Byron Life Magazine

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CONTENTS

FEB/MAR 8-9

GET TO KNOW Meet the friendly faces from local businesses and find out more about their lives, hobbies, passions and personality.

38-39

LIFE AS A SINGLE PARENT With almost 20% of local families living in one-parent households, let’s talk about a few survival tips!

12-13

DRUGS IN SOCIETY With the recent drug deaths at festivals across Australia, the hot topic is whether drugs should be made legal. We find out more.

42-43

MINIMALISM Discover more about the popular trend that sees people from around the world discarding clutter and only keeping the personal items that spark joy!

14-25

MULLUMBIMBY FEATURE The quirky, alternative town of Mullumbimby is a unique location with entertaining local characters, a lively café scene and eclectic shopping experiences.

44-47

SURF, SALT & SAND Meet the chicks that love the ocean and rock the surf! We catch-up with avid photographer Sera and passionate surfers RoRo and Chelsea Rose.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS AND OUR COMMUNITY Meet the inspiring, brave and passionate women who thrive in both business and community within our local area. Who will you recognise?

49-55

26-37

SOCIAL FLY Check out what’s hot in the music scene right now, find out about the upcoming local events and read more about the Brisbane Mind, Body, Spirit Festival.

On the Cover Lawyer, mother-of-three and former rock chick, Kirsten Millar dazzles, on this issue’s front cover. Read about her incredible journey showing the strength, resilience and determination which has led her to achieve her goals.

Turn to page 26.

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www.byronlifemag.com PB

the m o r f e Not

r o t i Ed

A COLOUR, CUT AND STYLE FOR YOU AND YOUR BESTIE!

Make positivity your superpower I wish the world was a kinder place.

Like many, I saw the viral video recently shared by blogger, Constance Hall. She has an outspoken nature and lives an unconventional lifestyle, but the barrage of online abuse she has endured for years is utterly feral.

"It does know it will have to wear a thing called shoes to dance and maybe wash its hair.”

Beyond abhorrent comments like this, the bullying progressed to messages suggesting Constance should take her own life.

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Is this the world we want to live in? Is this the world we want our children to grow up in? When did it become funny to be mean to others online?

Why do people feel justified in typing downright disgusting things to oneanother that they wouldn’t dare say to anyone in person?

What astounds me, is the hypocrisy.

People who are abusive to cyclists and suggest they are nothing more than ‘road-kill’ yet have children of their own who ride bicycles. People who share ‘Do it for Dolly’ posts on their social media then seconds later write a scathing response to something else.

Words hurt and bullying is bullying, regardless of who your target may be. Stop and think of the impact you may have on someone’s life before you decide to denigrate them.

I think we’re all guilty of speaking out of turn and perhaps spitting out

scathing words in the heat-of-themoment. I know I certainly have said my fair share of things I’m not proud of, but I’m working on becoming intentionally kinder. Because I believe that kindness breeds kindness and we need to be what we want the world to be.

“Don’t wait for people to be friendly.

Show them how.”

I believe this begins with being kinder to yourself. A traditional bully is usually someone who is lashing out against their own pain and insecurity. A person who has been abused is more likely to abuse others. A person constantly teased may be more likely to tease others.

It’s not a nice cycle and one which can be hard to remove yourself from, but being kinder to yourself is a start.

If you’re happier, you can begin to make the world happier. Have a good day, on purpose. Yep, when you wake up, know that the day will be great because you will ensure it is.

Try something new, treat yourself, compliment yourself, stop comparing yourself to others, identify things about yourself which are amazing. Fill your cup of life with positivity so that when you walk out the door you can’t help but smile.

Then you’re ready to pass your positivity onto others.

Positivity is the superpower this planet needs.

CHOOSE TO SMILE AND HAVE A GREAT DAY.

COMMUNITYUNITY

Get to know Nyck Jeanes

BayFM’s new President “I came here in ’88 and literally saw a vision of a what I called then a ‘Living Experiment.’ A society and culture green, progressive; with values, not morals; systems of organisation that transcend and include, a place of art and spirit, science and deep ecology; justice that does not require political correctness, governed by wisdom and respect. All the stuff we still strive for here, and many of us to some degree have achieved. I’m a glass-half-full person. In fact, ‘the goose is out’ and the glass is full!”

Nyck’s father - Lieutenant Colonel Mervyn Roderick Jeanes, CO 2/43rd Infantry Battalion, with General Douglas MacArthur, and Lieutenant General Sir Leslie J Morshead; Labuan, North Borneo 10.06.1945.

H

e’s been writing songs since the mid 60’s, when the young challenged traditional values of their parent’s generation and found their voice through political and social upheaval. Nyck Jeanes had no difficulty in expressing his voice through the passion of music, which would take him to the other side of the world and back again, returning to Byron where he has always felt most at home.

created Subway Bhaktis, working in collaboration with a well-known Grammy nominated producer, Kamal Engels. They created two CD’s and an EP from 2006 to 2010, with the first, Sita Ram, winning several Dolphin Awards.

He’s been a part of Bay FM from the beginning, from 1991 where he has always been a presenter in one form or another during the years he was in the Shire. He currently presents Future Sense and North Coast Positive and was voted in as BayFM’s new President last December.

Nyck’s passion for expressing himself through lyrics is evident in the heart wrenching song, Streets of Adelaide, written about his father.

Lieutenant Colonel Mervyn Roderick Jeanes was the most decorated soldier from WWII from South Australia. He earned the Military Cross for planning and leading the first Australian attack at El Alamein for outstanding leadership and gallantry, but despite being highly decorated and respected, he never talked about his wartime exploits with his son. He died in 1978 and Nyck’s song was an ode to understanding more about his father.

“BayFM is highly regarded around Australia in the Community Radio Network, and we’re going to expand on that. Now that we have a General Manager, Philip Shine, the role is more cooperative and consultant. We will be encouraging and co-facilitating some needed changes in a fast-moving and contested media landscape,” Nyck said.

From 2000 to 2004, Nyck and his then wife, Rachel plus two of Nyck’s children, lived in New York, through the terror of 9/11 and all that followed. But through uncertainty and tragedy, the couple found serenity in music, making up tunes to ancient chants of Mantra and Kirtan.

When they returned to Australia, the couple

“It’s a passion, a relaxation, and occasionally a performative expression. A frustration too,” he said.

“Being a pacifist quite young, and barely avoiding service in Vietnam, I never asked about the war – and he never offered. A common story. The song is a testament to understanding much more now, and the sadness of the abyss between us.

He, with serious PTSD, getting on with it, as you did then, often disconnected emotionally,” Nyck commented.

Q&A with Nyck Outside of BayFM, what are your other passions?

“I am a Director of a non-profit organisation working on global change perspectives, encompassing many progressive and profound ideas of being human and the future we are all evolving.

“I sing some Kirtan every couple of weeks in Mullum, jam a bit with some other folk, grow a few veges, enjoy a loving relationship, and I am on a couple of committees for Council and other projects.

“I also do freelance creation and production such as recently, A Tale from the Whale (www. atalefromthewhale.com) And, I have four grownup children and two grown-up grandchildren! Go figure.”

Where is your favourite place to chill in the Northern Rivers?

“The beach on a full moon. Any place green. I like being at home. It’s quiet, simple, and has a sweeping view. I’m a restless being, not seeking anything, more enjoying the amazing beauty and diversity of life, and feeling the sadness and inequality too, nectar and poison – so it’s also good to be still, which I’m working on!” www.byronlifemag.com 7

get to know

DARREN SCHIPP

JOSHUA DANIEL BOAG

General Manager of Byron Bay Services Club

Principal Dentist at Byron Family Dental

FAST FACTS

FAST FACTS

Star Sign: Cancer

Star Sign: Virgo

Fav Colour: Maroon

Fav Movie: Anything by Quentin Tarentino

Fav Holiday destination: Sandon River 20km out of Brooms Head

Fav Colour: Blue

Fav Music: Classic Australian Rock

Fav Holiday destination: Scandinavia

Fav Quote: Give up, never won a race

Fav Music: Fleetwood Mac, JJ Cale, Cat Stevens, Van Morrison

Tell Us Something most people don't know about you? I cut off my neighbour’s finger with a tomahawk when I was five years old!

Fav Quote: “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail" Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Describe your personality in three words: Bubbly, positive and loyal

Tell Us Something most people don't know about you? When I was a kid I always wanted to be a pilot, somehow I became a Dentist!

Originally from Grafton, Darren has spent most of his adult life raising his family in the Ballina and Casino areas. Together wife Christine, Darren has three children.

“We have one and a half living at home,” he jokes.

“One is studying in Brisbane, another is doing an apprenticeship locally and the youngest is just starting the HSC.” Darren has spent the last 25 years working in the club and hospitality industry, only taking a break for five years while his kids were in high-school so that he could spend more time with them and attend afterschool activities.

During this time he worked 9-5 for a friend who had an accounting firm and also gave real estate a go.

It wasn’t long, however, before he returned to his true passion and took on a position as General Manager at the Byron Bay Services Club.

During his time working for Services Clubs Darren has had some significant achievements, one in particular where he directed the construction of a shopping centre attached to the club he was running. It was the first one of its type in Australia!

In his spare time Darren loves sport, both playing and watching. He has shares in a couple of racehorses and enjoys following their progress, having a punt when he can.

His favourite sport is rugby league and he can either be found watching his kids play from the sidelines or watching a match on T.V. and cheering on his favourite team.

8 www.byronlifemag.com

Describe your personality in three words: Determined, fun-loving, relaxed Travelling is one of Joshua’s biggest passions and during his time at university studying to become a dentist he volunteered in Nepal.

“It was very challenging. I'd never extracted a real tooth before and was thrown in the deep end doing 50+ extractions over 2 weeks!” he reminisces.

Joshua has his most memorable experiences while travelling the world; at 18 he spent time in Sweden, living with some locals, which ignited his love of experiencing different places and cultures.

More recently he spent two months in India which he describes like living on another planet!

Despite being born in Wollongong, Joshua considers the Northern Rivers his home moving to Crystal Creek in 1994, then Murwillumbah in 1997 and Cabarita Beach in 2001. He has spent time in the Gold Coast and also Sydney but always returns to the Byron Shire to be close to his sisters who have lived in the area for a long time.

While in Sydney he met his partner, Emma. The couple have a black pugavoodle named June and are expecting their first human baby this year.

Excited for this new adventure, Joshua understands first-hand how precious life is.

“When I was eight years old I was nearly killed riding a horse in Crystal Creek when a 4wd hit me at full speed, I always appreciate life because of that,” he said.

EST. 1995 BYRON BAY, AUSTRALIA 48 Jonson Street, Byron Bay

JOHN BRIERLEY Owner of Lambruk Joiners and Cabinetmakers FAST FACTS Star sign: Libra Fav movie: Stripes Fav colour: Blue Fav Quote: Don’t walk backwards Tell Us Something most people don’t know about you?

I have tried to save 3 peoples lives Describe your personality in three words: Professional, caring, knowledgeable Originally from New Zealand, John moved to Melbourne in 1980 and lived there until recently when his wife decided they needed a sea change.

This is when the couple moved to the Byron Shire with their daughter and brought the family business with them. As an experienced joiner and carpenter, John trained in New Zealand and has been operating his own business as cabinet-maker and joiner in Victoria since 1983.

“The business started in the garage of my house until I built a workshop on my property, then last year we moved to Mullum where we built a new factory,” said John.

During his time in Victoria John moonlighted as a flight attendant for Qantas flying all around the world for 23 years. He also spent time as a volunteer firefighter and found himself fighting fires on Black Saturday which an experience that will stay with him forever.

Now, happily settled in the Byron Shire, John is pleased to see his skills and acumen in high demand throughout the region.

“I have worked with award winning architects and builders around Melbourne on residential and commercial projects. I love to design, create and build projects for clients that they can enjoy for years to come and one of my skills is being able to design and problem solve,” said John.

Another of John’s passions is enjoying the outdoors, something he can now do much more of thanks to the recent seachange, although he is now further away from the ski slopes!

“I love paddle boarding, riding my beach bike on the beach and snow skiing,” said John.

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By Ian Browne

WWW.SHAMROCKNEWSMUSIC.COM

I

n late September 2016, I found myself in India wandering the streets of Kolkata and Mumbai; camera at the ready, getting to know people along the late wet season laneways. I was writing a story on the abuse of women and how they, and the lower-castes, were empowering themselves to a more sustainable future. You can read this in my coming book ‘What the Monsoon Knows’. I visited the Navy Nagar slum from the novel Shantaram, and from the film Slum Dog Millionaire, the gargantuan slum known as Dharavi. Here is a cheeky sneak-a-peak from the ‘India’ section of my book.

Visiting the slum from Shantaram: Penned by Australian author, Gregory David Roberts, I had read Shantaram, and like many, absolutely fell into each page. This slum would completely enchant me. I had a personal guide for the day and was the only Westerner in the slum that morning, so I relinquished the friendly attention I received. Much of Gregory David Robert’s story is fact, though I discovered plenty was also down to the author’s imagination.

