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Byron Shire
July 7, 2026

Aurum: a bold new chapter in Australian beverage innovation

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Eclectic Selection for the week beginning 8 July 2026

Eclectic Selection: What’s on this week is a taste of some of the events that can be found in the Byron Shire and beyond this coming week.

Other News

Pottsville Triathlon announced for 24-25 October

Entries are now open for the inaugural Pottsville Beach Triathlon, a fresh coastal multisport weekend, taking place on 24-25 October, 2026.

NAIDOC Week and 19th Arakwal NAIDOC Week short film screening

Celebrating the history, culture, and achievements of First Nations Australians, NAIDOC Week runs from 5-12 July with the theme ‘50 Years of Deadly’.

1,000 voices raised to end rough sleeping by 2034

Ending rough sleeping is no small challenge for Byron Shire and the Northern Rivers but that is the aim of the Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration and the release of the 1,000 Voices Byron Shire report just released.

NSW confirms first case of H5 avian influenza

A giant petrel found near Hawks Nest, north of Newcastle, was confirmed positive on the weekend for H5 high pathogenicity (H5 bird flu) avian influenza in laboratory tests by the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.

Lismore’s Norco Eat the Street returns Aug 22

Lismore’s signature food, arts and culture festival, Norco Eat the Street, is making its highly anticipated return to the CBD on Saturday, 22 August 2026.

Three Blue Ducks

On Sunday 26 July, from 11:30am for both lunch and dinner, Three Blue Ducks will celebrate Christmas in July...

Aurum’s sophistication and complexity: turning heads across the food and wine industry. Check out Aurum’s Cellar Door on Saturdays at Newrybar Hall – they offer a huge 50% discount on their wines to those visiting the cellar door to make them accessible for their local community. Also, tastings are free with the purchase of any wine or Manuka honey. Photo Nelly Le Comte

A new wave is sweeping through Australia’s premium drinks scene – and it’s made from honey.

Meet Aurum, a modern reinvention of the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage, crafted with a level of sophistication that’s turning heads across the food and wine industry.

Founded in Byron Bay by French-Australian winemaker Louis Costa, Aurum blends centuries-old tradition with modern winemaking techniques to produce sparkling and still wines that rival champagne and fine wine – but with a unique twist. Rather than using grapes, Aurum is made from medicinal-grade Australian honey and pure spring water, resulting in a beverage that’s naturally gluten-free, better for your health and the environment, and with no next-day side effects.

‘It’s a clean, conscious alternative for people who love the ceremony of a glass of good wine, but want something lighter, purer, and more original,’ says Costa, who draws inspiration from his Bordeaux winemaking roots and Australia’s rich biodiversity.

Aurum’s range spans from refined sparkling cuvées to elegant dry still wines that pair beautifully with food – each one crafted with such purity and finesse that you’d be forgiven for not realising it’s made from honey. In fact, some of the world’s best sommeliers have been fooled during tastings, mistaking Aurum for high-end wine or champagne. This is not traditional mead – it’s something entirely new.

This innovative approach has not gone unnoticed. Aurum has already won gold, and Best in Show at the Australian Nationals, and was voted in the Top 20 Drinks of 2024 in the Australian Financial Review, receiving praise for its balance, complexity, and elegant packaging.

Beyond the awards, Aurum is building a community of conscious drinkers and culinary leaders who see its potential as a premium pairing for fine food and modern entertaining. With sustainability at its core, and a growing fan base of wellness-conscious drinkers in Australia and globally, Aurum is poised to redefine what’s possible in the world of drinks.

In short: it’s not wine, it’s not champagne – it’s Aurum, and it’s here to stay.

Cellar door info:
@aurummead, [email protected], and www.aurummead.com.



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Interview: Busby Marou

Busby Marou have cemented themselves as one of Australia’s premier musical acts, captivating audiences with their distinctly Australian storytelling, masterful musicianship, and undeniable onstage chemistry. For two decades, Tom Busby and Jeremy Marou have forged a musical partnership that blends rich harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and the kind of effortless synergy that only comes from years of playing together.

Interview with Trent Dalton

The Byron Writers Festival will once again be treated to the delights of author and journalist Trent Dalton, who will be featured at the Jonson Street Stage on Saturday evening, 15 August, as well as throughout the event. Celebrating its 30th year, the Byron Writers Festival will, for the first time, be taking place around the town of Byron Bay from 14 to 16 August, with a mix of free and paid events.

Cinema: Moana

The Academy Award-nominated animated film sails into its live action debut in Moana, directed by Tony- and Emmy-winner Thomas Kail (Hamilton).

For your wellbeing

On Saturday, in Byron, they are holding a Psychic Health and Wellbeing Expo, at the Cavanbah Centre, Ewingsdale Road – this is a community-based event and all are welcome.