The Byron Shire Echo – Issue 37.39 – March 8, 2023

Residents devastated by Feros’ plans to redevelop

Photo & story Eve Jeffery

With the Feros Care Board announcing to residents and families the closure of Feros Village Byron Bay last Tuesday, questions are being raised around the board’s decision to redevelop the large and valuable Byron Bay land as an ‘intergenerational community’.

Plans are now underway to redevelop Feros, located at 29-33 Marvell Street, into a new, ‘state-of-the-art community, purpose-built facility’.

It comes just weeks after a damning performance report on the facility; the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) found its elderly residents were subjected to substandard care across every aspect of the service.

The board claimed at the time that the issues had been rectified and that the facility has been reaccredited by the ACQSC.

And while all current residents have been offered relocation to Feros Care Bangalow, or Feros Care Wommin Bay, there are no guarantees by the board that they will be given priority to return to their home when a new facility opens.

Residents will be re-homed over the coming months, says the board.

The board also say staff have been offered employment at other Feros Care Villages or in Feros’ Home Care service.

Yet some Feros residents, families and friends are distressed and angry at what they say are lies and betrayal by the Feros Care Board, and have said they are not going anywhere.

Ninety-five-year-old Kate Smorty had a letter published in last week’s

Markets hit Byron’s streets

Echo, praising Feros, but now she just feels betrayed.

Kate came to live at Feros five years ago. ‘I reluctantly agreed to come up here for respite. So I came up here just for two weeks, but after a couple of days, I hurried to the office and said “put my name down”.’

‘Now, I’m in shock! They say we have to leave and they haven’t given us an exact timeframe, but they did say, legally, they only had to give us two weeks!’

Accepts the distress

A spokesperson for Feros Care said they completely accept that this news has created some distress for residents, their families and staff. The meeting with residents was the notification of the new strategy, they said, and follows the Feros Board’s review of Feros Village Byron Bay’s future.

The home no longer meets the federal government’s requirements for aged care, they say, and it is not feasible to bring it to the required standard.

Feros Care Chairman, Jason Bingham, told The Echo, ‘Our ambition for Byron Bay is to create a new intergenerational community, where seniors and younger adults live together in harmony. It will be based on the learnings from international models in the UK, US and Europe.

‘Feros Care is a charity, and the needs of our community come first. In the near future, we will invite our community to collaborate with us in re-imagining this development for our region’s seniors in Byron Bay.’

Feros Care, CEO, Karen Crouch,

▶ Continued on page 4

Mayor pushes for holiday letting enforcement

A motion within this Thursday’s meeting agenda by Mayor Michael Lyon, if successful, would ask compliance staff ‘to enforce existing consent conditions which prohibit the use of a property as short-term rental accommodation (STRA)’. Compliance staff would also be asked to continue to ‘prohibit the use of short-term rental of housing in new approvals (secondary dwellings, standard homes in the residential areas, and business zones of the Shire)’.

Within his motion, Cr Lyon says, ‘It is becoming clearer that pre-existing consent conditions are enforceable, and that we may

still be able to impose enforceable consent conditions on new approvals’. Cr Lyon suggests ‘maintaining our own register of properties that are prohibited from STRA’, and also sending out another round of letters to property owners.

Low-hanging fruit

He described it as ‘low-hanging fruit in the battle to return shortterm lets to the long-term pool’.

‘I think we may need to be creative in future about our evidencegathering, and how we can utilise information to encourage compliance. The absence of rental bond data or a lease agreement covering

each premises would be a good start. While we await the judgment of the IPC and new government on our 90-day/365-day STRA precinct proposal, we can send a clear signal of our intention to protect our residential communities’. Within her long and detailed reply in the agenda, Shannon Burt, Director Sustainable Environment and Economy, provided historical context and detailed the ‘considerable’ conflicts between provisions in the Housing State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), and Section 4.2 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

▶ Continued on page 4

Byron’s CBD became a pedestrian friendly zone on Sunday, as the Byron Bay Community Market spread through the rail corridor, Railway Park and onto Jonson Street. Traffic was diverted via Fletcher Street as Jonson Street, between Marvell Street and Byron Street, was closed to traffic. The markets are held on the first Sunday of every month, and the next market in Byron’s CBD will be Sunday April 2. It runs from 8am till 3pm.Pictured is Felicitas, from Byron’s Roller Derby team. Photo Jeff ’Skates Like George Benson’ Dawson

Dr

Regeneration Fest coorganiser, Ray Moynihan, told The Echo the event held at the Mullum Community Gardens on Saturday, was an ‘amazing success’.

He said, ‘We estimate that for this new event, there would have been in excess of 1,200 people through the day, (probably more) with 1,002 tickets pre-sold.

Zero waste met

‘At the end of the day, in the face of those numbers, there was only about onethird of a red bin filled (mostly with compostable material anyway), so our aspiration of zero waste to landfill was pretty well met, and the washup stations were a huge hit.

‘The SCU solar Sunflower powered the main tent, and it ended up generating more power than it used

during the whole event, including a sublime performance from the Palm Wine Ambassadors.

‘It’s very likely Regeneration will continue, contingent on the right funding and model’, he added.

Generous donations for Tinnie Heroes screening

Susanna Freymark

Friends Jeddah Ruediger and Frankie Charles rattled white buckets as they walked the dining room floor at the Byron Bay Golf Club on Saturday, March 4.

Tinnie Heroes was about to screen, and they were collecting money for the Northern Rivers Flood Action Group, based in Woodburn.

The documentary pays tribute to the heroes who risked their lives to save their neighbours.

During the floods a year ago, locals jumped in their fishing boats and braved dangerous conditions to save hundreds who were trapped in their homes by

rising floodwaters. Golf Club general manager, Shaun Breheny, and business development officer, Sue Charles, decided

to show the short film to Byron Bay locals.

The audience was asked whether they could make a gold coin donation, with

Sustainable house day, March 19

Sustainable House Day (Sunday, March 19) is, for the first time, including flood resilience as a demonstration characteristic of featured homes.

Mullum Cares founder, Sasha Mainsbridge ,is coordinating the opening of six homes in Mullumbimby that have built back better after the 2022 flood.

She says, ‘Three homes will be open in the morning session, and three in the

▶ Continued from page 1

Burt also added that currently there is ‘no case law on the interpretation of these provisions’.

She concluded that ‘Council would be able to enforce a pre-existing

afternoon. Two of the homes have been raised (one open in the morning the other in the afternoon), so these open home events are more talks than tours’.

‘Bookings for each home’s tour/talk are strictly limited to 15 people, and are repeated three times. Photo ID must be provided on site before entering each home, and children must be by their parents’ side throughout the tour/talk.

‘I opened my home

consent condition if an applicable residential property is used as STRA. The SEPP Housing would not apply’.

‘With the finalisation of our Planning Proposal imminent the need to establish an enforcement regime

multiple times last year during its resilient rebuild, to help others see firsthand what some of these alternatives looked like.

‘We have been speaking with many people who have built back better, and the common thread in their stories is that they were helped by others and couldn’t have done it alone’.

‘All information, including contact details, can be found at mullumcares.com.au’.

around this use is timely, and necessary’.

As for finance/resource and legal implications, Burt says it will ‘need to be considered on a case-by-case basis as they are unknown at this time’.

the money to go back into Woodburn, where a lot of the film was shot.

Donations matched

The golf club agreed, and decided to match the donations that night – dollar for dollar.

At the end of the night, there was $750 in the buckets and Byron Bay Golf Club matched that amount.

The club made out a $1,500 cheque to the Northern Rivers Flood Action Group.

The group plans to make gardens around the Woodburn Memorial Hall.

Susanna Freymark is the film’s producer, along wth Jimmy Malecki

Children’s and General Dentist, Dr Damaris Fernandez

Dr Fernandez graduated in 2006 with a degree in Dentistry, and later studied a master’s degree in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics.

and orthodontics, and has been a teacher of paediatric teenagers.

DOCTORS

Bettie Honey

Meera Perumalpillai-McGarry

Mann Ying Lim

Javin Chee

Dr

Mandy

6687

that wouldn’t save itself

society

emphasised that they know the closure has been difficult for residents, families and the community.

‘The decision to close the Village was because, after 33 years, it no longer meets the expectations or requirements of a residential aged care facility. It cannot continue in its current form in a way that meets all the regulations.’

Ms Crouch says that residents were informed as soon as the decision was made, and that every resident is being given ample time and support to move to a new home of their choice, which may take months.

‘We communicated quickly to ensure residents were the first to know. No date has been set for the closure, and it is untrue residents were asked to move within 14 days.’

Yet Ms Crouch was unclear if residents will be given priority or an opportunity to be housed in the new accommodation at the Feros site.

‘We are in the early stages of understanding what might be possible on this site, and we will be consulting with the community as plans progress’.

Ms Crouch made no mention of a timeline for the opening of the new accommodation, and no date for when the current premises is to be vacated.

Member for Ballina, Tamara Smith (Greens), was also surprised by the news.

MPs surprised, disappointed

‘It has been a very distressing week for the residents at Feros and their families. Anyone who has a loved one in aged care knows that it is a huge and often traumatic process for families to find the

right situation for their family member, and for them to develop connections and relationships in their new home. Nobody expects to see people in their 80s and 90s suddenly evicted from their homes.’

Ms Smith said she had spoken directly to Karen Crouch. ‘She has given me assurances that they are committed to finding alternative placements for all of their residents, no matter how long it takes for that transition, and that more than half of the current residents have already found suitable alternatives across the Feros Care aged care facilities in the region.

‘I will be monitoring this very closely, and staying in close contact with residents and families to ensure this is actually what happens.’

Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot, said she had been contacted by many concerned locals and said it is ‘a very distressing time for residents, family members, staff and our community’.

‘Under the Aged Care Act 1997, Feros Care is responsible for ensuring that residents are appropriately relocated and accommodated in suitable accommodation that meets their individual needs.

‘I have spoken directly to

the minister for aged care about this matter, and the federal government will work with Feros to ensure that the residents continue to receive quality care and are supported throughout the process.’

Yet offspring of the elderly residents are outraged.

At a meeting at Feros on Wednesday, they spoke to The Echo about the previous day’s meeting .

Kate Smorty’s daughter, Dianne Brien, said the first she knew of the meeting to announce the closure was Monday evening.

Lara Rubinstein said she and her mother are devastated.

‘I only moved her up here in January. She was in a perfectly happy situation in Sydney. She was good. She was happy. She had a room in what’s supposed to be the best place in Sydney, but I wanted her to be closer.’

Lara is very distressed that her mother, who has been at the facility less than eight weeks, will now have to move again. ‘They did not do this in good faith. At the meeting, we asked them how long have you been looking at this – they said four months. One resident moved in just three weeks ago.’

Lara says her mother has been hysterical. ‘She just moved in. She doesn’t know what she’s going to do.’

Maree Eddings said her father has been at Feros for over five years.

‘He loves his place. My family moved here from Melbourne because there’s nothing like this in Melbourne. The whole family moved up here’.

Maree says the board are not transparent.

‘They had an audit, which they passed two weeks ago. There is no compliance issues on this facility at all.

‘And that is published in the minutes of their meeting’.

‘They have admitted there is no more money in this [current] structure for them; that going into intergenerational living is where they’re going to get their money.’

Dianne Brien said there were some non-compliance issues. ‘They’ve fixed a few things, and they’ve received accreditation, and they are accredited until May 2024’.

The late George Feros personally fundraised tirelessly for over 20 years to create a home for his ageing parents.

In 1976, George inspired a small group of local people, who established a committee and over the years it evolved into the Feros Care Board of Directors – the same group who will now close its doors.

Rally this Sunday at Rec Grounds, 3pm

Mandy Nolan says she has met with the residents and their families.

She says, ‘We have formed FFFR – Family & Friends of Feros Residents, and we have organised a rally for Sunday at 3pm at The Byron Rec Grounds’.

‘I told them we would fight for them, and this community is not one that will let them down.’

Kate Smorty, who was so distressed she was taken to hospital with heart palpitations last Wednesday evening, says she is still in a state of shock.

‘I have no idea what’s next. No idea. I mean, I’ll be the last person here, because I didn’t know where else to go. I can’t make other arrangements.

‘The press will have to come and take photos of two big burly policemen carrying me out!’

A moving tribute for Tony Barry

Joanna Stephens

Tony Barry’s tribute on Sunday at the Bruns Picture House was befitting for this larger than life, yet humble and loving Australian icon.

He was a quintessential Australian male of his epoch. A movie star, a father, a grandfather, a lover, a fighter, and a peace activist who fought the good fight till his very last days. We can all learn some of life’s lessons from his legacy, this man who would soothe so many with his dulcet tones, a voice that people knew before they recognised his face.

Our friendship grew firstly out of a love of acting, and then from our shared humanity. I started assisting him traverse the days of being wheelchair-bound and battling with fickle and declining health, visiting and caring for

Josh BOOYENS Vote for BALLINA electorate

him. No one has ever fought a battle better. He was one of a kind, and the grace with which he held on to his dignity and quality of existence is, in retrospect, breathtaking.

A fine, real-life performance.

He wanted fiercely to live, and be of use to the world, and its human inhabitants, some who didn’t have the

scope nor the will to do it alone. But Tony planted their faith in themselves again and also in a higher source.

A great tree has fallen in the forest… Valē big, booming beautiful man. Valē. Our hearts go with you.

This is a condensed version of Joanna’s speech.

Kate Smorty is one of the residents affected by the Feros Board’s decision. Photo Eve Jeffery

Tyler Preston at Sunday’s standing room only memorial for much loved actor and activist, Tony Barry. Photo Jeff Dawson

Justine Elliot MP

Your Federal Member for Richmond

Tree preservation program launched

Tree lovers Jeannette Martin and Linda Meades have taken their passion to another level and are helping to create the Byron Shire Significant Tree Register – an interactive platform based on community nominations of their favourite trees in the region.

The Significant Trees project envisages a community that values trees, the environment, and local history.

The nomination criteria for the register has been centred around the National Trust Significant Tree Criteria, with categories of horticultural, aesthetic, historical, environmental, social or cultural values.

All nominations are professionally verified to complete inclusion into the register, the pair say.

Linda Meades says the tree register is a great way to raise the awareness.

‘It’s important to love our trees – really love them and cherish them, because they are so important to our whole way of life. Really, we need trees. I would like to see people really recognise the beauty of the trees around us.

Linda says that people

walk around, they admire a tree, or they think ‘that’s really beautiful’.

‘But to really look at the trees, really value them and really take notice of what’s around you in your environment – it could be the tree just outside your house or any tree in the neighbourhood – it’s very special to recognise that.’

Mullum SEED is hoping to expand the register. Once it’s established with sufficient nominations, the Significant Trees in Byron Shire team will expand the project to create the Byron Shire Significant Tree Trail for active participation sharing information about the featured trees with interpretive signage and a phone app.

Sunday picnic

To celebrate trees and to grow awareness of the register, there will be a picnic in the park this Sunday 3– 5pm by the river under the fig trees in Heritage Park at the end of Dalley Street, Mullumbimby.

It will feature The Biggest Little Town Choir, led by Peter Lehner.

Bring a rug, snacks, drinks, mozzy repellent and most importantly, a photo of your favourite tree for the Byron Shire Significant Tree Register. For more information, contact Linda on 0409 172 153, visit www.mullumseed.org.au/significanttrees, or find them on Facebook.

Mining in NSW: candidates state their position

Hans Lovejoy

With NSW Deputy Premier and minister responsible for resources, Paul Toole (Nationals), releasing a statement calling for the state to become ‘the number one investment destination for mining, exploration, and advanced manufacturing’, The Echo asked the four candidates for the March 25 election whether they support that position.

Toole’s press release last week refers to the expansion of the sector for ‘critical minerals such as copper, silver, rare earth elements, cobalt and lithium’.

Greens’ Smith

Sitting MP, Tamara Smith (Greens), told The Echo, ‘The Nationals’ vision to “make this state the number one investment destination for mining” is a frightening prospect.’

‘Right now, urgent action on climate is being delayed because the LiberalNationals Coalition and Labor take millions in donations from big coal and gas corporations, and continue to approve new mines.

‘It’s simple: if you don’t have a plan to stop opening new coal and gas mines, you don’t have a plan for the climate crisis.

‘The Coalition should support regional communities by phasing out fossil fuels, providing a transition plan to look after workers and communities, and reducing our reliance on new mineral extraction through improved and innovative recycling processes, with a focus on whole-of-life stewardship programs.

When we see the NSW Nationals jockeying for our state to become the number one destination for mining investment you have to ask yourself… do you trust them?’

Labor’s Broadley

Labor candidate, Andrew Broadley, told The Echo, ‘Australia’s exportation

of lithium, as an example of rare earth minerals, is increasing already.

‘This area is mainly a policy of the federal government. I suggest that you ask [local federal Labor MP] Justine Elliot for comment, or Resources Minister, Madeleine King’.

Broadley referred to a story at www.newcastleherald.com.au, titled ‘Crucial minerals underpin volatile exports’.

Nationals’ Booyens

Nationals candidate, Josh Booyens told The Echo, ‘As our world transitions to clean energy and renewables, the demand for the rare earth elements that go into batteries and semiconductors is only going to increase.

‘We have an exciting opportunity to be ahead of the curve in supplying these minerals to the world and creating hundreds of regional jobs in the process’.

Independent Loughrey

Independent candidate, Kevin Loughrey, told The Echo, ‘Do I support mining?’

‘The short answer is, “Yes, very much!”.’

‘I am gravely concerned with Australia’s present strategic situation. It is necessary that we, once again, become industrially self-sufficient.

‘One of a number of key enablers for this to happen is that we mine every type of metal, that is essential to modern technology production, here in Australia.

‘The rare earth metals market is presently dominated by the Communist Party of China. We urgently need to become selfsufficient, not only in their extraction from the earth, but in their processing to a final, usable product.

‘Another critical need in this country is liquid fuel supply. We only hold around 24 days reserve in this country. If Australia were to be cut

off, everything would grind to a halt, even the Defence Force, in around 24 days.

‘Please see: https:// kevinloughrey.com.au/Waste2Energy/Concept.html

‘That brings me to the matter of how I see it being possible for Australia to industrialise. I can deal with that later if you are interested.

‘The next question is the matter of environmental damage done by mining. I was the Superintendent of Engineering on North Stradbroke Island for Consolidated Rutile Limited.

‘I was responsible for the maintenance support of three large mines; moving around 12,000 tonnes of sand per hour. We used to take environmentalists up into the sand dunes and ask them to point out which side of the path we were on had been mined. They always got it wrong because the restored land was much healthier than the native bush.

‘Mining conducted properly can be an asset; particularly to pastoralists, where land that was formerly not useful before mining is flattened, groomed, grassed and treed such that it becomes ideal for livestock grazing or for recreation.

‘So the answer is an unequivocal, “Yes” and this should have been done many years ago. It is very important that the minerals are processed here in Australia to their end-state. To do that, we need the cheapest energy possible.

‘That brings me back to my top priority, and that is to fix the electricity generation market. The Waste to Liquid Fuel concept will not only address a critical defence vulnerability, it would provide copious quantities of liquid fuel at around 30 cents/litre wholesale.

‘This would depress the cost of motor and aviation fuels here in Australia, which would be a boon to our economy’.

Photo & story Eve Jeffery

Incumbent MP, Tamara Smith (Greens)

NSW Labor candidate, Andrew Broadley

NSW Nationals candidate, Josh Booyens

Independent candidate, Kevin Loughrey

Former Greens councillor and Mullum SEED Inc’s Jeannette Martin, and Linda Meades.

Election candidates’ positions on social housing

Hans Lovejoy

With an acute shortage of available housing across the nation, and in Byron Shire, The Echo asked candidates for the March 25 NSW election their social housing policy position.

Social housing is described by the government as, ‘secure and affordable rental housing for people on low incomes with housing needs’.

Those seeking social housing either apply to the NSW government’s Department of Communities & Justice (public housing), or to nongovernment social housing providers (community housing). According to www.nsw. gov.au, ‘There are currently long waiting periods for social housing in NSW’.

Affordable housing, on the other hand, can be exploited by developers through loopholes within the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP). For example, the Housing SEPP stipluates a 15 year sunset clause for affordable housing. After that, the property can be rented

at market rates. According to Council’s recent submission to the IPC’s Short Term Rental Accommodation Planning Proposal, there are 70 people housed in Byron Shire in community housing, and 200 in social [public] housing. There are also 221 rough sleepers in the Shire, which is on par with numbers found in Sydney.

Greens’ Smith

Sitting MP, Tamara Smith (Greens) told The Echo that the Greens recently announced their plan to ‘rescue housing in regional NSW’ through a $1 billion fund that will deliver at least 2,500 public and social homes in regional NSW each year for the next ten years’.

‘The plan includes provisions to immediately assist those impacted by floods in the Northern Rivers by boosting the buyback program and fully funding works to raise and retrofit eligible homes’.

Labor’s Broadley

Labor candidate, Andrew Broadley, provided The Echo with a statement by

NSW Labor ‘on how it plans to reduce administrative processes in the provision of social housing’.

It reads, ‘An elected Minns Labor government will create a new agency called “Homes NSW” that will drive the delivery of more housing options and manage social housing to tackle the state’s housing crisis.

‘NSW Labor will merge the Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC), Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) and DCJ Housing into one entity.

NSW Labor say they will merge social housing construction, maintenance and tenant management, which is ‘split across various government agencies and departments’, into a ‘single, one-stop social and affordable housing agency’.

‘With the Housing Register wait list increasing to 57,550 in 2022, including the number of Priority Applicants (6,519) increasing by 12 per cent in just one year, it is abundantly clear that addressing the housing crisis is a priority.’

Broadley added, ‘It is

important that there is a plan for social housing as our Northern Rivers population continues to increase. I will pursue this as well as affordable housing if I am elected’.

‘NSW Labor’s build-to rentprogram will provide housing for essential workers.

‘This is one of the measures that ensure that there are nurses for our hospitals, teachers in our schools’.

Nationals’ Booyens

Nationals candidate, Josh Booyens told The Echo, ‘The NSW Liberal and Nationals government has increased social housing in NSW by nine per cent over ten years, more than double the national figure of four per cent’.

‘NSW has more than 157,000 social homes – as many as Victoria, Queensland, and ACT combined. The community housing sector has significantly contributed to this.

‘The NSW Liberal and Nationals government has Implemented the over $1 billion Social and Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF),

delivering access to 3,040 homes across NSW, with more to be completed soon’.

‘The NSW Liberal and Nationals government is investing $2.8 billion in housing through the 2022 Housing Package – the state’s biggest investment in decades to address end-to-end housing’.

Booyens says the current government has allocated ‘around $1.379 billion in new funding to the NSW Land and Housing Corporation since 2020, including $868 million in stimulus funding as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, $168 million in flood recovery funding, $43 million in funding for domestic and family violence refuges and $300 million in new investment through the 2022 state budget’.

‘We are presented with a unique opportunity with greenfield development locations currently being investigated by the NRRC following the Lismore floods.

‘If elected, I will advocate for a mandated mix of social and affordable housing through this process’.

Independent Loughrey

Independent candidate, Kevin Loughrey told The Echo in part, ‘There are many downsides about social housing and it should be, in my opinion, a stop-gap with the aim of helping people own their own home. Some social housing programs involve the person “buying” a low-cost house by paying their rent. If they sell the house, they get to keep what is left over once the debt is recovered’.

‘My priority is to lower the cost of housing construction and the cost of land.

‘How to reduce the cost of housing? Increase supply and remove green and red tape. Increasing supply means releasing more land for housing. In doing this, the land should be released as individual blocks with preference being given to owner builders or families who then go and contract a builder’.

To read the candidates’ full replies, visit www.echo.net.au.

The Women’s Music Industry Forum is back!

Lindy Lou Smith

After the last minute cancellation of the 2022 WMIF owing to the devastating floods in our community, the Byron Youth Service (BYS) is pleased to announce that the Women’s Music Industry Forum is back on at the Byron Youth Activity Centre (YAC) on Saturday March 11, from 11am till 3pm.

This annual event began in 2021, and includes a panel of industry speakers, a Q&A, a performance showcase and also offers professional development opportunities to local women, non-binary and trans people in the music industry.

We are excited to announce that we have been able to secure this inspirational lineup of speakers in 2023, including Zee Gachette (Z-Star), Emily Lubitz (Tinpan Orange) and Sarah and Molly Buckley (The Buckleys).

