13.2 C
Byron Shire
August 29, 2026

Shining a light on our local seniors

Latest News

Greens urged to back pathway to end native forest logging

Some of NSW’s most respected and long-standing forest campaigners and scientists have today urged the Greens not to support the Nationals' attempt to disallow the Improved Native Forest Management (INFM) method.

Other News

Greens urged to back pathway to end native forest logging

Some of NSW’s most respected and long-standing forest campaigners and scientists have today urged the Greens not to support the Nationals' attempt to disallow the Improved Native Forest Management (INFM) method.

Given up the ghost

We are informed that Byron Shire Council (BSC) has, in a sense, ‘given up the ghost’.  It has run...

Going beyond the BBQ

The Men & Family Centre will soon be running a free Beyond the BBQ event in Lismore.

Imagine

‘Imagine there’s no heaven, it’s easy if you try No hell below us… above us only sky, Imagine all the people,...

Science in the Pub digs into hydrodynamic modelling

With half the Northern Rivers suddenly an expert on how water moves across the landscape, there will be a chance to hear from some real experts at the next Science in the Pub, to be held on Thursday 3 September at the Federal Hotel in Alstonville.

Being un conscious

There is a general belief that consciousness is an entity in itself or something that is non-physical. I don’t...

Tamara Smith MP. Photo Tree Faerie.

Member for Ballina Tamara Smith MP is calling on locals to nominate an outstanding older person for the NSW Seniors Festival Local Senior of the Year Awards, celebrating the invaluable contributions of seniors across the Ballina electorate.

‘Our older community members are the quiet heroes who hold so much of our social fabric together,’ said Tamara Smith.

‘We are fortunate to have so many seniors in our local community who are generous with their time, energy and commitment. From volunteering in local organisations to mentoring younger generations and supporting neighbours, seniors contribute immeasurably to the strength, kindness and resilience of our region.

‘If you know a senior who goes above and beyond whether through their community service, creativity, innovation or simple acts of care now is the time to nominate them for this well-deserved recognition.’

Diverse enrichment

Previously known as the NSW Seniors Local Achievement Awards, the Local Senior of the Year Awards highlight the diverse ways older people enrich our communities.

Nomination forms are available from all MPs’ offices across NSW and must be submitted by Friday 16 January 2026.

Successful recipients will be recognised during the NSW Seniors Festival 2026, which runs from 2–15 March 2026. For further information, contact Tamara Smith MP’s office on (02) 6686 7522 or email [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.

Ballina Council makes decision on Ross Lane

With the absence of all four of its progressive councillors for various reasons, Ballina Council pushed ahead with its agenda at yesterday's monthly meeting, including a decision which is likely to close Ross Lane for months while the road is upgraded.

Mullumbimby puts new governance models first, and now wants to build it

Imagine Northern Rivers says Mullumbimby is the only community across the region to rank new models of governance and decision-making as the number one element of its preferred future, and last week locals gathered to work out how to make it real.

Appeal to locate man missing from Broadwater

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a local missing man.

Katie Milne responds to Tweed’s draft housing and employment strategy

The former mayor of Tweed Shire Council, Kate Milne, has shared her submission to Tweed's Draft Growth Management Housing & Employment Strategy.