The Byron Shire Echo – Issue 37.37 – February 22, 2023

IPC hearings on STRA impacts commence

Paul Bibby

Byron Shire Council’s plan to impose a 90-day cap on un-hosted short-term holiday letting across much of the Shire will be examined by the Independent Planning Commission during a three-day public hearing this week.

The three-day hearing, held at the Byron Community Centre from February 21–23, will give stakeholders on both sides of the holiday letting debate the chance to put their cases to the commission.

‘Councils and communities around NSW and Australia are watching this with a lot of interest because the problems in the Byron Shire are now playing out in their towns as well,’ Mayor Michael Lyon said. ‘Like us, they want a measure of control to ensure that the broader housing needs of their communities are met, so that key workers have places to live’.

The short-term holiday letting industry says that imposing a 90-day cap would ‘remove the families who stay in holiday homes in the Byron Shire’, thus removing ‘$267 million from the local economy’ and jeopardising ‘1,448 local jobs’.

It also asserts that Council has grossly exaggerated the figures in relation to the pervasiveness of short-term holiday letting in the Byron Shire, arguing that just 6.5 per cent of the Shire’s housing stock is short-term holiday letting.

Byron Council says these figures are false and a misrepresentation of the facts. Visit www.ipcn.nsw. gov.au for more info.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND

Rainbows ahoy!

Mullum railway corridor plans become slightly more clear

Hans Lovejoy

More details are emerging around plans to develop Mullum’s disused railway corridor for affordable housing and car parks.

As previously reported, the entire railway corridor length in Mullum will become either medium-density ‘affordable housing’ or car parks, under a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) dated 24 November between Council and the state government,

which has a three-year expiry date.

The public were not informed of the plans until the MoU was presented as a Council agenda item. The MoU also includes Council’s ‘aspirations’ for access via the rail corridor to its land called Lot 4, enclosed by a bend in the Brunswick River.

The MoU refers to the 2019 Mullumbimby Masterplan; its vision for the corridor was a medium-density ‘Urban Village’ and car parks. Issues remain around the potential for

increased flooding in the corridor, how the project will be managed, and whether any housing it creates would be truly ‘affordable’.

The MoU retains the existing Apex Park play equipment and car parks, but does not create any new open park space.

Mayor Michael Lyon commented on www.echo.net.au that, ‘The Mullumbimby Masterplan took three years to develop and involved extensive consultation. The uses identified in that plan are exactly

in alignment with the MoU. [The] Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting was held last night [Tuesday] and I put this to them and it was unanimously supported as being in alignment with the Masterplan and there was appreciation for Council getting on with the job, indeed it was an expectation’.

Despite multiple attempts, The Echo did not receive a comment on the MoU from the Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce by deadline. ▶ Continued on page 4

Brunswick Surf Life Saving Club volunteers dressed up as a collective rainbow last Friday, as part of the Rainbow Beaches celebrations of diversity and inclusion. Held annually and coinciding with Mardi Gras celebrations, Rainbow Beaches was created by Surf Lifesavers to spread the message that everyone is welcome on the beach, regardless of an individual’s background, gender, ability, race, age or sexuality.

Photo Jeff ‘The Greater The Storm, The Brighter The Rainbow’ Dawson

The Byron Shire Echo • Volume 37 #37 • February 22, 2023 • www.echo.net.au

The masters of making marvellous spaces ▶ p23 Byron is a hub of creative business ▶ p24

Byron’s first radical rag turns 50 ▶ p11

‘Sorry’ seems to be the hardest political word ▶ p12 Heritage House re-opens Saturday ▶ p9

parking costs during construction?

Paul

Bibby

Finding a park in Byron seems to be getting harder by the day.

But not if you’re a developer.

Plans are afoot to dramatically reduce the cost developers pay to hire public parking spaces for the purposes of putting up hoardings around construction sites.

Cost cut for public paid parking

A proposal is coming before this week’s Council meeting that would see the daily charge for using public paid parking space cut from $288 per six linear metres of space, to $105.

The daily charge for using a space at no-pay parking locations will be charged at the considerably lower rate of $60 for six linear metres.

The move brings the cost of using parking in the Byron Shire into line with other Northern Rivers councils.

Council’s Traffic and Transport Engineer, Judd Cornwall, said the matter had been discussed with

Neighbours of Mullum Hospital site seek up-zoning

Council late last year, and that councillors had expressed the view that fees were too high.

‘While Council wants to discourage the use of public property for construction, in cases where the impacts are unavoidable adjacent to the development, it is proposed that Council minimise the charges,’ Mr Cornwall said.

It is proposed that when a developer wishes to use a parking space that is not directly in front of their construction site, the extra space should be charged at double the rate in order to ‘discourage impacts on surrounding businesses and residents’.

Similar to other cuts

The reduction in charges follows a similar cut to the amount Council charges developers for the use of its footpaths and road reserves.

Under a new fees schedule adopted last July as part of the 2022/2023 Delivery Program and Operational Plan, Council elected to charge $1 per square metre per day for low-impact use of Council land, and $3 where footpath verge closure was required.

Paul Bibby

Should a handful of properties neighbouring the old Mullumbimby Hospital be included in the rezoning of the site, so that they can share in the benefits of the new R1 zone?

This is the question to be debated at this Thursday’s Council meeting.

Greens councillor, Duncan Dey, will move a motion proposing that the plan to redevelop the hospital should be effectively expanded, to consider the interests of four properties located to the south.

‘This [rezoning of the hospital site] implies housing density and height that differs greatly from the neighbours to the south,’ Cr Dey said.

‘Such development is likely to overshadow those neighbours.

‘An equitable way of sharing the burdens and the benefits of development is to examine precincts rather than just properties. Recognising cross-boundary impacts south of the ex-hospital site points towards a zone boundary as proposed in this motion.’

Cr Dey said the benefits to the broader community of including the four properties in the rezoning was the additional housing that they would then be able to provide.

However, Council staff do not support the move.

In written comments on Cr Dey’s motion, Council’s Director of Sustainable Environment and Economy, Shannon Burt, said incorporating four private

lots would ‘complicate and significantly delay’ the rezoning of the hospital site.

‘Unlike the Mullumbimby Hospital site, these private lots are not serviced or within a current urban servicing plan. Significant work needs to be done on land and servicing capability, servicing augmentation, costs and sequencing, to convert the [neighbouring sites] to urban land before a decision can be made on what urban zone to apply.’

Ms Burt also said that, unlike the

hospital site, the private lots had not been identified in the Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme, meaning that there was no guarantee that the rezoning would do anything other than increase the values of the properties by allowing them to subdivide.

Among a range of other potential pitfalls identified by Ms Burt was that the rigorous planning and assessment process that had already been undertaken in relation to the rezoning of the hospital site had not even begun for the neighbouring properties.

The proposed upzoning boundary adjustment. Image supplied

Adjoining 4 x Large Lot Residential Blocks

Former Mullumbimby Hospital Site

Youth music/video production house gets new digs

After eight years of running youth programs, mentoring and workshops, One Vision Production have relocated their recording studio, office and creative hub to 1/19-21 Centennial Circuit, just around the corner, in the Byron Arts & Industry Estate.

Jeanne Harper from One Vision Production told The Echo that, in that time,

hundreds of young people in the Byron Shire learned how to DJ, mix, scratch and play tunes for their peers in a safe, supervised youth space.

The new premises will be home to projects including the long-running Music for Change youth hip hop and video productions workshops. A new transformative mental wellness app,

MPOWER PRO, is also in the pipeline, and due to launch later this year.

One Vision Production founding Director and CEO, Mark Robertson, said the app will include video content and classes from renowned musicians, personal development leaders, health experts and local celebrities.

Also included is the Rap

Recorder feature, ‘which will allow users to record and share their own music on the App’.

He adds, ‘One Vision is a fully accredited charity, running for 17 years; we have DGR tax deductibility and are a not-for-profit organisation’. For more info visit www. onevisionprodcutions.com. au or mpower.online.

11th hour pitch to return rail services

Paul Bibby

Pro-rail locals have launched an ambitious campaign to halt the conversion of the Northern Rivers rail corridor into a rail trail.

With the Tweed section of the rail trail to open in a matter of weeks, the group has hired a marketing firm to launch an online campaign that aims to secure 20,000 signatures and raise $340,000.

‘The Northern Rivers Rail Corridor is gradually being turned into a “rail trail” – a

cycling path, which has meant the removal of rail tracks against the wishes of our local community,’ the group’s marketing firm, Diversified Economics Australia, said in an email to locals.

‘Taking away the tracks means that it will be even harder to bring rail back, even as our local population continues to grow and we continue to attract millions of tourists each year.

‘With the NSW election fast approaching, we need all our local politicians and

Durrumbul School in ‘recess’ after no enrolments for 2023

Hans Lovejoy

With Durrumbul School student enrolments declining to zero for 2023, the NSW Department of Education has told The Echo that the school, located on Main Arm Road, ‘will be placed into recess at the end of Term 1, 2023, after extensive consultation with parents, carers and the school community’.

The spokesperson added, ‘Recess does not mean closure of the school’, and, ‘The school’s director held numerous meetings with the school community at the end of 2022’.

‘Should enrolment applications be received in

the future, consultation will be undertaken regarding the school coming out of recess and resuming operation’, they said.

The NSW Department of Education spokesperson did not respond to The Echo’s questions as to whether they were considering selling the valuable public asset

Eureka Public open

Meanwhile, the spokesperson confirmed that that ‘The Eureka Public School is open’.

The Echo understands that some Durrumbul School equipment has now been thrown away, including sporting equipment and laptop bags.

candidates to realise the strength of community opposition to this project.’

The petition calls upon the state government to ‘halt the removal of rail tracks along the Northern Rivers rail corridor, allowing further consultation with affected communities to be undertaken’.

The campaign to return trains to the abandoned Murwillumbah to Casino line has suffered a number of setbacks in recent years, most notably the decision by both Tweed and Ballina

councils to build bike and pedestrian trails on the corridor rather than push for trains. Byron Shire remains the only council with an explicit pro-train policy.

It is pushing for a combined ‘rail with trail’, which would see light rail and a bike and pedestrian path share the corridor.

Byron Shire Council is yet to secure funding for the project. The Murwillumbah to Casino line was abandoned by the NSW Labor government in 2004.

COME AND JOIN US

One Vision Production crew in their new studio at 1/19-21 Centennial Circuit, Byron Arts & Industry Estate. Photo Jeff Dawson

Vanessa Mathews

Phone 1300 635 529

enquiries@byronbayfamilylaw.com.au www.byronbayfamilylaw.com.au

Byron Markets moves to CBD from March 5

From Sunday March 5, the monthly Byron Community Markets will move from the beachfront to the centre of town.

Jonson Street, between Marvell Street and Byron Street, will be closed to traffic on the first Sunday of each month, with the market to spread from Jonson Street, through Railway Park and into the rail corridor.

Council staff say, ‘Traffic detours will be in place for stall owners to set up and pack down and for the duration of the market and the Byron Bay bypass will allow drivers to avoid the central business district (CBD)’.

Markets Manager Kate

A commemorative flood event from 2022 will be held Tuesday, February 28, at 55 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby from 10am till 2pm.

Courtney Franz from Mullumbimby District Neighbourhood Centre (MDNC) told The Echo everyone is welcome.

▶ Continued from page 1

Regarding flooding issues, Cr Lyon says, ‘Of course updated flood studies will inform future development, that goes for everywhere in the Shire. We don’t stop working on items in accordance with town centre masterplans to then revisit the entire plan, particularly when it is only an MOU to enable further discussions. We would never get anywhere with that approach… We do the studies like always at the appropriate time when there is a detailed concept design before us.’

No need to change

The mayor says that planning should push ahead because, ‘There is every possibility that there will be no revision at all to the 1 in 100 flood level. We can agree that it is a shame that we don’t yet have this [flood study] update post-flood. It does not follow therefore that the Masterplan is out of date’. Within the online comments, Cr Lyon also attacks residents critical of the corridor plan, calling their comments, ‘ridiculous’ and ‘insensitive’.

However, Cr Duncan Dey, who is also a hydrologist, is concerned of further

Hardman says, ‘The layout will be a meandering walk through the heart of Byron, and around the recently revamped heritage Railway Corridor and Railway Park’.

‘Our community has been through so much the last year. One year on from the flood events, we know many people are still doing it tough.

‘The event will be focused on reflection and connection.

development going ahead without resolution of flooding issues. ‘The proposal approved on February 9 in Argyle Street, Mullumbimby, adds a new dwelling, which will bring new occupants onto a known floodplain.

Throwing residents

‘If the floor level is elevated, there is no evacuation route and no flood-free centre to evacuate to. As the Mayor reports, evacuees were forced to endure poor emergency accommodation post-flood in 2022 and that issues has not been resolved’.

‘More development on floodplains just compounds the pain we felt in February 2022 and throws more victims under that bus’, he says.

Housing ‘in

As for the affordable housing model that would be developed, the mayor writes that the new Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme (AHCS) model would be affordable in perpetuity, because the land would continue to be under the control of public bodies, unlike the Affordable Housing SEPP which only requires developers to rent a percentage of

‘A section of Jonson Street will be blocked off from traffic for the “Car Free Sunday” initiative as part of the Byron Masterplan.’

The markets have been

It will include supportive, quiet spaces to contemplate, and acknowledge our experiences as individuals and as a community. Wherever you’re at in your flood recovery journey, there’s still help available – our Recovery Support Services team are here to walk alongside you.

their housing at a cheaper rate for ten years.

‘That [AHCS] is the model at 57 Station Street [the carpark next to Hooper’s, slated to also become affordable housing] which is Councilowned public land, and it is the model for all contributed lots that will occur as a result of future rezoning in the Shire.

‘This is not under the outdated provisions of the now defunct Affordable Housing SEPP, it is under new provisions created to deal with lots coming from the AHCS’.

‘Byron Shire is the first non-metropolitan Council in the State that has an AHCS… Unfortunately, while [Greens MP] Tamara Smith is correct about the need to link rents to wages, she is not up to speed on the way we can do this now under an AHCS, or indeed how we will achieve it at 57 Station Street.

‘On public land, such as the rail corridor, the key element that drives affordability is the low cost of land (primarily site preparation costs, no inherent cost other than a low rate of return required by the State-govt owner, TAHE).

‘These projects are managed on completion by Community Housing Providers that lock rentals in at that present-day cost, with adjustments for inflation, but it is affordable in perpetuity,

running since 1987, and have been held at the beach front for over two years.

For more information, visit www.byronmarkets. com.au.

‘Call or email us: Phone: 02 6684 1286, Mobile: 0499 864 218 and Email: intake. rss@mdnc.org.au.’

Franz says the event is hosted by Mullumbimby District Neighbourhood Centre (MDNC), in conjunction with Byron Shire Council and Red Cross.

and doesn’t revert to market rent like some of the earlier, ineffective models’.

The AHCS scheme allows Council to identify private land in advance of a rezoning, and require that any development that benefits from an upzoning must contribute 20 per cent of their upzoned land to the public.

The Mayor claims, ‘There is no private land close to the town of Mullumbimby that is suitable for this purpose that could be turned around quickly enough for a project like this’.

The mayor later expanded on his online comments to The Echo regarding whether Council can apply the AHCS scheme to public land such as the rail corridor.

Cr Lyon said Council would place the land ‘into a Community Land Trust or something similar’, then ‘partner with a Community Housing Provider to build the dwellings’, perhaps ‘rented out at affordable rates’, or under ‘build-to-rent models or leasing lots to the private markets (with conditions around level of income/need).

‘There would be conditions attached around re-sale where people can recover costs of construction and improvements, linked to inflation, but they do not get to sell the increased value of land’.

The new location for the Byron Community Markets will include Jonson Street, Railway Park and the rail corridor. Photo Jeff ‘Droning On’ Dawson

Simon Haslam

Voters for the March 25 NSW election who don’t agree with government policies that promote 'equity' rather than 'equality' like affirmative action, don’t believe the governments’ health and scientific experts, and want to see government roles reduced, will find much common ground with Independent Ballina candidate, Kevin Loughrey.

According to www.kevinloughrey.com.au, Loughrey served 32 years in the military and is a mechanical engineer. His skills range across engineering, chemistry, physics and computer science.

While much government policy worldwide is based on data that says carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels is a key driver of the ‘Greenhouse Effect’ causing global warming, Mr Loughrey insists that there is ‘no correlation between CO2 and the Earth’s temperature’, and in fact, the Earth is not getting warmer, but cooler, and will continue to do so.

He says he is qualified to ‘protect’ the Australian people from the ‘obscene

Kevin Loughrey.

abuse’ of technology ‘as has happened with the… pseudo-science underlying the group-think fiction that is “Climate Change”’.

Scamdemic

On what he calls the COVID-19 ‘Scamdemic’, unsurprisingly Mr Loughrey says that, ‘All of the vaccines that are being used to vaccinate the public have not been thoroughly tested’, and do not 'stop infection', a claim rejected by health authorities.

He also says, ‘Mass COVID19 vaccination of the public is absolutely the wrong thing to do’, and that ‘mask wearing and lock-downs are being used, not to control the disease, but to cause anxiety and distress’ to encourage vaccination.

Loughrey calls covid vaccines ‘ineffective, dangerous, experimental gene therapy’ although the Australian government says ‘COVID-19 vaccines do not alter your DNA’, they are ‘safe’ and ‘very effective at stopping people from becoming sick’ from COVID-19 and ‘highly effective to prevent severe illness with COVID-19’.

Other policies of Mr Loughrey include that, ‘it is in everyone’s interest that Australian companies pay no tax’, because ‘In the end hundreds of the world’s largest companies would flock to Australia to set up their headquarters’.

‘All those companies, all those shareholders, all those employees, all that tax!’

On the issue of ‘equality’ versus ‘equity’, Loughrey wants to ensure that ‘all Australians, regardless of race or gender, are treated exactly the same under the law and entitled to exactly the same benefits’.

Loughrey's home page has an Australian flag with the words, ‘Proudly we are One Nation’.

For more info, visit www. kevinloughrey.com.au.

Clean up Mullum on Sunday, March 5

Organisers for Clean up Mullum are inviting the public to help improve the town on Sunday, March 5 from 8am till 1pm.

The event is associated with the annual Clean Up Australia event.

Co-organiser, Bronwyn Morris, says they will meet

at Mullum Co-op to ‘clean up anywhere around town’.

‘Pick up your bags and sign up at Mullum Co-op, then choose an area to clean up and get out there!’, she says.

‘Enjoy a bite to eat and a drink (BYO cup, please) afterwards, thanks to Mullum Co-op, Woolworths Mullum,

and Byron Shire Council for your support. Please bring covered shoes, sturdy gloves (some back-up pairs will be available at rego desk), a wide brimmed hat, sun smart clothing, a water bottle and a drink cup for drinks after the clean-up. Also your own rubbish bag, if you have one’.

