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Byron Shire
June 4, 2026

Théo’s dad says he’ll be back

Latest News

Wardell Knit n’ Knat Group – 22 years of knitting and giving

Since 2011, 15 years, Dawn and Robert Sword have been entrusted by the Wardell Knit n’ Knat Group with the privilege of distributing the beautiful handcrafted rugs, scarves, beanies and other knitted and crocheted items they have made to people in need throughout the Ballina Shire.

Other News

A love letter to nature

A very special film will screen as part of the Bangalow Film Festival, preceded by a fascinating Q&A (avec moi) looking at old-school filmmaking.

Drugs: a health problem needing law reform

The 2024 Penington Institute’s Annual Overdose Report stated that, ‘in 2022 there were 2,356 drug-induced deaths in Australia, equating to approximately six lives needlessly lost each day’.

Update on Mullumbimby house fire which destroyed locals’ home

Long-term residents of Mullumbimby, Jeff and Alma Jackson lost their home to fire last week.

Byron Council’s 26-27 budget: last chance to have your say

Those wanting to make a submission on Byron Shire Council’s budget for next year, along with its operational plan, and long-term financial plan until Sunday, 31 May.

Lennox headland tree planting day this Friday

Ballina Shire Council, GeoLINK and Rous Council are inviting the community to roll up their sleeves and help restore the iconic Lennox Headland, at the 21st Lennox Head Community Tree Planting Day on Friday 5 June.

Drug driving reform introduced to NSW Parliament

Greens MP and drug harm reduction spokesperson Cate Faehrmann has welcomed news that reform to drug driving laws for medicinal cannabis patients will finally be introduced into NSW Parliament.

Laurent Hayes. Photo Tree Faerie.

Eve Jeffery

It’s six weeks today since Belgian backpacker Théo Hayez disappeared during a night out in Byron Bay, and after weeks of searching, his parents Vinciane Delforge and Laurent Hayez will head home to Belgium tomorrow.

Echonetdaily spoke to Laurent who said he will be back in Australia soon. ‘We are leaving on Saturday,’ he said. ‘It is important that we go home and see family and spend time with Théo’s little brother Lucas.’

Laurent said this is not the end of the search for him, he will be back soon.

Laurent, Vinciane and Théo’s cousin Lisa have become very much part of the Byron Shire community in recent weeks and they are beyond grateful for the love and support and physical help they have received.

With the aid of the locals they have tirelessly scoured the area looking for any trace of Théo, but Laurent says it’s time to go home and connect with family and regroup before returning to Byron Bay. ‘This is not the end. I will be back in early August and will continue looking for Théo.’

Théo was last seen about 11pm on Friday May 31 at Cheeky Monkey’s on Jonson Street. If you have any information, no matter how insignificant you think it might be, even if you just saw a glimpse of Théo on the night of May 31 or the previous few days, the family implore you to make contact. Any and all details can help in the overall ongoing investigation.

Anyone with any information about Théo is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.



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Murwillumbah biz networking breakfast tomorrow

Join the Murwillumbah business community for their June Business Murwillumbah Networking Breakfast, to be held at at Crystal Creek Estate.

Update on Mullumbimby house fire which destroyed locals’ home

Long-term residents of Mullumbimby, Jeff and Alma Jackson lost their home to fire last week.

Local family-owned Byron businesses asking for your support

Long-term, local Byron businesses are calling on the community for support as they struggle to remain afloat as the drainage works in Byron Bay continue.

Bay FM’s Karena Wynn-Moylan wins at Aus Audio Awards

Australia’s top radio and podcast talent were crowned at the inaugural Australian Audio Awards last Thursday night at Carriageworks in Sydney. Entries were judged on their technical expertise, audio quality, content and impact.