For years, the old Billinudgel Railway Station has been home to a community-run free shop, where people can leave unwanted items for others to take at no cost. But its future is now uncertain after Byron Shire Council announced plans to restore the heritage building and require the current occupant to vacate.

Council says a recent inspection found unauthorised alterations, including the removal of entry doors, with Acting Manager Works Malcolm Robertson saying the building's current use does not meet Council's safety and maintenance obligations.

Dennis Stevenson, who has operated the free shop since 2022, disputes those claims. He says volunteers have spent years repairing and caring for the building. I spoke with Dennis about Council's report, the future of the free shop and why he believes it should remain open.

For years, the old Billinudgel Railway Station has been home to a community-run free shop, where people can leave unwanted items for others to take at no cost. But its future is now uncertain after Byron Shire Council announced plans to restore the heritage building and require the current occupant to vacate.
Council says a recent inspection found unauthorised alterations, including the removal of entry doors, with Acting Manager Works Malcolm Robertson saying the building's current use does not meet Council's safety and maintenance obligations.
Dennis Stevenson, who has operated the free shop since 2022, disputes those claims. He says volunteers have spent years repairing and caring for the building. I spoke with Dennis about Council's report, the future of the free shop and why he believes it should remain open.

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Anchor / Executive Producer: Mia Armitage

Contributors: Emma Setterfield-Smith; Anny Reed; Dr John Jiggens; Julie Beesley; Michelle Michels; Dione Green; Kate Payne; Jim Beatson; Emma Meyers; The Wire; National Radio News Service; Community Radio Network and more

listen to past episodes and interviews here.

PIC: Mia Armitage and Emma Setterfield-Smith

Resonating stories. Journalists from around the block, interstate and overseas.With no corporate interests and no government bias, when it comes to news, we put community interests first. Our stories come from you. 
Thanks to the&nbsp;<a href="https://cbf.org.au/about/community-media/">Community Broadcasting Foundation</a> for support.
Facebook: @CommunityNewsroomNRN
Got a tip? Email communitynewsroom@mail.com
Anchor / Executive Producer: Mia Armitage
Contributors: Emma Setterfield-Smith; Anny Reed;&nbsp;Dr John Jiggens; Julie Beesley; Michelle Michels; Dione Green; Kate Payne;&nbsp;Jim Beatson;&nbsp;Emma Meyers; The Wire; National Radio News Service; Community Radio Network and more
listen to past episodes and interviews <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/community-newsroom">here</a>.
PIC: Mia Armitage and Emma Setterfield-Smith

Community Newsroom: weekly program

Resonating stories. Journalists from around the block, interstate and overseas.With no corporate interests and no government bias, when it comes to news, we put community interests first. Our stories come from you.Thanks to the Community Broadcasting Foundation for support.

Facebook: @CommunityNewsroomNRN

Got a tip? Email communitynewsroom@mail.com

Anchor / Executive Producer: Mia Armitage

Contributors: Emma Setterfield-Smith; Anny Reed; Dr John Jiggens; Julie Beesley; Michelle Michels; Dione Green; Kate Payne; Jim Beatson; Emma Meyers; The Wire; National Radio News Service; Community Radio Network and more

listen to past episodes and interviews here.

Resonating stories. Journalists from around the block, interstate and overseas.With no corporate interests and no government bias, when it comes to news, we put community interests first. Our stories come from you.Thanks to the <a href="https://cbf.org.au/about/community-media/">Community Broadcasting Foundation</a> for support.
Facebook: @CommunityNewsroomNRN
Got a tip? Email communitynewsroom@mail.com
Anchor / Executive Producer: Mia Armitage
Contributors: Emma Setterfield-Smith; Anny Reed;&nbsp;Dr John Jiggens; Julie Beesley; Michelle Michels; Dione Green; Kate Payne;&nbsp;Jim Beatson;&nbsp;Emma Meyers; The Wire; National Radio News Service; Community Radio Network and more
listen to past episodes and interviews <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/community-newsroom">here</a>.