The Byron Shire Echo – Issue 38.01 – June 14, 2023

Byron businesses under pressure

Paul

Bibby

Sky-high commercial rents, staff shortages produced by the housing crisis, and the broader economic downturn have placed an unsustainable burden on dozens of local businesses in Byron Bay.

As the town experiences a quieter than usual off-season, multiple local businesses have been forced to either close or relocate, leaving a growing number of shop fronts empty.

It has raised concerns that only large corporate chains will be able to afford to set up shop in the town in the future, which could change the face of the town permanently.

‘A lot of true local businesses are struggling to make ends meet,’ the President of the Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce, Jason Bentley, told The Echo

‘There’s multiple factors – rents, interest rate hikes, rising costs, staffing issues… it’s a trend that’s likely to continue’.

‘Rents are definitely a factor. Quite a few commercial property owners are bringing leases up to market value when they come up for renewal.

‘A number of businesses in the old Woolies car park are looking for new spots, and it’s double the rent they’ve been paying to get a new lease.

‘I think you’re going to see a changing landscape where you’re seeing bigger international brands moving downtown, because they’re the ones who can afford to lease space there.’

The Echo is aware of at least a dozen local operations that have closed or relocated in recent months.

These include well-known longstanding businesses such as the Byron Fresh restaurant, and the Stoked surf fashion shop, both on Jonson Street, and Craig Parry Photography.

Mr Parry told The Echo that high rents were a key contributing factor in his decision to move on, and that he was considering Lennox Head and the Byron Arts and Industry Estate as possible new locations.

‘We’ve realised that we don’t need to be in the middle of Byron Bay anymore,’ Mr Parry said.

‘We don’t need to spend $110,000 every year in rent for a spot in the Bay. We can do half that for a good spot somewhere else and that’s fine.’

Mr Parry said that another factor affecting his business was the rollercoaster ride the region had experienced after COVID-19.

‘Covid was actually an exceptional boom time for us, and for many businesses in the town,’ he said. ‘The government was handing out money, tourism rates were up because no one could travel overseas, and so everyone was coming to Byron with money to spend.’

‘Then the floods came, and that was obviously a big blow. We’ve come out of that and thought “this summer is going to be great”, but then we had high interest rates, which really affected the retail market and everyone in the town

▶ Continued on page 4

Beaut Bruns bargains

Four Northern Rivers mayors and two state MPs were briefed by the CEOs of the Reconstruction Authority and the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) on Tuesday around the delivery of the Resilient Homes Program. The program, which came with much public fanfare when announced last year, is aimed at helping those affected by the 2022 floods to retrofit their homes, to raise their homes from future floods, or to receive a buyback offer.

Local Ballina MP, Tamara Smith (Greens), says she was shocked to learn that most people who applied under the scheme will

not be getting any support.

She told The Echo, ‘The briefing was to explain the data analysis for deciding that of the 7,000 or so floodaffected people who applied for the Resilient Homes Program, less than 2,000 will receive a package’.

Most not getting support

‘Under the data modelling the NRRC has used, in line with current state government policy for flood management, almost nobody in the Ballina electorate will see any money.

‘Less than 400 retrofits have been approved across the entire Northern Rivers.

‘It was very disappointing to be briefed about what will be devastating news for thousands and thousands of applicants, just a few hours before the data modelling is released.

‘Applicants will know whether they are in the majority of those who miss out by 30 June.’

She adds the mayors and MPs will write to Premier Minns to urgently call for his commitment to the second tranche of funding this year, as well as an expansion of the policy approach so that more people can get a package.

The Echo contacted the NRRC for comment prior to publication.

Brunswick Heads was buzzing on Saturday, with thousands of visitors at the Old & Gold Festival. The glorious sunny winter’s day couldn’t have been tailor made any finer, with the strains of music and happy bargain hunters filling the town’s streets. Matilda, Clover and PomskiAngel had fun at the Ye Olde Church Fair. Photo Tree Faerie

Relax, there’s a special new hospital bed

Photo & story Eve Jeffery

The Mullumbimby Hospital may no longer exist, but the Mullumbimby Hospital

Auxiliary still has a strong heartbeat after 76 years, and their latest efforts have seen them provide a ‘falls bed’ for the Byron Shire community.

After many raffles, lamington drives, garages sales and some donations, the Auxiliary purchased the special bed at a cost of $8,991 for Byron Central Hospital.

The bed is specifically designed for patients of all ages and capacity – often elderly and frail – to reduce the risk of falls in the hospital during a time when they are most vulnerable to injury.

The bed has state-of-theart inclusions like exceptional low height (25cm–76cm), integrated patient monitoring, with three sensitivitylevel bed exit detection (with alarms), patient weighing scale and extendable length, to name a few.

Mullumbimby Hospital

Auxiliary President, Debbie Butler, told The Echo it has been a difficult time for the community since the floods.

‘The Mullum Hospital

Auxiliary are very appreciative to both the general public and local businesses for their wonderful support, thus enabling us to make this purchase, which will assist both

patients and the incredible nursing staff at Byron Central.’ If you would like to know more about the Auxiliary’s work, please contact Debbie on 6684 2449.

First lineup drops for Writers Fest

Byron Writers Festival 2023, held August 11–13, will begin an exciting new chapter of events at the Bangalow Showground.

This year’s festival theme is ‘Wild Imagination’ and will feature 2021 Australian of the Year, Grace Tame; beloved broadcaster and author Richard Fidler; celebrated writer, commentator and actor, Nakkiah Lui; and international bestselling author, Pip Williams.

They are joined by international guest, Kevin Jared Hosein (Trinidad), author of the breakthrough historical novel, Hungry Ghosts, and acclaimed Northern Riversbased author, Marele Day.

Organisers say the full program, of more than 120 writers, thinkers and commentators, will be revealed on June 28. Discounted early bird three-day passes are on sale now, via byronwritersfestival.com.

CEO and artistic director, Zoe Pollock, says, ‘In devising this year’s theme, I was inspired by the wildness of the Northern Rivers landscape, in particular our rainforests’.

Need to reconnect

‘We are so lucky to have the opportunity to connect deeply with nature every day, here in our beautiful region. I believe we are at a pivotal moment in human history. We need to reconnect with our inner wild, and

rediscover our place in the world.

‘This year’s program will feature a brilliant lineup of authors who do just that through their writing.

‘In 2021, Grace Tame stepped squarely into the public eye as the Australian of the Year and was the catalyst for a tidal wave of conversation and action.

‘Australians from all walks of life were inspired and moved by her fire and passion.

‘Her determination to tell

her own story culminates with The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner, her sharply intelligent, deeply felt, wildly unexpected and often blisteringly funny memoir. With trademark wit and honesty, Tame proves as stirring a writer as she is a speaker.

‘Writer-broadcaster Richard Fidler is the author of bestselling books The Golden Maze and Ghost Empire, and co-author of the bestselling Saga Land with Kári Gíslason. His latest, The Book of Roads and Kingdoms, captures a dazzling era when the caliphs of Baghdad presided over a dominion greater than the Roman Empire at its peak.

Pollock adds, ‘Fidler also presents Conversations, an in-depth, up-close-and-personal interview program that is broadcast across Australia on ABC Radio and podcast all over the world’.

For more info visit www. byronwritersfestival.com.

From left: Byron Central Hospital’s Clinical Nurse Consultant Inpatient (Falls), Allison Wallis, DoN Tracey Sheehan, Mullum Auxiliary’s Gai Smith and Debbie Butler, wardsperson Jon Rohde, the Auxiliary’s Bronwyn Pezzutti and Jenny Moore, and Byron Central Hospital’s Inpatient Unit Nurse Unit Manager, Fiona Francis.

2021 Australian of the Year, Grace Tame Broadcaster and author, Richard Fidler

‘Richmond for Yes’ launches with ‘100 per cent positivity’

Dr Ray Moynihan

The Richmond for Yes campaign kicked off this week, with a strong call for volunteers to help deliver a successful Voice referendum.

Bundjalung elder Charline Emzin-Boyd, who is leading the campaign locally, says, ‘People who want to be involved in this special moment in history can get in touch with us at Yes23’.

‘Volunteering is an opportunity to walk with us’, says Charline, ‘so people from different backgrounds and different politics can come together to make Australia a better place for everyone.’

The new campaign is based in the federal electorate of Richmond, which covers coastal towns from Tweed to Ballina, and west to Mullumbimby and Murwillumbah.

Charline is supported by former Liberal politician, Catherine Cusack and Greens candidate, Mandy Nolan.

‘It’s an opportunity for all of us to unite around voting “Yes” to an Indigenous Voice to parliament’, says Nolan.

Emzin-Boyd, was in Brunswick Heads on Monday to meet with supporters of the Voice referendum, and talk about why it is important that the community votes ‘Yes’ to recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution. Photo Eve Jeffery

‘This is a campaign with an absolute culture of positivity.’

Supported across the political aisles

Mandy Nolan has reached out to sitting member, and strong Voice supporter, Labor MP, Justine Elliot, to invite her to play a leading role in the

new campaign.

A planning meeting on the weekend was attended by people from across the political spectrum, including former local Nationals candidate, Josh Booyens, and young Labor supporter, Patrick Jones.

‘The Voice is a way to recognise traditional

Small businesses feeling the strain

▶ Continued from page 1

was like, “okay, we’ve held on enough, it’s time to go”.’

Mr Bentley agreed that Byron Bay has experienced a downturn in trade.

