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Byron Shire
June 5, 2026

Big questions

Latest News

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

Other News

Greens from The Farm are flourshing

At the heart of a thriving market garden is timing, soil health, and a deep connection to the seasons...

Latest chuckle of stand ups stake to the stage

After stepping away from the role for 12 months, Mandy Nolan returned to Byron Adult Education to teach what Mandy believes is the best, and possibly most successful stand up comedy course in the country. 

Potholes 

As a relatively regular visitor to this area I was astounded, on trips to Byron Bay, at the number...

Bungawalbin Levee repair to improve flood resilience

A critical section of Bungawalbin Levee is proposed to be partially relocated to build its long-term resilience, benefitting the community, environment and agricultural industries in the Richmond Valley.

Byron Shire mens Rebels suffer first defeat at the hands of Wollongbar

Hywel David It was a mixed day out at Pioneer Park in Wollongbar-Alstonville on a sunny Saturday, with the Rebels...

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Saying Goodbye to a Very Handsome Man

Last week an old friend of mine died. His name was Gary Cook. We met here in Byron Bay, when I was 23. He would have been in his early 30s. He was handsome. And funny. And weird. And self-involved. He used to come to Ringos, where I worked as a waitress. He’d sing to himself, bludge cigarettes, and shine up the serviette holder. He loved looking at himself. He’d laugh and say, ‘God, I’m a handsome man,’ and then he’d laugh this really infectious laugh

How is it that we can spend $368 billion (and rising) on the dumb and dangerous Morrison/Albanese AUKUS submarine deal?

How is it that we are fed some line about a Chinese threat and spend the billions on nuclear attack submarines, while one partner is currently attempting to make deals and attempting to reset relations with China?

Is this an intelligent use of taxpayers’ money?

Does anyone really believe there can be any winners in a nuclear exchange? Has humanity learned nothing from thousands of years of endless wars, while we prepare to follow the US into yet another war?

Why is Australia (at the request of the Zionists) inviting the president of a government accused by the UN of genocide and crimes against humanity, yet the mainstream media are largely deafening in their silence? 

In fact, the Jewish Council of Australia and the Australian National Imam’s Council have formally requested to authorities ‘to issue and be prepared to execute an arrest warrant upon Herzog on his arrival’.  So how does this equate with so-called antisemitism? 

Will we see a day of mourning for Palestinians?

Currently, over 72,000 Palestinians have been killed since 2023. This includes 20,000 children and 1,108 killed by illegal Israeli settlers in the West Bank.

Also 20,000 people are waiting for medical evacuation in a situation the Red Crescent have called a ‘medical apartheid’.

Why are Palestinians continuing to be killed during a so-called ‘ceasefire’ since Oct 25, yet Australia and our AUKUS partners remain silent and indifferent? Current numbers are 509 deaths and 1,405 injured.

Why do we hear nothing from the gov. about the 37 aid agencies prevented from entering Gaza?

Why does the Zionist political movement have so much influence in Australia yet any criticism is branded antisemitic and the subject of rushed through so-called hate speech laws? Laws that so far, have been beyond the explanations of the attorney-general in their detail.  

How much more land will Australia cede to the US military such as the Pine Gap submarine base and the increase of bases in the Northern Territory?

Why do people keep voting for dishonest, morally bankrupt, shysters, who are leading this country down the road of totalitarianism, in the pocket of the US, instead of voting for a party with some compassion and intelligence?

Why doesn’t Australia believe in and invest in an independent, cooperative foreign policy?

If the two major parties were on the right side of history we wouldn’t be selling armament parts to genocidal regimes, poverty and the cost of living wouldn’t be on the rise, we wouldn’t have a housing crisis to the benefit of investors, and companies and billionaires would pay their honest, fair share of tax.

Why does Australia still not have a Bill of Rights?

Rod MurrayOcean Shores



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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.

Byron Council’s Sandhills Wetlands project takes first place at LG awards

The Sandhills Wetland restoration project in Byron Bay has won another major award, with Byron Shire Council taking first place at the Local Government Professionals 2026 NSW Excellence Awards.