The Northern Rivers Times

23/09/2025

Why Primex Left Casino: Director Outlines Challenges and New Opportunities

As we have received some enquiries and to address any rumours as to Why Primex Field Days Relocated from Casino to Lismore, please find the following statement.
Primex Field Days has relocated to Lismore to ensure the event’s long-term sustainability, growth, and alignment with a shared regional vision. Several key factors contributed to the decision:

Land Use & Zoning Challenges
The Casino site is zoned for industrial use, creating ongoing challenges in terms of costs, charges and planning constraints not suited to a major agricultural event.

Uncertainty Over Site Ownership
After 15 years of advocating and lobbying with stakeholders for an alternative venue, the privately-owned site was placed on the market, which resulted in Primex having no long-term security or viable future alternatives within the existing LGA identified or available. In the absence of any alternative venue in the immediate vicinity, we took the action required to secure a venue, with Lismore Show Society and Lismore City Council offering a positive and realistic alternative.

Infrastructure & Investment Needs
Essential infrastructure upgrades, including drainage and site improvements were required on and around the Casino site for Primex to continue there.

Strategic Support from Lismore
Lismore Showgrounds and Lismore City Council offered a proactive partnership, including planning support, infrastructure investment, and a shared commitment to the event’s future.

Looking Ahead
Primex has enjoyed a highlight-packed 41-year history at Casino – from ‘birth’ to now where we are one of Australia’s most respected agricultural field days. Our move, just down the road, is filled with excitement and centred around our core desire to present the best experience for our exhibitors and visitors. We remain committed to the Northern Rivers and continuing to serve the agricultural sector and regional communities across the region.

Bruce Wright
Director
Primex Field Days

https://www.primex.net.au/why-primex-field-days-relocated-from-casino-to-lismore/

19/09/2025

Third Teen Charged Following Fatal Grafton Stabbing

Police have charged a third teenager in connection with the alleged fatal stabbing of a man near Grafton earlier this week.

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Jeff Gibbs   Police have charged a third teenager in connection with the alleged fatal stabbing of a man near Grafton earlier this week. Around 1am Grafton, Yamba, Clarence Valley, Maclean, Evans Head, Casino NSW, Richmond Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay, Murwillumbah, Tweed Heads, Twee...

19/09/2025

Local Photographer Wins at Ocean Photographer of the Year Awards

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https://thenorthernriverstimes.com.au/byron-bay-photographer-craig-parry-wins-at-ocean-photographer-of-the-year-awards/

18/09/2025

Woman Charged Over Double Fatal Crash at Fairy Hill.

A woman has been charged following a tragic crash at Fairy Hill earlier this year that claimed the lives of two men.

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https://thenorthernriverstimes.com.au/woman-charged-over-double-fatal-crash-at-fairy-hill/

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17/09/2025

This weeks edition

Condolences to Our Community
This week, The Northern Rivers Times extends our deepest sympathies to the families, friends, and loved ones of those whose funerals, death notices, and memorials appear in our pages.
Each notice reflects not just the passing of a valued community member but also the legacy of a life lived – filled with stories, connections, and contributions that shaped families, neighbourhoods, and the Northern Rivers as a whole.
We understand that grief can be overwhelming, but we also know that our region has a remarkable way of coming together in times of loss. Friends drop by with meals, neighbours lend a hand, and communities gather to share memories that bring both tears and laughter. In this way, the lives of those we farewell continue to ripple across our towns and villages.
To the families who are mourning this week, please accept our heartfelt condolences. May you find comfort in the love that surrounds you, the strength of your communities, and the enduring memories that will keep your loved ones close in spirit.
We also take this moment to honour those whose anniversaries and memorials are marked in these pages – a gentle reminder that though time may pass, the bonds of love and remembrance remain strong.
From all of us at The Northern Rivers Times, our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

17/09/2025

OUT NOW - The latest edition of The Northern Rivers Times is available from your local Newsagent, Woolworths, Ritchies IGA, EG and Caltex Fuel, General and Rural Stores in every town on the northern rivers, covering from Woolgoolga to Coolangatta and west as far as Inverell.

16/09/2025

Man Dies Following Stabbing in Grafton

Police have launched a homicide investigation after a man was fatally stabbed in Grafton early this morning.