The event begins with a forum, where these highly experienced music industry professionals share inspirational stories, skills and expertise in their chosen fields. The group then participates in a live Q&A

and a catered lunch with opportunities to network. The showcase allows for local artists to perform their original material and showcase their skills in a

supportive environment. This encourages inspiration, collaboration, and builds relationships between local women who may be isolated in regional areas.

Floods remembered, a year on

The participants will be inspired by these experienced leaders, which allows for creative expression and insight at a grassroots level. The event also works to promote resilience, build capacity in the community and brings women together to facilitate future employment opportunities in the Australian music industry.

This event is sponsored by Byron Music and is free. To register to attend the WMIF, visit www.bys.org.au/ youth-culture/the-womensmusic-industry-forum or email lindylou@bys.org.au for more details.

Lindy Lou Smith is from Byron Youth Service.

Grant writing workshop, March 17

Mullum SEED is hosting a grant writing workshop on Friday March 17, to be facilitated by Samantha Morris from Wombat Creative.

Organisers say it will feature special guests with a combined 60 years of experience in writing and winning grants.

Samantha says the environmental funding landscape

has changed dramatically in the past ten years.

Fully subsidised

Co-GM of Mullum SEED, Alice Moffett, says the workshop will run at no cost to participants, and each seat is fully subsidised by a Splendour in the Grass Community Grant.

‘While the workshop is

aimed at professional staff of conservation NGOs, all notfor-profit organisations and groups with a focus on the environment are invited to attend. We are bringing our skilled not-for-profit sector together to add a valuable tool to their kit’, she says. More information and reservations: mullumseed.org. au/grant-writing-workshop.

To mark the one-year anniversary of the 2022 floods, a morning reflection and acknowledgement was held on Sunday at the Council chambers. The day included music and art activities. Council, in collaboration with community service organisations, is co-ordinating a series of flood anniversary events over coming weeks and months, thanks to funding from the NSW government. For more information, go to www.byron.nsw.gov.au/floodanniversary-events. Photo Jeff Dawson

Independent MLC candidate Farrelly holds forum, March 16

Architect, academic, columnist and 2023 NSW Upper House candidate, Elizabeth Farrelly, will be in conversation with councillor and lawyer, Mark Swivel, on Thursday March 16, at Barrio at Habitat, Porter Street, Byron Bay, from 6pm. They will discuss ‘issues of particular importance to the Northern Rivers region, such as climate change, mitigating

flood risks, jobs creation, cost of living issues and affordable housing for locals, with audience questions and contributions welcomed’.

Farrelly says, ‘The challenges facing NSW, and regional NSW in particular, have been growing in magnitude and urgency. But the major parties don’t seem to do much about them – they don’t seem to want to’.

VOTE 1 YOUR VOTE IS POWERFUL

Since I was elected in 2015 we have seen a 50% increase in infrastructure investment in the Ballina electorate. and recovery.

TAMARA SMITH MP

My Greens colleagues and I have drug law reform. We secured greater dignity legislation in NSW.

Invest

Sarah and Molly Buckley. Photo Kimberly Vecsei

BE INSPIRED

B Y R E S I L I E N T R E B U I L D S

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The more we understand resilient building design, including how our homes will perform in increasingly damaging weather events, the quicker we will recover and adapt.

Free bus services available for Northern Rivers open homes on . Bookings essential.

SCAN HERE FOR MORE DETAILS AND BOOKINGS OR VISIT mullumcares.org.au

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Mullum Cares, with support from the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC), is working to support and provide

Obituary supplied by family

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Brian Perkins, a founding member of The Delltones (1958), and a true legend in the music industry.

Brian passed away peacefully at his property on the Far North Coast over the weekend.

He was surrounded by the love and support of his wife, Janis, close friends and his beloved poodles, Mirusia Bronte and Ashton Martin.

Brian was a strong and determined individual, who had a passion for music and entertainment.

After his successful career with The Delltones, he then went on to form another successful vocal harmony

A Meet the Candidates evening, to be held at the Ocean Shores Country Club on March 13 from 6pm, will be a chance for residents to hear about how Byron Shire’s north can better prepare for future flooding. All are welcome.

A spokesperson for the Ocean Shores Community

group, Sh Boom.

Brian’s contributions to the music industry and the community are immeasurable, and his passing will be felt by many.

He was also an entrepreneur, owning and operating a boutique resort and

Association (OSCA), told The Echo, ‘The Brunswick River, with its north and south arms, Marshalls Creek and Simpsons Creek, has been blocked by heavy siltation over the past 60 years’.

‘The natural clean out of the Brunswick River, especially from the north arm

restaurant in the Byron Bay hinterland. After selling the resort, Brian again re-invented and established himself as a fully-licensed real estate agent and auctioneer. He was also the director of his family company on the Far North Coast of NSW.

(Marshalls Creek) is impeded.

‘Floodwaters from the north encounter the massive earth wall built by the Department of Public Works at the entrance of Marshalls Creek, and cannot naturally flow out to the ocean.

‘The floodwaters flow back to the north, causing

He remained actively involved in his work until his untimely death on the weekend.

Brian was a cherished member of the community and will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

He lived a full and meaningful life, dedicated to his family, friends and passions.

His legacy will live on through the memories and impact he left on those he touched.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.

Rest in peace, Brian Perkins, a true rock star and legend.

You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

a chain reaction of flooding and mayhem.

‘This affects Mullumbimby, Ocean Shores and, for the first time, Brunswick Heads.

‘Tributaries from Marshalls Creek cannot escape to the ocean because of a road built along the dunes’.

Janis and Brian with Mirusia Bronte and Ashton Martin.

Photo supplied

Surprise guest for Groovin’ on the Green

Story and photo David Lowe

The Premier of NSW, Dominic Perrottet, was a surprise guest at Groovin’ on the Green in Ballina on Saturday, a fun family event organised by Ballina on Richmond Rotary and Cherry Street Sports Club for local floodaffected residents.

With live music, a jumping castle and food stalls, Rotary said the free, ticketed event was booked out, although a lot of people were hiding from the bright sun inside the Cherry Street Club when the premier arrived to speak.

Rotary’s incoming District Governor, Dave Harmon, said it was important to commemorate the flooding with a public event, twelve months on.

He also told The Echo that the crisis wasn’t over for many people (including his own family), with the work of restoring houses, finding accommodation and pursuing insurance justice continuing.

‘It’s challenging times,’ he said. ‘It plays with your mental health. But days like today, where community comes together, does give you

a bit of encouragement for the future, that eventually things will come back to normal.

‘I think today’s really positive, in that it’s telling these flood-affected families around here that we care.

‘We haven’t forgotten you. We’re still here to support and help.’

With a state election looming on March 25, it wasn’t too long before the bands had to make room for the politicians.

State Premier, Dominic Perrottet, who arrived with his wife Helen and their latest baby Celeste, was introduced by the Mayor of Ballina, Sharon Cadwallader.

Mayor Cadwallader

gratefully noted that the premier had spent 30 days in the Northern Rivers over the past twelve months, before Mr Perrottet spoke.

Perrottet told the gathering, ‘The devastation that I saw as premier on that day when I came into Ballina is something that will never leave me’.

‘The water, the mud, the devastation…

‘But what I saw and witnessed that day was a sense of incredible strength, optimism, resilience and confidence that despite the devastation that they would get through, and I heard stories from people who left their own homes to look

Man faces court over nonviolent action halting logging

after others…

‘I saw the best of Australians in action, the fact that people look out for others, that sense of spirit of service, that selflessness,’ said Mr Perrottet.

‘I knew at the time, it was going to be a long, long journey,’ said Premier Perrottet.

‘My focus was always that it wasn’t just about the clean-up. And I know we haven’t got everything right, to be frank’.

Perrottet: ‘Haven’t got everything right’

‘And I think it can be hard to get everything right when we’ve had such a devastating natural disaster. But my dream has always been that I’ll be here every step of the way. And I know that journey is not over. But there is a long way to go…’

Mayor Cadwallader presented the premier with a box of local gifts, including a prawn tea towel, before Mr Perrottet offered the mic to the Member for Ballina, Tamara Smith (Greens). Nationals candidate, Joshua Booyens, was also at the event.

A crowd of supporters gathered at Lismore Courthouse Monday to support local engineer, Andrew George, as he faced court for his nonviolent action in halting forestry operations in Doubleduke State Forest last month.

The forest is located just 9kms south of Woodburn.

Mr George intends to plead guilty to charges related to his nonviolent protest on February 6, which is part of a wider NSW campaign to halt all public forest logging.

Mr George engaged in an act of nonviolent civil disobedience by occupying a tree-sit in Doubleduke State Forest for five hours.

He was apprehended and charged with breaching four forestry regulations by ‘interfering with timber harvesting equipment; carrying on activity in a forestry area that poses a risk to safety; entering a forestry area without permission if prohibited by a displayed notice; and contravening direction to leave a forestry area given by an authorised officer’.

In a statement before his court appearance George

said climate disruption is no longer vague or in the future.

‘It is here in Lismore, and I have seen the impacts and consequences on my friends and this community’.

‘The major flooding events of 2022 led to the displacement of thousands of people, the pollution of ecosystems and the destruction of infrastructure and property, trauma, and death.

Link between healthy ecosystems and climate is clear

‘The link between healthy ecosystems and a safe and stable climate is clear.

‘This means that protecting our forests is intricately connected with protecting the people of Lismore, and the world.’

A spokesperson for the Save Banyabba Koalas group, Sean O’Shannessy, said the charges against Andrew George ‘represent a desperate attempt by NSW government’s Forest Corp to suppress the rising tide of dissent against their ecocidal practices in our public native forests’.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet (Liberal), speaks in Ballina.

Feros Care – a letter to the community

Dear Byron Bay community,

We are sorry for the pain and confusion felt by the residents, families and the community about the closure and redevelopment of Feros Village Byron Bay. It was a difficult decision to make and not taken lightly.

We are listening to the community and know it is important to share more information with you.

Why did you have to close the Feros Village Byron Bay?

The decision to close the Village was made because after 33 years it no longer meets the requirements of a residential aged care facility. It cannot continue in its current form in a way that meets all the expectations and requirements.

How long do residents have before the home is closed?

Every resident is being given ample time and support to move to their next home, and this may take months. Feros is actively supporting each resident to transition to their new home. No date has been set for the closure and it is untrue residents were asked to move within 14 days.

Where will residents move to?

Right now there are vacancies in Feros Village Bangalow, and we are preferencing Byron Bay residents for places at Feros Village Wommin Bay. Other aged care providers in the region have offered their homes. Every resident will be supported in their choice of a new home.

Is Feros Care developing the site to make money?

No. Feros Care is a not-for-profit charity committed to the Byron Bay community, just as we have been for many years. Feros Care does not own the Crown land and therefore cannot and does not want to sell to developers.

So what’s next?

We are in the early stages of understanding what might be possible on this site, and we will be consulting with the community as plans progress. George Feros pioneered Feros Care in Byron Bay and his dream to care for our aged in our community will continue in Byron Bay.

Jason Bingham Chair of the Board Feros Care

POSITION VACANT Showground Manager

The Board of Mullumbimby Showground is seeking an experienced Manager to:

•Run the day-to-day operations of our beautiful showground.

•Maintain relationships with showground stakeholders.

•Work with the Board to develop and deliver a new Plan of Management.

•Support board initiatives and strategic planning for infrastructure improvements.

Essential skills required: Site, event and/or venue management; excellent communication and organisational skills; computer literacy; financial administration; budget management; keen eye for detail. Previous project management experience is considered desirable. Onsite caretakers are contracted independently of the manager to handle campground operations.

The contract is for 28 hours per week, based out of the Showground office. Applications close at midday on Thursday 23 March, 2023.

For full position description and details of how to apply, please visit:

https://www.mullumbimbyshowground.org.au/apply

STRA campaigners gaslighting locals

Sabine Muschter

The latest action from the short-term rental accommodation (STRA) campaigners is an alarmist email exhorting recipients to ‘Join the fight to protect your right to stay in a holiday home in Byron Bay’. This somewhat misleading headline from Byron Bay Holiday Rentals (supporters of the ‘Byron Deserves Better’ campaign) targets previous or potential visitors to Byron Shire.

On 2 March, just a week after the community consultation by the Independent Planning Commission (IPC), the holiday rental agency sent an email out maintaining the 90-day cap on STRA would ‘diminish your enjoyment of Byron’s beauty and hospitality’ and ‘your feedback would help us ensure that your next holiday in this breathtaking town remains affordable and accessible’. Reading it made me angry. What about the rights of locals who purchased in a residential area? The right to long-term rent, the right to live where we work, the right to a peaceful night’s sleep, the right to have neighbours and the right to feel safe? What about those rights? Surely a place to live and work is a higher priority than ‘The right to stay in a holiday home’?

Sitting through the public hearing of the IPC (held in Byron on 21/22 February) with many other concerned residents I witnessed our community speaking up for itself. There have been many intelligent and passionate arguments from residents about conserving the very essence of this community, and a fair amount of fiction from the STRA lobby about the impact of lowering the recently legislated 180-day

The World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) is an annual protest and demonstration in the form of a clothing optional bicycle ride, which happens in approximately 70 cities around the world.

Organisers say, ‘through our naked and highly visible presence on our roads our protest aims to highlight the vulnerability of cyclists to motorists who appear blind to our presence, to promote cycling as an alternative to a car culture, and encourage positive body image for all.

‘Too many cyclists are killed or injured on our roads by car drivers who claim that

cap to 90-days,

as

proposed by Byron Shire Council.

Byron showed up

The public hearing was an opportunity to hear the voices and see the supporters of the 90-day cap and for the half-truths of those against the proposal to be publicly aired. The Council didn’t have the money or the fancy barrister that Airbnb used to bolster its arguments. Byron showed up. Everybody in favour of the cap or requiring some balance in the STRA sector spoke with a belief in the greater good of our community.

Firefighters, feisty CWA women, architects, town planners, anthropologists, medical professionals, politicians, and developers spoke in support of Council’s proposal and about the impacts of unhosted STRA on different sections of the community. What struck me as I sat nervously waiting for my turn to speak was that the supporters of the 90-day cap were concerned about the broader interests of neighbourhoods and the wellbeing of our people.

Many speakers against the 90-day cap in residential areas chose to phone in. The crux of their arguments was that reducing the cap would ‘kill tourism’ and put cleaners, gardeners, and waste collectors out of work.

Non-resident STRA owners were worried they would lose part of the income stream their ‘trustworthy’ real estate agent had promised them. One commissioner posed the question to several interstate property owners – ‘Why did they believe that buying a house in a residential area would be available to holiday let?’ The common answer was ‘Well, because the real estate agent told me so’.

Won’t ‘kill tourism’

Think about that for a moment. Unhosted STRA in residential areas only became legal in Byron Shire when the planning minister’s SEPP amendment came into force in January 2022. Most of the absentee landlords purchased when holiday letting was a prohibited activity in residential zones.

The 90-day cap is not stopping STRA in the Byron Shire. No one is trying to ‘kill’ tourism. Studies predict there will be sufficient visitor accommodation if a 90-day cap is introduced in June 2024. Approved accommodation providers (who pay business rates) such as hotels, guest houses and hostels have occupancy rates of around 65 per cent which is low for tourism hotspots. Four more hotels/apartment blocks are currently being built in Byron’s CBD.

Furthermore, under

Council’s proposal, hosted STRAs anywhere, and all unhosted STRAs in 365-day proposed precincts, will have no restrictions. The hysteria being drummed up by STRA campaigners that the 90-day cap is anti-tourism is simply a beat-up designed to gas-light residents and visitors. After listening to all the arguments against the 90-day cap, I’m still waiting for some cold hard facts. To the objectors to the proposal, please ‘own’ the simple truth that it is about money, money, money (as ABBA says) and do not pretend the focus is about Byron’s community, a family’s ‘right to an affordable holiday in Byron’, or that it will kill tourism.

University researcher Dr Sabine Muschter has extensively studied the impacts of STRA in Byron Shire and other communities. Numerous studies show a significant impact on a community’s well-being in tourism hotspots. The negative effects of STRA platforms include an increase in rent and property values, the reduction of longterm rental accommodation resulting in worker shortages and extensive mental stress for locals (particularly families), and the disruption for residents through the noise, traffic congestion, overcrowding, and loss of amenity.

Based on 2019 visitor numbers, Byron Shire has one of the highest visitor-perresident per-year ratios’ in the world. Approximately 65–70 visitors per resident per year, and a high ratio of STRA to residential dwellings. To put this in context, the average of the most visited cities in Europe is between four to six visitors per resident.

See article by Sandra Heilpern on page 26.

World Naked Bike Ride this Sunday March 12

all genders and ages are unhappy with their bodies. We encourage all to come along ‘bare as you dare’ and be happy with your body.

‘We welcome all. Please join us for our 15th WNBR on March 12. The Byron Bay annual ride is the largest gathering of WNBR riders in Australia, all in our tiny town. Hoping to see many come out, participate or just be here to cheer on and support WNBR.

they did not see the cyclists. We say to the car drivers, if we ride naked, ‘can you see me now’?

Our naked riders are as vulnerable as the planet that

we live on owing to a society that over-promotes car use.

Ditch your car, grab a bike, and do your health and the environment a big favour.

‘Too many people of

‘It’s a great opportunity to show your support for awareness for bicycle safety on our roads. Butler Street Reserve at 1pm for a 3pm ride. Helmets are a must.’

IPC public hearing in Byron Bay. Photo supplied

Joyous participants of a past nude bike ride. Photo Jeff Dawson

Damian

Kassabgi

Organised community sport is an important way for us all to exercise, have fun, make friends, become better at something and create growth opportunities for our kids.

Byron Bay Community Tennis and the Suffolk Park Progress Association are teaming up to develop a plan to provide accessible, affordable and organised tennis services at the courts in Linda Vidler Park (near Baz and Shaz).

The courts are currently not being maintained, which means there is a build-up of leaves, water damage from the floods, occasional misuse, and damage to the fence. The lights are also not properly operational.

Byron Community Tennis is a not-for-profit organisation (made up of local tennis tragics) and seeking to manage the Suffolk courts on behalf of Council to ensure there is a better outcome for the community. Part of the discussions include accessing flood remediation funding to repair at least one court, as well as the fence repair and replacement of light bulbs for early evening tennis sessions.

Importantly, the association will look to provide services at the courts, including some coaching, squad groups, social competitions (both singles and doubles), organised sessions for the elderly, as well as kids’ training. As a non-profit, any money raised will go directly back into enhancing the maintenance of the courts.

We will also be moving to a new booking system that will enable us to help manage access to the courts more efficiently and help ensure everyone gets a turn to practise, socialise, train or compete (including reminding folks to cancel their booking if they are not going to turn up).

Unfortunately, there are no community run tennis programs in the Byron Bay and Suffolk Park areas, which is leading to adverse

Calling nurses & carers

to join our Byron Aged Care team today

Are you a registered nurse, assistant nurse or personal carer seeking a new role in the heart of Byron Bay?

Given the recent closure of Feros Care Village Byron Bay, Byron Aged Care is wishing to support the local community, by offering career opportunities for care staff wishing to remain local.

outcomes for our community. Byron Bay does not participate in regional children’s competitions, nor are there affordable, family friendly, tennis services available. We are aiming to change that by bringing well run community tennis to Suffolk Park.

It was great to see so many locals come along for the information session last Sunday including local Councillor, Asren Pugh, who generously offered his support. If you have any questions or suggestions you can contact us at ourbyrontennis@gmail. com – all locals are also welcome to join the association. Maybe the next Ash Barty is amongst us!

We are seeking casual & permanent staff committed to the provision of holistic residential aged care, to join our team. arrangements, ongoing training, professional development, a $1K sign-on bonus & above award rates.

We will also pass on a 15% pay increase now, rather than waiting until the end of June.

To apply, head to the Careers page at byronagedcare.com.au or call 0428 082 969

3/47 JONSON STREET, BYRON BAY

Byron Lifestyle Real Estate

Damian Kassabgi, President of Byron Bay Community Tennis supported by Suffolk Park Progress Association.

Locals gathered at the Linda Vidler Park tennis courts to plan their future. Photo supplied

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

Tweed

River

students

annual clean-up day

On Friday the Green Team from Tweed River High School did their part for Clean Up Australia Day at Jack Evans Boat Harbour in Tweed Heads.

Screenworks’ new CEO hits the ground running

Lisa O’Meara is the new CEO of Screenworks, the Ballinabased screen organisation with an increasingly national outlook. She sat down with The Echo to talk about where Screenworks is heading.

Lismore Council stripped of planning powers

NSW Planning Minister, Anthony Roberts, has removed planning powers from Lismore City Council.

Election 2023 – Clarence: Debrah Novak

Debrah Novak is a current councillor for the Clarence Valley Council and she has decided to run as an Independent for the seat of Clarence in the upcoming state elections.

Should rich people be able to support Ballina Council with their taxes?

Near the end of Ballina Shire Council’s last epic meeting, Cr Eoin Johnston put forward a motion to pursue the idea of tax deductible donations from the public to fund essential local council services.

People forced to sell flood-damaged homes as NRRC dithers

One year on and the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Commission (NRRC) still have not progressed spending the $800 million they’ve been granted to purchase the estimated 2,000 homes and land in need of buybacks.

Casino and Grafton out of reach for many renters

The pressure on renters remains high and has been having an increasing effect on rural and regional areas.

www.echo.net.au

Tweed rail trail has now opened $800,000 in community election commitments

State Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, has this morning announced a suite of small-scale election commitments aimed at strengthening local communities for future natural disasters, improving services for families and youth, and supporting sport and cultural life.

Ms Saffin says she remains firmly focused on leading the flood recovery and is also delivering projects, small and large, which will make a real difference to people’s lives across our electorate.

‘Today, I’ll be meeting with members of the Nimbin

Advisory Group and Aquarius 50 Organising Committee in Nimbin, and then visiting Friends of the Koala Incorporated in Lismore, to thank them for the work they are doing in the community.

‘And over the coming weeks, I’ll be catching up with other local community leaders driving more great projects.

‘These election commitments are ones I have secured support for if a Minns Labor government comes to office at the NSW state election on March 25.’

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

No April Fool’s Day Tweed rodeo

Aslan Shand

A proposal for an annual rodeo at the Council-managed Les Burger Sports Field, Cabarita Beach was knocked back by the majority of Tweed Shire councillors at yesterday’s council meeting.

The proposal to Tweed Council was for an event to take place on 1 April that would include live music, and amotorbike show etc for 1,500 to 2,500 attendees.

Councillor, Dr Nola Firth put the motion to say that Tweed Council ‘does not support the rodeo event proposed’, which was seconded

by Cr Meredith Dennis.

‘Looking at the application it is proposed to be an annual event. It is on Council land and we as leaders in the community need to be taking a lead on this issue,’ said Cr Firth.

‘We heard from Lisa Ryan that this is entertainment at the expense of animals.

‘The RSPCA is opposed to rodeo and rodeo schools because of the potential for significant injury, suffering or distress to the animals involved,’ she explained.

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

The Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail opened last week making 24km of the former rail line open to the public.

The rail trail runs from the heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station to Crabbes Creek and features 26 bridges and two tunnels.

‘The Tweed section of the rail trail meanders gently southwards through the spectacular scenery of the Tweed Valley, connecting the villages of Stokers Siding, Burringbar, Mooball and Crabbes Creek. The path features a 500m Burringbar Range Tunnel, home to tiny micro-bats and glow worms,’ said a spokesperson.

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin, who represented Federal

Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot, at the ceremony, said the Northern Rivers Rail Trail would eventually run from Murwillumbah to Casino through the spectacular scenery of the Tweed Valley, Byron Shire, Lismore and Richmond Valley.

The trail has seen the restoration of a range of heritage-listed bridges including both the historic Dunbible Creek Rail Bridge and the Burringbar Under Bridge No.1 near Mooball, a bolted plate girder bridge, first opened in 1894. They are two of the largest and most historically significant landmarks on the rail trail.

‘These are unique heritage bridges that really add to the look and feel of the area

with the 100m timbre bridge at Mooball being restored,’ said Project Director, Iain Lonsdale.

Mayor of Tweed Shire, Chris Cherry, said she was confident the rail trail would be warmly embraced by the local community, providing an exciting new corridor between villages.

‘This is going to be such an incredible new asset for the community and will provide a safe new link between Murwillumbah and the villages of Stokers Siding, Burringbar, Mooball and Crabbes Creek,’ Cr Cherry said.

