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Byron Shire
July 15, 2026

Latest news

Bumpers to Bruns

Last Sunday, antique chrome and stylish engineering was on display in Brunswick Heads as the Back to Bruns hot rods came to town. Jeff Dawson was there to capture it.

Business Lennox Head meets Thursday

The first Business Lennox Head After Hours of the new 2026/27 financial year will be this Thursday at the Lennox Hotel  from 5.30pm, and organisers say, 'we'd love to see you there'.

Mullum residents rally over second ‘woeful’ massive DA

A community gathering last night heard of the concerns around the second attempt to plonk a large block of units at the entrance to Mullumbimby.

Myocum Road road patching starts soon

Byron Council say they are about to start a major program of heavy patching on Myocum Road later this month.

Great Koala National Park feedback report released

Feedback around the NSW government's Great Koala National Park (GKNP) proposal has been published – what are the main themes?

Mandy Nolan

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Why I Love Being Dry

On 13 July I am four years sober. I am one of a growing number of people who decided to quit alcohol. It’s one of the best decisions of my life. My only regret is I didn’t do it sooner.

Mangroves are crucial

A global study of mangroves has found a modest boost in conserved area could significantly increase their ability to adapt to the changing climate, including rising sea levels.

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.  

Entertainment

Interview with Trent Dalton

The Byron Writers Festival will once again be treated to the delights of author and journalist Trent Dalton, who will be featured at the Jonson Street Stage on Saturday evening, 15 August, as well as throughout the event. Celebrating its 30th year, the Byron Writers Festival will, for the first time, be taking place around the town of Byron Bay from 14 to 16 August, with a mix of free and paid events.

Cinema: Moana

The Academy Award-nominated animated film sails into its live action debut in Moana, directed by Tony- and Emmy-winner Thomas Kail (Hamilton).

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.

Mullum residents rally over second ‘woeful’ massive DA

A community gathering last night heard of the concerns around the second attempt to plonk a large block of units at the entrance to Mullumbimby.

Protecting the marathon globetrotters, the terns

Sunlight sparkles on the sea, where lazy swells gather momentum to form perfect waves before playing out onto the deserted shore.

Plastic not so fantastic

There is nothing healthier than drinking some water – or so I’ve always told my kids. It doesn’t contain sugar or colour additives – as one person used to tell us as children, ‘it’s sky juice’! What could be better?

Featured

NAIDOC celebrations at Byron Apex Park

NAIDOC celebrations were held last week in Byron Bay

Oz Grom Open wraps up in Lennox

The 2026 Soundboks Oz Grom Open saw a fairytale finish to competition yesterday with huge performances, bluebird skies and local wins in dreamy two-foot conditions.

Jeff Dawson captures Mullum Roots Festival

Did you make it to Mullum Roots Festival on the weekend?

Letters

Shark politics

The Minns government’s response to the most recent shark attack in Sydney is to spend an additional $34 million...

Energy savings

Two exciting developments will lower household electricity bills, strengthen the local grid, and help power-up our renewable energy. First,...

Amani’s bite of the Big Apple

Although I was grateful that The Echo wrote an article about my daughter Amani Wiriyanjara being accepted into the...

Shooting the wrong threat

Why should anyone who cares about the environment care that the government is shooting Kosciuszko’s wild brumbies? Fair question. We...

Byron floodplain

The current hardships facing Byron communities seem to reflect global power relations. Trump’s vision for humanity is ‘might is right’...

Backup plans

We carry a spare tyre in the car in case the unexpected and unpredictable happens. Byron Council needs to consider...

Local News

Alleged native tree removal continues in Lennox, says councillor

With a government agency now investigating the alleged clear felling of natives on a large private block in Lennox Head, Ballina Greens councillor Kiri Dicker has told The Echo that contractors were felling trees all morning, ‘trying to get the job done’.

Invasive weed projects tackles 125 ha of Crown land

Ballina, Lismore, Kyogle and Richmond Valley shires are set to benefit from seven weed biosecurity projects, which the NSW government says will support the protection of native vegetation and the enhancement of wildlife habitats at key environmental sites.

Where to from here for a healthy future?

Sometimes it is hard not to lose hope, with the depth and breadth of the challenges that have faced the Northern Rivers. From the droughts, fires, Covid, and the 2022 floods it’s sometimes hard to see a way forward.

Deadly weaving at Lismore gallery

Eighteen months ago, a group of First Nations artists from the Northern Rivers came together at the Lismore Regional Gallery as part of the Gathering Space project.

Current Print Edition

Shooting the wrong threat

Why should anyone who cares about the environment care...

Amani’s bite of the Big Apple

Although I was grateful that The Echo wrote an...

Deadly weaving at Lismore gallery

Eighteen months ago, a group of First Nations artists from the Northern Rivers came together at the Lismore Regional Gallery as part of the Gathering Space project.

Arts Northern Rivers First Nations Committee

Arts Northern Rivers (ANR) is calling for members who have a connection to Bundjalung, Githabul, Yaegl and Gumbaynggirr Country to help them form a First Nations committee to guide and shape their First Nations program.

Sport

Byron Shire Rebels men’s XV vs Lismore on Ladies Day

The Rebels men’s XV made the trip to Lismore Rugby Park on Ladies Day and delivered a commanding 38-17 victory.

Tennis comp returns to Northern Rivers at Mullum and Bangalow

One of the Northern Rivers’ biggest tennis events is set to return later this month, with the 2026 Mullumbimby Community Open taking place on Saturday, 25 and Sunday, 26 July across Mullumbimby and Bangalow tennis clubs.

Oz Grom Open wraps up in Lennox

The 2026 Soundboks Oz Grom Open saw a fairytale finish to competition yesterday with huge performances, bluebird skies and local wins in dreamy two-foot conditions.

Local union players to benefit from Legacy grants

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is encouraging local councils and rugby union clubs to take advantage of an opportunity to upgrade their facilities, player pathways and increase local participation.

Good Life

A place that has stayed

Byron Bay has always been a place that draws people in. Some come for a weekend, others for a season, and many end up staying for a lifetime.

No Bones: new seasonal menu captures the relaxed spirit of Byron dining

As the cooler months settle over Byron Bay, No Bones is embracing the season with a fresh menu designed for long lunches that roll into dinner, shared plates and evenings spent lingering over good food and cocktails.

Manna Haven Cafe – loving Byron for 20 years

One of Byron Bay’s favourite lunch spots is wowing guests after a recent community-gifted...

Three Blue Ducks

On Sunday 26 July, from 11:30am for both lunch and dinner, Three Blue Ducks...
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Glance back
Something from the last seven days

Draft Bangalow Flood Study on public exhibition

A draft study examining flooding Bangalow is on exhibition by Byron Council.

A hidden gem of culture and fun

With 73 films under their belts the Drill Hall Film Society are inviting you to come and see the next film they are showing – the 1971 classic and hilarious Harold and Maude.

Art exhibition inspired by nature

Elemental: Conversations with Nature is an exhibition bringing together a group of local artists who present their work for community enjoyment in one of the Shire’s many local halls – Coorabell Hall.