The Byron Shire Echo – Issue 37.16 – September 28, 2022

Bioenergy facility funding rejected

Hans Lovejoy

Mayor Michael Lyon is downplaying a funding rejection for Council’s much touted Bioenergy Facility proposal by a federal government agency, claiming other funding sources are available.

Located next to the West Byron Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), the proposal is estimated to cost $20–25M, and was approved in May 2022 by the Northern Regional Planning Panel (NRPP), despite concerns from a bird watching group around the potential to impact wildlife activity.

Neighbours also objected to the high level of truck traffic proposed to service the facility.

Buried within Council’s upcoming September 29 agenda is a brief statement that the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) wouldn’t be progressing with Council’s funding application.

Staff say, in the agenda, that feedback received was, ‘The ARENA Board does not endorse continuing the ‘Byron Shire Council Bioenergy Facility’ project through the ARENA approval process.’

Further explanation was sought from ARENA, but no reply was provided by deadline.

Council claimed back in 2020 that if approved, DA 10.2021.364.1 would be ‘a first-of-its-kind facility in Australia’, and at the time staff claimed it would cost $16.5M. There were claims it would process up to 28,000 tonnes of organic waste and biosolids a year, ‘generating between three and four million kilowatt hours

of renewable energy’.

Cr Lyon told The Echo while it was ‘unfortunate’ Council was unsuccessful with the ARENA bid, ‘we have other avenues for grant funding and applications have been and are being made’.

Those funding avenues were not provided, however.

The mayor continued, ‘The project stacks up on its own, and does not require grant funding to be financially viable; however, it is obviously preferable to receive grant funding and reduce any borrowing requirement’.

Yet, according to a staff report in April 2021, the Bioenergy project was one of many projects that were flagged as being at risk, ‘assuming no grant funding ($12M)’ if Council proceeded with a 5MW solar farm in Myocum.

$1.3M cost so far

Given the project has cost ratepayers $1.3M so far, The Echo asked ‘why wasn’t more certainty established before it was known that ARENA wouldn’t approve this?’

Cr Lyon replied, ‘ARENA has a lengthy, rigorous and complex application process, which consists of multiple rounds of review. Council successfully proceeded through several initial review stages with ARENA staff and, regrettably in the final review, Council’s application was not approved by the external ARENA Board. Applicants cannot have ‘certainty’ before applying for ARENA grant funding, and ARENA deliberations and decisions are not in the public domain’.

It’s showtime!It’s

What drainage works can residents expect?

Hans Lovejoy

With a third La Niña now underway, The Echo asked Council’s Director Infrastructure Services, Phil Holloway, what flood-affected residents can expect regarding drainage maintenance.

He told The Echo, ‘Following the floods earlier this year, and the rain last week, Council acknowledges and understands that people are very concerned about drainage’.

‘We will be stepping up with a more proactive approach in response to this. Since the February and March floods, Council’s drainage upgrades have been scheduled in the north of the Shire, in areas including South Golden Beach, New

Brighton and Ocean Shores. At any given time, Council has two streams of drainage works going on – immediate repairs and maintenance works in response to blockages and breakages (which in times of flooding can result in huge volumes of work), and our ongoing schedule of upgrades and improvements (works that are mostly grant funded and require larger-scale project management over months and years).

‘Mullumbimby is the next focus for both immediate repairs and maintenance, as well as largerscale drainage works, scheduled for coming months and well into 2023.

‘At the same time, Council is shifting/increasing resourcing immediately and will be inspecting

and assessing drainage across the Shire. Urgent repairs and maintenance will be triaged and worked through as quickly as possible in coming months.

Drainage unable to cope

‘However, it’s important for the community to understand that urban drains are not designed to cope with the force and quantity of water that we’ve experienced recently. During the recent floods, the sheer volume of rain meant that no drains (stormwater, urban etc) were able to cope.

‘Council is taking action on drainage maintenance and improvements immediately.  We are also committed ▶ Continued on page 3

Jex Lopez on the ivories, Spiegeltent owner, David Bates and Ringmaster, Alice Cadwell, all take the unparalleled opportunity to step into the fantasy and delights of The Famous Spiegeltent, which is now set up for the National Circus Festival at the Mullumbimby Showgrounds. This weekend, there will be fun for all the family, from the Circus Olympics to 18+ Cheeky Cabaret shows. Get your ticket at www.nationalcircusfestival.com.

Photo Jeff ‘Shpiegel Intent’ Dawson

Photo & story Eve Jeffery

The Byron Bay International Film Festival is back from October 21 to 30 with a tenday program of premieres, panels and parties.

This year, there is a big focus on the short form and there are some stunners, including some great local works.

Festival Director, J’aimee Skippon-Volke, says that short films are an amazing creative space for filmmakers to really hone their talent.

‘It’s a chance to genuinely work out whether people actually want to be a filmmaker or not,’ she says.

Skippon-Volke says one of the things she also noticed about the selection that came into the 2022

edition was that the quality of the local films was quite exceptional.

Skippon-Volke says she is excited about screening Shane Crosland’s The Chieftan Of The Pudding Race: ‘I think what I really love about Shane and his team’s project was the ambition that it showed. It really is like a love-hate letter

to Byron, which I think is how a lot of us locals feel at the moment.’

Crosland says COVID-19 gave him the time to write a script that sparked his interest and love for directing.

‘This is the first time I’ve directed a film and entered a festival,’ he told The Echo

Crosland says he hopes

the takeaway from The Chieftan Of The Pudding Race is that the tourist towns and busy towns around the world are condensed into national melting pots. ‘I hope people realise the kind of social ironies and contradictions that are constantly instigated upon us as people that we don’t really realise – subconsciously projected through us.’

Skippon-Volke says the program is now locked in. ‘We’ve had a couple of years of small scale special editions, and this is our first step to getting back to what we were.

‘We’ve been slammed by floods and COVID-19, and now we are looking for volunteers and the support of the community for this massive celebration of film.’

Visit www.bbff.com.au for more information.

FURNITURE DONATIONS

With a 40 year lease expiring on November 14 for Catholic Healthcare’s Coolamon Villa aged care service in Mullum, Byron Council’s Legal Counsel, Ralph James, has presented councillors with a report for the upcoming September 29 meeting, which tables the option to either renegotiate the lease, or to decline it.

Coolamon Villa is located at 1 Reservoir Road, just above the old Mullum hospital, which has since been demolished owing to claims of asbestos. According to Mr James’s report, Coolamon Villa is located on land that is part of the same parcel of land the former Mullum Hospital site is located on. That land was purchased from the NSW government for $1 in 2018, which binds Council ‘to a Deed regarding that part of the land presently occupied by Catholic Healthcare Ltd (CHL)’, says Mr James.

The largest landowner on the planet, which pays no tax, has paid $1 per year for four decades, according to

the report, and despite the confidentiality that surrounds negotiations, Mr James suggests a yearly lease agreement be now $25,000 for up to twenty years, with rent increased annually by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Remarkably, Mr James says later in the report, ‘Council has been advised that current market rent applicable… is $135,000 (GST exclusive). Council is also advised that the current valuation of that part of the site, if it were sold to Catholic Healthcare, is $2,700,000 (GST exclusive)’.

The other option, suggested by Mr James, is to decline the lease ‘for the following reasons (insert reasons)’.

Mr James says when the lease expires the ‘Lessee shall become a three monthly tenant. The three monthly tenancy may be terminated by three months notice to quit in writing expiring at any time’.

The Echo asked Mr James,

‘Why Council’s Deed arrangement with Catholic Healthcare can’t be renegotiated or withdrawn, given the lease expires in November?’

He replied, ‘Without waiving any privilege in respect of the Deed, it is confirmed that it can be amended, supplemented, replaced or novated [replace with a new contract], but only with the written agreement of all of the parties to it’.

‘Council staff have not been requested or instructed to seek to amend the Deed’.

The Echo also asked, ‘Why are Council staff suggesting

such an enormous discount to the largest landowner on the planet that doesn’t pay any taxes?’

Mr James replied, ‘The staff recommendation leaves it to the elected Council to determine whether or not to lease the land to Catholic Healthcare, and if it does determine to enter into a lease, it is left to the elected Council to fix the terms of that lease’.

‘The draft motion in the report reflects, as is set out in the report, “if Council determines to grant a lease and accept the CHL offer’.

Drainage works expected?

▶ Continued from page 1

to providing information on our works programs on our website to keep everyone informed about what we’re doing and what works are coming up next.  We will have that information on Council’s website next month.

Mr Holloway added, ‘Council has applied for a grant from the NSW Government to fund an Overland

Flow Path Study.  As the name suggests this study will look beyond the flooding of creeks and rivers to the flow of floodwater across the landscape and will assess the capacity of infrastructure in the shire (drains, bridges etc) and the results will then be used to prioritise and seek funding for the upgrade of infrastructure as part of the Stormwater Capital Works program’.

Hans Lovejoy

First time BBFF entrants, Shane Crosland and Kimberley Vecsei, with Festival Director, J’aimee Skippon-Volke.

Meet Byron’s surf champ, Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart

Photo & story Eve Jeffery

While Byron attracts surfers of amazing skill, there have only been a few world champions.

Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart is counted among the best of the best, having just won both the amateur and professional surfing events in his category at this year’s World Championship of the inaugural Association of Adaptive Surfing Professionals (AASP): Any Knee Kneeling (AKK) in Adaptive Surfing.

Stewart has built on his past performance of winning three of the Association of Adaptive Surfing Amateur titles since its inception in 2015 – not bad for an old fella – that’s right, Mono will turn 60 next year, and a few weeks ago he beat a group whose average age is 28.

Stewart, who lost his right leg above the knee when he was 15, says he was always a keen surfer, but post-surgery he soon realised that in the ocean he became like everyone else.

‘That sort of started my surfing career. One thing I

thought I could do was get back into the ocean and learn to surf again. Being in the ocean you feel normal – no one notices that you’ve got one leg, and it’s such a healing environment too.

‘I had a lot of support from friends and other people in the surf industry.

‘They’d design boards for me and gave me some tough love. When I was young, the best thing that happened was my mates just treated me like me.

‘I sort of didn’t even look at myself as being disabled. I just treated myself as just

like everyone else, but I’m missing a limb.

Best parking spots

‘I didn’t even have a disabled parking sticker until ten years ago, but now I wish I had done it 20 years ago – I get all the best parking spots at the surf breaks!’

Stewart says his current board has a hollow on the side that his knee goes in and he feels lucky to have it, but what doesn’t come easy as an adaptive surfer, is sponsorship.

Surfers at Stewart’s level on the ASP/WSL tour would

have sponsors coming out of their thrusters, but as a World Champion on the AASP tour, Stewart hasn’t attracted such attention.

‘I have product sponsors, and I’m lucky because I win quite a bit, so the prize money helps out, but I’ve always supported myself’.

Married with three kids, now that he is on the professional tour, there is more chance for them to travel on the circuit with him. ‘I love surfing. They all love surfing. My wife Deb, she’s my number one supporter.’

Stewart says he is hopeful that the Paralympics introduces surfing to its roster. ‘It’ll be good – we’ll really be able to get the younger guys and girls involved and give them something to aim for’.

If that happens, Stewart will go down in history as one of the pioneers of the sport.

‘I wish that all happened 20 years ago, but that’s cool. It’s good to be known as sort of one of the forefathers of the sport. I’m one of the oldest guys still competing. I’m paving the way for the new guys, which is cool.’

Mullum High School reno update

Eve Jeffery

Mullumbimby High School is still in the process of recovery after the floods, with some buildings, including the gym, library, staff areas and the performance space damaged by water and mould being in need of significant repairs and refurbishment.

Yet Principal Greg Armstrong is upbeat about the renovations. He told The Echo the works at the school, once completed, will be amazing.

‘It will be a renewed and rejuvenated school, which the whole school community is very excited about.’

The school released a report last month stating that School Infrastructure NSW and Public Works are working with the school to remediate the flood-damaged buildings and provide modern school spaces that meet the needs of students and staff at Mullumbimby High School now and into the future.

Six demountable buildings were installed at the school to allow student to be able to return to the school for Term Two. The school

grounds have been cleaned and sanitised and damaged buildings have been made safe and secure.

3D modelling has been undertaken for the redesign some of the spaces, and hygienists, IT specialists and architects have visited the site to provide recommendations around mould contamination, ventilation and building design, as well as construction and traffic arrangements at the school while work is underway.

P&C President, Damian Farrell, says that while the contractors are there, they will also replace two of the older roofs from Blocks A and B.

‘It will be a wonderful thing to have these significant buildings and assets rebuilt and revamped, although it won’t, or can’t proceed, without some inevitable inconvenience and interruptions to the learning environment of the current students.

‘Hopefully everyone can remain positive and optimistic. The P&C looks forward to enjoying a celebration with the school and broader community once all works are complete next year.’

Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart with his 2022 World Championship title belt, says he wouldn’t say no to some local sponsorship love for the 2023 season.

Flood data yet to be shared with govt agencies

Photo & story Hans Lovejoy

Flood data that could assist Council with government grants and planning for future floods appear not to have been shared with Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC), who are refusing to answer whether Service NSW flood data has been provided to them, or other councils.

Tamara Smith MP (Greens) told The Echo on June 27, 2022 that she asked NRRC CEO, David Witherdin, whether Service NSW flood data can inform the flood response, but at the time, she was ‘yet to receive a reply’.

She confirmed this week that no reply from Witherdin was provided. The Echo tried to confirm this with NRRC, yet they refused to answer the question.

Meanwhile, at this week’s Council meeting, Cr Duncan Dey (Greens), is proposing that Council staff ‘Surveys affected landholders or obtains the same information from other sources (such as State Emergency Services, Recovery NSW, Mullumbimby Residents Association, etc)’.

He says such information

would ‘quantify the needs of landholders to future-proof residential and commercial premises throughout the Shire’.

Cr Dey says in his motion that this information is required so that ‘Council can advise state and federal funding agencies of needs within the Shire for houseraising, wet-proofing and buy-back’.

Council staff however, have replied in the agenda that they do not have the resources to undertake such a survey, and instead proposed an alternative.

Infrastructure Planning Coordinator, James Flockton, suggests a staff report be prepared for Council’s

Floodplain Management Advisory Committee, ‘that considers and discusses flood resilience options and the needed further investigation for properties impacted by the 2022 floods and potential future floods in the face of climate change’.

Jobs for mates

And with little progress being made by government agencies tasked with rebuilding the region and assisting flood-affected residents, Ballina MP Tamara Smith has described the ongoing fiasco as ‘jobs for mates of politicians and pork barreling through funds to political allies rather than to those in need’.

Ms Smith told The Echo, ‘Unfortunately, what we are witnessing around the bureaucratic processes and institutions set up by the NSW Liberals and Nationals is a complete lack of transparency and public scrutiny over how money is being spent, or public information about what the needs of people in our communities looks like.’

‘What we are seeing though is disaster capitalism in full force. Millions of dollars being spent on bureaucracies and contracts given to corporations with strong ties to the powers in Macquarie Street, as well as already wealthy landowners getting the opportunity to re-zone their land and make significant profits.

‘While vulnerable people are still camping in their flood-ravaged homes waiting to hear about buy-backs, land swaps, or assistance to flood proof.

She added, ‘I am only interested in how we can be resourced as communities to better prepare and support ourselves through disasters in the future – the time of hegemonic responses, I believe, is over.’

Mullumbimby, Feburary 28, 2022.

Bringing new energy to real estate in our region

We connect the property dots.

The life force of the universe; MANA is a spirited, powerful and idealistic real estate agency made to shake things up. We are local, tailored, professional and experienced experts who are supportive, proactive and dedicated. A collective of 20+ skilled marketers and negotiators - for us; launching independently is all about delivering optimal service and raising the bar in our region and industry.

adaptation project

Eve Jeffery

Mullum Cares has a new home in the Railway Shed Yard, on the corner of Prince and Ann Streets in Mullum.

The office is a shipping container fitted out with the things the group need to show you how to recover quickly from floods.

Mullum Cares is a notfor-profit organisation that started out supporting the community to reduce emissions by changing how it consumes products made for humans. These days, they spend more time talking about mould and waterproof paint with their Byron Shire Residential Flood Adaptation Project.

Founder and President, Sasha Mainsbridge, says they want to inspire and support residential property owners to rebuild flood resilient homes in order to reduce future loss and trauma.

She told The Echo a flood resilient rebuild is in recognition that if people install gyprock and lay carpet again, then effectively that they

could be considered single use products, if your house isn’t likely to be raised.

Sasha says, ‘If we accept that there’s a likelihood that we’re going to get flooded like that again, sometime in the future – I didn’t think twice about not putting carpet back in my house, because I don’t like to waste resources.’

They also have a display of waterproof paint and other items to help you be better prepared. Mainsbridge says Mullum Cares currently has funding from a philanthropist that will see them through to Christmas. ‘But that’s it. If we don’t get funding to support us to support the community, and continue to offer this service, then myself and my colleagues will have to go and get other jobs.’

There is a lot of info on the Mullum Care website, and anyone is welcome to drop in without a booking for a quick chat and to see the resources they are filling the space with, between 9–11am Monday to Wednesday. For more information, visit: mullumcares.com.au.

Choosing love over fear, with Art Byron

Bruns school takes Mystery Tour

Artist in residence, Laith McGregor, is one of the many artists featured as part of Art Byron’s Love or Fear exhibition, which will be held from September 30. Photo Jeff Dawson

Local and nationally celebrated artists will converge from September 30 at Mullumbimby’s Byron School of Art (BSA) asking the question: ‘Do we choose love or fear?’

Multiple venues

Events across multiple venues include exhibitions, gallery talks, music, film, a multi-media installation and an art dinner.

Art Byron founder, Lisa Cowan, said the gathering would bring the local arts community together and provide a dynamic platform

for contemporary art.

Lisa says groundwork for the theme ‘Love or Fear’ was envisioned by renowned First Nations artist, Karla Dickens, who lived through the devastating March flood events in Lismore. Dickens, standing knee-deep and defiant in the floodwaters, was the subject of 2022’s Archibald prize winning portrait by fellow Aboriginal artist, Blak Douglas.

The BSA exhibition will open from September 30.

For more info visit www. art-byron.com.au

Photo & story Eve Jeffery

Last week, the families and friends of students from Brunswick Heads Public School were treated to a whole-school musical extravaganza, The Bruns Magical Mystery Tour at the Brunswick Picture House.

The school received a $9,270 grant from Splendour in the Grass, and have used it to stage the show, which was written by staff member, Verity Bee.

The three performances, held over two days, featured all 230 students on stage for the 70 minute sing-a-long adventure. It featured Paulette, Richard, Georgie and Johnny, who contemplate the mysteries of life: what is the

true meaning of friendship?; and is there life without Wi-Fi?

Ms Bee said the school previously held a one-evening event called Arts Under The Stars, and every class would put on a performance.

‘We felt we could have something more cohesive. So I wrote a play that could potentially intertwine the classroom acts’.

Beatle immersed

‘I chose Beatles songs for the classes that worked in with the script.

‘Let’s just say, now the school is fully immersed in the Beatles’.

Ms Bee says production started last year, but was cancelled because of COVID19 restrictions.

Pearl

Photo & Story Eve Jeffery

Tyndall & Co Lawyers will be running their ninth pro bono cafe in Byron Bay next month, in the hope of giving people access to free legal help.

Principal, Jonathan de Vere Tyndall, says people often bottle things up with terrible consequences.

‘They can come in and see us and get their legal problems solved.’

Tyndall says the previous cafes have been highly successful.

‘People feel it’s incredibly helpful,’ he says, ‘It’s very constructive, because I give them written advice. There’s no strings attached to any of our work; we want them to take it to another lawyer or whatever they want to do with it.

‘It’s completely free. There’s no catch to it.’ Tyndall says, on a personal level, he likes that he can give to people who need help in the local community.

‘If you want to make some changes

in your life, and you’ve got something that’s been vexing you, come and see us. We can help you get on with it.’

The Pro Bono Cafe will be held on October 3 and 10 at the Bay Leaf Cafe,

located at 2A Marvell St, Byron Bay. There are no appointments necessary and clients wait their turn for a time slot. For more information, visit www. tyndall.net.au.

be visited’, they said.

A resident of the Northern Rivers for around 40 years, who was flood-affected, contacted The Echo regarding their experience with temporary accommodation which is being provided by Resilience NSW.

They said that after their home was flooded and uninhabitable, they were offered temporary accommodation in an apartment in Byron, and had recently moved to a motel in Ballina.

‘There are no cooking facilities here – we are expected to live on takeaways’, they said.

The person said they did not want to be identified, for fear of reprisals, and that others wouldn’t speak up because of the fear of reprisals. ‘They are traumatised. Many people are elderly, and there is no support’, they said.

Remarkably, they said that Resilience NSW asked that, as a condition of being provided accommodation, that they have no visitors.

