Schoolies embrace laidback vibes
MORE than 5,000 school leavers descended on Byron Bay over the past week to celebrate the end of their secondary education. The area has become...
Kids go wild at new nature playground
THE first stage of a new nature playground at Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in Knockrow has opened just in time for the summer school...
Tweed tops for tourism
TWEED businesses have taken home a swag of honours at the 2024 NSW Tourism Awards. The Northern Rivers Rail Trail was named the top tourist...
Fame, fortune and fragility
Why do we idolise certain people? Why do we love watching them fail? Michael Sharmon will explore these issues and more in his latest...
Carols by the river in Ballina
AROUND 3,000 people are expected to gather for Riverside Carols at Ballina on Sunday 8 December. The alcohol-free event at Kingsford Smith Park will begin...
Guides added to work wish list
NORTHERN Rivers tour operators have welcomed news that tour guides have been added to the occupational shortage list. The list, compiled by the Australian government,...
Lawson Street reopens ahead of schedule
LOCAL businesses are celebrating the reopening of a busy section of Lawson Street in Byron Bay, which has been closed since September. Byron Shire Council...
Rifle Range Road upgrade complete
THE $4.1 million upgrade of Rifle Range Road in Bangalow is now complete, reopening the key intersection with Lismore Road and promising improved safety...
Riding the waves of dedication
BYRON Bay Surf Life Saving Club's director of surf sports, Troy Eady, has earned life membership of Surf Life Saving Australia, recognising his 52...
From ruin to resilience: new book tells the story of flood recovery
A NEW book has captured the inspiring stories of resilience and recovery following the devastating 2022 floods. Turning the Tide, co-written by former Rotary Club...
You beauty! Bangalow restaurant takes home top gong
BANGALOW'S You Beauty has claimed the prestigious regional restaurant of the year title at the Good Food Guide Awards, beating strong contenders across NSW. Bar...
From trash to treasure
THE winners of Ballina Salvage Shed's Recycled Art Competition were revealed during an exhibition at the resource recovery shop on the weekend. Ron Ford won...
Byron in a bottle
AS a child growing up in Italy, Luca Bolzoni often saw his grandma making bottles of limoncello with lemons from the many trees his...
Healing the wild – new hospital for native animals
A NEW wildlife hospital expected to open by the end of the year will relieve pressure on local rescue organisations and vets, who are...
Retro rager ’80s dance group prepares to party
NORTHERN Rivers mums are busily digging out their hair crimpers, hoop earrings and taffeta skirts for The Cassettes' 12th birthday bash on November 29. The...
Feathers, fowl and fun at Bangalow Show
FAMILIES flocked to Bangalow Showground last weekend for the annual Bangalow Show, which featured everything from rooster crowing competitions to a monster truck demonstration. Bangalow...
Ballina unites to walk against violence
A WALK to raise awareness about domestic and family violence will bring hundreds of Ballina residents together on November 29, as part of a...
Burns Point Ferry temporary closure
The Burns Point Ferry, which connects West Ballina and South Ballina, will be closed for annual maintenance until November 25. Motorists are advised to use...
Chuckle for a cause
COMEDIANS Lindsay Webb and Mandy Nolan will entertain guests at an International Men's Day luncheon at Ballina RSL on Tuesday, November 19. Nolan will also...
Connecting kids to country and culture
INDIGENOUS students from Cabbage Tree Island Primary School got a lesson in bush tucker and traditional medicine from MasterChef star Mindy Woods during a...
Bangalow’s history comes to life
A film showcasing the history of Bangalow will screen at Bangalow Heritage House and Museum on Friday November 22. The 75-minute film, From Out of...
Distiller on road to success
He has been on every highway from Kentucky to Kyoto checking out whisky distilleries around the world – now Dan Woolley is sharing his...
Diving into fun
NIPPERS aged from under 8 to under 14s from clubs across the far north coast took part in a junior carnival at Yamba last...
Plea for tourism plan
THE new board of local tourism association Destination Byron is calling on Byron Shire Council to fund a paid tourism employee and a 'Destination...