The Byron Shire Echo – Issue 37.20 – October 26, 2022

State govt overrules councils to push agritourism on rural land

Paul Bibby

The state government is ramming through an ‘agritourism’ policy which effectively removes restrictions on tourism development on rural lands, ignoring the objections of local councils and the impact on surrounding landowners.

In a thinly veiled attempt to curry favour with the National Party’s rapidly eroding voter base ahead of the upcoming election, the government is creating a series of ‘development pathways’ for agriculture-related tourism operations.

This will significantly reduce restrictions and scrutiny of the development of so-called ‘farm experience premises’, ‘farm gate premises’ and ‘farm stay accommodation’.

These developments will be able to proceed through a streamlined process that effectively sidelines local councils and neighbours wishing to object.

The government says agritourism presents a multi-billion-dollar opportunity for the NSW economy, and has declared that the policy will be in place by December 23.

‘As NSW farmers experience another severe drought affecting 100 per cent of the state, agritourism offers another avenue to keep farmers on the farm and jobs in the regions,’ the NSW Small Business Commissioner says.

But the policy is now effectively being forced through without any chance for local councils to adapt the provisions to the particular needs of their communities.

Having originally given councils the opportunity to nuance or opt out of aspects of the proposed

policy, the NSW Department of Planning then suddenly changed tack, coming back with a rigid policy that effectively removed this nomination process.

‘I do not accept that this has been a transparent or fair way to implement such a significant statewide planning policy, given the implications that these state-imposed landuse changes will have on rural lands in the Byron Shire,’ Byron Mayor Michael Lyon said in a mayoral minute objecting to the policy.

‘It is questionable just how ‘low impact or straightforward’ the land use types that the DPE has defined as exempt or complying agritourism development will be in the Byron Shire’.

Enforcement burden upon Council

‘Further, we know from experience that the enforcement burden for these land-use changes will fall back onto Council, without any funds for the additional resourcing it is likely to require.’

In Byron, current planning controls that are in place for weddings, events, cellar-door premises, and holiday accommodation on rural lands will be overridden by the new policy.

Mayor Michael Lyon has sided with Resilience NSW over flood-affected residents by sitting on a draft flood report for the Mullum ‘pod’ village.

Stars among the stars

These controls were written in an attempt to balance the interests of tourism and event organisers with the needs of surrounding residents, who were being significantly impacted by the Shire’s already burgeoning agritourism industry.

Developments considered ‘exempt’ can be carried out without the need for planning or building

Neighbouring residents have been denied procedural fairness by Resilience NSW and Council, who have acted without transparency around the development.

In reply, Director Sustainable Environment and Economy, Shannon Burt, said a draft version of the report, ‘has been shared with Council staff’, and despite Council asking for it to be made public, making it public, it ‘is a matter for Resilience NSW’.

by further flooding? Doesn’t the public deserve the respect of being informed of such serious matters? Why would you back Resilience NSW over traumatised, floodimpacted residents?’

He replied, ‘I don’t have the authority to release the report, otherwise I would. There is a process underway regarding further consultation with some of the neighbouring landowners and I expect this will resolve very shortly. Please be assured that I have been pushing as hard as I can, because I agree with you, our community deserves transparency around this, ▶ Continued on page 3▶ Continued on page 2

According to the upcoming Council agenda’s ‘Question with Notice’ by Cr Duncan Dey, he asks for the flood report to be made public and says it, ‘was due months ago, but has not been made public, despite that having been promised many times’.

‘It is Council’s understanding based on conversations with Resilience NSW that the findings of the report will be released by them’, she wrote.

The Echo asked Cr Lyon, ‘Why won’t you release the Resilience NSW report, even in draft form, to residents, to assure them their properties will not be impacted

Hans Lovejoy

Festival director J’aimee Skippon-Volke and longtime supporter Jack Thompson, were at last Friday night’s opening of this year’s Byron Bay Film Festival. The festival program continues through until Sunday, with a 10-metre extended-reality 360° projection dome in Byron’s new Railway Corridor. Photo Jeff ‘Moonstruck’ Dawson

Govt overrules councils to push agritourism

approval if it

from

specified

and

require notification of Council or neighbours.

In his Mayoral minute, to be debated at this week’s Council meeting, Cr Lyon moved that Council ‘opt out’ of the new provisions until it conducts its own review of where they could be appropriate.

He also moved that Council formally objects to

‘Agritourism’, ‘Farm experience premises’ and ‘Farm gate premises’ and ‘Farm stay accommodation’ being made permissible anywhere in the shire’s Local Environment Plans. However, should this policy be passed by Council, it is uncertain whether it will be permitted by the state government, given that it has effectively removed the option for councils to opt out of certain aspects of the policy.

FURNITURE DONATIONS PLEASE

Mullum welcomes new chamber prez

Aslan Shand

Jenelle Stanford passed on the baton of President of the Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce to Paul Prior, from First National Real Estate, at last Tuesday’s AGM.

‘A change is as good as a holiday,’ Jenelle told The Echo

‘I think it is important that people don’t stay in a position like this too long. It is really important to have fresh ideas and inspiration and Paul is perfect for this job.’

Paul praised the job Jenelle has done during her tenure as president.

‘Mullumbimby is a great town. We’ve been through the floods, bushfires, and the future is about building on this great community, keeping important ties in place and keeping everyone together. Janelle has done a fantastic job and there is a very good support committee there – I couldn’t take this on without the support of a great and active committee.

Town’s backbone

‘The businesses play an integral part in the community, and they are the backbone of the town. The

chamber has brought the community together and we will continue building on what has been done for the last eight years.

‘From fundraising following natural disasters like the Black Summer fires, and recent floods, as well as organising local events like the upcoming Ingenuity Small Sculpture exhibition on November 5–6 and Carols by Candlelight on December 11, or the recent Chinny Charge… we will continue to

build on a really good base.

‘The chamber is behind utilising the rail trail,’ said Paul.

‘Down the track it could be some form of alternative public transport, but the most important thing is we have something that has been sitting around for 18 years unused by the community.

‘The rail trail is a great way to create connectivity between all the little towns around the area. The key is to

continue to improve on what’s here and keep the community vibrant and engaged in the town and its future.’

Jenelle said she will remain on the executive for the chamber for the time being and that she is really excited about getting behind some special projects for the town.

‘I now get to concentrate on those activities and projects that I want to see happen for the town of Mullumbimby’, she added.

Jenelle Stanford with Paul Prior. Photo Jeff Dawson

Storm hits vulnerable hinterland roads/bridges

The third consecutive La Niña continues to inundate eastern Australia, and while last Sunday’s combined low-pressure systems caused anxiety for flood-affected residents in the region, no serious flooding was recorded in the Shire’s towns and villages.

Yet the Shire’s hinterland’s

road and bridge network was again hammered, with resident Benny Freeman posting on social media that ‘Coopers Lane bridge [near] Durrumbul is partially destroyed/washed out’.

Further in Upper Main Arm, residents reported that a concrete causeway had

been seriously damaged just before Kohinur Hall.

Up to 300mm

Residents on McPhails Road, Wanganui, say they recorded 207mm over 24 hours, while around 300mm was also recorded in the region.

To report road or causeway damage, residents are encouraged to call Council’s works depot on 6685 9300 (during business hours) and for an after-hours emergency, 6622 7022. An online form is available at www.byron. nsw.gov.au/System-pages/ Report-it-to-Council.

but I am not going to release documents shared with me in confidence until they are cleared’.

The Echo asked to specify what authority, and the consequences, if any, if that authority was breached.

No reply was reply was received by deadline.

Resilience NSW provided a general statement when asked why it won’t release the report, which was followed by ‘For background, not for quoting’:

That reads, ‘Resilience NSW commissioned independent consultants to undertake flood modelling of different

scenarios at the Mullumbimby temporary housing site. The site was reviewed with consideration to flood risk and flood planning, including under the North Byron Floodplain Risk Management Plan. Resilience NSW will be reaching out to local residents this week to provide a further construction update including a copy of the scenarios modelled by the independent consultants’.

Meanwhile, a heavily redacted freedom of information document that was requested by a resident affected by the NSW government’s roll out of pod homes has revealed that the rail land at Station Street has a ‘potential exposure

risk to lead in [the] surface soil’.

The comments by the EPA’s Robert Donohoe were to a Property NSW staff member, and he also stated that, ‘Any proposal to open up the land [to] public access for temporary flood accommodation is likely to increase the potential for lead exposure’.

As of June 9, Donohoe said the EPA was waiting on soil sampling by Transport for NSW. The Echo asked the EPA if this sampling had been completed yet, ‘and if so, can you please supply this document so the community can rest assured this poses no health risks?’

A reply is expected next week.

Bangalow bowlo club calls amalgamation vote

The Bangalow Bowlo board have called for members to vote on November 13 on the amalgamation with North Sydney Leagues’ Club (Norths) and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The issue has divided the Bangalow community, with those in favour claiming the financial future of the club relies upon amalgamation.

Yet those against amalgamation claim that Norths will increase pokie machines and will strip the club of its ability to self-determine its future and not act in the interests of the Bangalow community.

A resident told The Echo that Murwillumbah Bowlo signed an MoU with Norths ‘thinking it would be their saviour, but their club was sold within two years to Woolworths.’

Assets transferred

According to www.bangalowbowlo. com.au, the MoU could see: (a) ‘the continuation of Norths as the amalgamated club and the dissolution of Bangalow Bowlo; (b). the transfer of all assets, land and liabilities (as defined in the Memorandum of Understanding) of Bangalow Bowlo to Norths; and (c) the

making of an application under section 60 of the Liquor Act 2007 to the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority of NSW for the transfer of Liquor Licence (as defined in the Memorandum of Understanding) of Bangalow Bowlo to Norths for the purposes of such amalgamation; and (d) the transfer of the Liquor Licence (as defined in the Memorandum of Understanding) of Bangalow Bowlo to Norths pursuant to the application referred to in paragraph (c) above’.

The general meeting will be held from 11am on November 13 at the club.

Mullum Creek Road, Monday. Photo Jeff Dawson

Kohinur Hall causeway, 8am, Monday. Photo Wendy Brown

Wanganui causeway, 7am Monday. Photo Mary Fox

Mullum hosts Biggest Morning Tea

Aslan Shand

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea in Mullumbimby, a charity that raises money for the Cancer Council, was run by Mitre 10 this year in memory of their long-term employee, Jo Devine, who passed away from cancer earlier this year.  Jo had been organising Mullumbimby’s Biggest Morning Tea for ten years since she was cleared of cancer.

Mitre 10 employee, Janelle Ryan, who organised this year’s event, said, ‘All the staff were on board, baking both sweet and savoury the night before for the stall, and we raised $1,000.

‘People were very generous even after the floods. A

lot of people had their own stories to share because of cancer. It touches everybody,’ she said.

Mullumbimby Chamber representative, Jenelle

Stanford, told The Echo that they also donated $500 to the event ‘in memory of Jo, as she had been such an important and active member of our community.’

Marine Rescue Bruns gets new Zodiac

The Marine Rescue Brunswick unit has a new 3.88 metre Zodiac Milpro inflatable rapid response emergency rescue boat and emergency equipment, thanks to a $50,000 donation by the James Frizelle Charitable Foundation.

Unit Commander Jonathan Wilcock said, ‘We’re grateful for the support of the James Frizelle Charitable Foundation for the vital work carried out by our members.’

‘With another busy summer expected on our waterways, this rescue vessel will provide the Marine Rescue Brunswick unit with additional rescue capability at the peak of the boating season, just when it’s needed the most.’

Marine Rescue NSW

Deputy Commissioner, Alex Barrell, said, ‘‘With a weight of just 55 kilograms, a key feature of the rescue vessel is its ability to be quickly and easily transported to where it is needed, enabling our members to better support other agencies such as the NSW SES during flood responses’.

He added that foundation representative, Trish Harris, said that the devastating 2022 floods in the Northern Rivers ‘highlighted the need for local first responder volunteers to have immediate access to life-saving marine equipment in order to reach and evacuate residents’.

Aust Day awards may move to inclusive event in August

Paul Bibby

Byron’s Australia Day Awards look set to be replaced with a more inclusive event in August, after a survey found that the majority of locals are in favour of the move.

Last month, Byron Council resolved to investigate

finding a new day to hold their annual awards that was more inclusive of all shire residents, particularly our First Nations people.

This followed concerns from some members of the community who felt holding the awards on a day which marks the invasion of

Australia by white Europeans was inappropriate.

A survey of 48 locals conducted earlier this month on the issue found that 60 per cent of respondents were in favour of changing the date of the award ceremony, while 38 per cent wanted the date to stay the same.

The remaining two per cent indicated that they were unsure or did not have a preference.

With the survey results suggesting support for the change, Council will vote on a resolution at this Thursday’s meeting to replace the awards with a more inclusive

event during Local Government Week in the first week of August.

Revitalise the awards

‘This is an opportunity to revitalise the awards into a more inclusive and accessible event that better reflects the community,’ Council’s

Manager of Corporate Services, Heather Sills, said in her report on the matter.

‘Holding an awards ceremony at another time of the year would remove any political or other ties and ensure the focus of the event is on celebrating the achievements of the community,’ she said.

Mitre 10 employee, Janelle Ryan, organised this year’s Biggest Morning Tea in Mullum in memory of Jo Devine. Photo Jeff Dawson

Unit Commander, Jonathan Wilcock. Photo Jeff Dawson

Eco resort approved by planning panel

Hans Lovejoy

An exclusive eco-resort on a large tract of some of the last remaining littoral rainforest on the northern NSW coastline was approved last week, yet the public are not informed of any details, as the decision by the Northern Rivers Planning Panel is yet to be published online.

The Echo understands amendments to reduce the number of cabins were agreed to, behind closed doors, yet the infrastructure component of the DA remains.

Named the Linnaeus Estate, the controversial DA attracted criticism from ecologists, residents and Council planning staff, who highlighted the land’s high environmental value, yet despite the fierce opposition, the panel decision was ‘unanimous’, according to one of the beneficiary developers, Brandon Saul.

Saul told The Echo, ‘I understand there will be differences of opinion on this matter, but I can assure you we want to do the very best for this site and Broken Head generally’.

The Echo asked Saul what his financial interests were,

as well as what he expects to gain from this decision.

He replied, ‘I am the coordinator of the small consortium [15 or so parties] who prepared and lodged the eco-tourism DA with the overwhelming support of the owners’ group at Linnaeus. Given our interest in the property is very much in the minority, the proposal could not have progressed without the consent and support of a majority of the existing owners. To suggest otherwise is simply not factual.’

Last week, The Echo obtained an email sent from South African billionaire Tony Tabatznik to mayor Michael Lyon on October 12, 2022.

Tabatznik claims that his family company, Scarlet, ‘was the original purchaser in 1996 and remains the majority shareholder’.

Tabatznik says minority investor Steve Duchen was appointed Trustee to the Trust that Scarlet had created, and was ‘entrusted with power to make all decisions’.

He said, ‘The Trust had as its stated purpose “to be educative, environmentally responsible and to act as custodian of the site for

future generations.”

‘That remains Scarlet’s overwhelming desire. Even though we would stand to gain financially if the proposed sale were to go through, we categorically oppose the actions of the Trustee in entering negotiations to renege on that stated purpose’.

He also claimed that the Linnaeus Charter had recently been removed from www.linnaeus.com.au, which states its purpose is to preserve the land’s high conservation credentials.

The charter says in part, ‘the Foundation has imposed stringent restrictions on itself for development on the estate to ensure sustainability and self-sufficiency with respect to water and wastewater management’.

Ownership unclear

The claims were put to Duchen, and he told The Echo, ‘The email from Tony Tabatznik is surprising and error ridden’.

‘Clearly as a wealthy, foreign-based entrepreneur used to getting his own way in his various endeavours, he has been frustrated by

his inability to achieve and control his changed desires for Linnaeus.

‘His family company was not the purchaser in 1996, as claimed by him. The original purchaser was in fact an entity which Philip McMaster and myself owned called Broken Head Coastal Foundation Pty Limited.

‘The charter of Linnaeus is and still remains the same to this day. Nothing in Brandon’s recent [DA] approval changes that charter, and all associated with Linnaeus respect and honour it’.

‘We have recently dedicated over 50 hectares (nearly half of the property) to a Conservation Agreement in perpetuity with NSW Biodiversity Trust. Our water and wastewater infrastructure is gold standard and is and has always been fully aligned to our stated objectives and charter.

‘Full and proper process has always been followed throughout the Linnaeus development, and I assure you that such practice will continue in the future’, said Duchen.

See letters, page 13.

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

30.5m Telstra tower for Kingscliff?

Councillors Warren Polglase (Conservative) and James Owen (Liberal) were quick to move and second the motion to approve a 30.5m Telstra tower at Kingscliff to be used as a mobile phone base station facility at the most recent Tweed Shire Council meeting.

‘Entry not gentry’: Ballina Croquet Club sparks protest

The stereotypical quiet of croquet was disturbed on the Northern Rivers at the weekend when a small group of protestors against the sport’s takeover of community land gathered onsite.

Some relief for Lismore

Lismore residents and business owners are breathing a little easier after the flooding expected did not materialise.

Open letter to PM calls for more climate action

The Ballina Environment Society is calling on other groups across the Northern Rivers to join an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese demanding stronger climate action.

Public Health Advice: Be safe around floodwater and debris

North Coast Population and Public Health is encouraging people to remember the basics of floodwater safety following the heavy rains across the region this week.

Nightcap Action Group celebrates 40th anniversary

A big celebration will be held Saturday night, October 22, at the Nimbin Hall, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Nightcap Action Group’s direct actions on Mt Nardi, which resulted in the cessation of logging and the creation of the Nightcap National Park.

‘What the tide brought in’ wins Sponsor’s Choice award at Lismore Show

A waterscape by artist Dellene Strong entitled ‘What the Tide Brought In’ was the winner of the Sponsor’s Choice award at the Norco Lismore Show.

Summit track on Wollumbin remains closed

Aslan Shand

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Wollumbin Consultative Group and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), signed last week, is the first step towards joint management of Wollumbin National Park, which has Wollumbin (Mt Warning) within its borders.

