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Byron Shire
June 4, 2026

Chased by a whale?

Latest News

Minimum requirements were never meant to be aspirations

The Echo’s recent report (2 May) on Cr Elia Hauge’s proposal for a community assessment panel for the old Mullumbimby Hospital site contained a sentence that deserves more than a passing read.

Other News

Police chase e-bike thieves in Byron Bay

Two men faced court on last Thursday following an alleged pursuit near Byron Bay on Wednesday morning.

Bungawalbin Levee repair to improve flood resilience

A critical section of Bungawalbin Levee is proposed to be partially relocated to build its long-term resilience, benefitting the community, environment and agricultural industries in the Richmond Valley.

Minimum requirements were never meant to be aspirations

The Echo’s recent report (2 May) on Cr Elia Hauge’s proposal for a community assessment panel for the old Mullumbimby Hospital site contained a sentence that deserves more than a passing read.

World Environment Day celebrated in M’bah, 7 June

A free family-friendly community celebration for World Environment Day will be held on Sunday, 7 June, at the Murwillumbah Showgrounds from 10am till 3pm.

Latest chuckle of stand ups stake to the stage

After stepping away from the role for 12 months, Mandy Nolan returned to Byron Adult Education to teach what Mandy believes is the best, and possibly most successful stand up comedy course in the country. 

Drug driving reform introduced to NSW Parliament

Greens MP and drug harm reduction spokesperson Cate Faehrmann has welcomed news that reform to drug driving laws for medicinal cannabis patients will finally be introduced into NSW Parliament.

I thought people might be interested in this experience and maybe have some input. Last Tuesday I was paddling from the east towards Julian Rocks and a whale came straight for me.

I stopped paddling and it went under me but then turned around and came straight back at me, went under me, and then turned and came back at me again. It then stopped under my kayak and I could see the barnacles on its head directly underneath me. I then got a bit worried as I thought it might surface under me or flick its tail so I paddled off and again it turned and came straight at me. About five times it turned and came straight back at me. Twice it just lay under my kayak. I was definitely getting worried by this stage and so I decided to paddle very close into the rock so that it couldn’t go under me again. The whale followed me all the way to the rock and then seemed to be just waiting out there for me!

A couple of scuba diver instructors on  a boat out there saw the whole thing and said that was an aggressive one and were having a good laugh at the whole thing.

There was definitely no calf around so don’t know what was going on. Really didn’t want to see any more whales on the paddle back in. I was a bit spooked.

Andrew Wilson, Mullumbimby



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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.

Murwillumbah biz networking breakfast tomorrow

Join the Murwillumbah business community for their June Business Murwillumbah Networking Breakfast, to be held at at Crystal Creek Estate.

Update on Mullumbimby house fire which destroyed locals’ home

Long-term residents of Mullumbimby, Jeff and Alma Jackson lost their home to fire last week.

Local family-owned Byron businesses asking for your support

Long-term, local Byron businesses are calling on the community for support as they struggle to remain afloat as the drainage works in Byron Bay continue.