Holly launches comic book Marsha, Marsha, Marsha

Byron Bay artist, Holly English, has released her ninth comic book, Marsha, Marsha, Marsha as a web mini-comic.

Holly is a multidisciplinary artist with a disability, and has been shortlisted for the Australian Comics Award, and twice for the Broken Pencil International Zine Award (comic section) in Canada.

She says she is currently working on her debut graphic novel on chronic pain and invisible disability.

‘My year at a private art school was a big investment for me – financially and physically’, she says.

‘I worked so hard, only to be extremely perplexed and confused by a fellow student’s behaviour, who was also the teacher’s pet.

‘We had no Human Resources (HR) at the school, and the other students in my class were as equally frustrated as I was with the experience. It is a story of our modern culture of “coolness”, trends in the art world, how being young and beautiful can get you further than you may expect, as well as the pain of unacknowledged efforts.

'I am aware this is a tale of privilege; to live in Australia and have the good fortune as a

woman to even go to art school'.

Read the comic for free at www. issuu.com/hollyenglish/docs/ marsha_marsha_marsha_copy.

Photo kevinloughrey.com.au

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

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

Let’s break it down

Maxine and Daniel are considering a 5.81kW solar system, supplied and installed by ProSolar for $8170. The federal government discount for this system is $2432 (at time of publishing). This brings their system cost down to $5738 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.

ProSolar has designed three great packages to help you 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 $5,995

• Less federal government discount of $1,710

• Total cost after discount = $4,285

6.64kW Solar System

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

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

• Cost $9,300

• Less federal government discount of $2,774

• Total cost after discount = $6,526

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 $3,648

• Total cost after discount = $8,806

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

Heritage House reopens Saturday

Bangalow’s history celebrated with book launch and Fowler exhibition

Christobel Munson

The President of Bangalow Historical Society, Trisha Bleakley, is soliciting.

That is, she’s looking for anyone with an interest in local history to attend a grand reopening of Heritage House, the home of the Bangalow Historical Society, and the place where its many treasures are kept.

After several years of dormancy during covid, through the floods and beyond, the grand reopening will take place at Heritage House, Deacon Street, Bangalow, on Saturday, February 25 from 10am till 12 noon.

‘There’s been a great deal of interest brewing, both about the reopening of Heritage House itself and also the ‘resurrection’ of the Historical Society,’ said Trisha.

‘We’re inviting anyone to come along who is curious about the evolution of Bangalow. We also see Heritage House’s facilities, set in these lovely parklands, becoming an excellent community hub, available for the use of any

local group.’

One drawcard to the event will be the launch of a book, New Growth in Old Paddocks, designed specifically for release at the event.

‘Showcasing elements of Bangalow’s history in an innovative way, the book is primarily pictorial, and balances the abstract and reality, using historical images of

Bangalow,’ according to its author Terry Bleakley (yes, history is very much a family interest).

‘It will be a wonderful keepsake for anyone interested in how much the district has changed over the decades.’

All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to the Bangalow Historical Society.

An exhibition of the life

and times of Bangalow oldtimer, Harry Fowler (19041988), will also be launched.

It traces the history of the Fowler family farm on Fowlers Lane, from the time when it was bought in 1906 from the Garvan Estate, through to the present day.

As well as rare images copied from photo albums of the Fowler family, the exhibition follows happenings on the farmland.

Fowler concerts

In the 1970s and 1980s, well-loved identity Harry Fowler allowed Byron Shire’s earliest pop concerts to be held around the dance hall that he and his brothers built in the 1950s, with early appearances – it is said – from Rose Tattoo, Misex, Midnight Oil, and even Slim Dusty’s daughter, Anne Kirkpatrick.

Many locals have fond memories of the festivals held there by Sleepy Creek, attended by thousands.

For more information about the reopening, contact Trisha Bleakley on 0429 882 525.

STREET, BYRON BAY

A concert in the 1970s, held at the Fowler farm. Photo supplied

Local News

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

Animal protection fund’s $750,000 for Lucy’s Project

Earlier this month the NSW government committed millions to a far-reaching animal protection fund, and local group, Lucy’s Project, was one of the fund’s recipients.

The Nimbin Aquarius festival is back!

Council voted to write to Janelle Saffin MP, Kevin Hogan MP and Minister for the Arts & Tourism, Ben Franklin MLC, requesting financial support for the Nimbin Aquarius Festival organisers to hold the 50th anniversary event in May.

Lismore Council votes against a government-imposed Planning Panel

On Feb 14, in yet another massive four-and-a-half-hour, to-be-continued Lismore City Council meeting, Councillors debated the merits of the government-imposed Lismore Local Planning Panel and voted to ‘fail to constitute the Panel’.

Have you commented on Ballina’s Draft Biodiversity Strategy?

Time is running out to have your say on Ballina Council’s Draft Biodiversity Strategy, which explains what’s at risk, and what could be done, if there’s the will from local councillors and residents.

Craig Elliot promises Pottsville High School if Labor wins Labor is once again running former police officer, Craig Elliot, for the seat of Tweed in the upcoming NSW state elections on March 25.

Bodies of two men found in caravan park – Chinderah

About 12.30am (Thursday, 16 February), emergency services were called to a caravan park on Chinderah Bay Drive, Chinderah, following reports a person was unresponsive.

On arrival, officers attached to Tweed/Bryon Police District located a body inside a caravan, before locating another body inside a neighbouring caravan a short time later.

www.echo.net.au

Meet the candidates! Byron Theatre, March 15

Mia Armitage

The Greens, Labor or The Nationals: who will win your vote for the state seat of Ballina next month?

Could it even be a minor party or an Independent?

The NSW coalition government (Liberal-Nationals) have been in power for twelve years, but its grasp has weakened in recent years without a majority in the upper house (The Legislative Council).

To pass laws in NSW, both the upper and lower houses need a majority vote.

Throw in the likes of a corruption inquiry, a long list of premier resignations, admissions of pork-barrelling and anger over government responses to catastrophic bushfires, the pandemic and

last year’s floods and landslides, and the challenge for Premier Dominic Perrottet seems enormous.

That’s before terms like ‘koala kill bill’ and ‘housing crisis’ are even mentioned.

But if any of those listed events concern you, how inspired are you by Labor’s alternative? Do you even know the opposition leader’s name? (It’s Chris Minns).

Perhaps you’re still haunted by memories of Labor cash donations stuffed in Aldi shopping bags. The Greens haven’t escaped scandal either: remember MP Jeremy Buckingham?

In the seat of Ballina, which encompasses Byron and Ballina shires, MP Tamara Smith has won the past two state elections after the retirement of

long-serving Nationals member, Don Page.

So far, Ms Smith is challenged in 2023 by three newcomers, Josh Booyens for The Nationals, and Andrew Broadley for Labor. Independent, Kevin Loughrey, has announced his intentions to run – see page 7. So far, no minor party has registered to run for the electorate – but that could change.

The March 25 election is also a good opportunity to scrub up on your knowledge of what powers the federal, state and local governments have. While all three levels of government share responsibilities, the state government is largely responsible for education, health, police, roads and infrastructure.

Once again, your local

independent media, BayFM 99.9 and The Echo, have joined forces to host Ballina: Meet the Candidates, on March 15 in the Byron Theatre from 6pm. This free, live-broadcast event is a chance for you to hear from each candidate as they introduce themselves and answer questions from the public.

Email communitynewsroom@mail.com with your full name, which town or village you live in within the Ballina electorate, and the group or interest you represent, if you would like a chance to ask a question live.

Tickets available via www. byroncentre.com.au.

Mia Armitage is from BayFM's Community Newsroom and will moderate the evening.

Independent candidate, Kevin Loughrey

NSW Nationals candidate, Josh Booyens

NSW Labor candidate, Andrew Broadley

Incumbent NSW Greens MP, Tamara Smith

Now in its thirty-second year, the Flickerfest film festival wrapped up its three-day Bangalow event last weekend, with Byron All Shorts winners also announced.

Organisers say 14 local finalists were chosen from 40 entries in the Northern Rivers region, ‘competing for hotly contested prizes that recognise excellence in short filmmaking and support the local film industry’.

Winners include Yan and Cheyenne Alonso, who won the Jury Award for Best Short Film, Glory. Hadley Perkins and Rhian Baker won the Jury Award for Emerging Talent, for their film Murphed, while Susanna Freymark and

Hans Lovejoy

Last week was the 50th anniversary of the publication of the first alternative press in Byron Shire, The Byron Express. The newspaper was published by well known local and surfing legend, Rusty Miller, and David Guthrie, who recently moved back to the area.

It was first published on February 15, 1973. Rusty Miller relates how the paper began in Tricia Shantz’s book, Neverland – American and Australian surfers in Byron Bay 1960s and 1970s

‘In 1973, I started the alternative newspaper, The Byron Express, with David Guthrie. The tag line was ‘For a Higher Shire’.

‘The word “Express” could be short form for “expression”. It was a free paper that ran when we had enough

Jimmy

The Younger Heroes (TYH) will be holding three programs from March 27 for floodaffected families, focusing on individual and collective resilience and trauma recovery following the 2022 floods.

According to www.theyoungerheroes.org, the registered charity was founded by Damien Schofield ‘to directly support the children of the current/ex-serving members of the ADF’.

Schofield told The Echo, ‘We opened the doors to first responders in 2019. In 2022, we opened the program up after the pandemic, as we thought a lot of families

advertising dollars to fund the next print run.

‘The paper didn’t run for long, as Byron was still a conservative town then.

‘The other free, weekly newspaper was The Byron News, run by Jean and Reg Wright. It outlasted us, until recent times, when it was

would benefit from a program like TYH. TYH is a family relationship focused program, supporting participants (parents and their children) in connecting with their loved ones’.

Schofield says the three programs on offer will cater for ten families (parents and children) from Richmond Valley Shire, Byron Shire and Lismore Shire, ‘and is suitable for individuals who have been on the front line supporting the recovery efforts and/or individuals who have been directly involved/ impacted by the floods’.

For Byron Shire residents,

purchased by [media baron] Rupert Murdoch and sold, ceasing publication in June 2020. I left Byron after the Byron Express finished up – under threat of defamation – to live in the Snowy Mountains and live the ski life there, returning to Byron around 1976’.

the events will be held from March 27 to March 29 near Uki.

He says, ‘The programs will be conducted in an outdoors/nature-based environment, while minimising technology interruptions and unnecessary distractions'.

'All accommodation and meals will be included. Participants will only need to get themselves to and from the meeting point near Uki.

Schofield says he is seeking local sponsorship for the events and can be contacted on 0411 593 885.

To regisiter for the program, visit www.theyoungerheroes.org.

Rusty Miller with the first edition of his Byron Express.

Photo Jeff ‘Paper, Wait’ Dawson

Malecki took the Audience Award for Best Short Film for Tinnie Heroes Jury Special Mention for

Youth Filmmaking went to the film Scripted, by One Vision Productions and young people from Mullum.

Susanna Freymark and Jimmy Malecki took the Audience Award for Best Short Film for Tinnie Heroes, which chronicles residents who used their tinnies to save multiple families from floodwaters in 2022. Photo supplied

The Byron Shire Echo

Volume 37 #37 • February 22, 2023

Mail to: Independent Planning Commission

Suite 15.02, 135 King Street

SYDNEY NSW 2000

[Your name] _________________________ [Your address] __________________________________

Dear Commissioners,

My name is _______________________ and have lived in the Shire for ______ years.

I wish to make a submission in support of the Byron Shire Short Term Rental Accommodation Planning Proposal, which seeks to introduce a new suite of planning controls into Byron Local Environmental Plan 2014 that will define short-term rental accommodation (STRA) and establish the circumstances in which it can occur.

This submission is made as an individual and on my own behalf. Please do not publish my name on the IPC website.

This long running issue needs to be resolved now, so that Byron Shire can start rebuilding the fabric of its community.

I have witnessed the massive reduction in available longterm housing in the Shire, something which is occurring across the nation because of a lack of adequate regulation and the corporate capture of politics.

While Council’s precinct model is not perfect, it offers a small chance to address the unfair advantage that wealthy developers and the STRA sector have enjoyed for decades.

Successive government policies have encouraged investments, not homes. Both major political parties lack the appetite to address this inequity because they are compromised by the STRA sector. This is through political donations, or MPs owning holiday-let properties themselves.

Council’s STRA proposal went through a robust process, and was initially accepted by the Liberal-Nationals government. That promise was reneged upon late last year by Liberal MP, Anthony Roberts.

This backflip was an insult to the Byron Shire community.

The answer to the lack of affordable housing, says the STRA sector, is to simply ‘build more’. This is not realistic, because there is a chronic shortage of tradespeople, and it takes a long time for developments to be approved and constructed.

There is also a shortage of available land to develop, as much of Byron Shire is flood-prone, or otherwise constrained.

Simply developing more houses also does not guarantee that any of them will be ‘affordable’ for those seeking a home to rent or buy.

While the STRA sector is a valuable economic cornerstone of Byron Shire, it should not be allowed to dictate housing stocks.

Yours sincerely,

IPC submissions close March 8. To make an online submission, visit www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/cases/2022/12/byron-shire-short-term-rental-pp#

‘Sorry’ seems to be the hardest political word

In February last year, we were coping with a flood of water. February this year has brought a flood of political ‘sorries’, and, given the volume, it’s worth thinking about the role of the political apology – when it is acceptable, and when it doesn’t even begin to address the problems that demanded it.

When my Google search ‘MP sorry’ yielded 190 million hits, I tried to narrow it down a bit with ‘Premier sorry’. This was only slightly successful – still had 154 million hits.

Google really doesn’t help me trying to work out when the current sorrow storm started.

Premier Perrottet’s admission to, and apology for, wearing a Nazi uniform at his twenty-first birthday is probably the best place to start. It was agonising to watch – there was clear remorse, at least for getting himself into that situation. He acknowledged the seriousness, answered questions, and then visited the Jewish community – signifying that he recognised an apology to the public was insufficient.

The premier needed to front the victims and undertake a journey of atonement that seemed appropriate. It went a long way towards convincing the public he was genuine.

This contrasts with the political apologies that rained down this week:

The NSW Minister for Finance, Damian Tudehope, apologised for making an ‘unknowing mistake’ (a curious phrase) by failing to recuse himself from Cabinet deliberations, where he had a personal financial interest.

He claimed to have acted with integrity and that an investigation into this ‘unknowing mistake’ had been vindicated by a legal opinion. But neither he, nor the premier, are willing to make public that opinion.

The obvious questions were muted even before they could be asked because the minister resigned anyway.

There was an apology from Peter Dutton for his failure to apologise to the Stolen Generations 15 years ago, when he boycotted the event in protest. But it lacked any sense of purpose in terms of atonement – he seems hellbent on taking the same attitude towards the Voice.

Apologising for not apologising, while doing the same thing all over again is guaranteed to provoke

The Byron Shire Echo

Volume 37 #37 February 22, 2023

Established 1986 • 24,500 copies every week

www.echo.net.au

Phone: 02 6684 1777

Editorial/news: editor@echo.net.au

Advertising: adcopy@echo.net.au

Office: Village Way, Stuart Street, Mullumbimby NSW 2482

General Manager Simon Haslam

Editor Hans Lovejoy

Deputy Editor Aslan Shand

Photographer Jeff Dawson

Advertising Manager Anna Coelho

Production Manager Ziggi Browning

Nicholas Shand 1948–1996

Founding Editor

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

cynicism. I cannot speak for First Nations Australians who have most at stake here, but as a citizen who wants to see these issues resolved, I just felt demoralised by how stupid he sounded, when what is needed here is intelligent and empathetic leadership.

A proper apology is rarely an end unto itself. For example, apologising to someone for forgetting their name confers an extra obligation to get their name right next time.

If you keep forgetting, then the word ‘sorry’ does not have any credibility. The first ‘sorry’ is fine – but you cannot ‘move forward’ (as they say) until the next chance you have to correctly remember the person’s name. Then everyone can be sure the ‘sorry’ was genuine and not merely perfunctory.

This brings us to the apology-of-the week that really did not work.

Liberal MP, Peter Poulos, was forced to admit to, and apologise for, emailing pornographic photos of a female colleague to undermine her chances of being selected for parliament.

His apology, which Liberals hoped would dead-bat the issue and save his career, was a mega-fail on every level.

The premier’s initial attempt to minimise the incident by saying, ‘This happened years ago’, ‘Peter is only human’ and ‘he has apologised’ suggested he did not understand the seriousness of what had happened.

Yet many in the community believed a criminal offence had taken place, and could not understand why it was not in the hands of the police.

The answer, later given, is that ‘revenge porn’ laws refer to private photographs – the ones circulated by Mr Poulos related to a publication, and were not captured by those laws.

The next error by the NSW government was to organise the female victim of Mr Poulos’s poor behaviour to stand next to the premier and loyally agree ‘it’s in the past’, and insist she and Mr Poulos are now ‘good mates’.

This strategy may have worked in the past – but the image of female victims being trotted out to defend their male attackers is no longer acceptable.

Nor was NSW Treasurer Matt Kean’s view that, ‘The Liberal Party will be looking at those issues, and what I’m sure they will do is take into account the views of the member for Hawkesbury, Robyn Preston.’

The problem is, modern workplace laws relieve the burden on victims to prosecute the case against perpetrators. It is the responsibility of everyone who witnesses such behaviour to do something about it.

This mirrors domestic violence laws, under which police can initiate action against perpetrators without relying on a complaint from traumatised/terrified victims.

The premier’s efforts to minimise the behaviour as ‘a mistake’ and excuse Mr Poulos as being ‘only human’ and someone who ‘apologised’ only served to trigger new questions about the premier’s own judgement.

By Saturday, with the Liberal Party in receipt of a fresh complaint, the premier finally shifted his view to ‘horrified and disgusted’.

He confirmed the true impact of Mr Poulos’s behaviour.

‘I’m obviously very close with Robyn Preston, she’s worked for me; we’ve been friends for a very long period of time, and I know the distress at that time that that caused her.’

Peter Poulos’s candidacy for the Liberals was cancelled. So now the Liberal Party can ‘move on’.

For a premier and treasurer, who are trying to position themselves as ‘champions for women’, this incident calls into question whether they even understand the problems they claim to be solving.

Let’s hope lessons have been learned.

Catherine Cusack is a former NSW Liberal MLC.

Catherine Cusack

Rainbow Bridge

To Byron Bay Council, About three weeks ago, mid-January 2023, signs were placed and barricades erected on the Rainbow Bridge / Belongil Creek Bridge, and it appears some work was commenced.

The work has still not been completed, and the walkway appears to remain unsafe. It’s actually now even less safe than it was before, as there are now heaps of obstructions and objects for pedestrians to trip or fall over. Numerous star pickets have been placed, without protections on their tops to prevent injury to people. I’m sure there would be regulations covering this.

The original problem, where the wooden slats slowly drift downwards towards the creek, leaving large ‘ankle snapper’ holes, remains the same. Please get this fixed asap!

