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Local NewsThe Echo - October 30, 20260

Rescue helicopter service promises reform after harassment findings

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service has apologised and committed to workplace reforms after an independent review found inadequate disciplinary responses to substantiated sexual harassment and bullying complaints.

Local NewsThe Echo - October 30, 20260

Michael Cook turns the tables in Tweed exhibition

A bus full of passengers, a city street, a railway tunnel. The settings are familiar. Look at the people, though, and a different picture of Australia emerges.

Local NewsThe Echo - October 30, 20260

Northern Rivers flood experience informs school disaster lessons

The Northern Rivers disaster experience has helped shape a new classroom resource aimed at preparing young people for floods, fires and storms.

Local NewsThe Echo - October 30, 20260

Super Halloween fun returns to Brunswick Heads Primary

It is time to get spooky, and perhaps a little bit kooky at Brunswick Heads Primary School’s Fairtastic this Saturday.

Local NewsAslan Shand - October 30, 20260

Mullum Chamber calls for action on Scout Hall – not demolition

Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce President says demolishing the historic Mullumbimby Scout Hall is not good enough and that Byron Council need to step up and relocate the building.

Mandy Nolan

Byron EchoMandy Nolan - October 28, 20260

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: It stops with Helen

The horrendous and shocking violence experienced by MP for Indi, Helen Haines has shown us, in technicolour, that public life is not safe. Helen is known for her moderate approach, her lack of affiliation with party politics and her deep commitment to community.

General Interest

National NewsThe Echo - March 5, 20260

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.

National NewsAslan Shand - September 16, 20250

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.

National NewsEve Jeffery - July 25, 20252

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

Entertainment NewsThe Echo - October 20, 20260

Wanderlust come to Mullum

Wanderlust invites the community to a magical evening celebrating connection and conscious living at the Wanderlust Night Market.

Local NewsThe Echo - October 20, 20260

Music overtones at Byron Bay International Film Festival

From the extraordinary life and legacy of Marianne Faithfull to the raw energy of Australia’s 1995 Summersault tour, a larrikin road trip through the Australian bush and the next generation of music video makers, music runs through this year’s Byron Bay International Film Festival.

Retrospective

Articles & ColumnsDavid Lovejoy - August 16, 20181

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.

Local News

Rescue helicopter service promises reform after harassment findings

The Echo - October 30, 2026 0

Byron Echo

Rejecting the politics of hate

Have you ever lived in such turbulent times? We really don’t know what to expect from one day to the next. With such uncertainty it is difficult to plan ahead.

Richard Jones - October 29, 2026 0

Byron Echo

How regenerative farming and ecological restoration are rebuilding resilience

Recent ecological surveys of formerly ‘lifeless paddocks’ at Banyula farm. near Clunes recorded an astonishing 121 bird species and sightings of threatened species, including koalas, which now make the property home.

The Echo - October 27, 2026 0

Featured

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Local News

Michael Cook turns the tables in Tweed exhibition

The Echo - October 30, 2026 0

A bus full of passengers, a city street, a railway tunnel. The settings are familiar. Look at the people, though, and a different picture of Australia emerges.

Local News

Northern Rivers flood experience informs school disaster lessons

The Echo - October 30, 2026 0

The Northern Rivers disaster experience has helped shape a new classroom resource aimed at preparing young people for floods, fires and storms.

Local News

Mullum Chamber calls for action on Scout Hall – not demolition

Aslan Shand - October 30, 2026 0

Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce President says demolishing the historic Mullumbimby Scout Hall is not good enough and that Byron Council need to step up and relocate the building.

Ballina Hospital

Letters Scott Hyams, Mullumbimby - October 29, 2026 0

After recently suffering a stroke I have been extremely fortunate to be doing my rehabilitation at the Ballina Hospital...

Council: efficient, benchmarked?

Letters Jan Barham, Broken Head - October 29, 2026 0

Despite lots of information about the rate rise, there are no options, ideas for increasing revenue, or organisational efficiencies...

Clifford Street DA

Letters Hayley Devlin, Suffolk Park - October 30, 2026 0

Clifford Street: Three affordable homes and a bigger housing question. The Clifford Street DA has divided Suffolk Park, but I...

Concerns missed

Letters Paul Cholakos, Montecollum - October 28, 2026 0

At Monday’s (19 October) NRPP meeting on 57 Station Street, only three people, including current Cr Swain and Cr...