‘This is going to be a first-class attraction that not only connects us to our community and neighbours but to the wider world’.

Gym/dance studio blocked at Ballina Racecourse

A proposal to amend the Local Environmental Plan for a site at 34 Racecourse Road was blocked by Ballina Council at their last meeting, preventing the redevelopment of the site for a proposed gym school and dance studio.

Despite staff recommendations to proceed to a Gateway determination, it

quickly became obvious that councillors thought this was the wrong location for the idea, with horse racing to be prioritised over other uses.

Cr Jeff Johnson said he was excited about the proposal when it first came up... but was since disappointed.

‘Given the location, I don’t think it’s compatible with

surrounding businesses.’ Council then voted unanimously to block the LEP change from proceeding. Cr Eva Ramsey was absent and Cr Phil Meehan absented himself owing to a potential conflict of interest.

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

The rail trail was officially opened with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony performed by the Biren Cultural Group. Joining them (from back left) were: NRRT Inc President Pat Grier, NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole, Tweed MP Geoff Provest MP, Tweed Mayor Chris Cherry, and Lismore MP Janelle Saffin.

Iron Gates developers roll out the big guns at conciliation meeting at Evans Head. Community says ‘NO’

Aslan Shand

Iron Gates is an approximately 50 hectare site at Evans Head that has been subject to proposed development applications (DAs) since the 1980s. The local community has repeatedly highlighted the flood and fire risks of the site as well as held developer Graham Ingles to account for illegal clearing of the site through the courts.

The site is once again back in the Land and Environment Court (L&EC) for a Section 34 Conciliation Conference following the rejection of a DA by the Northern Regional Planning Panel (NRPP) on 7 September, 2022 that highlighted two independent reports stating that the DA should be refused. The conciliation conference was convened at the Iron Gates property at Evans Head on Monday morning (6 March, 2023) to consider the decision of the NRRP to refuse the DA from Goldcoral Pty Ltd for residential development on the property.

The conference was attended by staff of Richmond Valley Council and Council’s solicitor, Simone Barker from Bandjalang Traditional Owners and members of her family, represented by her solicitor. There was also a large phalanx of legal representatives and experts hired by the appellants Goldcoral Pty Ltd (in external administration), a substantial number of residents opposed to the development, and L&EC Commissioner Michael Chilcott who presided over the conference.

The commissioner indicated that he had only come to the file last Thursday.

Six locals addressed the commissioner

Dr Richard Gates from Evans Head Residents for Sustainable Development Incorporated said that he found it ‘passing strange’ that he should be addressing a conciliation conference of the L&EC having not been told what the grounds for the appeal from Goldcoral Pty Ltd were. He said that nonetheless, any matter involving proposed residential development at the Iron Gates site demanded comment so that the court was very clear that residential development was not welcome and that should it proceed, it would

Above: locals waiting to speak before the L&EC hearing.

Right: Measurements made of each of the Iron Gates sites using the ‘area measuring tool’ from SIX Maps. While the R1 zone makes up a majority of land within two of the blocks (276-277) it occupies only 40 per cent for the three blocks which are the subject of the DA, highlighting that much of the land is not zoned R1.

knowingly put people in ‘harm’s way’. He said that the land should be rezoned to a more environmentallysensitive zoning in keeping with its character, something the community has been asking for for many years.

Dr Gates also said that he found it difficult to reconcile the fact that land along the Woodburn-Evans Head Road had been recommended for removal from residential development status in Richmond Valley Council’s draft Growth Management Strategy, while almost identical land to the south of it, the Iron Gates site, was still included for a large residential development.

Dr Gates also covered fire and flood risks for the Iron Gates site pointing out from his own experience as a volunteer firefighter, as well as chair of an advisory committee involved in fire plans for National Parks, and park ranger and planner in Canada, that it was difficult to understand how the RFS had given approval for residential development on the site. Dr Gates queried their assessment processes, particularly in view of climate changes now upon us.

He pointed out that the land is also subject to serious flooding: ‘why else would the developer dig two huge canals hundreds of metres long?’ Dr Gates also reminded the commissioner that the 2014 flood planning maps are incorrect and two of the three are missing from the assessment process.

Dr Gates highlighted that the NRPP was in error drawing the conclusion that ‘much of the land proposed for development’ was zoned R1 Residential when measurement showed that it was approximately 40 per cent with most of the rest being of environmental (see image).

Commissioner Chilcott also heard about many other issues of concern from the community including impact on the koala population from Maria Matthes, Aboriginal cultural landscape integrity matters and history from Jocelyn Reese from the Bundjalung Nation and Elaine Saunders from Evans Head Residents for Sustainable Development. Ms Saunders also included information about the 1895 destruction of the land bridge at Iron Gates which joined the north and south sides of the Evans River together allowing passage of the Aboriginal Nation for important cultural practices.

Dr Peter Ashley spoke particularly to the status of the Iron Gates Road, built illegally across wetlands to get to the property, and for which Richmond Valley Council claims no responsibility, and the matter of who the appellants were in the conciliation meeting, which is not known to the public. He asked whether the court might be interested to know who it was as there was information ‘on the street’ that it was foreign-owned. Ian Rankin spoke on the impact of the development on the local community

and its infrastructure and the isolated nature of the community. There was no support for the development from any of the speakers.

Public excluded

Once the six speakers were heard by the commissioner, the meeting was adjourned and all the parties, except for the public, moved to the Iron Gates property where the conciliation process continued. The commissioner indicated that once the site visit was completed the parties would reconvene at the Casino Council Chambers but that the public was excluded. The outcome of the conciliation process would be provided by Council’s solicitor.

power on display

Dr Gates said that it was interesting to observe just how many people Goldcoral Pty Ltd had rolled up for the conciliation. Such a large contingent suggested money and power. ‘I expect they would be collecting information about what the community had to say. Hopefully they got the message that the Iron Gates development was not wanted and was dangerous.’

Dr Gates said that he expected that the case for appeal would go beyond the Section 34 conciliation process to the court itself and that those who gave evidence ast today’s conference could well end up giving evidence in court.

The L&EC banned photos at hearings.

The Byron Shire Echo

Volume 37 #39 • March 8, 2023

A manifesto on man’s best friend

It is really easy to blame the self-centred entitled boneheads who choose to take their dogs into the no-go areas on the beach. And I do. There is nothing so certain as to ruin my daily sojourn to the beach than confronting these precious beasts about their boundaries. Or not confronting them, and wondering if I should. Or trying not to look aghast at the common lame excuses for environmental vandalism like ‘my dogs don’t chase birds’ or ‘it’s only one’ or ‘she’s old’. Some, very few, have no idea or miss the signs and have transgressed by accident. The aggro alternatives ‘what’s it to you?’ or ‘fuck off!’ show the true colours of some dolts.

Byron Shire Echo reetings dear readers of the Byron Shire Echo, it is I, Hans Lovejoy, here to share with you my thoughts and opinions on the current state of local politics.

As we approach the upcoming Council election [Correction – it’s an upcoming state election, not Council – Ed], the atmosphere in the Byron Shire is charged with political tension.

With a range of candidates vying for the top job, it is a crucial critical time for the future of our beloved community.

But with so many personalities and agendas at play, it can be challenging to navigate the political landscape and make an informed decision.

That’s why it’s crucial for us, as citizens, to stay engaged and informed, to ask the tough questions, and hold our elected officials accountable.

One issue that has been dominating the local political scene is the proposed development of the West Byron wetlands.

[Note: This issue has been determined through the courts and development is now underway – Ed]

While some argue that it would create much needed housing and economic growth, others fear it could lead to irreversible damage to our natural environment.

The debate surrounding West Byron is just one example of the complex challenges facing our community. It is a reminder that we must balance economic growth with environmental conservation, and that the decisions we make today will have a significant impact on future generations.

Another issue making waves is the ongoing tension between locals and the influx of tourists.

While tourism is undoubtably a significant contributor to our local economy, it can also lead to overcrowding, environmental degradation, and a loss of the authentic Byron vibe that draws so many visitors in the first place.

As we move forward, it’s essential that we strike a balance between supporting our local business, and preserving the character of our community.

In conclusion, dear readers, I urge you to stay engaged and informed as we approach the upcoming Council elections [Correction: its a state election – Ed].

Let’s ask the tough questions, challenge elected officials, and work together to build a brighter future for the Byron Shire.

Yours in journalism,

[AI] Hans Lovejoy, [virtual] editor

News tips are welcome: editor@echo.net.au

I’ve diligently followed the suggested approaches from Echo letter writers over the years including this gem: ‘There’s a ranger down there booking people for dog offences. Just letting you know’. The problem is that occasionally the pet and the petulant then take off into the bush to avoid the mythical ranger making things worse.

But the more I’ve thought about doggy don’ts from a criminological perspective, the key culpable mob is the trifecta of authorities tasked with policing this: National Parks, Council rangers and the police. Where are they when the dogs are frolicking with glee around nests and chasing wallabies? All can write tickets. All can prosecute. All are generally missing in action. Warnings, education, leads, tsk, tsk, tsk are utterly useless.

Here is a well-accepted criminological theory – if a law is not enforced and a perpetrator believes there is little or no chance of being caught, then the crime will be committed more often.

Here is a second theory – if you name, shame and heavily penalise a few offenders, it acts as a deterrence to others. Testing these theories on myself for example, I conclude that if I could use my mobile phone while driving without any prospect of being caught, I probably would. If there were phone detection cameras all over the place and the fine was a million dollars and loss

The Byron Shire Echo

Volume 37 #39 March 8, 2023

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Where are National Parks, Council rangers and the police when the dogs are frolicking with glee around nests and chasing wallabies?

David Heilpern

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

of licence for ten years, I probably wouldn’t. If there was no risk of getting caught I might just claim a few extras on my dismal tax deduction list. Theory proven.

Remember the nude swimming/ pervert/Tyagarah outrage a few years ago?

A combination of education, enforcement, exemplification, general and specific deterrence and community engagement largely worked.

Since then, the absence of frantic rutting in the sandhills has been notable. And genitals generally don’t kill wildlife. Well, not often.

So, here’s a lesson in criminal law policy 101 to reduce the problem of dogs in protected areas.

First have a meeting between the prosecuting agencies and work out a cooperative approach on timing, areas and joint patrols. Nothing like three different uniforms bearing down on you. There are different areas of jurisdiction and attention needed from Wooyung in the north to Broken Head in the south, so planning is essential.

Second, the investigation. I know that a hurdle is getting people’s names and addresses.

The solution is called a camera. The three authorities could collectively set up a Facebook page seeking information based on the photos taken where they can’t identify the perps or mutts. The community would identify the dogs, owners and walkers in no time by private message. Once that information is received, the identity is confirmed by a wee home visit, and bingo!

Third, stop with the softly softly – maybe a ticket or a bit of education and other warning mush. Prosecute in court in, say, ten really strong cases each year for each of

Council, police and National Parks.

They have the discretion to do that instead of a ticket. The fines in court are potentially huge. The original ticket amount is irrelevant. The defendants will have to front up to court. They will be photographed and shamed and fined or bonded and have costs awarded against them.

Press releases and advertisements will be placed, highlighting the successful prosecution. They will be plastered all over social media. Environmental vandals! Bird/turtle/wallaby killers! Narcissists! Tabloid shock-jock bliss.

Fourth, harness your best friends in this – that is, the vast majority of dog owners who do the right thing. They are your greatest allies because they sacrifice their ball throwing, desire for quiet, bit more walk north/south, always carry black bag, lead etc for the environment every single day.

They are responsible canine lovers, just like the responsible nude bathers, and they have every incentive to help pull into line the refusers. I love my shore birds. I adore watching the marsupials lick the salt off the sand. I want to swim without dogs pissing on my towel. Or barking in my meditation. Or sniffing me when doing a downface dog. Eka Hasta Vrksasanav in sand is hard enough, without my elbow being humped.

There are children and adults who’ve had shocking experiences with dogs who just want to relax without them.

I have a mobile phone with a camera that I never use in the car. Now, is that going to be a tax deduction after this column?

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

The end of an era –I am sure I am right in saying that the town is in shock at the sudden closure of our local Byron Bay Mitre 10. Unfortunately, this is yet another example of the changing face of Byron Bay, when arguably one of the most consumer-friendly, popular and successful businesses in Byron Bay is closing. Certainly, a better outcome would have been for Mitre 10 to remain open and for staff to be able to retain employment within the town, during this current economic downturn.

Byron Bay Mitre 10 epitomised everything you could surely wish for in a small country town, already beset by the extraordinary pressures of extreme staff shortfalls, rising costs, holiday-rental-induced housing shortages and rapidly rising inflation. What an unfortunate time to see the closure of this brilliant, small local business.

The management and staff in Byron Mitre 10 were outstanding: the late John Cavanagh and his wife Jeanette, James, Lisa, Lexie, Kim, Melissa, Dave, Tim, Richard, Paul, Kevin, Luca and I know there are many others, whom I’m afraid I don’t remember. Every one of them was always friendly, helpful, knowledgeable. They really were a superb group of people, a credit to John and James who obviously had the business acumen, wisdom and skill to assemble all of those talented people under one

roof, totally for benefit of the people of Byron.

The loss of our local hardware store is the end of an era, which hopefully has not gone forever from Byron Bay. It was always a great pleasure to walk into the shop, even at closing time, to be greeted by a smile on every occasion.

Byron Bay and the district won’t be the same without our local Mitre 10. It was an outstanding business. One that all others could well model themselves upon. Hopefully we shall see those friendly faces around town and we wish them all the very best for the future. This is a sad loss for the community, unwitting victims of the corporate bottom line.

From two of your many happy and rewarded customers,

Christopher & Margot Wright Byron Bay

A grateful bunch of Mitre 10 supporters are planning to have a few beers with James, Lisa and their wonderful staff to thank them for 21 years of supplying nuts and bolts and outstanding service to the people and district of Byron Bay.

Where: In the old Mitre 10 store on Friday 31 March at 5pm. Bring something to eat, drink and share.

Please RSVP by text to Chris Wright 0427 758 515.

Albert still tramping

I first came across Albert (sorry if that’s not his name) tramping far and wide in the Byron Shire, in rain and shine, when I lived in Main

The Voice

It would greatly progress the Voice to Parliament debate if the Nationals were prepared to honestly declare their objections to the process. Their current attitude is transparently flimsy and unbelievable.

Their main concern is obviously the fear that the Voice will give Aboriginal people a greater say in land management (all things considered, probably a good idea), more access to sacred sites, and that it would altogether diminish their control of their properties. This would be a particular concern on those properties of a leasehold nature, the mining lobby is obviously also on their side for much the same reason.

Arm and The Pocket in the early ’90s. Much more recently, several years ago, the Backlash page of The Echo issued a warning, advising motorists to watch out for Albert who was beginning to veer into the middle of the road on his walkabout. More recently, his walkabout contracted more and more to Mullumbimby, where he was sighted almost daily. He started offering his forlorn hand somewhere on Burringbar Sreet, for a dollar. Then several months ago he vanished.

I was very happy to see him a couple of months ago, on a footpath near the Byron hospital and then yesterday, crossing the main road near the Byron Arts & Industry Estate roundabout, his familiar, determined, halfbent stoop and now his royal blue top replacing the black garbage bags of yesteryear.

I guess he is being looked after somewhere, maybe he doesn’t have to fend for himself for his next meal and he has a dry bed. All I can say is, good on you Albert, may you enjoy these years.

Robert Couldry Mullumbimby

Doggy do – don’t!

To the princess burying your dog droppings on the no-dog beach at South Golden Beach, then (6.30pm Thursday 2 March) continuing further down the beach towards New Brighton where a family of Sooty Oystercatchers live, you were noticed and will be remembered

Ralph Johnston South Golden Beach

But this of course is a complete (possibly intentional) misrepresentation –the Voice is only an advisory body, legislation is still under the control of our elected representatives.

As for Peter Dutton, the time for masterly inaction has long gone. Of course, he is caught between a rock and a hard place, juggling between his electoral chances and possible leadership pressures within his party. His obvious prevarication leaves him splitting the hairs on a nit, convincing none and making him just appear indecisive.

Their choice of Jacinta Price as a spokesperson is also telling as she is obviously the type of person who is habitually disgruntled with the world and will never be satisfied with any suggestion proposed.

David Gilet Byron Bay

MBVFC will be holding a muster day for all new and returning Miniroos players (ages 5 to 11)

SATURDAY MARCH 11th at the Pine Ave fields

Cartoon by Jamie Hoile

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Humans V koalas

Dale Viola’s letter and the statistic of over 50 koala deaths on our Northern Rivers roads this year is horrific.

Council has confirmed at least 13 koala kills in Byron Shire in 2022. This isn’t corrupt corporations or governments, this is residents and visitors in our region killing native animals. Do you need to get somewhere quickly or don’t care enough to be aware? We need to change human behaviour. Koalas are endangered, at risk of extinction, and other species get killed or injured on our roads too; wallabies, birds, echidnas, lizards and snakes.

I support fencing and signs and anything else that gives species more safety –but humans need to act more responsibly. Government plans identifying the extinction crisis, and polices to save our species exist, but we need action now. Reducing the speed limit to 60km/h in mapped wildlife corridors, the areas we know animals use, would help.

With an election due, what will the next government do about this avoidable situation – will they reduce speed limits? Residents and visitors, please slow down, be aware and show that you care for our precious native animals. Politicians, do something effective to save our animal species – commit to lowering the speed limits in wildlife corridors.

Jan Barham Broken Head Outrage and scandal

As the Robodebt inquiry brings out more and more scandalous facts about our high-paid public service employees, I have real difficulties digesting what I’m hearing. Someone dreamed up that the government could reclaim over two billion dollars with this criminal system.

Till now the Robodebt scheme has cost taxpayers nearly two billion dollars for the paybacks, compensation, commission, inquiries, staff hours etc and The Saturday Paper’s journalist Rick Morton estimates it will be up to three billion once it finishes.

Now, we just heard from Stuart Robert, former government services minister, saying that he had to ‘hold the cabinet line’ referring to him not stopping this terrorising, killing system once he knew about the illegality of it, meaning he lied in interviews to the public, and with the usual ‘I can’t remember’ excuse. Employees scared of speaking up and informing

their superiors in our public services sector is more than frightening.

Our government is still giving 12 billion dollars a year to the fossil fuel industry that hardly pays any taxes, they just give donations to the three major parties.

In NSW this government has paid 28 million taxpayer dollars to the forestry corporation in the last two years to destroy our unique wildlife habitats.

The NSW government sat on the ice report for two years while the suffering in the community is going through the roof.

Banks are raking in money by the billions, closing services in the rural areas and expecting everyone to do their banking on the internet.

How much longer will we let this happen? Our country has now three trillion dollars in debts and our kids and next generations will have to pay this off!

Chibo Mertineit Lillian Rock

Grants response

I write in response to your story ‘Grant Me This’, (1 March).

Interestingly, my quote in the story states, ‘In accordance with the premier’s memorandum, it is now mandatory for all NSW government agencies and ministerial offices to implement the procedures in the Grants Administration Guide’. This significant reform and improved transparency directly results from a review of grant allocations. I support this reform.

Yes, the minister still must sign off on any grant; however, this is merely administrative. Any deviation from the departmental recommendation requires robust, transparent reasoning.

I support reform and transparency of the grant allocation process. However, there still needs to be some scope to override the decision of unelected and faceless bureaucrats who have never stepped foot in our region.

I cannot support the continued talking down and attacks on the fight for valuable and meaningful investment in our region. Funding of $125,000 for the Drill Hall Theatre upgrades is just one of many examples. Our local MP heroically claims a 50 per cent increase in funding for the electorate. However, 99 per cent of clubs and organisations bypass our MP and go straight to NSW Nationals MLC, The Hon. Ben Franklin, for support.

After eight years and still nothing to show for it, it

really is time for us to start questioning our Greens MP’s effectiveness.

Josh Booyens National candidate, Ballina

Ed note: The p1 story was about Council’s reliance on grants. Booyen’s was quoted in the ‘pork barrelling’ story on page 6.

Doing politics

The ALP has to do a lot more than the ‘repair strategy’. Yes, The Byron Echo is primarily a local paper, but the criticism of the major parties is a country-wide issue covered by you, especially in the wake of the major floods. I am quite familiar with the issues because I have lived 22 years in the area.

I was the ALP candidate for Richmond in the 1984 and 1987 federal elections, as some will recall. The renewal of the political system is not quite on the agenda yet, but it has to start sometime! What should renewal mean? Is the ALP finally going to address that issue or not?

Klaas Woldring, Retired Assoc. Prof. SCU, Pearl Beach

No climate strike

What the actual fuck? How is it possible there is not a declared School Strike for Climate in this town and others on the north coast this year? What is going on? Okay, maybe the strikers from before covid have all left school and even the district, but so what? Have the new near-voter age schoolkids and the new university students been taught nothing about the onrushing climate emergency, not to mention the valuable role that strikes have played for centuries in creating much-needed social change? Where is everybody?

This is so bizarre. Greta Thunberg came out last year with her Climate Book, which – straight off the top hit on Google – ‘gathered the wisdom of over one hundred experts – geophysicists, oceanographers and meteorologists; engineers, economists and mathematicians; historians, philosophers and indigenous leaders – to equip us all with the knowledge we need to combat climate disaster. Alongside them, she shares her own stories of demonstrating and uncovering greenwashing...’

Did any local schools even get it for their libraries? It’s so readable, written for teens and young adults in short essays never more than a few pages. And Greta’s still striking, like Big Ben, every Friday [last week was 237 – 3

March:] fridaysforfuture.org/ march-3 and #TomorrowIsTooLate – along with schoolkids in so many countries, yet, in all Australia there are strikes in four capitals only.

Not long ago she spoke out specifically about Australia, according to the ABC report ‘Climate activist Greta Thunberg has called on Australia to “wake up and treat the climate emergency like an emergency”’. Speaking from her home in Sweden to ABC’s 7.30 program, Ms Thunberg issued a warning to Australians relying on politicians to deliver the actions required to save the planet: ‘It seems like many people in Australia think that now we have a new government, everything will be fine,’ she said ahead of the annual UN Climate Change Conference, opening in Egypt on November. Of course, that is very, very far from true. What an amazing leader she is. But what has happened to Aussie kids? Where are you?

And what role are teachers and other authorities, from parents to governments at all levels, playing in this non-event?

We are in a climate emergency right now! The proof is all around, from Pakistan to USA to NZ and Europe. We don’t need promises of a better future any more, we need a better present, today and tomorrow, and every day forever, and we need it yesterday! We do have to recognise the truth and act on it.

Do people really think that all the climate scientists and the president of the UN are actually having a bit of a laugh at our expense, just trying to wind people up? Seriously? Get freaking real!

It’s already too late to stop so-euphemistically-called ‘climate change’, but it’s not too late to minimise the deadly consequences of actual climate chaos, and the social chaos that is going to result from it. But not by burying heads in sand or driving while focused on the rear-view mirror. And meanwhile the elites go laughing all the way to the bank, and thinking:

‘How jolly, what a neat solution to the population problem,’ as they sail off into the sunset on their yachts. Good luck to them, with the stink of corpses at every port, and fires, floods, and unimaginable storms on every horizon, and no insects or wildlife keeping ecologies functioning, to contend with. Amen. So be it. Kids, it’s your future. Fight for it or lose it. IMHFO.

Daniel Berg Lismore

Good news for psychedelic therapy in Australia

Michael McDonald

It’s still surprising news that the Therapeutic Goods Administration is reclassifying the psychedelic drugs MDMA and psilocybin in July this year ‘to allow them to be prescribed by psychiatrists to treat patients with post-traumatic stress disorder and treatment-resistant depression’, according to a recent ABC article (3 March) by Flint Duxfield and Samatha Hawley – https:// tinyurl.com/5n8va2r7.

Surprising because psychedelic drugs, particularly LSD, have long been regarded as the bad boys of the drug world, helped along by the intervention of US president Richard Nixon and some of the anarchy of the ’60s and ’70s fuelled by the overexuberance of LSD guru Timothy Leary. The excess made serious therapists of the time cringe, and put an end to their encouraging results and to the accompanying scientific research.

Now the so-called ‘psychedelic renaissance’ in drug therapy is getting into full swing, though the drug-taking in social settings never really went away, despite the risk of arrest or mental health issues. The renaissance is in part happening because there is a worldwide upswing in depression and PTSD, and the usual chemical remedies just don’t cut it for some people.

