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Byron Shire
July 15, 2026

Introducing Billi Busk Fest!

Latest News

Community responds to detention dams proposal

More than 110 residents gathered at Rock Valley Hall on Sunday 12 July and rejected claims that the recently released CSIRO report on flood mitigation was informed by strong community consultation.

Other News

Where do I start. Where does it end?

There is so much happening in the always enthralling intersection of law and politics that it is hard to know where to start. I will stop my head spinning and focus on just five.

Major chlamydia advance for wild koalas

In what’s been hailed as a massive breakthrough, a chlamydia vaccine implant has been administered to a wild koala for the first time, with calls for a wider vaccination roll out.

Here she comes

Tiffany Grace is a 22-year-old Brisbane-based singer/songwriter/guitarist. Her original songs are deep, uplifting, and relatable, with an acoustic, pop-country feel that are getting attention worldwide.

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’.

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.

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'.

Billinudgel Hotel

With no Bluesfest this year, the mob at the Billinudgel Hotel (The Nudge) wanted to see what they could do to make up for it – Ta Daa! The birth of the Billi Busk Fest.

Head to the Nudge on Friday and Saturday and set yourself down in the beer garden for two afternoons of live local music from 12pm to 5pm each day.

This is an all ages and free event. We encourage you to tip the musicians as you would if you saw them busking on the street – the little kids love that!



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Data shows biggest danger to wildlife is people, not cats

Human-created hazards are responsible for most wildlife rescues in New South Wales, and researchers are calling for more prevention strategies to save threatened species.

Try pickleball and support a great cause

Northern Rivers Pickleball Club are holding a marathon day of pickleball on Sunday, 19 July at the Goonellabah Tennis and Pickleball Club Reserve Street, Goonellabah.

Tree lopping accident

Around 2.45pm, on Monday 13 July, a Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked by NSW Ambulance to a tree lopping accident near Grafton.

The numbers behind Byron’s proposed rate rise

Byron Shire ratepayers are staring down the barrel of a proposed 33–35 per cent rate increase over three years, with Council arguing the extra revenue is needed to secure its long-term financial future.