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Byron Shire
June 6, 2026

Beautiful for sea life

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

Israel’s rehabilitation

Israel’s genocide of the Palestinians has not ended and it will not end before Israel officially renounces its intention...

Rail trail funding 2

No rail trail funding. As usual, the local federal Labor member for Richmond, Justine Elliot and the local state...

Free disability workshops 3 and 4 June

On June 3 and 4, the Physical Disability Council of NSW (PDCN) is partnering with the locally based Disability Advocacy NSW (DA) to deliver two days of free, engaging events in the Northern Rivers. 

Threatened species protection in NSW overhauled

A "new, holistic approach to threatened species conservation" has been introduced by the NSW Labor government, reforming the Saving our Species program.

Latest chuckle of stand ups stake to the stage

After stepping away from the role for 12 months, Mandy Nolan returned to Byron Adult Education to teach what Mandy believes is the best, and possibly most successful stand up comedy course in the country. 

Temporary home for Queer Family after heated debate

Byron Shire Council has voted to provide struggling local LGBTQIA+ support service Queer Family Inc with temporary access to a Council-owned property at peppercorn rent, following an impassioned plea from the organisation and a lengthy debate over governance and fairness.

ASTR rescues and rehabilitates seabirds, marine turtles and sea snakes at the turtle hospital in Ballina.

Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue (ASTR) is hosting a charity night at the Ballina Players Theatre with a presentation of Beautiful – The Carol King Musical on Wednesday, November 29. 

ASTR receives no government funding and relies on events like this to keep the organisation going. ASTR rescues and rehabilitates seabirds, marine turtles and sea snakes at the turtle hospital in Ballina. The organisation was founded 30 years ago by Lance Ferris and is a service which continues today. 

His daughter Rochelle will be at this performance.

This special night will include a raffle and a silent auction with some amazing items, including paintings, photos, jewellery, a massage, gift vouchers and more. Supper will be available with cakes made by the wonderful volunteers.

ASTR have almost finished their hospital, aviary and education facility upgrade – next on the list is a flight aviary where they can flight test rescued and rehabilitated birds to make sure they are ready for release.

This special event is on Wednesday, November 29 at 8pm. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online from www.seabirdrescue.org.au, or events.humanitix.com/carol-king-musical-charity-night.

To arrange a cash purchase phone Anna Dicker
0415 642 867
.



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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.