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
The war on cats
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek marked National Threatened Species Day by 'declaring war on feral cats'. She wants to give...
Cartoon of the week – 27 September 2023
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.
Wollumbin Street bridge reduced to one lane
As part of the sewerage upgrade in Murwillumbah, Tweed Shire Council is urging motorists to plan ahead and seek alternative routes between the CBD and South Murwillumbah for up to four weeks from today.
Editorial: It’s a done deal!
Congratulations to Council staff and Mayor Michael Lyon on convincing the NSW Labor government that Byron Shire is a unique place, and as such, it will now have a tailored holiday letting policy.
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.
Feros slaps ban on media visits
On Saturday, on the way to visit Feros Byron Bay residents, The Echo was told via text and email from a Feros Care media spokesperson that, ‘Unfortunately we have a policy of no media on site.
Stories about "Parliament":
Coastal residents unite to fight inappropriate DAs
A new alliance of dozens of community groups campaigning to defend small coastal towns and pockets of sensitive and endangered coastal bushland from inappropriate developments launched at the NSW Parliament recently.
Into the red zone
The Australian Senate was the site of most of the action last week as parliament resumed. On Friday, the red chamber sat alone, going until after 4am on Saturday morning as Liberals and Nationals spun out the debate on whether there should be a Voice referendum, led by the pen-pointing cyborg-impersonator Michaelia Cash.
Voice Referendum Committee public hearings begin
While reports about the referendum for the Voice pull in every direction, for, against and in between, the Parliament of Australia has announced that the Joint Select Committee on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice Referendum will commence its program of public hearings today in Canberra.
Janelle’s four year road to the 2023 vote
Yesterday was the fourth anniversary of Janelle Saffin's win in the seat of Lismore and with not a minute to celebrate, Saffin spoke to The Echo about the 2023 campaign.
MP Elliot looks back at a year in government
While parliament takes a break, many politicians don’t get the same opportunity.
Aboriginal Land Council: we need Cultural Heritage protection now
The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) has urged all MPs of the current Parliament to leave a lasting legacy and support the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage (Culture is Identity) Bill 2022.
See Mandy Run all over again at Byron Film Festival
A documentary about Goddess of Everything, Mandy Nolan’s quest for a seat in Parliament will screen next week as part of the Byron Bay Film Festival.
A woman on fire with nothing to lose
As a brand new MLC, Sue Higginson’s first week in the NSW Upper House has been huge but she says it’s a taste of things to come.
Sue Higginson MLC: a woman on a mission
Local mother, grandmother, partner, activist, farmer, and lawyer, Sue Higginson, can now add NSW MLC Senator to her list of hyphenates.
Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Dear Brittany
We watched you. We watched you break the silence. We heard the truth shatter like a glass hitting the tiles.
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.