‘Even someone in jail can

‘A Resilience NSW person read the terms and conditions for their “oath” off a screen, and there was nothing in writing. I was in shock at the end, but had to agree to it, because I would have no accommodation otherwise. They seem to want to keep us lonely and not part of community’.

A Resilience NSW spokesperson told The Echo ‘Resilience NSW does not require residents to “take an oath” to access temporary housing’.

‘Residents need to sign an occupancy agreement to reside at a temporary housing site, which outlines their rights and responsibilities, similar to a tenancy agreement for a private rental.

‘There is no restriction on people visiting residents of temporary housing sites’.

The flood-affected resident also said they were upset when a Resilience NSW person suggested to them that as a flood-affected person, an option for them was to move away from the area. ‘They are treating us like refugees in our own country’, they said.

Byron Shire Council began resealing and upgrading 17 roads in Mullumbimby recently, thanks to more than $997,000 in funding secured through the NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program, and a $300,000 investment from Council.

Staff say, ‘Fixing Local Roads is a $500m NSW Government program available

to eligible local government bodies to apply for funding to complete maintenance works of the local road network’.

The improvement works are scheduled for completion by end of December 2022, subject to weather.

For more info on road upgrades, visit www.byron. nsw.gov.au.

Hans Lovejoy

Paralegals, Emma and Dayna, with Tyndall & Co Lawyers Principal, Jonathan de Vere Tyndall, who will be seeing people pro bono at the Bay Leaf in October.

Biz launch campaign against holiday let policy

Hans Lovejoy

Businesses who say they would be adversely impacted by Council’s proposal to cap holiday letting to 90 days have gone on the offensive by launching a PR campaign and the website www. byrondeservesbetter.com.

The website, which does not say who the spokesperson is, or who is funding it, claims the figures that underpin Council’s assumptions are wrong.

The website says it is ‘Authorised by the Australian Short Term Rental Association [ASTRA]’, which is based in Pacific Palms in NSW, just south of Forster.

According to the communications consultant who placed The Echo ad on page 9, funding of the group’s promotion comprise five local business people who provide quotes on the website.

‘There are many more members who are contributing,’ the representative said, including Colin Hussey (Perfect Stay) and former Council employee, Sarah Workman.

The business owners named on www.byrondeservesbetter.com are Ben

Kirkwood, Beach Byron Bay, Grant Moffitt, Away at Byron Bay, Nick [No last name supplied], Pool Professionals, Che Devlin, Byron Bay Weddings & Fig Tree Restaurant and Norm Black, TripADeal.

They say ‘According to Tourism Research Australia, when you remove families who stay in holiday homes in Byron Shire, as will happen if the 90 day cap is imposed, Council will jeopardise 1,448 local jobs and remove $267 million from the local economy.

‘Think of all the small businesses impacted –restaurants, cafes, builders, retailers, gardeners, electricians, cleaners, handymen, garbage removal, pool maintenance, the list goes on!’

The Byron Chamber of Commerce have also raised similar concerns, citing the same Tourism Research Australia figures.

Despite the clear and well-documented pressure on housing for essential workers and the community over decades, which is largely a result of self-regulated holiday letting, no alternative solution is offered by the group.

Mayor, Michael Lyon,

replied to the the claims made by byrondeservesbetter and said, ‘We are not promoting incorrect figures. We have included reports in the appendix going back three to four years, and since those reports were commissioned, there have of course been changes owing to covid, flood etc.

‘We are also aware that some hosts are registering as hosted when in fact they are unhosted’.

‘What needs to be

understood clearly, is that this policy will make shortterm letting more unattractive as an investment, relative to long-term letting.

Policy intended to work this way

‘That is why the industry is upset… because the policy will work as it is intended to, which is to shift the use of properties from short-term rentals to long-term rentals’.

Northern Rivers waste incinerator moves closer

The NSW government is one step closer to approving a ‘waste-to-energy’ incinerator in Casino as a State significant development, with the passing of a new regulation.

The umbrella legislation has been given an Orwellian name: The Protection of the Environment Operations (General) Amendment (Thermal Energy from Waste) Regulation 2022.

It permits incinerators in four regional locations in NSW, including the Richmond Valley Regional Job Precinct, which has been purposefully established to ‘unlock new industrial lands’.

Jo Immig is a Northern Rivers resident, and National Toxics Network Coordinator.

She told The Echo, ‘Communities in all four regional areas are justifiably horrified and angered to learn the NSW government, without any transparent process, accountability or community consultation has named their regions as “strategic” places to build waste incinerators’.

Demanding answers

‘Richmond Valley residents are demanding answers as to how and why their council welcomed the possibility of an industrial waste incinerator without any prior consultation or regard for impacts on the community in the largely food-producing shire,’ she said.

Ms Immig suggests that a waste incinerator in Casino

would likely take waste from surrounding Northern Rivers shires, including Byron and Ballina, as proposed in the NSW North Coast Waste Investment Review (2020), which only considered waste-to-energy incineration options.

‘If waste incinerators are too polluting for residential areas in Sydney, then they’re not safe anywhere, and especially not in food-producing regions and biodiversity hotspots in the Northern Rivers,’ said Ms Immig.

‘It doesn’t matter how stringent the NSW government claims its pollution requirements will be, international practice and independent science show these incinerators

cause dangerous dioxin air pollution and toxic ash contaminated with PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ wherever they are.

‘Waste incinerators dressed up as “renewable energy producers” are effectively plastic-burning facilities producing the dirtiest form of energy, worse than coal and gas, which will just worsen the climate emergency and lock-in waste incineration for decades, completely distorting efforts to minimise waste, incentivise re-use and recycling for a zero-waste society.’

Ms Immig says the state government has also produced an unreferenced ‘fact sheet’ that downplays the risks.

Aslan Shand

Those affected by the 2022 floods welcomed the NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet’s commitment to the recom mendations of the NSW Flood Inquiry, but it is the existing approvals for devel opment on floodplains that are causing serious concerns for many communities.

Last Friday, Cate Faehr mann (Greens), who was a member of the upper house 2022 Flood Inquiry, visited Kingscliff to see firsthand approved, but as yet unbuilt developments that locals fear will cause more intense flooding of existing houses in the future.

Peter Newton, President of the Kingscliff Ratepayers and Progress Association Inc (KRPA) told The Echo, ‘Many members of our community were impacted by floodwa ters – many in places always considered “flood-safe”.’

‘Cate has now seen firsthand the lands in question and spoken to residents about the impact these had on the community.

‘We remain rightly concerned about the

further impact that “legacy approved” developments on low-lying land will have on existing residences.’

The issue of land that was zoned for residential development up and down the east coast of NSW in the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s has ensured that there are many areas that are zoned for residential development that are at risk in relation to flooding and fire. Yet many of these packages of land have current approvals for development.

‘These legacy develop ment approvals will allow housing to be built on flood prone land. Not only will it be a disaster for the people who buy them, it will exacerbate flood impacts for existing residents,’ Ms Faehrmann told The Echo

Remaining wetlands

‘These wetlands, some of the last remaining in the area, act as sponges and ponds to help mitigate flood impacts on the surrounding com munity. Concreting them over will exacerbate the impact of future floods on all of King scliff and Tumbulgum.’

News from across the North Coast online: www.echo.net.au

Police appeal for information after serious crash

Police are appealing for information after a man was seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash near Murwillumbah.

Have your say on housing and growth

Lismore City Council is seeking community feedback on two draft plans intended to guide the location and type of housing to support recovery in coming decades.

Unions meet with Norco over staff stand-down

With flood-ravaged Norco in Lismore under scrutiny, the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, the Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union, and the Electrical Trades Union met with management on Thursday to discuss the company’s plans for its Lismore ice cream factory.

Body of missing swimmer found at Chinderah

NSW Police say the body of a man believed to be that of a missing swimmer has been located following a wide-scale search on Thursday 22 September.

Kingscliff kids get to say ‘thank you’

With so many everyday heroes helping in times of disaster, many people have wanted to thank their saviours without always having the opportunity to be able to express their gratitude.

Driver seriously injured near Murwillumbah

A male driver suffered serious injuries following a motor vehicle accident (MVA) on Monday night at Dum Dum near Murwillumbah.

Lord Ability collided with other dogs at the first turn and fell

The latest death of a young greyhound at Grafton yesterday has sparked calls for an independent review of Australia’s new and rebuilt taxpayer-funded racetracks.

Major construction works to begin at Tweed tip

The next phase of the Stotts Creek Resource Recovery Centre (the Tweed tip) is about to begin with major construction works set to start.

Break out the bubbly for Budget Estimates

Budget Estimates is truly one of the most revealing and best educational services that the NSW government offers. MPs from the opposition grill ministers and agency bosses without mercy, for hours.

Its truly, truly, terrific.

Of course, a lot of the questions are taken on notice, but there are other gems that slip, so the public can be better informed of how the political tent operates, or doesn’t.

At the recent September 2 NSW Budget Estimates, NSW Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke (Nationals) and Resilience NSW boss, Shane Fitzsimmons, faced some tough questions around how their departments have responded to the floods.

As any astute resident would know, the interests of the Liberal–Nationals government appears more in bloating unac countable do-nothiong-bureaucracies, rather than adequately funding, for example, councils and emergency responders who live locally, and know how to help their communities.

It’s Orwellian in its epic proportions.

Anyway, here are a few takeaways from the September 2 hearing:

Lismore-based Greens MP, Sue Higginson, asked Resilience NSW’s Shane Fitzsimmons, ‘Is there public transparency around the leases [for temporary pod accommodation]? Are the leases and the price that we’re paying for those leasing arrangements publicly available?’

‘I’ll take it on notice’, replied Fitzsimmons. When Cooke was asked how many people in the Ballina and Lismore electorates have received Back Home grants,

she also took that on notice.

Given the future of Resilience NSW is uncertain, owing to the premier wanting a future agency being ‘leaner and nimbler’, Cooke was asked what the future holds for the 250 odd staff. It wasn’t clear from her answers if she had any idea.

As for the number of those in emergency accommodation presently, Cooke says there are around 1,200, with, ‘The overwhelming majority of those people are in the Northern Rivers region’.

Higginson asked Cooke whether building on flood-prone land in Mullumbimby was appropriate.

Cooke replied that she didn’t know about the site, despite the premier having visited it.

Higginson also asked Cooke, ‘Minister, are you satisfied with the relationship between the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation and Resilience NSW… are you satisfied that we’ve got the best working relationship in the recovery at the moment?’

She replied, ‘No issues have been brought to my attention’.

She then launched into a largely meaningless speech about Resilience NSW’s land swaps, buybacks, ‘and all of that sort of thing’.

BTW, the NSW LiberalNationals government have been in power for nearly a decade, and they are now behind in the polls.

It’s six months before the March election next year.

Hopefully there won’t be much left of this government after 2023, much like there wasn’t at the federal level after this year’s federal election.

Hans Lovejoy, editor

Why we need a federal ICAC

I’ve been thinking about very slow things. Thinking about very fast trains that are very slow coming. Thinking about the never-ending Ballina-Byron Airport upgrade – build a new entry, take it out. Build a new, new entry. Take it out. Rinse, repeat.

This week, we should be thinking about an especially slow thing that is finally going to see some action. The Albanese Government is making good on its pledge to introduce federal ICAC legislation to parliament – an initiative it seems that is best done when governments are fresh into office.

So we have been waiting a very long time for this baby to land.

How important is federal integrity legislation? Why do we need transparency?

I was asked this question in a Zoom meeting during the lockdown. In reply, I stood up, revealing a pair of hot pink shorts that definitely clashed with my lovely silk blouse.

‘So here I am, dressing like an MP for what is visible on the screen. Because you can’t see the bottom half of me, I didn’t dress properly, believing you would never know. Do you think if we were meeting in person in my office in parliament, I would be wearing these pink shorts? The only reason I am wearing them now is because I knew you couldn’t see them, and I was sure to get away with it.’

The ease and speed with which personal dress standards crashed the minute nobody was looking is a dead ringer for what happens in any situation where secrecy creeps in.

Imagine roads, where the speed limit is never policed. It would not take long for vast numbers of otherwise respectable citizens to just drive how they liked. The road rules are quite clear. It is the absence of transparency and policing that would literally crash the standard of driver behaviour.

When it comes to political power, the absence of transparency brings out its evil twin – an addiction to secrecy. And this leads to a vortex of problems immersing every facet of democracy.

I am pretty sure it starts with low level stuff like covering up poor performance – a negative business case or program evaluation that the public never gets to see. When politicians and public servants get away with little slip ups the secrecy becomes habitual.

Soon, it escalates with ‘cabinet-inconfidence’ routinely deployed as an excuse. It is inevitable that giving a government an ‘invisibility cloak’ will engender feelings of invincibility and entitlement, and this starts to open the door to corruption.

– Catherine Cusack

a problem for the government.

When asked about it, Morrison dismissed the issue, describing Labor’s policy as a ‘two page fluff sheet’ and anyway, ‘voters don’t care about a federal ICAC’.

This, in a nutshell, is the ‘integrity issue’. An issue Scott Morrison kept telling us Australia doesn’t care about. The manipulative way he did this is a stern reminder as to why a federal ICAC is so crucial to restoring credibility and faith in our democracy.

Everyone in politics understands the golden rule of political success is setting and controlling the agenda. Scott Morrison was gifted in ensuring the media and voters spent as much time as possible focussed on issues perceived to be his strength. At the same time, his weaknesses were batted as far off the radar as possible.

His favourite technique was to instruct us all as to what we think.

It didn’t matter if it was true or not – it was his way of towing the political agenda into safe harbours for the gov ernment. It started in earnest when he was elected leader, with his line that voters ‘didn’t care’ about dumping Malcolm Turnbull.

He used the method a lot with what he called ‘identity politics’ (his code for gay marriage and transgender rights). ‘I don’t think, frankly, most Australians are terribly focussed on that,’ he said.

It was an awesome way to shut down awkward questions. Press conferences became riddled with phrases like ‘Australians don’t care about…’ and ‘nobody has said to me…’ and ‘people don’t want…’

References to ‘the Canberra bubble’ were sometimes peppered in. Journal ists trying to ask searching questions on specific issues were shut down with the generic response: ‘Australians don’t care about the Canberra bubble’ – and that was that. It worked well until the issue of his broken promise to have an integrity commission became

The Sydney Morning Herald surveyed his Liberal-Nationals team and found MPs loyally stuck to the ill-fated message. They all backed the proposition that ‘voters don’t care’.

La Trobe MP, Jason Wood, said, ‘I am getting no heat on it out my way.’ In NSW, MP Fiona Martin said voters’ key issues related only to the economy. It turns out this was incorrect – citizens do care about integrity – in fact they care a lot.

Whatever system of government, whoever is in power, a lack of integrity strikes at the very legitimacy of those entrusted with power.

That word ‘integrity’ embodies transparency and authenticity. Without integrity, there can be no trust in authority – there can be no sustainable mandate to govern, and no ethical basis for citizens to accept your decisions.

This is why young Iranians are rebelling against the Islamic regime’s Morality Police. It is why authoritarian governments in Russia, and China, and military dictatorships in Myanmar and North Korea routinely slow or shut down the internet – to repress information and inhibit transparency.

The move to establish an Australian federal ICAC with teeth is overdue, and especially welcome in 2022, when national security is an issue and democracy is increasingly under attack.

I am sure it won’t be perfect, and it will need to evolve, perhaps like Ballina-Byron Airport, it will be a work in progress that never ends. But better that than nothing at all – this week is a good week for Australia.

Catherine Cusack is a former NSW Liberal MP, based in Lennox Head.

The Echo acknowledges the people of the Bundjalung nation as the traditional custodians of this land and extends respect to elders past, present and future.

Disclaimer: The Echo is committed to providing a voice for our whole community. The views of advertisers, letter writers, and opinion writers are not necessarily those of the owners or staff of this publication.

‘The job of a newspaper is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.’

– Finley Peter Dunne 1867–1936

‘It is inevitable that giving a government an “invisibility cloak” will engender feelings of invincibility and entitlement, and this starts to open the door to corruption’.

as many jobs per tonne of waste than incinerators, reducing at source. There are many alternatives strategies in the move towards zerowaste and toward carbon neutrality.

There should be a full discussion with the community. Sydney has rejected a proposal for such an incinerator and it should be rejected on the north coast.

C Stewart Casino

Rails Cartoon

Nailed it! (21 September). Many miss out, believing ‘the middle man’.

Roger Seccombe Bangalow

Waste incinerator

How many people on the North Coast are aware of the Richmond Valley Council’s (RVC) plans for a waste-toenergy incinerator located in or near Casino, without any public discussion? People are concerned about the very real risk of pollution to our air, land, and water as well as general community health for present and future generations.

These incinerators release dangerous pollutants such as dioxins, furans, mercury, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrochloric

acid. For our farming communities and many businesses including the meat company, NORCO, and others who benefit from our clean and green image on the north coast it would be a disaster.

This is the most expensive and polluting way to manage waste or to generate energy.

‘waste to energy’ is a public relations term used to promote incineration, but waste is not magically transformed into energy; for every 100 tonnes of trash burned about 70 tonnes become air pollution; the other 30

tonnes become toxic ash that is typically dumped in landfills, making them more harmful than if all the waste went there unburnt! Plastic and metals are the major source of calorific value of the waste; the combination of plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) gives rise to these highly toxic pollutants (from Desert Green Waste to Energy). There is a great deal of information online for people to look at.

There are other methods of disposing of waste and plastics; recycling and composting create 5–10 times

Precious water

On the east coast we’ve been inundated with water in recent times but much of the world has been suffering from a lack of water.

Millions of people in poorer countries are being used as slaves to make products to supply the needs and wants of richer countries. While making all these products for us a huge amount of water is used and polluted but the local people to to Letters Editor Shand, email: editor@echo.net.au, fax: 6684 1719. Deadline:Noon, Friday. Letters longer than 200 words may be cut Letters already published in other papers will not be considered. Please include your full name, address and phone number for verification purposes. by Jamie Hoile

Elle Davidson

As broader Australia begins to place more value on First Nations Knowledge and how it can improve our lives and the world, there has never been a better time to reflect on working with mob. Many are asking ‘whom do I talk to?’. While it might seem easier to engage with the people who appear to be most available or have the most to say, I would proceed with caution. Generally, the right people are hidden behind layers of conversation and they can take a while to find. They are also probably the busiest and have many priorities that they are juggling.

Massive burden on mob to respond

There are many misconceptions that mob are sitting around waiting for things to do. With this rise in interest from a range of professional industries and individuals comes a huge time pressure and massive burden inflicted on mob.

It can feel overwhelming when all opportunities to be involved in projects seem incredible, and it can be difficult to know when to say ‘No’. Generally, people are more willing to work with people they know, so my first word of advice would be to identify individuals or organisations that you would like to work with and start to build relationships.

From my professional experience in engagement, and as well as my personal journey as an Aboriginal woman, it takes time for the right people to open up and share. Most Knowledge holders or individuals with special expertise will take a while to test you out and size you up. Within our First Nations cultural framework, Knowledge is earned and

this applies when working with mob.

Strict cultural protocols

It is also vital to speak with multiple people within community to ensure that you are receiving collective advice and direction. Commonly, the isolated and loud voices, who are not part of an organisation or network, are at odds with the broader community. When working with mob, I always enquire about whom else I should be speaking to and, from there, the list of individuals or organisations snowball and become apparent. Eventually you start hearing the same names and you recognise that you have reached out to most people you needed to engage with. At some point you will need to draw the line with how much time you can spend yarning because there will always be others to consult. We have strict cultural protocols that require us to not speak about things that we don’t have authority over, whether that’s Country or Knowledge. This means that community should generally self-regulate and our cultural protocols will ensure that you are referred to the right people. You will then be engaging with communityrecognised individuals or organisations; this process of referral is vital to answer the question: ‘whom should I be talking to?’. However, the individuals highlighted above with the loud, isolated voices will likely present as a cultural authority and make you feel uncomfortable in working with others. Probably in fear of being exposed for their approach and position, which will be in conflict with community cultural protocols.

It is also important to note that many expect mob to engage without payment.

With the increasing demands mob are strapped for time and generally need to retain employment while engaging with a range of people without being remunerated. We need to consider the importance of placing value on the knowledge and time that are generously shared and to treat that knowledge with respect through payment. The appropriate Indigenous cultural intellectual property measures should also be embedded into your thinking and approach.

Working with mob is complex, and it takes time. Please refrain from trying to rush the process of building relationships and attempting to get straight down to business. The impact of colonisation in conjunction with our cultural protocols means we are particular about whom we work with. We are ultimately trying to protect ourselves and this sacred Knowledge that previously hasn’t been treated with due respect.

It is easy to become enticed by individuals who seem willing and available and seem like the easiest route; however, they generally have an ulterior motive;, and while they have a contributing voice, it may not be the voice of cultural authority that speaks in certain spaces. Investing in relationships and building trust will get you a lot farther in the long run, as you are being respectful of the systems that govern First Nations communities. Remember to practise patience. We have been waiting 200 years to be heard and just because you are now willing to listen doesn’t mean we are ready, or have the time at the exact moment you are needing something.

