Last year many of Rupert Murdoch’s regional print newspapers folded.
Surviving as a community newspaper is tough, throw in COVID, and a trend towards digital media and you have double trouble. But The Echo remains; a fierce independent voice in a community full of fierce independent people. This year The Echo turns 35, and to celebrate this momentous anniversary they are putting on The Echo Community Awards – and everyone is invited!
For the people
Most years it’s a lavish do, but this year because it’s been a tough time for so many we’ve decided to keep it grassroots and accessible to the whole community. You can frock up, or you can turn up in your jeans and Crocs, we don’t judge.
Long time Echo writer, comedian, and provocateur Mandy Nolan will host an Awards night on 9 June at the Bangalow Bowlo that features half hour performances by some of the country’s finest artists: comedian Akmal and musicians Tex Perkins & Jez Mead.
Although they have known each other for about 25 years it was not until recently, and more specifically, the COVID-19 pandemic that Tex and Jez formed their current musical working partnership. Tex Perkins (The Beasts of Bourbon, The Cruel Sea, The Dark Horses, The Man in Black, T’n’T, to name a few) has built his reputation on a restless sense of adventure, an ability to evolve and adapt, a dark sense of humour and a knack for teaming up with uniquely talented players who help get the best out of him (just like The Echo).
Jez Mead is one such player. An artist in his own right, this singer songwriter,
multi-instrumentalist makes a great sideman for Perkins as they explore
Perkins back catalogue and rich history from a new angle. This fresh
approach sees Perkins revisiting and reinventing classic material and placing
them in a contemporary context, often resulting in a commentary on the mood
of the times.
Akmal is an Aria award winning comic who has spent decades at the top of
the Aussie comedy industry. He has the unique perspective of being born in
Egypt and moving to Australia at 11, and now a Byron Shire resident. He’s
unhinged, unfiltered and unleashed. After a year in comedy lockdown Akmal
is ready to roll.
These are community awards and we’d love to know who you would like us to recognise? Categories are: Echo Frontline Heart, Echo Saving the Planet Heart, Echo Young Heart, Echo Sporty Heart, Echo Creative Heart, Echo Business Heart, and Echo Community Heart. To nominate a person in the community – tell us a little about why and who – email: [email protected].
Tickets for this fabulous event are on sale now. They’re just $25 and include a glass of champers on arrival at 6pm. The entertainment kicks off by 7.30pm. If you want dinner, the restaurant will be open. Tickets: www.echo.net.au/35th-community-awards.
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. 
