IT’S INCREASINGLY LIKELY THAT SOMETHING WILL HAPPEN AT S SOME O E TIME OM The Byron Shire Echo • Volume 39 #43 • April 2, 2025 • w www.echo.net.au ww..eech ww cho o..ne nett..au au
Clean at last ſş ĎëżƐĶưĕ ƖſǕŕī ǕŕëōƆ ƱſëżƆ Ɩż Ķŕ īōëƆƆƷ ƱëưĕƆ ▶ see sport page 20 Photo Jeff Dawson
Mandy, Kimberly or Justine? While more candidates are expected to nominate, ƐIJĶƆ ĶƆ ƷşƖſ ĈIJşĶĈĕ ȑ Ɔş Īëſ ȑ Īşſ ƐIJĕ lëƷ Ǫ ĕōĕĈƐĶşŕȂ
V
oters will have their say on the direction the country is headed on May 3. The announcement by Labor PM Anthony Albanese ends months of unofficial campaigning, leaving less than five weeks before we go to the polls.
The marginal electoral seat of Richmond has been held by Labor MP Justine Elliot since 2004, and encompasses the local government areas of Tweed in the north, Byron, and Ballina in the south. For online election coverage, visit www.echo.net.au.
Ocean Shores boardwalk back on the agenda ▶ p5
The problem of billionaires funding politics ▶ p6
Prof Hocking digs into the Liberal policies ▶ p10
Let’s Talk Dementia: a health crisis we can’t ignore ▶ p16
Our monthly focus on the arts ▶ p24
Coast To Country We Have Your Property Needs Covered Whether you’re ready to sell or just curious about your property’s potential, we’re here to make your real estate journey seamless and rewarding.
Seven: so many gigs ▶ p26
Visit MANA at Byron Bay 50 Parkes Ave Byron Bay
Murwillumbah 15 Commercial Rd Murwillumbah
TM
manare.au