It remains a major risk to walkers, cyclists, parents with prams and all users of

the bridge. Other than forcing foot traffic onto the road, this is the only walkway for pedestrian access from Sunrise, and the north side of Byron Bay.

Mark Reynolds

Byron Bay

Cheeky

I’m wondering when the fashion gurus are going to decree that men should also wander around town and down the supermarket aisles with their bum cheeks on display?

Yours in disbelief,

Phoebe Havyatt

Byron Bay

Pods in Bruns

I overheard a conversation in the shops the other day about how the locals don’t want ‘these people’ in the pods here in Brunswick Heads.

‘These people’ are members of your community who were flood-affected and have been homeless with no secure housing for the last year.

‘These people’ pack your bags at the local IGA and teach your child at school. ‘These people’ have kept a brave face for their children while they move, again, for the umpteenth time...

Why are ‘these people’ still here you ask? Because of you, beautiful community.

Remember the call out for boats in Mullum? And locals with tinnies came out into the darkness to rescue ‘these people’ from rooftops. My family is one among ‘these people’ and it’s been a big year. We are on the pod list and can’t wait to be given a chance to have a temporary home so our lives can move forward.

Let’s remember the incredible spirit and love our community has and welcome and support ‘these people’ who have been through a lot this past year. Stay grateful that you’re not one of ‘these people’.

One of ‘these people’.

Louise Dwyer Brunswick Heads

Letters to the Editor and cartoons

Reefer sadness

The crop copters have taken to the skies above the hinterland once again, protecting the helpless New South Welshman from the insidious scourge of cannabis. 2023 and Reefer Madness is still in full swing! That highconic piece of propaganda came out in 1936 – almost 100 years ago – and Australia has made little progress when it comes to cannabis laws.

We’re instant criminals if we’re ‘caught’ having smoked our legal, medicinal stuff a couple of days before driving; that’s if you can afford the legal stuff at all. I spoke to my GP about going legit – he said not only was it insanely confusing for a doctor to navigate the intricacies of prescribing, it’s also prohibitively expensive for many. He said to just keep smoking black market stuff.

Which got me thinking; why am I trying to support corporate weed in the first place? The growers, dealers and activists who have long suffered and made the industry what it is are not let into the club – it’s not their product you find in pharmacies. It’s big business that is running and dominating the legal weed scene, people with no cultural connection to the history. Resist cannabis gentrification; boycott corporate weed!

Paul James Hall

Byron Bay

TPVs for refugees

The Pottsville Refugee Support Group welcomes the Albanese government’s announcement that over 19,000 people who have been living on inhumane temporary protection visas

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Proposed Licence over part Lot 22 DP1073165 known as the:

Mullumbimby Community Garden.

Council is proposing to licence Mullumbimby Sustainability Education and Enterprise Development Incorporated for a period of 5 years to manage the Mullumbimby Community Garden at 156 Stuart Street Mullumbimby.

Interested persons are invited to make a submission about this proposal within 28 days. Submission open 22 February 2023 and close 22 March 2023.

Submissions must be made by visiting Council’s website at: www.byron.nsw.gov.au/public- exhibition. For information on lodging a submission, and where to address it, refer to the “Lodging a Submission” section within Council’s website.

www.byron.nsw.gov.au

RAILS kitchen

sabotage 8-11pm

Sat 25 FEB

Mon 27 FEB

Tues 28 FEB

Cartoon by Brendan Kelly –

RUGS & VINYLS CARPETS

Flood victims at rental risk as insurance cover expires

Mandy Nolan

For speech or singing, whether you are a beginner or a professional, there is always a way to make you feel better about your voice

28

February 2023 marks one year since we received a year’s worth of rainfall in one week resulting in catastrophic floods that left thousands without a home. The anniversary also marks the cut off date for insurance companies’ obligation to pay rent for those who are unable to occupy their damaged home. That means hundreds of people in our region who have been covering rent on properties, some of which were formerly on the shortterm holiday letting market and priced at the top of the market, will no longer have capacity to pay rent as well as the mortgage on their unliveable property.

Melissa is a 69-year-old Mullumbimby resident who is in treatment for cancer. She has spent the last few months on the phone to her insurance company negotiating an extension. She was successful, but it’s just two months’ grace.

‘Dealing with the insurance company is next level,’ says Melissa who echoes the sentiment of many of the floodaffected people I spoke to who estimate they spend two to three days per week making calls to their insurers. ‘You are allocated a case manager, who disappears. They don’t keep good notes. Nothing happens without 10–15 phone calls and emails. I started asking for an extension in November, I got approval for two months, this week.’

Currently, an extension on the rental coverage period has to be made by the insured person individually. That means, without government intervention, thousands of people are going to have to negotiate compassionate terms with their insurer on their own.

Sharon, 73, is a Mullumbimby resident who heads up a small group of affected residents pushing for action, both with insurance companies and on the timeline for commitments made by the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC).

‘It’s the vulnerable leading the vulnerable,’ she says. ‘It keeps us in a negative reactionary role’.

A few weeks ago she collapsed from the stress and was taken to hospital. Many of the people I have been speaking to in Mullumbimby who are struggling to project manage their rebuilds are older women like Sharon. They range in age from late 60s to mid 70s. The group, who also meet with support staff from the Mullumbimby Recovery Services (formerly Resilience NSW) have drafted a letter addressing rental cessations that they will be sending to NRRC and ICA (Insurance Council of Australia).

Individual negotiations with

▶ Continued from page 13

will now have the opportunity to apply for permanent visas and rebuild their lives.

The abolition of the temporary protection visa policy is a triumph of compassion and humanity over the politics of fear and division that have dominated refugee and asylum seeker policy in Australia for over a decade.

insurance companies are a long, slow and tedious process. Extensions are of paramount importance.

The letter reads: ‘We are asking that you interpose, within this immediate next week, on behalf of all the devastated communities across the Northern Rivers, who are being faced with uncertainty around termination of their (insurance paid) temporary accommodation support. We are asking for a public announcement within the week that ensures that emergency accommodation payments will not be ceased.’

The letter cites stories of elderly community members, including a gentleman in his 80s, who will be severely affected by the end of the insurance coverage for their temporary rentals.

So what safety net is in place for flood-affected people who are still waiting for scope of work statements from their insurers, who can’t get builders, or who are uncertain of how to progress their situation because of lack of clarity from NRRC?

Courtney Franz, a spokesperson from the Mullumbimby Recovery Service suggested that emergency accommodation would be available through the DCJ (Department of Communities and Justice) known as the ‘At Home Camper Program’. This is a non-means tested program that places a caravan on the flood-affected property while the resident completes their rebuild.

Concerns were that this would not be appropriate for some of the elderly residents, people with disabilities, or someone with a DVO (domestic violence order).

So, what plans are in place to support affected residents when they can no longer pay rent on their emergency housing?

Greens MP for Ballina, Tamara Smith, has been at the coalface of the recovery since the beginning. She is deeply concerned for the wellbeing of the affected community if clear pathways to recovery aren’t actioned very soon.

‘It’s darkly Orwellian from my vantage point, as my office and I have triaged hundreds of flood victims in the last 12 months and witnessed how the

This is a great first step in working towards real change for refugees and people seeking asylum. There is still a lot to be done with over 70,000 people continuing to live in our communities without security or a safety net to meet their basic human rights.

The Albanese government has an opportunity to make further changes to

hegemonies of state departments and insurance companies are retraumatising people at every stage of the recovery process,’ she says.

‘A typical exchange sees us spending hours supporting someone in the community who is not getting responses from the relevant government department, me raising their matter with said department, me being told thank you and we are actioning, then double checking with the community member then me showing correspondence from the same department saying “Sorry we cannot action this any further”.’

‘The Insurance Council of Australia is doing nothing to push the insurers further to support vulnerable members of our community to project manage their rebuilds, the NRRC says it’s beyond their remit to case manage anyone who falls outside of their resilient homes program. So vulnerable people are left isolated and living in dilapidated conditions with no government support, and zero empathy from insurers.’

This is a community fast getting tired of temporary solutions. Where possible, they want to be back in their homes. It seems the answer for those who can rebuild, retrofit or raise their home, is to do just that. In the long term, it’s economically the more sustainable option. And it’s the option everyone wants. The challenge, even for those with insurance, is enormous. ‘I am an elderly woman trying to build a house,’ says Sharon.

Step one is to ensure safe and secure housing for affected residents while they rebuild.

The Insurance Council of Australia and insurers will be conducting inperson meetings, in four locations in northern NSW in March in a continuing effort by the insurance industry to assist policyholders and finalise flood-related claims.

The meetings are an opportunity for policyholders who lodged claims after last year’s severe weather event to discuss any part of their claim with their insurer. The meetings will commence at midday through to 8pm.

• Monday 6 March at Lismore Workers Sports Club, 202 Oliver Ave, Goonellabah.

• Tuesday 7 March at Mullumbimby Golf Club, 600 Coolamon Scenic Drive, Mullumbimby.

• Wednesday 8 March at Casino RSM, 162 Canterbury Street, Casino.

• Thursday 9 March at Ballina RSL, 1 Grant Street; Ballina appointments are essential.

To book go to www.insurancecouncil. com.au/bookings.

immigration policy that will return Australia to a compassionate and fair society. We will continue to work with the large network of refugee and asylum seeker support groups around the country to make sure people seeking asylum are treated fairly and humanely.

Ian Hamilton Pottsville Refugee Support Group

Regarding the young man, ‘who cannot be legally named’ who was so abused by ‘the former police officer’. I find it disgusting that the legal system allowed the same judge to retry this case. The system should have assigned another judge given the erroneous finding given the video footage.

One of many houses impacted by the 2022 floods.

Photo Tree Faerie

Just my two cents worth, but the magistrates are looking out for the police. Enjoy your pension ‘former police officers’. Lowercase deliberate used in disgust [sic].

Peter Boucher Broadwater

Ed: The Echo follows modern grammar in using lowercase for job titles or positions when the title is used alone or after a name, not to register disgust.

Mixed messages

Recent statements by Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, in relation to his support for much-needed affordable housing being built along the rail corridor in Mullumbimby seem to be in contradiction to his other recent statements supporting the extension of solar train services from Byron Bay to Mullumbimby. But the state government and Transport for NSW (TfNSW) acknowledge that Byron Shire Council are still supporting a multi-use rail corridor (MURC).

Northern Rivers Rail Ltd (NRRL), along with other railway companies, project consultants and community organisations, all nongovernment entities, are working together to ensure

regular rail services to the Byron and Lismore shires.

The NRRL Board notes that it is possible to have many uses for the land within the railway corridor, including a functioning railway service, a bike/walking path, possibly a separate horse bridle path and even sections of low-rise housing (affordable housing needs public transport) and more car parking as well.

Applications for the Byron Line by the Northern Regional Railway Company (NRRC) and the Lismore Line by Northern Rivers Rail Ltd are currently being considered by TfNSW and UGL Linx, for access, to conduct dilapidation studies. We can then look at costs to fix the Byron and Lismore shires’ sections of the Casino-Murwillumbah railway corridor and find the needed investment for the project.

All the elements must be taken into account when making the decisions that will affect Byron Shire’s sustainability in the very long term. It is crucial that we all be part of the decisionmaking process that Byron Shire and Lismore Shire must undertake regarding the future of our crucial Northern Rivers railway corridor.

Lydia Kindred

Northern Rivers Rail Ltd

Whitlam’s racism

Frank Kelly writes of Peter Dutton’s racism (Echo 8 February) stating that Whitlam, Fraser, Hawke and Keating were ‘famously’ anti-racist. Close examination of Whitlam’s race record, including [relations with] the peoples of Timor-Leste, and specifically, to those who identified as South Vietnamese in 1975, paints a different picture.

Whitlam government cabinet member and Minister for Labor and Immigration at the time of the fall of Saigon, Clyde Cameron, provides details in his book China, Communism and Coca-Cola (1980) of a Cabinet meeting confrontation in 1975 between Whitlam and his then Minister for Foreign Affairs, Don Willesee. In that, Willesee was requesting urgent action and the utilisation of the RAAF to evacuate civilian South Vietnamese refugees from war-torn Saigon.

Whitlam denied the request, responding that he ‘was not having hundreds of f...... Vietnamese Balts coming to this country with their political and religious hatreds against us’.

After publication of Cameron’s book in 1980, Whitlam never denied making this

▶ Continued on page 21

Santos whistleblower exposes cover-up of huge oil spill and dead dolphins

Eve Sinton

Senator David Pocock (Independent, ACT)

tabled a statement in parliament on Thursday, 16 February from a witness to a Santos oil spill, effectively giving protection to the whistleblower for his account of how sea life, including dolphins, were killed in the disaster.

On Twitter, Senator Pocock said, ‘Today I tabled distressing testimony and footage from a courageous whistleblower during Estimates. We need stronger whistleblower laws to protect these brave people. We need better environmental laws to protect our incredible land and waters.’

Focus on Santos has obtained the documents tabled and the full whistleblower’s statement tabled in parliament by Senator Pocock, and pictures.

Santos whistleblower’s (partial) statement:

‘I witnessed an incident – and subsequent coverup – which forced me to confront questions about organisational values and my own responsibility as an employee.

‘The incident took place 300 kilometres off the coast of

Karratha, Western Australia, in the Lowendal Islands –known for pristine white sand beaches, gorgeous blue turquoise water and abundant marine- and birdlife.

‘Early one morning at Santos’s Varanus Island Gas Plant, a scent of condensate (a light form of oil) filled the island. Over the coming hours we would learn that a subsea hose had been torn as it was loading [onto] an oil tanker parked a kilometre from the beach. The tear had been left unidentified for more than six hours, pouring a reported 25,000 litres of condensate into the ocean.

‘Regardless of efforts to cease the spill, the mood on the island became sombre when learning that dead dolphins, including a pup, were found floating in the centre of the spill; in other areas, sea snakes writhed in agony.

‘...The story is Santos’ subsequent cover-up and total disregard for the values they say they hold dear, values such as accountability and integrity.

‘Negligible harm’

‘A month after the spill I was intrigued when news of the incident surfaced with no mention of impact

on local wildlife. I was then shocked at the public comment from Santos: ‘the event had negligible harm to the environment...

‘I felt strongly that Santos’ comment was baseless, designed to mislead and avoid accountability. I was faced with this – or believing I worked at an organisation that truly saw the impact of that day as negligible... Were these ‘negligible’ events happening elsewhere? How was the bar set so low?

‘...The company doubled down. It said: ‘These sightings were a couple of hours after the incident, in which time no harm would have resulted from this incident’.

‘I was shocked, again, to be reading what I can only see as an outright lie. What belief in their ability to deceive the public allows such a transparent lie to be put on record.

I was appalled at the culture and management within Santos which demonstrated such wilful refusal to accept responsibility.

‘These lies spurred me to speak up. This was no longer grey, but a black-and-white lie from Santos – potentially with market, financial and regulatory consequences. Companies should not be able to lie to the public...

‘The facts are simple: multiple dolphins were found dead, floating in dense sections of the oil spill, where fumes were extremely high. It is a lie to state that the condensate would have evaporated within hours of the spill; it was still very much present when the dolphins were found. Santos insisted that the spill into their habitat could have no impact on the dolphins. These images suggest otherwise...

‘Santos

– please explain.

Stewardship and a bigger picture

‘I am aware that in the scale of environmental impacts, a few dead dolphins likely sit low on Santos’ scale. However, the lies presented by Santos, so callously to the public, indicate an organisation that is comfortable with a culture of avoiding accountability, and one that does not operate in the interest of the Australian public.

‘It indicates a belief within Santos that they can operate to avoid public interest through misinformation, supported by a cosy relationship with regulators and government...

‘Santos lied to us all – it is not a coincidence to find dead dolphins in the middle of an oil spill. I call on Santos to show some respect for the public, your employees and the dead bottlenose dolphins that I believe your operation killed.’ [end of statement]’

The statement triggered a number of media stories and support from Greenpeace.

Richard George, senior campaigner for Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said that the allegations, if true, reveal

shocking disregard for marine wildlife.

‘There must be a full investigation into these claims...

Lying low

The incident was first exposed by Peter Milne, writing in WA Today in November last year. At the time, Santos said the environmental impact was ‘negligible’ and failed to respond to questions about whether dead dolphins were seen in the area.

Peter Milne reported that SA Museum honorary mammal researcher, Dr Catherine Kemper, who has performed more than 800 postmortems on whales and dolphins, said such a procedure conducted by experienced scientists was needed to determine the cause of death.

‘It would take a brave or foolish person to say how the dolphins seen near the oil spill died without undertaking a post-mortem,’ she said.

‘The fact that the dolphins were seen dead and floating suggests a sudden death.’

Read full story on The Echo online: www.echo.net.au/ articles.

Eve Sinton is a local journalist who publishes Focus on Santos on Substack.

Aslan Shand

The police, NSW Forestry and National Parks have all informed local forest protection activists that they are not welcome on public land, at a range of sites, to set up a ‘watch camp’ on logging activities of NSW Forestry at Doubleduke State Forest.

The Save Banyabba Koalas forest protection camp has now been moved on four times after originally setting up legally in Tabbimobile and then Doubleduke State Forests.

Originally they set up in Tabbimobile State Forest before they were moved on twice from different sites at Doubleduke State Forest (which is next door to Tabbimobile). This involved six police vehicles being sent to 'shut down the Save Banyabba Koalas forest protection camp,’ Susie Russell from North East Forest Alliance (NEFA), told The Echo.

On Sunday afternoon the watch camp moved from the second Doubleduke site to the nearby state conservation area of Jackywalbin. They were then approached by National Parks and informed that they could not

have the camp at this site as it was ‘closed’.

‘Forestry claim that closing forests is about safety, but really it’s about avoiding scrutiny,’ said Ms Russell.

‘Increasingly they close large areas of surrounding forest to their logging operations. These closures are purely designed as a mechanism to criminalise free speech, civil disobedience and community scrutiny of our public assets.

‘Those of us who want to draw attention to the destruction of a public asset are singled out for arrest as happened to me in Bulga State Forest,’ Ms Russell said.

‘It’s outrageous that the NSW government is using the police force to protect what is effectively a criminal activity.’

Logging illegal

Ms Russell said that the area they are currently logging at Doubbleduke is where some of the last, largest and oldest trees are located in the Doubleduke.

‘We maintain that the renewal of the Regional Forest Agreements in 2018, with no assessment of the impacts of climate change or the impacts of logging on threatened species and old growth, was illegal. The matter is still before the courts.'

Can you host?

Can you host the protection camp? Contact Save Banyabba Koalas forest protection camp Facebook page or contact NEFA at: www.nefa.org.au if you have any questions.

Locals who created a 'watch camp' at Doubleduke State Forest have now moved four times. Photo supplied

The controversial Iron Gates site at Evans Head, along the Evans Rive, has been withdrawn from sale.

The property was put on the market late last year with Ray White Real Estate following the unsuccessful attempt by the developer, Graeme Ingles, to have his development application for a large residential housing estate on the site approved by the Northern Regional Planning Panel (NRPP).

