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Byron Shire
June 6, 2026

Entertainment in the Byron Shire for the week beginning April 22, 2020

Latest News

Marooned yacht on rocks near Ballina

A local photographer has shot a marooned yacht at Flat Rock, in Ballina Shire. It's the second boat to be washed ashore in recent months

Other News

Teen charged over Mullum crash

A fifteen-year-old is to face court later this month accused of a crash in Mullumbimby that police say left another child hospitalised while the offender fled the scene.

Was the NACC designed to fail?

The sudden resignation of controversy-plagued National Anti-Corruption Commissioner Paul Brereton has served to further highlight the failings of an organisation which began with such high hopes, having been one of the key demands of the first teal representatives and a core promise of the incoming Albanese Labor government.

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.

Rail trail funding 1

The Echo reports ‘fury’ over the federal government’s failure to fund the rail trail. I recall fury when government...

No thanks, Greens

Yes Duncan Dey (Letters, 27 May), Australia could deliver a full-throated verbal shirtfront that might appease the algorithmically outraged...

The Greens’ 3-way comp: Ballina Councillor vs Byron candidates for state preselection

Byron Greens members could expect to be asked to take the future of the Richmond River further south into account when choosing a candidate for next year’s state election.

The Buckleys are going to be taking their virtual tour to you straight from their living room!

Byron Buckleys take on the world! 

Hailing from Byron Bay, The Buckleys launched their first North American Virtual Tour, on Saturday, 4 April, reaching over 370,000 fans over four ‘virtual tour dates.’ The Buckleys are going to be taking their virtual tour to South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, criss-crossing the globe with their final show streaming across Australia and New Zealand… all done from their living room in Byron Bay!

Adapting his long-time experience launching tours, albums, and films, Petrol Records head, CM Murphy worked in conjunction with their U.S. label, UMe, and Live Nation. The Buckleys recreate the personalised ‘live’ experience during this time of social distancing.

Catch The Buckleys,  Live From Home,  at 6pm AEST on Thursday, 30 April. For more info, and to watch the virtual concert, visit  facebook.com/livenationoznz


Together Alone at The Quad

Together/Alone

With the current coronavirus outbreak forcing all public gatherings to halt, and galleries and public arts spaces to close,  we have witnessed the cancellation of all art fairs, festivals, gatherings, markets and community celebrations. The Quad, and Lismore Regional Gallery, have launched a project called Together//Alone exploring ways to creatively respond to adversity while supporting Northern Rivers artists, many of whom are facing serious income loss.

They are offering paid opportunities for Northern Rivers’ artists – across all art forms – to develop a creative concept over a two-week at-home ‘residency’, which must includes a component that can be communicated via a digital platform. Applying artists do not need to present fully formed and completed works, the emphasis is on the creative process and ‘connection’. 

A minimum of five artists will be selected to participate in the first project. Works will be shared via The Quad and Lismore Regional Gallery’s websites, and social media channels. 


Happy Place

George still calls Cuba home

Being separated from your significant other during the COVID-19 lockdown presents particular emotional challenges, but for comedian George Smilovici – his significant other isn’t a person, it’s a country: Cuba. Going back to the country of his birth has been transformative for George, who calls it his happy place.

It was this sense of belonging that saw George –  a nationally recognised, and lauded comedian – take a completely different direction; one more in line with his pianist father. He stopped telling jokes and started playing music.

His first album, Cuban Takeout can be heard on Spotify and other music platforms.


Barefoot Law is keeping people informed about laws and regulations during COVID-19

Barefoot on Covid

In these quickly changing times, Barefoot Law is keeping people informed about the legal implications of laws and regulations brought in during COVID-19.

‘There’s plenty of landlords who are being great and negotiating reduced rent – and some have issued eviction notices and panicked. The other issues we are seeing are around JobKeeper – some employers are using it to do what they shouldn’t. JobKeeper assumes everyone keeps working. We have had a few casuals ask about the legality of moving from 10 hours per week to 25 for example. That’s not a reasonable change. There are also issues with family law in the lockdown, with co-parenting becoming tricky in some cases. ‘Consent orders still apply’, says Mark.  

If people have legal questions they can go to the website: barefootlaw.net.au or barefoot law on Facebook.



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Echo celebrates 40 with awards night tomorrow

Tickets are selling fast! Come join a fun-filled night of community celebration – This Saturday (tomorrow) The Echo is set to mark its 40th year in style with a ’30s swing-era style party and community awards night featuring the dynamic sounds of the Melbourne Ska Orchestra.

Author Tristan Bancks follows up with Two Wolves sequel

Local author Tristan Bancks launched his new book for readers 10+, Raised By Wolves, at Byron Book Room last night (Thursday 4 June).

Lismore City Council recognised for environmental leadership at LG awards

Lismore City Council has been recognised for outstanding achievement in environmental leadership, resilience and community infrastructure at the 2026 LG Professionals NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.

Byron Council’s Sandhills Wetlands project takes first place at LG awards

The Sandhills Wetland restoration project in Byron Bay has won another major award, with Byron Shire Council taking first place at the Local Government Professionals 2026 NSW Excellence Awards.