Latest News
Feros responds to Expression of Interest announcement
The announcement earlier today that the Minister for Crown Lands, Steve Kamper, started the Expressions of Interest (EOI) process for Feros Village Byron Bay has drawn a response from the Feros Care board that still sees the facility in terms of a 'closure'.
Other News
Byron homeless hub forced to cut vital services
Byron’s only homeless hub says it has to reduce services owing to an increase in demand and a lack of government funding.
Pre-Incan mummies found in Peru by gas workers
The mummified bodies of eight individuals have been found by city workers who were digging a natural gas line in the Carabayllo district on the outskirts of Lima, capital of Peru.
Cruel Sea return gig supports Wildlife Hospital, October 21
For their first gig in ten years, The Cruel Sea will headline a fundraising event for Wild Aid 2023, in association with Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital and Bluesfest.
Private property issue deflates bike path plan
The long-discussed plan for a cycleway between Mullumbimby and Brunswick Heads has hit a pothole, with an independent report finding a raft of issues with the preferred route.
Bush ball – but fancy schmancy
The beautiful A&I Hall is the setting for the inaugural Bangalow Boujee Bush Ball on October 14 – celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Bangalow Community Children’s Centre. This will be a party to remember.
Circus, Comedy, WTF?
It’s that time again at the Brunswick Picture House – The Cheeky Cabaret’s new season has just opened and this one is more hilarious, and sexier, than ever!
Stories about "Federal Politics":
A big weekend for conferences, if not solutions
The ALP has just held its national conference, in Brisbane, but most of the progressive ideas were discussed only on the fringes, and on the streets outside, with the official debate constrained. Down in Sydney, things pushed further into crazy-land at the Conservative Political Action Conference, an Australian version of the Trump-worshipping American event.
Gambling politics
A parliamentary committee led by federal Labor MP Peta Murphy has recommended strong action against gambling advertising, throwing new light on the pernicious relationship of gambling to Australians and Australian politics.
Students drowning in debt?
Parliament hasn't been sitting this week in Canberra, but the ramifications of recent federal budget decisions continue to ripple out, with the student debts of three million Australians rising 7.1 percent, in line with inflation.
Much ado about housing
PM Anthony Albanese was back on the international stage this weekend, on the sidelines of the G7 in Hiroshima, but a housing minefield awaits him at home, with the government finding few friends for its proposed Housing Australia Future Fund.
How disappointing has Labor been, so far?
Aspirational political parties are judged on how they deliver dreams. Vision politicians are judged according to how many of their visions turn out to be mirages. The task is much harder for the ALP at a federal level than a party like the modern Liberals, who have no apparent aspirations apart from making rich people richer, and making poor people feel guilty for not being rich.
Ballina MP Tamara Smith wraps up 2021
The Ballina electorate's representative in NSW state parliament has had an eventful year. The Echo caught up with Tamara Smith at Ballina Seabird & Turtle Rescue to talk about the political highlights and lowlights of 2021.
Acting Prime Ministers
Last week, Acting PM Michael McCormack managed the tricky feat of making the absent Scott Morrison look good, at least by comparison. Perhaps that's now the Nationals' role in the Canberra circus?
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’.
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.
Craig Kelly quits Liberal Party
Federal Member for Hughes Craig Kelly has resigned from the Liberal Party, technically throwing Scott Morrison's government into minority as it grapples with scandals from within and without.
Local News
Weed exit and smiley koalas get support
Aslan Shand - 0
Weed and smiley koalas were on the minds of Tweed Shire Councillors and staff at last week’s council meeting.
Byron Echo
Another wallaby death on beach prompts calls on dog owners
A Byron local says a dead wallaby found on Belongil beach last Saturday had all the hallmarks of a dog attack, and is calling on the public to be more vigilant and for authorities to step up to help protect native wildlife.
Local News
A win for Feros Village Byron Bay residents
Eve Jeffery - 1
A whole community can expel a sigh of relief at the breaking news that months of distress and sadness can now become part of history – this morning the Minister for Crown Lands, Steve Kamper, has announced that services providers for aged care are advised that Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open for Feros Village Byron Bay.
National News
How do you rate the media rating system?
Parents are being asked to have a say on whether Australia’s media classification system is effective in informing decisions around age-appropriate films and video games for children.