An American soldier who found great relief in MDMA for his PTSD explained it clearly in an interview. ‘We were told there were good drugs and bad drugs’, he said, ‘but it turns out the good drugs caused the opioid crisis while the bad drugs cured PTSD, so we need to rethink how we see drugs’.

We need to rethink how we see society in general because ours is fractured by family violence, unsustainable capitalist excesses and the human inclination to wars, among other maladies. Psychedelic drugs have their part to play by breaking down fixed ideas of self and the accompanying baggage, and by giving us a larger perception of our connection to nature – which may mean that less of it is being bulldozed.

The same American soldier is advising his nation’s defence department on the effectiveness of psychedelic therapy. (The scale of PTSD in the USA would have been lessened by suppressing the urge to send its soldiers off to overseas trouble spots on dubious grounds.) There is also an American police officer urging the use of MDMA therapy, pointing out that more cops in America die by their own guns than by those of criminals.

The revelations of the soldier and the police officer are contained in a four-part Netflix series, How To Change Your Mind, based on the book of the same name by American journalist Michael Pollan, who also narrates the series. The series looks at the history, uses – and misuses – of LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and mescalin.

Pollan is touring Australian cities, including Brisbane, in May and tickets can be bought at thinkinc.org.au/pages/michaelpollan-2023-tour, for those interested. YouTube already provides a free introduction to Pollan’s work through several interviews.

Pollan writes well and obviously his book covers much more ground than a streaming series can. As an old freak I was particularly interested in the chequered history and the larger-than-life characters who promoted or opposed psychedelic therapy.

From the age of 16 on I tried all four drugs covered in the book and series, with mostly beneficial results. However, these days I

confine myself to two cups of black coffee in the morning, one tab of Apo-zopiclone once a week to give myself a longer sleep than the usual 5-6 hours broken by pee breaks, and a few glasses of shiraz four or five times a year when a friend comes to visit from Melbourne. Hardly the image of the crazed drug fiend derailed by psychedelics.

I’m sure many people in the NSW Northern Rivers understand how therapeutic psychedelic drugs can be. Their effectiveness as therapy depends on the ‘set and setting’, to use Leary’s phrase, the willingness of the participant to relax into the experience, and the skills of the therapist. I doubt there is any true objectivity available to the therapist when dealing with the human mind, as they bring with them their own mindset.

Of course, there are many other ways to get relief from mental problems, usually involving exercise or stilling the mind or both – yoga, dance, sport, art of all kinds, and even some standard pharmaceuticals. (After all, LSD was first synthesised in 1943 from the ergot fungus in the labs of Swiss pharmaceutical giant Sandoz.) Apparently that depressive genius Spike Milligan got more relief from a game of squash than from many of the drugs he had been prescribed over the years.

Where psychedelics often stand apart is in that they may need to be taken only once (which is not great news for the therapist’s wallet), they break down the preconceptions of the individual personality and reveal the beautiful aspects of the universe often described as a ‘mystical experience’.

In his book, Pollan looks at the debate surrounding these ‘mystical experiences’, which engage the minds of mystics and neuroscientists alike, not that these occupations are mutually exclusive. Do these mystical experiences indicate a larger, universal consciousness at work or is it the wonderful impact of the drugs on the brain’s willing receptors?

I’m inclined to the latter view. Whether or not, as very small animals of little brain in a very large universe, we can ever get to the facts of the matter (dark or otherwise) is anybody’s guess, I guess.

The success or otherwise of the current psychedelic renaissance will be fascinating to follow. The mental health and survival of the human race might depend upon it.

Michael Pollan looks at psychedelic therapy in his book How To Change Your Mind

Robert and his shifty band of the Robodebt rogues

David Lovejoy

Hearings at the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme will end this week, and its report is due at the end of June.

Judging from her reaction to the testimony of some of the witnesses, there is little doubt that Commissioner Catherine Holmes will find much about the scheme and its authors to criticise.

However, the end of June is some time away, and there’s no reason not to make some immediate unofficial findings.

For example, there has been an epidemic of forgetfulness among many of the senior public servants questioned by the Commission. This is the Alan Bond Defence, made famous by that corporate criminal when brought to book: ‘I can’t recall’.

People who are paid salaries of a quarter of a million dollars or more for their organisational abilities find they cannot remember crucial dates and meetings. Moreover, they suffer from selective blindness as well: ‘I didn’t see that email’.

Another common response to the Commission has been the Nuremberg Defence, first employed by Nazi war criminals: ‘I was just following orders.’ Public servants using this dodgy defence could at

least argue that those among them who did question Robodebt were swiftly sidelined or sacked.

Amazingly, a resort to the Nuremberg Defence was made by the minister in charge of the scheme, Stuart Robert himself, who, in a sane universe rather than the pitiless inferno created by the Coalition, would have been the one giving the orders. Instead, he claimed that he was the victim of cabinet rules, which forced him to tell lies about Robodebt against his better judgment.

Indeed, Robert was the star turn of the hearings, and an example of the Peter Principle in action: ambitious people will rise until their incompetence is no longer in doubt.

This close friend of Scott Morrison (‘Brother Stuwie’ in their cultish terminology) is more than just incompetent, he is what oldschool journos call a ‘grub’, that is, a politician who uses his position to enrich himself.

From his first conflict of interest over an unofficial trip to China that saw him sacked from Malcolm Turnbull’s cabinet, to one of his own companies receiving millions of dollars in government contracts (his father unknowingly listed as a director), to his charging taxpayers

$2,000 a month for home internet, Robert has debauched every parliamentary standard. He is also a prolific liar, if not quite in the Morrison league. He lied about slush funding local government candidates in Queensland, he lied off the top of his head and invented a cyber attack when the MyGov website went down after thousands of

people tried to log on during the covid epidemic, he has dodged and weaved around his blind trust and his links with strange business partners, including a money launderer, a convicted rapist and a lobbyist, to rank them in ascending order of turpitude.

Commissioner Holmes caught Robert’s lie about ministerial responsibility. His duty to cabinet, he insisted, meant he had to defend things he might not agree with. But he knew Robodebt was illegal when he enthusiastically boosted it to the media and invented spurious statistics to justify the scheme. This is not holding an opinion that differed from his colleagues and keeping quiet about it, this is lying about a factual matter.

Determining truth

Commissioner Holmes will also have to make a judgment of truthfulness between Robert and Renee Leon, a former human services secretary.

When Robodebt was discovered to be unlawful, Ms Leon advised the minister that the department should apologise to customers, admit the error and inform the public of steps to correct it. She said that Robert replied, ‘We absolutely will not be doing that. We will double down.’ Robert denies this and asserts he made

strenuous efforts to clarify the legal issue.

Stuart Robert was one of the last ministers to appear at the hearings, and arguably the one who made the worst job of defending the indefensible. But the others warrant similar revulsion: Morrison himself, Malcolm Turnbull, Christian Porter and Alan Tudge – particularly Tudge, whose office appears to have been behind the leak of the personal files of Robodebt victims to the Murdoch hyenas.

It was all about saving the government money, with the bonus of punishing the poor and unemployed, who the Coalition believes could be rich and working if they so chose.

As to whether any lessons have been learned from this appalling episode: well, last week Peter Dutton swore that in office he would repeal Labor’s legislation reducing the tax breaks for people who hold superannuation funds in excess of three million dollars. No Robodebt severity for them.

Whatever the findings of the June report may be, owing to a lack of applicable law they are unlikely to include any actual sanctions of the perpetrators of this vicious scheme, which forced numerous vulnerable people to suffer a terrible wrong, and which cost some of them their very lives.

How the Coalition government applied Robodebt to the unemployed, AKA Saturn Devouring His Son by Francisco Goya.

Feros

Catherine

built on care and respect but that ethos is long gone

Cusack

Feros Care began as a beloved local Byron Ccharity with a simple mission to provide affordable, dignified aged care. But changes to welfare funding has seen Feros ‘professionalise’ and transform into a collection of charitable enterprises with revenues of $107 million, a flashy head office in Coolangatta, a Brisbane based Chair and a bevy of ‘key management personnel’ costing $2.17 million.

Feros keeps expanding. Their new CEO styles herself a ‘disrupter’. She says she was attracted to work for Feros because they are ‘edgy and ambitious… and like me believe the status quo is never good enough’.

Sun Tzu attack

A few months ago this unrecognisable, ‘edgy’ Feros decided to redevelop the two hectare prime real estate that had been acquired and developed by the citizens of Byron for their old folk.

Feros’ $2 million management disrupters knew this would be tricky. The 40 elderly people blissfully living there were perfectly

happy with their status quo.

SIt was as if they wargamed their attack, following Sun Tzu’s proverbial advice that enemies are best ‘lured into an ambush and slain’.

And my goodness, they pulled it off brilliantly.

Secret preparations

The security around their secret preparations was at a level Vladimir Putin can only dream of. No signalling your attack by blundering in with a column of half fuelled tanks. This was precision planning by Feros, the residents never saw them coming.

It launched at 6.58pm when a Feros executive based in Coolangatta pressed send on an four sentence email giving notice of an ‘important meeting’ next day.

As Feros know, many residents like the two aged over 100 don’t even have email. Everyone was preparing for bed with no idea their whole world was already upended.

The cone of silence had held!

Not your home

The bombshell dropped at 11am the next morning by the CEO who likes to ‘disrupt for a purpose’. She announced the Board’s decision to close the facility for redevelopment; everyone has to leave; and Feros can legally evict all of you with two weeks notice. But we are going to allow time to properly relocate you.

The Coolangatta executive who had sent the meeting notice had been foreshadowed to address residents. But the pandemonium

triggered saw him carefully recede back into the shadows. He must have been grateful the shock and distress made everybody forget him and his speech.

Slinking away

He wasn’t the only vanishing act. The Board who approved this secret plan have been conspicuously absent. Even those who live in Byron failed to attend and witness the horrendous impacts upon residents of their decisions.

Feros’ predatory actions have outraged residents’ families and risks the wrath of an entire community.

Byron Bay citizens are stunned by this news because Feros is supposed to be their treasured charity and this appalling behaviour has come as a total surprise.

This is a region traumatised and fed up with disasters, mistreatment and the housing crisis. We are fed up with swaggering Goliaths crushing the peace and wellbeing of our neighbours. I hope and believe we have got the residents backs. This surprise attack on elderly resident’s is not something we can or should tolerate.

Happier days at Feros Village Byron Bay who have just evicted 40 residents from the community donated and funded Byron Bay site. Photo www.feroscare.com.au

Articles / Letters

The 90-day cap and STRA planning proposal engagement report – a closer look

Sandra Heilpern

The Short-Term Rental Accommodation Planning Proposal Engagement Report by Locale Consultants on behalf of Byron Shire Council (BSC) relates to community consultation for Council’s proposal tailoring short term rental accommodation (STRA) to the special needs of the Shire’s community. In essence it recommended a 90-day cap for the Shire, except for four coastal tourist precincts where it could take place every day of the year.

It is disturbing to note that there was one special interest group, and that was the owners of properties carrying out STRA. Many of these owners belong to an organisation called Australian Short Term Rental Accommodation Association (ASTRA). Other special interest groups were either ignored or warranted token minimal consultation.

How the special attention operated

Section 5.2 of the report explains that:

‘[T]he Minister for

Planning requested that Council undertake consultation with the Australian Short Term Rental Accommodation Association (ASTRA) before the exhibition of the planning proposal.

‘ASTRA was contacted on 10 August 2022 to attend an interview, with a follow-up request sent on 24 August 2022. Ultimately, an interview was held with ASTRA representatives on 29 September 2022. The interview was attended by four representatives of Byron ASTRA, a local committee set up to represent around 800 local STRA property owners in the Byron Shire.’

Further, in early September, Council sent emails to 1,994 property owners currently registered on the government’s STRA register. Twenty-seven per cent (530) of these registered property owners responded with a submission, over half being form letters produced for them by ASTRA. Not surprisingly these were not in favour of the 90-day cap for most of Byron Shire.

Council also emailed the 458 STRA property owners located in the mapped

365-day zone. It is a mystery why Council did not consider emailing the remaining non-STRA property owners in these four zones. One could expect that they would have something to say about open slather tourism in homes in their neighbourhood. Does

STRA take homes out of the long-term rental market?

There is a strong, but untested hypothesis that

south summit

friday 10th march

free show

reducing the days per year for STRA will free up housing for long-term rentals. Overseas experience, especially in New York supports this hypothesis.

Given that long-term rentals in Byron Shire are both scarce and expensive, one could surmise, on the simple supply and demand principle, if more housing was released to the longterm rental market, then there would be a reduction in the cost.

The STRA property owners have, on the whole, stated that they would not give up STRA even in a 90-day cap area – ie no release, so no effect. However, the status quo situation is primarily of industry self-regulation, lack of financial burdens such as taxes, low registration fees, lack of monitoring for compliance, and pathetic fines for non-compliance.

Real regulation elswhere

It also assumes that there is zero possibility of following other cities that have imposed regulations, such as: that the STRA property must be the primary residence; that the owner has to live in the area; that the owner can only have one

sunday 19th march

TICKETS VIA OZTIX

Dick in your pants

All of these blokes circling each other and looking for a war – unevolved idiots!

Put your dicks back in your pants and climb back up into the trees. Sorry to insult other tree dwellers.

Hannah Grace Ocean Shores

Carbon credit scams

and disadvantaged business operators, are also key interest groups that have not been selected for contact by Council or the consultants.

The very last few pages of the consultant report mentions interviews with two groups who take a different view to the property owners. In addition to the interviews with STAY’s director, three executives from Airbnb, two executives from A Perfect Stay, the consultants did an interview with a representative of Neighbours not Strangers, and Victims of Holiday Lets.

property for STRA; and many more varieties of regulation. While NSW government remains comparatively slack in regulating the industry, the industry is secure in its intentions not to release property to the long-term rental market, to the detriment of the community.

On the issue of the possible impact of STRA on availability of long-term rentals, there are obvious other stakeholders that have not been emailed by Council, including real estate agents’ rental sections, the many community-based housing and rental NGOs, the organisations trying to relocate victims from the 2022 floods. The consultants largley ignored the Victims of Holiday Lets (VOHL), with some 200 members. An email to these groups and more may well have brought different conclusions to this exercise carried out by this consultant group and Byron Shire Council.

Closely tied to the above issue is the additional problem for rental refugees who work or volunteer in Byron Shire and the many businesses that have had to close or reduce their hours of trade because they cannot attract local workers. On this basis, the chambers of commerce

for big polluters and paying villagers in Papua New Guinea (PNG) near nothing, but instead of saving their forests they are commercially logging them.

The PNG regime has sanctioned the scam and these companies buying the carbon credits are being cheated out of their dollars and credits.

Yet the negative impacts these last two groups raised in relation to STRA wre summerised inunder 200 words.

Failure to address community concerns

The overwhelming emphasis of this consultant report focuses on the views of the STRA property owners, who made up two thirds of the responses. In this 22 page document, a 150 word paragraph (4.7) addresses the deep community concerns about the impact that the massive growth of the STRA industry is having on residents. Section 4.10 does address the issue of ‘other policy options’, and these are listed as 15 dot points, with zero discussion, unlike the various issue raised by the owners.

It’s not surprising that the industry submissions to the community consultation outnumbered the community responses 2:1. Responses were selectively sought from this group of property owners by both the planning minister and Council. ASTRA can justifiably report that the majority of responses were not in favour of Council’s proposal for a 90-day cap, with a few coastal exceptions. It was always to be. Go figure.

See STRA campaingers gaslighting locals on page 15.

and don’t know that these companies are exploiting them. This is called carbon colonisation. In other words, scammers and fraudsters. This scam is happening all around the world where developingworld people can be exploited. These are mainly poor people who don’t know any better.

1 BAY STREET BYRON BAY WWW.BEACHHOTEL.COM.AU

I watched 4 Corners ABC TV concerning this company buying carbon credits

The poor villagers who are uneducated in knowing any different are asked to sign off on carbon credits

Please have a hard think about the situation.

Paul Brecht Evans Head

Holidaying in Byron Bay has become a national past time. The questions is how do you balance community and tourism in a way that ensures one doesn’t drive the other out.

Photo Jeff ‘Sunshine’ Dawson

Local extinction

We thank The Echo for publishing the letters from John Bradley and David Morris discussing the recent local extinction of many of our unique native birds and plants. Fortunately, these species had no value and will not be missed. The only things of value are obviously people.

Nature may have had some importance in the past but is of no value now and has been replaced by the wonderful creativity of the only things that matter on the planet, human beings. These perhaps may be the thoughts of many readers as they prepare for another day working towards our rapidly approaching glorious future full of happy children.

We also know that ordinary people do not matter. Almost all of our media is dominated by our wonderful sportspeople, entertainers, and other celebrities whose smiling faces bring happiness to our lives. We all celebrate their well-deserved success. Their value to our society must be far in excess of all the other people who are of so little value that we never see any of them winning awards.

Perhaps this is the view of our children who must all aspire to be celebrities. Much more important than the garbage collectors, cleaners, roadworkers, sewerage workers, plumbers, electricians, builders, factory workers, truck drivers, farmers, rural workers, gardeners, shop owners, staff, health and education workers, journalists, and all the many other people that actually make civilisation possible.

The cult of celebrity has

An elite classical tournament which invites Russians has become a rarity in the past year, but the WR Masters, which concluded last week in Dusseldorf, was a notable exception.

Ian Nepomniachtchi, the Russian who will play a world title match against Ding Liren next month, enjoyed a successful warm-up in Dusseldorf, tying for first place alongside veteran Levon Aronian and 16-year old Dommaraju Gukesh. 40-year-old Aronian won the playoff, but Nepomniachtchi will be content with his undefeated performance. That he and his compatriot Andrey Esipenko were competing was no surprise given the event was the brainchild of Wadim Rosenstein, a longtime Dusseldorf resident and now German citizen.

Rosenstein’s German logistics company WR Group until 2020 used the slogan ‘Driving Your Business to Russia’ and two days before the invasion of Ukraine signed a deal with Russia’s Gazprom. Rosenstein also played an exhibition game against Sergey Karjakin in May 2022 in Moscow, a time when Karjakin was banned by the world body FIDE for some particularly bloodthirsty comments about the war.

However, ever since Rosenstein announced his plan to hold a new World Club Cup for FIDE in Dussel-

now colonised the planet to such a degree that there is almost no evidence in the media of either ordinary people or ordinary nature. We are all under the delusion that this is a human planet where only humans matter. However, humans do not exist. The reproducing surface of the planet is composed entirely of single-celled, microscopic, symbiotic organisms that together to create the organs of a solitary living entity. The only one like it in the known universe. Humanity is a delusional concept in the communications of a single species that has recently risen to dominance. Only one per cent of people are composed of human cells. Ninety-nine percent of people are composed of unrelated organisms that have colonised humanity to create the ecosystem that we prefer to think of as ‘ourselves’ with a glorious future. People isolated from reality. Having broadcast a weekly, live-to-air wildlife identification program on ABC North Coast NSW Radio, now in its 27th year at 6.40am every Saturday morning, I have noticed a massive decline in listeners phoning in to talk about their wildlife experiences as there is now little wildlife left. Insecticides have killed off most of the invertebrates that pollinated the flowers that created the seeds. With a collapse in insects, pollen and fruit, the birds and all the other animals that are actually the recycling organs of the living planet have died. The estuaries essential for wading birds are now suburbs and golf courses. The nesting hollows

dorf and, before then, host the WR Masters, the company has been busy scrubbing mentions of links with Russia from its social media accounts.

Victoria’s Rheyansh Annapureddy, 8, was present in Dusseldorf as one of eight juniors who had qualified through an online competition. He was much younger than the other qualifiers but enjoyed the benefit of coaching from legend Boris Gelfand and German GM Elisabeth Paehtz and will have returned home a more mature player.

essential for our wildlife have vanished, along with our carbon dioxide absorbing, oxygen-producing forests. The oceans are acidic, the atmosphere and climate unstable.

One of our last surviving planetary life-support organs, the hundred-million year-old Tarkine rainforest wilderness in western Tasmania is soon to become a toxic waste facility for yet another dictator-run mine. With the death of the planet there will be no happy children.

Gary Opit, Carmel Daoud Wooyung

Keeping lights on

If ever there was a political party totally unfit to govern, or even influence governments, it has to be the Greens. They are once again threatening to use their Senate numbers to derail the Labor government’s new laws to cut carbon emissions by insisting the government ban all new coal and gas projects.

The blind ideological stupidity of the Greens defies description. They never learn. World markets are phasing out coal, needing an orderly transition to renewables that keeps the lights on with gas playing a big part whether the Greens like it or not. Any government that allows the lights to go out will not govern for long.

Even with the federal government’s recent intervention in the energy market, both coal and gas prices are still too high. So just what does it take for the Greens to realise that banning new gas projects outright would undoubtedly result in massive compensation payouts,

further unsettle the markets and push prices even higher?

The Greens have a shocking history of derailing action on climate change. They forced Kevin Rudd to abandon the CPRS, an election promise, and forced Julia Gillard to introduce a price on carbon, with both decisions resulting in an unmitigated disaster.

Alan Veacock Cumbalum

Mushroom clouds

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists’ Doomsday Clock now stands at 90 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been, even in the height of the Cold War. Meanwhile, Labor and the opposition enthuse about AUKUS and what a jobs bonanza it will provide and how it will upskill hundreds of Australians in nuclear high tech.

No doubt the time will come when these subs will deploy Trident D5 nucleartipped missiles, which the British chose because of their ability to kill ten million Russians! The operational deployment of nuclear capable B52 and the more lethal B2 bombers in RAAF Tindal, enlarges the Chinese targeting set beyond the ‘joint facilities’ at Pine Gap and Exmouth.

Any war with China is likely to escalate to a hot, nuclear war, either by design or inadvertently, in which our cities will be targeted.

However, Australia has no publicly released plans for civil defence, other than two booklets published in 1984/86, which are currently unavailable. The text is identical in both booklets and comes from the UK and the US Oak Ridge National

Laboratory, but the covers are radically different.

The earlier booklet featured a missile/mushroom cloud threatening a cityscape but this was replaced by the placatory bushscape picture where grazing animals look at the mushroom cloud without panic. The text in both is ‘comforting’, claiming nuclear war is survivable and that there is no radiation damage to future generations.

Einstein, one of the initiators of the Doomsday Clock, stated, ‘The unleashed power of the atom has changed everything except our thinking. Thus, we are drifting toward catastrophe beyond conception. We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if

mankind is to survive.’

When Jan Barham was Byron mayor she went to Hiroshima and, as a mayor for peace, listed Byron in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. The purposes of the Mayors for Peace are to contribute to the attainment of lasting world peace by arousing concern among citizens of the world for the total abolition of nuclear weapons through close solidarity among member cities as well as by striving to solve vital problems for the human race such as starvation and poverty, the plight of refugees, human rights abuses, and environmental degradation. Byron has a responsibility to oppose this drift to war and maybe a good start would be to declare our region a nuclear free zone.

Gareth Smith Byron Bay

Nuclear war

Sleepwalking into nuclear war: ‘The delivery of NATO aircraft to Ukraine and their maintenance by a NATO country, will be a direct entry of NATO into the war against Russia, with all the ensuing consequences’; Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman, Dmitry Medvedev.

Peter Olson Goonengerry

Op Shop

Cnr Tweed St & Booyun St Brunswick Heads Next

Nepomniachtchi’s key win came against leader Aronian. Aronian, White, felt that he had control in the diagrammed position, but when the Russian played 38...Bh3! 39.Bf1 Nf7!! Aronian realised he was in trouble. After

had some pressure for the lost piece. However,

CHESS by Ian Rogers

Nuclear mushroom cloud. Photo atomicarchive.com

My Geek Mate

The Chief Geek at My Geek Mate is applying for another round of funding to help support senior citizens with their technology. If he’s successful you can have another free 1.5hr session in a maximum class size of three humans.

Alternatively, if you need private tech support or tuition Mark is available for that too. Parking is free, still no potholes.

Meanwhile please make sure you enable ‘two-factor authentication’ for all your important online accounts, add a recovery email and or a phone number, don’t use a false date of birth, use a password manager, keep your devices backed up, and up to date, and have some fun time away from the screens!

Please call Mark on 0431 122 057 or pop in and see him at 1/53 Tamar St, Ballina www.mygeekmate.com.au

CA Construction Management

Do you need advice on building your new house?

