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Latest News
Blue skies for Bluesfest day 1
If yesterday at Bluesfest was anything to go by, it's going to be an incredible event and with the weather holding, (so far) the Easter weekend's future is looking bright.
Other News
Coveted Wollumbin Art Award open for young and old
Are you an artist in the Northern Rivers? Now is the time to get your art ready and submitted to the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre’s coveted biennial Wollumbin Art Award.
Carrying and passing the torch
With eight USA Blues Music Award nominations, career tour dates in 20 countries, and her recent induction into the Blues Victoria Hall of Fame, Fiona Boyes is a relentless and curious musical explorer.
State of confusion
If any of you watched Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, you would know that it was a...
‘Smooth stroking’ Rainbow Dragons earn trophies
Rainbow Dragons (Lennox Head Ballina) won three trophies and had a fantastic weekend of fun, fitness and friendship at Grafton Dragon Boat Club’s regatta earlier in March.
Way of the dog
One of the more disappointing aspects of the decline of Byron Bay, and I have a long list, is...
Byron Council staff baulk at councillors’ promise of free parking for locals
Will Byron Council deliver on its pledge to make parking permits free for locals across the Shire when paid parking comes into force in Brunswick Heads?
Stories about "Ken Gainger":
‘Mushroom’ syndrome continues without Gainger
Fast Buck$, Coorabell.
Has anything changed since Ken Gainger walked out of Byron Shire Council a couple of months ago? Not much; certainly the ‘mushroom’...
Gainger’s legacy leaves ratepayers footing the bill
Jo Faith, Newtown.
October 2017 is eternally inscribed in my mind. With no public notification large trucks began rapidly removing potentially carcinogenic soil and fill from...
Delegated authority now ‘implied’
Former Byron Shire general manager Ken Gainger has been critcised for not seeking specific approval from councillors before continuing to defend, at great cost, the Butler Street bypass case that was brought by residents.
Byron’s departing GM wishy washy on code of conduct complaint
Tom Tabart, Drysdale, Victoria. Once more have I offended the fragile sensibility of our [Byron shire's] departing GM, Ken Gainger, who chosen to be upset by my mention of a Code of Conduct 'assault' on a volunteer.
GM’s delegation powers questioned
A councillor decision at the September 21, 2017 meeting that updated the general manager’s (GM) delegated powers has been questioned by longtime council critic Fast Buck$ aka John Anderson.
Free reign
Fast Buck$, Coorabell
I think it was the October Council meeting. I was complaining yet again that staff were concealing important matters by hiding them in...
Significant projects delivered: retiring Byron GM
Road reconstruction, recycling, flood recovery and roundabouts were significant projects delivered in the last financial year, says Byron Shire Council’s outgoing general manager Ken Gainger.
Byron GM’s farewell
Ken Gainger, BSC General Manager.
I recently announced my retirement from the position of general manager with Byron Council to spend more time with my family...
Council’s ‘secret’ campaign against community group fails
Byron Shire Council staff have failed in an attempt to force a Byron Bay residents group to supply membership and donor names and addresses through the courts – all without informing councillors.
Byron council debating BEC eviction Thursday
The eviction notice issued to the Byron Environment Centre (BEC) to remove the rotunda from Railway Park will be debated at the upcoming council meeting this Thursday, November 2. The BEC will be holding a ‘Rotunda Eviction Update’ on December 13.
Byron Echo
Retired local professor launches book on grief
A leading international thinker and researcher in the development of innovative sport coaching and physical education teaching has returned home to Byron Bay and is launching his first non-academic book, 'Grief and Growth', on April 4 at The Book Room in Byron.
Local News
Resilient Lismore’s ‘Repair to Return’ funding
On the eve of the second anniversary of the second devastating flood in 2022, Resilient Lismore has welcomed the finalisation of its funding deed with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, which will enable the continuation of its ‘Repair to Return’ program.
Byron Echo
Editorial – Joyous propaganda!
The NSW Labor government marked its one year in office this week with a jubilant statement of achievements issued from Macquarie Street HQ.
Local News
Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads
A man has been charged following a pursuit near Tweed Heads on Monday.