Eleventh hour call in brutal bashing murder trial
A man accused of the brutal bashing death of Ballina man Steven Hadley Ponton has admitted to killing him moments before a three week trial was due to begin. Here’s what happened.
More News
Byron Shire News
Police probe launched after boy badly injured in alleged pursuit
A critical incident investigation is underway after a boy was seriously injured during an alleged police pursuit in the Northern Rivers. Here’s what we know.
Pair busted after alleged pursuit followed by crash
A 33-year-old Kempsey man and a 25-year-old Kempsey woman remain in custody on remand after being charged with alleged property and driving offences following pursuit and crash on the Mid-North Coast.
Pair in court after dog killed in alleged police pursuit through paddock
A man remains locked up and a woman has been released on bail following an alleged police pursuit through a Northern NSW paddock which resulted in the death of a dog.
Stink heaped on proposed North Coast landfill site
A quarry is among a slew of sites a Northern Rivers council has earmarked as possible future landfill zones but some residents are kicking up a stink about the proposals. Here’s what’s happening.
Dog killed, pair arrested in paddock after dramatic police chase
A dog was killed and two people arrested after they were accused of hiding from police in a paddock following a pursuit in the state’s north.
Australia Day tragedy as family home gutted by inferno
A long-awaited night off from five kids quickly turned to tragedy for a couple when they woke to the sound of hissing gas in the early hours of Australia Day before their family home burst into flames.
20cm blade: Man on bail accused of terrifying break-in
A man on bail for a separate court matter allegedly armed himself with a long kitchen knife before breaking into a Northern Rivers unit. Here’s what happened in court.
Everyday heroes: Regional NSW residents land Oz Day honours
Not all heroes wear capes – and it couldn’t be more true for these everyday champions from Regional New South Wales who have been honoured this Australia Day. See the full list.
Cycleway spinning toward completion
Northern NSW residents are set to benefit from a new cycleway connecting three villages and making it safer to get about on a pushy. Here’s what’s in store.
‘Mini cyclone’: Clean-up underway after wild storm smashes Gold Coast
Council crews and the SES are working to clear up after more than 150 calls for help following a wild storm that battered the southern Gold Coast and Tweed Heads on Thursday.
Pastor found dead after ute swept away in raging NSW floods
A beloved and “charismatic” Brisbane pastor has been found dead after his ute was washed away in raging floodwaters in northern NSW, with his son issuing a heartfelt tribute for his dad.
Why sovereign citizens pose a serious threat to family courts
A leading law expert has warned of “dangerous consequences” when sovereign citizens – who believe the law doesn’t apply to them – state they’re not bound by family court orders.
Community rallies around ‘selfless’ family after horror house fire
The Tweed community is rallying around a “selfless” family after their home was tragically burned to the ground amid the recent storms, leaving them with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
Ten arrests as police blitz clamps down on North Coast crime
A North Coast police blitz has charged 10 people with more than 50 offences in four-day high-visibility operation which senior officers say is a bid to clamp down on crime.
Bucks boost a shot in the arm for Tweed health students
Tweed Shire healthcare students are being given a serious shot in the arm by way of a financial boost to help with their studies – but it comes with a catch.
Police probe seafood shop inferno
Police have launched a probe after a prominent seafood supplier erupted into flames on the Mid-North Coast. Here’s the latest.
‘Disruption’ as northern NSW hit by mental health mass exodus
Mental health professionals set to quit statewide next week over a pay dispute will cause “extensive disruptions” for NSW patients despite contingency plans put in place, experts say.
Tent pegs fly in seaside campsite spat
Generational holiday campers at a popular northern NSW seaside camping spot have slammed a council’s “woke” and “unethical” decision to cease foreshore site bookings.
Machete, hammer allegedly seized during property crime raid
A 20-year-old man has been arrested in a raid at Casino over a string of alleged property-related crimes spanning the length and breadth of the Northern Rivers.
Sweet result for colossal cane crop
Northern Rivers cane farmers aren’t sugar-coating their success after celebrating record prices and a bumper 2024 crop.
Manhunt under way after vicious machete attack
A manhunt is under way for a machete-wielding attacker after a man was slashed repeatedly in an unhinged attack at a northern NSW home. Here’s what we know.
Bradman Cup: Title claimed in emphatic fashion
With four teams vying for the title on finals day, a clinical performance from one side has sealed the Bradman Cup title for 2024-25.
Gone fishing: Mann River park hits market at $4M
After a decade of welcoming visitors, anglers and wilderness adventurers, the owners of the Mann River Caravan Park are ready to cast off on their next adventure, putting the Jackadgery property on the market for seven-figure fee.
‘Lovely man’: Outpouring of love for former North Coast identity
Graeme “Cookie” Cook remembered as a “lovely man” and much loved member of North Coast community. Read the tributes.
Twin boys, two baby girls first North Coast bubs of 2025
Two boys and two girls are the perfect balance as the first born bubs on the North Coast for 2025. Hear their delighted parents’ stories.