Building Contract responsibilities difficult to understand and negotiate?

Dealing with a builder’s progress claim?

With over 34 years’ experience in commercial, industrial and residential development and construction, Craig and his team provide project management services encompassing the complete development and construction process. They pride themselves on guiding clients through the minefield that a building contract or development project can create, and they keep your project on track.

Affiliated with Castrikum Adams Legal, they also offer contract drafting and review, formulation and lodgement of property dealings and titles, and conveyancing services. Their experience also includes expert report writing, adjudication matters, dispute resolution, residential property subdivision management and facilitating Land & Environment court actions.

Craig on 02 6687 1167 or 0411 575 991 craig@cacm.net.au. www.caconstructionmanagement.com.au

Byron Bay Camping & Disposals

After 40 years trading in the Byron CBD, Byron Bay Camping & Disposals is now conveniently located at a brand new premises on the corner of Tasman Way and Centennial Circuit in the Arts and Industry Estate.

As a locally owned, family business they absolutely love serving both the local community and the visitors that come to enjoy beautiful Byron Bay. They have a wide range of products for camping, travelling, hiking and living the van life, but also everyday necessities like rainwear, workwear and kitchenware. If they don’t stock what you need they will happily order it in for you.

Shop local and independent with the friendly staff at Byron Bay Camping & Disposals. 1/1 Tasman Way, Byron Bay 0439 212 153 www.byron-camping.com.au

ReForest Now

ReForest Now is a local organisation that connects donors from around the world with landholders in the Big Scrub area who want to reforest their land!

They can offer you thousands of free trees – provided you pitch in and pay for some trees as well and you can cover all the costs/labour of aftercare of the trees. They also offer commercial bush regeneration, camphor drilling and maintenance of plantings as a paid service. Of course as a not-for-profit organisation, they do all this as cheaply as they can while still looking after their wonderful staff.

Enquire today at info@reforestnow.org.au, or check out their website for more information or to make a donation. www.reforestnow.org.au

Byron Community College

It’s GO time at the College!

Term One at Byron Community College has just kicked off, but there is still time to sign up to that art class you’re dreaming of, or learn the language on your bucket list! The opportunities to explore new interests are endless with over 100 courses on offer. Everything from Silver Jewellery to Bats and Dingos for Conservation, Crystal Awakening to CAGED Chords for Guitar, Soils –Organic Management, to Arranging Dried Botanicals.

There is something for absolutely everyone! It’s never too late to chase those dreams and meet new friends!

Head to www.byroncollege.org.au or call 6684 3374 for more details. RTO 90013

Karma Canvas Bell Tents

Karma Canvas Bell Tents are here to transform your backyard into outdoor luxury accommodation.   Are you a property owner in the Northern Rivers? With the influx of Easter guests just around the corner, now is the perfect time to expand your accommodation with a luxury canvas bell tent. Why go through the hassle and expense of building a tiny home when you can offer your guests a memorable, elegant and beautiful back-tonature experience? These canvas bell tents are easy to set up and take down, making them the perfect solution for accommodating guests any time of year. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join the growing number of Airbnb hosts who have already added our luxury canvas bell tents to their backyards.  www.karmacanvas.com.au

Device Trader

Device Trader has been serving the Byron Shire for over seven years.

The company continues to evolve from a man in his van doing door-to-door phone repairs to a full bricks-and-mortar and e-commerce business. They specialise in Samsung, iPhone & iPad repairs, new and refurbished phones and they also have a wide range of phone and computer accessories.

Founder Duane Tutchen said, ‘Our customers have asked, and we’ve listened; we now stock every Apple phone available, new or refurbished, from the 6S, starting at $149, to the new iPhone 14 Pro Max at over $2000, and virtually everything in-between. We also stock cables, cases, screen protectors and accessories.

We are 100 per cent committed to reducing e-waste. We refurbish, repair and recycle everything we can!’

1/130 Jonson St, Byron Bay 02 6685 5585 www.devicetrader.com.au

Northern Rivers Women in Business

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2023

Equal Opportunities by Mandy Nolan

Equal Opportunities are not enough. It’s a nice catchy mission statement on a corporate website but it doesn’t encapsulate the complexities and the struggle that more than 100 000 women face to access that opportunity.

Let’s think about opportunity as a race, it doesn’t matter who wins, you can run at your own speed, but you need to be at the starting line. It’s not just being invited to run. You have to be near the track. You need shoes. You need time and support to train. You may need care for your disabled child or elderly mother. It may be that culturally there are barriers to you running. You may have never learnt to run. Or you may have a desire to race, but need an alternative option to running.

It’s like that when we talk of equal opportunity for women in the workplace. In order to embrace inclusion we have to be aware of all the obstacles and complexities. What does it mean for women with disabilities, or Indigenous women, or women living in family violence? We can never assume that all women start the race from the same point at the starting line. Yes it’s about opportunities, but we’ve now moved

Colleen Brunt

Colleen has been with Amir Prestige for the past seven years on the Gold Coast (13 years in real estate) and to be given the opportunity to be a part of the fabulous challenge she couldn’t turn down. Her philosophy is complete transparency and recognising the value and trust her clients place in her.

Colleen’s individual, personalised approach to each client, ensuring the best results, together with her laid back, easy to work with nature, has resulted in repeat and referral business, and this, along with the relationships and trust she builds and keeps with her clients, is the foundation of her success.

then creates a solid foundation to do great business together. I’m looking forward to this exciting journey, meeting and building relationships with fabulous results’, says Colleen.

Colleen Brunt Amir Prestige Sales Agent 0437 533 943

#EmbraceEquity

to addressing the barriers that stop us accessing those opportunities. More than 75 per cent of all caregivers are female. Their average age is 50.1-years-old. That’s the same age high achieving men become CEOs. Annabel Crabb once said ‘women need wives and men need lives.’ Women carry most of the domestic chores and most of the childcare. Childcare has always been an obstacle for women striving to get back into the workforce. According to research done in 2022 more than 100 000 women don’t even search for employment because of the lack of childcare. Australia is second in the world for high childcare fees. Why isn’t it free? Free childcare would unlock one million full time jobs into our economy. And it’s not just childcare, many women also carry the burden of care for elderly parents.

So this year, for International Women’s Day, the campaign theme is Embrace Equity, acknowledging that people start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging requires equitable action. What is your workplace doing?

Yasmin Dulley, Byron Family Law

‘International Women’s Day honours the remarkable achievements of women who have overcome barriers to science and the arts, women have made a profound impact on our world. Let us honour the progress we have made and recommit ourselves to the work that remains to be done. Together, we can create a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and succeed’, says Yasmin.

Principal Solicitor of Byron Family Law, Yasmin is proud to be part of this legacy and has built a successful career despite many challenges. She is amongst the countless women inspiring the next generation of female leaders making a positive impact in our community by breaking down barriers across every discipline and advocating for social justice. Yasmin currently sits on a number of local boards including as Secretary of the Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce. She is the proud mother of three young children, has a business in fashion archiving, a pilot’s licence, and is a member of the Australian Army Reserves.

1 Porter Street, Byron Bay 0437 533 943 www.byronfamilylaw.com.au

Vanamala Mayr-Reisch Face Yoga Australia

‘Of course, I could rave that I am known as a world-leading expert in face yoga and natural facelift, but this year calls for something else. Face Yoga values and celebrates difference and uniqueness.’

‘I fell in love with face yoga because it not only took years off my face, but I felt empowered. When I started exercising my face, I immediately noticed the calming yet invigorating effect on my mind and body.

and to stand up for my values. It gave me a new outlook on what I can achieve and what I would like to be.

I feel honoured to work with people’s faces and witness profound transformations’, says Vanamala. Services: sessions – classes – workshops – corporate health programs –

Mullumbimby 02 6684 3070

www.faceyogaaustralia.com

Northern Rivers Women in Business

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2023

Justine Elliot

National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032

Suite 6, 107-111 Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South (07) 5523 4371

Katrina Beohm Real Estate 0467 001 122

#EmbraceEquity

Shop 2B, 11 Banksia Drive, Byron Bay 0499 149 832 megan@mmconvey.com mmconvey.com

Tahlia Ward Yasmina Cross, No Bones

Tahlia and Yasmina opened No

Insta: @nobonesrestaurants

Katrina Beohm

Megan Middleton Conveyancing

Brooke

The Flower Bar Co.

Down, Founder,

Brooke is founder and creative director behind The Flower Bar Co, a luxury

Karin Heller Kim Jones Property

Kim Jones

“Just some of the women of the Echo team”

Tamara Smith MP for Ballina

Northern Rivers Women

Good Taste

Main

Open

Success

Open for takeaway daily, 12 midday until dinner.

Menu and more details @mainstreet_burgerbar

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.

Eateries Guide

and

Italian Byron Bay provides a bustling, atmospheric restaurant,

Italian cuisine and some of Byron’s finest cocktails and wines.

Bangalow Bread Co.

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

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

MULLUMBIMBY

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

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.

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!

Drive, Byron Bay Ph 6685 6500

www.northbyronhotel.com.au

Open 10am–8pm daily

Bones Vegan Kitchen & Bar. 11 Fletcher Street 0481 148 007

Open 7 nights from 5pm

‘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

Open for brunch and lunch FB/Insta: EmpireMullum empiremullum.com.au Online orders: mryum.com/theempire CATERING

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

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

COFFEE CART 7 days | 6.30am–3.00pm RESTAURANT Lunch | Wed–Sun | 12–2.30pm

| 5.30–8.30pm

Celebrations

Cakes by Liz Jackson

E: lizzijjackson@gmail.com P: 0414 895 441

CELEBRATIONS BY LIZ

GLUTEN FREE AND SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS CATERED FOR

JACKSON

BYRON BAY

Good Life

Trouble San in Brunswick Heads

Simon Haslam

Elegant, naughty, fresh and fun. These new players on the Brunswick culinary scene are here to cause some trouble. The style is ‘old school fishing village fused with Tokyo street chic’ – dim lights, blonde thatch, luxurious leather banquettes.

This place knows what it’s doing, you can see the river from pretty much every table. We wandered straight in off the street (for busy nights you might want to book) and ordered the first cocktail on the list, the Yuzu Margy – it was a great cocktail and it came quickly. You can tell these guys know how to have fun.

Perched directly over the turquoise of the Brunswick River, Trouble San delivers Japanese cuisine. The three dishes we ordered straight from the top were all winners: eggplant tempura, roast chillies and stracciatella (well, Japanese chefs are allowed to visit Europe) along with the most enjoyable edamame I’ve had.

This is a place to come and relax into an indulgent cocktail, fresh oysters, Wagyu Tataki, and of course Sashimi, at their front-row river bar. Pair that with the silky sounds of their daily DJs and you’ve got yourself a real recipe for mischief. We ended up drinking twice as much wine and ordering twice as much food as we expected, just because it was so good,

and so easy. How cool is it to just order more food and drinks, without having to stop the flow of the night, and then just have it turn up?

Trouble San is owned and operated by locals – Lachie, Shamani and Marky. Having grown up just around the corner, a restaurant in Brunswick Heads has been a long-held goal for the trio.

‘We’ve spent our careers helping other people pull off their own dreams, and realised it’s time for us to put our own stamp on the town that we love.’

In creating Trouble San, ‘we’ve drawn on what we’ve seen done well, the things

we’ve learnt along the way, but also what we think has been missed. In this case, it’s beautiful Japanese cuisine, approached with modernity and a little bit of mischief.’

Why Japanese? ‘It’s fun, it’s fresh, it’s versatile, and it goes bloody well with a drink. The food is honest. It’s all about allowing quality ingredients to speak for themselves.’

‘One of our primary visions was to carve out a position in what we think of as the perfect Brunswick arvo – swim in the river, jump off the bridge, do a bit of

window shopping and then kick back with an amazing feast, fun music, and a few too many cocktails… We’d like to think we’ve brought Bruns a little bit of luxury, without taking ourselves too seriously, because where’s the fun in that?’

Peace, love and crepes

Victoria Cosford

Cecile Cherrue, crepe maker extraordinaire, cannot conceive of any other lifestyle that would give her the satisfaction she has now. There she is, expertly flipping her paper-thin crepes with a spatula, folding them over, serene and smiling, in an impeccably organised market space, doing what she’s been so enjoyably doing for the past ten years.

And yet it all came about by chance. Living in Sydney, she’d been told by Far North Coast friends that she ‘totally belonged here’, so in 2012 she made the move. Volunteering at the local community gardens, she started making crepes for a festival, using only organic and local ingredients, and loved it so much she decided to carry on. ‘I started with nothing’, she tells me, ‘a camping stove and two crepe pans. Slowly I made money, bought the crepe machines, the gazebo’ – and the rest is history.

her calm professionalism, her attention to order and detail. Her crepes are made from buckwheat flour, from kernels she initially activates, in order to break down the indigestible enzymes, then blends with fresh filtered water. It’s that lovely, slightly nutty batter that she then pours on to the two heavyduty cast iron crepe plates she brought back (on the plane!) from France, before proceeding to fill with either savoury or sweet fillings. Being made from buckwheat means these crepes are gluten-free and can be eaten by everyone, coeliacs included. ‘It was a gamble’, she says, ‘but it worked.’

A tiny girl in a tutu and gumboots is requesting a crepe with ‘just caramel, no banana’ and, inspired, I ask for one of the same. It’s Cecile’s own salted caramel and it’s heavenly, the whole thing, rich and buttery, yet somehow light!

Why the name? ‘Trouble San,’ they told me with a wink, ‘that’s Mr Trouble to you…’

Born in the south of France, Cecile went to catering school, learning all aspects of hospitality in the process. It’s evident in

Peace, Love and Crepes is at New Brighton Farmers Market every Tuesday from 8–11am, and Mullumbimby Farmers Market every Friday from 7–11am.

SOS: Save Our Seniors!

In 1997 John Howard introduced The Aged Care Act that privatised the aged care system. It was the beginning of the end of quality care. You don’t need to work in the sector to realise that juicing our elderly for cash is unethical. It’s at the heart of a cruel system that does not put people at the centre of care. Sitting in the centre of those models is the profit motive. If you’re not making profits in the aged care sector then you will fail, whether you are a private enterprise or a registered charity.

Cryptic Clues

ACROSS

1. To undress Ms Anderson, turn to a running guide (5,3)

9. See quail panic – make it even (8)

10. Deity, mate? Go back to the compliant pet (6)

11. Simple path – and well paid destination (4,6)

12. Only a swamp (4)

13. E, the ultimate risk (4,6)

16. Surprise stud on a rampage (7)

17. Left queens to the baggage carriers (7)

20. C, but beginning of school is tops! (5,5)

22. Throw out actors (4)

23. Choose to make a speech for the constituency (10)

25. Am I a dog? (6)

26. Administer remedy, suggests Spooner of the animal (8)

27. Torment around Sydney Theatre Company – it could be a precedent (4,4)

DOWN

2. Dishonest tricksters, claimed Spooner of the tutors (8)

3. Use dingo in substitution for native (10)

4. Distant clouds for Allen, uncomfortable in the enchantment (10)

5. Quiet, unhappy sister – keep going! (7)

6. Self-righteous about trees (4)

7. Sort of bible – go back to understand over a long time (6)

8. Worries around an article? Down! (8)

14. Smell peaks, observed Spooner, looking at the mast-tops (10)

15. Our tactic a disaster – one man rule! (10)

16. Garnett to score badly – get outside! (8)

18. Uneasy as remainder becomes smaller (8)

19. Whip around – naked show! (7)

21. Danced, rush around the French (6)

24. The burden of running America (4)

STARS BY LILITH

Breaking celestial news this week is Saturn, planet of form, beginning its three-year swim in the Pisces ‘Ocean of Undoing...’

Quick Clues ACROSS

1. It shows the route to be followed, in a linear way (5,3)

9. Make comparable; balance (8)

10. Toady; lackey (6)

11. Bed of roses! (4,6)

12. Pure and simple (4)

13. Final opportunity (4,6)

16. Startle (7)

17. Doormen (7)

20. Excellent (5,5)

22. Fling; toss (4)

23. Area of persons entitled to vote (10)

25. Compositor (6)

26. Living thing (8)

27. Used to verify functionality; experiment (4,4) DOWN

2. Instructors (8)

3. Aboriginal (10)

4. Name of two small, distant galaxies (10)

5. Carry on (7)

6. Glues; resins (4)

7. Hebrew tree cutter (6)

8. Plumage (8)

14. Look-out points on the ship (10)

15. Dictatorial (10)

16. Open-air (8)

18. Fidgety (8)

19. Place providing musical entertainment (7)

21. Staggered (6)

24. Responsibility (4)

Last week’s solution #480

BILLOWINGNIGHT EERMAOUR ADANIPASTTENSE SFEAOASA TECHNICALITYT SUTTIEOI STASHANODYNES ATSECE PRECIOUSASSET PRRRAUBF LCONFIDENTIAL EFNADDTA POLEMICALINTER IAAEEAEE EXXONSIDELINES

Unlike nursing homes, the more independent and lower care Byron Feros is not a profit-making model. And in the world of aged care, that’s a problem.

Last week I sat in on a meeting with the residents of Byron Feros and their families. Just a few days before they had been told by the CEO that the site was going to be redeveloped and they would have to leave. Let’s just reframe this by saying that ‘the site’ is their home. Four cottages with ten units that sit on 8000 metres of Crown land; this was the realisation of the dream of George Feros, who walked the streets of Byron with a bucket, raising money for Feros Village – hostel-style 24-hour care for the frail aged.

Forty people live there. They are happy. Or at least they were. In 2020 Feros celebrated 30 years. They said ‘Grow bold’. Well, guess what? These older people are bold, and they’re not intending to leave. This is their home. They have a community in this community and they don’t want to go. No one consulted them about what they wanted. The residents hadn’t heard even the faintest rumour of redevelopment. It seems these grand plans have been top secret. It seems plans for their removal were a fait accompli. And let’s just call this what it is; the removal and eviction of some of Byron’s oldest residents from what was to be their last home. Why should they leave? They have rights. This is their home. One woman had been moved in from Merimbula just two weeks before the announcement. No one had said anything about the plans for redevelopment before she moved. How can an organisation cognisant of plans to redevelop take on a new resident? Making her move 1300 kilometres and then telling her she has to leave? That’s

ARIES: This week, Venus in Aries excites and lights you up, while abundant Jupiter, big and bold in your trailblazing sign, offers generous helpings of love, luck and wisdom. Start thinking farewell to those uncontrolled emotional surges, and hello the new mature Aries facing this year’s tectonic shakeups with can-do confidence.

TAURUS: Jupiter in your zodiac sector of endings is busy streamlining and space clearing. Which includes the person you’ve grown out of, the person you’ll never grow into, the person it’s too exhausting to keep being – because in a couple of months Jupiter’s moving into Taurus to showcase the new you.

GEMINI: Pushy red planet Mars is cooking with chili in your base of operations and Mercury’s moved into perplexing Pisces, so protect your nervous system this week by taking care of pressing business before autumn equinox on 21 March catapults us into a wild four-week ride in the realm of the Ram.

cruel. That is not good care. That is an approach that causes harm.

In fact, the residents had all been blindsided. The shock left some in tears, and ended with one of them in hospital. They continue to experience enormous emotional duress. It was clear that the stress on the elders who live in Byron Feros is huge. Here are people, some in their 90s and 100s who moved in good faith to what they thought was to be their last home, now being told that their home is being bulldozed for something bigger and brighter and more ‘inclusive’.

I don’t know, forcibly moving people out of their home doesn’t feel very ‘inclusive’ to me. It feels brutal. It feels like a dereliction of duties.

One resident showed me her Permanent Resident Agreement, where it was noted that the provider pledged to assist the resident to stay in her original room. They called it ‘Ageing in Place’. Well, Feros, the residents want you to abide by clause 1.3 – they want to Age in Place, the very place where they are now: Marvell Street, Byron Bay. Read your own Resident Agreement, Feros board members.

But guess what? The Feros board (all paid positions) of this registered charity, who’ve delivered this missive through

CANCER: As Pisces vibes ask everyone to lift their support game, if you’re volunteering, consider making water your cause or beneficiary, because Cancer is associated with the oceans and it’s no secret they need help. Use the astral assist of this week’s Saturn to write (yes, write down) a practical plan of action.

LEO: Genial Jupiter jazzing up your adventure sector has you revving on all cylinders, but this emo week requires a gentle tread and extra patience with loved ones, colleagues and housemates. So read the room, check the atmospheric pressure, and summon your empathic self because you’ll also be sensitive to unexpected reactions.

VIRGO: Pisces, your opposite and complementary sign on the astrowheel, rules the subconscious, and this week’s planetary quadrinity in Pisces beams attention inward. Thoughts play a major part in shaping our reality and coloring our outlook on life, so what is the current celestial emphasis in your relationship sector telling you?

MANDY NOLAN’S

LIBRA: Despite this week’s plethora of potentially confusing Piscean energetics in your sector of health and work, the good news is material-world manifester Saturn is on board to help you run checks for right timing, correct connections and ethical concerns –critical assistance that continues for the next three years.

SCORPIO: This week’s silver lining? The nurturers in your life: family, friends or mentors who remind you that you don’t have to go it alone. Reach out and let them know how much their love and support means to you. If weekend Scorpio moon doesn’t provide the perfect circumstances, then make another time – but do it.

SAGITTARIUS: Sagittarian blurt alert! This could be one of those openmouth-insert-foot weeks, with itchy and scratchy consequences, so don’t get suckered into arguments with the commentariat. Open up discussions to a variety of perspectives and assess situations from all angles. Happier news? This week brings some touchyfeely warm and wonderful, close and intimate moments.

their new CEO and who, I should add, did not turn up to support the residents and explain the decision, are in for a fight. The motto ‘grow bold’ might just bite them on the arse. These residents will not be bullied. They are old and they are bold. They do not want to be taken aside, one at a time, and picked off. In fact, they have told Feros that all conversations about the relocation must include a family member or advocate. They intend to stay. They know their rights. They are calling on the community – and the community is coming.

I heard one lady on her walker say to her daughter, ‘I feel so much better now I know the community is behind us’. For the first time ever, many of these residents will be painting placards for a rally. This is a pivotal moment for our seniors, but also for us.

Please come to stand by our seniors to save the place they call home. Let’s put people at the centre of this conversation. Let’s honour the spirit of George Feros. This is their home.

Rally at Byron Rec Grounds this Sunday, 12 March at 3pm. Bring a placard, bring a chair, bring everyone you know.

Let’s be bold.

CAPRICORN: Saturn transits are concerned with timing. In Pisces for the foreseeable future, i.e. the next three years, your planetary ruler is suggesting that slowing down and observing subtle signals will be your best strategy for synching into the right time, the best place and the most beneficial circumstances to make your moves.

AQUARIUS: As Saturn leaves Aquarius for its next three-year intensive (this time in your income zone, honing your economic expertise), what lessons in timing, ethics and boundaries did the many-ringed planet leave you with concerning the emotional support, mental stimulation and psychological health of your community connections over the last three years?

PISCES: Joining this week’s Sun, Neptune and Mercury in Pisces, regulator planet Saturn can manifest as a wise mentor instructing you in techniques of mastery. And/or bring difficulties that force you to stand up for yourself, utiliise your potential and take responsibility for your actions in dancing with life’s sometimes-harsh realities.

PISCES THE FISH

These older people are bold, and they’re not intending to leave.

This is their home. They have a community in this community and they don’t want to go.

March 8-14, 2023

Editor: Eve Jeffery

Editorial/gigs: gigs@echo.net.au

Copy deadline: 5pm each Friday

Advertising: adcopy@echo.net.au

P: 02 6684 1777 W: echo.net.au/entertainment

Sidestep FESTIVAL for kids this weekend

Come on down with the family to Brunswick Heads this weekend and explore the magical playground that is Sidestep Kids Festival!  Presented by Roundabout Theatre, Sidestep Kids Festival is a free two-day multi-arts festival for kids.

Enjoy a jam-packed program of live music, circus, singing, dance, comedy, interactive games, upcycled dress-ups and a huge array of hands-on and collaborative art projects including cubby building, weave world and paper caper. Bring a picnic rug and some lunch, or drop in to one of Brunswick’s many cafes. Follow Sidestep Kids Festival Facebook Event page to register and for more info. Festival highlights include the wonderful and wacky Roundabout Theatre who will be on hand to entertain and delight kids and families with interactive performances of The Slow Show, The Flycycle, Giant Twister and the brand new Sidestep, The Game – a raucous interactive game absurdly facilitated by the infamous Lollipop Ladies and friends.

