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Byron Shire
July 3, 2026

Positive future for Byron’s visitor economy

Latest News

Vale Eve Sinton 20/11/52–30/06/26

In February this year, Eve Sinton was admitted to Tamworth Hospital. All tests and biopsies were taken. Before announcing the diagnosis to Eve, the doctor asked ‘First Please tell me what was your occupation?’ Eve replied, ‘I am a journalist’.

Other News

Deadly Weavers exhibition celebrates NAIDOC week

Lismore Regional Gallery will celebrate NAIDOC Week with Deadly Weavers, a vibrant four-day exhibition and pop-up sale showcasing the work of local First Nations weavers and fibre artists working on Bundjalung Land.

Women to the front: the female voices shaping the 2026 Byron Writers Festival

The 2026 Byron Writers Festival program puts women front and centre. Journalists, novelists, and an award-winning columnist bring an extraordinary breadth of stories to Bundjalung Country this August.

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.

Missing man in Ballina

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a missing man. Caine Tierney, aged 47, was last seen on Ross Street, Ballina, about 12.30pm on Wednesday 24 June 2026.

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.

Former Paralympian loses critical NDIS support

Public support is being sought to help wheelchair-bound former Paralympic athlete gold medalist Tracy Barrell with her living expenses after an alleged National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) decision reduced her ability to be fed and assisted.

Northern Rivers Rail Trail. Photo supplied

Last Thursday saw Destination Byron bring together over 150 attendees looking at the future of Byron and its visitor economy.

Speakers included Rebecca Masci from the Brisbane 2032 Olympics Organising Committee, data commentator Simon Kuestenmacher and STR’s Paul Hammond. Sessions covered visitor economy data, sustainable tourism and how the Byron Shire can capitalise on the lead up to the 2032 Games.

‘It was encouraging to see a broad mix of people – from accommodation and experience operators, media, community members, and all keen to collaborate to better manage and promote our Shire,’ said Jeanie Wylie, Destination Byron’s President.

‘Tourism works best when everyone’s pulling in the same direction, and the fact that so many people want to be part of that conversation gives me a lot of confidence and optimism about where we’re headed.’

Byron Fest

The symposium also heard about Destination Byron’s $200,000 Regional Night-Time Economy Program grant that will be used to help support the creation of Byron Fest, a new mid-winter festival planned for June 2027.

The festival will focus on arts and culture, sustainability, wellbeing, food and beverage, and entrepreneurship and is asking businesses and local organisations to sign up and participate in the event.

For more information about Destination Byron, Byron Fest or how to get involved, visit destinationbyron.com.au.



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Positive future for Byron’s visitor economy

Last Thursday saw Destination Byron bring together over 150 attendees looking at the future of Byron and its visitor economy.

Pet adoption day – 4 July in Ballina

Northern Rivers Animal Services Inc (NRAS) are hoping the sun will be out for their monthly adoption day on Saturday, 4 July from 10am until 1pm at the NRAS Rescue Shelter at 61 Piper Drive, Ballina.

Artists sought to transform factory space into multi-artform event

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open for artists to transform a former factory in Lismore – The Joinery – through performance, installation and site-responsive art.

What’s on in Tweed for NAIDOC Week?

NAIDOC Week celebrations will be held from Sunday 5 July to Sunday 12 July 2026, under the national theme 50 Years of Deadly.