Heartbeat Bangalow’s
free l february 2015 No.188 l Celebrating the Life and Times of the local Community
The future starts here Right here in our area. Macadamia Castle’s solar carshade provides it with power and a charging station for electric vehicles. An important beginning to a nationwide network. Report page 3.
www.heartbeat.net.au
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In December locals and visitors enjoyed the Newrybar Summer Fair, the Designers’ Market, concerts at the Bowlo and our all-time favourite, the Christmas Eve carnival, before settling down to family fun and food for Christmas and Boxing Day. Big news for the region was the opening early in the month of Australia’s first public electric vehicle charging station at the Macadamia Castle. More good news over the holiday
period included the announcement of funding for the rail trail and a bandstand at the Parklands. In February most of us are back to work and school as the local clubs and organisations resume their usual activities. I hope you managed to avoid the worst of the highway holdups, keep cool during the days of extreme heat, dry during the days of heavy rain and had a safe and happy holiday season. Di Martin
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Cassia fistula This summer has been one of the best for spectacular displays of colourful flowering trees. Poincianas, Crepe Myrtles and Cassias have been especially attractive with the Cassia fistula, an excellent small flowering tree, possibly being the most beautiful of all. Cassia fistula is also known as the golden shower or pudding pipe tree. The long pendant racemes of golden flowers are also often likened to those of the English laburnum. Cassias are a sub-division of the pea family Leguminosea and are native to all sub-tropical areas in the northern and southern hemispheres. They bloom in a wide range of colours but are most commonly yellow like the Cassia fistula which is native to India and Sri Lanka. They are semi-deciduous and grow well
in an open sunny position with welldrained soil. The fragrant glossy flowers are five-petalled with prominent stamens and hang in beautiful weeping sprays and clusters. The flowering can last for weeks or months throughout summer. As the flowers drop they carpet the ground all around with colourful blossom. Cassia fistula is fairly fast growing and can be raised easily from seed which is collected from the pea-like pods which follow the flowers. They are sometimes attacked by borers which can stunt or shorten their life span. However most years they will still perform well. So if you have the space in your garden, plant one and you will be rewarded with a gorgeous display of golden long lasting flowers in summer. Lyn Plummer
bangalow’s heartbeat www.heartbeat.net.au PO Box 132 Bangalow NSW 2479 Editors: Dianne Martin 6687 2592 Ruth Kirby Email: editors@heartbeat. net.au Cover photo: Tony Gilding Advertising: Janelle Saunders
0422 069 861 advertising@ heartbeat.net.au Ad Production: Allie Leo Design: Niels Arup Editorial team: Judy Baker, Helen Johnston, Tony Hart, Lyn Plummer, Benny Saunders, Brian Sundstrom, Hilary Wise
Distribution: Bangalow PO, Brian Sundstrom, Peter Bradridge, Neil McKenzie Website: Joanna Wilkinson
Accounts: Rob Campbell Chairman: Neville Maloney
DISCLAIMER. This newsletter is published by Bangalow’s Heartbeat Incorporated PO Box 132 NSW 2479. Hon. Editors Dianne Martin, Ruth Kirby, Hon Sec/ Public Officer Neville Maloney. Membership is open to all adult residents of the 2479 postal district. The opinions expressed by individual contributors are not necessarily shared by the Editors and other members of the Association committee. While every reasonable effort is made to publish accurate information, Bangalow’s Heartbeat Inc. accepts no responsibility for statements made or opinions expressed.
BANGALOW’SBANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT HEARTBEAT
local news
first public ev charging station The green economy is here! An innovative energy initiative will generate 35 percent of Macadamia Castle’s energy needs and financial returns for investors. Once paid off, electricity to power the business will be free. On 5 December, Australia’s first public Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station, powered by a solar car park structure, was opened at Macadamia Castle in Knockrow, NSW 2479. One of the largest solar installations on the Far North Coast, it’s a 45kW system utilising 80 panels on a “durable, purposebuilt car canopy structure” known as a solar carshade. It was constructed by Smart Commercial Solar, a company specialising in turnkey photovoltaic system design and installation. In its first few weeks of operation over the summer holidays, it’s attracted “phenomenal” interest. “This is without a doubt, the most exciting innovation I’ve instigated in this business in seven years,” said Macadamia Castle owner, Tony Gilding, no slouch when it comes to generating publicity. (Remember the Elle Macpherson event – ‘The Body and The Wombat’?) “In the past, we’ve run a crocodile exhibit, bird shows, rare reptiles, but this investment has by far attracted the interest of the most people from all walks of life.” Some of the positive comment comes from those delighted to be able to utilise undercover car parking, and those parking places fill up first. It’s also attracted interest from other business owners considering the potential of similar investments. In Tony’s opinion, it would be ideal for small regional shopping centres open seven days a week, offering undercover parking while generating electricity to offset running costs.
Macadamia Castle’s solar carshade; Tony Gilding at the charging station
After nearly a month of operation, Tony happily reports that it’s providing “a bit over half” of the facility’s daytime electric energy consumption. “I didn’t anticipate the effect of the clouds, which bring dramatic peaks and troughs, but overall we’re on track to provide 35 percent of our annual energy consumption”. Any electric vehicles passing the Castle may also use the facility to charge their cars for free, though as yet, only small numbers have taken the opportunity. As it happens, it would be illegal for Macadamia Castle to sell any electricity generated, but Tony realises that the $3 or $4 it would actually cost to charge an EV, is far outweighed by the goodwill accrued. Local EV owner Robert Rosen of Brunswick Heads and fellow solar
enthusiast Vicki Brooke from Eureka helped finance the $160,000 project through an unusual funding approach, using their selfmanaged super funds at a higher return of 8%. Tony explained: “The advantage to the investor is that their funds are being used for a fixed rate to create an asset that you see and appreciate. And after 7–8 years it’s all paid off and from that point on, we have free electricity, not to mention the environmental advantages!” “I’m passionate about increasing the uptake of solar in our region to help combat climate change,” said Vicki. “I’d rather use my super to invest in renewables than anything else.” For Robert: “This expands the range of my car and lets me drive to Maca Castle, have lunch and a look around while my car is charging.” Christobel Munson
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local news
Great news for Rail Trail supporters The NSW Government has announced funding of up to $50 million for rail trail pilot projects with an aim to boost regional tourism. The funding is available through the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund, which supports the development and growth of regional tourism by investing in critical visitor economy infrastructure such as rail trails, airports and cruise terminals. The rail trail is not about public transport – it is about employment and job creation. The corridor will remain in public ownership. The president of the NRRT group Pat Grier predicts that the rail trail could become one of the world’s best. It would provide a world class tourist experience as well as a wonderful trail for locals to use. It is anticipated that new businesses will be created along the trail resulting in many job opportunities for locals. Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open for local councils, businesses, and community groups to boost their tourism economies and create rail trails along sections of the disused Casino to Murwillumbah and Rosewood to Tumbarumba rail corridors. Hilary Wise, Northern Rivers Rail Trail Association
Photo by Judy Baker
