Bangalow's Heartbeat February 2013

Heartbeat Bangalow’s

free l february 2013 No.166 l Celebrating the Life and Times of the local Community

How do we want our town to look?

The Christmas Street Fair is over, where we celebrated in our lovely town centre. Now questions of how our village should grow are being asked by developers and residents. See our report on the Station Street proposal and meeting on pages 4 & 5.

www.heartbeat.net.au

editorial

Thought you might like this taken from my deck, which I hope will never be built out.

It’s all the RMS gear, lined up where the Arundel cutting will go, all quiet for Christmas. We await the invasion! Tony Hart

• Any problem fixed fast • No call out fees • Great deals on new PC’s t: 6687 5573 or 6681 5575

Welcome to the first issue of Heartbeat for 2013, a shorter issue this month as many of our journalists and community contributors take holidays in January. So ... back to school and back to work for most of us, and I hope 2013 brings joy and good fortune.

Recent community concerns addressed in this issue include pleas from Landcare and Groundforce, local development and the CSG-Free movement which is ramping up locally. See the diary for important meetings coming up.

meet the team

Allison Leo Ad production

“RIGHT ADVICE” Whether it is SELLING or RENTING or any PROPERTY needs...

6687 2479 Visit our new website & read comments from recent clients who are happy with “THE RIGHT ADVICE” they received!

www.bangalowrealestate.com.au

2 2

Marika Bryant Artery correspondent

With more than 25 years of media industry experience, Allie has been working with Heartbeat since 2003, initially tackling editorial production and now ads production.

Allie moved to the region, her mother’s and grandmother’s birthplace, in 2001 and now could never consider living anywhere else. “While Heartbeat is such a wonderful magazine and gives so much to the community, it has also given me so much back over the years and I love working with all its staff.” www.heartbeat.net.au

B A N G A L OW ’ S H E A R T B E AT

For the

We give a nod to Valentine’s Day with an article on relationships (not just flowers and chocolate), provide feature articles on local residents, publish meeting and activity dates for our clubs and societies and much more.

As the hot weather continues it may not be the best time for hard work in the garden. So perhaps take a look at our article on garden design?

Commencing this issue we include a section on ‘Meet the team’, so please come up and ‘say g’day’.

Di Martin

PO Box 132 Bangalow NSW 2479 Editors: Dianne Martin 6687 2592 Ruth Kirby Email: editors@heartbeat.net.au Advertising: Janelle Saunders Email: advertising@heartbeat.net.au www.heartbeat.net.au Advertising: Janelle PO Box 132 Bangalow Saunders 0422 069 861 Production: allieleo@bigpond.net .au

bangalow’s heartbeat

Marika Bryant, a local practising artist, writes the Artery column for Bangalow’s Heartbeat and is convenor of the Art-on-the-Move group of local artists. With years of experience writing for Arts Hub and The Blurb, Marika keeps her finger on the art pulse with words and pictures and is currently also reviewing for Australian Stage. “The Artery gives me a chance to spread the joy of creativity as well as feeding my own passion for artiness!”

Editorial Team: Judy Baker, Marika Bryant, Tony Hart, Lyn Plummer, Brian Sundstrom, Christobel Munson Sub Editor: Helen Wilson Distribution: Bangalow Post Office, Brian Sundstrom, Peter Bradridge Web Pages: Wendy Gray CampbellThis newsletter is published by BangaDISCLAIMER. Plummer, Benny Accounts: Saunders, Rob low’s Heartbeat Sally Schofield, Andrea Stur- Neville Chariman: MaloneyIncorporated PO Box 132 NSW 2479.

Hon. Editors Dianne Martin, Ruth Kirby, Hon Sec/

NSW 2479 advertising@heartbeat. geon, Brian Sundstrom Public Officer Neville Maloney. Membership is open Editors: DianneDISCLAIMER. Martin net.au Distribution: Bangalow Post This news-letter is published

by Bangalow’s Heartbeat Incorporated PO2479 Boxpostal 132district.

NSWThe 2479. to all adult residents of the 6687 2592 Production: Allie Leo Kirby,Office, Sundstrom, opinions expressed by individualiscontributors not Hon Editors Ad Dianne Martin; Ruth Hon Brian Sec/Public Officer Helen Wilson.

Membership open to allareadult Ruth Kirby Niels Arup Peter Bradridge shared by the Editors other members residents of Design: the ‘2479’ postal district. The opinions expressed bynecessarily individual contributors areandnot necessarily Email: editors@heartbeat. Editorial team: Judy Baker, Website: Joanna Wilkinson of the Association committee. While every reasonshared by theDon Editors and other members of the Association While every reasonable is made able effort is made to publish accurateeffort information, net.au Brown,Marika Bryant, Accounts: Rob Campbellcommittee.

Bangalow’s Heartbeat Inc.for accepts no responsibility to Sharpe publish accurate information, Heartbeat Inc. accepts no responsibility statements made or Cover photo: Lisa Tony Hart, Vicki King, LynBangalow’s Chairman: Neville Maloney

opinions expressed.

for statements made or opinions expressed.

BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT

environment

Environment out of the spotlight?

Bangalow Landcare might become a thing of the past in this coming year as it seems that caring for our environment is not high on anyone’s priority list any more. We have gone from up to 30 keen members 12 years ago to three or four if we are lucky. No amount of promotion seems to attract new members. It seems that most people take the attitude that someone else will do the work which has been the case until now.

It’s time for other members of this growing community to step up if Landcare is going to remain in our town.

Landcare groups take many forms and although the aim of this group was to reafforest six km of Byron Creek and its tributaries to improve water quality this does not need to be the focus of any future group.

We have managed to achieve about a third of our aim and it is not impossible to complete the task with new energy, particularly since we have accumulated a lot of knowledge

about how to restore the original vegetation of our area in the most efficient and satisfying way. The guidance is here for anyone who wants it or start afresh with a new plan. Over the years we have not only put in and nurtured countless thousands of plants and removed acres of weed species, we have also run workshops on weeds, brought in guest speakers, hosted visiting Landcare groups, worked with the school on environment programs and organised toad musters. The Bangalow group is well respected in the Landcare community as a focused and dynamic group.

If you have enjoyed the plantings at the sports fields, noticed the rainforest around the pool area, appreciated the new wetland or any of the other work we have done for the environment in this area and you would like to see it continue then now is the time to get involved. We all have busy lives and limited time but honestly who can’t spare

a few hours a month to help the natural world? The sense of satisfaction and pride in the result is not to be underestimated, let alone the legacy left for following generations. Most work is kid friendly, bring the family and set a positive example.

Children love planting!

If you want to see the restoration work continue then please get involved now.

There is a weekly working bee at the Pool Park every Friday morning at 8.30am (call 0421 822 874) or if this is inconvenient please get in touch and give us feedback of when suits more people.