‘The town was 30 to 40 per cent down on sales over the Christmas period,’ he said.

‘We’re in a tight situation now. It’s the quietest time of the year and everyone has shot off overseas.’

Another key factor impacting many local businesses is the chronic shortage of staff, a situation that has been created in no small part by the housing crisis.

‘The biggest factor for us in closing our Byron store was staffing,’ said Michelle Loschiavo, the director of Byron Compounding Chemist.

‘None of our staff could afford to live in the area’.

‘They were living in Banora and Kingscliff, and had to commute into town every day.

‘In the end, they just got worn out. We advertised for local staff, but couldn’t find anyone, so we were stuck.’

The chemist is continuing to operate via its shop on the Gold Coast, and is servicing many of its local customers over the phone

and via its webpage.

With the pressures on local businesses expected to continue, and possibly worsen over the coming months, it is likely that more local businesses will have to either close or relocate.

‘The centre of town will be a place for marketing,’ Mr Parry said.

‘Multinationals will have their shops there, so that they can be seen by people visiting the town – shop-front marketing.’

‘They’ll be the only ones able to sustain the rents there.’

custodians’, says 14-year-old Patrick, who is from Lennox Head.

‘I’m proud to be doing anything I can to promote it’.

Nationally, the ‘Yes’ campaign is being boosted by growing support from elite sports groups, large businesses, unions, major charities, and Indigenous

organisations, with polls showing 80 per cent support among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The new Richmond for Yes campaign will work with existing smaller groups already active, such as the Brunswick Valley group, based around Ocean Shores.

‘I feel very positive about this campaign’, says Tim Mulroy, who is part of the Brunswick Valley group, which is in discussions with Splendour in the Grass about a ‘Yes’ presence at next month’s festival.

Volunteers needed

If you want to volunteer, visit Yes23.com.au, scroll down the list of Local Yes Groups, and click on Richmond for Yes, which will start public actions in coming weeks.

New volunteers will also be offered short training, including how to de-escalate with people who want to have an argument.

‘We will win with a positive message’, says former NSW Liberal MP, Catherine Cusack.

Chuck a banana comp this weekend

Aslan Shand

There are some unusual traditions out there, and they often come from local areas, and are representative of the place and culture.

As a banana growing area, the Mullumbimby Chincogan Fiesta saw the banana throwing competition evolve, and it will once again take place at this weekend’s Mullumbimby Market, on the corner of Stuart and Myokum Streets.

Susan Tsicalas from the Brunswick Valley Historical Society (BVHS) told The Echo, ‘Contestants must use an underarm throw, trying to throw as far as  possible’.

‘There will be an under 12s category, and then everybody else. It will be $1 to enter, which gives the participant their own banana to throw. Bananas cannot be brought from home, as they may be rigged! Horror of horrors.’ The winner will have their name placed on a banana trophy.

Short-term camping removed from Red Devils Park

After asking the NSW minister for Crown Lands, Steve Kamper MP, whether a new lease agreement between Red Devils Park and Crown Lands will result in long-term campers being evicted (see page 5), his office handballed the question to Crown Lands in the Department of Planning and Environment.

A spokesperson told The Echo, ‘The Crown reserve at Bangalow Road, Byron Bay, is held under lease by the Byron Bay Rugby League Football Club for sporting activities, which authorises the use of playing fields and a clubhouse only. The club

has historically advertised for camping onsite and encouraged travellers to stay’.

‘The club has been advised by Crown Lands that short-term camping is not consistent with the lease purpose, and does not have development consent from Council to operate. The club has issued notices for campers to leave its leased area’.

The spokesperson said, ‘It is understood several persons remain camping on adjoining Crown Land outside the lease area, which is separately managed by Byron Shire Council.

‘Crown Lands has been

in contact with Byron Shire Council. It is understood that Council is not actively seeking to move on any genuinely homeless people.

‘Council advised it regularly works with homeless people in the Shire to connect them to services that may be able to assist them.

‘Council has offered to provide assistance to connect campers with support services if needed.

‘Crown Lands is not requiring the Council to remove any genuinely homeless people from the adjoining Crown reserve managed by the Council’.

NSW coordinator for the ‘Yes’ campaign, Charline

Home needed for new Byron Men’s Shed

Tony Heeson

Byron Bay Men’s Shed had a meeting on Saturday at Red Devils Park, with 14 potential members attending.

All were very enthusiastic regarding a Men’s Shed for Byron Bay. This new shed will provide a safe, supportive and friendly environment for men of all ages. It will allow them to gather to volunteer, work, teach, learn and seek fellowship with other likeminded people.

It will also provide mental, physical and emotional wellbeing to all of our members. Men’s Sheds also have a suicide prevention information pack for members. This new shed will make a positive difference to the lives of the members and provide a great service to the community. While Red Devils Park (Byron Rugby League Club) is very happy to have the Men’s Shed on the property, there is a problem.

Crown Lands say ‘No’

NSW Crown Lands, who manage the property on behalf of the government, have said ‘No’ (see page 4). No shed is allowed to

be built on the property, although there is a large area in which one could be buit.

And it gets worse: Crown Lands said that all the people camping and in caravans will be given notice to leave. This is a terrible decision – not only for the Men’s Shed, but for Red Devils Park who get income from the campers, many of them have been there for years. They have been kicked out, and will need to find somewhere else to live.

The Cavanbah Centre on Ewingsdale Road would be another very suitable site with plenty of room, but for some reason, Council have also said ‘No’.

So we need the community to help us find a site where the shed can be built. We will also be seeking support and help from our local and state government representatives to overcome the bureaucratic obstacles we are confronting.

Byron Bay is the largest

area in NSW that does not have a Men’s Shed. There are 380 Men’s Sheds in NSW, some in communities with only 400–500 people.

We have the funds available to build the shed – we just need a location.

A shed like this would make such a difference.

If you have any ideas or information please contact me, Tony Heeson, Regional co-ordinator for Northern Rivers, on 0419 715 098 or email wallaby@nor.com.au.

From left: Bryan, Tony, Warren, Grant, Chris, Tony, Dave, Alan, Andy, Rob, George, Alan, Garry and Paul. Photo Eve Jeffery

Big Byron Book Fair from June 30

Rising homelessness rate prompts call for govt help

Paul Bibby

Byron Shire has the highest number of rough sleepers of any local government area in the state, and urgently needs state government support for an assertive homelessness outreach program, Mayor Michael Lyon says.

‘It’s just not good enough. It’s something that, as a Council, we can no longer say that we can deal with. We need to lobby really strongly for help. We need to demand an appropriate response to this problem.’

their services available to rough sleepers.

Library friends Anna, Beryl and Margot are at the Byron Bay library getting set for the Friends of Libraries Byron Book Fair, which will be held at the Byron Bay Surf Club for four days, starting June 30. This annual event raises valuable funds for the Byron, Brunswick and Mullumbimby libraries, and makes reading fun and accessible for the entire community. Photo Eve Jeffery

Friends of Libraries Byron Bay (FOL) are once again holding their hugely popular annual Book Fair, from Friday June 30 to Monday July 3, at the Byron Bay Surf Club from 9am to 4pm. Margot Wright, Publicity Officer for Friends of Libraries Byron Shire, told The Echo the four full days will allow plenty of time to become immersed in a sea of beautiful books.

She said, ‘FOL once again are privileged to have the Byron Bay Surf Club as the venue which has generously supported the Book Fair since 2015, and definitely has contributed towards the ongoing success of raising

valuable funds for the Byron, Brunswick and Mullumbimby libraries for purchasing a range of much needed items’.

‘This popular event attracts both regional and interstate book lovers, with an abundance of over 15,000 generously donated secondhand books, all of which are in good condition. There will be fiction, non fiction, rare and limited editions, art, children’s and plenty more to browse through.

‘The annual FOL Byron Book Fair now has become a landmark event and has proven extremely popular with all ages’.

As Council continues its crackdown on the Shire’s van campers, Cr Lyon successfully moved a motion calling on NSW Housing Minister, Rose Jackson, to fund the outreach program that supports those who were genuinely homeless, rather than ‘those who choose to freeload in our streets’.

‘In the last two years, our rough sleeping count has gone up 50 per cent – from 200 to 300 people,’ Cr Lyon told last week’s Council Planning Meeting.

‘This hasn’t been officially released yet, but we’re aware of the figures.

Number one in NSW

‘We’re now the number one local government area in the state, in terms of raw numbers of people sleeping rough.

Councillors unanimously passed Cr Lyon’s motion, and will now write to Ms Jackson and request an assertive outreach program which matches the resource allocation provided to the Tweed Shire.

‘We need a matching allocation in our Shire, so we can properly address this issue, so that we can get the qualified people to go out into the community, to the people who are sleeping rough, and find out what they are facing and what they need,’ Cr Lyon said.

Council will also demand an expansion of supported emergency, crisis, temporary and transitional accommodation in the Shire.

He said that Council had begun talking to Reflections Holiday Parks, the stateowned corporation which runs many of the Shire’s caravan parks, about making

Cr Lyon also raised the possibility of other measures that might be put in place to address the chronic shortage of housing in the Shire which was contributing to the homelessness problem.

This included increasing building height limits and changing local planning policies to permit more medium density residential development in certain areas.

‘I’ve been heartened by some of the conversations that I’ve been having with people locally and I think the view has started to change,’ Cr Lyon said.

‘I think people are starting to recognise that we need to build a lot more housing. Something does have to give.’

He also raised the prospect of opening up farmland for development.

