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Byron Shire
November 13, 2026

Latest news

Students strike to reclaim their future

On Friday 20 November, students in the Byron Shire and surrounds will close their books and laptops to meet at Apex Park, Byron Bay in another strike for climate action.

Cadwallader says Ballina hospital infrastructure plans ‘a shambles’

Ballina is trapped in a health planning paradox, with no hospital site, no construction funding and no clear investment pathway, according to independent candidate for Ballina and local mayor Sharon Cadwallader.

Walk for Respect and Change returns to Ballina

The Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond is inviting the public to join Ballina’s seventh annual Walk for Respect and Change on Friday 27 November 2026. Families, friends, workmates, schools, businesses and community groups are encouraged to walk together to say NO to domestic and family violence and YES to respectful relationships.

Get into the Christmas spirit with Tweed Coast Band

The Tweed Coast Band is inviting the community to its Christmas Concert at South Tweed Sports Club on Sunday 13 December at 2pm: an afternoon of traditional Christmas music from one of the Tweed’s hidden gems.

Ten mega-dams still on the table for Lismore City Council

The CSIRO completed a flood-modelling study that included modelling for up to ten retention dams across the Richmond catchment – Labor and Greens sought to remove the mega-dam proposal from the Lismore City Council's Flood Risk Management Plan.

Mandy Nolan

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: How to bee

We need bees. Simple tiny little bees. When it comes to pollinators, keeping our planet’s food supply flourishing, turns out bees are the best tech available. In fact, the bee’s knees. When it comes to pollinating our food crops, AI can’t save us. We need Bee-I. Small-winged tech. And it creates honey. Insanely sweet, antibiotic, preserving, immune- boosting honey. That’s crazy bee magic. Only nature could create something so insanely perfect and beautiful. Bees had drones way before we did.

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

Cinema : Meet the future of friendship

In a dystopian future some children are genetically engineered – ‘lifted’ – for enhanced academic ability

Interview with Boy & Bear : acoustic reinvention

Known for their rich harmonies, heartfelt songwriting and uplifting live energy, Boy & Bear will bring a more intimate side of their music to Byron Wellness Festival with beautifully reimagined versions of favourite songs, soulful acoustic arrangements and the kind of shared musical moments that invite you to slow down, breathe and be present.

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.

Students strike to reclaim their future

On Friday 20 November, students in the Byron Shire and surrounds will close their books and laptops to meet at Apex Park, Byron Bay in another strike for climate action.

Rising Tide win over ANZ

In a considerable victory for people power, the national pressure group Rising Tide and its local Northern Rivers membership has just declared a significant win for the climate.

Editorial – Defining the future of Byron

Visiting friends had two things to say about Byron, it was smaller than they were expecting and wasn’t it amazing that the buildings were so low and you could still see the sky.

Featured

The fastest climate solution has two wheels and no tailpipe

As the climate negotiations start in earnest at COP31, major Australian cities are backing a global citizens initiative calling for targets for cycling to be included in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Stretched to the limit – Stolen Generations orgs say time is running out

Stolen Generations organisations from across Australia have issued an urgent challenge, just months out from the 30th anniversary of the landmark Bringing Them Home report, for governments and the nation to ensure the experiences, truths and recommendations of the report are not forgotten and commit to change for survivors and descendants.

They Had Cancer – men, it’s time to put your health first

When Russell had a bit of a morning cough he dismissed it, he’d smoked till he was 30, it was probably just a residue cough from that. It wasn’t until he had a swelling on the side of his neck the size of a mango that he finally went to the doctor.

Letters

Pothole angel

To the pothole angel responsible for outlining the potholes in the first couple of kilometres of Left Bank Road...

Suffolk Park DA

The developer’s ad for 9-15 Clifford St, Suffolk Park (4 November) has a lot of misleading and incorrect information....

57 Station Street

It is more than disappointing that the proposed development at 57 Station Street, Mullumbimby, has been approved by the...

