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Latest News
Splendour 2024 cancelled
It's offical, Splendour in the Grass 2024 has been cancelled.
Other News
Fresh air federal funds for Northern Rivers schools in need
Eighteen schools in the Northern Rivers division of Richmond have received $25,000 each as part of the federal government’s School Upgrade Fund, Labor Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said last week.
Bruns-Billinudgel RSL marches on
Though recently the membership of the Brunswick Heads–Billinudgel RSL sub-Branch has grown, the numbers are still very low and if there is not a continual increase, this chapter faces closing.
Splendour 2024 cancelled
It's offical, Splendour in the Grass 2024 has been cancelled.
Bay FM community radio celebrates digital upgrade
Volunteers from Byron and across the Northern Rivers celebrated nearly $100,000 worth of new studio equipment at Bay FM Community Radio station on the weekend.
Youth crime increase across Ballina, Tweed and Byron needs community engagement
Ballina has seen two meetings this month on the increase of youth crime and there has also been increasing reports of youth crime in some areas of the Tweed and Byron Shires.
Got a creative theatre idea?
Mullumbimby’s The Drill Hall Theatre Company (DHTC) is offering two creative development opportunities for local independent artists to develop new performance piece concepts.
Stories about "Invasion Day":
Celebration Day in Brunswick Heads
Hundreds gathered in Brunswick Heads this morning to celebrate Country.
Invasion Day – time to create unity through recognition and justice
As 26 January approaches our communities are once more gripped by polarised views of the date.
Ballina goes back to 26 January, by one vote
By a close margin, Ballina Shire Council has voted to return its official awards date to Australia Day in 2024, after deciding to try something different at its previous meeting.
Australia/Invasion Day controversy continues at Ballina
Last month's Ballina Council meeting saw a decision to move the Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony, to be held at Lennox Head Cultural Centre, from the controversial date of 26 January 2024, to the evening of 25 January. This amendment to an earlier motion was moved by Cr Simon Chate with the support of Cr Stephen McCarthy.
Appeal for flag stolen from Bruns
The two Aboriginal flags that fly high over the Brunswick River Bridge on Invasion Day have become a potent symbol of survival and solidarity for many in the Shire.
Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Invasion, Survival and Mourning Day
Why does 26 January create so much anger, sadness and frustration? Because it’s a day that is not inclusive. It’s a day that celebrates inequality in this country. It’s a day that says 97 per cent of our population can celebrate the injustices done to thousands and thousands of innocent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the name of advancement and expansion of the British Empire.
What does Australia Day mean?
Another Australia Day. Another divisive polemic about the date, the day, and its meaning. Those who seek to change the date argue that 26 January signifies the beginning of Britain’s invasion of Australia and the violent expropriation of Aboriginal lands.
January 26
Margaret Louise, Lismore
On this day, of all days, the excruciating vulgarity of Ocker culture is hard to take.
Don’t get me wrong – I love...
A true heart
Bronwyn Sindel, Mullumbimby
I want to thank Mandy for her marvellous column on Mr Sol Bellear last week, especially as January 26 – known to...
First Fleet troubles
Mark Riddell, New Brighton
On reading The Echo’s Backlash column on 27 January, it appears it has set itself up as an expert source of...
Byron Echo
We just love him!
If you’re over 50 you might not be a fan of Tom Jones, but you can bet your mum is. If you’re under 40 you might not even know who he is, but your grandmother probably wet her pants at the mere mention of his name.
Byron Echo
Peter Garrett gives Bluesfest the nod
Eve Jeffery - 0
If I say the words ‘US Forces give the nod’, I can pretty much guarantee that you will hear the unmistakable voice of Peter Garrett ringing in your ears. Your head may even start to bob up and down a bit.
Local News
Save Wallum finalist in NSW 2024 environment awards
The Save Wallum campaign has been named as a finalist in the Nature Conservation Council of NSW Environment Awards 2024. The award ceremony will be held in Sydney tonight, and Save Wallum spokesperson and ecologist James Barrie will be attending with Tegan Kitt, another founding member of the group.
National News
New report highlights gaps in rural and remote health
The second annual Royal Flying Doctor Service ‘Best for the Bush, Rural and remote Health Base Line’ report has just been released. Presenting the latest data on the health of rural and remote Australians and evidence on service gaps, it identifies issues in urgent need of attention from service providers, funders, partners and policy makers.