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Byron Shire
June 6, 2026

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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

Mur’bah woman arrested over alleged bomb threats

A 23-old woman accused of making multiple bomb threats to public places across the state was arrested in Murwillumbah on Friday.

National minimum wage increases to $26.44p/h

With the Fair Work Commission’s decision to increase the national minimum wage by 4.75%, Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) is calling for further action to support people doing it tough, as well as the frontline community services helping them. “People are under severe pressure from interest rate rises, rent increases, higher fuel costs, and growing economic uncertainty due to the conflict in the Middle East,” said ACOSS Acting CEO Edwina MacDonald.

Push to slow traffic outside Coorabell Hall

The campaign to slow traffic on the short stretch of Coolamon Scenic Drive outside Coorabell Hall is gradually gathering momentum, with Byron Council supporting a lower speed limit despite advice the road may not meet state criteria.

Sandhills Wetlands

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

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).

World Environment Day celebrated in M’bah, 7 June

A free family-friendly community celebration for World Environment Day will be held on Sunday, 7 June, at the Murwillumbah Showgrounds from 10am till 3pm.

January 3, 2024

Byron Shire Echo issue 38.30 – January 3, 2024

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Local News | Comment | Letters | Articles | Good Taste | The Good Life | The Arts | Soapbox | Crossword | Stars | Hello Summer | Seven Entertainment | Cinema | Gig Guide | Echo Property | Property Business Directory | Service Directory | Classifieds | Community at Work | Sport | Backlash
In this issue: Echo Property Magazine #6
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In this Issue:

Why were the Second Australians so ungrateful?

Mayor Kobayashi stood among the dignitaries in the park, between the flagpole and a eucalyptus tree, but not getting any shade from either. It was Appreciation Day, and nothing could go wrong…

Richmond River study finds high levels of toxins

A mix of pesticides (herbicides, fungicides and insecticides) at dangerous levels has been found in the Richmond River.

Precious egg found in Byron’s hinterland

A giant crystal amethyst from south Brazil called ‘The Cocoon’ has arrived at the Crystal Castle, after a year of planning, logistics, engineering and artistry.

Bangalow Bowling Club update, post Norths 

Since Norths Collective took over management of the Bangalow Bowling Club in June of 2023, The Echo asked Norths Collective CEO how promises made prior to amalgamation were progressing.

Editorial – Northern rivers are sick

A recently released scientific paper on the health of the Richmond River has found a mix of pesticides (herbicides, fungicides and insecticides) at dangerous levels.

Dunoon Dam further clarifications

WATER Northern Rivers thanks Mr Phil Rudd for his clarifications (27 December, 2023) regarding the Dunoon Dam and looks forward to further clarifications as requested below. 1. ‘A comprehensive cultural heritage and biodiversity study is scheduled’. The two Cultural...

Red parliament

Trashing Westminster traditions

As an eager Young Liberal in the 1980s, I was schooled by a generation of older Australians whose values were forged during World War II.

Poor man’s chicken

Lobsters were once called ‘poor man’s chicken’ and ‘cockroaches of the sea’. Indeed, the crustacean was so overpopulated that it once was even used as a fertiliser! No longer and no wonder as it now fetches between $100–$140 a kilo meaning...

‘No’ voters

With respect to John Lazarus’ response to ‘No’ voters (Letters December 27, 2023), I feel that he has made several misjudgements in relation to many if not most, ‘No’ voters. Firstly, his comment in the process and result, Australian voters...

Cyber hacks on the increase 

Owners of Flash Computers, located in Mullumbimby, have told The Echo they have seen an increase in serious cyber hacks where locals have lost thousands of dollars and access to their devices and accounts.  

Proposal unveiled to upgrade Mullum’s main road

Mullumbimby Road, the main access road from the highway to the town, could be upgraded at the dangerous and busy McAuleys Lane turnoff, if a large Community Title subdivision proposal, located close by, is approved by Byron Shire Council.

Newrybar Telstra tower

I am a resident of Broken Head Rd, Newrybar and I am against the proposed Telstra monopole. As yet, we have had no community consultation regarding the proposed 40-metre monopole Telstra tower and yet, four days before Christmas my neighbours...

Mandy Nolans Soapbox: Knitting the Big Cardigan of resistance

Whenever anyone says, ‘There is nothing we can do,’ I think of the Knitting Nannas. I think of this powerful and politically potent group of older women who hold the frontline of so many impossible protests with a ball of yarn and a cheeky conversation, and not just an ironing board – an iron will! They stand in unity. They know there is work to be done. And they do it.

Future water supply and the Dunoon Dam

In his comments (Letters, December 27, 2023) about Rous’ Future Water Strategy 2060, the Rous General Manager, Mr Phil Rudd, stresses the need for ‘comprehensive and contemporary’ information to enable decision making. When considering the cultural heritage of the local...

Lethal precedent

During the term of the previous NSW coalition state government a high-profile architect firm was asked to consider designs for a new hospital for Sydney. This firm spent over six months researching and finally presenting a prestige hospital design...

Cinema: Anyone But You

Anyone But You tells the story of the love, or not, between Bea and Ben. While trying to secure a bathroom key at a coffee shop, Bea, a law student at Boston University, meets Ben, who works in finance at Goldman Sachs. The two have an instant connection, and spend the day together, ultimately falling asleep together on Ben’s couch and so it begins…

Nudging 2024

Two legendary Sydney based DJs join the Cunning Stunts residents to light up the Shed at January’s Nudge Nudge Wink Wink; The Ultimate Party with a Conscience!

A uniquely Byron experience

After the resounding success of the 17th edition of the Byron Bay International Film Festival (BBFF) in October, the festival team is thrilled to announce a special ‘Summer Session’ on Friday. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Dening Park overlooking the ocean, this unique film experience is set to captivate audiences with a carefully curated showcase of films from local, Australian, and international filmmakers.

BYO Love Stories by Jenny Wynter

International award-winning ‘songbird and improvisational queen’ Jenny Wynter brings her newest spontaneity-infused musical comedy show BYO Love Stories to the Northern Rivers region from 10–13 January.

Shine bright at Starlight

The Starlight Festival is a four-day festival of community and wellness that is held in Bangalow. The event has five spaces offering over 100 workshops, talks, classes, concerts and presentations, all included with the cost of entry.

Ballina Manor: small luxury hotel with a restaurant

Situated on the historic Norton Street, the Ballina Manor is a stylish small luxury hotel that, once you stay, will become your new home away from home. Located a short distance from the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport and centrally located...

Positano to Byron Flavours: catering inspired by the Amalfi Coast

Longing for authentic Italian cuisine? Look no further, Positano to Byron Flavours is a local catering business that offers a customised menu of delicious homemade dishes prepared only with the freshest and locally-grown ingredients. The owner, Carlo, along with his...

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.