17.6 C
Byron Shire
June 12, 2026

Latest News

Up to 550 homes pegged for Byron Shire’s newest suburb

Community feedback is now sought on three planning documents that will shape the future of Gulgan Village, a new residential suburb proposed on the elevated slopes of Saddle Road. 

Other News

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Let’s Disappear the Outrage Farmer

There’s super-offensive content making its way around the internet by someone who is NOT Indigenous and is NOT a comedian. I will not say her name. I will not identify her nor will I describe the content. If you think you know what I am talking about: good. And if you don’t: good. Let’s keep it that way.

Byron Youth Service continues to invest in young people and community spaces

Byron Youth Service is celebrating another year of supporting young people across the Byron Shire through a diverse range of creative, educational, and wellbeing initiatives, while continuing significant improvements to The YAC.

E-bikes rule

Teenage gangs on e-bikes now rule our roads at night in Byron Bay. Driving, or even walking, in the hours...

Matthew Laverty recognised with OAM

Recognising his  passion for golf and long-term commitment to community service, Mullumbimby’s Matthew Laverty received the Medal of the...

Bayside blues

Hi beautiful community, I am concerned for the whole Shire. Our stormwater and sewage systems have been affected by the...

The Grigoryan brothers and others

The internationally-acclaimed Grigoryan Brothers – Slava and Leonardo, are set to bring their extraordinary musicianship to Brunswick Picture House...

How low can you go?

How invigorating to hear from Mr MacDonald once again. Have you been licking your wounds and recuperating from the hidings the Labor Party and just about everyone else have been dishing out to your pathetic corrupt Coalition?

But sadly, it seems your demeanour has not improved at all. Me, a rusted-on Labor supporter… my, my, you are so perceptive, your level of expertise is simply astounding. And by the way, have you ever managed to convince anybody besides yourself that anthropogenic climate change is a hoax and it is only a conspiracy perpetrated by the UN in order to establish a ‘New World Order’? 

And you can’t be serious saying, ‘the Coalition has never, and would never stoop this low’. My God, whenever they are in government they keep lowering the bar, Labor has to keep raising it every time we kick them out. You don’t seem to remember the infamous ‘Robodebt’ debacle: this insidious scheme was introduced, even though the relevant ministers knew it was illegal, and it resulted in over two thousand deaths linked to the trauma it caused to some of the most vulnerable people in Australia. It would be near impossible to go any lower than that appalling effort. And trust me, we are not done with the perpetrators.

Keith Duncan, Pimlico



For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling.

If you are a local business owner help us and in turn we help you. All The Echo asks for is advertising, not a free ride. It is every advert in The Echo and on www.echo.net.au, which creates the space for all the stories and coverage of community events, happenings and concerns.

If you are a reader you can become a sponsor of The Echo. Your support keeps the us independent.

Even a small one-off or regular donation from you will help keep the echo’s independent voice alive and strong.

Support Us

Become one of the supporters who helps keep independent, local journalism alive in the Byron Shire by contributing anything from as little as the cost of a coffee each month.

You're Wonderful, Thank you for supporting independent journalism in the Byron Shire

You’re supporting The Echo, thank you

Your contribution is keeping independent, local journalism alive in the Northern Rivers.

Because of supporters like you, we can keep every story free for everyone — no paywall, no exceptions. Your money goes directly to funding our newsroom of 40-odd local workers covering the stories that matter to this community.

Tell us what you think, give us your opinion

The Echo loves your letters and comments 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, email us your epistles at editor@echo.net.au.

The letters deadline for The Echo is noon Friday. Letters longer than 200 words may be cut. The publication of letters is at the discretion of the letters editor. Please remember to include your full name, address and telephone number.

Online comments are no longer available.

Load limit increased for Byron Creek Bridge

The load limit for Byron Creek Bridge has been increased to 24 tonnes, say Byron Shire Council, following structural analysis of the bridge.

Festival and event grants on offer

Community organisations are encouraged to apply for NSW government grants to bring cultural festivals and events to life across the state over the coming year.

Dr Bronwyn Bancroft wins prestigious Ochre Award

Bundjalung woman and artist Dr Bronwyn Bancroft AM has received the Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Artistic Excellence.

The Pocket Winter Festival bringing you music, food and fun

The Pocket Winter Festival is set to return on Sunday, 21 June, from 10am to 2pm, bringing together the community for a day of music, food, entertainment and family fun at The Pocket Public School.