Minister for Environment, James Griffin, said, ‘Wollumbin holds deep significance for the Bundjalung people and this step recognises the importance of protecting its cultural value’.

‘The Wollumbin Consultative Group has been providing guidance to NPWS on the management of the national park since 2000, and its long-standing view is that public access to the summit is not in line with the cultural values of the area.

‘We’re committed to putting Aboriginal land management and stewardship at the heart of our efforts to conserve our precious environment and care for Country, which is why any future decisions about Wollumbin will be guided by Aboriginal custodians.’

In a statement, Wollumbin Consultative Group said: ‘Wollumbin is of the highest significance to the Aboriginal nations, particularly the Bundjalung nation in northern NSW, as a sacred ceremonial and cultural complex that is linked to traditional law and custom. Wollumbin is interconnected to a broader cultural and spiritual landscape that includes Creation, Dreaming stories and men’s

initiation rites, of deep antiquity.

‘Bundjalung beliefs illustrate the spiritual values embodied and evoked in Wollumbin and its connections to a broader cultural landscape. These connections are important to the spiritual

identity of the Bundjalung nation, many other nations and families connected to Wollumbin, predominantly men and also women.

‘We have a responsibility for caring for Country, our environment, plants, animals, water, earth, and sky. As the oldest living culture in the world, we are sharing our cultural knowledge and entrusting this knowledge with the broader community so that our values, tradition, and law are respected, understood and acknowledged.’

While the Wollumbin summit remains closed, there are alternative trails for visitors and hikers to choose from, with new visitor infrastructure being developed as part of the ‘largest investment in the history of national parks’.

‘The $7.35 million Tweed Byron Hinterland Trail, for example, will be a stunning new 38km, four-day hiking trail, and cement the North Coast of NSW as a premier destination to visit.’

Ballina housing strategy on exhibition

Ballina Shire Council say they are preparing a new housing strategy to help meet the demands of future growth.

‘Like a lot of Australian communities, Ballina Shire is feeling the pressure from the lack of affordable housing,’ said Ms Tara McGready, Ballina Shire Council’s Manager of Strategic Planning.

‘This new housing strategy will consider where and how projected growth may be accommodated to the

year 2040. Once finalised, it will help guide future planning at a local and state level.’

Surveys and workshops are planned. The outcome of the workshops and the survey will be incorporated into a draft housing strategy which will be exhibited for further community feedback early to mid-2023. To take the housing survey or register for a workshop visit www.yoursayballina.com.au/housing-strategy.

North

Glimpse of Doughboy Mountain and Wollumbin (Mt Warning) at sunset. Photo Viktor Posnov, DPIE

Mullum hospital site plans before Council

Paul Bibby

Up to 129 dwellings, including housing for people on very low incomes, would be built on the former Mullumbimby hospital site under a new plan for the valuable plot.

More than five years after the state government handed responsibility for the 4.4-hectare site to Byron Council, a draft Site Strategy and Urban Design Protocol (SSUDP) will come before this week’s Council meeting before going on public exhibition.

Delayed by the frustratingly slow and expensive process of remediating the Left Bank Road site, the strategy provides the clearest indication yet of what locals can expect when the project is eventually completed.

‘This is rare flood-free land in Mullumbimby that has the potential to deliver between 100 and 129 dwellings and supporting community infrastructure,’ Council’s Place Planning coordinator, Andrew Fitzgibbon, said in a report to this week’s Council meeting.

‘This is critically needed given the context of the declared housing crisis in the Shire, the recent flood events that heavily impacted Mullumbimby, and the limited supply of dwellings in the town.’

Required as an essential first step under planning laws, the draft SSUDP suggests the

site will involve a mix of uses.

The majority of the site (60 per cent) will be used for residential development, including a mix of housing types and tenures.

Slated residential

This includes housing that is affordable, accessible and appropriate for older people across a range of income levels.

It will also include housing that is affordable for ‘households with very low, low, and moderate income levels’.

There will also be a multipurpose facility with spaces for consultation and the potential for work, education, gathering and recreation spaces, and a cafe, all of which is intended to support residents and community, and encourage social connection.

There will also be two stretches of vegetation, including a large strip of green through the centre of the site.

The draft SSUPD also proposes increasing the height limit for a sizeable proportion of the site from 8.5m to 11.5m.

The draft strategy reflects the hard work of the Mullumbimby Hospital Reference Group, a collection of 15 community members and Council staff, who came up with the concept for the site.

This includes stipulating that walking and cycling will be prioritised on the site,

Bruns photo winner

and that all structures be of exemplary, high-quality design, and celebrate the Indigenous and non-Indigenous history of the site.

The draft strategy notes that remediation works have finally been completed on the site, with the final auditing and reporting process expected to be completed by the end of the year. This includes the capping of a sizeable area that was contaminated with asbestos.

The remediation of this and surrounding areas has cost Council $4.5m.

When the land was handed over, NSW Health estimated the cost of remediation to be $1.8m.

The state government ‘gifted’ the site to Council for $1 in May, 2017.

Community consultation on water sharing and management in the Far North Coast New South Wales

The New South Wales government is currently undertaking consultation in the Far North Coast NSW region on several key water programs to give communities a clear understanding of how future water programs align and interact. The department is now consulting on the following:

• Draft Far North Coast Regional Water Strategy (RWS)

• Richmond River Area Water Sharing Plan (WSP)

• Tweed River Area Water Sharing Plan (WSP)

There are several ways you can learn more and have your say by:

1.Attending a webinar

• Tuesday 8 November:

5.00 pm – 6.30 pm. Update on Tweed River Area Water Sharing Plan

• Wednesday 9 November: 5.00 pm – 6.30 pm. Update on Richmond River Area Water Sharing Plan

• Tuesday 22nd November:

5.00 pm – 6.30 pm. Update on the Far North Coast Regional Water Strategy

2. Attending a face-to-face drop in session

• Monday 14 November, 12 pm – 4 pm: Kyogle Golf Club, 102 Summerland Way, Newpark – Far North Coast RWS and Richmond WSP

• Tuesday 15 November, 10 am – 2 pm: Murwillumbah Services Club, 10 Wollumbin Street, Murwillumbah – Far North Coast RWS and Tweed WSP

• Wednesday 16 November, 10 am – 2 pm:

Casino Returned Servicemen’s Memorial (RSM) Club, 162 Canterbury Street, Casino – Far North Coast RWS and Richmond WSP

• Thursday 17 November, 10 am – 2 pm: Department of Primary Industries 1243 Bruxner Highway, Wollongbar – Far North Coast RWS and Richmond WSP

• Friday 18 November. 10 am – 1 pm: Ballina RSL Club, 1 Grant Street, Ballina – Richmond WSP

out more information, please visit: dpie.nsw.gov.au/water-management-in-farnorth-coast-nsw SB0126

TWEED

The Byron Shire Echo

Volume 37 #20 • October 26, 2022

With the all-important mid-term elections pending in the United States, the legality of abortion has been on my mind.

I watch aghast at the fallout from the retrograde decision by the Supreme Court; however, it is a timely reminder of the history here.

Council’s general manger, Mark Arnold, is seeking to renew his contract from July 1, 2023, presumably for another five years.

The word ‘presumably’ is used only because the information contained in his confidential contract renewal within the upcoming October 27 meeting agenda is very light on details.

As a former executive director within Council, Arnold was appointed GM by councillors after former GM Ken Gainger stood down in January 2018.

Council GMs are in charge of, and take responsibility for, operations whereas elected councillors create policy.

The secret documents in the October 27 meeting agenda are the GM Performance Review report, the GM Performance Agreement, and the Application for renewal of contract.

As with every GM performance review and contract, the public are not informed of its contents.

We cheerfully rely on the judg ments of four councillors and an ‘external facilitator’ to review his performance to ensure the operations of Council are competent and efficient.

The agenda notes that, ‘A performance agreement for the 2022/2023 financial year has been developed by the General Manager and Mayor Cr Michael Lyon, with input from the other review panel members’.

So – what improvements would you suggest for the staff operations he is responsible for?

It’s a tough question as councils are essentially a corporate arm of the state government, and so their ability to represent community interests is compromised.

Over recent years, Arnold and his executive team have gained enormous powers under ‘delegated authority’, owing to successive terms of councillors giving up their powers to them, particularly around planning matters.

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Does this limit Council’s ability to represent community interests?

Or alternatively, given how little councillors are paid and how they seem so compliant to staff wishes anyway, is it good that Arnold’s team are in charge?

Councillors tend to be more decorative than interventionist anyway.

Fun fact: according to the NSW Office of Local Government in 2021, general manager annual salaries vary from $143,270 to $633,852. Being a smaller council, Arnold’s take-home pay would presumably be in the lower-mid range of that amount.

When appointed in 2018, Arnold took the reins when community trust in Byron Council was at its lowest ebb in years.

He told The Echo on July 4, 2018, that the three key elements that he would like to see the council improve during his five-year term were ‘infra structure, management of growth and its impacts, and working with the community on Council’s decisionmaking process’.

Has that been fulfilled?

One way to make local governance work for the community, rather than the NSW government, is just to be involved, ask questions, and to be across all the details, limitations and opportunities as much as possible.

Meaningful, transparent, organisational reform from within also helps.

Has any structural reform occurred in the last five years?

It’s not apparent from outside the political tent.

Despite that apparent lack of reform, and a seemingly impenetrable wall of secrecy, thanks, Mark Arnold for not letting the wheels fall off Council while the community grapples with fires, disease and endless floods.

Hans Lovejoy, editor News tips are welcome: editor@echo.net.au

In Australia, the act of procuring an abortion was legislated and fully criminalised in all states and territories until very recent times. In NSW, there was a maximum penalty of ten years’ imprisonment.

This is right up until it was legalised on October 2, 2019.

So, I know you are asking yourself, how can it be that it was a legislated crime, but it was effectively permitted from the late 1970s?

If it was illegal, then how come it was virtually unpoliced or prosecuted in all that time?

Well, the answer lies in the legal acrobatics of some rather brave activist judges before it was all the rage.

Up until that point, the defence of necessity was a very narrow and limited defence to criminal charges.

If you were driving an injured person to hospital and went through a red light, the necessity defence may well apply.

Or you broke into a chemist to get some bandages to stem a stab wound for example.

But the essence of the defence is that there must have been no other alternative.

So, escaping from a prison for fear of sexual assault, or trespassing by squatting owing to homelessness would never suffice.

Because you had a choice – like being assaulted, reporting it to the Governor, or living on the street.

Or all three.

Enter stage left: an unlikely hero by the name of Clifford Menhennit, Scotch College student and then Supreme Court Justice in Victoria, who determined that the defence of necessity applied to an abortion charge if ‘necessary

to preserve the physical or mental health of the woman concerned’.

This was expanded in NSW to include ‘economic or social harm presently or in the future’. Such a defence has never applied to any similar crime – radical indeed.

The legal fiction here in Australia was only to be outdone by the tortured fancy adopted by the US Supreme Court in 1973 with Roe v Wade

The Constitution provides protection from arbitrary deprivation of life, liberty or property.

In that clause, the Supreme Court found a right to privacy.

And it is that right that was said to be abridged by the criminalisation of abortion.

This undoubtedly saved countless lives.

Millions of women benefited.

Whatever the obvious moral rightness of the decision, it was always an exceptionally long legal bow to draw.

It was ripe for overturning.

The lesson from this lengthy legal walk down a short factual pier is that the situation in the USA could have been us.

The judge-made legal fiction of justification in Australia was always tenuous, brittle and weak.

Power to change laws is best exercised by parliament, rather than the fickle courts as judges change over time, waxing and waning like the moon.

On the other hand, reform on victimless crime where parliament makes it tends to stick – can anyone imagine the reversal of same-sex marriage?

It might happen that marriage equality ends in the USA, again because it is based on arguable

The

constitutional interpretation from the Supreme Court.

I (for once) agree with Justice Samuel Alito, in the US Supreme Court, who quoted legendary conservative Justice Scalia’s view that: ‘The permissibility of abortion, and the limitations upon it, are to be resolved like most important questions in our democracy: by citizens trying to persuade one another and then voting.’

And in the end, that is all the Supreme Court has done –returned the power to make laws to the parliaments of the various jurisdictions responsible.

The reason women will die and be imprisoned, and that child victims of sexual assault will be forced to have babies, and that poorer women will be grossly overrepresented in the forced pregnancy stakes is only indirectly because of the Supreme Court.

The real fault, the ultimate crime, lies in the slow dead hand of the legislators in the recalcitrant States.

I read that a majority (60 per cent) of Americans support a woman’s right to choose – if that is the case, then democracy should take its course.

But without compulsory voting, and where fundamentalist Christianity replaces reason with faith in energised voters, we can but hope.

Still, abortion is the number one issue motivating electors to vote this time round, so fingers crossed.

The Wall Street Journal describes abortion law as ‘a defibrillator for the Democrats’.

And I’ve looked – where in the bible is abortion outlawed anyway?

David Heilpern is Dean of Law at SCU and a former magistrate.

Shire

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

‘Power to change laws is best exercised by parliament, rather , as ’

David Heilpern

Nicholas Shand 1948–1996

Editor

Future Mullum

I have two issues. The most important to me is infrastructure re flooding at the east end of Mullumbimby. I moved from Wilsons Creek into town in 2009 to Ann Street. Just after arriving the drains were cleared including the waterway at the end of the street.

A couple of years after moving in the first flood came up to the garage. The second flood in 2017 came into the garage. The third flood in 2022 came 60cm into my home, not a happy sight.

After the 2017 flood I had a Council employee out several times and we walked the area. I live four houses from the creek on the lowest street. As we know, nothing was done and in the paddock I picked up half a bin of junk laying in the paddock. So five years later when the big one hit, of course without any infrastructure work having been carried out by Council, we had no runoff. It would be wonderful if Council dredged the waterway that runs into Kings Creek after the flood.

The second point is taking away our only public car park at 57 Station Street Mullumbimby. Local residents as a whole will not benefit if this project goes ahead. Residents will need car

spaces. A the moment there are 43 spaces; how many will be left for locals once all the pylons are in place? How many cars per unit? Where will the workers park their vehicles? Where is all the building equipment going to be stored? The roundabout is the busiest corner of Mullumbimby; imagine what it will be like when/if building starts on that corner.

Marie Oliver Mullumbimby

Name changes

Can someone explain to me why a company would have so many name changes?

The Kollective put through a DA with Council under the name Kollective. Then as it gets passed by Byron Shire councillors it’s called the Corso. Now it leases the land to Resilience NSW and it’s called Oniva pty Ltd. What will it be called when it finally builds?

Interesting!

Annie Radermacher Brunswick Heads

Frugality

Being of Richard Jones’s age, I can agree with his essay about the need for frugality to offset climate change.

One good place to start

might be unnecessary petrol use. I’ve read that something like half a million trips are made every year by people from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay, just for the day. During World War 2, petrol was rationed, and people were encouraged to ask themselves, ‘Is this trip really necessary?’

For me the worst effect of short-term holiday letting is that it forces people to live far outside Byron Bay, causing long commutes.

Cartoon by Antoinette Ensbey

Another issue is wasting food. I’ve read that one-fifth of all food purchased is wasted, and certainly, looking at restaurant tables after people have left seems to confirm such a figure. The wasted food contributes to the ‘greenhouse effect’. Overseas, climate change already seems to be causing widespread famine. My parents exhorted me to think of famines and not waste the abundance while we have it.

Another area that my parents would have commented on is couples separating. People today seem to think it is OK to walk out on any relationship, and maybe when there are only two people involved, that’s true. But they felt it was a disgrace to have kids and not stay together amicably.

Rising population doesn’t cause the greenhouse effect, but it certainly exacerbates it: more petrol burned, more energy used, more cement for new buildings. If pressure for commitment causes fewer babies, maybe that’s not such a bad thing.

Finally, perhaps it is wise to be ready for hard times. The authors of The Millionaire Next Door, which is about people who get rich by steady saving and

investment, say that an adult should have one year of salary in savings for every ten years of working life.

That means a person of forty should have about two years of salary salted away. And yet many people today, or so we read, live from paycheque to paycheque. If a flood or a new disease takes away their job, what is going to happen?

I can’t say that I’ve been letter perfect on these issues myself, but I agree with Richard Jones that the new wave of the future may be a need for frugality.

Charles MacFarland Ewingsdale

Byron’s town spirit

When Byron’s Woolworths put out the decorations for Christmas it gets me thinking.

Woolworths was about the only retail site that decorated for the festive season in the last few years.

Historically there were big banners greeting visitors hung over Shirley Street, the clock was decorated and retail shops went to an effort to decorate and spread good cheer. Where are they?

Driving through other towns over the festive season and seeing the effort they go to, the children’s faces light up at the lights and all the

decorations are terrific. It’s a time of the year of being together, wishing joy, peace, goodwill to all humankind in its diversity.

I approached Council to ask when they were putting up the decorations pre-Covid and was told the Chamber of Commerce do the Christmas decorations in Byron Bay.

Christmas is about commerce too; a healthy trade in town is good for our livelihoods. Why not encourage locals to shop in the Bay, where retailers go to an effort to decorate their windows and shops?

We are such a multilayered community. Can we come together and help infuse the town with a visual Christmas cheer and a sense of community for our families here and our visitors?

Stephanie Rake Byron Bay

Delegated authority

I don’t know about the proposed ‘bio-energy incinerator’, which is a good enough reason not to have a firm view about it one way or the other.

On the other hand, I do know quite a bit about how this council works, as a result of which I can confidently state the following:

1. The final cost will be

at least twice the figure originally quoted

2. Our elected councillors will give (or have already given) the staff a vaguely worded document or resolution that the staff will describe as ‘delegated authority’ to do pretty much what they like

3. As the matter progresses, the staff will do their best to not tell councillors or other parties what’s going on and how much it’s costing, while the elected councillors won’t ask any strenuous or confronting questions.

