This document was written without fear or favour, by The Echo editor Hans Lovejoy for the politically curious who are considering a tilt at public life, or those who are interested in the inner workings of local politics.
My intention is to hopefully inform and engage aspiring political...
While Richmond obsesses over the tussle between three fiery female candidates, in neighbouring Page the Nationals' MP Kevin Hogan is coasting to almost certain victory over his outgunned Greens opponent Luke Robinson and a Labor candidate who's unknown in most of the electorate, Wendy Backhous.
The Clarence Catchment Alliance have been pushing for the protection of the Clarence River Catchment from mineral mining for many years and with the recent support of the NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders they say they are one step closer.
Wendy Backhous has just announced that she’s running for Labor in the electorate of Page. She says her hands-on experience has given her a connection to community and an understanding of the issues on the ground.
The Australian federal election will take place on Saturday May 3. After months of unofficial campaigning, the announcement leaves us with five weeks and one day before we go to the polls.
Current National Party member for Page, Kevin Hogan, has again been endorsed as the National Party candidate for the seat of Page for the upcoming federal election.
The Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, has spent much of the election campaign telling the people of Australia that a vote for a small party or an independent is a wasted vote. Or that a vote for a small party or an independent is a vote for instability.
The Echo asked the candidates for the seat of Page the same five questions. All candidates responded and those responses have been published in the order that they were received.
Kashmir Miller, the Greens candidate for the seat of Page was at Lismore Quad yesterday to officially launch her campaign in the north of the electorate.
Nimbin’s MardiGrass might be postponed but the federal election is due to be announced any day. Legalise Cannabis (formerly the HEMP Party) has announced plans to run candidates nationally in both the Senate and some lower house seats.
Labor candidate for Page, Patrick Deegan, says Northern Rivers employers and their workers have again been let down by the Morrison-Joyce Government after the federal budget failed to deliver to a JobSeeker support package for local businesses.
Today, Jenny Leong, the Greens NSW Housing spokesperson, will introduce a Private Members Bill that will seek ‘to protect renters who have been impacted by the catastrophic floods throughout NSW’.
Independent candidate for Page, Dr Hanabeth Luke, has demanded greater community consultation and disaster planning after her calls for support ahead of the catastrophic weather event went unanswered, leaving thousands of locals without homes.
A must-see, award-winning documentary investigating AI warfare in Gaza. Fresh from winning the Special Jury Prize at the 2026 Venice International Film Festival, NAZA, the latest documentary from Academy Award-winning filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor (No Other Land), examines artificial intelligence and surveillance in Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
When Sonja (Olivia Hargroder) loses her mother without warning, the only steady presence left in her life is her grandmother, Doris. But Doris’s idea of stability means dismantling everything Sonja has built. For Sonja, who lives with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and has spent her life fighting to be underestimated by no one, Doris’ plan feels less like protection and more like erasure.
Directed by Genevieve Clay-Smith, Boss Cat is a vibrant, big-hearted Australian dramedy about independence, family and self-determination, anchored by a fearless lead performance.
From Australian superstar musos, to brand new documentaries, to comedians at the top of their game, there really is something for everyone at the Brunswick Picture House.
The 2026 Russell Hobbs British Film Festival features an unmissable line up 36 films, including five retrospectives which will screen from 28 October to 29 November at Palace Byron Bay and Ballina Cinemas.
Choose how you'd like to support local journalism.
$
Become one of the supporters who helps keep independent, local journalism alive in the Byron Shire by contributing anything from as little as the cost of a coffee each month.
✓ You're Wonderful, Thank you for supporting independent journalism in the Byron Shire
The Echo
