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Byron Shire
July 14, 2026

The heart of Byron Bay’s local community

Latest News

Invasive weed projects tackles 125 ha of Crown land

Ballina, Lismore, Kyogle and Richmond Valley shires are set to benefit from seven weed biosecurity projects, which the NSW government says will support the protection of native vegetation and the enhancement of wildlife habitats at key environmental sites.

Other News

New flood maps could reshape development across Byron Shire

New flood mapping covering much of the Byron Shire could affect future development controls, with a major new study recommending that planning decisions be based on whichever flood source – river flooding or overland flow – produces the highest flood level.

Mandy’s column 2

Congratulations, Mandy Nolan, on winning Greens preselection for the state seat of Ballina. As a swinging voter, I can’t...

Mammalian meat allergy and my heart valve replacement

Increasingly, people living in bush areas of the Shire are becoming aware of Mammalian Meat Allergy (MMA). Also known as alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), the disease is caused when a tick bites you and transfers a sugar called alpha-gal into your bloodstream.

Energy savings

Two exciting developments will lower household electricity bills, strengthen the local grid, and help power-up our renewable energy. First,...

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’.

Deadly stories: powerful First Nations voices at Byron Writers Festival 2026

This year’s festival celebrates some of the most vital and impactful storytelling in Australian literature, with a dedicated program of First Nations writers whose work spans historical fiction, picture books and Indigenous knowledge and whose voices are reshaping how this country understands itself.

Byron Community Centre (BCC) team. Photo supplied

For 45 years, the Byron Community Centre has been at the heart of Byron’s local community, providing arts and social programs for locals and visitors. Today, it stands as a central force in local life, delivering a diverse array of programs, venues and services that support, connect and enrich the community every day.

Located in the heart of Byron Bay on Jonson Street, the community centre brings together an extensive network of initiatives under one umbrella. It owns and operates the Byron Markets, Byron Theatre, Byron Spaces, Byron Spaces Gallery, Byron Seniors and Fletcher Street Cottage, each playing a distinct but interconnected role in shaping the local experience.

Collectively, these initiatives represent one of the most dynamic community offerings in the region. The three Byron Markets, Community, Twilight and Beachside, have become a defining local and visitor attraction, supporting over 500 stallholders and showcasing the best of the Northern Rivers creative and food culture. Byron Theatre delivers a year-round program of 150 live performances, music, film and community events, providing an important platform for both local and touring talent.

Jan Dawkins had a central role in setting up the Byron Community Centre. Photo Tree Faerie

Workshops, events and exhibitions

Byron Spaces offers accessible venues for workshops, events and exhibitions, while Byron Spaces Gallery stands as a free exhibition space dedicated to supporting local artists. With seasonal exhibitions, the gallery provides local artists with an opportunity to share their work with the community, reinforcing the organisation’s ongoing commitment to local creativity.

Beyond its cultural footprint, the Byron Community Centre plays a vital role in social support. Fletcher Street Cottage provides essential services for over 10,000 people each year experiencing hardship and social isolation, delivering practical support alongside dignity and care. Complementing this, Byron Seniors delivers inclusive programs for 500 seniors that promote connection, wellbeing and active participation for older members of the community.

At the core of the Byron Community Centre’s impact is its people. Supported by a strong network of 70 staff and 175 volunteers, the organisation continues to foster a sense of belonging that extends across every program and service it delivers. This collective effort ensures the organisation remains responsive to the evolving needs of the local community.

As Byron Shire continues to grow and change, the Byron Community Centre remains a constant, embedded in the heart of town and deeply connected to its local community. Through its broad and integrated offering, it continues to deliver meaningful impact, ensuring community, creativity and care remain at the centre of Byron Bay life. 

More info: www.byroncentre.com.au



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Tweed harbour foreshore to bet a revamp

Jack Evans Boat Harbour foreshore is set to be upgraded, Local NSW Tweed MP, Geoff Provest says.

A spanner in the works for the Republic

I was changing the oil on Clancy, our barge moored on the Seine not far from the Place de la Concorde (think Marie Antoinette), when I made a big mistake.

NAIDOC celebrations at Byron Apex Park

NAIDOC celebrations were held last week in Byron Bay

From refugee to community contributor – a personal story

When I first arrived in Australia from Syria, I carried many emotions with me. Like many refugees and newcomers, I was grateful to be safe, but I was also overwhelmed by the challenges of starting over in a completely new country.