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Byron Shire
July 12, 2026

Love Gaia

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

Amani’s bite of the Big Apple

Although I was grateful that The Echo wrote an article about my daughter Amani Wiriyanjara being accepted into the...

Response to the Special Rate Variation

Why spend $120,000 on a community engagement plan to find out if residents will be happy to see their...

Young musicians to take centre stage for NRYO 2026 finale concert

The Northern Rivers Conservatorium is thrilled to present the grand finale concert of the Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra (NRYO) 2026, ‘celebrating the extraordinary talent, dedication and musicianship of young performers from across the region.’

$5.5 million for surf clubs

The NSW government says the state's surf life saving clubs can now apply for a share of $5.5 million through the Surf Club Facility Program, to upgrade, rebuild or future-proof the facilities that keep beaches safe.

Bigger community say on hospital land

Byron Council has voted to give the community a greater role in shaping the future of the former Mullumbimby Hospital site, despite concerns from some councillors that additional consultation could further delay the delivery of desperately needed housing.

Beyond Blue charity rugby day returns to Bruns this weekend

Brunswick Heads rugby team the Mullumbimby Moonshiners will gather at Alby Lofts Oval on Saturday, July 11, for their annual Beyond Blue Charity Day, with the club’s senior women’s team reforming after a 30-year playing hiatus to run onto the field.   

The state of Gaia is of concern to us in the rainbow region. We have all been impacted the past few years particularly. It’s time to honour the ethos that we live here.

We were reminded of the cultural shift of 50 years ago at the recent Regeneration Festival. This is well recorded in the Brunswick Valley Historical Society’s documentaries of those times. I believe they are being rerun mid-April to celebrate their 40-year anniversary.

The ‘hippy’ era literally moved in and they have been an international icon since. We have a unique and caring community, ultimately proactive and looking for honesty.

Past ideas have become reality. At the risk of sounding like a cliche, it’s time we remembered why we live here. We need to set our own ideals and agenda for the future. All of us. The various events that occur in the area breathe local culture. Please infuse your life with our ideals.

The Aquarius Festival anniversary is an opportunity for us to gather and set our course. Who would have thought a bunch of hippies could have such a lasting effect, defining our path forward and setting our aspirations?

To me it’s a wonderful synchronicity that we also vote to give our Indigenous guardians a voice. It seems they have always known.

Debra Smith, Mullumbimby



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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.