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March 29, 2024

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Blue skies for Bluesfest day 1

If yesterday at Bluesfest was anything to go by, it's going to be an incredible event and with the weather holding, (so far) the Easter weekend's future is looking bright.

Other News

Could the future of the Richmond River be a clean and healthy one?

Imagine a drinkable, swimmable, fishable Richmond River? That is the aim of the Richmond Riverkeepers Association.

Zoom meeting

Just to clarify the report that Michael Lyon now declares ‘no’ to developing Ann St and New City Road....

The Picture House is turning 8

It feels like we were only just ringing in the new year days ago and here we are approaching Easter weekend at The Brunswick Picture House. It’s already been a whirlwind start to 2024 with their biggest and busiest program so far, bringing an eclectic mix of some of the hottest stand-up comedy, music gigs, film screenings and cabaret – and that was just last week!

What the duck!

Most days I ask myself ‘what the duck’ is happening here? How could Trump be president again if he...

‘Smooth stroking’ Rainbow Dragons earn trophies

Rainbow Dragons (Lennox Head Ballina) won three trophies and had a fantastic weekend of fun, fitness and friendship at Grafton Dragon Boat Club’s regatta earlier in March.

Byron Council staff baulk at councillors’ promise of free parking for locals

Will Byron Council deliver on its pledge to make parking permits free for locals across the Shire when paid parking comes into force in Brunswick Heads?

September 8, 2021

Byron Shire Echo issue 36.13 – September 8, 2021

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In this Issue:

Comedic paranoia

Despite Peter Olsen’s limitless comedic ability, perhaps it’s time for The Echo to curtail his paranoid multi conspiracy theories conspicuous in his letters. Really, if you can’t sustain your argument without resorting to lies (can’t go to the beach...

0

No jab, no jive?

No jab, no jive if you want to go to a festival, what the? This is blackmail by the health department and regimes. This country is turning into a police state. I thought I saw the last of that...

3

Courage

Mask mandates are flawed orders that violate the human right to informed consent. Businesses that demand their customers wear a face mask and provide personal details do so in what I consider to be a violation of privacy rights....

6

COVID is here to stay

As a medical doctor of 30 years, and citizen, I have watched the last 18 months with confusion. Initially we were all worried about the unknown virus. Then we mostly agreed with slowing the curve of infections through some...

Definition

I really like The Echo’s new word invention: Freedumb (noun) 1. The belief that your right to personal freedom outweighs others’ rights to personal safety. Onya! Burkhard S Waltrup, Crabbes Creek

Moving on

In my seventy-eight years I’ve seen many changes, not only in Mullumbimby. The thing I notice most is how we now dance to the tune of the biggest idiot. I personally am very lucky, have had ups and downs but...

3

Wise practice

For all the travels of the world, cultural habits are slow to share. The Japanese sneeze and cough into their elbow which is now a practice we adhere to. In Thailand, masks are worn for a cold and sore...

0

Ruination

I wholeheartedly agree with Brian Mollett (Letters 18 August). Until very recently Burringbar Street was a true representation of an iconic Northern Rivers coastal country town main street; complete with palm trees and a few remaining classic buildings. It...

2

COVID choices

The virus isn’t going anywhere – it’s here to stay. There are three real solutions. 1. Let the virus run its course without intervention 2. A perpetual police state 3. Mass vaccination What do you choose? Nick Chapman, Ocean Shores

4

Happy for me to die?

Narada Vantari, I am over 70, have a pre-existing inherited condition, (no amount of healthy living could have avoided it) and I have to share my community with many who share your views.    It seems, from your letter, that...

2

Next disaster

I am impelled to bring to your attention the next environmental disaster. We’ve had plastic bottles, single use plastic bags, disposable nappies, balloons, and now we have disposable masks! They are everywhere; these masks are primarily made in China...

1

On being prepared

In recent commentary on the Commonwealth’s proposed quarantine facility in Brisbane, Simon Birmingham said, ‘Whilst it will be used for any ongoing quarantine requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic it will also be there in the years to come to...

0

Transparency

Byron Shire Council (BSC) is not transparent despite what the former Mayor or BSC’s senior management would like the community to believe. You cannot claim that the Council is transparent when waged staff are threatened with dismissal if they...

0

Not enough ICU beds

My best mate lives in a country town in the UK. Over the last year, she estimates around 10 per cent of her community have had COVID-19, including her Nan who died, and our friend from school who, at...

3

COVID advantage squandered

Australia has indeed been ‘the lucky country’ in the COVID-19 pandemic until recently, yet ‘run mainly by second rate people’ as the original quote continues. Our federal and state governments have squandered our advantage by not creating safe quarantine...

Puritanical wellness

I am getting a little tired of the sweeping statements trotted out about the ‘allopathic medical establishment’ and its ‘obeisance to the pharmaceutical industry’ (Nerada Vantari, letters, 25 August). Suffice to say that this does an enormous disservice to...

4

Face masks

I was just wondering if anyone has the answer to this question: If face masks have the ability to contain so many germs, viruses etc then how come we don’t have biosecurity bins to safely deposit our used face masks...

2

Eco tourism biz needs your ‘staycation’

Wendy Bithell from Byron Bay Eco Tours describes the current climate as ‘like being trapped underwater, and the only air you can breathe is through a straw’.

0

Government offer free courses to upskill

An additional 3,000 training places are now on offer to upskill at home during lockdown, says NSW Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, Geoff Lee.

0

Editorial: Briefs

Touching on a points in the week.

0

Should film and TV productions go ahead while locals remain locked...

Locals are questioning the criteria for filming Coke ads and Love Island in Byron Shire, claiming film companies ignore regulations around shooting drone footage and perform illegal earthworks.

5

Share the dignity

It was good to see a wide coverage regards affordable housing. The situation is critical with so many homeless people living rough, living in their cars and, if lucky, some couch surfing. Weekly I meet people, mainly women, who ask...

0

COVID

Marie Sherd, Mullumbimby I am not a local – I’ve only lived here since 1972. As one of the ‘alternatives’ I know we freaked out the locals when we arrived, but over time but we got along just fine – eventually....

1

Renters and landlords speak of trying times

Challenging times seem to bring out the best and the worst in people, and Byron’s small business landscape appears to be seeing plenty of both during the current COVID lockdown.

0

Residential tenancy support to increase

The NSW Government say they will increase the Residential Tenancy Support Package up to $4,500 per tenancy, and have extended the eviction moratorium until November 1.

0

Retired local professor launches book on grief

A leading international thinker and researcher in the development of innovative sport coaching and physical education teaching has returned home to Byron Bay and is launching his first non-academic book, 'Grief and Growth', on April 4 at The Book Room in Byron. 

Resilient Lismore’s ‘Repair to Return’ funding

On the eve of the second anniversary of the second devastating flood in 2022, Resilient Lismore has welcomed the finalisation of its funding deed with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, which will enable the continuation of its ‘Repair to Return’ program.

Editorial – Joyous propaganda! 

The NSW Labor government marked its one year in office this week with a jubilant statement of achievements issued from Macquarie Street HQ.

Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

A man has been charged following a pursuit near Tweed Heads on Monday.