Byron Echo

Geologist warns groundwater resource is ‘shrinking’

A new book about Australian groundwater, soil and water has been published by geologist Philip John Brown.

Families and children left struggling after government fails flood recovery commitments

The recovery process following the February 2022 flood has been slow, and many people are still struggling to regain normality in their lives. 

Emergency services on show April 27

Emergency services will be on show in Banner Park, Brunswick Heads on Saturday April 27 from 9am until 2pm.

Editorial – For King and Country

As the Edwardian period ended (1901–1914), the new era of WWI saw the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzacs) land around Ari Burnu on the western side of the Gallipoli peninsula. 

Blockades continue as councillors wave next Wallum certificate through

A second subdivision works certificate for the Wallum estate was signed off by a majority of councillors last week, who again argued that they have no legal standing to further impede an approved development.

Ancient brewing tradition honoured

An annual event and brewing ritual to honour ancient brewing traditions was held at Stone & Wood’s Byron brewery last week.

2022 flood data quietly made public  

The long-awaited state government analysis of the 2022 flood in the shire’s north is now available on the SES website.

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Couching an Opinion

The Bruce Lehrmann and Brittany Higgins case was never about establishing whether or not Lehrmann raped Higgins. It was about Brittany. She was established as not ‘the perfect victim’ so we overlooked the blazingly obvious fact that Bruce Lehrmann was ‘the perfect perpetrator’. An entitled, compulsive wrecking ball of cocaine, $400 steaks, free rent and very very expensive massages.

Sweet and sour doughnuts

Victoria Cosford ‘It’s probably a good thing I don’t have a sweet tooth,’ says Megan. I’ve called in at the pop-up shop/bakehouse at Mullumbimby Industry Estate where for the last six years Megan Hunter has been baking, refining and perfecting her...

Foodie road-trip paradise: Harvest Food Trail

Calling all food and farm enthusiasts, the iconic Harvest Food Trail is happening soon, over four days from May 2-5. It’s your chance to embark on a delicious self-drive adventure through the heart of the Northern Rivers. Imagine winding down...

Buzz Byron Bay, brewing unforgettable moments with a tuk-tuk twist

In the charming coastal haven of Byron Bay, where laid-back vibes meet bespoke experiences, there’s a new buzz in town – literally. Enter Buzz Byron Bay, a local, family-owned mobile tuk-tuk on wheels that is redefining the art of...

Cape Byron Distillery release world-first macadamia cask whisky

S Haslam The parents of Cape Byron Distillery CEO Eddie Brook established the original macadamia farm that you can see from the distillery at St Helena, above Byron. The nuts go into Brookfarm’s muesli and other, even more exciting products, such...

Heart and Song Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra with soprano, Gaynor Morgan

Join us for an enchanting afternoon as Byron Music Society proudly presents ‘Heart and Song.’ Prepare to be immersed in a program meticulously crafted by the Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra, showcasing a world premiere composition. Well-known soprano, Gaynor Morgan, will be premiering a setting of poems by Seamus Heaney and Robert Graves, skilfully arranged for soprano, harp, cello and string orchestra by prominent Northern Rivers musician Nicholas Routley.

Heavy music with a bang!

Heavy music is back at The Northern this week, with a bang! Regular Backroom legends Dead Crow and Mudwagon are joined by Dipodium and Northern Rivers locals Liminal and Puff – the plan is to raise the roof on Thursday at The Northern. This is definitely a night, and a mosh, not to miss. Entry is free!

It’s MardiGrass!

This year is Nimbins 32nd annual MardiGrass and you’d reckon by now ‘weed’ be left alone. The same helicopter raids, the disgusting, and completely unfair, saliva testing of drivers, and we’re still not allowed to grow our own plants. We can all access legal buds via a doctor, most of it imported from Canada, but we can’t grow our own. There’s something very wrong there.

Ignite your creativity at Mullum Laneways Festival

This year’s Mullum Laneways Festival, to be held on May 4 and 5, promises to be a feast for the senses, set to captivate visitors of all ages. On Sunday, May 5 everyone is encouraged to immerse themselves in the heart of the Festival, as Burringbar Street is transformed into a vibrant tapestry of music, dance, art, and more.This is a free event, funded by local sponsorship and a gala fundraising event on Saturday, May 4.

Byron Comedy Fest 2024 Laughs

The legendary Northern Hotel’s Backroom opens its doors to laughter when it welcomes The Byron Comedy Fest with eight big headline shows. With audiences packing out shows every year, Festival Directors Mel Coppin and Zara Noruzi have decided a new venue with increased capacity was in order. It also means the festival is an all-weather event – expect all your favourites!

‘No-one ever came back but all reports indicate it’s lovely,’ and so begins this wickedly funny play about death and motherhood. Directed by the Drill’s accomplished artistic director, Liz Chance, Ghosting the Party tells the story of three generations of women who face questions of mortality and life with rigour, honesty and humour.

Having fun in the Playground

Playground is a well-established event that will go off at Coorabell Hall on Saturday. For over two years, three long-term local DJ’s – Pob, Curly Si and Halo – have been curating this rhythmic happening. Their pedigree is assured and they guarantee the best underground electronic music and a loyal crew that bring a big-hearted vibe. On Saturday they’ll be bringing the dance to the hills.

Gabriella Cohen in Bruns

Gabriella Cohen, Australia’s folk darling, is coming to Brunswick Picture House to perform a one-off intimate solo show on Saturday. Known for her magnetic performances, off-hand charm and pop sensibilities, Gabriella plays music that is all-at-once laid-back, tongue-in-cheek, and peppered with the sweet sounds of ‘60s girl groups.

Big names at local chess tournament

A major Northern Rivers chess tournament was held at the Byron Bay Services Club in late April. ‘It was well-attended, with players from the whole region as well as Gold Coast and Brisbane,’ according to local player and former Australian...

Tweed Shire asking for input on sporting needs

Tweed Shire Council’s (TSC) draft Sport and Active Recreation Strategy 2023-2033 is open for public comment. The strategy will provide direction for the planning, development and management of the Tweed Shire’s sport and recreation facilities for the next ten years. ‘We...

Try-fest for Byron Bay in local league

The Byron Bay A-grade league players left the Clarence Valley on Saturday afternoon after scoring 11 tries on their way to beating the Magpies 56–16, and remain undefeated after three rounds. Red Devil, Jack Rogers, managed to convert six tries...

Byron Bay takes second at NSW grade three regional bowls championships

Pam Scarborough Byron Bay’s district winning, grade three pennants bowl team knew they had stepped up a grade when they began the first round of the regional district championships held at Ballina earlier this month. Round one was against South Grafton...