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Byron Shire
July 12, 2026

Eclectic Selection: What’s on this week

Latest News

Deadly weaving at Lismore gallery

Eighteen months ago, a group of First Nations artists from the Northern Rivers came together at the Lismore Regional Gallery as part of the Gathering Space project.

Other News

First Nations voices at the opening and heart of writers festival

Byron Writers Festival opens on Bundjalung Country on August 14 with a Calling to Country led by local Arakwal Bundjalung custodian, Delta Kay, and this year will feature the inaugural Rhoda Roberts Oration, honouring the late, beloved Rhoda Roberts AO.

Free shop to move on from Billinudgel

The Billinudgel Railway Station building, managed by Byron Shire Council (BSC) on behalf of Transport for NSW (TfNSW), has been used as a free community shop where people can donate unwanted items which are available for others to take since 2022.

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'.

Local union players to benefit from Legacy grants

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is encouraging local councils and rugby union clubs to take advantage of an opportunity to upgrade their facilities, player pathways and increase local participation.

Evelyn Araluen on coming home to Country

Byron Writers Festival interviews prize-winning poet Evelyn Araluen who will present her new poetry collection, 'The Rot', at the 2026 Byron Writers Festival.

Savour The Tweed returns 12-25 Oct

An ambitious lineup of gourmet delights, inspired events, thought provoking discussions and creative collaborations will again entice food lovers to Tweed Shire this October.

Living in the 80s

Remember the days when Aussie pub rock was king? When bands like Cold Chisel and INXS rocked the local pubs, and the energy was electric? Those were the nights of vibe-filled venues, where the music was pumping, the dance floor was heaving, and all we cared about was having a good time. Living in the 80s brings that same spirit back with a setlist that will have you singing along and dancing like it’s 1985.

Wednesday 4.30pm at the Hotel Brunswick. Free show


Shag Rock

A lineup that blends rising stars with seasoned favourites, acting as the ultimate tastemaker for Aussie live music, this editon of Spaced Out features: Dice, The Buoys, Daily J and Shag Rock.

Thursday 2pm Beach Hotel, Byron Bay. Tickets from $79.30 at oztix.com.au.


The Whiskeys

The Whiskeys are a two-piece, boisterous, and heavy blues and rock band  – if you can imagine The Black Keys meeting Royal Blood, and then closing your eyes and hearing Led Zeppelin, then you have an insight into the sound they create.

Friday at the Rails, The Whiskeys. Free show


Screaming Jets

Get ready to rock as the legendary Screaming Jets take the stage in 2025. This high-octane show promises a night of heart-pounding energy and pure rock ‘n’ roll intensity as the iconic band performs a with a kick-ass multi-artist bill.

Tuesday at 5.30pm at the Ballina RSL – Level One. Tickets: from $61.20 – ballinarsl.com.au.


Mojo Webb

Utterly fresh and unique but steeped in the tradition of real, authentic blues, the music of Mojo We’bbss is truly world-class. With charisma and a naturally captivating stage presence, Mojo breathes new life into roots-based sounds transcending all age and fashion barriers.

Sunday 2.30pm at the Blues Club, Ballina RSL. Free show


Monsieur Diop

Eclectic, eccentric and hedonist, DJ Monsieur Diop is in eternal search for the timeless sound. His devotion for music took him on a journey of no return. His creative approach revolves around the progression of natural incidents in the pursuit of harmony.

Sunday from 3.30pm at Wandana Brewing Co. Free show


Karise Eden

Shooting to fame at the age of 19 with a viral audition video that now has over 50 million views on YouTube, Karise Eden has arguably one of Australia’s most distinctive voices – Karise’s solo shows see her armed with her guitar and a songbook of her own originals plus her own twist on some classics that have influenced her musical journey throughout her career.

Friday 7pm at the Byron Theatre. Tickets from $47 – byroncentre.com.au


Merryn Jeann

Following the beautiful evening that was the first-ever musical bonanza earlier this year, tucked into the hills at Repentance Creek, Musical Bonanza #2 is on at Coorabell Hall and features Baby Cool, Tralalablip, Blue Divers and Merryn Jeann.

Following the live shows, you can dance the night away (until midnight*) with DJ Myles Doughman.

Coorabell Hall – Saturday, from 3pm. $25 humantix or $30 on the door.



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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?

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.