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Byron Shire
June 12, 2026

Latest news

School is the beating heart of Bruns

From floods to festivals, Brunswick Heads Public School has long the been the anchor of village life.

Lismore councillor pay rise divides chamber at June meeting

The sharpest debate from Lismore City Council's 9 June ordinary meeting saw a majority vote to increase councillor and mayoral fees, following a 3.7 per cent rise determined by the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal (LGRT) – a figure tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12 months to February 2026.

Major repairs for Lismore roads

Wyrallah and Coraki Roads will soon have 15km of road surface restored, as part of ongoing disaster recovery works across Lismore’s rural road network.

Tropical soda apple eradication project spans 130km of the Richmond River

A major regional effort to manage a highly invasive weed has been completed across the Far North Coast, says Rous County Council (Rous), "marking an important step forward in protecting local agriculture and the environment".  

Lennox headland restoration works a success

Community members rolled up their sleeves last week for the 21st Lennox Head Community Tree Planting Day, which helped to continue more than two decades of restoration work on this iconic coastal landscape.

Mandy Nolan

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Let’s Disappear the Outrage Farmer

There’s super-offensive content making its way around the internet by someone who is NOT Indigenous and is NOT a comedian. I will not say her name. I will not identify her nor will I describe the content. If you think you know what I am talking about: good. And if you don’t: good. Let’s keep it that way.

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

Before The Shed falls silent…

Join the Nudge crew this Saturday for the season ten finale of Nudge Nudge Wink Wink (NNWW) in The Shed at the Billinudgel Hotel – bringing another unforgettable night of music, connection and community spirit to the Northern Rivers.

A double dingo film screening

Following a sold-out screening at the Brunswick Picture House, Defend the Wild and Dingo Culture are proud to host a double screening event on Saturday, 13 June in Evans Head, on Minyumai Country, whose rangers feature in the film.

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.

Social homes completed in Casino – what else is in the pipeline?

With 17 new ‘social housing’ dwellings being announced for Casino, what other similar projects are underway in the Northern Rivers?

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Let’s Disappear the Outrage Farmer

There’s super-offensive content making its way around the internet by someone who is NOT Indigenous and is NOT a comedian. I will not say her name. I will not identify her nor will I describe the content. If you think you know what I am talking about: good. And if you don’t: good. Let’s keep it that way.

Evans Head STP: kicking the environmental can down the road

For decades the Evans Head Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) has been dumping effluent into Salty Lagoon in Broadwater National Park. Rich in nutrients and other contaminants, the lake succumbed to these pollutants with a massive fish and bird kill in 2005.

Featured

Protests against closure of life-saving facility in Murwillumbah

The announcement that Murwillumbah's Safe Haven would be closed this week due to the end of funding arrangements has been greeted with shock by locals who have come to rely on the mental health support services the facility provided.

Community to rally against ‘relentless’ RA house demolitions

Northern Rivers locals and flood-impacted residents will gather in Lismore this Saturday to demand the NSW Reconstruction Authority stop demolishing heritage homes and deliver on broken promises, as community anger at the failed flood recovery reaches a new peak.

Myall Creek walk starts conversations and opens eyes to difficult history

The Walk 4 Stolen Children, Land & Lives has successfully concluded in Myall Creek, having completed 474km on foot from Ballina and visited a number of massacre sites along the way.

Letters

Taxing labour vs capital

Catherine Cusack (Echo, 27 May) says she believes ‘Australians are fine with fairness for housing. The issue is messy...

E-bikes rule

Teenage gangs on e-bikes now rule our roads at night in Byron Bay. Driving, or even walking, in the hours...

Cartoon of the week – 10 June, 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.

Here’s to the Flotilla

The Global Sumud Flotilla is about brave people doing exceptional things with skill, compassion, colour, spirit and gruff chutzpah. Would...

Echo Love Awards

Last Saturday night, Yuti and I had the privilege of attending the 40th anniversary celebration of The Echo. The trip...

Do more, Labor!

Senator Penny Wong (Labor) said on 4 June: ‘My principal position is to always believe women when allegations of...

Local News

Kyogle petition calls to restore daytime train service to Brisbane

A Kyogle petition with more than 1,000 signatures is calling on ‘key stakeholders and policymakers’ to provide a ‘practical daytime train service’ to Brisbane, with claims that the current train service, which leaves at 3am and returns at 8am, is 'inconvenient and frustrating’.

School is the beating heart of Bruns

From floods to festivals, Brunswick Heads Public School has long the been the anchor of village life.

Social homes completed in Casino – what else is in the pipeline?

With 17 new ‘social housing’ dwellings being announced for Casino, what other similar projects are underway in the Northern Rivers?

Mullum hybrid water plan springs a leak

Mullumbimby’s proposed hybrid water supply scheme is in serious doubt after Byron Council staff warned it faces significant public health, regulatory, and cost risks, and recommended Council not proceed with the project in its current form.

Current Print Edition

Interview with Peter O’Doherty

Australia’s legendary band Mental As Anything made an historic comeback in 2026 – the first in 25 years – as original founding members Peter O’Doherty and brother Reg Mombassa reunited, leading an exciting new lineup to perform once again under the iconic banner Mental As Anything.

Congratulations, Council

I am an old bloke of 85 years, and...

Matthew Laverty recognised with OAM

Recognising his  passion for golf and long-term commitment to...

Mullum hybrid water plan springs a leak

Mullumbimby’s proposed hybrid water supply scheme is in serious doubt after Byron Council staff warned it faces significant public health, regulatory, and cost risks, and recommended Council not proceed with the project in its current form.

Sport

Mono wins in Hawaii and Japan

Australian adaptive surfing champion Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart has once again celebrated success on the...

Matthew Laverty recognised with OAM

Recognising his  passion for golf and long-term commitment to community service, Mullumbimby’s Matthew Laverty...

Mullum Giants celebrate Old Boys Day

Sunday, 31 May saw everyone having some fun as the sun finally shone at the Mullumbimby Giants games which included the Old Boys Day. Photos by Sarah Archibald.

Return of Ford NSW Open Regional Qualifier at Teven Golf Club

Teven Golf Club will again host the opening event of the 2026 Ford NSW...

Good Life

Ayusa Tea: clarity, energy, calm focus

Allie Godfrey At the New Brighton Farmers Market, it’s not just coffee drawing a crowd...

Bombay to Byron: 12 years of modern Indian on Jonson Street

This June marks 12 years since Bombay to Byron first opened its doors on...

Stout Blackout Blowout at Earth Beer

Nestled among the rolling green hills of Cudgen, just minutes from Kingscliff on the...

Greens from The Farm are flourshing

At the heart of a thriving market garden is timing, soil health, and a...
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Glance back
Something from the last seven days

Byron Youth Service continues to invest in young people and community spaces

Byron Youth Service is celebrating another year of supporting young people across the Byron Shire through a diverse range of creative, educational, and wellbeing initiatives, while continuing significant improvements to The YAC.

‘Open slather’ if rural housing expands under Tweed policy, says councillor

A Tweed councillor is warning that protections for agricultural/environmental land could be diminished if a strategy to expand housing on rural land is adopted by Council. 

Do more, Labor!

Senator Penny Wong (Labor) said on 4 June: ‘My...