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Byron Shire
June 23, 2026

Ever thought of writing your memoir?

Latest News

No Small Thing: NRCF Women’s Giving Circle event, Murwillumbah

Cheek Media founder, Hannah Ferguson, will headline a panel of prominent women leaders at the Regent Theatre in Murwillumbah next Thursday, in an event the organisers say brings, 'the kind of line-up you'd usually travel to Sydney for' to the Northern Rivers.

Other News

In loving memory of Dr Tony Parkes AO PhD (1929 – 2026)

Dr Tony Parkes AO PhD, one of Australia’s most visionary conservation leaders and a pioneering force in ecological restoration, passed away last Thursday at the age of 96. He spent his final months at Honey Bee Homes in Ewingsdale.

Cartoons of the week – 17 June, 2026

The Echo loves your letters and is proud to provide a community forum on the issues that matter most to our readers and the people of the NSW north coast. So don’t be a passive reader, send us your epistles.

E-bikes destroyed by police in Tweed

Thirty-five e-bikes that were seized during police operations near Tweed Heads have been destroyed, say police.

Film buffs flock to Bangalow

Nicholas Hope (left) who was Bubby in Rolf de Heer’s (right) groundbreaking movie of 30 years ago, Bad Boy Bubby, a film featuring clingfilm, which screened last Saturday at the Bangalow Film Festival. The fabulous festival continues until Sunday evening.

Byron Council budget up for discussion as rates rise looms

There is a potential 30 per cent or more rate rise in the wind for Byron Shire ratepayers by 2030. What’s needed is clear and concise budget documentation, accessible to your average ratepayer. It would seem the least Byron Shire Council (BSC) could provide in accordance with commitments to inform the community.

Hemp industry given boost with development plan

A Hemp Industry Development Plan has been announced by the NSW government, which promises 'to unlock new opportunities for NSW businesses and add value to the state's low-THC hemp industry, which is forecast to become a $100 million Australian industry by 2032'.

Kyogle author and writing coach Graeme Gibson. Photo supplied

Kyogle author and writing coach Graeme Gibson is holding in-conversation talks at the Ballina and Goonellabah libraries with Bob Brace as well as a free life writing workshop for people interested in writing a memoir. 

‘Everyone has a story to tell and writing a life story is something many people plan on doing – one day. Lacking confidence and knowing how to approach the writing are major hurdles for many. And for some there is self-doubt that their life has been interesting enough,’ said Graeme.

‘There is no need for fame, glory or a particular fate to justify a memoir. An ordinary life, if there is such a thing, has a story to tell – and other lives to enrich.’

Recently published In Life There is Luck: A memoir of an ordinary life with reflections on memoir writing.

Graeme has presented creative, nonfiction life writing workshops for over ten years and after being asked occasionally ‘where’s yours?’, and the answer ‘It’s coming’ started to wear thin, he has now recently published In Life There is Luck: A memoir of an ordinary life with reflections on memoir writing.

In Life There is Luck is in part a memoir on memoir writing, designed to inspire others to write their life stories, and through example, make memoir writing readily accessible,’ explains Graeme.

‘Commentary on the craft of memoir writing is integral to the story. Guidance comes from the my experience writing and presenting writing workshops along with the wisdom of a range of literary greats.’

To supplement that commentary on memoir writing, Graeme has also published A Pocket Guide to Memoir Writing

‘This can either stand alone or act as a companion to the memoir,’ he says.

Previews of both books are available at www.morethanjusttalk.com.au.

Author talks and workshop

The In-conversation style author talks will take place at Ballina and Goonellabah. They are free but bookings are requested:

Ballina on Monday, 15 May from 10am. Book on: 6686 2831

Goonellabah on Thursday, 25 May from 11 am. Book on: 6625 1235

Byron Bay on Thursday, 3 August from 10am. Book on: 6685 8540

The free writing workshop will take place at Goonellabah on 25 May from 1-4pm. Numbers are limited and bookings are required.



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Consultation closes Friday on Lismore’s 60,000 population plans

The future of Lismore is now up for discussion, with Council's Strategic Planning Framework currently out for public exhibition. Now is your time to have your say – consultation closes 26 June.

Science in the Pub, Lismore, 16 July

An engaging and informative Science in the Pub event is planned on Thursday, 16 July, from 5pm at Two Mates Brewing, South Lismore.

Six dwellings proposed on flood-prone Mullum block

Six units are proposed at the eastern end of New City Road, Mullumbimby, on a site that was inundated during the 2022 floods. Submitted by Duncan Band's Kollective, Development Application (DA) 10.2026.269.1 at 73 New City Road is on public exhibition with Byron Shire Council, and sits within the Shire's flood planning area.

Mullum Scout Hall fire overnight

At 1.45am this morning the NSW Fire and Rescue Mullumbimby Station 388 Sans and Brunswick Station 240 were called to a fire at the Mullumbimby Scout Hall.