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Byron Shire
July 11, 2026

Can’t get a better Sunday than Blues

Latest News

Plastic not so fantastic

There is nothing healthier than drinking some water – or so I’ve always told my kids. It doesn’t contain sugar or colour additives – as one person used to tell us as children, ‘it’s sky juice’! What could be better?

Other News

Interview: Busby Marou

Busby Marou have cemented themselves as one of Australia’s premier musical acts, captivating audiences with their distinctly Australian storytelling, masterful musicianship, and undeniable onstage chemistry. For two decades, Tom Busby and Jeremy Marou have forged a musical partnership that blends rich harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and the kind of effortless synergy that only comes from years of playing together.

Ballina memorial pays tribute to fallen Marine Rescue volunteers

On Sunday, a memorial was unveiled at the RSL Memorial Park, next to the Ballina RSL, to pay tribute to those lost on the night of May 4 on the Ballina Bar.

Screen industry leaders to converge in Lennox Head

Film-maker advocacy group, Screenworks, has revealed the first speaker line-up for Regional to Global Screen Forum 2026, which will be held in Lennox Head on Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 September.

Mandy’s column 1

Now that Mandy is the official candidate for the Greens at next year’s state election, I expect Echo Publications...

$30,419 for Byron’s Fletcher Street Cottage

The Festival of Stone sold out in June with over 2,000 people enjoying good music, great food, and the festival’s namesake Stone Brew Beer.

Cudgen Connection approved by NRPP

A contentious $300 million proposal on State Significant Farmland (SSF) next to the Tweed Hospital has been recommended for approval by The Northern Regional Planning Panel (NRPP). The Cudgen Connection decision came in late yesterday, after years of deliberations, opposition and political commitments to protect the SSF. It is located at 741 Cudgen Road.

Leesa Gentz from Hussy Hicks melted paint off the poles holding up the Juke Joint on Sunday. Photo Tree Faerie.

Eve Jeffery

I could actually sum up yesterday at Bluesfest in two words: Hussy Hicks!

Leesa Gentz & Julz Parker – Hussy Hicks. Photo Tree Faerie

Man, what these chicks don’t deliver on stage isn’t worth getting – seriously, people.

Soaring vox and shredding guitar, songs that make sense, and blues? Don’t talk to me about blues without saying Hussy and Hicks.

If you didn’t get to see them at the festival, go buy a CD and turn it up LOUD!

That is all.

But wait, you also get…

William Crighton goes punting.

Actually we got loads more yesterday – let’s not bother talking about the weather or the few (or a lot) too many punters all trying to squish into venues. Who cares!

Apart from the Hicks, the axis of awesome also revolved around a bucket load of great acts yesterday including Eric Gales, Melissa Etheridge and JBT.

Some of the media crew backstage.

Gales started his set by announcing he was two years clean and sober then proceeded to blast across the stage from every angle.

Just brilliant, Melissa Etheridge made everyone’s Bluesfest. Photo Tree Faerie

Melissa Etheridge left no doubt as to why she is an international favourite – never one to skimp on performance, Etheridge had the entire Crossroads audience spellbound and panting for just one more song.

Sunday closed with the John Butler Trio – after 18 years since his first adventure at Bluesfest, and at the risk of using the mature wine analogy, I’ll just say that JB is the shiraz of shirazzes and the (vegan) brie of cheese.

Superb and a true gentle man who is still so political and using his stage for something important (apart from awesome music).

Epic gentle man John Butler. Photo Tree Faerie

Song 8 in Butler’s set saw an interlude of 2018 festival epic awesomeness as the likes of JBT, Michael Franti and William Crighton, Hussy Hicks, Steve Smyth, Ziggy Alberts, Lukas Nelson, Sarah Howells, Emma Bosworth and Green Music Australia and goddess knows who else – came out to send a big ‘thanks, but no thanks’ to Adani.

One day to go punters – get into it!

 

A huge banner hoisted by John Butler on the Mojo stage sent a message to Adani and the Coalmonster Photo David Lowe

Photos David Lowe & the Tree Faerie

 



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Ballina courthouse windows smashed, man charged

Police say a man will face court today, charged after 12 windows were allegedly smashed in Ballina last night.   Police say, 'About 10.35pm (Thursday 9 July 2026), police were called to Martin Street following reports of a man smashing windows'.

Alleged native tree removal continues in Lennox, says councillor

With a government agency now investigating the alleged clear felling of natives on a large private block in Lennox Head, Ballina Greens councillor Kiri Dicker has told The Echo that contractors were felling trees all morning, ‘trying to get the job done’.

Ocean Shores man charged with advocating terrorism online

Police say a 20-year-old Ocean Shores man is behind bars (refused bail) and will face court in Tweed Heads Local Court on 18 September, charged with advocating terrorism.  

Ballina king tide alert for 13–16 July

Ballina Shire Council is encouraging motorists to drive safely over the coming days with king tides leading to minor flooding of some local roads.