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Byron Shire
July 8, 2026

Falls Festival 2020 cancelled

Latest News

Eclectic Selection for the week beginning 8 July 2026

Eclectic Selection: What’s on this week is a taste of some of the events that can be found in the Byron Shire and beyond this coming week.

Other News

No Small Thing – changing lives for the better, together

This Thursday, 2 July (tonight) the Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRCF) Women’s Giving Circle is bringing a stellar lineup of leaders to the Regent Theatre in Murwillumbah to discuss how progress happens across climate, gender equality, media, democracy, and community action – and why local action still matters.

Independent audit

I was so shocked to see on our Council community page that company Micromax has been employed to do...

Byron Bay intersection re-opens to traffic, biz cops downturn

The intersection at Jonson Street and Byron Street has now re-opened to northbound and southbound traffic, say Byron Council, following the installation of new drainage, as part of the Byron Bay Drainage Upgrade.

First Nations voices at the opening and heart of writers festival

Byron Writers Festival opens on Bundjalung Country on August 14 with a Calling to Country led by local Arakwal Bundjalung custodian, Delta Kay, and this year will feature the inaugural Rhoda Roberts Oration, honouring the late, beloved Rhoda Roberts AO.

Winter of discontent for big data opponents

While Australia’s parliamentarians were frocking up for the Midwinter Ball last week, representatives of the nation’s authors, musicians and artists were in Canberra pleading for assurances that the government would not water down copyright laws, as part of a deal with giant tech firms to build $50bn worth of new data centres across the country.

Positive future for Byron’s visitor economy

Last Thursday saw Destination Byron bring together over 150 attendees looking at the future of Byron and its visitor economy.

London Grammar at Falls Festival. Photo David Lowe.

Falls Festival management has just broken the sad news about the festival not going ahead in Byron Bay, Lorne or Fremantle in 2020/21 in the following letter:

Not this year! Falls Festival crowds at Byron Bay. Photo David Lowe.

‘Dear Falls Fam, Falls Festival will no longer be taking place this year.

‘In May, as the nation seemed to be moving into recovery mode, we were optimistic about forging ahead and supporting our local industry with an all Aussie edition of Falls Festival.

‘We were especially excited to reunite many live music fans, get industry crew back on the job and contribute to the economies of the communities where Falls takes place.

‘However, given the current status of things and border restrictions in place, it won’t be possible to hold Falls Festival in our regular New Year’s timeframe.

Childish Gambino at Falls Festival. Photo David Lowe.

‘As we work with government stakeholders and key agencies to get Falls Festival back in the calendar, as always your safety is our priority.

‘Consider this a raincheck and please know we will be back with more information as it comes to hand.’

Festival organisers say they’re disappointed, but the festival will return when it’s safe to do so.

In the meantime, they’re sending ‘big love’ to the fans and the festival community.

‘Hang in there! And to all of our Falls fam, stay well and safe. We hope to be with you all again soon,’ said the announcement.

 


Recent stories, information and updates regarding COVID-19

COVID-19 reduces Australian life expectancy

New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Life shows life expectancy in Australia has decreased slightly for the second year in a row.

Wuhan market increasingly likely origin point for COVID-19

An international team of researchers has found more evidence that COVID-19 came from animals in a Wuhan food market.

Editorial – There’s a bat in my lab! 

The lab-leak theory that Covid-19 came from the Wuhan Institute of Virology – instead of a nearby wet market – was thrashed about in public recently, with the US Senate Homeland Security Committee holding a hearing into Covid-19. 

Fresh air federal funds for Northern Rivers schools in need

Eighteen schools in the Northern Rivers division of Richmond have received $25,000 each as part of the federal government’s School Upgrade Fund, Labor Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said last week.

COVID-19 pandemic has cut life expectancy globally

COVID-19 reversed earlier trends toward longer life expectancies. During the pandemic, life expectancies globally dropped by 1.6 years according to a new study published in the Lancet medical journal.

COVID-19 update for New South Wales

Let’s not forget that Covid-19 is still a big issue in our community with 31,935 cases reported across Australia in the last week – an average of 4,562 cases per day.

Five graphs you need to see before the Global Carbon Budget...

The Global Carbon Budget is about to be refreshed, giving the world a critical insight into how efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are (or are not) progressing.

Public transport mask mandate to end

Masks will no longer be mandatory on public transport from tomorrow, Wednesday 21 September.

NSW Police: be COVID-vigilant at Splendour in the Grass

SW Police are urging festival-goers at this weekend’s music festival to celebrate in a safe and responsible manner, whilst also being aware of COVID-Safety measures.

COVID-19 update for the NNSWLHD – May 23

The Northern NSW Local Health District reports that to 4pm yesterday, Sunday May 22, there were 40 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with one of these in ICU.



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Interview: Busby Marou

Busby Marou have cemented themselves as one of Australia’s premier musical acts, captivating audiences with their distinctly Australian storytelling, masterful musicianship, and undeniable onstage chemistry. For two decades, Tom Busby and Jeremy Marou have forged a musical partnership that blends rich harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and the kind of effortless synergy that only comes from years of playing together.

Interview with Trent Dalton

The Byron Writers Festival will once again be treated to the delights of author and journalist Trent Dalton, who will be featured at the Jonson Street Stage on Saturday evening, 15 August, as well as throughout the event. Celebrating its 30th year, the Byron Writers Festival will, for the first time, be taking place around the town of Byron Bay from 14 to 16 August, with a mix of free and paid events.

Cinema: Moana

The Academy Award-nominated animated film sails into its live action debut in Moana, directed by Tony- and Emmy-winner Thomas Kail (Hamilton).

For your wellbeing

On Saturday, in Byron, they are holding a Psychic Health and Wellbeing Expo, at the Cavanbah Centre, Ewingsdale Road – this is a community-based event and all are welcome.