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Byron Shire
July 16, 2026

Santos and Synthesis: a ‘heart-aligned’ partnership

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Inspiring arts, culture, business collaboration

Byron Fest, a multi-week festival in June 2027, will be a festival for the Shire, say Destination Byron as they finalise the $200,000 grant from the Regional Night-Time Economy Program.

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Royal Life Saving training courses in Murwillumbah

Royal Life Saving NSW is the leader in drowning prevention and water safety education in the state and they are introducing a regular training service in Murwillumbah from August, that will be of benefit to all members of the broader community.

L-R: Theme Rains founder of Synthesis Organics, Shelbi Southgate (Santos Organics) and Sarah Cavallaro (Santos Organics) at the Synthesis Organics farm in the Byron hinterland.

In the lush heart of the Byron Shire, two local businesses are showing how what they call a ‘values-led collaboration’ can nurture both people and the planet. Santos Organics and Synthesis Organics have joined forces in a powerful partnership grounded in sustainability, ethics, and community resilience.

For over four decades, Santos Organics has been a trusted local hub for organic, earth-friendly products nourishing the Northern Rivers while prioritising ethical sourcing and environmental stewardship. Every decision, from what’s on the shelves to how it’s packaged, is guided by a mission to create positive change.

Synthesis Organics, based in the Byron hinterland, shares this same ‘heart-led approach’. Their award-winning certified organic skincare and wellness range is crafted using biodynamic farming methods, certified organic botanicals, and energy activated formulations designed to support wellbeing and the Earth.

This year Synthesis was awarded the 2025 Climate Leadership Award at the Clean + Conscious Sustainability + Social Impact Awards, a new category dedicated to recognising trailblazing brands creating true, lasting change for people and planet.

This recognition celebrates their unwavering commitment to climate action, reducing emissions, and regenerating ecosystems. Their ethos of doing business with integrity, consciousness and care for the planet is shared wholeheartedly with Santos Organics.

The businesses say that their ‘alignment of values made the collaboration a natural step’. Through its Grow the Growers initiative, Santos Organics recently provided funding to help Synthesis cultivate their regenerative farm, expand their production capacity, and strengthen their supply of locally-grown botanicals.

‘By investing in Synthesis, we’re strengthening a circular local economy where resources, knowledge, and profits stay within the community,’ says Rob, General Manager at Santos Organics. ‘Localisation is key to building resilience – supporting the land, the people, and a thriving future.’

Thanks to this support, Synthesis has achieved full biodynamic and organic certification for their farm, launched their Earth Rising roadside stall and is now offering fresh produce to the local community.

Theme Rains, founder and formulator of Synthesis Organics, shares: ‘This partnership helped us bring our vision to life. It’s supported not just the growth of our farm, but the spirit of our work.’

As part of the collaboration, Santos Organics now proudly stocks Synthesis Organics products in-store at Mullumbimby and online. Customers can also enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on their first Synthesis purchase via a dedicated affiliate link on the Santos website.

Together, Santos and Synthesis are showing what’s possible when local businesses work in synergy – honouring nature, empowering community, and cultivating a resilient and sustainable future.

santosorganics.com.au



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Palestine community action day Sunday

Have you been wondering how to make a change in Palestine? This Sunday, Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine (NRFP) are inviting people to join in a community action day at Marvell Hall, Marvell Street, Byron Bay from 12 noon to 4pm and find out how they can get involved to make positive change in Gaza and the West Bank.

Asren Pugh to run for NSW Upper House

Former Byron Shire councillor Asren Pugh has confirmed with The Echo that he has been preselected for the NSW Labor Upper House (Senate) ticket for the 2027 election. He is number six on the ticket.

A life well lived – Vale Jim Mangleson

From running the local hardware store ‘Manglesons of Mullumbimby’ from 1972 to 1977 to starting Chincogan Real Estate in 1979, all with his wife Jan, Jim (James Harry) Mangleson was a man who liked to get on with life.

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