21.4 C
Byron Shire
December 21, 2025

Latest news

Lifesavers ready for weekend heatwave

Severe and extreme heatwave warnings are currently in place for most of NSW, with volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards out in full force to meet the expected surge in coastal visitors looking to beat the heat. 

Blue Knob crash claims life

Police say a man died following a crash at Blue Knob, about 30km north of Lismore.

Police pursuit in Tanglewood ends with crash, driver in critical condition

A critical incident investigation has commenced, say NSW Police, after a man was injured during a pursuit in the Northern Rivers yesterday (Thursday).

Who made the north coast high achiever HSC list?

The grades are in for HSC students across the state, and the NSW education department supplied the names of those from the northern rivers who topped the state.    

Mullumbimby’s carpark ‘sold for $1’ for housing

Freedom of information documents released to The Echo have revealed that Byron Shire Council (BSC) agreed with government development agency Landcom to sell the much-used Mullumbimby car park at 57 Station Street to a yet-to-be confirmed community housing provider (CHP) for $1. Council will also get units under the deal.

Mandy Nolan

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: The Things People Say

People have said some crazy shit about me, but the other day a friend told me a friend of his had advised him not to vote for me in the last election because I was in the Illuminati. How bizarre. I am a member of the Greens and the Bangalow CWA, but that’s the extent of my covert memberships.

As report highlights dangerous climate warning for Australia IPC rejects reopening Redbank Power Station

The Independent Planning Commission (IPC) has rejected Verdant Earth Technologies’ biomass power plans at Redbank Power Station on the same day the government released the country's first National Climate Risk Assessment which highlighted Australians are at risk from more frequent and severe flooding, cyclones, heatwaves, droughts and bushfires. 

The Living Lab helping researchers get to net zero

The CSIRO has launched the National Energy Analysis Centre – which is vital new research infrastructure to support, accelerate and de-risk Australia’s complex energy transition.  

Activists occupy Forestry Corp building

Eight women from around northern NSW have attached themselves to the entrance and rooftop of the Forestry Corporation’s office in Park Avenue, Coffs Harbour.

Entertainment

Arias a global phenomenon

Patagonian electronic music artist, Ezequiel Arias took an intensive course in electronic music production and composition with Kevin Di Serna in 2013 – Di Serna proved to be a great influence.

Eclectic Selection for the week beginning 3 December 2025

Eclectic Selection: What’s on this week is a taste of some of the events that can be found in the Byron Shire and beyond this coming week.

Retrospective

The end of fun: David Lovejoy concludes the story of the The Echo’s early years

While the drama of general manager Max Eastcott’s departure was playing out, The Echo passed its tenth birthday, and we marked the jubilee with a fourth awards night.

Lifesavers ready for weekend heatwave

Severe and extreme heatwave warnings are currently in place for most of NSW, with volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards out in full force to meet the expected surge in coastal visitors looking to beat the heat. 

Say hello to the Australian owlet-nightjar

Have you ever ventured into an open-wooded forest in the Northern Rivers at twilight?

Should governments be brave?

Is it better to do something difficult and risk falling on your face, go backwards or do nothing at all? That’s a question for everyone, including our political leaders.

Featured

Mullumbimby’s carpark ‘sold for $1’ for housing

Freedom of information documents released to The Echo have revealed that Byron Shire Council (BSC) agreed with government development agency Landcom to sell the much-used Mullumbimby car park at 57 Station Street to a yet-to-be confirmed community housing provider (CHP) for $1. Council will also get units under the deal.

Community raises over $100,000 to keep Bangalow Bowlo in community hands

The fate of the Bangalow Bowlo could be decided by the outcome of a major club amalgamation deal 50 kilometres up the road, Byron Shire Council has heard.

Vale Uncle Ydo, Lawrence Anthony Walter Miles

The Northern Rivers community is mourning the loss of a beloved Elder, cultural protector, and political activist Lawrence Anthony Walter Miles, affectionately known to many as Uncle Ydo.