‘Our regionally significant farmland, which covers twothirds of our Shire, has been a constraint that’s prevented housing,’ Cr Lyon said. ‘Perhaps the DPI (Department of Primary Industries) is going to have to give a bit there.’

Bluesfest asked to trial small events, again

Paul Bibby

If a noise test takes place in the woods, but nobody knows it’s happening, does it still make a sound?

The answer, according to Byron Council, is ‘no’… Well, at least insofar as the recent noise testing undertaken at the Bluesfest site is concerned.

Bluesfest organisers came to Council’s meeting last week, asking for permission to run up to 100 small, amplified events per year at the event’s home in Tyagarah.

In making the application, the Blues crew said they had jumped over all the required hurdles as set out in their 2014 Development Application (DA).

This included conducting six small, amplified events, which would be used as trials to determine whether the noise levels were disturbing to the surrounding environment and those living nearby.

They provided evidence from the trials to support their argument that amplified music does not have a detrimental impact on the

Mullum industrial road upgrade to start

surrounding area.

Council staff found this to be compelling evidence, and recommended that the small events application be approved.

The only problem was that, with one exception, nobody told the neighbours that the trials were taking place, or how they could provide feedback afterwards.

‘This is a very clear-cut case of not following procedures,’ Tyagarah resident, Kath Morgan, told last week’s Council meeting.

‘We’re just asking that Bluesfest be required to stick to the agreement – that they have proper trials, that they notify us, and that we’re allowed to give feedback.’

All but one – Cr Alan Hunter – voted in favour of a motion by councillor Duncan Dey (Greens), under which Bluesfest will be required to conduct five further small trial events, and to tell neighbours when they are happening.

They will then have to come back to Council with the results and reapply for permission to run small events.

Council road crews will start the long-awaited upgrade of Manns Road in the Mullumbimby Industrial Estate from mid-June, which includes the reconstruction of a 400m section of road.

Staff say the upgrade has been made possible thanks to $500,000 funding from the NSW government.

Director Infrastructure Services, Phil Holloway said, ‘Manns Road has been in terrible condition for a long

time which is why we’ve sought funding for a full reconstruction of what is the main road of this industrial estate area’.

‘This will be a gamechanger for residents, workers and customers of the Mullumbimby Industrial Estate – a brand new, smooth road that is made to last for the long-term and has a design life of around 20 years,’ he said.

Council crews will be

Wildlife vets seek donations to save threatened species from extinction

Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital is seeking tax-deductible donations for the end of the financial year to help raise $107,670 to help treat the same number of threatened species in 2023.

Dr Bree Talbot, Foundation Veterinarian at Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, says the fundraising goal is based on the average cost of consultation, X-rays, anaesthesia, fluids, food and overnight hospitalisation per wildlife patient.

Dr Talbot says, ‘$50 will provide food for threatened

species patients for five days, $100 will pay for pathology tests, and $550 will provide X-rays, anaesthesia, fluids, food and overnight hospitalisation for a wildlife patient.’

She says green sea turtles, koalas, grey-headed flyingfoxes, bush stone-curlews, rose-crowned fruit doves, squirrel gliders and powerful owls share a sombre similarity: they are classified as vulnerable or endangered species threatened with extinction in NSW.

To help, visit chuffed.org/ project/saveourspecies.

setting up the works from Wednesday June 14, with removal of the current surface starting from Monday June 19, weather depending.

‘We want to notify the wider Mullumbimby community and everyone who visits the industrial estate and the rugby league grounds about the timing of these major works because there will be some traffic impacts and delays,’ Mr Holloway said.

‘Traffic management will

be in place throughout the project and vehicle access will be reduced to one lane at times.

‘There will be a detour around Towers Drive for the duration of the project and electronic signage will be in place.

‘Both lanes of traffic on Manns Road may need to be closed at certain times during the works but will be limited to 10-15 minutes in duration’.

Byron high’s new drama staged from June 20

Bay High School (BBHS) is set to present the Year

drama production of Debra Oswald’s Stories in the Dark. For more

see page 23. Photo Alisha Doherty Hough

Lisa Dillon

Lack of sewage options leads to development ban in Ballina

Nearly all property owners in Ballina’s boutique Fig Tree Hill estate near Lennox Head have been banned from building second dwellings indefinitely owing to sewage concerns.

Driver involved in fatal Hunter bus crash was going too fast, police allege

The man behind the wheel during Sunday’s fatal bus crash in the Hunter Valley was going too fast to negotiate the roundabout where the accident occurred, according to police.

Body found in the Clarence River

NSW Police say a body, believed to be that of a man reported missing from the Yamba area, has been located.

Call to action for Evans Head over the Iron Gates development

Local community groups at Evans Head are putting out a ‘Call to Action’ after being excluded from the Land and Environment Courts hearings and deliberations over the development application for Iron Gates.

Will the new Tweed Valley Hospital turn Kingscliff, Cudgen and Chinderah local roads into a ‘rat run’?

The Tweed Valley Hospital development has already been having negative impacts on traffic congestion in Kingscliff, Cudgen and Chinderah with extra traffic ‘rat running’ through local streets causing congestion and reducing safety.

Ballina State Significant

Farmland safe from development – for now

The Ballina Shire Council has endorsed a revised list of areas considered for potential future development after the NSW planning department blocked its attempt to add State Significant Farmland.

$11.19M for NRRC as part of three local projects to roll out under disaster funding

Three projects for flood recovery will receive funding in relation to local disaster preparedness under the first round of the Commonwealth’s new Disaster Ready Fund.

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

Refugee Week (June 18–24) will be busy for Ballina Region for Refugees (BR4R), with a visit from the governorgeneral on World Refugee Day (June 20), talks and displays in two local libraries, and the launch of the annual BR4R Poetry Prize.

BR4R is partnering with Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA), to jointly host the visit of the Governor-General, David Hurley, who is very interested in the outcomes of the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP).

Several members of local refugee families will speak at the event.

CRISP is a program that allows groups of everyday Australians to welcome refugees into their local community, and help them from ‘day one’ of their Australian journey, until they are independent.

Local community groups

offer support over a period of 12 months.

BR4R now have four trained Community Support Groups (CSGs).

Support from group members that benefit refugees comes in many forms; from finding accommodation, to filling out forms for essential support, making links with medical services and community groups, and organising attendance at English lessons.

This year’s Refugee Week

theme is ‘Finding Freedom’, and BR4R is proud of its contribution in supporting three families to come to Australia to live in freedom –two from Syria and one from Venezuela.

Their latest CSG, Friends of Refugees Byron Shire (FoRBS), is eagerly awaiting the arrival of another family, coming from Syria in August.

On Monday, June 19 from 10am at Ballina Library, Refugee Settlement co-ordinator,

Young whale caught in shark nets

Conservation organisation, Sea Shepherd reports that a whale entanglement happened at the Gold Coast on the evening of June 5, when a young sub-adult whale was caught in shark nets.

According to the press release, ‘At only one week into the whale migration season, and with 2022 being the worst whale entanglement season on record, Sea Shepherd are calling on the Labor Qld government to commit to the removal of shark nets during whale migration season’.

A Sea Shepherd spokesperson said, ‘The distressed young whale was left overnight, where it was forced to

struggle alone, before crews were able to free it around 8am the following morning’.

Sea Shepherd Australia’s Threatened Species Campaigner, Lauren Sandeman says this one event could be a death sentence for the young whale.

‘After being abandoned overnight to struggle and fight for his life alone, this young whale may now no longer have enough energy reserves to make the return trip home to Antarctica. A release from a shark net does not mean this poor guy actually survives to see the next season’.

‘Off the back of the worst whale entanglement season on record in 2022, with a

shocking 15 entanglements, the Qld government has done absolutely nothing to prevent this from continuing in 2023.

‘The public would be disgusted to know that a net replacement trial was discussed in 2020 and was supported by the scientific working group overseeing the program, but was abandoned at the eleventh hour with no justification,’ she said.

Qld behind NSW

‘Queensland is 40 years behind NSW who have been removing nearly double the number of shark nets since the 1980s to prevent whale entanglements’.

Ruth Henderson, will explain the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP). She’ll talk about the type of support the families receive, the costs involved, and some of the expectations and experiences of the families and the support group.

Ruth will also launch BR4R’s annual Poetry Prize, which also has the theme Finding Freedom, and is open to anyone living in Australia.

Apart from the Open Section, there’s a special category for poems written by a refugee or asylum seeker, and a category for poems written by under 18 year olds.

There are monetary prizes for each section.

For more information: https://br4r.org.au

Following Ruth’s presentation, there will be a Q&A session and morning tea.

On Thursday, June 22 at 11am, at Lennox Head Library, BR4R’s Vice-President, Isabelle Borrelli, will present a talk entitled, ‘Who Benefits from Refugee Resettlement in Regional NSW?’ Isabelle is a member of the first Community Support Group to welcome a family to this area. At both libraries during Refugee Week, there will be static displays that will highlight refugee settlement stories.

Lisa Dillon is publicity co-ordinator Ballina Region for Refugees.

NBN Co satellite broadband now uncapped, say Labor

Uncapped satellite broadband services are now available for rural and regional areas, after a successful trial of NBN Co’s new Sky Muster Plus product to boost internet speeds.

The federal governmentrun NBN Co provides either fixed or satellite services for Australian households.

Local MP, Justine Elliot, said in a press release it was a ‘gamechanger for regional communities like ours.’

‘The new Sky Muster Plus premium service will provide customers with unmetered data 24 hours a day, and faster speeds of up to 100 Mbps’.