Storylines is supported by Ninbella Gallery in Bangalow. To read more go to The Echo online: www.echo.net.au/ category/articles/storylines.

Mullum biz petition for road improvements

Hans Lovejoy

A petition from Mullumbimby industrial estate business owners will be tabled at the upcoming September 29 meeting, which calls on Council to upgrade pothole ridden Manns Road.

While staff say that two attempts at securing government funding under the Fixing Country Roads program have been unsuccessful, they propose ‘Council allocate a budget of $30,000 from the asphalt overlay program to resurface Manns Road’.

Additionally, they support funding the implementation of a one-way trial at Towers Drive and Smith Street, as requested by the business owners.

The petition from businesses reads, ‘The small to medium businesses located within the Mullumbimby industrial estate rely on this freight corridor to support and grow their businesses. In turn, this affects positive growth on the local and regional economies. The current state of Manns Road with its innumerable potholes and need for reconstruction is impacting

the small businesses located within the estate. The condition of the road is poor, and poses a safety risk to vehicles (freight and other) and increases the operating costs to all businesses’.

‘Additionally, owing to the narrow corridor and limited parking along both Smith Street and Towers Drive, we propose a one-way clockwise circuit to improve safety, accident prevention and visibility’.

Director Infrastructure Services, Phil Holloway, wrote in reply that, ‘Council has previously applied twice for grant funding under the Fixing Country Roads program to upgrade and widen Manns Road, however, has been unsuccessful in both attempts’.

‘Council has a wellfunded 2022/23 asphalt

overlay program as well as a Fixing Local Roads grant for resurfacing streets in Mullumbimby. It is therefore proposed Manns Road be included in the Mullumbimby resurfacing projects this financial year.

One-way safety

‘The request for Towers Drive and Smith Street to become a one-way clockwise circuit to improve safety, accident prevention and visibility should be considered as part of the same project. It is therefore proposed that funding of $30,000 be allocated out of the asphalt overlay program either in accordance with part 3 of the staff recommendation or through the September Budget Review to design and implement a trial of the oneway circuit’.

live in poverty and have very little to sustain them.

Water is so precious to the natural world. The other creatures that we share the planet with don’t have dishwashers or washing machines etc – they’re just trying to survive.

I’ve always been a positive person but I sadly believe that we are now past the tipping point and that we, in the ‘developed’ world, are culpable because of our greed and overconsumption. If we weren’t so stupid and full of ourselves we would have worked this out many years ago.

Hannah Grace Ocean Shores

Drug reform

After reading David Heilpern’s article (14 September)

I believe the major impediments to fixing the nation’s drug problems are magistrates and lawyers.

Tim Harrington Lennox Head

Not my king!

I cannot find the words to describe my reaction to the massive spectacle of the (‘years in the planning’) death of Betty Windsor, Queen Elizabeth the Second. I hold no hate to her or any

of her family. A numbness permeates.

What does resonate in my being is the wailing of the Indigenous mothers whose sons have been murdered within Her Majesty’s prisons. Sons who may have been driven to suicide. Ten-yearold First Nation children, born innocent then brutalised by a colonising, white supremicist Anglo patriarchy, the yelling of ‘Redfern Saint’ Mum Shirl as she was kicked and thrashed by Redfern police when seeking to gather children granted to her care.

The trauma of shock as parents asked for the organs removed by ‘the system’ so that they can bury their children in dignity and custom. The horror of a relative seeking information on the death of her brother who died in custody receiving a letter from ‘the system’ advising her of the weight of her brother’s brain.

The death in custody of two of my First Nations students; one who ‘swallowed razor blades’, the other who knew he was to die, being terrified to death and at an early age dying of a heart attack. The sight of Lloyd Boney’s dead body strapped by police in a stranglehold.

All of this and more in the

name of Her Majesty or His Majesty, the figureheads of colonisation.

There are three kings close to my heart. They are in Heaven. Lester and Gerry Bostock (‘Lousy Little Sixpence’), who initiated the Black Theatre in Redfern in the ’70s and dear, sweet Uncle Jack Charles, who initiated the Black Theatre in Melbourne in the ’70s. Each man a pure gem who allowed suffering to transform to the greatest of dramatic art.

Vale – you are LOVED. Jo Faith Newtown

ARENA

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has rejected Council’s funding application for building what Council alleged was a ‘first in Australia’ $20–25m methanegas-fired electricity plant (oh it’s bioenergy so must be okay!).

ARENA states: ‘We invest in projects to support the next generation of energy technologies’.

‘We fund projects in renewable energy and lowemission technologies. Since 2012, we have supported 628 projects with $1.86 billion in grant funding.’

Potholes in Manns Road, Mullumbimby industrial estate.

Photo Aslan Shand

NSW says ‘No’ to decriminalising drugs but pivots towards a health-based response

Aslan Shand

After waiting almost three years to respond to the recommendations of the NSW Ice Inquiry NSW Premier, Dominic Perrottet, has rejected the recommendation to decriminalise use of illicit drugs.

The $11 million dollar, 14 month Inquiry was chaired by Special Commissioner Dan Howard, SC, and they recommended ‘that the government needs to introduce a system of decriminalisation if it is going to stop drug deaths in New South Wales’.

Speakaing on the government response on Wednesday (21 September) Perrottet said, ‘The NSW government does not support the recommendation to decriminalise illicit drugs. Drugs have no place in our society. But we know that those who do, who have been caught up in taking drugs need care and health support and this response puts people at the centre. It brings together the justice concerns, the health concerns and puts people as the main focus of our response.’

The President of the Law

Society of NSW, Joanne van der Plaat, responded to the announcement, saying that, ‘The response appears to have at least partially addressed the ‘no-brainer recommendations’ endorsed by the representatives of the NSW legal profession and Mr Howard as being the bare minimum needed to meet the challenges of illicit drug addiction in the community.’

‘Unacceptable’

However, Ms Plaat said they are concerned at the delay beyond the State election of the proposed pre-court drug diversion scheme.

Cate Faehrmann, Greens MP and drug law reform and harm reduction spokesperson said the delay is ‘unacceptable’.

‘It’s a cowardly move by the government that after delaying their response for nearly three years they are now delaying any program to divert people from the courts and remove criminal penalties for drug use until after the election,’ said Ms Faehrmann.

‘It’s disappointing that the government has not accepted the

recommendations of both the Ice and Music-Festival Related Deaths Inquiries to introduce pill testing and get rid of drug dogs.’

$500M pivot

The government has committed around $500 million towards health and criminal justice issues with Perrottet stating that, ‘A good society should be judged on how it looks after its most vulnerable people. There is zero tolerance for drugs in society but we know that many people are affected by it. Families are affected by it. We need to invest more to give that

care and support and love to those that are addicted and I believe that the half-a-billion dollar investment today provides that support. I will say all members of cabinet, conservative members of cabinet, progressive members of cabinet, everyone right across government supported this response.’

Matt Noffs, CEO of Ted Noffs Foundation, told The Echo that he saw this as an important pivot in the government’s stance on drug reform.

‘There is an evolution of drug policy across the country and NSW is

following similar lines. The premier said ‘No’ to decriminalisation, then he said that they would not be charging people. They are working in that direction on the inside. It is a similar political manoeuvre to the Howard government in the 1990s. It was a “tough on drugs policy” on the outside but also the greatest expansion of drug reform programs, including needle exchange programs. It is part of the work of the political magic – to market ideas that are strong and tough in relation to the perceived safety of the community, but on inside working towards pivoting the focus away from criminalisation.

Decrim lite

‘‘‘I call it “decrim lite” or “diet decrim” – that the government is moving in the right direction and dipping their toe in the water but it’s most certainly letting the past policies go – albeit slowly,’ he said.

‘Starting next year police will have the discretion to give people two fines before they arrest them for possessionof drugs – that possibly includes “ice”.

That legislation already existed at music festivals in NSW, they were like trials. It started to come out of pill testing under the Berejiklian government when there was pressure with deaths at music festivals and a push for pill testing.

‘Technically the legisltaion has evolved out of that initial policy – it really is quite a miracle in a sense – it could have gone the other way.’

‘Queensland is probably next and Vitroria is making moves as well. You will have the whole of the east coast that will have decriminalisation.

‘The Wednesday announcement is significant, even though it reads like NSW rejected Dan Howard’s call to decriminalise drugs – like John Howard in 1990s with “Tough On Drugs” – the NSW government is following the same playbook. And $350 million into treatment is significant – it’s historic,’ said Mr Noffs.

‘One question remains however, how much of the $350 million will get to the frontline services and how much is already gobbled up by the bureaucracy? We’ll know a year from now.’

Crystal methamphetamine (ice) is a stimulant drug.

What does the current federal government solar discount mean for you?

The Federal Government provides a solar discount to home owners and businesses in Australia that install a small scale renewable energy system (solar, wind or hydro under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) to help with the purchase cost. Installing an eligible system allows the creation of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). The number of STCs created is based on:

• the amount of renewable electricity the system produces or the amount of electricity consumption it reduces

• the climate region where it’s installed.

Under the package, the Federal Government will pay around $300 per kilowatt towards cost of a solar system.

Let’s break it down

Pamela and Daniel are considering a 5.85KW solar system, supplied and installed by ProSolar for $8125. The federal government discount for this system is $2700 (at time of publishing). This brings their system cost down to $5423 saving them $1750 per year enabling them to pay back their investment in 3.13 years!

ProSolar provides advice and guidance in a simple and easy way, to ensure you select the optimal solution for your home and budget. This is the best opportunity Northern Rivers families and business owners have ever had to generate our own power. For more information, call ProSolar on 0418 240 282.

4.15kW Solar System

• 10 x Canadian 415W panels with a 25-year product and 25-year performance warranty

• 1 x GoodWe 4.2kW inverter with a 10-year premium warranty

• Cost $6,350

• Less federal government discount of $2,088

• Total cost after discount = $4,260

6.64kW Solar System

• 16 x Canadian 415W panels with a 25-year product and 25-year performance warranty

• 1 x GoodWe 5kW inverter with a 10-year premium warranty

• Cost $9,263

• Less federal government discount of $3,075

• Total cost after discount = $6,118

8.71KW Solar System

• 21 x Canadian 415W panels with a 25-year product and 25-year performance warranty

• 1 x GoodWe 8.5kW inverter with a 10-year premium warranty

• Cost $12,454

• Less federal government discount of $4,050

• Total cost after discount = $8,403

The above prices include supply, installation (standard installation on a tin roof) and GST. The Federal government discount is subject to change at anytime.

ProSolar Australia 91 Lockton Road Bexhill, NSW 2480 0418 240 282 | prosolaraustralia.com.au

ProSolar

As the lines are removed the argument for trains continues

Our rail line in Byron Shire is strategically located within two regional transport corridors that intersect at Ewingsdale. There is an opportunity to use the line as a way forward to a sustainable transport network.

There is simply no other way to avoid ongoing traffic pressures in our towns, villages, and on rural roads if we pretend otherwise. Why? Because the majority of traffic originates outside the Shire and currently we are over-reliant on a single road – the M1 – and no alternative infrastructure. So it doesn’t matter how many bike paths and walking tracks we construct locally, it will not provide movement alternatives for visitors or locals that can ease these growing pressures.

It simply does not make economic, social, or environmental sense to spend millions of dollars ripping up vital infrastructure.

The Multi Use Rail Corridor Study showed that the section between Byron Bay and Mullumbimby can support on-demand rail and road public transport for $12.3 million – a level of investment confirmed by experienced and independent rail engineers who have prepared a business case.

By comparison, the only response from Transport for NSW is to spend over six times as much ($78 million) to build a series of elevated concrete ramps at Ewingsdale to stack queuing traffic. This does nothing to provide alternatives or reduce the growth of traffic pressures.

It only makes the situation worse and will lead to increasingly large diversions of dollars, more ramps and congestion on local roads.

If the NSW Government took the blinkers off this could be the first step towards a rail link to the border region that will diversify movement options for travellers to and within the Shire. As proposed by Council’s Moving Byron Transport Strategy, this provides alternative movement pathways not dependent on negotiating the Ewingsdale interchange. It would be a major boost to public transport linking poorly connected local bus services. In addition a multi-use proposal would provide safe walking and cycling, helping to promote the uptake of active movement.

Councillors and State MPs need to start representing the movement needs of all in our community and ensure that transport investment meets the current and long-term needs of our community before our Shire starts to look and feel like a satellite of the Gold Coast and its traffic nightmares.

Basil Cameron Goonengerry

Statements by David Lisle are refuted in all train information; that being for, a bike track and a train service was/is a need and want. The traffic probles – parking – as everyone knows, is a nightmare. $250,000 given to Byron Shire Council for the ‘Green Spine’ street, yet numerous concrete

gardens and trees planted in Stuart Street hence deleting parking spaces, those posts and sitting places had to be removed. Station Street could have used that $250,000 to be re-done; at least a start – after – ??? – 60 years?

Our train service was suddenly stopped, supposedly to save $5million, to which no information to verify the $5m was forthcoming and the cost of the buses was not allowed to be known.

The Tweed to Crabbes Creek destruction of the rail is not a good example to praise or the Casino to Bentley.

Lismore, a regional city, yet denied a train service is unforgivable. Maintenance was being deleted for many years, work gangs reduced so this gave the ‘excuse’ to close the rail corridor but the ARUP study stated otherwise.

Sour grapes? No way – facts ignored.

The Australian Local Government Association’s Roads And Transport Strategy 2006–2016: ‘Equitable access, particularly to essential service, through integrated planning and the provision of appropriate transport services for all regional communities.’ Under strategy 3 – ‘Mobility and access for regional Australians’ and that this objective is to be achieved through a number of points, including point 3 – ‘Revitalisation of country passenger and freight rail services’.

This has been denied to Council’s people and especially to the following: YouthSay program has

apparently been forgotten as Byron Shire Council are voting/discussing the rail trail on our rail corridor in Byron Shire.

In May 2021 Byron Shire Council were promoting YouthSay and I quote: ‘We are students from Mullumbimby High School in years 9 and 10. We have been working with Council through the YouthSay program over four weeks. In this report we have identified our top five priorities for the next ten years, one for each of the Community Objectives in the Community Strategic Plan: Public Transport’.

Young people need access to safe and reliable public transport in and around the Byron Shire. Public transport is not currently available at times that it is needed.

This problem also affects others in the Shire, not just youth. There are other issues with transport north of the Byron Shire, where people need to access services, employment, and education outside of the Shire, but our biggest priority at this stage is transport within Byron Shire itself.’

What do we want for the future? Reliable and safe public transport in and around the Byron Shire.

Tim Fischer, former deputy prime minister, made his valuable statement in the Northern Star where he stated the Casino to Murwillumbah train should have been operational being in a high-population area and connecting to the Gold Coast.

Jillian Spring, Billinudgel

Perhaps ARENA understands that Council’s proposed methane-gas-fired Bio-Bullshit Energy Plant project is as greenhouse shonky as many other residents do, and as 69 of 70 submissions to the development application (DA) did.

The GM states that Council will now pursue other funding opportunities. I’d expect receiving red socks in Council’s next ‘we’re a great Council’ community mailout, with a request to return them full. I think Council believes that we are Santa Claus.

‘Our purpose is to support the global transition to net zero emissions by accelerating the pace of pre-commercial innovation, to the benefit of Australian consumers, businesses and workers, unlocking a total investment

of almost $8.05 billion in Australia’s renewable-energy industry. Our expertise, deep understanding of the renewable-energy sector and willingness to fund innovative and ground-breaking projects…’

John Lazarus Byron Bay

Bangalow Bowlo amalgamation

In reply to Sol Ibrahim’s letter (14 September): I totally agree that the future of Bangalow Bowlo is in the hands of the members. However, Sol is playing games with us by painting the Keep The Bowlo Local (KTBL) solution in glowing terms while picking the absolute worst possible scenario for the amalgamation with Norths Collective.

There are two risks: 1) The

Norths Collective sell off after ten years. 2) The KTBL group take over, but they fail. Of the two risks the KTBL is by far the bigger.

Norths Collective have been doing mergers for over 30 years and have not sold off one club.

However, if the KTBL group takeover fails, the Bowlo will either go into liquidation and we lose everything, or they claim they will consider an amalgamation with Cherry Street Bowling Club. Time they won’t have as this can take 12 months or more, even if Cherry Street is interested.

Sol talks about giving the club away but, with Norths Collective the Bowlo stays here in Bangalow, we will still be members and we will have a good financial club with upgraded facilities.

We don’t have that guarantee from KTBL.

KTBL claim they will make the club poker-machine-free, but in their financial plan they will be keeping them for at least six years. Why worry about getting rid of poker machines when the hotel has 19? Profits from club poker machines at least go back into the community unlike those at hotels. If this group is hell bent on getting rid of poker machines why keep them for six years or longer. Is this really a ‘pokie-free business plan’? (And why not get rid of alcohol too, it does more damage to the community.)

The MOU being developed by the Bangalow Bowlo and Norths Collective ensures that poker machines will be a small part of the future Continued from page 18

Mangroves keep carbon in the soil for 5,000 years

Marine forests are great long-term carbon sinks

Cosmos Magazine

On top of all their other dazzling biology, mangrove forests are massive carbon sinks.

In fact, according to new research on a Mexican mangrove forest, they can keep carbon out of the atmosphere for millennia.

A study published in Marine Ecology Progress Series has found that the carbon stored in peat under the mangrove forest is over 5,000 years old.

‘What’s special about these mangrove sites isn’t that they’re the fastest at carbon storage, but that they have kept the carbon for so long,’ says co-author Emma Aronson, an associate professor in microbiology and plant pathology at the University of California, Riverside, USA.

‘It is orders of magnitude more carbon storage than most other ecosystems in the region.’

It’s well known that

mangroves, like other plant ecosystems, are good at absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and storing it in soil, with the help of a range of different microbes.

In a wet, oxygen-low environment – like under mangrove forests – the organic matter can form carbon-rich peat.

But soil carbon storage is rarely permanent: over decades or centuries, the carbon is cycled back into the atmosphere.

The researchers set out to examine the microbial life, as well as the carbon and nitrogen storage, of marine mangrove forests near La Paz in Mexico.

They used radiometric dating to figure out the age of the peat, placing the oldest at 5,000 years, give or take about a century.

Protecting carbon for millennia

This extreme age surprised the researchers – while it’s not as old as the peat under Arctic or Antarctic permafrost, it’s much older than surrounding ecosystems.

They’re now hoping to examine other mangrove sites in North and Central America to see whether they have similarly ancient carbon.

‘These sites are protecting

carbon that has been there for millennia. Disturbing them would cause a carbon emission that we wouldn’t be able to repair any time soon,’ says first author Dr Matthew Costa, a coastal ecologist at University of California, San Diego, USA.

Costa says that protecting mangroves from disruption would have a significant effect on the climate.

‘If we let these forests keep functioning, they can retain the carbon they’ve sequestered out of our atmosphere, essentially permanently.

‘These mangroves have an important role in mitigating climate change.’

Pro Bono Cafe

Don’t miss

Monday 3rd Oct and 10th Oct

Free legal help. No strings attached.

From 9.30 am at Bay Leaf Café, Marvell St, Byron Bay.

This is a totally free no-string-attached legal service and we fund all the costs. Since 2009 it’s our 9th. Back after covid

Come along, have a free coffee, bring your legal problem.

Join Jonathan and meet the legal team in a relaxed scene and help us to help you.

The team: Dana, Emma, Jonathan and Justine

Matthew Costa exploring a mangrove forest in Mexico. Photo Ramiro Arcos Aguilar/UCSD

club. When Sol talks about poker machine revenue as $50k/pa I assume he means gross turnover… the actual profit is closer to $15k.

The current Bowlo board has every right to run the club and they have the right to negotiate an MOU. The members will be presented with the MOU and have the right to vote ‘YES’ or ‘NO’.

Imagine trying to do an MOU with every member having a say! It would never get done! We elect a board to run the club to avoid this type of idiocy.

As I understand it the Club owes the bank approximately $445k and the ATO $130k with a repayment plan negotiated for repayment by August 2023, provided each future BAS is paid in full. The next BAS is due late November and will be approximately $80–85k.

Last financial year the club had a loss of $213k. So far, this year, monthly losses have been in January, February, May, June, and August. Profits have been in March, April, and July with an overall loss of $34,713 for the first eight months of 2022.

All this despite professional and competent management by the board and staff who have been working

tirelessly and they are now able to get a resolution to the situation and do the right thing by the club and community.

Now let’s dream about the future as seen by KTBL group.

Studying their financial plan shows that revenue increases from $2.31million to $3.081 million in six years. An increase of $770,678.

Membership revenue will increase from $12.8k to $40k in three years… good luck there!

However, it is the costs where their figures become very suspicious. An increase from $2.252m to $2.539m in six years. Revenue up $770,678 but costs only up $287,204. Come on – this is not remotely realistic.

