20.3 C
Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Turning time on a new year in Byron Bay

Latest News

Cinema: NAZA

A must-see, award-winning documentary investigating AI warfare in Gaza. Fresh from winning the Special Jury Prize at the 2026 Venice International Film Festival, NAZA, the latest documentary from Academy Award-winning filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor (No Other Land), examines artificial intelligence and surveillance in Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

Other News

Call for the community to join the Mullumbimby clean up

The Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce and Community (MCCC) are calling on local businesses and the community to join them in cleaning up the main street of town on Sunday, 25 October from 8am to 10am.

A timeless story of self-discovery

A husband with a promotion, two adorable children and a lovely new house. Nora thought she had it all. But did she? What was the discontent that was whispering to her in the shadows?

Byron needs a pause and review on development

Byron might be complex, disparate, and sometimes misunderstood, but if there is one thing the community seems to agree on, it’s the height limit.

Cheaper school pool access proposed as Byron faces financial squeeze

Byron Shire’s schools could receive cheaper access to Council pools for swimming and water-safety programs under a proposal going before councillors on October 15.

Courtney Act puts Gerwyn Davies’ colourful world in the spotlight

Sequins, spandex and seaside souvenirs will be up for discussion when Courtney Act takes the interviewer’s chair in Murwillumbah next month.

No short-term solutions

Here we are, put into the very precarious situation of funding Byron Shire Council’s (BSC) infrastructure shortfalls. By no...

Latonya Sparkle kept the punters happy on Byron’s Soul Street. Photo Tree Faerie.

This giant binging came ashore to see the Dening Park action. Photo Tree Faerie

The streets of Byron Bay were packed last night as locals and visitors swamped the town for New Year’s Eve.

Partygoers Tiahla and Kerol cheered on Council cleaner Rick Duggan. Photo Tree Faerie.

Dening Park on Main Beach had plenty on offer for families with tons of live music, a silent disco, a light show and roving performers.

Jarrod was ready for action at 6am. Photo Tree Faerie.

Lyndon was ready for his first ride of 2024.
Photo Tree Faerie.

Town was a little bit more sedate this morning with only a few dozen hardcore dawn seekers on Byron Beach, most of whom hadn’t been to bed yet, many of them who were still ‘partying’.

Many might have been disappointed by the lack of golden orb in east at sunrise. The sky was still spectacular and the rain had the decency to stay away until everyone had had their full of morning light.

Darcy was looking toward the bright future. Photo Tree Faerie.



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.

Interview with Genevieve Clay-Smith, director of Boss Cat showing at the Byron Bay Film Festival

When Sonja (Olivia Hargroder) loses her mother without warning, the only steady presence left in her life is her grandmother, Doris. But Doris’s idea of stability means dismantling everything Sonja has built. For Sonja, who lives with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and has spent her life fighting to be underestimated by no one, Doris’ plan feels less like protection and more like erasure. Directed by Genevieve Clay-Smith, Boss Cat is a vibrant, big-hearted Australian dramedy about independence, family and self-determination, anchored by a fearless lead performance.

Something for everyone at the Picture House

From Australian superstar musos, to brand new documentaries, to comedians at the top of their game, there really is something for everyone at the Brunswick Picture House.

Thirty-six unmissable films

The 2026 Russell Hobbs British Film Festival features an unmissable line up 36 films, including five retrospectives which will screen from 28 October to 29 November at Palace Byron Bay and Ballina Cinemas.

A timeless story of self-discovery

A husband with a promotion, two adorable children and a lovely new house. Nora thought she had it all. But did she? What was the discontent that was whispering to her in the shadows?