See www.bangalowlandcare.org.au for more details on our projects or call 6687 1309 for more information.

Liz Gander Editors’ note : Groundforce is also still seeking volunteers for the Wednesday morning gardeåning sessions in and around the main street. Contact Robert Lotty 6687 2442

Bangalow

The Hinterland Specialists Ta l k t o t h e E x p e r i e n ce d Te a m a t E l d e r s Ba n g a lo w

19a Byron Street, Bangalow www.eldersbangalow.com.au

6687 1500 FEBRUARY 2013 FEBRUARY 2013

33

local development

Bangalow community examines Stat Karena Wynn-Moylan reminded the Over 100 people packed the RSL Hall on Thursday, 10 January to hear a spokesman audience of the Bangalow Main Street for the developers of a property at 9 Station Study, prepared in 1990, after the highway Street outline plans and take questions bypassed the main street. A summary of from the floor. Tony Hart, of the Bangalow this report is inserted below for information: Progress Association, chaired the meeting There was a surge of interest in the future and introduced Paul de Fina, spokesman for of Bangalow resulting in the formation the developers, and project designer Ron of a committee, which together with the Johnson. Mr de Fina was given ten minutes Bangalow Chamber of Commerce, put into to outline the development, with plans action a ten year plan to make Bangalow a and sketches of the four-storey building on ‘heritage, arts, cultural and tourism precinct’ display. He said the proposal meets council guidelines for the 3A zoning (business and commercial) and is within the height limitation of 11.5 metres, as one floor, parking, is underground.

He also said the designer had “tried to encapsulate the heritage values of the town”, and noted that Bangalow needs more unit type accommodation close Paul de Fina addresses the meeting to the business centre.

Whilst a few spoke in favour of the development, saying it would within the Byron Shire. A grant from the create “a dense, alive town”, most at the Australia Council provided support for a meeting objected to the plans. There were study to address the issues of small town concerns expressed from the floor that the image building in an effort to enhance the proposed development was not in keeping quality of life for current and future residents. with the streetscape and character of the This was a collaborative effort between local single-storied buildings in the vicinity; that professionals, council, the Regional Arts it may set a precedent for further large development office and the community of multi-storey buildings in Station Street; that Bangalow. Those graceful verandahs lining Bangalow would lose its village feel and the main street had to have a council bylaw forbidding them revoked so they could become like another Byron Bay.

be restored (before that they had all been removed and replaced with suspended and cantilevered metal awnings). Ugly, oversize and inappropriately-coloured signage was removed and redesigned, old buildings were restored in a selection of heritage colours and lost detailing was reinstated.

Aluminium windows were stripped out and replaced with the beautiful cedar joinery you see today.

“I feel it is timely to remind Bangalow

Bangalow Cellars Locally owned and operated You’ll always find something special in

43 Byron Street Bangalow Ph 02 6687 1262 www.thecellar.com.au

Sun - Thurs 10am - 8pm | Fri - Sat 10am - 9pm 44

BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT

ion Street D.A.

At Bangalow School Every Saturday morning 9.30am -11.30am

residents of what this process achieved in light of the fact that a large part of our current population may be unaware that it was community participation that created the town we see today,” Karena said.

Jenny Coman, an ex-councillor, raised the issue of the Bangalow Settlement Strategy, which identifies the historic precinct of Bangalow village. Part of the executive summary of the Bangalow Settlement Strategy (2003) is inserted below for information: 13. Enhancing the historic character of the 3(a)(Business Zone) area through the preparation of built form design guidelines or controls to guide sympathetic development; 14. Allowing uses in the 3(a)(Business Zone) that reflect the character of Bangalow and expanding the range of uses in this zone; 15.

The incorporation of the recommendations of the Main Street Study in the revised DCP for Bangalow to help maintain the streetscape and character of the commercial area; “Are councillors considering these points when they assess proposed developments in Bangalow such as this one in Station Street?” she asked.

Josh Rogers, president of Bangalow Public School P&C, expressed concerns about increased traffic in narrow Station Lane (which has no footpath and is the

FEBRUARY 2013 FEBRUARY 2013

vehicular access to the underground parking area), saying it was a safety issue for the school children. There was also an issue of noise for residents in the eight units of the proposed building, which is next to the A&I Hall and the school hall and close to the Moller Pavilion, the RSL Hall and the Bangalow Hotel. All of these halls have functions day and night. Eva Heath noted that visitors staying in accommodation above the main street businesses complained of noise and also of odours from garbage bins and skips in Station Street. Other issues raised included: car parking, as the eighteen spaces planned would mostly accommodate the residents and shopkeepers and the number was seven short of the guidelines; the lack of ‘green’ credentials for the proposed development seems out of step with our green council. (The use of doubleglazed windows for noise abatement and no solar power or water heating).

Tony Hart said he didn’t want to speak for or against the plan but added, “My main issue is that Station Street needs a precinct plan to avoid it becoming an adhoc development zone”.

Submissions to this development application closed on 31st January. It’s hoped the issues raised at this meeting will come to the attention of the councillors as they decide on this application. Judy Baker

ACCOUNTANT Possum Business Services Rob Campbell CPA

PO Box 93 Bangalow - Tel 6687 1493 Fax 6687 1493 Email robposs@australis.net

Business & Accounts • Tax Returns • GST & BAS • Financial Accounts • Management Consulting • Quickbooks Professional Partner • Bookkeeping & Troubleshooting • Computer Training

BANGALOW Wholesale Nursery “Growing Strong”

Stuart & Tracey Knowland PREMIUM ADVANCED TREES & SHRUBS HEDGING & SCREENING SPECIALISTS Rishworths Lane, Brooklet NSW 2479 6687 8626 BY APPOINTMENT 0428 878 626

bangalownursery@linknet.com.au

55

community noticeboard Bridge lessons

Fr Phillip Hardie retires

Byron Bay Bridge Club is running a series of lessons for beginners, Friday mornings at Bangalow Bowling Club. They start on 1 February but people are also welcome to join the following week. Contact Gary Lynn 6628 3495 or Steve Stewart 6688 4585.

Regular bridge games are held at the Bowling Club on Friday afternoons, with an average of fifty players. Visitors are always welcome.

Brian Sundstrom

All Souls is sad to be losing their priest Fr Phillip Hardie, who retires at the end of February.

He will be greatly missed by the congregations at Bangalow, Clunes and Eureka and the many groups and individuals he has helped in the community.

Ellen Lehane

Bangalow Garden Club The first meeting for 2013 is on Wednesday, 6 February at 1.30 pm in the Anglican Hall.

Hazel Sowerby will be in the chair. The garden visit will be to the home of Isabel and Larry Truesdale in Mullumbimby on Saturday, 9 February.

Check out our website on bangalowgardenclub.org.au.

