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Byron Shire
October 24, 2026

Latest news

Man dies following single-vehicle crash – Chinderah

A man has died following a single-vehicle crash near Chinderah today.

Oh Byron Shire, the pipes, the pipes are calling…

Byron Shire Council largely does not know the condition of its $114 million underground stormwater network, with a draft infrastructure plan warning that limited inspections are creating a risk of pipe failure.

Deadline extended for Uniquely Byron Business Awards

Byron businesses have until midnight tomorrow, Saturday, October 24, to enter this year’s Uniquely Byron Business Awards after organisers extended the application deadline.

Flash flooding advice follows days of heavy Northern Rivers rain

The NSW State Emergency Service has advised Northern Rivers residents to monitor conditions for possible flash flooding after more than 117mm of rain fell at Cape Byron and Ballina Airport over four days, with further falls overnight.

SCU exhibition marks the end of art and design degree

Twelve emerging Northern Rivers artists will exhibit their work in Lismore tonight at a graduation show marking the last large exhibition of Southern Cross University’s Bachelor of Art and Design degree.

Mandy Nolan

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Bring Out Your Dead

Having a dead father made me different to other kids. I was six when he died, and in a small town even I knew that for the week of his death, our family was all anyone was talking about. The 30-year-old, wild and misunderstood Robert, who drove his powder blue Valiant, drunk, head on into an oncoming vehicle, killing the grandfather of someone who I was to later meet in high school. It was a collision that changed my life forever.

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 for Byron Bay Film Festival

Guided by Horses is a film that follows Aboriginal Professor Juli Coffin and the young people of Yawardani Jan-ga (‘horses helping’ in Yawuru language), a groundbreaking Aboriginal-led equine-assisted learning program where horses, Country and culture come together in unexpected ways.

Katchafire’s Revival 2.0

Katchafire team up with ARIA Award-winning Australian First Nations artist Emily Wurramara for their next Revival 2.0 Guest Edition single, collaborating on ‘Giddy Up’ – released on 4 September.

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.

Oh Byron Shire, the pipes, the pipes are calling…

Byron Shire Council largely does not know the condition of its $114 million underground stormwater network, with a draft infrastructure plan warning that limited inspections are creating a risk of pipe failure.

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Bring Out Your Dead

Having a dead father made me different to other kids. I was six when he died, and in a small town even I knew that for the week of his death, our family was all anyone was talking about. The 30-year-old, wild and misunderstood Robert, who drove his powder blue Valiant, drunk, head on into an oncoming vehicle, killing the grandfather of someone who I was to later meet in high school. It was a collision that changed my life forever.

The alchemy of suffering

There is alchemy in the crucible of suffering, if you can surrender to it. I don’t say this glibly and acknowledge the scale of suffering many beings endure is unimaginable.

Featured

Editorial – The rise of the machines

When the last switchboard operator became extinct and the filing assistant closed the cabinet for the last time to join the lamplighters and ratcatchers we were, perhaps, mollified with the knowledge that newer, more interesting careers would open up before us.

Flash flooding advice follows days of heavy Northern Rivers rain

The NSW State Emergency Service has advised Northern Rivers residents to monitor conditions for possible flash flooding after more than 117mm of rain fell at Cape Byron and Ballina Airport over four days, with further falls overnight.

SCU exhibition marks the end of art and design degree

Twelve emerging Northern Rivers artists will exhibit their work in Lismore tonight at a graduation show marking the last large exhibition of Southern Cross University’s Bachelor of Art and Design degree.

Letters

Don’t smoke

Will whomever is responsible for the remaining heritage railway cottage in Railway Park please get it occupied, used, and...

Pacific and climate

Now that the focus on climate change is shifting from prevention, to containment, to hopefully adaption, our neighbours in...

Removal of Medicare rebate

Many citizens have long held private health insurance and would be alarmed by the proposal, currently before the parliament,...

What say on SRV?

I went online to yoursay.byron.nsw.gov.au/srv to have my say about the looming SRV . If implemented this (35 per cent)...

Preserve the green

Ocean Shores is a residential suburb bound by nature reserves. Billinudgel, Marshalls Creek, Jinangong, and North Head Reserve all...

Cartoon of the week – 21 October, 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.