Saturday, 10.30am and 2pm; Sunday 10.30am and 2.15pm (roving performances); Saturday & Sunday, 11am (Sidestep, The Game).

See Joel Salom – ‘international man of circus’, who will not only perform his own action-packed comedy, juggling and robotics show, he will also be hosting kids trying out their best jokes and having a crack at being comedians. Kids say the funniest things!

Saturday 12.45pm (solo show), 2.45pm (kids being funny).

Shire Choir is coming for kids and it’s going to be awesome! Led by the enthusiastically delightful Melia Naughton, Shire Choir’s appearance at Sidestep will be the first time the choir is focused on children. Melia will lead you through a song in harmony, reminding you how much fun it is to use your voice. Sidestep will also be the first time you’ll get to see Melia’s wonderful new band for kids, The Gumboots!

Saturday, 2pm (The Gumboots). Sunday 1.15pm (Kids Shire Choir).

Join local artist and facilitator, Claudie Frock and her friends in ThePaperCaper and have fun with all things paper and arty. Play fun drawing games, collaborate on chalk mosaics, crazy creature collages and create paper wearable art. Saturday & Sunday 10am–4pm.

The Parlour, Weave World, Wow Tent and Cubby Land is where you choose your own adventure! Step into The Parlour to facepaint your adult, play dress-ups, create hilarious hairdos and pose in the photo booth. Wind your way into Weave World for soft craft, giant weaving, and weave your own crowns and nature critters. Crawl in to Cubby Land for clever cubby construction and learning how to tie all kinds of knots. The North East Waste Forum WOW Tent is all about fun sustainable activities, including making beeswax wraps.

Saturday & Sunday 10am–4pm.

The Spaghetti Circus show is bursting at the seams with youthful local talent. This show is actionpacked with acrobatics, teeterboard, and most of all – fun. Straight from Woodford Festival via the Brunswick Picture House –not to be missed!

Sunday 2pm & 3.15pm.

Bunny Racket is a super entertaining show for all ages of rock’n’roll lovers. Join King Bunny and his band of fluffy, denim-clad rock rabbits as they whip their audience into a frenzy with their catchy tunes. Lots of fun, lots of volume, and lots of crowd participation make this show one of the most talked about kids’ acts in the country!

Sunday 2.30pm.

Sidestep Kids Festival | FREE entry |Sat 18 & Sun 19 March | 10am–4pm | Banner Park, Brunswick Heads | Sidestep Kids Festival Facebook Event page: tinyurl.com/sidestepkidsfestival

SOPHIE’S GOING TO TOWN AND IS BRINGING THE RAINBOW CREATIVES

Internationally acclaimed, award-winning cartoonist and novelist, Sophie Labelle, will present The Trans Agenda at the Byron Theatre on Saturday. This event is presented in partnership with Queer Family, a local community group who create joy and connection by providing safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ people and allies to meet and build community in the Northern Rivers.

Sophie (she/her) is a neurodivergent trans creative and activist from Montréal, who now lives in Finland. She is the author of the webcomic series Assigned Male, about a group of queer and trans teenagers, and she has a following of over 200,000 online. Her novel, The Best of Assigned Male, was recently published by Hachette UK.

During this event Sophie will speak about her art and activism, her artistic process, comic-making, community building and empowerment through art. She will answer questions from the audience, and you can meet her after the show at her book signing.

As a trans woman and outspoken activist for trans rights, Sophie attracts attention from both fans and critics alike. She is adored worldwide by hundreds of thousands of trans and gender diverse people for the representation she provides. She has also been the victim of a sustained and hateful anti-trans campaign, leading to her work being banned in conservative states and ongoing death threats, which saw her move to Finland after her address was published online.

After The Trans Agenda, join the queerest and coolest of the Northern Rivers for a night of storytelling by Rainbow Creatives.

Queer Family are thrilled to bring you the Rainbow Creatives Grand Finale. This free event will celebrate the conclusion of their Rainbow Creative program, where participants have performed comedy, created intimate creative pieces and explored the writing process. The event will showcase some of the incredible writing talent of rainbow folk from our rainbow region.

Rainbow Creatives was made possible thanks to the hard working and wonderful queer creatives of the Byron Shire and beyond. They are super grateful to the NSW government for funding this project so they can bring it to you free, and to Byron Shire Council for nominating and supporting them.

Why not make a night of it and see both of these great shows? Make sure you register for each show separately. Both events will be Auslan interpreted, have gender neutral toilets, and the venue is wheelchair accessible.

Sophie Labelle with The Trans Agenda, Saturday 5pm Byron Theatre.

Tickets: $22–$29+bf – byron.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/ salesevent/95140 or free if needed (contact Queer Family).

ONCE UPON A TIME IN FINLAND...

Once upon a time in Finland – someone came up with an idea to combine bluegrass, Finnish folk and rock/metal music. The outcome was Steve ’n’ Seagulls. This band’s live music video covers, including their take on AC/DC classic ‘Thunderstruck’, have to be heard to be believed. Their latest record Another Miracle also has six original tunes.

Seven caught up with Remmel and Herman post-gig at 1am Swedish time last week. How does it feel to do originals compared to doing covers?

Herman – Well, I guess there’s a little bit more work to do with the originals because you start from zero. So in that sense, it’s quite a bit different. But when you think about a show, it’s not. It’s just playing music and having fun and so it really doesn’t matter if it’s original or a cover.

After so many hits on covers, what made you decide to write something of your own?

Herman – On the second album, Brothers in Farms, we decided to try to make one original on the album and we recorded that and – that was the beginning of that.

Remmel – Yeah, I don’t remember it being like a situation where we really decided or anything, it just felt like a natural thing to maybe compose original material.

Did you find the people close to you, like your family and friends, were ‘WTF’! when you started doing this?

Herman – Maybe. Yeah. I’m still struggling with my spouse with that. My stage persona is so different than before.

Apart from the other musicians and the other bands that inspire you, what inspires you as musicians?

Remmel – Oh, I would say maybe music in general. It’s always been that it’s a passion for me. I really like to read about music and I like to listen to my vinyls and play different instruments and everything.

Herman – I also like instrumental skills. I was born and raised with heavy metal music – like listening to thrash metal, Megadeth and listening to those guitars. That’s been a huge inspiration.

Do you find that you struggle with the accents and getting the inflections right?

Remmel – We grow up studying English. We started when we are in third grade or something like that. And I think all of us have also grown up with English music or music in English. So… but sometimes when we are recording something, then you more notice little pronunciation things. Maybe on the rhythmic part of words or specific letters – like, how do you pronounce ‘river’?

Eve – umm ‘rivah’

Remmel – yeah?

Herman – yeah?

Eve – er, yeah

Remmel and Herman *silence*

Eve – See you at Easter.

Remmel and Herman – YEAH!

Steve ’n’ Seagulls will definitely be one of the funnest shows at Bluesfest. They play Friday, Sunday and Monday. Download the app and make sure you add them to your planner.

Lap up some local luxury!

Win a two night stay at Elements of Byron

Treat someone special to a memorable stay for two with this great prize (it sells for $1300!). King size bed, check. Freestanding tub, check. Yoga, movies, check check. For your chance to win, renew or take out your

THE BEST OF BAVARIA AND THEN SOME

The Rotary Club of Tenterfield is thrilled to announce the return of Bavarian Beerfest and the Original Bavarian Brass Band, from the Unter Allgäu region of Bavaria, Germany. Thirty-two musicians from Bavaria will be spending a week in Tenterfield, exploring the region, seeing the sights and putting on several concerts and performances. This visit honours the sister city partnership between Tenterfield and Ottobeuren.

Other festival favourites are on again, culminating in the Bavarian Beerfest on Saturday – a night of music, singing, dancing and German food and beer.

The festival kicks off with a Garden Concert at Glenrock Gardens, Wednesday 15 March at 10.30am. Tickets are $50 and include lunch and entertainment in award-winning gardens. Drinks are available to purchase.

Friday 17 March at 7pm is the first ever Multicultural Music Concert, featuring the Original Bavarian Brass Brand, Pipe Bands, Highland Scottish Dancers, Orkeztra Lizmore and an eclectic mix of local music. Tickets are $25 and food and drink will be available to purchase.

Saturday morning is for Music & Markets! The band will be playing a free mini-concert in Bruxner Park on Saturday 18 March at 9am. There will also be short performances

from the University of Queensland Emmanuel College Highlanders Pipe Band, Tenterfield Highlanders Pipe Band, Warwick Thistle Pipe Band, Highland Scottish dancers, Orkeztra Lizmore and local entertainers and dancers. Wander around the market stalls and listen to some fantastic music. This event is supported by the NSW government.

The Bavarian Beerfest is undoubtedly the highlight of the festival from 5pm on Saturday 18 March, at Memorial Hall. The Beerfest is all about the celebration of traditional German beer, food and music. Tickets are $70 and include seven hours of entertainment by the Original Bavarian Brass Band and an empty beer stein on arrival. Food and drinks are available to purchase.

On Sunday 19 March, enjoy a recovery breakfast at Arrajay Downs at 8am. Tickets are $30 and include a homegrown breakfast, entertainment by Jess Lockwood and a farm tour. At 9am on Sunday there is a free Schubert Mass and morning tea with the Bavarian Brass Band at St Mary’s Catholic Church

Funds raised from this event are distributed by the Rotary Club of Tenterfield for disaster relief, youth projects, community assistance programs and other local projects.

FEMMEX FUNDRAISING

FemmeX, a women-led organisation that aims to support women’s rights locally and around the world, is proud to present its first event series, FemmeX DJ Nights This fundraising initiative will showcase female and identifying-female artists from different parts of the world, including international, inter-state, and local female DJs. All ticket proceeds from the event will be donated to non-profit organisations that support women in need and help raise awareness around domestic violence.

Inspired by the women.life.freedom movement and the women and girls who are courageously fighting for their fundamental human rights worldwide, FemmeX aims to create safe spaces and opportunities for female artists to express themselves while supporting a good cause. The event series will take place every two months, and the first one will be held in Byron Bay.

For the first FemmeX launch in Byron, there is a very special guest: Ava Irandoost. She is an award-winning filmmaker, performance artist, music producer, and DJ. Ava Irandoost grew up in Tehran and left her country at the age of 18 to

study architecture at The University of the Arts in Berlin, where she received her Masters in Architecture. Ms DaDa, a Beat Buffet artist from Byron Bay, and Afrodisea, an artist passionate to capture electronic world music will also perform.

Irandoost says she is interested in creating spaces; internal and external spaces of both the characters [of a piece] and the geometrical room. ‘I want to explore the intersection of these areas, that’s where the story is happening.’

All proceeds from the event will be donated to United4Iran. org and tooloo.org. The women.life.freedom revolution in Iran has been an inspiration to the FemmeX team, and they condemn the brutal violence of security forces against peaceful protesters. They also echo Iranian women leaders’ call for United Nations Member States to condemn and list the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) as a terrorist organisation. The Islamic Republic of Iran’s long-standing, systematic oppression of women has been legally enshrined in Iran. Under Iran’s Penal Code and other laws and regulations, Iranian women’s rights are severely restricted in marriage, divorce, inheritance, and custody. They must comply with the IRI’s mandatory hijab laws from the onset of puberty. FemmeX Women.Life.Freedom Fundraiser is at Brunswick Heads Memorial Hall this Saturday, starting at 5pm. This event is sponsored by: www.changebility.com

For more information go to www.rotarytenterfield. com or find us on Facebook and Instagram @ bavarianbeerfest.

Tickets are available online at www.trybooking.com/ CEOXU, or phone Karen on (02) 6736 2426.

Piano - Rodrigo Cepeda

Violin - Jacki Prieto

Cello - Francisco Martínez

Flute - Emma Morales

Drums - Rebeca Martínez

From Bavaria with love... the Original Bavarian Brass Band.

FESTIVAL DU FILM – TRÈS, TRÈS BIEN

The Alliance Française French Film Festival 2023 presents a complete crème-de-la-crème program of contemporary French films. The 34th edition of the largest celebration of French film outside of France, arrives Australia-wide in mid March.

The culturally curious will once again venture to the cinema and be seduced by a season of electrifying French storytelling. Setting the scene with a heady dose of glamour, lust and manipulation, Nicolas Bedos’ Mascarade opens the festival. An official selection of Cannes Film Festival 2022, the sexy and oh-so-French drama starring Pierre Niney, Isabelle Adjani and Marine Vacth transports cinemagoers to the dreamy shores of Côte d’Azur. Closing the festival on a bittersweet high, is a road trip of sublime joy and tears in Didier Barcelo’s Freestyle, featuring rising star Benjamin Voisin and the enchanting Marina Foïs

Speaking on the festival’s immanent arrival, Karine Mauris, Festival Artistic Director and Cultural Attachée to the French Embassy in Australia, said the 2023 festival represents our most dynamic program to-date. ‘The hilarity of a meta-zombie comedy, suspenseful thrillers and historical dramas that will have you clinging to the edge of your seat, family-friendly flicks and of course, l’amour in all its forms! With over 153,000 eager spectators in attendance last year alone, we’re looking forward to reaffirming our emphasis on discovering the latest and greatest French talent and bringing impactful storytelling to new audiences.’

The Alliance Française French Film Festival is at the Palace Cinema, Byron Bay, from 16 March to 5 April.

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

WEDNESDAY 8

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, OOZ

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 3.30PM HAYLEY GRACE, 8PM KAYEL

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM BENNY D WILLIAMS

BANGALOW BOWLO 7.30PM BANGALOW BRACKETS’ OPEN MIC SESSION

MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 8PM KRAPEOKEEE WITH JESS

ELTHAM HOTEL 7PM ARLO MCKINLEY & EARLY JAMES

NIMBIN TOWN HALL 5PM ECSTATIC DANCE NIMBIN WITH DJ AKELA BLOOM

THURSDAY 9

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, MARSHALL OKELL BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 5PM LIFE IS A MYTH, 8PM BAYLEY

PEARL

BYRON THEATRE 7PM PINK FLOYD’S THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EVENT

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM BENNY O’DWYER

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM STELLA DONNELLY — ‘FLOOD’ AUSTRALIAN TOUR

ROADHOUSE, BYRON BAY, 7.30PM COMEDY NIGHT – FEAT.

RACHAEL HORNBUCKLE + MC KATE PAYNE

LENNOX HOTEL, HOTEL STAGE 8PM THURSDAY JAM NIGHT

THE CITADEL, MURWILLUMBAH, 7PM MANISH PINGLE WITH BOBBY SINGH

FRIDAY 10

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, THE DIRTY CHANNEL

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 4.30PM HENRY WEST, 8PM SLIM

JIMZ, 9PM THE GOOD KIDS, 10PM SOUTH SUMMIT, 11PM DJ

GENE ENGLISH

BYRON THEATRE 7PM MANISH PINGLE

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 7.30PM ZIGGY MCNEIL

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 6PM QUEER BALL

FESTIVAL – QUEER BALL ARTS, 6PM QUEER BALL FESTIVAL –QUEER BALL PARTY

GALLERY 3, BYRON BAY, 5PM LEONA DEBOLT EXHIBITION

LAUNCH – YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 8PM SOAKED OATS

YUM YUM TREE CAFÉ, NEW BRIGHTON, 6PM ROD MURRAY – A

TRIBUTE TO JAZZ

WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4.30PM DJ PAPA

BITCHO

MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 5PM BALCONY BEATS – DJ

DANIEL PITTARD

ST JOHN’S SCHOOL HALL, MULLUMBIMBY, 7.30PM ECSTATIC

DANCE MULLUMBIMBY WITH DJ LO QI

TINTENBAR HALL 7.30PM TINTENBAR UP FRONT

CLUB LENNOX 7PM MATTHEW ARMITAGE

BALLINA RSL LEVEL ONE 10AM DEAN DOYLE WITH SOPHISTICATION MORNING MELODIES

TWO MATES BREWING, LISMORE, 4PM KATIE BROOKE

METROPOLE, LISMORE, 7PM JON J BRADELY, 8PM DJ BOZ

MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6.30PM FIRE N ICE

THE CITADEL, MURWILLUMBAH, 7PM OLLIE TWOHILL LAUNCH

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 6PM BILL JACOBI

TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 8PM CIRQUE

MOTHER AFRICA

COOLANGATTA HOTEL 9.30PM ULTIMATE’90s SHOW

BALLINA FAIR CINEMAS

SATURDAY 11

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, BEN WALSH, 8PM THE TYLER DURDENS

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 3PM LEO VINE, 6PM INO PIO, 8.30PM

DJ KIRA SUNDAY & DJ LABONTE

BYRON THEATRE 5PM SOPHIE LABELLE + THE RAINBOW

CREATIVES GRAND FINALE

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 2PM OLE FALCO, 7.30PM MICKA SCENE

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, BEN WALSH

YOUTH ACTIVITY CENTRE (YAC), BYRON BAY, 11AM WOMEN’S

MUSIC INDUSTRY FORUM

BYRON TWILIGHT MARKET 5PM BARRY FERRIER

KULCHA JAM, BYRON BAY, 9PM BOOTIBASS FT. MISTA SAVONA AND DJ SHIAN LOVE

BRUNSWICK HEADS MEMORIAL HALL 5PM FEMMEX WOMEN. LIFE.FREEDOM FUNDRAISER

ST JOHN’S SCHOOL HALL, MULLUMBIMBY, 3PM KEVIN JAMES

CHANTING WORKSHOP

MULLUMBIMBY EX-SERVICES CLUB 4PM PSYCHEDELIC

NIGHT – FEAT. ALPHA OMEGA, THE PSYCH, ZAHLU AND THE ALCHEMISTS OF SOUND AND SPACE X DRAGON

UNITING CHURCH, MULLUMBIMBY, 6PM HOUSE OF BLISS

KIRTAN FEATURING SHUNYA

BILLINUDGEL HOTEL GLITTERATI RIOT

CLUB LENNOX 7PM KAFFENE

BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK 6PM BEN WHITING

METROPOLE, LISMORE, PUFF CODE BROWN TOTAL BUZZKILL & DJ LAINIE

TWO MATES BREWING, LISMORE, 4.30PM BASSIX

MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6.30PM LEIGH JAMES

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 6PM NATHAN KAYE

KINGSCLIFF SURF CLUB 6PM JON J BRADELY

TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 8PM THE FABULOUS CAPRETTOS – DARYL BRAITHWAITE, RUSSELL MORRIS, JACK JONES & RAI THISTLETHWAYTE

COOLANGATTA HOTEL 7PM JAMES BLUNDELL

DURRUMBUL HALL 7PM KOOII WITH JUMAN AND THE SEEDING

SUNDAY 12

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, THE LONESOME BOATMAN BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 1.30PM LUKE HAYWARD, 4.30PM EPIC HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4PM ELECTRIC APES

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, OLE FALCO

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

WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM OPEN MIC WITH JACK CAVE

LENNOX COMMUNITY MARKET 9AM DR BAZ AND GOOD MEDICINE

CLUB LENNOX 3PM JB’S BLUES BREAKERS

SHAWS BAY HOTEL, BALLINA, 3PM SUNDAY SESSIONS FT DISCO DISCIPLES

SEAGULLS, TWEED HEADS, 1PM BRAD BLANC

TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 2.30PM TOM BURLINSON – SINATRA AT THE SANDS

DUNOON SPORTS CLUB 4PM PLUCKERS AND POETS OPEN MIC

MONDAY 13

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, ANDY JANS BROWN

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 5PM MARK CROTTI, 8.30PM 4’20 SOUND REGGAE NIGHT

TUESDAY 14

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, JON J BRADLEY

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 5PM AKOVA, 8PM ROGUE ELEMENTS

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM ALBY DAMN

KULCHA JAM, BYRON BAY, 7PM ECSTATIC DANCE BYRON BAY WITH DJ NIC KAIN

TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 11AM THE MUNSTER BUCKS IRISH BAND

WEDNESDAY 15

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, JOCK BARNES

BANGALOW BOWLO 7.30PM BANGALOW BRACKETS’ OPEN MIC SESSION

MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 8PM KRAPEOKEEE WITH JESS

ELTHAM HOTEL 7PM EILEN JEWELL

VARIOUS VENUES, TENTERFIELD, BAVARIAN MUSIC FESTIVAL & BEERFEST

Property Insider

Award Winner – Mullumbimby: Heidi Last, McGrath Byron Bay

Rate My Agent real estate awards are the largest in Australia and the major choice awards for the real estate industry. Rather than being judged by industry peers, the calculation is based on number of sales, verified reviews and feedback provided by homeowners. The award is a true gauge of the customer service provided by the agent. Rate My Agent Awards reflect the views (both positive and negative) of both sellers and buyers so that prospective clients have an objective measurement of how individual agents have delivered on their promises.

Heidi believes her success has come about owing to her communication and emotional intelligence, along with her client referrals. ‘I put myself in my client’s shoes in what can be an extraordinarily emotional period of

their lives. I always remind myself, how I might feel in any situation.’ Heidi works within a team including, Stuart Aitken and Daisy Quiazon. ‘It works really

well for our clients because we offer combined knowledge, experience and personalised service,’ says Heidi.

With the awards based on number

of sales and customer feedback, and with many real estate agents servicing Mullumbimby, Heidi sees winning the award as validation of her strengths as a communicator, strategic marketer, and savvy negotiator.

When we asked Heidi why she has such success in Mullumbimby over other areas in the Shire she said, ‘Since starting my career 14 years ago, I have gravitated to Mullumbimby because of its bohemian, eclectic energy. I love that energy so much because it aligns with both my personality and my upbringing. I was raised in the Shire and I feel an emotional connection with the people of the Mullum community. There’s no town like it; it’s unspoiled, it’s colourful, it’s energetic and it’s geographically beautiful. It really is something special!’.

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

+ Additional 18m x 12m shed, 10kW solar + 9m x 9m shed with modern ammenities

+ 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

kbrealestate.com.au

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

RARE COASTAL RETREAT STEPS TO THE BEACH

This beautiful family friendly home is situated only 200m from the pure white sands of Pottsville Beach which is conveniently accessed via a path connecting to it's rear gate. The property is only very recently renovated with a modern coastal feel and backs onto a nature reserve with a walking track to Hastings Point.

Positioned within the only beachside pocket of Pottsville and tightly held Elfran Avenue the property allows owners access to a quiet patrolled beach, a short stroll to the still blue sparkling waters of Pottsville creek and the local town centre.