I stood on the outside of the Navy Nagar Slum, made famous in the novel Shantaram. As I watched plump goats feeding from heaped debris, I wondered if this was the vacant lot adjacent to the slum where Shantaram, and his

10 www.byronlifemag.com

close friend the Iranian gangster, Abdullah Taheri, had fought a pack of savage dogs.

Groups of men sat along the ruined concrete fenceline overlooking the wasteland of human refuse, as cheerful children moved towards me, willing me to take their picture. This was a day that would make my heart sing high, the journey through this slum the highlight of my trip to India.

I stopped to take a photo of two gorgeous children, their siblings being washed by mum as she proudly smiled at the moment caught on my camera. I visited the laundromat, the middle-aged gentleman kind and happy. Next stop would be the extensive courtyard where they dry the community’s laundry, which I remember immediately from the novel. As we entered Shantaram’s slum, and more curious than concerned, I asked my barefoot guide if it was safe to wander freely here. His reply: “These people are already ruined; there is no need to cause you any harm.”

I am excited as I look around the slum and its colourful laneways; hanging fabrics, places of business - while people waved to me from

small abodes along sheltered laneways. This is the actual place where a fire swept through killing many, and where the vile drifting smell of faeces attributed to a deadly cholera outbreak, all occurred. Men dig in black soil under the large paving blocks within the narrow pathway, hoping to clear drainage areas of the late monsoon downpours. The air smells clean.

Under a muddy sky, my camera tries its best to capture moments in the bright lights along the scantly paved laneways within the slum.

I stop to grab each moment, hoping to linger a moment longer, to chat to the people who approach me with their gentle smiles - wishing to grace me. It is a beautiful feeling to be so welcomed into a place that captured my all when reading about Shantaram’s life here.

We stop outside a cottage perched beside a small laneway, meandering away from sight and into the front porch of a home. Besides the home and cottage as the laneway opens into light is a

COMMUNITYUNITY

event, where a woman nabbed from the streets of Bengal is forced into prostitution in Mumbai and left to live out her dying days with AIDS - in a cardboard box in the street! Is there no justice in this world?

tree and a small Hindu prayer site. This is where I would meet Shantaram’s friends. The Khare family also run tours here themselves, and to other regions depicted within the novel. They are indeed the real ticket item suggested as the family that look out for the one-time Australian advertising-media man turned criminal. The wee cottage is where Shantaram sent himself into a drug-state-slumber to escape from his emotional pain, by the prayer site is where he slept under the tree …I’m guessing during the dry season anyway, as the ground is very damp here by the harbour. The Khare family do not gloss over anything; they share the warts-n-all of Shantaram’s stay. Through stages of his life Shantaram was a druggie, plain and simple, and this is where he laid his weary bones to escape life’s torments. I am sad to hear that the lady Shantaram so dearly loved in the novel, Karla, too was a junkie. Sadly, she died on Mumbai’s streets during the AIDS epidemic of the late 80’s.

I have seen television shows portraying this sad

Invited to chai, I ask Shantaram’s friend, who features in the book himself, and whose brother Prabaker is Shantaram’s loyal entourage throughout the novel, if the small cottage next to his house is where Shantaram slept with his first aid kit, acting as a nurse in the slum clinic while treating his newly extended family. Sadly, Prabaker did die in similar circumstances as suggested in the novel, and as to my question about the kit, his brother replies: “The first aid kit was stolen along with his guitar.” It has been suggested that the clinic never happened, so perhaps the kit was real, but not the noble act of treating others. “Is this the place (cottage) where Shantaram lived?” I am told that he lived in many places within the slum, dossing wherever he could. Perhaps due to his numb state, he may well have slept out under the tree in monsoon deluge, after all.

A large Alsatian arrives down the short laneway from the Khare home with a small boy. The dog is old and his hips have almost given up on him.

The father calls out to the small boy who has returned inside once again, arriving back with

a large photograph of Shantaram. In the photo the much younger Alsatian is on a leash being held by Shantaram, it was taken at least ten years earlier. Shantaram looks to be about 40, bulked in muscle; dressed in black shiny clothes and army boots. I met others in nearby Colaba who had also described this Australian’s sordid lifestyle in the early days there.

I snap away at the morning ritual of young women all in sari-garb and red-dot foreheads carrying steel vessels upon heads, filling them from communal water wells as described in the book. Cute kids in freshly-worn school uniforms ready to leave the slum for the day as young folk head my way with their bigsmiled welcomes, hoping for a chat. My eyes stray down a laneway; the flashing lights, tall fire sticks, and music, anticipating the coming Diwali - the ‘festival of lights’. Yes, the homes are tiny, but the community spirit is infectious, and how it must feel to have to leave such a loving community! Yet the developers do wish to remove such places where the monetary poor; those rich in culture, must live, hoping to condemn them to the isolation of council tenancy - dispelling any sense of identity - while the ‘fat cats’ build their high-rise office space and luxurious hotels.

www.byronlifemag.com 11

“...All those youngsters living away from their homes, in the back streets, the tunnels and the gutters, existing on a diet of drugs, violence, sickness and disease, cold, hopelessness and loneliness. That’s a big mess to clean, but we shouldn’t have let it get so fouled up. Every one of us has to try harder to bring all children up properly and prepare them to inherit Australia from us. These children are our most important assets for Australia’s future, yet we are carelessly squandering those assets….”

all illicit substances. Rather than being arrested, those caught with a personal supply may be given a warning, a fine, or told to appear before a local expert for help; a doctor, a lawyer or social worker; for treatment, harm reduction, and support services.

Former Governor of NSW, Sir David Martin.

Not all of the positive changes can be attributed directly to the decriminalisation, but it certainly attributed to the improvements in a major way.

While the debate over pill testing continues to dominate the media, we ask the question, is this really a solution to help our youth struggling with drug culture, or is it like sticking a band-aid over a gushing wound?

Instead, should we decriminalise, legalise or declassify all drugs?

It sounds extreme, but it’s far from a new concept. Portugal made the radical decision to decriminalise all drugs in 2001 after the country hit a state of panic with one in ten people associated with heroin use in the 80’s.

People were injecting themselves in the streets and crime was at an all-time high, with daily muggings, robberies and alarming increases in murder and assault.

Portugal became the first country to decriminalise the possession and consumption of 12 www.byronlifemag.com

This resulted in the opioid crisis stabilising and the following years saw dramatic reductions in HIV and hepatitis infection rates, deaths from overdose and drug-related crime.

The question is, why has it taken other countries so long to follow suit, and why is the trend only relating to marijuana so far? There are plenty of reasons given for legalising – or decriminalising – drugs; including eliminating the criminal market place and reducing crime, making drug use safer, de-stigmatising use, taxing drug sales in the same way tobacco or alcohol currently are. And there is certainly some truth and value in these arguments.

Many will argue that the legalisation of marijuana does not go nearly far enough and that the continued war on drugs has been a monumental failure which requires a complete overhaul.

Russell Brand, Sir Richard Branson and Sting were among high-profile signatories to an open letter asking the British government to consider

decriminalising possession of cannabis in 2014, The Independent reported. Release, the drugs charity which organised the letter, says arresting users “creates more harm for individuals, their families and society”. It says that if users are not “caught up in the criminal justice system” they have a better chance of escaping addiction and argues that evidence from other countries supports this view.

Intensifying the 'war on drugs' is not reducing demand. In Holland, where cannabis laws are far less harsh, drug usage is amongst the lowest in Europe.

There is no evidence to show that prohibition is succeeding. The question we must ask ourselves is, "What are the benefits of criminalising any drug?" If, after looking at all the available evidence, we find that the negatives outweigh the benefits, then we must look for an alternative policy.

Legalisation is not a fix-all but it does allow us to look at the problems associated with drug use, and those created by keeping them illegal. The time has come for an effective drug policy.

Not only could legalisation or decriminalisation result in less crime and less drug-related hospitalisation, but also provide the country a steady income stream from regulated tax.

Take the money from the hands of the drug dealers and put it back into the community to help the organisations who need it most,

COMMUNITYUNITY

SHOULD THEY ALL BE LEGAL? drug rehabilitation centres and other social organisations who can make a difference to those fighting addictions.

In the Netherlands, the USA, and now Canada, regulated markets for the sale of cannabis generate substantial tax revenues. A regulated government monopoly could secure direct income with research suggesting this may be as high as $600 million a year for a regulated cannabis market in New South Wales alone.

This is not about whether you think drugs are good or bad, it’s about how they can be better controlled to create safer environments for both users and the general public. Despite the largely supportive evidence base, politicians appear reluctant to proceed along the decriminalisation path.

But there is one thing we can all be in agreeance upon. Too many young people are dying from overdose, drug-related crimes of violence need to be reduced and our health and justice systems could be utilised in more beneficial ways then dealing with increasing drug problems. Clearly, the current criminalisation path isn’t working.

What will it take to see change?

It deserves a conversation.

Reaching out for help and support is an important first step in dealing with the issues drugs and alcohol might be causing in your life, or affecting a friend or family member For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline: 1800 250 015 www.byronlifemag.com 13

T

he unique, alternative vibe of Mullumbimby originated from its hippy beginnings during the 1970’s and it is one of the few local towns that remain quirky and largely un-touched by modern, commercial society to this day.

Much of this is because when Byron Bay and Nimbin shot to fame, becoming a highlight on the tourist track, Mullumbimby (or ‘Mullum’ as the locals call it) received less exposure. As a result the town has maintained an earthy, authentic feel that many would argue represents a true slice of alternative Northern Rivers life.

With a population of just 3500, there is a calm, laid-back feel to the town and no one is in a rush. There is an eclectic mix of shopping on offer, from boutique-imported homewares to locally handmade products, hippy fashion to contemporary style.

When you want to take a break from shopping sit down at one of the local cafes to get a true feel for the town. Soak up its energy, people-watch and feel the local vibe. This is a place where no one will look at you strangely for ordering an almond milk chai latte with honey on the side!

Another way to enjoy the best of Mullum is to experience a health activity or treatment. Renowned for its alternative offerings and huge variety, Mullumbimby has six centrally located yoga and meditation clinics. Follow this with a soak at the iconic Kiva Spa and you will leave town refreshed, renewed and nourished.

• BROWSE THE SHOPS • VISIT A CAFÉ • SOAK IN A SPA • TRY SOME YOGA • TALK TO A LOCAL

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SNAPSHOT OF HISTORY

GEOGRAPHY

The Bundjalung people originally occupied Mullumbimby until the1850’s when European settlers established a campsite at the junction of two arms of the Brunswick River.

This grew to become a village and later the township of Mullumbimby.

The main geographical feature of Mullumbimby is Mount Chincogan which watches over the town and can be seen sitting prominently on the horizon as you drive through the hinterland towards the town.

Mullumbimby was originally a centre for the timber industry. Great quantities of Red Cedar was collected from around the area and floated down the tidal Brunswick River to the coast where it was then transported around the country and overseas.

Mullumbimby is a twenty minute drive north of Byron Bay.

The Sweetest Shop in Town!

Did you know?

Famous rapper Iggy Azalea was raised in Mullumbimby before moving to the United States to pursue her singing career when she was 16.

Did you know?

Back in the 70’s Mullum was known for a weed so potent it was called Mullum Madness.

TRADING HOURS Mon-Fri 9:00-5:30 | Sat 9:00-3:00 | Sun closed Shop 1/104 Dalley St Mullumbimby

6684 4825

www.mullumbimbychocolateshop.com.au www.byronlifemag.com 15

s r o t i s i V d n a s l a e Loc

y b m i b of Mullum

Meet th

Mark Robertson and Sage Are you local or a visitor?

I just moved here from Lennox Head.

What brings you to Mullum today?

I am about to go camping with some friends down south so just getting some brekky on the way through and I needed to buy a book on geometry as I am writing a book on the power of sound so being Mullum as it is, being so diverse I could find what I wanted!

Jono Lim

Fave place here?

Are you local or a visitor?

probably the park down the river where I take the little fella for a splash in the water

Local

Fave place here?

My backyard. I am living on the back of a river, I just bought a boat so I get to navigate the waters every second day…it’s an amazing hidden gem we have here!

What do you love most about Mullum?

The diversity, the people, the great sense of openness this area seems to bring. There is such a diverse amount of things to do here. There’s a lot of love about.

Mullum in 3 words: Interesting, wide variety of people and fun

What do you love most about Mullum?

What brings you to Mullum today?

the chillness. It’s actually really quiet and peaceful

Work at Punch & Daisy

Mullum in 3 words: pretty bloody good!

Danni Van Der Spoel Are you local or a visitor?

Fave place here?

Local as of a year ago

Probably up in the mountains; Koonyum Range and Mount Jerusalem.

What brings you to Mullum today?

I am here for work in town. I spend a lot of time in town hanging out here.

What do you love most about Mullum? the people; they feel like your family.

Mullum in 3 words: Light, free and magic

Josh Rushton and Scarlett Are you local or a visitor?

Fave place here:?

Local

Mullumbimby Fire Station and Fire and Rescue NSW; two fire stations here.

What brings you to Mullum today?

I am the captain of the fire station; lots of work today such as ordering, recruitment etc.

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What do you love most about Mullum?

It’s changing so much…I couldn’t sum it up! It is still a nice place to live.

Mullum in 3 words: eclectic and easy-going.

