Final Call for Registrations: Byron Coastal Charity Walk Set to Make a Difference

With just weeks remaining until the Byron Coastal Charity Walk on Friday, 3 May 2025, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service is putting out a final call for participants to register and support a cause that saves lives across the Northern Rivers and beyond.

The walk invites locals and visitors to experience the breathtaking coastal route between Byron Bay and Ballina, all while raising much-needed funds to keep the rescue helicopters flying and delivering critical care in emergencies. The track is in top condition and welcomes walkers of all abilities, offering distances of 12km, 24km, or 36km to suit everyone from casual strollers to serious hikers.

Walking in Gratitude: A Personal Mission

Among the hundreds preparing for the challenge is team Bunch of Choppers, led by Mark Stephenson and his 16-year-old son, Cooper. Their involvement is deeply personal—Mark was airlifted by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter after a serious water ski racing accident in early 2024.

“You never know when you might need the service,” Mark said. “It’s a great cause, and they helped me a great deal in my incident. Being able to give back in this way is really special.”

The team has already raised a remarkable sum, thanks to generous contributions from friends, family, and members of the water ski racing community. But for Mark, it’s about more than money—it’s about paying it forward.

“The response has been amazing—everyone has chipped in. When I was in hospital, the amount of people that visited showed how much support was out there. This walk is our way of giving back and making sure the service is there for others when they need it.”

A Walk That Saves Lives

Every dollar raised from the Byron Coastal Charity Walk goes directly to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, helping fund lifesaving missions across the region. The service provides critical aeromedical support 24/7, and relies heavily on community fundraising to remain operational.

With five weeks to go, organisers are encouraging individuals, families, and workplace teams to sign up and take part in this iconic community event.

“Any support helps keep the choppers in the air. You never know if you or a friend will need it,” Mark added.

Whether you’re walking in memory, in gratitude, or simply to enjoy the stunning views from Byron to Ballina, your participation will help save lives.

Register Today

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this inspiring event. Choose your distance—12km, 24km, or 36km—and take steps that matter.

To register or find out more, visit:
👉 https://events.rescuehelicopter.com.au/event/byron-coast-charity-walk/home

Lace up, step out, and help keep the helicopters in the sky.

33 Charged During High-Visibility Police Operation in NSW Northern Rivers

A major police crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour in northern NSW has resulted in 33 people being charged and dozens of infringement notices issued during a joint operation across the Tweed/Byron Police District.

Operation Furittus, carried out between Tuesday 1 April and Thursday 3 April 2025, targeted public spaces, shopping centres and transport hubs across the district, with a strong police presence working alongside security partners and retail management to deter criminal activity.

As part of the coordinated response:

• 49 charges were laid against 33 individuals, including arrests for outstanding warrants and AVO breaches.

• 15 business inspections were carried out, identifying 60 shoplifters.

• 25 criminal infringement notices and 37 banning notices were issued.

• Police also issued seven youth cautions, moved on six individuals, and made eight parole breach notifications.

The crackdown involved both uniformed and plain-clothes police, working in tandem with loss prevention officers and retail outlet security teams, creating a visible deterrent for criminal behaviour and enhancing community safety.

In parallel, Operation Ares was conducted on Thursday 3 April at two Tweed Heads shopping precincts, specifically aimed at addressing knife-related crime. Police from the Tweed/Byron Police District and Police Transport Command used handheld metal detectors to scan 384 individuals between 9am and 9pm.

During this operation, a 56-year-old Mullumbimby man allegedly produced a knife and was charged with custody of knife in a public place. He is scheduled to appear at Tweed Heads Local Court on Monday, 28 April 2025.

“Community Safety is Our Priority”

Tweed/Byron Crime Manager Detective Inspector Matt Zimmer said the results from both operations demonstrate the value of proactive, community-focused policing.

“Members of our community have a right to feel safe when they use our shopping centres, public spaces and transport hubs,” Det Insp Zimmer said.

“This operation reinforces our commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the community by disrupting individuals who engage in criminal activity and holding them accountable for their actions.”

He credited the success of the operations to long-standing partnerships with local retail outlets and security teams, adding that police will continue to utilise CCTV, targeted surveillance, and investigative strategies to pursue offenders.

“If individuals steal from a retail outlet or commit offences within local shopping centres, there is a high likelihood that they will be identified and prosecuted,” he said.

Ongoing Commitment to Visible Policing

The NSW Police Force confirmed that Operation Furittus will continue to roll out across the Tweed/Byron Police District, while Operation Ares, aimed at reducing knife-related incidents, will be extended across other regions of the state.

These efforts form part of a broader policing strategy to address retail theft, anti-social behaviour, and violent crime in key public areas, reinforcing the message that unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated.

The Northern Rivers Times News

 

 

OUT NOW: Your Voice, Your News – The Northern Rivers Times!

From flood-resilient schools to federal political shakeups, from cane festival comebacks to speedway takeovers – we’ve got your region covered.

Grab the April 3 edition of The Northern Rivers Times and dive into powerful stories shaping your backyard: real people, real impact, no spin. Whether it’s a cyclone prep masterclass, a domestic violence survival story, or the latest community battles – we dig deep so you stay informed.

