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Byron Shire
June 7, 2026

Face up and adjust to the ecological crisis

Latest News

Cartoon of the week – 3 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.

Other News

Wandana Brewing Co turns six

Six years ago, Wandana Brewing Co set up on the outskirts of Mullumbimby with a simple ambition: to make great beer and build something the community could genuinely call their own. This Saturday the Wandana Brewing crew are marking the occasion with a free, all-day birthday celebration, and everyone is invited!

More than a pantry – helping feed our community

Neighbourhood Centre has been running a low-cost community pantry? And over the last few years it’s really expanded.

Eclectic Selection for the week beginning 3 June 2026

Eclectic Selection: What’s on this week is a taste of some of the events that can be found in the Byron Shire and beyond this coming week.

Lennox headland tree planting day this Friday

Ballina Shire Council, GeoLINK and Rous Council are inviting the community to roll up their sleeves and help restore the iconic Lennox Headland, at the 21st Lennox Head Community Tree Planting Day on Friday 5 June.

Mullum Giants celebrate Old Boys Day

Sunday, 31 May saw everyone having some fun as the sun finally shone at the Mullumbimby Giants games which included the Old Boys Day. Photos by Sarah Archibald.

National minimum wage increases to $26.44p/h

With the Fair Work Commission’s decision to increase the national minimum wage by 4.75%, Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) is calling for further action to support people doing it tough, as well as the frontline community services helping them. “People are under severe pressure from interest rate rises, rent increases, higher fuel costs, and growing economic uncertainty due to the conflict in the Middle East,” said ACOSS Acting CEO Edwina MacDonald.

Founder of Plan C, Dr Jean Renouf says we need to face Up to the ecological crisis. Photo Tree Faerie.

An organisation committed to empowering local young people with the skills and knowledge to face climate events, like the 2022 flood, say they know how to provide support. 

Founder of Plan C, (formerly Resilient Byron), has a vision where communities are prepared for adversity.

Dr Jean Renouf says, ‘Part of this work is training community leaders in disaster preparedness’. 

‘Just as important though is confronting the personal and social experiences. 

‘It’s a holistic approach to preparedness, which includes healing from the trauma we’ve already experienced as a result of climate events.’

Clive Hamilton event June 28

Supporting that preparation is Facing Up, a series of trauma-informed conversations that focus on the social, economic, cultural, political, emotional and spiritual consequences of the ecological crisis. 

The next event will see Clive Hamilton and Mandy Nolan take on the psychosocial impacts of climate change.

Esteemed professor of public ethics, Clive Hamilton, will offer insights into the complex issues surrounding the climate crisis, and its impact on our collective wellbeing. 

He will be joined by local comedian Mandy Nolan who will serve as the evening’s MC, injecting her unique blend of warmth, compassion and wit into the proceedings.

The event promises to warm hearts and ignite rich conversations with the help of warm refreshments and a diverse gathering of individuals. 

Dialogue and reflection

Plan C invites the community to join them for an engaging evening of dialogue and reflection.

Facing Up will be held at the Brunswick Picture House on Wednesday June 28 from 6pm. 

Food will be available from 5.30pm, creating time to connect before the conversation unfolds. Please note that the event is suitable for ages 12 and above. 

Tickets are available at https://events.humanitix.com/facing-up-june.



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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.

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Marooned yacht on rocks near Ballina

A local photographer has shot a marooned yacht at Flat Rock, in Ballina Shire. It's the second boat to be washed ashore in recent months

Echo celebrates 40 with awards night tomorrow

Tickets are selling fast! Come join a fun-filled night of community celebration – This Saturday (tomorrow) The Echo is set to mark its 40th year in style with a ’30s swing-era style party and community awards night featuring the dynamic sounds of the Melbourne Ska Orchestra.

Author Tristan Bancks follows up with Two Wolves sequel

Local author Tristan Bancks launched his new book for readers 10+, Raised By Wolves, at Byron Book Room last night (Thursday 4 June).

Lismore City Council recognised for environmental leadership at LG awards

Lismore City Council has been recognised for outstanding achievement in environmental leadership, resilience and community infrastructure at the 2026 LG Professionals NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.