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Byron Shire
July 11, 2026

And the OS art winners are…

Latest News

Plastic not so fantastic

There is nothing healthier than drinking some water – or so I’ve always told my kids. It doesn’t contain sugar or colour additives – as one person used to tell us as children, ‘it’s sky juice’! What could be better?

Other News

Longboard titles return to Tweed July 24–30

Billed as the 'longest running event on the Australian surfing calendar', the Thermos Australian Longboard Titles will return for a third consecutive year to Tweed Coast beaches 24-30 July.

Ballina king tide alert for 13–16 July

Ballina Shire Council is encouraging motorists to drive safely over the coming days with king tides leading to minor flooding of some local roads.

Byron floodplain

The current hardships facing Byron communities seem to reflect global power relations. Trump’s vision for humanity is ‘might is right’...

Manna Haven Cafe – loving Byron for 20 years

One of Byron Bay’s favourite lunch spots is wowing guests after a recent community-gifted makeover. More than 50 volunteers...

Inaugural DINGO Music & Arts Festival to light up Bangalow in October

It is a fusion of local and international art, music, performance, food, and thought that will be coming to you in Bagalow as part of the inaugural DINGO Music & Arts Festival across four days from 8 to 11 October.

Protests over ALDI supply chain safety issues

Hundreds of transport workers are protesting nationally at Aldi stores as the Transport Workers' Union highlights dangerous practices in the supermarket’s transport supply chain, from lack of maintenance on vehicles to underpayments and worker injuries.

Angela Parr’s painting, The Reds, took out first prize in the printmaking, drawing and pastels category of the Ocean Shores Art Expo. She shared the Frank Mills Award with Heidi Houghting, who also won second prize for her oil painting, The First Year Of The Dragon. Photo Jeff ‘Invited To All The Best Gigs’ Dawson

The Ocean Shores Art Expo drew art lovers together to admire local creatives at the Ocean Shores Community Centre last weekend.

Organisers said, ‘From breathtaking paintings to intricate sculptures, the event truly showcased the vibrant artistic spirit of the region’.

A big congratulations to the winners Macarena Ruiz, Cate Cormack, Heidi Houghting, Jenny Sayer, Katherine Carson, Angela Parr, Rachel Dunn, Peter Faulkner-Roberts, Suvira McDonald, Lisa Galvin, Mon Manabu, Isabelle Hillier, Greg Newland, Dave Sparkes, Mark Seiffert, and Cameron Pitcher.

Organisers said, ‘Student artists from local primary and secondary schools also impressed with their creative contributions’.

‘Artworks are available online until Christmas Eve – email [email protected] to buy a piece for your collection.

New leader sought

‘Finally, after eight wonderful years, President and Secretary, Elizabeth Tomlinson, is stepping down. The Expo is now looking for a new leader to continue its creative legacy. If you’re interested in joining the committee or stepping into this vital role, please email [email protected]’.



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Ballina courthouse windows smashed, man charged

Police say a man will face court today, charged after 12 windows were allegedly smashed in Ballina last night.   Police say, 'About 10.35pm (Thursday 9 July 2026), police were called to Martin Street following reports of a man smashing windows'.

Alleged native tree removal continues in Lennox, says councillor

With a government agency now investigating the alleged clear felling of natives on a large private block in Lennox Head, Ballina Greens councillor Kiri Dicker has told The Echo that contractors were felling trees all morning, ‘trying to get the job done’.

Ocean Shores man charged with advocating terrorism online

Police say a 20-year-old Ocean Shores man is behind bars (refused bail) and will face court in Tweed Heads Local Court on 18 September, charged with advocating terrorism.  

Ballina king tide alert for 13–16 July

Ballina Shire Council is encouraging motorists to drive safely over the coming days with king tides leading to minor flooding of some local roads.