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Byron Shire
October 27, 2026

New inclusive art program for young peeps

Latest News

A year in review

Byron Shire Council has published its Annual Report for 2025 to 2026, highlighting a year of what it describes as significant achievements in delivering infrastructure flood recovery works, environmental protection, and community programs.

Other News

The alchemy of suffering

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Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Bring Out Your Dead

Having a dead father made me different to other kids. I was six when he died, and in a small town even I knew that for the week of his death, our family was all anyone was talking about. The 30-year-old, wild and misunderstood Robert, who drove his powder blue Valiant, drunk, head on into an oncoming vehicle, killing the grandfather of someone who I was to later meet in high school. It was a collision that changed my life forever.

Celebration of culture and Country

Almost 100 First Nations artists, musicians, performers, makers and cultural practitioners will come together on the banks of the Clarence River this November for Art on Bundjalung; a free celebration of creativity, culture and Country.

Bangalow Bowlo fight goes to Supreme Court

When Norths Collective decided to breach the memorandum of understanding with the Bangalow Bowlo and the community, and closed the Bangalow Bowlo with no warning, they may not have realised how prepared the community is to fight for the return of their beloved Bowlo.

Barwon flood must not be pumped dry

Nature Conservation Council NSW (NCC), the state's leading environmental advocacy organisation, is calling on the Minns government to put in place an urgent moratorium on floodplain harvesting to ensure the current flood is used to prepare rivers and wetlands for the coming El Niño summer, not as a bonanza for big irrigators.

Thylacines to haunt Lismore’s Quad after dark

Most visitors to Lismore’s Quad after dark are looking for dinner or a way home. From October 31, they may also find a thylacine.

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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Celebration of culture and Country

Almost 100 First Nations artists, musicians, performers, makers and cultural practitioners will come together on the banks of the Clarence River this November for Art on Bundjalung; a free celebration of creativity, culture and Country.

Ballina students dive into water science

Local Ballina Shire primary school students rolled up their sleeves and put water science into action as part of Rous County Council’s inaugural Young Water Leaders event.

Grim numbers from horse racing industry

The annual DeathWatch Report by the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) reveals that the home state of the upcoming Melbourne Cup, Victoria, was responsible for 30 percent of the at least 160 racehorses who were killed from racing across the country in the 2025/26 Australian racing season.

Can you help buy a bus for the local youth?

Byron Youth Service is calling on the community to support their campaign to buy a bus that is desperately needed so young people can access much-needed services.