Sue Lennox, Byron Bay
Our family have lived in Byron Bay for 18 years and are considered newcomers, not locals, and we’re fine with that. Why? Because we chose to live here for the eclectic environment, energy of the youth, festivals, freedom of movement, perfect beaches and lack of judgement.
I have never been upset or annoyed with anything in the town (excluding potholes) however, the continued Byron Bashing by journalists is very tiring. The latest being Angela Mollard from the Daily Telegraph. Well, Angela, I say to you if you don’t like our town and believe it is full of A-listers that we resent being here – don’t come. That also goes for Hughesy and Ed.
It is about time the newcomers and locals who live here rose up and pushed back on the negative press.
When we first arrived in Byron, a local Frenchman from Le Petit Snail explained to us the essence of Byron: ‘Byron is a place one chooses to live in!’
Residents are not here by the necessity of employment. People who reside here have made a conscious journey to set up home. This creates a town of mixed views and passions with each person fighting for the reason they chose Byron.
So to all you passionate people of Byron Bay, push back. Make our A-listers and any others who have ‘chosen’ Byron Bay as their home welcomed. There is no need to do anything other than continue smiling, say hello and ‘Slow down, Chill out, Cheer up’. This will beat the naysayers and, sadly, probably bring the town more bad press.
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. 