‘No reserve price for the land was publicly available and expressions of interest were sought, with a closing date of 6 December. Information made available to Evans Head Residents for Sustainable Development (EHRSD) indicated the asking price started at around $20 million, but that this was most likely for the unimproved capital value of the property, that is, without an approved DA for residential development. An approved DA could increase the asking price considerably,’ says Dr Richard Gates.

The comprehensive NRPP refusal of the DA followed an eight-yearlong development application process with Richmond Valley Council (RVC) involving multiple changes to the application and refusal by NSW Planning to exempt the development from a compulsory masterplan. According to the developer, Graeme Angus Ingles, in evidence given at the NRPP hearing

in Evans Head late last year, the former CEO of Richmond Valley Council, John Walker, had approached him in mid-2014 and told him the town was ‘in desperate need of residential land and there was none available, and I held the only piece of land zoned residential… and he begged me to submit a DA to sort this problem out for the town…’. Mr Ingles went on to say he submitted a DA in late 2014 at ‘… enormous cost…’

DA rejected

Two comprehensive independent planning assessments of the final DA in late 2022, one by Council, recommended the application be refused and did not leave the door open for an amended application on planning grounds.

The community also overwhelmingly rejected the Ingles proposal with hundreds of individual submissions speaking against it.

Reasons the DA was not approved included the high risk of fire and flood, the inadequacy of the plan itself with regard to environmental and Aboriginal cultural heritage matters, and fundamental, unresolved planning issues that the developer had failed to address.

Longstanding 1997 orders of the Land and Environment Court (L&EC) for remediation of the site for work the developer had done much earlier in breach of various Acts have still not been complied with. The 21 orders included rehabilitation of the two large drainage canals (317 and 260 metres respectively and both 15 metres wide and 2–4 metres deep) dug by the developer to deal with major ‘water’ issues on the site. The site floods regularly when it rains and a segment of it is part of a floodplain and SEPP 14 wetland. The developer put his company, Iron Gates Pty Ltd, into liquidation after the court orders were made. The community found, and continues to find it difficult to understand how the same developer, with a different company, could then put in a new DA in 2014 for a

similar development on the same site without the remediation work being done. Many asked how could Council accept an application for development with an outstanding rehabilitation ‘debt’ over the property? The developer claimed that the responsibility for the work rested with the property and not him.

The recent withdrawal of the Iron Gates site from sale follows the appointment of Costa Nicodemou (Newpoint Advisory, Sydney) on 1 February as administrator for Goldcoral Pty Ltd, the company responsible for the current development at the Iron Gates. Nicodemou also appointed solicitors Corrs, Chambers, Westgarth to assist in the process and instructed them to continue with the challenge in the L&EC to the 2022 decision of the NRPP with a goal of achieving a successful challenge to its decision. A Section 34 L&EC conciliation meeting with a single commissioner is scheduled for Evans Head onsite for 6 March.

‘The community still does not know what the grounds for the challenge are from the administrator,’ says Dr Richard Gates.

Failure of government

Dr Gates says that new information has come to light that put a new complexion on the L&EC remediation orders.

‘We have been able to access the original court document for remediation and it says that: ‘‘If Iron Gates Pty Ltd disobeys this Order then Iron Gates Pty Ltd and its directors Graeme Angus Ingles and Patricia Ann Strawbridge will be liable to fine or sequestration of property or both, and the said directors to imprisonment’’. None of this has happened.’

Dr Gates said that advice was currently being sought. ‘It is of concern to EHRSDp, and probably to the wider community, that the Court orders have never been executed,’ said Dr Gates.

‘It would appear that there has been a serious failure of government.’

Dr Gates said that a question was being asked about whether the current challenge by the administrator for Goldcoral to the NRPP decision should be suspended until the Remediation Orders matter was settled.

‘A widely held view in the community is that the Iron Gates site should be rezoned in keeping with its conservation status and acquired by the government for public use,’ says Dr Richard Gates.

Read full story on The Echo online at: www.echo.net.au.

One of the Iron Gates drains that need to be filled under the 1997 L&EC orders. Photo supplied

▶ Continued from page 15

comment. Moreover, the late, and much admired (on these pages) Mungo MacCallum wrote in the Quarterly Essay (Issue 6, 2002) that Whitlam’s 1975 cabinet meeting statement was just ‘a few lines of rhetoric’.

When you consider Whitlam’s attitude towards the South Vietnamese population you get a better understanding as to the reasoning of the then Australian government’s shameful and regrettable inaction in responding to and facilitating the evacuation of the civilian populace. Save for a much publicised and photographed evacuation of 200 orphans and a couple of handfuls of adults.

Mark May Ballina

Tincogan St safety

Pedestrian safety has been negatively affectedd on Tincogan Street by ‘Give Way’ signs on the intersection with Stuart Street being turned around. Traffic has, as a result, sped up and crossing Tincogan Street at Stuart Street is now tricky, especially so for the infirm. There is an easy, low-cost remedy though.

Residents in Tincogan Street whom I consulted

about this road safety issue would like to see a 30km/h speed limit introduced, as well as have Tincogan Street’s new pedestrian crossing relocated to Stuart Street east.

Everybody is safe and happy this way, including Mullumbimby Automotive, who will be able to fully restore their renowned service to Mullumbimby motorists, through the abolition of current ‘No Stopping’ signs.

Robert Zandstra Myocum

International focus

‘Think globally; act locally’. Remember that slogan?

Nobody could accuse me of not acting locally, but I’ve always tried to briefly escape the local madness by focussing on the international madness, just to keep things in perspective. I do that mainly via early morning television news broadcasts from various countries on SBS. This guilt channel urges you to send money to various causes; too many causes, but I take comfort from the idea that SBS viewers must have an unusual degree of conscience and awareness. That’s me all right.

Anyway, readers may not be aware that about a year ago SBS stopped

broadcasting the official Chinese news because it was too full of obvious propaganda. Fair enough, but what about the Turkish news channel TRT? This is obviously a government-funded and government-censored outfit designed to promote the interests of that control freak, Erdogan, by suppressing dissent and by promoting said autocrat as an alleged international statesman.

TRT’s main bogeyman is the PKK/YDG Kurdish independence movement, which it describes ad nauseum as a ‘terrorist’ organisation. In one recent press release a Turkish bureaucrat issued a two-line, one-paragraph statement repeating the word ‘terrorist’ four times. Apparently if you’ve got a handful of bombmakers among millions that makes the entire body a ‘terrorist organisation’.

But it’s not even about bombs anymore; it’s about publicly expressing opinions not shared by Mr Erdogan. The recent broadcast showed clearly that even opinions expressed in faraway countries are ‘verboten’.

At the moment, of course, Finland and Sweden are trying to join NATO; they felt understandably threatened by Putin and they want protection.

Problem: Any existing member of NATO can veto any new applicant. Turkey has been a member of NATO for 70 years, so now they are pressuring Finland and Sweden by trying to get them to ban the strong Kurdish exile groups in those countries.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen this on television before, not even involving Iran; pictures of demonstrators in Helsinki were pixelated so that their signs were unreadable!

And SBS broadcast it without comment. Furthermore, proof of the ‘terrorist’ nature of unidentified males scuffling and shaking fists at other unidentified males is pathetic.

I think it’s about time SBS at least published a disclaimer. Preferably, they should decline outright to broadcast such blatant propaganda, bearing in mind that there’s quite a large Turkish community in Australia. Kurds, I don’t know.

Fast Buck$ Coorabell

Terror settlements

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a series of punitive steps against the Palestinians, including plans to

▶ Continued on page 22

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▶ Continued from page 21

beef up Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Israel has been doing this since 1948 when the terrorists of the Stern Gang went on a killing spree throughout Palestine, well before the state of Israel was established.

Now Netanyahu, who should be jailed for corruption? He wants to go in harder into the West Bank against Palestinians who are trying to protect their homes.

I don’t support one side or the other, when it comes to one side shooting and bombing the other, even though Israeli settlers on the West Bank can obtain weapons and shoot Palestinians, just like the Stern Gang did back in 1948, when the British left them to it.

Paul Brecht Evans Head

Struggling health

NSW Labor and Greens acknowledge the need to increase public sector wages, in order states … However, it is not the only reason s…

party remains resistant to the adoption of the nurse/ midwife-to-patient ratio terminology. Instead, they persist in calling for shiftby-shift safe staffing levels, which is confusing for health professionals and the voting general public alike.

They have also not committed to ratios in many areas such as paediatrics and community health. This is nearsighted, given that improved community health staffing, whether it is for physical or mental health, adult or paediatric, means that many potential admissions to overburdened public hospitals will be prevented.

hidden in the Agenda under the vague title ‘Certain locations in Byron Bay and Ewingsdale’), weren’t minor ‘housekeeping amendments’, and included the major redevelopment of the Bayshore Drive Elements of Byron tourist resort site, to facilitate significantly increased tourist development on the present undeveloped grassed area, all the way to the end of the road, (and backing onto the new beachfront house blocks that also extend that far).

blah blah on affordability, community, and environment, this ‘housekeeping amendment’ covers planning parameters for 152 residential dwellings, retail shops, food and drink restaurants, hotels, motels, serviced tourist apartments, function centres, recreation facilities, gyms, Pilates studio, sauna, wellness centre, medical centres, and offices for solicitors and holiday letting agencies etc.

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Over the last week, it has been hard for chess fans to hold their heads up high.

Firstly, despite German sporting sanctions, a Russian, Ian Nepomniachtchi, began playing in a top class tournament in Dusseldorf. His participation in a major German tournament could ultimately result in the German Chess Federation being cut off from government support.

Then a prominent US chess commentator, Alejandro Ramirez, was discovered to be the subject of a number of investigations after being accused by former fellow commentator Jennifer Shahade (and others) of sexual assault. (Ramirez responded: ‘I look forward to the opportunity to respond to these charges and share my side of the story.’)

However, it was an interview with a German newspaper by the president of the world body FIDE, Arkady Dvorkovich, that caused the outrage to be dialled up to 11.

When asked whether his desire for the war in Ukraine to end as soon as possible would include Ukraine remaining as a sovereign country, Dvorkovich refused to comment. To another question about whether FIDE would support refugee Ukrainian chessplayers, Dvorkovich noted how tight the FIDE budget was.

The criticism of Dvorkovich was led by Magnus Carlsen’s second Peter Heine-Nielsen, who has long campaigned for the chess world to rid itself of Russian leadership. Nielsen’s attempt to unseat Dvorkovich at the 2022 Presidential election in Chennai failed miserably – though this was perhaps less due to opinions on the Ukraine war and more to Dvorkovich’s administration in effect offering free tickets to Chennai for all Olympic teams for the first time.

When Dvorkovich expressed sorrow for Ukrainian victims of the war soon after the invasion, one Russian politician went so far as to demand he be charged with treason.

So Dvorkovich’s subsequent actions show he fears becoming a target in Russia more than he worries about chessplayers’ opinions. The result has been, for example, World Junior Championships with 60-plus Russians and no Ukrainians competing, and FIDE’s new fee-free method of Russians being allowed to change to neutral status just before a tournament abroad and then change back to Russian immediately afterwards.

During the recent interview, Dvorkovich refused to comment on Vladimir Putin, but it turns out he already had at an international forum in China in 2016: ‘He is a great person, always laughing. I don’t know anyone who would be afraid of him.’

2.30pm and Mon 5pm

Regarding your article NSW Labor states its position on struggling health sector (8 February). Nurses and midwives across NSW are grateful that the NSW Labor and Greens political parties acknowledge the need to increase public sector wages, in order to stem the haemorrhage of staff to other states offering better pay and conditions. However, it is not the only reason there is a health professional staffing crisis in NSW, particularly in the nursing and midwifery professions.

It must be clarified that, unlike the NSW Greens, who support the NSW Nurses & Midwives (NSWNMA) campaign for nurse/midwifeto-patient ratios across NSW in all areas, the NSW Labor

By the provision of primary health care, more patients will be cared for at home, a saving on both hospital beds and health budgets leading to an improvement in patient wellbeing.

Elizabeth McCall

Byron

Bay

Buggering Byron Council’s ‘Buggering Byron Policy’ has moved to action, flapping ‘open and transparent community-led governance’ with one hand, while doing secret developer business with the other.

Last Thursday’s Council Meeting had seven different attachments of Development Control Plans (DCP) under the heading ‘housekeeping amendments’. The developments covered by the last attachment (publicly

Evidently the ‘Buggering Belongil Policy’ is a subset of Council’s ‘Concreting the Coast Policy’ – there’s no room for the Writers Festival on land now to be developed for dunefront houses and a vast increase of the site’s footprint of tourist accommodation.

And who would have thought that the previous rabidly pro-development State Planning Minister, Frank Sartor, was more intune with the community’s aspirations, and the site’s environmental values, in 2006, with his Becton consent for fewer tourist cabins that are there now, and his requirement for 57ha to be handed to the adjacent Nature Reserve, than Byron Council in 2023?

The same ‘certain locations’ part includes Habitat, originally given consent as a light industrial site with an internal worker-focused canteen. With plenty of

The same planner who put in the original light industrial DA to Council, when privately employed by Geolink, then became employed by Council as Council’s Major Projects Officer. The Habitat site has now become higher revenue development. This DCP seems to be part of the councillor/developer business that’s best kept from the pesky residents.

Were you part of the community that raised concerns about development around the new Ewingsdale Rd hospital? Well, this same ‘certain locations’ description of unidentified sites, also included planning to facilitate development of the land adjoining the hospital site.

Other unidentified ‘certain locations’ bits were planning on coastal hazards, development of The Farm’s restaurants and retail site. And it adopted the ‘residential character narratives’ for Byron Bay, Sunrise and Wategos – if you submitted to them I’d check what’s been adopted, it may be that residents are required to ‘consume, be silent, and either die, or bugger off’.

John Lazarus Byron Bay

Indulge yourself with the Northern Rivers’ tastiest offerings!

Respiratory conditions

Arthritis

Osteoporosis

Asthma

COPD

Cancer

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Heart disease

Kidney disease

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Byron Shopping Village

CHESS by Ian Rogers

72 Byron Street, Bangalow – opposite the Public School

m n k a ig SPACES

Slp is e s r

Hey you! Yes, you… the one who’s been sleeping on that old, lumpy mattress for way too long! It’s time to ditch that tired old thing and upgrade to a brand new, comfortable mattress that will have you sleeping like a baby, courtesy of Beds R Us, Byron Bay!

Think about it; you spend about a third of your life in bed, so why not make it the best experience possible? With a new mattress, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. With their extensive range in store, and expert advice, you’re sure to find one that fits your unique sleep needs at Beds R Us, Byron Bay. So what are you waiting for? Visit them in store today!

16 Brigantine Street, Byron Bay (Arts & Industry Estate) 02 6685 5212 www.bedsrus.com.au/location/byron-bay

Miss Tr

Here’s what people are saying about Miss Tree: ‘Most of our garden is from Miss Tree. Healthy, well-priced, beautiful natives attracting birds, butterflies and bees – and lots of compliments from passers-by!’ – D Prichard.

‘Miss Tree provides a diverse range of quality native plants at great prices and is always happy to share her extensive horticultural knowledge.’ – S Kap.

‘Stephanie provides not only insightful advice, but an infectious passion for Australian native plants. We couldn’t be more happier with our gardens now, which is all thanks to her.’ – R Armbruster.

‘Stephanie grows such a wide variety, something suitable for every spot in the garden!’ – K Reed.

Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am to 3pm.

420 Rosebank Rd, Rosebank 0448 974 421 www.misstree.com.au.

Eden at Byr

The easiest way to create a shady haven for summer garden living is to plant a tree! You don’t need a huge space – there are many trees to grow in a smaller garden or even in a pot. Crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemias) are gorgeous, with masses of flowers appearing throughout summer. Tropically fragrant frangipani flowers are also delightful. Both of these varieties lose their leaves in winter, letting the sunshine in when it is needed most.

Magnificent ivory curl trees (Buckinghamia celsissima) are local native trees in full bloom right now. Fragrant citrus trees create shady garden hideaways, with the added benefit of their delicious fruit.

Let the friendly team at Eden at Byron help you choose the perfect tree for your garden.

140 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay 02 6685 6874 www.edenatbyron.com.au

Enri ing bu ds d tel ng st ies w h ti less tim r

Off The Rails, Byron Bay goes out of its way to salvage reclaimed railway sleepers and timbers that are not easily sourced.

Plateau L dscaפ Supp es

Imagine the relaxing atmosphere of having a natural pond or water feature on your own property! Plateau Landscape Supplies in Alstonville now stock a range of preformed poly ponds, pond lighting, mains and solar pumps and accessories – everything you need to build your own aquatic garden feature. One of the most common issues people have when installing a pond is safely connecting power to their water features. Solar powered pumps are a great solution to that problem. They stock solar pumps that range in capacity from 175L/hour, right up to 3400L/hour.

Take the drive to Alstonville today and let Plateau Landscape Supplies assist you in creating a brilliant outdoor area with their unique range of beautiful ponds, water features, garden lighting and accessories.

14 Kays Lane, Alstonville 02 6788 1234

admin@plateaulandscapesupplies.com.au

Railway sleepers are now a premium building material with history and authenticity; each piece has its own life story, unlike factorymade or artificial materials. They are becoming limited and eventually unobtainable, especially those of the highest grade and quality.

Over its lifespan, a sleeper develops unique grain patterns, textures, and features. Highly valued for their density, sustainability, and character, they are used to create unique feature pieces in new builds, renovations, and landscapes.

Bring history into your home with their selection of railway sleepers, transoms and bridge timbers. You will find show-stopping pieces for your next project or build.

0427 904 876 offtherailsbyronbay.com.au @offtherails_timber

BYRON ARTS & INDUSTRY ESTATE

1 BUN COFFEE

A good coffee changes everything. Choose from ethically sourced, certified organic, Rainforest Alliance, Fair Trade, Australian grown blends or compostable coffee pods – all traceable to origin.

Want to travel a bit further afield? Explore the Single Origin Bar and taste the world of coffee through their unique coffee collection from over 40 countries.

Monday–Friday, 6am–3pm.

Unit 15–17, 1A Banksia Drive, Byron Bay. 02 6680 9798 www.buncoffee.com.au

2

BODHI LIVING

Bodhi Living showcases a carefully curated collection of furniture, homewares, rugs and lighting, sourced both locally and globally. They have recently introduced a range of collections designed in-house, including sofas, dining tables and seating using natural and sustainable materials such as rattan and wood. The brand encapsulates the freedom of spirit and the soul of the individual as represented through their home.

IG: @bodhi.living

Shop 1-2/18 Centennial circuit, Byron Bay. www.bodhiliving.com.au

3 BOMI

It takes a team to heal, move and improve! Meet BOMI (short for Body & Mind), a hub of health practitioners and health ambassadors who believe in approaching health holistically, as well as the importance of merging body and mind health. Current services offered are: osteopathy, massage therapy, exercise physiology, dietetics, nutrition, pilates, developmental coaching, psychotherapist and couples counselling.

