16 C
Byron Shire
June 12, 2026

Chess in Byron Bay

Latest News

Lismore’s Blakebrook quarry proposal meets resistance

A recent gathering of locals concerned about a proposed ‘mega dump’ landfill at Blakebrook quarry has been supported by Lismore Greens councillors. Lismore Council say they are still considering the proposal.

Other News

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Let’s Disappear the Outrage Farmer

There’s super-offensive content making its way around the internet by someone who is NOT Indigenous and is NOT a comedian. I will not say her name. I will not identify her nor will I describe the content. If you think you know what I am talking about: good. And if you don’t: good. Let’s keep it that way.

Underbelly in Byron

Byron has long had a dark underbelly.  Many places do, but Byron has sold itself as a young person’s...

Matthew Laverty recognised with OAM

Recognising his  passion for golf and long-term commitment to community service, Mullumbimby’s Matthew Laverty received the Medal of the...

Fear and ignorance should not drive abortion debate

I did not think I would need to defend the right to safe abortions again. Abortion is no longer a criminal offence in Australia. There are well-reasoned and effective legal structures around abortions based on healthcare and women’s choice. It is broadly accepted that if you’re pregnant, it’s your decision to have children, or not.

Bangalow Film Festival opens

The Bangalow Film Festival opening night is this Thursday, 11 June and has already sold out.

New exhibitions opening at Lismore Regional Gallery

All are welcome to the official opening of four new exhibitions at Lismore Regional gallery this Friday evening, with live music and a talk from Melbourne artist Sarah Ujmaia.

Congratulations to Byron’s chess enthusiasts, Peter Hanna, Byron Shire Councillor Cate Coorey, and the Byron Shire Councillors, on the decision to establish a permanent location for ‘chess by the sea’. This initiative is a wonderful opportunity for both locals and visitors to engage in outdoor chess, fostering friendships and community spirit through the ancient game.

Peter Hanna’s petition, supported by over a thousand signatures, clearly demonstrates the strong interest in chess within Byron Shire.

Here in Ballina Shire, Mayor Sharon Cadwallader and the Ballina Shire Council have already installed chess boards in the picnic tables at the Lennox Head Pavilion in Ross Park, showing their ongoing support for the Lennox Head Chess Club. The club hosts games every Saturday from noon, providing chess sets, clocks, and score sheets, creating an inviting space for both locals and visitors to play or learn the game.

For those interested in a more immersive experience, a giant chess set is available on the grass, offering a fun and engaging way to enjoy chess by the sea.

Jim Gilchrist, President, Lennox Head Chess Club Inc

 



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.

Kyogle adopts $64.6m budget, promises big investment for the future

Kyogle Council has adopted its 2026/2027 budget, with Mayor Danielle Mulholland saying it delivers a clear commitment to strengthening essential services, supporting emerging needs, and positioning the community for the future.

Fear and ignorance should not drive abortion debate

I did not think I would need to defend the right to safe abortions again. Abortion is no longer a criminal offence in Australia. There are well-reasoned and effective legal structures around abortions based on healthcare and women’s choice. It is broadly accepted that if you’re pregnant, it’s your decision to have children, or not.

Byron Shire residents urged to lobby feds for better roads and services

Byron Shire Council is calling on the community to help lobby the Australian Government to restore proper funding through their Federal Assistance Grants program from the current 0.5 percent of tax revenue to 1 percent.

Navigating business debt & insolvency

Financial literacy – without it, no business, can survive, let alone proposer. It’s especially true in times like these, where world leaders are unpredictable, chaotic and batshit crazy.