crash just north of Casino earlier this year.About 10pm on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, emergency services were called to Droneys Bridge Road, Fairy Hill, following reports of a single vehicle crash.Officers attached to Richmond Police District attended and found a vehicle submerged in the Richmond River.,Police inquiries led them to believe the vehicle was travelling along Droneys Bridge Road, before it left the roadway.A 23-year-old female occupant of the vehicle was able to self-extricate. She was uninjured.With assistance from Police Rescue and NSW SES crews, the vehicle was retrieved from the water.The bodies of two men - aged 26 and 27 - were located inside the vehicle.Police established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.Following extensive inquiries, about 3pm yesterday (Thursday, 18 September 2025), police arrested a 23-year-old woman at a unit on Short Street, Glen Innes.She was taken to Glen Innes Police Station, where she was charged with two counts of dangerous driving occ death-drive manner dangerous, negligent driving (occasioning death) and drive motor vehicle during disqualification period.She was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 5 today (Friday, 19 September 2025).Police will allege in court that the 23-year-old woman was the driver of the vehicle when it crashed.

Grafton Police have charged a teen with murder over an alleged fatal stabbing in Grafton yesterday.About 1am (Wednesday, 17 September 2025), emergency services were called to the Gwydir Highway near Hay Street, Waterview, following reports of an assault.Officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District arrived to find a 35-year-old man had been stabbed by unknown people while walking along the street.The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.A crime scene was established, with Coffs/Clarence Police District detectives – assisted by State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad detectives – commencing an investigation under Strike Force Medine into the incident.While examining the crime scene, strike force detectives located and seized a knife, a metal pole and the handle of an axe.Initial inquiries indicate the stabbing was targeted.Following further inquiries, strike force detectives executed a search warrant at a home on Bent Street, South Grafton, about 2.40pm yesterday.During the search, detectives arrested a 17-year-old boy at the home before taking him to Grafton Police Station.About 7pm the same day, strike force detectives attended a second home on Maxwell Street, where they arrested a second 17-year-old boy.The teen who was arrested on Bent Street was charged with murder DV, while the other teen was charged with affray.Both teens were refused bail to appear before a children’s court today (Thursday, 18 September 2025).

Byron Shire Council will investigate whether solar-fuelled batteries can be installed on its community facilities to ultimately provide energy back to the grid as well as electricity in an emergency.The project is being driven by Council’s Community Battery Working Group.Alicia Lloyd, Team Leader Sustainability, said the working group has spent five months looking at community batteries and operating models before concluding that the best option for collaboration with the Byron Shire community would be the installation of batteries on some of its buildings.“Putting batteries on Council-owned community facilities where there are existing solar panels or solar potential would see energy able to be fed back into the grid at night, and this would provide a financial benefit,” Dr Lloyd said.“Because the batteries store energy, they would also be very useful during emergencies, providing another level of resilience if the power is out for long periods of time,” she said.Staff will now work with a renewable energy consultant to do a feasibility study, which will determine which Council facilities could support energy storage batteries, the benefits for the community, and cost estimates to get the technology installed.This will be overseen by the Community Battery Working Group, which will report back to Council on the findings of the feasibility study.“This is exciting technology and many councils around Australia are investing in projects like this which benefit Council, the community and provide a good environmental outcome as well,” Dr Lloyd said.

