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Byron Shire
June 6, 2026

Latest News

Cartoon of the week – 3 June, 2026

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 us your epistles.

Other News

Sandhills Wetlands

I am fortunate to live near the new Sandhills Wetlands, and really appreciate going for walks in a protected...

Ballina Shire Council’s special rate variation approved

Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has approved Ballina Shire Council's application to increase its general income through a permanent special variation (SV) of 26.25% [in rates] over four years, from 2026-27 to 2029-30.

Australia’s first greenhouse gas monitoring network launches

With World Environment Day being today, June 5, NSW government scientists say they have launched Australia’s first dedicated regional greenhouse gas (GHG) monitoring network, "which will help inform emissions reduction as we head towards net zero".

Wandana Brewing Co turns six

Six years ago, Wandana Brewing Co set up on the outskirts of Mullumbimby with a simple ambition: to make great beer and build something the community could genuinely call their own. This Saturday the Wandana Brewing crew are marking the occasion with a free, all-day birthday celebration, and everyone is invited!

Loss of amenity with new pool owners?

Byron Shire councillors recently decided – by a close margin – to hand over our two public swimming baths...

Nazi ideology crack down sees fines of up to $11,000

Reforms that crack down on conduct which indicates support for Nazi ideology has passed NSW parliament.

December 22, 2021

Byron Shire Echo issue 36.28 – December 22, 2021

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Local News | Comment | Letters | Articles | Byron Arts & Industry Estate | Sport | Community at Work | Festive Season | New Years Eve | Mullum Shop Local | Article Extra | Seven Entertainment | Gig Guide | Soapbox | Cinema | The Good Life | Good Taste | Echo Property | Property Business Directory | Service Directory | Crossword | Classifieds | Stars | Backlash

In this Issue:

Be concerned, be very concerned…

I popped by the supermarket on Wednesday to pick up a few groceries on the way home from the local doctors’ surgery where I’d just been given my booster shot for the wretched SARS-CoV-2 virus

High-calibre arts about to return

For much of the past five months, the Brunswick Picture House has sat in a restrictive cage of steel ladders and scaffolding.

Expansion of the Lismore Airport

It seems to me that many people in favour of expansion of the Lismore Airport are missing the point of the objections; that is, the future noise levels, not the present levels.  No-one has yet experienced the effects of the...

Christmas in Belmarsh

‘Merry Christmas Mr Assange’ to paraphrase the title of a film. Readers may remember the film set in a Japanese prisoner of war camp starring the late David Bowie.  Thoughts of the movie occurred to me in relation to Australian...

Fair go Echo!

The Echo should reflect on its reporting of our recent elections. Editorials wrongly painted a coalition assembled for the campaign as a future voting bloc. Councillors will make each decision on its merits. Fran Hart, if elected, won’t even...

The gift of belonging and the Christmas story of short-term holiday...

If Jesus was born now and the government knew his folks were rubbing shoulders with mules, lowing cattle and bleating lambs, child protection would have swooped in to remove the baby.

Ocean Shores Public School’s Return and Earn for learning tree

Ocean Shores Public School P&C recently joined the Return and Earn recycling scheme, and launched a fundraising initiative to recreate an outdoor learning space for students.

‘No’ to increased flight training

Regarding theLismore Residents Action Group say ‘no’ to increased flight training article. When I rang the Lismore City Council to ask how to complain about noise pollution coming from flights overhead, I had a similar experience of ‘handballing’ that was...

Xmas shopping

Now that Xmas is approaching rapidly, and our new premier has seen fit to graciously grant us a ‘whole week’ of Xmas shopping access, we have been given the gift of time and perspective to reflect and review our...

Yurt design aimed at social housing crisis

Think of yurts, and generally lightweight canvas tents come to mind. Yet Brian Forbes has invented a rotating and elevating yurt, which he says can address the chronic shortage of affordable housing.

Need a little parking karma?

Three people in a little car were driving around in circles looking for a parking space, but there weren’t any. Ah, the joys of summer holidays.