DISCOVERMULLUMBIMBY

Celeste and Sandy Graetz Are you locals or visitors?

We are visiting from Casuarina What brings you to Mullum today?

We came to the markets and we have just been to the chiropractor here.

Fave place here?

Mullum Instyle Living and a few cafes here.

What do you love most about Mullum?

It’s a quaint little town, very laid-back and friendly people. The shops are good!

Mullum in 3 words: quaint, casual and country

LOCKS NEEDING SOME LOVE? Take a trip to Mullum and experience the relaxing vibes of the hottest new place for hair, The Loft.

Elizabeth Geia Are you local or a visitor?

I am a visitor. I am from Palm Island.

What brings you to Mullum today?

I have a friend here who wanted to show Mullum off to me!

Fave place here?

It’s all lovely here!

What do you love most about Mullum?

It’s so green here, the people are beautiful; everyone is so friendly. Nobody walks past anybody here without saying hello. The food tastes so different here too!

Mullum in 3 words: I love it!

Experienced stylist, Ashley Taylor, created The Loft 2482 only a few short months ago, but already it is garnishing a reputation as the cool new place for colour. With 15 years of experience in the industry, Ashley began her career at The Edge in Byron.

Eight years later she travelled the globe, before returning and working for herself at Ocean Shores.

She opened The Loft as a new challenge to broaden the scope of what can be delivered at a salon, focusing on exceptional colour and bold styles. The space itself is soft and earthy for a relaxed experience with leather and wooden accents.

“I love the space, it fits the Mullum vibe so well, a blend of natural and new. It doesn’t feel like work when you’re in a place you love. From the old hippies to the funky young hipsters; the friendly

families and all the personalities inbetween; I love the laid-back, cool vibe that makes Mullum amazing.”

Ashley is obsessed with creating the perfect colour, combined with a precision cut to ensure your hair goals are achieved. Her experience means she knows exactly what styles will suit each person; whether it’s seamless face-framing foils or baby lights to every kind of balayage or bright blondes.

“I love being a colourist and stylist as you take your client on the whole journey. There is nothing more rewarding then making your clients feeling great,” she said.

When she’s not in the salon with scissors in hand, Ashley’s main passion is to travel. If she isn’t globetrotting with her fiancé, then she’s spending precious time with friends or swimming in the Bruns River.

Whether you’re after a show-stopping style or colour that will last, visit The Loft for locks you will love.

SPACE FOR RENT - CHAIR FOR HIRE We are seeking a full-time hairdresser with an established clientele list.

Please send enquiries and your resume to mail@theloft2482.com.au Phone Ashley 0473 373 740 | 1/121 Dalley St, Mullumbimby.

@theloft2482

www.byronlifemag.com 17

Mimi&Flo

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tylish and creatively talented, Cas RahillLee’s inspiration for her business came from her grandmothers Florence, and Mimi. Collectively forming Mimi & Flo in 2010 the iconic coastal-inspired clothing culminated from her other businesses in Brunswick Heads over the past 21 years . It has now found a new home in Mullumbimby.

Cas grew up in Melbourne and was a beach girl from the start. She hit the road with her boyfriend, Ken, in the early 90’s in their mintgreen S-series Valiant on a road trip to paradise.

Their first home was in the Brunswick Harbour where they lived and maintained a friend’s yacht before buying a cosy beach house and having children in this new part of the world they had fallen in love with.

Originally trained as an art teacher, Cas studied visual arts and majored in Textile Design at the University of Melbourne, spending parts of her final year studying and teaching in Java Indonesia. After several years selling her textiles at north coast markets she joined a bunch of local creatives who formed an artist collective, Boom, where she sold hand- printed fabrics and homewares. She moved onto more collaborative stores before opening Mimi & Flo. Cas commented, “I opened Mimi & Flo as there were very few shops in the area that sold coastal-inspired clothing and accessories in natural fibres. I’ve always represented local designers and also had pieces collected from our travels along with everyday basics.”

Part of Cas’s travels took her and her family to the Pacific Islands.

“Ken and my daughter Tiare, our son Asher and I spent a memorable amount of time in Samoa,

Tonga and Tahiti. We lived island-style where I got to weave with the women and learned to make tapa, a type of cloth made from bark of a tree.”

The island vibes have played a big part in the style of Mimi & Flo, with touches of seashells and tropical flora a recurring theme.

Nine years ago, Cas and her family moved from Brunswick Heads to a property in the hills behind Mullumbimby. She opened a second store in the village to be more connected to home, later consolidating the two locations into one in the heart of Mullum.

Her family has been the support and inspiration for her businesses.

“As well as our stylish nanas, my mother, Bebe has been hugely influential and a big part of running Mimi & Flo. Where would we be without our mums? Tiare and Asher have literally grown up in and around my stores. It was important for me to incorporate being a devoted mum whilst also following my dreams,” she said.

The pull to Mullum came down to the people and their connection with the planet, with Cas having a strong affinity with nature and the peaceful surroundings.

“It is an eclectic community that has always nurtured diversity and has a strong sense of our environmental fragility. I just love the people of Mullumbimby and surrounds; a mix of old with new, an acceptance and authenticity which has always been a strong ethos of my business, and a connection with the incredible natural environment we live in.”

With homewares, jewellery and fashion, it’s easy to walk out of Mimi & Flo with the complete look. Coastal, classic and Boho; it’s a destination for all.

80 Burringbar street, Mullumbimby NSW 18 www.byronlifemag.com

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cactus hill project

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here’s nothing like strolling the streets of Mullum for intrigue, inspiration and a unique spin on life. It’s this diverse melting pot of people and product that gives Jo Dawkins and Leanne Follett their creativity for their collections and collaborations for Cactus Hill Project.

Jo commented, “The diversity of Mullum is simply unmatched anywhere else.

That’s why we love it. The unique mix of creatives; from artist, ceramicists, jewelers to musicians, complement the style we offer in-store, while the blend of people; new young families who have moved from the city to local farmers, growers and the hippies who have made this community what it is today. This manifold mix of humans who live and work together, combine to create this caring wholistic environment that inspires us every day.”

The theme behind their store, Cactus Hill Project, is to ‘live life in style’.

Leanne said, “Our aim is to provide a range of homewares, art, furniture, gifts and beauty products that reflects Mullumbimby’s diverse community with something for everyone. From a beautiful sofa, chair or side table, to cushions, soft furnishings, ceramics and home décor; our range and quality reflects Mullum’s community, from high-end luxury to affordable treasured gifts.”

Not only do the partners source a gorgeous selection of interior gems, they also offer a home-styling service to ensure their client’s homes become the place of their dreams.

“Our interior styling service is a guiding hand to help turn a home into a sanctuary.

The place you feel most relaxed in, where you look forward to going at the end of each day. A serene, stylish environment. We travel to their home and discuss the look and feel they most want to achieve, then work with them to create a look that is unique to them within their budget and timeline.”

The couple’s contrasting skills is a factor in creating a successful business. Jo’s passion is people, which is why she loves to meet and greet visitors in their store.

“When visitors stop by, we often guide them to other retailers and cafes, so they can experience all of what Mullum has on offer. We meet travellers from all over the world, visitors from every state in Australia and after three years, we are still meeting locals and making new friends,” she said.

Leanne’s passion is design and textiles. She has a great eye and loves to style the store so that it inspires customers and provides ideas on how they can style their own home.

For interior inspiration or a helping hand to style your home, Cactus Hill Project offers modern design with a relaxed, earthy vibe. It’s chic with a touch of coastal and bold with flashes of Boho, exactly the eclectic magnet that draws so many people to Mullum.

hill

project

cactus

82 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby home@cactushillproject.com

6684 6110

designer furniture, lighting, home décor, gifs, art + interior styling www.byronlifemag.com 19

Lambruk Joiners and Cabinet Makers

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tyle is an important aesthetic in any room of the house, but it’s in the kitchen where taste really matters.

Luxurious living is being redefined with a step back in time to incorporate old-school methods and natural products. A space should function as good as it feels without compromising on style.

This is the ethos driving the founder of Lambruk Joiners and Cabinet Makers, who brings a blend of traditional carpentry skills from New Zealand with modern application in the metro Melbourne market.

“I believe if you’re going to build something, build it to last. We use traditional methods and quality joinery products for a result that looks and performs better than kit-set alternatives. Using a range of suppliers, both local and inter-state, our point of difference in doors and decorative panels is one of the areas we certainly stand out,” John said.

His business has evolved from a backyard shed to a custom-built factory in Mullumbimby. After his property was destroyed in the Ash Wednesday fires in 1983, he rebuilt and did joinery part-time from his

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home garage while working full-time in the airline industry.

Once his worked picked up to the point where he couldn’t fit anything more on the books, he retired from Qantas and started Lambruk Joiners and Cabinet Makers as his full-time enterprise. Being Victorian-based, much of his work was high-end residential and commercial projects in Melbourne for building clients who demanded top quality style and aesthetic.

It’s that level of experience he brings to the Northern Rivers, having moved here two years ago with his family. John and his wife craved a sea change and are enjoying the Northern Rivers lifestyle, in particular, the friendliness of the people.

“Being based in Mullumbimby and working throughout the Northern Rivers has given us the opportunity to meet a large cross-section of the community. We just can’t get over how friendly everyone has been here. The weather is great, it sure beats going to work in two degrees in the winter, but the people has been the best thing about our move,” he commented.

John’s showroom will be completed in three months, but in the meantime, he has been fortunate to use a friend’s home in Suffolk Park to display his workmanship.

“A friend of mine from the RFS gave me Carte Blanche in re-designing his home. This gave us the opportunity to transform a small space that felt cramped into an open, lightfilled area, through the use of smart design.

That’s where I feel that we offer something different, we work with the client’s unique needs. Whether it’s a custom-design for someone who is shorter or taller than the average person to make their life easier, or making everyday movement easier for someone with a disability or arthritis; our word is our bond and we will tell someone straight up if a project is achievable or not.”

Custom-designed cabinetry is the best way to ensure your investment will blend seamlessly with the surrounds of your home; adding style, practicality and functionality.

From hand-crafted furniture to laundry, bathroom and kitchen fit-outs; even staircases, wardrobes or unique doors and windows with a difference, Lambruk Joiners and Cabinet Makers are the choice for when there’s no substitute for quality.

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ยบ Kitchens & Bathrooms ยบ Shop Fitting & Furniture

ยบ Timber Doors & Windows ยบ Retractable Fly Screens

26 Towers Drive Mullumbimby

02 6684 1066 www.lambruk.com.au

www.byronlifemag.com 21

- BENJI KEOGH I believe the success of the shop is down to the exceptional characters and tastes found in the Shire.

The other week I had a girl tell me she was from the Spirit World when I asked her where she was from.

Is that near Adelaide?

“It’s amazing what can happen if you face up to things, listen to your heart and follow the right path, even if you’re not sure if it’s the right one at the time.”

After begging his parents for three years to buy him a drum kit, Benji Keogh’s parents finally relented. He had spent his childhood tinkling on the keys of a beat-up old piano, mainly from his mother’s influence who had regretted not taking piano lessons more seriously when she was younger. But it was drums which called to Benji, he would scour the cupboards for pots and pans to bang on with chopsticks from the local Chinese takeaway restaurant until he could bash on the real deal.

“I’d already been taking lessons with the drum teacher from the local high school and was playing and performing in the high school’s intermediate concert band when I was eight or nine. I remember playing Lionel Ritchie’s ‘Dancing on the Ceiling’ and just rockin’ it out with this amateur 50-piece concert band consisting of mainly brass and woodwind. In my last year of high school, I started playing in garage bands which continued into my early twenties,” Benji said.

After playing a lot of parties and underground clubs, Benji got the itch to travel and found himself working in hotels, bars and on building sites throughout Europe, but on his extensive journeys he always found a way to re-connect with the rhythm of the land.

“I was hitch-hiking down south after a stint in Scotland and ended up in Ireland for almost a year. While there I met a group of guys and girls who had just got together a Rio Carnival-style samba percussion group. We quickly became friends and were hanging out constantly. After I left Ireland I lived in the French Alps, then for a year in Paris where I gained a good exposure to jazz and the Paris café scene.

“In 2002 I backpacked around West Africa after spending a couple of months in Morocco. There I was exposed to music and rhythms of the ancient Berbers and used to join the buskers regularly 22 www.byronlifemag.com

in the main square in Marrakesh, before moving on down south. In West Africa I was completely blown away by the skill and energy of the drummers there. The scope and complexity of the beats being played was so interesting, and later on upon returning to Australia, I started studying djembe and dundun which opened my mind to a whole new world of rhythm.”

After his travels, he took his life savings and imported half a shipping container of djembes, percussion and cheap ukuleles from Indonesia.

He sold his instruments at different market stalls across Brisbane and was pleasantly surprised in the popularity of his enterprise.

“I was also showcasing a few pieces and had some items consigned at two or three music stores around Brisbane. It was a real slog in those early days. Within just over a year, I was holding around eight or nine stalls per week, with a small team operating independent stalls at different markets and festivals around Brisbane, and the Sunshine Coast,” Benji said.

It was around this time that he met his partner, Shell Le Breton, who was enthusiastic in helping Benji become a success. Shell had grooved at the Mullum Music Festival one year and she was eager to show Benji the vibes of the town.

