19.9 C
Byron Shire
June 22, 2026

Something to sing about

Latest News

Lismore wants a a safe, accessible and long-term home for the Hannah Cabinet

The Hannah Cabinet was created by Lismore master craftsman Geoff Hannah OAM over six-and-a-half years and is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most significant pieces of contemporary decorative furniture.

Other News

Byron Writers Festival reveals 30th anniversary program

As August draws near and authors gear up for a big weekend in Byron Bay, Byron Writers Festival has revealed its complete program for its 30th anniversary edition

Winter Warmer fundraiser for homelessness

The annual Winter Warmer Homelessness Relief campaign, hosted by Dharma Care, will return for 2026 with cabaret at Salt, Kingscliff, on Thursday 2 July, headlined by comedian Mandy Nolan, interactive performance artist The Space Cowboy and the Kinship Doobai Dancers, with a Welcome to Country from Aunty Jackie.

Councillors silent

I spent some time preparing a submission regarding the draft DCP for the redevelopment of the Mullumbimby Hospital site. I...

Morrison Avenue a ‘disgrace’

Local Mullumbimby residents are saying Byron Shire Council (BSC) needs to step up and fix Morrison Avenue properly.

Local media needed

Congratulations to The Echo for 40 years of providing our community with independent review and scrutiny and information that...

Caring for community

The Rotary Club of Mullumbimby presented a cheque for $10,000 to the Brunswick Surf Life Saving Club (BSLSC) in support of its ongoing operations.

The Shire Choir

In a world where there doesn’t seem to be much to sing about, Shire Choir is the perfect musical medicine.

The long-running popup choir at the pub returns to the Bangalow Hotel on Thursday, March 26 for another uplifting night of community singing, where everyone is welcome and no experience is required.

Led by Melia Naughton, the evening invites the audience to learn and perform a gorgeous pop-rock vocal arrangement in three parts, accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Jamie Birrell.

There are no auditions or rehearsals. Just a sheet of lyrics and a sense of wild abandon. Just turn up, grab a drink and join the room as it transforms into a choir.

Since starting in the Northern Rivers, Shire Choir has built a loyal following, with many locals returning each month for the joy, laughter, and sense of connection that comes from singing side by side. First-timers are equally welcome, whether they sing regularly or find themselves belting it out in the car or shower.

Doors open at 7pm with the singing starting soon after. Expect a feel-good night of music, community, and the powerful sound of voices raised together. Tickets $25/$20 via shirechoir.eventbrite.com and limited tickets at the door.



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.

Facing the River in chapters

Tweed Shire Council is telling the full story of how the Tweed community has rebuilt since the 2022 floods, and further damage from the 2024 floods and Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Putting their money where their mouth and conscience is

Climate action group Rising Tide say they will disrupt business at Tweed City ANZ today, as local long-term customers withdraw their life savings from the bank.

Bird flu reaches Western Australia

H5 avian flu has officially arrived in Western Australia, first discovered days ago in a dead migratory seabird near Esperance (700 km south-east of Perth), and since found in numerous other birds.

Momentum hosts free skate workshop for girls and women

Whether you are stepping on a skateboard for the first time, sharpening your skills or getting ready to compete, a free school holiday workshop is being offered to all female skaters up to 25 years.