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Byron Shire
June 5, 2026

First guests revealed for Byron Writers Fest

Latest News

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Wardell Knit n’ Knat Group – 22 years of knitting and giving

Since 2011, 15 years, Dawn and Robert Sword have been entrusted by the Wardell Knit n’ Knat Group with the privilege of distributing the beautiful handcrafted rugs, scarves, beanies and other knitted and crocheted items they have made to people in need throughout the Ballina Shire.

Eclectic Selection for the week beginning 3 June 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.

Jane Haper.

The first wave of authors set to grace the Byron Writers Festival stages for the 2024 event have been announced.

The annual event attracts local and interstate visitors and will be held August 9–11 at the Bangalow Showground. 

Bruce Pascoe.

New Artistic Director, Jessica Alice, says the festival’s theme is ‘From the ground up’, and will feature: international bestsellers Trent Dalton and Jane Harper; acclaimed writer and farmer Bruce Pascoe; Booker Prize winner Richard Flanagan; Irish novelist Caoilinn Hughes; PEN award-winning author and poet Nam Le; playwright and novelist Suzie Miller; investigative journalist and debut novelist Louise Milligan; and local speculative fiction writer, Mykaela Saunders.

Ms Alice says the first announcement of celebrated guests gives a taste of things to come, and the full program of more than 100 writers, thinkers and commentators will be revealed on June 19.

Trent Dalton.

She says, ‘The festival will host literary luminaries whose work represents deep wisdom, radical insight and thoughtful engagement with their readers’.

‘This first release is a glimpse of a richly diverse program with some of the biggest names and brilliant voices to discover.

From the ground up

‘Our theme ‘From the ground up’ will connect with Country, community and culture, from environmental movements to First Nations self-determination and the futures we build for ourselves today’.

Early bird three-day passes are now on sale at www.byronwritersfestival.com.



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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.

Byron Council’s Sandhills Wetlands project takes first place at LG awards

The Sandhills Wetland restoration project in Byron Bay has won another major award, with Byron Shire Council taking first place at the Local Government Professionals 2026 NSW Excellence Awards.