13.8 C
Byron Shire
June 7, 2026

10,000 soldiers

Latest News

Cartoon of the week – 3 June, 2026

The Echo loves your letters and is proud to provide a community forum on the issues that matter most to our readers and the people of the NSW north coast. So don’t be a passive reader, send us your epistles.

Other News

Australian classic comes to Byron Theatre

A major new stage adaptation of Jessica Anderson’s Miles Franklin Award-winning novel Tirra Lirra by the River will come to Byron Theatre in a limited season from 5 to 13 June.

Drug driving reform introduced to NSW Parliament

Greens MP and drug harm reduction spokesperson Cate Faehrmann has welcomed news that reform to drug driving laws for medicinal cannabis patients will finally be introduced into NSW Parliament.

Lennox headland tree planting day this Friday

Ballina Shire Council, GeoLINK and Rous Council are inviting the community to roll up their sleeves and help restore the iconic Lennox Headland, at the 21st Lennox Head Community Tree Planting Day on Friday 5 June.

Animals on country roads safety campaign launches

Motorists are being urged to slow down and stay alert for wildlife as Transport for NSW launches its annual ‘Animals on Country Roads’ safety campaign.

Financial woes

Byron Shire’s financial woes are not the result of a lack of money, but rather the waste of it....

Rail trail funding 2

No rail trail funding. As usual, the local federal Labor member for Richmond, Justine Elliot and the local state...

Les Shotton, Byron Bay

Ten thousand Roman soldiers marching to war. Shiny spears, swords, and shields carrying the mafia’s propaganda. Animals chained in a cage of military discipline. War is suffering, death and destruction.

People working the land, harvesting food, hoping the mafia, its thugs and terrorists armed to the teeth, don’t come near them. They know war can be prevented. Intelligent people don’t harm others.

Centuries later – Quack quack… left-right, Hee haw… yes sir, Bang bang… kill kill.

The bloodbath, called the invasion of Australia. The Frankenstein British terrorist law.

Had Australia been settled by peaceful, tolerant people, a place over there for a hospital, school, shop, houses, place to grow crops, animals. Humanity, sharing and caring.

British terrorist law is six thugs surrounding a boy and five accessories. One clubbing the boy 16-plus times. Vicious assault, grievous bodily harm. Delay of trial, interpreted, obstruction of justice.

British terrorist law caught on camera. British terrorist law howling, the pixels lied. Missing backpacker? Plausible.

Since the Roman era, the mafia, its thugs and armed terrorists haven’t changed.

Forget about the mafia’s religion. The mythical cash cow, Jesus, won’t intervene. The real Jesus was crucified and Saint Julian Assange for displaying the truth about the mafia.

Eyes open, peaceful people.



For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling.

If you are a local business owner help us and in turn we help you. All The Echo asks for is advertising, not a free ride. It is every advert in The Echo and on www.echo.net.au, which creates the space for all the stories and coverage of community events, happenings and concerns.

If you are a reader you can become a sponsor of The Echo. Your support keeps the us independent.

Even a small one-off or regular donation from you will help keep the echo’s independent voice alive and strong.

Support Us

Become one of the supporters who helps keep independent, local journalism alive in the Byron Shire by contributing anything from as little as the cost of a coffee each month.

You're Wonderful, Thank you for supporting independent journalism in the Byron Shire

You’re supporting The Echo, thank you

Your contribution is keeping independent, local journalism alive in the Northern Rivers.

Because of supporters like you, we can keep every story free for everyone — no paywall, no exceptions. Your money goes directly to funding our newsroom of 40-odd local workers covering the stories that matter to this community.

Tell us what you think, give us your opinion

The Echo loves your letters and comments and is proud to provide a community forum on the issues that matter most to our readers and the people of the NSW north coast. So don’t be a passive reader, email us your epistles at editor@echo.net.au.

The letters deadline for The Echo is noon Friday. Letters longer than 200 words may be cut. The publication of letters is at the discretion of the letters editor. Please remember to include your full name, address and telephone number.

Online comments are no longer available.

Marooned yacht on rocks near Ballina

A local photographer has shot a marooned yacht at Flat Rock, in Ballina Shire. It's the second boat to be washed ashore in recent months

Echo celebrates 40 with awards night tomorrow

Tickets are selling fast! Come join a fun-filled night of community celebration – This Saturday (tomorrow) The Echo is set to mark its 40th year in style with a ’30s swing-era style party and community awards night featuring the dynamic sounds of the Melbourne Ska Orchestra.

Author Tristan Bancks follows up with Two Wolves sequel

Local author Tristan Bancks launched his new book for readers 10+, Raised By Wolves, at Byron Book Room last night (Thursday 4 June).

Lismore City Council recognised for environmental leadership at LG awards

Lismore City Council has been recognised for outstanding achievement in environmental leadership, resilience and community infrastructure at the 2026 LG Professionals NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.