The Nationals MP for Clarence, Mr Gulaptis, is soon to retire and I can hear the koalas clapping. As the Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry, he was the prime instigator of the NSW ‘Koala Wars’ and in the...
Government ‘DISASTER’ signs promoting fear of floods are affecting property sales. We are trying to sell our beautiful family home in Mullumbimby, which was above the flood last year and sales are very slow. Our agent says people are worried...
For the first time ever, I am living my truths and no one is trying to hurt me because of it. This is a much better way.
The old ANZ Bank building on Burringbar Street in Mullum is now a bathhouse; such yuppy city indulgence to far removed from being authentic in a small laidback country town. A lovely long-time local lady told me to have a...
What have they done to our Vinnies here in Mullum? They’ve killed it! It has reopened and it is bland, soulless and devoid of the character that it had before the flood – in spades. Corporate Vinnies has taken over....
Byron Council has ratified the International Charter of Human Rights, complete with fine legal minds that developed a Charter of Rights. This was initiated by the Ngara Institute, Mullumbimby. A very progressive stance by Council and the Institute. This...
The Echo reports Paul Toole, Minister for Regional NSW, stating that we must stop development on floodplains, stop making the mistakes of the past, as inevitably floods will occur. PM Albanese said it 13/7/22. Premier Perrottet said it 12/7/22....
Has the greyhound racing industry no shame? The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has condemned an invasive and painful greyhound breeding technique used on about 80 per cent of greyhound mothers. The procedure involves cutting into the dog’s abdomen, removing her...
Local federal Labor MP, Justine Elliot, has declined to comment on why her government are refusing to provide the diary of Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, as a public document.
Proto-existentialist philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer wrote ‘Money is human happiness in the abstract, and so the man who is no longer capable of enjoying such happiness in the concrete sets his whole heart on money’. Forgive me for quoting philosophy in...
Oxfam delivered a stark message in its current annual report, Survival of the Richest, which focuses on global wealth distribution and inequality.
There are events being held across the Byron Shire on January 26 to celebrate both Survival and Australia Day.
I write regarding the proposed development at 6–10 Station Street in Bangalow. Having attended the movie ‘The Hidden Life of Trees during the Bangalow Film Festival, a relevant point caught my attention. I’m sure Peter Wohlleben articulated this more clearly than...
Council staff have updated the status of the hinterland Federal landslip that cut access at Federal Drive, north of Federal village on February 28, 2022. The road that connects Federal to Goonengerry has been closed a year this week.
Large parts of the North Coast may have gone under during the 2022 floods, but they appear to have done little to dampen land values for much of the region.
Managers of The Bangalow Bowlo say the community witnessed a ‘nail-biting cliff-hanger moment’ late last year, when a 66 per cent ‘Yes’ vote among members paved the way for amalgamation between Bangalow Bowlo, and Norths Collective’
The final stage of the Lismore Base Hospital redevelopment is now complete, says the NSW Liberals and Nationals government.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority has released a Climate Change Policy and Action Plan 2023–26, ‘outlining a bold set of actions that will help NSW reach net-zero emissions by 2050’.
The NSW Land & Environment Court has upheld Byron Council’s decision to order a local landowner to stop renting out a 40-year-old rural cabin in Middle Pocket because it was an unapproved dwelling.
You might wonder why I’m getting an overall feeling of dismay while sitting back hearing the ever-diversifying sound of different birds fighting for branches in the reserve behind our home. Five years ago, it was lovely listening to maggies...
Patrick Morrisey writes (50 days in Ireland, 11 January) of American tourists complaining of wind turbines spoiling the Irish landscape, adding that these turbines provide up to 40 per cent of Ireland’s energy needs. A quick look at the...
Why does 26 January create so much anger, sadness and frustration? Because it’s a day that is not inclusive. It’s a day that celebrates inequality in this country. It’s a day that says 97 per cent of our population can celebrate the injustices done to thousands and thousands of innocent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the name of advancement and expansion of the British Empire.
The letters deadline for The Echo is noon Friday. Letters longer than 200 words may be cut. The publication of letters is at the discretion of the letters editor.
Spaghetti Circus Inc. is one of Australia’s leading youth circuses and has been an energetic, vibrant and colourful part of the Byron Shire for 30 years from when it was founded by Leonie Mills OAM in 1992. Every week, Spaghetti’s diverse team of coaches train more than 220 children and adults from their Mullumbimby Showground home.
Local teacher, Farah Rowhani is organising a fundraiser called ‘We Say Her Name’ to give financial and emotional support to women in the Northern Rivers. Farah was inspired by her childhood experiences and the recent events in Iran.