I was a Bangalow Bowlo board member 2012–19, Chairman of the Board 2013–19, life member and keen bowler and I ask that if you are thinking of voting ‘NO’ to the amalgamation please check out the KTBL proposal on their website for yourself.

It won’t take long to see the glaring holes and optimistic hopes, even for those who are not great with numbers.

Gerry Swain Newrybar

Degrowth

With honourable intentions and a clarion call for action, Richard Jones’s article on ‘Degrowth’ (21 September) raises some critical issues for those concerned about the state of the global environment and increasing social inequalities and injustices. Sit up and take notice.

By coincidence The Echo, same edition, has a letter by David Bradbury, and a rebuttal article by Damian Kassabgi, in relation to Chile where neoliberalist capitalism was ushered in an experiment by Chile, under the ruthless Pinochet dictatorship, courtesy of the USA, free-market economist Milton Friedman and the Chicago Boys, circa 1973. To this day, this odious doctrine, which is now economic orthodoxy, still permeates political economic discourse globally.

Inherent in capitalism’s logic is expansion and growth, all predicated on rates of exploitation, towards higher profits. As a result, the crises besetting the planet are exposing the inherent contradictions and global warming, climate change, environmental destruction, accelerating social/income inequalities,

and commodification of everything will only continue to increase.

Unfortunately, it will take more than middle class sensibilities’ hyperbole – ‘simplicity, sharing, and working together’; the powers that be fear nothing about the economic / political system of capitalism being dismantled and replaced, so the spectre of eco-fascism remains a real worry as the crisis unfolds. Understanding how political and economic power has manifested in our institutions, and is used by the mainstream media to shape public opinion, and most importantly how and who benefits, remain vital, for bringing about positive change. Identifying political agency that serves the interests of ordinary people and protects ecological integrity is a step towards creating a better, more just, inclusive world.

The so called ‘communist’ (Stalinist) regimes, as ‘existing communism’ were never that, just authoritarian, undemocratic, and moribund, doomed to fail, and served as no example to follow.

The Degrowth Movement is not homogeneous and is vague about what is proposed change the capitalist system to, or how to work

within it, and what needs to be done, especially the decoupling of the economy. All vitally important questions to find genuine democratic solutions.

Boyd Kellner Newrybar

Opposition strategy?

At times one has to admit that credit has to definitely be given where credit is due. Opposition leader Peter Dutton and deputy Opposition leader Sussan Ley, (God love them both) are doing a stellar job in their new roles after the humiliating election drubbing the Liberals received on 21 May.

They seem to have developed a deliberate strategy of quiet invisible opposition, like not just being content with wanting to keep a low profile at the Labor government’s very important Jobs and Skills Summit – where all affected parties were brought together in an attempt to find common ground in fixing Australia’s massive skills shortage and low wage problems. They decided, in their infinite wisdom, not to attend at all. Poor Sussan (bless her soul) seemed to be totally confused as to where she actually was by claiming to be in Lismore talking to ‘real

people’ instead of sitting down with ‘union thugs’ at the summit; but alas Sussan got caught out, she was actually in a TV studio in Sydney doing an interview with ‘TV people’.

So, please, Peter and Sussan, keep doing exactly what you are doing and don’t get replaced with someone more intelligent; if your present polling is any indication, Labor is a shoo-in next election.

Keith Duncan Pimlico

While we wait for the next flooding event – which easily could be worse than our previous ones – what have we done to prevent more flooding?

I am feeling a lot of frustration with our Byron ShIre Council because it does not seem to be addressing the main issue with the flooding. Basically, too much water piling up into one narrow outlet in the case of South Golden Beach, Ocean Shores, and Fernbeach. Brunswick Heads and Mullumbimby all sharing the same outflow into the sea.

There is a huge cost every time we flood.

Debra Simpson Ocean Shores

White Horses and Dark Knights

If you’ve read The Queen’s Gambit

Putting your ‘queen’ money where your mouth is

Eve Jeffery

I’ve never felt much either way about the queen. I’ve never held her in as much disdain as I’ve held some of our prime ministers, and never held her in as much esteem as I have held, for example, Uncle Archie Roach. But the old dear has died and it seems the world has gone a bit nuts – and that has caused me to take a closer look at what the queen means to me – and to my country.

Sometimes we go along blindly in our lives and it’s not until we stop and think that we go ‘shit!’.

Here’s an example – I never really thought about the animals I was eating until I stopped and thought about the animals. Their lives, their parents, their children and their pain. And once I did that, I became an annoying vegan pretty quickly.

Taking a closer look

So when I stopped to think about ‘our’ queen and her death, and what it meant to me, it made me take a closer look at the monarchy.

Many of us have read the tales of King Arthur and the Round Table, and it’s all very romantic and jewelencrusted. Millions of us sat and watched the now King Charles III, marry a 20-yearold. Think about that for a minute – if my 20-year-old daughter wanted to marry a thirty-two-year-old, I’d be wanting to take a really close look at how that was going to work (I am not saying it can’t and doesn’t work, but I’d be wanting to make

When the world body FIDE split the World Youth Championships into two separate events – U/18, 16 and 14 held apart from the U/12, 10 and 8 events – it became much harder for Australian juniors to compete in these events.

Not only were families unlikely to want to split siblings, but the cost of a shared team coach also doubled. (The cost of these events, almost always held in Europe, was already prohibi tive for many, with players and parents forced to stay at a particular hotel charging ripoff rates and with the national federation offering no financial support.)

Earlier this month, the older divi sions – retaining the name World Youth Championships and held in Romania – attracted more than 500 players but none from Australia or New Zealand and only two entries in total from the area covering China to New Zealand.

The ongoing World Cadet Championships in Georgia’s Olympic city Batumi did better, attracting four Australians amongst the 747 com petitors.

Our standout performer has been Melbourne’s Rheyansh Annapureddy, who started the U/8 Open event with 5/5 and has chances to become Australia’s first medallist since 2009. (In that year Bobby Cheng won the U/12 event while Anton Smirnov

bloody sure of his intentions – right?)

Back then it was all very cute and very romantic. But we didn’t think about the consequences of that.

How do you become a queen?

If you stop – and think –about how kings and queens become kings and queens, what you realise is most of their wealth comes from conquering. Conquering lands, conquering people, conquering cultures – pretty much war, rape and pillage. There’s not a lot of backbreaking hole digging or field ploughing happening in royal history. Well, there is –but not a lot of it done BY the royals – they have subjects for that.

Speaking up

The death of the queen has prompted many Indigenous people to speak

finished tied for second in the U/8s.)

Australia’s best under 12 player, Jayden Ooi, is not present in Georgia, but showed his worth in the Nell van de Graaff Classic, held on the Gold Coast last weekend.

The event was won by the only Grandmaster in the field, Zhao Zong Yuan. However, Ooi led for the first two thirds of the tournament and only an upset loss in the final round (to The Echo’s David Lovejoy) prevented him from finishing tied for second place. Ooi also won the most brilliant game of the tournament, defeating Australia’s top rated junior (U/20), Sravan Renjith, 14(!).

Gold Coast van de Graaff Classic 2022 White: J Ooi Black: S Renjith Opening: Catalan 1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.g3 e6 4.Bg2 c5 5.0-0 Nc6 6.b3 Be7 7.Bb2 0-0 8.e3 Qc7?! Lulled by White’s quiet play, Renjith plays slackly. 8...b6 was healthiest. 9.Ne5 Rd8?! 10.Nd2 Nxe5 11.dxe5 Nd7 12.f4 f6? Mistimed. 12... b5 was better, although after 13.Qh5 White retains attacking chances. 13.Qg4! f5 14.Qe2 Rb8 15.g4! g6?! Now Black will be hit from every direction. 15...Nf8 was necessary. 16.gxf5 gxf5 17.c4! dxc4 18.Nxc4 b5 19.Nd6! Bxd6 20.exd6 Qxd6 21.Qh5 Now White’s bishop on b2 is a monster, though White’s finishing combination is very pretty. 21...Qe7 22.Rf3! Nf8 23.Rg3+ Ng6 24.Rxg6+! hxg6 25.Qxg6+ Kf8 26.Bf6! Qd6 If 26...Qf7 White has 27.Qh6+! Ke8 28.Bc6+! Bd7 29.Bf3!, winning the queen. 27.Qg7+ Ke8 28.Bc6+ Bd7 29.Qg8+ Qf8 30.Qxe6+! 1-0

their minds. It has given rise to Blak Fellas telling us about their vision of the queen; a sovereign who took their sovereignty; a leader who lauded her power – inherited power from her ancestors, who were basically a bunch of mongrels and inbreds – and used that power over their ancestors.

This land, the Great Southern Land, was never ceded. I might just say that again so you can think about it. This land was never ceded

In the name of royalty, this land was conquered, the people were conquered, the culture was conquered – pretty much war, rape and pillage of the people who were here first.

What’s next?

Where does the death of the queen leave us now?

It will cost the government a lot of money to change the countenance from thequeen to King Charles III on our money, our coins and on a myriad of other official documents and signage and paraphernalia and bits and bobs.

But, no more, in fact, than it would cost them to put anyone’s face on coins and documents and replace them with the likes of Uncle Archie Roach, Uncle Jack Charles, and Aunty Oodgeroo Noonuccal.

Sign of the times

The queen is dead and I believe, so is the relevance of the monarchy in Australia –it’s a sign!

One thing I really object to is the public holiday. It seems ridiculous to me that we don’t have a public holiday when some incredible Australians pass away, yet we will stop the country, (as does a horse race), to give people some time off to remember a monarch whose family stole a bunch of really cool stuff: like Australia.

I personally object to this. And don’t think I should be able to scour an extra 1.5 times work dollars, per hour, from my employer to ‘remember’ a queen I’m not even interested in.

The hardship this death is going to cause this already financially COVID-fire-flood strapped nation is bloody redonkulous!

Silent protest

I say it’s time to put our money where our mouth is as far as this public holiday is concerned. We need to make a silent personal protest – we can all rub our hands together and enjoy the extra cash, but are we selling our soul for 1.5 extra pieces of silver – per hour? If it actually means something coming out of, or rather, not going into your pocket, then that’s a real protest.

My suggestion is, if you will unavoidably be paid extra money this week, use it to buy goods and services from an Indigenous company or donate it to a worthy cause for Indigenous people.

If you want to have a minute’s silence today, have a minute’s silence for the deaths of all Indigenous people and mourn them and the loss of their sovereign lands.

Make the queen’s death matter to the people her family stole from, and please stop and think. Because when we don’t stop and think about things, that’s when people literally get away with murder.

Uncle Archie Roach. Photo Tree Faerie

Urban trees and forests are very vulnerable to climate change: how should we shore them up?

New research predicts most of our favourite city trees are at risk from global warming.

Cosmos Magazine

More than half our urban trees are at risk as global warming heats up the planet.

That’s the salient news from new research which shows that by 2050 more than three-quarters of urban tree species will be at risk from the changing climate.

Urban trees are crucial air-conditioners: the shade they provide and water they transpire can lower the temperature by several degrees. This makes them important protections against increasingly deadly urban heat.

But, just like people, urban trees and forests are vulnerable to warmer weather.

A new study published in Nature Climate Change is aimed at policy makers.

‘This paper is for governments to identify those trees that are potentially vulnerable,’ says lead author Dr Manuel EsperonRodriguez, a researcher at Western Sydney University’s Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment.

The international team of researchers used data from the Global Urban Tree Inventory to analyse 3,129 urban tree species from 164 cities in 78 different countries.

They compared the trees’ natural tolerance limits to the expected temperature and rainfall conditions for

each of the cities in both 2050 and 2070.

They found 56 per cent of urban tree species are already living in areas where the temperature range exceeds their natural preference.

Even more urban tree species – 65 per cent – are living under abnormal rainfall levels.

70 per cent or more urban trees at risk of stress

Assuming that emissions continue to increase after 2050, peaking around 2060 (based on a commonly used scenario called RCP 6.0), the researchers found that 76 per cent of urban tree species would be at risk from temperature and 70 per cent will be stressed by changing rainfall.

Cities closer to the equator are particularly vulnerable, as are Australian cities.

Perth can expect 83 per cent of its urban tree species to be at risk by 2030 – and it has the most optimistic prediction. In Darwin, nearly all species will be at risk.

‘Common native tree species found in at least ten Australian cities, which are expected to experience climate conditions beyond their natural tolerance limits by 2050, include manna gum, swamp gum, yellow box, narrow-leaved peppermint, blackwood and brush box,’ says senior author Associate Professor Rachael Gallagher, also at also at Western Sydney University.

‘Many well-loved, nonnative urban trees are at risk too – species like jacaranda, oaks, elms, poplars and silver birch.’

Fortunately, there are ways to plan for and remedy this risk.

‘Trees can adapt, and present plasticity in the traits that can allow them to tolerate harsh conditions,’ says Esperon-Rodriguez.

‘When we say that those are species are at risk, we are not saying that they are going to die. We are just saying that they might experience stressful conditions based on their tolerance,’ says Esperon-Rodriguez.

Vulnerable tree species can be protected with smarter watering and management, according to Esperon-Rodriguez, while local governments and city planners can identify which trees will be more hardy when they’re planting.

Time to think

‘This is an option for managers and urban planners to say, “Okay, this is how we can start thinking where we want to plant different species within the city”.’

Some city councils are already doing this – EsperonRodriguez highlights the City of Sydney’s urban forest strategy as an example.

Another is the City of Adelaide.

‘In December 2021 the City of Adelaide adopted a corporate Climate Change Risk Adaptation Action Plan,’ says Ilia Houridis, director of City Shaping at Adelaide.

‘One of the actions in the current financial year is to review the current species planting list and revise to ensure a more climate resilient species mix.’

Esperon-Rodriguez emphasises planting as a particularly important

mitigation tactic.

‘All the major benefits that are provided by urban forests are mainly delivered by the big trees,’ he says.

‘So if we are planting things that are going to be failing today, then there are going to be problems in the future.

‘But if we make sure that what we are planting today is going to grow and survive over the next 20, 30, 40, 50 years, then we will be securing urban forests for the future generations.’

School Holidays

Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Want to get up close and personal and learn more about our Australian wildlife? Have an unforgettable handson encounter at the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary with one of their incredible experiences: from meeting an amazing snake, or Socrates the barn owl, to meeting cute sugar gliders Sebastian & Samson, who are guaranteed to make you smile.

During the school holidays kids can become a Wildlife Guardian or a Keeper for a Day and go behind the scenes, learning about conservation and caring for our wildlife. There’s something for everyone at the Sanctuary!

byronbaywildlifesanctuary.com.au 419 Hinterland Way, Knockrow

Balloon Aloft

Spring has sprung and what better way to celebrate these school holidays than with a family hot air balloon flight! Kids and parents alike will enjoy the delight of flight and glorious sunrise light above the Northern Rivers region. Being out in nature together, seeing the break of day and learning about the first form of aviation is a great way to make treasured memories. Ballooning is a truly fun morning out together –including plenty of precious bonding time and also a delicious breakfast afterwards at the Three Blue Ducks restaurant, The Farm.

Hop aboard and join them any day of the week by visiting www.balloonaloftbyronbay or calling their friendly reservations team on 1300 723 279

The Mullumbimby Chocolate Shop

It’s school holidays at the Mullumbimby Chocolate Shop! Did you know that they have award-winning premium Italian gelato? Choose from 18 flavours of gelato and sorbet. Like a few toppings on your gelato? They’ve got you covered!

Get in for some old fashioned fun and make a lolly bag at their famous Chocolate and Lolly bar, with over 100 lollies to choose from! They’ve also got slushees, gourmet chocolates, fudge, brittles, licorice and so much more!

See you at ‘the sweetest shop in town!’ Shop 1/104 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby 6684 4825

The Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra returns

The popular NRYO returns from 4–6 October after a two-year hiatus. Scores of young musicians from across the region – including buddies from the SYO and Sydney and Queensland conservatoriums – will converge on the Northern Rivers Conservatorium to become the Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra 2022. The three-day workshop will culminate in a free finale concert at The Whitebrook Theatre, SCU, at 6.30pm on 6 October.

Now in its ninth year, the NRYO 2022 programme provides regional music students with the opportunity to experience the benefits of playing together in a large ensemble.

Other events include tomorrow’s virtuoso performance by Avi Avital and Giovanni Sollima (29 September). The Youth Jazz Orchestra will be performing at the Lismore Show, collaborating with The Hot Potato Band for the Music in Schools ‘Big Play Day’, and supporting vocalists for the Singers’ Showcase in December.

In the meantime, the building refurbishment continues, with ensemble and tuition spaces ready and admin offices, bathrooms, and IT infrastructure almost finished.

Participants can enrol at: enrol.nrcac.edu.au

Calling all creative kids!

These holidays join the Gallery Facilitator in the Tweed Regional Gallery foyer for a free drop-in art play activity.

‘Easy Breezy’ is inspired by the exhibition Modern Beloved by Rosi Griffin. Children will create their own 2D works using watercolour, graphic markers and stencilling techniques, as well as embellishing 3D forms with drawing, stickers, and markers.

Date and times:

. Wednesday 28 September, 11am–1pm

. Friday 30 September, 11am–1pm

. Wednesday 5 October, 11am–1pm

. Friday 7 October, 11am–1pm

Easy Breezy is a free program open to children during the school holidays. Art play activities suit children aged 6–14 years.

For more info on the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre in Murwillumbah, visit the Gallery website gallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au

2 Mistral Rd, South Murwillumbah 02 6670 2790

School Holidays

SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN AT THE GALLERY! ART PLAY: EASY BREEZY

Join us for a free drop-in activity inspired by the exhibition Modern Beloved by Rosi Griffin. 11am – 1pm Wed 28 Sep / Fri 30 Sep / Wed 5 Oct / Fri 7 Oct 2022 No bookings required. Ages 6–14 years.

Image:

School Holidays

The Listies at Byron Theatre

Family Favourites The Listies are coming to the Byron Theatre with a hysterical new show – Saturday 8 October, 10.30am.

After a huge season at Edinburgh Fringe, The Listies, maestros of ‘kidult’ and family friendly comedy, are coming to the Byron Theatre with their hilarious school holiday show, The Listies: ROFL (Rolling on the Floor Laughing).

A bonkers sketch comedy extravaganza made just for kids, ROFL sees The Listies tackle the most tortuous family situation of all: BEDTIME.

The multi-award-winning duo behind the show are Matthew Kelly and Richard Higgins. To date, they have written and produced nine criticallyacclaimed live shows, three ‘owl bums’, and several books published by Penguin. They can also be seen on ABC TV’s The Listies Work for Peanuts.

Featuring toilet paper cannons, a real life cowasaurus, lullabies of doom, detachable legs, and a panoply of puns, ROFL is just as much fun for adults as it is for children. For parents with kids 5+ it’s a brilliant way to introduce them to theatre.

Book tickets now at byrontheatre.com

Calling all budding doctors, nurses and curious minds!

The Tweed Regional Museum’s kids’ holiday program is inspired by the latest show, Cure All, that explores medicine and health in the Tweed. Marvel at over 200 fascinating objects from the collection, including surgical equipment, vintage first aid kits, cure-oil concoctions, and potions.

‘Tone up your general system’ by inventing an imaginative potion at the Kids’ Potion Making Workshops. Kids create their very own potion using simple science and a healthy dose of creativity.

Drop into the Kids’ Surgery Station, pop on a doctor’s coat and stethoscope and explore the human skeleton or relax in the Healing Garden workshop space and create a seedling sculpture.

Free. Multiple dates and times available. museum.tweed.nsw.gov.au

Ma ng SPACES

Plateau L dscaפ Supp es, Alst lle

Now is the time to get your garden ready for summer. The team at Plateau Landscape Supplies can supply you with everything you will need to prepare your garden for the summer months ahead. You can create the outdoor landscape of your dreams, perfect for entertaining friends and family. Whether you’re looking for an amazing new water feature, plants, pavers or pots, they are your garden and landscaping superstore, conveniently located in Alstonville. Come and wander through the north coast’s largest landscaping yard. You’re sure to find some gems to inspire you.

14 Kays Lane, Alstonville plateaulandscapesupplies.com.au 02 6788 1234

Miss Tr Nursery

Spring has sprung and it’s the perfect time of year for gardening. Native Plants are a popular choice owing to their diversity, beauty, hardiness and the environmental benefits they give. Miss Tree offers a huge range of quality natives, specialising in grevillea and varieties best suited for our subtropical climate.

Here is, a sample of what customers have been saying: ‘Perfect, best value for money nursery around and Stephanie’s knowledge is endless.’

‘A very pleasant experience, especially appreciated for the clear and thorough information, a gorgeous place to buy.’

‘Beautiful healthy plants and the price is the best.’

Find Miss Tree nursery in the scenic Byron hinterland, 420 Rosebank Rd, Rosebank Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am to 3pm.

Call Stephanie 0448974421 www.misstree.com.au

Byr H e Do It Y rself Are y a DIY-er at he t?