‘The service responds to increasing demand for more data and faster speeds from

satellite users caused by the growing use of video streaming, and people working and studying from home.

‘The unmetered service has been enabled by the Albanese Labor government’s $480 million investment to upgrade NBN’s Fixed Wireless Service, which is moving around 120,0000 premises from satellite to fixed wireless, freeing up capacity on Sky Muster.

‘This complements the Albanese Labor government’s commitments to improving NBN technologies in regional areas, including a $2.4 billion investment to expand full-fibre NBN to an additional 1.5 million premises – 660,000 of which will be in regional areas’.

Call to action over the Iron Gates development in Evans

Community groups in Evans Head are putting out a ‘Call to Action’ after being excluded from the Land and Environment Court (L&EC) hearings and deliberations over the development application (DA) for the large Iron Gates Estate proposal.

It follows the revelation that the L&EC could decide next Friday, June 16, whether or not to allow

revised plans for residential development at the controversial Iron Gates site. The Community Against Iron Gates Development and Evans Head Residents for Sustainable Development Inc. (EHRSD) are urging the community to write to the general manager of Richmond Valley Council asking him to oppose new plans being accepted by the L&EC.

The Ballina Community Support Group, who are supporting a Venezuelan family who arrived to the area about six weeks ago. Photo supplied

Byron High School’s Winter Arts Festival this Thursday,

To celebrate the creative and artistic talents of students, Byron Bay High School is holding its annual Winter Arts Festival

Showcase Evening (WAF) on Thursday, June 15.

The evening kicks off at 4.30pm, in the Performing Arts Centre with a performance of the Year Ten selfdevised play, A Friend Indeed

Organisers say the play, although developed for Year Six audiences, ‘is relevant to all ages and explores themes of friendship, loyalty and how to make the right decisions’.

‘A pop-up exhibition of student artwork across all years will be on display in the office block, featuring colourful, vibrant paintings, prints and sculpture, as well as examples of student projects from Year Ten woodwork and metalwork courses.

‘At 5pm, Year 12 students will offer a feast of savoury and sweet treats for purchase, including hot soup, sushi, sausage sandwiches, cakes, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate with marshmallows.

‘At 6pm, the showcase begins in the John Collins Auditorium, featuring student bands, vocalists, short films and theatrical vignettes, as well as the 100 student-strong, massed Year Seven choir!’

‘Luca Grieg,  a Year 12 student, Student Representative Council (SRC) representative and our in-house master of

Bangalow tourism development approved

Paul Bibby

A Bangalow landowner whose plans for a $1.3M tourism development were branded ‘excessive’ by Byron Council, had a scaled down version of the proposal approved last week.

The development will see six holiday cabins – each with a plunge pool – built at 72 Lawlers Lane, a rural site bounded by orchards and farmland. This is a significant

reduction in size from the original plan that involved 12 cabins and a function centre being built.

In approving the development application last week, councillors also acceded to a request from the developer, Ralph Mamone, to reduce the amount of compulsory road works required.

Council staff had recommended that Mr Mamone be required to seal approximately 500 metres of roadway

at a cost of up to $500,000.

‘We need to reduce the amount we’re requiring to be spent on the road to make this development pay its way,’ Independent councillor Alan Hunter said.

‘We haven’t required this much work for similar developments in the past.’

Neighbours of the development continue to oppose it, despite the size reductions.

Speaking during the

public access section of the meeting, Cornelia Burless said that neighbours feared Mr Mamone’s long-term plan was to turn the site into a wedding and function centre.

‘The owner hasn’t lived there in ten years and has given no indication that he intends to live there again,’ Ms Burless said.

‘The burden of any current and future development will be borne solely by us, his neighbours.’

event management, has been “warming up” the students in preparation for the WAF.

‘Working closely with the students studying Entertainment, Luca and CAPAL teachers have organised numerous lunchtime concerts, including ‘Splendour in the Quadrangle’ at the Cross Country and ‘Beats and Treats’ at the Athletics carnival.

Funds raised

‘Collaborating with the SRC on Harmony Day, teachers and students at Byron Bay High School also raised close to $700 for the BYS (Byron Youth Service)’.

‘So, come along and celebrate the creative, musical and artistic talents of Byron Bay High School students in a night filled with theatre, music, art and song on Thursday June 15’.

Byron Shire’s waters recognised internationally for ocean health

The waters off Byron Shire have been added to an international list of unique areas critical to the health of our oceans that are in need of more protection, known as Hope Spots.

According to the Australian Marine Conservation (AMC), The Hope Spot initiative was founded by renowned American oceanographer, Dr Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue, and the International Union of the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

AMC say, ‘Dr Earle was the first female chief scientist of the world-leading US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). There are now 152 Hope Spots around the world’.

‘Mission Blue has

recognised Byron Bay as Australia’s eleventh Hope Spot.

‘The Byron Bay Hope Spot encompasses the Cape Byron Marine Park and Julian Rocks Nguthungulli Nature Reserve, but also extends further south, down to the Richmond River, a significant area for the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, which is a key drawcard for tourists to the area.

‘In 2005, AMC worked with local groups to secure the Cape Byron Marine Park, including 27 per cent of the park as a marine sanctuary zone. Eighteen years later, the marine park is well overdue for renewal.’

For more information, visit www.amcs.org.au.

Performer Lucy Stephens is one of the many artists featured at the festival.

Photo Tarryn Wilson

The Byron Shire Echo

Volume 38 #01 • June 14, 2023

Flood goal post moved

Why Philip Lowe needs to go

The shadow of Scott Morrison still hangs darkly over Canberra in the shape of his choice for Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), Philip Lowe.

This is just one way the Morrison government still wields power.

Other examples are those massive stage three tax cuts, giving away hundreds of billions to those who least need it, making it almost impossible to fund health services, public housing, and education adequately.

Labor opposed them, unsuccessfully, in opposition, and don’t have the courage to even delay them now they’re in power.

There are so many examples. The shocking nuclear submarine deal started by Morrison is now much worse.

‘The governor urges us to reduce – Richard Jones

Late breaking news! On Tuesday, The Echo discovered that the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) is even worse than they were last week (see page 1).

On Tuesday, the NRRC shot out a press release with four separate attachments and a summary. Unlike last week’s efforts, these are complex documents.

Some scientific hydrology knowledge would be useful.

Importantly, the latest offerings rely heavily on frequently asked questions (FAQ).

How convenient for bureaucrats to ask themselves what they want to answer.

The first document assures flood-affected residents that an Appeals Panel has been established ‘to consider all appeals under the Resilient Homes Program’.

No information is provided as to who is on the panel, what they are paid, or whether they are independent.

The next document is the six page Home Buyback Fact Sheet, which mainly offers more FAQs.

Over to the next document, the eight-page Home Raising and Home Retrofit Fact Sheet also offers more FAQs and more of what we already know.

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The most important document is the How Homes are Prioritised Fact Sheet. No indication is given as to how these new flood models change the outcomes for those 7,000 people who applied for assistance under the programs.

We only know that local MP, Tamara Smith, says the new flood data has mostly demolished the chance that anyone from this electorate will be eligible.

The document says, ‘The flood hazard analysis has been defined in accordance with the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience Guideline. More information can be found via the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR)’.

The Byron Shire flood maps that are provided on the www. nsw.gov.au website, it should be said, are of low resolution and are of poor quality. It is hard to define what areas are high to low priority.

It’s an incredible insult to the entire region that suffered from these floods in 2022.

For more bureaucratic waffle and senseless bullshit, visit www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/ northern-rivers-reconstructioncorporation/resilient-homes-fund/ resilient-homes-program.

Hans Lovejoy,

editor

They may end up costing Australian families half a trillion dollars. It’s not like they’re even useful for Australia’s defence.

If they are ever delivered, they’ll be part of America’s attack force trying to prevent the Chinese taking Taiwan.

Scott Morrison must be sniggering behind his hands on the back bench as he sees his policies and his choice of RBA governor are still in place.

I have a theory about the current governor. He knows his term is expiring on September 17 this year, and surely it is unlikely his tenure will be extended.

I believe he wants his legacy to be that he’s known as ‘the man who crushed inflation’.

He must know at some level of his consciousness that jacking up interest rates every month to curb inflation, damaging the economy at the same time, hits the poorest hardest.

Those who have borrowed money are the ones who pay for it directly. Those who rent properties are seeing their rents skyrocket as landlords, encouraged by rental managers, increase rents way beyond the inflation rate to whatever level the market will bear.

Some can use the excuse of higher interest rates, but many are

The Byron Shire Echo

Volume 38 #01June 14, 2023

Established 1986• 24,500 copies every week

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.

Nicholas Shand 1948–1996

Founding Editor

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

– Finley Peter Dunne 1867–1936

simply profiteering.

The governor knows the pain he is causing, but shows no sign of compassion for those suffering.

In 1990 Paul Keating announced that Australia was in recession, and added those memorable words: ‘… this is a recession Australia had to have’.

It’s likely that Philip Lowe has the same view. He is inducing a recession whose depths we won’t know for some months yet.

We are already in a per capita recession (our population is growing faster than the GDP) and, if signs in our local area are anything to go by, we are in a real recession.

Several long-standing businesses have closed in Byron Bay, including much-loved Fresh.

Others are teetering on the brink.

One Airbnb manager reported that 90 per cent of properties they manage were vacant over this last long weekend.

There are vacancy signs on many hotels. A shopkeeper reported she made no sales at all one day recently.