Community Conversation – current issues There has been a great deal of interest and comment on our new Community Conversation page. As yet nobody has actually submitted anything in writing, but we hope they will once this new feature becomes more established. Last issue we, the Bangalow Progress Association (BPA), promised each month to draw community attention to current topics. The two key topics this month are Bangalow’s Development Control Plan (DCP) and the potential impact on Bangalow of the shire council’s Holiday Letting policy, currently in draft. Development Control Plan Firstly and in most detail, the Bangalow DCP is the most important planning document for Bangalow’s future, which is why we chose it as a topic for this, our first Conversation page and we continue to invite readers to send in their comments. Probably some will already have sent comments and suggestions to Council while the document was on exhibition and, when it is next exhibited with changes Council’s planners have agreed on, there will be another opportunity, also a public meeting promised by Planning Staff. Most of us who live in or around Bangalow value its special qualities, in particular its historic heritage character, and desire future development to retain or at least 4
be compatible with these heritage values, as these are so important for Bangalow’s economic prosperity. Unfortunately the current DCP, ie the one about to be replaced but which still provides the guidelines for developers, is not sufficiently specific and this has led to confusion and contention, notably in the recent 9 Station St case. The new document is intended to be much clearer in spelling out the guidelines, eg by providing diagrams and photos and making more explicit statements about such matters as setbacks from the road and between buildings, landscaping and bulk and size of buildings. Station St, which along with Byron St is part of the Heritage Conservation Area, will be considered separately and development is expected to be more low-key with emphasis on landscaping; “buildings will share the streetscape with vegetation and open spaces”. The DCP covers many other aspects of Bangalow including development outside the Conservation Area and the urban release areas originally agreed to in the Bangalow Settlement Strategy published in 2003. Interested readers can catch up on Council’s website but we will endeavour to keep you up to date in Heartbeat. Do feel free to respond. Holiday letting Another contentious long running
issue, at least in the letter pages of local newspapers, is the council’s proposed holiday letting policy. The draft policy allows holiday letting of residential houses in all residential zones in the shire, an action deemed illegal by courts in some other local council areas. This means that holiday lets could start appearing in Bangalow neighbourhoods – it’s not just a Byron Bay, Suffolk Park and Brunswick Heads problem. Community input to the draft policy has closed but council will still accept public comments, and you can always express your views by emailing individual councillors (see email addresses on council’s excellent website), and we would love to hear your views too. From these examples readers will, we hope, gather that community vigilance and reporting is needed to maintain Bangalow’s look and feel and its special character. The BPA is one way by which readers can help meet this challenge. The BPA meets on the first Thursday of each month at the Bowlo or the RSL Hall. Join on the spot ($2pa) and all are welcome. And don’t forget. You can express your views on these Bangalow issues by emailing to this Community Conversation Page (jennifer.coman@bigpond.com or hart_t@ bigpond.net.au). Tony Hart, Jenny Coman BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT
Success for the Parklands
Eastlake Park, Los Angeles, California
The Bangalow Parklands team – a subcommittee of the Bangalow Historical Society – received an exciting Christmas present in the form of notification in December that their application for funding to build a bandstand in the park was successful. The amount of $52,500 will be used to design and construct the Bangalow
Bandstand. It’s anticipated that it will be widely used for a variety of events – from school concerts to classical music festival events, outdoor film shows, book launches, Writers Festival and Food Festival events, receptions and educational happenings. The team is currently working closely with Byron Shire Council staff to determine what
Council requirements it will need to fulfil related to its design and construction, as it will end up being a Council asset, to be widely enjoyed by the community of Bangalow. Repair work for the weir itself is scheduled for later in the year when the weather is dry and conditions are suitable for the work to happen at Byron Creek. Christobel Munson
Bangalow ’15 magazine Congratulations to the Bangalow Chamber of Commerce for Bangalow 2015 which replaces the old Book of Bangalow. The re-worked magazine “has been compiled to showcase what the town and the 2479 region have to offer”. Previously, the publication was focused on providing a directory of business professionals and trades. The Chamber decided that, in this highly competitive business environment, it was an ideal opportunity to inform and entertain visitors to the area while still acknowledging the
residents’ needs and interests. This issue has information and articles on many areas of interest from places to stay and things to do to a historical view of the region’s evolution. A great read and memento of our region. If you haven’t received a copy, it’s available at the newsagent or selected town stores. Congratulations to the project team , including: Wendy Grissell, Carolyn Adams, Niels Arup and BangOnBusiness writers Christobel Munson and Stephanie King. Di Martin
Bangalow Cellars Locally owned and operated You’ll always find something special in
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Sun - Thurs 10am - 8pm | Fri - Sat 10am - 9pm FEBRUARY 2015
FEBRUARY 2015
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community noticeboard Bangalow Tennis Club The committee proudly announces the winners of the 2014 Junior Championships, and warmly thanks all who participated in this annual event. Girls Singles Champion: Kate Cowan Runner Up: Kasey Basso Boys Singles Champion: Sam Jimenez-Swain Runner Up: Luke Nelson Girls Doubles Champions: Kasey Basso and Kate Cowan Boys Doubles Champions: Sam JimenezSwain and Max Schoeman Mixed Doubles Champions: Kate Cowan and Luke Nelson Coaching resumes on 2 February – for adults as well as juniors. Contact Denis Hopking to book in: 0406 277 459. So get in there and smarten up your game. And racquet re-stringing is all part of the talent and good service from Denis, here on our doorstep. Aileen Cole
Bangalow Garden Club The first 2015 meeting of the Garden Club will be held on Wednesday, 3 February in the Moller Pavilion starting at 1.30 pm. Hilary Wise
Museum/Tea Room report As per usual with the Tea Room re-opening after the holidays, we will not be open for meals on the advertised date of 3 February due to volunteer issues and kitchen renovations. (Delayed, again, for the third year in a
row.) We hope to be ready to welcome you on 3 March. Keep your fingers crossed that all goes according to Plan A, B, C, D...Z! In Museum news: every year we mount an exhibition to honour the men and women who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. This year is extra special: the 100 year anniversary of Gallipoli and the Anzac Spirit. To honour this seminal moment in our history we, at the Museum, are hoping to include personal stories of 2479 residents, their families or friends in our special presentation that will be on show for April and May. You don’t have to have been born here; you just need to be a part of our community to be included. We are looking for any relevant memorabilia and, recognising that such things are precious, will scan, photocopy or photograph items that are too personal to leave with us for the duration. If you can lend them to us, they will be cared for with great respect. Phone Wendy on 6687 2183 or call in Tues to Fri. Volunteers are always welcomed with open arms. Whether your interests are
focused on cooking or serving food, gardening, office work, being in relationships with people or assisting in the curating of historical events, we have a place for you! Wishing you all a wonderful year in 2015 and thanking you for your past wonderful support. Wendy Grissell and Trisha Bleakley
Bangalow Landcare After a much needed break over summer Bangalow Landcare will be back to work on Saturday, 7 February at 8.30 am, meeting at Bangalow weir car park. The weeds have no doubt made a big comeback in our absence so we hope to see all the familiar faces, as well as any new ones, to help get it all back under control. We work every Saturday morning for two hours somewhere in Bangalow so if this is your year to join something new and help make a difference, please think of giving Landcare a go. Check out our website and see the work so far at www.bangalowlandcare. org.au, like us on Facebook at Bangalow Landcare or contact us at bangalowlandcare@gmail. com for more information and a work roster. Liz Gander