Many thanks to Ian Pick, our initial web master and a big thank you to Fay Bogg who is going to manage and update it this year.

Helen Johnston

Bowlo events Phil & Chris Coad on Saturday, 9 February at 7.30pm. Tickets $15.

The Bourkenbacks on Friday, 15 February at 8pm. Tickets $10.

Rock and Roll Sunday with The Cath Simes Band on Sunday, 24 February at 2pm. Tickets $10.

Lisa Hunt on Friday, 1 March.

Simone Chapman

Our new library The new Byron Bay Library opens to the public on Monday, 11 February. While the ‘move’ is happening, the current Byron Bay library will be shut until the new library opens. In the meantime, books can still be returned via the external book return chute at the old library in Lawson Street, Byron Bay. The new Byron Bay library features a special children’s area, a quiet study area, group study rooms, a young adult’s room, an indigenous and local study room, community rooms and a dedicated room for use

by Bundjalung people of Byron Bay-Arakwal in recognition of the role they played in making the land available for the new library.

Byron Shire Council

Newrybar Dinner /Movie Night Newrybar Hall in partnership with Travelling Flicks present The Life of Brian at Newrybar Cinema, 7 pm Saturday, 16 February. Desserts and coffee

Heritage House Tearoom open 10am to 3pm Wednesday - Friday Booking (p) 6687 2183

66

served at interval.

A great night out with your friends, book a table and laugh your socks off. Tickets $30/head, preevent bookings recommended to ensure seats. Tickets from Barebones in Bangalow, Driftlab in Newrybar, and Talisman in Lennox or direct via payment to Newrybar Community Hall BSB 032591 Account 236213 and indicate name. Tickets may be available at the door unless sold out before hand. A big thank you to Federal Film Society for their support. This event is a fundraiser for Newrybar Hall.

Ian Duncan

WIRES The NSW Wildlife Information and Rescue Service is an all-volunteer organisation that needs new members throughout the Northern Rivers.

WIRES offers a weekend course that will teach you how to safely rescue and provide emergency care for injured and orphaned wildlife. The next course will be 16-17 February. Call our 24 hour hotline on 6628 1898 or see www.wiresnr.org to join us or to learn about other ways you can help.

Muriel Kinson

Red Cross news The year certainly started in an extraordinary way with bushfires raging out of control down south. We send our best wishes and concerns to all those

who have suffered and lost so much. Our branch has been collecting donations for the Bush Fire Appeal and are continuing to do so. If you wish to make a donation please contact me on 6687 1246.

Our next meeting – the first of the year – will be 10am on Friday, 22 February at the RSL Hall. All welcome. Our next major fund-raiser will be a street stall on Saturday, 2 March. We will have our usual dazzling array of cakes and conserves and interesting items for sale.

Hope to see you there. Dot Gill

CWA news The Bangalow CWA will again host the Land Cookery and Craft Day on 28 February at the A&I hall. Anyone can enter. Please pick up details at the CWA rooms.

Ruth Kirby

Networking Breakfast for men and women Our first networking breakfast is at Town in Bangalow on 28 February at 8am. Our presenter is Gye Bennetts from 5 Elements Acupuncture in Bangalow. The ancient Chinese believed there were five main personality types that corresponded with the five elemental energies of the world.

They are fire, earth, metal, water and wood. In business and in life each of these five element types sees the world in a different way.

At our breakfast we will have

MAN with a VAN X TRUCK One item or many • Brisbane, Gold Coast weekly Local & Reliable • 15 years experience

1300 856 530 • 0414 282 813

BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT

some fun and see if we can see each of these five element types in us and learn how to have rapport with them in our business life. Bookings are essential.

0412 475543 rosemarie@ byronandbeyondnetworking. com.au Rosemarie Toynbee

Expressions of interest Council is currently calling for nominations for additional members to assist with the management of the hall as well as Heritage House and court.

All applications for nomination must be submitted on an approved nomination form.

Nomination forms and guides to operation of Section 355 Committees and Boards of Management can be obtained at the Council Administration Centre, Bangalow Post Office and are also available on Council’s website www.byron. nsw.gov.au/expressions-ofinterest. Nominations close Thursday, 28 February 2013.

Also, council is seeking expressions of interests from suitably qualified individuals or organisations for venue coordination of the council owned Bangalow A&I Hall.

An expression of interest package is available on council’s webpage at www.byron.nsw. gov.au/expressions-of-interest or at community access points around the shire. The term of contract is for four years.

For further details see the Council advertisement on page18. Expressions of interest must be received by council prior to 2pm Thursday, 28 February 2013 .Enquiries: Gayle McCallum 6626 7045 .

Byron Shire Council

Bangalow Historical Society request

As part of the Museum’s planned exhibition to coincide with ANZAC Day in April, we are searching for local women who married servicemen from other countries and went to live there with them. Also, we are looking for women from other countries who came to live here following the man they had met and fallen in love with in one of the many theatres of war. We would like to honour them and the bravery it took to change their lives so completely.

The Australian War Museum website describes these adventurous women as follows: As a result of Australian involvement in various wars over the last century, there were a number of marriages among Australian servicemen and women from countries where they were serving. Many of the women they married migrated to Australia. A significant number of Australian women married United States and British servicemen stationed in Australia and migrated to

their countries. There were also mariages during the Korean and Vietnam wars.

The Bangalow Museum would love any information about these ladies and would also be thrilled to have their stories to tell and photographs to display.

These can be reproduced by us if they are too precious to let out of the family album. We would need the information by the end of February. Phone me on 6687 2183 or call in between Wednesday and Friday.

Wendy Grissell

Counselling For Carers Carers NSW supports unpaid carers across NSW through the National Carer Counselling Program (donation based).

For information and support (counselling and support in finding suitable resources/ services), call the Carer Line 1800 242 636.

Cynthia Fox

Bike paths for Bangalow In 2003 a broad body of Bangalow residents and organisations developed a plan which, in 2008, was adopted into the ‘Bike Strategy and Action Plan’. This plan has been amended and commented on a number of times... but still NO ACTION! Michael King (Manager, Infrastructure Planning) at BSC confirmed on 11 January that although the plan is “on the planning list” there has

been “no council resolution at this point”. Please step in people of Bangalow. Ring one of your friendly councillors (see Byron Council web page for numbers and email addresses) and ask them to bring this matter forward now!

Clare Hopkins and Sandy Loyall

ADFAS ADFAS Byron Bay and Districts presents eight evening lectures throughout the year, held in the A&I hall, for anyone interested in the broader arts, history and culture. Membership for 2013 is $125 and guests are welcome at $25 per lecture. Here is an overview of the year’s program.

March: The City of Kyoto and the Cult of Beauty April: Aboriginal Art from Rock Art to the 21st Century.

May: Harlots, Rakes and Crashing China – An accidental Introduction to Ceramics (with a little nudge from William Hogarth).

