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Byron Shire
June 29, 2026

Keep music and arts alive in Lismore

Latest News

Fresh ink: new releases making their festival debut

This year’s Byron Writers Festival is a first-look destination, with several of Australia’s most anticipated new books arriving at the festival before the ink has barely dried.

Other News

BSC moves closer to special rate rise

Byron Shire Council has moved a step closer to seeking a special rate rise, unanimously endorsing a community engagement program that will form a key part of any future application to increase rates above the state-imposed cap.

Booyong Abattoir II

The ongoing discussion surrounding the Booyong Abattoir is about more than a single DA application. It raises broader questions...

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.

Man in court today after alleged pursuit near Kingscliff

A man will face court today after an alleged pursuit in December last year.

Tweed Water Alliance and the future of the region’s water

Community concern about large-scale water extraction in a quiet rural area, the use of heavy vehicle trucking on narrow, winding, country roads and unsustainable one-use bottling led to the formation of Tweed Water Alliance.

Teals form a party – well some of them, anyway

Community Strong Australia chose to announce its existence to the world with an image showing two women, teal MPs Allegra Spender and Zali Steggall, isolated on the vast expanse of the Parliament House forecourt, while something exciting seemed to be happening in the distance.

Photo from the Big Yarn Day at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium Open Day.

With the end of the financial year approaching, Lismore-based Northern Rivers Conservatorium is appealing for support to continue their music education, scholarships, and maintain their programs.

Executive Director
Northern Rivers Conservatorium, Anita Bellman, said, “The Northern Rivers Conservatorium has been part of this community for generations. It is a place where people come together to learn, create and share music”.

“Over the past few years, we have continued to teach and make music through significant challenges, including the 2022 floods and the long process of rebuilding our home. Through it all, the music has continued.

“As we approach the end of the financial year, we are asking for your support to help us continue this work.

“Your donation helps us provide access to music education, support scholarships, maintain our programs and keep this important community space active and accessible for people across the Northern Rivers.

“The Northern Rivers Conservatorium is a not-for-profit registered charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, which means all donations are tax deductible.

“If you are in a position to give, we would be very grateful for your support.Please also consider sharing this campaign with friends, family and others who value music, creativity and community.

“Thank you for being part of the Conservatorium community”.

To help, visit https://nrcac.edu.au/



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The ghosts of generations – Siang Lu at Byron Writers Festival 2026

The Byron Writers Festival talks to author Siang Lu about his book, Ghost Cities, which won the Miles Franklin Award in 2025.

Ballina Council finds savings in chairs

At its last meeting, as part of a long discussion about amendments to Ballina Council's delivery program and operational plan, there was a debate about whether Ballina Richmond Rotary Club should still be paid $8,000 to set up chairs for the RSL Lighthouse Day Club.

Man in court today after alleged pursuit near Kingscliff

A man will face court today after an alleged pursuit in December last year.

It’s investors who are causing the housing shortage

For years, people have been talking about how high house prices are, how you can’t get into the housing market without the bank of mum and dad. How it is virtually impossible to rent, save a mortgage, and then actually buy a property without placing yourself in housing stress.