Emergency services were called to the Gwydir Highway near Hay Street, Waterview, about 1am on Wednesday, 17 September, following reports of an assault.

Officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District arrived to find a 35-year-old man suffering from stab wounds. Despite the efforts of NSW Ambulance paramedics, the man died at the scene.

A crime scene was established, with detectives from Coffs/Clarence assisted by State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad commencing inquiries.

Police have confirmed the stabbing appears to have been targeted.

The crime scene is expected to remain in place for a considerable period, and motorists are advised to avoid the area.

Authorities are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Police Statement:
“Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Grafton Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information can also be reported online at nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. All information is treated in confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.”

Confidentiality disclosure: In providing information to us your identity can remain confidential and have details relating to your identity and the identity of others treated as confidential, unless: There is a significant public interest/threat of criminal activity. Information provided to Crime St...

15/09/2025

Five Teenagers Arrested in Tweed/Byron E-Bike Crackdown

TWEED/ BYRON, NSW – Police have arrested five teenagers and seized multiple e-bikes following a targeted crackdown on the illegal use of electric bicycles across the Northern Rivers.

Operation Cyclesafe was conducted by Tweed/Byron Police District officers, including members of the Proactive Crime Team, on Saturday 13 September. The operation focused on Tweed Heads South, Banora Point, Kingscliff, Casuarina, and Pottsville after growing concerns over the dangerous and unlawful use of high-powered e-bikes in public spaces.

During the day, numerous cyclists—both adults and young riders—were stopped and spoken to about offences ranging from failing to wear a helmet to operating unregistered vehicles. Police also took the opportunity to educate young people about e-bike laws and safety requirements.

Dangerous Riding Detected

Several serious incidents were recorded during the operation:

At 11.45am, a 15-year-old boy from Pottsville was allegedly seen travelling more than 80km/h on an electric motorbike in traffic.

At 12.05pm, a 13-year-old boy from Elanora, Queensland, was observed riding recklessly, performing a wheelie, and exceeding the 25km/h limit.

Around 1.50pm, a 13-year-old boy was caught speeding on Casuarina Way.

Shortly after, a 16-year-old girl from Pottsville was detected travelling at 50km/h on Tweed Coast Road.

At 3pm, a 14-year-old boy was found riding at over 50km/h on an e-bike at Hastings Point.

All five teenagers were safely stopped by police and arrested.

Police Response

Tweed/Byron Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Matthew Zimmer, said the crackdown was about public safety.

“This enforcement is about reducing road trauma and enhancing community safety, in particular other road users, pedestrians and customers in shopping centres and public spaces,” Det Insp Zimmer said.
“These operations will continue with covert police deployments across the district to prevent and disrupt illegal e-bike use.”

The teenagers will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act for multiple offences, including driving unregistered and uninsured vehicles, using a mobile phone while riding, and driving recklessly or dangerously.

All five e-bikes have been impounded and will be destroyed.

Images from the operation are available via Hightail link

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12/09/2025

Man Charged Following Violent Assault in Uki

Police have charged a man following a violent assault at a hotel in Uki earlier this month that left one man seriously injured.

Shortly before 10:45pm on Friday 5 September, officers from Tweed-Byron Police District were called to a hotel on Kyogle Road, Uki—about 55 kilometres northwest of Byron Bay—after reports of multiple people involved in a physical fight.

At the scene, police located a 48-year-old man suffering serious injuries. Officers immediately provided assistance while a crime scene was established. Detectives began an investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

Following extensive inquiries, police executed a Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) search at a property on Rowlands Creek Road, Uki, on Friday 12 September. The operation involved officers from Tweed-Byron Police District, supported by the Raptor Squad and Australian Federal Police.

During the search, a 42-year-old man was arrested and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station. He was charged with affray and refused bail.

The man appeared before Bail Division Court 1 the same day, where bail was formally refused. He is due to reappear before Tweed Heads Local Court on Monday 3 November 2025.

Police have confirmed that inquiries remain ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the assault to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the website at nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is handled in strict confidence, and police remind the public not to report incidents via social media.

Confidentiality disclosure: In providing information to us your identity can remain confidential and have details relating to your identity and the identity of others treated as confidential, unless: There is a significant public interest/threat of criminal activity. Information provided to Crime St...