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Byron Shire
June 13, 2026

Latest News

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. 

Other News

Mullum hybrid water plan springs a leak

Mullumbimby’s proposed hybrid water supply scheme is in serious doubt after Byron Council staff warned it faces significant public health, regulatory, and cost risks, and recommended Council not proceed with the project in its current form.

Fear and ignorance should not drive abortion debate

I did not think I would need to defend the right to safe abortions again. Abortion is no longer a criminal offence in Australia. There are well-reasoned and effective legal structures around abortions based on healthcare and women’s choice. It is broadly accepted that if you’re pregnant, it’s your decision to have children, or not.

Byron Shire residents urged to lobby feds for better roads and services

Byron Shire Council is calling on the community to help lobby the Australian Government to restore proper funding through their Federal Assistance Grants program from the current 0.5 percent of tax revenue to 1 percent.

Climate action arts program announces 2026 recipients

Ingrained Foundation, together with co-founder of the Climate Action Arts Grant Program, Vicki Brooke, and delivery partner Arts Northern Rivers (ANR), are say they are delighted to announce the five recipients of the inaugural program.

Bombay to Byron: 12 years of modern Indian on Jonson Street

This June marks 12 years since Bombay to Byron first opened its doors on Jonson Street, and husband-and-wife team...

Historic Native Title determination honoured with artwork purchase by Byron Council

Byron Shire Council says it has bought the artwork, Holding Strong, in honour of historic 2019 Arakwal Native Title determination.

June 18, 2025

Byron Shire Echo issue 40.02 – June 18, 2025

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Local News | Comment | Letters | Articles | Sport | Mullum on the Map | Good Taste | The Good Life | Health & Healing | Soapbox | Crossword | Stars | Seven Entertainment | Gig Guide | Cinema | Classifieds | Community at Work | Service Directory | Echo Property | Property Business Directory | Backlash

In this Issue:

F*ckup Night comes to Byron, June 25

The Byron Chamber of Commerce is bringing the global F*ckup Night movement to Byron on Wednesday, June 25 at The Northern Hotel.

Flourishing conspiracy theories

Beliefs are in the eye of the beholder, and everyone is entitled to their own beliefs. Beliefs only become a problem for society if those beliefs cause harm to the holder or others.

Weeds again take over Waterlily Park

Though Byron Shire Council removed invasive aquatic weed at Waterlily Park last July, the lake is again covered with salvinia molesta, and parrot’s feather weeds.

Key worker housing proposed for former Byron Hospital

Byron Shire Councillors unanimously voted ‘to pursue the adaptive reuse of the rear of the Byron CoLab building (formerly the Byron District Hospital site) for up to 19 co-living style rooms for key workers, with shared facilities, that prioritises NSW Health and emergency service workers’.

Unauthorised camping tackled in Brunswick Heads

After a recent meeting of Brunswick Heads business owners and locals concerned about unauthorised camping/parking in the town, councillors passed a motion at last week’s meeting addressing the issue.

New giving circle Wild Imaginings launches

A new giving circle initiative is set to take root in the Northern Rivers, with the official launch of Seed Northern Rivers and its flagship program, the Seed Giving Circle, on Friday, June 27 at the Byron School of Art.

Have you thought about being a foster carer?

With the Lismore Lantern Parade being held this Saturday, June 21, MacKillop Family Services say they will again participate, with their team carrying a set of lanterns in the parade to raise awareness about the need for foster carers in the area.

freedom of the press

Fascism and journalism don’t mix

Attacks on journalists – whether by military forces in conflict zones or by law enforcement during civil unrest – pose a grave threat to freedom of speech and the health of democracy.

Byron Bay High P&C push on with covered outdoor areas, despite...

Repeated requests by Byron Bay High School’s P&C for a Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA) has been met without any commitment from NSW Labor.

2025 Chinny Charge entries open!

The Chinny Charge registration is open, and now is your chance to register for a run or walk up Mullumbimby’s famous mountain on Saturday, September 20. 

Elders’ Hub June 28 features ‘Hi Touch’

The upcoming Elders’ Hub on June 28 will feature Kamala Hope-Campbell, who will be presenting a talk and demonstration of ‘Hi Touch’.

To Fiona Sullivan

Fiona, spare us the melodramatics about people’s families serving in past wars, you are not the only person whose family has gallantly served in past Australian conflicts, fighting fascism, racism, and expansionist expansion, some of us who served in...

Crazy rat fat

Want to know the crazy story of eight billion humans? They are getting fatter. They are getting sicker. They are eating grains, rat food. Rats run very fast. Rats have a fast metabolism. Grains are rat food. Generally, humans are...

Bayside pod eviction snafu

NSW Reconstruction Authority corrects ‘incorrect’ advice to residents, while other questions remain unanswered

Exhibitions sought for Lone Goat

Is it your dream to see your artwork hanging, sitting or standing in an art gallery?

Blame both sides

As humanity continues to witness the unfolding catastrophic tragedy in Gaza and the West Bank, it is incumbent upon all decent and compassionate people to recognise that blame is on both sides of this conflict. The Netanyahu right-wing Israeli government...

Support local

Judy Plath’s letter in last week’s Echo calling for residents to buy local soy, rather than imported soy is spot on. Furthermore, our region grows world-class tea, sugar, and increasingly coffee. There’s no need at all for locals to import...

Feathered piglets

Yes, PJ Prideaux (Letters, 11 June) it’s great you are willing to donate to a reader’s electric motorbike (e-bike) injuries, but enforceable legislation is already in place. Any electric bike with an accelerator, more than 250 watts and capability...

Calling on those who love upcycling and repairs

The Upcycle & Repair Centre is a dream for Mullumbimby woman Deidi Vine, who hopes to start the project with salvaged materials and vintage sewing machines — including a newly discovered old-school pedal Singer.

Greens crs split over large, exclusive, contentious DA

Greens Mayor Sarah Ndiaye used her casting vote to squash fellow Greens Cr Elia Hauge’s efforts to delay and seek independent legal advice around a planning agreement for a large contentious 39-large-lot exclusive greenfield proposal near the Mullumbimby Road and McAuleys Lane intersection.

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: What a F*ckup

A good f*ckup changes your life... At the time it’s excruciating. But sometimes it opens a door to something quite unexpected. It was a f*ckup that was the foundation of one of my most treasured friendships and unexpected collaborations. About...

Van life

I totally agree with David Heilpern (Echo, 4 June 2025) that police need to be involved with the problem of van-lifers camping on the street and in parks. Surely the other group with a role to play are the three...

Dangerous risks

It is rare to see a cyclist using any road coming in or out of Mullumbimby. Little wonder. After several years of not wanting to risk it, I recently started a routine of a weekly trip from Mullumbimby to...

Cartoon of the week – June 18, 2025

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.

Mullum Rd notice inadequate

I object to the short notice given by Byron Shire Council to reply for the 12 June 2025 meeting. The letter was dated 3 June and was placed in my mailbox by the mailperson at about 11:30am this morning...

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.

The Pocket Winter Festival bringing you music, food and fun

The Pocket Winter Festival is set to return on Sunday, 21 June, from 10am to 2pm, bringing together the community for a day of music, food, entertainment and family fun at The Pocket Public School.