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Byron Shire
June 17, 2026

Au involved in war

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Vale William ‘Bill’ Ewen

The funeral service for Marine Rescue Ballina volunteer William ‘Bill’ Ewen was held on Monday at Ballina RSL Club.

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More hands up for the seat of Ballina in 2027

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What does a person do when lame mainstream media fails to do proper research and call out and question our government’s inept policies, while we are being screwed over by Labor their far-right agenda?

While these fakes fork out billions for weaponry and our alleged defence, here’s a few points for consideration.

Oz Harvest Charity has reported that one in three have sought their assistance.

The government will be kicking 160,000 off the NDIS after being in power for three years, and have not been able or willing to investigate possible rorting by providers.

[They preside over] A housing market aimed at increasing profits for wealthy investors and a housing policy have actually increased house prices at the lower end of the market.

The government refuses to introduce an honest taxation policy for gas companies for a product owned by Australian citizens and at last report does not seem to have it in the up coming budget. How is it that apparently Japanese citizens pay less for our gas than Australians do?

Then there is our tragic foreign policy.

First is Albo’s adoration of Trump. Albo, Wong and Marles will do anything to avoid criticism of the war criminals Trump and Netanyahu and their illegal war.

The government has been silent on Gaza since Israel’s illegal occupation and more than 70,000 killed, while continuing to provide weapons parts to Israel and conveniently turning a blind eye to the US and their supply of  weapons.

Israel has also displaced one million people in Lebanon, yet Australia’s condemnation has been almost non existent.

In 2025 UN Special Rapporteurs urged the General Assembly to act under the Unifying for Peace resolution 377. to impose a full arms embargo and economic sanctions on Israel.

Meanwhile, in the same year, the rogue expansionist Israel made attacks on Gaza, Libya, Syria, Yeman and Qatar in actions which included ground, aerial and marine operations.

Australia needs to get out of this costly, dangerous AUKUS deal, which has  cemented us in to the US war machine and yet another US failed war, where we have lost our sovereignty, and as the Iran war has shown, how dangerous it is to have US bases in Australia.

Not to mention the uncosted expense and risks involved in storing nuclear waste in perpetuity.

Albanese has lied that we are not participating in the Iran war, yet we have provide military personnel, surveillance aircraft and Pine Gap intelligence sharing. 

According to independent Michael West Media ‘the PM of Australia, the leader of a government elected on a promise of “principled and independent” foreign policy, endorsed the Iran war on national television before it’s objectives had been defined and described Australia’s contribution as constructive’.

Tell that to the millions of displaced and injured Albo, we see the suffering and carnage.

Rod Murray, Ocean Shores 



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Empowering women and girls

Applications are now open for Northern Rivers Community Foundation's (NRCF) 2026 Empowering Women & Girls Grant, offering local not-for-profit organisations the opportunity to secure funding for projects that empower women and girls across the Northern Rivers.

Big things are happening at The Paddock — and one of them has a flush

There are two milestones worth celebrating at The Paddock this season as they push ahead with their innovative project.

Byron Writers Festival reveals 30th anniversary program

As August draws near and authors gear up for a big weekend in Byron Bay, Byron Writers Festival has revealed its complete program for its 30th anniversary edition

Are retirement villages what Byron Bay needs?

Developer DD Resort Living is seeking community feedback until June 18 on its proposed retirement living development in Byron Bay.