If this is happening in a tourist hot spot, imagine what may be happening elsewhere.

The governor urges us to reduce spending to slow inflation, and yet the RBA hosted a lavish, exclusive dinner in Perth last month costing nearly $25,000. The drinks bill alone was over $4,000.

To add insult to injury, this was just after announcing yet another rate increase. How could it be conceivably justified to use our money to host wealthy guests?

The Reserve Bank of Australia needs urgent reform, as was highlighted in the recent review ordered by Treasurer, Jim Chalmers,

entitled An RBA fit for the future

The current board lacks the expertise to deal with the more complex inflation environment.

The board was criticised for its misjudgement on inflation that led to Philip Lowe announcing in February 2021, ‘The board will not increase the cash rate until actual inflation is sustainably within the two to three per cent range’.

The board does not expect these conditions to be met until 2024, at the earliest.’

The board maintained that view for months.

That misjudgement was a catastrophe for very many families acquiring new homes and now struggling to keep them.

That tragic error has been compounded by the brutal use of the single blunt instrument that the RBA uses to curb inflation –constant interest rate hikes. Other reserve banks are using new tools, but not Australia’s RBA.

It’s quite clear that the RBA needs an Augean stables-style flush out to remove the detritus. It is critically important to restore public confidence in the Reserve Bank.

The new board needs to have a wide-ranging understanding of the tools that can now be used to tackle inflation. It needs to examine and question the executive’s decisions far more rigorously.

Much of the pain being felt by Australian families could have been avoided if there had been a greater level of expertise and competence in the RBA.

We need urgent reforms. It’s time for the Albanese government to step away from the shadows of the Morrison era.

Richard Jones is a former NSW MP.

Which one is Rob Sitch from TVs Utopia and NRRC CEO David Witherdin?

The Echo takes in a little history

Terrace tiny houses

When desktop decisions aren’t based on the granular data then it is inevitable there will be conflict. Such has been the case with Reflections Holiday Parks’ intention to bring in tiny houses onto the foreshore in the Terrace Holiday Park.

To their credit, Reflections has responded to the community’s opposition, and the area designated for short-term sites will revert to its intended purpose for caravans and camping.

However, what has been

revealed is that unlike the Plans of Management (POM) for both Massy Greene and Ferry Reserve holiday parks, the 2014 POM for the Terrace was not amended in response to the tumultuous and sustained opposition to the 2014 POMs. That opposition brought about extensive and intensive community engagement across stakeholders from 2014 through to 2017/18.

To move forward with the community, Reflections needs to honour the agreement for the Terrace in relation to what is called

the 3 + 4 setbacks from the top of the riverbank to their operational boundary in the central and southern precincts. That agreement was for a 3m buffer zone as required by legislation and an additional 4m to the operational boundary. This would have been violated with the siting of the tiny houses on the foreshore. Reflections needs to take responsibility to immediately progress the agreed amendments to the 2014 POM and give priority to their implementation. Only through these

amendments and action can the community be reassured that the longawaited unfettered public walkway along the foreshore of Simpsons Creek will be realised.

Patricia Warren Brunswick Heads

Developers

It is always if a developer gets knocked back by councils up and down the east coast they spit the dummy and run to the Land & Environment Court (Suffolk Park DA), which I think is a toothless tiger!

Australian developers are known for destroying the ambience of coastal areas for profit, not housing problems. Most of the time they don’t live in the area – rather they destroy someone else’s backyard.

Places like Noosa, Byron Bay, Lennox Head and many more coastal beauties are examples of overdevelopment. But money talks, and whoever has the best lawyers wins!

▶ More letters on next page

Letters to the Editor

Send to Letters Editor Aslan Shand, email: editor@echo.net.au, fax: 6684 1719. Deadline:Noon, Friday. Letters longer than 200 words may be cut Letters already published in other papers will not be considered. Please include your full name, address and phone number for verification purposes.

SPLENDOUR COMMUNITY GRANT APPLICATIONS ARE RUNNING FOR THE 21ST YEAR!

If you know of, or are part of an organisation within the Byron & Tweed Shires that is making a difference to our community, we would love to hear from you.

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Op Shop

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byrondogrescue.org • Ph 0447 927 600

Is it time to look at other solutions to van-camping?

I was devastated to read that Council plans to close South Beach Lane, Brunswick Heads for parking. What a reactionary and near-sighted solution to the problem of van-campers. Not only will this fail to solve the issue of van-campers in Byron Shire in general, we find that once again the privileged few dictate to the majority of those less fortunate. And with many of those properties being used for Airbnb – not even residents! What a travesty.

What about us poor local beach users who lose about 40 parking spaces for access to Torakina Beach and the river? Are we now expected to fight for the dwindling parks available in the tiny car park and/or roadside?

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Headache and Migraine

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Vestibular – dizziness – vertigo

For 35 years I’ve made the necessary adjustments re swimming in the Bruns – totally forget about peak periods, but give it a try at other times, prepared to go elsewhere for lack of parking. Now I think, like other former joys of the Shire, this is another one I’m just going to have to forego. Shame on you, Byron Shire Council.

M Morgan Mullumbimby

This is a response of love from the vulnerable community on your doorstep…

Byron’s mean streets

The streets of Byron Bay, I maintain, are a hazard, particularly for pedestrians. A major one is the irresponsible use of bicycles, skateboards and sundry others. People ride, often at speed,

Our community of van dwellers doesn’t ask for much, yet we do ask for kindness and equal treatment. We ask to not be harassed and discriminated against for choosing an alternative lifestyle. A lifestyle we believe puts us in a deeper connection with nature. A lifestyle that opts out of consumer culture. One that lives more simply with less of an environmental impact.

We feel that the article published in The Echo has encouraged our beautiful neighbourhood residents to have a negative view on the homeless residing in Brunswick Heads. We believe these views to be unfounded and sensationalised to make a ‘good story’. This article has done nothing but create more division in a time when unity is paramount. Everybody is feeling the pressure one way or another.

The accusations of defecating, loud parties, dealing drugs, swearing and spitting at local residents in last weeks’ article are an inaccurate representation of the wider community residing here. In relation to the illegal camping on South Beach Lane, the community would like to confirm that vehicles do not reside here overnight, as per the rules. There may always be a small number of people who

along footpaths, regardless of obstacles, such as people on foot.

I hate to think of the number of times I have been narrowly missed by various gung-ho riders. And on a recent occasion I was actually

disregard the rules, but this is true across all sectors of society.

We may live in vans, yet we are still part of the community. Van campers support a number of local businesses, both economically and by working for them. The majority of us are respectful of noise and parking time limitations. We even tend to the gardens in the park, and have planted food forests for community sharing, even though some of these seem to have been ripped out recently.

Over the past weeks, van campers have been subjected to unauthorised photos and videos being taken of us and our vehicles. We have endured abuse while trying to peacefully cook a meal. Members of the community have even endured physical attacks. Such actions are inexcusable; our van community has never engaged in any of these activities against local people. We respect people’s life choices. And we expect that we be afforded the same courtesy.

It would be nice to imagine a community where everyone respects and helps one another, regardless of lifestyle choice and demographic. The proposed $250,000 spend on new

bumped by a cyclist. Crossing the road is little better; due to unpredictable and careless traffic. Then there are those pesky steep kerbs – sometimes with concrete traffic stoppers beside them. My late friend tripped badly more than once on the edge of a Jonson Street footpath. I myself tripped over similarly in the lighthouse precinct, skinning a part of the arm that broke my headlong pitch into concrete.

Perhaps, partly, a symptom of ageing and my own clumsiness.

The popularity of alfresco dining here has seen numbers of businesses put tables and chairs out on the footpaths of CBD streets. I have considered some to be obstructive, but felt they seemed to be an approved fixture.

So, I was quizzical indeed to see the bookshop in Fletcher Street compelled, by Council apparently, to cancel their usual most civilised seating arrangement, as well as the position of the product display carousels. And having tried to cram seating into less comfortable, more

compliance officers would be better invested into helping those in the community who need it. An increased presence of officers is likely to create further stress for those already in a vulnerable state of mind.

We’re keen to work towards a solution that actually galvanises the community. One based on common unity, instead of band-aid services that keep the homeless as a resource for government revenue. We’re people, not objects of profit.

People experiencing homelessness deserve more love, not less. They deserve the opportunity to explore their creativity and lifestyle preferences without being scared and unfairly monitored. We’re not holding all night raves. We’re performing actions that are necessary for survival, and these shouldn’t place us in breach of the law. We choose to live under universal lore, where we cause no harm, damage, injury or trespass against another. Where we don’t breach the peace. Where we play music and share food with whoever might be hungry. Where we create community, and invite everyone to join us in this experience.

David Cauldwell

weather-affected places, I cannot but think this may affect their business at this time. Though I sincerely hope not.

Like not a few residents here, I regularly patronise this pleasant venue, but am bemused by this apparently ad hoc reaction.

May we now expect similar enforcements on alfresco pavement tables with other CBD businesses, or is this action reserved for this bookshop?

David Morris Byron Bay

Call to economists

Hello all economists out there.

Could you all please advise your local member of federal parliament, the treasurer, and the housing minister, of all the different ways of addressing inflation fears other than the ongoing punishment of people who are having trouble meeting their mortgage payments and those who can’t pay their rising rents?

