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Byron Shire
July 8, 2026

Latest news

Lismore’s Norco Eat the Street returns Aug 22

Lismore’s signature food, arts and culture festival, Norco Eat the Street, is making its highly anticipated return to the CBD on Saturday, 22 August 2026.

Broken political promises? Cudgen Connection approved by NRPP

A contentious $300 million proposal on State Significant Farmland (SSF) next to the Tweed Hospital has been recommended for approval by The Northern Regional Planning Panel (NRPP). The Cudgen Connection decision came in late yesterday, after years of deliberations, opposition and political commitments to protect the SSF. It is located at 741 Cudgen Road.

Pottsville Triathlon announced for 24-25 October

Entries are now open for the inaugural Pottsville Beach Triathlon, a fresh coastal multisport weekend, taking place on 24-25 October, 2026.

Longboard titles return to Tweed July 24–30

Billed as the 'longest running event on the Australian surfing calendar', the Thermos Australian Longboard Titles will return for a third consecutive year to Tweed Coast beaches 24-30 July.

Beyond Blue charity rugby day returns to Bruns this weekend

Brunswick Heads rugby team the Mullumbimby Moonshiners will gather at Alby Lofts Oval on Saturday, July 11, for their annual Beyond Blue Charity Day, with the club’s senior women’s team reforming after a 30-year playing hiatus to run onto the field.   

Mandy Nolan

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: When No Means MoNo

Pauline wants monoculture. No one really knows what she means. And we know that Pauline definitely doesn’t know what it means, she just knows it will create disturbance. So I’ve done a bit of a deep dive on what the mono might look like.

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

Disclosure Day

If you found out we weren’t alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you? From legendary three-time Academy Award-winning filmmaker Steven Spielberg, comes the gripping sci-fi thriller Disclosure Day.

LisAmore! returns

There is something quietly remarkable about LisAmore! Every year, thousands of people make their way to a corner of the Northern Rivers and, for a few hours, swap the everyday for something altogether warmer – the aromas of fresh pasta and cannoli in the air, the sound of an accordion drifting across the grounds, children twirling spaghetti with the kind of concentration usually reserved for far more serious pursuits.

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.

Broken political promises? Cudgen Connection approved by NRPP

A contentious $300 million proposal on State Significant Farmland (SSF) next to the Tweed Hospital has been recommended for approval by The Northern Regional Planning Panel (NRPP). The Cudgen Connection decision came in late yesterday, after years of deliberations, opposition and political commitments to protect the SSF. It is located at 741 Cudgen Road.

The Karl Stefanovic pile-on

In 2011, Channel 9 scored a one-on-one interview with the Daili Lama during his Australian tour. It was handed to their larrikan breakfast guy – Karl Stefanovic.

Winter of discontent for big data opponents

While Australia’s parliamentarians were frocking up for the Midwinter Ball last week, representatives of the nation’s authors, musicians and artists were in Canberra pleading for assurances that the government would not water down copyright laws, as part of a deal with giant tech firms to build $50bn worth of new data centres across the country.

Featured

As NSW govt boasts its support for festivals, let’s dive into where they haven’t

The NSW government today spruiked that Casino's CBD will host one of Australia's great transport events after Casino Truck Show secured funding under the state government's 2026/27 Regional Event Fund.

Ballina memorial pays tribute to fallen Marine Rescue volunteers

On Sunday, a memorial was unveiled at the RSL Memorial Park, next to the Ballina RSL, to pay tribute to those lost on the night of May 4 on the Ballina Bar.

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.

Letters

Multiculturalism

Right across the planet, the soccer World Cup is grandstanding multiculturalism in all its splendour! It’s a great kick in...

Overdevelopment

I was horrified when my eyes landed on the resubmitted housing/commercial DA by Landcom and Byron Shire Council at...

Not alone

Residents of Morrison Ave Mullumbimby, rest assured you are not alone. I have been writing to Byron Shire Council...

Slow down

Just when you think it can’t get any worse on the roads, dodging e-bikes and ridiculous-sized vehicles, now we...

Independent audit

I was so shocked to see on our Council community page that company Micromax has been employed to do...

Ecological sustainability

Close to 40 years ago, at a time when the ozone layer was threatened and revealing ‘holes’ in same,...

Local News

Young musicians to take centre stage for NRYO 2026 finale concert

The Northern Rivers Conservatorium is thrilled to present the grand finale concert of the Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra (NRYO) 2026, ‘celebrating the extraordinary talent, dedication and musicianship of young performers from across the region.’

Lismore’s Norco Eat the Street returns Aug 22

Lismore’s signature food, arts and culture festival, Norco Eat the Street, is making its highly anticipated return to the CBD on Saturday, 22 August 2026.

NSW Women of the Year noms open

Nominations are now open for the 2027 NSW Women of the Year Awards. Nationals Member for Tweed, Geoff Provest says the awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of local women and girls.

Public meeting called over Mullum carpark DA

The Mullumbimby Residents Association (MRA) has called a public meeting for Monday, 13 July at 6pm at the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club to discuss the modified development application (DA 10.2025.212.1) for the carpark at 57 Station Street, Mullumbimby.

Current Print Edition

New funding path sought for rail trail, but is it too late?

Byron Council will investigate private sponsorship, tourism partnerships, and smaller staged projects as it seeks a new path forward for the long-delayed Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT) after a major federal funding bid failed.

No Small Thing – changing lives for the better, together

This Thursday, 2 July (tonight) the Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRCF) Women’s Giving Circle is bringing a stellar lineup of leaders to the Regent Theatre in Murwillumbah to discuss how progress happens across climate, gender equality, media, democracy, and community action – and why local action still matters.

NAIDOC Week and 19th Arakwal NAIDOC Week short film screening

Celebrating the history, culture, and achievements of First Nations Australians, NAIDOC Week runs from 5-12 July with the theme ‘50 Years of Deadly’.

Nudgel Nuts returns to Mullum Farmers Market

A familiar favourite has returned to the Mullumbimby Farmers...

Sport

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.

Mud bath at Bangalow – Rebels vs Ballina men’s XV

Heavy rain in the lead-up made for treacherous conditions for rugby at Bangalow, with...

The John Mitchell Memorial Golf Even

On Sunday, 16 August, the Lennox Head Lions will be staging their annual Golf...

Top female player shares tips in Byron

Croquet players from across the Northern Rivers area were privileged to spend time recently...

Good Life

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...

The bakery at the heart of Bangalow

A good bakery is at the heart of a country town, but Bangalow Bread...

Nudgel Nuts returns to Mullum Farmers Market

A familiar favourite has returned to the Mullumbimby Farmers Market, with Nudgel Nuts back...
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Glance back
Something from the last seven days

The Buttery celebrates NAIDOC Week with ‘Imagine’

The Buttery, in partnership with its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Committee, is proud to celebrate NAIDOC Week with a free community screening of the acclaimed First Nations animated feature film Imagine, inviting the Northern Rivers community to come together to reflect, learn and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, stories and achievements.

As NSW govt boasts its support for festivals, let’s dive into where they haven’t

The NSW government today spruiked that Casino's CBD will host one of Australia's great transport events after Casino Truck Show secured funding under the state government's 2026/27 Regional Event Fund.

Public meeting called over Mullum carpark DA

The Mullumbimby Residents Association (MRA) has called a public meeting for Monday, 13 July at 6pm at the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club to discuss the modified development application (DA 10.2025.212.1) for the carpark at 57 Station Street, Mullumbimby.