Latest News
Cinema: Battle of the sea folk
Yes, it’s school holidays so there are lots of films with ‘G’ in the rating, and Ruby Gillman – Teenage Kraken is definitely on the list. Sometimes the hero you are meant to be lies just beneath the surface.
Other News
Already in ‘No’
When asked about the Voice referendum, Aboriginal performance artist and blogger, Briggs, summed it up pretty concisely: ‘Why would...
Fish tank
I felt drawn to comment on the varying perspectives surrounding the Voice referendum. Perception involves incorporating and reevaluating various...
Disaster management needs different approach, says NRCF
Disaster funding must favour social capital and community building, rather than just ‘mopping up’, the head of the philanthropic organisation, Northern Rivers Community Foundation, says.
School holidays: farmers’ market fun
It’s an image still with me, the little boy dancing in front of the stage, face split into a smile of pure joy, orange balloon floating from his fingers, his father bopping alongside.
Pre-Incan mummies found in Peru by gas workers
The mummified bodies of eight individuals have been found by city workers who were digging a natural gas line in the Carabayllo district on the outskirts of Lima, capital of Peru.
Bush ball – but fancy schmancy
The beautiful A&I Hall is the setting for the inaugural Bangalow Boujee Bush Ball on October 14 – celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Bangalow Community Children’s Centre. This will be a party to remember.
Stories about "Wollongbar":
Ballina State Significant Farmland safe from development – for now
The Ballina Shire Council has endorsed a revised list of areas considered for potential future development after the NSW planning department blocked its attempt to add State Significant Farmland.
Gov’t rental figure for first temporary housing village revealed
The Ballina Shire Council has finally revealed it received $100,000 in rent for the Wollongbar emergency housing village.
April 2025: new deadline for temporary housing pod villagers in Wollongbar
The recovery horizon for last year’s Northern Rivers disasters continues to stretch, but the government seems determined to finalise ‘exit plans’ for survivors staying in temporary housing in Wollongbar.
Map of Ballina’s coast and hinterland
The Ballina Tourism Team has created a new Ballina Coast and Hinterland Map. The map includes detailed town maps for Ballina, Lennox, Alstonville/Wollongbar and Wardell and a regional map overview.
No accountability around pod villages
Claims of violence at a number of pod village sites across the Northern Rivers has been brought to the attention of The Echo, raising concerns over the safety of residents and staff at pod sites.
Ballina council pauses plans for affordable workers’ housing
Ballina Shire Council plans for affordable workers’ housing in Wollongbar are on pause pending consultation with state agencies on projects elsewhere.
Ballina council to sell-off Alstonville land to pay off unprecedented development debt
The Ballina Shire Council voted this week to start selling off parcels of land on the Alstonville Plateau, with staff revealing unprecedented loans for commercial property activities.
Talk of new development on Ballina Shire’s Alstonville plateau as State Significant Farmland threatened
Hopes for new private health service buildings and a new dam on the Alstonville plateau in the Ballina Shire’s hinterland were revealed at the council’s ordinary meeting last week.
Will Alstonville and Wollongbar be joined together by an industrial estate?
A rescission motion was lodged to overturn the Ballina Council decision to develop State Significant Farmland between Alstonville and Wollongbar that would essentially turn the two rural towns into one.
State significant farmland added to Ballina list for potential development
The Ballina Shire Council has voted to seek state government permission for state significant farmland near Alstonville to be considered for development.
Byron Echo
Paco Lara Duende flamenco
Bringing the soul and spirit of Spanish flamenco, the acclaimed Spanish flamenco guitarist Paco Lara will inspire and capture the imagination of Australian audiences with the release and launch of his new album Duende, a self-produced album of original compositions.
Entertainment News
Circus, Comedy, WTF?
It’s that time again at the Brunswick Picture House – The Cheeky Cabaret’s new season has just opened and this one is more hilarious, and sexier, than ever!
Byron Echo
Bush ball – but fancy schmancy
The beautiful A&I Hall is the setting for the inaugural Bangalow Boujee Bush Ball on October 14 – celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Bangalow Community Children’s Centre. This will be a party to remember.
Byron Echo
Bicycle racing at Lismore attracts over 100 riders
Byron Bay Cycling Club’s (BBCC) inaugural closed road race through and around Lismore has been deemed a ‘success’ attracting 108 competitors and raising over...