Benji commented, “We took a day trip down to Mullum and Brunswick Heads. We were standing on South Wall at Bruns and I turned to her and said, “Imagined if we lived here, how good it would be!” It seemed like just a dream. We swung back through Mullum and noticed a couple of empty shops. We put in an offer for our current shop which was later accepted on a 2-month lease. We moved in right on the opening day of Mullum Fest 2013.”

Despite their limited offerings in the start, the festivalgoers embraced Benji’s instruments and busked outside of his shop, creating a party atmosphere. Shell worked with Benji until she became heavily pregnant with their first child, Ollie, who is now 4-years-old. They have also since been blessed with a baby daughter, Sofia, who is 8-months.

Son of Drum now showcases the most eclectic and enchanting range of musical instruments ever seen within a single 60m2 shop floor! People travel from all over to marvel at the sound and feel of weird and wonderful instruments from the four corners of the globe, as well as pick up the latest gadgets and accessories available for guitars, drums and other instruments of choice.

Benji has embraced the uniqueness of local musicians and artisans to stock local instruments offering sound unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere.

“It didn’t take long to meet local artisans and have featured instruments made from old gas tanks, buckets, paint tins and metal tubes that sound magical. I think these kinds of innovations inspire creativity in people and help to foster a connection with music and craftsmanship, as well as some much-needed extra income for the creators.

“I believe the success of the shop is down to the exceptional characters and tastes found in the Shire. The other week I had a girl tell me she was from the Spirit World when I asked her where she was from. Is that near Adelaide?

“You have to listen to your customers and respond to the demand, and the demand in this area is somewhat unique when compared to the city suburbs,” he said.

When he’s not in the shop, Benji plays drums in a Lismore based eight-piece Afro-beat band: Timbuktu.

“Hopefully we’ll be playing around more often in the near future. Although music plays a big part in my life, I’m really looking forward to spending more time with my family and watch them grow together. Ollie has many of the instruments found in the shop at home and is always up for a little jam session. I often put a few shakers and things in front of Sofia to keep her entertained, and she also seems to have a good ear for music.

“I guess we all do if we choose to tap into it. It is an important tool in resolving inner conflict, sharing joy and connecting with others.”

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Australia’s Most Eclectic Musical Instrument Shop Musical Instruments, Audio & Accessories Sales • Repairs • Tuition Referral • Inspiration Shop 1 / 31 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby | p: 02 6684 1742 | e: benji@sonofdrum.com.au www.byronlifemag.com 23

DISCOVERMULLUMBIMBY

MULLUMBIMBY HIGH W

Shaping Young Minds Since 1886

ith its rich and vibrant history, Mullumbimby High School holds a special place in many people’s hearts.

This can be seen within the generations of previous students who spent memorable years at the school and from the pockets of community that benefit from the connection to the school through events and outreach programs.

Mullumbimby High has always been a central meeting place to educate young minds and prepare them for the greatest lessons in life.

From humble beginnings to the thriving multifaceted education hub we see today.

It was 1886 when a pioneering teacher named Miss Eliza McGettigan first opened the school with just eight students enrolled. Eliza lived at St Helena and travelled to school on horseback or rowed a boat across the flooded streams during wet weather.

Originally, the school was located on the 7th green of the present golf course but with a steady rise in student numbers they were able to move to the present school site in 1892.

Shortly after this, the railway line through Mullum was established and the population of the town increased dramatically. Mullumbimby became the central core for education throughout the region and there were a series of extensions built to accommodate the student intake, which increased to 260 by the early 1900’s.

School life was very different in the early days and many local children from surrounding rural areas rode horses to school. There was

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a designated horse paddock where students would ‘park’ their horses to safely wait until the end of the school day when they would ride them home. Bridles and saddles were kept in a shed and children had to be independent in organising themselves.

Riding horses to school was an important part of culture, community and solidarity in these times. Students and siblings would ride to school together, gathering to create larger groups the closer they got to school. At the end of Acacia Street, or Jubilee Avenue as it is now called, at Saltwater Creek bridge, the road became a race track and all the students enjoyed some healthy competition racing each other toward the school gates.

In 1951, to relieve the pressure of Infant & Primary School enrolments, a piece of land was resumed on a property facing Morrison Avenue.

Then, in 1955 the school became a full High School, with a student population of 387 pupils and John Pearce as its first Principal.

Fast-forward to 1987 and student numbers hit an all-time high of over 1200 students!

The rich and varied history of the school is captured in a photo honour roll kept at the school which marks the names of students who have gone on to achieve success in various fields.

Also, around the central pizza oven there is a patio with pavers showing past student’s names and the years that they attended the school.

“We have a very active ex students association that has been reconnecting with peers for

generations. Our school is the sort of place ex students pop in to catch up with old teachers all the time,” Said Deputy Principal Cameron Johnson.

There is a deep sense of community at Mullumbimby High School, not just within the school but also in the way students and teachers interact with the broader social fabric of the town and surrounding areas.

“We have an incredibly strong connection with the community, we see ourselves first and foremost as a community and an integral part of the broader community,” Said Mr Johnson.

Mullum High hospitality students cater at all kinds of events such as the Mullum Show and Ocean Shores Art Expo. Music students perform at the Mullum Show and the Mullum Music Festival every year and drama students take plays to local schools.

The Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander students are always out in the community dancing at special events and are often invited to schools out of the area.

“I think that our sense of community is best illustrated by the fact we currently have more than half a dozen ex students here as teachers and seven teachers children attend the school!”

Said Mr Johnson.

Mullumbimby High School is such a large part of the local community in Mullum. The network of friends, experiences and attitudes it nurtures within our youth are creating the footprint for future generations to follow.

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MULLUMBIMBY HIGH SCHOOL

GH SCHOOL Creating opportunities, achieving success

Mullumbimby High School circa 1912

Enrol now for 2019 9 Jubilee Ave Mullumbimby Mullumbimby Rural School 1924

6684 2600

Giving A voice to ot Lawyer, mother-of-three and former rock chick.

Kirsten Miller’s life has been a transformative roller coaster; with adrenalin-filled highs to lows of despair, but she is living proof that even in your darkest days you can choose a path which will lead you to love and light.

Growing up in Lismore, Kirsten admits to being a bit of a ratbag, but one who was musically gifted.

She started singing from the age of two and would sing wherever and whenever she could. She was 12 when she was in her first band and only 14 when she landed her first regular paid gig in Byron Bay. Kirsten said, “It was a covers band called Ulterior Motive and we played Divinyls and Pat Benatar covers amongst others at the Top Pub in Byron Bay. “A few years later I went off touring with a few different bands, that was a wild time. We would literally be in a different town every night. We would finish a gig at a nightclub at 3am then pull down, pack up, go to the next town, set up, get some sleep and then do it all over again. When we got a residency of two nights or more it was luxurious.

It was a full-on life, but also a great way to see the country!

“In the late nineties I was in a band called Servitude.

We had a blast travelling and working.”

Kirsten was working locally performing duos when her marriage broke down. As a mother of three young boys, she took a look at her life and realised she didn’t have any qualifications and the performing she was doing wasn’t enough to support a family.

The obvious choice was to pursue a career in music, so she went to the Conservatorium of Music in Lismore to get a Certificate IV in Contemporary Music, with a view to going to university and becoming a music teacher.

She commented, “When I was studying at the Con I found that I had a knack for the Law in the Music Business component of the course. I thought to myself that I should apply to Uni to do Law. I finished my Certificate IV as I had no other qualifications other than warbling and being a mother. I did not really think that I would be successful in my application however I thought I owed it to myself and my kids to give it a crack.”

As it turns out, she was successful in her application.

From that moment, the incredibly hard slog of being a full-time mother and law student began.

In 2012, almost two years into her studies, Kirsten saw an opportunity posted at the University for a position as a paralegal with Jensens Solicitors in Lennox. Little did she know it would be the start of a

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great career under the mentorship and guidance of experienced lawyer, Paul Pellandine.

“I did not believe that I stood a chance, however I had an interview with Paul and we have been working together ever since. He has been an amazing mentor.

He is very thorough, patient and has shown me how to navigate the tricky waters of dealing with the intricacies of many areas of Law. He has, and continues to be, an inspiration on this journey,” she said When she first started working at Jensens, she added paralegal to her already demanding schedule of study and being a mother.

“It was incredibly challenging raising the boys and studying and working. I had so many responsibilities to so many areas of my life. I look back on it now and wonder how on earth did I do it. I am not sure when I slept or ate but all I know is that it was well worth it.”

“I was incredibly lucky to have my family, who were always there when I needed them, and quite often when I didn’t think I did. I have a wonderful partner, George, who was and still is always there if I need to vent and rant and rave (or laugh or cry). And of course, I have the boys, who allowed me to have a focus. They were supportive of what I wanted to achieve and whilst they were teenagers going through their own issues, we managed to support each other through the rough times and enjoy each other through the good times, and we still do.”

She also credits the success of the business to the team at Jensens Solicitors, in particular Michelle Stewart, who has been Kirsten’s right-hand-woman for nearly five years.

“Having the ultimate support person is crucial to ensure the smooth-running of any business. Michelle is that and more, dedicated and trustworthy, she makes sure the team has all they need to get the job done while providing our clients with amazing service. We couldn’t do what we do without her,” Kirsten said.

Though her commitments were often prodigious, and she struggled to find the time she needed each day, it was an overwhelming fear of failure which Kirsten found most challenging.

“There were so many times that I didn’t think that I had what I needed to finish my degree, to become a lawyer, to have a good relationship with my children.

But I did. I had to find a new confidence, a new belief in myself. I had to realise that this was my path now and only I could keep myself on it,” she said.

After finishing her law degree in 2013, Kirsten stayed at Jensens Solicitors and became Principal in 2017.

She found that it was through her own experience of separation that she had the experience to help people who were going through difficult times in their lives. Instead of playing long drawn-out legal games with ex-partners, Kirsten stresses how important it is to try and form amicable relationships to avoid personal and financial stress.

“For a lot of people out there, relationships or marriages break down. It is really easy to get locked into negative engagement with your ex, but that only prolongs suffering and an inability to move forward with your own life.

“It took a long time, but I now have a good relationship with the boys’ father. It is so important to realise that it is about the children.

“In my practice there is an emphasis on ensuring that the focus is not on litigation but rather negotiation, making sure that our clients are able to effectively co-parent with their ex once we step away.

“We are also focused on helping people buy and/ or sell their properties. Conveyancing is a huge part of our practice and it is so rewarding helping people with one of the biggest commitments they will have.”

Kirsten’s three sons are all grown now, following their own paths, and like their mother, they are all very musical.

“I couldn’t be prouder. Sam, 24, is a carpenter. He has just moved over to Europe and he is having a blast snowboarding and seeing the sights and having a well-earned holiday before he starts work over there.

“Jasper, 20, is an apprentice carpenter and he really enjoys it. He is in his second year. He is an amazing guitarist and an amazing singer.

“Jarrah, 17, is in his final year of high school. He is a truly talented bass player and lead guitarist and drummer and singer. He is achieving excellent results at school.

“They are kind and compassionate and they are all achieving in their own right. They have a good relationship with both their father and me, which has been one of the biggest achievements of this journey.”

Kirsten’s message to someone seeking fulfillment in their own lives is to simply give something a try.

“Regardless of whether you experience a marriage breakup or realise that the job you are doing doesn’t jazz you anymore, you just have to make a commitment to yourself to strive for happiness and success. Stop, reassess and find something you love.”

others

KIRSTEN MILLER “It is confronting when you realise that the life you thought you had built for yourself is no longer the one you are living.

There is no point in waiting for an opportunity to come along, you have to make it happen yourself. You deserve to be content and the only person that can achieve that is you.�

www.byronlifemag.com 27

Do It Your Way! Women in Business and the Community

A

s more and more women step into the traditionally masculine arena of working full-time, running businesses and financial independence it is important that we still nurture our true selves so that we can be our best in business and in life.

Our inner-nature is intrinsically different to men, we are more emotional, more tapped into our feelings, more able to connect and explore creative alternatives to common problems. That’s what makes us great at running a new age of business that isn’t defined by roles, strict processes and structure.

This emotional way of running a business also means we have different needs and can suffer from burnout if these needs are not met.

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We are also still naturally inclined to take the lead when raising our children, whether we have an amazing, fully-engaged father in the picture or not. The pressure of dedicating every spare moment to either our career dreams or our delightful offspring can leave no time for ourselves.

This ‘struggle of the juggle’ can be another contributing factor to burnout.

So, how do we nurture our inner needs as a woman whilst giving 100% to our children and 100% to our careers? Can we also give 100% to ourselves?

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

HERE ARE SOME TIPS FROM MICHELE MOLITOR FROM LIFEHACK WHO COACHES WOMEN ON HOW TO DO JUST THAT 1. FIND YOUR COMPASS In other words, get clear on your core values and purpose. Your values and purpose are your internal compass for how to best utilise the natural gifts, talents and genius that you uniquely have to express in the world through your work. When you can walk your path and remain true to your values and gifts, it naturally reduces the amount of stress you experience as you honor yourself and your spirit in all that you think, say, and do in each day.

