21 C
Byron Shire
July 12, 2026

Businesses seeking a strong voice for the Northern Rivers launch Lismore Alliance

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

Cartoons of the week – 8 July, 2026

The Echo loves your letters and is proud to provide a community forum on the issues that matter most to our readers and the people of the NSW north coast. So don’t be a passive reader, send us your epistles.

Cudgen Connection approved by NRPP

A contentious $300 million proposal on State Significant Farmland (SSF) next to the Tweed Hospital has been recommended for approval by The Northern Regional Planning Panel (NRPP). The Cudgen Connection decision came in late yesterday, after years of deliberations, opposition and political commitments to protect the SSF. It is located at 741 Cudgen Road.

Mandy’s column 2

Congratulations, Mandy Nolan, on winning Greens preselection for the state seat of Ballina. As a swinging voter, I can’t...

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.

Sign up for Mullum’s Chinny Charge race

Ready to race up the mountain? That’s right, the Chinny Charge is open for registration for runners and walkers who want to take the once a year chance to race and stroll up the mountain.

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.

Simon Stahl CEO of the Casino Food Co-op and Chair of the Lismore Alliance. Photo supplied

Lismore Alliance, a group of Northern Rivers (and Lismore-based) businesses, was launched last week to ‘create a unified voice for positive change’.

‘We are thrilled to establish the Lismore Alliance as a dedicated, cohesive voice that can bring real change to our community,’ said Chair, Simon Stahl, from Casino Food Co-op, Norco.

‘The strength of this Alliance lies in the collective expertise and commitment of its members, each deeply invested in the future of Lismore and the Northern Rivers.’

Founding members of Lismore Allaince include Mountain Blue, Casino Food Co-op, Norco, McLeans Freight, Summerland Bank, TNR Chartered Accountants, Southside Trucks, Newton Denny Chapelle, Social Futures, Lee Pratt Agribusiness, Obrien’s Plumbing & Electrical and Clarence Property.

The launch focussed on the need for coordinating local perspectives and to serve as a united voice for business and community groups. 

They say they want to ‘explore partnerships with government and key stakeholders on advocacy priories’ and ‘support Lismore’s long-term vision as a resilient and prosperous community’.

‘As an apolitical body, the Alliance has prioritized the following advocacy areas:

  1. Emergency and affordable housing
  2. Future flood mitigation strategies
  3. Vision and development for the CBD and relevant flood plain areas
  4. An economic recovery plan extending beyond flood-related challenges’

‘Our members are committed to addressing pressing community needs with sustainable, locally-driven solutions,’added Mr Stahl. 

‘We are actively seeking partnerships with government bodies, community groups, and other stakeholders to build a stronger future for Lismore.’

For more information, to inquire about membership contact Kevin Franey,
Secretary on 0416 218 544 or [email protected].



For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling.

If you are a local business owner help us and in turn we help you. All The Echo asks for is advertising, not a free ride. It is every advert in The Echo and on www.echo.net.au, which creates the space for all the stories and coverage of community events, happenings and concerns.

If you are a reader you can become a sponsor of The Echo. Your support keeps the us independent.

Even a small one-off or regular donation from you will help keep the echo’s independent voice alive and strong.

Support Us

Become one of the supporters who helps keep independent, local journalism alive in the Byron Shire by contributing anything from as little as the cost of a coffee each month.

You're Wonderful, Thank you for supporting independent journalism in the Byron Shire

You’re supporting The Echo, thank you

Your contribution is keeping independent, local journalism alive in the Northern Rivers.

Because of supporters like you, we can keep every story free for everyone — no paywall, no exceptions. Your money goes directly to funding our newsroom of 40-odd local workers covering the stories that matter to this community.

Tell us what you think, give us your opinion

The Echo loves your letters and comments and is proud to provide a community forum on the issues that matter most to our readers and the people of the NSW north coast. So don’t be a passive reader, email us your epistles at editor@echo.net.au.

The letters deadline for The Echo is noon Friday. Letters longer than 200 words may be cut. The publication of letters is at the discretion of the letters editor. Please remember to include your full name, address and telephone number.

Online comments are no longer available.

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.