4. A disturbing amount of money will be spent on ‘management’, which is hard to pinpoint, and on ‘consultants’ who, being in the private sector, won’t be subject to F.O.I. and will be protected by ‘commercial-in-confidence’ (how neat is that!)

5. Anyone trying to identify expenditure on a particular line item will be given a category overlap with an aggregate figure, so that it’s impossible to isolate a particular line of expenditure.

A portent of all this appeared recently when The Echo reported on Council’s failure to get the expected finance via a federal ARENA grant. Asked what reason was given for refusal, Mayor

Concerns as coercive control bill passes NSW Lower House

Aslan Shand

Domestic violence (DV) is complex and can involve more than just the perpetrator and victim; it involves children, families and communities as well. Each week a woman dies in Australia as a result of domestic violence perpetrated by her current or former partner. The NSW Lower House passed the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Coercive Control) Bill 2022 on Wednesday 20 October; yet many who work in the field of DV are calling for greater consultation and financial investment before it is brought into law.

‘Coercive control is a form of domestic abuse that involves patterns of behaviour that have the cumulative effect of denying victimsurvivors their autonomy and independence,’ NSW AttorneyGeneral Mark Speakman said when he spoke about the Coercive Control Bill 2022 pass ing through the Lower House.

‘It is a proven precursor to DV deaths. Our community has grieved with the families of too many domesticviolence homicide victims.’

Fund and consult

Coercive control laws have been passed in a number of countries with the ‘gold standard’ being the laws in Scotland that were supported with significant consultation, funding, and training of the police force when they were introduced. There are concerns from some sectors that the NSW bill has been rushed and does not adequately address issues raised by stakeholders and may lead to negative outcomes.

‘This is a very important area of law reform but it has been rushed through and the many concerns raised by key stakeholders, including Domestic Violence NSW (DVNSW), are not being listened to,’ said Ballina MP Tamara Smith (Greens).

‘If the law does not support victims in the way advocates hope, we could well see worse outcomes.’

Renata Field, CEO of DVNSW is calling for a review of the legislation.

‘Children must be recognised as victims in their own right, and DVNSW are concerned the current NSW domestic violence legislation doesn’t acknowledge this clearly enough, either on paper or in practice,’ said Ms Field.

‘We applaud the way that the Scottish coercive-control legislation includes and

acknowledges children, rec ognising the harm this form of violence causes against children and young people present. However, broadening the scope of the NSW coercive-control legislation is not the answer right now, and diversion is a better option for young offenders than criminalisation.

‘The consultation process has not taken on board the concerns of specialists in this area or consulted widely with youth and children’s representatives. As such, DVNSW is advocating for watertight oversight and review of the legislation rather than expansion at this stage.’

Local domestic violence advocate Michelle Lyons, who works with victims and perpertrators of DV on the north coast, said there are serious issues around the risks of misidentification of who the perpetrator is and lack of funding for training and services.

‘I don’t believe this will address it. Further legislation won’t fix the problem,’ she told The Echo.

‘The things that will fix it will be effective without the criminal justice system. They include housing, financial support, emergency accommodation, counselling, primary prevention, police training, and community education activities.

‘Domestic violence is estimated at 60 per cent or more of general duties of police yet they get no ongoing training for DV after leaving the academy. The only ongoing training is for DV units. There are positions for domestic violence liaison officers but it is common they aren’t filled as DV is often seen as “not proper police work”.,’ she said.

‘Misidentifying the perpetrator is already an issue. Specifically, First Nations people, because of their history with the criminal justice system and the police,are at greater risk of misidentification.’

This was highlighted by Bundjalung woman Christine Robinson, who leads the Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre, in The Guardian who said that ‘the decision to report abuse to police comes with many barriers and fears for Aboriginal women. These include being dismissed by police, having their children taken, being misidentified as the abuser instead of the victim, and their ex-partner being killed in custody.

‘Many have raised concerns about misidentification of the predominant aggressor, and

we share these concerns,’ said Ms Fields.

‘The Bill proposes to address this by starting with a narrow application of the offence, for example, by requiring an intention over the course of conduct of abusive behaviour to coerce or control (and removing recklessness as an alternative) and by limiting to intimate-partner violence and reviewing the impacts on First Nations people through the statutory review mechanism.

‘However, this does not address the underlying root causes of misidentification. If the root causes of misidentification are not addressed through cultural and systems reform, the issue of misidentification, particularly in relation to apprehended domestic violence orders, will remain.’ $5.6m not enough

Time and money for training police and providing wrap-around supports are essential for making complex coercive-control laws effective and NSW has not provided enough of either.

‘NSW’s initial commitment of $5.6 million to police and community education is an important first step; however, DVNSW are concerned that there is not enough time or money to train 18,000 police officers about the new coercive control legislation before it comes into effect,’ says Ms Field.

‘Thorough training is integral, as it is not only a new offence but a new way of investigating and charging offences.

‘This contrasts with Queensland’s commitment of $363 million over five years for a package of reforms in response to the Queensland Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce. In Victoria, we have seen a whole-of-system reform based on the findings from a Royal Commission in 2016, which led to more funding for DFV responses than all the other states and territories combined.

‘There is also a requirement to boost funding to domestic and family violence services, including women’s health centres, case-management services, and community legal centres, to cope with the increase in client demand.’

Ms Field said that DVNSW are calling for the immediate establishment of an independent taskforce and highlighted the need for regular and ongoing reviews with comprehensive review provisions.

Hopping mad over roo ‘Come and Say G’day’ ad campaign

Mick McIntyre

There’s an uncomfortable truth few people want to acknowledge and that’s surrounding the commercial killing of kangaroos.

As Australia launches a global tourism campaign using the iconic animal to lure tourists Down Under, the European Union is considering a ban on kangaroo meat and skin imports owing to concerns over the way in which they meet their doom.

Many Australians are appalled by Japan’s slaughter of whales and dolphins or Canada’s killing of fur seals, but what we are doing to our kangaroos is far worse.

Kangaroos are shot for their meat and the skins then exported. But it happens with little monitoring and now with new evidence that points to a massive loss of kangaroo biodiversity that is a problem for the European Union.

The commercial killing of kangaroos happens in the secrecy of the dead of night, on properties where neighbours report hearing their screams in the dark.

I highly doubt Tourism Australia thought choosing a cartoon kangaroo as its ambassador would create any waves. But the backlash from animal advocates and concerned Australians has forced Australian actor Rose Byrne, the voice of the computer animated marsupial, to switch off her social media.

The fact is, Australia has dropped the ball as it turns a blind eye to the commercial killing of kangaroos, despite warnings and a parliamentary inquiry recommending urgent action after finding evidence of an unsustainable animal welfare crisis in the commercial kangaroo industry.

The New South Wales parliamentary report into the ‘Health and wellbeing of kangaroos and other macropods in NSW’ examined the way the NSW government manages the commercial kangaroo industry. The inquiry recommended there be greater transparency of kangaroo management plans, programs, and practices.

There was unanimous agreement from the inquiry that the NSW government were unwilling to expose, and that the representatives from the commercial kangaroo industry to describe, their methods of slaughter.

Despite the inquiry

handing down 23 recommendations to the New South Wales government, only two were accepted in full.

Both the NSW and federal governments were forced to admit that no-one is monitoring this commercial killing at the point of kill and that no records are kept on the number of baby joeys killed each year.

How can we have any faith in so-called ‘codes of practice’ for kangaroo killing if no-one is monitoring how the animals are actually killed in the field?

The fact is, Europe will act first by banning the import of products, which will in turn

cripple this industry.

A European Parliament committee is holding a parliamentary debate on a ban on kangaroo imports on World Kangaroo Day in Brussels, after being petitioned by European animal welfare organisations highlighting issues raised by the kangaroo trade for animal welfare, consumer protection, and the environment.

European Union countries are the largest importers of kangaroo products for pet food, handbags, and soccer boots. But we are already seeing several European supermarkets including giant French Carrefour ban kangaroo meat from its

stores, while luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, and Versace have also stopped using kangaroo skins in their bags, belts, and shoes because of the way the animals are killed.

Even English soccer icon David Beckham stopped wearing Adidas shoes made from kangaroo skins.

Australia has the highest rate of mammal extinctions in the world, with 54 native animals becoming extinct and an additional 400 listed as threatened.

We need to learn to value these international icons and acknowledge that they are worth much more to Australia alive. Our tourism industry relies on them.

It’s time to get serious about their welfare, and not just use them in tourism campaigns when it suits us. So where the bloody hell are you then?

Mick McIntyre is the co-founder of animal welfare group Kangaroos Alive. He is currently in Brussels where a European Union parliamentary committee is considering a ban on kangaroo products.

Questions raised

commercial kangaroo killing. Photo

Byron deserves better – Byron Shire Mayor

The heading refers to the editor of our local paper, who once again attempts to discredit Council staff with his uninformed piece last week about Linnaeus.

To set the record straight and provide background, there was a court-imposed ‘private education’ zoning under the 1988 LEP that did not have a corresponding fit in the 2014 standard instrument. State Parliamentary Counsel made the recommendation to Byron Council that this be transferred to the ‘mixed-use’ zone it currently sits under, as there was no other label that could resolve the existing approval.

This was reported up to the 25 August 2016 Council meeting and approved by

said that ARENA doesn’t reveal its reasoning and the information is ‘not in the public domain’.

This statement is classic Byron Shire Council fluffage.

Lyon effectively says ‘it’s not public because it hasn’t been published’.

Public domain simply

councillors unanimously, including Cr Dey, who was on Council that term, two terms ago. It was not foreseen by anyone at that time that the zoning would potentially allow other uses on the site, such as eco-tourism.

To try to blame staff for this is unfair and not based on fact but this is the lack of quality and integrity we’ve come to expect from Hans unfortunately.

When will Echo management make the long overdue call and place an advert for a new editor, one who can lift the standard of debate and community information so that we can all benefit? We deserve better.

Michael Lyon Byron Shire Mayor

means that it’s out there, not private. The reader is clearly meant to conclude that the information is confidential and that ARENA has a legal right to keep it so.

The reality is that ARENA is only prevented from releasing the information if its client (in this case BSC) wants it to be kept secret. Council would be

Byron Shire Echo –editor responds

In the Council agenda from April 16, 2020, Council planning staff admitted that a ‘fundamental error’ had occurred with the label zoning change and Schedule 1 changes to allow a community title (CT) on some of the last sensitive littoral rainforest remaining on the region’s coastline at Linnaeus Estate.

This change of zoning label resulted in a huge advantage for the developer, despite Brandon Saul, on behalf of the developers, telling The Echo in November 2020 that all 15 parties to the development agreed that mixed use zoning was not appropriate for the site.

Additionally, the public were also denied procedural fairness because there were

well within its legal rights to release said information and indeed has an obligation to account to the public.

The inference is open that Council doesn’t want ARENA’s reasons made public because said reasons are embarrassing to the senior staff. Dodgy business case? Insufficient documentation?

Linnaeus Estate. Photo linnaeus.com.au

no exhibition/submissions for the changes at the time.

It seems that everyone agrees the rezoning, recommended (but not required) by the DPI, was completely inappropriate for the site.

It’s only Cr Lyon who is calling for the editor to be sacked for reminding everyone of how this occurred.

Hans Lovejoy Editor, Byron Shire Echo

Poor arithmetic? Blatant greenwashing?

The only certainty here is that none of the elected councillors will have the courage to insist on their right of access to ARENA’s reasoning.

John Anderson Coorabell

ENERGY FOR YOUR WHOLE LIFE

GO VITA POP UP SHOP

Jonson Street store renovations have commenced and our team have moved mountains to get our new Marvell Street popup shop up and running.

For the next few weeks - until renovations are complete and our brand new Jonson Street store is ready  - you’ll find us just a short stroll around the corner at 9 Marvell Street (Byron Bay Dive Centre premises)

Trading hours remain the same: Monday to Friday 9am–5.30pm Saturday 9am–4pm Sunday 10am– 4pm

ONLINE SHOPPING ALSO AVAILABLE! govitabyronbay.com.au @govitabyron

BBFF’s 2nd week loaded with cinematic treats

International documentaries, a brace of unforgettable European dramas, and some musical exuberance in the form of Melbourne Ska Orchestra vocalist Pat Powell (Patou) and our very own ‘hippie-country’ combo The Buckleys are among the highlights screening over the next few days. Sessions already sold out are not listed. Visit www.bbff.com.au for the latest information and details of new encore sessions.

Unseen Skies

Wed 26th 6.30pm

Palace Byron Bay

+ Fri 28th 7.30pm

The Regent Murwillumbah

Yaara Bou Melhem’s fascinating account of visionary artist Trevor Paglen’s creative response to the mass of state and corporate surveillance satellites in our skies. Trevor prepares to send up his own rocket – and launch an artwork into space.

Savage Waters

SELLING FAST

Thurs 27th 6.30pm

Palace Byron Bay

Savage Waters combines the search for a mythical wave in remote waters of the Atlantic Ocean with a hunt for pirate treasure. Narrated by the legendary Charles Dance and featuring jaw-dropping cinematography.

Waterman

SELLING FAST

Fri 28th 6.15pm

Palace Byron Bay

ENCORE SCREENING:

Saturday 29th 1pm

Palace Byron Bay Olympic champion and Hawaiian icon Duke Paoa Kahanamoku was also the godfather of modern surfing. From modest roots in Waikiki, he shattered swimming records and brought surfing to the world, despite facing bigotry. Narrated by Jason Momoa.

Manscaping

+ Q&A with Richard Savvy

Fri 28th 8.30pm

Palace Byron Bay

Acclaimed documentary filmmaker

Broderick Fox (The Skin I’m In, Zen & the Art of Dying) introduces us to three queer men: a transgender barber, a Black American visual artist, and Sydney’s ‘Naked Barber’ Richard Savvy, who are reimagining the traditional barbershop and restyling masculinity.

The Power of Activism + Q&A

Sat 29th 2.30pm

Byron Theatre

A film for our times, as our region and much of Australia grapples with the destructive impacts of climate change. Join six courageous and dynamic women whose lives are devoted to making the world a better place through environmental and political activism. The solutions they champion are examined to gauge their financial viability.

Everybody Hates Johan (Alle Hater Johan)

Sat 29th 3.45pm

Palace Byron Bay

A heart-warming and wise comedy from Norway about Johan, an eccentric young man with a fondness for blowing things up – a habit that doesn’t endear him to his community. Can finding love with his childhood sweetheart help him, or is he too far gone?

Sweet Adventure

Sat 29th 5pm

Byron Theatre

Sweet Adventure is the latest masterpiece from award-winning filmmaker Peter Hamblin, a quirky gem that is part surf film, part El Salvador tourism promo and a whole lot of fun.

My Old School

Sat 29th 6pm

Palace Byron Bay

+ Sat 29th 7.30pm

The Regent Murwillumbah

A brilliantly imaginative revelation of the scam engineered by a 32-year-old Scotsman who went back to school as a 16-year-old student, fooling classmates and the authorities.

Animation, actors (including a straight-faced Alan Cumming) and home movie footage keep us entertained.

Patou: In Black and White + Q&A

Sat 29th 7.30pm

Byron Theatre

+ Live performance by The Buckleys

+ Sun 30th 12pm

The Regent Murwillumbah

Meet Pat Powell (Patou), the ‘singer’s singer’ who, as lead vocalist with the Melbourne Ska Orchestra, has wowed Bluesfest on umpteen occasions and had an international career spanning more than 40 years. Patou screens with

The Buckley: Take It As It Comes, a minidocumentary about the Byron Bay siblings taking their ‘hippie country’ sound to Nashville to record an EP.

Birth of The Endless Summer

Sun 30th 12.30pm

Palace Byron Bay

An Australian premiere that reveals the untold story behind one of the most watched and beloved documentaries of all time, The Endless Summer. More than nostalgia, it will inspire board-riders of all ages.

Pictured clockwise from top left: Sweet Adventure is a quirky gem of a surf flick from El Salvador.

Patou: In Black and White tells the story of one of Australia’s most accomplished vocal talents. Restyling masculinity in Manscaping 360-degree films and other multidimensional immersive experiences await in the XR Dome.

Inset: The world premiere of Marga is one of the innovative 360-degree films screening in the XR Dome.

Faithbreaker (Wiarotom)

+ Q&A

Sun 30th 2.45pm

Palace Byron Bay

A Director’s Pick: ‘Polish cinema is some of the best in the world. If you haven’t discovered this yet, you should come see Faithbreaker, the debut feature film of visiting Polish director Piotr Zlotorowicz, ‘an amazing talent and winner of BBFF2015’s Best Short Film Award,’ says J’aimee Skippon-Volke.

Gloriavale + Q&A

Sun 30th 5pm

Palace Byron Bay

Selected for Cannes Film Festival Docs-in-progress and having its NSW Premiere in Byron, Gloriavale is a gripping expose of the Gloriavale Christian Community founded by Australian evangelist Neville Cooper on the South Island of New Zealand.

ENCORE SCREENING:

Triangle of Sadness

Sun 30th 7.20pm Palace Byron Bay

A dazzling and hilariously offbeat satire about the world’s super-rich that had the Opening Night audience in stitches. Don’t miss Woody Harrelson as the drunken Marxist captain of a luxury yacht.

Extend your reality at the XR Dome this weekend

Byron’s newest public space – the Railway Corridor – will set the scene for BBFF to explore creative innovation with a three-day presentation of 360-degree films and other multidimensional immersive experiences in a large projection dome.

This Friday, Saturday and Sunday the BBFF XR Dome will host an array of 360-degree films as well as talks exploring creative tools and pathways for artists, creatives, and audiences provided by XR – Extended Reality – the intersection between immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) and enabling digital technologies like Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT), AI, and Web 3.0.

An exquisite 360-degree extended reality journey into the ceremonies of the Yindjibarndi people of the Pilbara made by Byron Bay filmmaker Dominic Allen will be one of the highlights of the XR experiences being offered at the Dome.

Led by Yindjibarndi elder Lorraine Coppin and featuring stunning sacred song and dance, Marga is an immersive expedition across ancient country that takes us back in time to meet the Marga (creation beings) who made the world using the songs of the Burndud (law).