2. MANAGE YOUR OWN HEALTH FIRST If you’re energy is low and you don’t have the umph to take care of the other important people and things in your life, then everybody loses.

Be sure to eat healthy foods that feed your body with good nutrition, and make time for some kind of regular exercise so you can work out the stresses of everyday life.

3. GIVING AND RECEIVING 100% The key is to give 100% of yourself, your attention and your time in the moment, to your loved ones while asking them to give 100% of themselves to the relationship as well. This also applies to work. Fully focus during your work hours, give your career 100% but then when you leave, leave your work there. Try not to let it encroach on family life.

4. BE MINDFUL OF YOUR ENERGY DRAINERS Are there some ‘Negative Nellies’ or ‘Hateful Harolds’ in your life? You know those folks who are always trying to pull you down into their latest drama, “woe is me” story or other negative mindsets that drains your time, energy and focus? Notice the people and situations that are sucking you dry of your positive life force. Limit your interactions with those kinds of people or eliminate them all together if you can. The less you collude with their story, or buy into it, the less they have something to attach to and will eventually take their story elsewhere.

5. ASK FOR HELP The truth is, when you’re plate is full, there is no way that you can do it all by yourself. When you’re willing to ask for help from those around you for various things you give them the opportunity to be of contribution to you in some way. All of us want to be of service in good ways, it’s hard wired into our DNA. When you allow someone to share their expertise or assistance with you, it’s the same as receiving a gift from them. They feel good about giving it and you get to practice graciously receiving their gift of kindness.

6. TAKE TIME TO REFLECT AND REASSESS. Daily challenges are constantly changing, your children’s needs change as they grow, the nature of your job might need to adapt to new influences or environments. When you just Go Go Go, you could be missing out on the innovative ways you could streamline your processes or better serve the people/career you love.

Take time to see yourself and your situation from the outside. Analyse your recent experiences and think of ways you could have improved your response or contribution.

7. CONNECT WITH YOUR TRIBE. As women we are hard-wired to swap stories, exchange ideas, vent difficulties and grow as individuals with the support of great connections. The irrational ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’ has taught us that in order to succeed we need to do it by ourselves and that is why so many of us give up. We lack connection and support from other women going through similar experiences. So, join a group, find a facebook page you like or a blog that inspires you.

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Tracey Livingstone Bottoms Up Colonics Lismore

“I really think when you are on your right path doors will open for you, in my case they were flung open.”

Turning a negative into a positive, Tracey Livingstone’s own health issues ended up putting her on path to a successful career as well as good health.

After suffering digestive issues due to medication, she relentlessly researched to find a solution. Colonic hydrotherapy was one of the tools she sought out to improve her wellbeing, and during a lightbulb moment at 3 a.m. she declared she would be a colonic hydrotherapist.

At the time, she wasn’t sure what courses or opportunities were available, but as she discovered, the Universe responded.

“I was talking to a colleague at work telling her of my story from the night before, when she states to get in contact with a lady called Sue Wilson who is the founder of Bottoms Up Colonics.

“I laughed out loud, instantly loving the name. I knew I wanted to be a part of it, so I called Sue, and to my amazement she was setting up a clinic in Lismore! I pretty much told her she had been setting it up for me. This is when I knew I was on the right path,” Tracey said.

Tracey took over the management of the clinic in October 2016.

“The clinic and I have grown together to form a beautiful partnership.

I expanded into the fields of hypnotherapy, fasting and nutrition. I like the philosophy of clearing and cleansing. Emotional trauma that is not released starts the process of dis-ease in the body which then can manifest into physical symptoms.

“The interest in colon hydrotherapy has steadily grown, to the point we are booked out most weeks. I love that more people are taking responsibility for their health by trying different methods of healing.”

Unfortunately, colonic hydrotherapy is often regarded as a last-case scenario when other methods have failed. In Tracey’s experience, her clients have achieved great results even from only one session and often exclaim that they wish they had come to see her sooner.

“Many of our clients get instant relief from their sessions after their first visit. The built-up waste and toxins cause the body a great deal of stress due to inflammation. We work on getting rid of that waste. All clients have their own unique issues and colonics are not a quick fix despite achieving good results. We have to peel back the layers of years of poor nutrition and stress which can take time, but the results speak for themselves,” Tracey said.

When she’s not working, she is passionate about travelling with her partner and spending time with their children.

“We absolutely love Bali and we have gone on several cruises. I love the cruisy lifestyle. But we also enjoy our gorgeous local area too. Brunswick would probably be my pick. My everyday routine is pretty crazy so when I go on holiday, I need to be able to completely let go and relax.”

Tracey wants people to know that a colonic treatment isn’t as uncomfortable as they might imagine.

“Don’t be scared or shy and don’t suffer in silence. Reach out to me today at Bottoms Up Colonics Lismore and get your overall health back on the right path.”

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

L isa Pattemore Dune Design & Homewares

“My motto is, if you rest you rust. If you have a passion for something, just jump. We all make mistakes but that’s called life experience. Believe me, I’ve made a few, that’s what makes us stronger and real.”

Drawn to the village ambience and laidback lifestyle of Pottsville, Lisa Pattemore made the decision alongside her husband to leave the frantic city of Brisbane for a place where time seemingly stood still.

“This was the place where my husband’s family would holiday every year for 20 years. We made the decision to move to Pottsville 18 years ago to raise our beautiful baby girls in a small village where people valued each other. This is what we still cherish about the area today, even though our girls are now grown,” Lisa said.

She had built a career in marketing and sales in the city where she grew to love customer service, but was happy to start afresh to embark on this new life adventure. A Pottsville favourite and local social hub, Lisa opened Dune Design; a place where she could dress women in beautiful styles while helping them to feel confident and radiant.

“Dune is like home to me, I love being in my little shop and have met the most incredible women who

support me and the store. I have always adored fashion and the most rewarding part of what I do is to give other women increased self-confidence and the gift of feeling gorgeous. Making someone happy and seeing them walk through the door looking amazing is the most gratifying feeling.

“It was important for my girls to see me working hard with goals and dreams. I’ve always empowered them to have their own sense of strength and self-worth,” she said.

2019 is a big year for Lisa whose ambition knows no bounds. She is expanding into another business venture with a good friend, launching a new line of clothing called Island, The Label. The label is focused on being relaxed and comfortable with a high-end and luxurious look.

Lisa commented, “It's a gorgeous linen range which consists of dresses, shirts, shorts, pants and capes.

The range is complimented with leather clutch bags, leather jewellery and belts. We've been selling

in-store for a while to see how it performs and we're confident other retailers are going to love it, it’s an easy sell because it looks amazing. Stay tuned!”

To give her life balance, Lisa’s down time consists of Pilate’s classes and walking on the beach with her fur babies. When she was a working-mum, her philosophy was that home-time meant ‘tools down.’

“There were dance classes, art classes, Eisteddfod and a constant stream of activities and adventure.

Outside of work the focus was family. A time to disconnect from the business and just listen to the lives of the ones we love most. My family have always been my biggest supporters and I couldn’t do what I have done without them.”

Step into Dune Design, where you receive the service of your own personal stylist without being overwhelmed. Take your time, browse, enjoy the textures and you may very well find that next ‘forever piece’ to enhance your home or wardrobe.

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L ily Josephine

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

One Girl’s Story of Empowering Young Women Inspired by her younger days when she was bullied by older girls at school and experienced a disconnect with the broader adult community of women in the Shire, Lily Josephine, at age 22, is dedicated to uniting local women as we step into the age of the woman.

At around the same time a close friend told Lily about a grant for international women’s week and encouraged her to go for it. With some guidance for her mum Lily wrote the application and was ecstatic to hear, some weeks later, that it had been approved.

“For many years I’ve been reading about different stories and prophecies from indigenous cultures around the world that speak about the changing of times, the cross over from masculine to feminine,” said Lily.

“It is not something I would have imagined but I fully trust in the universe and the divine feminine leading me on this journey,” she commented.

Lily spent five years studying dance and performing arts in Melbourne before travelling overseas and living in a community called Christiana with skaters from around the world. Together they volunteered for the ‘Make Life Skate Life’ organisation which built skateparks in developing countries for underprivileged youth.

She has been back in the Shire for six months and is reconnecting with her tribe, drawing from her recent life experiences and discovering how she can best use her skills and energy to bring the community together.

A few months ago when she was asked to be on the team for the Unity Earth Fields of Healing Festival to curate a dance piece, Lily was inspired to create a piece that reflected her readings about the powerful change from masculine to feminine, honouring the feminine energy.

It was here that she was able to spend personal time with some elders and wisdom keepers from different indigenous cultures from around the world.

“I was amazed to hear that Uncle Magpie, an Indigenous Australian man, would be sharing a story that was passed down to him when he was 12. It spoke of the time when the world would shift from grandfather to grandmother. The same story I had been reading about!” Said Lily.

Humble yet guided by an energy and a dream larger than herself, Lily is launching the Women’s Empowerment Festival, a free one day event to be held at the YAC on Sunday 3rd March from 10am to 10pm.

“This will be an empowering day of workshops, inspiring talks and panel discussion, dance, music, sound healing and more. This event will be an opportunity to explore, learn, share and celebrate the strength and diversity of women in our society.

To create unity, bring women of all ages together to build a stronger community and long lasting connections” Lily has also created W.O.M.B project (Women’s Oneness Movement Byron) for ongoing connection with women of the Shire.

We sit down with Lily to discover more about her experience as a young woman in our community.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE A YOUNG WOMAN LIVING IN THE BYRON SHIRE? I am lucky as I already have many previous connections in the Shire being it my home town I know where to go and have my voice heard. Since I was young I’ve been volunteering with my mum, Nicqui Yazdi, who has been doing work for the community for over 20 years in many different ways. Together we are connected with the YAC and I’ve always felt supported and heard but it takes a supportive network to be encouraged to use your voice.

HOW DO YOU CONNECT WITH OTHER WOMEN LOCALLY? For me, I find it easy to connect with people, starting a conversation on the street, in the shop, anything.

It just takes authenticity and lack of fear. I find volunteering or taking classes is a great way to connect with people. There are different women’s groups and women’s circles held around the Byron Shire but I definitely think there is also room for more!

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY, IN YOUR EXPERIENCE, THE COMMUNITY OF WOMEN IN THE BYRON SHIRE IS LIKE THESE DAYS? There are so many different layers to the Byron Shire, so many different cliques within the community. I find Byron to be growing distant as the ever transient energy makes it a bit harder to find that sense of connection, I have not lost hope though!

I remember the days when I was a kid and there would always be big community gatherings in the park. I believe it could be like this again, it would just take some enthusiasm and organisation.

I find that there is a massive gap between the young women in school and the rest of the women in the community. I’m living in Wilson’s Creek and I find that in Mullum there is still a good sense of community and support. Wildspace is incredible place to gather and learn and the Rainbow Yoga Center has turned into what feels like a real community center. I find with young women in high school it is a massive challenge with toxic behaviour, this is something I really hope to help change.

WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE HAPPEN FOR WOMEN IN THE BYRON SHIRE? I would love to see more opportunities for young women, more inclusive women’s groups within high school. I hope to start a women’s skate crew in the area as I feel skateboarding is very empowering and confidence building. www.byronlifemag.com 33

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Kat Dunn Byron Bay Hair Collective Beauty isn’t skin-deep. It surrounds us in nature, it encourages us to be the best we can be and it manifests in everything we love.

Being a vegan and organic hair boutique is a conscious choice for Kat Dunn, owner of Byron Bay Hair Collective.

“Looking good and feeling great go hand-in-hand, so we choose to use products which we know are full of beautiful benefits. Our hair product range, NAK, is Australian-made nearby in Brisbane while the makeup used in the salon is locally produced in Byron.

We believe in locals supporting locals, so we also sell locally-made leather accessories from Carter, the Label as well as locally-blended aromatherapy and body products,” Kat said.

The boutique is a collective of hair professionals with a passion for exceptional hair styling and beauty.

It’s a full-service salon so you can get everything from a blow-dry to the works with hair extensions and glam makeup application. The divinely gorgeous space is a place to feel pampered with affordable luxury treatments.

Byron Bay Hair Collective is the third salon Kat has owned and she brings a

wealth of industry experience. Being a woman in business she is passionate about empowering women to embrace their own enterprise, which the salon allows each of the stylists to achieve.

“Having a collective of freelancers gives each woman the opportunity to be her own boss. It ensures an excellent service for clients because each stylist is working to represent their own skills, while collectively, we support and grow from each other’s experience,” Kat said.

The collective is celebrating its first birthday this month, with Kat expressing how much gratitude she has for the locals which have embraced her ladies.

“Being accepted and celebrated by a strong following of locals is the greatest achievement of all. It’s humbling to receive such high praise from our clients who have helped us to form a family. It’s a beautiful feeling to watch a transformation take place, when someone arrives feeling pretty average but leaves feeling amazing.”

Enjoy the luxe experience of Byron Bay Hair Collective; unwind in a heavenly cocoon of beauty on Lawson Street for an awakened moment of bliss.

“I love giving my patients back the structure in their face that can dissipate due to the natural course of ageing. It is like reframing a beautiful painting.”

Alexa Roetger was only 15-years-old when she needed a bilateral shoulder reconstruction.

