Latest News
Government modelling fails to reflect women’s interrupted careers
New research to be released this week analyses two decades of Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey to estimate the actual labour force experience of women over their life and accounts for working when super is not paid.
Other News
Police operation Billinudgel Nature Reserve
Gary Opit, Brunswick Heads
On 22 February residents on Jones Road noticed a major police operation with officers from eight police...
My dear friend, Philip Rubinstein 1934–2021
I first met Phil on a rain-soaked day outside my house in Brunswick Terrace, Mullum. It was an accidental encounter, but we soon got stuck into a conversation about the parlous state of Australian universities.
Byron’s rail reactivation saga continues
Byron Council will consider funding further investigations into getting trains back on the tracks in the Shire, despite strong criticisms of the reports on the matter that have been prepared to date.
Interview with Claire Atkins from SHIT
I saw SHIT last year and I was blown away. Incredible script. Incredible acting.
New Greens team
Matthew O’Reilly
President of CABS and a proud member of the NEW Byron Greens team
It seems that some readers have...
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.
Stories about "racism":
Framing the guilty: Uluru deniers, banksters, Dutton’s spies
The Liberal bullies and the Murdoch-Costello press have jammed their frame around indigenous recognition, and it boils down to 'we will decide what you can have, and it’s probably going to be bugger-all'.
Can You Herd Me?
When gritty Aussie hip-hop outfit The Herd hit the airways with Scallops back in 2001, the band forged themselves into the Aussie psyche. This was...
Byron’s freedoms should be valued
Sarah Blogg, Ocean Shores. In response to the letter: 'Is the Echo showing racist tendencies?' How irritating to see how language can trigger people to ridiculous levels of whining and whingeing.
Is the Echo showing racist tendencies?
Sharon Gibson, Mullumbimby. I felt sick when I read last week's letters comparing the practice of renting illegal dwellings in the shire to what the writer describes as 'Nigger huts'.
Misogyny the root of most evils
Cat Anders, Lismore. Stan Grant claims that racism is at the heart of the nation. I don't deny this, however, misogyny is at the heart of most cultures and this, as always, is denied aggressively by men and women.
I am racist!
'I am a white middle aged guy, I’m gay and I believe I am racist. I am working with awareness to notice when I have racist thoughts or actions. It’s hard work because it’s so much of who I am,' writes Anand Anderson.
Right-wing group NCC rallied to Abbott’s rescue over challenge
Tony Abbott's leadership was saved in part by a last-minute email campaign by right-wing group the National Civic Council, which denigrated Malcolm Turnbull and Julie Bishop in an email to its supporters.
Defending the burqa
Dawn Blackwell, Mullumbimby. I am not a religious person – quite frankly I find it baffling – however, never have I met nicer people than Muslims. Their faith, just like any other, has been exploited by extremists to peddle their own agenda
Arrests made over racist Sydney bus attack
Police have arrested five teenagers in Sydney's eastern suburbs following reports of an anti-Semitic attack on a group of school children on a bus.
Soap Box #149: Tying Rolf Harris down
Discovering Rolf Harris is a pedophile is a little like finding out Dame Edna is a woman, says Mandy.
Local News
Ballina cleans up!
David Lowe - 0
Clean Up Australia Day was a great success in Ballina, with the beach clean up event organised by Ballina Coastcare yesterday attracting twenty volunteers.
Local News
Lismore future councillor information sessions
With the delayed Local Government elections being held in September, several councils, including Lismore City Council, are holding information sessions for community members who are thinking about running for Council.
Local News
What’s happening with South Ballina Beach?
David Lowe - 2
The debate about the future of the beaches south of Ballina is heating up again as councils and concerned citizens grapple with the ongoing issue of 4WD-related damage.
Local News
Thirteen students inducted into Tweed Youth Council
The Youth Council program hopes develop better relations between Council and Tweed’s young people, by encouraging a mutual respect, and providing opportunities to contribute to civic life in a constructive and meaningful manner.