Part mythology, part cultural history, and part contemporary traditional law practice, Marga combines 8K 360° footage with scenes of giant puppets traversing ancient lands to give us greater insight into the cosmology and culture of one of our country’s First Nations. It has its world premiere at the Byron Bay Film Festival.

In 2018, Dominic’s wowed audiences at the Byron festival with his VR work Carriberrie, a documentary celebrating

Indigenous Australian song and dance, including that of the Northern Rivers’ Arakwal people. Carriberrie will return to BBFF but in Full Dome format for a shared audience experience.

Funded by Festivals Australia, the BBFF XR Dome allows the festival to build on its reputation as a key facilitator of world-class Virtual Reality experiences and to deliver accessible immersive content to the community without the need for VR headsets.

‘The Dome Activation allows us to give more people the opportunity to experience some of the world’s best immersive content – much of it created right here in the Bay,’ says Festival director J’aimee Skippon-Volke.

Speakers to appear during the three-day Dome event include Emmy-winning filmmaker and artist Lynette Wallworth, whose VR piece Awavena was a highlight of the BBFF2019 VR showcase.

Also playing the BBFF Dome XR are sessions of other cutting-edge immersive films and experiences and special events that include interactive content and live performances, free panels and masterclasses exploring present and potential applications for the metaverse, NFTs, and more.

Experience new physical and digital realities at the BBFF XR Dome, over October 28–30. Weather permitting. For the latest information, visit www.bbff.com.au.

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.

take advantage of the federal government discount.

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

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

1

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

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

BAY COMMUNITY

We’re a group of business owners and concerned residents in Byron Shire, all brought together by our shared love of being part of this community. What we are most worried about is how divisive the 90 day cap planning policy is amongst locals.

We are part of the community who relies on the tourism industry to put food on the table for our families, and we want to explain the impacts that Council’s planning proposal to cap short term rental accommodation (STRA) to 90 days per year will have on our families, businesses and employees.

A few years ago, Byron Shire Council invested over $100,000 to create a 10 year tourism vision and strategy for sustainable tourism that engaged and considered the needs of all sections of the community. Part of this strategy was to identify the type of visitor Byron Shire was looking to attract, which the community identified as a high yield, low impact traveller that visit not only in peak periods but throughout the entire year and dispersed across the region into nearby towns and villages. These types of guests are the families that stay in short term rental accommodation in Byron Shire. Removing these families does not align with Council’s 10 year tourism strategy.

Tourism accounts for $884 million into our local economy and the families that stay in STRA account for $267 million of these dollars. These families are vital to the continued success of our businesses

and the local economy. In Byron Shire, any policy that weakens the tourism industry puts the entire community at risk.

Council’s policy depends on misleading data and incorrect assumptions. Council claims there are 5,428 non-hosted holiday homes in Byron Shire. That’s just not the case. The NSW Government’s mandatory property register reported that as of 31 August 2022, there were 1,136 non-hosted properties in Byron Shire. Council cannot return 1,500 homes to the permanent rental pool because they don’t exist.

Between our businesses, we employ Byron locals and aim to support the community in any way we can. Many of the people working for our organisations are the same people struggling right now to find affordable housing. We need housing options but that isn’t going to happen by dividing our community and blaming one group while ignoring years of Council’s neglect to plan for population growth. The problem is the lack of affordable housing options for local workers which this policy will fail to solve.

As the largest source of employment in the area, directly and indirectly, tourism is the lifeblood of Byron.

Even those who don’t work in industry benefit from the hundreds of millions of dollars that flow into the economy every year, and short term rental accommodation alone contributes 1,448 jobs and $267 million per year to the local Byron community.

As a combined group of local residents, we have watched the STRA industry being attacked by Council for years. Council is targeting families who own and operate local businesses, and families that visit Byron Shire and are a part of this community.

This policy puts our businesses at risk. Families staying in STRA make up a significant portion of the customer base of so many businesses across the Byron region.

This policy will result in a significant loss of income for several businesses, and there is a genuine concern that many staff members will be laid off.

We live here. We work here. We pay rates. Let’s think twice about supporting a policy that will not deliver what it promises and will also negatively impact the entire business community.

NOT TOO LATE, VISIT

The stipulation by the EPA (Environment Protection Agency) to allow Byron Shire Council to take the South Byron Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) offline and deliver the sewage to West Byron WWTP was that close to one hundred per cent of effluent generated by West Byron WWTP went to reuse.

Anyone that takes the time to view the BSC Water and Recycling (W&R) website will see the claims that farms are receiving reuse along with nurseries, parks and gardens, construction, sports, and toilets.

The sports allocations are 80 per cent. This is represented by a golf ball so one would assume 80 per cent of the reuse generated by West Byron goes to the Byron Bay golf course. This is farcical, the reuse is pumped into on the golf course and the lagoon which permanently flows through the causeway under Bangalow Road.

The other percentages of reuse sites are standpipe nine per cent, parks and gardens six per cent, nurseries three per cent and toilets two per cent – this conveniently adds up to one hundred per cent.

Which farms in Byron Bay are taking reuse? The first two farms in Mullumbimby that agreed to take reuse from the Mullumbimby plant are still shown as taking reuse, but those two farms have not taken reuse from the Mullumbimby plant for years so why is it still on the website that they are?

Also there is a statement that W&R is using the methane being generated by the plants in the anaerobic

British politics comes to Oz

You thought that the Northern Rivers was a unique political region this, possibly misdirected, email to ‘Echo editor’ shows politics lives on over the seas in old Durham County in Blighty!

Take the ‘u’ out of Labor and ‘insert name of favourite

Labour are turning a corner. Labour’s selection process in Sedgefield (Northern Echo, 18 October) shows just how far the party’s come in recent years. Contrary to spurious claims by Momentum and their supporters, we have a longlist of serious candidates offering impressive experience.

It should come as no surprise that Alan Strickland’s one of those longlisted. After all, he’s born, bred, and lives in Newton Aycliffe. And he’s been a councillor, cabinet member and parliamentary candidate, all while holding down senior jobs outside of politics.

Alan’s also a winner – he’s got local members out doorknocking again and ran my Ferryhill byelection campaign, Labour’s

process with a pipe pictured going to an anaerobic digester.

The problem is the three anaerobic plants in South Byron, Brunswick Heads, and Mullumbimby, have been taken offline so what does this methane use refer to? West Byron, Ocean Shores, Brunswick Valley, and Bangalow are all aerobic plants.

I would also ask for an explanation of how Brunswick Valley STP continuously discharges more effluent than the influent coming into the plant.

For example, on 10/10/2022 inflow of 1,509.65 KL, reuse of 00.0 KL, and treated effluent of 1,847.55 KL. Then on 16/10/2022 Inflow of 1,433.69 KL, Reuse 00.0 KL and treated effluent 1,697.66 KL.

Alan Dickens Ballina

Gladden your heart

Turyia Bruce has been exhibiting and educating in art for over 25 years in the Northern Rivers and is currently exhibiting her work at The Stokers Siding Gallery until 5 November.

‘This show is a culmination of a few years of meandering through various media during lockdowns and pondering the meaning of it all! My answer is birds! There is a strong psychological link between birds and humans in that they can gladden our hearts by hearing, and I guess seeing them too!’

Turyia is joined by her art buddies Boop Pots, showing

some of his latest ceramic vessels, and Yoga Poulston who gives us a glimpse into the world of abstraction. The gallery is open Friday to Sunday 11–4. All are welcome!

first Durham County Council gain for eight years. And he brings an enviable track record from local government of securing major investment.

As a county councillor for a ward crying out for regeneration, I’d gladly welcome an MP who’s had the courage to roll his sleeves up and actually make it happen. The route to the next Labour government runs through our constituency. If we’re to finally oust this incompetent Tory bunch nationally, we need to win locally here in Sedgefield. In a few weeks’ time, I hope we’ll select a candidate who’ll do just that.

Councillor Curtis Bihari Durham County Councillor for Ferryhill

A great place to learn and grow.

FESTIVALVILLAGE

CAPERBYRONBAY.COM

CAPERBYRONBAY&NORTHBYRONHOTELPRESENT

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‘Women should do for themselves what men have already done – occasionally what men have not done –thereby establishing themselves as persons, and perhaps encouraging other women toward greater independence of thought and action.’ – Amelia Earhart

Vanishing koalas – why risk their extinction?

Eve Jeffery

It might not seem like a huge drama to cross the floor of parliament – unless you’re the person doing the crossing. That’s exactly what Catherine Cusack (Liberal) NSW MLC did and it was all in the cause of saving koalas.

It’s no minor deed to cross. Cusack says it was even more meaningful for her as her loyalty to the Liberal Party was extremely strong. Cusack was not voted in by a constituency, but by the Liberal Party.

‘I was in the Legislative Council, which means that I got elected on a statewide vote. My election was by the Liberal Party, who selected me and put me high enough in the team so that I would get a seat in Parliament.

‘It’s a very profound loyalty to the Liberal Party for everybody who’s elected to the Upper House.’

Cusack says that when you are part of a party team in the Upper House, crossing the floor is something that you really wouldn’t want to do.

the floor?” I would have said “No, I’d never cross the floor. I would resign before crossing the floor”, that was always my view.’

Cusack says with the koalas, ‘the first time it came up, it was political deal between the Liberal and the National parties. It hadn’t been dealt with properly, either in Cabinet or in the party room.

‘Then I found out that the legislation that was being put into Parliament by the National Party minister didn’t even reflect the decision of the cabinet.

referred to a parliamentary inquiry, they pulled the Bill altogether, rather than having it scrutinised.’

it – you have to vote with the government.

‘This case, from the highest levels, all of those conventions had been secretly trashed and I therefore felt no duty what soever to “bind” to that awful decision that came out.’

And cross the floor for koalas she did. Twice!

White Horses and Dark Knights

If you’ve read The Queen’s Gambit, you’ll know that the television series is much better than the novel.

For some reason David Lovejoy’s new book has not yet been optioned by Netflix, so we don’t know if they could also improve his chess-themed fiction. However, if you enjoy the semi-mystical world of chess and the wholly supernatural realm of muse poetry, this strange story may be for you.

White Horses and Dark Knights, paperback, 245pp, is available for $20 at The Echo

‘You never want to be in that position. What you want is your loyalty and good policy to be aligned with what the government’s doing. Then you never feel under any pressure to be speaking out or crossing the floor. You have a voice in the party room – you put your argument forward, [even if] you lose the argument, you then “bind” to the decision [of the party] and this ensures that government, of any persuasion, is functional in the parliament.’

Cusack says voting for things you might not be aligned with is a price that you pay when you sign on to your team.

‘If you had asked me at the beginning of my term, “Catherine, would you cross

‘So the process was absolutely broken at every level. I’d been trying for weeks to get the legislation reviewed and improved. Promises were made – none of them were kept. So by the time it came into the House, I considered whole thing corrupt. It was not a normal Bill, on any level.

‘So, it wasn’t just that I disagreed with it on principle; it should never have been before the House. When I crossed the floor, it was actually on a motion to refer the Bill to an inquiry. I didn’t even vote against the Bill, I just referred it to an inquiry. Now, the government didn’t want that scrutiny and I said, “but if all the good things you’re saying about it are fine, then surely there’s no problem with having an inquiry into it?” But obviously, as soon as it was

The Bill would see, amongst other things, thousands of hectares of bush cleared including up to 25 metres of land from a landholder’s property fence line. The Bill would amend the Rural Fires Act to allow clearing without an approval on rural property boundaries to reduce bushfire risk. This would place at risk many koala food trees and habitat and be detrimental to the koala population which was already stressed.

Cusack says the Bill confirmed everything she thought about what they were doing.

‘It was completely wrong – it was outrageous, and I’m very disappointed with my party for not adhering to those conventions and processes. It was actually very similar to what we’ve just seen with Scott Morrison – swearing himself into all of those ministries – it’s exactly the same problem. You have conventions that everybody relies on, in terms of signing on and lending your integrity to that decision, even a decision that you don’t agree with, as long as it’s been through the processes correctly. As long as you’ve had those opportunities, then, that’s what you’ve signed on for. You have to do

Cusack says the koala population is vanishing and she is again putting her time and energy into Australia’s furry favourite. Cusack is creating an event to be held this weekend with scientists, conservationists and wildlife carers, who will gather at Coffs Harbour to highlight the extinction risk facing koalas in NSW and policy solutions to protect koalas and their habitat.

Cusack says that like every other Australian she loves koalas.

‘I grew up on a farm at Yass and our koalas had all vanished, and that’s why we’re using the term for this conference – The Vanishing. Our population vanished. I remember saying to my mother, “Do you think they might come back?” And she’d say, “Oh they might, they could…” I just remember always looking in gum trees. Obviously, there were no koalas, but I didn’t know that.

‘It was viewed in our family as something very sad.’

The conference will be held at The Cavanbah Centre, Coffs Harbour 9am–5pm, this Saturday, 29 October.

To coincide with the conference, the National Parks Association is organising a meet-and-greet event on Friday and a Koala Family Picnic over 12–3pm on Sunday at the North Coast Regional Botanical Garden – all welcome!

Tickets for the events can be found here NSWKoalaConference.eventbrite. com or register to watch remotely at tinyurl.com/ TheVanishingKoala.

NSW MLC Catherine Cusack. Photo Tree Faerie

Fear and Loathing in the Metaverse

They were ‘training’ for the future. Oh, and yes they’re psychopaths but we all are now.

Because in the metaverse you don’t have to be yourself any more. You can make up a whole new identity. So what happens in this three-dimensional virtual space? Can I be virtually broken into? Can I be cyber-raped? Can we kill people in the metaverse? If we get angry can we chop up their avatar? Can we cyber-stalk? Can we be cyberstalked? Whom do we call? A virtual cop? Do we call a cop and it ends up being a 14-year-old boy in Cornwall?

Cryptic Clues

ACROSS

‘When we are all in the metaverse’… this is a statement I have been hearing a lot lately. I honestly don’t really know what it means. People say it like they know, but I don’t think they do. I don’t think anyone really does. Except Zuckerberg. Definitely Microsoft.

Google are all in. Data farmers are refining the virtual milking machines as we speak. And don’t think you don’t already have,a hologrammed toe in the water. We signed up years ago. The creepy brand change from ‘Facebook’ to ‘Meta’ signalled game on. I thought ‘that’s a shit name for a friendly way to connect with friends’. Except that’s not the purpose; it’s simply the lure.

Metaverse, this seemingly mythical place, ain’t so mythical, and it is coming soon. Apparently in the next five years. This digital frontier where it’s not wood or glass that is the front door, but the humble iPhone. I am not convinced I want to go. I am still paying for my mortgage in the actual verse. I even joined a political party to try to save it. But our future children, they are leaving. They’re going somewhere old people don’t dare to tread. I mean can you imagine grandma in the metaverse?

‘Where’s the button for the kitchen?’

‘These biscuits suck.’ Suddenly grandma is gone. No, she hasn’t been euthanased, she’s been deleted.

STARS

BY LILITH

The celestial quartet of Sun, Mercury, Venus, and midweek moon in Scorpio play this year’s sexiest, most intense melodies…

Some talk of the metaverse like an egalitarian nirvana. A place that heals the financial chasm that exists between rich and poor. Where there is no disability. No racial divide. No gender. Just able-bodied blue people zipping through space and time. This is the spatial computing platform where digital experiences are created as a replica of the real world. But don’t worry. This ain’t no free world. The corporate giants are busy working out how to own it so we can have all the civilising aspects that destroy and hurt us here. Stuff like currency, trade, economy, and property ownership. Yep, pretty soon you’ll be able to buy heaps of nothing. If you are super successful you will be able to own more nothing than anyone else. Are we really all going to this place where Pan-like creatures – half goat, half Zuckerberg – eat virtual grass and shit blockchain? Where the people who have sat in bedrooms gaming for the last decade rule? The same people who were forced to counselling because their mum was worried they were the next school shooter? Worried about the violent video games and their lack of connection to the physical world, she never realised they were actually exploring a parallel virtual plane. They weren’t being avoidant at all. They weren’t ‘gaming’.

ARIES: Between last week’s eruptive solar eclipse and next week’s volatile lunar eclipse conjunct changemaking Uranus, it’s necessary to tread carefully. This is a particularly edgy eclipse season. During which Mars retrograding in Gemini and Mercury in Scorpio both suggest that the less said the better.

TAURUS: Need to forgive someone? Or extend an apology yourself? If communication’s been choppy, this week is auspicious for doing what it takes to strengthen Venusian bonds of love. And trust, where that’s merited. Both necessary for navigating the current Saturn/Uranus standoff, which continues until early December.

GEMINI: Energetic Mars retrogrades in Gemini this week until midJanuary next year, giving you plenty of practice in looking before you leap and editing before you speak. Plus two and a half months to do the background work required before launching a project. Or writing a book. Or whatever you currently have in mind.

I find the idea of a metaverse unsettling. It doesn’t feel safe. It feels like a more dangerous frontier than space. Life on Mars is less risky. And it doesn’t even have air. The metaverse is our sciencefiction future, prepared for us by the new gods: computer programmers and investors. Meanwhile, in reality, in the actual universe, the one our silly old un-updated flesh-and-bone bodies live in, we’ll be sitting in our undies, in poverty, while the actual world burns. But we’ll be able to upload an avatar who conquers the virtual world. In this metaverese as long as there is enough electricity and silicon, there are endless resources. Unlike Earth, where resources are finite and life has a certain healthy uncontrollable randomness. In the metaverse nothing is random. Everyone is in control. At least they think they are. Because someone else is in control.

Someone else has always been in control. Bloody hell, it’s him. Yep, it’s Mark Zuckerberg in his undies with his gamer helmet on. And nothing is real. We’re all characters in Zuckerberg’s virtual bid for world domination. There’s a knock at the door.

It’s his mum. She’s angry. He hasn’t done his homework. Game over. Until next time.