Are you looking to add some sleek architectural concrete with classic function in your home but don’t know where to start? It can be challenging knowing how to take on a larger scale home project without guidance or support.

That’s why Hungry Wolf Studio Director, Ollie Stephens, focuses on teaching you his tricks-of-the-trade. So that you can take control of the vision for your home or business and make it a reality, without wasting time searching YouTube. Whether you want concrete floating stairs, barbeques or bench tops, he’s got you covered.

For decades he’s been serving the local community by creating award-winning luxury concrete works, but now he’s opening it up for you to learn. Join The Wolf Pack today!

Cabarita Beach

@hungrywolfstudio training@hungrywolfstudio.com

P low Talk at Beds R Us

Byr Bay

Do you go to bed and spend the night flipping and angling your pillow to get comfy or often wake up with a sore neck?

While your mattress is often the first to be blamed for a restless night’s sleep, the quality of your pillow can affect how well you sleep at night.

When it comes to pillows, there’s no one-size-fits-all, and that’s why they have a huge range of pillows at Beds R Us Byron Bay, to cater for all different sleep styles, individual preferences and unique requirements.

Come in, chill out and lie down at Beds R Us Byron Bay.

16 Brigantine Street Byron A&I Estate 6685 5212

Eden at Byr

It’s spring time! And Eden at Byron is celebrating with some fantastic specials to help you get your garden growing.

You’ll find a great range of all the easy-togrow herbs including basil, parsley, thyme and chives, as well as heaps of different tomato and chilli varieties. It’s the perfect time to experiment with all the delicious salad leaves – they look just as pretty in the garden as they do in the salad bowl.

Growing your own vegetables is a fabulous way to enjoy some of the more unusual heirloom varieties that can be hard to find.

Blueberries, strawberries, passionfruit and pawpaw are wonderful fruiting plants for the impatient gardener – you will be harvesting within a few months.

Sale ends Sunday, 9 October. 140 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay 02 6685 6874

R nbow Po r C p y

Like many businesses in the Northern Rivers, Rainbow Power Company was deeply affected by the flooding events of February 2022. Our factory in Nimbin was cut off in every direction by flooding and landslides, the majority of our staff were unable to reach our workplace for several weeks. Sadly some lost their homes entirely.

Fortunately we had established robust systems for working from home during the pandemic, enabling work to resume once telecommunications were restored. The initial focus post-flood was caring for our many customers who were impacted, ensuring their power systems were safe, and restoring their supply as quickly as possible.

Warranty and insurance replacements continue, even now, as the community slowly rebuilds. Supplying alternative power solutions for 35 years RPC continues to display strength, resilience and strong community bonds. rpc.com.au 02 6689 1430

MullyWood Stu os

MullyWood Studios is a new timber slab and unique joinery showroom based in the Mullumbimby Industrial estate.

Darren and the team are passionate about sustainable finished timber and have an extensive range featuring; Camphor Laurel, Black Butt, Red Cedar and native timbers. Be inspired by the swirling grains and let the team guide you through the design and completion of your stunning mantelpiece, shelves or bespoke furniture. Currently, the team are working on some large-scale dining tables highlighting the natural edges of the camphor combined with their own natural custom wood carving technique.

Equipped with large-scale Thicknessing and Sanding machines they are also able to process and finish any scope of job including commercial fit-outs. Come and check out their new range of Camphor Slabs!

45 Manns Road, Mullumbimby 0481 780 646 mullywood.com.au

1 BALLINA PRO CLEANING

If you are looking for a weekly/fortnightly clean of your house or office, get in touch with us! We’re a small business specialising in small-scale cleans of homes and holiday properties in and around Byron. We use eco-friendly products and maintain a high-standard quality in our practice. Rates starting from $225. 2/17 Tasman Way Byron Bay admin@ballinaprocleaning.com.au

2 HONEY HUNT LEGGINGS

SPRING into gorgeous new designs! Pair with super comfy NEW long cotton tops – dress up, workout or take time to relax in fashion that’s sewn and printed locally, featuring original artworks. When you shop here you are supporting ethical Australian Made fashion and local jobs. It’s the ultimate slow clothing that’s beautifully made, for women. Their mantra: ‘You are a honey!’.

Shop 2, 1 Centennial Cct, Byron Arts & Industry Mon–Fri 10am–4pm. Sat 11am–3pm. 0408 766 546 www.honeyhunt.style

HABITAT PRECINCT

3 KIDO

The ultimate location for kids’ fashion in the Northern Rivers, with new stock from international brands Bobo Choses, Weekend House Kids, The Animals Observatory, and many more. They also stock all of your favourite local designers, so now is the perfect time to drop in, say ‘Hi’, and shop their newest selection.

Shop 7, 18 Centennial Cct, Byron Bay www.kidostore.com @kidostore

4 WEAVE GUITARS

Weave Guitars is your local guitar custom shop. They specialise in setups and repairs, from the simplest to the trickiest. They like to work with every kind of instrument and they always provide a free quote for any job. Check their website for a gallery of their creations. Make your next appointment by email or text message.

0413 470 775 contact@weaveguitars.com.au weaveguitars.com.au 2/2 Acacia Street, Byron Bay

5 STONE & WOOD

Rain, hail, or fingers crossed – shine shine shine, the Brewery courtyard is the perfect place to catch up with mates over a fresh beer and a meal. Live music on Sunday afternoons and good vibes all week long. The whole family is welcome, including the doggo, so there’s no excuse not to take time out over a cold one.

100 Centennial Cct Byron Bay

6 PRICELINE PHARMACY

Infinity Pharmacy has recently rebranded and is now Priceline Pharmacy Byron West, located at Byron Bay Fair.

Did you know that Priceline Pharmacy is Australia’s leading pharmacy, health & beauty store? Come check out their new store and the products and services they have to offer. www.priceline.com.au 02 6680 7725 byronbayfair.com.au 20 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay Fair

7 LOCALLY ROASTED BUN COFFEE

Open Monday to Saturday : 6am to 3pm. Unit 15–17, 1A Banksia Drive, Byron Bay. 02 6680 9798 www.buncoffee.com.au ARTS INDUSTRY

A good coffee changes everything. Choose from ethically sourced Certified Organic, Rainforest Alliance, Fair Trade, Australian grown blends or compostable coffee pods. All traceable to origin. Want to travel a bit further afield? Explore the Single Origin Bar and taste the world of coffee through the unique Single Origin collection from over 40 countries.

BYRON ARTS & INDUSTRY ESTATE

BYRON ARTS & INDUSTRY

8 CLUB SANGA

The fresh and fast lunch option made with local veggies and seasonally sourced ingredients, showcasing simple sangas and salads that pack a flavour punch whilst satisfying your health needs. They offer DELIVERY ONLY, of Subscriptions, Bundles and Squad Catering to hungry humans throughout the Byron Shire area. Their motto is: ‘Simple, tasty and fresh – so lettuce take care of you!’ @clubsanga www.clubsanga.com No street address available. Online orders only

9 PAINTED EARTH

A healthier start. A beautiful finish. Painted Earth supplies modern, beautiful eco-friendly paint, render and wood finishes to those who value health, sustainability and care for our planet.

Established over 15 years. Products for homes and commercial fit outs.

Open Mon–Fri: 7.30am–4pm Sat: 10am–2pm 1 Brigantine St, Byron Bay www.painted-earth.com.au 0431 721 073

10 B SMOOTHIE BAR

Same Bare Blends products.

Same Bare Blends recipes.

Consistent hours: Monday–Friday, 8am–3pm. Saturday, 8am–2pm.

Awesome happy team creating awesome fast smoothies for you.

@bsmoothiebar Lot 44 Bayshore Drive (neighbours of Tigmi Trading)

11 BYRON BAY TRADERS

A collective of creative spirits

The studio offers a distinctive marketplace for local makers, artists and designers to showcase their unique products to the community, and allows the community to discover, explore and connect to their innate creative expression by offering craft workshops, crafty parties, live music, markets, and gigs. It can also be hired for photoshoots and private events.

@byronbaytraders hello@byronbaytraders.com.au 17 Banksia Dr, Byron Bay 0416 026 257

12 CROSSFIT BYRON BAY

CrossFit Byron Bay will become the best hour of your day or the best week of your year. They run, jump, squat, push, pull, climb, lift and skip together because they know that everything is easier when you’re working beside a friend. They prioritise moving well before they add intensity and believe that CrossFit is for every body.

74 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay 0423 618 308 crossfitbyronbay.com crossfitwanderlustbyronbay@ gmail.com

13 VAMPT VINTAGE DESIGN

Vampt has now moved to their new large showroom in the Arts & Industry Estate.

The open space lends to showcasing the stunning array of mid-century pieces they have been sourcing from around the World – Denmark, Holland, Italy, Brazil, Australia and more.

Authenticity and real design, built to last a lifetime!

Vampt is open Tues–Thur 10am–4pm, Fri: 10am–3pm, Sat: 10am–2pm. Cnr Bayshore Dr & Banksia Dr, Byron Bay Dave: 0414 806 549 www.vamptvintagedesign.com @vamptvintagedesign @etenity.design.collection

14 MR SIMPLE

More than a clothes store, The Department is a place to find dependable products that stand the test of time. An eclectic collection of clothing, eskies, furniture, books, shoes, drinkware, and even a barbershop, the common thread is simple – only stuff they love gets in the door. If you need something for a weekend barbeque or your mate’s birthday, The Department is your spot.

Habitat, Shop 39–41, 1 Porter Street, Byron Bay @departmentofsimplethings

15 VAGABOND BYRON BAY

Plant-based goodness cafe • Awesome coffee •

All milks available • Smoothies to dream about • Delicious in-house baked cakes and treats • Yummy food • No bookings required.

Outside seating for 50 patrons, or lay on the lawn under the shady poinciana in the centre courtyard.

Open Monday to Saturday: 6.30am–3pm. Sunday: 8am–2pm.

Habitat, Shop 33–34, 1 Porter Street, Byron Bay @vagabondbyronbay

16 HIGHSPEC PROPERTIES BUYERS AGENTS

HighSpec Properties are the proud winners of both REINSW Awards for excellence: Buyers Agency and Buyers Agent of the year 2022 HighSpec Properties is dedicated to helping you own your own slice of Byron Bay and the Northern Rivers.

Ground floor, Habitat Building, 20 Fullerton Lane, Byron Bay 1300 HISPEC www.highspecproperties.com.au

17 SHACK PALACE

Visit the Shack Palace concept store and experience an immaculately curated selection of objects designed for ritual and mindfulness in our homes, including artisan handcrafted tea and coffee wares, linen, ceramics, glassware and small furnishings, as well as organic skincare, fragrances, incense and candles. Follow this local family @shackpalace on their journey in rethinking the way we live in our homes.

Habitat, Shop 8, 1 Porter Street, Byron Bay @shackpalace www.shackpalace.com shop@shackpalace.com

18 ANANDA CLINICS

Ananda Clinics is a local medical practice fusing a passion for patient care, with the power of therapeutic plant-based medicines. Their team of General Practitioners and Registered Nurses work with each patient individually to make sure you feel comfortable, confident, and in the hands of qualified medical experts.

Book now at anandaclinics.com.au Suite 56, 1 Porter St, Habitat 02 5624 5024

19 BARRIO EATERY & BAR

Barrio brings together the local community in a relaxed environment for all-day dining.

The wood-fired oven and open-flame grill is the heart of the restaurant.

Keep an eye on socials for daily specials.

1 Porter Street, North Byron Mon–Tues: 7am–3pm. Wed–Sat: 7am–10pm. www.barriobyronbay.com.au @barriobyronbay 0411 323 165

Eateries

Step away from the centre of town and into a shimmering oasis away from crowds.

Kitchen open Sun-Thu 11.30am8.30pm / Fri & Sat 11.30am-9.30pm

Bar open daily 11.30am-late Bottleshop open daily 10am-8pm hello@northbyronhotel.com.au

No Bones

Vegan Bar and Kitchen. 11 Fletcher Street 0481 148 007

Open Tuesday to Sunday Book online: www.nobonesbyronbay.com.au

Loft Byron Bay

4 Jonson Street, Byron Bay 6680 9183

Book online: www.loftbyronbay.com.au

The Italian Byron Bay

21, 108 Jonson St, Byron Bay

Open Monday to Saturday 5.30pm to late 5633 1216 www.theitalianbyronbay.com

Legend Pizza

Serving Byron Bay for 30 years. Open 7 days and nights. Delivery from Suffolk to Ewingsdale. 90-96 Jonson Street 6685 5700 www.legendpizza.com.au

Main Street

Open for takeaway daily, 12 midday dinner. more details –@mainstreet_burgerbar 18 Jonson Street 6680

Success Thai

Mon–Fri lunch & dinner, closed Sundays. Lunch 12 noon–3pm. Dinner from 5–8.30pm. 3/31 Lawson St, Byron Bay www.facebook.com/ pages/Success-ThaiFood/237359826303469

The Rocks

Brunch

6.30am–2pm, Thu–Mon 16 Lawson St, Byron Bay 6685 7663 Menus at therocksbyronbay.com.au @therocksbyronbay

Like tucked away treasure, the North Byron Hotel is a thriving mecca of good food, great music, laughter and the ‘chilled Byron Bay vibes’. Eat Drink Discover

TACO TUESDAYS / $5 tacos

SUNDAY SESSIONS / $7 sliders, $6 beers, $15 cocktails

HAPPY HOUR / 5–6pm $12 margaritas, $7 wines, $6 beers

LOCAL DJ from 5pm

#BRUSSELSNOTBEEF

Incredible cocktails, locals beers & all-day snacks and food to share, with ocean views.

Happy Hour | Every day 4–6pm $6 Loft lager or wine, $10 Aperol Spritz, $14 Margarita & $2 fresh oysters Espresso Martini Nights | Every day 9–11pm 2 for $20 Classic Espresso Martini. Open every day from 4pm till late.

The Italian Byron Bay provides a bustling, atmospheric restaurant, dishing up contemporary inspired Italian cuisine and some of Byron’s finest cocktails and wines.

OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY. BOOKINGS CAN BE MADE BY PHONE OR THROUGH OUR WEBSITE. WALK-INS VERY WELCOME.

Byron’s

Order online and

Catering for up to 100 people dinner.

BYO

Locally owned and operated. Scan code for menu.

Open for takeaway daily, 12 midday until dinner.

Menu and more details

@mainstreet_burgerbar

‘Make a meal of it’

Add chips and a drink, just $5.

All your favourites, every lunch and dinner. Experienced Thai chefs cooking fresh, delicious Thai food for you.

BYO only.

Welcome for lunch, dinner and takeaway. Menus available on Facebook.

The Rocks is back in business!

We have a range of freshly sourced dishes, Reverence coffee, and hand-made juices and smoothies at locals prices.

Fully licensed, all day brunch and happy hour from 11am. Check out our new dishes on Instagram!

Barrio

1 Porter

Mon–Tues: 7am–3pm 7am–10pm

Barrio wood-fired and open-flame grill of the restaurant.

Keep an eye on socials for daily specials.

Coffee, malawach rolls, pita pockets, falafel, in for an authentic atmosphere. Dine-in or

Something for all tastes, from epic burgers to vegan delights. Enjoy delectable treats and good vibes at this Mullum icon. and pay online! the QR code to view menu and through Mr Yum. orders welcome. Takeaway is on the whole Sunday roast lunch. Mullumbimby

Wahlburgers in Byron

Simon Haslam

Walking into Wahlburgers on Sunday arvo, the sun was shining, the staff were smiling, there was a nice vibe and from our table we had a view of Jonson St from the deck above Woolworths – the experience was ‘pretty darn good’. The service was friendly and quick and there was soon a margarita in hand, plus, if you’re there at the right time Thursday to Sunday, you can also catch live music, making it a good spot to while away the weekend.

Wahlburgers is a USA-based family-owned casual burger restaurant and sports bar with 94 stores, including in Sydney at Opera Quays, and now in Byron, with Surfers Paradise opening in a few weeks (opposite the beach on Cavill Mall). It’s owned by Chef Paul, and singer/actor brothers Donnie Wahlberg (New Kids on the Block founding member) and Mark Wahlberg (remember Marky Mark – he’s also done lots of movies). There are plans for around 20 more Aussie stores, at which, in our honour, they even serve an Aussie burger; the Our Burger with beetroot, pineapple, a fried egg and bacon. Chef Paul also created Vegemite Aioli, especially for us Aussies.

They have a wide array of food and drinks on the menu. There are classic burgers and some fancy ones including Truffle Burger and Portobello Mushroom Burger, as well as the plant-based ‘Impossible Burger,’ which is done in what they call a simple style with cheese, caramelised onions, lettuce, spicy tomato and a generous serve of special ‘Wahl sauce’ – all the 17-odd sauces and dressings are housemade. There are gluten-free buns available, and for those who don’t want the standard ‘light’ burger bun, many of the burgers come in a salad style. For example, the ‘Crispy Schnitty’, and also the ‘Salmon and Street Corn’ salad both sounded pretty good.

There are a massive number of individual items that can be added to your order, including sides and starters, and there’s a kids menu – they will even have buttermilk pancakes, granola, smashed avo and an ‘Aussie Brekkie’ on the breakfast menu, which will be available when they start opening for breakfast.

There’s a lot more to try than just burgers – I really liked the Truffle Parmesan fries, tossed in truffle oil and served with truffle aioli, and we didn’t even make it into the ‘American Classics’, nor try items like the adults-only Spider (yes, an ice cream spider, but with Jack Daniels), or the dessert menu (the Bananas Foster, with vanilla ice cream, bananas and caramel sauce, which also comes as an ‘Adult Shake’ with dark rum and banana liqueur).

Whilst there’s plenty for the youthful palate there’s also a full bar range of beers (including the house ‘Wahlbrewski’), cocktails, wines, and plenty of individual base and premium spirits, raising the possibility of personalising not only what you order, but also what you drink, making this restaurant a place where everyone can find their ideal choices.

Wahlburgers Byron: Upstairs at Mercato 108-114 Jonson St.

Open Mon–Sun, 11am–9pm (soon to be open for breakfast).

Ph 1300 924 528 or wahlburgers.com.au

Monty’s: strawberries and insanity

‘Strawberries are insanely amazing,’ I hear Dave (‘Monty’) tell one customer. Regarding his punnets – three sizes, family, medium, and small – of joyously radiantly red, perfectly proportioned berries, who am I to argue?

For over thirty years Dave has been cultivating and selling this fruit. His vast plantation in the Tweed is under shelter, so he never has a bad season. A perfectionist, he strives each year –planting in April, and the season is over by early December – to make each crop better than the previous, but when I ask him how he can improve on perfection, and where does it all end, he looks at me as if I’m mad.

Yet there’s definitely something of the zealot about this man, who starts over from scratch each season, removing every piece of debris from the previous one – sanitising the entire environ ment – ‘cleaning, to do it all over again’ in his words, his eyes shining.

To keep pests and bugs out he sprays with mineral kelp. You bite into one of Dave’s strawberries and it’s red and sweet, all the way to the centre – you wonder if you could ever eat any other strawberry. The season’s booming, so apart from devouring them straight from the punnet it’s time for me to come up with culinary ideas. Like, simmering two parts red wine with one part sugar, reducing till syrupy, chilling, then folding through fresh strawberries to serve alongside

creamy goats cheese. Or whisking together 2tbs balsamic vinegar with the seeds scraped from a vanilla bean, then stirring through 250g quartered strawberries with freshly ground black pepper to go with vanilla ice-cream.

Or, you could make a rustic tart, simplicity itself with the pastry whizzed together in a food processor then filled with a macerated tumble of strawberries, raw sugar, grated nutmeg, and lemon rind, then baked. See the recipe on the market website!

Monty’s can be found every Tuesday at the New Brighton Farmers Market, 8–11am and every Friday at Mullumbimby Farmers Market, 7–11am.

A Forest of excellence

Forest Byron Bay, a restaurant by Crystalbrook Collection, has won the Regional Contem porary Australian Restaurant – Formal category at the 2022 NSW Australia Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards (R&CA) for Excellence.

Jordan Rodgers, General Manager, Crystalbrook Byron, says he is thrilled to see the restaurant team’s talent and dedication acknowledged with such a prestigious award.

‘Since Forest’s inception in November 2020, our chefs, front

of house and beverage teams have all worked collectively to create a dining experience that focuses on sustainability, sea sonality and connecting diners with incredible local Northern Rivers producers and suppliers’ he said.

Set next to a lush rainforest oasis, Forest is passionately local with over 80 per cent of ingredients coming from within a three-hour drive of the restaurant. Contemporary, social, approachable and distinctly Australian, Forest restaurant

embraces the region’s abundance of stunning ingredients.

More than 250 local restau rants, cafes and catering businesses gathered on Monday 19 September to celebrate the achievements of their peers in over 80 categories, with the winners announced at a gala ceremony held at Sydney’s Royal Randwick Racecourse.

R&CA is the industry association representing tens of thousands of restaurant and catering businesses across Australia.

