←Volume 35
March 31, 2021
In this Issue:
inGrained Foundation grants program returns
In its third year, the inGrained Foundation’s Northern Rivers Large Grants Program returns with a $100,000 funding pool, ready to support a diverse range of local not-for-profits.
Blocked gutters
Kerry Gray, Mullumbimby A few days ago I inspected the stormwater drains down McGoughans Lane – the section between Burringbar and Fern streets and found that water was flowing the wrong way, pipes laid in some of the sections of...
Not good enough
Alan Dickens, Brunswick Heads I have asked numerous times for clarification of what progress was being made on fixing the inflow/infiltration (I/I) problems with the sewer gravity mains in Mullumbimby. Can the mayor or any of the elected councillors explain why, if...
Housing debate in Byron Shire
Stuart Riley, Brunswick Head I read with interest the recent comment in The Echo on the housing debate in Byron Shire (17 March). I know l’ll get shot down in flames but I’d like to just mention a few things regarding development in...
What happened at Byron Council last week?
Were it any other town, the prospect of introducing some new timed parking spots would have barely caused a ripple at Byron Council.
The sacrifice for low wages – a paramedic speaks
Every time a paramedic goes to work, there is a pretty good chance they will save someone’s life.
Editorial – Dear diary
As if I don’t have enough to deal with, my empathy coach just cancelled my appointments because someone in his family ‘just died unexpectedly’.
McGoughans Lane Council fiasco
Robin Gracie, Mullumbimby The lack of maintenance to McGoughans Lane makes it a difficult area to navigate in the best of dry times; however, during wet periods, the laneway has become increasingly dangerous for use by pedestrians and motorists. Numerous approaches have...
Water truck stripped during floods in Main Arm
During last week's flood, a set of wheels on a water truck dropped off one side of a Main Arm causeway near Kohinur Hall. Then the truck was stripped both externally and internally while they waited for the flood waters to subside.
Budget cuts force ICAC to beg for funding: PSA
The peak body representing the public service in NSW says independent funding for the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is needed now, ‘so the corruption watchdog can focus on its investigations rather than trying to find annual budget savings’.
‘If not now, then when?’ Time for an enshrined First Nations...
We need to be brave and take the question of a constitutional Voice to the Australian people, so that it can be guaranteed.
Groundwater contamination investigated in Byron Bay
Contamination by per-and-poly fluoroalkyl (PFAS) at Butler Street Reserve is being investigated by both the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Council.
Blowing in the wind in Ballina
Isolde Kopping, Lennox Head A note to Ballina Shire Council. It’s been 20 years since the legendary Bob Dylan performed in Ballina on 31 March 2001. That day we heard one of the greatest singers, songwriters, and activists of our times...
Greens as a party
Tom Tabart, Former Greens councillor The letter from Louise Doran (24 March) has points that I as ‘the resident from Drysdale’ she addresses would have to agree with. Yes the preselection of the current Greens councillors was hopelessly mismanaged and Byron has...
Helping koalas
Marianne Melnikas, Banora Point I wonder if Scott Sledge has ever actually farmed during his life? His demands for privately owned land to be reserved for koalas is ludicrous. A farmer who decided to rest land from cropping or grazing and...
Morrison PR fail
Eve Sinton, Upper Main Arm Scott Morrison just dug a deeper hole for himself with his disastrous press conference on women. It was all about HIM. ME, I, MY WIFE, MY CHILDREN, AND MY WIDOWED MOTHER. What he should have said:...
Building bridges
Duncan Dey, President, MARRA Main Arm Rural Residents Association (MARRA), on behalf of the Main Arm community, thanks Byron Shire Council for the recent three excellent and durable causeway upgrades on Main Arm Road upstream of Main Arm Store. This includes thanks...
And pork barrelling!
Ron Curran, Ocean Shores Is there any minister in the Morrison cabinet who has not been implicated in some way by rorts, cover-ups, shonky deals, illegal schemes (eg robodebt), or tainted by sexual assault allegations? Parliament House seems to have become a...
Cartoon of the week – 31 March, 2021
We love to receive letters, but not every letter will be published; the publication of letters is at the discretion of the online and print letters editors.
Entertainment in the Byron Shire for the week beginning 31 March,...
Entertainment in the Byron Shire for the week beginning 31 March, 2021
Interview with Emily Wurramara
Emily Wurramara can't wait to play at the Bluesfest and have a dance with her friends.
Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Mandy on man bashing
On a recent post a woman called me a ‘man basher’. I was a little taken aback. I have been bashed by men, quite a few in fact, but I have never ever bashed a man. I have never bashed a woman.
Byron Bay Tempeh
There’s a reason everyone wants to live in the Northern Rivers, and a big part of that is the fresh food that’s made locally and the sustainable principles that many businesses make sure are underpinning that food.
Everything you could want for Easter AND 25% off
Easter is the busiest time of year for Kathy Quinn and the crew at the Mullumbimby Chocolate Shop, which has a great range of Easter deliciousness, but it’s hard to go past the unique chocolate bunnies and eggs.
