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Byron Shire
July 12, 2026

Gaza, Israel and a blind vision

Latest News

Deadly weaving at Lismore gallery

Eighteen months ago, a group of First Nations artists from the Northern Rivers came together at the Lismore Regional Gallery as part of the Gathering Space project.

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Making the S.H.I.F.T. in women’s lives

Older women are disproportionately affected by the housing crisis and financial insecurity. They are the fastest-growing group of people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

1,000 voices raised to end rough sleeping by 2034

Ending rough sleeping is no small challenge for Byron Shire and the Northern Rivers but that is the aim of the Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration and the release of the 1,000 Voices Byron Shire report just released.

Roslyn Goodchild, Brunswick Heads

Well said, Danny Wakil, in your response to letters regarding the situation in Gaza. Apart from espousing their obvious deep-rooted hatred of Israel, Gareth Smith and John Scrivener conveniently turn a blind eye to the oppression of the Palestinian people by their own regime.

Gaza is a self-governing Palestinian territory. They are ruled by Hamas, a recognised terrorist organisation who intentionally keep their own people downtrodden in order to garner international sympathy.

However, the main objective of Hamas is to annihilate the state of Israel and it seems that Mr Smith and Mr Scrivener share the same agenda.



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Plastic not so fantastic

There is nothing healthier than drinking some water – or so I’ve always told my kids. It doesn’t contain sugar or colour additives – as one person used to tell us as children, ‘it’s sky juice’! What could be better?

Ballina courthouse windows smashed, man charged

Police say a man will face court today, charged after 12 windows were allegedly smashed in Ballina last night.   Police say, 'About 10.35pm (Thursday 9 July 2026), police were called to Martin Street following reports of a man smashing windows'.

Alleged native tree removal continues in Lennox, says councillor

With a government agency now investigating the alleged clear felling of natives on a large private block in Lennox Head, Ballina Greens councillor Kiri Dicker has told The Echo that contractors were felling trees all morning, ‘trying to get the job done’.

Ocean Shores man charged with advocating terrorism online

Police say a 20-year-old Ocean Shores man is behind bars (refused bail) and will face court in Tweed Heads Local Court on 18 September, charged with advocating terrorism.