Some major Northern Rivers roads will be receiving much-needed state government funding to make upgrades that will keep motorists safer.The NSW Government is investing nearly $46 million in 16 new safety projects under its Towards Zero Safer Roads Program as part of its campaign to reduce crashes and save lives on roads in the regions of New South Wales. Those projects include Summerland Way at The Risk in the Kyogle Shire, the Gwydir Highway, Jackadgery in Clarence Valley and the Bruxner Highway in the Kyogle Shire. Marking Rural Road Safety Month, the funding is directed to regional communities with a focus on the north of NSW. The funding targets: Key inland highways and corridors, including the New England Highway ($7.9 million), Newell Highway ($8.6 million), Mitchell Highway ($3 million), Kamilaroi Highway ($2.2 million, Summerland Way ($2.1 million) and Olympic Highway ($1.7 million).  Great Dividing Range crossings, including the Waterfall Way ($5 million), Oxley Highway ($1.5m), Bruxner Highway ($1.2 million), Gwydir Highway ($4.4 million) and Illawarra Highway ($4.1 million). These upgrades are designed to reduce road trauma by addressing high-risk areas and improving infrastructure and are projected to prevent more than 2,000 fatal or serious injuries. Works include shoulder widening, new safety barriers, widening of centre lines, audio tactile markings and other improvements to help motorists.The new projects are funded through savings from earlier rounds of the program and aim to reduce the number of serious crashes in high-risk rural areas. Works will be carried out by Transport for NSW. Rural Road Safety Month is an annual initiative led by the Australian Road Safety Foundation and supported by the NSW Government. It aims to raise awareness about the unique risks faced on country roads. This year’s theme is ‘Step Up For Rural Road Safety’. While one-third of NSW residents live in regional areas, more than two-thirds of all road fatalities occur on country roads. Launched in 2023, the Towards Zero Safer Roads Program has delivered $328.5 million across 198 safety projects statewide. This includes 54 delivery projects and 79 planning and development projects focused on high-risk rural and regional roads. To learn more about the Towards Zero Safer Roads Program, visit: transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/programs/towards-zero-safer-roads-program. The Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said, “The NSW Government is reinforcing its commitment to regional road safety, with nearly $46 million reinvested into upgrades like safety barriers, wider shoulders, and clearer line markings that benefit our regional communities. “Infrastructure improvements are crucial to reducing crash risks and saving lives.  “We know around 70 per cent of all fatalities happen on regional roads, and 85 per cent of all fatal crashes on country roads involve a country resident. Rural Road Safety Month is a reminder for every motorist to take responsibility for yourself and for every life around you when on the state’s road network. “Driving on country roads poses unique dangers. Environmental factors such as different road conditions and design, higher speed limits and increased roadside hazards such as wildlife contribute to a greater risk and severity of a crash on country roads.  “There’s no room for complacency. Take breaks, don’t drive under the influence, follow speed limits, watch for wildlife, and drive to conditions. Whether you're a local or a visitor, please take extra care on rural roads.” Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Western NSW, Tara Moriarty, said, “The upgrades to Mitchell Highway in the Dubbo region, Kamilaroi Highway in the Liverpool Plains, Olympic Highway in Hilltops and Newell Highway in the Moree plains, will boost safety for local communities. “This is a win for the safety of country roads used by locals heading to town or trucks freighting crops, livestock and produce to market and the supplies back to farms. “With this being Rural Road Safety Month, I would like to remind every driver to choose road safety first by slowing down and being alert. We all want you to get home safely.” Minister for North Coast, Janelle Saffin, said, “This investment is a win for the North Coast, with targeted upgrades to roads like the Summerland Way and Gwydir Highway helping to save lives.  “Rural Road Safety Month is an important reminder that country roads carry unique risks, and together we can step up for rural safety.   “Whether you’re commuting, visiting family, or moving freight – every journey on a regional and rural road should be a safe one.” 

E-bike users are being reminded to slow down and know the rules, following a number of accidents and near misses involving e-bikes over the past few years. Just recently, several teenagers have been issued fines, and local authorities have impounded multiple e-bikes.In 2024, a man sadly died in the Byron Shire, while this year, a Mullumbimby man was seriously injured after being hit by an e-bike.“We want everyone to be safe in the Byron Shire. Wrongly used e-bikes can be dangerous, and there are rules that need to be followed to ensure a safer community,” Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said.  “The current rules state that e-bikes should not go faster than 25 kilometres an hour.“Cheer up, chill out and slow down on your e-bike is the message we want people to remember.“We are also urging people to remember to wear a helmet when on your bike or e-bike, and if there are lots of pedestrians around, be sure to sound your bell, to let them know you are approaching. Further to this, you can only ride on footpaths if you are under 16 or accompanying someone under 16.“Other e-rideables like e-scooters are illegal to use, except when on private property.“We’re also seeing many incidents of e-bike users damaging our Shire’s sports fields, which is hugely disappointing, after what has been such a disrupted year for many sports teams, due to wet weather.“I know I’m not alone in urging people to do the right thing and stay off fields,” the Mayor added. Illegal e-bike use can be reported to police. Community members can report any incidents to their local police station, police assistance line on 131 444, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or triple zero 000 in the event of any emergency. Anyone caught riding an illegal electric-powered bicycle or motorised device on a road or road-related area in NSW can face fines starting from $723. The fine for riding without a helmet is $344. More information is available on Council’s website. Information about e-bikes is also on the Transport for NSW website.

