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June 26, 2026

David Warth to contest federal election

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David Warth will run for the seat of Richmond.

Byron Bay wildlife film-maker, David Warth, has announced his intention to run as an Independent candidate for the federal seat of Richmond.

While still not announced by the prime minister, the election is expected to be held before May. 

On www.davidwarth.com.au, David says, ‘We are facing major challenges, with so much in transition’.

‘I will work in the best interests of our communities to lead the way in creating the future we want to see, for our children, for our small businesses, for our farmers and for our elderly. I know that we must stand together now with strong, calm leadership. This is the time’.

‘To take on this new challenge, I have put aside my career as an internationally recognised multi-award winning wildlife filmmaker. This was a big decision for me, but I could not stand by and watch our community suffer without taking action’.

Additionally Mr Warth posted videos on his website outlining his policies and views around freedoms, liberties, covid-related policy (mandates, passports, lockdowns, masks), environmental policy, the affordable housing crisis in the Richmond electorate, taxation reform, voting for an Independent instead of a political party, effects of political donations on major parties, his economic policy stance, and energy generation in Australia.  

COVID-19 stance

Mr Warth says of COVID-19 on one video, ‘It’s not a deadly disease, it’s a mild disease. There are certainly people at risk, [such as] the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. We need to look after them as best as possible. Lockdowns were never a good idea, quarantining healthy people wasn’t even recommended by ATAGI. Masks are ineffective’.

The Echo asked Mr Warth where he sourced his information regarding the pandemic, and the government response, given he says on his website that the COVID-19 response is ‘disproportionate to the risk involved’.

Mr Warth replied, ‘I am quoting [PM] Scott Morrison’s statement that “for eight out of ten people, it will be a mild disease’.

‘Paul Kelly, Chief Health Officer, recently stated the survival rate is 99.9 per cent with only 0.1 per cent death rate and most people survive it well’.

‘I totally support people who want to be vaccinated, but I don’t think it is appropriate for people to lose their jobs over this. The disease is now endemic and we need to live with it. I really would like to see the community come together, and start moving forward again’.



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Kyogle bridge build completed in under three months

Kyogle mayor Danielle Mulholland says a new bridge on Gradys Creek Road, off Summerland Way and north of Kyogle, has opened to traffic. She says it took Council less than three months to build Methvens Bridge.

57 Station St, Mullumbimby amended DA on public exhibition

The development application (DA 10.2025.212.1) for the carpark at 57 Station Street, Mullumbimby is now back on exhibition for eight weeks from 22 June.

A Byron kickback with the Gimelli family

The Gimelli family ran a small Italian restaurant on Jonson Street from about 1995 into the early 2000s. It was a classy joint, ahead of Byron’s culinary curve, serving dishes from every corner of Italy.

12 winners at Byron Bay Herb Nursery

The Byron Bay Herb Nursery continues to create constructive pathways to achievement with 12 students from Byron Bay Herb Nursery’s disability support program recently graduating with a Certificate II in Horticulture.