Local News

Lennox flood study identifies hotspots and $390,000 pump option

A new flood study has identified five drainage hotspots in Lennox Head and recommended a $390,000 mobile pump among the highest-priority options for reducing damage to properties.

BBFF Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year

Melbourne writer-director Jake James Whitford has been named the 2026 Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year at the Byron Bay International Film Festival (BBFF), for his short film 'The Squatters and the Fairy Princess'.

Oh Byron Shire, the pipes, the pipes are calling…

Byron Shire Council largely does not know the condition of its $114 million underground stormwater network, with a draft infrastructure plan warning that limited inspections are creating a risk of pipe failure.

Flash flooding advice follows days of heavy Northern Rivers rain

The NSW State Emergency Service has advised Northern Rivers residents to monitor conditions for possible flash flooding after more than 117mm of rain fell at Cape Byron and Ballina Airport over four days, with further falls overnight.

Current Print Edition

Editorial – The rise of the machines

When the last switchboard operator became extinct and the filing assistant closed the cabinet for the last time to join the lamplighters and ratcatchers we were, perhaps, mollified with the knowledge that newer, more interesting careers would open up before us.

Spring into summer with local Dorper Lamb

As we move from spring into summer, it’s time to fire up the barbecue, enjoy long lunches with family and friends, and make the most of fresh, local produce. I recently spoke with Warren from Boorabe Dorper Lamb about the different cuts of lamb and how to get the best out of them.

Foreshore Italian

Foreshore Italian brings the warmth, generosity and simplicity of Italian cooking to Elements of Byron, celebrating the pleasure of good food, fresh ingredients and shared dining experiences.

The climate crisis is here – what do we do?

As we watch the climate crisis accelerate around us Lismore-based resilience practitioner Dr Jean Renouf and Murwillumbah academic Professor Richard Hil will be joining former Byron Shire councillor Cate Coorey in conversation this Friday.

Sport

Byron Bay wins Wallace Shield

For the past 63 years Byron Bay and Ballina lady golfers have had a fierce but friendly rivalry for the Wallace Shield. Even COVID couldn't spoil the party, although the competition was played with certain restrictions.

Karate success for young locals

Three young karate students from Ewingsdale's Jin Wu Koon Karate have qualified for the AMAC Australian Championship following competition in Queensland.

Far Northern Futsal team wins

The U16 boys Far Northern NSW Futsal team won the Futsal National School Championships...

Broken Head surfer Leihani Zoric ISA U18 World Junior Champ

Paul Bibby Most 13-year-olds would be happy just to make an under-18 world final. Two...

Good Life

Spring into summer with local Dorper Lamb

As we move from spring into summer, it’s time to fire up the barbecue, enjoy long lunches with family and friends, and make the most of fresh, local produce. I recently spoke with Warren from Boorabe Dorper Lamb about the different cuts of lamb and how to get the best out of them.

Foreshore Italian

Foreshore Italian brings the warmth, generosity and simplicity of Italian cooking to Elements of Byron, celebrating the pleasure of good food, fresh ingredients and shared dining experiences.

Berry season is here

Spring is in the air and berries are bursting onto the farmers’ market stalls. Sweet, juicy and packed with goodness, berries are one of those treats that rarely make it all the way home without a few disappearing from the punnet.

New at the Belongil Bistro

Set beachside at Belongil, Shannon Bennett’s Belongil Bistro has a new, more approachable menu format, designed for sharing. One of four distinct venues within The Belongil, the Bistro brings produce-driven dining into a setting that feels relaxed, welcoming and distinctly coastal.
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Glance back
Something from the last seven days

Zenith’s last Day of the Dead ceremony

This year will be the last year that Zenith Virago will host the Day of the Dead ceremony in Mullumbimby as she prepares to pass the ceremony on to Kirsty Laing.

Our House plans 30 more units as medical accommodation falls short

Lismore medical accommodation charity Our House is planning 30 additional units as growing demand leaves it unable to meet approximately a quarter of requests for a room.

57 Station St DA now in the hands of the NRPP

Monday, 19 October saw the Northern Regional Planning Panel listening to a long list of reasons why the development application for the carpark at 57 Station Street, Mullumbimby should not be approved.