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Byron Shire
July 7, 2026

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Latest News

Ballina memorial pays tribute to fallen Marine Rescue volunteers

On Sunday, a memorial was unveiled at the RSL Memorial Park, next to the Ballina RSL, to pay tribute to those lost on the night of May 4 on the Ballina Bar.

Other News

NSW confirms first case of H5 avian influenza

A giant petrel found near Hawks Nest, north of Newcastle, was confirmed positive on the weekend for H5 high pathogenicity (H5 bird flu) avian influenza in laboratory tests by the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.

NSW Women of the Year noms open

Nominations are now open for the 2027 NSW Women of the Year Awards. Nationals Member for Tweed, Geoff Provest says the awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of local women and girls.

Biosecurity strategy up for comment

Feedback is now open on the draft NSW Biosecurity Strategy that the government says will provide the focus for improvements to the state’s biosecurity framework over the next 10 years.

Protecting the Daintree from Mullumbimby 

From a small office in Mullumbimby, a local conservation organisation is helping protect one of the most extraordinary places on Earth, more than 1,500 kilometres to the north. 

Mullum water

Thanks councillors Warth, Hauge, Ndiaye, Kay and Lowe for holding the line against the conservatives (Lyon, Dods and Labor)...

Women to the front: the female voices shaping the 2026 Byron Writers Festival

The 2026 Byron Writers Festival program puts women front and centre. Journalists, novelists, and an award-winning columnist bring an extraordinary breadth of stories to Bundjalung Country this August.

Wonderful for The Echo to give the space for Grade three student, Leo Turnbull, to write about his flood experiences. It is refreshing to read an honest account. Often we make unconscious decisions based on traumas or exciting occasions which carry over to adult life. I hope Leo sees the impact he has made as a writer and I hope this is added to his CV – whatever the size! 

Only time will tell if and what he will take from this event to help himself and others in the future. 

Raphael Lee Cass, Byron Bay

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Local union players to benefit from Legacy grants

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is encouraging local councils and rugby union clubs to take advantage of an opportunity to upgrade their facilities, player pathways and increase local participation.

Solar and batteries for every public school in NSW?

Parents for Climate, Future Ready Schools, and the NSW/ACT Electrical Trades Union (ETU) has welcomed a motion passed at the NSW Labor Conference on the weekend calling for a comprehensive rollout of solar generation and battery storage at every public school and early learning centre in New South Wales.

Lots happening around Ballina for NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week 2026 is now underway, with lots happening throughout the Northern Rivers. It's a great opportunity for everyone to learn about First Nations...

NSW confirms first case of H5 avian influenza

A giant petrel found near Hawks Nest, north of Newcastle, was confirmed positive on the weekend for H5 high pathogenicity (H5 bird flu) avian influenza in laboratory tests by the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.