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Byron Shire
June 23, 2026

Culture Roundup: Wednesday 31 August, 2016

Latest News

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.

Other News

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Plastic Is Forever

Our family has been trying to give up plastic. And I’m not just talking single-use straws or takeaway cups or bottled water. Like most people we did that years ago. I’m talking about all the other plastic that we ingest either directly or through chemical leaching. In the period of time since I was a child, to a child born now, the fossil fuel industry has become implicated in nearly every part of our daily routine.

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.

Big things are happening at The Paddock — and one of them has a flush

There are two milestones worth celebrating at The Paddock this season as they push ahead with their innovative project.

Long serving drudges

One category overlooked for an award at The Echo’s 40th birthday party was for the long-serving drudges. Jenny Dalimore, Steve...

Where is the real cost in rail v trail?

When the state government closed the one daily train service on the Casino to Murwillumbah line, which records show...

Difficult times

We live in difficult times: so it’s good to know some things are certain; the sun will rise in...

Yann Martel, author of Life of Pi in conversation with Matthew Condon at Byron Theatre on Thursday
Yann Martel, author of Life of Pi in conversation with Matthew Condon at Byron Theatre on Thursday

Bestselling authors in Byron and Lismore

Byron Writers Festival presents two bestselling authors – Yann Martel and Lionel Shriver.

Yann Martel will appear in conversation with Matthew Condon.

Yann Martel is the author of  Life of Pi, the number one international bestseller and he is also the award-winning author of  The Facts Behind the Helsinki, Roccamatios,  Self,  Beatrice and Virgil, and a book of recommended reading:  101 Letters to a Prime Minister

Born in Spain in 1963, Yann Martel studied philosophy at Trent University, worked at odd jobs – tree planter, dishwasher, security guard – and travelled widely before turning to writing. He lives in Saskatoon with the writer Alice Kuipers and their four children. 

See Yann on Thursday 1 September, 6pm at Byron Theatre. Tickets $30/$35 www.byronwritersfestival.com or 6685 5115. 

Lionel Shriver, author of We need to talk about Kevin at Lismore City Hall on Tuesday
Lionel Shriver, author of We need to talk about Kevin at Lismore City Hall on Tuesday

Author Lionel Shriver in conversation with David Leser

Arguably the most perceptive and topical author of our times, Lionel Shriver is the Orange Prize-winning author of We Need to Talk About Kevin. She will discuss her new novel The Mandibles, about the decline that might await the United States all too soon.

Tuesday 6 September, 6.30pm, presented in partnership with NORPA at Lismore City Hall.

Tickets $30/$35 www.norpa.org.au or 1300 066 772.

The Ballina Players present The Patrick Pearse Motel, September 9 till 18 at the players Theatre
The Ballina Players present The Patrick Pearse Motel, September 9 till 18 at the players Theatre

The Patrick Pearse Motel

The Ballina Players have a treat for you…

There’s money in Irish history realise Fintan Kinnore (Mike Sheehan) and Dermod Gibbon (Daniel Richards). They named The Patrick Pearse Motel after one of the greatest heroes and martyrs in the 1916 Rising against English rule. He was executed for his leadership role.

Each of the motel’s rooms is named after another national hero, and Fintan and Dermod plan to open a chain of motels, cashing in on pride in Irish heritage.

The ancient, comical and slightly senile caretaker Houlihan (Mike Harris) is proud that he too was out in 1916 and loves to show off the rooms at the motel.

Written by Hugh Leonard and directed by Sue Belsham, The Patrick Pearse Motel will be staged at the Players Theatre from September 9 till 18, Thursdays to Saturdays 8pm, Sundays 2pm.

Book online at www.ballinaplayers.com.au or at Just Funkin Music, 6686 2440 (a booking fee applies).



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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.