CANCER: If your personal ocean of emotions is inundated with an influx of unruly, pressure-cooker energies –volcanic, eruptive, erotic, triggering, cathartic – steaming for release, this week’s existential exercise is providing emotional intelligence to others feeling the same way. Offering empathy and a feeling of rest to the restless…

LEO: Things are set to get intense over the next six weeks – really intense, with stormy weather on many levels, citizens prickly and cranky. Losing your composure and firing off an angry rant won’t help.

Better to practise restraint. You’re a leader, remember? Model the courage Leo is born to.

VIRGO: Your planet ruler Mercury heading into Scorpio this weekend isn’t particularly interested in chitchat or superficial communication.

It’s after meaningful discussions and honest conversations (with ourselves as well as others): the kind of forensic analysis and examination that uncovers habitual patterns.

LIBRA: Eclipses often accompany an ending, followed by a new beginning. Venus in Scorpio is the best time of year to be honest with yourself about what you really, truly want – and this between-eclipses week seems to be suggesting that a rebirth of the heart could set you on a brave new path.

SCORPIO: Your week, Scorps. Which issues an invitation to acknowledge the tension between different parts of yourself: like the enormous push for change along with an equal resistance to it. And insists you can still be fierce, loyal, and committed without doing things the way you always have.

SAGITTARIUS: Your guiding planet Jupiter is regarded in Vedic theology as guru of the gods, by ancient Romans as king of the gods, both associated with wisdom. Five planets retrograde suggest this may not be an easy week on Earth, so use whatever wisdom’s accessible to you to help others, especially during weekend Sagittarius moon.

Quick Clues

ACROSS

(8,5)

(4)

Deletions (8)

(10)

Fluctuate; teeter (6)

Pyromaniac (4-6)

Prone (4)

German discount shopping chain (4)

He stole from travellers (10)

Statements of faith (6)

Italian electronics company (8)

Italian film director, protégé of Pasolini (10)

Stumble (4)

Song covered by Boy George used in 1992 film (3,6,4)

CAPRICORN: It’s not easy playing truth sleuth, but getting opinions and advice from too many sources can be confusing So do what Capricorns do best: organise your information. Clear out the deadwood. What Saturn supports, and this week benefits from, is listening to your intuition, which may mean considering unusual solutions.

AQUARIUS: Celestial energetics alternating between optimism and frustration, delight and dismay, impatience and relief, issue a call to convert this week’s anxieties into creative fire. How exactly? Through Mercury’s current curiosity and lack of squeamishness, which supports detective work, therapy, counselling, and the in-depth art of self-inquiry.

PISCES: As Jupiter dances backwards into Pisces, bringing weather forecasts for excess water, if your private fish tank floods with a backwash of angst, focus on what you can offer this, and the coming, weeks. Like your innate understanding of other people’s feelings, your caring and compassionate protection of the vulnerable.

MANDY NOLAN’S

Stay cool is s r w h Beds R Us Byr Bay

Living in Australia is tops, but trying to fall asleep during the summer heat can become a little more difficult and uncomfortable. Even if you run ceiling fans or air-conditioning there are likely to be times you wish your bed was cooler. This is where inherent cooling features in mattresses can really help you feel more comfortable and maybe even help you save power! The Pure Balance Rejuvenate range at Beds R Us Byron Bay, endorsed by Osteopathy Australia, combines the latest in non-toxic, environmentally friendly cooling with Flexicoil pocket springs for airflow through the mattress so you can enjoy a better and cooler sleep this summer! Delivering from Burringbar to Ballina and beyond.

Beds R Us Byron Bay 16 Brigantine St Byron Industrial Estate 6685 5212

Black Rock G den Centre

Black Rock Garden Centre is a new destination in the Northern Rivers. They’ve created a familyfriendly environment full of everything you need to beautify your outdoor space.

From their fully stocked bulk material yard to their garden gift shop they have you covered. Not to mention their Cottage Café, Kidz Land and large nursery.

They’re open every day and have experienced local staff in all areas to help answer any questions. They also offer trade accounts and local rewards.

If you’re a tradesman, DIY weekend warrior or a mum or dad with the kids, come down and grab a coffee and take a stroll through this unique garden centre.

Open 7 days

8 Grays Lane, Tyagarah (just past Bluesfest site) – 0493 281 239 www.blackrockgc.com.au

Eden at Byr

Eden at Byron is excited to announce the arrival of the long-awaited Celebrations range of Kangaroo Paws. Bred by the team at Kings Park Botanic Garden in Western Australia, Celebrations are a colour breakthrough with unique flower colours never before seen in a Kangaroo Paw.

These compact Kangaroo Paws are perfect for pots. ‘Masquerade’ produces spectacular, iridescent teal and purple flowers that contrast against light blue-green foliage. ‘Carnival’ produces an abundance of rich purple flowers set against soft blue-green foliage. ‘Aussie Spirit’ has compact green foliage with vibrant yellow and green flowers. ‘Fireworks’ features compact blue foliage with electric pink and blue flowers. Supplies are very limited, so be quick or you’ll miss out.

140 Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay 6685 6874

Current E Electrical

Fast, friendly, reliable service with a smile.

Current Earth Electrical is a local, family owned and operated business offering professional electrical services with over 20 years experience. Based in Suffolk Park, they are quickly gaining a reputation for being honest, reliable and having the best prices in town, with quality guaranteed.

They specialise in upgrading your home to save energy, so contact them today to find out more about how you can save energy in your home. Free quotes and advice provided.

Free safety checks provided on all visits.

Evening and Saturday appointments also available! They look forward to hearing from you. 0449 909 221

Y r w backy d office

Do you need more space to work or play at home? Forget costly and stressful renovations, granny flats or cramped tiny homes.

Humpy Co has developed a system for designing, manufacturing, and installing beautiful dwellings quickly, with minimal time and expense. Each pod is custom made with sustainable Australian materials to be flat-packed, easily installed and tailored to your budget and taste.

When it comes time to relocate, you can pack it onto the truck and move it to your next location.

To learn more, why not visit their new display village at 5 Dudgeons Lane, Bangalow, 2479 or book ahead for an appointment on 1300 486 792. humpyco.com

m n ka ig SPACES

Miss Tr Nursery

Spring is the perfect time to spend time in your garden. Gardens are personal places and the plants you choose to live with can have special meaning and significance. You want them to survive and thrive. The plants at Miss Tree are not mass produced; they are handled with individual care by Stephanie and her team, who are dedicated and passionate about plants. Miss Tree’s plants are grown and propagated on site, are suitable for our area, and are sold to you when they are strong and ready to go out into the world. For quality plants at great prices Miss Tree is worth the hinterland drive to 420 Rosebank Rd, Rosebank, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am to 3pm.

Call Stephanie 0448 974 421 www.misstree.com.au

MullyWood Stu os

MullyWood Studios is a 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, Blackbutt, 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 can also process and finish any scope of job including commercial fit-outs.

Pictured is Darren with a newly finished exposedtrunk Blackbutt dining table. 45 Manns Road, Mullumbimby 0481 780 646 mullywood.com.au

W ds L

dscaפ Supp es

Wards Landscape Supplies is the Shire’s largest bulk landscaping supplies yard. Not only do they have a huge range of aggregates, roadbase, mulches, soils, composts, organic products, sands and decorative pebbles, they also stock a huge range of leading products including ADBRI and National Masonry pavers, timbers, Wagners and Sunstate cement products, FormBoss and LinkEdge garden edging, DTA and RLA Polymers tiling products, QPro concrete sleepers, pots, statues and much, much more.

Open and delivering to the Northern Rivers region 6 days a week.

Monday to Friday: 7am–5pm, Saturdays: 7am–2pm 6684 2323 wardslandscape.com.au 1176 Myocum Road, Mullumbimby

Leaf It To Us

Leaf It To Us offers a complete range of tree services including full removal, pruning, chipping, mulching, and stump grinding in the Byron and Ballina Shires.

Their fully insured team includes experienced and qualified arborists who are passionate about their work. They have a large 4 x 4 truck and with their new 15-inch chipper they can get the big jobs done with ease. They can also take on the tight and difficult access properties with their smaller 4 x 4 truck and compact yet powerful-12 inch chipper.

‘Leaf It To Us did a wonderful job and I highly recommend them. Great communication, a fun crew and highly professional’ (5 star Google review).

Marion McKillop, Byron Bay hinterland Contact Kascha for a free quote 0402 487 213

R t sale!

Plateau Landscape Supplies are having an end-of-line SPECIAL on a selection of natural stone tiles and pavers.

Limestone has been used as a beautiful and durable construction material for centuries. Now you can bring enduring elegance into your home at a fraction of the normal price with these one-off specials.

Limestone is the perfect choice for a range of indoor and outdoor applications, making it extremely versatile.

Complement your style with a look that will fit into any modern home and stand the test of time.

This type of opportunity does not come along often and these prices cannot be repeated! They have a limited quantity available, so get in super quick and grab an absolute bargain while stocks last.

1234 14 Kays Lane, Alstonville plateaulandscapesupplies.com.au

Byr Bu t

Byron Built design and construction is your local builder specialising in multi-dwelling projects, small homes and custom builds. Their high-quality small homes help improve the quality of your life and grow the value of your property.

Byron Built handles the whole process from design and approvals to the construction of your new abode.

‘Our focus is to customise a design that suits your property and your individual concept, budget and style. We’ll sit down with you and guide you through the design process where you are the commander. You’ll be involved from the start, making decisions about everything from roof pitch to texture of the bathroom tiles while also being guided by our architect and designer.’ Keep your construction local, contact Byron Built. hello@byronbuilt.com www.byronbuilt.com FB/Insta: @byronbuilt

M k Tuckey

Mark Tuckey’s Byron showroom has moved! Mark started his business 30 years ago with a desire to be engaged in an environmentally friendly and creative endeavour, allowing him to use his head, heart and hands. As the business evolved the same core principles have been maintained – to produce good-looking timeless furniture that is built to last and strictly only using recycled or environmentally friendly timber sources.

While the furniture is made in Melbourne, Mark now has a new showroom located in Alstonville that carries a range of furniture in stock and ready to go as well as samples to inspire your next custom piece.

Open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10am–3pm 25 Owens Crescent, Alstonville 8403 3062 www.marktuckey.com.au

Muskens Bu ng Co

Muskens Building Co is an innovative building company based in the Northern Rivers. They are focused on high-quality craftsmanship and specialise in custom builds and renovations.

Christo and the team are committed to reliable customer service and dedicated to helping people achieve their desired build.

They have recently completed projects in New Brighton, Pottsville, Ocean Shores and Casuarina.

‘First-rate from start to finish! Christo used his experience to come up with terrific initiatives. He always listened to ensure he understood exactly what we were trying to achieve.’

Ed Riley, Pottsville client. admin@muskensbuilding.com 0466 637 378 instagram.com.au/ muskensbuilding.co

Tr sf m y r h e In a ekend

Want to transform your own home using modern design features that you can DIY without the stress?

Most people want to create impressive home spaces but don’t know where to start. It can be frustrating and overwhelming.

That’s why Hungry Wolf Studio director Ollie Stephens focuses on and teaches Architectural Concrete. It’s the most requested element for both inside and outside the home. From stairs, BBQs, bench-tops, pools and so much more... Architectural Concrete is the fastestgrowing trend in home design. Add luxury to your home for a fraction of the cost and in a way you want. Sign Up for Ollie’s course today and learn the Hungry Wolf methods to transform your space.

Cabarita Beach @hungrywolfstudio training@hungrywolfstudio.com

The

BYRON BAY

North Byron Hotel

61 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay Ph 6685 6500

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 Kitchen & Bar. 11 Fletcher Street 0481 148 007

Open 7 nights from 5pm Book online via website nobonesbyronbay.com.au

#BRUSSELSNOTBEEF

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 until dinner. Menu, more details –@mainstreet_burgerbar 18 Jonson Street 6680 8832

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, every day 16 Lawson St, Byron Bay 6685 7663 Menus at therocksbyronbay.com.au @therocksbyronbay

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

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

JOIN US FOR OUR 5 COURSE CHRISTMAS BANQUET

Two seatings: 12–2.30pm / 3–5.30pm

Tickets $150pp. Book here...

HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY 5–6PM $12 Margarita / Lychee Martini $8 Tap Beers / $7 Natural Wines

Incredible cocktails, locals beers and all-day snacks & food to share, all 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 Freshest Pizza Order online and join our loyalty program.

Catering for up to 100 people lunch and 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!

BYRON BAY continued

Wahlburgers Byron Bay

American & local sports played live Family Offer

Buy 1 kids meal, get 1 free

after 8 $8 drinks from 8pm Thur–Sun

MULLUMBIMBY

7am–3pm

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.

from 5pm Tuesday

CATERING

The Empire

Saturday.

Bistro

St, Mullumbimby

Thai returns next Tuesday. Sunday $18 roast lunch $20 Massamun.

Tuesday night grills!

party bookings. Located at the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club.

Farmer ‘grew up in banana shed’

Between the waterlogged soils of the cane fields and the inland porous soils lies the fertile property of Everest Farm. At the back of Murwil lumbah, close to the caldera, bordering Mount Warning National Park and facing north, its rich red soil has for five generations guaranteed an abundance of beautiful produce, providing employment for the extended family. ‘It’s why my ancestors started farming there – they’d seen the potential’, Will Everest tells me. ‘It’s how our family has stayed profitable.’ Will is describing it all to me almost lyrically in a slice of sunshine at New Brighton Farmers Market, behind us the long trestle tables stretch ing back beneath their burden of fruit and veg. Crimson beetroot, fat leeks, glossy slender eggplant, chunky zucchini: I want to buy it all and cook it up. Then there are the bananas. ‘I grew up in a banana shed,’ laughs Will, but he’s quite serious. Those bananas win awards regu larly and it’s because of the soil in which they’re grown, the belt of loam that imbues a richness of flavour unrivalled.

Nothing is under cover; it’s all grown outside. They were lucky during the March floods in that the level of the Oxley River – on whose alluvial

plains the crops grow – did not rise dangerously high, although the absence of sunshine and the ‘long wet’ made things challenging for a while.

I can’t of course buy everything but my eyes have snagged on that perfectly formed tightskinned beetroot, and I know exactly what I’ll do with it. Some I shall roast and serve with rocket, candied walnuts and fetta; the rest I shall pickle in a cider vinegar simmer of coriander and mus tard seeds, bay leaves, dill, peppercorns, and orange zest. Divine! The recipe is on the website.

Everest Farm is at New Brighton Farmers Market every Tuesday 8–11am.

Victoria Cosford

Will Everest from Everest Farm shows his stuff.

Caper

It was the late Anthony Bourdain who said: ‘Food, culture, people and landscape are all absolutely inseparable’. It’s a notion that Caper Byron Bay Food & Culture Festival has taken and run with, as food is definitely the highlight of the program.

This is clearly evident in the sheer number of foodie-focused events (28 of the 34 offered), as well as the long list of acclaimed chefs involved, including Thi Le, David Moyle, Darren Robertson, Mark LaBrooy, Palisa Anderson, Alanna Sapwell, Louis Tikaram, Matt Stone, Mama Ying, Jason Saxby, and Maurice Terzini.

David Moyle of Harvest Newry bar, with a love of unique local produce and sustainability, is also the food curator of Caper Byron Bay. Moyle and Harvest’s Friday evening dinner is an ode to the Northern Rivers and its maze of waterways. ‘The Northern Rivers have such a magnificent food culture owing to the climate, soil, and its people. We are lucky to have so many passionate producers and I love showcasing that,’ he says.

Moyle’s good mates Darren Robertson and Mark LaBrooy at Three Blue Ducks are getting in on the action too, hosting an early evening dinner cooked over fire, with Brookie’s cocktails, at the Cape Byron Distillery.

More recent arrivals to the region are newly engaged power chef couple Alanna Sapwell of Beach Byron Bay, and Matt Stone of Ciao Mate! and You, Beauty, both holding their own events during the Caper Festival.

With Beach Byron Bay racking up the accolades this year (voted Delicious Australia’s Best

Regional Restaurant and Gour met Traveller listed it in their top NSW restaurants), you’ll want to get in quickly to their Friday ‘The Chef & the Maker’ long lunch. Matt Stone has opted for a Sunday afternoon Sicilianinspired soiree, with his group Mosey on Inn (Ciao Mate!, You, Beauty and The Eltham Hotel) joining forces with Jilly Wine Co at their winery in Clunes.

Jason Saxby and Raes on Wat egos have paired up with champagne house Perrier-Jouet for a predictably delightful ‘Decadent Seafood & Champagne Long Lunch’. Jason Saxby has been executive chef at the stunning Raes property for almost four years. A decade ago, when work ing at Quay, he was named SMH ‘best young chef of the year’ award, and left Pilu at Freshwa ter to become head chef at Raes. He loves cooking with seafood, and has occasionally even done so on the Raes superyacht, and I’m sure he’s tried a few champagnes already to make sure the champagne/seafood combination is just right on the day for a truly decadent long lunch. Jason told The Echo that guests at the lunch could expect ‘some of the finest ingredients from the sea paired with some special vintage bottles of Champagne – menu especially tailored from beginning to end to be a decadent experience like no other’.

As you might have read in last week’s Echo, Barrio Eatery & Bar are bringing in none other than Gourmet Traveller 2023 Chef of the Year Thi Le, of Anchovy Melbourne.

Check out caperbyronbay.com for all the other events!

Best places to eat in the Tweed

Courthouse is back

Photo and story Simon Haslam

The rich red loamy soil of the Cudgen Plateau is perfect for supporting huge hospitals and carparks, but did you know that it’s also superb for growing food – or that the Tweed region shared ‘best produce region’ with the Gold Coast Hinterland in the 2021 delicious awards?

And with great produce, and some fancy chef-work, comes great dining.

Last weekend I visited Farm & Co on Cudgen Rd for a long lunch, looking out over their actual farm’s red soil, just a few hundred metres from Earth Beer’s brewery and well out of sight of urban sprawl, as part of the Tweed Artisan Collective’s Artisan Food Festival. More should be made of this regional drawcard, as restaurants like Paper Daisy (chef Jason Barratt), Potager, Mavis’s Kitchen, or Tweed River House, along with distilleries like Husk, are real drawcards – and isn’t this the sort of sustainable, low-key, unique and artisanal tourism experience that’s second only to jet-ski competitions in desirability?

