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Byron Shire
June 14, 2026

Sample Lunch a show-starter

Latest News

Man charged with murder in Tweed

A man and woman have been charged over their alleged involvement in the death of a man in Tweed Heads this morning, say NSW Police.

Other News

Lismore’s Blakebrook quarry proposal meets resistance

A recent gathering of locals concerned about a proposed ‘mega dump’ landfill at Blakebrook quarry has been supported by Lismore Greens councillors. Lismore Council say they are still considering the proposal.

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From floods to festivals, Brunswick Heads Public School has long the been the anchor of village life.

More hands up for the seat of Ballina in 2027

More candidates are putting up their hands to run for the seat of Ballina at next year’s state election.

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.

Past and present collide at Byron Theatre

A classic Australian novel is getting a contemporary makeover at the Byron Theatre this week, with Tirra Lirra by the River brought to the stage using cutting-edge audio-visual effects.

Ayusa Tea: clarity, energy, calm focus

Allie Godfrey At the New Brighton Farmers Market, it’s not just coffee drawing a crowd – there’s also growing interest...

Story and photo S Davey

The Sample Food Festival kicked off in fine form again this year with the Sample Lunch hosted by celebrity chef (and now local bloke) Shannon Bennett and the Vue de Monde team.

The four-course set menu showcased locally sourced produce and demonstrated the Vue team’s considerable talents translate to cooking in a tent. A couple of favourite dishes were the mud crab salad with Moreton Bay bug and smoked potatoes as well as the sweet potato and macadamia, although perhaps the most ‘oohs and ahhs’ were awarded to the dessert, a selection of petite sweets that looked very much like real shells, stones, and sand but were all edible and decadent.

A friendly Shannon himself visited all the tables and was up for a chat with the punters. He has had a property for a couple of years now in the Bay but has moved here full time a few months ago, with children at a local school, it would be difficult not to ask him to man the fundraising sausage sizzle. Shannon did have a hot tip for a small restaurant that is going to open in Byron Arts & Industry Estate at some stage in the future by another highly acclaimed chef.

Thanks, Shannon Bennett and the Vue de Monde team for a fantastic lunch!



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Up to 550 homes pegged for Byron Shire’s newest suburb

Community feedback is now sought on three planning documents that will shape the future of Gulgan Village, a new residential suburb proposed on the elevated slopes of Saddle Road. 

Load limit increased for Byron Creek Bridge

The load limit for Byron Creek Bridge has been increased to 24 tonnes, say Byron Shire Council, following structural analysis of the bridge.

Festival and event grants on offer

Community organisations are encouraged to apply for NSW government grants to bring cultural festivals and events to life across the state over the coming year.

Dr Bronwyn Bancroft wins prestigious Ochre Award

Bundjalung woman and artist Dr Bronwyn Bancroft AM has received the Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Artistic Excellence.