The Northern Rivers Times, Edition 221

Here’s a professional summary of the key stories featured in The Northern Rivers Times, Edition 221:
• Buy Australian Made: A feature emphasizing the importance of supporting locally produced goods to strengthen the Australian economy.
• Tackling the Cost of Living: Janelle Saffin explores measures to combat rising living expenses affecting the Northern Rivers community.
• Ballina Shire Council Opens Festival Funding: The council has announced the availability of grants to support local festivals, fostering cultural and community events.
• Four New Faces for Clarence Valley Council: The Clarence Valley Council welcomes four new councillors, bringing fresh perspectives to local governance.
• Blakebrook Blitz Competition in Soccer Knockout: The local soccer knockout saw fierce competition, with Blakebrook emerging as a standout team.
• Unity Challenge for Next Clarence Valley Mayor: Discussions are underway regarding the next mayor of Clarence Valley, with calls for unity among councillors.
• Labor Votes Down Reinstating Norco Milk in Local Hospitals: A decision by Labor not to reinstate locally produced Norco milk in regional hospitals has sparked local debate.
• Celebrating 95 Years of Community Spirit: The QCWA Hall in Coolangatta celebrates 95 years of serving the community, marking a milestone of civic dedication.
• $35,000 JADA Award to Northern Rivers Artist: A Northern Rivers artist has been awarded the prestigious JADA prize, celebrating excellence in the visual arts.
• Byron Shire Goes Green at Council Elections: The recent Byron Shire elections reflected strong support for environmental initiatives and sustainability-focused leadership.
• Jacaranda Festival Blooms for the 90th Time: The Jacaranda Festival, an iconic celebration in Grafton, marks its 90th year, continuing a vibrant tradition.
• Byron Shire Council Seeks Place Planning Collective Members: The council is inviting applications for its Place Planning Collective, a group tasked with shaping the future of the region’s urban and rural planning.
• NSW Sugar Industry Recognised for Excellence: The New South Wales sugar industry has been acknowledged for its excellence and continued commitment to Australian ownership and sustainability.
• New Trial for Safe Disposal of Embedded Batteries in Lismore: Lismore launches a new initiative for safely disposing of embedded batteries, including those found in vapes, as part of its commitment to waste reduction.
• Warm Summer and Bushfire Season Officially Begins: As predictions point to a hot summer, the official start of bushfire season raises awareness for preparedness in the region.
• Nominations Open for 2025 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards: Ballina Shire opens nominations for its Australia Day awards, recognizing outstanding community contributions.
• Lismore Regional Gallery Reopens After $5.1 Million Restoration: The gallery reopens to the public after extensive renovations, providing a modern space for regional artists and exhibitions.
• New 60-Day Cap on Unhosted Holiday Letting in Byron Shire: A new 60-day limit on unhosted holiday rentals has been implemented in Byron Shire, aiming to manage tourism impacts and preserve housing availability.
This edition highlights a diverse range of community stories, from arts and culture to local governance and sustainability efforts in the region.