A man has died after being stabbed in Waterview, near Grafton, this morning.About 1am (Wednesday, 17 September 2025), emergency services were called to the Gwydir Highway near Hay Street, Waterview, following reports of an assault.Officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District arrived to find a 35-year-old man had been stabbed by unknown people while walking along the street.The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.A crime scene has been established, with Coffs/Clarence detectives – assisted by State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad detectives – commencing an investigation into the incident.Initial inquiries indicate the stabbing was targeted.The area is expected to remain a crime scene for a considerable amount of time and motorists are urged to avoid the area.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Grafton Police or 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 managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA)’s successful embedded batteries trial is expanding to another 13 locations across the state, including Ballina and Kyogle, allowing more communities to safely dispose of and recycle items with built-in batteries for free. Gadgets with embedded lithium-ion batteries are increasingly common in our homes, such as vapes, headphones, speakers, electric toothbrushes, e-scooters and smart watches. Battery-powered items contain valuable recoverable materials but are also highly combustible, with waste workers saying these items are causing thousands of hard-to-extinguish fires in trucks and landfills each year.  Nearly 200 battery fires have been attended by Fire and Rescue NSW so far in 2025, reflecting a serious risk to the community, households and waste workers.  Another 13 community recycling centres are joining the trial, which is set to run until September 2026:  Kiama Community Recycling Centre Goulburn Community Recycling Centre Lithgow Community Recycling Centre Belmont North Community Recycling Centre Randwick Community Recycling Centre Katoomba Community Recycling Centre Kempsey Community Recycling Centre Armidale Community Recycling Centre Cowra Community Recycling Centre Ballina Community Recycling Centre Culcairn Community Recycling Centre Moama Community Recycling Centre Kyogle Community Recycling Centre NSW EPA Chief Executive Tony Chappel said battery fires are a serious issue that can have devastating consequences for communities and waste workers.   “We’re leading the way to combat these risks by introducing a product stewardship scheme, but we also need to make sure battery-powered items are being managed at the end of their usable life,” Mr Chappel said. “With more than 30 councils now pitching in to collect this problematic waste, we’re making it easier for people to keep batteries out of the bin, so we can protect our environment, increase our recycling rates and keep communities safe.”  The embedded batteries trial first launched in September 2024, with 21 councils across NSW initially taking part to safely collect and recycle items with built-in batteries at Community Recycling Centres.  To date, more than 9,000 kilograms of this problem waste has been dropped off at centres and safely disposed of, reducing pressures on landfill and driving circular solutions. Locals in participating areas are encouraged to look at what unwanted battery-powered items they have in their home, and head down to their local Community Recycling Centre to drop them off. For a full list of accepted items and locations, go to: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/Your-environment/Recycling-and-reuse/household-recycling-overview/Embedded-batteries.  

Council has all-but finished improvements to Federal Park just in time for summer.The park, in the heart of Federal, is a much-valued gathering space for the community. Council has invested $39,000 in a spruce-up of some facilities.The outdoor team has installed several hardwood timber bench seats, and there’s now an outdoor table tennis table.“I am sure that people are searching for their table tennis bats and balls and there will be some fiercely competitive battles on that table over the next couple of months,” Malcolm Robertson, Manager Facilities and Open Spaces, said.Council is also doing some paving to link two existing paths, and the mosaic at the entry to the park has been repaired.“In particular, our thanks go to Turia Bruce and Pyari Cau, creators of the original mosaic, who volunteered their time and expertise to restore the artwork,” he said.“My thanks to everyone in the community for their input on this project – the work we are doing is in response to their requests for improvements,” Mr Robertson said.“Federal Park has something for everyone, and I hope the community enjoys these latest improvements and additions,” he said.

A woman will face court charged with numerous offences after a fatal crash in Tweed Heads earlier this year.About 7.30am on Monday, 30 June 2025, emergency services were called to Tweed Valley Way, Tumbulgum, following reports of a crash.At the scene, officers found a hatchback and SUV had collided head-on.The driver of the hatchback, an 85-year-old woman, was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, she was unable to be revived.The driver of the SUV – a 43-year-old woman – sustained minor injuries and was taken to Tweed Valley Hospital for mandatory testing.Following inquiries, today, (Tuesday 16 September 2025), the 43-year-old woman was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning death, and not keep left of dividing line.She was refused bail to appear before Tweed Heads Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday, 17 September 2025).

