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Byron Echo
A fond farewell to Mungo’s crosswords
This week we sadly publish the last of Mungo MacCallum’s puzzles. Before he died in 2020 Mungo compiled a large archive of crosswords for The Echo.
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.
Byron Echo
Families and children left struggling after government fails flood recovery commitments
Bella Clay - 1
The recovery process following the February 2022 flood has been slow, and many people are still struggling to regain normality in their lives.
Byron Echo
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
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.
Political Comment
Youth crime is increasing – what to do?
There is something strange going on with youth crime in rural and regional Australia. Normally, I treat hysterical rising delinquency claims with a pinch of salt – explicable by an increase in police numbers, or a headline-chasing tabloid, or a right-wing politician.
Byron Echo
Blockades continue as councillors wave next Wallum certificate through
Paul Bibby - 6
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.
Byron Echo
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.
Byron Echo
More Byron CBD height exceedance approved
Paul Bibby - 12
Two multi-storey mixed-use developments with a combined value of $36.2 million have been approved for the centre of Byron Bay, despite both exceeding height limits for that part of the Shire.
Byron Echo
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.
Byron Echo
Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Couching an Opinion
Mandy Nolan - 5
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.
Byron Echo
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...
Byron Echo
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...
Byron Echo
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 Echo
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...
Byron Echo
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.
Byron Echo
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!
Byron Echo
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.
Byron Echo
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 Echo
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!
Byron Echo
‘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.
Byron Echo
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.
Byron Echo
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.
Byron Echo
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...
Byron Echo
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...
Byron Echo
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...
Byron Echo
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...
Byron Echo
Wallum ponds
There are currently two proposed developments in the Byron Shire that will endanger, if not locally exterminate, frog species.
Many frog species are endangered by...
Byron Echo
Byron’s Sydney-centric policies
Very interesting comments slipped out of the mouth of Premier Chris Minns during the recent Sydney/regional floods: ‘There shall be no more developments on...
Byron Echo
Increased Byron Council fees on the cards as fossil fuel investments decrease
Paul Bibby - 1
Byron Council’s financial ship is beginning to list concerningly, taking from its reserves and other funds in order to bail out its bottom line.
Byron Echo
Waterlily Park weed control underway
The reintroduction of weevils that have previously kept weeds at bay at Waterlily Park in Ocean Shores is now underway while the weather is favourable, say Council staff.
Byron Echo
New Brighton parking
To quote a Joni Mitchell song, ‘They paved paradise and put in a parking lot’ – this adequately describes what Byron Shire Council is...
Byron Echo
Flood insurance inquiry’s North Coast hearings
A public hearing into insurers’ responses to the 2022 flood was held in Lismore last Thursday, with one local insurance brokerage business owner describing the compact that exists between insurers and society as ‘broken’.
Byron Echo
Blaming Queensland again
I was astounded to read Mandy Nolan’s article ‘Why The Nude Beach Is A Wicked Problem’, in which she implied that it may largely...
Byron Echo
Paul Watson has his say on Sea Shepherd ousting
Paul Watson - 2
Regarding your article concerning the split in Sea Shepherd. I established Sea Shepherd as a global movement, not as an organisation, controlled by a few men. It was a democratic association of independent national entities
Byron Echo
Press release vs Save Wallum views
The Echo editor (page 1, 10 April) might need to consider the role of a journalist – particularly that essential question, ‘where’s the story?’
I...
Byron Echo
Cockroach climate
The cockroaches in the Byron Council offices are experiencing bright daylight at night. They are trying to determine whether this is an unexpected side...
Local News
Housing not industrial precinct say Lismore locals
Aslan Shand - 0
Locals from Goonellabah and Lindendale have called out the proposed Goonellabah industrial precinct at 1055A Bruxner Hwy and 245 Oliver Ave as being the wrong use of the site.
Byron Echo
A fond farewell to Mungo’s crosswords
This week we sadly publish the last of Mungo MacCallum’s puzzles. Before he died in 2020 Mungo compiled a large archive of crosswords for The Echo.
Local News
Tugun tunnel work at Tweed Heads – road diversion
Motorists are advised of changed overnight traffic conditions from Sunday on the Pacific Motorway, Tweed Heads.
Local News
Driver charged following Coffs Harbour fatal crash
A driver has been charged following a fatal crash in the Coffs Harbour area yesterday.