Letters

Paddock love

After reading your Echo article about The Paddock Project, I decided I would stop procrastinating and actually turn left...

Mullum parking fines part II

To Scott Hyams (Mullum parking fines, Echo, 10 December) – I too have been in receipt of such a...

Cartoon of the week – 17 December, 2025

The Echo loves your letters and is proud to provide a community forum on the issues that matter most to our readers and the people of the NSW north coast. So don’t be a passive reader, send us your epistles.

Painting the town

I suspect that one day, Daniel Hend will have a statue in Mullumbimby, probably with his back to you...

Byron’s NRRT funding

The funding application process for the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT) within our Byron Shire has seen significant hold-ups,...

Shared spaces

Thanks to George Graham’s letter last week for his reminder that the stormwater drain emptying into Clarkes Beach is...

Local News

Tweed Council wrap for 2025

In its last meeting for 2025 on December 10, Tweed Council adopted a range of motions including extending the exhibition of a policy around ‘development of flood liable land’, addressing ‘Stinky, overflowing and unsightly public bins’, and tackling ‘Tweed Shire's Graffiti Scourge!’

Ashleigh Grice’s accused murderer to face court

A man accused of murdering 23-year-old Ashleigh Grice in Mullumbimby in September is to face court again in the new year.

Second man accused of murder near Murwillumbah

A second man is charged with murder in relation to a fatal shooting at a property west of Murwillumbah earlier this month, police said on Sunday.

Family-friendly NYE in Byron

Byron’s Soul Street New Years’s Eve celebrations for 2026 will get underway at 4pm for the alcohol-free, family-friendly event.

Current Print Edition

Paddock love

After reading your Echo article about The Paddock Project,...

Byron’s nightlife

There’s nothing democratic about councillors ignoring 90 per cent...

I’m dreaming of a kind Christmas

Driving around Byron Shire I’ve been oohing and ahhing at the stunning display of poincianas and native Illawarra flame trees this year. There have been more flowers and intense colours than I’ve ever seen before.

Get your wiggle on

Summer Wiggle – Solstice Tribe Connect, will be rocking the Arts Factory on Saturday from 6pm until midnight with two monumental stages of top shelf tunes powered by Crystal Grid production wizardry.

Sport

Bangalow Tennis Club takes out top three grades at the NET League tennis finals

The NET League tennis finals for 2025 took place at Mullumbimby Tennis Club last...

Nimbin junior athlete best in nation for the third-year running

Nimbin Central School student Mikayla Frey has won her third national title in a...

Lady Golfers raise money for those needing help

The Byron Bay Lady Golfer’s (BBLG) held their annual two-day tournament in November at...

NET League tennis finals at Mullumbimby this weekend

The Mullumbimby Tennis Club is gearing up for Christmas party with the AO 1-Point...

Good Life

Christmas is coming early at Byron Farmers Market!

Byron Farmers Market will hold its Christmas market on Tuesday, 23 December this year...

Lord Byron Distillery strikes gold at Sydney Royal Easter Show

Lord Byron Distillery has added another major accolade to its growing list of achievements,...

Burgerlesque: Top Pub in Mullum lifts food game

Mullum’s iconic Courthouse Hotel, now renovated, under new ownership and known as the Top...

Local bush tucker Christmas food hamper

This Christmas, why not build a hamper that’s meaningful, local, and seriously delicious –...
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Glance backlucky dip news
Something from the last seven days

Have your say on the future of Casino’s CBD

Richmond Valley Council is undertaking a community conversation and engagement on the future of the Casino town centre, including nearby streets and the South Casino shopping precinct.

Mullum parking fines part II

To Scott Hyams (Mullum parking fines, Echo, 10 December)...

Mullumbimby’s carpark ‘sold for $1’ for housing

Freedom of information documents released to The Echo have revealed that Byron Shire Council (BSC) agreed with government development agency Landcom to sell the much-used Mullumbimby car park at 57 Station Street to a yet-to-be confirmed community housing provider (CHP) for $1. Council will also get units under the deal.