June: Contemporary Art – Trash or Treasure? July: True Originals: The Art of Untrained, Visionary and Compulsive Creators Aug: Meet Me at the Waldorf – the story of two iconic hotels built on Astor feuds, fortunes and art patronage Sep: Art for an Afterlife: ancient Egyptian tomb scenes and funerary goods Oct: Behind the Scenes at the Antiques Roadshow Hans Mol

North Coast Bookkeeping Services For all your Bookkeeping requirements including BAS, QuickBooks or MYOB ph: 6687 2604 Ian Holden fax: 6687 2893 7 Rosewood Ave, Bangalow book001@bigpond.net.au Member of Australian Bookkeepers Network

RF Byrne Earthmoving Construction & Paving

 Access Roads  Plant Hire - grader etc  Driveway & Car Parks

 Erosion Control  Hot Mix & Bitumen Seal Phone

Dick on 6687 8418 or 0412 831 944 549 Friday Hut Rd Brooklet 2479

FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 2013

2013

♦ Pots ♦ Garden plants & pavers ♦ Quality Garden Soils ♦ Bulk Potting Mixes ♦ Compost & Mulches ♦ Sand & Gravel 225 Lismore Rd, Bangalow Ph: 6687 1520 Robyn & Ian Black - Proprietors 77

new horizons

A fortuitous chain of events

Helen Johnston reports on newcomers to our area, Georgia Fox and family, in this continuation of the New Horizons series.

Georgia Fox had never won anything in her life until a radio presenter rang her in 2004 with the news that Georgia and her husband, Dominic Finlay-Jones, had won a trip to Byron Bay for Splendour in the Grass.

A lovely morning was spent in Bangalow catching up with a local friend over breakfast and life was never the same again. “We blindly stumbled across the markets, and I was blown away by the showgrounds,” says Georgia on that fateful morning.

Her childhood memories of Bangalow were limited to driving through a town on the highway. Soon after, when architect Dominic was offered a job at a Lennox Head based environmental engineering firm they, with their then three year old daughter Ginger, leapt at the chance.

They initially rented on Granuaille Road before yet another fortuitous chain of events led them to their own home, backing onto the very showgrounds which had impressed them so much. This house which wasn’t even on the market was bought on a handshake in the front yard, without Georgia even seeing inside. “My feeling was that as long as it had a roof and a few walls, we would figure it out. I knew this was our house, and we had to seize this momentary opportunity to have the showgrounds for a back garden,” she says.

When Dominic went into private practice a few years ago, they converted the under crofts to a studio space, allowing him to stay more connected to family life as well

Dominic, Ginger and Georgia

as his beloved garden, despite working long hours. He is currently busy with Lismore City Hall’s $5m upgrade, as well as other local residential and commercial projects. Dominic loves community life, working for the BCCC, involved in the Garden Club, Show Society, and the Bangalow Pool Trust (of which he has recently been appointed President).

Georgia received her Fine Arts degree in ceramics but a successful dabble in handmade greeting cards while home with

a new baby launched an accidental career in graphic design. She retired the cards to work in the family architecture business but couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be a part of last year’s Sew & Tell Fairs which exhibit local hand made products.

Georgia’s Christmas cards, featuring an intricate line drawing of the northern side of the main street, describe Bangalow as ‘Australia’s Loveliest Little Town on a Hill’ something she, Dominic, and Ginger most certainly find it to be.

BEESLEY & HUGHES

Bangalow

LAWYERS of BANGALOW

We provide a confidential, competent and prompt legal service with sensitivity appropriate to the current economic circumstances.

a to 9:30pm Open every day of the year 6:30pm ow Bangal St, Shop 2, Byron

Owen Hughes: Principal Solicitor Cassandra Bennett: Solicitor

16 Byron Street, Bangalow

www.beesleyandhughes.com.au

222147_Bangalow_Press_90x45_mono.indd 1

Open 8am5.15pm

3/03/11 1:29 PM

Ph: 6687 1717

HUDSON MANAGEMENT SERVICES 

Accountants



Registered Tax Agents

Taking care of local businesses for over 10 years

Contact John HUDSON for an initial consultation 85 BYRON ST, BANGALOW  PH: 6687 2960 8 8

BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT

on the corner

urban renewal Bangalow residents have been watching with interest progress with the replacement for the old Urban Café, burnt down in December 2011.

Feedback to Heartbeat has been very positive in the way the new building fits in with the streetscape.

Owners are John and Amarjit Singh who told Heartbeat the ground floor will be a café/restaurant and upstairs are offices, accessed by a lift, the first in Bangalow. We were pleased to hear it will not be McDonalds (see July 2012 pic top right), but reopened as The Urban by the former operators.

Heartbeat also spoke with the Lismore based builders, Greg Clarke Building, as to completion date. Apparently the only hold up is the lift, which was due “end of January from Brisbane. If it arrives on time it will be finished mid to late February”.

Brian Sundstrom

December 2011

July 2012

Photos by Judy Baker January 2013

The next Bangalow Chamber of Commerce meeting is on Thursday 28th February, 5.30pm, Bangalow Museum & Tearoom.

Business owners are encouraged to attend, community members welcome.

echidna place

essentials for children

FROM NEWBORN

34 byron street bangalow nsw 6687 2622

FEBRUARY 2013

FEBRUARY 2013

9 9

in the garden

design and plan your garden To design your garden successfully it is important to remember that you are dealing with living organisms. Plants are of course obvious but there are also soil organisms, insects and birds, plus a myriad of non-living factors that will influence the choice of plants and materials that you can use.

Start with a scaled base plan which should consist of an accurate lot and house placement and dimension.

Draw on it any existing features such as garden walls, driveway, and other fixtures that will stay where they are. It is a good idea to mark on the plan the location of existing services such as telephone, electricity, gas in order to not cut, disturb or block them when you start the construction. Be aware of any covenants, easements and other legal documents that would influence what you can or cannot do on your block.

On your base plan do a site analysis on which you evaluate the components of your site such as exposure to wind, noise, sunlight and artificial light, attractive and unattractive views, indoor and outdoor relationships, type of soil, possible drainage issues, and the topography of your yard and the neighbouring area.

The next stage is to work out the functionality of your garden. Who will use it and how do you want it to be used?

Your garden will have to be functional and maintainable over time. You have to make it easy to maintain and reduce over time the need for fertilizers, pesticides, equipment, water and extra labour.

Now you are ready for your conceptual diagram.

The form of your garden will follow the function. Work out what are your outdoor needs, things such as entertainment, children, pets, food production, storage, circulation in and out of the garden and, often overlooked, the inevitable service area. Make your choice of materials, the style of garden you want and any features you desire to incorporate like statues, pergolas or water features.

The concept plan is your final stage and is where your creative ideas on paths, features, borders, out buildings, and walls are located. Then the hardest part comes where you have to choose plants.