The NSW Government is making $100,000 in funding available to support projects across the state that honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans via the 2025 Veteran Community Grants Program.Formerly known as Anzac Community Grants, the program has been refreshed with a greater emphasis on assisting projects that support recognition of the veteran community and events that acknowledge significant military anniversaries.Grants of up to $3,000 are available for projects that commemorate and educate local communities on the service and sacrifices of current and former service personnel. Activities that support the well-being of veterans in New South Wales are also eligible.Funding is available across four categories: local community historical research and education; preservation or display of war memorabilia; public commemorative events; and projects that support the NSW veteran community.(The North Lismore War Memorial)Last year, more than 90 projects were funded through the program.Individuals and not-for-profit organisations in NSW, including local government authorities, ex-service organisations and educational institutions, are encouraged to apply for a grant.  The grant round closes at 5pm on Tuesday, 11 November 2025.More information and details on how to apply are available here: www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/VCGP.Minister for Veterans David Harris said, “I am pleased to announce the opening of the Veteran Community Grants Program. The funding available from this program will support a range of initiatives that recognise and support veterans and educate the local community on our military history.“Since 2015, the program has been committed to honouring and commemorating the service and sacrifice of our ex-serving military personnel. The renewed Veteran Community Grants Program emphasises recognition and commemoration of veterans across NSW, which is a key pillar of the NSW Veterans Strategy 2025-2030.“I encourage individuals and organisations who are interested in acknowledging the service and sacrifice of our veterans to apply and look forward to seeing the range of project proposals that are received.”

The NSW Government has announced it will provide $5.4 million to NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs through the Surf Club Facility Program.The Program provides funding to keep clubs modern, inclusive, and accessible, with grants of up to $1 million available across three categories for projects that upgrade, restore or construct surf lifesaving facilities.The state government is focused on its commitment to build better communities, and as such, the program will now include grants for project design and planning, ensuring surf club projects are supported from concept to completion.The Program aims to assist eligible Surf Life Saving Clubs throughout NSW to create new and upgraded inclusive and accessible facilities. Projects that encourage participation by women and girls, people with disability, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ are a priority of the Program.Applications for Category 1 close 20 October 2025, while applications for Categories 2 and 3 close 10 November 2025.For further information and to apply, visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/surf-club-facility-program.Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said, “The weather is heating up and summer is almost here.“The Surf Club Facility Program will provide critical funding to our surf lifesaving clubs to enable them to better protect beachgoers.“The inclusion of grants for design and planning means clubs are supported from concept to completion and better equipped to apply for funding at later stages of projects. “This Program is part of our four-year $21.6 million commitment to ensure our Surf Life Saving Clubs are modern, safe and inclusive.”Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said, “Our dedicated volunteers are dusting off their caps for the upcoming patrol season as the NSW Government delivers on its record investment in Surf Life Saving NSW.“The $5.4 million in upgrades to be funded through this program will help surf lifesavers to better protect beach lovers along the entire NSW coastline. “Coupled with the new and upgraded equipment, additional jet skis, and Emergency Response Beacons funded by the NSW Government, our volunteers are being equipped with the latest modern and safe equipment to continue their incredible work.”President of Surf Life Saving NSW, Peter Agnew, said, “The funding provided by the NSW Government is vital to ensuring our surf clubs are safe and fit for purpose in what are sometimes extreme weather conditions, which take an enormous toll on our clubs’ facilities.“Our membership continues to grow, with more than 83,000 lifesavers and Nippers.“Providing safe, secure, and accessible facilities for members and the communities they protect is more important than ever.”

A body has been located during a search for a man missing from the Tweed Valley region today.The 59-year-old man was last seen in the Tweed Valley area, about 9.30pm Monday, 18 August 2025.When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District were notified on Monday, 8 September 2025 and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.Today (Monday, 15 September 2025), officers with the assistance of the Queensland Police Service and volunteer emergency services located the body of a man during a search of bushland in the Cudgen area.While yet to be formally identified, the body is believed to be that of the missing man.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.