Sandra Heilpern Banglaow

(and van campers of) Brunswick Heads

Byron Street, Bangalow – opposite the Public School www.bangalowheadacheclinic.com.au

– Jane Goodall

Old Buttery Factory at historic Uki Village PARKING AVAILABLE AT SWEETNAM PARK

special guest RUSS JALAKAI Local Uki legend

Feros Care ‘bullying’ and the call for a new provider

It’s outrageous that Feros Care is continuing to bully and harass residents of Feros Village at Byron Bay. They have set a closure date of 23 June and have been telling residents that there will be no more care after this date, and they must move out before then. This is not only illegal, and in contravention of their responsibilities under the Aged Care Act, it’s immoral and inhumane.

My father was a resident at Feros Village until recently. He loved being at Feros Village so much he made a documentary about how wonderful it was. He also loved being a part

Baby boomers

In a comment about property investors The Echo stated in Backlash (7 June) ‘Quick, build more houses that only baby boomers can afford’. Another ageist and ill-informed remark that only deepens the divide between generations.

Some easily googled research (eg. Statista.com) will reveal that the average age of property investors is 42.

How about reporting with

of a great community of residents.

He moved to another care facility because of the stress caused by the inappropriate and uncaring actions of Feros Care since they announced the closure on 28 February. The pressure to move, uncertainty around what consequences there may be for staying, and the conflicting information around what is legal and what Feros Care is saying, has caused a lot of confusion and fear in my father and other residents.

Seeing the high levels of stress and anxiety in the residents while he was there

some integrity rather than sensationalist rubbish?

L Andrews

Lennox Head

Neoliberals thriving

It’s not all doom and gloom in the world today. It’s boom time for billionaires and the super-rich!

Today at 2,668 there are 573 more billionaires in the world than in 2020; their combined wealth equal nearly to 14 per cent of global GDP (Forbes, April 2022).

was also very distressing for my father. This whole experience has really impacted his mental health.

When Feros Care announces that residents have moved on happily, they are far from the truth. They need to move aside and let someone else take over the facility.

Kamaia Harkness Lismore

I heard the manager of Feros Aged Care Village speak on the radio on 11 May and I was pissed off that she (and whoever) is still going ahead in turfing out the poor residents who live there.

Good old George Feros

Remember the $9 trillion fiscal stimulus that central banks unleashed during the pandemic?

Much of that went into the financial markets and then into the pockets of the superrich (New Internationalist, Feb 2022/ Oxfam, May 2022).

And all the while, banks and corporations make record profits.

Imagine ‘all the people’ sharing all the world...

Rod Murray Ocean Shores

would be turning in his grave, so to speak, because of the events taking place at Feros Village where he used to go in 1979–80 (when I first arrived in Byron Bay).

George was a great bloke and he would walk around in the pubs ringing his bell and we would donate to his cause – the establishment of the eventual Feros Village –named in his honour.

Shame Feros management for what you are doing to the village and the poor residents who live there.

Shame, shame, shame.

Paul Brecht Evans Head

Six years in waiting

In reply to two articles in the latest Echo. First, the dreaded van overnight parking – why can we not offer what Qld does... some beautiful places to stay overnight or longer, for free, with a decent toilet.

Some enterprising person could start a permanent coffee and morning tea van, as I’ve seen done in

where this could easily be done.

Until very recently, I had a Mazda 6 and sometimes, I enjoyed sleeping in the back, somewhere near the beach, just for a change of scenery. At the very least, cars with a ‘local’ sticker, parking somewhere different for one or two nights really should be within our rights... y’know, seeing as we pay rates and all.

Secondly, Mandy’s column where she begins, ‘If you want to destroy someone without lifting a finger, make them wait.’ I’ll add to this... make them wait for NDIS (and anything else government-related – including our homeless after the floods).

Six years I’ve been waiting, and NDIS agrees my conditions are permanent and acceptable to them, but

pencil-pushers within the system insist on combing through my inch-thick file looking for even one word from specialists that is not acceptable, and so still I wait... and... as Mandy states, ‘if the flood didn’t crush you, waiting might’.

Yep, I’ve been crushed by the NDIS system and now have CPTSD and increased anxiety to the point I’ve been unable to leave home for the past six years unless absolutely necessary, and often this involves a public meltdown... all because the pencil-pushers seem to think it is their pocket the funding is coming from, and they are happy to continue telling me to ‘just wait’.

Perhaps I should park near the beach to soothe my brain? Oh wait, no – I’ll have a panic attack from the ranger bashing on my

window and invading my private space at 2am with a very bright torch and an angry demeanour. As the ditty says: ‘Why are we waiting?’

Sunflower Mullumbimby

Syntax

Voice referendum using ‘Syntax, Quantum Grammar Construct’. Mathematically correct wording that proves that fact is factual, with the words written. Mathematically correct language will mean there is no opportunity for the Voice referendum wording to be interpreted to mean anything else. Proving what the written words mean, if they are written in Quantum Grammar Construct.

Introduction to Syntax has been happening for some years, on a global scale. Australia Post is

aware of factual language. That is, language is a linear equation in algebra. This has to be learnt and applied by the machinery of authority and applied to all forms of contract that our systems implement. Eliminating misinterpretations of the words used in all forms of contracts between people.

First, we need a referendum to establish a true factual language. Meaning, the Voice referendum can use true words to construct the true meaning of the Voice referendum. That will prove to everyone that there is a true mathematically proven correct meaning that we vote for. Eliminating any misunderstandings between all people. Reference: See YouTube and search, David Wynn Miller videos.

R Podhajsky Ocean Shores

Tax cuts

In response to Mandy’s advertisement (Echo, 31 May), the Labor Party seems determined to implement its tax cuts for the rich. Surely this will be a hugely inflationary policy.

Yet they [Labor] are unwilling to support the unemployed and other recipients of welfare benefits as they say such a policy would be inflationary. I’m afraid this indicates that the Labor Party is no longer the party of the common people but that the corporate world has the party by the balls quite as much as the other major party.

David Gilet Byron Bay

The rain in Spain

Let’s give thanks that, for every other defect in NRRC’s activities, their ‘two speeddial’ rezonings in Byron Shire are not on floodplains.

Duncan Dey Flood hydrologist and Byron Shire Councillor

‘Blokey politics’

Witnessing ecocide is the greatest wrench of the heart and soul.

Australia has not recovered from the 2022 floods and social trauma is now inserted in the nation’s social/climate zeitgist. The devastating war in Ukraine deeply punctuates massive ecocide with the destruction of a dam – 30 times the size of Sydney Harbour – resulting in greater danger as sentient beings are dying, oil is being released into the waters, human excrement and mines, warfare weapons utilised by the military industrial complex and their corporate investors. We have every right to ask: ‘Are nations being drawn into a Saturnian death wish?’. Saturn was obsessed with power and chose to attempt to eat his robust son, Jupiter, who placed stones in his mouth, resulting in Saturn choking and being condemned to the bottom of the ocean… where he continues to roar! Goody goody.

Ecocide is happening locally as power and corporate interests relish the potential dollars to come. Homelessness, trauma and deep social depression continue.

Peter Dutton says vote ‘No’ ‘coz the issue is ‘all about race’. Wrong Peter it’s all about stolen land, culture, and intergenerational trauma.

Local political power representatives, the majority blokes, huddle into secretive groups to aid money and power; they witness

homelessness and the plight of children and future generations.

Ecocide destroyed the West Byron site for development, the proposed vile methane spewing bioenergy facility in the Arts & Industry Estate, will ensure the ecocide of the adjacent bird sanctuary as methane emissions will impact upon human respiration and ensure ecocide of the environs. I feel for the women on Council that are somewhat devoured by the aggressive monied patriarchy. My feminist heart and soul upholds the words of Rebecca West, 1913 The Clarion; ‘I myself have never been able to find out precisely what feminism is. I only know that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat’. I know a lot of feminist (almost) thinking men. I figure if all genders choose to speak against ecocide then forests etc, will thrive and doormats will wither and die!

Jo Faith Newtown

How low can you go?

How invigorating to hear from Mr MacDonald once again, have you been licking your wounds and recuperating from the hidings the Labor Party and just about everyone else have been dishing out to your pathetic corrupt Coalition?

But sadly, it seems your demeanour has not improved at all. Me, a rustedon Labor supporter… my, my, you are so perceptive.

And by the way, have you ever managed to convince anybody besides yourself that anthropogenic climate change is a hoax and it is only a conspiracy perpetrated by the UN in order to establish a ‘New World Order’?

And you can’t be serious saying, ‘the Coalition has never, and would never stoop this low’. `My God, whenever they are in government they keep lowering the bar, Labor has to keep raising it every time we kick them out. You don’t seem to remember the infamous ‘Robodebt’ debacle: this insidious scheme was introduced, even though the relevant ministers knew it was illegal, and it resulted in around two thousand suicides linked to the trauma it caused to some of the most vulnerable people in Australia. It would be near impossible to go any lower than that appalling effort. And trust me, we are not done with the perpetrators.

Keith Duncan

Opinion

Felipe Olaondo

Iwonder if cultural production ever had an altruistic role – any form of collective benefit rather than the individual interest of a single human, company, or nationstate? My immediate answer is yes: culture exists as an attempt to save humanity from simply being a labyrinth based on economic interest.

Decades have come and gone, world wars lost and won and the hippie movement arrived as a source of hope for cultural productions, but by the turn of the century the balloon popped and the fantasy was over.

I’m not claiming that there is nothing of any value produced in the 21st century, but the promised land of the internet became tempted by the possibility of profit and a ‘four-hour work week’. Art too has been stained by this temptation and lost its inherent will to rage against the machine.