Reach out to BOMI today!

0449 254 140

1A Banksia Drive, Byron Bay www.bomi.com.au,

4 BYRON BAY CAMPING AND DISPOSALS

Your one stop shop for camping gear, work wear, kitchenware, tools, knives, travel accessories, bags and luggage plus so much more! Visit them in their new location on the corner of Centennial Circuit and Tasman Way.

1/1 Tasman Way 0439 212 153 www.byron-camping.com.au

HABITAT PRECINCT

Habitat is a cleverly designed village in Byron Bay, where you can live, work and play, all in one place.

Over 20 years in the making, Habitat combines the best of oldschool Byron (community, creativity, respect for the environment) with the latest in design and thinking (renewable energy, car sharing, hybrid live + work spaces) along with plenty of good times (bars, cafes, fitness, shopping) to create a little oasis within one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

5 THE DESIGN HUNTER

The Design Hunter, Australia's much coveted online interiors site, has opened its first Byronbased store. Curated by The Designory, the store’s intimate light-filled space offers designlovers a shoppable treasure trove of hand-crafted wares, furniture, art, and curios. Many pieces have been sourced from makers, artisans, and designers from around the globe and hold magical backstories whilst also supporting struggling local communities.

Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm Sat, 9am–1pm 6/18 Centennial Cct, Byron Bay www.thedesignhunter.com.au

HABITAT PRECINCT

6 HONEY HUNT STRETCH SKIRTS

Comfortable, colourful, recycled fabric and Australian made. Feel and look like a honey in your new favourite stretch skirt with an array new designs from Jules Hunt's vibrant artworks. Transeasonal, soft, cool, easy-care fabric perfect for everyday wear with their cotton/linen tops. Travel, exercise, work, golf, outings–extreme comfort. It's time to express your unique style!

Shop 2, 1 Centennial Cct, Byron Arts & Industry 0408 766 546 www.honeyhunt.style

7 BODYPEACE

BAMBOO CLOTHING

Sample sale & warehouse clearance

Men's & Women's XXS–XXL. Prices from $10. Every Wed/Thur/Fri 10am–3pm. Bodypeace Bamboo

Clothing has been dressing locals and visitors for over a decade. Bamboo fibre is naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, thermoregulating and hypoallergenic. Their signature blend is a popular choice for underwear, activewear and everyday wear. Their warehouse shop is open every Wednesday to Friday!

2–4 Ti Tree Place, Byron A&I Estate IG: @bodypeacebamboo FB: @bodypeacebamboo www.bodypeacebamboo.com

8 CROSSFIT BYRON BAY

If you are searching for the best hour of your day, look no further than CrossFit Byron Bay. Locals only, 7-day trial for $30.

Wanderluster? We have you covered with the best week of your year!

Sweat with our friendly locals under the guidance of our world-class coaching team.

Weightlifting, personal training, retreats, yogility and good vibes available.

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

9 MUNCH JUICE BAR & TAKEAWAY

Looking for the perfect place to get your juice or smoothie fix? Munch Juice Bar & Takeaway has you covered! With great food, juices & smoothies, friendly service, dine-in and takeaway options, why not enjoy a delicious breaky or choose from one of their amazing lunch options including gourmet burgers, fresh juices, smoothies, acai bowls, coffees and more. Find them at Byron Bay Fair – where the locals shop! 20 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay (Byron Bay Fair) byronbayfair.com.au

10 MR SIMPLE

Clothing and accessories inspired by vintage workwear, military surplus and sportswear. They also show their love of surf and skate culture with an eclectic collection of skateboards, hot sauces, books, eskies, clothes, and even a barbershop.

Mon–Fri, 8:30am–4:00pm  Sun, 10:00am–2:00pm

Suites 39-41, Building C3, 248 Bayshore Drive  8215 0723

11 VAGABOND BYRON

BAY

Plant-based goodness cafe • Awesome coffee • All milks available • Smoothies to dream about • Delicious in-house baked cakes and treats • Yummy food • No bookings required.

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

Monday–Saturday, 6.30am–3pm.

Sunday, 8am–2pm.

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

12 EASY STREET

Have you visited the newest part of Habitat yet? Easy Street is home to a beautiful collection of independent stores including Byron Bay Hanging Chairs, MCM House, MUD and Worn. There is also a yummy cafe by the local legends behind Vagabond, renowned for their plant-based goodness. It's got all the style you love without the hassle of going into town.

1 Porter Street, Byron Bay

Good Taste

BYRON BAY

Loft Byron Bay 4 Jonson Street, Byron Bay 6680 9183

Book online:

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

Main Street

Open for takeaway daily, 12 midday until dinner.

Menu, more details –@mainstreet_burgerbar

18 Jonson Street 6680 8832

Success Thai

Open Lunch Wed–Fri 12–2.30pm. Dinner Mon–Sat 5–8pm. Closed Sunday 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

KARKALLA

Byron Bay

Native Indigenous Restaurant  Cnr of Bay Lane & Fletcher St, Byron Bay 5614 8656

Barrio Eatery & Bar

1 Porter Street, North Byron

Mon–Tues: 7am–3pm

Wed–Sat: 7am–10pm

www.barriobyronbay.com.au

@barriobyronbay 0411 323 165

Supernatural

Eateries Guide

Signature cocktails, and casual dining with ocean views.

Happy Hour | Daily from 4–6pm

$6 Loft beer or wine, $10 Aperol Spritz, $14 Margarita & $2.50 fresh oysters

Espresso Martini Nights | Every day 9pm – close 2 for $25 Classic Espresso Martini. Open weekdays from 4pm and weekends from noon

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

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!

Food with history, story & connection DINNER, THURSDAY–MONDAY

Early sitting from 5pm | Second sitting from 7.30pm Bookings highly recommended, via our website www.karkalla.com.au | @karkallabyronbay For exclusive events & catering please contact us via our website.

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.

Now open for Sunday lunch from 11.30am–3pm

A Slice of Paris in Byron Bay

Come find us down the laneway for delicious share plates, natural wines, cocktails and potions.

Open from 5pm Tuesday to Saturday.

Wahlburgers

Byron Bay

American style burger restaurant & sports bar

Upstairs at Mercato on Byron, Jonson Street.

www.Wahlburgers.com.au

American & local sports played live Family Offer Buy 1 kids meal, get 1 free.

$8 after 8

$8 drinks from 8pm Thur–Sun.

Live music Fri–Sun.

Open 11am to 9pm daily – dine-in or takeaway.

North Byron Liquor Merchants

61 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay Ph 6685 6500

www.northbyronhotel.com.au

Open 10am–8pm daily

No Bones Vegan Kitchen & Bar. 11 Fletcher Street 0481 148 007

Open 7 nights from 5pm

Bangalow Bread Co.

12 Byron St, Bangalow 6am–3pm weekdays. 7am–2pm weekends. 6687 1209 www.bangalowbread.co info@bangalowbread.co

MULLUMBIMBY

‘Byron’s boutique bottle shop’

Natural wine

Craft Beer

Local Spirits

Specialty Tequila for the ages

Wedding & event liquor catering

HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY 5–6PM

Local DJ – Friday & Saturday nights, from 6pm

$12 Margarita / Lychee Martini

$8 Tap Beers / $7 Natural Wines

Book online via website nobonesbyronbay.com.au

#BRUSSELSNOTBEEF

Stone baked sourdough, hand rolled pastries, small batch pies, house made cakes.

Your local artisan bakery, specialising in all things sourdough. Serving Old Quarter coffee along with freshly made sandwiches using our own sourdough bread, hand rolled pastries, award winning pies and a variety of house made cakes.

Yaman Mullumbimby

62 Stuart St, Mullumbimby 6684 3778 www.yamanmullumbimby.com.au

Open 7 days from 9am–8pm

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The Empire 20 Burringbar St, Mullum 6684 2306

Open for brunch and lunch FB/Insta: EmpireMullum empiremullum.com.au

Online orders: mryum.com/theempire

NEWRYBAR

Coffee, malawach rolls, pita pockets, falafel, traditional Yemenite spices and all your favourites, always freshly made.

Drop in for an authentic atmosphere. Dine-in or takeaway.

Something for all tastes, from epic burgers to vegan delights. Enjoy delectable treats and good vibes at this Mullum icon.

Order and pay online!

Scan the QR view menu and order online. Takeaway is available on the whole menu. Phone orders also welcome.

Harvest

18–22 Old Pacific Highway Newrybar NSW 2479 02 6687 2644 www.harvest.com.au @harvestnewrybar

OCEAN SHORES

COFFEE CART

7 days | 6.30am–3.00pm RESTAURANT Lunch | Wed–Sun | 12–2.30pm Dinner | Fri & Sat | 5.30–8.30pm DELI 7 days | 7.30am–3.30pm

No Bones vegan kitchen and bar 84 Rajah Rd, Ocean Shores

OPEN TUES–SUN from midday until 8pm noboneslittle.com 0422 355 928

Celebrations

Cakes by Liz Jackson

NO BONES OCEAN SHORES

$5 TACO TUESDAY every tuesday from midday til 8pm

HAPPY HOUR 5–6PM

$12 COCKTAILS / $7 WINE / $6 BEER

Order online via our website noboneslittle.com

E: lizzijjackson@gmail.com

P: 0414 895 441

CELEBRATIONS BY LIZ

GLUTEN

JACKSON

BANGALOW

BANGALOW BREAD CO.

BYRON BAY continued

Good Life

B Smooth on Easy Street

Simon

Haslam

B Smoothie bar is a dedicated smoothie creation hotspot that will very soon be doing its thing on easy street, at number 5 Easy St, to be precise, in The Habitat precinct. Yes, they are moving from Bayshore Dr any day now (red tape permitting – possibly as early as Monday 27 February).

In their new location they’ll be serving Big Block coffee (locally roasted by Marvell St Coffee), a range of savoury lunch options, fresh juices and, of course, their well-loved smoothies.

Owners Penny Loughnan and Anthony Baker (the original owners of Combi) are pretty excited to make the move to Habitat, citing the eclectic and diverse range of enterprises, and residents; it’s buzzing with ideas, fashion, health, retail… and a fluid crowd.

B Smoothie Bar is the official outlet for Bare Blends unique nutritional blends of protein powders and other health products. If you’re one of those healthy people who drink protein powder in smoothies you soon become pretty fussy, and this brand is quite a hit with smoothie

enjoyers for its texture and non-clumping consistency, whether they’re sampling from the plant-based (vegan) range or the whey-based (WPI) varieties.

Their menu includes quite a number of exotic adaptogens and other ingredients that are available with the smoothies,

Women of Ballina: IWD lunch

The Ballina Chamber of Commerce is bringing together women and men from all walks of life to honour and recognise the progress made in the fight for gender equality at their International Women’s Day lunch.

Organisers say, ‘This event is a bright light on the Ballina social and business community calendar with a large and enthusiastic audience

attending every year’.

‘As we reflect on the past year, we’re reminded of the tremendous resilience and strength of women locally, regionally and globally. This is a time to celebrate how far we’ve come and to acknowledge the work that still needs to be done. Let’s come together to inspire each other, lift each other up, and continue to break

such as Japanese organic matcha, raw Peruvian maca, ashwagandha and caramelised buckinis. Favourite smoothies include: the Vanilla and Hazelnut Butter smoothie with vanilla bean WPI, almond milk, roasted hazelnut butter, banana and optional coconut oil; as well as the Matcha Mango and Roasted Macadamia with Japanese matcha WPI, coconut milk, roasted macadamia butter, mango – and if you want to double down on the energy, extra matcha is always an option.

There are also some pretty tasty plant-based options; one fav is the Cacao Citrus with organic raw Peruvian cacao, almond milk, lucuma, mandarin oil, orange oil, banana and optional vanilla or cacao

down barriers for women everywhere.

‘So please clear your calendars, contact your friends and colleagues so you can join us for an unforgettable International Women’s Day Luncheon, including a fine three-course meal and drinks on arrival.

‘Let’s celebrate the power of women and the progress we’ve made together!’

Any queries please contact: info@ballinachamber.com.au

Online bookings: https://www. ballinachamber.com.au/ events/#!calendar

protein. Or, of course, you can just have a fresh juice.

For those who are always taking it up a notch, you can easily add a mushroom superfood. I was quite intrigued to see that lucuma, derived from a South American fruit, is high in xanthophylls, which may be good for eye health if you spend a lot of time on the computer, and also may help those with type-2 diabetes, but you don’t have to be a Google Professor Emeritus of exotic additives like myself to enjoy the taste and health benefits of smoothies – ask the staff if you want some suggestions on what to try.

Habitat incubates remote workers on laptops working al fresco, and the perfect drink for them is the ‘Focus’ smoothie; the ‘Post-workout’ smoothie is great after exercise, and the ‘Immune’ smoothie is perfect for anyone wanting a boost.

Because B Smoothie Bar focuses on smoothies, you know you’re getting great products, great options and (with a bit of effort from you too!) great results.

B Smoothie Bar Shops 1-2, 5 Easy St, Habitat Byron Bay Insta: bsmoothiebar

FB: BareBlends.ByronBay

Hayters Hill Butchery

Victoria Cosford

David Trevor-Jones must have one of the most panoramic offices in the region. On a ridge overlooking Byron Bay – that particular sweep of loveliness which takes in breathtakingly blue ocean, Julian Rocks, lighthouse, distant mountains, verdant pastures – is the home of the Hayters Hill farm and butchery, and five generations of cattle and pigs that are regularly rotated, free-ranging, around the paddocks.

The final result ends up at the farmers’ market, as it has for as long as the markets have been running. Beef, pork, ham, bacon, schnitzels, sausages: ‘they’re all popular’, says David. If you’re going to eat meat then surely you’d prefer its provenance to be a stress-free environment, no hormones added, no chemicals or colouring, farmed sustainably, both beast and land treated with as much respect as is possible – and that’s where Hayters Hill Farm excels.

It’s also a business for which the farmers’ markets have never been anything less than ‘fantastic’ – David’s word. ‘As a small business’, he says, ‘we’ve never had to do any promotion or social media – the markets do all that for us. I’ve got a lot of gratitude for them.’

When discussing their most popular product I’d half expected David to say the sausages – whenever I pass the stall they’re the thing that jump out at me, or maybe it’s just my affection for snags. Mexican, French, German, South African, Kranskies, Chipolatas, Italian – the latter used by the Byron Bay Pizza Company in their fabulous pizzas – as well as the Aussies (‘always popular’, David says). A secret to the flavouring? Lychee-wood-smoked, the lychees from the farm, traditionally used to smoke Peking Duck, imbuing the meat with a sweet and mild flavour. ‘It’s unique’, says David.

Hayters Hill Butchery is at Mullumbimby Farmers Market every Friday from 7–11am.

When they feel so inclined, the cattle and pigs of David and Kim Trevor-Jones lift their eyes from their verdant pastures to take in the broad sweep of loveliness that is Byron-from-a-distance.

EXPERIENCE JOE COCKER

Get on board the Hitchcock Railway as Good Company Entertainment present The Joe Cocker Experience fronted by Australia’s very own Chev Wilson

This carefully curated show is a feel good journey through the life’s work of the enigmatic and ever missed Mad Dog of rock soul. Wilson’s whiskey-infused timbre and uncanny natural likeness to a young Joe breathe new life into iconic hits ‘Leave Your Hat On’, ‘You are so Beautiful’, ‘Up Where We Belong’, ‘Hitchcock Railway’, ‘Delta Lady’, ‘Unchain My Heart’, ‘The Letter’, ‘With a Little Help from My Friends’ and many more.

Don’t miss this ten-piece powerhouse band performing the biggest hits of the man who is still recognised as one of the most iconic singers of all time, as once we heard a song recreated by Cocker, it was his way we forever wanted to hear it.

Perhaps Paul McCartney said it best when he said, ‘He was a lovely northern lad who I loved a lot and, like many people, I loved his singing. I was especially pleased when he decided to cover ‘With a Little Help from My Friends’ and I remember he and (producer) Denny Cordell coming round to the studio in Saville Row and playing me what they’d recorded and it was just mindblowing, totally turned the song into a soul anthem and I was forever grateful to him for doing that.’

The Joe Cocker Experience is coming to Lennox Head Cultural Centre on Friday 3 March. The show is two hours and 20 minutes duration, including a 20 minute intermission.

Book now: www.communityspaces.com.au or www.oztix.com.au

Doors 6.30pm, show 7pm.

AN ANIMAL IN HIDING

The Northern Rivers Conservatorium is pleased to present Lior and Domini in concert. They are also pleased to be able to continue to offer free tickets to flood-affected members of our community.

Animal in Hiding is the first release from a collaboration between one of Australia’s most established and critically acclaimed singer/songwriters, Lior, together with exciting emerging artist, Domini Forster.

Lior is one of Australia’s most treasured singer-songwriters, renowned for his beautiful voice and songs that radiate truth and sincerity. He burst onto the Australian music scene in 2005 with his debut album Autumn Flow which has become one of the most successful independent debut releases in Australian music history.

Initially Domini toured as Lior’s support act, then as a guest vocalist

and now as co-writer on their debut EP Animal in Hiding

A recipient of the Darebin Songwriter’s Award and a former Triple J Unearthed High finalist, Domini Forster is one of Melbourne’s brightest emerging songwriters. With a distinctive voice that shifts from commanding call to lilting, whisper-close falsetto, Domini weaves songs that capture universal human experiences through intimate personal storytelling.

The pair have a creative partnership developed over six years’ touring together. While Lior and Domini began writing Animal in Hiding together in late 2019, much of the material was developed during Melbourne’s long lockdown, over Zoom from their respective homes.

The title track, originally written about the isolation of winter, became the prophetic seed of the project.

THERE’S A NOR’EASTER BLOWING INTO LENNOX

Nor’easter is a weekend event of music blowing into Lennox from Friday to Sunday.

This event is organised and presented by Lennox Sessions and Tintenbar Up Front, for the community. The event is full of free performances and three low-cost evening ticketed events (only $15) over the weekend. There will be music on the street on Saturday and Sunday morning. The Lennox Cultural Centre and the Lennox School Hall will have events each day and evening.

Organisers have drawn from the deepest talent pool to bring you national, Northern Rivers and local Lennox artists. Some of the featured artists include: William and Julieanne Crighton, Jeff Lang, Darren Hanlon, Little

Georgia, Blues

Arcadia, Mr

Rhodes, The

Sea Benz, Hussy

Animal in Hiding features songs that are rooted in intimate storytelling.

Underpinned by intricate guitar, Lior and Domini’s close vocal harmonies are the focal point of the songs, harking back to the iconic folk duos of the ’60s.

See this great duo on Saturday 26 March at 4pm in the Whitebrook Theatre, Southern Cross University. Tickets and information: lior-domini.eventbrite.com.au

Tickets are free for flood-affected members of the community.

The Northern Rivers Conservatorium is proudly supported by the NSW government’s Regional Growth Fund and the Southern Cross University.

