Special Entertainment Precinct withdrawn from trail stage

The Byron Shire council voted to withdraw from the Special Entertainment Precinct trial at their ordinary council meeting, on the 19th February 2026. The precinct would have given the Council special planning powers under NSW governments night-time economy reforms, allowing it to manage entertainm…

Community Newsroom - 20 February 2026

George Graham tells us his concerns regarding the 'brown frothy' water at Clarks Beach

Byron local George Graham, has been monitoring the storm water drainage leaking onto Clarks Beach for over fifteen years. Through independent water testing and researching into the history of the drain, he concludes that the water is not safe for people to swim - even though many do.  He tells us …

Following the $$ in Byron Shire and how to have your say

Following the $$ in Byron Shire and how to have your sayfeaturing Byron Shire Council Assets and Major Projects Manager Christopher Soulsby reporter: Mia Armitage PIC: shared path in the Byron Arts and Industrial Estate/Sunrise (Mia Armitage)

CN 13-02-26: Following the $$ in Byron Shire and how to have your say; The Byron beach frothing in a bad way; NZ gov’t accused of racist politics; Filming the last days of independent Russian TV

Today we follow the money, in the Byron Shire at least, with an expert guide to ‘developer contributions’ ie. fees… but not always, as we learn thanks to the council’s assets and major projects manager, who joins us in the studio to explain how you can have a say in how the funds are spent. Someth…

Community Newsroom - 6 February 2026

Echo Publications Aslan Shand reflects on her new role and the importance of print newspaper

We are joined by Aslan Shand from Echo Publications, who has just announced a change of role within the organisation. Aslan and former editor Hans Lovejoy have swapped positions, marking a new chapter for the publication. We hear what prompted the change, the plans ahead and how The Echo has contin…

Everybody's Home Maiy Azize on the ending of the National Rental Affordability Scheme

Maiy Azize, National Spokesperson for housing campaign Everybody’s Home, shares her thoughts  about the end of the National Rental Affordability Scheme. Introduced in 2008 to increase access to affordable housing for low to middle income earners, the scheme’s end is expected to push many people int…

Australia Day 2026 Honours List recipient Nicole Lockie

Nicole Lockie is a remarkable local woman from the Northern Rivers who has made an extraordinary contribution to our community. Nicole is a long-term volunteer with Marine Rescue NSW, serving at the Point Danger Unit in the Tweed Shire. As a coxswain, she has dedicated more than 24 years to marine …

Community Newsroom - 30 January 2026

Join us for our first live show of 2026 — we’re thrilled to be back in the Community Newsroom. To open the program, we speak with Australia Day 2026 Honours List recipient Nicole Lockie, a remarkable local woman from the Northern Rivers who has made an extraordinary contribution to our community. …