Remember each plant has a function.

Plants are used to soften edges, mark boundaries, define specific areas, create a background, create shade, hide or screen a view, attract or repel certain animals.

Plants have shapes, colours and textures that, when used appropriately, will direct the eyes.

Put all those elements together in a harmonious manner and you will have achieved a successful design.

Remember that a garden is alive. As such it grows, evolves and sometimes part of it dies.

It is there for your enjoyment but also is the habitat of countless creatures, a place shared by many often unseen creatures without which your garden would not survive.

Plant small and watch it grow!

Patrick Regnault (MAIH)

For native animal rescues and assistance call

6628 1898 (24 hours)

10 10

BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT

Business & Services Lois Buckett Real Estate Bangalow A Buckett load of service from your Property Management Professionals.

For emergency help in Flood, Storm and Tsunami call

132 500

www.lisasharpe.com.au

lmsharpe@bigpond.net.au

02 6686 2900

...the print professionals with a passion for print 2011 Winners Green Business Excellence 2009 Medal Winners NSW Print Excellence Awards 2009 Winners Green Business Excellence

mark@pristinepublications.com.au karen@pristinepublications.com.au

2/200 Southern Cross Drive, Ballina NSW 2478

• Organic, Fair Trade, Australian grown, and Rainforest Alliance coffees.

• Organic teas, organic drinking chocolate.

• In Bangalow at Pantry 29, Foodworks, Charlotte’s Market and at the Post Office.

Visit our new retail store

Arts & Industry Estate 4/1A Banksia Dr, Byron Bay

FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 2013

2013

11 11

christmas eve carnival

a hard act to swallow!

Anyone who saw the Space Cowboy perform in the main street of Bangalow last Christmas Eve could be forgiven for wondering what mutant planet this talented side show freak hails from.

Space Cowboy’s daredevil stunts and eye popping street theatre have wowed international audiences at all the big festivals whilst earning him many entries in the Guinness Book of Records. His act leads to headlines and TV appearances wherever he goes.

Before he grew wings and a cast His Cowboyship iron gullet, Space Cowboy aka Shane went to Byron High.

He is a local lad! He didn’t so much run off to join a circus as evolve here into one of the freakiest side show stars any circus in the world would want to showcase. An average day’s work for Shane usually involves lots of time developing the next jaw dropping trick as well as the usual chores of bending cutlery, juggling chainsaws, doing a bit of psychic surgery, lots of sword swallowing, riding around on the tallest unicycle ever ridden, more juggling and constant comedy routines. He’s a busy

man. When he’s not busy, I’ve seen him riding to the beach in Byron on a suitably steam punk looking motorbike.

We were indeed fortunate that he came home for Christmas 2012 and brought his counter-intuitive mastery of basic anatomy and gravity to planet Bangalow.

“I was born with an internal deformation of my digestive system that enables me to swallow a sword deeper than any other sword swallower that has ever lived.

When I first started swallowing the long sword I was 20 years old, and in a moment of distraction I sliced my stomach lining in a performance.

Backstage I started vomiting blood and was rushed to hospital. To the doctor’s amazement I swallowed an endoscope with no anaesthetic! I was prescribed serious drugs to stop any infection.

It was a lucky escape. It was 10 years before I would attempt this swallow again.” (From www.thespacecowboy. com.au ) If at first you don’t succeed...

(Do not try this at home, not even once.)

Benny Saunders

The Pitts treat mall

Chinzea

Photos by Lisa Sharpe

A couple of tall orders

and all thanks to...

A balmy December evening saw crowds collecting in Byron Street to enjoy the carnival.

Street performers, carollers, food vendors and many many more were all in evidence and much appreciated. A great family evening, and one we all hope will continue to be supported for many years to come.

Bangalow Lions wishes to thank the organisers, volunteers, businesses and other sponsors and all others involved in helping to keep this iconic event up and running.

At a gold level, the sponsors were: l Bangalow Cellars l Bangalow Hotel l The Harris family l Bangalow Dining Rooms l Bangalow’s Heartbeat l The Messenger Group Brian Grant

Ph: 0402 061 110

Logical decorating – modern & traditional Beautiful selection of modern blinds & curtains chinzea.3@bigpond.com

HEARTBEAT - POWERED BY volunteers 12 12

BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT

the arts

MARK WARREN CERAMIC ARTIST

Lyn Plummer spoke to Mark Warren, a Possum Creek resident for the last 25 years, who has a long history and wealth of experience in the field of ceramics.

Mark completed his formal ceramic training at East Sydney College of TAFE in 1976 and then went ahead to establish four different pottery workshops in Sydney, Stanwell Park Wollongong, Campbelltown and later on the North Coast.

Mark has taught ceramics in all the major TAFE colleges on the east coast of New South Wales, including Grafton, Lismore and Murwillumbah and has held numerous exhibitions at various locations throughout NSW. He has always felt that “the creative process is really finding out about ourselves and the world around us.”

Mark uses a variety of forming techniques in his ceramic studio including wheel throwing, hand building, press moulding and slip casting. The use of these different techniques and a similar approach to glazes and decoration enables him to produce many different forms, themes and textures. He uses a gas kiln to produce a variety of mid range reduction ware.

Mark has always been fascinated with the alchemy involved in the firing process

which in many ways replicates the forces in nature which shaped our planet. He comments, “Making ceramics is all about understanding atmosphere and heat and their affect on matter. Firing deals with all the elements which created our universe.”

His sources of inspiration include Islamic and Persian design and also the symmetry found in the natural world of plants and fish.

As he observes, “Since ancient times, craftsmen potters have used their knowledge of earth, fire and time to create insightful and meaningful expressions of human culture.”

His ceramics cover a range of domestic ware including teapots, bowls, vases and decorative objects. More recently he has been creating bathroom vanity basins and fishing lures. He is a professional mould maker and has also branched into metal fabrication.

Mark has found that it in recent years it has become increasingly difficult to find buyers and outlets for his ceramics.

GNF bangalow (02) 6687 2833 www.gnfrealestate.com.au FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 2013

2013

“Artists really have to find a niche market,” he says. Costs of materials and production have increased. So have commissions from galleries.

In order to survive and continue his vocation in ceramics Mark has over the years diversified into other areas of work such as building, carpentry and cooking.

As well as working in his studio making ceramics he also works in an advisory capacity giving technical advice to other potters and artists.

He has recently been selling his work through a friend’s Facebook page and will set up his own web page in the future. He feels it is obvious that he may need to diversify once more and is in the process of developing new ideas.

Ceramics continue to inspire him and he comments “Making a living is not the only focus. Ceramics enable me to continue to pursue the mysterious and beautiful in nature.”