Creativity has a flat tyre when you are able to Google during the very act of creation and therefore we are only left to tirelessly recreate the same music, writing, painting and so on.

Meet Orsai Films: The brain under the hair is Hernan Casciari. Born in 1971 in Argentina, he left to Barcelona at the turn of the century where he worked as a writer for a

few widely recognised newspapers. He considered cultural production to be a revolutionary act and there was an element of betrayal to the creative project when an artist ‘sells the rich heritage at the low price of necessity’ (Jose Gervasio Artigas).

This wasn’t life for Hernan. At the time, he was also writing his own personal blog called Orsai (English deformation from the concept of being ‘off-side’ in soccer). By 2010, Orsai was huge... people loved it and like dairy farmers looking at a cow with big udders, publishing houses jumped on him...

he accepted the interventions of middle men with ulterior interests but lost direct communication with his readership.

This was happening around 2009, and against better judgment amidst the GFC, he quit it all to demonstrate that the crisis that everyone was talking about wasn’t a financial one but a ‘moral’ crisis – a crisis of human greed. He started an ‘impossible’ magazine: with no administrative offices, no advertising, no subsidies... raw... from his backyard in Spain, with his family and friends. Orsai Magazine garnered a cult following for a

culture-starving community.

By the end of 2020... when all the news I accessed was pandemicrelated, a friend sent me an email: Hernan was beginning Orsai Films, and was recruiting investors to crowdfund the production of its first feature – an adaptation of the Argentinean novel The Woman From Uruguay.

Revolutionary potential

The shares were US$100 each with a minimum of one and a maximum of two hundred shares per person. I bought ten without thinking, and it was the biggest investment in my life! I put half my savings on this film project... and I don’t care if lose it all, because the experience so far has already been worth it for the socio-economical experiment alone. Nothing has more revolutionary potential than new ways of organising human culture starting in the streets.

In less than two months, Orsai Films sold 6,000 shares achieving the goal of US$600,000 from a total of 1,937 investors all around the globe.

This financing covered 100 per cent of the film’s production. Every investor holds his respective equity and will receive dividends for any future income as well as becoming an official associate producer (which caused a bit of mayhem

at IMDB’s headquarters when they insisted every single name must be listed as cast and crew –becoming a world record-breaking production.)

I started receiving emails to vote on decisions of the movie i.e. choosing the main actress or whether I think we should sell the distribution rights to Netflix or ‘fuck them’ (a pretty obvious vote!). Everyone involved in the project has the possibility to add value to it... and that’s why I find it revolutionary, it’s not the usual top-down production that pours its market needs onto art.

People like me are hosting the crew in their family homes, while grandma watches over the camera gear when they head to the pub at the end of the day.

Cultural production today is ruled by the ‘almighty dollar’ – reserved for those who can afford to purchase the passions of the most technically and creatively brilliant minds of our generation. This is a betrayal to our own selves and to our ancestry; but there is vibration under the ground of laughter and cheering coming to the surface.

The Woman from Uruguay film will be coming to Byron Bay Palace Cinema on Monday 19 June at 8pm and Friday 23 June at 4pm during the Spanish Film Festival.

The film was produced amidst the covid lockdowns and succeeded thanks to the productive muscle of 1937 associate producers worldwide.

Mungo MacCallum’s Crossword #495

Bury me deep in love

My dad’s grave sits like a relic in time, it eerily marks the moment when his life stopped. A blackened concrete rectangle that protects the coffin that is buried deep below. A coffin made of beautiful, wasted, timber where his dead body was placed and lowered into this hole. There is a simply inscribed headstone that says his name, and announces his short life. There is a rusted cage that holds a broken dove, with an inscription that says ‘From your loving children, Mandy and Cameron’.

Cryptic Clues

ACROSS

1. Surreptitiously spied an urgent communication – and it’s hateful! (10)

6. Italian politicians – devils! (4)

8. Dance with a deserter in a Victorian city (8)

9. Barriers for Benson’s mate? (6)

10. One vehicle said to be terrible (4)

11. M – willing to listen to every point of view (4-6)

12. Fairies around the orient – 500 holiday celebrations (5,4)

14. Left or right – only the audience can hear (5)

17. Made an appointment, but past its prime (5)

19. KMG? (9)

22. Dispenser of grants and rorts –corrupt broker. Right, pal? (4,6)

23. Excellent penalty (4)

24. Preserved meat from South America and large French friend (6)

25. Run away around course including five – it’s a wrap! (8)

26. Policeman ahead of unknown ape (4)

27. Removing the balls from actors with a junior seaman (10)

DOWN

1. Removed underwear and interrogated (9)

2. Caliph’s wife buried in avalanche – a terrible result, a national tragedy (7)

3. Broadcast Stefanovic poems – and lots of them! (8)

4. Artillery and warhorses – they provide the power! (7,8)

5. Dig up former highway (6)

6. One country absorbs one other country (9)

7. First, look after claim (7)

13. Little height – simple for the dive (5,4)

15. Get grease prepared for the festive treat (6,3)

16. ‘Jumper’ ordered the traffic cop (8)

18. Fruit required for the coastal town party (7)

20. A robin I located in the African capital (7)

21. Lunatic, a bloke I account for (6)

STARS BY LILITH

Planetary retrogrades often accompany a second chance, so if fate knocks twice, it probably has something important to deliver. At least open the door and consider it...

Quick Clues

ACROSS

1. Contemptible (10)

6. Scamps (4)

8. Victorian goldfields town (8)

9. They protect against financial loss (6)

10. … Lendl (4)

11. Unprejudiced (4-6)

12. Times of commemorative festivals (5,4)

14. Out of the way (5)

17. Antiquated (5)

19. Large but unspecified number (9)

22. Money spent to win votes (4,6)

23. First-class (4)

24. Type of highly seasoned sausage (6)

25. Covering (8)

26. Duplicate (4)

27. Depriving of power or vigour (10)

DOWN

1. Provided information on a recent event (9)

2. Small, seedless raisin (7)

3. Amounts carried by a vehicle (8)

4. They are needed when the mobile stops working! (7,8)

5. Disinter (6)

6. Our Northern neighbour (9)

7. Make believe (7)

13. Gin joint (US) (5,4)

15. Delivered by a bunny! (6,3)

16. Guernsey (8)

18. Pear-shaped fruit (7)

20. Largest Kenyan city (7)

21. Crackpot (6)

Last week’s solution #494

PIFFLEBARSTOOL TLGAIRZ LAVATORYDRAGON LSOELN NIGHTCLUBSALEC CIOHL MINTNATIONALLY SFUTA DESPAIRINGSOME ENUPB SCATENGINEROOM USMLIF ARCHIEOFFSTAGE SONAIEO KEEPATITRESIDE

It wasn’t from us. I was six, my brother was six months old. We weren’t at the age where we had capacity to order ornamental memorial doves. I still don’t get the point. I have been there only a handful of times, but have never felt any sense of connection.

Actually, I feel the opposite. I feel disconnected from my familial grief. I feel nothing in this desert of frozen sorrow.

This place to me denotes a brutal, almost impersonal, attitude to death. It’s a memorial to our struggle with mortality. It makes death ‘other’. It’s us burying what scares us and not facing the simple, mystical and beautiful process of passing. I think we often miss what is in plain view.

It’s not called ‘passing’ by accident. We are supposed to leave. Instead, cemeteries stand as memorial to our denial, to us grasping at the ephemeral. The hand from the grave is not theirs, it is ours. Traditional cemeteries make me sad. It’s a frozen tribute to all the loss. It feels like a grief that never moves on. And that is sadder than death.

Graveyards are beautifully gothic, in a Nick Cave kind of way. But it is an inefficient way of managing dead bodies. And grief. There are ways so much better for the planet, and for us. We can’t keep burying our dead in the middle of, or on the edges of our

ARIES: Are you looking for ways to increase your income, reduce work hours, pay off debt, save for something big, or all of the above? Jupiter overseeing your finances for the next twelve months suggests finding the talent you take for granted that others might be happy to pay for.

TAURUS: Taurus energy is naturally slow and steady, but with unpredictable Uranus, the side-spinning planet in your sign, changes can be sudden and abrupt. Good news? Stabilising Saturn settling into water sign Pisces reminds you that the best way to go this week is with the flow.

GEMINI: With media-savvy Mercury in Gemini dominating this week’s airwaves, your witty one-liners, flirty repartee and up-to-date information make this primetime for communicating, connecting and amplifying your message. When the weekend’s Sun and moon rendezvous in Twin City, welcome to your astrological new year kicking into gear.

villages and cities. We are running out of room – and quite frankly it’s just not sustainable. Cemeteries are terrible for the environment. They use a lot of space, they require lawn maintenance, they need water and have acres of impervious surfaces. And they put toxins into the ground. Coffins used to be lined in lead and designed to slow down decomposition. Why? Bodies eventually decompose – why are we interrupting a very natural process and slowing down what is bound to happen? Dead people, as far as I can tell, aren’t coming back. No one has ever come back from the dead – except maybe Jesus – and he was wrapped in a shroud… possibly pioneering one of the first Green funerals. Why do we hang on to a process that is rooted in preserving the body? Cremations are slightly more efficient than traditional burial but they fill the air with noxious gases – so burning isn’t good either. Natural burial is the only way to go. I

CANCER: The massive influx of Sun, moon and Mercury in your zodiac zone of completion and winding-up cycles make this a full-on busy, buzzy week, before the annual Winter Equinox announces a natural drawing in to take stock of the year so far, and the year to come.

