20.3 C
Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Family fun day to share ideas about Rec Ground

Latest News

Cinema: NAZA

A must-see, award-winning documentary investigating AI warfare in Gaza. Fresh from winning the Special Jury Prize at the 2026 Venice International Film Festival, NAZA, the latest documentary from Academy Award-winning filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor (No Other Land), examines artificial intelligence and surveillance in Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

Other News

Wanderlust come to Mullum

Wanderlust invites the community to a magical evening celebrating connection and conscious living at the Wanderlust Night Market.

One river, many voices

It's the final week of Richmond RiverFest, with events from Ballina to Lismore, and the upper catchment to the coast.

Editorial – Time for a little respect

In 2020 unpaid care was estimated at three million unpaid carers in Australia that provide approximately $80 billion of unpaid care a year, that is $1.5 billion a week.

Fish kill follows Belongil Creek opening as Council reviews protocols

A fish kill at Belongil Creek has prompted warnings to avoid the affected area, with Byron Shire Council and government agencies investigating the incident following an artificial opening of the creek.

Reef-building corals face elevated risk of extinction

A new paper from Dr C. Isabel Núñez Lendo shows nearly half of reef-building corals face elevated relative risk of extinction.

Music overtones at Byron Bay International Film Festival

From the extraordinary life and legacy of Marianne Faithfull to the raw energy of Australia’s 1995 Summersault tour, a larrikin road trip through the Australian bush and the next generation of music video makers, music runs through this year’s Byron Bay International Film Festival. 

Council will host a free event at Recreation Ground at Tweed Heads on Saturday 19 November from 10 am to 12 pm which will include a barbecue and kids’ activities with Council staff on hand to discuss plans for the park. Photo supplied

Tweed Council will host a free family fun day at Recreation Ground at Tweed Heads in November to share their ideas and provide feedback on the proposed design of the new park, with Council staff available to discuss plans for the park.

Council says the $800,000 upgrade will revitalise and modernise the park by providing a place for community members of all ages to gather, connect and enjoy the location and facilities.

Council’s Manager Parks and Active Communities Murray Smith said the upgrade of Recreation Ground will further boost the liveability of Tweed Heads. ‘It’s important we provide improved facilities for the community to complement the population growth that is expected in the years to come. The single swing set currently at Recreation Ground is not meeting community need.

An $800,000 upgrade for Recreation Ground will revitalise and modernise the park by providing a place for community members of all ages to gather, connect and enjoy the location and facilities. Photo supplied

Council’s priority to increase liveability

‘With the upgrades currently underway at Goorimahbah – Place of Stories Inclusive Park and Playspace at Jack Evans Boat Harbour, the addition of new shade and swings at Jack Chard Park in Enid Street and now Recreation Ground in the planning phase, Council has made it a priority to increase the city’s liveability and this upgrade will be a significant step in that direction.’

Park upgrades like these are one way to provide the Tweed community with more opportunities to be active and healthy, while building a vibrant community to live in and visit.

Residents were invited have their say on the upgrade of Recreation Ground in May and June this year, with 244 survey responses received. In addition, meetings were held with local schools, a co-design workshop was held with young people and key stakeholders, and other feedback was taken into consideration to prepare the draft plan.

Overwhelming feedback

Overwhelmingly, feedback called for more all-ages play equipment, a scooter or bike track, climbing equipment, a half basketball court, retaining the green open space and additional picnic facilities with shade. The community also expressed a need for a fenced off-leash dog area, spaces for young people to study outside, extra car parking, better toilets and ensuring the markets space is retained.

The community feedback informed the development of a draft concept plan and Council is now inviting the community to have their say until Wednesday, 4 December 2022. Feedback received online and at the family fun day will inform a final concept design for the park.

Council received a $200,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play grant program to upgrade Recreation Ground to be more inclusive of everyone, which will be matched by Council. An additional $400,000 in funding has also been received from the NSW Government’s Regional Housing Fund for youth recreation facilities and park facilities.

Family fun day

The family fun day will be held on Saturday 19 November from 10 am to 12 pm and will include a barbecue and kids’ activities, with Council staff available to discuss plans for the park.

To register your attendance for the family fun day, by 16 November contact Council’s customer service team on 6670 2400, or, for more information about the project or to complete the survey, visit: yoursaytweed.com.au/recreationground.



For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling.

If you are a local business owner help us and in turn we help you. All The Echo asks for is advertising, not a free ride. It is every advert in The Echo and on www.echo.net.au, which creates the space for all the stories and coverage of community events, happenings and concerns.

If you are a reader you can become a sponsor of The Echo. Your support keeps the us independent.

Even a small one-off or regular donation from you will help keep the echo’s independent voice alive and strong.

Support Us

Become one of the supporters who helps keep independent, local journalism alive in the Byron Shire by contributing anything from as little as the cost of a coffee each month.

You're Wonderful, Thank you for supporting independent journalism in the Byron Shire

You’re supporting The Echo, thank you

Your contribution is keeping independent, local journalism alive in the Northern Rivers.

Because of supporters like you, we can keep every story free for everyone — no paywall, no exceptions. Your money goes directly to funding our newsroom of 40-odd local workers covering the stories that matter to this community.

Tell us what you think, give us your opinion

The Echo loves your letters and comments and is proud to provide a community forum on the issues that matter most to our readers and the people of the NSW north coast. So don’t be a passive reader, email us your epistles at editor@echo.net.au.

The letters deadline for The Echo is noon Friday. Letters longer than 200 words may be cut. The publication of letters is at the discretion of the letters editor. Please remember to include your full name, address and telephone number.

Online comments are no longer available.

Interview with Genevieve Clay-Smith, director of Boss Cat showing at the Byron Bay Film Festival

When Sonja (Olivia Hargroder) loses her mother without warning, the only steady presence left in her life is her grandmother, Doris. But Doris’s idea of stability means dismantling everything Sonja has built. For Sonja, who lives with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and has spent her life fighting to be underestimated by no one, Doris’ plan feels less like protection and more like erasure. Directed by Genevieve Clay-Smith, Boss Cat is a vibrant, big-hearted Australian dramedy about independence, family and self-determination, anchored by a fearless lead performance.

Something for everyone at the Picture House

From Australian superstar musos, to brand new documentaries, to comedians at the top of their game, there really is something for everyone at the Brunswick Picture House.

Thirty-six unmissable films

The 2026 Russell Hobbs British Film Festival features an unmissable line up 36 films, including five retrospectives which will screen from 28 October to 29 November at Palace Byron Bay and Ballina Cinemas.

A timeless story of self-discovery

A husband with a promotion, two adorable children and a lovely new house. Nora thought she had it all. But did she? What was the discontent that was whispering to her in the shadows?