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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

Evans Head STP: kicking the environmental can down the road

For decades the Evans Head Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) has been dumping effluent into Salty Lagoon in Broadwater National Park. Rich in nutrients and other contaminants, the lake succumbed to these pollutants with a massive fish and bird kill in 2005.

Voters are not ‘always right’

The mantra ‘voters always get it right’ is repeated after every election by winners and losers. The decision of voters must be respected, blah, blah.

Lismore councillor pay rise divides chamber at June meeting

The sharpest debate from Lismore City Council's 9 June ordinary meeting saw a majority vote to increase councillor and mayoral fees, following a 3.7 per cent rise determined by the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal (LGRT) – a figure tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12 months to February 2026.

Do you want the rail trail completed? Sign the petition

The local Byron and Mullumbimby chambers of commerce, and the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Supporters (NRRTS) are asking everyone who supports making the rail trail happen to get on board and sign up to support the rail trail at www.northernriversrailtrail.com.au/support.

Here’s to the Flotilla

The Global Sumud Flotilla is about brave people doing exceptional things with skill, compassion, colour, spirit and gruff chutzpah. Would...

Do more, Labor!

Senator Penny Wong (Labor) said on 4 June: ‘My principal position is to always believe women when allegations of...

October 9, 2024

Byron Shire Echo issue 39.18 – October 9, 2024

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Local News | Comment | Letters | Articles | National Circus Festival Photos | Sport | Byron Bay Film Festival | Love Byron Bay | Good Taste | The Good Life | The Scoop | Soapbox | Crossword | Stars | Seven Entertainment | Gig Guide | Cinema | Classifieds | Community at Work | Service Directory | Echo Property | Property Business Directory | Backlash

In this Issue:

The value of staying at home

For six years, I was a stay-at-home dad, responsible for raising our three children and providing care for my frail but feisty mother-in-law, who suffered from COPD until she passed away.

Dr Google and the crosswords

When Stephen Clarke’s crosswords first appeared I too found them hard. But after persevering and with a bit of help from Dr Google, I have managed to improve. And now I can often complete them, or at least keep coming...

‘Locally-owned’ profits stay local

With locally-owned Brunswick Valley Gas (BVG) being recently sold to international gas and engineering company Elgas, there’s many who may not know there is a locally-owned option.

Learn how to respond in an emergency

The Mullumbimby SES Unit is holding a workshop at the end of the month to inform women in the community about things they can do to protect themselves and their homes.

Lord Vetinari’s rule

I am told that to have David Lovejoy’s life missing from the Echo editorial would seem strange, despite his son Hans’s comprehensive review, so I am your huckleberry – obscure Doc Holliday reference.

Inflow infiltration

The five-year plan to investigate the inflow infiltration problem occurring in Mullumbimby, which also involved relining the problem mains by the company brought in, has concluded. There has been information supplied to former councillor Mr Alan Hunter that the problem mains...

So sad about Philip

I am SO very sad. I never thought beautiful Philip Shine would die. I had recently had a conversation with dynamic Cate Coorey his wonderful partner and friend to many.  I had  sought permission with Cate to have special time with Philip...

A little curiosity and a lot of commitment keeps homeless fed

The local volunteer organisation Bruns Brekkie is set up to provide breakfast for around 30 hungry people two days a week.

Housing crisis demands Greens–Labor ceasefire

One outcome of the recent local election is that Greens and Labor now have a supermajority of 6–3 on Byron Council.

Federal Village Market to restart

The popular Federal Village Market will once again welcome visitors every month, starting on Sunday, 20 October and is set to run on the third Sunday of every month, from 8am to 2pm.

Who’s living where?

The article about new overnight-parking restriction signs targetting van-dwellers does little to further understanding of the situation with the general community. The parting comment by a staff writer (not Council), labelling some van-dwellers as ‘freeloaders’ reinforces the perceived stereotypical...

Trump and the chooks

My three chooks are ageing and their eggs are getting fewer, so I bought a pair of new-season pullets to rejuvenate my egg supply. You have to buy hens in pairs because newcomers cop such a hard time from the old...

Kirrawak Forest

Forestry Corp are at it again logging koala habitats – oh but wait! Down Port Macquarie way forestry are giving away free koala food seedlings – so that’s OK? But seedlings take 15 to 20 years to get to...

Support 4 Palestine

I am moved to write this letter partly in response to Danny Wakil (Echo 2 Oct) but more because of what I’m witnessing daily in the news from the Middle East. The situation is so bad in Gaza with...

Ready for the challenge says Swain

From chamber choir to Council chambers, Janet Swain’s musical background couldn’t be further from her new role as a Byron Shire Councillor – or is it really?

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Radical Kindness: There Really is Something About Mary

People matter. In a world where we become more and more disconnected from each other, where we shout hatred at strangers from the safety of our cars, where we congregate on Facebook groups to farm outrage, where we can refuse to see our own responsibility in alleviating the pain, hardships, and suffering of others, we become deeply disconnected.

Cartoon of the week – October 9

The letters deadline for The Echo is noon Friday. Letters longer than 200 words may be cut. The publication of letters is at the discretion of the letters editor.

Vale Echo co-founder, David Lovejoy

Echo co-founder, author and avid chess player, David Lovejoy, died with dignity and on his own terms last Wednesday, at his home in Mullumbimby.

Ayusa Teas: guayusa is an Amazonian alternative to coffee

Victoria Cosford Natasha used to love coffee, drinking easily two cups a day. Since discovering guayusa, however, she’s been able to give it up effortlessly – and that was five years ago. Ayusa Tea is the name of the business she...

Mex-inspired food under the palms, just off the beach at Brunswick...

If this year’s wet weather has stopped you from making it across the Bruns footbridge and over to the beach, then you may’ve missed the ongoing evolution of one of the shire’s truly unique venues – Rosefina’s Place on...

Cinema: A Difficult Year

The wildly entertaining new comedy from irrepressible filmmaking duo Éric Toledano and Olivier Nakache (The Intouchables, C’est la vie!), A Difficult Year stars Pio Marmaï and Jonathan Cohen as two compulsive spenders who get much more than they bargained for when they try to scam their way out of trouble.

Non-alcoholic Hiatus Beers: award-winning beer

Founded in 2022 by a couple of ex-Stone & Wood employees, Hiatus Beers is all about brewing crisp, refreshing, full-flavoured non-alcoholic beers. Celebrating their second year in business, they have recently released Hiatus Beers non-alcoholic Premium Lager. After launching Australia first...

Centre stage at Bruns

Mark your calendars for an extraordinary night of adventure as the internationally acclaimed Radical Reels Film Tour makes its highly anticipated return to the House. In an exceptional showcase of homegrown talent, this year’s line-up features something truly special – an inspiring Australian story that’s capturing attention worldwide.

Loopy for Loonaloop

Loonaloop is a live four-piece electronic dance band, with a vibrant history of performances spanning festivals and clubs across Europe, the UK, New Zealand, and Australia over the past two decades. Loonaloop has recently touched down in Australia after an...

Celebrating our lifeblood

The inaugural Richmond Riverfest, a celebration of the Richmond River and the communities it sustains, has begun with over 20 events across four weeks – this festival highlights the vital role the river plays in our ecosystem and our...

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.