Farm & Co, a bit like The Farm in Byron Bay, combines walking around a real working farm (great for kids) with a great restaurant, an innovative range of cocktails, a long wine list and great service. It has only been open seven weeks, but is already very popular and seems to have hit the ground running.

But this is just one of the restaurants in the Tweed, many of which are featured in the festival, which is on right now. The full list of upcoming special events in the Tweed Artisan Food Festival is online, and includes events combining painting (with wine and grazing plates), Jason Barratt’s Paper Daisy Indigenous lunch (or his cooking masterclass teaching you how to make your own Paper Daisy dish), a coffee carnival, bush poetry at Husk Distillery or a Native Spring Feast at Mavis’s Kitchen. Check out all the details, and book, online at: tweedartisancollective.com.au/ the-tweed-artisan-foodfestival

Forget about the sort of session that would land you in the court house, we’re talking about live music sessions on Friday nights, a proper lunch or dinner with workmates, family and friends, or a few drinks after knock-off time at the Courthouse Hotel Mullumbimby, now fully reno vated and back in action after the February 2022 flood.

There are many vegetarian and gluten-free options at the Courthouse Kitchen in the pub, whether you’re after arancini, prawn cutlets with lemon and dill dressing, lamb and rosemary triangles served with Asian slaw, or perhaps a more substantial meal such as Southern Fried Chicken, steak, or Asian-style pork belly.

I can see that the menu still contains my (vegetarian) longtime favourite, the zuc chini, mint, haloumi and pea fritters served with relish or vegan tzatziki and Asian slaw, or my second-favourite, the green risotto (which can also be served gluten free and with chicken and chorizo for the non-vegetarians). All kids’ meals are $10 and there’s plenty on the menu kids will enjoy.

The pub has seen many closures over the last two years, says manager Simone, ‘first as a result of continual COVID lockdowns and then the pub

underwent a voluntary closure so we didn’t have to enforce rules that patrons be vaccinated upon entry.’

‘Then, after we got through COVID, the pub and bottleshop flooded in February 2022. It was knee deep through everything and caused a lot of damage. We did our best to open the bottleshop to the public for limited hours while cleaning out the mud, ripping up the floors, and putting everything back together, but the pub itself was closed for six months to recover.’

However, the good news is that the pub is now back open four days a week, Wednesday to Sat urday from 10am until close. They have a new chef, a new menu, and all the equipment in the kitchen is brand new. The kitchen does lunch from 12 till 2pm and dinner from 5.30 till 8pm.

There are ‘happy 2 hours’, 4–6pm, with $5 schooners. ‘We would love to see some support from the town and start the see the place thrive! We are putting some live music on Fridays for patrons to enjoy,’ says Simone.

The drive-through bottleshop is open regular hours from 10am till 7pm Sunday to Thursday and 10am till 8pm on Friday and Saturday.

Courthouse Hotel. 33 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby. Ph 6684 1550.

WEDNESDAY – SATURDAY FROM 10AM TILL CLOSE*

WE HAVE A NEW CHEF AND A NEW MENU Lunch: 12pm – 2pm • Dinner: 5.30pm – 8pm

our delicious home-made cakes for dessert

are running on limited staff for the time being so we thank

for

patience while we get back up and running to full capacity, and we look forward to welcoming everybody.

*BOTTLE SHOP TRADING HOURS REMAIN THE SAME:

– Thurs 10am – 7pm, Fri & Sat 10am – 8pm

Simon Haslam

Nothing to see here … just the real red earth of the Cudgen Plateau. Not included in photo: great food, wine and service at Farm & Co, just one of the Tweed restaurants worth visiting in the Tweed Artisan Food Festival on now.

Chef David Moyle of Harvest Newrybar is also Food Curator of Caper Byron Bay festival. Photo Jess Kearney.

1 SUNRISE FRESH LAUNDRETTE

After almost two years of delays, Simon and Michelle are proud to present the new Sunrise Fresh Laundrette in Byron Fair. The bright, modern space with bits of glitter and greenery sparks joy in the necessary job of laundry! The machines are large, dryers hot and parking free. Coin machine onsite BYO powder. They look forward to seeing you there!

FB: osfreshlaundrette  Text 0466 986 545 20 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay Fair

2 LOCALLY ROASTED

BUN COFFEE

Need an early coffee fix? The Bun Coffee Espresso Bar is now open from 6am with ethically sourced Certified Organic, Rainforest Alliance, Fair Trade, Australian-grown blends or compostable coffee pods.  Want to travel further afield? Explore the Single Origin Bar and taste the world of coffee through the unique Single Origin collection from over 40 countries.

Monday–Friday 6am – 3pm. Unit 15–17, 1A Banksia Drive, Byron Bay. 6680 9798 www.buncoffee.com.au

3 STONE & WOOD

As we head into this warmer weather, Stone & Wood’s 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. Every member of the family is welcome, including the doggo, so there’s no excuse not to take time out for a cold one.

100 Centennial Cct, Byron Bay IG: @stoneandwood

4 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 crossfitwanderlustbyronbay@gmail.com www.crossfitbyronbay.com

5 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

@vamptvintagedesign @etenity.design.collection www.vamptvintagedesign.com

6 BAKED @ BYRON

Treat yourself to something yum today! Visit Baked @ Byron and sample hot pastries, scrumptious cakes, and coffee – all at one of Byron Bay’s favourite bakeries. You’ll be served with great service and a friendly smile.

Conveniently located at Byron Bay Fair – where the locals shop rain, hail, or shine!

20 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay Fair www.byronbayfair.com.au

HABITAT

7 HONEYHUNT

SHORT ATTENTION! Bold new designs instore and online. Dance, yoga, Pilates, strut around town or home! Pair with comfy cotton tops – workout and chill in fashion that’s sewn and printed locally, featuring original artworks. The brand proudly supports ethical Australian Made fashion and local jobs - 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 10-4. Sat 11-3 0408 766 546 www.honeyhunt.style

8 BALLINAPROCLEANING

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

9 BSMOOTHIEBAR

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)

10 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

11 WEAVEGUITARS

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.

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

12 HIGHSPECPROPERTIES

BUYERS’AGENTS

Your local Northern Rivers Buyers’ Agents

HighSpec Properties – award -winning buyers’ agency dedicated to helping you own your own slice of Byron and the Northern Rivers.

Get in touch and watch your property dream come to life through refined strategy, expert negotiation, and unparalleled commitment.

Team HighSpec will be your secret agents, making one of life’s greatest stressors a breeze.

Ground floor, Habitat Building, 20 Fullerton Lane, Byron Bay 1300 447 732 www.highspecproperties.com.au

13 BARRIOEATERY&BAR

Barrio brings together the local community in a relaxed environment for all-day dining. The wood-fired oven and open-flame grill are the heart of the restaurant.

Wednesday is BBQ night, with monthly guest chef. Keep an eye on socials for daily specials. 1 Porter Street, North Byron Mon–Tues: 7am–3pm. Wed–Sat: 7am–10pm. 0411 323 165 @barriobyronbay www.barriobyronbay.com.au

14 VAGABONDBYRONBAY

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

15 SHACKPALACE

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 shop@shackpalace.com www.shackpalace.com

16 MRSIMPLE

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 barbecue or your mate’s birthday, The Department is your spot.

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

XAVIER RUDD TO OPEN BLUESFEST’S GREEN ROOM

Xavier Rudd has made the most of a post-Covid world by doing what he loves most: touring. To support his latest album Jan Juc Moon, Xavier will have performed live on no fewer than 88 occasions in 2022.

First up was the sold-out 37-date Australian tour from May through July. That was followed up with a 50-date tour through Europe that began on September 9 in Porto, Portugal, and ends in Antwerp in Belgium November 10.

On Saturday, November 26 Xavier plays his 88th and final show for 2022 when he opens The Green Room, a 1,500+ capacity venue on the Bluesfest site. Rudd says it’s been a massive year. ‘I’m stoked to play my final show on Bundjalung Country to finish things off. This new Green Room venue is gonna be great for the Byron area and I’m excited to launch this new space.’

The Green Room was constructed and completed earlier this year on the very ground where all Bluesfest artists prepared themselves before hitting the Bluesfest stages.

Festival director Peter Noble OAM says that people speak of hallowed ground and when it comes to music,

The Green Room stands on hallowed ground. ‘Given the likes of Jack Johnson, Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal, Gypsy Kings, Jeff Beck, Bob Dylan, BB King, George Clinton, Leon Russell, Jethro Tull, ZZ Top, Gurrumul, Mavis Staples, Kasey Chambers, Little Feat, Trombone Shorty, Cold Chisel, John Fogerty, Crosby Stills and Nash, Earth Wind and Fire, The Pogues, YES, Ziggy Marley, Paul Simon, Robert Plant, Ben Harper, Santana, Iggy & The Stooges, Steve Miller Band, Rodriguez, Bonnie Raitt, Dropkick Murphey’s, Jimmy Cliff, Rufus Wainwright, Lionel Richie, Dave Mathews Band, Doobie Brothers, Boz Skaggs, Zac Brown Band, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Angelique Kidjo, John Butler, Kendrick Lamar, The National, Jackson Browne, Brian Wilson, Tom Jones, Pattie Smith, Jimmy Buffett, Madness, Lauryn Hill, Tash Sultana, Sheryl Crow, Nile Rodgers, Morcheeba, The Teskey Brothers, Paul Kelly, Nora Jones, Baker Boy, Alanis Morissette, Midnight Oil, Crowded House, Amy Shark, Kev Carmody, The Saboteurs – and literally hundreds more who have walked this ground since 2010 – and of course, Xavier Rudd.

Tickets available exclusively from Moshtix.

C ATCH SOME F IR E

Katchafire return to Australia for their Rolling Hills and Island Vibe festival shows next month.

Fellow New Zealanders Masaya will also be bringing their soothing tunes on the national tour with their mash of Indie/Groove/Soul/Roots.

Katchafire will be celebrating with a new single Always With You out on November 18.

Katchafire have been spending time in Aotearoa studios recording new music and are looking forward to their first overseas shows since the pandemic began in March 2020 when they were in Hawaii; these will be their first Australian gigs since 2019, breaking a longstanding traditional of yearly tours across the ditch.

The band headed to Europe in July 2022 and North America in September. Katchafire have long been prolific international tourers and 2021 was the first year the band did not travel overseas since 2006.

Not resting on their laurels while international borders were closed, the Katchafire released two new singles, Circle Back and Whaingaroa, as well as releasing their 100 single in Te Reo (Māori language) as part of the Waiata / Anthems documentary series.

You can catch them on Thursday at The Northern from 7pm with Masaya, Kimmy and Tjaka.

Tickets can be found at: Oztix.com.

Lyndal

Ash

Lissie

Michelle

Libby

Jamie

Danni

Victoria

PIANOS FOR THE PEOPLE

There will be a celebration of the arrival of 12 recycled pianos for flood victims of the Northern Rivers with a free concert launching the public installation of a Piano for the People in the streets of Mullumbimby.

The event will feature Maestro David Helfgott, patron of Pianos for the People, plus Yantra de Vilder and the Northern Rivers Ephemera Choir

De Vilder installs pianos in public places for the community to play. In November she will be installing a grand piano under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. She believes accessible music and colour in the streets play a major role in our recovery in these unprecedented times, as we are being challenged to reassess our sense of belonging as a collective and diverse society.

In each location, De Vilder gathers pianos, local musicians, choirs and artists. Together they create totally unique free outdoor performances, inspired by the land and people, the love of pianos and making music together.

At the heart of this project are music recycling and the importance of gifting, restoring and reinventing unwanted pianos.

This event will be held on November 5 at 7pm at the Mullumbimby Memorial Garden next to the Civic Memorial Hall.

BYRON LATIN FIESTA

17th Annual Byron Latin Fiesta is November 3 till 6 in Byron Bay Start with the pre-party on Thursday 3 Join in for an inspiring weekend of festivities with an All-Australian artist lineup making the most of the amazing talent right here on our shores!

Indulge your Latin passion at Australia’s longest-running Latin dance festival! The event features: 30+ dance workshops. Learn to dance with our beginner workshops or expand your skills and learn new styles if you already dance and see 20+ performances from local and national student teams plus professional shows.

Live band Chukale will be playing their best Salsa and Bachata on the Saturday night and there will be plenty of time for social dancing during the lunch breaks

and a Tango Milonga on the Sunday evening.

The Byron Latin Fiesta has taken over the whole Byron Theatre and Community Centre for the event.

There are three workshop spaces for the days and the nights become dance paradise. The Byron Theatre’s full dance floor is in use for the Salsa, Bachata and Latino dancers. The upstairs rooms are for the Kizomba and Zouk vibes. Plus – mingle, have a drink, a bite to eat and chill at the courtyard or the verandah balcony bars.

This event ends three long years (owing to Covid) between fiestas and the Byron Latin Fiesta cannot wait to celebrate with you all!

Tickets and information can be found at byronlatinfiesta.com.au.

THE CHINESE TRIO AND YOUTH ORCHESTRA

Next for the Northern Rivers Conservatorium is a collaboration with Musica Viva Australia – a public performance in the Concert Room

On November 12 they will be hosting Chinese trio San Ureshi – the name means ‘joy of the trio’ – which consists of guzheng (Chinese zither), erhu (Chinese fiddle), and percussion.

Since its establishment in 2019, San Ureshi has been experimenting with various cultures, soundscapes and textures, breaking boundaries through their projects and compositions.

Also, the Youth Jazz Orchestra have been busy with a number of projects including performing at the Lismore Show, collaborating with The Hot Potato Band for the Music In Schools Big Play Day, and supporting our

vocalists for the Singers’ Showcase in December.

Additionally there are several in-house Twilight Concerts scheduled, showcasing talented students to an always appreciative audience of parents and friends, as well as the Very Merry (Thursday) Markets for which they will provide musical entertainment: Justin Bannister and the Soul Good Band will be bringing the good vibes and Rochelle Wright will be inspiring the kids with her engaging early-childhood music presentation. These are to be held on December 8 and 15, from 4.30pm All events and tickets can be purchased (or FREE for the flood-affected) at website: events.nrcac.edu.au.

CINEMA

MARCUS KING OF BLUESFEST

Grammy-nominated artist, performer, and songwriter Marcus King was destined to play music. By eight years of age, the fourth-generation Greenville, South Carolina, native had performed alongside pops, grandpa, and his uncles for the first time. Logging thousands of miles on the road as The Marcus King Band, he established himself with unparalleled performance prowess and a dynamic live show.

It’s hard to know if King is a stellar guitarist with an awesome voice, or an incredible singer with virtuoso guitar skills – either way King smashed out an awesome set at his first Bluesfest appearance in 2019 and he’s back for another bite, with bark, in 2023.

Seven caught up with King on the weekend before the Chicago show on his current tour.

I was very interested to hear you have studied jazz. Do you bring some of the jazz world into the world you’re in now?

Absolutely. I mean, there’s never anything wrong with expanding your vocabulary even if it may not be the world that you’re going to be pursuing. Because I wasn’t really interested in pursuing a career in session work, or jazz, as it were, but expanding my vocabulary as a musician all around – it was certainly helpful.

What was your impression of Bluesfest when you were here in 2019?

I thought it was really a real gas, you know? We got a lot of friends down there and got see some folks that you don’t usually get to see on a regular basis. So we were all just really happy to be there. And we got to play a few other dates and Melbourne and Sydney. And I got a tattoo. I just had a really good time kill.

Are you bringing new music to Byron Bay at Easter?

Absolutely. So the new record, Youngblood, just came out and we’re touring that record right now. We’ve got a little time off for the winter and we’ll be coming to you with this material and maybe even some more new stuff.

Do you find that when you came to Australia, a lot of people were ignorant of who you were?

Well, you know, that’s kind of how we approach every show. Like this is your first time seeing us. We try to play every performance like it’s your first time seeing us and also our last time playing. I don’t really like to assume that people have seen us before. And you know, we want it to really count. That’s our kind of a mindset with every show.

Do you have any thoughts about playing smaller venues and playing the big festivals? Is there a different vibe for you?

We try to approach every show with the same amount of bravado. But, you know, festivals are a little different, because you usually end up having a bit of an abbreviated set time. And with that being the case you kind of find yourself doing a few medleys and you find yourself trying to condense a two-hour show into 45 minutes or so. It’s usually a lot more bark in festivals. Marcus King will be bringing plenty of bark to Blues –for more info, visit: Bluesfest.com.au.

TICKET TO PARADISE

In a well-worn Hollywood trope, long-time divorced couple David and Georgia Cotton feel the need to step in when their daughter decides to get married. It seems that their daughter Lily (Kaitlyn Dever) couldn’t possibly know what she is doing, preparing to walk down the aisle with a man she has just met, and mum and dad decide to team up and sabotage the impending wedding, which will be held in a tropical paradise.

From the first few moments of being seated next to each other on the plane, trying to trick Lily out of getting married and even stealing the wedding rings, to the film’s not-too-surprising ending, David (George Clooney) and Georgia (Julia Roberts) snip and snipe at each other about everything from where they are sitting to what they are drinking.

The setting of Bali certainly makes for paradisiacal whimsy and you might feel like a drinking a piña colada as you watch this movie dream couple try to stop their daughter from making the same mistake they think they made 25 years ago.

NowshowingatBallinaFairCinemaandPalace Cinema,ByronBay.