While this procedure is grueling on its own, it was at this time that doctors discovered that Alexa was allergic to anaesthetic. The downside meant an extra week in hospital, but the silver lining was that Alexa discovered her passion.

“I was so vulnerable, but the nurses made me feel safe. This is where my love for nursing began. Their actions were so selfless, it inspired me to want to help people in the same way.”

She graduated with academic honours in Bachelor of Nursing at Griffith University, then began her career at Gold Coast University hospital in the renal dialysis unit moving on to theatre and recovery.

Alexa Roetger Aesthetica Byron Bay

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“My passion for helping people grew, along with my keen interest in skin, which led me to embark on my aesthetic nursing journey.”

She completed extensive advanced training with Derma Medical and months of private mentoring with Cosmetic Nurse specialist Gaynor Richardson on the Gold Coast before completing advanced training with The Face Academy. This inspired her to open her own clinic, Aesthetica Byron Bay. As the clinic’s registered nurse, Alexa is focused on delivering natural-looking results with a holistic approach to facial improvement.

“I believe here in Byron we all want to look our best without appearing ‘done’. Injecting is a fine art, as with anything it is always best to start slow and introduce more as you go.

My philosophy is to enhance my patients’ best features, rather than trying to 'fix' what they don't like. Every client I have is just as important as the next, everyone who walks into our beautiful little clinic will walk out feeling beautiful.”

GET TO KNOW ALEXA What do you love to do when you’re not at work?

I love yoga, horse riding, travel, surfing (not well) and have recently taken up skate boarding (wrist guards and all). However, my most favourite hobby is listening to live music and living in Byron I have been privy to hearing some musical legends.

We hear your husband is a bit of a musical legend himself?

He’s a Byron local, a musician whom was lucky enough to tour the world with one of his bands.

He is now also in a couple of local bands called 'Pilots' and 'Bed Club'. We met on a night out on the town when we were very young, and the rest is history.

Tell us about your fur babies…

I have three fur babies; Lola - a chihuahua, Tucker - a french bulldog and Skellator - my beautiful gentle adopted greyhound.

You once met Nelson Mandela?

Yes, when I was 7-years-old, he remains my idol to this day. I’m a South African-born Australian.

Jessica Riddell JH Mobile Lawyers

JUSTICE FOR ALL “I believe that every person has a right to fair representation regardless of how much money they have in the bank or their standing in the community.”

A thirst for knowledge, a heart to help others and a passion for equality and justice is what inspired Jess Riddell to pursue a degree in law. But as well as establishing her own mobile law firm, Jess has almost finished a degree in nursing to allow her to become more involved in the care of our older community.

She has been involved with aged care for more than seven years, both in volunteer and employed capacities.

Jess commented, “They are the reason our country is called the ‘lucky country.’ I love ensuring that our older generation are well cared for and have quality of life.”

A country girl at heart, Jess grew up in a small town called Collarenebri, near Walgett and moved to Mungindi in primary school. She’s lived in the Northern Rivers for 15 years but fondly remembers her black-soil childhood.

“I miss the outback; the smells, the trees and the dirty water. I used to get up to heaps of mischief when making my own fun and was known as the ‘Emergency Room girl’ for most of my childhood. Turns out I needed glasses and a good dose of common sense!

“Coming from such a different region makes me appreciate the Northern Rivers so much more. I never take this area for granted and am thankful every day that I get to live here,” she said.

As Principal of JH Mobile Lawyers, Jess focuses on Property Law, Family Law and Estate Planning; on wills, power of attorney and enduring guardianship appointments.

“I am very passionate about Advanced Care Planning and Health Directives. I have seen horrible situations where a loved one has had an accident, and their family don’t know what their wishes would have been. Having an Enduring Guardian appointed beforehand to make those health decisions, gives the family confidence that they are doing the right thing. Nothing is more certain than death and we need to take away the stigma of dying and have the conversations openly with our family.”

Although Jess is from the country, she doesn’t beat around the bush when it comes to advice.

“I’m a straight talker, a normal person trying to help out other people with the knowledge I have learned through my education and life experiences.”

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

The Knight Connection Part visionary, part catalyst and full-time collaborator, Sarah Knight from Byron Chamber of Commerce believes in bringing people together with the right ideas, resources or information to turn their dreams into a reality.

“When I’m in consultation mode, my mind goes into overdrive,” said Sarah.

“I just see mutually beneficial connections and always tend to know of others with similar passions. There’s often a natural correlation that makes it a seamless link in.”

Originally from central Victoria, Sarah has explored just about every corner of the country, before giving into the ‘gravitational pull’ of the Northern Rivers region and relocating to Ocean Shores in 2015.

Throughout her career Sarah has spent time across many industry sectors including food and wine, hospitality, retail, childcare, sales, marketing, advertising, community leadership and development. But says above all else she is most passionate about business development and the Not-for-profit (NFP) sector, integrating the two in ways where everyone wins.

In 2018 when the opportunity arose to join the Byron Bay Chamber Of Commerce, as the Executive Officer Sarah rose to the challenge and has been instrumental in the redesign and redevelopment of the organisation.

A journalist by trade and naturally prone to asking probing questions, it wasn’t long before Sarah acknowledged the opportunity to integrate her two biggest passions. She began to develop and execute a model for business networking events that provided a platform for the voices of many community based and NFP organisations, giving them an opportunity to speak directly to the business community of the shire – and as she says, “bridge the divide between the two”.

“There are so many great local charitable organisations doing incredible work locally that deserve to be celebrated for their contribution.

Since moving to the region Sarah has offered her time to support great local causes such as The SHIFT Project, Liberation Larder, Cunning Stunts and their Nudge Nudge Wink Wink fundraising events, as well as countless small projects and up and coming social change organisations.

“I really love being in a position (with the Chamber Of Commerce) that allows me to connect people and projects. That’s actually largely what I do in my own business too. At Shimmer Creative we build businesses, people, projects and ideas.

“The events I run are typically designed to create opportunities for connection.

“I think it’s really important, particularly when you start out in business or with an idea, that you feel supported as you build. This means that when your tank is running low, before reaching burn out by trying to do it all on your own, you keep talking to others.”

My mantra is: Together We Do Better

Sarah

Knight

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WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT HOW YOU WORK AS A WOMAN? Intuition maybe, an innate desire to connect and support and bring great ideas and inspiring projects together and people to life. I’m driven to support and facilitate people to become the best possible version of themselves and for me that translates to business as well. If you’re living your passion, you’re contributing to a more vibrant, more conscious, more inclusive and inspiring world.

ten simple pleasures

every woman

loves

1. the feeling of water. Whether you’re diving into the surf,

plunging into a cool lake or stepping into your morning shower, the feeling of water over the skin invigorates your body and cleanses the soul.

2. A smile from a stranger. Guaranteed to lift any mood,

receiving a smile from a stranger can make you feel uniquely special and reinforce your belief that the world is a good place.

3. Good food. Whether you love the crunch of fresh vegetables in a

salad, the oozy creamy sensation of soft cheese and crackers or the sweet relief of a chocolate treat, there is no denying eating the food you love makes you happy. Especially if you’re a woman!

4. Listening to music. Music can transport you to your favourite

memory, a time when life was perfect. The right song can calm you, centre you, get you excited and bring you joy. Music really is the soundtrack to life!

5. Being Listened to. As women we love to vent. Our troubles

seem smaller when we can tell others about them, especially when we feel understood and supported in the conversation.

Hair

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Nails

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Brows

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Lashes

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Makeup

6. Time to indulge. A pamper trip to the spa, a relaxing massage, a lazy walk along the beach or even a shopping session. Girls just love to relax, unwind and indulge.

7. Time with friends. Women love to connect with others. It nourishes the soul, unites us with our kin and

8. Freshly laundered sheets. There is no better feeling after a long day than slipping into soft clean sheets.

9. Being able to create. As uniquely creative spirits we yearn to

express ourselves through various types of art, projects and passions. When we can harness our creative power and express it in the world we are truly happy.

10. Getting a compliment. Especially when you least expect it!

Phone: (02) 6680 8886 Fletcher St, corner of Marvell, Byron Bay byronbeautybar

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Living the Single-P While we do not necessarily aspire to be single parents, it is a reality many of us experience every day. In fact almost 20% of the population of the Byron Shire is a one-parent family, that is 4% above the national average.

Being a parent is hard enough when there are two adults in the household but when you find yourself doing it alone it is a game changer. Whatever your reasons for getting to single-parent status, remember, there are ways you can make your life easier.

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MIND,BODY&SOUL

e-Parent dream!

Here are a few simple tips from a single-mum with a young son REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE NOT ALONE. While it can seem like a lonely job at times and the four walls of your house can seem to be closing in on you, remember there are other mums, dads, friends and family members that understand what you are going through and would like to help or connect with you in some way.

relationship that puts your child/ren first. It is also good practice to only speak well of your ex in front of the child/ren and ask them to do the same. The way they see you treat each other is the way they learn to treat the opposite sex and members of their own family so be mindful of what you are teaching them.

If in doubt leave the house! The feeling of being trapped or going mad with a screaming child as your only companion is easily resolved with some fresh air and a good strong walk, a coffee at your local café, a swing in the park. Just leaving the house can make you feel better.

DON’T PUT TOO MUCH PRESSURE ON YOURSELF. Whether you are co-parenting or taking full-time care of your offspring, within your household you are both mum and dad. This can put a lot of pressure on you to be disciplinarian and also shower them with love. Remember, no one is perfect, everyone is learning. Just do the best you can on the day.

DO THE WASHING UP. This sounds like a silly thing to mention but I find it crucial to coping as a single parent. When the dishes are done and my kitchen bench tops are clean I feel I have control over a small element in my life and I feel empowered. There is nothing worse than returning home to a messy house, it can really get you down. Clutter takes seconds to clear away, do this every day and I promise you will feel better about being a single parent.

SPEND TIME ON YOURSELF. It is very easy to lose yourself when you become a parent. Constantly talking in a child-friendly language, feeding, wiping, dressing, bathing; everyone but yourself! To be the best parent you can be you need to be a strong role model to your children and to do that you need to put yourself first sometimes. Your kids will respect you for that and grow up knowing they also need to look after themselves. Join the gym (they often have day care facilities), write a book, start an online course. Slowly chip away at something you are passionate about.

NURTURE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR EX. For the best interest of your child it is important to try and get closure on the breakdown of your relationship with your ex and do your best to forge an amicable

DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS. There are some supermums and super-dads out there that look like they’ve got it all worked out. They are involved in sports clubs, their children listen and do what they are told. They eat healthy snacks and wear clean t-shirts. While this is commendable, it is also an illusion. Trust me; every parent will have days when they are winning and days that they are losing. You might just be seeing them at a good moment. Comparing your children is also best avoided. Every child learns to walk, talk, read, write at different times. Every child (indeed person) has a unique gift and it is best to help them find theirs rather than try and meet social expectations of what is the ‘norm’.

DO IT YOUR WAY. Everyone has a right to bring their children up the way that they want with the values and beliefs they feel important. As long as the child is safe and loved. Try to respect other’s choices whilst having the confidence to learn and develop your own way of being a parent. If you have a different belief to your ex then you can both score out of ten how important the issue is to you both separately and if it is a ten for them but only a two for you, it could make sense to go with it this time. www.byronlifemag.com 39

Healthy Hair Starts From Within T he building of blocks of who we are start from the inside out. These are influenced by the fuel we feed our bodies and not surprisingly a balanced diet is essential to healthy hair. The crux of healthy hair is a healthy diet. Like the rest of your body, it feeds off nutrients from the food you eat so if you are eating poorly, your hair will suffer.

PROTEIN As one of the building blocks of hair, it’s an important nutrient. People who have lost large amounts of weight in a short amount of time through a drastic reduction in protein often suffer from hair loss as a side-effect.

Incorporating the right combination of vitamins and herbs into our daily routine can be the difference between shiny tresses and a mediocre mane.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS These help to lubricate the scalp to encourage healthy growth from the root.

The focus on treating food as medicine is even more important as we get older.

While we may take it for granted in your younger years, hair begins to thin and loose its lustre as a natural part of the aging process. Other factors also come into play; harsh shampoos filled with chemicals, environmental pollution and what’s in our water all have an influence on the longterm health of our hair.

To give your hair a healthy boost, focus on the following foods and herbs for a helpinghand.

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Eat: Lean organic meat, legumes, spirulina, bone broth, high-quality plant protein, eggs.

Eat: Oily fish such as salmon, walnuts, flax seeds.

4 HERBS YOU DIDN’T KNOW COULD HELP WITH HAIR GROWTH

IRON Low iron levels can result in hair loss from a lack of red blood cells and oxygen being transported to the hair follicles.

BRAHMI: An Ayurvedic herb which increases scalp circulation and promotes healthy hair follicles.

Eat: Leafy green vegetables, pumpkin, lean meat, spirulina.

BIOTIN A well-known complex for assisting with body tissue growth, in particular, hair and nails.

Eat: Eggs, cauliflower, almonds, sweet potato, mushrooms.

NETTLE LEAF: High in minerals essential for hair growth.

Benefits include being high in calcium, silica, and sulfur which can boost beautiful collagen production.