Belongil wetland

Dailan Pugh seems to be absolutely correct about the functioning of the Belongil wetland system and outlet to the...

Cadwallader’s credibility

As the NSW election looms, it is clear that candidates are unofficially on the hustings with the so-called independent...

Cartoons of the week – 11 November, 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

Cadwallader says Ballina hospital infrastructure plans ‘a shambles’

Ballina is trapped in a health planning paradox, with no hospital site, no construction funding and no clear investment pathway, according to independent candidate for Ballina and local mayor Sharon Cadwallader.

25 years of changing writers’ lives

It was 25 years ago when now-acclaimed novelist Sarah Armstrong attended the first week-long retreat for the Byron Writers Festival, and she has returned as the mentor for four emerging authors for the BWF Residential Mentorship.

Help get Mullum High junior debaters to state finals

After a stint as an English curriculum advisor, Mr Clarke is back as head of the English department at Mullumbimby High School, and debating is back with the junior debate team going to state finals in early December.

Call on state govt to exclude Byron from fast track development

The Byron Bay Masterplan Advisory Group and People of Byron both came out strongly in support of Byron Shire being excluded from the Housing Delivery Authority and State Significant Development state government fast track development pathways.

Current Print Edition

Effluent misinformation

What really has been achieved as outcomes from Byron...

Suffolk Park DA

The developer’s ad for 9-15 Clifford St, Suffolk Park...

Belongil wetland

Dailan Pugh seems to be absolutely correct about the...

Call on state govt to exclude Byron from fast track development

The Byron Bay Masterplan Advisory Group and People of Byron both came out strongly in support of Byron Shire being excluded from the Housing Delivery Authority and State Significant Development state government fast track development pathways.

Sport

Close game for Kate and Jen in singles championships

Brunswick Head Women’s Bowls Club held their annual Club Singles Championship final between Jenny...

Skating for a cause at Byron Masters Roller Derby

For the second year the Masters Roller Derby Tournament will be taking place on...

Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club youngsters shine

Two young members of Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club have delivered outstanding performances...

Byron Bay Surf Lifesaving Club youngsters shine

Two young members of Byron Bay Surf Lifesaving Club have delivered outstanding performances at the Paddle NSW State Sprint Championships, held at the Penrith International Regatta Centre over the weekend.

Good Life

Azure Bar and Grill unveils a new menu celebrating the flavours of the Northern Rivers

Set within the lush coastal surrounds of Elements of Byron, Azure Bar and Grill has unveiled its new seasonal menu, celebrating exceptional Australian produce, the art of grilling, and the distinctive flavours of the Northern Rivers.

A quick and tasty Middle Eastern-inspired meal from Baraka Foods

Looking for a quick, tasty and wholesome meal that doesn’t involve spending hours in the kitchen? A delicious Middle Eastern-inspired falafel plate could be just the ticket.

A new season on the plate at The Imperial Hotel

As summer approaches, the Imperial Hotel in Murwillumbah has once again let the seasons shape what’s on the plate.

Stone fruit season has arrived!

There’s something special about biting into a perfectly ripe peach or nectarine, with juice running down your chin and the taste of summer in every mouthful. Stone fruit season is now underway, and local grower Rajesh Kumar is bringing a beautiful selection of fresh fruit to the farmers’ markets.
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Glance back
Something from the last seven days

Byron Bay Surf Lifesaving Club youngsters shine

Two young members of Byron Bay Surf Lifesaving Club have delivered outstanding performances at the Paddle NSW State Sprint Championships, held at the Penrith International Regatta Centre over the weekend.

Coal corporations above the law?

The Minns government introduced special legislation into NSW parliament this week to grant billion-dollar coal corporation MACH Energy permission to expand production at its Mount Pleasant coal mine, overriding a High Court victory that exposed serious failures in the assessment of the mine's climate impacts.

‘Dancing against violence’ in Lismore

A sold-out gala in Lismore has raised more than $200,000 for Women Up North (WUN) and its Bugalma Bihyn Aboriginal Women’s Refuge, which can accommodate up to five families.