Anyone travelling to the Gold Coast or Brisbane next week at night should be aware that the Tugun Bypass Tunnel on the Pacific Motorway will be closed on multiple nights during September for essential maintenance.The work will be carried out at night to minimise impacts to motorists.The tunnel will be closed from 7pm on Sunday, 14, Monday, 15 and Tuesday, 16 September, reopening at 5am the following morning.During the night closures, detours suitable for all vehicle types are available.Northbound traffic will exit the M1 Pacific Motorway via the Kennedy Drive exit, take Sugarwood Drive to Gold Coast Highway, then take Tugun Currumbin Road and rejoin the M1 Pacific Motorway at the Stewart Road on-ramp.Southbound traffic will exit the M1 Pacific Motorway at Tugun Currumbin Road (Exit 95) and follow to the Gold Coast Highway, then Cordyline Drive to re-join the M1 Pacific Motorway at the Kennedy Drive on-ramp.Motorists are advised to allow up to five minutes of additional travel time, drive to the conditions and follow the direction of signs and traffic control.For more information on this work, visit https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/233663, download the Live Traffic NSW App or call 132 701. To receive updates direct to your phone, search for ‘Tugun Bypass Tunnel’ in your Live Traffic app, select the incident and click ‘Follow’.

A man will face court charged after allegedly supplying prohibited drugs in South Grafton.In September 2024, officers attached to the Region Enforcement Squad (RES) Coffs Harbour established Strike Force Spalding and commenced an investigation into the alleged drug supply in Coffs/Clarence area.Following extensive inquiries, about 7.10am yesterday (Wednesday, 10 September 2025), strike force detectives, with the assistance of Northern Rivers RES, Hunter RES, North Coast Domestic Violence High Risk Offender Team (DVHROT), Operation Utah, Dogs Squad, PolAir, NSW Crime Commission and officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District executed search warrants at eight locations in South Grafton.During the search warrants, police allegedly located and seized about 1.25kg of Methylamphetamine, 3.63kg of Cannabis leaf, 326g of Cocaine, 180g MDMA, along with almost $110,000 in cash and an electronic stun device.The estimated street value of seized drugs is about $623,000.A 32-year-old man was arrested and taken to Grafton Police Station where he was charged with,Supply prohibited drug more than indictable and less than commercial quantity (16 counts)Supply prohibited drug more than small and less than or equal to indictable quantitySupply prohibited drug more than or equal to commercial quantity (four counts)Possess prohibited drug (12 counts)Supply prohibited drug more than or equal to large commercial quantity (four counts)Supply cannabis more than indictable and less than commercial quantity (four counts)Deal with property proceeds of crime less than $100000 and less than $5000 (two counts)Possess/attempt to, prescribed restricted substance, andFail to comply digital evidence access order direction.He was refused bail to appear at Bail Division Court 1 today (Thursday, 11 September 2025).

Two Evans Head community clubs will share more than $11,000 in Federal funding to improve safety and strengthen services for members and the wider community.The Evans Head Casino Surf Life Saving Club has been allocated $8,796 to install new defibrillators. These devices will boost emergency response capability for patrolling lifesavers and provide peace of mind for locals and visitors enjoying the beach.The Evans Head Tennis Club will receive $2,900 to modernise its operations. The grant will allow the club to upgrade its online booking and membership systems, purchase electronic payment devices, and secure a dedicated club phone so volunteers are no longer relying on personal devices.Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, said the grants were about backing volunteers who keep their community safe and active.“Surf lifesavers are always there when we need them. This funding means they’ll now have the latest defibrillators on hand - equipment that can literally save lives in the critical minutes before an ambulance arrives,” Mr Hogan said.“The Evans Head Tennis Club is also a hub for people of all ages to stay active and connected. These upgrades will make it easier for members to manage bookings, payments, and communication, freeing up time for volunteers to focus on running programs and encouraging participation.”Mr Hogan said he was proud to support both projects.“Our local clubs do an incredible job with limited resources. They are the lifeblood of communities like ours. This funding is about giving them the practical tools they need to keep serving the community well into the future.”

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions from next week on McFarlane Bridge at Maclean for routine maintenance work.Work will start from Monday, 15 September and be carried out from 7am to 5pm on weekdays. Work is expected to be completed by 26 September, weather permitting.Single lane alternate flow and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place during working hours, and some intermittent stoppages may be required. Motorists should allow up to ten minutes’ 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/248249, download the Live Traffic NSW App or call 132 701.To receive updates direct to your phone, search for ‘Maclean’ in your Live Traffic app, select the incident and click ‘Follow’.

From 8 September 2025, Byron Shire Council will be ramping up work on Mullumbimby Road, and the message for drivers is that there will be long delays at different times, and to take an alternative route.Since work started on the Mullumbimby Road upgrade in mid-July, the disruption to drivers has been minimal, but this is set to change.From 8 September, for several weeks, Council will be rebuilding the road between McAuleys Lane and The Saddle Road, and while it will remain open, there will be only one lane of alternating traffic under traffic control.To avoid potential long delays, drivers should take alternative routes such as Myocum Road and Coolamon Scenic Drive.“We know that Coolamon Scenic Drive is a windy road, and we will be making sure it is maintained to cope with extra traffic, and cautionary signage is in place,” Phil Holloway, Director Infrastructure Services, said.Heavy vehicles should take Myocum Road.In October, Mullumbimby Road will close to all outbound traffic for at least four months when work starts on the section between The Saddle Road and Gulgan Road.Priority will, however, be given to emergency services and school buses.Nightwork is also scheduled in October, on sections of the road from The Saddle Road to James Street.The upgrade of Mullumbimby Road is a major project that is funded by the NSW and Federal Governments and Council to improve road safety and drainage and rebuild flood-damaged sections of the road.The $5.3 million project includes:Shoulder wideningImprovements to the McAuleys Lane intersection.New road surfaces, signage, guardrail installation and line marking.Minor road widening in the current road corridor.Drainage work on the verges near the Uncle Tom’s intersection, including the removal of trees and other vegetation in the road reserve.  Installation of a new culvert with the aim of improving the flow of stormwater to Everitts Creek.Information about the Mullumbimby Road upgrade is on Council’s website.

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.