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Byron Shire
July 7, 2026

Headliner drops for Renew Fest

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Eclectic Selection for the week beginning 8 July 2026

Eclectic Selection: What’s on this week is a taste of some of the events that can be found in the Byron Shire and beyond this coming week.

Other News

Not alone

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First Nations voices at the opening and heart of writers festival

Byron Writers Festival opens on Bundjalung Country on August 14 with a Calling to Country led by local Arakwal Bundjalung custodian, Delta Kay, and this year will feature the inaugural Rhoda Roberts Oration, honouring the late, beloved Rhoda Roberts AO.

Dead whale towed back out to sea at Wooyung Beach

With a dead juvenile whale washed ashore near Crabbes Creek Beach south of Wooyung Road, Tweed Council say they are preparing to tow it back out to sea on tomorrow morning's high tide.

Overdevelopment

I was horrified when my eyes landed on the resubmitted housing/commercial DA by Landcom and Byron Shire Council at...

Byron Bay intersection re-opens to traffic, biz cops downturn

The intersection at Jonson Street and Byron Street has now re-opened to northbound and southbound traffic, say Byron Council, following the installation of new drainage, as part of the Byron Bay Drainage Upgrade.

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.

Hugo and Treats will be headlining this year’s Renew Fest.

Conscious independent hip- hop outfit Hugo and Treats will be headlining this year’s Renew festival.

The MC and DJ team describe their sound as visionary spoken word and creative crowd choreography, mixed with earthshakingly intricate beats and bass, which combine in a show that is inspiring minds, shaking butts and opening hearts around the world.

Many also know Hugo Farrant as the lead voice of Juice Rap News – the satirical news phenomenon, whose guests have included Julian Assange, Noam Chomsky and Scott Ludlum.

As well as rocking the Radicle stage at Renew Fest with his incredible hip-hop, Hugo will be joining a panel discussion on fake news – a session introduced by Echo editor Hans Lovejoy.

Festival director Ella Rose Goninan said, ‘What I love about Renew Fest is that we get to bring together amazing and inspired people, and really get an insight into their processes and see what motivates and drives them’.

‘It’s so exciting that Hugo has agreed to talk on a panel about something that is really challenging the way we think about the role of media in politics, in addition to lighting up the festival with his sensational hip-hop!’

Renew Fest have also announced that Greens senator Lee Rhiannon will be joining the bill, in possibly one of her last appearances as a federal senator.

She will join economist Thomas Keily in conversation to explore what it would mean to really treat housing as a fundamental human right.

The international lineup includes Jillian Hovey from Canada – a renowned expert in ‘social permaculture’, and Helena Norberg-Hodge (though we might claim her as a local!), while the diverse workshop program includes bamboo sculptures, the wonder of mushrooms and their cultivation, and shamanic womancraft. More presenters and workshops continue to be announced each week.

The festival takes place at the Mullum Showgrounds, May 19 till 20, with a special Friday night performance May 18 of This is My Brave at Wildspace, Mullumbimby.

Remember to BYO your keep cup and plate and get among the celebrations of Renew Fest’s epic Zero Waste mass action achievements.

Tickets and more info: www.renewfest.org.au.



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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.

Interview with Trent Dalton

The Byron Writers Festival will once again be treated to the delights of author and journalist Trent Dalton, who will be featured at the Jonson Street Stage on Saturday evening, 15 August, as well as throughout the event. Celebrating its 30th year, the Byron Writers Festival will, for the first time, be taking place around the town of Byron Bay from 14 to 16 August, with a mix of free and paid events.

Cinema: Moana

The Academy Award-nominated animated film sails into its live action debut in Moana, directed by Tony- and Emmy-winner Thomas Kail (Hamilton).

For your wellbeing

On Saturday, in Byron, they are holding a Psychic Health and Wellbeing Expo, at the Cavanbah Centre, Ewingsdale Road – this is a community-based event and all are welcome.