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Byron Shire
July 12, 2026

SES nearly finished assessing disaster stricken buildings

Latest News

Deadly weaving at Lismore gallery

Eighteen months ago, a group of First Nations artists from the Northern Rivers came together at the Lismore Regional Gallery as part of the Gathering Space project.

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Ballina king tide alert for 13–16 July

Ballina Shire Council is encouraging motorists to drive safely over the coming days with king tides leading to minor flooding of some local roads.

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There is nothing healthier than drinking some water – or so I’ve always told my kids. It doesn’t contain sugar or colour additives – as one person used to tell us as children, ‘it’s sky juice’! What could be better?

Community rallies behind beloved Byron local facing cancer battle

Locals are rallying behind beloved Byron local Krystal Pillwein after she was diagnosed with stage 2 inoperable cervical cancer, launching a fundraising campaign to help ease the financial burden of her treatment.

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.

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Byron floodplain

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Flooding near Ballina Fair Cinemas, 2 March 2022. Photo David Lowe.

The State Emergency Services says it expects all rapid damage assessments in response to the Northern Rivers flood disaster to be done by early next week.

More than 11,000 assessments had been carried out by Thursday afternoon, the SES said, with the majority of urban areas completed.

‘As floodwaters continue to recede, crews will have improved access to minor roads and individual properties which have been impacted by floodwaters,’ the SES said.

The SES didn’t respond to a question concerning so-called ‘condemned’ properties and how many there were, if any.

Local social media discussion suggested some people in Lismore and Mullumbimby were being told their dwellings were ‘condemned’ but it was unclear which authority was making the decision.

The Echo also asked if there were still people needing to be rescued from Byron’s Hinterlands in Huonbrook, Upper Wilson Creek and Upper Main Arm or in Ballina.

‘The SES is not aware of any active requests which require rescue,’ the SES said.

‘In life threatening situations people should call 000.’



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Plastic not so fantastic

There is nothing healthier than drinking some water – or so I’ve always told my kids. It doesn’t contain sugar or colour additives – as one person used to tell us as children, ‘it’s sky juice’! What could be better?

Ballina courthouse windows smashed, man charged

Police say a man will face court today, charged after 12 windows were allegedly smashed in Ballina last night.   Police say, 'About 10.35pm (Thursday 9 July 2026), police were called to Martin Street following reports of a man smashing windows'.

Alleged native tree removal continues in Lennox, says councillor

With a government agency now investigating the alleged clear felling of natives on a large private block in Lennox Head, Ballina Greens councillor Kiri Dicker has told The Echo that contractors were felling trees all morning, ‘trying to get the job done’.

Ocean Shores man charged with advocating terrorism online

Police say a 20-year-old Ocean Shores man is behind bars (refused bail) and will face court in Tweed Heads Local Court on 18 September, charged with advocating terrorism.