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Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

Popping up all over

Latest News

Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

A man has been charged following a pursuit near Tweed Heads on Monday.

Other News

Queer family visibility

Did you know that, statistically, if you’ve met a redhead, you’ve also met a trans person? Over 800 trans and gender diverse people live in the Byron Shire, which includes at least 200 children. They’re often a bit hidden though, so come on down and celebrate with them this Trans Day of Visibility!

Biz confidence up, says Business NSW

The state's peak body for business says confidence in the sector has increased but cost of living pressures continue to impact customer spending.

Carrying and passing the torch

If I say the words ‘US Forces give the nod’, I can pretty much guarantee that you will hear the unmistakable voice of Peter Garrett ringing in your ears. Your head may even start to bob up and down a bit. 

Zoom meeting

Just to clarify the report that Michael Lyon now declares ‘no’ to developing Ann St and New City Road....

NORPA’s wild ride at Lismore Showgrounds

NORPA is taking audiences on an adventure outside the theatre once again, announcing it will stage its original work Wildskin in a warehouse space at the Lismore Showgrounds. A sensory, destination theatre experience, Wildskin inhabits an outrageous and unpredictable world that’s part bush-thriller, part road-trip and a whole lot of NORPA’s signature theatrical style.

Seize the Decade report outlines benefits of renewables

The Climate Council says many more Australian families can directly benefit from rooftop solar and batteries under a new plan that spells out how we can electrify the nation and cut climate pollution this decade.

In the Byron Shire and surrounds, restaurants have been popping up with mouth-watering regularity, writes SAMUEL J FELL.

This month, northern rivers institution Francisco’s Table celebrates its fourth birthday. Since 2012, headed up by Argentinian-born chef Francisco Smoje, the team has literally popped up in various locations around the area, putting on feasts crafted from local produce, gaining themselves a reputation as one of the best around.

‘I never had a timeframe plan… I thought it might be an evolution and we’d branch into something else,’ Smoje says. ‘But I was hoping we’d still be here four years later.’

Francisco’s Table is one of a number of pop-up restaurants in the area, a phenomenon that has taken off in recent years. Whether providing three-course sit-down dinners, takeaway options or a quick snack, these temporary eateries have become all the rage, helped in no small part by their use of the myriad of fresh produce available locally.

Farmhouse Foods (featured on these pages in last week’s Echo, in case you missed it) operate a smokehouse in Federal on Friday and Saturday nights specialising in southern US smoked goods; Bruno Pouget of the now-defunct La Table has been operating pop-up nights serving French cuisine; Il Carretto puts on wood-fired pizza nights in Clunes and Bexhill on Thursdays and Fridays; and Shoza Gyoza showcases in Clunes too – there’s no shortage of choice.

‘It’s appealing because of the excitement and intrigue about what will be served,’ says Shoza Gyoza’s Jireh Dixon on the appeal of pop-ups for punters. ‘The authenticity of the food, and venue too; the atmosphere of the venue is usually lively and the customers all share the same notion of wanting to try new food and have a new experience.’

The benefits for the roaming restaurants are many, too. ‘The benefits are affordability, as you don’t have the responsibility of big rents and are not so committed to the regular outlays of a restaurant and cafe,’ says Dixon, ‘plus good brand exposure and a chance to experiment with different menus and see what works.’

Pop-up restaurants are a win-win then, providing punters with quick and easy choices, and chefs with a chance to experiment without much of a risk. Francisco’s Table has proven it’s a viable option in this part of the world. Long may it continue.


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Where should affordable housing go in Tweed Shire?

Should affordable and social housing in the Tweed Shire be tucked away in a few discreet corners? Perhaps it should be on the block next to where you live?

Making Lismore Showground accessible to everyone

The Lismore Showground isn’t just a critical local community asset that plays host to a number of major events each year, but has also been used as an evacuation centre during past natural disasters in the region. 

Iconic Lennox beach shed upgraded –  not demolished

Lennox Park and the shelter shed has now been upgraded and reopened.

Govt cost-shifting ‘erodes financially sustainable local government’

Byron Shire Council looks set to add its voice to the growing chorus calling on the state government to stop shifting responsibilities and costs onto local government.