14.3 C
Byron Shire
June 26, 2026

Spirit of the blues lives on

Latest News

Byron’s Winter Whales raise $43,000

The Byron Bay Winter Whales (BBWW) took to the ocean for the 39th time this year on the first Sunday of May and raised $43,000 for local organisations and charities.

Other News

Break-ins leave Uniting Church volunteers struggling

The Uniting Church Op Shop and Church Hall in Mullumbimby have been broken into three times in the last few months with the television being repeatedly stolen, donated stock stolen, and general damage to the shop.

Wollumbin Art Award finalists announced

The finalists for the biennial Wollumbin Art Award, held by Tweed Regional Gallery, have been announced. They are Tweed based artist Kane Corowa, Gold Coast based artist Beth Andrews, and Byron based artists Kirsten Chambers and Monica Buscarino.   

Mullum Scout Hall fire overnight

At 1.45am this morning the NSW Fire and Rescue Mullumbimby Station 388 Sans and Brunswick Station 240 were called to a fire at the Mullumbimby Scout Hall.

Iran: honest, sincere

When Israel and the US launched their illegal, unprovoked aggression against Iran at the end of February, they unintentionally...

NT Intervention

I refer to the NT Intervention article, Echo page 4, 17 June. Recent events in the Northern Territory (NT) would...

Tweed Mayor advocates to restore funding at Local Government assembly

Tweed Shire Council say it has secured national support at the Australian Local Government Association’s National General Assembly, with four key motions carried.

M.V. Jasmine

In the wake of the unexpected cancellation of Bluesfest 2026 just weeks before Easter, local tourism operator and charter vessel, M.V. Jasmine is stepping up to keep the music alive and support the community with a heartfelt gesture.

On Saturday, April 4 from 11.30am to 2.30pm, M.V. Jasmine will host a complimentary charter departing from Brunswick Heads for all 2026 ticket holders to Bluesfest. This intimate on-water experience is being offered at no cost to those who had purchased Bluesfest tickets and were left out of pocket following the cancellation.

With a capacity of 64 seats, the event will be a unique and personal celebration of blues music, the Byron Bay spirit, and community resilience, in an intimate setting. If you miss out and would like to jump on the M.V. Jasmine anyway, they do have cruises available over Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Sunday for brunch, lunch and sunset all Easter long weekend.

M.V. Jasmine’s Helen Caruana said: ‘We were just as sad as everyone when Bluesfest was cancelled so close to Easter. We know how many people were affected. This is our way of giving something back to those out of pocket, and keeping the spirit of the Shire alive.’

‘We are hoping the free cruise will feature live blues performances, stunning scenic cruising, and a shared sense of connection during what is usually one of the region’s most vibrant weekends.’

Callout for artists: Local and touring blues musicians are invited to be part of this special event. Artists who are available over the Easter long weekend and would like to contribute their talent to this community-driven initiative are encouraged to get in touch at [email protected].

This initiative reflects the resilience and generosity that Byron Bay and the Northern Rivers are known for – proving that even in the face of disappointment, the music doesn’t stop.

Tickets must be reserved via https://mvjasmine.rezdy.com – first in, best dressed.



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When it comes to real estate, everyone can use an advocate

With 45 years combined experience across both sales and property management, husband and wife team Mark and Michelle Errichiello have recently moved to the Northern Rivers and teamed up with Byron Property Search to provide advocacy services for people looking to buy or sell across the region.

Savour The Tweed returns, 22 October

Food and drink event, Savour The Tweed, returns to excite tastebuds this spring, from Wednesday 22 October to Sunday 26 October.

Conservationists welcome carbon credit scheme to protect forests

Today’s release of the government’s proposed Improved Native Forest Method, which allows governments to claim carbon credits in return for stopping logging has been welcomed by the North East Forest Alliance and North Coast Environment Council as "providing a way to end native forest logging on public land".

Charge dismissed for activist hindering coal exports

An activist who came to national attention after being punched by a police officer while protesting, has had an anti-protest charge dismissed in court today.