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June 14, 2026

Latest News

Man charged with murder in Tweed

A man and woman have been charged over their alleged involvement in the death of a man in Tweed Heads this morning, say NSW Police.

Other News

Wanted: citizen scientists to check on our creeks

The Richmond River upper catchment is currently sitting on a C- in the Richmond River Ecological Health Report Card. It's not a number we can accept without doing something about it.

Kyogle petition calls to restore daytime train service to Brisbane

A Kyogle petition with more than 1,000 signatures is calling on ‘key stakeholders and policymakers’ to provide a ‘practical daytime train service’ to Brisbane, with claims that the current train service, which leaves at 3am and returns at 8am, is 'inconvenient and frustrating’.

Protests against closure of life-saving facility in Murwillumbah

The announcement that Murwillumbah's Safe Haven would be closed this week due to the end of funding arrangements has been greeted with shock by locals who have come to rely on the mental health support services the facility provided.

Cinema: The Christophers

From acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh, The Christophers is a sharp, darkly comic exploration of art, legacy and deception, led by Golden Globe winner Ian McKellen and Emmy winner Michaela Coel.

Free bike track ‘waste of money’

Byron Shire business people who think that spending eye-watering amounts of taxpayers’ money ripping up a multi-billion-dollar train line...

Lennox headland restoration works a success

Community members rolled up their sleeves last week for the 21st Lennox Head Community Tree Planting Day, which helped to continue more than two decades of restoration work on this iconic coastal landscape.

December 15, 2021

Byron Shire Echo issue 36.27 – December 15, 2021

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Jump to:
Local News | Comment | Letters | Articles | Soapbox | Mullum Shop Local This Christmas | The Good Life | Good Taste | Seven Entertainment | Gig Guide | Cinema | Festive Season | Health & Healing | Echo Property | Property Business Directory | Service Directory | Crossword | Classifieds | Stars | Backlash

In this Issue:

What Greenland’s record-breaking rain means for the planet

For three days in August, seven billion tonnes of rain fell across Greenland – the largest amount since records began in 1950. It’s also the first time since then that rain, not snow, fell on Greenland’s highest peak.

Power down

Thank you to all the essential energy and traffic management people who worked tirelessly on the weekend to restore power to the east side of Ewingsdale.  The storm on Saturday evening was intense and created conditions that were extremely hazardous....

Rape and horror rap

The rape rapper who refers to himself as ‘Tyler the Creator’ (Tyler Okonma) has again been booked by the Splendour in the Grass organisation. Why JJJ also chooses to support the rape and horror rap genres has never been...

Byron’s silent springs

The Guardian newspaper (10 December) notes the declines in Bogong moth numbers places the species among 124 Australian additions to the global endangered species list. Previously, the moth would be seen in annual swarms at Parliament House in Canberra,...

What the eye can see

On Tuesday 7 December, as I was turning at what is known as Uncle Tom’s corner, the main road into Mullumbimby, and what did I see? A large flood sign. And oh yes, it was flooded! Just before though, casting one’s...

Perspective after four years away

Four years is the longest I’ve been absent from Australian shores – plenty seems to have happened since I last set foot here.

COVID solution

The main issue the ‘Freedom Fighters’ have with the state governments is that they believe COVID poses minimum health risks, if indeed it exists at all, whereas the established view is that COVID is a real danger and lifting...

Media shmedia

Do you pay close attention to who owns the news you consume, and what their agenda is?

Mullum’s Shedding Community seek new digs

Mullumbimby’s Shedding Workshop has been supporting locals for the last three years with their inclusive carpentry and building workshops and events, but now they need a new home.

Govt eases regulations around food trucks and ‘dark kitchens’

The permanent adoption of initiatives introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic will see a ‘$3.1 billion productivity boost’, says NSW Treasurer, Matt Kean (Liberal).

Electric Boogaloo on the Northern Rivers

After several years of consideration, 2021 was the year that we got an electric car (EV). Six months later and with rising fuel prices we have no regrets. But what’s it like to own an electric car in Byron Shire?

Ode to gratitude

This year I believe gratitude is the greatest gift I can give. I am grateful that I am able to live in Byron Bay and for the community that I experience here, despite the huge changes over the years.  I...

A piece of Aussie film on offer for charity 

Puberty Blues: It is a quintessentially Australian coming-of-age movie, staring Nell Schofield, which called into question the roles and behaviours of young people in Australian culture. 

Foreign-owned water entitlements at 11 per cent

The Productivity Commission, an independent federal agency that reviews and advises on government policy, has released its latest report: Register of Foreign-owned Water Entitlements.

Big booster

Elon Musk’s rocket has only one booster that will handle ongoing flights, but the pharmaceutical companies expect us to have a new booster every six months. I’d prefer to escape COVID using Elon Musk’s booster. Sapoty Brook, Main Arm

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Failing our Moth Test

Once, when I was on stage, a large moth flew up my skirt. Everyone in the front row saw it. It was very funny. And embarrassing. I quipped, ‘At least it’s not flying out. Then I tagged it with ‘– of course it’s a bogong’. Everyone laughed because it sounds like ‘bogan’. I kind of always thought of the moth as a bogan; loud, out on the street, bumping into things.

Housing balance

Having been fortunate to live in and own a home in this area for 36 years, I know that development is inevitable. I have also advocated on behalf of homeless people in the area for 20 years. Affordable housing is...

Ode to gratitude

This year I believe gratitude is the greatest gift I can give. I am grateful that I am able to live in Byron Bay and for the community that I experience here, despite the huge changes over the years.  I...

Cartoon of the week – 15 December, 2021

Letters to the editor The Echo loves your letters 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, send...

Interview with Julian Louis, Artistic Director and CEO of NORPA

NORPA 2022 NORPA has revealed some of the world-class theatre shows it will be bringing to the region in 2022, with more to be announced in the new year. NORPA Artistic Director and CEO, Julian Louis, sat down with Seven...

Entertainment in the Byron Shire for the week beginning 15 December,...

Lots of brilliant things which can be seen in the Byron Shire and beyond this week.

Limited release locally distilled

Lord Byron Distillery is located right in Byron Bay and have an excellent range of spirits available to try and to buy, right in the Byron Arts and Industry Estate. They are now releasing their fourth barrel of Pure...

The ultimate Xmas gift for all you foodies out there! 

This Friday, 17 December, at Mullum Farmers Market, Belinda Jeffery and Christine Manfield will be selling and signing their latest cookbooks. These down-to-earth celebrity chefs have too many achievements to mention. Needless to say, as award-winning authors, they know...

Healthy Hospo Hearts

Heart disease remains Australia’s biggest killer, claiming 48 lives in Australia every day. Healthy Hospo Hearts is an inaugural fundraising event started by Stephen Mills; Executive Chef, Ballina RSL Club. In October this year Stephen lost one of his own...

Up to 550 homes pegged for Byron Shire’s newest suburb

Community feedback is now sought on three planning documents that will shape the future of Gulgan Village, a new residential suburb proposed on the elevated slopes of Saddle Road. 

Load limit increased for Byron Creek Bridge

The load limit for Byron Creek Bridge has been increased to 24 tonnes, say Byron Shire Council, following structural analysis of the bridge.

Festival and event grants on offer

Community organisations are encouraged to apply for NSW government grants to bring cultural festivals and events to life across the state over the coming year.

Dr Bronwyn Bancroft wins prestigious Ochre Award

Bundjalung woman and artist Dr Bronwyn Bancroft AM has received the Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Artistic Excellence.