NSW Govt squeezes councils

‘Hell is empty and all the devils are here’ wrote William Shakespeare in The Tempest. With that in mind, dear reader, the Liberal–Nationals NSW government have shuffled their ministry deckchairs.

Profit versus lifestyle

At the southern end of a quiet cul-de-sac on Hardy Ave, South Golden Beach, a development application (DA) is proposed for a massive development that, I belive, does not fit in with the local area trend (a Melbourne developer...

Tyler, The Creator

Matt Hartley unfairly criticised Tyler Okonma in letters last week. It should be known the lyrics Hartley refers to were written by a 19-year-old Tyler and fit into his artistic portrayal of lust, mental illness and heartbreak, as well...

School strikes

Public Service Announcement for NSW residents on why you will likely see public school teacher strike action when we return to school next year.  Today I boxed, labelled, relocated and stored the fiction and junior fiction sections of our school...

Ocean Shores Public aims for new play space  

Ocean Shores Public School P&C recently joined the Return and Earn recycling scheme, and launched a fundraising initiative to recreate an outdoor learning space for students.

What I don’t need for Christmas is… 

For the sake of an experiment go into your kitchen, look around and see what you need. What you actually need. If you’re having difficulty, open a cupboard where you store your appliances and have a look in there. What do you need? What can’t you live without?

On your own with the virus, says government

The State Government has left locals to ‘fend for ourselves’ by refusing to reinstate COVID-19 restrictions, despite an extended spike in cases, local MP Tamara Smith says.

Ode to gratitude x 2

How refreshing it was to read a letter from Lynne West in this week’s Echo about gratitude! Rather than reading most of the weekly letters about whinging and whining on all sorts of issues, here is someone who gets...

Cartoon of the week – 22 December, 2021

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 us your epistles.

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Fuck You 2021

I know we’re all about gratitude, but can I just have a moment to really honour how horrible this year has been? In order for us to celebrate resilience, we have to acknowledge that we’ve all had an extended stay in shit town. And right now it doesn’t look like we’ll be checking out in a hurry. So much sucks.

More than just takeaway chicken

Simon Haslam If you’re thinking about a simple takeaway chicken, with maybe a broccoli dukka tahini pecan and dried fig salad, The Coop Rotisserie is your new chicken, salad and roast vegetable takeaway alternative – located right in the heart...

Tweed Artisan Food Festival

Jeff Dawson Cruising the Tweed in the shadow of Wollumbin on the MV Spirit of Wollumbin, the 30 or so guests onboard were treated to the learnings and episodes of the lives of our Bundjalung guides, young and old. Their...

Stylish beer garden at new North Byron Hotel

Simon Haslam One of the pleasures of living in sub-tropical Byron is that a beer garden can feel comfortable most of the year around, so it’s not surprising that new owners of The Sun Bistro at Sunrise (now called The...

Meats for the Festive Season

If you are looking to purchase roasts and seafood for your Christmas celebrations, shopping at your local farmers market is a wonderful way to support local farmers and food security. The stallholders have a commitment to sustainable meat production...

Marooned yacht on rocks near Ballina

A local photographer has shot a marooned yacht at Flat Rock, in Ballina Shire. It's the second boat to be washed ashore in recent months

Echo celebrates 40 with awards night tomorrow

Tickets are selling fast! Come join a fun-filled night of community celebration – This Saturday (tomorrow) The Echo is set to mark its 40th year in style with a ’30s swing-era style party and community awards night featuring the dynamic sounds of the Melbourne Ska Orchestra.

Author Tristan Bancks follows up with Two Wolves sequel

Local author Tristan Bancks launched his new book for readers 10+, Raised By Wolves, at Byron Book Room last night (Thursday 4 June).

Lismore City Council recognised for environmental leadership at LG awards

Lismore City Council has been recognised for outstanding achievement in environmental leadership, resilience and community infrastructure at the 2026 LG Professionals NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.