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Byron Shire
June 19, 2026
Letters

Freedom of speech

By The Echo

Latest News

Local NewsThe Echo - 0

In loving memory of Dr Tony Parkes AO PhD (1929 – 2026)

Dr Tony Parkes AO PhD, one of Australia’s most visionary conservation leaders and a pioneering force in ecological restoration, passed away last Thursday at the age of 96. He spent his final months at Honey Bee Homes in Ewingsdale.
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Other News

Local NewsThe Echo - 0

Investigation launched into assaults, torture of flotilla humanitarians

The Australian Labor government has committed to undertaking an independent investigation into the assaults, sexual assaults and torture of humanitarians aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, according to a flotilla media spokesperson.
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Entertainment NewsThe Echo - 0

A Church for All People

Celebrating its tenth year, the Brunswick Picture House personifies ‘A Church for All People’, in its packed, eclectic and biggest ever program. The next few weeks and months bring a throng of music superstars, a gang of Australia’s hottest comedians, and plenty of jaw-dropping burlesque beauties to blow your minds.
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Entertainment NewsEve Jeffery - 0

Interview with Drover

Doing the DIY at Stone & Wood Bobby Conn, Roy Parsons, Rhys Mcilwaine and Molly O’Neil are the key members...
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Local NewsThe Echo - 0

Byron Writers Festival reveals 30th anniversary program

As August draws near and authors gear up for a big weekend in Byron Bay, Byron Writers Festival has revealed its complete program for its 30th anniversary edition
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Articles & ColumnsDavid Lowe - 0

Leviathans circling

Beyond the froth and bubble of the daily political soap opera, there are some major threats confronting Australia and its government.
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Local NewsThe Echo - 0

Calls for micro-abattoirs to boost food security

Local farmers and food producers are calling on NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty and Minister for Small Business and the North Coast, Janelle Saffin, to work with farmers, industry and local communities to develop practical, evidence-based reforms that support a diverse, decentralised and resilient food production sector.
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Desmond Bellamy – Special Projects Coordinator, PETA Australia – Byron Bay 

Great to see the deputy prime minister declaring his fervent support for freedom of speech, following the Twitter bans in the USA.

We wait with baited breath for his announcement that he will now fight to repeal all the ‘ag-gag’ laws that the Federal and State governments have been enacting, the purpose of which is to deny free speech to those seeking to expose extreme examples of animal cruelty, neglect and violations of animal protection laws on Australian farms.

If we are one and free, let’s also be consistent and caring.

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Local News

Caring for community

The Echo - 0
The Rotary Club of Mullumbimby presented a cheque for $10,000 to the Brunswick Surf Life Saving Club (BSLSC) in support of its ongoing operations.
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Local News

Lismore shops enchanted for Lantern Parade

The Echo - 0
Winners of Lismore’s Enchanted Windows comp have been announced, with The Two Ravens taking top spot. The comp is part of the city's Lantern Parade, to be held this Saturday, 20 June.
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Byron Echo

AI: Artificial Intelligence, or Artificial Inflation?

Sunil Badami - 0
It feels as if AI is everywhere – whether it’s those intrusive bots on every website or every headline about how it’s either going to be a boon for humanity, or end us.
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Local News

Flood gauges installed in Ballina and Wardell 

The Echo - 0
Residents in Ballina and Wardell will have more more localised flood warnings, giving them time to prepare before floodwaters arrives, thanks to new flood forecast services along the Richmond River.
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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