When I came to the Byron Shire over 30 years ago, there were three local newspapers. Since that time two have disappeared and others have come and gone.
The Echo is still going after 40 years because they care about, and support us, above profit. It is truly the ‘echo’ of our community.
We read about the local news, what went on in Council meetings, who died, who was born, what tradies to employ and what’s on. The generous space they allow for ‘Letters to the Editor’ means that everyone can have their say, and that is a privilege and freedom that I truly respect.
The wonderful, ubiquitous Jeff Dawson and Eve Jeffery are always on hand to capture whatever is happening. Their photographic collections over the decades must be an incredible record of this Shire. There is the fabulous Mandy Nolan, love her or not, with her courage to speak out on important issues, usually balanced with her great sense of humour. She is an icon for many women. And the number of times Lilith’s astrological predictions have been spot on are uncanny. Right or wrong, she is always erudite, succinct and entertaining. Just what we need in these difficult times.
Deep gratitude to the editor et al for their hard work each and every week, bringing us the news of what is going on in our neighbourhood, and their commitment to free press, free speech and free community notices.
Despite increasing costs and difficulties staying afloat in these changing times, I think it is more important than ever to support our local newspaper. It is not some conglomerate distributing (not to homes mind you) ‘local’ newspapers purely for profit, boring as batshit and not even particularly relevant to our unique, colourful, inclusive community. So thank you to all the local advertisers who bring in the much-needed revenue to keep the Echo going. It is important to not take our local paper for granted. There will be no use rueing it if the worst happens and it disappears.
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. 