Inspection Saturday 11:30 - 12:00pm oliver@amirprestige.com.au 0419 789 600

Contact the Listing Agent

Luxury Designer Home Located in Prime Byron Position

• Located in a tightly held, quiet cul-de-sac is this superb modern designer home with high-end finishes, absolute privacy, and pure luxury

• Large, private courtyard with easy care cactus garden and limestone tiles

• Outdoors features an olympic size in-ground trampoline, Alpine Lucania 6 seater spa and a tranquil native bush backdrop

• Main bedroom features stacker doors opening to the beautiful back yard

26 Oakland Court, Byron Bay

$2.85m

Rare Opportunity on One of Byron’s Largest Blocks

• One of Byron Bay’s largest allotments within a highly sought-after, central position

• Residential R2 zoning which allows subdivision or multi-dwelling housing (STCA)

• Pavilion-style house featuring two wings, one with four bedrooms and two bathrooms and the other features central living, dining and kitchen areas

• Outdoors is a serene pool and covered patio perfect for entertaining

• Mortgagee exercising power of sale

103 Paterson Street, Byron Bay

Auction this Saturday 11th March 11:30am

2–2.30pm

Hinterland Escape – Multiple Buildings – Pristine Horse Paddocks

• 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

132 Scarrabelottis Road, Nashua

Price Guide: $2.5m – $2.65m

Open: Saturday, 11th March 11.30–12pm

Spacious Elevated Home with Views to Lennox

4

• This large country inspired home sits on a level block just under an acre with elevated north eastern views overlooking the lush Lennox Head hinterland

• Multiple living spaces that open to the verandas surrounded by stunning gardens

• An additional bonus is the private, one bedroom studio with kitchen and ensuite

• Outdoors is a 10m x 7m double height shed, ideal for caravan and boat storage

• Easy access to expressway north, twenty minutes to Byron Bay

44 Summerhill Crescent, Cumbalum

Price Guide: $1.75m – $1.925m

Open: Thursday, 9th March 3–3.30pm Saturday 11th March 10–10.30am

Helen Huntly-Barratt 0412 332 232

Spacious, Modern Home with Vast Outdoor Living and Pool

• Award winning, luxury designed home with multiple living spaces

• Grand outdoor entertaining area equipped with an outdoor kitchen, alfresco dining area, built in fire place and views of the sparkling pool

• The gourmet kitchen features a butler’s pantry, stone benchtops, quality appliances, an island, and plenty of storage

• Established, manicured, tropical gardens across the large corner block provide shade, privacy, and a lush green outlook from every window

2 Oakwood Drive, Ballina

Price Guide: Contact Agent

Open:

Character Pavilion Style Home with Stunning Gardens

4

• Set on an elevated North East and light filled block within a bike ride to Byron CBD

• This pavilion style home offers separate areas that would be ideal for working from home, multigenerational living options or potential income

• The stunning gardens give the impression of a secluded private tropical hideaway

• With timber work throughout, the home is inspired by Japanese landscape design

• Minutes to bustling Byron centre and world famous surf breaks

14 Orara Court, Byron Bay

Price Guide: $1.4m – $1.5m

Open: Saturday, 11th March 12.30–1pm Su Reynolds 0428 888 660

Luke Elwin 0421 375 635

Grand Home on Large Block with Separate Studio

5

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

Relaxed Hinterland Lifestyle with Views and Pool

• This ultra-private property offers a stylish main residence with high vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, a hand laid stone fireplace in main living area

• Set on 5 acres of open, park like grounds with established and easy-care gardens

• There is an enormous undercover and semi enclosed deck with a vaulted roofline and is easily accessed from several points of the home

• An additonal bonus is the secondary dwelling circa 1970 with potential to become a Dual Occupancy (STCA)

41 Federal Drive, Eureka

Price Guide: $2.75m – $3m

11th March 9–9.30am

Luke Elwin 0421 375 635 Su Reynolds 0428 888 660

Open: Thursday, 9th March 5–5.30pm Saturday 11th March 12–12.30pm

Happy International Women’s Day

75% of positions at First National Byron are held by women.

75% of leadership roles at First National Byron are held by women.

we proudly support local women’s charities and initiatives including the Women’s Village Collective.

we are committed to providing a flexible and supportive work environment to encourage a balanced life for ALL employees and their families.

the women of First National Byron are proud to work for a company that supports, celebrates and champions their hard work and achievements.

Saturday 2pm - 3pm

Friday 4pm - 4:30pm

Shaun Lowry 0417 688 521

Rural Lifestyle Opportunity on Byron Bay Outskirts

Auction On-Site, Friday March at pm

Shoot Road, Coopers Shoot

This expansive 111.64-acre* landholding known as ‘Kincora Farm’ is anchored by a large family house and offers an idyllic country lifestyle, with income potential. There are endless vantage points from which to take in inspiring views that extend to the ocean and showcase Lennox Headland in the distance. It is a scenic five-minute* drive into the quaint village of Bangalow, while the tourism hub of Byron Bay and its golden beaches are also close by. The property has the potential for agricultural or tourism ventures and currently runs 35 head of agisted cattle. The main house is built for entertaining and features multiple living spaces as well as a self-contained pool house. Surrounded by tropical gardens extending to grassy paddocks and natural bushland, the acreage has a freshwater spring-fed dam and comes with two all-terrain vehicles.

Coopers

GUNYA | HISTORIC FORBES, NSW

2.38 HA (5.88 AC) | ON THE LACHLAN RIVER + Premier Location - just 3km from the historic Forbes town centre

River Frontage - 330m of highly sought-after Lachlan River frontage

Impressive Family Home - 5 BR double brick homestead (650m2) + Built For Entertaining - seamless indoor & outdoor integration

Panoramic Views - of river from entertaining areas & bedrooms + Highly Improved - 2 BR cottage, studio, 14 garages, amenities block

Parklike Surrounds - access to parkland area with towering river red gums

Ocean Shores. Sat,11–11.30am

First National Byron

• 2 Oakwood Drive, Ballina. Thurs, 2–2.30pm

• 44 Summerhill Crescent, Cumbalum. Thurs, 3–3.30pm

• 41 Federal Drive, Eureka. Thurs, 5–5.30pm

• 103 Paterson Street, Byron Bay. Fri, 2–2.30pm

• 19 Stuart Street, Mullumbimby. Fri, 3–3.30pm

• 61 Robinsons Road, Wilsons Creek. Fri, 3–3.30pm

• 891 Main Arm Road, Main Arm. Fri, 3.45–4.14pm

• 2/10 Corkwood Crescent, Suffolk Park. Sat, 9–9.30am

• 62 Riverview Avenue, West Ballina. Sat, 9–9.30am

• 34 Parrot Tree Place, Bangalow. Sat, 9–9.30am

• 6 Jubilee Avenue, Mullumbimby. Sat, 9–9.30am

• 65 Lilli Pilli Drive, Byron Bay. Sat, 9.30–10am

• 44 Summerhill Crescent, Cumbalum. Sat, 10–10.30am

• 26 Oakland Court, Byron Bay. Sat, 10–10.30am

• 38 Avocado Crescent, Ewingsdale. Sat, 10–10.30am

• 7 Ocean Avenue, New Brighton. Sat, 10–10.30am

• 14 Brooklet Road, Newrybar. Sat, 10.30–11am

• 103 Paterson Street, Byron Bay. Sat, 11–11.30am

• 16 Omega Circuit, Brunswick Heads. Sat, 11–11.30am

• 132 Scarrabelottis Road, Nashua. Sat, 11.30–12pm

• 358 Binna Burra Road, Binna Burra. Sat, 11.30–12pm

• 41 Federal Drive, Eureka. Sat, 12–12.30pm

• 15 Newes Road, Coorabell. Sat, 12.30–1.15pm

• 14 Orara Court, Byron Bay. Sat, 12.30–1pm

• 8/19 Marattia Place, Suffolk Park. Sat, 1–1.30pm

• 11 Dehnga Place, Suffolk Park. Sat, 1.30–2pm

• 4 Mango Lane, Coorabell. Sat, 1.30–2pm

• 891 Main Arm Road, Main Arm. Sat, 1.45–2.15pm

• 19 Stuart Street, Mullumbimby. Sat, 2.30–3pm Jet Real Estate

• 34 Ewing Street, Murwillumbah. Sat, 9.30–10am

• 1 Tombonda Road, Murwillumbah. Sat, 10.30–11am

Mana RE

• 59 Riverview Street, Murwillumbah. Sat, 9–9.30am

• 4/2 Nunyar Court, Ocean Shores. 9–9.30am

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

• 5 Philip Street, South Golden Beach 10–10.30am

• 4 Coonawarra Court, Ocean Shores. 11–11.30am

• 1/8 Yengarie Way, Ocean Shores. 12–12.30pm

• 2 Rangal Road, Ocean Shores. 11–11.30am 24 Rangal Road, Ocean Shores. 12–12.30pm

North Coast Lifestyle Properties Mullumbimby

• 15 Clifford Street, SGB. Sat, 10–10.45am

• 1/3 Boondoon Cres, Ocean Shores. Sat, 10–10.45am

• 50 Stuart Street, Mullumbimby. Sat, 12–12.45pm

North Coast Lifestyle Properties Brunswick

• 14 Avocado Court, Mullumbimby. Sat 10–10.30am

• 19 Grevillea Avenue, Mullumbimby. Sat, 11–11.30am

• 70 Helen Street, South Golden Beach. Sat,12–12.30pm

Property Hub Byron Shire

• 11/19 Namitjira Place, Ballina. Sat, 11.30am–12pm

Ray White Byron Bay

• 65 Currawong Way, Ewingsdale. Fri, 1.30–2pm

• 4/19 Julian Rocks Drive, Byron Bay. Fri, 3.30–4pm 222 Friday Hut Road, Possum Creek. 10–10.30am

• 3/14 Sunrise Boulevard, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

• 20 Cavvanbah Street, Byron Bay. Sat, 10–10.30am

• 28 Springvale Road, Eureka. Sat, 11–11.30am

• 13 Argyle Street, Mullumbimby. Sat, 11.30am–12pm

• 18 Kiyung Court, Ocean Shores. Sat, 12–12.30pm

• 12 Hibiscus Place, Mullumbimby. Sat, 12–12.30pm

•

• 13/146 Old Bangalow Road, Byron Bay. Sat, 1–1.30pm

• 2/4 Hazelwood Close, Suffolk Park. Sat, 1.15pm–1.45pm

Real Estate of Distinction

• 2 Giaour Street, Byron Bay. Sat, 10–10.30am

• Lot 2 Martin Lane, Empire Vale. Sun, 11–11.30am

• Lot 1 & 3 Empire Vale Rd, Empire Vale. Sun, 12–12.30pm

Ruth Russell Realty

• 11 Quail Way, Mullumbimby. Sat, 11–11.45am

• 54 Main Arm Road Mullumbimby. Sat, 12.30–1pm Tim Miller Real Estate

• 8 George Street, Bangalow. Sat, 9.30–10am

• 5 George Street, Bangalow. Wed, 12.30–1pm

• 5 George Street, Bangalow. Sat, 10.15–10.45am

• 168 Johnston Road, Clunes. Wed, 1.30–2pm

• 168 Johnston Road, Clunes. Sat, 11.30am–12pm

• 1098 Bangalow Road, Bexhill. Sat, 12.15–12.45pm

New Listing

Jet Real Estate

• 135 Bakers Road, Dunbible

• 25 Stokers Road, Stokers Siding

• 44 Brisbane Street, Murwillumbah

• 237 Mount Burrell Road, Mount Burrell Rd North Coast Lifestyle Properties Mullumbimby

• 50 Stuart Street, Mullumbimby.

North Coast Lifestyle Properties Brunswick

• 14 Avocado Court, Mullumbimby. Contact Agent

• 13 Gaggin Street, New Brighton. Just Listed

Auctions

Ray White Byron Bay

• 4/19-22 Julian Rocks Dr, Byron Bay. Fri 10 March 4pm

• 65 Currawong Way, Ewingsdale. Fri 10 March 2pm 12 Hibiscus Place, Mullum. Fri 17 March

• 448 Old Byron Bay Road,

Service Directory

Blinds, Awnings, Curtains, Shutters.48

Carpet Cleaning............................48

Chimney Sweeping........................48

Chiropractic..................................48

Cleaning.......................................48 Computer Services........................49 Concreting & Paving......................49

Decks, Patios & Extensions.............49

Dentists........................................49 Design & Drafting..........................49

Earthmoving & Excavation.............49

Electricians...................................49

Fencing.........................................49

Floor Sanding & Polishing..............49

Furniture Maker............................49

Garden & Property Maintenance....49

Gas Suppliers................................49

Graphic Design..............................49

Guitar Repairs...............................50

Guttering......................................50

Handypersons...............................50

Health..........................................50

Hire..............................................50

Insurance......................................50

Landscape Supplies.......................50

Landscaping .................................50

Locksmith.....................................50

Painting........................................50

Pest Control..................................50

Photography.................................50

Physiotherapy...............................50

Picture Framing............................50

Plastering.....................................50

Plumbers......................................50

Pool Services.................................50

Property Styling............................50

Removalists..................................50

Roofing.........................................51

Rubbish Removal..........................51

Self Storage..................................51

Sensor Technology........................51

Septic Systems..............................51

Solar Installation..........................51

Television Services........................51

Tiling............................................51

Transport......................................51

Tree Services.................................51

Upholstery....................................51

Valuers.........................................51

Veterinary Surgeons......................51

Water Filters.................................51

Water Services..............................51

Welding........................................51

Window Cleaning..........................51

Window Tinting............................51

Writing Services............................51

ALL-WAYS PAINTING

B Timbs Painting B Timbs

Byron Coast Removals

Byron Sensor Tech

The Water Filter Experts

ECHO CLASSIFIEDS – 6684 1777

CLASSIFIED AD BOOKINGS

PHONE ADS

Ads may be taken by phone on 6684 1777

AT THE ECHO HEAD OFFICE

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

EMAIL ADS

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

Line classies: classifieds@echo.net.au

Ad bookings only taken during business hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm. Ads can’t be taken on the weekend. Account enquiries phone 6684 1777.

DISCLAIMER

Advertisements placed in The Byron Shire Echo do not reflect the views or opinions of the editorial staff.

The Byron Shire Echo does not make any representations as to the accuracy or suitability of any content or information contained in advertising material nor does publication constitute in any way an endorsement by The Byron Shire Echo of the content or representations contained therein.

The Byron Shire Echo does not accept any liability for the representations or promises made in paid advertisements or for any loss or damage arising from reliance on such content, representations or promises.

DEADLINE TUES 12PM

Publication day is Wednesday, booking deadlines are the day before publication.

RATES & PAYMENT

LINE ADS: $17.00 for the first two lines

$5.00 for each extra line

$17 for two lines is the minimum charge.

DISPLAY ADS (with a border):

$12.85 per column centimetre

These prices include GST.

Cash, cheque, Mastercard or Visa Prepayment is required for all ads.

KINESIOLOGY

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

CLASSIFIEDS THAT WORK ALL WEEK!

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

WANTED

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

GARAGE SALES

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

WE ARE a small natural cosmetic company in the Byron Bay Arts/Industry Estate. Casual position 2–3 days p/w, varied duties including customer calls, cold calls, admin and packaging/labelling work. Must be able to work independently with great attention to detail. We value reliability, and would prefer someone who lives locally. Call Michael 0481277029 or email michael@ecominerals.com.au

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

TRADEWORK

BYRON TWILIGHT MARKET

Every Saturday Railway Park 4-9pm

Kate is a deeply intuitive, wholehearted, compassionate & sensitive person, who brings humour & warmth into your session. Take away detailed messages, guidance & tools, as well as a potent healing transmission from the crystals. 0413 003 301 crystalsanddreaming.com.au

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

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

TREE SERVICES

Leaf it to us 4x4 truck/chipper, crane truck, stump grinding. Local, qualified, insured, free quotes. 0402487213

TREE SERVICES FOR

SALE BROMELIADS

Long established nursery is closing down and everything must go. Mixed lots like the old days. More info at ebrom.com.au  0412664526 FEDERAL 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

11/31 KINGSFORD DRIVE, BRUNS Sat 9am. Quality size 12/14 women’s clothes, shelving, 4 cane chairs, hall & coffee tables, curtains, art, pots. Pls park on road.

Tip Runs &

MOTOR VEHICLES

LAVENDER LIL 2002 Honda Civic, fully serviced, 12 months rego, $3900. Ph 0413261011

CARAVANS

CARAVANS

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

BUSINESS FOR SALE

OWNERS RETIRING Manufacturing camphor laurel timber products for export & domestic markets. Fully integrated business, saw mills, dryer, forklift, 1400mm thicknesser sander & dust extractor and many assorted tools. An affordable business. Peter 0428263086

WINDOW & PRESSURE CLEANING

Est 2009 with extensive client base. Equipment and vehicle included. Jonathon 0415846343 or 0409207646

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

BILLI LIDS LONG DAY CARE CENTRE

Is a 29 place centre, located in Billinudgel. We have two educator positions available.

1. Mon–Fri, 28–35hrs per week

2. Wed–Fri, 15–20hrs per week

Qualifications: Diploma or Cert III. Start date can be negotiated. Phone Lyn 0266804025 for enquiries.

NEED EXPERIENCED NANNY FOR 2–3 days p/w for a 1 and 2 year old from 24 March–2 May. Ph Jo 0439492804

IRONING PERSON

Household ironing, Bangalow area. 0402061110

THE ECHO

Thank you to the applicants for our Lennox run, Bangalow run, Pottsville, Cabarita, Casuarina, Kingscliff, Murwillumbah, Burringbar, Mooball run, Wategos run, and Myocum/ Goonengerry/ Tyagarah/Andersons Hill run. Those 5 positions have now been filled. ***

The Echo has further contract positions commencing 5 April delivering papers to:

1. Mullumbimby CBD: 750 This position involves inserting and delivery of flat papers on foot to shops in Mullumbimby CBD.

2. Wilsons Creek and Left Bank Rd. This position involves collecting folded and inserted papers from Mullumbimby and throwing them accurately to driveways from a car.

*

These runs can each be done by different people or, in the past people have combined a number of runs. The work tends to suit a semi-retired or underemployed person/couple who just want a reliable job to do at their own pace at the same time every week. The successful applicants for these runs 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) 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

TO LET LOCAL REMOVAL

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

TO LEASE

Classifieds

Breath Of Life

Reiki Level 2

Crystal Awakening Crochet Level 2

Bats and Dingos for Conservation

HealthShare NSW

Food

and Cleaning

Location: Ballina District Hospital Hospital Assistant Grade 2

Employment Type: Permanent Part-Time

Hours: 32 hours per week

Remuneration: $26.30 per hour, plus 10.5% superannuation

Enquiries: Kevin Hourigan via kevin.hourigan@health.nsw.gov.au

Closing Date: Midnight, Tuesday 14 March 2023

To apply visit jobs.health.nsw.gov.au/healthshare

Search for Job Reference Number: REQ379928

FUNERAL NOTICES

McPhail Mary Gladys

Passed away suddenly, yet peacefully at home on 25th February 2023. Much loved wife of Colin (dec). Loved mother and mother-in-law of Suzanne & Clive, Lynette & Peter and Ian & Tracey. Loved Nana of Rebecca, Daniel, Andrew, Eliza, Luke, Mathew, Lachlan, Brendan, Mark, Hayley, their beautiful partners and children.

Aged 90 years

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service to be held at the Uniting Church, Dalley Street, Mullumbimby on FRIDAY (March 10, 2023) commencing at 10.30am followed by burial at Mullumbimby Lawn Cemetery.

Michael Currie at BRUNSWICK VALLEY FUNERALS 6684 6232

KRYSTAL ADULT SHOP

Large variety of toys and lingerie 6/6 Tasman Way, A&I Est, Byron Bay Ph 66856330

BLISSFUL MASSAGE FOR WOMEN BY A WOMAN

Gift your wife a sensual treat! Ph 0407013347

MALE 2 MALE MASSAGE

Sensual, relaxation, stimulation. Very discreet. In & outcalls  thehealingtouchbyronbay.com  0476069889

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

SOCIAL ESCORTS

LOTS OF GORGEOUS LADIES available for your pleasure nearby. Spoil yourself. In & out. 7 days. Ladies always wanted. 0266816038. COVID SAFE

Inspired Creative Academic Nurturing

Peripatetic Cellist

BISTRO

Byron Dog Rescue (CAWI)

CAVOODLE PUPPIES

WORK WANTED

JOCKO’S LABOURING Civil, roadworks, pipelaying, construction, brushcutting, chain sawing, plant operation from $35/ hr. 0434576922

PRISCILLA 44y/o, single F. Exp care worker with refs. Accom in exchange for care services in Byron Shire. 0402678915

MUSICAL NOTES

GUITAR STRINGS, REPAIRS Brunswick Heads 66851005

Big Ben – E natural

Seeking Drummer

TUITION

FRENCH • ITALIAN • GERMAN Eva 0403224842 www.languagetuitionbyron.com.au

Start Term 2 2023.

Cape Byron Steiner School is a vibrant and progressive K-12 school dedicated to the educational principles inspired by Rudolf Steiner.

Cellist to teach individual lessons to students, Classes 3 to 7, two to three days per week.

Previous experience in Steiner Education would be desirable.

Little KAREN has had very bad luck. So nearly adopted, but the family dog vetoed the plan. Karen is so sweet and playful. ….just look at that face ! She says to please ask the lovely Echo readers to hurry to the shelter and adopt her for real - “Cats Rule!”, says Karen. Now is the pawfect time to adopt this cuddly, furry bundle who will bring lots of joy, and become a loving companion for life. All cats are desexed, vaccinated & microchipped. No: 953010002741658

NOR MAN NORMAN

contact@thinkblinkdesign.com www.thinkblinkdesign.com

DEATH NOTICES

Late of Mullumbimby formerly of Kandos (NSW) Passed away Tuesday 28th of February 2023. Aged 91 Years.

Margaret was a former teacher at Mullumbimby Primary School (1969–1990).

Dearly loved Wife of Wal. Loving Mother and Mother-in-law of Debby and Peter and Sue and Mark.

Cherished Grandmother of Dane, Kieran, Amy and Hannah and loving Great-Grandmother.

Loved sister of Alan (dec’d) Aileen, Heather and Keith.

We would like to thank the staff of Byron Bay Hospital for their compassionate care. A private burial has been held.

ApplicationS close Monday 20th March, 2023.

Position description and application process available at: capebyronsteiner.nsw.edu.au/ information/positions-available

Cullen, Betty Rosemary

05/08/1933 – 05/03/2023

Wife of Kevin Cullen (dec.) and mother of Kym and Richard Holden (dec.), Michael and Vivien Cullen, Colleen and Peter Creenaune, Sharon and Peter Smith, Suzanne Cullen and their families.

Betty will be sadly missed by all family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service to be held at the Presbyterian Church, Stuart Street, Mullumbimby on TUESDAY (14th March, 2023) commencing at 10.00 am.

Michael Currie at BRUNSWICK VALLEY FUNERALS 6684 6232

ONLY ADULTS

Healing Through Pleasure massagebyronbay.com or 0425347477

LICENSED TO THRILL Premium Massage & Play touchofjustine.com/byron-bay-outcalls

At only 1-yearold, ‘Norm’ a desexed male Rhodesian Ridgeback xxx has already lived through a lifetime of pain and pleasure. This has resulted in a very special big-boy with so much love to give. Norm is gorgeous; loving, affectionate, gentle and chilled. He is excellent on-leash and is great with children and dogs (although sometimes bombastic). He will need ongoing training and a fenced property owing to his high prey drive, so no good with chickens, cats or wildlife. Please contact Shell on 0458461935.

MC: 953010005807463

K I R R A KIRRA

Kirra is only 16 weeks old & is desperate to begin her new life with a loving family. She now paces up & down her cage, showing signs of stress & boredom. Once outside the cage, Kirra transforms into an absolute love bug & is very playful. All she needs is a chance of a home.

For the remainder of March, Kirra & kittens her age have $20 off their adoption fee! To meet Kirra, please visit the Cat Adoption Centre at 124 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby.

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

Baxter is a 2 year old,  Wolfhound/ Smithfield X. He is a handsome young man with a stumpy tail. He is clever so needs a lot of enrichment. He would suit an active family with older kids or on property.  M/C # 991003001704182

B A X T E R BAXTER

Purebred: one beautiful ruby red female puppy, and one stunning black male puppy looking for forever homes.   Six weeks old, wormed, vet checked, vaccinated and micro chipped. Ready March 20th. Too cute and bursting with personality.  Kylie 0417 479 755 friendsofthepound.com to view other dogs and cats looking for a home.

Like us on Facebook!

AWL NSW Rehoming Organisation Number: R251000222

For more information contact Yvette on 0421 831 128. Please complete our online adoption expression of interest. https://friendsofthepound.com/ adoption-expression-of-interest/

ABN 83 126 970 338

AMBULANCE, FIRE, POLICE 000

AMBULANCE Mullumbimby & Byron Bay 131 233

POLICEBrunswick Heads .......................................................... 6629 7510 Mullumbimby 6629 7570 Byron Bay 6685 9499 Bangalow 6629 7500

STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE Storm & tempest damage, flooding 132 500

BRUNSWICK VALLEY RESCUE Primary rescue 6685 1999

BRUNSWICK MARINE RADIO TOWER 6685 0148

BYRON CENTRAL HOSPITAL 6639 9400

BYRON COUNCIL:

OPEN: Tues 2.30–4.30pm Thurs 3–5pm, Sat 10am–12 noon Call AWL on 0436 845 542 Murwillumbah

MONTHLY MARKETS

Margaret Iris Jobson Iris Jobson

Community at Work

On The Horizon

DEADLINE NOON FRIDAY

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

BV VIEW

The Brunswick Valley VIEW Club will meet on Thursday 9 March at the Ocean Shores Country Club at 10.30am. This will be the first meeting of 2023 with President Rita Strong. Apologies ring Wenda: 0449 563 580 or email: wjhunt@yahoo.com no later that Monday.

Guided walks Lismore

Free guided walks at Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens are on Saturday 18 March with Ken and Sunday 26 March with Andreas.