Hicks, PJ Sheek, Karl S Williams, Shelly Brown, Minnie Marks, Dana Gehrman, Loose Content, Chronroy, JBs

Blues Breakers, Majestic Knights, Upbeat and Liminal This musical weekend, for all the community, is sponsored by the NSW government, Ballina Shire Council, Club Lennox Sports and Clarence Property.

Check out the ticketing site for more info, brilliant artist lineup and the program: events.humanitix.com/nor-easter.

FEBRUARY 24 - 26 LENNOX HEAD

WILLIAM & JULIEANNE CRIGHTON

MR RHODES JEFF LANG PJ SHEEK

TRICHOTOMY W/DANNY WIDDICOMBE

DARREN HANLON DANA GEHRMAN

LITTLE GEORGIA HUSSY HICKS

MAJESTIC KNIGHTS SHELLY BROWN

MINNIE MARKS THE SEA BENZ

KARL S WILLIAMS LOOSE CONTENT

BLUES ARCADIA JB’S BLUES BREAKERS

HYPNICJERKS CHRONROY UPBEAT

LIMINAL JIMMY DOWLING

FREE SHOWS + TICKETED EVENTS

7 DAYS OF ENTERTAINMENT

WO-OH-OHHHHH, LISTEN TO THE MUSIC…

For over five decades, The Doobie Brothers have been delivering rootsbased, harmony-laden, guitar-driven rock’n’roll – all of which recently culminated in an induction into the 2020 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Boasting one of the most loyal fan bases in music, selling more than 48 million albums, and winning four Grammy Awards, The Doobie Brothers continue to write and record new material and tour the world.

Last week Seven caught up with co-founder, guitarist, lead vocalist and songwriter, Tom Johnston.

Are you bringing any new music to Australia or working on a new release?

We’re talking about doing just that. I don’t know that it’ll be an album, probably more likely to be an EP. It takes a while to do an album, although I have to say the sound on the last one, Liberté (released October 2021), was different from any album I’ve ever done, simply because the writing and the recording on it was done at a really rapid pace, not because it had to be, it just went that way.

Also, the guy that produced it (John Shanks) is one hell of a guitar player and he’s also a great songwriter, so he co-wrote every song that was

on the album. It made for a totally different environment from what we were used to, you know, sitting in the studio for months at a time and working on this song, then that song, with a producer. It was a different way to do it, but I enjoyed it – it was pretty cool.

Is there a particular song that you never ever ever get sick of playing?

You know, for a fact, that ‘Blackwater’, ‘Takin’ it to the Streets’, ‘Long Train Runnin’, ‘China Grove’ and ‘Listen to the Music’, you’re always going to get a reaction to –you don’t get sick of them because the crowd responds in such a big way. If everyone was sitting on their hands, yeah, you’d probably get tired

of it. But they’re up singing the song with you and dancing and having a ball. So on any given night any of those songs are different at each show because of that.

What inspires you?

It’s a good question. I don’t have a good answer. As far as music goes, it’s always been a part of my life since I was a little, bitty kid. So I would say that’s always been something that propels me, gets me into doing lots of different other things, but through music I’ve seen so many different countries and towns and crowds – I’ve got to travel and be a tourist while I’m working. I have just had a lot of experiences I don’t think I would have had if I hadn’t been a musician. And I love playing music. So it’s the best of all worlds. I’m looking forward to the festival – we’ve played Bluesfest twice and it’s a great gig. I absolutely love it!

For more information and lineup news, visit: Bluesfest.com.au

TAKE TWO AT THE GREEN ROOM

Byron Bay’s adopted soul songstress, Lisa Hunt, will be the second artist to play The Green Room, Byron Bay’s new live music venue, at the Byron Events Farm, the home of Bluesfest.

Hunt began singing in that great African American tradition, the gospel church, and there was laid the foundation of her soulful singing style. She went on to study voice at The City College of New York where she received a BFA in music.

Hunt has been a ‘local’ for almost two decades, she also has had songs on numerous compilations around the globe, both as singer and songwriter, and has sold more than a million records. She closed the 2008 Bluesfest with thousands of fans screaming for more!

Watching Lisa’s Forever Soul show, people can expect high energy and even higher notes! She is a master soul singer who always leaves crowds cheering for more.

On Saturday 12 March Lisa Hunt will perform at The Green Room, a 1,500+ capacity venue on the Bluesfest site that was constructed and completed last year on the very ground where all Bluesfest artists prepare themselves before hitting the Bluesfest stages.

Lisa Hunt’s show will be an all-ages event (tix for kids under 12 are free). Venue opens at 2pm. Tickets are on sale now at: moshtix.com.au/v2/event/ lisa-hunts-forever-soul/149320

LISMORE OPENING OUR HEART

One year on from the life changing flood event, Lismore is opening its heart to the Northern Rivers through a series of events under the banner ‘Opening Our Heart’; set to reflect, reconnect and bring the joy of life back to the heart of this amazing community.

A GATHERING OF REFLECTIONSAND HEALING is a nondenominational service for residents across the Northern Rivers. The service will be hosted by the Salvation Army and will provide the community with the opportunity to reflect, commemorate and heal at Mortimer Oval, Lismore, 6–8pm on Tuesday, 28 February. Service between 6.30pm and 7.30pm.

MUSIC FROM THE HEART is an all ages gathering through Lismore’s historic block a free community event with over 20 local bands on four big stages. The event will bring rock, country, youth, soul and R&B to the streets of the Lismore CBD from 2pm to 8pm on Saturday, 4 March. The lineup includes Ninajirachi, Kyle Lionhart, The Colliflowers, Billy Gudgeon Band, Cath Simes Band, Pink Zinc, Dean Vegas – A Tribute to Elvis, Travis Collins and lots more local entertainers. There will also be roaming entertainers,

Please support your local community voice

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7DAYSOF ENTERTAINMENT

car shows, jumping castles, face painters and lots more entertainment throughout the day. While it is free, it is a ticketed event owing to capacity at some venues. Go to www.visitlismore.com.au for all tickets and details.

FROM THE HEART – COMMUNITY CONCERT for residents in the 2480 postcode, will feature Aria award-winning country music star, Casey Barnes, indy country artist, Amy Sheppard, along with Brian Cadd and The Little Steely Bros,Darlinghurst, and The Buckleys at the Lismore Turf Club, 1–6pm on Sunday, 5 March. Tickets available from Thursday, 16 February at 4pm.

LEGENDS OF THE GAME 2O/2O CRICKET PICNIC DAY will see local hero, Adam Gilchrist, team up with some of Australia’s biggest names in cricket in a one-of-a-kind 20/20 cricket picnic day. Featuring Ricky Ponting, Jason Gillespie, Chris Lyn and many more, this event will be held at Oakes Oval, Lismore, 1–6pm on Saturday, 11 March. Tickets available from Monday, 20 February.

OPERA IN THE GARDENS will give you the opportunity to dress up in your finest for a magical, free, community event, featuring four of Australia’s premier opera and theatre voices, including Paul Tabone, Mirusia, Georgina Hopson and Josh Robson. This event will also be held at the Lismore Turf Club, 3–5pm on Sunday, 19 March. Tickets available from Wednesday, 22 February. Opening Our Heart will run from 28 February to 19 March. For more event details and tickets go to www.visitlismore.com.au.

WHAT’S ON AT THE CON IN 2023

Time flies and at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium they are already well into the swing of 2023. There is so much on offer this year with a fantastic Visiting Artists Program in collaboration with Musica Viva Australia, a number of great concerts to be hosted onsite, and many other events and collaborations will take place throughout the year. The Con is happy to announce the continued availability of free tickets for flood-affected members of our community. First off the blocks is Lior and Domini, performing their debut album Animal in Hiding. (See page 28).

In April, The Con is pleased to host Women of Song in their own Concert Room. An intimate celebration of the ‘here and now’ of Indigenous culture developed by the acclaimed Jessie Lloyd (of Mission Songs Project); it’s a rare mix of spontaneous conversation and songs, exploring the modern-day practice, and living heart, of the world’s oldest living culture.

Following that, in May, they host award-winning saxophonist, Nick Russoniello, who presents a virtuosic tour de force of melodies, counterpoint and grooves. Armed with a loop station and multiple saxophones, Russoniello journeys through music from baroque to beatbox and beyond. Audiences will be taken behind the scenes of the creative process as the music is constructed layer-by-layer before their very eyes (and ears!).

In June, for the winter solstice The Con presents the Heartbeats Festival Stage featuring a range of impressive local talent as part of the Lantern Parade 2023, shortly followed by their flagship event; the Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra, when a 60+ orchestra comprised of school students from all around the region will come together for a series of workshops and a public concert at the Whitebrook Theatre.

The exciting 12-piece ensemble, Palacio de la Rumba, will be visiting in August to facilitate a series of Latin-themed workshops, performances and mentorships with young musicians and the community at large. And be sure not to miss Ensemble Q, in July. With a core artist list of some of the finest musicians in Australia, Ensemble Q was born out of a desire to create a string and wind ensemble with the finesse of the greatest ensembles in the world.

The year will be rounded off with performances by renowned jazz pianist, Paul Grabowsky, in collaboration with the Youth Jazz Orchestra, and the adventurous pairing of an accomplished pianist and diverse performance artist with Sonya & Christine

For more information on these events, visit: events.nrcac.edu.au. Enquiries can be made at: admin@nrcac.edu.au and you can subscribe to The Con’s latest news at: subscribe.nrcac.edu.au.

LEFT: THE BUCKLEYS RIGHT: NICK RUSSONIELLO

GIG GUIDE

It’s free to list your gigs in the gig guide. gigs@echo.net.au w: echo.net.au/gig-guide e et.au/gig-guide

WEDNESDAY 22

THE CITADEL, MURWILLUMBAH, 7.30PM

MONIQUE CLARE

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS

6PM GREER SULLIVAN

KINGSCLIFF BEACH HOTEL

7PM HOODOO GURUS

SEAGULLS, TWEED HEADS,

6PM ALANNAH STONE

TWIN TOWNS, TWEED

HEADS, THE SHOWROOM

8PM THE ULTIMATE ELVIS EXPERIENCE

COOLANGATTA HOTEL

9.30PM THE INEXCESS SHOW

SUNDAY 26

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, RAGGA JUMP

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY,

12.30PM MARSHALL OKELL,

4.30PM THE FERAMONES,

8.30PM THE CAULIFLOWERS, 10PM OLD MERVS

BYRON THEATRE 7PM ERIC

BIBB

MARVELL ST HALL, BYRON

BAY, 10AM KHENTRUL RINPOCHE – TAMING THE WILD HORSE OF THE MIND

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4PM

DOJO RISE

OCEAN SHORES COUNTRY

BRACKETS

CLUB 4PM THE GIN BUGGS

OPEN MIC

THURSDAY 23

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, TURPENTINE BABYCINO

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY,

3.30PM BEN WHITING,

8.30PM DJ T U

BYRON THEATRE 10AM

PUBLIC HEARING ON STRA

PLANNING PROPOSAL

IN BYRON SHIRE, 6PM

KHENTRUL LODRO THAYE

RINPOCHE

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY,

DAN HANNAFORD

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM

YAZMINDI

LENNOX HOTEL HOTEL STAGE

8PM JAM NIGHT

BALLINA RSL LEVEL ONE

8PM THE BIG GIG – MC:

ELLEN BRIGGS, FEATURE:

DUSTY RICH & SUPPORT:

ALEXANDRA HUDSON

FRIDAY 24

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON

BAY, 3.30PM TRILLIAH, 8PM

SABOTAGE

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY,

7.30PM FREIGHT TRAIN

FOXES, 8.30PM NANA’S PIE

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 7.30PM

STONEHURTS TRIO

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE

HOUSE 7PM MOONTIDE

ENSEMBLE – FAREWELL

SHOW

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY,

MATTY ROGERS + DJ TAI

DANIELS

BANGALOW HOTEL 7.30PM

DAVE POWER

OCEAN SHORES COUNTRY

CLUB 5.30PM JESS BALFOUR, 7.30PM FAT ALBERT

WANDANA BREWING CO.,

MULLUMBIMBY, 4.30PM DJ

TAZ

MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 5PM KRAPEOKEEE WITH

JESS, 5PM BALCONY BEATS

WITH DJ RAHEL

LENNOX HEAD COMMUNITY

CENTRE 6.30PM NOR’EASTER

– BLUES ARCADIA AND THE SEA BENZ

CLUB LENNOX 7PM JORDAN

MAC

LENNOX HOTEL HOTEL STAGE

8.30PM MILO GREEN BAND

SATURDAY 25

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 4PM JASPER GUBBAY, 8PM

SOULFISH

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, NEED2FREAK WITH CUT

SNAKE, LITTLE FRITTER, WONGO AND SHIMMY

DISCO

BYRON THEATRE 7.30PM

MURRAY KYLE – PILLARS OF TRUTH ALBUM LAUNCH

THE NORTHERN, BYRON

BAY, KANEMUIR + DJ KIRA

SUNDAY

MARVELL ST HALL, BYRON

BAY, 10AM KHENTRUL

RINPOCHE – TAMING THE

WILD HORSE OF THE MIND

BYRON TWILIGHT MARKET

5PM HAYLEY GRACE

BANGALOW HOTEL 4PM

PHANTOM LIMBZ

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 2PM

SAM BUCKLEY, 7.30PM DAN

HANNAFORD DUO

WANDANA BREWING CO.,

MULLUMBIMBY, 4.30PM DJ

PATRICIA BERLIOZ

LENNOX HEAD COMMUNITY

CENTRE 11.15AM

NOR’EASTER – THE MAJESTIC KNIGHTS

LOOSE CONTENT, MR

RHODES, TRICHOTOMY,

KARL S WILLIAMS, 7.45PM

NOR’EASTER – DARREN

HANLON & LITTLE GEORGIA

LENNOX PUBLIC SCHOOL

12PM NOR’EASTER –

UPBEAT, SHELLY BROWN, CHRONROY, HYPNICJERKS

CLUB LENNOX 7PM JOCK

BARNES DUO

LENNOX HOTEL HOTEL STAGE

8.30PM LENNOX GROOVE

BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK

6.30PM SARAH GRANT

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS

6PM ADAM BROWN

SHEOAK SHACK, FINGAL

HEAD, 6PM PAUL A GEORGE & JASON JANUS

SEAGULLS, TWEED HEADS,

6PM MARK REDMAYNE

TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 8PM GARY

PUCKETT AND THE UNION

GAP

COOLANGATTA HOTEL 8PM

COOLY ROOTS VOLUME 6

MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 3PM OPEN MIC WITH THE SWAMP CATS

WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM

ANIMAL VENTURA

BALLINA RSL LEVEL ONE

10.30AM STRUM-ALONG WITH STUKULELE

LENNOX HEAD COMMUNITY CENTRE

11.15AM NOR’EASTER –JIMMY DOWLING, JB’S BLUESBREAKERS, MINNIE MARKS, DANA GEHRMAN, HUSSYHICKS, 7.15PM NOR’EASTER – WILLIAM & JULIEANNE CRIGHTON & JEFF LANG

LENNOX PUBLIC SCHOOL

11.45AM NOR’EASTER –TRICHOTOMY, KARL S WILLIAMS, LIMINAL, PJ SHEEK

CLUB LENNOX 3PM SALLY BRACEWELL

SHAWS BAY HOTEL, BALLINA, 2PM SHAWS BAY SUNDAY SESSIONS FT LISA HUNT SEAGULLS, TWEED HEADS,

1PM ALANNAH STONE

TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 7.30PM RICHARD MARX

MONDAY 27

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, JESSE WHITNEY BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY,

6.30PM SHAYA, 8.30PM THE 4’20 SOUND

TUESDAY 28

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, JON J BRADELY BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY,

6.30PM JAY DEVU HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM NURAINI ALSTON

WEDNESDAY 1

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6.30PM LUCY GALLANT –SINGLE LAUNCH ‘LOVE’

BYRON THEATRE 1PM

EXHIBITION ON SCREEN –MARY CASSATT: PAINTING THE MODERN WOMAN, 7PM SCREENING – LUKU NGARRA: THE LAW OF THE LAND HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM

MATT BUGGY

MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 5PM KRAPEOKEEE WITH JESS

TIBETAN LAMA AND RENOWNED SCHOLAR TO TEACH ON THE ‘POWER OF MIND’

Khentrul Rinpoche returns to teach one more weekend on ‘Taming the Wild Horse of the Mind’, a continuation of teachings delivered in the area in 2019. Learn how to use love, equanimity, compassion and wisdom to train our minds, and also learn how to transform suffering so that we can live free and with joy.

Khentrul Lodrö T’hayé Rinpoche is a Tibetan monk and Director of Katog Choling, a USA-based non-profit. He is also the principal Abbot of Mardo Tashi Choling Monastery in Tibet, where he established a Buddhist university.

Rinpoche was born in Eastern Tibet in 1965, toward the end of the great famine during the Cultural Revolution. Rinpoche was so determined to learn Buddhism as a young man that he ran away from his home monastery to go study with great teachers and in distinguished centres of learning on three separate occasions. He studied with the last generation of masters who received their own training prior to the Cultural Revolution when Buddhism was suppressed, masters who demonstrated by their own example, how to tame the

mind and transform adversity in the face of enormous hardship.

Through his determination, panache, and hard work, Khentrul Rinpoche is now one of very few people in the world to hold three Khenpo degrees – the equivalent of three PhDs in Buddhist philosophy. Khentrul Rinpoche excels as a teacher, combining his profound knowledge of Buddhism with an equally extensive capacity for presenting information with simplicity, clarity and kindhearted humour.

Please register for this event – Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 of February, 10am to 12noon and 2pm to 5pm. Both days are at Marvell Hall, 37 Marvell St, Byron Bay. A free event sponsored by Rinpoche’s students, but you must register: https://katog.org/product/ taming-the-wild-horse-of-the-mind/. Khentrul Rinpoche is also presenting a public talk at the Byron Theatre on 23 February at 6pm on The Power of Mind, followed by a book signing of his new book on that same subject, in conjunction with local bookstore The Book Room. Tickets are $4.50 at Byroncentre.com.au or at the door.

“With each breath you take, you create space around your heart. Close your eyes. Notice. Trust that you choose what enters this space.”

Mungo MacCallum’s Crossword N479

Living in Limbo:

In Christian theology, Limbo is the afterlife condition of those who die in original sin without being assigned to the Hell of the Damned.

In our region that’s how many are describing the last 12 months of interactions with the NRRC and insurance companies in their attempts to find not the ‘afterlife’ per se, but life after the flood.