Grants The third annual round of Youth Activities Grants are now open. These grants provide funding opportunities of up to $2000 for
local community organisations, sports and cultural groups and local high schools to deliver projects which address key areas of need for local young people. Previous programs include Byron EYE Youth Environment camps, a Youth Street Theatre group project, a young mum’s group for the North of Byron Shire, ‘Ya Kulcha’ cultural dance classes, a youth Playback theatre company and the Mullumbimby Music Festival Youth Mentorship Program The deadline for submissions is 12 February. Late submissions will not be accepted. Programs must be delivered by 30 November 2015. Applications are available online at http:// www.byron.nsw.gov.au/youthfunding-opportunities. BSC
Business Women’s Networking Group An inclusive, friendly, supportive group of small business women meet the second Thursday of every month to hear tips from a variety of speakers and get the opportunity to meet other likeminded women. We meet at Utopia Café, 7.30 to 9am. Tickets must be booked and paid for in advance $25. Contact: FB: www.facebook. c o m / B a n g a l o w. B u s i n e s s . Womens.Networking.Email: bangalowbusinesswomen@ gmail.com Sally: 0417 598 958 Sally Pattison
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
HUDSON ACCOUNTING SERVICES
Accountants
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Taking care of local businesses for over 10 years Contact John HUDSON or Greg CLARK for an initial free consultation 85 BYRON ST, BANGALOW
66
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BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT
Bowlo events Every Monday and Tuesday mornings at 9.30 am: Tai Chi with Di Martin. Every Tuesday night at 6.30 pm: No Lights, No Lycra, a dance jam in the dark to classic dance hits. One hour of fitness that is heaps of fun. $5 per person kids, friends, partners, parents! Every Wednesday night at 5.45 pm: Swing Fit classes. Dance your way fit. Every Wednesday night at 7pm: Lindy Hop swing 1940s. Classes with Ray Keepence. Every Thursday morning at 9.30 am: Pilates Every Thursday night at 5pm: Tango classes. At 7.15 pm Rock ’n Roll classes. Saturday, 14 February: Valentines Day at The Bowlo. Come down for dinner with your special someone for a special menu and romantic music. Bookings essential 6687 2741. Saturday, 21 February: Do you remember The Cyril B. Bunter Band? One of the best bands of the 80s and it’s coming to The Bowlo. They’ve finally decided to do it, after procrastinating for the last 27 years. This reunion tour is for the people who loved them best and for those who missed out and only heard the stories. Doors open at 6.45pm; show 8pm; presale tix $22 + bf door $25. Wednesday, 25 February: Night of Blues featuring Charlie
Musselwhite, Mal Eastick, Buddy Knox and local support Dan Hannaford. Yes, Charlie Musselwhite is coming to The Bowlo for a night of blues with the best blues players in Australia! It is such a pleasure to announce our first international show to The Bowlo. Charlie Musselwhite is a harmonica master whose life reads like the lyrics to a classic blues song: born in Mississippi, raised in Memphis and schooled on the South Side of Chicago. Mal Eastick is widely considered to be Australia’s finest musical protagonist of the blues. Playing guitar since his mid-teens, Buddy Knox first picked up a guitar when he was 10. He aspired to “play like Chuck Berry” despite the challenge of practising on an old worn guitar which was missing a string. Doors open 6pm; show 7pm; presales tix $40; door $45. Kat Antram
financial and personal support over the past year and wish you a happy, healthy and productive 2015. The world is in chaos, it seems, but by working together we can make a difference. Our thoughts and contributions are with people in need, both in Australia and world-wide. Our next meeting is Friday, 27 February at 10am, at the RSL Hall. All welcome. Dot Gill
The Italian Diner
Vandalism
The Italian Diner is hosting their fourth regional dinner on Thursday night, 26 February. It’s a 6.30pm start, with five courses plus matched wines at $90 per person. The region this time? SARDINIA! Contact 0414 365 749 or 6687 2287. SharonFraser
The Bangalow Chamber of Commerce has recently invested some funds into the restoration of community icons, one being the Great White Shark at the sports fields and the other being the phone box outside the Newsagency. The day following the payment of the restoration costs someone tagged the phone box “always” and then did it again a week later. If you know who this person is, please
Red Cross report All at Bangalow Red Cross would like to thank the wonderful people of this region for their
Specialising in: * air con installations
starting on Friday, 13 February
* refrigeration
We also cater for events and functions Contact John on 0449 252 476 to book
And next month
Networking breakfast The Bangalow Networking breakfast will be held at Town restaurant on Thursday, 26 March at 7.45 am. Our presenter Suze McLeod, from Down Bangalow Road Studio, has lived in the area for over 20 years and brings a wealth of experience both as a qualified photographer and teacher. Suze will be speaking to us on how to photograph for social media and what makes a great image. Find out what images attract and engage readers and get some simple tips on taking better photos. Bookings essential at: www. byronandbeyondnetworking. com.au. rosemarie@byronand beyondnetworking.com.au. 0412 475 543. Rosemarie Toynbee,
Bangalow • Byron • Ballina area
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Open 8am5.15pm
LAWYERS of BANGALOW
We provide a confidential, competent and prompt legal service with sensitivity appropriate to the current economic circumstances.
FEBRUARY 2015 FEBRUARY 2015
Dean and Belinda Lenthall would like to thank the community for their support. A very special thank you to Sally Schofield, Mark Noble, Sharon Fraser, Vanessa Reed, David Taylor and Wal Edwards. Belinda Lenthall
Lic no - 274537c • Abn- 58297387104
Bangalow Historical Museum From 5.30pm - 8.30pm
www.beesleyandhughes.com.au
After a busy holiday season the Bangalow CWA is busy refurbishing its interior. Look for the new Bangalow style rooms in the near future. We are happy to invite anyone interested in learning how to knit, crochet or embroider to join us on Wednesdays, 9am to 2pm or the second Monday evening of every month from 5pm to 7 pm. Or just pop in for a visit and a cup of tea anytime. Sue Gow
With gratitude
AC E LECTRICOOL
South Indian Night on 2nd and 4th Friday of every month
Owen Hughes: Principal Solicitor Cassandra Bennett: Solicitor
CWA news
contact the Bangalow Police so that their bad behaviour can be handled diplomatically. If the community finds out who they are, they should know that they will be remembered – always! Carolyn Adams
16 Byron Street, Bangalow
Ph: 6687 1717
INTERACTIVE LANDSCAPES • Landscape Design • Structural Landscaping • Horticultural Consulting
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www.facebook.com/Interactive.landscapes 77
market forces
Five minutes with a farmer Remy Tancred chats to Frank Boyle, Nimbin Valley Pecans and Rice Frank and his wife Andrea have 125 hectares in Goolmangar. The pecan orchard is around 15 hectares and the rice fields are 12 hectares. The couple also run 50 beef cattle and the balance of the farm is natural forest which they are gradually reforesting. How long have you been farming? I have been involved in farming all my life as the Boyle family has been farming in Goolmangar for over 100 years. I am concerned that I will be the last of my family to be able to farm on our land as the pressures from multinational food companies make family farms not sustainable. What do you like cooking at home with your produce? With our Brown Jasmine rice I like to do a pilaf with chicken, roasted pecans, Coopers Shoot tomatoes and sweet capsicum. What’s special about Bangalow Farmers Market? Bangalow Farmers Market has a relaxed atmosphere. It has a very ‘Saturday Morning’ feel as everyone has time to chat. The relaxed atmosphere gives the stallholders
time to catch up over a local coffee and sell their lovely fresh produce. What’s next for your business? The Bangalow Farmers Market is a fantastic platform for us to grow our business as our farm production increases. It gives us a great opportunity
to showcase our products to the local cafes and restaurants which source many of their fresh ingredients from our market. I look forward to continuing to supply the locals from Bangalow and surrounds with fresh and nutritious rice and pecan products for a healthier lifestyle.