For further information contact Mark at markwarrenceramics@yahoo.com.au or phone him on 6687 1854. Lyn Plummer

INTERACTIVE LANDSCAPES • Landscape Design • Structural Landscaping • Horticultural Consulting

ABN: 96 790 916 133 Lic: 130656C

Patrick Regnault Ph: 6629 1064 Mob: 0408 429 646

www.facebook.com/Interactive.landscapes 13 13

community movement

revolution for a CSG-Free Bangalow A quiet revolution is underway in the Northern Rivers of NSW. No guns are being fired. No revolutionary lives are being lost.

But slowly and steadily - with courtesy and respect for their fellow-citizens - thousands of concerned people are rising to the challenge.

At stake is the health of every resident due to “potential health risks associated with air pollution, ground and water contamination…” associated with Coal Seam Gas mining, according to the NSW Health Department.

The ‘revolutionaries’ believe that the legal system and government have failed them as those health risks have not been properly assessed, yet licences and leases have been granted for three mining companies, Metgasco Limited, Arrow Energy and Red Sky Energy, to explore for coal seam gas (CSG) and other forms of unconventional gas, across the Northern Rivers. (See Heartbeat Feb 2012 article by Simon Clough, ‘Time to Mobilise on Coal Seam Gas,’ for details.)

Just before Christmas, a training in NonViolent Direct Action was held in Bangalow.

More than 90 mostly Byron shire residents attended, more ‘mainstream’ than ‘feral’ (according to organisers), aged between 20-80. The training was led by Simon Clough, Lismore Deputy Mayor, and Adam Guise. “The purpose was to give people a map of how a social movement operates,” Simon said.

Since the CSG-Free Northern Rivers campaign began a year ago at The Channon, 80 local communities have declared themselves gas-field free, with 96 percent

mining companies against the will of the people.

At the recent and ongoing action being taken at Glenugie since January, the training has proved “extremely effective”, Simon said.

“The Public Order and Riot Squad were very provocative, but the crowd held to the core value of peaceful direct action, and were not provoked.” See www.csgfreenorthernrivers. org for details.

Christobel Munson of more than 12,000 people surveyed so far responding YES to the question ‘Do you want your road/lands gasfields free?’

With legal and teaching training behind him Adam dealt with the legal questions and the issues of blockading. What are people’s rights? Have you the right to protest? What’s the most effective method to undertake a blockade? What methods work?

Simon talked about the power of social movements. How relevant are they when we have a government (as we do at the moment) which doesn’t listen to its constituents? Is this a breakdown in democracy? He discussed how social movements work and what roles need to be fulfilled in order to create a successful movement, such as ‘citizen’, ‘rebel’ and ‘community educator’.

So what is Non-Violent Direct Action?

“It follows the tradition set by Ghandi that the action is peaceful but not passive. It’s designed to educate the community and to prevent negative action. For instance, if a drilling rig is coming to an area: if you can stop it, you stop it. It also reveals the real nature of a society as it shows directly how police and politicians are collaborating with

Public meeting launching the ‘CSG-Free Bangalow’ survey A public meeting will be held at the Bangalow A&I Hall on Tuesday, 12 February from 6-9pm. Specifically, the meeting is to initiate an upcoming street-by-street community survey of the area from Bangalow to Coolamon Scenic Drive (southern end). It is not a general CSG information session.

Guest speakers will include Byron Shire Mayor, Simon Richardson. A short film will be screened on ‘CSGFree Northern Rivers’. Organiser Bianca Ferrari will be looking for people wanting to survey residents of Bangalow roads, asking whether or not they want their road to be Gasfield Free.

Phone Bianca on 6687 2511 for details, or to sign up as a sponsor.

Tintenbar Success Residents of more than 50 roads in the communities of Newrybar, Nashua, Fernleigh, Teven, Knockrow, Brooklet and Tintenbar have completed their road surveys. On the morning of Sunday, 3 February, they will host a community celebration to present their CSG-Free Road Declarations to local mayors at Tintenbar Oval. The presentation will be made at 11am. From 10am till noon there will be a

family picnic, music and games.

“The fight to keep our land, water and air CSG-free has united these communities and this day symbolises our determination to protect our health and that of our environment,” said the organisers.

“Coal seam fracking techniques rely on high concentrations of chemicals to free methane gas from its trapped state and it is these chemicals that can pollute our

aquifer system.’”

To show what could be lost if mining is allowed, a display of the rich bounty grown in our local area will be on show.

Residents are invited to bring a sample of homegrown produce for the display.

Coffee and cakes will be available; there will be a sausage sizzle and raffles to help raise funds for the campaign. For more information phone Carmel 6629 1472.

www.bangalow.com 14 14

BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT

Health & Wellbeing

Liz Thomas Cally O’Hara Clare Connolly

Sara Goldie

BSc Hons (Psych) MPsych (Clin) MAPS MACPA

Dr Jane Reffell

Womens Health Doctor (Medicare rebates apply)

Janelle Angel

Continence & Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Julie Streckfuss, Bimbi Gray

Osteopathy for Women & Children

Imelda Johnson

Remedial Massage & Myo-articular Therapy

Clinical Psychologist & Psychotherapist Empowering you towards harmony within your self, relationships and life.

Suite 4, 20 Byron Street, Bangalow NSW 2479 Ph/Fax: (02) 6687 0431 Mob: 0414 861 653 E: info@saragoldie.com Professional and confidential psychotherapy. Medicare rebates available

award winning fusion of yoga and pilates mat work

9.30am - 11am

the bangalow

naturopath PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS

BY APPOINTMENT

OVER THE COUNTER ADVICE

• full health appraisals • nutritional advice • Iridology • live blood analysis • laboratory testing • health rebates

• herbal tinctures and teas • homeopathics • flower essences • therapeutic creams & oils • beauty products • nutritional supplements

s Tick clip ng i & groom

Naturopath Sue Daly 02 6687 1831 34 Byron St, Bangalow

FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 2013

2013

15 15

health and wellbeing

The heart of the matter Healthy relationships – romantic and otherwise – are the cornerstone of a happy, stress-free life. And with the often-fraught festive season and school holidays behind us, and Valentine’s Day coming up, now is a good time to focus our attention on how we relate to our nearest and dearest.

The 2479 locale is blessed with an abundance of alternative health specialists and well-being practitioners each offering insights and remedies for optimal health – inside and out.

Sue Daly has been working as a naturopath in Bangalow since 1999. “The two most common symptoms I treat on a daily level in my clinic are fatigue and stress,” says Sue. “These have such an impact on relationships and our ability to deal emotionally with another human being.”

“Stress can play havoc with our endocrine system ultimately affecting our hormones and moods. Fatigue makes motivation, desire and libido non-existent,” says Sue. “Feeling sluggish, overweight and undesirable doesn’t help one feel very sexy either!” she adds. Dietary evaluation, herbal medicine, nutritional supplement and flower essences can all help remedy the problem.