Cheques exist?

Letters Larry Hoofs - October 28, 2026 0

I received a cheque in the mail (I didn’t know they still existed) from Medicare. It is payment to...

No SRV

Letters H Rowland, Ocean Shores - October 29, 2026 0

Proposing another Special Rate Variation (SRV) during a financial, and affordable housing, crisis portrays a local council willing to...

Farm-worker housing and micro-abattoirs emerge as Byron agriculture priorities

Farm-worker housing, better access to farmland and small-scale abattoirs have emerged as priorities in a Byron Council survey examining how to support local agriculture.

Local News The Echo - October 28, 2026 0

Wingsuit pilot Chris Geiler is all about speed

Northern Rivers wingsuit pilot Chris Geiler has returned from the the sixth World Championships in Performance Wingsuit Flying held at Skydive Elsinore in California, with a win in the speed division.

Local News Eve Jeffery - October 26, 2026 0

Michael Cook turns the tables in Tweed exhibition

A bus full of passengers, a city street, a railway tunnel. The settings are familiar. Look at the people, though, and a different picture of Australia emerges.

Local News The Echo - October 30, 2026 0

Super Halloween fun returns to Brunswick Heads Primary

It is time to get spooky, and perhaps a little bit kooky at Brunswick Heads Primary School’s Fairtastic this Saturday.

Local News The Echo - October 30, 2026 0

Byron Shire Echo issue 41.20 – October 28, 2026

Byron Echo

Great Koala National Park approved

The humble NSW koala has led to local Liberal MP Catherine Cusack crossing the floor, and serious internal disputes between the NSW Liberal and National Party over land and koala management policy, with the koala wars a particular flash point in 2020.

Aslan Shand - October 28, 2026 0

Local News

Support action against violence and sexual assault

Sexual assault and violence against women has reached an intolerable point and the surfing community is now calling for a change in behaviour and culture that breaks the silence, stigma, and risk that comes from speaking out.

Aslan Shand - October 29, 2026 0

Entertainment News

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.

Eve Jeffery - October 27, 2026 0

Byron Echo

Rejecting the politics of hate

Have you ever lived in such turbulent times? We really don’t know what to expect from one day to the next. With such uncertainty it is difficult to plan ahead.

Richard Jones - October 29, 2026 0

Locals heading to Jakarta for a padel

Byron Echo The Echo - October 27, 2026 0

Three Northern Rivers junior tennis players, brothers Miles and Ollie and teammate Frankie, have...

Ballina Dragons conquer the Tweed again

Local News The Echo - October 27, 2026 0

For the second consecutive year, Ballina Dragon Boat Racing Club has won the 21 km 'Three Bridges Long Paddle' in a time of 1 hour 55 minutes 23 seconds.

Wingsuit pilot Chris Geiler is all about speed

Local News Eve Jeffery - October 26, 2026 0

Byron Bay wins Wallace Shield

Local News The Echo - October 19, 2026 0

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.

Spring into summer with local Dorper Lamb

The Good Life Allie Godfrey - October 20, 2026 0

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

The Good Life The Echo - October 20, 2026 0

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

The Good Life Allie Godfrey - October 13, 2026 0

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

The Good Life The Echo - October 13, 2026 0

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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Something from the last seven days

Local News

Residents urged to respond before Byron rate-rise consultation closes

Mullumbimby Residents Association is urging residents to have their say on Byron Shire Council’s proposed 35.03 per cent rate rise before consultation closes tomorrow (Friday, October 30), saying important evidence supporting the increase remains unavailable.

The Echo - October 29, 2026 0

Letters

Wheelchair-accessible buses?

Why in 2026 are buses, including school buses, not...

Basil Cameron, Goonengerry - October 29, 2026 0

Local News

Building healthier waterways and slowing floodwaters

There are increasing examples of ways that natural flood management can help waterways recover, slow flooding waters, and improve the waterways and catchments.

The Echo - October 30, 2026 0

Latest news

Mandy Nolan

General Interest

Entertainment

Retrospective

Letters

Local News

Current Print Edition

Byron Shire Echo issue 41.20 – October 28, 2026

Sport

Good Life

Glance backSomething from the last seven days

Glance back
Something from the last seven days