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Byron Shire
June 21, 2026

Bluesfest 2014

Latest News

The NT intervention laws that shape lives

This Sunday marks 19 years since the then Howard Government announced the Northern Territory Intervention laws – ‘The Intervention’ began with a media release by Mal Brough, Minister for Indigenous Affairs, on June 21, 2007.

Other News

A Church for All People

Celebrating its tenth year, the Brunswick Picture House personifies ‘A Church for All People’, in its packed, eclectic and biggest ever program. The next few weeks and months bring a throng of music superstars, a gang of Australia’s hottest comedians, and plenty of jaw-dropping burlesque beauties to blow your minds.

Appeal to locate wanted man Adam Richards

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a man wanted on outstanding warrants in the Casino area.

Vale William ‘Bill’ Ewen

The funeral service for Marine Rescue Ballina volunteer William ‘Bill’ Ewen was held on Monday at Ballina RSL Club.

Hemp industry given boost with development plan

A Hemp Industry Development Plan has been announced by the NSW government, which promises 'to unlock new opportunities for NSW businesses and add value to the state's low-THC hemp industry, which is forecast to become a $100 million Australian industry by 2032'.

Are retirement villages what Byron Bay needs?

Developer DD Resort Living is seeking community feedback until June 18 on its proposed retirement living development in Byron Bay.

The NT intervention laws that shape lives

local filmmaker Sinem Saban will be presenting back-to-back screenings in Murwillumbah of her two award-winning films that not only expose draconian Australian intervention policies, but also present the catastrophic fallout from these laws that have been unravelling in Aboriginal communities to this day.

Mandy Nolan

2014 will mark 25 years of Bluesfest.

According to festival director Peter Noble, ‘For all you festival-goers who love to shake, shimmy, bop and groove, this one is for you! This is Bluesfest’s biggest dance announcement EVER. These guys just want to get down and make you dance. With such songs as That’s The Way (I Like It), Get Down Tonight, Boogie Shoes and (Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty, I’m Your Boogie Man, Please Don’t Do, Keep It Comin’ Love and so many more. KC & The Sunshine Band, who played a bedrock part in the disco craze of the 70s, are still doing it today!

‘Just added to this phenomenal announcement is Nigerian musician Seun Kuti, son of the pioneer of afrobeat music, the one and only Fela Kuti. Seun Kuti and his late father’s 16-piece band Egypt 80, who will be joining him at Bluesfest, are the best live band EVER.’

For Peter, having War come to Bluesfest is a personal dream come true.

‘They are the most important latino funk group, standing just in the shadow of Santana and they blend soul, latin, jazz, blues, and reggae into a natural funky fusion that has inspired thousands of bands that followed them.

‘Originally led by Eric Burdon, War has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide. Their hits The World Is A Ghetto, Lowrider, Why Can’t We Be Friends, All Day Music, Slippin’ Into Darkness, Summer are songs everyone loves and which continue to inspire generation after generation of fans.

‘The greatest rhythm section in music, Jamaica’s reggae legends Sly & Robbie and The TAXI Gang, are coming to Bluesfest and will have you dancing and partying to their signature reggae sound. For all our hip-hop fans, rapper Chali 2na will be keeping you on your toes.

‘Straight out of the ghetto, LA’s favourite hip-hop artist has his lyrics locked down big time. I know there are thousands of fans out there who will be excited to see the MAN return to Bluesfest – Jeff Beck.

‘Just imagine the possibilities of jams on stage – with Dave Matthews, Grace Potter, John Mayer, Beth Hart, Gary Clark Jr, Larry Graham, John Butler, Gregg Allman, Allen Stone and so many others – ALL performing at the same event!

‘Not to mention the blues jams likely with Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Charlie Musselwhite, Beth Hart – plus a whole bunch more performing.’

Tickets are available on www.bluesfest.com.au or by phoning the friendly Bluesfest team on 6685 8310.



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Hemp industry given boost with development plan

A Hemp Industry Development Plan has been announced by the NSW government, which promises 'to unlock new opportunities for NSW businesses and add value to the state's low-THC hemp industry, which is forecast to become a $100 million Australian industry by 2032'.

Gambling harm recognised by Tweed Council, supported by Wesley Mission

Faith-based, not-for-profit organisation providing community services in NSW, Wesley Mission, has welcomed Tweed Shire Council’s decision to publicly recognise the impact of gambling harm and advocate for stronger harm-minimisation measures.

Winter Warmer fundraiser for homelessness

The annual Winter Warmer Homelessness Relief campaign, hosted by Dharma Care, will return for 2026 with cabaret at Salt, Kingscliff, on Thursday 2 July, headlined by comedian Mandy Nolan, interactive performance artist The Space Cowboy and the Kinship Doobai Dancers, with a Welcome to Country from Aunty Jackie.

Tweed Shire Council presents flood resilience series – part one

Over the coming weeks, Tweed Shire Council will present a flood resilience series, which looks at how 'Tweed's story is different from the standard flood recovery narrative and what happened next'.