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Byron Shire
July 9, 2026

‘Mullum man took five guns from reno ceiling

Latest News

Screen industry leaders to converge in Lennox Head

Film-maker advocacy group, Screenworks, has revealed the first speaker line-up for Regional to Global Screen Forum 2026, which will be held in Lennox Head on Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 September.

Other News

$5.5 million for surf clubs

The NSW government says the state's surf life saving clubs can now apply for a share of $5.5 million through the Surf Club Facility Program, to upgrade, rebuild or future-proof the facilities that keep beaches safe.

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.

Amani’s bite of the Big Apple

Although I was grateful that The Echo wrote an article about my daughter Amani Wiriyanjara being accepted into the...

Longboard titles return to Tweed July 24–30

Billed as the 'longest running event on the Australian surfing calendar', the Thermos Australian Longboard Titles will return for a third consecutive year to Tweed Coast beaches 24-30 July.

First Nations voices at the opening and heart of writers festival

Byron Writers Festival opens on Bundjalung Country on August 14 with a Calling to Country led by local Arakwal Bundjalung custodian, Delta Kay, and this year will feature the inaugural Rhoda Roberts Oration, honouring the late, beloved Rhoda Roberts AO.

Solar and batteries for every public school in NSW?

Parents for Climate, Future Ready Schools, and the NSW/ACT Electrical Trades Union (ETU) has welcomed a motion passed at the NSW Labor Conference on the weekend calling for a comprehensive rollout of solar generation and battery storage at every public school and early learning centre in New South Wales.

A 41-year-old man charged with possession of unregistered firearms is to serve a community corrections order after appearing in the Mullumbimby Local Court last week.

Phillip Scott Johnson, who the court heard has lived in Mullumbimby for several years, pleaded guilty to possession of five unregistered firearms.

Police arrested him in late October as part of a week-long police operation investigating criminal groups and carrying out raids related to the trade of suspected illicit tobacco and vape products.

Officers said they found the guns when carrying out a search warrant at Mr Johnson’s home on 25 October.

The accused man told police he had taken them from a roof cavity on a property that was being renovated and that he’d had the guns for a while.

The court heard he had rifles, but didn’t have any pistols, meaning each of the five counted offences were considered below mid-range.

The court ordered a six-month immediate conditional release from 3 December and surrender of Mr Johnson’s firearm licence.

He was also sentenced to a twelve-month community correction order.



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Alleged Lennox Head native tree removal sparks calls for action

A Ballina Greens councillor is calling on the government agencies to act immediately over claims that native clearing is occurring on a private property in Lennox Head.

Free shop to move on from Billinudgel

The Billinudgel Railway Station building, managed by Byron Shire Council (BSC) on behalf of Transport for NSW (TfNSW), has been used as a free community shop where people can donate unwanted items which are available for others to take since 2022.

Bigger community say on hospital land

Byron Council has voted to give the community a greater role in shaping the future of the former Mullumbimby Hospital site, despite concerns from some councillors that additional consultation could further delay the delivery of desperately needed housing.

Byron Bay High are Mock Trial champions

Byron Bay High School’s Mock Trial team achieved a rare trifecta as their debut as a formidable legal team in the Southern Cross University (SCU) Mock Trial competition.