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Byron Shire
June 9, 2026

Locals win big in tourism awards

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‘Open slather’ if rural housing expands under Tweed policy, says councillor

A Tweed councillor is warning that protections for agricultural/environmental land could be diminished if a strategy to expand housing on rural land is adopted by Council. 

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Norths desert Bangalow Bowlo… again

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‘Open slather’ if rural housing expands under Tweed policy, says councillor

A Tweed councillor is warning that protections for agricultural/environmental land could be diminished if a strategy to expand housing on rural land is adopted by Council. 

Pictured from left: Alexis Groen, representing Bluesfest, Terry Brown, Visitor Centre Manager, Serena Adams from Lets Go Surfing, Barrie Peters, also from the Visitors Centre, Byron Bay Eco Cruises and Kayaks’ Lorraine and Simon Freeden, Cameron Arnold from Apartments Inn (in back) and Russell Mills from North Coast Destination Network. Photo Jeff Dawson
Pictured from left: Alexis Groen, representing Bluesfest, Terry Brown, Visitor Centre Manager, Serena Adams from Lets Go Surfing, Barrie Peters, also from the Visitors Centre, Byron Bay Eco Cruises and Kayaks’ Lorraine and Simon Freeden, Cameron Arnold from Apartments Inn (in back) and Russell Mills from North Coast Destination Network. Photo Jeff Dawson

A handful of local tourism operators have scooped awards from the North Coast Destination Network awards night held in Port Macquarie last Saturday.

One of the winners, Cameron Arnold from Apartments Inn, told Echonetdaily, ‘It was again a strong presence by Byron Shire tourism operators.’

Byron Bay Eco Cruises and Kayaks (BBECK) also scooped up an award. BBECK’s Simon Freeden said the win was recognition of the company’s ‘commitment to environmental sustainability’.

Spell wins award

And local clothing company Spell and Gypsy Collective have won the 2016 Telstra NSW Business of the Year.

Created by sisters Elizabeth Abegg and Isabella Pennefather, the company is fast becoming recognised in global fashion circles for its grassroots approach.



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Catalano’s twin Wategos mansion DA wins court approval

A controversial dual-mansion development at Wategos Beach has been approved by the NSW Land & Environment Court, ending an 18-month battle between media entrepreneur Antony Catalano's company and Byron Shire Council.

Climate action arts program announces 2026 recipients

Ingrained Foundation, together with co-founder of the Climate Action Arts Grant Program, Vicki Brooke, and delivery partner Arts Northern Rivers (ANR), are say they are delighted to announce the five recipients of the inaugural program.

Emily Lubitz added to Lismore Lantern Parade lineup

Fresh from reaching number one on the ARIA Country Charts, Emily Lubitz will headline the  Heartbeat Festival Stage on Saturday 20 June, as part of the Lantern Parade.

Prayers For Peace at Durrumbul Hall, 21 June

A Winter Solstice concert will be held Sunday 21 June, from 6.30pm at Durrumbul Hall, Main Arm.