Christmas breath-testing surge nets huge drink-driving haul
A surge in roadside breath-testing has resulted in 720 drink-driving charges, including one for a man accused of trying to eat the testing device, during the busy Christmas/new year festive period.
$7m luxe flats set for boujee Tweed town
A luxury four-storey apartment block is coming to an upmarket northern NSW beach town, just a short drive from the Gold Coast. Here’s how it will look.
‘Most inspiring’: 108-year-old nan ‘the gift that keeps on giving’
A music-loving and “very lucky” North Coast grandmother has notched up an incredible milestone, but the secret to her longevity remains a mystery to her.
‘Man of integrity’: Tributes flow for beloved former firey
One of the Tweed’s original firefighters is being remembered as a “great man of integrity” and a “true community stalwart” as friends and family prepare to lay him to rest. Read the tributes.
The stories that shaped northern NSW in 2024
From developments, the relocation of flood-battered cottages and horrific crashes to ag expos, the reopening of sporting facilities and a celebration of northern NSW’s best and brightest, here are the moments that made 2024.
‘Equivalent of an aneurysm’: Affordable housing plan poo-pooed
A controversial housing development in hippie Mullumbimby has been labelled the “equivalent of an aneurysm”, with questions raised about its impact on the local sewer system as the proposal divides opinion in northern NSW.
‘A little jig’: Lotto winner dances into new year with $1.3m windfall
“Sometimes I win $7… and sometimes I win $1.3m,” a jubilant man has joked after becoming the North Coast’s second Lotto millionaire in as many weeks. Here’s what he plans to do with the money.
‘Community patrol’: Residents’ plan to stop ‘wannabe thugs’
Northern NSW residents at breaking point over a spate of youth crime incidents – including an alleged car theft at knifepoint – plan to “patrol streets” and make “citizen’s arrests” to tackle what they say is a “broken system”.
Protesters rally as PM hits North Coast
Frustrated protesters stirred up about local and national issues have stormed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to the North Coast. Here’s what happened.
Baby boy badly burned after falling into fire pit
A baby boy has been rushed interstate for treatment after suffering serious burns on the state’s north coast.
In pictures: Northern NSW marks Anzac Day 2024
This Anzac Day, thousands have gathered across the north of the state to remember the fallen and those who bravely fought for our freedom. See the pictures and read the awe-inspiring stories.
‘Unimaginable’: Dad gassed toddler son in horror murder-suicide
A father rigged up a deadly poisoning system inside a Lismore unit to kill himself and his toddler son during a planned custody visit.
‘Completely rocked’: Community refuses to give up on missing teen
Dozens of volunteers, aided by drones, have scoured an area of northern NSW as the parents of a missing teenager continue to pound the pavement in a desperate bid to find answers.
‘Gather your crew’: Where to spend New Year’s Eve in holiday hotspot
One of the state’s seaside tourism hotspots is jam-packed with events and venues eager to welcome those searching at the 11th hour for a place to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
Frantic search: Man missing in surf after Boxing Day swim
A young man is presumed to be missing in the ocean on the state’s North Coast after a Boxing Day swim, with a search and rescue mission currently underway. Here’s what we know.
New ‘eco-village’ greenlit for Northern Rivers
After three years of planning, the Afterlee Ecovillage has received approval from Kyogle Council, bringing an intriguing development to the community of Kyogle.
Woman dies after shock crash in state’s north
A 97-year-old woman has died from injuries sustained in a crash on the Pacific Motorway near Ballina.
Family open up on horror car theft at knifepoint ordeal
A manhunt is under way after three men allegedly armed with “big” knives stormed a northern NSW home overnight before threatening occupants and fleeing the scene in two stolen cars.
Man, woman charged after Christmas Day cop chase
A man and woman have copped multiple charges after a crash which closed the Pacific Highway in both directions on the Mid North Coast early on Christmas Day.
‘New home’: North Coast dad cheers $1m lotto win
A Richmond Valley dad has been “blessed” with the “best Christmas present ever” after scoring a cool $1 million lotto win.
Stranger things: The year’s weirdest stories from Byron and beyond
Whether it’s naturists protesting the closure of their beloved nude beach, UFOs, a tantric Byron sex shaman or a bizarre Nimbin singles group, northern NSW has no shortage of ‘colour’.
Five rushed to two hospitals in freak head-on crash
A head-on crash in northern NSW has resulted in a man being flown to Gold Coast University Hospital in a serious conditions and four more people, including small children, being rushed to Lismore Base Hospital.
Mum of missing teen prays for Christmas miracle
The mother of a Mid-North Coast teenager missing for more than two weeks has aired her heartbreak as she holds onto hope her son will return home for Christmas.
Mid Coast lake water quality push needs ‘long-term strategy’
A spate of measures designed to get a better handle on water quality at Hearnes Lake near Woolgoolga as well as improve land management practices in the catchment have been endorsed by Coffs Harbour Council.
Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/byron-shire/more-news