20.3 C
Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Greens Councillor Dr Nola Firth is running for council again

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

Norma Gunhoe brings the ‘Gunghoedown’ to town

Radio broadcasting sensation, Norma Gunghoe, is launching herself at the world from the Mullumbimby Golf Club with the Gunghoedown this Saturday, 17 October at 6pm and you are invited to come along and join the fun.

The price of ignorance

What often gets described as ‘racism’ in Australia is often based on plain old ignorance. People lacking the interest...

Byron Bay wins Wallace Shield

For the past 63 years Byron Bay and Ballina lady golfers have had a fierce but friendly rivalry for the Wallace Shield. Even COVID couldn't spoil the party, although the competition was played with certain restrictions.

Spring into summer with local Dorper Lamb

As we move from spring into summer, it’s time to fire up the barbecue, enjoy long lunches with family and friends, and make the most of fresh, local produce. I recently spoke with Warren from Boorabe Dorper Lamb about the different cuts of lamb and how to get the best out of them.

Australia’s biggest culinary tourism economy

NSW is serving up a feast for visitors, with new data confirming the state is Australia’s number one destination for food tourism and attracting billions of dollars in visitor spending.

BBFF Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year

Melbourne writer-director Jake James Whitford has been named the 2026 Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year at the Byron Bay International Film Festival (BBFF), for his short film 'The Squatters and the Fairy Princess'.

Nola Firth is running again for Tweed Shire Council. Photo supplied

Dr Nola Firth has announced that she is again running for Tweed Shire Council in the upcoming 14 September elections. 

During her last term Cr Firth says she has worked to ‘ensure a balance of progressive voices on Council, making sure council works for you and not just developer interests’.

‘During my first term, I’ve negotiated for sustainable development in our community, introduced initiatives like Cool Towns urban heat and native habitat, increased native tree protection, anti-ageism measures, roadside weed control, wildlife-friendly rat poison, fought to stop the proposed greyhound track and advocated for short-term letting control.’

Cr Firth says one of the key issues is tackling the housing crisis that is being felt keenly in the Tweed Shire which has seen one of the highest increases in homelessness in the state. 

‘Tackling the housing crisis remains a top priority. I’ll advocate against land banking, push for more public and affordable housing, and support initiatives tackling homelessness,’ she told The Echo. 

Fundraiser for Greens Tweed Shire election campaign.

Needs your support Wednesday

‘Last election I won by just a couple hundred votes. I need your support to be re-elected and continue making a real difference.’

On Wednesday, 19 June Cr Firth is hosting the Political Animal comedy event with Mandy Nolan that will fundraise to support her campaign for reelection which she says is vital as the Greens, unlike other parties, don’t take corporate donations. 

Mandy and other comics will be going at it tooth and nail to see who will win the ’survival of the funniest’ by the end of the night at Burringbar Hall from 6.30pm. Supper is included in the ticket price but it is BYO drinks. 

‘There’s still much to do,’ said Noala. 

‘In my next term, I’ll continue fighting for a greener Tweed through restoring biodiversity, supporting renewable energy projects, protecting farmland and ensuring environmentally compliant developments. I’ll work with the community to develop a community-led climate action plan, foster a circular economy and continue to improve our active transport network.’

Book your tickets here and support the Tweed Greens campaign for Tweed Shire Council.



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?