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April 25, 2024
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Byron Echo

More Byron CBD height exceedance approved

Two multi-storey mixed-use developments with a combined value of $36.2 million have been approved for the centre of Byron Bay, despite both exceeding height limits for that part of the Shire.

2022 flood data quietly made public  

The long-awaited state government analysis of the 2022 flood in the shire’s north is now available on the SES website.

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Couching an Opinion

The Bruce Lehrmann and Brittany Higgins case was never about establishing whether or not Lehrmann raped Higgins. It was about Brittany. She was established as not ‘the perfect victim’ so we overlooked the blazingly obvious fact that Bruce Lehrmann was ‘the perfect perpetrator’. An entitled, compulsive wrecking ball of cocaine, $400 steaks, free rent and very very expensive massages.

Sweet and sour doughnuts

Victoria Cosford ‘It’s probably a good thing I don’t have a sweet tooth,’ says Megan. I’ve called in at the pop-up shop/bakehouse at Mullumbimby Industry Estate...

Foodie road-trip paradise: Harvest Food Trail

Calling all food and farm enthusiasts, the iconic Harvest Food Trail is happening soon, over four days from May 2-5. It’s your chance to...

Buzz Byron Bay, brewing unforgettable moments with a tuk-tuk twist

In the charming coastal haven of Byron Bay, where laid-back vibes meet bespoke experiences, there’s a new buzz in town – literally. Enter Buzz...

Cape Byron Distillery release world-first macadamia cask whisky

S Haslam The parents of Cape Byron Distillery CEO Eddie Brook established the original macadamia farm that you can see from the distillery at St...

Heart and Song Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra with soprano, Gaynor Morgan

Join us for an enchanting afternoon as Byron Music Society proudly presents ‘Heart and Song.’ Prepare to be immersed in a program meticulously crafted by the Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra, showcasing a world premiere composition. Well-known soprano, Gaynor Morgan, will be premiering a setting of poems by Seamus Heaney and Robert Graves, skilfully arranged for soprano, harp, cello and string orchestra by prominent Northern Rivers musician Nicholas Routley.

Heavy music with a bang!

Heavy music is back at The Northern this week, with a bang! Regular Backroom legends Dead Crow and Mudwagon are joined by Dipodium and Northern Rivers locals Liminal and Puff – the plan is to raise the roof on Thursday at The Northern. This is definitely a night, and a mosh, not to miss. Entry is free!

It’s MardiGrass!

This year is Nimbins 32nd annual MardiGrass and you’d reckon by now ‘weed’ be left alone. The same helicopter raids, the disgusting, and completely unfair, saliva testing of drivers, and we’re still not allowed to grow our own plants. We can all access legal buds via a doctor, most of it imported from Canada, but we can’t grow our own. There’s something very wrong there.

Ignite your creativity at Mullum Laneways Festival

This year’s Mullum Laneways Festival, to be held on May 4 and 5, promises to be a feast for the senses, set to captivate visitors of all ages. On Sunday, May 5 everyone is encouraged to immerse themselves in the heart of the Festival, as Burringbar Street is transformed into a vibrant tapestry of music, dance, art, and more.This is a free event, funded by local sponsorship and a gala fundraising event on Saturday, May 4.

Byron Comedy Fest 2024 Laughs

The legendary Northern Hotel’s Backroom opens its doors to laughter when it welcomes The Byron Comedy Fest with eight big headline shows. With audiences packing out shows every year, Festival Directors Mel Coppin and Zara Noruzi have decided a new venue with increased capacity was in order. It also means the festival is an all-weather event – expect all your favourites!

‘No-one ever came back but all reports indicate it’s lovely,’ and so begins this wickedly funny play about death and motherhood. Directed by the Drill’s accomplished artistic director, Liz Chance, Ghosting the Party tells the story of three generations of women who face questions of mortality and life with rigour, honesty and humour.

Having fun in the Playground

Playground is a well-established event that will go off at Coorabell Hall on Saturday. For over two years, three long-term local DJ’s – Pob, Curly Si and Halo – have been curating this rhythmic happening. Their pedigree is assured and they guarantee the best underground electronic music and a loyal crew that bring a big-hearted vibe. On Saturday they’ll be bringing the dance to the hills.

Gabriella Cohen in Bruns

Gabriella Cohen, Australia’s folk darling, is coming to Brunswick Picture House to perform a one-off intimate solo show on Saturday. Known for her magnetic performances, off-hand charm and pop sensibilities, Gabriella plays music that is all-at-once laid-back, tongue-in-cheek, and peppered with the sweet sounds of ‘60s girl groups.

