20.3 C
Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Mullum Hospital site plan on exhibition

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

Free Musicland talk in Byron

Local author Tricia Shantz will be talking about a seminal time and place in her new book Musicland: When the Music Came to Byron 1970–1995 at the Byron Bay Library on Thursday, 29 October at 3pm.

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.

Found – Missing Robert Craig, last seen at South Golden Beach

Police are searching for 72yo, Robert Craig, last seen on a bush track at Helen Street, South Golden Beach, about 7.30am this morning.

New koala strategy leaves local priorities to later implementation plan

Northern Rivers residents are being invited to help shape a new NSW koala conservation strategy, with specific local actions and investment priorities to be detailed in a separate implementation plan.

Byron needs a pause and review on development

Byron might be complex, disparate, and sometimes misunderstood, but if there is one thing the community seems to agree on, it’s the height limit.

Deputy mayor

I read Asren Pugh’s and Pam Brook’s letters regarding the deputy mayor decision. If my comments in the chamber...

Mullum Hospital site. Byron Shire Council

Byron Shire Council says the next stage of the redevelopment of the Mullumbimby Hospital site is underway, with the exhibition of a Draft Development Control Plan (DCP) for the site, at 1 Azalea Street.

The Draft DCP sets out the guidelines for how the site can be developed, including:

  • Type, style and design of housing.
  • Where development will be allowed.
  • Pedestrian and cycling links from the site.
  • Vegetation management.

Guidelines

‘This DCP, when approved, will provide Council, and the community, with very clear guidelines as to how the land can be developed,’ said Sharyn French, Manager Environmental and Economic Planning.

‘Put simply, this means that Council and the community will know exactly what sort of housing will be allowed to be built on the site, where it will be located and roughly what it should look like to fit in with the character of Mullumbimby.

‘It will also provide clarity on the areas of the site that will be earmarked for environmental protection, landscaping guidelines and the location and types of any community facilities,’ Ms French said.

People can read the Draft DCP and make a submission at Your Say Byron Shire. Submissions close on 6 May 2026.

The community is also invited to attend a drop-in session to talk with staff and consultants about the DCP.

Sessions will be held on:

  • 20 April from 1:00pm to 3:30pm (Council Chambers).
  • 21 April from 9:30am to 12:00pm (Conference Room at the Council offices).


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?