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WEDNESDAY 26

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, JOCK BARNES

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 2.30PM BLEXUS, 5PM SARAH GRANT DUO, 7.30PM JEROME & KAYEL, 10PM DJ KIRA

BYRON THEATRE 7.30PM THE ROAD TO PATAGONIA PRESENTED BY BYRON BAY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

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

DURRUMBUL HALL, 6PM GARRANGALI

COOLANGATTA HOTEL 6.30PM COL GERMANO

THURSDAY 27

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, SWAMP STOMPERS

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 2.30PM DYLAN AND DAMIEN, 5PM CHRIS DEL MAR, 8PM HOLLY JOY, 8.45PM FLAMINGO BLONDE, 9.30PM MELALEUCA, 10.25PM FLOWERTRUCK, 11.10PM GRAIN DJS

BYRON THEATRE 7.30PM ALEXANDER GADJIEV IN CONCERT PRESENTED BY BYRON MUSIC SOCIETY

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM KATCHAFIRE + WITH MASAYA, KIMMY & TJAKA HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM YAZMINDI

BRUNSWICK VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE 5PM INNER PEACE FOR GLOBAL PEACE

LENNOX HOTEL HOTEL STAGE 8PM JAM NIGHT BALLINA RSL LEVEL ONE 8PM THE BIG GIG COMEDY NIGHT – RASH RYDER + SUPPORT PETER WILLEY & MC: MANDY NOLAN SEAGULLS, TWEED HEADS, 7PM PHOENIX RISING COOLANGATTA HOTEL 8PM BLACK ALIEN

FRIDAY 28

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 4PM BEN WALSH, 8PM PINK ZINC

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 3PM PHIL HOWELL, 10PM DJ REIFLEX

BYRON THEATRE 6PM CRAIG SILVEY: RUNT, HONEYBEE AND THE MAKING OF A MODERN CLASSIC PRESENTED BY BYRON WRITERS FESTIVAL

LONE GOAT GALLERY, BYRON BAY, 5.30PM NORTHERN RIVERS CERAMICS – ‘AFTER THE FLOODS’ LAUNCH

BANGALOW HOTEL ROGUE ELEMENTS

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 7.30PM THE LYRICAL WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4.30PM DJ

DARLAN

DRILL HALL THEATRE, MULLUMBIMBY, 7.30PM RISING ABOVE –PLAYBACK THEATRE

LENNOX HOTEL HOTEL STAGE 8PM JASON DELPHIN BALLINA RSL LEVEL ONE 7.30PM BARNES STORM

CITADEL, MURWILLUMBAH, BROKEN CREEK BAND WITH BRODIE BUTTONS

MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6.30PM MIKE WINKWORTH

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 6PM BLACKBOI

TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 8PM REWIND 80S MIXED TAPE TOUR

COOLANGATTA HOTEL 5PM STEVEN MICHAEL, 9PM EIGHTIES RECALL

SATURDAY 29

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 4PM PHIL & TILLY, 8PM THE WHISKEYS

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 10PM DJ MY HAPPY PLACE

BYRON THEATRE 2.30PM THE POWER OF ACTIVISM PRESENTED BY BYRON BAY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, 5PM SWEET ADVENTURE PRESENTED BY BYRON BAY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, 7.30PM PATOU: IN BLACK & WHITE + THE BUCKLEYS: TAKE IT AS IT COMES PRESENTED BY BBFF2022

BYRON TWILIGHT MARKET 4PM CHASING RAINBOWS

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 2PM MATTY ROGERS, 7.30PM THE DIRTY CHANNEL WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM DJ PATRICIA BERLIOZ

BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK 6.30PM DJ THE WHO’S WHO ELTHAM HOTEL 7PM STEVE SMYTH + THE MAGPIE DIARIES

DUNOON SPORTS CLUB 1PM DUNOON VILLAGE BLUES FESTIVAL

MARY G’S, LISMORE, 9PM MATTHEW ARMITAGE REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH, 6PM BALCONY SESSIONS WITH FELICITY LAWLESS MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6.30PM MARTIN WAY KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 6PM LEIGH JAMES

SHEOAK SHACK, FINGAL HEAD, 7PM YAZMINDI

COOLANGATTA HOTEL 5PM ANDREW TAYLOR, 8PM KATCHAFIRE, 9.30PM DISCO DISCIPLES

SUNDAY 30

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, NATHAN KAYE BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 4.30PM BULLHORN, 7PM DJ ZAC EWING, 9PM DJ GENE ENGLISH

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

NORTH BYRON HOTEL 5PM DJ ABEL TORO HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4PM SWAMP STOMPERS

MULLUMBIMBY EX-SERVICES CLUB 2.30PM SPOOKY SUNDAY STRUM 2.30PM UKE MULLUM –FEAT. CLELIA ADAMS AND SHELLY BROWN

WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM RUSTY TUNES

CLUB BURRINGBAR 3PM WAX ADDICTS DJS

ELTHAM HOTEL 2PM BROKEN CREEK BAND REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH, 5PM JOHN WATERS – THE JOHN LENNON SONGBOOK

SEAGULLS, TWEED HEADS, 12PM KATIE WHO CHINDERAH TAVERN 2PM DOGSBAND

COOLANGATTA HOTEL 5PM BOURBON STREET

MONDAY 31

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, FELICITY LAWLESS

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 2.30PM GUY KACHEL, 5PM PHIL & TILLEY

TUESDAY 1

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, JAMIE ASHFORTH

MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 11AM GLENN SHIELDS KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 6PM BRETT HEALY

WEDNESDAY 2

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, DAMIEN COOPER BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 5PM LUKE HAYWARD, 7.30PM JEROME & KAYEL

BYRON THEATRE 11AM JACK ABSOLUTE FLIES AGAIN –NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE SCREENING PRESENTED BY BYRON THEATRE SHEARWATER HALL, MULLUMBIMBY CREEK, 8PM WEARABLE ARTS –RIDE THE WAVE

CINEMA

MOVIES UNDER THE STARS

For a long time the Brunswick Picture House have wanted to throw an event for the community with broad family appeal and now they feel the time is right as we all try to continue on after the curveballs thrown at us during these last few years. With support from the NSW Government, the Brunswick Picture House is thrilled to present Bruns River Flicks — a series of five Saturday night outdoor film screenings right on the river’s edge, in Banner Park

The screenings will be free of charge (although tickets and registration will be required) and, as has become the norm for a Picture House film event, each film will be accompanied by a fun, entertaining live element that will blow your thongs off!

The lovingly curated films start on Saturday 5 November from sunset. Bring your warm blankets, dig out those festivalworn camping chairs, fill up your picnic baskets or grab your takeaway from the numerous Bruns eateries and and join in for five nights of outdoor cinematic fun under the stars, right in Bruns!

The film event will start each Saturday from around 7pm, with the film screening from sunset.

The film schedule is:

Saturday November 5  – a tribute to the golden age of classic B-horror films with The Incredible Shrinking Man, with super-cool live musical accompaniment from Picture House favourites Ben Walsh and Tom Thum. Rated G.

Saturday November 12 – a family favourite for over three decades with special guests, the Bruns pelicans: Storm Boy. Rated G.

Saturday November 19 – The Brunswick Heads Olivia Newton-John Appreciation Society invites you to a special screening, our very own love letter to ONJ: Xanadu. Rated PG.

Saturday November 26 – Celebrate the Big Daddy of the aqua horror film genre with Jaws in 7.5D: THE BRUNS EDITION! Rated M.

Saturday December 3 – to drag you out of the doldrums there is The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, in true BPH fashion. Rated M.

Visit the Picture House website to read the fine print regarding booking, headsets, and rains contingencies with all the details of the free screenings: brunswickpicturehouse.com.

Bill Watterson

If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I’ll bet they’d live a lot differently.

of the

a quaint seaside village, then this sensational house in beautiful Brunswick Heads is for

With commercial and residential zoning, plus DA approval, the world is your oyster. Welcome to paradise.

This exquisitely renovated house is coastal living at its best. More than 100 years old, this original Queenslander has been lovingly cared for by its longstanding owners.

swim

down to the beach for

surf, then returning home to enjoy

the covered

to this

elevated

large

early morning

and breakfast

deck. Flowing from the dining area, this

the perfect spot to entertain

family and friends,

enjoy the simple pleasures of life and make treasured memories

after a tranquil coastal lifestyle close to all the

in a peaceful cul-de-sac near the beautiful

block, with a

to make

and an abundance of

this is the

Creek

Ocean Shores, here is

new home.

This two-storey home in a dress circle location has

for the entire family. Located in a quiet, sought-after street, you will instantly feel part of the close-knit community. Welcome home.

the flexibility of a self-contained living area downstairs and another upstairs, each with a private entrance, this twostorey home offers several lifestyle options. Welcome home. Perfect

extended families or families with grown children, the separate yet connected living spaces open many possibilities.

‘Skyfall ‘

most

THE MOST ENVIABLE SANCTUARY OF PRIVACY, PROSPERITY AND PANORAMIC VIEWS

INSPECTION BY

in one

in the

‘Skyfall’ is located in the famously beautiful hinterlands of the Byron Shire, an easy four minutes’ drive to the pretty village of Bangalow and 15 minutes to the iconic coastal township of Byron Bay. With living zone and natural spring set in the gully, this really is god’s own country. Perfectly poised on top butler pantry, ‘Skyfall’ is a modern contemporary residence is an architectural tour de force providing perfect privacy from the world, while also providing vast vistas, that stretch from country to coast – an absolute must

Amir Mian 0401

amir@amirprestige.com.au Rochelle Lamers 0407

rochelle@amirprestige.com.au amirprestige.com.au

Ashby

Yamba

Clarence Street

• Easy-care acre with stunning tropical gardens, manicured lawns, native flora & fruit trees under 10 mins to the beach

• Multi-level, architecturally designed home with four bedrooms and three bathrooms and flexible living options

• Private, well-appointed master suite pavilion with tree-top vista

• Separate self-contained studio with private farm gate entrance, ideal for guests or home office/business

• High ceilings, fans, mixed hardwood timbers, louvre windows and multiple expansive deck entertaining areas

• Reverse cycle split system air conditioners to each main

5 mins to Billinudgel, 10

and

Open For Inspection

Atlas by LJ Hooker Byron Bay

• 7 Meadows Close, Bangalow. Sat 10–10.30am

• 11/10 Balemo Drive, Ocean Shores. Sat 12–12.30pm

Byron & Beyond Real Estate

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

Byron Shire Real Estate

• 3-7 Myokum Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 10–10.30am

• 22 Kiah Close, Ocean Shores. Sat 10–10.30am

• 14 Warina Place, Mullumbimby. Sat 11–11.30am

• 4 Yemlot Place, Brunswick Heads. Sat 11–11.30am

Century 21 Plateau Lifestyle RE

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

• 1/19 Arrowsmith Avenue, Alstonville. Sat 11–11.30am

First National Byron Bay

• 21 Scott Street, Byron Bay. Wed 11–11.30am

• 2 Seastar Court, Byron Bay. Wed 12–12.30pm

• 64 Sunrise Boulevard, Byron Bay. Wed 12–12.30pm

• 3/29 Lawson Street, Byron Bay. Wed 1–1.30pm

• 88 Station Street, Mullumbimby. Wed 3.30–4pm

• 1696 Hinterland Way, McLeods Shoot. Thu 12–12.30pm

• 5/6–8 Browning Street, Byron Bay. Thu 1–1.30pm

• 1 Lagoon Drive, Myocum. Thu 6–6.30pm

• 1B Chinbible Avenue, Mullumbimby. Fri 11–11.30am

• 88 Station Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 9–9.30am

• 3 Burns Street, Byron Bay. Sat 9–9.30am

• 75 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay. Sat 9–9.30am

• 17 Dehnga Place, Suffolk Park. Sat 10–10.30am

• 4/49 Belongil Crescent, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

• 1696 Hinterland Way, McLeods Shoot. Sat 10–10.30am

• 4 Elkhorn Parade, Ballina. Sat 10–10.30am

• 10 Whian Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 10–10.30am

• 6 Wallaby Close, Ewingsdale. Sat 11–11.30am

• 7/3 Beachcomber Drive, Byron Bay. Sat 11–11.30am

• 12 Brunswick Street, New Brighton. Sat 11–11.30am

• 21 Scott Street, Byron Bay. Sat 11–11.30am

• 1B Chinbible Avenue, Mullumbimby. Sat 11–11.30am

• 64 Sunrise Boulevard, Byron Bay. Sat 11–11.30am

• 2 Seastar Court, Byron Bay. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 1 Lagoon Drive, Myocum. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 6/26 Beech Drive, Suffolk Park. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 159 Shara Boulevard, Ocean Shores. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 6 Marblewood Place, Bangalow. Sat 1–1.30pm

Harcourts Northern Rivers

• 1/28 Crane Street, Ballina. Sat 10–10.30am

• 20 Sunnybank Drive, West Ballina. Sat 10–10.30am

• 10 The Ridgeway, Cumbalum. Sat 10–10.30am

• 20 Tamar Street, Ballina. Sat 10.45–11.15am

• 33 Highfield Terrace, Cumbalum. Sat 11–11.30am

• 5 Tea Tree Court, Suffolk Park. Sat 11–11.30am

• 822 Pimlico Road, Pimlico. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 30 Unara Parkway, Cumbalum. Sat 11.45am–12.15pm

• 165 Baraang Drive, Broadwater. Sat 12.15–12.45pm

• 6 Karalauren Court, Lennox Head. Sat 1–1.30pm

• 2/14 Patricia Parade, Lennox Head. Sat 1.15–1.45pm

• 439 Teven Road, Teven. Sat 2.15–2.45pm

LJ Hooker Brunswick Heads

• 31 Natan Court, Ocean Shores. Sat 11–11.30am

• 26 Booyun Street, Brunswick Heads. Sat 11–11.30am

• 65 Fingal Street, Brunswick Heads. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 21 Tweed Street, Brunswick Heads. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 72 Tweed Street, Brunswick Heads. Sat 1–1.30pm

Mana Real Estate

• 1/3 Miram Place, Ocean Shores. Wed 4–4.30pm

• 15 Warana Avenue, Bray Park. Thu 4.30–5pm

• 1d Short Street, New Brighton. Sat 9–9.30am

• 1/3 Miram Place, Ocean Shores. Sat 9–9.30am

• 19 Chevell Place, Smiths Creek. Sat 9–9.30am

• 20 Wirruna Avenue, Ocean Shores. Sat 9.30–10am

• 1/3 Halyard Court, Ocean Shores. Sat 10–10.30am

• 18 Dorothy Street, Murwillumbah. Sat 10–10.30am

• 36 Mullumbimbi St, Brunswick Heads. Sat 10–10.30am

• 104 Wooyung Road, Crabbes Creek. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 5 Terrara Court, Ocean Shores. Sat 2–2.30pm

McGrath Byron Bay

• 1 Elizabeth Avenue, Sth Golden Beach. Sat 9.30–10am

• 1/54 Butler Street, Byron Bay. Sat 9.30–10am

• 61 Teak Circuit, Suffolk Park. Sat 10–10.30am

• 8 Blackbutt Place, Byron Bay. Sat 10.30–11am

• 12 Brunswick Terrace, Mullumbimby. Sat 11–11.30am

• 58 Main Arm Rd, Mullumbimby. Sat 11.45am–12.15pm

• 5 Tincogan Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 12.30–1pm

• 1/23 Poinciana Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 1.30–2pm

• 15/3 Pecan Court, Suffolk Park. Sat 2–2.30pm

North Coast Lifestyle Properties

• 5a Orchid Place, Mullumbimby. Sat 11–11.45am

• 1 Willow Tree Drive, Chilcotts Grass. Sat 11–11.45am

• 20 Orchid Place, Mullumbimby. Sat 2–2.45pm

Todd

from

For sale for the first time in almost 60 years, this ‘Retro 70s’ home has been much-loved since the day it was built and has been in the same family since 1974.

Located in a quiet cul de sac, ten minutes walk to town and 2 minutes walk to the Farmer’s Markets at the showgrounds. Original features include polished timber floors, louvered doors, breeze blocks, groovy tiles and display cabinetry in the kitchen.

Entry to the house is through the covered parking and brings you into the wide hall. The centrally located main living area leads into the open plan kitchen/dining area, with original cabinetry and retro display cupboards. Past the kitchen is the laundry and access to the fully fenced backyard, a perfect place for the kids to play, along with a covered bbq area and shed.

Inspect: Saturday 29 October, 11–11.30am

Contact: Todd Buckland - 0408 966 421

Gary Brazenor - 0423 777 237

Ray White Rural Bangalow

259 Arthur Road, Corndale. Sat 11–11.30am

Real Estate of Distinction

454 Crabbes Creek Road, Crabbes Creek. Sat 11.15am–12pm

• 335 Chilcotts Road, Chillingham. Sat 2–2.45pm

• 35–37 Edwards Lane, Kynnumboon. Sat 4–4.45pm

Ruth Russell Realty

• 76 Orana Road, Ocean Shores. Sat 12.30–1pm

Tim Miller Real Estate

• 8 George Street, Bangalow. Wed 12–12.30pm; Sat 12.30–1pm

• 17 Ivory Curl Place, Bangalow. Wed 11–11.30am; Sat 2–2.30pm

• 16 Green Frog Lane, Bangalow. Wed 1–1.30pm; Sat 1.15–1.45pm

• 9 Mayfield Street, Eltham. Wed 2.15–2.45pm; Sat 10–10.30am

• 4/19 Teak Road, Federal. Sat 9–9.30am

New Listings

Century 21 Plateau Lifestyle RE

• 1/19 Arrowsmith Avenue, Alstonville

North Coast Lifestyle Properties–Brunswick Heads

• 41 Orana Road, Ocean Shores

• 6 Park Street, New Brighton

• 1/38 Mullumbimbi Street, Brunswick Heads

North Coast Lifestyle Properties–Mullumbimby

• 5a Orchid Place, Mullumbimby

• 480 Left Bank Road, Mullumbimby Creek

• 43 Main Arm Road, Mullumbimby

• 1/3 Boondoon Cres, Ocean Shores

• 686 Clothiers Creek Rd, Clothiers Creek

Ray White Rural Bangalow

• 259 Arthur Road, Corndale. Sat 11–11.30am

Auction

Mana Real Estate

• 104 Wooyung Road, Crabbes Creek. Sat 12pm

• 207 Hulls Road, Crabbes Creek. Sat 12pm

• 60 Tea Tree Road, Crabbes Creek. Sat 12pm

Yamba

Inspection times, new listings and auctions are listed on the Echo website at www.echo.net.au/ad/ofi

RetroCharmandPricedtoSell

The

MIELE WASHERS

ECHO CLASSIFIEDS – 6684 1777

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.