Cryptic Clues

ACROSS

1. A way to overtake time (7)

5. Locks in courses with remedies (7)

9. Sorry, not up here – immediately after (9)

10. Record again “Left Turn Brother” (5)

11. An aroma transmitted, we are told (5)

12. Left favourite around a vehicle – it’s a sign of welcome! (3,6)

13. E, what Oliver Twist wanted (6,7)

17. N – Hitler’s aim (5,8)

21. Grim planet in the East (9)

24. Cold kiln for the witches (5)

25. Bay window – alternative one with the Spanish (5)

26. Baseballer, the highest bit of the briefs! (5,4)

27. Tangle with specialist – plonk! (7)

28. Recklessly sides with Eliot – and stops (7)

DOWN

1. Marihuana and its residue – use it for fertiliser! (6)

2. Cat’s working for Robert Louis (9)

3. A Yank, and sterile (7)

4. Telepath working ring needs an artificial language (9)

5. Church assembly reaches agreement following Sydney fringes (5)

6. Cut short the dog appendage! (7)

7. Arachnid loses its head, and rises –put it back in the water! (5)

8. Deliberate damage to wooden shoe – become more mature! (8)

14. Residence, a fortress for those who live in it (9)

15. Implements a fresh idea – a small alien returned after one new exploding star! (9)

16. Not on the bucking horse, but close to land (8)

18. Lie, or lie about with the temptress (7)

19. Urges – reports of mental visions! (7)

20. Shoots at birds (6)

22. Oliver’s turn (5)

23. Is Johnny Cash’s boy one of the children? (5)

STARS BY LILITH

Quick

ACROSS

Clues

1. Corridor (7)

5. Makes safe (7)

9. Subsequently (9)

10. Replace the original dialogue of a movie (5)

11. Odour (5)

12. Laid out for royalty (3,6)

13. Another serve of food (6,7)

17. Holocaust (5,8)

21. Gloomy; sullen (9)

24. Gathering; clique (5)

25. A projecting window (5)

26. Fielding position in softball (5,4)

27. Interweave (7)

28. Ceases (7)

DOWN

1. Potassium compound used in the garden (6)

2. Treasure Island author (9)

3. Germ free (7)

4. Invented international language (9)

5. Christian governing council (5)

6. Reduce; limit (7)

7. Immerse a second time (5)

8. Damage; subvert (8)

14. Domestic establishment (9)

15. Makes changes (9)

16. Coastal (8)

18. A siren of German legend (7)

19. Stirs up (7)

20. Petty verbal attacks (6)

22. Contort (5)

23. The matter in question (5)

Last week’s solution N478

GOBBLESUPRUMBA AEOOUEAL BIGHORNMINDSET OIKGITSE NONNABUCCANEER NTIELXE HAILMARYSTAG UNEDCSIO NAGSCONTENTS COREMOC HEFFALUMPNOTED BTBRAEIU ASININEREASONS CMEKEGNT KEENSADDRESSES

A year ago the water came. It was so fast that authorities were caught off-guard, neighbours had to rescue neighbours, strangers saved strangers. It was a courageous and extraordinary moment when we saw the best of who we are; when we stood with compassion and solidarity in the detritus of another person’s life, in an attempt to help them find restitution in the midst of extraordinary loss.

The devastation was more than visible; we could smell it. We were consumed by this wave of grief and deep knowledge that for all of us everything had changed. For some, more than others.

I wasn’t flood-affected directly. In fact, while thousands were, thousands also weren’t. For some, life has gone on pretty much as normal. We’ve lived a parallel life to the many who were flood-affected. But the people we thought we’d saved are still drowning; they’re up to their necks in bureaucracy and despair and it’s not on the news. A chopper can’t record airborne vision of the Virgin Mary drowning in phone calls, misinformation, insurance company paperwork, assessments and conflicting scopes of works. There are no dramatic pictures of the misery of not being able to plan, of not knowing how to move forward, of not knowing how to survive the day.

Up to 75 per cent of people who live through natural disaster can experience PTSD.

This aftershock cannot be captured with a camera but it’s a real story. It is many many stories. It is the post-flood bureaucratic zombie apocalypse where survivors compete for limited resources with no sense of who is in line, if they are in the wrong line, or if in fact there is any

ARIES: When Venus, the love and money magnet joins luck-attracting Jupiter, shamanic healer Chiron and late week moon in Aries for February’s flaming finale, get ready for everything. Though there’s still some more work to do behind the scenes before it’s all systems go on your season of radical reinvention and renewal.

TAURUS: With your personal planetary guidance supervisor Venus striding into intrepid, energetic Aries, this week’s likely to find you surprisingly primed and ready to let curiosity lead you along the path of something different, to somewhere new –because you’ll never ever know if you never ever go.

GEMINI: Gemini diarist Anne Frank’s observation holds true for this week: ‘It’s difficult in times like these: ideals, dreams and cherished hopes rise within us, only to be crushed by grim reality. Yet I cling to them because I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart.’

line at all. They do however get told to ‘please hold the line’ – a lot.

One year on they are very very tired of holding the line.

Over the last few weeks I have spent about eight hours sitting with flood survivors from Lismore and Mullumbimby. It’s clear they are distressed. They talk of the days they’ve spent, every week, on the phone to insurance companies, builders and government departments trying to establish a way forward. They tell me how what they clarify one week gets contradicted or revoked the next. It’s so confusing.

Personal stories are muddied with detail about someone else, with government requirements, with past experiences, with frustration. It’s what happens when people are in mental distress. I ask if they need mental health support. But they are clear, ‘No more social workers. We want real help.’ You see, it’s builders, and money they need most, because the underlying cause of their distress is being left abandoned and feeling hopeless. They need reason to hope.

Rumours and misinformation abound. In Lismore one group had ‘heard’ that someone in the Byron Shire had been given a buyback. That’s not true. A group in Mullumbimby believed nothing would happen until Lismore and the most heavily affected had received buybacks, but the people I spoke to in South Lismore had not been offered buybacks. They’re all waiting too, wondering where their need has been triaged in relation to everyone elses’. Flood survivors everywhere are worried that $800 million is not enough to go around.

Meantime elderly people who once rented or owned are now couchsurfing. Children are still traumatised by the sound of rain. In South Lismore uninsured homeowners, and those who took payouts, who’ve since rebuilt their

CANCER: The most responsible and enjoyable use of this week’s fire-andwater star scenario could be to retreat, meditate, and morph your rollercoasting emotional reactions into singing, writing, dancing and dreaming aloud; to embody the frequencies of grace and soulful guidance with creative gusto and abandon.

LEO: Life is constant change. We aren’t the person we were ten years ago, even one year. We don’t have the same goals, our priorities change. In Pisces time, and particularly this week, pay attention to synchronicities; events and people that seem to arrive unexpectedly with a message you didn’t know you needed.

VIRGO: Jupiter in your sector of shared assets until mid-May 2023 recommends keeping abreast of current economic trends so you’re in the best position for long-term financial planning, making informed choices and taking proactive steps. And your advisor planet Mercury, in the sign of wild ideas, suggests thinking outside the box.

homes are hearing rumours their area is scheduled for ‘retreat’ – where will that leave them? Some sold at a ridiculously low price so they could pay out part of their mortgage. Most are still paying for a house they can’t live in. A woman in her 70s tells me ‘I am project managing the rebuild of my home. Could your mother do this?’ No, I don’t think she could. Every day for people whose homes were flooded is hard. They are struggling to find money to retrofit or raise their home, knowing they don’t have capacity to repay an extension on their mortgage. The cost of repairs means they will have to sell. They have no guarantee that they will be reimbursed by the NRRC, nor do they have a timeframe – for anything.

The people I have spoken to have all been told NRRC caseworkers are coming to help them action their cases. Caseworkers were promised on the ground by November, then by December… now it’s February. No one I spoke to had seen one. I don’t know if it’s incompetence or willful misconduct, all I know is the landscape of retrofitting, rebuilding, houseraising and building within resilient housing frameworks, alongside promises of ‘support’ not yet seen, and ‘pathways to recovery’ not yet even identified, is completely exhausting people.

One man tells me ‘The promises of the NRRC gave me hope, but now that hope has turned to despair.’ The NRRC needs to pull their finger out. This is taking too long. We the community must stand together once again. Where there is a strong grassroots community there is hope. And guess what, an election is coming. The NSW Coalition government has fucked this up. This time we don’t need boats to save people. We need votes.

Flood-affected people could do with advocacy and support right now. Are you a retired builder or town planner? Are you an experienced home renovator? Contact Mullumbimby Recovery Service. On 28 Feb, the Neighborhood centre is co-hosting a Reflections Day barbeque, 10am–2pm, with Red Cross and Byron Shire Council. admin.rss@mdnc.org.au.

LIBRA: As Venus joins supersizing Jupiter in the sign of new possibilities, relationship renovations get the green light. If your mojo’s been on slow-mo and your batteries in power save, this week presses the celestial accelerator. But don’t expect a clear read, because that really isn’t a given in present conditions.

SCORPIO: Astrologically, this is a kind of show and tell time for Scorps. With no retrogrades running interference, this week’s feisty fire and sensitive water energies generate no mean amount of steam heat, but resist the temptation to jump into premature decisions and commitments. Plenty of time for that.

SAGITTARIUS: Jupiter, your mentor planet in Aries is Jupiter on steroids, supersizing that fiery sign’s let’sdo-it energy into let’s-do-it-biggerbetter-and-more. Jupiter influences how we go about our medium-tolong-term plans, and this go-for-it energy is operating for you up until mid May 2023.

CAPRICORN: There’s a time in every Capricorn’s life, which could be around about now, when the legacy of your professional accomplishments becomes more important than your personal success. Whatever you’ve gained in skill sets or material assets, this week says: think about the best ways of sharing that bounty around.

AQUARIUS: Our ancestors raised their kids together, foraged for food together, lived together. When they built a shelter or had a successful hunt together, well being chemicals were released. We are still similarly wired for connection; we need other people to survive. Aquarius is the sign of community, and this week needs your engagement skills.

PISCES: Feisty Lady Venus marching into the forthright and unconventional sign of fighting for what you love insists, this week, on your stepping up and strengthening boundaries. You might start by distinguishing facts from feelings, and that done, go ahead and reward yourself with a birthday prez of those glamorous new shoes.

... the people we thought we’d saved are still drowning; they’re up to their necks in bureaucracy and despair and it’s not on the news.

MANDY NOLAN’S

WARDELL

200 Hillside Lane - Auction

On Site 10am 18 March

Inspect: By Appointment

4 4 10 16.57ha

A Hillside Country Paradise

+ Fertile & manicured acres with 3 dams

+ Freshly renovated sandstone homestead

+ 9m x 9m shed with modern ammenities

+ Additional 18m x 12m shed, 10kW solar

+ Convenient location, close to Ballina

THE CHANNON 1441 Keerrong Road

Price: $1.5 million

Inspect: By Appointment

5 3 10 11ha

A COUNTRY DREAM

+ Meticulously maintained for 100+ years

+ 4 bed home with 10ft ceilings, ducted air

+ Separate studio accom in old dairy bales

+ 4 paddocks, 2 dams, creek, timber yards

+ 6.6kW solar, solar hot water, triple shed

A Very Professional Agent

Katrina and staff were excellent in all our contacts with them, they were knowledgeable in the local market concepts and would deal with our enquiries promptly. I strongly recommend this agency to any prospective property seller.

Robert & Marion Heffernan

0467 000 222 BYRON BAY | BALLINA | LISMORE kbrealestate.com.au

-

Laine Palmer Gail Beohm Rachael Jenkins Katrina Beohm Chris Plim Sarah Gaggin Emily Hughes

Zara Springs

Set on 139.5 acres (56.44ha) with natural springs, mesmerising views, lakes and pondages, wild foods, a koala corridor and a manuka honey plantation, Zara Springs is a true patch of paradise.

There are two houses and a yurt on the property, offering many lifestyle opportunities. The Lake House is the epitome of romance – a captivating white cottage surrounded by a dreamy English-style contrast. Completely off-grid and made from hempcrete, it has an earthy Japanese vibe with wood, steel and abundant glass capturing the jaw-dropping vista of the Springbrook Mountain range.

64 8

56.44ha

Gem Johnson-Turner & Lainie Bracher

0400 351 311 0437 728 008

lainieandgem@manare.au

manare.au

351 Zara Rd, Zara NSW

Grand Home on Large Block with Separate Studio

5 2 4 1,379M 2

•Main residence has retained many ornate features – high ceilings, timber floors, stained-glass windows, fireplaces and has multiple large living rooms

•A separate and private self-contained studio complete with kitchen, ensuite and private outdoor area

•The spacious yard is framed by established gardens and tall trees giving a great sense of privacy

6 Jubilee Avenue, Mullumbimby

Price Guide: $2.1m – $2.3m

Open: Saturday, 25th February 9–9.30am

Hinterland Escape – Multiple Buildings – Pristine Horse Paddocks

5 2 4 4.7HA

•Contemporary inspired home elevated on 12 north-facing, easy-care acres

•15-metre infinity ozone magnesium lap pool with large deck area adjoining

• The kitchen is equipped with a stone benchtop, Miele appliances and breakfast bar

• An added bonus is the separate studio which offers endless opportunity

•Spring-fed dam with water all year round, plus additional water license

•Pristine quality land with plenty of water making it ideal for horses

Luke Elwin 0421 375 635 Su Reynolds 0428 888 660

Open: Saturday, 25th February 12.30–1pm Su Reynolds 0428 888 660 Luke Elwin 0421 375 635

Spacious and Private Family Home with Separate Studio

3

1 3

•The property sits on a large residential piece of land surrounded by greenery

•The main residence features an open floorplan with timber flooring, pitched ceilings and an abundance of natural sunlight filtering throughout the home

•Featured is a covered outdoor entertaining area, with a lush greenery outlook

•An additional bonus is the separate studio with a spacious floorplan and loft

Online Timed Auction – Starting Bid $1.5M

35 FLETCHER ST, BYRON BAY NSW 2481 PH: O2 6685 8466

Picturesque Hinterland Sanctuary with Additional Dwellings

4 2 3 8.56HA

•Entertainment deck with sweeping rural views, outdoor speaker system, bath and luxurious 13x5m heated mineral pool

•Self-contained 1-bedroom studio with ensuite and kitchenette

•Additional rustic 90m2 barn with gorgeous, pitched ceilings and exposed wooden beams currently used as a creative space

•Crowning this offering are the walking tracks, soccer pitch, bike trails and extensive frontage to Wilsons River

Price Guide: $3.3m – $3.6m

Saturday, 25th February 11–11.30am Su Reynolds 0428 888 660 Denzil Lloyd 0481 864 049

• The open plan living space features a seamless transition to the undercover timber deck, which is the perfect place to entertain with family and friends

• The stylish, spacious kitchen has quality modern appliances with gas cooktop, pantry and plenty of storage

• Outdoors features a hardwood vegetable garden and fully fenced, level yard

• Short distance from lovely Bangalow village, public school and sports fields

34 Parrot Tree Place, Bangalow

Price Guide: $1.275m – $1.375m

Open: Saturday, 25th February 10.30–11am

Tranquil, Picturesque Escape Amongst the Trees

• Open-plan living and generous mixed hardwood decking with amazing vistas and undercover areas promotes outdoor living and makes this home special

• The home has very solid bones which makes updating easy (STCA)

• Featured is a giant rumpus room with private deck access and a sink

• Double garage with internal access, garden sheds and caravan site

• Potential to add an additional dwelling for extra income potential (STCA)

61 Robinsons Road, Wilsons Creek

Price Guide: $1.4m – $1.5m

Open: Saturday, 25th February 9–9.30am

We would love to meet you!

First National Byron are looking to expand our team. We have several opportunities available to work alongside experienced, award winning sales agents and administration teams. Positions will suit passionate individuals with local knowledge, who are motivated, organised, have great communication skills, and strong attention to detail.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS

DO YOU POSSESS THE FOLLOWING SKILLS?

• Ability to plan and prioritise

• Ability to implement processes and streamline systems

• Highly developed written, verbal, administration and computer skills

• Minimum 2 years recent experience in administration

• Current certificate of registration is desirable

SALES ADMINISTRATION TRAINEES

DO YOU POSSESS THE FOLLOWING ATTRIBUTES?

• The desire for a career within the real estate industry

• Commitment to providing excellent service to our clients

• Attention to detail and accuracy

• Good written, verbal, administration and computer skills

• The ability to work within a strong team environment

• Current certificate of registration is desirable

We provide a great work culture with strong support and training from experienced colleagues. Please email your interest and resume to sales@byronbayfn.com.au

www.byronbayfn.com

SOLD BEACHFRONTRECORD

'Private Beachfront Escape in Idyllic Coastal Setting'

BYRON BAY

20 Childe Street

Positioned on an exceptionally private waterfront parcel in one of Australia's most sought-after holiday destinations, this luxurious residence presents a rare opportunity to acquire the ultimate beachside escape. Intuitively designed to capture magnificent ocean views from every angle and located adjacent to the picturesque Belongil beach, this remarkable beach house presents an incredible opportunity for those looking for a shift in lifestyle. This property is positioned with the iconic Wategos beach, the bustling Byron Bay town centre, rainforest walks, and Arakwal National Park right at its doorstep - making for the perfect home or home away from home.

David Medina

SOLD BEACFRONT RECORD

Service Directory

SERVICE DIRECTORY RATES, PAYMENT & DEADLINE

DEADLINE: For additions and changes to the Service Directory is 12pm Friday.

LINE ADS: $99 for 3 months or $340 for 1 year prepaid.

For line Service Directory ads email classifieds@echo.net.au.

DISPLAY ADS: $70 per week for colour display ad. Minimum 8 week booking 4 weeks prepaid.

Please supply display ads 85mm wide, 28mm high. New display ads will be placed at end of section.

For display Service Directory ads email adcopy@echo.net.au.

The Echo Service Directory is online – www.echo.net.au/service-directory

ACCOUNTS & BOOKINGS: 6684 1777 INDEX

Accountants & Bookkeepers..........41

Acupuncture.................................41

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration....41

Antennas & Installation.................41 Architects.....................................41

Automotive...................................41

Blinds, Awnings, Curtains, Shutters.41

Bricklaying....................................41 Building Trades.............................41 Bush Regen & Weed Control..........41

Carpentry & Joinery ......................41

Carpet Cleaning............................41

Chimney Sweeping........................41

Chiropractic..................................41

Cleaning.......................................42 Computer Services........................42 Concreting & Paving......................42 Decks, Patios & Extensions.............42 Dentists........................................42 Design & Drafting..........................42 Earthmoving & Excavation.............42

Electricians...................................42

Fencing.........................................42 Floor Sanding & Polishing..............42

Plumbers......................................43

Pool Services.................................43

Property Styling............................43

Removalists..................................43

Roofing.........................................44

Rubbish Removal..........................44

Self Storage..................................44

Sensor Technology........................44

Septic Systems..............................44

Solar Installation..........................44

Television Services........................44

Tiling............................................44

Transport......................................44

Tree Services.................................44

Upholstery....................................44

Valuers.........................................44

B Timbs Painting B Timbs Painting

Byron Coast Removals

Byron Sensor Tech

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

SINGING GROUPS FOR WOMEN CHIXONG

Tues $15 & Weds $15 ($20 both). 7pm Beginners welcome. Brunswick Heads. byronbaysinging.com facebook.com/ByronBaySinging

SINGING FOR Fun and Frivolity

Wednesday 1pm. Brunswick Heads Beginners welcome. $15 ($8 Con)   byronbaysinging.com facebook.com/ByronBaySinging

SINGING GROUPS FOR KIDS & FAMILIES KIDSONG

Uniting Church Hall, Brunswick Heads. Tuesday, 6pm. This is a family orientated class for all ages. Children 8 & up can attend alone. $10 per student/$20 per family byronbaysinging.com facebook.com/ByronBaySinging

Ads may be taken by phone on 6684 1777

THE ECHO HEAD OFFICE

Ads can be lodged in person at the Mullum Echo office: Village Way, Stuart St, Mullumbimby

EMAIL ADS

Display classies (box ads): adcopy@echo.net.au

Line classies: classifieds@echo.net.au

Ad bookings only taken during business hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm. Ads can’t be taken on the weekend.