Get the freshest produce weekly. Direct from the people who grow it
bangalow - every saturday - 8-11am behind bangalow hotel byron bay - every thursday - 8 - 11am butler st reserve Byron Farmers Market
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BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT
new horizons
TIPI MAGIC Attending the Glastonbury Music Festival in the UK in 2007 would ultimately lead Carmen and Lee Finch and their three young children to the Byron Shire in 2014. At Glastonbury they were impressed with the giant Nordic tipis which were used as an alternative to marquees. They thought the tipis were stunning and secreted this idea in the back of their minds as a possible business opportunity when they moved back to Australia. Lee grew up in England and worked for many years as a telecommunications engineer before the travelling bug got to him. He took off on an extended trip to India, Tibet, Southeast Asia and eventually Sydney. Carmen grew up in Coogee and after school spent a year teaching English in Japan and travelling back and forth to Europe. She worked at various interesting jobs, none really related to her science degree, and finally settled into asset management in the IT industry. As so many young couples do, they met in a pub in Sydney in 2003 and after a whirl wind courtship eloped to Sri Lanka to marry in 2004. They then lived in London for five years saving up and dreaming of creating a family home far away from the hustle and bustle of a big city, ideally in the country side in Australia. On returning to Sydney they purchased a 40 acre property on the south coast of NSW but before long were drawn back to the city. Their greatest dream of starting a family happened with the birth of their first child and two more baby finches
Carmen and Lee with Anais, Jools and Skylar
quickly followed. During this time they began to establish the tipi hire business and were proud to be the first company in Australia to introduce these eye catching structures. The business took off, with many enquiries coming from the Byron Bay region. It began to make sense to move up north and after a series of bookings up here they took the plunge and are currently renting in Bangalow where they hope to buy in the near future. They offer a complete service including the lighting, flooring, furniture and styling of the tipis plus glamping tents for house guests. They employ a crew of local workers to help transport, erect and dismantle the tipis and tents before and after events, mostly weddings on rural properties.
GNF bangalow (02) 6687 2833 www.gnfrealestate.com.au
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 2015
Their dream of living in the country has come true. Carmen and Lee love the sense of community in Bangalow and all three children attend the Bangalow Community Children’s Centre. Lee grew up in Hutton Village in Essex and in some ways Bangalow reminds him of life in that green and lush place without the palm trees! Carmen appreciates the qualities small town living offers their young family and she especially likes walking to the farmers market on Saturday mornings. The treat for the children is a fruity icy-pole and for her the myriad of choices for a great coffee. Look for their tipis at the Bangalow Show Grounds on 28 February for ‘Pursue Your Passions’, a holistic project event for empowering women. Helen Johnston
Bookworms & Papermites Your local newsagency, in the heart of Bangalow, bringing you ART SUPPLIES stationery and books For all your reading, writing and drawing needs! Bookworms & Papermites aka Bangalow Newsagency “an awesome little bookshop in the heart of Bangalow” 26 Byron St, Bangalow NSW 2479 § 02 6687 1396 § bangalownews@optusnet.com.au
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FEBRUARY 2015 9
local musical talent
amazing Grace Young Bangalow singer-songwriter, Grace Hughes, wins prestigeous Dolphin Awards.
promoting a positive self image in teenage girls.” See one verse below. I asked if she was coached by very musical parents. The answer was no, but she quickly acknowledges great parental support in all other areas of her musical career. She is very thankful for mentoring and assistance from Melia and Nerida of Scarlett Affection. Lismore Triple Z is also a good supporter. Other highly appreciated help recently was from local Matt Cumming. Matt directed/ filmed/created a new video to accompany her song Iron Heart, which is available on iTunes. The video was filmed in locations around the Northern Rivers, such as the Bangalow A&I Hall and Nightcap National Park. Where to next, I asked? “My HSC studies come first, but I am looking to secure music management to progress that side of my career,” she told me. “I’m also looking forward to performing at this year’s Bluesfest and am well advanced in writing for my next recording.” You can find Grace on Facebook: Grace Hughes Music and Youtube: Gracieahughes. Say hello if you see her out busking. Brian Sundstrom
Recently, at the 2014 NCIEA (North Coast Industry Entertainment Awards) Dolphin Awards, local singer-songwriter Grace Hughes won two categories. These were best Pop Song and Best Youth Song, for her single Pretty Girl. Her prizes included a $500 guitar for her school, Trinity Lismore, and the opportunity to play at Bluesfest 2015. The 16 year old is well known in many circles around her hometown, Bangalow. She has been writing songs and performing since she was eight. You may, for example, have seen her busking in the main street and Sunday markets, or heard her singing at Australia Day ceremonies – like 2010, pictured below.
After primary school in Bangalow, Grace is now in year 11, and her musical talents are really blossoming. One important step was winning the 2013 Lismore Female Young Songwriter of the Year award, with her song Iron Heart. The prize was a recording
A verse from Pretty Girl “And you’re the kind of girl who is smart but doesn’t have to try all that hard And you always look down when you talk because you’re afraid that people may laugh Self-conscious girl, you could take on the world But you don’t really think you’re pretty which is the biggest lie cause…”
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session at a Gold Coast studio. This led to the release last year of Straight Lines, her first EP. “It was a great experience,” Grace told me, “working with a five-piece band and such professional people.” The four songs were written and arranged by Grace. Grace describes her music as “acoustic pop, trending more poppy”. She also plays guitar and piano, but song writing is clearly a priority at present. “My inspiration comes from people I meet and stories I hear,” she told me. “For example, Pretty Girl is about BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT
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christmas eve carnival
Xmas thanks The Bangalow Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Pip Vickery (some of you will know Pip from The Cellar at Bangalow) and her band of merry helpers for coordinating a brilliant Christmas Eve Carnival. The night was balmy, the atmosphere was laidback, the entertainment was fun-filled and the Samba Blisstas’ drummers never fail to please. Thank you Pip and thanks also to the following businesses for your generous sponsorship which enables the Chamber to throw such a wonderful community Christmas party every year. It’s such a great start to the holiday season. Pip says, “I had a great time at the carnival, hope you did too!” Carolyn Adams Sponsors: Pantry 29, Lend Lease Building Contractors, Ant Packaging, Utopia Cafe, Heath’s Old Wares, Heart of the Home, Elders Real Estate, Hinterland Legal, Little Peach, Talofa Lodge, Bangalow Hotel, Bangalow Dining Rooms, Hernes Butchery, The Rug Shop, Town Cafe, Get Steffed, Our Corner Store, Obsession Shoes, Bang Burger Bar, Choux Choux Patisserie, Bangalow Pizza Company, Vitality Vet Care, Italian Diner, Denis Lee 12
BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT
Photos by Judy Baker
Randall Legal offers clients in Northern NSW personalised service on a wide range of complex legal matters.
