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Byron Shire
June 19, 2026

Facing Up to climate and ecological crises

Latest News

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'.

Other News

Artist Gerwyn Davies exhibits at Tweed Gallery

From 3 July, a major new body of work by Gadigal/Sydney-based artist Gerwyn Davies will be exhibited at the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre.

Dancing and fundraising for our children’s future

The recent premeditated killings of several children in Australia by their fathers has raised the issue of filicide (the deliberate act of a parent killing their own child) alongside the issue of domestic violence (DV) and femicide (the intentional murder of women or girls) as key areas that need research to help understand why these things happen.

A bit of fun to raise some funds

Bobby Conn and Molly O’Neil, from Drover (either end) Paul Tansley from Stone & Wood (back) with Damian Farrell from Fletcher St Cottage pulling out his best Ray Charles moves. Join them and plenty of other performers at the 12th Festival of The Stone on Saturday, 20 June

Humanity together

Dale Emerson’s letter last week expanding on Chris Hanley’s attitude to The Echo, and to our world, was impressive....

Byron High brings you SAAM – full of humour and chaos

In the vein of a speculative sci-fi, this comedy misadventure is simultaneously relatable, playful, hilarious, and unnerving. SAAM will be performed for three nights by Byron Bay High’s Year 11 Drama troupe on 23, 25 and 26 June from 6.30pm.

Tradie ladies graduate civil construction TAFE program

Twelve Northern Rivers residents are celebrating the completion of a groundbreaking program designed to build essential skills and unlock employment pathways for women in civil construction.

Kate McQuillen. Photo supplied.

The latest in a series of discussion events called Facing Up will feature Tim Hollo, Krysta McMah and Cate McQuillen.

Every month the Regent in Murwillumbah hosts Facing Up is a series of trauma-informed conversations that focus on the social, economic, cultural, political, emotional and spiritual consequences of the ecological crisis. 

In a series of public conversations some of Australia’s leading thinkers consider our place in a rapidly transformed world, and how we might think, feel and act in ways that are grounded, empowering and life-affirming.

This month, we will have a chance to hear from speakers who work to change the system. How does it affect them? How do they deal with it? What do they do about it?

Facing Up: On living in the midst of the climate and ecological crisis will address the major challenges we face and how we might respond to them in life-enhancing ways.

This edition will feature Tim Hollo, Krysta McMah and Cate McQuillen.

Triple trouble

Tim Hollo is an eco-political powerhouse and the executive director of the Green Institute. 

With a focus on eco-political philosophy, practice, and policy, Tim is a true advocate for the rights of nature, universal basic income, and participatory democracy. 

As a Visiting Fellow at the Sydney Environment Institute and the author of Living Democracy: An Ecological Manifesto for the End of the World as We know It, Tim’s insights and expertise are sure to blow your mind! But wait, there’s more! Tim is not just an environmentalist but also a talented musician. He founded Green Music Australia, an organisation dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of the music sector while driving social and cultural change. Stay tuned.

Paragon of community organisation

Krysta McMah is a true paragon of community organisation and climate advocacy. With over six years of experience in community and union organising, she has honed her skills and passion to create significant change.

As an Organiser and Grassroots Mentor at The Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC), Krysta is on the front lines, actively assisting grassroots groups and leaders across Queensland and Regional NSW. 

Her dedication to climate justice, her tireless efforts to mentor emerging leaders, and her ability to mobilize communities for a cause make Krysta a genuine force for change.

The conversation will be MCd by the fabulous Cate McQuillen.

Emmy Award-winner

From Toronto to New York, London to Cannes, this Emmy Award-winning Filmmaker has revolutionised the way industries and communities perceive and embrace long-term behavioural change in our world.

As a storyteller and change maker, Cate inspires us to flip the script on change education. She understands that simply expecting action without a heartfelt connection to the ‘why’ is futile.

As the creator of dirtgirlworld and Get Grubby TV, Cate reaches millions of people through social media every week. She knows firsthand the power of inspiration, hope, and positivity in driving change. She also recognises the importance of authenticity and genuine transparency in a community that craves authenticity amidst a sea of fake reality. 

A change revolution

Cate is at the forefront of a change revolution, uniting citizens and working together for a better way of life. 

In this upcoming discussion, Facing Up will be focusing on a critical question that concerns us all: How do we change the system for planetary survival? 

This conversation isn’t just about incremental changes or isolated solutions – it’s about profound systemic change at all levels – from individual actions to global policies. It’s about reimagining our relationship with nature, redefining our political and economic structures, and reconsidering our social norms in a way that promotes living and planetary health. 

The event will be held at the Regent Theatre, in Murwillumbah, on Wednesday from 6pm.
• Note that it’s a BYO event, although you can also purchase food and beverages on the night. 



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Gambling harm recognised by Tweed Council, supported by Wesley Mission

Faith-based, not-for-profit organisation providing community services in NSW, Wesley Mission, has welcomed Tweed Shire Council’s decision to publicly recognise the impact of gambling harm and advocate for stronger harm-minimisation measures.

Winter Warmer fundraiser for homelessness

The annual Winter Warmer Homelessness Relief campaign, hosted by Dharma Care, will return for 2026 with cabaret at Salt, Kingscliff, on Thursday 2 July, headlined by comedian Mandy Nolan, interactive performance artist The Space Cowboy and the Kinship Doobai Dancers, with a Welcome to Country from Aunty Jackie.

Tweed Shire Council presents flood resilience series – part one

Over the coming weeks, Tweed Shire Council will present a flood resilience series, which looks at how 'Tweed's story is different from the standard flood recovery narrative and what happened next'.

Community housing industry call for major expansion in upcoming NSW budget

The community housing industry are calling on the NSW government to use next week's State Budget to unlock a major expansion of community housing.