19.9 C
Byron Shire
May 28, 2023

Xmas shopping

Latest News

Koalas

Don’t rely on any regime to save anything that’s endangered because their mates the miners and developers pay them...

Other News

Dey pushes for new minimum Byron rate against warnings of rate bracket creep

A new proposed flat minimum rate across the Byron Shire aimed at easing pressure in the housing market would put 238 residential properties in higher rates brackets.

Thank you from the top of our heads to the bottom of our well-dressed feet

Saturday's annual Bell & Ford vintage clothes garage sale fundraiser for the SHIFT Project was an incredible success with $36,500 being raised at the Byron Surf Club – this year’s effort was up about $7,500 on the last event.

Rail trail?

Byron Shire Council has sanctioned another report on the feasibility of reinstating a rail service between Bangalow and Yelgun,...

What is the future of Shaws Bay in Ballina?

How we manage our coastal areas have long term impacts both on our natural and built environments. Ballina Shire...

Planet will likely clear 1.5°C barrier for the first time before 2027

Brought to you by Cosmos Magazine and The Echo The prospect of a strong El Niño event and increased greenhouse gases released into...

April 2025: new deadline for temporary housing pod villagers in Wollongbar

The recovery horizon for last year’s Northern Rivers disasters continues to stretch, but the government seems determined to finalise ‘exit plans’ for survivors staying in temporary housing in Wollongbar.

Now that Xmas is approaching rapidly, and our new premier has seen fit to graciously grant us a ‘whole week’ of Xmas shopping access, we have been given the gift of time and perspective to reflect and review our consumer habits and our role in changing the world around us by our choices.

Much had been said publicly by both sides of the fence about rights and choices surrounding all the vax issues, but here’s another one – the recent imposition of vax rules for shoppers and retail staff, and the response of individual businesses to them, have instilled in us an awareness of which employers treat their staff with respect and compassion, and which don’t. 

It’s up to us as conscious consumers to speak up in the only language that they understand, that of money, and to let them know that we won’t support that.

The recent landmark decision over BHP’s vax mandate was a win as the need for consultation with all staff is now laid down as a Fair Work practice guideline. We are so fortunate to be living in an area in which inclusiveness has always been a guiding principle, please don’t let the big business bullies destroy it. 

In our region we have so many independent alternative choices, and so much fresh local produce available. Small retailers have struggled to keep afloat during lockdowns and imposed staff shortages. Let’s show them they are valued and give them a helping hand by shopping ethically! 

Awareness and generosity are the true gifts this Xmas season – happy shopping everyone, I hope Santa brings us a return to relative normality and an end to divisiveness soon.

A Vallentine, Federal


Support The Echo

Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

1 COMMENT

  1. I know your talking about excess but when you started talking about Covid mandates that lost me. Problem was how the unvaxxed and so called freedom fighters or sovereign citizens set out to abuse staff( often selecting young employees) when they were asked to put on masks, show they had checked in and for a short period vaccinated. Now that’s excess, being unkind and selfish to other community members. Now look at the situation we’re in, many families and friends not enjoying this time of year as they are the victim of self responsibility promoted by this Tory government.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Posturing politicians

While Greens in the Senate endure the irony of being pilloried by the government for speaking passionately about social justice and housing, Patricia Warren’s...

National Reconciliation Week starts tomorrow

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Thank you from the top of our heads to the bottom of our well-dressed feet

Saturday's annual Bell & Ford vintage clothes garage sale fundraiser for the SHIFT Project was an incredible success with $36,500 being raised at the Byron Surf Club – this year’s effort was up about $7,500 on the last event.

Labor Government committed to the demerger of Murwillumbah Education Campus

The significant issue of a merger of several Murwillumbah schools has been ongoing since 2020 when the then State Government announced via Sarah Mitchell MP that four public schools would be amalgamated into a single Kindergarten to Year 12 campus at Murwillumbah High.