AZTECA margarita mix

Simon Haslam

WANTED: Fun-loving person to spend two years eating tacos and sampling margaritas in Mexico with same.

I’d answer that kind of ad. And let’s face it, wouldn’t you like to give that a go? If so, then you’re the sort of person that might like to try the AZTECA Margarita mix cooked up by two kindred spirits of yours, Tommy from Billinudgel and his partner Jessie from the USA.

The AZTECA Margarita found ers are Byron-based long-time lovers, travel companions, chefs, business partners and drinking buddies, and Jessie and Tommy reckon that they have honed the perfect margarita ‘making the sacrifice so you don’t have to’, as they’ve spent years in Mexico researching this stuff. Putting their bodies on the line, they’ve eaten thousands of street tacos, washed down with a thousand more margaritas, they say.

The pair met in Laos, then travelled the world together, sold authentic Mexican food at the markets in Sydney, then moved up here to sell an awesome margarita mix that they make themselves in Billinudgel, ‘using no shit ingredients, no sugar, no preservatives, no colours’.

If you think the whole Byron story has been replaced by a narrative about incrementally more successful real estate deals, then you’ve been listen ing to the wrong people at parties and you can come to Yum Yum Tree in New Brighton on Saturday the 15 October and/or Hoopers in Mullum on Saturday

22 October, and join Tommy and Jessie for tacos, margaritas and beers by Yulli’s.

Need margaritas before then? You don’t have to wait to meet them, you can try their stuff first. AZTECA Margarita mixes are sold in local grocers, boutiques and bottle shops across the Northern Rivers and beyond, and are available in four flavours, each made with fresh lime juice and organic blue agave nectar from Mexico. Recy cling the botanicals, chilies, and flowers from the brewing, every bottle comes with a badass salt blend and makes 12+ drinks.

Are you the kind of truly fun-loving, or

‘lacking-forward-planning’ (I kindly call myself ‘spontaneous’) kind of person who, perhaps, just wants to drink margaritas without even wanting to shake it up? Then try AZTECA’s limited release pre-made margaritas, available only at local bottle shops in the Northern Rivers.

As well, if you have an event coming up and want to take your pals to Margaritaville, you can get in touch with AZTECA Margarita about their mobile bar and event catering options – they’re chefs too, not just feel-good party people.

www.AztecaMargarita.com @aztecamargarita

Cryptic Clues

Quick Clues

War on Trauma

The war on drugs has failed. The past few decades have shown that when it comes to drug-related harm, you can’t police your way out. Making drugs illegal does not impact addiction or access. Our crystal meth use is one of the highest in developed nations. There are country towns all over Australia with an ‘ice’ problem. Police target cannabis users with unfair drug driving laws that can see someone who smoked a joint a week ago lose their licence. In one year alone in Australia there were over 71k cannabis arrests. In fact, almost 15 per cent of the prison population is in there for drug-related offences. The justice system continues to cause more harm to the community than the drug use.

going to work. What we need is a War on Trauma.

Imagine if we addressed drug harm with health policy rather than judicial intervention. A War on Trauma would be an intergenerational, historical and restorative approach to addressing social contributors that underwrite drug and alcohol addictions. A War on Trauma would mean, as a nation, we have to address the harm we have caused First Nations communities through dispossession, colonisation and years of systemic racism, imprisonment and deaths in custody. In a War on Trauma, Treaty would be the first step to securing sovereignty and self-determination.

A War on Trauma would mean social changes. Like access to housing; safe and long-term housing would be assured, and vulnerable people with limited resources would not have to compete with other vulnerable people with limited resources.

Housing is a social determinant of health and wellbeing, so securing it would be a first step towards addressing addiction and drug harm in the War on Trauma.

In the War on Trauma we would provide ongoing support and intervention to children in schools, in homes, in the community. We’d recognise the only way to stop future harm and trauma is to address and remediate the impacts of harm and trauma now. Break the cycle. Take it seriously.

In the War on Trauma we care for hurt people. We understand the importance of safety, of nutrition, of connection to community, of addressing loneliness, of the power of being in nature.

Being locked in jail for drug-related offences doesn’t change the underlying reasons for why someone has addiction issues. It just amplifies the trauma. And amplified trauma leads to drug harm.

So maybe it’s time to legalise drugs and address the real harm – the trauma caused by an unjust system.

Meanwhile, legal drugs continue to cause more harm than the illegal ones. Every week more than 100 Australians die from alcohol-related harm and more than 3000 are hospitalised as a result of excessive alcohol consumption.

That’s 5,500 deaths and 157, 000 hospital admissions every year. Alcohol-related harm costs us more than $14 billion per annum. So the argument around prohibition being there for community safety is a furphy. How can we tolerate the excessive harms of alcohol and then criminalise other drug use? It’s clear that all excessive drug use can cause harm. But sending people to jail does not deter drug use.

Vulnerable communities are overrepresented in prisons. You can’t use the law as a big stick to traumatise already traumatised people out of their drug use. It clearly doesn’t work. A War on Drugs was never

ARIES: If the workfest of recent weeks has approaching burnout, the Venus vibes of your opposite and complementary sign on the zodiac wheel decree this high season for all things stylish, artistic, affectionate, and fun – so why not try something you’ve never done, or even thought about before?

In the War on Trauma we would recognise the impact of family violence on children. Even if they are not the targets of the violence, they are never just bystanders and all protections should extend to them.

As the saying goes, hurt people hurt people. So what if we stopped hurting people? It’s just an idea, and it’s a radical one, I know. But it’s worth considering moving from drug to hug dependence!

CANCER: Libra season’s about love in all its many-splendoured contradictions and practical applications: romantic love, family love, everyday love, tough love, tender love. If you’re stuck in too comfortable a groove, expand your romantic palette. Novelty is known to release a dopamine rush, so ignite fresh magic by doing something surprising and unexpected.

LIBRA: Venus, planet of love and money, graces Libra, her favourite playstation, for almost a month. And when she’s happy, everyone benefits. This week recommends light exercise of the Venusian kind: power flirting, bending over backwards to keep the peace, wrist-to-lip reps with a weighted champagne flute…

CAPRICORN: As dwarf planet Pluto emerges from five months of introspective soul-searching in Capricorn, some retrograde delays have worked in your favour. And with this week’s astral emphasis on art, glamour, cruising, schmoozing, and networking, if some old threads finally fray, honestly, isn’t it better that way?

TAURUS: As your ruling planet exits the sector of healthy pleasures for the sign of decadent delights, exercise of a different kind is called for. Namely, applying the awesome technology of the Taurus mind to exploring the concept that less might actually be preferable to more of those Venusian indulgences you adore.

GEMINI: Mars in Gemini is motivating your mojo, Venus is sweetening the social scene, and the cosmic cocktail of Sun and Mercury is making you mischievous as monkeys and cute as new boots; so far, so fabulous. Attracting so much pleasurable attention this week will require being mindful about boundaries, in speech and behaviour.

LEO: Scrambled signals sort themselves out and mixed messages clarify as communications coordinator Mercury ends its agitating retrograde and picks up the pace again in the sign of simplifying and systematising. What to do with this earthy, orderly energy? Purge. Declutter. Zen the heck out of your current circumstances.

VIRGO: Judged something too hastily? This week reminds you there are two sides to every story. Even if you agree to disagree, hearing someone’s point of view can invite unexpected solutions.

Oscar Wilde described making a good salad as knowing ‘how much oil to mix with your vinegar’; and compliments could certainly lubricate this week’s exchanges.

SCORPIO: This week supports fortifying existing relationships and sourcing new ones. Personal touches, like thoughtful gifts or calls, will go a long way towards assembling and maintaining your dream team or partnership. Pro tip? Rather than approaching people who have similar skill sets, look for different abilities that complement yours.

SAGITTARIUS: Indecision isn’t your favourite mood improver, but adaptable is the new smart. If people switch agendas this week, then remember, as a mutable sign, flexibility’s your forte. Meanwhile, Saturn continues pressure-testing the shelf-life of long-term associations, with Uranus pressing delete where necessary on those you’ve outgrown.

AQUARIUS: Balance is this week’s buzzword, as in equalising your life in the spotlight with replenishing downtime out of it. And while Aquarians adore playing provocateur, it’s currently much more profitable to be the person others want around. Aiming for resolution rather than a win will ensure you’re the winner anyway.

PISCES: This week’s persuasive salespeople could make grand and inflated claims, so before committing to something that sounds a lot more promising than it actually is, weigh the cost, time, and energy required against existing obligations. Resist the rescuer role, because Neptune retrograde can drag you under trying to fix someone else’s problems. LILITH

Being locked in jail for drugrelated offences doesn’t change the underlying reasons for why someone has addiction issues. It just amplifies the trauma. And amplified trauma leads to drug harm.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT BYRON THEATRE IN OCTOBER

Get your pulse pumping at the 2022 Radical Reels Tour on Friday 7 October at 7pm, presented by Adventure Reels Heart-stopping feats will have you on the edge of your seat.

Faster, steeper, higher, deeper! The most adrenaline-inducing mountain sport films from around the globe will thrill and

inspire you with big-screen adventures when the Radical Reels Tour hits town.

Byron Theatre is so proud to present The Listies ROFL (Rolling on Floor Laughing) on Saturday 8 October at 10.30am. Back by poopular demand! Join Rich and Matt for a comedy extravaganza jam-packed with magically stupid stuff.

ROFL sees The Listies tackle the most terrifyingly tortuous family situation of all: bedtime. Featuring toilet paper cannons, a real life cowasaurus, lullabies of doom, detachable legs, a panoply of puns, and possibly too many Aldi gags, this show will have you rolling on the floor laughing!

The Byron Ballet returns with their latest rendition of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Byron Ballet’s production of Shakespeare’s evergreen tale is set to become a gold standard in the Byron Ballet repertoire. This original restaging has all of the most beloved characters – if you have never been to the ballet before, this is the one to get you and your friends hooked, and it’s perfect for all audiences; from the youngest to the most ballet-sophisticated: Friday 14 to Sunday 16 October

On Monday 17 October at 6pm, come and enjoy ICONIC; a stage production featuring singers and dancers that celebrates

popcultural and famous icons of the past and present. Get ready for everything from Lady Gaga to Madonna in this incredible night of music, dance and cirque, including world class acts.

Later in the month Byron Theatre presents Munch: Love,Ghosts and Lady Vampires, a World Art film event.

And TEDx is back, and the Byron Bay International Film Festival too – with a packed lineup of film screenings and special events.

Finally, for now anyway, The Byron Music Society presents: Alexander Gadjiev in concert on Thursday 27 October.

For more details on any of these fab events, visit byrontheatre.com.

It’s finally here and everyone is beyond excited.

This weekend the National Circus Festival makes its way to the home of Spaghetti Circus at the Showgrounds in Mullumbimby, with internationally acclaimed acts by Australia’s leading performers at, not one, but TWO big tops – but wait, you also get The Famous Spiegeltent, aerial rigs, studios, and performances under the fig trees. There will also be a 25-metre inflatable globe, roving performers, a family play space, and an outdoor cinema. There is going to be way too much fun!

This event is the culmination of a wild circus week in Mullumbimby. The National Circus Festival is an opportunity to celebrate the return of the Festival that was cancelled in 2021 owing to COVID and then the company and festival site was ravaged by the floods in February. The National Circus Festival is an opportunity to celebrate their triumphant return.

Tickets from nationalcircusfestival.com

PERFORMERS

CIRCUS TRICK TEASE, WERK IT

Werk It is an all-star circus comedy romp. Celebrating working with highvis, spandex and 9 to 5 with vitality and vigour! It’s the low-carb love-child of a tradie, a spin instructor, and a cross-fit fiend. It is big tricks delivered by a hip-thrusting cast with more sass and swagger than a TLC videoclip.

GRAVITY & OTHER MYTHS: A SIMPLE SPACE

MUSICIANS

THE BOY OF MANY COLOURS

COEDIE OCHRE WARRAH

Coedie was born on Bundjalung country, a Yidinji / Bar-Barrum man from far north Queensland, brought up in Cavanbah (meeting place) aka Byron Bay. With music an integral part of his way of life, he harnesses the ancient art of storytelling. Fusing the old ways with the new, he combines the sounds of the distant past and the modern age. He is a multi-disciplinary artist, producing, writing and editing all his own work. Backed by the distinguished Hydrofunk Records, he is a formidable talent.

JEX LOPEZ

Queer Mestiça pianist-singer, Jex Lopez, is influenced by Latin rhythms layered with delays and vaudevillian piano finished off by compelling operatic tones.

Brought to you by award-winning company Gravity & Other Myths: A Simple Space has achieved momentous international success, having been performed more than 850 times across 34 countries and receiving multiple awards, most notably the IPAY Victor Award for People’s Choice.

Seven acrobats push their physical limits without reserve; this performance is simultaneously raw, frantic and delicate. Supported by driving live percussion and presented so intimately that you can feel the heat, hear every breath, and be immersed in every moment, A Simple Space evokes real responses in audiences; something visceral rather than cerebral.

From fairytales to Latin divas to circus arts, Lopez draws inspiration from all over the world and shares art in all its forms. A blend of intelligent lyrics, storytelling, progressive social themes and bold rhythms, this performance is as mesmerising as it is brutally honest. An artist like no other; theatrical, satirical, lyrical, and unique.

JAMIE MACDOWELL & TOM THUM

Warren Brophy cage. This highadrenaline act is performed without the aid of safety nets or wires, making it a truly on-theedge-of-your-seat experience.

SPAGHETTI CIRCUS PERFORMANCE TROUPE:

BAILS OF HEY!

The Spaghetti Circus show is bursting at the seams with local talent. A new cast investigates and collaborates on this show; looking into a teenager’s world. Inspired by a reaction to climate-change protests, this show is a middle-finger response to being ignored and looked down on by politicians, media, and the adult world. The show is action-packed with acrobatics, aerials, teeterboard, and most of all – fun. The sea is rising, and so are we – Bails of Hey! is not to be missed!

THE GLOBE

Part interactive a on a a the inflate from a or join in the playful The Globe is sure to be a sight of great at the festival and invigorate the playful spirit inside of us all.

THE GAME

It will definitely be fun. We really need fun right now. Big fun with lots of people. There will be a giant wheel to spin, dice, ladders, and slides, pedestrians crossing, eggs and spoons, spots, riddles, flags, flashing lights (lots of those), some dancing. You might have to go backwards at some point, or invert;

There will be penalties, head to cheat – all in the gp,,,, eggs and spots, lights of those some You or inver the rules will be complicated and definitely change a lot. hea starts, obstacles, bribery, and favourites. There will be rotten eggs, sore losers, and some opportunities to –name of fun SEPTEMBER–2 OCTOBER

One is good with his fingers, the other is good with his mouth. Beatbox sensation, Tom Thum – best known for the mostwatched TEDx talk of all time: Beatbox Brilliance – joins forces with bohemian singer-songwriter Jamie MacDowell to create original, genre-defying music that is ‘redefining musical parameters’ (Nouse). Armed only with a guitar, and a versatile voicebox able to convey any instrument, this duo eschew cynicism, exude joy, and defy expectations. A funny, riotous combination of folk-pop songs and virtuosic beatboxing that has seen this Australian duo garner a global following. BROPHY,

BROUGHT

FOREVER DIAMOND

– CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF NEIL

Neil Diamond is a phenomenon who gives truly special and personal shows that legions of fans return to see again and again. A style that transcends music fads by consistently touching people of all ages and interests. The personal and magical interaction Diamond has on stage with an audience is legendary, breaking all box office records wherever he performs.

Now, here is your opportunity to experience that same spontaneous display of energy and sensuality with the superb talents of Peter Byrne and Forever Diamond, a show presenting 50 years of Diamond’s greatest hits, in an uncanny portrayal that has to be seen to be believed. Irishman Byrne’s singing voice is eerie in its likeness to the megastar and has provided the impetus for Byrne’s relentless pursuit to raise his Diamond act to a level that the man himself would endorse. His capacity to recreate Neil Diamond even impressed Diamond’s pianist, Tom Henlsley. But the pinnacle came in 2003 when Neil Diamond himself did indeed endorse Peter’s show.

Peter’s career highlights are too many to mention. In August 1997 he celebrated the 25th anniversary of one of the greatest live albums of the ’70s – Hot August Night It has been nearly 25 years since that first concert, and since then Peter has performed to over 400,000 Diamond fans in A-list venues across the country.

Over the years Peter has been recognised by his peers, winning the ACE Award for Best Tribute Show seven times in the naughties and in 2001 and 2004 winning the prestigious ‘MO’ Award for Best Variety Production show.

With the sad news of Neil’s retirement owing to Parkinson’s, Peter wanted to give something back, and together with the Sydney International Orchestra they donated their time and performed a concert to 1,500 people, raising over $50,000. Since then he has been made a proud Ambassador of the Shake It Up Australia Foundation, raising awareness about Parkinson’s and raising funds to support the Foundation’s research in pursuit of a cure for this debilitating disease that affects 100,000 Australians.

Peter Byrne is no rough Diamond. You can catch his sparkling show at the Byron Theatre on Saturday, 8 October at 8pm.

PARTY WITH A CONSCIENCE

Nudge Nudge Wink Wink – the party with a conscience, is on this weekend at the Billi Pub. DJs will be playing treasured sounds for the community, from the team event awarded Community Event of the Year 2020.

Are you ready? World renowned DJ, Mark Dynamix, and locally-based DJ The Who’s Who are ready. They join fantastic Cunning Stunts resident DJs, Lord Sut and Dale Stephen, to lay down delicious soundtracks for your spring merriment.

DJ Mark Dynamix is a pioneer of more than thirty years’ experience in Australia’s dance music industry, selling more albums than any other Australian DJ to date. Since he was 14 he has hosted Electronique Radio for two decades, was resident DJ at Sydney’s legendary Sublime Club; has played music festivals such as Prodigy and Field Of Dreams; and regularly hosted Triple J’s ‘Mix Up’. Oh, and, he’s also played Fabric, and the End, the Love Parade, the Boiler Room, Mambo, and Café Del Mar, and regularly tours across North America, Japan, and Europe.

Mark has earned local and international respect playing alongside icons such as Faithless, Boy George, Joey Negro, Chicane, Paul Oakenfold, and Miguel Migs – all within the last few years. To be really honest, the list of his achievements just goes on and on and on… so, to put it simply – you don’t want to miss this show.

Also, making his Nudge Nudge Wink Wink debut this October is locally-based DJ, The Who’s Who. A somewhat mystical character who has spent many a night and day behind the decks – IS he an enigma or reality?

Nudge Nudge Wink Wink is a FUNdraiser providing essential connection, charitable support and warming of spirit for all who attend.

This Saturday at the Billinudgel Hotel from 4pm. Final event tickets are available now from https://bit.ly/Nudge-Tickets.

CULTURE

CAPER BYRON – IT’S GOING TO BE FOOD BLISS!

Caper Byron Bay; Our Food and Culture Festival has launched their first program, inclusive of more than 30 diverse events and experiences.

Across a four-day celebration in November, the dynamic series will showcase the best of Northern River’s food, beverages, music and art, with tickets on sale now.

Formerly known as REVEL, the festival has renamed to Caper Byron Bay, inspired by the verb ‘caper’, meaning to frolic about in a happy manner. While the name may have changed, the festival’s commitment to celebrating the melting pot of talented individuals who have helped to shape Byron Shire’s past, present and future, has only grown stronger.

The 2022 festival program is a testament of Caper Byron Bay’s respect for its colourful community, with the diverse lineup illustrating the region’s incredible creative talent, great produce and food, and its wondrous natural beauty.

On designing the inaugural program for the festival, Alex Taylor, Caper Byron Bay Food and Culture Festival Founder and Director said the festival program has been curated to highlight the very best of the region. ‘The only problem with this is that we’re so spoilt here – there are just so many people doing incredible things!’ ‘Keeping in mind it’s our first year, we didn’t want to overcook it, so to speak, with too many events in the program. But that just means we’ve got lots of room to grow in future years.’

The food and beverage component of Caper Byron Bay has been led by Festival Food Curator, David Moyle. The acclaimed chef has devised a program that will bring people together to enjoy the company of friends and family with good food and good vibes.

There’s so much more, including: Caper Festival Village, presented by North Byron Hotel, with a free kids

program – including DJ school, Farm Kids and Bunny Racket performance; pop-up food stalls and bars; live music and DJs; roving entertainment; workshops – plus free travel on the solar train for all ticket holders!

There is a free opening event at The Beach Hotel with a performance and Welcome to Country curated by renowned Yaegl Bundjalung choreographer Mitch King, in collaboration with our cultural ambassador, Arakwal Bundjalung woman Delta Kay; composer Blake Rhodes and Arakwal Bundjalung artist Nickolla Clark

People can also expect an educational panel discussion, tour and farm-to-table feast thanks to the folks at The Farm and Three Blue Ducks; tours with Brookies Gin and Common People Brewery; canapes and drinks at Shelter; a backyard barbeque and brew with 100 Mile Table at Stone & Wood; long lunches at Beach Byron Bay, and Raes on Wategos; beats, bubbles and brunch at Treehouse on Belongil; a Spanish fiesta at The Hut; Sicilian-inspired fare with Mosey On Inn Group at Jilly Winery, and more, and more, and more! Caper Byron Bay will even be turning the Brunswick Picture House into a Yum Cha restaurant with old Shanghai vibes across Saturday and Sunday, with famed Melbourne Chinatown Diner ShanDong MaMa.

