17.6 C
Byron Shire
October 8, 2026

Jeff Dawson shoots Swell 2026

Latest News

Smart glasses restrictions proposed for Byron pools and public facilities

Camera-equipped smart glasses could face restrictions at Byron Shire’s public pools, libraries and childcare facilities under a proposal aimed at protecting people from being recorded without their knowledge.

Other News

World Cerebral Palsy Day

Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA) is calling on the Australian government to support formal United Nations recognition of 6 October as World Cerebral Palsy Day, creating a permanent global platform to raise awareness, strengthen support and drive action for the 50 million people living with cerebral palsy worldwide.

Four lives lost, thousands of infringement notices issued by police

NSW Police say the Labour Day long weekend road safety operation has now concluded, with four lives lost on NW roads, a tragic reminder that the decisions behind the wheel can have devastating consequences.

David Shoebridge takes the helm at a time of crisis

Surprising many inside the party and out, David Shoebridge has been chosen as the new leader of the Australian Greens, with Steph Hodgins-May as deputy.


Pink party to encourage breast screening


October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and eligible women in Northern NSW Local Health District are being urged to book a free mammogram, with 45.2 per cent of eligible women overdue for their two-yearly breast screen.  

Drug checking services get underway at music festivals

The NSW Government’s $4.3 million drug checking services at select music festivals began this long weekend, with the Knockout Outdoor music festival on Saturday the first to participate.

Beware the Thucydides Trap

President Xi Jinping gave a sinister warning to President Trump that would have gone way over his head and baffled his dwindling band of MAGA fanatics.

Mick Brown’s Lifesaver-saurus, Nipper, alert and ready for action. The Swell Sculpture Festival continues at Currumbin until this coming weekend Sept 20. With more than 100 installations, don’t miss it. Photo Jeff Dawson

The Swell Sculpture Festival is happening now, at Currumbin Beach on the Gold Coast, and runs until 20 September, day and night.

Find out more here.

Echo photographer Jeff Dawson captured some highlights.



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Byron urged to seek exemption from state housing fast-track

Byron Shire Council is being urged to seek an exemption from the state government’s housing fast-track system and a pause or review of major developments that conflict with local planning rules.

Fifty years of ‘make it, bake it, grow it’ at The Channon

Long before buying and selling became a matter of scrolling and clicking, people were meeting at The Channon to trade and barter goods.

Ballina and Tweed cut DA waits, opening door to $1 million each

Ballina and Tweed councils could each secure up to $1 million for local infrastructure after cutting their average development application assessment times by nearly two months.

All eyes and ears on the Dingo

This is a region that has birthed multiple festivals and now a new festival, Dingo, springs into life this Thursday bringing an exciting mix of local and international music to the community.