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Byron Shire
July 12, 2026

Fundies wins local biz award

Latest News

Deadly weaving at Lismore gallery

Eighteen months ago, a group of First Nations artists from the Northern Rivers came together at the Lismore Regional Gallery as part of the Gathering Space project.

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Lismore’s Norco Eat the Street returns Aug 22

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Where to from here for a healthy future?

Sometimes it is hard not to lose hope, with the depth and breadth of the challenges that have faced the Northern Rivers. From the droughts, fires, Covid, and the 2022 floods it’s sometimes hard to see a way forward.

Nudgel Nuts returns to Mullum Farmers Market

A familiar favourite has returned to the Mullumbimby Farmers Market, with Nudgel Nuts back for the new macadamia season. Owner...

Cartoons of the week – 8 July, 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.

For your wellbeing

On Saturday, in Byron, they are holding a Psychic Health and Wellbeing Expo, at the Cavanbah Centre, Ewingsdale Road – this is a community-based event and all are welcome.

Byron and Lismore wholefoods institution Fundies has won a small-business award promoted by the Department of Fair Trading.

Representatives in Hunter, Northern, Southern and Western regional areas were selected by a panel, including NSW Small Business Commissioner Yasmin King.

Fundies won an I love my local business award for their fresh produce and friendly service, according to the department.

Ms King said, ‘the outstanding theme among the entrants, apart from their ties to their local communities, was their superb customer service’.

‘This is the way so many small businesses differentiate themselves,’ she added.

Fair Trading commissioner Rod Stowe said the department often only attracted public attention when a business was doing the wrong thing.

‘This competition highlights good business practice in New South Wales,’ he said. ‘I warmly congratulate all winners of the competition for giving that little bit extra so clearly appreciated by their customers.’

More than 1,000 entrants statewide voted for their favourite local businesses in the People’s Choice award, which this year was won by Sydney Upbeat Music Centre.

A prize also went to the people who nominated a winning entrant from their local area.

 



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Plastic not so fantastic

There is nothing healthier than drinking some water – or so I’ve always told my kids. It doesn’t contain sugar or colour additives – as one person used to tell us as children, ‘it’s sky juice’! What could be better?

Ballina courthouse windows smashed, man charged

Police say a man will face court today, charged after 12 windows were allegedly smashed in Ballina last night.   Police say, 'About 10.35pm (Thursday 9 July 2026), police were called to Martin Street following reports of a man smashing windows'.

Alleged native tree removal continues in Lennox, says councillor

With a government agency now investigating the alleged clear felling of natives on a large private block in Lennox Head, Ballina Greens councillor Kiri Dicker has told The Echo that contractors were felling trees all morning, ‘trying to get the job done’.

Ocean Shores man charged with advocating terrorism online

Police say a 20-year-old Ocean Shores man is behind bars (refused bail) and will face court in Tweed Heads Local Court on 18 September, charged with advocating terrorism.