This not-to-be-missed ‘Explore Byron Bay’ event begins with a Walk on Country tour, Thursday 10 November at 4pm, led by Delta Kay.

Caper Byron Bay; Our Food and Culture Festival will be held across various venues from Thursday, 10 November to Sunday, 13 November.

Early bird tickets are on sale now at: caperbyronbay.com

BYRON MUSIC SOCIETY’S BIG SING

Byron Music Society presents ‘A German Requiem by Johannes Brahms’ (Ein Deutsches Requiem), recognised as one of the greatest choral works ever written, at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre for one show only.

The Big Sing will showcase 100 singers, predominately from the Northern Rivers, and a 40-piece orchestra, who will perform this towering masterpiece of romantic music for audiences in Lennox Head.

This will be Byron Music Society’s first Big Sing performance in two years, following COVID restrictions. It will be conducted by Nicholas Routley, a local musician and founder of the Sydney Chamber Choir, along with international soloists Gaynor Morgan (soprano) and Patrick Donnelly (baritone), both from the Gold Coast.

Singers are coming from all around the region, and some are travelling from as far as Sydney to perform at this event.

President of Byron Music Society, Nicholas Routley, says The Big Sing events were established in 2016 as an annual concert to give singers an opportunity to perform in a big choir, and the orchestra is made up of local musicians too. It was originally intended to be a concert by the community for the community, but the concept was such a huge success it has now become a major event in the community music calendar for our region.

‘We are excited to be coming together after a twoyear break, with such a touching and moving piece. I encourage music lovers to come along for a wonderful afternoon to enjoy an experience like no other seen at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre,’ says Routley.

‘A German Requiem’ will be performed on Sunday 16 October. A bar serving beverages and refreshments will operate for this event.

Tickets are $53–$59 and are available via: communityspaces.com.au/tickets.

CINEMA

VENICE: INFINITELY AVANTE-GARDE

Come on your own Grand Tour of Venice next Wednesday at Byron Theatre. Explore the historic city and its openness to the world, and to the future, through its art and its museums, its canals and its narrow streets, in the wonderful documentary, Venice: Infinitely Avante-Garde

This tour of the city takes in masterpieces by Tiepolo, Canaletto, Rosalba Carriera and the intellectuals who fell in love with Venice: from Canova to Goethe, Byron to Walter Scott, to the great Hollywood stars drawn to its unique, yearly film festival. 1600 years after its legendary foundation, Venice continues to be unique for its urban environment made of stone, earth and water, and for its history, which has entered the realm of legend.

Above all, Venice is unique for its identity, which combines contrasting blueprints: the charm of decadence, and the excitement of being on the cutting edge. Cosmopolitan from the outset, Venice has always been a city of commercial and cultural exchange with Eastern cultures and, taking its fragility into account, it has always had vision and been inspired by the future.

Venice: Infinitely Avante-Garde screens at Byron Theatre, Wednesday, 5 October at 2pm. Book at: byrontheatre.com or call 6685 6807.

THIS LEAGUE OF PETS ARE SUPER

The best things about the school holidays are the awesome films created for kids, and a great film for these holidays is DC League of Super-Pets – a 3D computeranimated superhero comedy film based on the DC Comics superhero team Legion of Super-Pets.

You might be surprised to know who has a pet. Super heroes have pets, yes they do – even Superman has a pet. He has a dog called Krypto and he’s a Super-Dog. Krypto and Superman are inseparable best friends, sharing the same superpowers and fighting crime side-byside in Metropolis. However, when the Man of Steel and the rest of the Justice League are kidnapped, Krypto must convince a ragtag group of animals to master their own newfound powers for a rescue mission.

DC League of Super-Pets is directed by Jared Stern, who co-wrote the script with John Whittington. The film stars the voice talents of Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Kate McKinnon, John Krasinski, Vanessa

Bayer, Natasha Lyonne, Diego Luna, Thomas Middleditch, Ben Schwartz, and Keanu Reeves – how can this film not be funny?

DC League of Super-Pets screens during the holidays at Ballina Fair Cinemas. For information and screening times, visit: ballinafaircinemas.com.au.

WEDNESDAY 28

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, SARAH GRANT

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 2.30PM SAM BUCKLEY, 5PM TIM STOKES, 10PM DJ RENEE SIMONE

BYRON THEATRE 7.30PM JIMEOIN

PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, ST. ALI ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL

FOXY LUU’S, BYRON BAY, 6.30PM TONY AND THE THIEF

THURSDAY 29

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, THE GIN BUGGS

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 2.30PM SCOTT DAY VEE 5PM OLE FALCO, 8PM DANI TEWULI, 9PM KOOLZ 9.30PM DJ RENEE SIMONE, 10PM DARCY DOE, 10PM DJ KIRA SUNDAY

BYRON THEATRE 6PM FANTASTIC MR FOX PRESENTED BY BANG! ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, PETER BIBBY + LEROY MACQUEEN

PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, ST. ALI ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM HARRY NICHOLS

OCEAN SHORES COUNTRY CLUB 11AM SHORTY BROWN ROCK & ROLL, MULLUMBIMBY, 6PM SOMETHING ABOUT SONGWRITERS WITH ASH BELL & SARA TINDLEY

LENNOX HOTEL HOTEL STAGE 8PM JAM NIGHT

BALLINA RSL LEVEL ONE 8PM THE BIG GIG COMEDY NIGHT – DAVE EASTGATE + MC: MANDY NOLAN – MATTHEW BORE – MC MANDY NOLAN

WHITEBROOK THEATRE, SOUTHERN CROSS UNIVERSITY, LISMORE, 7.30PM AVI AVITAL AND GIOVANNI SOLLIMA

FRIDAY 30

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, EPIC

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 3PM ANIMAL VENTURA DUO, 5.30PM JUMAN, 6.30PM SKYEATER, 8PM LADI6 8PM 420 SOUND FT. SIMEON, 9.45PM DJ LORDY WARDY

BYRON THEATRE 3PM & 6PM FANTASTIC MR FOX PRESENTED BY BANG! ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, THE STAINED DAISIES + NASH, LOTUS SHIP AND SUGAR SOAP PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, ST. ALI ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL

VARIOUS VENUES, BYRON BAY, ART BYRON’S ‘LOVE AND FEAR’, ART BYRON NORTH BYRON HOTEL 5.30PM DJ ABEL TORO COORABELL HALL LEONARDS

MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM DJ OREN SELECTA

ST JOHN’S SCHOOL HALL, MULLUMBIMBY, 7.30PM ECSTATIC DANCE MULLUMBIMBY WITH DJ PUMAH

MULLUMBIMBY EX-SERVICES

CLUB 8PM REECE MASTIN 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY TOUR CLUB LENNOX 7PM HARRY NICHOLS

BALLINA RSL LEVEL ONE 8PM THE WOLFE BROTHERS

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 5PM GREER SULLIVAN

TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE STAGE 8PM THE TRAVELLING WILLBURYS SESSIONS

COOLANGATTA HOTEL 8PM NOASIS – THE ORIGINAL OASIS TRIBUTE SHOW 9PM BLINK 182 / GREEN DAY EXPERIENCE

SATURDAY 1

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 4PM DONNY SHADES, 8PM RAGGA JUMP BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 10PM DJ SOPHDEXX BYRON THEATRE 3PM & 6PM FANTASTIC MR FOX PRESENTED BY BANG! ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS

VARIOUS VENUES, BYRON BAY, ART BYRON’S ‘LOVE AND FEAR’, ART BYRON CAVANBAH CENTRE, BYRON BAY, 12PM JAPAN FESTIVAL BYRON BAY

NORTH BYRON HOTEL 7PM DJ ABEL TORO

PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, ST. ALI ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 2PM WILD LIFE ENCOUNTER, 7PM JORDAN MAC BAND

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM ART OF FIGHTING

OCEAN SHORES COUNTRY CLUB 8PM DIV 4 MULLUM SHOW GROUNDS, MULLUMBIMBY, NATIONAL CIRCUS FESTIVAL

WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 3.30PM DJ LAINIE GODIVA

BILLINUDGEL HOTEL 4PM NUDGE NUDGE WINK WINK FEAT DJS MARK DYNAMIX, THE WHO’S WHO, DALE STEPHEN & LORD SUT, 4PM NUDGE NUDGE WINK CLUB LENNOX 7PM TWO TEARS IN A BUCKET

LENNOX HOTEL HOTEL STAGE 8PM RUM

SUNDAY 2

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, MAGESTIC NIGHTS

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 12.30PM ALEX TILLY, 3PM THE PACIFIC NATIONALS, 10PM THE BLACK SEEDS

PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, ST. ALI ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL

VARIOUS VENUES, BYRON BAY, ART BYRON’S ‘LOVE AND FEAR’, ART BYRON

CRYSTALBROOK BYRON’S VERANDAH 2PM SUNDAY SESH – BOMBACLOCK

REGGAE

FOXY LUU’S, BYRON BAY, 5PM MARK CHAPMAN

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4PM

BACKBEAT

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 4PM THE VERY LAST LIST OF VIVIAN WALKER

MULLUM SHOW GROUNDS, MULLUMBIMBY, NATIONAL CIRCUS FESTIVAL

WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM AL TILLY CLUB LENNOX 3PM JB’S BLUES BREAKERS

BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK 10.45AM BALLINA COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB – LIVE MUSIC DAY

REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH, 3PM JESSE WHITNEY

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 2PM JON J BRADLEY SEAGULLS, TWEED HEADS, 12PM PHIL GUEST

COOLANGATTA HOTEL 3PM LATE FOR WOODSTOCK

MONDAY 3

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, SIMON MEOLA

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 12.30PM LUKE YEAMAN, 2.30PM CHRIS DEL MAR, 5PM MISMO TEMPO

PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, ST. ALI ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL

VARIOUS VENUES, BYRON BAY, ART BYRON’S ‘LOVE AND FEAR’, ART BYRON

TINTENBAR HALL 5.30PM THE THIN WHITE UKES, TINTENBAR UP FRONT

TUESDAY 4

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, FINTAN BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 5PM HARRY NICHOLS, 7.30PM BACKBEAT, 7.30PM KANE MUIR BAND

PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, ST. ALI ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL

BANGALOW HOTEL 7.30PM BANGALOW BRACKETS’ OPEN MIC

WEDNESDAY 5

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, CHRIS ARONSTEN

BYRON THEATRE 2PM VENICE: INFINITELY AVANTE-GARDE –WORLD ART EVENT

PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, ST. ALI ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL

FOXY LUU’S, BYRON BAY, 6.30PM TONY AND THE THIEF COOLANGATTA HOTEL 6.30PM COL GERMANO

Ready 220 Chatsworth Rd,

Home Base on the Riverbank. Imagine how pleasant your lifestyle would be living in a peaceful riverside village right on the banks of the North Arm of the Clarence. 220 Chatsworth Road, Chatworth Island not only gives you that opportunity but also provides a great starting point to create this dreamy lifestyle destination. Council approved plans for a stylish home are already inplace to help expedite that process. Or maybe you just want to secure yourself a beautiful spot as a home base to return to after you do some travelling.

Online Auction: To be Auctioned Online 5pm Wednesday 5October

View: Open Saturday 11 11.30am

Agent: Grant Neilson 0429 664 312

LJ Hooker Maclean 6645 2222 Web ID ljhooker.com.au/SWVF6G

•

•Located

•The

3.9 Acre Family Retreat Walking Distance to Federal Village $2.1m

For Sale

Amazing Lifestyle Acreage with Creek Frontage

If you’ve been dreaming of the ideal country haven, where you can retreat and recharge, this well-maintained lifestyle acreage property is certainly worthy of your inspection. There’s plenty of room for children and pets to run around 6614 square metres or approximately 1.63 acres of park-like lawns and gardens, you’ll feel like you’re living on a golf course. With a frontage to pretty Smith’s Creek, the family will enjoy cooling off in their own swimming hole plus you even have a small water cascade to enjoy.

For Sale

The Ultimate Tranquil Lifestyle Awaits you've ever fantasised a treehouse the forest, waking

For Sale

Your Dream Beach Lifestyle Starts Here

Perfectly situated between the beautiful beach and the pristine river, this cleverly designed bright and breezy home is the essence of coastal living. No detail has been missed in this ceilings and bespoke timber features greet you when you step into the open living space. You'll quickly discover why the sleepy seaside village of New Brighton is one of the most sought-after areas on the coast.

For Sale to Beautiful South Golden Beach in a quiet

For Sale

Enjoy Relaxed Beachside Living

As soon as you arrive at this stylishly renovated beachside retreat, you’ll discover relaxed coastal living at its best. Whether you’re seeking a holiday hideaway/weekender where you can make treasured memories with your loved ones or you want a chic coastal family home that presents a statement in style, this property has it in spades. All the hard work has been done, so you can just drop your bags, inhale the fresh sea air, sit back and relax.

For

Profitable Business & Home Opportunity

Set in the pristine foothills of Burringbar NSW, a largely undiscovered gem of the Far North Coast, this private 5-acre property offers an unprecedented lifestyle and business opportunity. Pocket Herbs is a family-run business specialising in growing high quality produce in hydroponic system. The business was established in 2008 and is now positioned for the expansion of existing products and markets. Coastal Living In The

The Ultimate Byron ‘Bolthole’

98 Yankee Creek Mullumbimby Land: 41

Rare land, short walk to the beach

115A Shara Boulevard, Ocean Shores

Vacant land: 565m2$595,000–$645,000

The Ultimate Lifestyle Property

Set on 41 idyllic acres just eight minutes from Mullumbimby, ‘The Bolt hole’ is on the market for the first time in nearly two decades.

Five-bedroom hardwood weatherboard home with two master suites – one in a separate pavilion with a dressing room and gorgeous outlook. Two-bedroom studio with income potential (STCA).

Three fenced paddocks, veggie gardens, chook run, big views from the top of the block, three spring-fed dams and 90,000 litres of water storage in four tanks.

Stunning gardens, exotics, fruit trees, timbers and two meandering creeks.

Huge workshop, three machinery sheds and three-bay carport. Timber floors and louvre windows throughout, combustion fan, aircon and ceiling fans.

Solar hot water and 6.6 kW solar power, plus battery-ready inverter to go off-grid.

If privacy, seclusion, stunning acreage and convenience to Mullumbimby and the beaches of Brunswick Heads and Byron Bay are important to you then call to arrange a viewing with Gary or Todd.

Inspect: By Appointment

Contact: Gary Brazenor 0423 777 237

Todd Buckland 0408 966 421

Byron Shire Real Estate

Land size: 663m2. House/undercover area 220m2

Only 200 metres from the NSW/Qld border, this stunning home in the quiet, leafy suburb of Currumbin Waters, near beaches and the renowned Currumbin Creek estuary, will appeal to families and retirees who want something move in ready they can enjoy for many years to come.

Presenting as brand new after a stunning coastal renovation with many luxury inclusions, there aren’t many fully renovated houses like this on the market, at this quality or price, with a large yard, five minutes from the beach and in a lovely neighbourhood.

It features 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 living areas, a separate parent’s wing, laundry/powder room, a brand new tandem carport for two cars and secure parking for additional cars.

Outside is an entertainer’s delight with a large undercover area with beautiful encaustic tiles. It comes with a brand new outdoor kitchen and bench seating.

The large, fully fenced, flat backyard is a blank canvas – perfect for a swimming pool or granny flat (STCA).

Details: Online at realestate.com.au or domain.com.au

Contact: Amanda Cepero – 0419 218 643 First National Property Solutions.

The recent boom has shown us yet again that coastal property, particularly in the Byron Shire is very sought after. It’s always a good move to get into this market when the opportunity arises, and the opportunity is now!

This rare vacant lot within an easy,level walk to South Golden Beach is a gem. It borders Council reserve and for the young families the Ocean Shores Public School is only a 600m flat walk away. This piece of prime land is fully serviced and comes with house plans with options, already approved by Council. The headaches of the process are all taken care of.

Included are Development Approved Council plans to build either a single-level, two-bedroom home or a double-storey, threebedroom family home. All the services, fencing and concrete driveway are in place, ready to start your build immediately.

They’re just not releasing any more land in this area, let alone this close to the beach, so don’t miss out on this great block in a prime location.

Agent declares interest.

Owing to circumstances, this ready-to-go block MUST BE SOLD!

Inspect: By Appointment

Contact: Todd Buckland 0408 966 421 Gary Brazenor 0423 777 237 Byron Shire Real Estate

Level and Low Maintenance

30 O’Rourke St Cumbalum 778.6sqm 2 $1.09M

Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, manicured lawns and native flora, this private, architecturally designed and immaculately maintained home enjoys a north-east aspect on an easy-care acre. The home offers high ceilings, timber floors and is built over multiple levels providing flexible living options. The light and bright main area offers three bedrooms (one with ensuite), lounge room, the main bathroom, and a well-appointed hardwood timber kitchen with stone benches, quality appliances and spacious dining.

This connects along a breezeway to a large, hexagonal, outdoor dining/entertaining space, with a barbeque. A second covered walkway leads to the private master pavilion with a spacious bedroom, ensuite and a calming tree-top vista.

At garden level, there is a laundry and bedroom/home office space. Alfresco living is maximised by many shaded deck areas and lawns across the property.

The separate studio has its own private entrance, perfect for guests or a home office/business.

Open: 12–12.30pm Saturday 1 October

Contact: Gary Brazenor – 0423 777 237 Todd Buckland – 0408 966 421 Byron Shire Real Estate

This well-presented Metricon-built home is easy-care, level and set in a highly soughtafter location in a great community. You will appreciate the space and quality throughout.

• The well-appointed kitchen with stone benches and dishwasher is open plan to the tiled living and sun-filled dining room.

• The spacious main bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe, airconditioning, ceiling fan and ensuite.

• Bedrooms two and three are generous sizes with built-ins and fans

• The large media room can be closed off, allowing easy conversion to a fourth bedroom.