DISCLAIMER

Advertisements placed in The Byron Shire Echo do not reflect the views or opinions of the editorial staff. The Byron Shire Echo does not make any representations as to the accuracy or suitability of any content or information contained in advertising material nor does publication constitute in any way an endorsement by The Byron Shire Echo of the content or representations contained therein. The Byron Shire Echo does not accept any liability for the representations or promises made in paid advertisements or for any loss or damage arising from reliance on such content, representations or promises.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Event Notice :

Change of Speed limit along Bayshore Dr

Caper Byron Bay Food & Culture Festival Village held at North Byron Hotel Event Location:

Event Dates:  11-13 November

Caper Byron Bay event will be taking place at the North Byron Hotel from Friday Nov 11 - Sunday Nov 13. No road closures till be in place however the speed limit will be dropped; to 40km/hr from the intersection of Bayshore Drive and will be active during the peak time for the crossing adjacent to the be available approximately 500 metres north, with frontage to Elements Hotel in Bayshore Drive. Please visit caperbyronbay.com for more information. Contact Jonny Ruddy 0488 228 219 for all event related enquires or complaints.

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.

CLASSIFIEDS THAT WORK ALL

RATTAN

WANTED

DENTURES

BYRON SHIRE RESPITE SERVICE INC.

AGM will take place at 4pm on Tuesday 15th November 2022 at the Brunswick Valley Community Centre, 42 South Beach Road, Brunswick Heads NSW 2483.

All members welcome. For more information, please email Karen and Hanne at: mgmtcommittee@byronrespite.com.au or telephone 6685 1619.

AGM notice

The Annual General Meeting of Mullumbimby & District Neighbourhood Centre is being held at 4.30 pm on Thursday 10 November 2022 at the Ocean Shores Country Club, in the Boardroom.

Mullumbimby & District Neighbourhood Centre asks that people who wish to serve on the committee please complete and return a Nomination Form to the centre by Thursday 3 November.

In order to vote, you must be a financial member prior to the AGM. Members who cannot attend the annual general meeting can submit a proxy form which ensures each member’s vote is counted.

If you would like to become a member or are unsure of your membership status contact the staff on 6684 1286 to ensure that your membership is valid before the meeting.

The Mullumbimby & District Neighbourhood Centre asks that interested people please RSVP their attendance for catering by either email to office@mdnc.org.au or calling the centre on 6684 1286.

HEALTH

KINESIOLOGY

HYPNOSIS & EFT

PURA VIDA

FOR SALE

PRODUCTS

10

GARAGE SALES

Sat

(no

Oct

ClassifiedsCommunity at Work

ASSISTANT MANAGER AND BAR MANAGER positions available in busy Italian restaurant. Good conditions and pay for right applicant. Please email CV to enniswill@yahoo.co.uk

SOCIAL MEDIA GURU for small local business. Please call Wayne 0423218417

EASY LIGHT WORK in school hrs for fit self-starters with eye for detail. Chemical free cleaning for domestic & holiday homes, Broken Head, Lennox and Bangalow (no builders or move outs). Reliable car essential. Email  your resume & availability to ecoclean.cleans@gmail. com or sms 0402985001

LENNOX HEAD

PAPER DELIVERY

The Echo has contract position to deliver to LENNOX HEAD 1000 papers

This contract position can be done by a single mature person, but would also suit a couple. It’s ideal for semiretired people just wanting a bit of extra work regularly. You need an ABN, a reliable vehicle and ideally live in or near Lennox Head. You would collect or receive papers every Wednesday morning and fold, insert and (in wet weather) bag the papers, and deliver them by dark on Wednesday. In some circumstances the delivery can be completed by 8am Thursday morning. Suit mature person with a strong throwing arm, as the run is mostly throwing to residential premises. Commencing asap. Email simon@echo. net.au or phone 0409324724

THERAPIST

It

IN MEMORIAM

ALBERT McLEAN 21/11/1923–27/10/2011

There is no

because

The

That’s

that

have

Community Notices: On The Horizon

DEADLINE NOON FRIDAY

Email copy marked ‘On The Horizon’ to editor@echo.net.au.

End-of-Life Choices

are

and

and they

us face both the

that

Lyn,

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.

Z IGGY ZIGGY

MATHEW BILLETT 09/11/1988–01/11/2021

by

FUNERAL NOTICES

MCKAY, SHANI LEANNE

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

Voluntary Euthanasia End-of-Life Choices are discussed at Exit International meetings held quarterly. Meetings are held at Robina and Tweed Heads South. Attendees must be Exit Members. Philip Nitschke will hold a workshop early next year on the Gold Coast, to discuss the Voluntary Assisted Dying laws, and how they may affect you, plus other important information. For further information www.exitinternational.net or phone Catherine 0435 228 443.

Drivewise Byron Bay

Rebuilding for flood resilience

Mullum Cares is supporting the community with information about rebuilding homes to be more flood-resilient. Their shippingcontainer office is open Monday to Wednesday at the corner of Prince and Ann Streets Mullumbimby. Drop in between 9 and 11am or make a booking on the Mullum Cares website: mullumcares.com.au.

Grandparents-day Storytime

dollars of donations and grants. If this excites you, nominate for a position on the board before 29 October. RSVP for the AGM, or to request a nomination form, email: admin@ mullumseed.org.au.

Baha’is of Ballina

The Baha’is of Ballina warmly invite you to celebrate the Twin Birthdays of The Bab and Baha’u’llah on Saturday 29 October at 2–5pm at the CWA Hall 236 River Street, Ballina. Afternoon tea will be served. All welcome. For more information call 0422 798 802.

Skyler fundraiser

G AT S B Y GATSBY

29-04-1959 ~ 20-10-2022

Passed away with family at her side. Much loved wife of John. Loved mother and mother-in-law of Lacey & Tom, Anthony & Leanne and Brendon & Deb. Loved grandmother to Kye and Zoe. Godmother to Krystell and Morgan. Shani will be sadly missed by family, friends and all who knew her.

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service to be held in the Tweed Heads Crematorium Chapel, 176 Kirkwood Road, Tweed Heads South, NSW, on FRIDAY (November 4, 2022) commencing at 1.00pm NSW time.

Michael Currie at BRUNSWICK VALLEY FUNERALS 6684 6232

WILSON,

Introducing the great Gatsby! This handsome young man is the new kitt on the block. Irresistibly affectionate and seeking the highlife, Gatsby would love to find a new loving family where he’ll be made to feel like a million dollars. To meet Gatsby and our other cats and kittens, please visit the Cat Adoption Centre at 124 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby.

OPEN: Tues 2.30–4.30pm Thurs 3–5pm, Sat 10am–12 noon

Like us on Facebook! AWL NSW Rehoming Organisation Number: R251000222

ARCHIE is a 15 month old, Mastiff, Rotti X. He is a lovely big boy, for those that love big dogs. He is well behaved and would love a family of his own. He is ok with most dogs and would be ok with older children. M/C # 985141003958935

For more information, please call Yvette on 0421 831 128

Fill out an expression of interest at: www.friendsofthepound. com/adoption-expression-ofinterest/

Visit friendsofthepound.com

A free workshop for older road users, funded by Transport for NSW, is available in Byron on 28 October at 10am at the Byron Community Centre, 69 Jonson St, Byron Bay. The workshop will cover a number of topics and tips for safer choices and staying independent. An explanation of the licensing system, including information for those who want to transition from full-time driving to modified licences or other transport options, such as community transport in your area will be provided.

Trauma Recovery

Northern Rivers

Free Trauma Recovery workshops available at Goonellabah and The Channon. The Your Life Matters workshops will be facilitated by CEO and founder of the Quest for Life Foundation, Petrea King. Explore the impact of stress and trauma on our minds and bodies since the flood disasters earlier this year. Both workshops commence at 9.30am and conclude at 3pm. Goonellabah is on Saturday, 29 Oct October and The Channon is on Sunday 30 October. Free vegan lunch provided. Bookings essential at: www.questforlife.org.au/ your-life-matters-workshops.

Bring your grandparents to Storytime in the Byron Bay Library on Tuesday 1 November, 10.30–11.30am. This session will have an intergenerational dance theme with special guest Grace from Grace Dance Academy Byron Bay. Join us for a craft and morning tea afterwards. Phone the Library to let us know you are coming 6685 8540.

Emergency Services Expo

Emergency Services Expo is taking place at Brunswick Heads Marina, Old Pacific Highway, Brunswick Heads on 30 October from 10am till 2pm. You can meet and ask questions of the local SES, Police, Ambulance, Firefighters, Marine Rescue, Surf Life Saving, Red Cross, and more. Byron Shire Council will be doing demonstrations of the Disaster Dashboard.

Mullum SEED AGM

Mullum’s Sustainability Education & Enterprise Development (SEED) organisation is holding their AGM and recruiting board members on 29 October, 11am–12.00pm, at the Ex-Services Club in Dalley Street, Mullumbimby. They are seeking individuals who are skilled, experienced, and passionate about protecting and enhancing the environment to join the Board. Currently Mullum SEED provides member support services to over 20 environmental not-for-profit organisations, and have facilitated the disbursement of millions of

SUN, MOON & TIDES TIMES FOR NEXT 3 WEEKS

The Big Potty Party on 13 November is a fundraiser for a local Pottsville boy Skyler at the Pottsville Bowlo. There will be a raffle, silent auction and live auction. They have prizes that include a ski trip for four to Japan and heaps of Northern Rivers gems have donated vouchers and experiences.

The Station Agent

The Drill Hall Film Society presents The Station Agent on Saturday 29 October at 2pm (doors open 1.30). Please book at drillhallfilms@ gmail.com or ring Sonia 6684 2112. This quiet little film won a standing ovation and several prizes at Sundance and is about a small man who gets fed up with people’s reaction to his tiny size and decides to live in total solitude.

Ballina Bridge Club lessons

Perfect day for a friendly game of cards! Ballina Bridge Club will be offering beginner lessons for anyone wanting to learn how to play and enjoy the game of Bridge. Lessons will be at Ballina Bridge Club, 13 North Creek Road, Ballina (opp Aldi), starting Tuesday 11 October for six weeks, twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9.30–11.30am. Have fun, challenge your brain and make friends. Call Rebecca on 0438 480 942 for more details and to enrol. Check out our website www.ballinabridge.org.au.

ONLY ADULTS

0438573677

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KRYSTAL ADULT SHOP

Passed

Loved wife

Much loved mother of Shani

Kerry. Beloved mother-inlaw, grandmother and great grandmother to their families. Will be sorely missed by her friend Bob and his family.

A well-known dance industry dynamo, Lola will be sadly missed by all family, friends and the Australian dance community. Until we meet again.....and a 5, 6, 7, 8!

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service to be held in the Tweed Heads Crematorium Chapel, 176 Kirkwood Road, Tweed Heads South NSW on MONDAY (October 31, 2022) commencing at 1.00pm NSW time.

Michael Currie at BRUNSWICK VALLEY FUNERALS 6684 6232

for

They have

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She is described as ‘being friendly,

cats are

and

Data sourced from Bureau of Meteorology. Times adjusted for

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Outstanding run of results for Mullumbimby High Futsal team

The Mullumbimby High School U/16 girls Futsal team narrowly lost the semi-final of the National Scholastic Titles held at the Nissan Arena in Brisbane last September.

The strong result was just one achievement from a team that first competed at the Brisbane Metropolitan Titles in March, a trip that was primarily about getting the girls away from the aftermath of the flood, according to coach Brian Hedge.

On the back of that performance the entire squad was asked to represent South Coast Queensland at the Australian Futsal Association (AFA) National Scholastics Title. This competition is for representative teams selected from multiple schools competing in tournaments right across Australia.

This team has only one 16-year-old player with three 15-year-olds and three 14-year-olds making up the rest of the squad.

Moreover, for the Nationals competition they only had six players after an injury

to Monet in the first game. This left them with only one substitute, compared to the six substitutes available for every other team they faced.

In a stellar performance the team finished second in their group after the pool round and won their quarterfinal after a penalty shootout victory.

Close game

In the semi-final they

faced Victoria who came out on top 5–4 and went on to win the national title.

‘This performance adds to an amazing year for the girls. In the five other tournaments they have played they have made every final finishing runners-up three times and champions twice,’ Brian said.

‘From a damaged school with no hall to train in this is a mighty performance against the odds’.

Maureen Parker is 91 and a legend at the Byron Bay Golf Club where she continues to enjoy the sport and play in team events.

‘Her experience, knowledge and encouraging attitude have come to the fore as a mentor to the club’s new members who have gone through its beginner golf clinic for women,’ the club’s development coordinator Margaret Pierce said.

The latest to benefit from her wisdom is Freda Phillips (see photo) who was thrilled to get a few tips from the nonagenarian.

‘She showed me one little trick that has transformed my hitting. I am so excited,’ Freda said.

Maureen began her golfing career in 1974 at the Amberley RAAF base playing socially with a friend while their husbands worked at the base.

‘There was nothing else to do we, just loved it once we got going,’ Maureen said.

On one occasion she and her friend were on the course when it started teeming with rain. A couple of the RAAF lads who had been working

Maureen (L) has 48 years of golf playing experience and likes to help out newcomers to the game. Photo supplied.

on some renovation work at the club house came out in a truck and offered to bring them back in. ‘No, no, we are having one of our best rounds so far,’ they said, and kept on playing, according to Margaret.

Maureen’s enthusiasm has stayed with her and led to playing in Malaysia, followed by Ipswich on her return home to Australia and finally here in Byron Bay.

It was at Ipswich that she

really began to play some very good golf getting her handicap down to 12 in one year. Having started in fourth grade she soared up the ladder to first grade in 1977.

At Byron she has held roles as president, acting captain and chief handicapper and is now a much-loved mentor.

Maureen puts her active longevity down to the fact she has never driven a car. ‘I walk everywhere I can,’ she said.

Big century for Will Jenkins secures win for Tintenbar East Ballina cricketers

Will Jenkins scored 166 not out for Tintenbar East Ballina in their victory over Lennox Head at Epiq Oval in the Ballina District third-grade limited over fixture last Saturday afternoon.

Tintenbar East Ballina (TEB) batted first posting a total of 3/303 off their allotted 40 overs on the back of Will’s century and an unbeaten 207 run partnership with Joshua Thick who scored 67 not out.

Will opened the batting and his ton included 24 fours

and five sixes.

In reply Lennox Head were bowled out for 148 in 28 overs.

The best of the bowlers for TEB included Jack Whitaker (3/6 off four overs) and Blake McQueen (2/38 off five overs).

TEB and Bangalow sit on top of the third-grade ladder with three wins each from three starts.

Bangalow thirds

Bangalow continued their winning run when

they played away against Alstonville at Geoff Watt Oval last Saturday.

Bangalow opened with 6/186 off 38 overs, and bundled out Alstonville for 65 in 21 overs.

David Mills top scored for Bangalow with 68 not out, supported by Ben Redden (24) and Connor Redden (23).

Mason Lasserre was the best of the Alstonville bowlers with 2/39 off seven overs.

Alstonville lost their top wickets cheaply and posted only three scores of double

figures, the best belonging to Craig Lasserre (14).

Bowling honours for Bangalow were taken by Connor for his 4/9 off three overs. Peter Stubbings ably supported with 2/11 off four overs.

Rain marred

First and second grade games in the local competitions, including the LJ Hooker League, were largely abandoned due to the wet weather conditions over the weekend.

Mullum High U/16 Futsal squad: (L-R) Henrietta Barry, Honey Mowbray, Monet Shortland, Rhianna Browning, Ella Brittain, Lilly Donnelly, Macey Donnelly. Photo supplied

Josh and Will head to the sheds after their unbeaten 207 run partnership at Epiq Oval, Lennox Head. Photo supplied

Byron Fair near IGA

Last weekend’s storms, while relatively minor for the Shire’s towns and villages, hit the hinterland hard. Many roads and bridges have been further damaged, making them exclusive for 4x4 drivers. Thankfully, many Council road crews were already up there on the job.

For those paying attention, The Linnaeus Estate is located north of Lennox Head, not south, as incorrecently stated in last week’s story. See the latest on page 5 and 13.

Coin machine on site

In support of this year’s nominated charity, the Fletcher Street Cottage, the Byron Business Chamber will hold their annual Ambrose tournament at the Byron Golf Club on December 15, ‘where we dial up the fun and frivolity while also fanning the fires of friendly competition!’ To get involved visit https:// bit.ly/3gEY3dp.

It looks likely that more than 4,000 elite US paratroopers from the 101st Airborne Division have been deployed to Romania on the border of Ukraine, according to multiple sources, to reinforce NATO troops in the region. It is apparently the first time since WWII that they have been deployed to Europe. Is that just posturing or a signal for the war’s escalation?

Thanks, Council drainage crews, who have started maintenance in Mullumbimby last week during inclement weather conditions. Staff say they will be ‘moving methodically around Mullum in October, November and earlyDecember to look at every drain and assess and triage repairs and maintenance’.

So, Gina Rinehart would rather pull sponsorship from sport rather than admit that genocide is bad?

ICYMI the ABC just reported that ‘The CSIRO is being accused of failing to disclose that fracking information sheets for Indigenous communities were written by one of its research divisions partially funded by gas companies’. It’s not only that institution that has been compromised – The Saturday Paper reported last week ‘Toxic culture has plunged the Bureau of Meteorology into chaos’. Don’t we need the CSIRO and BoM to be somewhat reliable and functional?

Big week for local politics – up on the Council meeting agenda this Thursday is an attempt to increase the drainage capital works budget, and a post-exhibition submissions report for the

large McAuleys Lane residential planning proposal.

Other items are highlighted

throughout the news section, and the full agenda is on www.byron.nsw.gov.au.

BYRON BAY

Halloween came early last weekend, when the Ghost Party brought the Brunswick Picture House back to death. The ridiculously talented physical performers, Olivia Porter and Jarred Dewey, under the direction of Nicci Wilks, killed it. Photo Jeff ‘Morbidity’ Dawson