12.6 C
Byron Shire
July 7, 2026

Halloween riot of colour in Bruns

Latest News

Young musicians to Take Centre Stage for NRYO 2026 finale concert

The Northern Rivers Conservatorium is thrilled to present the grand finale concert of the Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra (NRYO) 2026, ‘celebrating the extraordinary talent, dedication and musicianship of young performers from across the region.’

Other News

NAIDOC Week and 19th Arakwal NAIDOC Week short film screening

Celebrating the history, culture, and achievements of First Nations Australians, NAIDOC Week runs from 5-12 July with the theme ‘50 Years of Deadly’.

Biosecurity strategy up for comment

Feedback is now open on the draft NSW Biosecurity Strategy that the government says will provide the focus for improvements to the state’s biosecurity framework over the next 10 years.

Memorial to recognise fallen Marine Rescue volunteers

A Community Memorial, recognising the sacrifice and service of Marine Rescue Ballina volunteers, all first responders and to remember fallen Marine Rescue Ballina volunteers Bill Ewen and Frank Petsch who lost their lives during the Ballina 30 rescue tragedy on May 4, will be held on Sunday 5 July, 11am at RSL Memorial Park, Ballina (beside Ballina RSL club).

Multiculturalism

Right across the planet, the soccer World Cup is grandstanding multiculturalism in all its splendour! It’s a great kick in...

The Karl Stefanovic pile-on

In 2011, Channel 9 scored a one-on-one interview with the Daili Lama during his Australian tour. It was handed to their larrikan breakfast guy – Karl Stefanovic.

Solar and batteries for every public school in NSW?

Parents for Climate, Future Ready Schools, and the NSW/ACT Electrical Trades Union (ETU) has welcomed a motion passed at the NSW Labor Conference on the weekend calling for a comprehensive rollout of solar generation and battery storage at every public school and early learning centre in New South Wales.

Brunswick Heads Public School celebrated its fifth annual ‘Fairtastic’ night of Halloween fun on Saturday afternoon and evening (October 27).

Photos by Jeff Dawson

Principal Trisha Parker said the Halloween Fair had become a hit over the years ‘because parents love the opportunity to have some Halloween fun in a safe, family-friendly environment’.

The only thing missing from previous years was plastic.

‘One of our Kindy classes had the idea of trying to make our fair as plastic-free as possible,’ said Mrs Parker.

‘Dressing up is a fabulous part of Fairtastic,’ Mrs Parker said. As you can see, many people took advantage of face-painting available on the night.

Competitions included Best Dressed, Halloween Cakes, Best Scarecrow and the new Fairy Light Guessing Competition.

 



For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling.

If you are a local business owner help us and in turn we help you. All The Echo asks for is advertising, not a free ride. It is every advert in The Echo and on www.echo.net.au, which creates the space for all the stories and coverage of community events, happenings and concerns.

If you are a reader you can become a sponsor of The Echo. Your support keeps the us independent.

Even a small one-off or regular donation from you will help keep the echo’s independent voice alive and strong.

Support Us

Become one of the supporters who helps keep independent, local journalism alive in the Byron Shire by contributing anything from as little as the cost of a coffee each month.

You're Wonderful, Thank you for supporting independent journalism in the Byron Shire

You’re supporting The Echo, thank you

Your contribution is keeping independent, local journalism alive in the Northern Rivers.

Because of supporters like you, we can keep every story free for everyone — no paywall, no exceptions. Your money goes directly to funding our newsroom of 40-odd local workers covering the stories that matter to this community.

Tell us what you think, give us your opinion

The Echo loves your letters and comments and is proud to provide a community forum on the issues that matter most to our readers and the people of the NSW north coast. So don’t be a passive reader, email us your epistles at editor@echo.net.au.

The letters deadline for The Echo is noon Friday. Letters longer than 200 words may be cut. The publication of letters is at the discretion of the letters editor. Please remember to include your full name, address and telephone number.

Online comments are no longer available.

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.

Local union players to benefit from Legacy grants

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is encouraging local councils and rugby union clubs to take advantage of an opportunity to upgrade their facilities, player pathways and increase local participation.

Solar and batteries for every public school in NSW?

Parents for Climate, Future Ready Schools, and the NSW/ACT Electrical Trades Union (ETU) has welcomed a motion passed at the NSW Labor Conference on the weekend calling for a comprehensive rollout of solar generation and battery storage at every public school and early learning centre in New South Wales.

Lots happening around Ballina for NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week 2026 is now underway, with lots happening throughout the Northern Rivers. It's a great opportunity for everyone to learn about First Nations...