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Byron Shire
July 12, 2026

Mantra, heartsongs, connection and community

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.

Other News

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.

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.

Where do I start. Where does it end?

There is so much happening in the always enthralling intersection of law and politics that it is hard to know where to start. I will stop my head spinning and focus on just five.

Shooting the wrong threat

Why should anyone who cares about the environment care that the government is shooting Kosciuszko’s wild brumbies? Fair question. We...

Mandy’s column 1

Now that Mandy is the official candidate for the Greens at next year’s state election, I expect Echo Publications...

It’s not just you, it’s Telstra

Across Australia, Telstra mobile and mobile data customers have been dealing with widespread outages this morning, from cities to the regions, including the Northern Rivers.

Dance in the bliss and connect to your natural voice

Join Kevin James and Susana Rodrigez as they present a powerful homecoming concert of mantra and heartsongs, deep connection and community – special guest for this event is Oka’s Chris Lane.

Kevin returns after a three-year nomadic journey immersed in world fusion of traditional Indian Kirtan, Rainbow Bhajans, Celtic drums, Sufi chants and folk music. Kevin offers a co-creative, empowering experience that invites you to sit back, sing the sweet melodies, soaring chants, or dance in the bliss, diving deep into the profound silence that follows a Shakuhachi flute meditation – a sound journey to the Himalayas.

Kevin is presenting a workshop where you will be supported to open up to an effortless way of singing, clear emotional blockages, tune up with the power of sacred sounds and mantras and to connect to your natural voice with emotion and feeling. 

Chai and cake flood-fundraiser concert on Tuesday 7 March – full moon at St Johns Hall, Mullum. Open 6.30pm.

Workshop, Saturday 11 March, 2.45–6pm for all levels/ages. Dinner preordered or BYO. More information and tickets: kevinjamesmusic.com/mullumbimby2023/  



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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.