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Byron Shire
July 8, 2026

Response to the Special Rate Variation

Latest News

$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.

Other News

Manna Haven Cafe – loving Byron for 20 years

One of Byron Bay’s favourite lunch spots is wowing guests after a recent community-gifted makeover. More than 50 volunteers...

The bakery at the heart of Bangalow

A good bakery is at the heart of a country town, but Bangalow Bread don’t only make delicious organic...

Ballina memorial pays tribute to fallen Marine Rescue volunteers

On Sunday, a memorial was unveiled at the RSL Memorial Park, next to the Ballina RSL, to pay tribute to those lost on the night of May 4 on the Ballina Bar.

Interview with Trent Dalton

The Byron Writers Festival will once again be treated to the delights of author and journalist Trent Dalton, who will be featured at the Jonson Street Stage on Saturday evening, 15 August, as well as throughout the event. Celebrating its 30th year, the Byron Writers Festival will, for the first time, be taking place around the town of Byron Bay from 14 to 16 August, with a mix of free and paid events.

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.

No Small Thing – changing lives for the better, together

This Thursday, 2 July (tonight) the Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRCF) Women’s Giving Circle is bringing a stellar lineup of leaders to the Regent Theatre in Murwillumbah to discuss how progress happens across climate, gender equality, media, democracy, and community action – and why local action still matters.

Why spend $120,000 on a community engagement plan to find out if residents will be happy to see their rates go up by 35 per cent over three years?

You can easily set up a much cheaper online survey to get their response.

Many families/people are already struggling to make ends meet in these challenging times.

And higher rates will only make things even more difficult.

When rates go up, unfortunately this usually translates to higher rents for those in the rental market as well.

I’m not sure why Byron Council would allocate $100,000 towards providing for an Easter events coordinator, given Council’s financial position.

This money could definitely be better spent on fixing our degraded roads etc.

Fiscal responsibility must be a key priority of our Council.

I’m definitely saying ‘no’ to the Special Rate Variation (SRV) increase.

Graeme Chapman, Suffolk Park



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Inaugural DINGO Music & Arts Festival to light up Bangalow in October

It is a fusion of local and international art, music, performance, food, and thought that will be coming to you in Bangalow as part of the inaugural DINGO Music & Arts Festival across four days from 8 to 11 October.

Response to the Special Rate Variation

Why spend $120,000 on a community engagement plan to find out if residents will be happy to see their rates go up by 35...

Mandy’s column 2

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

Mandy’s column 1

Now that Mandy is the official candidate for the Greens at next year’s state election, I expect Echo Publications to cease with her weekly...