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Byron Shire
June 23, 2026

Aussies move up at Pipe Masters

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Lismore wants a a safe, accessible and long-term home for the Hannah Cabinet

The Hannah Cabinet was created by Lismore master craftsman Geoff Hannah OAM over six-and-a-half years and is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most significant pieces of contemporary decorative furniture.

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Cartoons of the week – 17 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.

Empowering women and girls

Applications are now open for Northern Rivers Community Foundation's (NRCF) 2026 Empowering Women & Girls Grant, offering local not-for-profit organisations the opportunity to secure funding for projects that empower women and girls across the Northern Rivers.

More comes out on Byron and Mullum pools saga

The problem with Byron Shire councillors making decisions in confidential sessions ‘behind closed doors’ is that no-one knows what really happened apart from those in the room.

Lismore Council spruiks 150 projects since 2022 floods

A milestone of 150 projects has been reached since the 2022 disasters, says Lismore City Council.

Douglas Dickie retires after 51 years as firefighter

As the bagpipes let out their mournful melody approaching Wandana Brewing, Douglas Dickie was celebrated for his 51 years of service in fire brigades from Scotland to Australia.

Community housing industry call for major expansion in upcoming NSW budget

The community housing industry are calling on the NSW government to use next week's State Budget to unlock a major expansion of community housing.

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Joel Parkinson – Photo ASP/ Kirstin Scholtz

The Aussies are making a surge for the finals at the Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons at Pipeline, Hawaii.

Joel Parkinson of Coolangatta (pictured above) advanced into the quarterfinals of the Masters winning his round 4 heat with this near-perfect 9.27 ride (out of a possible 20.00). Parkinson is reigning ASP World Champion and the defending Pipe Masters Champion.

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Mick Fanning – Photo ASP/ Kelly Cestari

Two-times ASP World Champion and current ASP World No 1 Mick Fanning of the Gold Coast (pictured right) advanced to round 5 of the Masters today.

In round 3, in clean two-metre waves at Pipeline and Backdoor, Fanning defeated local Hawaiian wildcard Kaimana Jaquias by placing him in a combination situation (requiring two high-scoring rides) to advance into round 4.

In the non-elimination round 4 Fanning placed third to John John Florence of Hawaii and Nat Young (USA) and must now win his round 5 heat to keep his hopes of a third ASP World Title alive.

The Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons is the final event of the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour season and holds a waiting period from December 8 through 20.

The event is webcast LIVE via the The Pipe Masters website.

 



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Facing the River in chapters

Tweed Shire Council is telling the full story of how the Tweed community has rebuilt since the 2022 floods, and further damage from the 2024 floods and Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Putting their money where their mouth and conscience is

Climate action group Rising Tide say they will disrupt business at Tweed City ANZ today, as local long-term customers withdraw their life savings from the bank.

Bird flu reaches Western Australia

H5 avian flu has officially arrived in Western Australia, first discovered days ago in a dead migratory seabird near Esperance (700 km south-east of Perth), and since found in numerous other birds.

Momentum hosts free skate workshop for girls and women

Whether you are stepping on a skateboard for the first time, sharpening your skills or getting ready to compete, a free school holiday workshop is being offered to all female skaters up to 25 years.