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Byron Shire
July 1, 2026

The Empire turns to the dark side

Latest News

The Buttery celebrates NAIDOC Week with ‘Imagine’

The Buttery, in partnership with its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Committee, is proud to celebrate NAIDOC Week with a free community screening of the acclaimed First Nations animated feature film Imagine, inviting the Northern Rivers community to come together to reflect, learn and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, stories and achievements.

Other News

Discursion on ‘reserve’

Reserve is a word with many meanings. What is the Reserve Bank of Australia? Does it have a ‘reserve’? Reserve...

Charge dismissed for activist hindering coal exports

An activist who came to national attention after being punched by a police officer while protesting, has had an anti-protest charge dismissed in court today.

Councillor’s integrity

In last week’s Echo, there was a wonderful editorial, plus another article about the Station Street development for affordable...

Booyong Abattoir II

The ongoing discussion surrounding the Booyong Abattoir is about more than a single DA application. It raises broader questions...

Mud bath at Bangalow – Rebels vs Ballina men’s XV

Heavy rain in the lead-up made for treacherous conditions for rugby at Bangalow, with Ballina ultimately proving too strong...

Get ready to JAM

JAM is a neighbourhood event showcasing incredible local DJs and raising money for local charities. Each JAM is held in a different town and at a different venue across the Northern Rivers.

Mullumbimby has another dinner venue now that The Empire is open at nighttime again. With a mix of influences including American soulfood, European tapas and modern classics the new dinner menu is full of plates made to share. Now licensed; as well as serving beer and wine there is a growing selection of classic cocktails. With a relaxed informal atmosphere it’s an alternative setting to either the pub or restaurant for drinks or dinner.

The Empire. 20 Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby. 6684 2306.

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Pictured: Sliders of southern-fried chicken, pulled pork and salt-and-pepper squid, arancini, rosemary Tom Collins. Cheese platter and dips accompanied by Mojo shiraz.

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CSIRO releases flood mitigation report

After four years of work, the CSIRO has come to the conclusion that multiple water detentions (dams), in the upper reaches of the catchments in the Northern Rivers, along with other flood mitigation engineering, could reduce future catastrophic flooding impacts in Lismore and elsewhere by as much as 2 metres.

Protecting the Daintree from Mullumbimby 

From a small office in Mullumbimby, a local conservation organisation is helping protect one of the most extraordinary places on Earth, more than 1,500 kilometres to the north. 

Landlord penalties for premises selling illicit tobacco and vapes

New laws targeting commercial landlords who knowingly permit tenants to sell illicit tobacco and vaping goods from their premises begin today, as part of the government’s continued crackdown on the illicit market.

Award-winning writers coming to BWF

The Byron Writers Festival has announced a number of prize-winning authors who will be appearing among 150 international and Australian writers at this year's festival, representing a wide range of genres.