Peace Decle | Tracey Randall | Naomi Carter | Jenna Fletcher
We welcome Peace Decle to head our new Family Law Division. Peace has extensive experience in family and children’s law. Be assured that as we grow, our reputation for providing the highest quality legal services remains our priority.
CRIME: Defence | Traffic | AVOs | Coronial FAMILY: Divorce | Property | Children | De-facto GENERAL: Conveyancing | Wills | Employment | Litigation
1/44 Woodlark Street LISMORE NSW 2480
P: 02 6621 5455
www.randalllegal.com.au
FEBRUARY 2015 FEBRUARY 2015
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health and wellbeing
Is health the absence of disease or more than that?
If poor nutrition and an accumulation of toxins initiate disease in the body then the reverse must also be true, as well as an understanding that the body works both ways. It makes sense to conclude that the prevention is the same as the cure (Andrew Saul, PHd). The human body has a remarkably ingenious design which gives rise to its perfectly natural and inherent capacity to cleanse, detoxify, purify and heal itself. Detoxification is the normal process within the body as it neutralises and eliminates toxins through the major organs such as our colon, liver, kidney, lungs, lymph and skin. Our bodies do it naturally every day; in fact it is one of our most basic automatic functions. Our body innately inclines toward maintaining a state of balance and is always striving to keep itself healthy, and to heal when necessary, by way of restoring itself to a state of homeostasis. To effectively maintain its inner equilibrium our body requires an abundance of certain essential elemental tools. These are created from the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, and from the radiance of the sun. Our body’s ability to maintain homeostasis and cleanse itself, and therefore its capacity for preserving and restoring our good health, is directly dependent upon the quality of these elements - air, food, water and sunlight we take into our bodies. Why Detox ? Arguments against detoxing are that our body naturally detoxes itself – through the liver and kidneys. However, proponents of detoxing theorise that with the ever increasing toxic load from our environment and lifestyle, our bodies could do with some assistance. In simple terms, our body has filters and detoxing is like cleaning those filters. Detoxing improves the health of your immune system by increasing the amount of antioxidant nutrients that are key to fighting infection and disease. So what if our self-cleaning system is overloaded by our unhealthy lifestyle and exposure to environmental toxins? Our chemicalised diet, with an overabundance of animal protein, saturated fat, caffeine and alcohol, 14
radically alters our internal ecosystem. Hippocrates, the ancient Greek known as the “Father of Western Medicine,” recommended fasting as a means for improving health. Who Everyone to different degrees. Those who have more environmental toxin exposure through their work place, such as
miners, need a different approach to the executive who works in an air conditioned office five days a week. When These symptoms may all be indications that your body has more toxins than it can handle, and that you would benefit from giving your system a good cleanout: Dry, blotchy, spotty skin Headaches Fungal infections Lack of energy Joint pain Allergies Gas, bloating, constipation or generally feeling less than optimal. How R.E.S.E.T. Reduce exposure to toxins Eliminate toxins already accumulated Supply the right nutrients Exercise to promote elimination and relaxation Together from today – bringing new
practices into everyday life Detoxing involves reducing the intake of toxins and improving their elimination through diet and body therapies such as dry skin brushing, massages and detox supplements designed for specific organs. You should avoid chemicals, refined foods, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and many drugs to reduce the toxic load. The most important way of strengthening your body’s natural defences is to improve your diet and drink a sufficient amount of pure water. In reality swapping processed, high fat, ‘dead’ food for fresh plant based foods is essential to health and detoxing brings us back to this. There are many different detoxification products and programs on the market. However a program that is not too extreme and one that does not leave you starving is one which is most achievable and easiest to commit to. At the end of the day, a program which is easy and effective is better than a program which is difficult and ineffective. Precautions On medication, hypoglycaemia, low body weight, diabetics. Benefits Improves complexion, regulates sleep patterns, boosts emotional well-being, increases vitality and underlying health, may also help lose weight. Where to start: Reduce: Sugar, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco Animal products and saturated fats Processed foods and artificial ingredients The number of chemicals you use in personal hygiene products Increase: Fresh vegetables, more greens Fibre - from vegetables, nuts, seeds Drink at least 1.5 litres of fresh water a day. Sally Pattison, Naturopath and Nutritionist BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT
Health & Wellbeing
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bangalow remedial massage Phone 0499 490 088 Suite1, 26 Byron Street Bangalow 2479
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Deep Relaxation • Remedial • Deep Tissue Sports • Pregnancy • Trigger Point www.bangalowremedialmassage.com.au
Sara Goldie
BSc Hons (Psych) MPsych (Clin) MAPS MACPA
Dr Jane Reffell
Womens Health Doctor (Medicare rebates apply)
Janelle Angel
Continence & Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Janella Purcell
Naturopath & Nutritionist
Ra Ansems
Clinical Psychologist & Psychotherapist Empowering you towards harmony within your self, relationships and life.
Theta Healing, Kinesiology
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Remedial Massage & Myo-articular Therapy
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
FEBRUARY 2015 FEBRUARY 2015
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animal health and wellbeing
Koalas and their favourite trees in Bangalow Koalas are active across our Shire and it is well known that koalas have made their home in Bangalow and surrounds. The planting of windbreak trees, including their primary food trees, over previous decades has helped the survival of the koala populations across Byron and neighbouring shires. Koalas are now living in previously nonkoala areas. This includes areas which were considered purely rainforest habitat in the past. Management of habitat for our fauna includes consideration of all species living there now. Friends of the Koala in Lismore has many reports of koala activity near Bangalow, especially near the highway works. Koalas may be in a range of different trees from eucalypts to camphor laurels. Be wary when pruning trees. Look before you chop. Koalas are also known to shelter in mangos and other exotics. Koalas are often reported sheltering from the heat in Cadagi (Eucalyptus torelliana), a widely planted North Queensland eucalypt. Be especially careful when pruning near their favourite food trees, such as
Photo by M Stringer
Swamp Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta), Tallowwood (E. microcorys), Forest Red Gum (E. tereticornis) and Grey Gum (E. propinqua). Just a single tree can be a major part of a koala’s ‘home range’. Koalas tend to be faithful to their home ranges and will attempt to return if moved out of them. Koalas are known to use the same trees for feeding and they also train their young to use these same trees each year. Consideration for koala habitat could be an important part of your domestic gardening where urban populations of koalas exist. All local koala food trees are regarded as ‘significant trees’ and require approval for removal under Council’s Tree Preservation Order. Removing the known habitat of
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
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4 Granuaille Rd Bangalow
threatened species also requires approval under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Koalas are listed as a ‘vulnerable’ species under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Where and when to see Koalas Koala breeding time usually commences in late winter and continues till early autumn. You are more likely to see young or older males moving around or females with young at this time. In the summer you can often see young koalas sheltering in smaller trees catching the cool breezes. Koala Connections aims to provide a secure future for koalas on the NSW far north coast by increasing the area, quality and connectivity of koala habitat in the Tweed and Byron shires. The project is funded principally by a $2 million grant from the federal government over five years. Report a Sighting If you have seen a koala recently, Friends of the Koala records the whereabouts of sick and injured koalas and also healthy ones. This will build a better picture of koalas in the Northern Rivers Region of NSW. www. friendsofthekoala.org. For sick or injured koalas call 6622 1233. Sightings in Byron Shire can be reported to Byron Shire Council Koala Connections Project Officer Jo Green (Mon-Thurs) (02) 6626 7068 or joanne.green@byron.nsw. gov.au.
