13.2 C
Byron Shire
June 5, 2026

Murwillumbah Arts Trail gets ready for its sixth birthday

Latest News

Council tightens ‘affordable housing’ rules

Byron Council has tightened its definition of ‘affordable housing’ in a bid to make access to housing more equitable on major projects like the former Mullumbimby Hospital site and 57 Station Street.

Other News

Animals on country roads safety campaign launches

Motorists are being urged to slow down and stay alert for wildlife as Transport for NSW launches its annual ‘Animals on Country Roads’ safety campaign.

Remembering the Peacekeepers

Last Friday a small group gathered at the Cenotaph in Mullumbimby to commemorate International UN Peacekeeper Day.

Free disability workshops 3 and 4 June

On June 3 and 4, the Physical Disability Council of NSW (PDCN) is partnering with the locally based Disability Advocacy NSW (DA) to deliver two days of free, engaging events in the Northern Rivers. 

Potholes 

As a relatively regular visitor to this area I was astounded, on trips to Byron Bay, at the number...

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.

National minimum wage increases to $26.44p/h

With the Fair Work Commission’s decision to increase the national minimum wage by 4.75%, Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) is calling for further action to support people doing it tough, as well as the frontline community services helping them. “People are under severe pressure from interest rate rises, rent increases, higher fuel costs, and growing economic uncertainty due to the conflict in the Middle East,” said ACOSS Acting CEO Edwina MacDonald.

Artists in action on the Murwillumbah Arts Trail. Photo supplied.

Ninety artists will be displaying their creativity at this year’s sixth annual Murwillumbah Arts Trail (MAT) that will be taking place in early May.

The arts trail will guide people across Murwillumbah, allowing them to discover art, meet the creators and engage with the arts at a range of sites including Proudfoots Lane, the MArts Precinct, The Citadel, Johnny Francos, Caldera Wildscapes Gallery, Gallery DownTown and the Tweed Regional Art Gallery.

‘We are delighted to have so many talented artists exhibiting in the Murwillumbah Arts Trail once again. MAT20 will see artists open their doors to give art enthusiasts a rare glimpse into inspiring spaces, the personalities behind the art and their art making,’ event manager, Peita Gardiman said.

If you are interested in getting an sneak peak at what is on offer a head to www.murwillumbahartstrail.com.au to check out the artists’ online gallery.

‘As a first time participant, I am really excited to be part of the Murwillumbah Arts Trail. The interaction with collectors, visitors and fellow artists helps me to reflect upon my practice and encourages me to keep going.  My studio-gallery at the M-Arts Precinct will be open throughout the three days,’ said Helen Otway.

Murwillumbah Arts Trail. Photo supplied.

What’s on offer?

Throughout the MAT20 that will be held between May 1 till 3 May there will be workshops, demonstrations and activities at the MArts Precinct, the Levee wall, Proudfoots Laneway and public spaces around the CBD. Youth group Doublemask Theatre will be doing a series of performances, there will be pop up spaces to showcase local artists and their skill in a range of art forms, including painting, textiles, sculpture, woodturning, pastels, glass and steel art and site inspired art as well as artist talks and presentations.



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.

Push to slow traffic outside Coorabell Hall

The campaign to slow traffic on the short stretch of Coolamon Scenic Drive outside Coorabell Hall is gradually gathering momentum, with Byron Council supporting a lower speed limit despite advice the road may not meet state criteria.

Temporary home for Queer Family after heated debate

Byron Shire Council has voted to provide struggling local LGBTQIA+ support service Queer Family Inc with temporary access to a Council-owned property at peppercorn rent, following an impassioned plea from the organisation and a lengthy debate over governance and fairness.

Naturism

For decades, naturism has struggled with a strange communication barrier. Most naturist educational material contains nudity, which means it is often automatically classified as NSFW...

Invisible elderly women

The 2026 Federal Budget has sent a clear, heartbreaking message to the senior women of the Tweed: you are invisible. While the treasurer boasted about...