17.6 C
Byron Shire
June 12, 2026

Writers fest locked and loaded

Latest News

Up to 550 homes pegged for Byron Shire’s newest suburb

Community feedback is now sought on three planning documents that will shape the future of Gulgan Village, a new residential suburb proposed on the elevated slopes of Saddle Road. 

Other News

Festival and event grants on offer

Community organisations are encouraged to apply for NSW government grants to bring cultural festivals and events to life across the state over the coming year.

Eclectic Selection for the week beginning 10 June 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.

Pool tender

Why! Why! Why! Can someone – in particular one of our councillors – tell me, us, the community, why...

Catalano’s twin Wategos mansion DA wins court approval

A controversial dual-mansion development at Wategos Beach has been approved by the NSW Land & Environment Court, ending an 18-month battle between media entrepreneur Antony Catalano's company and Byron Shire Council.

Byron Shire residents urged to lobby feds for better roads and services

Byron Shire Council is calling on the community to help lobby the Australian Government to restore proper funding through their Federal Assistance Grants program from the current 0.5 percent of tax revenue to 1 percent.

Kyogle petition calls to restore daytime train service to Brisbane

A Kyogle petition with more than 1,000 signatures is calling on ‘key stakeholders and policymakers’ to provide a ‘practical daytime train service’ to Brisbane, with claims that the current train service, which leaves at 3am and returns at 8am, is 'inconvenient and frustrating’.

Authors Kayte Nunn (The Palazzo) and Denise Alison (Humans of Lismore), Bundjalung woman and Byron Shire councillor, Delta Kay, with Artistic Director, Jessica Alice. Photo Jeff Dawson

The 2025 Byron Writers Festival program has been revealed!

More than 160 heavyweights in the Australian and international literary scene will explore the important themes shaping our world at the scenic Bangalow Showground from August 8 to 10.

With the theme ‘Passion and Purpose’, the festival will host more than 160 writers with thought-provoking panels, in-depth discussions, debate and intimate conversations.

Additionally, the festival will feature an array of workshops, a dedicated children’s program and special feature events.

Bold conversations

Festival organisers say, ‘From celebrated novelists, memoirists, poets and essayists to leading political commentators, academics and activists, the program promises bold and wide-ranging conversations spanning social justice, politics, the environment, crime, mortality and human connection’.

Artistic Director, Jessica Alice, says of the 2025 theme, ‘Passion and Purpose’: ‘This year’s festival is an exuberant celebration of the art of reading, writing, and living with purpose featuring renowned writers and the most impressive new voices. We are honoured to present these brilliant authors and thinkers who will ignite your curiosity and passion for a life well lived, and big ideas for a better world.’

Foodie/kids program

Foodie favourites Virginia Trioli, Nadine Ingram, and Ben Shewry will share their unique insights into culture, creativity, and cuisine, while at the Sunday Kids Program, beloved children’s authors including Peter Helliar, Zanni Louise and Tony Armstong will offer laughter, imagination, and heartwarming tales for young readers. www.byronwritersfestival.com



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.

Load limit increased for Byron Creek Bridge

The load limit for Byron Creek Bridge has been increased to 24 tonnes, say Byron Shire Council, following structural analysis of the bridge.

Festival and event grants on offer

Community organisations are encouraged to apply for NSW government grants to bring cultural festivals and events to life across the state over the coming year.

Dr Bronwyn Bancroft wins prestigious Ochre Award

Bundjalung woman and artist Dr Bronwyn Bancroft AM has received the Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Artistic Excellence.

The Pocket Winter Festival bringing you music, food and fun

The Pocket Winter Festival is set to return on Sunday, 21 June, from 10am to 2pm, bringing together the community for a day of music, food, entertainment and family fun at The Pocket Public School.