Dr Fabio Miranda Dr Eduarda Miranda General & Cosmetic Dentistry Implants & Orthodontics
www.bangalowdental.com
6687 2766
at Bangalow Medical Centre, Suite 5, Bangalow
BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT
Keep your pets cool this summer Dr Megan Kearney offered this timely advice to pet owners in the December issue of the Vitality Vetcare Newsletter Heatstroke is a very serious condition caused by a marked elevation in body temperature. It usually occurs on hot or humid days especially if a dog has been confined to a hot place such as a car. Dogs can also become overheated after too much exercise and over exertion. Dogs do not sweat significantly and instead control their body temperature by increasing their rate of breathing and panting. Make sure your pets have somewhere cool and shady to rest during the hottest part of the day. Do not walk your dogs in the heat, never leave them in cars and make sure your cats are not locked in hot rooms or sheds. Make sure that your pet has access to plenty of cool water. It is a good idea to provide several good-sized water containers in case one is spilt. Ensure the containers are in the shade and try adding some ice to the water to keep it cool for longer. Cats and dogs are able to move around and seek shade, but small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and birds can’t move from their cages. Check and make sure that your caged animals are not in direct sunlight and that their cages are protected from the sun as the shade moves. Rabbits and guinea pigs are particularly susceptible to heat and a good remedy is to bring them inside during the day or put a frozen water bottle covered in a teatowel in their cages so that they can regulate their body temperature. To help our wildlife friends, try leaving some dishes of water around your property, even in trees, away from the immediate area around your house to deter critters from coming inside. If you are concerned about any animal during these periods of extreme temperatures please contact the clinic as soon as possible. Phone: 02 6687 0675.
Baza holds its own A Baza chick in WIRES care for about four weeks could not be returned to its parents. The bird had changed hands more than once and the location where it was found was not provided. A second Baza chick came into care after a nest fell and its sibling died. There was only about two weeks age difference between the two. After four days, the second chick started to perch well, so an attempt to reunite it with its parents was planned. As its sibling had died, here was an opportunity to introduce the first chick into a new family. Early one morning, the carer drove them to Tuckombil to the tree where the nest had fallen. With the chicks waiting safely in their rescue cages, she waited well back with eyes peeled. Every now and then, as the chicks were hungry, the younger one especially would do his loud ‘whit too’ call. For over an hour, there was no sign of parents. At the point when it seemed a hopeless effort, a parent suddenly appeared. Soon after, the other parent arrived and both watched the chicks intently. The WIRES volunteer used a long extension pole to
FEBRUARY 2015
Photo courtesy of wires
lift the younger chick (the parents’ own offspring) into the tree. In the process, she was swooped by the parent bird! This is natural protective behaviour. The second chick was then quickly lifted up to the branch and the birds were left to themselves. The kind landowner continued to monitor the birds after WIRES’ departure. The following day, he reported that the parents were attending both chicks and the former orphan had started to fly with
them, a very satisfying outcome. An all-volunteer organisation, WIRES relies heavily on the generosity of caring people for support as we are a charity, not a government service. All donations $2 and over are tax deductible. We give basic training courses three times during the year. The next course will be 21-22 February. If you are interested, call the 24-hour hotline on 6628 1898 or go to http://wiresnr.org/Helping.html to find out how you can help.
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the arts
at home in the twentieth century ADFAS Byron Bay presents Dr Paul Atterbury of the BBC TV’s Antiques Roadshow in Bangalow On Monday, 2 March ADFAS Byron Bay begins its 2015 program with an illustrated presentation by Dr Paul Atterbury titled At Home in the Twentieth Century. Paul has been a member for over 20 years of the team of experts on BBC TV’s Antiques Roadshow. He is an expert on British antiques, specialising in the art, architecture, design and decorative arts of the 19th and 20th centuries. He also has an interest in the history of technology. During his career Paul has been an adviser to Royal Doulton, editor of Connoisseur magazine (http:// www.connoisseur-magazine.com), and for many years has been a freelance writer, lecturer, broadcaster and exhibition curator. He most frequently curates for the Victoria and Albert Museum (www.vam.ac.uk) and curated the exhibition Steam & Speed; Industry, Power & Social Change in 19th Century Britain. This exhibition presented the emergence of Britain in the Victorian period as the world’s most powerful trading nation due to the industrialisation which transformed the country since the latter 18
part of the 18th century. Paul has written or edited over 30 books covering many subjects including ceramics, travel, railways and canals. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Interestingly, Paul is the owner of the only remaining Teddy
puppet from the television series Andy Pandy that is not kept in a museum. It was a gift to his mother. Paul’s presentation, At Home in the Twentieth Century, will examine the development of the domestic interior through the Art Nouveau, Art Deco periods, the 1950s, 1960s and Modernism, reflecting on the impact of both avant-garde and mass market design ideas. He will explore how people lived through changing times, their attitudes and aspirations and the role of technology in these changes. He will also explore the cycles of fashion, nostalgia and the cycles of collecting during these times. This is ADFAS Byron Bay’s first presentation for the year. It will be held as usual in the A&I Hall, Station Street, Bangalow. The presentation begins at 7.30. Doors open at 6.30 for a welcome drink. 2015 memberships will be available ($130/individual, $230/ couple). Guests are most welcome - $25 per person. This includes a welcome drink and a light snack and drink after the presentation. Anni Abbink, Chairman BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT
the arts
Home grown seeds sown The Bangalow Homegrown Music Festival kicked off its first year with a bang. Attracting over 400 people through out the day, the boutique festival was held at the Bangalow Bowlo and had two alternating stages showcasing the region’s local talent. Sam Cutler, the MC for the festival said, “The festival was the perfect mixture of loud rock and roll on the indoor stage and sensitive acoustic music on the outdoor
stage, in an idyllic country setting. The number of people attending was just right. I hope the festival goes from strength to strength and becomes a permanent annual fixture in Bangalow”. Plans for this year’s festival are already in full swing and applications for artists, volunteers and stall holders will be open later in the year. Festival Director Bianca Lindstrom said, “We want this festival to
be a proper salute to some of the homegrown talent in the area and we want that to reflect in everything we do. We want this festival to have an extra feel of being a ‘locals’ festival.” This year’s festival is looking to be held in September or October and the festival organizers want to keep the numbers still about 400-500 to give it that intimate feel. Bianca Lindstrom
Companion Animals Welfare Inc
CAWI provides care and finds homes for unwanted or surrendered animals. CAWI is run by volunteers and is now raising money to build a BYRON ANIMAL ADOPTION CENTRE. Our main source of income is from our Op Shop and we are always in need of household goods and furniture to sell.
t: 6685 1444 Pick up service available
Visit: cawi.org.au for more information or to make donations
TREES - SHRUBS - HEDGES
MOBILE LIBRARY At Bangalow School Every Saturday morning 9.30am -11.30am
Rishworths Lane, Brooklet NSW 2479 VISITS BY APPOINTMENT
Sales: 0428 878 626
www.bangalownursery.com 19
FEBRUARY 2015 FEBRUARY 2015 19
what I’ve been reading A brilliant, emotionally wrenching new novel from the author of Atonement and Amsterdam.
