11.5 C
Byron Shire
July 13, 2026
Local NewsFeatured

Clouds part for MardiGrass parade

By David Lowe

Latest News

Local NewsThe Echo - 0

Royal Life Saving training courses in Murwillumbah

Royal Life Saving NSW is the leader in drowning prevention and water safety education in the state and they are introducing a regular training service in Murwillumbah from August, that will be of benefit to all members of the broader community.
Read more

Other News

Local NewsThe Echo - 0

$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.
Read more
Local NewsThe Echo - 0

Young musicians to take centre stage for NRYO 2026 finale concert

The Northern Rivers Conservatorium is thrilled to present the grand finale concert of the Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra (NRYO) 2026, ‘celebrating the extraordinary talent, dedication and musicianship of young performers from across the region.’
Read more
Local NewsHans Lovejoy - 0

As NSW govt boasts its support for festivals, let’s dive into where they haven’t

The NSW government today spruiked that Casino's CBD will host one of Australia's great transport events after Casino Truck Show secured funding under the state government's 2026/27 Regional Event Fund.
Read more
Entertainment NewsThe Echo - 0

Cinema: Moana

The Academy Award-nominated animated film sails into its live action debut in Moana, directed by Tony- and Emmy-winner Thomas Kail (Hamilton).
Read more
Local NewsThe Echo - 0

Savour The Tweed returns 12-25 Oct

An ambitious lineup of gourmet delights, inspired events, thought provoking discussions and creative collaborations will again entice food lovers to Tweed Shire this October.
Read more
The Good LifeAllie Godfrey - 0

Nudgel Nuts returns to Mullum Farmers Market

A familiar favourite has returned to the Mullumbimby Farmers Market, with Nudgel Nuts back for the new macadamia season. Owner...
Read more

Uncle Gilbert Laurie leads MardiGrass 2026 Parade. Photo David Lowe

On the weekend, the rain stopped just in time for the climax of MardiGrass 2026, the epic street parade, although there were still a few clouds around the streets of Nimbin.

In the town hall, a non-stop cavalcade of legal, medical and plain old pot experts appeared at the Hemposium organised by Kath Williamson. The event was professionally covered via multicam video, streamed live on Facebook and soon to be archived on YouTube, via the Hemp Embassy.

Notable speakers this year included legal eagles Steve Bolt and David Heilpern, Ethan Nadelmann from the USA (who provided some fascinating insights into the transformation of the American war on drugs), Greens senator David Shoebridge, NSW Legalise Cannabis MLC Jeremy Buckingham, his WA counterpart Dr Brian Walker, wine tester turned cannabis tester Gabriel Younes, the legendary Dr Alex Wodak, and Dr John Teh and Chlose Jean from PlantMed.

An all-female panel led by Kyla de Clifford discussed hormones, sex and cannabis, while Fiona Patten provided some insights into her unique political journey.

Comedians S Sorrensen and Alan Glover led the joint-rolling section of the Hemp Olympix, with an international field lining up to complete before a packed house in the Nimbin Town Hall.

Check out a photo gallery from the Hemposium and street parade, below:

 

 

Previous articleByron Bay vet calls for urgent reform to enable tele-prescribing
Next articleThe return of Love for One Night

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.

Local News

Arts Northern Rivers First Nations Committee

The Echo - 0
Arts Northern Rivers (ANR) is calling for members who have a connection to Bundjalung, Githabul, Yaegl and Gumbaynggirr Country to help them form a First Nations committee to guide and shape their First Nations program.
Read more
Articles & Columns

Anarchy in the UK?

David Lowe - 0
After going through six prime ministers in the last ten years, the not-so United Kingdom is likely to soon notch up its seventh.
Read more
Local News

A hidden gem of culture and fun

The Echo - 0
With 73 films under their belts the Drill Hall Film Society are inviting you to come and see the next film they are showing – the 1971 classic and hilarious Harold and Maude.
Read more
Local News

Deadly weaving at Lismore gallery

Aslan Shand - 0
Eighteen months ago, a group of First Nations artists from the Northern Rivers came together at the Lismore Regional Gallery as part of the Gathering Space project.
Read more

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