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Byron Shire
June 7, 2026

Council pre-polling stations open

Latest News

Cartoon of the week – 3 June, 2026

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.

Other News

Wandana Brewing Co turns six

Six years ago, Wandana Brewing Co set up on the outskirts of Mullumbimby with a simple ambition: to make great beer and build something the community could genuinely call their own. This Saturday the Wandana Brewing crew are marking the occasion with a free, all-day birthday celebration, and everyone is invited!

NBN News reduces local content, sparks MP concerns

Local federal MP Justine Elliot (Labor) has voiced concerns after NBN News announced a reduction in local TV news quality and service.

Lismore Lantern Parade returns 20 June

The iconic Lismore Lantern Parade will once again light up the streets of Lismore on Saturday 20 June, kicking off with a full day of markets, live music and exciting activities.

Teen charged over Mullum crash

A fifteen-year-old is to face court later this month accused of a crash in Mullumbimby that police say left another child hospitalised while the offender fled the scene.

Remembering the Peacekeepers

Last Friday a small group gathered at the Cenotaph in Mullumbimby to commemorate International UN Peacekeeper Day.

Building sites ‘blitzed’ between Coffs Harbour and Tweed Heads

More than 100 building sites from Coffs Harbour to Tweed Heads have been inspected, which has been described as a 'blitz' by the NSW Labor government.

Ballina, Byron and Lismore residents can now cast their vote in the upcoming council elections, with pre-polling stations across the three LGAs opening yesterday.

Tweed shire residents will have to wait a little longer as their poll date has been postponed until October 29 following the death of one of the candidates.

Candidates who nominated for the previous (now cancelled) Tweed election will need to renominate. Nominations are open from September 19 to September 28.

In Ballina, the pre-polling station for all three wards is at the Ballina Region Returning Officer’s office, 1/3-5 Clark Street, Ballina. The office is open Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 5:30pm; (Friday 09 Sep: 8:30am – 6:00pm); Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm. It is closed on Sundays.

Disabled voters are advised there is no accessible parking, no accessible toilet, path has lips/steps.

Byron shire residents can also vote now at Ballina, at the Byron Bay Community Centre and the Mullumbimy Civic Centre (*but note that Mullumbimby Civic Centre pre-poll does not commence until 8.30am on this Saturday 3rd September – see below for opening times).

Both of these venues are fully wheelchair accessible.

The Byron Bay Community Centre, at 69 Jonson Street, is open Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 5:30pm and Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm.

The Mullumbimy Civic Centre, at 55 Dalley Street, is open from Saturday September 3 until Friday September 9: 8:30am – 4:30pm.

The Lismore centre, at 154 Molesworth Street, Lismore, and the opening hours are: Monday to Friday, 29 August to 2 September, from 8.30am to 5.30pm; Saturday, 3 September, 9am – 5pm; Monday to Thursday, 5-8 September, 8.30am – 5.30pm; Friday, 9 September, 8.30am – 6pm.

There is no absentee voting for local government elections, which means voters must either cast a pre-poll vote or vote on Saturday, 10 September.

Residents of all LGAs can also vote at Sydney Town Hall, 483 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

Postal voting is also available for those who will be away and cannot attend a pre-poll voting centre or vote within the LGA on election day. Postal voting application forms are available at www.votensw.info.

If you are unsure of anything or need any assistance, visit www.votensw.info or phone 1300 135 736.



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The Echo loves your letters and comments 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, email us your epistles at editor@echo.net.au.

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Marooned yacht on rocks near Ballina

A local photographer has shot a marooned yacht at Flat Rock, in Ballina Shire. It's the second boat to be washed ashore in recent months

Echo celebrates 40 with awards night tomorrow

Tickets are selling fast! Come join a fun-filled night of community celebration – This Saturday (tomorrow) The Echo is set to mark its 40th year in style with a ’30s swing-era style party and community awards night featuring the dynamic sounds of the Melbourne Ska Orchestra.

Author Tristan Bancks follows up with Two Wolves sequel

Local author Tristan Bancks launched his new book for readers 10+, Raised By Wolves, at Byron Book Room last night (Thursday 4 June).

Lismore City Council recognised for environmental leadership at LG awards

Lismore City Council has been recognised for outstanding achievement in environmental leadership, resilience and community infrastructure at the 2026 LG Professionals NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.