Latest news
Byron Shire Council elections still being counted
There are 25,414 registered voters in the Byron Shire local government area (LGA) who are responsible for electing a...
Alcohol-free zones to continue in Ballina Shire
Four areas of public land in the Ballina Shire are to stay alcohol-free zones for at least another three years.
Work is starting on Tweed Rail Trail
The Tweed Council section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is a 24km section that stretches from the Murwillumbah Railway Station to Crabbes Creek and work is starting on the construction.
Jo Jo Smith back in town for one show only
It will be a night to remember with Jo Jo Smith back in town for a performance at the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club this Saturday, 11 December.
NORPA announces stellar 2022 season
This morning in a special online event, NORPA revealed some of the adventurous, world-class shows that will transport audiences to different worlds in 2022.
Mandy Nolan
Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: The Gift of Experience
This Christmas I have decided to buy my friends and family experiences.
Experiences also don’t require the purchasing of ‘stuff’. And you don’t have to wrap the stuff in more useless stuff. I’m really trying to reduce the Christmas stuffing. I’m on what I call a ‘de-stuff’ diet. It’s hard, because I am one of those people who has been addicted to stuff. Experiences, if well chosen, can have a low carbon footprint. They can be stuffless.
General Interest
What’s Nu in COVID variants? Highlighted need for stronger Australian contribution
According to the End COVID For All campaign the emergence of a new coronavirus variant in Botswana, most likely to be called 'Nu', underlines the need for Australia to step up its contribution to co-oridnated global efforts to prevent the virus’ spread and mutation.
Blockade Australia take fourth action in 24 hours at Newcastle’s coal port
Blockade Australia activists Zianna and Hannah climbed to the top of machinery and suspended themselves out of reach this morning causing the operations at the Newcastle Coal Port to stop for the fourth time in 24 hours.
Tripling water rights increases drought risks and degrades rivers
A key part of future planning both for agriculture, ecosystem resilience and where we put our population will be dependent on water – who has the right to access it and at what level.
Entertainment
Entertainment in the Byron Shire for the week beginning 12 October, 2021
Check out what's on at the cinema this week in Ballina and Byron
Entertainment in the Byron Shire for the week beginning 6 October, 2021
This week in entertainment
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.
Alcohol-free zones to continue in Ballina Shire
Four areas of public land in the Ballina Shire are to stay alcohol-free zones for at least another three years.
Editorial – Council restart and the most unsafe house in the nation
Expectations of government have been undermined – so where to from here and how to rebuild a nation based on good politics.
Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: The Gift of Experience
This Christmas I have decided to buy my friends and family experiences.
Experiences also don’t require the purchasing of ‘stuff’. And you don’t have to wrap the stuff in more useless stuff. I’m really trying to reduce the Christmas stuffing. I’m on what I call a ‘de-stuff’ diet. It’s hard, because I am one of those people who has been addicted to stuff. Experiences, if well chosen, can have a low carbon footprint. They can be stuffless.
Mandy Nolan - 0
Jo Jo Smith back in town for one show only
It will be a night to remember with Jo Jo Smith back in town for a performance at the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club this Saturday, 11 December.
NORPA announces stellar 2022 season
This morning in a special online event, NORPA revealed some of the adventurous, world-class shows that will transport audiences to different worlds in 2022.
Legal aid funding inadequate, say Law Council of Australia
The nation’s top law advocacy group is calling on the government for adequately resourced Legal Aid Offices, owing to unmet demand for the service.
Letters
Issue dividing the community
This bitter division in the Northern Rivers community regarding trains on our tracks or the rail trail could’ve been...
Teachers’ strike
I welcome the vote by NSW teachers to strike for the first time in a decade.
Teachers are leaving the...
For the love of dogs!
In response to Alison Drover’s opinion piece (November 17, 2021). She said Byron is not a ‘doggie destination’ and...
Cartoon of the week – 8 December, 2021
Letters to the editor
The Echo loves your letters and is proud to provide a community forum on the issues that...
Make your vote count in the Council elections
I want to make my vote count, and elect a mayor and Council that actually represents local interests and...
Main Arm Road
A 1km section of Main Arm Rd either side of Sherry’s Bridge needs attention.
A fleet of large machines...
Local News
Cadwallader, Lyon and Krieg most likely new Far North Coast mayors
With most of the votes cast, and counting over until tomorrow, the New South Wales Electoral Commission stats would suggest that there are three clear winners of the mayoral contests in Ballina, Byron and Lismore Shires.
Youth survey launched with prizes
Are you aged 12 to 24 and want your voice to be heard on important decisions being made about Byron Shire’s future?
Nothing cute about the Frogbit alien invasion
Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) is an invasive, smothering waterweed that poses a serious environmental threat which has been found in the Richmond River and at Chinderah.
Minister causing ‘serious and irreversible harm’ in State forests
North East Forest Alliance have accused the Ministers for Environment and Foresty, Matt Kean and Paul Toole, of dereliction of duty for failing to implement the minimal changes recommended by the Natural Resources Commission.
Current Print Edition
Byron Shire Echo issue 36.26 – December 8, 2021
Download PDF (32MB)Jump to:
Local News | Comment | Letters | Articles | The Good Life | Good Taste | The Arts | The Scoop | Mullum Shop Local This Christmas | Festive Season | Loving Lismore | Seven Entertainment | Soapbox | Gig Guide | Cinema | Echo Property | Property Business Directory | Service Directory | Crossword | Classifieds | Sport | Community at Work | Backlash
On the ground work assists evicted women
We know the region has some of the highest rents, and highest housing costs in Australia. We all know that this has virtually eliminated affordable housing. We hear the stories of women and children being evicted, of couch surfing and living in cars.
Qld-NSW border to open sooner
Local businesses can look forward to an ‘epic summer’ following the easing of Qld border restrictions, the Byron Business Chamber says.
A little rail tale
There is still a chance to save our wonderful...
Growing number of dogs
Thanks to Alison Drover for her informative article in...
Sport
Strong start to cricket season for Byron Bay
Byron Bay remain undefeated after four games, and sit on top of the Coastal League competition after beating Bangalow last Saturday at the Cavanbah Centre.
Fijian rugby team moves into Lennox Head
Ross Kendall
The Fijian Drua was traditionally and formally welcomed to their new base camp...
Local juniors make presence felt at major surf tournament
Ross Kendall
Local surfers were among the winners in all four age divisions of the Surfer...
Wright nominated – NSW sports award
Ross Kendall
Byron Bay surfer Owen Wright has been named as a finalist for the...
Good Life
Pineapples from Bangalow
Bangalow Farm is located just outside the Bangalow township and has the typical red...
Margarita, anyone?
Simon Haslam
Sure, Christmas is coming, but before that is a generous round of pre-Christmas...
Byron Farmers Market: parking
Byron Farmers Market returned to Butler Street Reserve last Thursday for their first market...
Take a drive to unlock the Tweed’s Hinterland Gems
From river flow to valley vibes, the Tweed’s hinterland will inspire and enrich with...
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Glance backlucky dip news Something from the last seven days
Public school teachers across the region are on strike today
Hundreds of public school teachers and principals across the Northern Rivers will strike today )(Tuesday December 7) over what they say is the Government’s failure to address unsustainable workloads and uncompetitive salaries which are contributing to growing shortages of teachers.
Paul Bibby - 2
Nothing cute about the Frogbit alien invasion
Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) is an invasive, smothering waterweed that poses a serious environmental threat which has been found in the Richmond River and at Chinderah.
Dogs need control
I agree with Alison Drover’s recent article and her...


