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Byron Shire
July 14, 2026
Byron EchoLetters

At last

By Margrette Young, Dorroughby

Latest News

Articles & ColumnsWalaa Allaham - 0

From refugee to community contributor – a personal story

When I first arrived in Australia from Syria, I carried many emotions with me. Like many refugees and newcomers, I was grateful to be safe, but I was also overwhelmed by the challenges of starting over in a completely new country.
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Other News

Articles & ColumnsWalaa Allaham - 0

From refugee to community contributor – a personal story

When I first arrived in Australia from Syria, I carried many emotions with me. Like many refugees and newcomers, I was grateful to be safe, but I was also overwhelmed by the challenges of starting over in a completely new country.
Read more
Planet WatchByron Bird Buddies - 0

Protecting the marathon globetrotters, the terns

Sunlight sparkles on the sea, where lazy swells gather momentum to form perfect waves before playing out onto the deserted shore.
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The Good LifeThe Echo - 0

Manna Haven Cafe – loving Byron for 20 years

One of Byron Bay’s favourite lunch spots is wowing guests after a recent community-gifted makeover. More than 50 volunteers...
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Local NewsThe Echo - 0

Ballina king tide alert for 13–16 July

Ballina Shire Council is encouraging motorists to drive safely over the coming days with king tides leading to minor flooding of some local roads.
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Entertainment NewsThe Echo - 0

Eclectic Selection for the week beginning 8 July 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.
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Byron EchoMandy Nolan - 0

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Why I Love Being Dry

On 13 July I am four years sober. I am one of a growing number of people who decided to quit alcohol. It’s one of the best decisions of my life. My only regret is I didn’t do it sooner.
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Thank heavens for the summary by Peter Hartcher on Coalition ministers in the last government (p32, SMH news review 9 July 2023). The article nails the important points associated with Robodebt. 

And thank heavens for Bill Shorten bringing it to an end (see Hartcher’s final paragraph).   

What an appalling thing for an Australian government to have continued to do for years and years. Truly shameful. Let alone illegal. 

Wasn’t former minister Christian Porter a legal expert, even the top legal man in Australia as the federal government’s attorney-general for a time? Unbelievable. 

Margrette Young, Dorroughby

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Local News

Oz Grom Open wraps up in Lennox

The Echo - 0
The 2026 Soundboks Oz Grom Open saw a fairytale finish to competition yesterday with huge performances, bluebird skies and local wins in dreamy two-foot conditions.
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Local News

Jeff Dawson captures Mullum Roots Festival

Jeff Dawson - 0
Did you make it to Mullum Roots Festival on the weekend?
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Local News

Coorabell art show inspired by natural world

The Echo - 0
'Elemental: Conversations with Nature' is the title of a forthcoming exhibition featuring eight established and midcareer artists working across painting, drawing, weaving, ceramics, and textiles.  Inspired by the natural world, each artist explores the forms, patterns, materials, and forces found in nature.
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Local News

NSW Women of the Year nominations closing soon

The Echo - 0
Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is calling on residents of the Lismore electorate to get their nominations in for the 2027 NSW Women of the Year Awards.
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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