Healthy relationships can also benefit from individuals developing good interpersonal skills.

Counsellor Helen Larkey opened

Reconnect Counselling in Bangalow in 2012.

She emphasises the importance of good communication in maintaining resilient relationships.

“Poor communication is at the heart of most relationship difficulties,” says Helen.

“Whether your relationship is with your partner, your family, your friends your boss or your work colleagues, clear communication is essential,” adding that trust and respect are both essential to relating well to others.

“Communication is far more than talking.

It has been said that more than 80% of communication is body language. It is essential that the other person has received your message as you meant it,” she says.

Where communication has broken

down, counselling can offer a way forward. “Counselling can help couples move away from problem saturated stories to what each person wants in the relationship and learn how to attain that,” says Helen.

First and foremost, healthy relationships depend on a strong sense of self. “The most important factor for healthy relationships is to first love and have confidence in being yourself. This means the ability to self-nurture and look after your own health needs,” says Sue. This includes good nutrition, plenty of exercise, rest, adequate fresh water and less use of stimulants and recreational drugs, according to Sue. Helen agrees. “Anyone’s relationships are only ever as good as the relationship you have with yourself. And as you never leave yourself it is prudent to get to know and to like yourself,” says Helen.

Counselling, keeping a journal and reading books on self-development are some of the ways individuals can achieve this, suggests Helen.

“If we are physically and emotionally healthy we can meet another person equally,” says Sue. “Then the truly important issues for healthy relationships can develop, that is: communication, trust and ultimately intimacy.”

Sally Schofield

bangalow chiropractic • Applied Kinesiology (AK) • Total Body Modification (TBM) • Sacro-Occipital Tech (SOT) • Neuro-Emotional Tech (NET) • Neuro-Organisation Tech (NOT)

James Whittle Wholistic body balancing using low force techniques

6687 0522

16 16

4 Granuaille Rd Bangalow

BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT

local sport

bluedogs news The dust has barely settled on the 2012 season and the Bangalow Soccer Club has already turned its focus to the 2013 season. After a very successful season last year which saw the club’s first division side win the major and minor premiership, the side has now been promoted into the elite Football Far North Coast Premier Division.

Adding to this the club also had great success in its Women’s Divisions and Junior teams with both grade 17 divisions winning their grand finals.

In 2013 the Bluedogs have once again retained the services of first division coach Mark Shepherd who is keen to stamp his mark on the Premier League and believes he has a side that’s very capable of upsetting a few of the larger clubs. He would still like to see any new players that would like to play. Thiago Priori has joined the club as the Junior Development Officer and his knowledge and experience of the game will greatly benefit the club both as a coach and as a player.

The Bangalow Soccer Club is very fortunate in that it has a division for all standards of players, so everyone is welcome to join the Bluedogs.

Senior premier division squad training

Carlos Argent from Bangalow contesting a South Lismore player in last year’s Grand Final.

will commence on Thursday, 31 January at 6pm. For more information you can contact Mark Shepherd on 0428 969 817.

Senior premier division women’s training will commence on Wednesday, 30 January at 6.30pm. For more information contact Paul Hanigan 0422 827 338.

A senior sign-on date has been set for

Tuesday, 5 February.

Junior sign-on dates are as follows: Wednesday, 6 February (4 - 6pm ) and Saturday, 9 February (8 -11am ).

This year the zone will be implementing online registration starting from 1February.

Go to http://www.bangalowbluedogs.com. au/ for more information. Paul Hanigan

bangalow tennis club Happy New Year to everyone! Well, the weather has been very good for tennis (mostly) so far this year. Lots of wonderful tennis to watch on the TV, and hopefully people are getting enthusiastic about trying some of these shots for themselves.

There is social tennis on Tuesday morning happening (contact Vivienne on 6687 1803) and Tuesday night social tennis (contact Lois on 6687 1834) . Hope to see you there.

Denis Hopking, our coach, will be starting junior coaching with the start

of the school term, so please contact him on 0406 277 459 to enrol your children, or for adult coaching. The Junior championships were held late last year and there will be a Presentation Day early this term. The Junior winners were: Open Boys Champion: Joel Ashworth. R/U: Jackson Hagley. Open Girls Champion: Tahlia Bourke. R/U: Tonaya Basso. Open Mixed Doubles: Jackson Hagley and Tahlia Bourke. R/U: Joel Ashworth and Tonaya Basso. U 12 Girls Champion: Tonaya Basso. R/U:

Kasey Basso. U 10 Boys Champion: Sam Jimenez-Swain. R/U: Luke Nelson. U 10 Girls Champion: Kasey Basso. U 8 Boys Champion: Max Wolfinger. R/U: Cooper Cowan.

Unfortunately our club house has had graffiti sprayed on all the outside walls. This is very sad as the club house was painted not long ago and it is a terrible waste of money. We try to keep fees as low as possible to allow everyone to play but if maintenance gets too expensive fees will have to rise.

Lois East

Vertex Tree Services

•Experienced arborist/tree climber • •Safe removal and quality pruning • •All trees and palms •Insured • •Wood chipping •Stump Grinding •

•Call Sam •0428715886 •66870721• FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 2013

2013

17 17

good works

A letter from Tanzania Hannah Kelly has worked tirelessly fundraising in Bangalow and the local area to support the Plaster House. She brings us up to date on her current activities in Tanzania.

After three weeks travelling in Ethiopia and Kenya, I have returned to Arusha, the place I called home for just under a year in Tanzania. Not much has changed within the town itself, a little development with the roads perhaps, but other than that it is the same blissed out Arusha filled with people moving to work on dala dalas (minibuses), cows and donkeys lazily walking around on the sides of the road and reggae music blaring from supermarkets.

The day after my return, I went back to begin working again at the Plaster House. The Plaster House is a rehabilitation centre for children suffering from physical disabilities.

Surgery is provided by the Plaster House at a local hospital and then the children are relocated to the Plaster House.

With Christmas nearing, it was a special time with the children at the Plaster House.

I spent the few days before hand wrapping and addressing donated presents for the 70 children currently undergoing rehabilitation, as well as heading off to the market to try to figure out how much food would be needed at a Tanzanian Christmas lunch.

Christmas morning came and the

Hannah Kelly at work in Plaster House, Tanzania.

children and staff at the Plaster House welcomed my Aussie friends as family.

Together we cooked, sang and danced through until lunch time when we all became silent from stuffing our mouths with tropical fruits and traditional dishes.

After lunch we gave out gifts. The children all waited patiently until everyone had a present before opening their own.

Around Christmas, I am so thankful for the support that the Bangalow Community has shown the Plaster House. I am looking forward to applying funds to more aspects of the Plaster House and continually bettering the conditions for these children thanks to your generous donations.

I hope you had a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of new years.

BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL EXPRESSION OF INTERESTS Bangalow A&I Hall Board of Management Heritage House and Tennis Court Bangalow Section 355 Committee Would you like to contribute to the betterment of our Shire by joining a committee?

Council is currently calling for nominations for additional members to assist with the Management of the • Bangalow A&I Hall, Station Street, Bangalow • Bangalow Heritage House and Tennis Court, Deacon Street, Bangalow.

All applications for nomination must be submitted on an approved nomination form.

Nomination forms and Guides to Operation of Section 355 Committees and Boards of Management can be obtained at the Council Administration Centre, Bangalow Post Office and are also available on Council’s website: www.byron.nsw.gov.au/expressions-of-interest Nominations close: Thursday, 28 February 2013 Enquiries: Gayle McCallum 02 6626 7045

18 18

Venue Coordinators - Mullumbimby Civic Memorial Hall Bangalow A&I Hall Council is seeking Expressions of Interests from suitably qualified individuals/organisations for Venue Coordination of the following Council owned facilities: • Mullumbimby Civic Memorial Hall, 55 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby • Bangalow A&I Hall, Station Street, Bangalow An Expression of Interest package for each facility outlining the Timing, Statement of Requirements, Services to be Provided, Fees for Service, Conditions and Assessment etc. is available at: www.byron.nsw.gov.au/expressions-of-interest or at Community Access Points around the Shire. The term of contract is for 4 years.

Expressions of Interest must be received by Council prior to 2.00pm, Thursday, 28 February 2013, marked: EOI - Venue Coordination [name of facility], PO Box 219, Mullumbimby NSW 2482 Please note: The canvassing of Councillors or Council staff in relation to this expression of interest may automatically result in disqualification.

Submissions Close: 2.00pm Thursday, 28 February 2013 Enquiries: Gayle McCallum 02 6626 7045

BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT

what I’ve been reading

Flight Behaviour

by Barbara Kingsmill I am a big fan of Barbara Kingsolver but, I have to admit, The Lacuna was a big disappointment for me. I am happy to report that in Flight Behaviour Kingsolver is back to her old form, championing a cause (this time climate change) and delighting us with her authentic characters.

The story begins with the main protagonist, Dellarobia, ascending into the woods in pursuit of a clandestine carnal encounter. What she finds up there stops her in her tracks and, not fully understanding what she has seen, causes her to retreat and puts her on a path of reassessing her life. Set in rural Tennessee where education standards are amongst the worst in the US and people are dirt poor without much hope of escaping to anything better, Dellarobia dreams of what her life might have been but for her unplanned teenage pregnancy and the hurried wedding that followed.

The deeply religious locals think that the arrival of millions of Monarch Butterflies into their community during an extended period of unseasonal rain is a miracle. However as Dellarobia gets to know the scientists camped in her back yard, who have been deployed to investigate and document the event, she begins to understand that it is a tragedy of epic proportions.

The juxtaposition of the book’s title seems to have been lost on other reviewers of this book. It is as much about the flight (and plight) of the Monarch Butterflies as it is about the opening of Dellarobia’s wings and her potential to fly from her boring marriage to a very decent man. Loved this book – 4.5 on my bookometer!

Carolyn Adams – Bookworms & Papermites

FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 2013

2013

Harry Westera Art Lessons & Workshops Painting & Drawing

3 Deacon Street

Streetscape Landscape Portrait 0431 702 255

www.harrywesteraart.com.au

Bangalow Public School

A happy and bright future for our kids

Community service earns award The Australia Day gathering at Heritage House saw the Annual Living Treasure Award presented to Terry Bleakley. In making the presentation, Historical Society President, Rita Cowled cited Terry’s invaluable work in the field of audio-visual historical records.

Processing a very large number of historical photographs, he produced resource material of high standard bringing the history of Bangalow to life.

Volunteers at the Museum and Tea Room endorsed the decision enthusiastically and added to the areas in which Terry had given time and effort to the community. No task was too insignificant, and with an interest in landscaping and the physical fitness to match, he was an active handyman in several odd job projects.

Early in his time in town, Terry used his job as Bangalow’s post master to meet people and judge the needs of the community around him. He was quick

COMMUNITY

Living Treasure Terry Bleakley

to identify some of the needs, and to use his diverse skills, especially his filmmaking, to set about remedying them.

The award was welcomed by a hearty round of applause indicating respect and admiration. Seeing Terry surrounded by his grandchildren and receiving their hand drawn congratulation cards showed how much this popular man is recognised as a community asset.

Congratulations, Terry.

Don Brown

19 19

february diary

town talk Scarlett

Attention

Congratulations to Bangalow sisters Melia and Nerida Naughton, known as harmonising songwriters Scarlett Affection. The duo took out the coveted 2012 National Rudy Brandsma Award for Excellence in Songwriting at the Australian Songwriting Association Awards held recently in Sydney. The award, now in its 32nd year, is in memory of one of the cofounders of the Australian Songwriting Association, an organisation dedicated to supporting, promoting and recognising quality songwriting across the nation. Scarlett Affection also took out first place in the International John Lennon Songwriting Competition in the Country Category in November 2012. Their new album Forever is a long long time has been released and is now available.

Eds

Bridge for beginners starts

3

Tintenbar CSG-free roads celebration

6

Garden club meeting

9

Phil & Chris Coad at Bowlo; Garden club visit

11

New Byron library opens

12

CSG-free Bangalow public meeting

15

The Bourkenbacks at Bowlo

16 Newrybar dinner/movie night;

WIRES training

22

Red Cross meeting

24

Bangalow Market; Cath Simes Band at Bowlo

28

Networking breakfast at Town; deadline for Byron Shire nominations; CWA Land Cookery and Craft day; Chamber of Commerce meeting Farmers Market; 2, 9, 16, 23

Baby Blanket Bingo Bangalow bubs

What, for me? Miles Horner of Newrybar showing the presents Santa left him at his grandparents’ house on Christmas day.

Vroom vroom.

Terry Bleakley

1

HB deadlines: 13(ads) 18(copy)

Zala, Zac, Quinn, Atticus and Raffi are looking happy about the colourful baby blankets donated to Earlybird Baby Group at Bangalow Community Health by the Bangalow branch of the Country Women’s Association. The blankets are used for the baby group held every Thursday from 10 - 12 at Bangalow Community Health Centre in Granuaille Rd. This is a chance for new mums and dads to catch up with others and get some advice on settling and sleeping, breast feeding and self-care support.

Christopher Barron

Business Class Transfers newspapers & bottled water supplied

• Gold Coast Airport Transfers

in Luxury People Mover twice daily $50pp Check website for times

• VIP Limousine Airport Transfers

Ballina from $80 Gold Coast from $200 Brisbane from $400 Lismore $130

P: 0488 426 600

www.bangalowlimousines.com.au 20 20

BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT