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Byron Shire
June 4, 2026

New inclusive art program for young peeps

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

Tweed Council offer community grants

A new round of Tweed Shire Council community grants of up to $5,000 will open to not-for-profit groups across the Tweed from Monday 1 June.

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Saying Goodbye to a Very Handsome Man

Last week an old friend of mine died. His name was Gary Cook. We met here in Byron Bay, when I was 23. He would have been in his early 30s. He was handsome. And funny. And weird. And self-involved. He used to come to Ringos, where I worked as a waitress. He’d sing to himself, bludge cigarettes, and shine up the serviette holder. He loved looking at himself. He’d laugh and say, ‘God, I’m a handsome man,’ and then he’d laugh this really infectious laugh

Damning report on project delivery as RA expands

As the damning NSW Auditor-Generals report into the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s (RA) handling of its two key programs, the Resilient Homes (RHP) and Resilient Lands Programs (RLP) came out RA announced that Kate Fitzgerald has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer.

Northern Rivers philanthropic org reveals 2025 achievements

Not-for-profit philanthropic organisation,  Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRCF), have released their annual report for 2025, revealing $2.4m was raised, and 121 projects funded across the region.

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.

Crofton Rd to be fixed more than 4 years after damage

Another infrastructure repair project in response to damage caused by the Northern Rivers floods and landslides disasters more than four years ago has been announced.

Art Access is a program features workshops, exhibitions and fun events at the Byron Youth Activity Centre.

Calling all creative young people: the Byron Youth Service (BYS) has just announced the launch of  ‘Art Access’, a brand new free and inclusive art initiative. 

Organisers say the program features workshops, exhibitions and fun events at the Byron Youth Activity Centre (YAC). 

Art Access project manager, Rosalie Bryant, says, ‘The first workshop series of the program called ‘Glimmer Lab’ kicks off on September 25, and is especially designed for young people aged 16 to 22’. 

‘Through hands-on art-making, Glimmer Lab will provide a safe space where participants can explore their artistic talents, share ideas, and connect with peers in a supportive and welcoming environment.

‘What makes Art Access stand out from other art projects is its focus on inclusivity. The workshops have been co-designed by young people who identify as neurodivergent, LGBTIQA+ (or curious), those who have faced barriers to joining community activities in the past and their supportive friends’.

BYS invites  young people who are eager to explore their creativity in a safe and encouraging space. To find out visit www.bys.org.au/youth-culture, or contact Karma Barnes at [email protected].



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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.