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Byron Shire
June 5, 2026

No debating it – Bangalow is best

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

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.

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.

Byron Spaces Gallery hosts Ocean Magic exhibition

Ocean Magic, a new winter exhibition by local artist Yvonne Fenech, will open at Byron Spaces Gallery on Friday 5 June.

$42m for ‘a few cyclists’

Fortunately, someone in the federal bureaucracy understands that spending $42m, or $2.8m per kilometre, of public money destroying a...

Earth to stars

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Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Saying Goodbye to a Very Handsome Man

Last week an old friend of mine died. His name was Gary Cook. We met here in Byron Bay, when I was 23. He would have been in his early 30s. He was handsome. And funny. And weird. And self-involved. He used to come to Ringos, where I worked as a waitress. He’d sing to himself, bludge cigarettes, and shine up the serviette holder. He loved looking at himself. He’d laugh and say, ‘God, I’m a handsome man,’ and then he’d laugh this really infectious laugh

Bangalow Public School’s Year5 and 6 debating team. Photo www.education.nsw.gov.au

Bangalow Public School students have proven themselves very capable at mounting an argument – and winning!

The Education Department reported the Year Five and Six debating team topped all others in the state to take out the Premier’s Debating Challenge in that age category.

Glenn Cullen wrote on www.education.nsw.gov.au, ‘The last of 938 teams standing following 1,300 debates, Bangalow Public School argued its way through the finals series online’.

‘Bangalow won seven debates in a row to become the State Champions, edging out the 2020 finalists Terrigal Public School.

‘The team would have likely had the overwhelming majority of support from fellow public school students when they mounted a case for the negative against the statement that ‘primary school students should have to complete at least five hours of homework each week over the holidays”.

‘But the Bangalow team still had to present a compelling case against Terrigal, who mounted a strong argument based around collaborative learning and fun activities.

Bangalow Public School Principal, Caroline Antoun, said, ‘I’m so proud of them. It was a massive feat’.

Debating coach, Melanie Hughes, said the team had put in a supreme effort.

‘They come and train with me at a lunch or a recess every week. It’s been pretty intense, and it was a lot more intense over the past couple of weeks’, she said.



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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.