Big names at local chess tournament

A major Northern Rivers chess tournament was held at the Byron Bay Services Club in late April. ‘It was well-attended, with players from the whole...

Tweed Shire asking for input on sporting needs

Tweed Shire Council’s (TSC) draft Sport and Active Recreation Strategy 2023-2033 is open for public comment. The strategy will provide direction for the planning, development...

Try-fest for Byron Bay in local league

The Byron Bay A-grader league players left the Clarence Valley on Saturday afternoon after scoring 11 tries on their way to beating the Magpies...

Byron Bay takes second at NSW grade three regional bowls championships

Pam Scarborough Byron Bay’s district winning, grade three pennants bowl team knew they had stepped up a grade when they began the first round of...

Wallum ponds

There are currently two proposed developments in the Byron Shire that will endanger, if not locally exterminate, frog species.  Many frog species are endangered by...

Byron’s Sydney-centric policies

Very interesting comments slipped out of the mouth of Premier Chris Minns during the recent Sydney/regional floods: ‘There shall be no more developments on...

Increased Byron Council fees on the cards as fossil fuel investments decrease

Byron Council’s financial ship is beginning to list concerningly, taking from its reserves and other funds in order to bail out its bottom line.

Waterlily Park weed control underway 

The reintroduction of weevils that have previously kept weeds at bay at Waterlily Park in Ocean Shores is now underway while the weather is favourable, say Council staff.

New Brighton parking

To quote a Joni Mitchell song, ‘They paved paradise and put in a parking lot’ – this adequately describes what Byron Shire Council is...

Flood insurance inquiry’s North Coast hearings 

A public hearing into insurers’ responses to the 2022 flood was held in Lismore last Thursday, with one local insurance brokerage business owner describing the compact that exists between insurers and society as ‘broken’. 

Blaming Queensland again

I was astounded to read Mandy Nolan’s article ‘Why The Nude Beach Is A Wicked Problem’, in which she implied that it may largely...

Paul Watson has his say on Sea Shepherd ousting

Regarding your article concerning the split in Sea Shepherd. I established Sea Shepherd as a global movement, not as an organisation, controlled by a few men. It was a democratic association of independent national entities

Press release vs Save Wallum views

The Echo editor (page 1, 10 April) might need to consider the role of a journalist – particularly that essential question, ‘where’s the story?’ I...

Cockroach climate

The cockroaches in the Byron Council offices are experiencing bright daylight at night. They are trying to determine whether this is an unexpected side...

A grim commemoration

US President Jo Biden, responding to a question, made the comment that the US is considering the dropping of the prosecution of Julian Assange. How...

Infrastructure for east end of Mullum

Mullumbimby was founded 135 years ago. In the 1960s sewerage was introduced, as was I suppose drainage infrastructure. Are we living in the 1920s...

Save Wallum now

The Save Wallum campaign has been ongoing and a strong presence of concerned conservationists are on site at Brunswick Heads. How the state planning...

Can Council’s overturn their decisions?

NSW Labor planning minister, Paul Scully, when asked about the Wallum estate by local MP Tamara Smith (Greens)  in parliament on March 20, said,...

Not enough letters like this about Gaza in The Echo?

The Echo’s studied indifference to the plight of the Palestinians and its reluctance to publish letters on the subject reveals the moral fibre of...

Anti-Israel bias

Many locals have approached me to say how shocked they are at the extreme anti-Israel bias that is expressed at many local events such...

D-day for Bruns pod village pesticide treatment

After two delays, the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) will be treating Bruns emergency pods with a pesticide treatment, despite some strong opposition from flood-affected residents.

Funds sought to complete clubhouse

Byron Bay Football Club may finally get the funds to complete its new clubhouse, with Byron councillors to consider loaning the club $200,000 at this week’s meeting.

New data reveals NSW social housing waitlist blowout

A fresh analysis by Homelessness NSW reveals where people are waiting the longest for social housing, sparking calls to double the supply of social homes and boost services funding.

Domestic violence service calls for urgent action to address crisis

Relationships Australia NSW is calling for urgent intervention from the NSW government to address men’s violence against women, following the horrific murder of Molly Ticehurst.

Menacing dog declaration revoked

After an emotional deputation from the owner of the dog involved, Ballina Shire Council has this morning revoked a menacing dog declaration for the kelpie Lilo, which was brought into effect following a bite in July 2022.

More Byron CBD height exceedance approved

Two multi-storey mixed-use developments with a combined value of $36.2 million have been approved for the centre of Byron Bay, despite both exceeding height limits for that part of the Shire.