LAVENDER: When massaged into the scalp, lavender oil helps to boost circulation and stimulate hair growth as well as balancing the oils naturally produced on the scalp.

BASIL: When applied to your scalp in the form of a herbal rinse, basil can help strengthen the hair from the root. It also helps to reduce inflammation on the scalp as well as improve circulation within the hair follicles, helping to stimulate hair growth.

MIND,BODY&SOUL

the green thumb with

Maree Curran

eden at byron

PLANTS TO ENHANCE BOHO Mother-in-law’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata) These come in a range of colours and varieties. They are one of the most lowmaintenance plants and do well in low light.

ZZ (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) plant is another great option, they store water in their fleshy leaves and are hardy survivors.

Cacti are essential when going for a Boho look. They work well in pots and planters making them great for smaller spaces. They survive on very little water and come in an abundant range of shapes, sizes and colours. Best in a sunny position, many of them flower too for extra Boho colour.

A planty fdoersign ever Indoor plants are back in a big way, with a touch of greenery being one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to lift the look of a room. With a bit of planning and prior preparation, as well as guidance from those in the know, indoor plants can also thrive with very little upkeep and effort.

Not only can indoor plants keep you and your family happier and healthier, they can enhance your chosen design style through proper accessorising and plant choice.

Whether it’s Scandi, modern, Boho or coastal; choosing the right plant can give your styling the edge.

We caught up with Maree from Eden at Byron for advice on what plant to match with each choice of popular interior style.

“Plants are lively, natural, textured and colourful. They can be incorporated into rooms in so many fun and diverse ways by using a little bit of imagination with the objects they are planted in. Integrating plants into your décor is not only gratifying, but will help turn your space into a serene haven, perfect for everything from meditating to entertaining.”

BOHEMIAN Boho is one of the best styles to incorporate plants into, because you can get as funky as you desire with your eclectic choice of planters, but also the plants which suit Boho are easy to look after.

Succulents are not only attractive and trendy but they also bring great textures and colors into your room. To really make your Boho space a kaleidoscope of colour, think of ways to repurpose odd and antique belongings into planters for your cacti.

Decorative hanging planters and macramé are also perfect choices for Boho when you have a small space.

Trailing plants are great in this look too.

SCANDINAVIAN In stark contrast to Boho, Scandi style is about stripping back to basics, steering away from bright colours and styling with white walls, modern furniture and wooden accents. In this case, planters are more likely to have a modern-edge. Try styling with smaller plants which display softer greenery on shelving for a subtle softness.

PLANTS TO ENHANCE SCANDI Style smaller indoor plants, such as the chain of hearts (creopegia woodii). Also maybe String of Pearls and Pilea Peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant), it used to be ridiculously hard-to-get and expensive but is now readily available and affordable.

COASTAL Nothing says endless summer than channeling beach vibes into your home all-year round. Invoke the sense of an everlasting tropical vacay by incorporating various palms into your styling. Style plants in clusters of three or more, ranging in height and size, to create a touch of ‘urban jungle.’ Look for colours in an off-white and pastel yellow and blue. Then add a touch of paradise with nautical-theme styling touches such as shells and coconuts.

PLANTS TO ENHANCE COASTAL Try the Lady palm (rhapis excelsa) which tolerates both low light and dry conditions.

For a touch of something different, go with a herb such as Rosemary for fragrance and texture. Okay for a while on a sunny windowsill, but not long term.

Other plants which pair nicely and look great in coastal interiors are Kentia Palms, Fiddle Leaf Figs, or maybe Giant Strelitzia, Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera Deliciosa) and Peace Lillies (Spathyphyllum).

140 Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay, NSW Open 9am – 5pm Monday - Saturday 9am - 4pm Sunday.

02 6685 6874 www.edenatbyron.com.au www.byronlifemag.com 41

image courtesy of people.com

42 www.byronlifemag.com

MIND,BODY&SOUL

IS MINIMALISM A FORM OF CLASS PRIVILEGE? I

f you haven’t heard of Marie Kondo over the past couple of months, you’ve possibly been living under a rock. Of course, if you have already grasped the concept of minimalistic living then perhaps you are literally living under a rock in the ultimate display of ‘less is more.’

In this age of excessive consumerism, most middle-class families would admit they have too much clutter in their home. We know this because the minimalism craze, which started in earnest on Oprah and has reached crazy heights of popularity with Japanese professional organiser Marie Kondo, has been purged all over our social media feeds.

Minimalism is becoming more popular than ever because people are tired, stressed and urging for some simplicity. Through Kondo, we’ve been persuaded that tossing our belongings is the way to achieve happiness. In response, we’ve idolised minimalism and tidying up. But is it actually making us more mindful or is it just another way for the privileged to flaunt their wealth?

If you follow Marie Kondo, you’ll be familiar with her main motto, throwing out anything that doesn't "spark joy.” But really this just means you have the privilege of disposing of excess stuff, safe in the knowledge that there's plenty more where that came from.

Chelsea Fagan, writing for The Guardian, calls the minimalist trend "just another form of conspicuous consumption, a way of saying to the world: 'Look at me! Look at all of the things I have refused to buy, and the incrediblyexpensive, sparse items I have deemed worthy instead,” describing it as a household manifestation of clean eating and yoga.

To its advocates, decluttering is about more than just maximising space: “By clearing the clutter from life’s path, we can all make room for the most important aspects of life: health, relationships, passion, growth and contribution.”

But minimalism is a virtue only when it’s a choice, and it’s telling that its fan base is predominantly in the well-off middle class. For people who are not so wealthy, the idea of opting to have even less is not really an option.

Perhaps instead of telling people to throw out their belongings, we should be focused on the education of reuse, repurpose and recycle. To be generous with what we have and find a way to gift what we don’t need to those less fortunate. To form more authentic connections with people rather than possessions. To be thankful for the roof over our head, to be less concerned with clutter and more conscious of the blessings in our life.

Less is often more, but when we have more, we could learn to share with those who have less.

www.byronlifemag.com 43

SURFSALT&SAND

SERA J WRIGHT

PHOTOGRAPHER BYRON BAY

I was born and raised by the ocean, it’s in my blood. I’ve always loved watching sunsets and going for walks along the lighthouse track and beach and love capturing what I see through my eyes and sharing it as I see it with the world.

A self-taught photographer with an affinity with nature, Sera Wright was inspired by the majestic tales of Sir David Attenborough. A fourthgeneration Byron Bay local, she was fascinated by flicking through the pages of her parents National Geographic magazines and instantly fell in love with the thought of sharing beautiful images of landscapes from far-flung corners of the world.

It's a life which many dream of but few achieve.

Sera started small, posting images on Facebook which captured the attention of friends and family who purchased prints from her. It was when she started posting on Instagram around five years where her career as a social media influencer and travel photographer really took off. www.byronlifemag.com

44

Her skill has allowed her to combine the passions of photography and travel with a career which delivers joy both at home and abroad. Locally she regularly shoots for families and corporate clients while abroad she captures the beauty of her wanderlust wandering for her travel blog and tourism organisations.

WHERE IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE YOUR TRAVELS HAVE TAKEN YOU? “There have been so many beautiful places that I have travelled to for both work and leisure.

Myanmar (Burma), New Zealand, Samoa, Vanuatu, Japan, Bali, Thailand and, of course, throughout Australia. I think the most spectacular would have to be New Zealand. I lived there for a year back in 2005 and travelled back there last year for work and it truly is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. With majestic mountains, fjords, lakes and forests. Plus, it’s so easy to get to from Australia. It’s a place I recommend everyone must visit at least once.”

WHAT’S THE MOST MEMORABLE PHOTOGRAPHIC MOMENT YOU’VE HAD? “It would have to be when I was on a job for Vanuatu Tourism. We visited Mt Yasur, one of the world’s most easily accessible active volcanos.

The night before we stayed at a resort on the same island as the volcano, Tanna Island. We woke at 2am to the beds moving across the room and the bungalow shaking from an earthquake.

The next day we were up early and drove to the volcano and stood on the rim taking photos as the earth rumbled and shook beneath us, watching the volcano erupt and spew lava in front of us (totally safe by the way). It was an incredible moment seeing the earth living and breathing in front of us, one I’ll never forget.

You can follow Sera on Instagram @photography_byron_bay or check out her website to purchase prints: www.photographybyronbay.com.au

SURFSALT&SAND

g n i n win to pho

For your chance to have your photo printed in our next edition, keep an eye out on our Facebook and Instagram pages for our photography competition.

r photography fo n io s s a p r u o y Does e waves? follow you to th

We’re giving YOU the opportunity to be featured in Byron Life Magazine.

Surf, salt, sand and sun. Snap those froth-inspired pics and you could have your winning photo printed right here.

LIKE the Byron Life Magazine Facebook Page and follow @Byronlifemag on Instagram to keep an eye out for our surf photography competition. www.byronlifemag.com 45

SURFSALT&SAND

CHELSEA ROSE

A

road-trip from South Australia led Chelsea Rose from the land of uncrowded waves to the bustling beaches of Byron. With her clothing business, Boho Style Co. in her campervan named Marshmallow in tow; a move to the Northern Rivers all fell into place.

She’s certainly no stranger to travelling and making the most of new destinations.

Since growing up in her parents travel hostel, she has travelled and lived all over the globe and plans to for the rest of her life. She also spent 12 months travelling the coast of Australia in a caravan with family whilst being homeschooled.

She works at Unplugged, a clothing store in the centre of town filled with vintage cameras, skateboards and international clothing labels; a great fit for Chelsea who loves photography, travel and fashion.

We caught up with her for a quick Q&A on what draws her into the Froth.

WHERE ARE YOUR FAVOURITE PLACES IN THE SHIRE TO CATCH A WAVE? “My local would have to be the good old Pass! It’s crowded most days, but there’s nothing like knocking off at work and heading there with my girl gang for a sunset surf! I also love Broken Head on a good day. My mates and I created a surf group for local girls that we’ve met in the water, so there’s always someone who’s keen for a paddle.”

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SURF STYLE? “My riding style varies from time to time. I can either be super confident and cruisey, or a little shy and shakey! I like making the most of waves and riding along until the end. However, I really need to improve on my paddle fitness for the journey back! I began learning on a short board only two years ago but since moving to Byron, I have quickly transitioned to a 9.0 bright blue log.”

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE ON EARTH YOU’VE SURFED? “It was a few years ago in Malibu with my family. We were road tripping around the U.S (Griswold style) and I had just started surfing. When we went to the local board hire shop, it was closed. I was extremely down about it as I had been looking forward to it ALL trip. Then, my dad decides to ask around if I could borrow someone’s board. A couple from Russia agreed and gave me theirs! It was golden hour, the waves were magic and I was out surfing with the locals until dark. Good on ya Dad!” WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW? “I competed at the International Cheerleading Championships in Waikiki, Hawaii. Oh, and I can also do that Russian dance thing. Ask me after a few cocktails!”

46 www.byronlifemag.com

SURFSALT&SAND

By Sean Wolflick Perched precariously at the end of her longboard, it’s a special treat to watch Roisin Carolan take a stroll as her noserider glides gracefully across a wave.

The Byron Bay surfer is sponsored by local surfboard company McTavish and says that the noserider is a great all-round board for the Byron waves, but she’s also riding the Sherpa and Rincon for bigger days as well as the Sugar for days where the Glider is gold.

Her style has been described as effortless, which RoRo says comes down to the way she approaches the wave.

“If I’m riding a 9.6 longboard (which I usually am) I like to not rush things and just surf with the wave and not against it,” she said.

We profiled Roisin two years ago and wanted to catch up with her to find out how this local talent has progressed on and off the waves. Last year she was invited to the Vans Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational longboarding series in China. The festival gathers a distinct community of surfers, artists and shapers to engage with the surf community in a collaborative environment, an experience RoRo summed up as ‘super-cool.’

She has the Noosa Festival coming up in March and nothing else set in stone after that, however that doesn’t mean she’s not planning on going anywhere later on in the year.

“I think the best trips aren’t planned that well, so hopefully I get to somewhere groovy soon.”

She has six months left in her Chef apprenticeship, achieving her dream of being able to work with food.

“I really enjoy working at Fig Tree in Ewingsdale, it’s a really good place to have done my apprenticeship. It feels like a home away from home. I just came back from Tasmania doing work experience at Franklin which was amazing. I learnt so much and I’m excited to keep exploring and experimenting with what I’ve learnt with the boys at Fig,” she said.

Roisin has many outlets in her life to find solace. She’s a talented artist, passionate foodie and a phenomenal surfer who says that being in the ocean is an important part of life.

By Fran Miller

“It’s hard to explain when you get a good wave, or session; if you know you know. Having friends in the lineup can be a huge thing too. Hanging out, having fun, sharing waves; it’s hard to compete with that. But it’s also an outlet for me, if I’m having a tough week at work or stressed a cheeky surf is the best therapy.” www.byronlifemag.com 47

n o d r o w t e e r t the s

ow... n k y a m you from those

ploying We love em ing rt and suppo n e wom

It feels like the very start of a journey, and it’s moving in the right direction...

Ashley Taylor

Gender equality is the choice to respect the masculine and feminine in every person...