Five teenagers have been arrested and their e-bikes will be destroyed following an operation focused on the illegal use of e-bikes in the state’s north last weekend.On Saturday, 13 September 2025, officers attached to the Tweed/Byron Police District, including police from the Proactive Crime Team, conducted Operation Cyclesafe, focused on the unlawful use of electric bicycles (e-bikes) in the Tweed Heads South, Banora Point, Kingscliff, Casuarina, and Pottsville areas.As part of the operation, numerous cyclists and e-bike riders, both young persons and adults, were stopped and spoken to regarding offences, including failure to wear a helmet and driving unregistered vehicles.Police also spoke to a number of young people, educating them on e-bike laws.Of note, around 11:45am, a 15-year-old boy from Pottsville was seen to be allegedly travelling over 80km/h southbound on an electric motorbike in traffic.About 12:05pm, a 13-year-old boy from Elanora, Queensland, was observed riding an e-bike recklessly, performing a wheelie, and exceeding the 25km/h limit.About 3pm, a 14-year-old boy was detected travelling over 50km/h on an e-bike at Hastings Point.About 1:50pm, a 13-year-old boy was observed speeding on an e-bike on Casuarina Way.Shortly after, 16-year-old girl from Pottsville was observed travelling at 50km/h on an e-bike along Tweed Coast Road.All five teenagers were stopped safely by police and arrested.Tweed/Byron Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Matthew Zimmer, said there will be zero tolerance from police when it comes to keeping everyone safe. “This enforcement is about reducing road trauma and enhancing community safety, in particular other road users, pedestrians and customers frequenting shopping centres and public spaces,” Det Insp Zimmer said.“These operations will continue with covert police deployments right across the district to prevent and disrupt the use of illegal e-bikes and associated e-bike offences.”The five teenagers arrested will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act for various offences, including use unregistered vehicle on road, use uninsured motor vehicle on road, owner use vehicle on road with tax unpaid, driver use mobile phone when not permitted and drive recklessly/furiously – speed/manner dangerous.All five illegal e-bikes were impounded and will be destroyed.

Kyogle Council has extended and upgraded the road at Woodenbong Cemetery, delivering improved access and parking for the community.The gravel road has been upgraded to an all-weather surface and extended by 170 metres – it now runs right to the bottom of the cemetery. Additional car parking has also been installed.The $40,000 project was fully funded by Council and follows recent upgrades to visitor facilities at the cemetery, which included the installation of a composting toilet, a covered picnic table and bench seating.Kyogle Council Mayor Cr Danielle Mulholland said the works responded to community concerns and were about ensuring the cemetery was safe, accessible and welcoming for all.“We listened, and we’ve delivered improvements that make the cemetery more accessible and user-friendly for everyone,” Cr Mulholland said."Cemeteries are important places of reflection and remembrance for our community. By extending the road and adding extra parking, we’ve made it easier for people to visit the cemetery in all weather conditions."Cr Mulholland said Council was committed to continuing to improve community facilities across the local government area."This project, along with the earlier installation of a composting toilet, picnic facilities and seating, ensures Woodenbong Cemetery is a respectful, accessible and comfortable space for families and visitors alike," she said.

Residents in Byron Bay and Suffolk Park who have been affected by flooding are being asked to share their experiences, photos and videos with Council.The information will be used to inform the update of the Belongil and Tallow Floodplain Risk Management Plan and Study.The documents will guide the development of flood management strategies in the catchments, including planning controls, emergency management, and the development of a prioritised list of projects to address current and future flood risks.“Many properties in Belongil, Byron Bay and Suffolk Park were flooded in March 2022, which was the largest flood ever experienced in these catchments,” Josh Wilde, Project Manager, said.“Council has now calibrated its flood modelling to this event, but before we go any further, we need to first get community feedback on the flood maps to ensure they accurately reflect the flooding that occurred.“Many people provided Council with information about the extent of the flooding in the months following the event.“We want to have in-depth conversations with these people, as well as others who may not have spoken to anyone about recent flood events,” Mr Wilde said.“This is not just about flooding in 2022; we want to hear about any flooding experiences people have had and gather ideas on how to resolve these issues, which can all be considered in the study.”“We also want to hear people’s ideas on how to better prevent, manage, or reduce flooding impacts in our community,” Mr Wilde said.Staff will be at the Byron Farmers Market on 18 September and 25 September to speak with people and answer questions.People can share their stories and information at Your Say Byron Shire on Council’s website until 18 October.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s north. Derrick Sharp, aged 59, was last seen in Kingscliff, on Monday, 18 August 2025.When he was unable to be contacted, officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District were notified on Monday, 8 September 2025 and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.There are serious concerns for his welfare.Derrick is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm, thin build and has dark coloured hair.He was last seen wearing a grey hat, blue denim jacket, grey shirt with black and white horizontal stripes, blue jeans and white shoes.Inquiries have established that on the day after (Tuesday, 19 August 2025) he was last seen, an unknown male attended Tweed Heads Police Station about midday and placed a bag containing Derrick’s possessions on the front counter of the station and left without speaking to police. Officers are urging this man to contact police.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.