Don’t miss the voices that matter. Your region. Your stories. Your paper.

 

1. UNICEF Australia Urges Disaster Plan for Children
   UNICEF calls for a national disaster plan focused on children’s needs, highlighting overlooked support during crises and long-term impacts on young Australians.
2. Cyclone Alfred: Region Applauded for Preparedness
   Communities, emergency services, and governments praised for coordinated, proactive response to Cyclone Alfred, setting a new benchmark for disaster readiness.
3. South Grafton Pool Closure Sparks Outrage
   Closure of Grafton’s only hydrotherapy pool angers residents. Council cites high maintenance costs, sparking concern for elderly and disabled locals losing vital service.
4. Domestic Violence Story: Nora’s Escape
   A survivor recounts escalating coercive control and financial abuse post-separation. Her experience underlines the complexities and dangers of non-physical domestic violence.
5. Vale Denis Benfield: A Legacy of Service
   The Clarence Valley farewells Denis Benfield, a devoted veteran and RSL advocate remembered for his naval service and tireless support of ex-servicemen.
6. Cane Harvest Festival Returns to Maclean
   Maclean revives its historic Cane Harvest Festival with modern flair and community spirit to mark 100 years of the Clarence Canegrowers Association.
7. Popular Councillor Eyes Federal Seat of Page
   Clarence Valley Councillor Karen Yager considers running as an independent for Page, driven by a desire for urgent political change and community advocacy.
8. New Era at Lismore Speedway
   Mick and Cindy Corbett announced as new promoters of Castrol Lismore Speedway, continuing the track’s revival after recent floods and leadership transitions.
9. Broadwater School Reopens in Style
   After three years in temporary classrooms, Broadwater students celebrate returning to a brand-new flood-resilient school, marking a proud moment for the whole community.

Two Men Killed in Tragic Crash at Fairy Hill

Two men have died following a single-vehicle crash near Casino in northern New South Wales overnight.

Emergency services were called to Droneys Bridge Road at Fairy Hill about 10pm on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, after reports that a vehicle had left the roadway and entered the Richmond River.

Upon arrival, officers from the Richmond Police District found the vehicle submerged. A 22-year-old female occupant had managed to escape from the vehicle and was found uninjured at the scene.

With assistance from Police Rescue and NSW SES crews, the vehicle was retrieved from the river. Tragically, the bodies of two men—believed to be in their 20s—were located inside. Formal identification is yet to be completed.

A crime scene has been established as investigations continue into the cause of the crash. A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Droneys Bridge Road remains closed while inquiries are underway, and motorists are advised to avoid the area.

New Key Health Worker Housing to Boost Paramedic Recruitment in Kyogle

 

Jeff Gibbs

 

The Northern Rivers town of Kyogle is set to benefit from a major investment in health infrastructure, with the announcement of new Key Health Worker Accommodation to help attract and retain paramedics in the region.

The accommodation project is part of the Minns Labor Government’s $10 million commitment to improving housing options for NSW Ambulance personnel in regional areas. Kyogle has been selected as one of the initial locations based on high community need, with more regional sites to be announced soon.

This $10 million funding forms part of the broader $200.1 million Key Health Worker Accommodation program, announced in the 2024/25 State Budget. The initiative aims to ease one of the major barriers to rural health workforce recruitment – access to affordable, nearby accommodation – and will secure approximately 120 new or refurbished dwellings across rural, regional and remote NSW.

The goal is to support the recruitment and retention of over 500 health workers and their families, helping to fill critical healthcare roles in regional communities.

Accommodation options will include a mix of newly built homes, refurbished living quarters, and the purchase of suitable residential properties such as units and houses. Planning is already underway for the Kyogle project, with an emphasis on delivering quality housing close to work.

The program builds on the success of the previous $73.2 million investment in accommodation for key health workers across five regional Local Health Districts, and complements other government measures to support the rural health workforce, including:

• A record pay increase for paramedics delivered in December 2023, making NSW paramedics among the highest paid in Australia.
• A commitment to roll out 500 additional paramedics across regional, rural and remote communities.

Voices of Support

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park, said improving access to housing is a major drawcard in attracting key workers to the bush.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in modern, sustainable accommodation options for key health workers who are the backbone of our regional, rural and remote communities,” he said.

“Providing simple, accessible housing close to work is essential to ensuring we have a strong and stable ambulance workforce in the regions.”

Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin, welcomed the funding for Kyogle, noting the importance of tailored support for remote areas.

“Local people in Kyogle and surrounding towns and villages have a great need for paramedic care due to the simple fact that they live in rural and sometimes isolated locations,” she said.
“I welcome this targeted funding aimed at attracting and retaining more paramedics in Kyogle – and planning for the type of housing needed is already underway.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Dominic Morgan, reiterated the value of regional investment.

“Our paramedics are the foundation of emergency health care in regional NSW, delivering lifesaving support wherever it’s needed,” Dr Morgan said.
“NSW Ambulance remains unwavering in its commitment to towns like Kyogle to ensure they receive expert healthcare when it matters most.”

This new initiative represents a practical and much-needed step towards addressing the long-standing challenges of rural healthcare and ensuring regional communities like Kyogle get the support they deserve.