Useful Plants Garden – find out which rainforest plants have been used for 10,000s of years for tools, medicine, food and weaving. Meet at the Visitor’s

Remembering Olivia Newton-John

Centre at 9.15am for a 9.30am onehour walk. Wear hat and sturdy shoes. Morning tea in the Visitor’s Centre after the walk. Gold coin donation appreciated. Booking essential: Email publicity@friendslrbg.com.au or text 0450 596 705.

Mullumbimby picnic in the park

A Picnic in the Park will take place on Sunday, 12 March at the fig trees by the river, Heritage Park (near playground), Dalley Street, Mullumbimby from 3 to 5pm. It will feature the Biggest Little Town Choir. Bring a rug, snacks, drinks and a photo of your favourite tree (if you have one) for the Byron Significant Tree Register. Info Linda 0409 172 153.

Regular As Clockwork

DEADLINE NOON FRIDAY

Please note that, owing to space restrictions, not all entries may be included each week. Email copy marked ‘Regular As Clockwork’ to editor@echo.net.au.

Mullumbimby District

Neighbourhood Centre

Mullumbimby & District

Neighbourhood Centre is open

Monday–Thursday 9am–4pm (closed from 12.30–1.30pm for lunch) and offers a range of services and activities. Everyone is welcome. Call reception on 6684 1286 and discover what is on offer.

MDNC services that are running include:

Flood Recovery Support Service: personalised, long-term support for those impacted by the floods.

Community support: Food parcels, meals, showers, assistance with electricity and phoneelstra bills, Work Development Orders.

Listening Space: free counselling. Staying Home, Leaving Violence program

Integrated Domestic & Family Violence program

Financial Counselling: outreach available Thursdays & Fridays

Financial Counselling: free service to resume in February, call 6684 1286 for more details.

Information, referral and advocacy. To enquire about accessing any of these services call 6684 1286 or fill out an online enquiry form.

Byron Community Centre

Byron Community Centre

The Byron Community Centre provides community services and programs including meals, advocacy and counselling for locals in need. Fletcher Street Cottage: A welcoming, safe and respectful space where people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness can come to get practical relief opportunities, find connections and access broader support. Fletcher Street Cottage services are open

Monday–Friday. Breakfast: Monday–Friday, 7am–9am. Showers and Laundry: Monday–Friday, 7am–12pm. Office Support: Monday–Friday, 9am - 12pm. Support Appointments: Individual support appointments with community workers or specialist services. For bookings please call 6685 6807. Fletcher Street Cottage, 18 Fletcher St, Byron Bay. More info: www. fletcherstreetcottage.com.au.

Byron Community Cabin: Seniors Computer Club (school term only), 9–11am, Friday, Carlyle Steet. More info: www.byroncentre.com.au Phone: 6685 6807

Low-cost or free food

Food Box Thursdays 9.30–11.30am at Uniting Church, Mullumbimby. You may purchase cheap food, obtain free veges, and enjoy a cuppa. Free Food

Olivia Newton-John loved our region, she owned properties here and sometimes lived here. The Alstonville Plateau Historical Society is planning to hold an exhibition about this part of her life in the second half of this year commemorating the first anniversary of her death. If you have any memories, photos, etc that you might be able to contribute, please email us on: aphs2477@yahoo.com.

Meet the candidates

Ocean Shores Country Club on Monday

13 March at 6pm for a 6.30pm start.

Main discussion point 2483 Flood Free Ocean Shores Community Association (OSCA) for enquiries 0431 477 445.

BB Cancer Support

The Byron Bay General Cancer Support Group has been running for six years and welcomes new participants. The aim of the group is to provide a safe,

up to one year. Find out more at: www. standbysupport.com.au or call 13 11 14. If you, or someone you are with, are in need of immediate support please call an ambulance or police on 000.

End-of-Life Choices

Voluntary Euthanasia End-of-Life

supportive and friendly environment for people with cancer to discuss how they are feeling and connect with other people with cancer. The group runs every four weeks on the first Tuesday of the month at 10am at the Byron Bay Services Club, Jonson Street, Byron Bay For more information contact Ken 0411 233 755 or David 0428 187 025.

Read with Story Dogs

This is a fun and supportive reading program at the Byron Bay Library on Tuesday from 3pm to 5pm with the trained and accredited Story Dog team. Practice reading one- on-one with the Story Dog in a calm and motivating environment. If your child would like to read to our Story Dog regularly, book a slot in advance. Phone 6685 8540. We can’t wait for you to meet our Story Dog at the Byron Bay Library.

Love op shops?

The Anglican Op Shop in Mullumbimby needs volunteers to work in their shop. If you have three hours to spare either

Monday – Story Time 10.30 till 11.30am; Friday – Baby Time 10.30 till 11am. Mullumbimby Library, Monday – Story Time 10–11am; Tuesday – Baby Time 10–10.30 am.

Social sporting groups

weekly, fortnightly or monthly why not call into the shop at 32 Burringbar Street, or phone 6684 4718, and talk to the co-ordinator.

Ocean Shores & District Garden Club

Ocean Shores & District Garden Club Inc. AGM is to be held at 1.30pm on Monday 20 March at The Hub Church hall next to Kmart, Rajah Road, Ocean Shores (2 Bindaree Way). If the four vacant positions of President, Secretary, Treasurer and Outings Officer are not filled, the following Special Resolution will be tabled: ‘That approval is given to the Public Officer to apply to Fair Trading NSW for Voluntary Cancellation of Registration of our association and further that all remaining assets of the club be distributed in accordance with the Constitution’. Phone Margie on 0412 246 310 for further info.

Bangalow GM

The newly minted Bangalow Community Association has a

of Brunswick Mullumbimby meets 1st & 3rd Tuesdays at 7pm Ocean Shores Country Club. Info: Joan Towers 0400 484 419.

Byron Gem Club

quarterly general meeting on Tuesday, 21 March at 7pm at the Bangalow Men’s Shed, off Station Street car park. All citizens of the 2479 postcode area are invited to attend a conversation on community wide matters relating to development and infrastructure. By taking community engagement to a new level, we can deliver optimal outcomes for our village. Come along and become involved.

Mahjong and cards

Seniors get together on Fridays at 1.15pm at a local club in Byron Bay.  Friendly group and All Welcome.  Enquiries:  Nancy 0498 480 373. Kyogle Garden Club Kyogle Garden Club Inc will be holding their Annual Flower and Foliage Spectacular again this year on Friday 21 April 9am–5pm and Saturday 22 April 8am–3pm at St Brigid’s School Hall. Entry is $2 Phil Dudman from ABC Gardening will make a guest appearance on the Saturday around 10.30am.

Relief Bags for anyone doing it tough, every Wednesday 10–12noon at The Hub Ocean Shores, cnr Rajah Rd and Bindaree Way. No ID or Concession Card required. NILs referral service also available. Check Facebook page The Hub Baptist Ocean Shores for details. Liberation Larder Takeaway lunches and groceries Monday and Thursday 12 till 1pm. Fletcher Street end of the Byron Community Centre.

Respite Service

Byron Shire Respite Service Inc delivers high-quality respite care to a broad range of clients throughout the Byron, Ballina and Lismore shires. Donations welcome: Ph 6685 1921, email fundraiser@byronrespite.com.au, website: www.byronrespite.com.au.

Alateen meeting

Alateen meeting every Thursday at 5–6pm. Do you have a parent, close friend or relative with a drinking problem? Alateen can help. For 8–16-year-olds meet St Cuthbert’s Anglican Church Hall, 13 Powell Street, corner of Florence Street Tweed Heads. Al-Anon family groups for older members at the same time and place. 1300 ALANON 1300 252 666 www. al-anon.org.au

ACA

Adult Children of Alcoholic Parents and/or Dysfunctional Families (ACA) help & recovery group meets in Lismore every Friday 10–11.30am, Red Dove Centre, 80 Keen Street. Byron meetings are on Tuesdays at 7pm via Zoom – meeting ID 554 974 582 password byronbay.

Drug support groups

Call Alcoholics Anonymous 1800 423 431 or 0401 945 671 – 30 meetings a week in the Shire – www.aa.org.au. Are you experiencing difficulties and challenges because of the alcohol or drug use of someone close to you? Learn coping skills and gain support from others. Narcotics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. For information and meetings call 1300 652 820 or text your postcode to 0488 811 247. www. na.org.au. Are you concerned about somebody else’s drinking? Al-Anon Family Groups meetings held Fridays at 2pm by Zoom. 1300 252666 www. al-anon.org.au.

Support after suicide

StandBy provides support to people who have lost someone to suicide. They provide free face-to-face and telephone support and are accessible 24/7. Follow-up contact is available for

Choices are discussed at Exit International meetings held quarterly. Meetings are held at Robina and Tweed Heads South, this month. Attendees must be Exit Members. For further Information www.exitinternational.net or phone Catherine 0435 228 443.

Carers’ support

Mullumbimby Mental Health Carers’ Support Group for family members and friends who have a loved one with a mental health issue. Meeting on 4th Thursday of each month 9.30am at the Mullumbimby Neighbourhood Centre.

Info: Susanne 0428 716 431.

Rainbow Dragons

Rainbow Dragons Abreast (RDA) welcomes breast cancer survivors for a paddle at Lake Ainsworth, Lennox Head (and sometimes at Ballina) on Sundays 7.30am for 8am start. Contact Marian 6688 4058, mazzerati2010@ gmail.com.

Older adult exercise

Chair Based Older Adults Exercise Classes run by a qualified instructor, that feel more like fun than exercise, are held every Thursday at 10.15am in the Brunswick Memorial Hall. Cost $10. All welcome. Just show up or if you have any questions please contact Di on 0427 026 935.

$5 pilates classes

Pilates for the price of a coffee! Come and join us for $5 Pilates classes every Thursday at 8.45am in the Memorial Hall, 22 Fingal Street, Brunswick Heads and Monday at 8.45am in Mullumbimby. It doesn’t matter what level you are, as beginner to advanced options are shown. Just bring a mat and water. My goal is to keep the Shire active and feeling great one person at a time. No need to book just show up. For more information contact Di on 0427 026 935.

Language exchange

Byron language exchange club runs every 2nd last Friday of the month from 6pm (alternating Ballina/ Byron). Practise other languages or help someone with your English! Find us on Facebook. Contact byronbaylanguages@gmail.com.

Brunswick Valley Historical Society Inc

The Museum is on the corner of Myocum and Stuart Sts Mullumbimby, open Tuesdays and Fridays 10am–12pm and market Saturdays 9am–1pm. Discover your local history, join our team – 6684 4367.

Library fun

Baby Bounce and Storytime for toddlers and pre-school children are at: Brunswick Heads Library,

Mullumbimby: Tuesday Ladies Group of Riverside Tennis Club welcomes new players 9.30am every Tuesday next to Heritage Park, for social tennis, fun and friendship. Info: Barbara 6684 8058. South Golden Shores Community Centre Women’s table tennis every Monday at 10am. Phone 0435 780 017. Byron Bay Croquet at Croquet Club next to the Scout Hall at the Byron Rec Grounds every Monday at 3.30pm. Ring 0477 972 535. Pottsville Fun Croquet Club at Black Rocks Sportfield. Beginners and visitors welcome. Game starts 8.30am Tuesday and Thursday. $5 per game. Enquiries 0413 335 941.

Exercise for older adults

Chair Based Older Adults Exercise Classes run by a qualified instructor, that feel more like fun than exercise, are held every Thursday at 10.15am in the Brunswick Memorial Hall. Cost $10. All welcome. Just show up or if you have any questions please contact Di on 0427 026 935.

Toastmasters

Byron Cavanbah Toastmasters meetings coaching in communication and self-development run on 1st and 3rd Mondays, 6.15 for 6.30pm at Byron Bay Services Club, Byron Bay. Online attendance allowed. Mullum Magic Toastmasters: Mullum Magic provides a safe and fun environment for members and guests to develop their public-speaking and leadership skills. Meeting 6.30–8.30pm every second and fourth Thursday of the month at the Mullum Ex-Services Club. New members and guests welcome. Contact Bruce 0418 515 991 or Ninian 0411 629 982.

Meditation

Dzogchen meditation and study group 2nd and 4th Saturdays each month at Mullumbimby CWA Hall. Didi 0408 008 769. Buddhist meditation and conversation with John Allan, Mondays 6.30–8.30pm, The Yurt, Temple Byron. No fees. John 0428 991 189. Byron yoga philosophy club free meditation classes Monday, 7pm, 1 Korau Place Suffolk Park. Go to www. wisdom.yoga or phone Kris 0435 300 743. Byron Bay Meditation Centre, Tuesday 6.30pm at Temple Byron. For more info: byronbaymeditationcentre. com.au or contact Greg 0431 747 764.

Brunswick Heads CWA

Brunswick Heads CWA Crafty Women meet Fridays 10am–2pm, cnr Park and Booyun Streets, Brunswick Heads. Join us for a chat and cuppa, bring along your craft projects including sewing, knitting, crocheting, or quilting. Beginners welcome. Gold coin donation for morning tea.

Lions Club

Interested in making new friends and helping our community? Lions Club

The Bryon Gem and Lapidary Club is open weekly to members new and old. Visitors welcome to view club facilities. Activities semi-precious and gemstone cutting, shaping and polishing, gem faceting, silver work, gem setting and jewellery making etc. Facebook @ Byron Gem Club. Club workshed located past Sky Dive Byron at Tyagarah Airfield. Contact 6687 1251 or 0427 529 967 for more info.

Craft group

The Uniting Craft & Social Group meets every Monday 9.30am–2.30pm at the Uniting Church in Carlyle Street, Byron Bay. Bring lunch and whatever else you need. Small cost. All welcome. Do you prefer patchwork and quilting? Come along on Monday evening same place at 6pm. Enquiries Tilly 6685 5985.

Op shops

Uniting Church Op Shop, Dalley St, Mullumbimby – open each Saturday 9am–12 noon. Byron Bay Anglican Op Shop opens Tuesday to Saturday 9am–1pm. Volunteers needed. Enq Cathy 0432 606 849. Mullumbimby

Anglican Op Shop opens Monday to Friday 9am–4pm, Saturday 9am–12noon. Volunteers needed, enq to shop 6684 4718. Mullumbimby

Seventh-Day Adventist Op Shop opens Tuesday to Friday 11am-3pm. Companion Animals Welfare Inc (CAWI) op shop Brunswick Heads (next to supermarket) open Mon–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 9am–1pm, Sun closed.

CWA Bangalow

Bangalow CWA has reopened and our hours are Monday–Friday 10am–2pm and Saturdays 8am-12 noon.

Toy Library

The Byron Shire Toy Library is open Mondays and Thursdays 9am–12 noon, at the Children’s Centre, Coogera Cct, Suffolk Park. Come and see the large range of preschoolers toys available for loan.

Muslim prayer

Friday Muslim prayer. Jumu’ah service held weekly at the Cavanbah Centre at 1.30 pm. Come to the remembrance of Allah.

Bruns Progress

Residents, come and have your say at the Brunswick Heads Progress Association. We meet on the first Monday of every second month at the Brunswick Heads Community Landcare

Bangalow Land and Rivercare working bee every Saturday 8.30–10.30am. Email: bangalowlandcare@gmail.com. Noelene 0431200638.

Soap Aid saving lives

Soap Aid is a not-for-profit organisation recycling and sending critical soap to communities facing

major hygiene challenges. Please drop in your partly used household or holiday rental soap for recycling to Kim at Raine & Horne Byron Bay 39 Fletcher Street 0499 839 566. Small and large quantities welcome. https:// soapaid.org.

Sex & Love Addicts Anon

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous is peer-support group of men and women for whom sex and/or romance have become a problem. For details of weekly meetings, phone 0452 074 974 or visit www.slaa.org.au.

Volunteers sought

Volunteers sought for Northern Rivers Volunteering, representing more than 100 community organisations. Info: 6621 7397.

Bridge club

Brunswick Valley Bridge Club meets every Monday, seated at 12.15 to commence play at 12.30. Visitors welcome. See bridgewebs.com/ brunswickvalley/home.html or for partner ring Lesley 0468 807 306. Facebook Brunswick Valley Bridge Club. BV scrabble club

Brunswick Valley Scrabble Club will meet each Tuesday afternoon from 1 till 4pm at the Brunswick Bowling Club. New members welcome. Contact Steve on 0407 844 718.

Bosom Buddies

Ballina Bosom Buddies Support Group meets the third Thursday each month 10am–12pm at the Ballina Kentwell Community Centre. Contact Karen 0439 438 576 for further information. contact Di on 0427 026 935. February 6.30pm–8pm. Enquire at Mullumbimby Safe Haven open 12pm–6pm seven days.

Social Scrabble

If you are a word enthusiast come along and join our community led Scrabble Club which meets every Thursday at the Byron Bay Library from 2pm. Open to players of all levels, make new friends, play a few games, and join the fun!

CWA Bruns

CWA of Brunswick Heads Crafty Women meet Fridays 10–2pm, corner of Park and Booyun Street, Brunswick Heads. Join us for a chat, a cuppa and bring along your craft projects including sewing, knitting, crocheting, memory books or quilting.

Mullumbimby Potters & Sculptors

Mullumbimby Clayworkers Gallery in the Drill Hall complex is open every Thursday to Saturday 10am–2pm with pottery and sculpture from community members for sale. Applications for studio membership open in January. All details at www.mullumclayworkers.com.

Please note: This section is intended for the benefit of non-profit community groups.

Thriller at Brunswick decides women’s triples championship

The team of May Essery, Julie Quigley and Jenny Lofts have won the 2023 triples championship of the Brunswick Heads Women’s Bowling Club after a very tightly fought final played last week.

‘What a fantastic game this was to watch,’ the club’s Kerry Dexter said.

Team Lofts faced up against Dawn Holland (lead), Jenny Andrew (second) and Sherril Pearce (skip).

Team Lofts started out strongly and were leading 2–0 at the sixth end.

Team Pearce then found their bowls and mounted a fightback to bring themselves within three with the scores at 19–12 after the completion of the 16th end, with just two to play.

On the 17th end Team Pearce got hearts racing when they scored a four, taking them into the lead

for the first time in the game, 20–19.

On the last end Team Lofts were holding one shot, and this would have forced another end to have been played if the scores became even.

But Jenny Lofts had one

bowl left to play.

‘She played a most magnificent bowl drawing in front of her team member’s bowl to bring her team to hold a two; they won the game 22–21,’ Kerry said.

‘It was such a joy to see such good bowls’.

Byron Bay Cycle Club wraps up summer racing

Mat Johnson

Byron Bay Cycle Club kicked off racing for 2023 with a variety of competitive formats across the first three weeks of February at the Cavanbah track.

Racing attracted competitors from Yamba, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast and Brisbane. The Queensland junior female track team were also regulars.

Race one was a standard criterium for competitors in grades B to D. Byron members, Murray Wilkinson and Owain Roberts, took out B and C grades while junior Gold Coast Cycle Club member Ethan Fitsimmons claimed D grade.

Race two was derived

from a track-inspired event, the Elimination. Each grade raced for a period of time before receiving the ‘bell’ to signify that each lap thereafter would see the last rider eliminated. B grade averaged over 44km/hr for the event.

A–B grade winner, Richard Hunt, was from Yamba, while BBCC members Owain

Calling All Sports

Please

Off the Rails have won this year’s Byron Bay twilight cricket competition after a strong showing on finals day at the Recreation Grounds.

They won their semi-final against Eureka Grass, chasing down a 120-run total with a few overs to spare.

This win took them into the final against the Lennox Head-based Rip Starters, the team that finished on top of the regular season ladder.

Off the Rails’ bowling

was tight early on and the Rip Starters lost wickets, managing a total of 112 off their 16 overs.

Oscar (2/11) and Callum (2/15) were the pick of the bowlers, while Scoot dominated the scoring for the Rip Starters with 61 not out.

Off the Rails chased down the total with 17 balls to spare. Doug opened and high scored with 26. He was backed up by Joel (24), Brendan (19) and Callum (17).

Best of the Rip Starters was Laith (2/8), while Sam took home 1/4 from his only over.

The final topped four game days of short-form cricket at the Recreation Grounds that also included a win to Eureka Grass over TNR. In this preliminary game the Grass chased down a 142 with just two balls to spare.

In the B-grade final the Bowlo dusted up Rugby.

Local surfers back in the winners’ circle

Soli Bailey won the Port Stephens Pro, a World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000 event last week; while local juniors have also taken out the Australian Junior Online Surf Championships.

Roberts (C grade) and George Bloor (D grade) were also winners on the day.

The final race of the series was held on February 19 and was another track-inspired ‘points’ race.

Cyclists raced for a set number of laps, with every third a sprint. The format made for intense racing.

Soli had to pull on all of his experience to clinch the win over Gold Coast surfer Ty Richardson with the pair going blow-for-blow in their 30-minute match-up. Richardson dominated the heat, posting the highest single wave score of the event, with an 8.14 (out of a possible 10).

But Soli was able to score a last minute, high-scoring ride to take out the final.

‘You don’t always want to win like that, but it’s so good when it happens,’ Bailey said. ‘When I took off on that wave at the end, I lost all

my speed on the first turn and started to think that this would not be a 7.50, so I had to throw it up into the wind and luckily pulled it off.’

Groms

Local surfers, Ocea Curtis (U/16 women) and Leihani Kaloha Zoric (U/12 girls), won their respective age groups in the Australian Junior Online Surf Championships.

They overcame more than

270 entries. Winners earn 6500 points for first place that go towards their 2023 National Junior Rankings. ‘The Championships provide equal opportunity to surfers to go big in their own environments, without the normal pressures of competition,’ Surfing Australia and Judge, Glen Elliot said. Leihani also came third in the Best Aerial (women) category.

you.

send stories, pics, match reports, upcoming events, tall tales (not too tall mind you), results and anecdotes to sport@echo.net.au.

The winners: (L–R) Jenny Lofts (skip), Julie Quigley (second) and May Essery (lead). Photo supplied

Soli gets air to win the title. Photo Shannon Hayes

BBCC competitors are tested at Cavanbah cycle track.

Photo supplied

Off the Rails (white) claimed Byron Bay Cricket Club’s 2023 twilight cricket competiton after beating the Rip Starters (black), last Sunday afternoon. Photo Paul Hunt

Backlash

Rupert Murdoch’s admission that he could have stopped Fox News from lying about the US election, but didn’t, may have repercussions nearer to home. Independent publisher, Crikey, faces a defamation suit from Lachlan Murdoch over the article titled ‘Trump is a confirmed unhinged traitor. And Murdoch is his unindicted coconspirator’. Crikey may now have a stronger truth defence. The trial is set for October; popcorn at the ready.

Surfers For Climate are hosting their new film, Great Ocean Love, with a panel discussion with Tim Silverwood, Tishiko King and facilitator Courtney Miller at the Beach Hotel on March 14 from 6pm. For more info visit events. humanitix.com/great-oceanlove-beach-hotel-byron

Trauma and addiction expert, Dr Gabor Maté, who has for a long time been widely respected in alternative circles, has recently gained worldwide attention through his ‘fireside chat’ with Prince Harry. Unsurprisingly, the mainstream media have concentrated on the more sensationalist aspects of his practice. However, as this recent conversation with Byron-based localisation pioneer, Helena NorbergHodge, makes clear, his thinking is of profound importance for the modern world: https://bit.ly/3KYh4o4.

Megan and Lulu from Lotus Palliative Care, together with staff, friends and family will be taking part in the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave on March 17 from 6pm at the Billinudgel Hotel. Michaela’s Hair and

Beauty will be donating their time for anyone else who wants to join in. Lulu says, ‘With no screening programs available, and no means of prevention through lifestyle changes, blood cancer is Australia’s hidden cancer crisis. Every day, 53 Aussies are diagnosed with blood cancer, and 16 will lose their life. To donate to Team Lotus, visit my.leukaemiafoundation. org.au/Teamlotus2023.

Did COVID-19 spring from a Wuhan wet market, or from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, which is jointly funded by China and the US? The Wall Street Journal reports that The US Department of Energy, who doles the funding out, concluded last week that ‘the covid pandemic most likely arose from a laboratory leak’. Yet its judgment comes with ‘low confidence’. The FBI, meanwhile has ‘moderate confidence’ in the lab leak.

March 8 is the deadline for submissions on the Byron Shire Short-Term Rental Accommodation [90-day

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Anthophiles were drawn like bees to flowers to last weekend’s Coorabell Flower Show. Pictured is champion dahlia grower, Steven Wedd. Photo Jeff ‘Flowers For Me? Thanks!’ Dawson