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Byron Shire
June 6, 2026

Community tree planting in Mullum Feb 24

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

Tweed Shire fisher faces court

A Tweed Shire commercial fisher pleaded guilty last week to six offences in relation to illegal fishing activity.

Ballina Shire Council’s special rate variation approved

Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has approved Ballina Shire Council's application to increase its general income through a permanent special variation (SV) of 26.25% [in rates] over four years, from 2026-27 to 2029-30.

Invisible elderly women

The 2026 Federal Budget has sent a clear, heartbreaking message to the senior women of the Tweed: you are...

Gathering in the beauty of community

Community garden committees and volunteers from across the Northern Rivers and into South East Queensland gathered at Shara Community...

Animals on country roads safety campaign launches

Motorists are being urged to slow down and stay alert for wildlife as Transport for NSW launches its annual ‘Animals on Country Roads’ safety campaign.

Flood-impacted homeowners get an extension on assistance

Flood-impacted homeowners across the Northern Rivers and Central West will have more time to make decisions to raise or retrofit homes, says the NSW government, with an  extension to the Resilient Homes Program timelines announced.

Australia has lost 25 per cent rainforest, 45 per cent of open forest, 32 per cent woodland forest and 30 per cent of mallee forest in 200 years according to the Wilderness Society – so plant a tree.

Want to help locally to care for our environment and plant trees for our wildlife?

Byron Shire Chemical Free Landcare’s next working bee will be on Saturday, February 24, from 8 am until 12.30pm. 

Co-organiser, Nadia de Souza Pietramale, says, ‘We will be planting 200 trees at a new site, 40 Azalea Street, Mullumbimby. Park on the road and walk down the long concrete driveway and you can’t miss us. The task is to dig holes and plant 200 tree tube stocks. The site is already mulched, the soil is soft, and tools and a first aid kit will be on site’. 

‘Please wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants for sun protection. Bring a hat, gloves and bring water and some morning tea for a picnic at 10:30am’. 

For more info visit www.organiclandcareinc.org.



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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.