The Children Act by Ian McEwan
Ian McEwan brings us yet another thought provoking and wonderful piece of prose. The story, told in the first person, is set in London and is essentially about Fiona, a high court judge of the Family Law Court. At the beginning of the book she is dealing with the strange and incredulous announcement just made by her husband Jack. Whilst he in no way intends for it to change the current status of their happy married life he would like her permission to go off and shag someone else! (My words, not McEwan’s). “I want one big passionate affair”. Jack assures Fiona that he still loves her very much but it has been seven weeks since they last made love and this “one big passionate affair” seems to be very important to him. Fiona’s case load often presents some complex and challenging dilemmas. Seven weeks earlier she was required to decide on an application to divide Siamese twins. It was a harrowing decision making process. To do nothing would mean that both would die; the twin with compromised internal organs was intellectually sound; the twin with functioning internal organs was profoundly disabled. The life and death case had left Fiona feeling wrung out emotionally. She had not discussed the case with Jack but, because of the publicity the case had attracted, he was not unaware that it was her case. Jack’s announcement is gnawing away at the back of Fiona’s mind the following morning when she is hearing an application from a hospital to force a blood transfusion on a 17 year old boy who is three months shy of his eighteenth birthday. The boy and his family are Seventh Day Adventist. It is this case and Jack’s announcement which are the central story lines of the book. McEwan has the reader questioning how much of Fiona’s behavior and decision making has been influenced by Jack’s declaration because, when she goes to work the following morning, Fiona is still extremely angry with Jack. McEwan’s writing is a pleasure to read and I particularly loved the final chapters and the manner in which he builds to a breath-holding crescendo with the gentlest and easiest of words. This book created a delightful discussion at my book club’s end of year party. Carolyn Adams – Bookworms & Papermites
useful information and contact numbers AA Tues 5.30 Richard 0466 885 820 ADFAS Anni 6684 3249 Angling Club Outing 2nd Sat Ray 6687 1139 Aussie Rules Bill 6687 1485 Aussie Rules Junior Greg 6687 1231 Bangalow Parklands Team Terry 6687 2525 Bangalow Markets monthly 4th Sun Jeff 6687 1911 Bridge Fri 12pm Chris 6687 1597 Cancer support 1st Wed 1-4pm Chris 6687 0004 Childcare Centre 7.45am-6pm Kerry 6687 1552 Cricket Club Anthony 0429 306 529 Co-dependents Anonymous Thurs 7pm/Sat 4pm Guy 0421 583 321 CWA 2nd Wed Di 6685 4694 Garden Club 1st Wed Hazel 6687 8409 George the Snake Man George 0407 965 092 Groundforce Georgia 6629 1189 Historical Society/Museum/Tea Room Wendy 6687 2183 Land/RiverCare 1st Sat working bee Liz 6687 1309 Lawn Bowls, Men Wed & Sat 1pm Gerry 6687 1142 Lawn Bowls,Women Wed 9.30am Dot 6687 1246 Lions Club 2nd/4th Tues 7pm Brian 0408 899 555 Mufti Bowls 3rd Sat 9am Lynne 6687 1823 Netball Club train 4.15 Thurs Rachel 6687 0402 Op Shop 10-3pm Sat 10-12 6687 2228 Parks Committee 3rd Tues 7.30pm Jan 6684 7214 Playgroup Tues 10am Sue 0421 030 438 Police Peta 6687 1404 20
Pony Club Kim 6687 8007 Pool Trust 3rd Wed Dominic 6687 1425 Poultry Club Hec 6687 1322 Progress Association Ian 6687 1494 Quilters 2nd,4th Thurs Helen 6684 1161 Red Cross monthly - 1st Fri Dot 6687 1246 Rugby Union Richard 0415 773 064 S355 C’mtee Heritage House Don 6687 1897 Scouts Tues 6.30pm Jenny 6687 2047 Show Society Karen 6687 1033 Soccer Club 2nd Mon 6pm Nick 6687 1607 Social Golf every 2nd Sun Brian 6684 7444 Sports Association 2nd Wed bi-monthly Brian 6687 1024 Sporting Field bookings Nick 6687 1607 Tennis Court Hire 6687 1803 Writers Group 1st Thurs Alex 0439 304 911 VENUES A&I Hall Station St Brian 0427 157 565 Anglican Hall Ashton St Matthew 0488 561 539 Bangalow Showgrd Moller Pavilion Karina 6687 1035 Sports/Bowling Club Byron St Kat 6687 2741 Catholic Hall Deacon St Russell 0423 089 684 Coorabell Hall Coolamon Scenic Ouida 6687 1307 Newrybar Hall Newrybar Village Tony 6687 2267 RSL Hall Station St Charlotte 6687 2828 Scout Hall Showgrounds Jenny 6687 2047 Heritage House Deacon St Don 6687 1897 BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT
community services Our new mobile librarian, Gary Dardengo
The Mobile Library: Community Hub A big Bangalow welcome to Gary Dardengo, the new mobile librarian who is doing a fantastic job filling the shoes of the recently retired Richmond Tweed Mobile Library legend Michael Riddle. During his 35 years in the job, Michael’s passion for free and equitable access to books in the community saw him cover over 600,000 kilometres, driving three different bus incarnations. If the old bus ever broke down, Michael would just load up his car and continue on. On his final run, the whole town of Nimbin came out to line the street as a guard of honour in appreciation. It’s the total commitment of people like Michael and Gary who make libraries happen. The mobile library is a high impact service that builds genuine social capital and brings a long list of benefits to regional areas. You can’t put a price on the value of this service to the individuals and groups
who depend on it. Yet for every dollar spent by local government on libraries - three tend to come back. Bangalow is very lucky to have secured the Saturday morning spot on the mobile library timetable. It’s become part of our weekend ritual after coffee and the Farmer’s Market. Sometimes it can get so busy with various other events and festivals happening in town that the Liberty servo across the street now sets up witches’ hats to hold the parking space until the bus arrives. Gary would like us all to thank the guys at the servo for doing that. Gary shares his predecessor’s passion for the role of libraries in the community and says the bus is a very tight ship. Gary’s role also includes managing the many other outreach services offered in the Richmond Tweed region. Our library will come to you, he says. If you are elderly or suffering injury or disability, the library can
Contact us for your next pet A self funded, no-kill organisation We speak for those who cannot speak for themselves
arrange to visit you at home, in hospital or at retirement facilities. There are also kids’ services, arts, craft and other holiday activities as well as the fascinating stories of living books. Gary also enjoys procuring relevant books from all the regional libraries to distribute to primary schools on particular themes for current class projects. This tops up the resources at local schools so that there are enough books on a particular topic for everyone in the class to borrow something that will help them complete their assignments. A visit to the mobile library is a very welcoming experience. Gary and his team are passionately committed to providing a completely uncensored area that offers free and equitable access to books, magazines, ebooks, CDs and the internet for people of all ages and backgrounds. Thanks Gary. And a good read was had by all. Benny Saunders
Bangalow
a to 9:30pm Open every day of the year 6:30pm Shop 2, Byron St, Bangalow
www.animalrights.org.au 6622 1881 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 2015
2015
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our kids
exciting year for Cubs and Scouts Bangalow Cubs and Scouts are now gearing up for more challenges in 2015. To top off 2014, on a beautiful Saturday in late November, the 1st Bangalow Scouts participated in the great raft challenge held in Brunswick Heads. These clever scouts had to put their engineering skills to the test and build a raft that would get them down a section of the Brunswick River, competing against other scout groups from the region. They built their raft using only polycarbonate water bottles, bamboo and rope. Fortunately for them, they did not
earn the ‘Titanic’ award. Although they did not come in first place, or even second, they managed to stay mostly afloat, keep all members on deck when needed and most importantly, have a fabulous time. There are more exciting challenges to come for these intrepid adventurers in 2015. You may notice the cubs and scouts fundraising at the Bangalow Farmers markets. They are raising money to assist getting scouts and a leader to Jamboree in 2016. Thank you everyone who has generously supported the sScouts over the
years, it is greatly appreciated. The lucky winner of the beautiful Christmas Hamper drawn in December was Nicole from Murwillumbah! Congratulations Nicole. Some exciting news: 1st Bangalow Scout Group is trialling Joey Scouts for the 6-8 year olds starting in February. Interested parents can contact Jenny on 6687 2047. Also ring Jenny if you are interested in hiring the Scout Hall. Scouts meet on Tuesday nights during school term from 6.30 - 8.30 and Cubs meet Wednesday from 6.15 – 7.45. Cynthia Harris
Rainforest identification tool There is a new and important resource for rainforest plant identification. Developed over 13 years by Gwen Harden, Hugh Nicholson, Bill McDonald, Nan Nicholson, Terry Tame and John Williams, this interactive identification key and information system is a must have tool for educational institutions, native nurseries, bush regenerators, botanists, landscapers and anyone with an interest in rainforest plants. Rainforest Plants of Australia, Rockhampton to Victoria is an easy to use information system for over 1100 species of rainforest trees, shrubs, climbers and mistletoes on the east coast. This is a well thought out and designed interactive USB key. The feature key includes leaf, flower, fruit, seed and bark as well as geographic distribution, rainforest types and of course family. It contains line drawings and over 11,000 photos of general and detailed features used for identification purposes.
