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.