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Byron Shire
June 17, 2026

Axelsen magic

Latest News

Big things are happening at The Paddock — and one of them has a flush

There are two milestones worth celebrating at The Paddock this season as they push ahead with their innovative project.

Other News

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Plastic Is Forever

Our family has been trying to give up plastic. And I’m not just talking single-use straws or takeaway cups or bottled water. Like most people we did that years ago. I’m talking about all the other plastic that we ingest either directly or through chemical leaching. In the period of time since I was a child, to a child born now, the fossil fuel industry has become implicated in nearly every part of our daily routine.

Avoiding ‘great reset’

Energy is the lifeblood of civilisation. When the energy powering our civilisation is disrupted for an extended time, it...

Call to end damaging native logging agreements

North East Forest Alliance (NEFA) is calling on the NSW state government to reassess the Wood Supply Agreements (WSA) that facilitate native forest in NSW’s state forests.

Greens silence ‘lacks integrity’

In response to Ian Clements’ letter last week, we wish to clarify a few things. Firstly, on the pools debate,...

Protests against closure of life-saving facility in Murwillumbah

The announcement that Murwillumbah's Safe Haven would be closed this week due to the end of funding arrangements has been greeted with shock by locals who have come to rely on the mental health support services the facility provided.

Eclectic Selection for the week beginning 17 June 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.

Taming Of The Beast – The Echo Festive Season cover 2021. Steve Axelsen

Congratulations to Stephen Axelsen (stephenaxelsen.com.au) for his beautiful front cover on the recent big holiday edition of The Echo. The taming of the coalition monster is devoutly to be wished before its hot, stinking breath wilts all the landscape.

For decades Stephen has been delighting children and adults alike with his thought-provoking, whimsical illustrations and writing. It is a vocation to be greatly admired. Thank the fickle gods of art he never got a real job.

Michael McDonald, Bairnsdale VIC

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Byron Writers Festival reveals 30th anniversary program

As August draws near and authors gear up for a big weekend in Byron Bay, Byron Writers Festival has revealed its complete program for its 30th anniversary edition

Are retirement villages what Byron Bay needs?

Developer DD Resort Living is seeking community feedback until June 18 on its proposed retirement living development in Byron Bay.

New maternity unit at Grafton Base Hospital

Pregnant women and their families across the Clarence Valley will benefit from an upgraded purpose-built maternity unit following a $20 million funding boost from the NSW government.

Councillors silent

I spent some time preparing a submission regarding the draft DCP for the redevelopment of the Mullumbimby Hospital site. I submitted this to the reviewing...