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It also has other features such as rainforest ecology, a detailed illustrated glossary and a comprehensive list of references and useful websites. This is the most thorough and simple to use ID system on the market. The pictures by Hugh Nicholson and the line drawings
by Gwen Harden are very precise making plant identification easy. 160 different features can be used to narrow down a plant. I highly recommend Rainforest Plants of Australia, Rockhampton to Victoria and am certain it will become a well known and used reference tool for many years to come. This can be purchased on the net via either: www/rainforestplantsofaustralia. com/ or www.rainforests.net.au/product/ rainforest-plants-of-australia/ Patrick Regnault RH0062 MAIH
BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT
Questioning Ethics Classes at bps At the start of 2014, 12,000 students in 234 NSW primary schools attended ethics classes with numbers across the state continuing to grow rapidly. Now there are 18,000 public primary school students in 320 NSW schools attending ethics classes each week. Bangalow Public School (PS) was one of the first regional schools in northern NSW to offer this new option for children who don’t go to the available scripture classes in their schools. Scripture has been taught by volunteers in NSW public schools since the late 1800s. Bangalow PS Principal, Susie Boyle, commented: “Each Tuesday, many children at Bangalow PS take time out of their regular classes to attend Special Religious Education (SRE) programs, with children from Kindergarten to Year 6 now being able to participate in ethics classes. Previously, children who did not attend scripture classes did private study in non-scripture groups
with no option for alternative programs such as philosophy or moral education. ‘We’re so well supported by our community and volunteers in Bangalow who commit to teaching SRE classes every week at the school. It’s been wonderful to offer broader and more diverse options for those students who do not attend SRE,” she added. Volunteers who teach ethics classes have undergone screening interviews, police and working with children checks and attended a special training course run by Primary Ethics Ltd. This not-for-profit organisation was established in late 2010 and is authorised by the NSW State Government to design and deliver a philosophical ethics curriculum. Research shows that the development of well-based moral judgement is best achieved by engaging children in collaborative dialogue about a wide range of issues that are important to them. Children participating in ethics classes are encouraged to explore
philosophical issues through dialogue and discussion—a tradition of inquiry that dates back to Socrates. Ethics teachers facilitate lessons using an approved curriculum that exposes children to a range of age-relevant topics. These topics raise issues for the children to discuss, building on one anothers’ ideas, respectfully disagreeing, changing viewpoints and even questioning accepted authority structures at times. “I thoroughly enjoyed teaching ethics last year and will be teaching again in 2015,” said Neil McKenzie, former primary school teacher and now one of six current volunteer Ethics teachers at Bangalow PS. “The level of discussion and ideas generated by the children of all ages is really inspiring,” he said. For more information on the Primary Ethics program, see: primaryethics.com.au Neil McKenzie, Primary Ethics teacher, Bangalow PS
For native animal rescues and assistance call
6628 1898 (24 hours) FEBRUARY 2015 FEBRUARY 2015
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february diary
town talk Garden Club Three new patrons and life members were created at the Bangalow Garden Club Christmas luncheon on 3 December. The photo shows Marie Flick, Shirley Boyle and Max Lassen after being presented with their awards at the Bangalow Garden Club. Congratulations to them all. Hilary Wise
Bangalow wetlands The plantings in the Bangalow wetlands are now full-grown and functioning well as filters for water run-off from the town area into Byron Creek. Judy Baker
RSL Hall renovations
ADFAS social night ADFAS members and friends enjoyed the film night at the A&I Hall in December. Anni Abbink
Skate park Enthusiastic users of our new skate park at the Sports Field – from tiny tots to adults, beginners to experts – are enjoying the shade provided by the new concrete shelter. Eds
For the
“RIGHT ADVICE” Whether it is SELLING or RENTING or any PROPERTY needs...
Have you noticed recent work at the RSL Hall? RSL secretary, Col Draper applied for one of Tony Abbott’s Workfor-the-Dole scheme grants and now has a team of young helpers assisting with improvements and painting at the hall. Ed Perry, recently retired from Bangalow Hardware, has been invaluable in organising and supervising the work. The RSL provides materials and a light lunch and much progress has been made in improvements, repairs and sprucing up the old hall. The young people will have gained useful skills maintaining a community asset. Judy Baker
2
Tennis coaching resumes
3
Garden Club
7
Landcare resumes
11
CWA meeting
12
Business Women’s breakfast; Grant applications close
14
Valentine’s Day
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Cyril B Bunter Band
22
Bangalow market, WIRES course
25
Night of Blues
26
Italian Diner’s regional dinner
27
Red Cross meeting
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Pursue Your Passions HB deadlines: 11(ads) 16(copy)
Zentveld’s Roastery on the plantation
roastery door sales Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
193 Broken Head Road Newrybar 5 mins from Bangalow
full range of fresh roasted coffees, chocolate, tea, barista tools & new 3rd wave brewing methods 500g & 1kg bags our speciality
6687 2479 Visit our new website & read comments from recent clients who are happy with “THE RIGHT ADVICE” they received!
www.bangalowrealestate.com.au
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Barista Training Specialists
We have a barista course to suit you! students, working baristas & coffee enthusiasts
See our website for dates & details ph. 02 6687 2045 e. coffee@zentvelds.com.au
www.zentvelds.com.au
BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT BANGALOW’S HEARTBEAT