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Byron Shire
June 22, 2026

Inspiring the next gen of readers

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The NT intervention laws that shape lives

This Sunday marks 19 years since the then Howard Government announced the Northern Territory Intervention laws – ‘The Intervention’ began with a media release by Mal Brough, Minister for Indigenous Affairs, on June 21, 2007.

Other News

The NT intervention laws that shape lives

This Sunday marks 19 years since the then Howard Government announced the Northern Territory Intervention laws – ‘The Intervention’ began with a media release by Mal Brough, Minister for Indigenous Affairs, on June 21, 2007.

Mullum takes A grade, Byron takes B, Suffolk takes a sausage

The Northern Rivers NET League Finals went down on Saturday, and it delivered some genuinely good tennis, nervous moments,...

Big things are happening at The Paddock — and one of them has a flush

There are two milestones worth celebrating at The Paddock this season as they push ahead with their innovative project.

More comes out on Byron and Mullum pools saga

The problem with Byron Shire councillors making decisions in confidential sessions ‘behind closed doors’ is that no-one knows what really happened apart from those in the room.

Humanity together

Dale Emerson’s letter last week expanding on Chris Hanley’s attitude to The Echo, and to our world, was impressive....

Burn After Dark: Three Blue Ducks

Following a sold-out debut in 2025, Burn After Dark returns to Three Blue Ducks on Thursday, 2 July from...

Zanni Louise, host of Kids Big Day Out at Byron Writers Festival, with keen readers Scarlett, Ashton and Harper. Photo Jeff ‘English is My Second And Third Language’ Dawson

A stellar line-up of authors and performers will entertain the younger generation of readers and authors, with the return of the Byron Writers Festival’s Kids Big Day Out.

As part of the festival on Sunday, August 11, the Lilly Pilly marquee at the Bangalow Showground will host interactive storytelling for kids and parents alike. 

This year’s host is the wonderful local children’s author Zanni Louise.

Organisers say, ‘As well as the action onstage, kids can explore the StoryBoard space at The Coolamon, where our famous StoryBoard bus and tipi village comes alive with storytime and drop-in creative activities for little ones and aspiring young writers and illustrators’. 

Byron Writers Festival Artistic Director, Jessica Alice, said, ‘We’re delighted to present the much loved Kids Big Day Out at the festival once again to nurture the next generation of storytellers! We can’t wait to welcome little readers and writers to the festival. 

Fun-filled day 

‘It promises to be a wonderful, fun-filled day with something for all families to enjoy’.

For Kids Big Day Out tickets, visit www.byronwritersfestival.com/kbdo. 



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Hemp industry given boost with development plan

A Hemp Industry Development Plan has been announced by the NSW government, which promises 'to unlock new opportunities for NSW businesses and add value to the state's low-THC hemp industry, which is forecast to become a $100 million Australian industry by 2032'.

Gambling harm recognised by Tweed Council, supported by Wesley Mission

Faith-based, not-for-profit organisation providing community services in NSW, Wesley Mission, has welcomed Tweed Shire Council’s decision to publicly recognise the impact of gambling harm and advocate for stronger harm-minimisation measures.

Winter Warmer fundraiser for homelessness

The annual Winter Warmer Homelessness Relief campaign, hosted by Dharma Care, will return for 2026 with cabaret at Salt, Kingscliff, on Thursday 2 July, headlined by comedian Mandy Nolan, interactive performance artist The Space Cowboy and the Kinship Doobai Dancers, with a Welcome to Country from Aunty Jackie.

Tweed Shire Council presents flood resilience series – part one

Over the coming weeks, Tweed Shire Council will present a flood resilience series, which looks at how 'Tweed's story is different from the standard flood recovery narrative and what happened next'.