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Byron Shire
June 7, 2026

Israel – Gaza

Latest News

Cartoon of the week – 3 June, 2026

The Echo loves your letters and is proud to provide a community forum on the issues that matter most to our readers and the people of the NSW north coast. So don’t be a passive reader, send us your epistles.

Other News

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A love letter to nature

A very special film will screen as part of the Bangalow Film Festival, preceded by a fascinating Q&A (avec moi) looking at old-school filmmaking.

Rail trail funding 1

The Echo reports ‘fury’ over the federal government’s failure to fund the rail trail. I recall fury when government...

Byron Bay’s sub-culture of sexual violence investigated

An ABC investigation has found a sub-culture of sexual violence including child abuse existed in Byron Bay in the early two thousands, with at least fifteen survivor victims having spoken out. 

Australian classic comes to Byron Theatre

A major new stage adaptation of Jessica Anderson’s Miles Franklin Award-winning novel Tirra Lirra by the River will come to Byron Theatre in a limited season from 5 to 13 June.

Interview with Pacific Avenue

South Coast rockers, Pacific Avenue, have left an indelible mark on the music industry, their debut studio album Flowers secured a spot as a number one Australian album earning two ARIA nominations. Now, their recently released second studio album, Lovesick Sentimental, looks to be heading in the same direction.

John Scrivener claims that The Echo ‘refrains from any mention of the momentous developments regarding Palestine over the past few months’. 

Sadly, we all know that The Echo has had plenty of these letters, and a large percentage were against Israel with many statements that lack truth. 

Regardless of this, people on both sides are suffering greatly, especially the Palestinian civilians. Now Iran who because of the ongoing attacks against Palestine launched a huge  multi-pronged attack on Israel directly from its territory trying to initiate a regional war, since its ongoing attacks on Israel from Lebanon and other countries have not succeeded. This is the only reason the Iranian military high command is in Syria and Lebanon in the first place and was the only reason they were targeted by Israel in Syria.

Luckily Israel, along with Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the US, UK and France fought off the attack and succeeded.

A huge percentage of Iranians are peace loving and are against their violent extreme Islamist government and actually don’t want a war against Israel. 

I look forward to the day that there are no letters in The Echo about the region from me or anyone else, unless they are about examples of coexistence since Palestinians and Israelis have more in common as people than not. John, I respectfully invite you to look for these qualities in both people. Peace is the only solution. 

Danny Wakil, Billinudgel 



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Tell us what you think, give us your opinion

The Echo loves your letters and comments and is proud to provide a community forum on the issues that matter most to our readers and the people of the NSW north coast. So don’t be a passive reader, email us your epistles at editor@echo.net.au.

The letters deadline for The Echo is noon Friday. Letters longer than 200 words may be cut. The publication of letters is at the discretion of the letters editor. Please remember to include your full name, address and telephone number.

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Marooned yacht on rocks near Ballina

A local photographer has shot a marooned yacht at Flat Rock, in Ballina Shire. It's the second boat to be washed ashore in recent months

Echo celebrates 40 with awards night tomorrow

Tickets are selling fast! Come join a fun-filled night of community celebration – This Saturday (tomorrow) The Echo is set to mark its 40th year in style with a ’30s swing-era style party and community awards night featuring the dynamic sounds of the Melbourne Ska Orchestra.

Author Tristan Bancks follows up with Two Wolves sequel

Local author Tristan Bancks launched his new book for readers 10+, Raised By Wolves, at Byron Book Room last night (Thursday 4 June).

Lismore City Council recognised for environmental leadership at LG awards

Lismore City Council has been recognised for outstanding achievement in environmental leadership, resilience and community infrastructure at the 2026 LG Professionals NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.