• Entertain in comfort with an insulated, north-facing patio, flowing seamlessly to the large fenced yard with room for a pool

• Extras include the timber shed (think studio or retreat cave), double lock-up garage with internal access, 3kW solar

Contact: Katrina Beohm – 0467 001 122

Katrina Beohm Real Estate

Open For Inspection

Byron

• 21 Philip St, South Golden Beach. Sat 10–10.30am

• 10 Goolara Court, Ocean Shores. Sat 10–10.30am

• 4 Yemlot Place, Brunswick Heads. Sat 10–10.30am

• 22 Kiah Close, Ocean Shores. Sat 11–11.30am

• 8 Newberry Parade, Brunswick Heads. Sat 11–11.30am

• 280 The Pocket Road, The Pocket. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 4 Omega Circuit, Brunswick Heads. Sat 12–12.30pm

Century 21 Byron Lifestyle

• 4 Chilcott Drive, Goonellabah. Sat 10–10.30am

• 1/116 Laurel Avenue, Lismore. Sat 9–9.30

First National Byron Bay

• 15/1 Belongil Crescent, Byron Bay. Wed 2–2.30pm

• 5/20 Sunrise Boulevard, Byron Bay. Sat 8.30–9am

• 15/1 Belongil Crescent, Byron Bay. Sat 9–9.30am

• House 2, 5 Cemetery Road, Byron Bay. Sat 9–9.30am

• 65 Lilli Pilli Drive, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

• 4/49 Belongil Crescent, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

• 13 Tamarind Court, Suffolk Park. Sat 10–10.30am

• 10 Whian Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 10–10.30am

• 73 Prince Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 10–10.30am

• 15B Rifle Range Road, Bangalow. Sat 10–10.30am

• 26/5–7 Old Bangalow Road, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

• 30/31 Hayters Drive, Suffolk Park. Sat 10–10.30am

• 16 Dehnga Place, Suffolk Park. Sat 10.30–11am

• 9 Callistemon Drive, Federal. Sat 11–11.30am

• 1 Dylan Lane, Byron Bay. Sat 11–11.30am

• 136 Repentance Creek Road, Goonengerry. Sat 11.30–12pm

• 4 Elkhorn Parade, Ballina. Sat 11.30–12pm

• 7/3 Beachcomber Drive, Byron Bay. Sat 11.30–12pm

• 8 Laurel Avenue, Mullumbimby. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 75 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 159 Shara Boulevard, Ocean Shores. Sat 12.30–1pm

• 13 Kalemajere Drive, Suffolk Park. Sat 1–1.30pm

• 11 Coolamon Avenue, Mullumbimby. Sat 1–1.30pm

Harcourts Northern Rivers

• 21 Whispering Valley Drive, Richmond Hill. Sat 9–9.30am

• 20 Sunnybank Drive, West Ballina. Sat 10–10.30am

• 108 Pimble Valley Drive, Crabbes Creek. Sat 10–10.30am

• 50 Richmond Street, Woodburn. Sat 10–10.30am

• 13 Cunningham Street, Ballina. Sat 10–10.30am

• 165 Baraang Drive, Broadwater. Sat 10.15–10.45am

• 5 Petrel Court, East Ballina. Sat 11–11.30am

• 1/28 Crane Street, Ballina. Sat 11–11.30am

• 3/27 Claire Circuit, West Ballina. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 24 Claire Circuit, West Ballina. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 14 Barwen Street, East Ballina. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 16 Wollumbin Street, Tyalgum. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 10 The Ridgeway, Cumbalum. Sat 12.30–1pm

• 5 Tea Tree Court, Suffolk Park. Sat 1–1.30pm

• 107 Youngs Road, Limpinwood. Sat 1–1.30pm

• 439 Teven Road, Teven. Sat 1.15–1.45pm

MANA Real Estate

• 33/19 Elizabeth Street, Pottsville. Sat 9–9.30am

• 7 Saddle Way, Murwillumbah. Sat 9.30–10am

• 1D Short Street, New Brighton. Sat 10–10.30am

• 18 Dorothy Street, Murwillumbah. Sat 10–10.30am

• 16 North Head Road, New Brighton. Sat 11–11.30am

• 59 Riverview Street, Murwillumbah. Sat 11–11.30am

• 1/3 Halyard Court, Ocean Shores. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 119 Smiths Creek Road, Smiths Creek. Sat 12.30–1pm

• 14 Narooma Drive, Ocean Shores. Sat 1–1.30pm

• 19 Chevell Place, Smiths Creek. Sat 1–1.30pm

• 5 Philip Street, South Golden Beach. Sat 2–2.30pm

McGrath Byron Bay

• 26 Marri Avenue, Wilsons Creek. Sat 9–9.30am

• 12 Brooklet Road, Newrybar. Sat 10–10.30am

• 15/3 Pecan Court, Suffolk Park. Sat 9.45–10.15am

• 1/54 Butler Street, Byron Bay. Sat 10.30–11am

• 101 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay. Sat 11.45am–12.15pm

• 1/17 Mahogany Drive, Byron Bay. Sat 11–11.30am

• 61 Teak Circuit, Suffolk Park. Sat 10–10.30am

• 18/6–8 Browning Street, Byron Bay. Sat 11–11.30am

• 1/23 Poinciana Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 12–12.30pm

North Coast Lifestyle Properties Brunswick Heads & Mullumbimby

• 46 Kallaroo Circuit, Ocean Shores. Sat 10–10.45am

• 20 Redgate Road, South Golden Beach. Sat 11–11.45am

Ray White Byron Bay

• 36 Rankin Drive, Bangalow. Sat 9–9.30am

• 474 Lismore Road, Binna Burra. Sat 9–9.30am

• 24/9 Easy Street, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

• 222 Friday Hut Road, Possum Creek. Sat 10–10.30am

• 14/58 Armstrong Street, Suffolk Park Sat 10–10.30am

• 44 Ann Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 10.30–11am

• 280 Picadilly Hill Road, Coopers Shoot. Sat 11–11.30am

• 148 Broken Head Road, Suffolk Park. Sat 11–11.30am

• 3/7 Cooper Street, Byron Bay. Sat 11.00–11.30am

• 18 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 5/183–205 Broken Head Road, Suffolk Park. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 8 Ribbonwood Place, Suffolk Park. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 12 Old Bangalow Road, Byron Bay. Sat 1–1.30pm

• 38A Cowper Street, Byron Bay. Sat 2–2.30pm

Ray White Rural Bangalow

• 45 Jarretts Road, Goonengerry. Thurs 1–1.30pm

• 432 Eureka Road, Eureka. Thurs 2–2.30pm

• 52 Bailey Road, Corndale. Thurs 3–3.30pm

• 45 Jarretts Road, Goonengerry. Sat 10–10.30am

• 432 Eureka Road, Eureka. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 52 Bailey Road, Corndale. Sat 1–1.30pm

Real Estate of Distinction

• 454 Crabbes Creek Road, Crabbes Creek. Sat 10–10.45 am

Ruth Russell Realty

• 18 Player Parade, Ocean Shores. Sat 11–11.45 am

• 76 Orana Road, Ocean Shores. Sat 12.30–1pm

Tim Miller Real Estate

• 17 Ivory Curl Place, Bangalow. Wed 1.15–1.45pm

• 17 Ivory Curl Place, Bangalow. Sat 10.45–11.15am

• 4/19 Teak Road, Federal. Wed 12–12.30pm

• 4/19 Teak Road, Federal. Sat 9.30–10am

• 187 Cameron Road, McLeans Ridges. Sat 12–12.30pm

New Listings

North Coast Lifestyle Properties Brunswick Heads & Mullumbimby

• 1 Willow Tree Drive, Chilcotts Grass

• 20 Orchid Place, Mullumbimby

Auctions

Ray White Byron Bay

• 7a Orchid Place, Mullumbimby. Fri 23 September 2022 2pm onsite

• 18 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 1 October 2022 12pm onsite

• 24/9 Easy Street, Byron Bay. Fri 14 October 2022 3pm onsite

• 14/58 Armstrong Street, Suffolk Park. Fri 21 October 1pm onsite

• 44 Ann Street, Mullumbimby. Fri 21 October 2022 3pm onsite

The team at MDNC are searching for some dedicated volunteers to help us continue to support our community.

Contact Volunteer Coordinator Kaz Wednesday – Friday 6684 1286

CLASSIFIED AD BOOKINGS

PHONE ADS

Ads may be taken by phone on 6684 1777

AT THE ECHO HEAD OFFICE

Ads can be lodged in person at the Mullum Echo office: Village Way, Stuart St, Mullumbimby EMAIL ADS

Display classies (box ads): adcopy@echo.net.au

Line classies: classifieds@echo.net.au

Ad bookings only taken during business hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm. Ads can’t be taken on the weekend. Account enquiries phone 6684 1777.

DEADLINE TUES 12PM

Publication day is Wednesday, booking deadlines are the day before publication.

RATES & PAYMENT

LINE ADS: $17.00 for the first two lines $5.00 for each extra line $17 for two lines is the minimum charge.

DISPLAY ADS (with a border): $12.85 per column centimetre These prices include GST. Cash, cheque, Mastercard or Visa Prepayment is required for all ads.

Inspiring Creative Academic Nurturing

Director of Primary K–6 Full Time Commencing Term One 2023

Cape Byron Steiner School is a vibrant and progressive K–12 school dedicated to the educational principles inspired by Rudolf Steiner. We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced educational leader who has a personal commitment to embrace Steiner Education. The successful applicant will work collaboratively with K–6 Teachers and strategic bodies of the school to bring inspired, creative, academic and nurturing education to our students in K–6.

Applicants will be registered or eligible to register with the NSW Institute of Teachers and hold a current NSW Working with Children Check.

Applications close 4pm Friday 7 September 2022.

Position Description and application process available www.capebyronsteiner.nsw.edu.au

BangalowTheatreCompanyis male female people of colour 18+ singing,

Rehearsals begin October 2022 for a March 2023 performance. Please visit bangalowtheatre.com.au for audition links.

Mon 8.15–9.30am Tues 6–7pm 6–7.15pm Yin Rejuv Yoga

Mon & Fri 10–11.30am Yogalates Wed 6–7pm Hatha Slow Flow Book in for a month @ $95, try as many classes as you like. for additional classes. 0432 047 221 yogalatesacademy.com

TO LET

LOCAL REMOVAL backloads to Brisbane. Friendly, with 10 years local exp. 0409917646

CABIN ON ACREAGE, MULLUMBIMBY One bedroom, suit single person who loves organic living and spring water. Recently renovated with large deck. $350p/w plus day helping on the land. Skilled person preferred with potential for more paid work. 0432570311. N/S, no pets.

BEAUTIFUL RENOVATED BUS on acreage, Mullumbimby. Suit single person who loves the land and organic living. Spring water, outdoor shower. $225p/w plus day helping on the land. 0432570311. N/S, no pets.

BROKEN HEAD self-cont bus avail for long-term rental set in peaceful offgrid community on Seven Mile Beach Rd. Nature reserve, sorry no pets. $320p/w sngle, $360 dble incl exp. Ph 0438795381

POSITIONS VACANT

BYRON BAY CBD and TWEED COAST

The Echo is seeking someone to deliver to every shop and business in the Byron CBD area, 1750 papers, on Wednesdays. This job involves walking the papers around on a trolley, and would ideally suit someone reasonably strong, with a larger vehicle. This is a contract position and requires an ABN.

TWEED COAST

There is also a position delivering papers up the coast to businesses in Pottsville, Casuarina, Kingscliff and Murwillumbah. Both jobs could be done together or be done by separate people. Ph 0409324724 or simon@echo.net.au 6684

Iconic Wood Fired Catering

POSITIONS VACANT (continued)

TAXI DRIVERS WANTED

COMMISSION BASED

Please send enquiries to operations@ byronbaytaxis.com

RELIABLE PART-TIME CLEANER or contract cleaner with ABN. Please contact me on 0467671984 or email matthewdefina@leaveittome.business

DENTAL ASSISTANT required for busy dental practice in Mullumbimby. Exp. preferred, but not essential. Hours neg. Please call 66842816 in office hours.

DISABILITY SUPPORT WORKER Looking for enthusiastic workers to join our team. Must have qualifications, WWCC, First Aid, driving licence and own vehicle. Must have current covid vax. 0475242593 or email resume info@byronbaycare.com.au

TRADES

ASSISTANT/LABOURER required for a casual position, commencing ASAP.

grinding, painting and the operation of hand tools. 40 hours per week, above award wages.

Email applications to Noel; mulleng@westnet.com.au or drop your resume in to 17 Towers Drive, Mullumbimby.

POSITIONS VACANT: BARISTA/

CHEFS WANTED for occasional catering work. Come and join our friendly wedding catering team and make some extra money. Great rates $35–$40p/h. Email Leela at info@yourgourmet.com.au

PAINT SHOP ASSISTANT initially 3 days p/w, 9.30am–4pm with potential to expand. Entails tinting paint, processing online orders, unpacking incoming stock, cleaning and maintaining order of workplace. Requires knowledge and passion for paints and finishes, physically fit and strong, attention to detail. Email resume to deb@painted-earth.com.au

LADIES WANTED, MUST BE 18+ Casual or permanent work available in busy adult parlour. 66816038 for details.

SOCIAL MEDIA GURU for small local business. Please call Wayne 0423218417

CAFE ALL-ROUNDER NEEDED for the Other Joint, Mullum. Email resume mullum@otherjoint.com

HOUSECLEANER Caring & 0405799243 (text

Adobe Tutoring

CARER WANTED Full carers pension. Centrelink sponsored. Ocean Shores area. 0428252410 Byron Bay Film Festival's 2022 new friends, celebrate community & creativity.

Gardener

2+ years experience, casual position.

Must be available school holidays & w/ends.

Retail / Sales 3+ years retail experience, casual position.

Must be available school holidays & w/ends.

To apply please go to www.crystalcastle.com. au/workwithus

Freda Sweaney Favruzzo Sweaney-Favruzzo

H A RRY HARRY

PETS OCEAN SHORES

Late of Mullumbimby. Passed away on Sunday 18 September 2022.

Aged 92 Years.

Dearly Loved Wife of Gino (dec’d).

Loved Mother and Mother-in-law of Dianne and Bryce and Stephen.

Loving Great-Grandmother and Great-Great-Grandmother.

Loved Sister of Phyllis and Jean and Benjamin, Nola, Julie, Owswald and Jeffery (all dec’d).

A private funeral service was held.

FRENCH • ITALIAN • GERMAN Eva 0403224842 THRILL ADULT of Tasman Byron 66856330

WINTER, ARTHUR

Passed away peacefully on 20th September 2022 at Byron Central Hospital with family at his side.

Much loved husband of Pearl. Loved father of Brian, Annette (dec) and Christine. Loved grandfather and great grandfather.

Aged 94 years. A Graveside Service has taken place for Arthur as perhis wishes.

Michael Currie at BRUNSWICK VALLEY FUNERALS 6684 6232

CUDDLE BUDDY

SOCIAL ESCORTS

Harry is the most affectionate and adorable little cat. He came from a hoarding situation but despite this rough start, Harry loves human contact. Desperate to be loved, Harry will definitely bring joy to any loving household.

To meet Harry, please visit the Cat Adoption Centre at 124 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby.

OPEN: Tues 2.30–5.30pm Thurs 3–5pm, Sat 10am–12noon. Call AWL 0436 845 542.

Like us on Facebook!

AWL NSW Rehoming Organisation Number: R251000222

Hazel Lillian Gray (Terry) 14.11.1927~ 13.08.2022

We wish to express our sincere gratitude to family and friends for their kind phone calls, flowers, cards and attendance at Terry’s funeral service.

A special thankyou to Dr Tonya Coren for taking care of Terry; and the staff of Byron Central Hospital. Please accept this as our personal thank you.

Lyn, Peter and their families.

Z

6-year-old desexed male Labrador x Boerboel ‘Ziggy’ is a big soft teddy-bear in physique and temperament. He is an absolute gentleman with other dogs and excellent with children of all ages.

Ziggy will endow his family with an abundance of love and loyalty. He weighs in at 48kgs, but could easily lose 8kgs with regular exercise and a carefully managed diet. Please contact Shell on 0458461935.

MC: 953010002255803

Jake is a 4 month old, Staffy X boy. He and his 7 siblings are all eagerly waiting to meet their new families!

Jake is a thinker and likes to sit back and observe what is going on. He is still a lively and playful pup, getting into plenty of mischief with his brothers and sisters. M/C # 991003002063770

For more information contact Yvette on 0421 831 128 Interested? Please complete our online adoption expression of interest.

www.friendsofthepound. com/adoption-expression-ofinterest/

Visit friendsofthepound.com to view other dogs and cats looking for a home. ABN 83 126 970 338

WINTER wants to spring into a new life. The seasons have changed so why not his life. Winter is a stunner, and there was a very sad surrender as his owners were reluctantly forced to give him up. He was and is the perfect family cat. He’s gentle, super friendly and loves attention. He’s used to family life with children and would also be a marvellous companion cat.

All cats are desexed, vaccinated & microchipped.

No: 953010002741658

Please make an appointment 0403 533 589 • Billinudgel petsforlifeanimalshelter.net

Byron Dog Rescue (CAWI)

Third time the charm for Alstonville FC’s

Sherril claims open singles bowls championship

Sherril Pearce had the best of the day, beating Lorraine ‘Blossom’ McCormick 25–12 to win the open singles championship of the Brunswick Heads Women’s Bowls Club last week.

Sherril took off into the lead early, and unfortunately for Blossom she wasn’t able to keep pace after getting stuck on a score of five for eight ends.

Blossom then launched a great fight-back and made it into double figures, but it was not strong enough to catch Sherril, who finished with a comfortable win.

‘It’s all on the day, and

the day was Sherril’s,’ Club Secretary Kerry Dexter said.

Rugby 7s returns to Byron with class lineup

The largest Rugby 7s festival in Australia is returning to Byron Bay on the weekend of October 15–16.

The Alstonville Football Club’s women’s premier league footballers have won this year’s grand final 1-0 against a very competitive Goonellabah.

It was a case of third time lucky for the team that has contested the last three grand finals without a win, till this year.

Consistency was key to the side’s winning performance, according to coach Andy Brown.

‘We have had a regular side for the last four or so years, but then lost five players this season. But we have got a pretty good system in place where the juniors and seniors train together, so we can keep younger players interested and bring them through,’ he said.

The grand final was locked at nil-all at half time and it wasn’t until a period of sustained possession deep in the second half that the Alstonville side was able to slot in the winner from the

boot of winger Ally Wenban.

‘From that point I felt we could hang on for the win,’ Andy said. ‘Fortunately, we did just enough. I knew it was going to be a pretty tight affair.’

Going into the final Alstonville and Goonellabah had each won a game against each other.

The competition had been strong across the season and only a handful of points separated the top four teams.

‘The women’s senior competition is getting stronger and stronger and this year eight teams competed, with the aim for a ten-team competition next year,’ Andy said. ‘A lot of people at a lot of different clubs are working really hard to build and promote women’s football in the area’.

The premiership topped off what has been a landmark 50th anniversary for the club as they were also awarded the club

championship by Football Far North Coast.

The women’s team also had three players, Ashleigh Peterson, Jade Parkin and Zoe Woodbry make the FFNC Team of the Year.

Both of the club’s senior coaches, Andy Brown (women) and John Thomson (men), also received FFNC Coach of the Year Awards.

The senior men’s team also had their best season to date, not to mention a host of junior successes.

‘There is plenty to celebrate this year,’ Andy said.

More women’s football

The Alstonville FC will be hosting the Oceania Cup this weekend, October 1–2, a tournament for u/12s through to seniors that has attracted 23 teams.

All games are 50 minutes and action will go from 9am–6pm at the club’s Crawford Park fields.

The event, hosted by the Byron Bay Rugby Club, will see teams from around Australia and New Zealand competing. All up, over 900 players are registered to play across three categories: elite, social and women’s.

The Paladin All-Stars will return with their host of Wallabies, All Blacks and Super Rugby veterans.

‘We’ve had particular interest in the women’s competition and it’s great to see the game growing in that section,’ organiser Eddy Brown said. ‘We’re excited to get George Smith (exWallabies Captain) and his

team back for another year so people can meet some of their heroes.’

The 7s Festival is free for the community to watch. The days run from 9am–6pm with food trucks,

refreshments, DJs and other live entertainment.

The launch on Friday October 14 will guest feature speakers, DJs and an epic raffle. For more info: info@ byronbay7s.com.au

Basketball carnival comes to Byron Bay

Byron Bay Basketballers hosted their senior carnival last weekend, which saw 15 teams battle it out across four grades.

‘It was a great competition with quality basketball all weekend,’ Jenny Ogle said. ‘Teams travelled from as far as the Sunshine Coast.’

The Byron Beez won the men’s B grade 54–49 over the Mo Buckets at the Cavanbah Centre. Photo Kylie Robertson

Art by Chrissie

Members of Villa’s senior women’s team raise the silverware and add momentum to their club that is also celebrating its 50th birthday this year. Photo Rob Parkin

Singles champion, Sherril (L), with runnerup ‘Blossom’ after the game last week. Photo supplied

Plenty to play for at the Rugby 7s. Photo Tao Jones

A handful of Byron business owners are nitpicking over Council’s figures regarding the proposed 90 day per year holiday letting cap – see page 11. Backlash awaits what their alternative is, given the community has largely been decimated by self-regulated holiday letting.

The Youth Slam performances, held as part of the recent Writers Fest, are available online. The winner was 13 year-old Boaz Blennerhassett with his poem, ‘All This Anxiety’. Search Poets Out Loud!! On YouTube or visit poetsoutloud.org/youth.

According to the upcoming Council agenda for September 29, staff want the Massinger Street treehouse in Byron dismantled and the continued lease request rejected. Staff’s justification includes mitigating Council’s liability for private encroachments on public lands. Will our courageous councillors support the community or staff on this?

Also at this week’s Council meeting, Mullumbimby industrial estate business owners are calling on Council to improve the potholeridden and dangerous Manns Road. Council staff agree, and suggest throwing $30,000 at it. See page 18.

From economist Richard Denniss: ‘[Labor MP] Tanya Plibersek says it would cost $1B pa to save our endangered species… compared to the $500M we just spent on the war memorial; our $11B per year of fossil fuel subsidies and the $250B for Stage 3 tax cuts, it seems like a bargain’.

The Lennox Head community has been heavily impacted by suicide loss recently. In response, a Community Connection Day will be held at the Cultural Centre on Sunday October 9, from 10am till 1pm. Organisers say there will be a live band, a free barbeque, activities, plus a lived-experience speaker from the Black Dog institute.

A memorial for Patricia (Patsy) Dailhou, who passed away during lockdown last year, will be held at 4pm on Saturday October 1 at the Mullumbimby Cemetery. An obituary was published in The Echo’s January 19 issue, ‘Vale Byron girl, Patricia Marcia Dailhou’.

For new residents particularly, please don’t dump rubbish or furniture by the roadside. It creates potential for accidents and gives the impression you don’t care for the environment or this community.

With 10 million Australians potentially impacted by the Optus data breach, it is worth remembering that former Liberal premier

Gladys Berejiklian was snapped up as a board member, just as she quit politics in 2021 while still under ICAC investigation.

The Kinship Festival was held at Knox Park, Murwillumbah, last Saturday, and it kicked off a series of events aimed at reconnecting the Tweed community, post-pandemic and post-flood. Pictured are Leo and Kaii, with Rangi Marie from One Vision Productions. Photo Jeff Dawson