The state's peak business organisation, Business NSW, says confidence is returning, but lockdowns and border closures are continuing to present challenges.

Forty years ago, musician Barry Ferrier rolled into Byron Bay. It was an idyllic place – with surfie bohemian types rubbing shoulders with the old school locals. Barry has been an integral part of a growing, thriving, and always-changing music and arts scene here. It all started when he teamed up with blues harp blower, and surfing legend, Rusty Miller. Barry spoke with The Echo about the early days, ahead of his nostalgic reappearance with Rusty, at the Rails, on Sunday.

The Richmond Tweed Regional Mobile Library was a common sight around the region prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and it is once again going to be out and about for readers from this week.

Australia’s failing response to Indigenous Australians, refugees and the treatment of whistleblowers who alert the public to government corruption was once again highlighted in this year’s Human Rights Watch World Report 2021.

Member for Richmond Justine Elliot spoke to a group who gathered at the Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum this week to remember Victoria Cross winner, Teddy Sheean, who was awarded the highest award for bravery in 2020.