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Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

Reeling in disbelief

Latest News

Retired local professor launches book on grief

A leading international thinker and researcher in the development of innovative sport coaching and physical education teaching has returned home to Byron Bay and is launching his first non-academic book, 'Grief and Growth', on April 4 at The Book Room in Byron. 

Other News

Hiatus Beers

Launched to market in July 2022, Hiatus Beers is all about brewing crisp, refreshing, full-flavoured, non-alcoholic beer.  The founders...

Could the future of the Richmond River be a clean and healthy one?

Imagine a drinkable, swimmable, fishable Richmond River? That is the aim of the Richmond Riverkeepers Association.

Records galore!

Byron Bay Easter Record Fair returns again to Ewingsdale Hall. Now in its 15th year, the Byron Bay Easter Record Fair is one of the biggest and best in this country. Matt the Vinyl Junkie has spent years on buying trips to the US and Japan scouring dusty warehouses, shops, flea markets and private collections. He can offer an astounding 30,000 records in one place covering most genres.

Democracy on the ropes?

The ancient idea of democracy is under threat around the world. Today, there are only 63 democracies compared to 74 autocracies, and many of these democracies are highly problematic.

Richmond MP again called on for immediate Gaza ceasefire 

On Saturday, March 16 Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine unfurled a 20m scroll with the names of murdered children and host a ‘die-in’ action at the office of the federal Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot (Labor).

Murwillumbah’s Rebecca Whan recognised for tireless work post 2022 floods

Murwillumbah was severely impacted by the 2022 floods and it was a huge community effort to support, rescue and inspire everyone to move forward. 

Megan Jennaway, South Golden Beach

I am in Turkey. I arrive at my destination to find that we do not have a change of government in Australia.

Eight hours ago, when I boarded my bus, it was still possible. The pundits had all predicted a Labor victory. But Scott Morrison had done too good a job of mowing down all opposition with his winning formula of bluster and bombast.

This is the man who infamously desecrated our parliament by brandishing a lump of coal at the nation from within it; who disingenuously told us we had nothing to fear from this harmless little nugget.

This evangelical shape-shifter, this hard-nosed silencer of refugees turned Aussie good bloke who now leads the country, declared that God had worked a miracle last weekend. But the only miracle was that Australians, usually so quick to detect and ridicule hubris, and humbug, fell for it. We’ve sleep-walked into at least another four years – perhaps more (!) – of dangerous climate-change denialism and dullard government.

I am in Turkey. I’m ashamed to tell people I’m an Australian. And I’m dreading going home to a country I don’t recognise; a country to which I fear I no longer belong.


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3 COMMENTS

  1. So many of us have the feeling that we do no longer
    belong to the lucky country & believe – as well as
    know – ORWELL’S predicted ways have slid into
    place & dwell in the smug face & dictatorial world
    that ought to be seen as the road to Armageddon.
    Thuggery [today’s ruling class] is admired. Laws
    shuffled at a whim or prayer. The populace – that’s
    us, the low-brow lodgers – are suffered. Nice work
    if you can get it… & it’s been got by lies & sly
    manipulation. Stay in Turkey, Megan. It’s safer.

  2. I really feel for our correspondent in Turkey who has decided to ‘hell with the climate’ I am flying half way around the world pumping CO2 etc from the jet engines into the stratosphere.

    There must have been some compelling reason for her to decide it was worth the risk to the world by her going over for maybe a balloon ride, or a look at the old cave houses or even some of the lovely tomato salads that the place is so famous for. (let’s ignore Turkeys slide into totalitarianism and the breakdown of human rights etc… wouldn’t want that to get in the way of a holiday)

    She is unhappy about our elected leader and a lump of coal but is happy to create the same problem as coal in her Airbus.

    A reality check is in order for our friend here. She worries about his religious beliefs but is happy to holiday in a country which is far harder on people than old ScoMo…

    • Agree. It is people like her with the “Do as I say not as I do” attitude that pontificate and bluster expecting an echo chamber of approval for her insights from the comfort of a pollution spouting jet to tour the world. Hypocritical Much??

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Resilient Lismore’s ‘Repair to Return’ funding

On the eve of the second anniversary of the second devastating flood in 2022, Resilient Lismore has welcomed the finalisation of its funding deed with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, which will enable the continuation of its ‘Repair to Return’ program.

Editorial – Joyous propaganda! 

The NSW Labor government marked its one year in office this week with a jubilant statement of achievements issued from Macquarie Street HQ.

Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

A man has been charged following a pursuit near Tweed Heads on Monday.

Where should affordable housing go in Tweed Shire?

Should affordable and social housing in the Tweed Shire be tucked away in a few discreet corners? Perhaps it should be on the block next to where you live?