Account enquiries phone 6684 1777.

DEADLINE TUES 12PM

day is Wednesday, booking deadlines are the

day

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 WEEK!

Echo Classies also appear online: www.echo.net.au/classified-ads

MICRODERMABRASION unit, as new

$2,000 plus other beauty therapy equipment available. Please enquire 0411872423

MIELE WASHERS

Dryers and dishwashers available at Bridglands Mullumbimby. 66842511

ARCHIBALD’S CHEAP

QUARRY PRODUCTS

Road base, gravel, blue metal and metal dust. ALL SIZE DELIVERIES. Phone 66845517, 0418481617

PROF. SERVICES

66805002

HEALTH

KINESIOLOGY

Clear subconscious sabotages. Reprogram patterns and beliefs. Restore vibrancy and physical health. De-stress. Ph 0403125506 SANDRA DAVEY, Reg. Pract.

HYPNOSIS & EFT

Simple and effective solutions Anxiety, Cravings, Fears & Trauma.

Maureen Bracken 0402205352

COUPLES THERAPY Online www.oztantra.com 1800 TANTRA

Kate

Vistara Primary School

• Part-Time Primary Teacher, Years 3–6 (Stages 2 & 3) on Mondays & Tuesdays. Starting Term One 2023.

• Maternity Leave – Full-Time Primary Teacher, Stages 1 & 2.

• Casual Primary Teachers, K–6.

Vistara is seeking a vibrant, dedicated Primary School Teacher to join our wonderful team. We are a not-for-profit, Independent Primary School with three multi-staged classrooms delivering the NESA NSW syllabus. Our classes are small and we aim to maintain a creative and dynamic approach to teaching and learning. Our school’s ethos and Neo Humanist philosophy (see www.vistara.nsw.edu.au) is integrated withthe NESA NSW Syllabus. If you love to work in a beautiful rural setting, with a progressive educational philosophy based on ecology, we want to hear from you. The vaccination mandate has ceased and we are receiving applications from all teachers. The salary is based on the Association of Independent Schools NSW Hybrid Multi Enterprise Agreement.

To be considered, applicants must submit the following:

1. CV – incl. full contact details, D.O.B., previous schools, year levels taught, duration at each school, two referees from two previous schools.

2. A copy of your Dept. of Education Approval to Teach letter.

3. Working With Children Check number.

4. NESA number and level of accreditation.

Additional information may be requested before an interview.

Email your applications to: visps@bigpond.net.au

Attention: Administrator / Applications Now Open: Feb 2023 Vistara Primary School, 41 Richmond Hill Rd, Richmond Hill. NSW 2480

TRADEWORK

WANTED

LP RECORDS: good condition, no op shop crap! Ph Matt 0401955052

GARAGE SALES

COORABELL 54 Friday Hut Rd, Sat & Sun 8am. TV, books, clothes, washing machine, new whirlybirds, new outdoor ceiling fan, tupperware, tools, shoes etc

UNIT 7, 9 GREVILLEA ST, BYRON A&I

Every Saturday, 9.30am–2.30pm until end Feb.

Shoes, clothes, h/hold, mostly new.

246 FEDERAL DRIVE, FEDERAL Sat 25 Feb, 8am–2pm. Tradies toolbox, kayak, household items plus much more.

COMBINED SALE, 15 & 17 ROBIN STREET, SGB 8am, this Sat & Sun.

MOTOR VEHICLES

SUBARU FORESTER 2003 2.5l manual

116,000kms, good cond, new tyres, rego June 2023. $5500 ono. Ph 66841899

CARAVANS

CARAVANS

We buy, sell & consign. All makes & models. 0408 758 688

TO LET

ACCOM & $ IN EXCHANGE FOR WORK

Small cabin, plus $200p/w in exchange for gardening & handiwork in Tyagarah. Suit single or couple. Ph Anne 0429858500 2–3 BDR STUDIO in Main Arm. $500p/w boydwarren001@gmail.com

LOCAL REMOVAL

& backloads to Brisbane. Friendly, with 10 years local exp. 0409917646

WANTED TO RENT

UNFURN studio/s’cont space. Great refs. Avid gardener/property caretaker. 0416437022

3BDRM HOUSE between Burringbar and Mullum, long-term pref for local family with 2 kids in school in Mullum. I own a local conservation business, so can restore natural areas or bushland properties. Well-behaved dog + exc refs 0427859714

POSITIONS VACANT

LEGAL SECRETARY

We are an established Byron Bay legal firm looking for a motivated staff member to provide secretarial and admin support within our team. Fulltime/part-time: some flexibility on hours/days for right candidate. Role can commence immediately. For details email employment@byronlegal.com

THE ECHO LENNOX HEAD DELIVERY

The Echo has a contract position delivering papers to:

LENNOX HEAD: 1000 PAPERS++:

Folding, inserting and if necessary bagging papers then driving around in a car throwing accurately Whilst many people do this number of papers by themselves, this job would suit a semi-retired or underemployed person/couple who just wants a reliable job to do at their own pace at the same time every week. The successful applicant for this run will have an ABN, a reliable vehicle, a strong throwing arm, and ideally they will live near the distribution area. They will collect the papers/inserts from Ballina (before 7am) or Mullumbimby (7–7.30am) or Byron A&I Estate mid-morning on Wednesday and will have delivered all the papers by 6pm Wednesday. Suit mature or stable person. Commencing asap. Email simon@echo.net.au or phone/text 0409324724

Long

INDEX Annual General Meetings..45 Births...................................46 Birthdays.............................46 Caravans.............................45 Emergency Numbers..........46 For Sale...............................45 Funeral Notices...................46 Garage Sales......................45 Health Notices....................45 Lost And Found..................46 Motor Vehicles....................45 Monthly Markets.................46 Musical Notes.....................46 Only Adults.........................46 Pets......................................46 Positions Vacant.................45 Professional Services.........45 Public Notices.....................45 Sun, Moon And Tides.........46 Social Escorts.....................46 To Let...................................45 Tradework...........................45 Tree Services......................45 Tuition..................................46 Wanted................................45 Wanted To Rent..................45 BYRON TWILIGHT MARKET Every Saturday Railway Park 4-9pm Mindfulness @ Work Bring greater focus, clarity and calm into your workplace. Certified Mindfulness Educator Paul Bibby 0401 926 090 0427 347 380 Fully insured • Free quotes 20 years local experience • 19 inch chipper • Stump grinding • Cherry picker • Crane truck • Bob Cat Firewood Sales Get your firewood early MARK - 0427490038 Could poetry ever be a matter for calculation? Could chess be inspired by a Muse? In this story two very White Horses and Dark Knights David Lovejoy’s book is available at The Echo • FULLY INSURED • PROFESSIONAL SERVICE • FREE QUOTES 0 4 0 2 3 6 4 8 5 2 0402 364 852 Tip Runs & Rubbish Removal 0408 210 772 HYPNOSIS & NLP www.wendypurdey.com Make profound changes in your life. Achieve personal goals and reach your true potential within every aspect of your life. Call Wendy 0497 090 233 Byron Bay & Surrounding Areas & Areas 6681 3140 Mobile 0417 698 227 • Arborist • 15” Wood • • Chipper • Stump Grinder • Grinder • Fully Insured • Insured CRYSTAL HEALINGS & READINGS Mullumbimby

LADIES WANTED, MUST BE 18+ Casual or permanent work available in busy adult parlour. 66816038 for details.

Billie Lola

Our new galaxy, born on 07.02.2023 at 11:12pm.

Welcome to the world – we can’t wait to discover all the beauty in it with you, and with you in it. Everything you need is already inside you.

Love always, Mum & Dad

WATSON, KENNETH MALCOLM

‘Ken’

Passed away peacefully at Tweed Heads Hospital after a sudden illness. Much loved brother and brotherin-law of Aileen, Edward (dec) and Florence (dec).

Loved Uncle of Terry & Fiona, Jenny & Michael, Michael & Rachael and Alison & Shane. Cherished GreatUncle of Aiden, Damian, Declan, Caleb, Harrison, Olivia, Ethan, Logan, Angus, Ivy and Hunter.

Ken passed away, aged 95 years, and will be sadly missed by all family and his many friends. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service to be held at St Martins Anglican Church, Mullumbimby on WEDNESDAY (March 1, 2023) commencing at 11.00am.

No flowers by request, donations to the Stroke Foundation appreciated.

Michael Currie at BRUNSWICK VALLEY FUNERALS 6684 6232

Marie O’ Donnell O’Donnell

Devoted to Pleasure Couples, Men & Women touchofjustine.com 0407 013 347

MONTHLY MARKETS

In loving memory of Marie O’Donnell

Formerly of Billinudgel.

Passed away peacefully on Friday, 17th February 2023 surrounded by her Family.

Aged 90 Years.

Dearly loved Wife of Eddie (dec’d).

Loved Mother and Mother-in-Law and cherished Nan of many.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Marie’s Requiem Mass to be held at St John’s Catholic Church, Mullumbimby on Thursday 2nd March 2023 at 11:00 am (NSW time). Happy

Murwillumbah (02) 6672 2144

NAL A NALA

5-year-old desexed female English Staffy x Ridgeback ‘Nala’ is looking for a forever home. Strong, loving, playful, big-beautiful-eyed Nala needs patience & stability due to past trauma and resulting mistrust. She’s good with children, cats and cows. She gets very excited around other big dogs and suffers fear aggression. Nala needs a loving but firm handler who can provide her with further training and socialisation. Please contact Shell on 0458 461 935.

MC: 991001000924234

Elsa is a one- year-old, Mastiff X. She is a big playful pup who would suit a family with older kids. She is good with other dogs. She’s a sweet gentle girl who just wants to please. M/C # 991003001348758 For more information contact Yvette on 0421 831 128. Interested? Please complete our online adoption expression of interest https://friendsofthepound. com/adoption-expression-ofinterest/

E L S A ELSA

Visit friendsofthepound.com to view other dogs and cats looking for a home. ABN 83 126 970 338

Here’s little SUKI, a calico beauty. She has dropped down from paradise to both meet and charm you, so much that you will take her with you and give her the love and care that she needs. She will repay with lifelong companionship, and all the magic that is a cat…fun mystery, snuggling, and if need be protection, protection-from marauding rodents. Suki is ready and waiting.

All cats are desexed, vaccinated and microchipped. No: 900079000641914

Please make an appointment 0403 533 589 • Billinudgel petsforlifeanimalshelter.net

Byron Dog Rescue (CAWI)

Two events in six days for Byron Tri Club

The Byron Tri Club has had a busy and successful six days collecting podium finishes across a range of age categories at the Trial Bay Triathalon and then last Saturday at the Tweed Enduro.

The Trial Bay Triathalon was held at South West Rocks on Sunday, February 12 and included a 750m swim, 29km cycle and a 5km run.

The swim leg involved ‘crazy conditions’ with the channels and crossover tides, while the ride included ‘punchy hills’ and there was a new running course, Byron Tri Club member Deb Fuller said.

Podium age-group winners included: Gracie Richter (20–24) first, 1:29:54; Jaime Cascajares (35–39 years) second, 1:17:35; David Mildren (45–49) second, 1:20:10; Huw Jones (55-59) third, 1:30:58; and Deb Fuller (60–64) first, 1:36:07.

The combined team result saw the Byron Tri Club finish in third place in the third round of the North Coast

Interclub Triathlon league.

Coffs Harbour won the day ahead of Clarence Valley.

Byron now stands third overall on the table, pending the yet-to-be tabulate, results from the Tweed Enduro at Pottsville.

This triathlon, just six days after the Hat Head event, included a 750m swim, 22km cycle and a 5km run. Over 750 athletes registered for the event.

Junior rugby league celebrates 50 years in Mullumbimby

The Mullumbimby Giants Junior Rugby League are celebrating 50 years of kids’ footy in the area with a number of events during the year, kicking off with a community day this Sunday.

The 50th anniversary year of the Junior Giants will acknowledge the work of early committee members who got the competition up and running, as well as those currently working with the Club.

Byron Tri Club podium age-group winners included: Danny Rossie (30–34) first, 1:23:55; Jaime Cascajares (35–39) first, 1:10:38; Caroline Hogan (35–39) second, 1:30:16; Huw Jones (55–59) third, 1:27:16; Chris Chetham (60–64) first, 1:29:25; Deb Fuller (60–64) second, 1:31:31; Sandra Killen (65–69) first, 1:40:27; Nerida Clarke (70–74) first, 1:59:38; and Peter Clarke (75–79) second.

Ballina Seagulls volunteer wins Good Sports award

Ballina Seagulls rugby league club life member and football manager, Michael Koellner, was named the 2022 New South Wales Good Sports Volunteer of the Year, at Parliament House in Canberra last week.

The national Good Sports Awards celebrate Australia’s best community sporting clubs and volunteers, for their work with the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s Good Sports program in tackling topics like alcohol, illicit drugs, smoking, mental health and safe transport.

Mr Koellner, who’s been part of the Ballina Seagulls family for approximately 40 years, won the award for making his club stronger and

more family-friendly.

‘Without Michael, our club would not be where it is today. He works tirelessly for the club, always giving of his time to make sure that it can be the best it can with the limited resources we have,’

said Seagulls Vice President, Max Beecher.

‘Michael is always first to arrive and last to leave when work needs doing’.

Mr Koellner was once team captain and led the club to a premiership.

‘Many of the boys from the early years are actively involved in the club with their own kids now playing for the juniors,’ Giants committee member Kyle Grainey said.

‘The Junior Giants have been a breeding ground for a number of successful players over the years, but it is the community spirit within the Club that we are really proud of.’

‘In the early days league was only for the boys. But times have certainly changed, with girls playing in the mixed competition from U/6s to

U/12s, then having their own competitions in League Tag up to the age of 17.

‘Additionally a girls tackle competition will commence this year’.

Last year the girls U/14 League Tag team took out the grand final, and were undefeated during the season.

Community day

The Mullumbimby Giants Community Day and street food party will be held this

Sunday February 26 at 5pm.

Anyone who has been involved in the Club over its many years is invited to come on down and join in the celebrations.

The senior club was established in 1909 and is one of the oldest regional clubs in NSW with a long proud history.

Player registrations are still open for this year’s season, with games commencing from the end of March. All welcome.

Dakoda takes second at Gold Coast Open

Fresh from an awardwinning performance at the National Boardriders Final representing Byron Bay, Dakoda Walters has finished second in the 2023 Gold Coast Open, a WSL qualifying series 1000 event.

Dakoda was beaten in the final held last Sunday at Burleigh Heads in 0.7 metre waves by Wollongong-based surfer, Lennox Smith.

Fifteen-year-old Burleigh Heads wildcard, Isla Huppatz (Bilinga), won the female event.

The pair overcame a huge field of Australia’s and Ocenia’s best up-and-coming surfers on their way to claim the top spot.

Despite a slight afternoon sea breeze, Smith sliced and diced his way through the conditions with ease, dropping back-to-back waves of 7.40 and 7.07, to finish on a two-wave combined total of 14.47.

Dakoda Walters was in great touch all event, but

couldn’t find a back-up score when it mattered after a 7.43 ride. He was left chasing a 7.4 for the win, but his second best was a 6.67. It was an electric final between the men with Smith finding his lead in the final minutes.

Art by Chrissie chrissieartwork@gmail.com

The U/14 girl Giants were undefeated premiers in 2022 and are looking for another title in 2023. Photo supplied

Just some of the Byron Tri crew kicking back after the Tweed Enduro last weekend. Photo supplied

Michael (L) and Max (R) with a photo of the 1982 Ballina Seagulls 1982 rugby league premiers. Photo supplied

Dakoda in the water at Burleigh. Photo Lucy Callister

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Mitre 10 Byron Bay is sadly closing its doors. A staff member told The Echo a development is slated for the area, and they will vacate around Easter.

Did you know that Council has a Communciations Commiteee? Maybe members can encourage the mayor to improve how he announces large-ticket town planning to the public. Random online replies to individuals don’t really cut it – see page 1.

This year’s pre-loved clothing sale fundraiser, which supports the SHIFT Project, which helps vulnerable women, is coming up again in May. Co-organiser, Leslie Ford, says donations of clothing for the sale are now sought – she can be contacted via redginger@ redginger.com.au. ‘We raised $29,000 last year,’ she adds.

Sea Shepherd founder, Captain Paul Watson, says he is being sued by employees who he once trusted, and are now attempting to take control of the conservation organisation. Watson described the four men in a photo he posted on social media as ‘craven mutineers’, after they ‘unlawfully dismissed’ him and another, from the global board, ‘without a meeting, without a discussion, and without a vote, because we were asking questions these four did not wish to answer’.

Byron Bay property prices have plunged 25 per cent in the past 12 months, according to CoreLogic data. The ABC reports it may be the result of interest rate hikes starting to bite, ‘and tree and sea

changers moving back to the city. After experiencing staggering price growth during COVID, the NSW RichmondTweed area, which takes in Byron, is now the worst performing regional market, according to CoreLogic data, with house values falling by an average of 18.6 per cent’.

The Australian (Murdoch) coverage of Brittany Higgins last weekend was a new depth of really, really bad ‘reporting’: Higgins’s former boss, Liberal MP Linda Reynolds, was given a large mic to cry victim into, despite Higgins’s claim of rape in Reynolds’s office . How did Higgins’s diary come to be into the possession of federal police, and then end up in the hands of News Corp? Fortunately, Higgins can defend herself and point out all the Murdoch bullshit via her Twitter handle.

The NSW Ballina electoral boundary, which includes Byron and Ballina Council

areas, has had a ‘readjustment’ – again. With the NSW election looming on March 25, it’s worth noting that Wilsons

Creek residents are now included into the Lismore electorate. For more info, visit www.elections.nsw.gov.au.

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Look out Adelaide Fringe Festival, Northern Rivers acts are heading your way. Pictured are members from True Blood, Delphi Goes Bassooning, The Loveys and Women Like Us. It’s the largest arts festival in Australia, running for 31 days over February/March every year, and takes over the city and beyond. Photo Jeff ‘Fringed And Unhinged’ Dawson