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Byron Shire
July 11, 2026

Sinking of tourist pirate ship at Bruns

Latest News

Plastic not so fantastic

There is nothing healthier than drinking some water – or so I’ve always told my kids. It doesn’t contain sugar or colour additives – as one person used to tell us as children, ‘it’s sky juice’! What could be better?

Other News

Response to the Special Rate Variation

Why spend $120,000 on a community engagement plan to find out if residents will be happy to see their...

Interview with Trent Dalton

The Byron Writers Festival will once again be treated to the delights of author and journalist Trent Dalton, who will be featured at the Jonson Street Stage on Saturday evening, 15 August, as well as throughout the event. Celebrating its 30th year, the Byron Writers Festival will, for the first time, be taking place around the town of Byron Bay from 14 to 16 August, with a mix of free and paid events.

Energy savings

Two exciting developments will lower household electricity bills, strengthen the local grid, and help power-up our renewable energy. First,...

Alleged native tree removal continues in Lennox, says councillor

With a government agency now investigating the alleged clear felling of natives on a large private block in Lennox Head, Ballina Greens councillor Kiri Dicker has told The Echo that contractors were felling trees all morning, ‘trying to get the job done’.

Backup plans

We carry a spare tyre in the car in case the unexpected and unpredictable happens. Byron Council needs to consider...

Young musicians to take centre stage for NRYO 2026 finale concert

The Northern Rivers Conservatorium is thrilled to present the grand finale concert of the Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra (NRYO) 2026, ‘celebrating the extraordinary talent, dedication and musicianship of young performers from across the region.’

Pirate ship sinks at Brunswick Heads. Photo supplied.

This morning around 10am the ‘Brunswick Buccaneers’ pirate ship moored across from the Brunswick Hotel sunk.

Onlookers say around 15-20 people were queuing at the pleasure boat hire business when the weight collapsed the ship in shallow water. There are no reports of injuries.

Apparently the owner was helping people on the water and didn’t realise that so many people came aboard. They are currently unloading the pirate ship to lose weight.



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Ballina courthouse windows smashed, man charged

Police say a man will face court today, charged after 12 windows were allegedly smashed in Ballina last night.   Police say, 'About 10.35pm (Thursday 9 July 2026), police were called to Martin Street following reports of a man smashing windows'.

Alleged native tree removal continues in Lennox, says councillor

With a government agency now investigating the alleged clear felling of natives on a large private block in Lennox Head, Ballina Greens councillor Kiri Dicker has told The Echo that contractors were felling trees all morning, ‘trying to get the job done’.

Ocean Shores man charged with advocating terrorism online

Police say a 20-year-old Ocean Shores man is behind bars (refused bail) and will face court in Tweed Heads Local Court on 18 September, charged with advocating terrorism.  

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.