Katrina Dunn

er Alexa Roetg

AESTHETICA We took a giant leap forward last year with the legalisation of same sex marriage! Despite this, the fact that the average woman is still taking home approx. 15% less than their male counterparts, or that one in two women have experienced some form of sexual assault during their lifetimes is unacceptable.

What do you think about gender equa lity?

THE LOFT 2482

BYRON BAY HAIR COLLECTIVE

It’s great to see the increased awareness and the right conversation starting to happen not just in Australia but around the world.

Gender equality is the choice to respect the masculine and feminine in every person without using the words man and woman.

It feels like the very start of a journey, and it’s moving in the right direction though there is a lot of work to do.

We have come so far but this doesn’t mean we can’t get it better and that we have got it right!

It’s a balance and as a feminist solo-mother of a daughter and a son I fear that it might possibly tip too far in the wrong direction.

As we work with women day in and out at Aestheitcà we also know women account for most of the primary care for elderly parents and children. We hung up our aprons and petticoats years ago and the time for change is now. We love employing and supporting women. So, in short, no I think we still have a bit of work to do.

It’s Only The Depth That Varies!

Septic Pumping/Cleaning & Vacuum Excavation 04 2881 3310 48 www.byronlifemag.com

E TH social fly

Rosie MissChief who will be appearing

at Roar in 2019

Female Musicians of the Northern Rivers

This coming March 9th the Northern Rivers will be treated to a night of amazing music from some of the regions most talented female performers as the Roar Festival of Women's Music culminates the Lismore Women's Festival.

This event follows on from the highly successful Women's Micro Music Festival hosted by the ArtHouse at the Gollan Hotel in 2018. Last year’s organiser, Janelle Buckley has teamed up with ArtWomb and through renowned community arts organisation Slippry Sirkus Inc. they have been successful in gaining support from the Women NSW Women's Week Grant program to grow and diversify this year’s event – now known as ROAR. Kicking off with a panel discussion on 'Women in Music between 5-6pm, the musical entertainment will follow with the ArtWomb open stage in Gollan Hotel's main bar, featuring house band 'The Fill Inns' seen regularly rocking the Back-Alley Gallery at the Lismore Lantern Parade, inviting musician’s poets and comedians alike to perform impromptu.

Alongside the stage will be the delightful open canvas where all are invited to contribute to a collaborative painting.

We are thrilled to announce this year’s line-up -Featuring will be the infamous Rosie MissChief and DJ Ego who will take you on an energetic musical adventure and get you moving with a blend of electro swing through to drum n bass. Also joining the bill are ‘Jex Lopez and The Gravediggers’ landing spaceships from queer utopic planets to bring you evocative musical soundscapes by well-dressed skeletons. The hugely popular ‘Fisted Sister’ will be returning with their ‘Babe Collective’ a troubadour of sailors massacring pop music, as will Songsmith accompanied by Jewel Musica forming ‘Songsmith and Jewel’. Michelle Fitness returns as ‘Two Tears in a Bucket’ along with two delightful burgeoning young female soloists Jessica Maree and Mykaela Jay. As always, the night will include comedy and poetry bringing you the hilarious Vanessa Larry Mitchell from Lismore’s own Larry Laughs Loud Comedy Club.

The upstairs stage will run from 8pm to Midnight

Fisted Sister in 20

18

Tickets for the Roar Festival of Women's Music are only $15 and as boutique event are limited so make sure to get yours soon from www.roarwomensmusic.com What: Roar Festival of Women's Music When: 9th of March 2019 5pm-12am Where: The Gollan Hotel, Lismore Cost: $15 Info: www.roarwomensmusic.com Contact: Nadine Smith

0410 907 385

Janelle Buckley

0402 353 423

e: roarwomensmusic@gmail.com

www.byronlifemag.com 49

E TH social fly RAW COMEDY 2019 Monday 25th February Melbourne International Comedy Festival presents the Mullumbimby heats. Launch into LOLs with RAW Comedy, Australia’s largest and most prestigious open mic comedy competition!

For over 20 years RAW Comedy has seen performers ride that comedy wave, with past competitors including Hannah Gadsby, Ronny Chieng, Celia Pacquola, Anne Edmonds, Luke McGregor and Rhys Nicholson.

Will this year’s competitors pull off a perfect 360, or have a total wipe out? Grab your tickets now to see who makes the biggest splash!

For more information or to sign up head to their website; rawcomedy.com.au.

OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR BYRON BAY Thursday 7th March – Friday 8th March With a vision to mesmerise and captivate, the Ocean Film Festival World Tour showcases more than two hours of sublime footage taken above and below the water’s surface.

Featuring all new films this carefully curated selection of short films document the beauty and power of the ocean, and celebrate the divers, surfers, swimmers and oceanographers who live for the sea’s salt spray; who chase the crests of waves; and who marvel at the mysteries of the big blue.

The films feature captivating cinematography, complete with awe-inspiring underwater scenes and fast-paced wave sequences that have been captured from unbelievable vantage points.

Inspiring and thought-provoking, the Ocean Film Festival World Tour is filled with moving footage, touching interviews and insightful narrations. Each of the festival’s films conveys a deep respect and appreciation for the world’s oceans and the creatures that call them home.

For more information or to sign up head to their website: oceanfilmfestivalaustralia.com.au

BOOMERANG FESTIVAL Saturday 30th March Boomerang Festival - A new world Indigenous festival for all Australians.

Boomerang is the first of its kind, never has an Indigenous festival of this holistic calibre been so accessible, featuring an array of music, dance, theatre, comedy, film and visual arts, along with cultural knowledge exchanges, and thought provoking conversations.

Boomerang is occurring right on your doorstepat beautiful Byron Bay in subtropical Northern New South Wales. You should need to travel to a remote area of Australia to experience such an amazing event, and even then it would not present near as many of the incredible artists that define the Australian Indigenous experience, as that which is Boomerang.

Boomerang will feature the very best this original culture has to offer in the arts, culture and ideas, as well as emerging musicians, artists and dancers, theatre and much more.

50 www.byronlifemag.com

BYRON BAY SURF FESTIVAL Wednesday 20th – Sunday 24th February Founded in 2010 the Byron Bay Surf festival showcases core and creative surf culture by presenting innovative and experiential ideas through unique and engaging experiences.

The 4-day festival activates over 10 events including surfing, shaping, art, music, film, yoga and environment with an awareness and focus on sustainability, education and innovation.

The Byron Bay Surf Festival is proud to be declared a Deep Blue Event, (waste free), a 1% For The Planet member, and has a clear path towards reducing environmental and community impacts through education with a curated festival of likeminded vendors and special guests.

For more information please visit www. byronbaysurffestival.com.au

Outback Australia rainbow taken by Tommy Salmon Available in all sizes and frame options at Byron Bay Gallery

ART • PRINTING FRAMING • PHOTOGRAPHY Level 1, 17 Lawson st Byron Bay

1300 489 855 www.byronbaygallery.com www.byronlifemag.com 51

E TH social fly SUCH STRANGE LITTLE BIRDS

By Ian Browne

www.shamrocknewsmusic.com

I

made my way out of the North Indian Diner in Newtown, as she made her way in through the entrance I held open for her. It was the turn of the century and we had nowhere else to go but to stop and take in one another for a spell. I knew Garbage were touring Sydney at the time, but I never thought I’d ever be found looking into the gorgeous eyes of ¬¬Shirley Manson! A fan since the 90's, when Trip Hop and the sonic sounds of Curve ruled the indie airways, Garbage was born when three North American lads inhabiting Madison Wisconsin, a creative trio who been compiling remixes for bands such as U2, Depache Mode and Nine Inch Nails, decided they needed a talented front lady with a unique vocal approach to install an individuality which would allow them to grace the world stage. Scotland’s Shirley Manson, who was touring the US at the time while singing for Anglefish, did just that.

Garbage has endured time, sold upwards of 17 million albums worldwide, and remain to dazzle all with their post-grunge explosion. As much as I loved 2012’s Not Your Kind of People, and the single itself, 2016 gave us their 6th studio album: Strange Little Birds. This album saw two of its songs listed across my social media sites as my number 1 song for 2017- IF I LOST YOU- and at number four - BLACKOUT. It is an album designed to restore the darkness the band felt was missing from indie rock today. A powerful protest at the way society; it’s media, still manage to portray women as being empty vessels, dumbed down to inspire beauty without substance, BLACKOUT is bold and empowering. Apart from the post-punk angst in heavy instrumental, I feel its strength lies within Shirley Manson’s unique hollering background vocals - lamenting the slavery of the soul into a downward spiral: “Dumb yourself down, numb yourself out - fake it till you make it break – make the world blackout”.

Uplifting, yet remaining murky in songs like EMPTY, gentle harmonies call upon siren-like guitar and bouncing percussion to excite, Shirley’s vocals forever nourishing. A big Curve fan myself during the early 90’s, Garbage too admit this craving, and the beautifully haunting IF I LOST YOU feels every bit this UK sonic-goth genre. I love it! It weaves its magic in simple soothing sullenness, such a peaceful reckoning. Trancey dappled calls reminiscent of humpback whales; gorgeously sexy feminine pampering - allows us men into the world of women’s desire and care. Gentle and wavering along within heavy trip hop beat, it could almost draw a tear from a vulnerable moment: “Sometimes I believe that I might die if I lost you.” Drifting into the next song NIGHT DRIVE LONELINESS - tis also peaceful- and more gothic in its calling.

This album saw mixed reviews internationally but favoured well here in Oz, where it reached Number 9 on the Australian Albums Chart. It was also popular in the US, while in the UK it was the band’s least successful album.

The talent spiraling within the whirlwind that is Duke Erikson on guitar & keyboards; Steve Marker on guitar, Butch Vig on percussion, and of course leading it all with Shirley Manson’s edgy strength, has seen this band as a stayer in the world of alternative rock. And I pray more to come, and with it some of the romantic craft which swirls within Strange Little Birds…. such a winner in my mind.

52 www.byronlifemag.com

CAFÉ Open from 10am daily BISTRO ON JONSON

Open for Lunch 12n – 2pm & Dinner 5.30 – 8.30pm

KIDS ROOM

Squiddleys is open 7 nights a week 5.30pm – 8.30pm + Sunday 12n – 3pm

•

It is FREE & full supervised Club Membership $5 1 year | $10 3 years join now for instant discounts on food & beverages

132 Jonson Street, Byron Bay | (02) 66856878 | info@byronbayservicesclub.com.au | byronbayservicesclub.com.au www.byronlifemag.com 53

Say YES

to the MBS

Fest

Australia’s largest health and wellbeing event is coming back to Brisbane this March, showcasing the very best in health, wellness and spiritual guidance from more than 200 exhibitors.

Sharing love and light for 30 years in Australia, the MindBodySpirit Festival has been at the forefront of innovative and ground-breaking spirituality-based products and treatments since its inception in London. The concept of alternative therapies compared to conventional treatment was ahead of its time, with the festival showing products and services never seen before. 10 years later, the festival made its way to Sydney. It was big from the start, with 80 exhibitors drawing a crowd of around 10,000 people. The festivals then grew to Melbourne and also Brisbane, with popularity skyrocketing to more than 1,000 exhibitors across five annual festivals in Australia to meet demand, with more than 90,000 visitors annually.

The Brisbane MindBodySpirit Festival prides itself on encompassing open mindedness, alternative health & wellbeing practices and of course a sense of community and love. We aim to host a diverse event inclusive of all different kinds of beliefs, values and individuals.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE MINDBODYSPIRIT FESTIVAL?

message with thousands of others in this special serene space.

You can learn from over 200 exhibitors, attend free inspirational seminars, book yourself a psychic reading, try some body pampering, watch the free stage performances, join a free meditation session or taste some delicious health foods.

From crystals, teas and healings to vegan food, yoga and meditation; there really is something for everyone. Don’t forget your yoga mat! Come and meet the team at the information desk who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

WHAT IS A MUST-DO ATTRACTION AT MBS FESTIVAL?

WHAT’S NEW THIS YEAR? If you love a unique backdrop to create beautiful instaworthy pics, be sure to check out the flower wall before or after entering the festival. Don’t forget to tag MBS in your socials! @mbsfestival #sayYEStoMBS To celebrate its 30th year in Australia, MBS will have a gratitude space for visitors to have a moment of serenity. Write down what you’re grateful for and share your 54 www.byronlifemag.com

Book yourself a reading in the psychic reading room with one of our talented readers. There is an additional charge for this service, visit mbsfestival.com.au to find out more about the psychics and make a booking.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW… The Brisbane MBS Festival is held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Bank.

This year, the festival is from March 8 to March 10, open 9am – 6pm daily.

This event is FREE to attend – including FREE mindful meditation sessions, cooking demonstrations, yoga, seminars, workshops and more.

For year-round inspo, follow MBS at @mbsfestival on Facebook and Instagram.

8 - 10 march, 9am - 6pm daily

br i s ba n e c o n v e nt i o n & e x h i b it i o n c e nt r e

www.byronlifemag.com 55

#FURNITUREWITHSOUL #FURNITUREWITHSOUL

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#furniturewithsoul #furniturewithsoul November 14, 2018 The Byron Shire Echo 13 November 14, 2018 The Byron Shire Echo 13