LEO: Venus and Mars powercoupling in Leo write a vivid script for Lions and Lionesses, and their high-octane energy quite likely has you wanting to get the party started, or the business launched. During this expressive, enthusiastic, voluble centre-stage cycle, keep conversations chatty without being catty.

VIRGO: With Mercury’s move to the sign of relentless chatterboxes inclining people to gossip, don’t (as of course you won’t, but others will) confuse exercising judgement with being judgmental. The key to navigating this week’s sometimes contradictory and confusing information overload is to keep things simple but significant.

LIBRA: This airy, mental-as-anything week’s distractions, multiple choices and scatty, mind-changing energy is also an excellent time for crosspollinating ideas, reflections and insights. Venus socialising with Mars can get exhausting though – but you already know the remedy for that is the balance of downtime.

SCORPIO: Scorpios excel at reading between the lines, and this week’s likely to need that skill set. Is it possible that people, including your good selves, are holding on to past ideas because they can’t see a promising future? What to do? Steer narratives towards solution-oriented mindsets and creative alternatives.

SAGITTARIUS: With Mercury in motormouth mode it’s easy to overwhelm people with TMI, so use your powers of persuasion strategically. Practise the potent pause. Give others a chance to ask questions. No need to go overboard with a hard sell; just be concise and clear about how, where and who your ideas are likely to benefit.

would love to be able to connect with the memory of my father in a forest. Not in a bleak garden of marble, concrete and decay. Our bodies are an intelligent design. When we are finished we are designed to break down and go back to the earth. To become the earth. It’s actually incredibly beautiful when you think about it.

As clever as AI is, they haven’t created such efficient disposal for their redundancy.

My favourite green death is the one created by Jae Rhim Lee, who created the mushroom burial suit. It’s made from organic cotton and seeded with mushroom spores. The fungi help the body break down, quickly turning the body into nutrient rich soil. We become shrooms. We share nearly 50 per cent of our DNA with fungi, and fungi, it turns out, are genetically more like humans than plants. So maybe one day, instead of being dead in a box deep in the ground, our body will grow a tree, or spawn a mushroom called Dave or Sandra. And a small nibble at the edges is the Alice through the Looking Glass key to the doorway of a more enlightened dimension where we finally make peace with our death.

CAPRICORN: As Capricorn’s mentor planet Saturn slips into slow gear and your relationship planets duke it out, where’s the fun factor in this week? Venus says – by giving your most impressive outfit an airing, kicking up those Goaty heels, exercising that wicked wit and channelling your inner minx.

AQUARIUS: With mobile Mercury rocking into its favorite play station, the conversations go ballistic, and with solar energy spotlighting your creative talents, why not indulge your sense of fun? There is a cosmic caution though; this week’s number one no-no is making assumptions or jumping to conclusions. So, ask questions, clarify, confirm, check in.

PISCES: Mercury in overthinking mode needs quiet time to get away from your own thought loops and the world of appearances, because you’ll really want to hear this week’s Saturn retro in Pisces downloading instructions on what to do, when to do it, and how to attract the people who’ll help.

GEMINI THE TWINS

No one has ever come back from the dead – except maybe Jesus –and he was wrapped in a shroud… possibly pioneering one of the first Green funerals.

Ends 30 June

Tweed Winter Wedding Open Day

Following the huge success of the Tweed Wedding Trail this past Summer, Tweed Coast Weddings are thrilled to announce the Tweed Winter Wedding Open Day is back for the third consecutive year, on Sunday 16 July.

A unique showcase of this stunning region, the 2023 Tweed Winter Wedding Open Day features eight of the finest venues within the Tweed hinterland and on our beautiful coast. In addition, over 100 local wedding suppliers will be showcasing their talent, creativity and services throughout the venues. This free and interactive event gives couples and their friends and families the chance to tour around the venues, meet and greet suppliers and be inspired by incredible wedding styling, all at their own pace.

Sunday, 16 July 2023

Go to www.tcweddings.com.au for more information on venue opening times

Australian Law Group

Australian Law Group is excited to introduce their leading team in Byron Bay, headed by Justin and Alison Peters with Brad Heydon. Australian Law Group merged with Heydons Lawyers in 2019 and Brad remains (and will do so for many years) a leading solicitor within the firm.

ALG was lucky enough to employ Lynda, a barrister of 15 years from Sydney, who decided to relocate to beautiful Byron Bay, with Mike and Harry, experienced solicitors who are more than willing to assist the clients with their knowledge. ALG practise in Property Law, Litigation, Family Law, Wills and Estate and also have offices in Murwillumbah, and at Toowong, Morningside, Wynnum and Birkdale QLD.

02 6685 6188

14 Middleton Street, Byron Bay (Cnr of Fletcher Lne) www.australianlawgroup.com.au

byron@alglawyers.com.au

Solid Grain Timbers

When Rex and Charlie started Solid Grain Timbers, their goal was clear; to reduce the carbon footprint and deforestation that mass timber manufacturers produce.

Three years later, they are one of the leaders in the reclaimed hardwood industry in the Northern Rivers. Changing the culture towards the purchase of recycled materials is a long road and one they’re travelling with the motivation of giving a great service to the community and the environment. Likeminded builders, furniture makers and landscapers are taking advantage of this opportunity and giving hardwood a second life. The driving factor is not being wasteful and actually seeing timbers have another lease of life. Sustainability is the only way to go.

0482 964 574

268 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay www.solidgraintimbers.com.au

Global Ripple Op Shop

‘A BIG THANK YOU.

Since the loss of our shop last December, we have risen from the ashes to be bigger and better than ever. This would not have been possible without the amazing support, love and donations from everyone. We’re truly humbled and grateful.

Join our beloved community in doing something amazing for the planet and community near and afar! You’ll find weird, wacky and wondrous treasures kindly donated by Northern Rivers locals. There’s something for everybody and we also offer furniture pick ups. You can donate Mon–Sat 9am–4.30pm, or text 0457 192 225 to arrange a furniture pick-up. We’re all about making an impact with kindness and rippling it out. Come in, pick up a bargain and see what we do!’

2 Grevillea Street, Byron Bay

Byron Community College

Nationally Recognised and Fee-FREE* training at Byron College. Byron College’s CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services is the perfect opportunity to create a rewarding new career and make a difference in the world. Develop the personal and professional skills required to create solutions and programs within much needed sectors of housing and homelessness, aged-care, disability, youth work, drug and alcohol services and many more. Leading to purposeful roles such as Community/Family Support Worker, Welfare Officer, Case Manager, or Youth Worker, there has never been a better time to change people’s lives for the better!

Bonus! This course is subsidised* under the Smart and Skilled program. Head to www.byroncollege.org.au or call 6684 3374 for more details.

*For eligible students. Training is subsidised by the NSW Government. RTO 90013

Rainforest Rescue

It’s almost 25 years since Rainforest Rescue began working to protect the Daintree, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest.

Since 1999 they have rescued over 1.5 million square metres of habitat across 41 properties. The majority are certified Nature Refuges and support crucial wildlife corridors. Threatened species like the southern cassowary, Bennett’s tree kangaroo and spotted-tail quoll can live and thrive in these refugia.

They have planted over 335,000 rainforest trees, regenerating and restoring the special ecosystem in the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Their new native nursery is the largest and most productive in the region and will produce over 150,000 trees annually to help mitigate the impacts of climate change. Your continued support over the years made all this happen.

Thank you. They are growing strong.

1300 763 611 or 02 6684 4360

www.rainforestrescue.org.au

Mullumbimby, Bundjalung Nation – Arakwal Country

Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School

Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School is extremely proud of the excellent HSC results their graduating students achieve year after year, and of the wonderful young human beings they are when they step out into the world, ready to enter the next part of their lives.

Their dedicated and experienced teachers deliver a diverse range of subjects in 21st century learning spaces, including a state-of-the-art Science Centre and Performance Hall. They offer unique pastoral care via the Guardian-student relationship and a team of wellbeing workers to support each individual. The students’ sense of connectedness is enriched by camp experiences, visiting places such as Kakadu and Sydney.

Classes 11 and 12 are capable of a higher intake and enrolments as early as Class 10 for students are encouraged.

Solis Photos

Swing It

Based in Ballina, Swing It are a locally owned and operated driving range and mini golf provider who have created a quality practise facility for the serious golfer, as well as a family entertainment venue.

After significant post-flood renovations, Swing It proudly boasts a newly built clubhouse decked out with licensed kiosk and state-of-the-art indoor golf simulator, and of course a beautiful golf course. Book the virtual golf simulator to play on almost any course in the world (in air-conditioned comfort), smash some balls around on the driving range, or play some mini golf.

Locals and tourists are invited to hone their existing skills or simply have fun!

Bookings are not required for the driving range, but are essential for the golf simulator.

Open 10am–5pm Tues/Wed/Sun, and 10am–8pm Thurs/ Fri/Sat. Mondays closed.

119 Smith Drive, West Ballina

02 6686 7542

www.swingitballina.com.au

Mr Mac

Private ‘Computer Tutor’ Sessions with Dave Carnovale aka ‘Mr Mac’

Owing to popular demand, Mr Mac is tutoring clients to get the most out of their systems – including basic keyboard shortcuts, accessing more iCloud storage, backing up your files with Time Machine or just updating software. This can be done in the workshop (Brunswick Heads) or in your own home or office in the Byron Shire. Alongside this, Mr Mac also offers:

•System transfers, upgrades & updates

•Application troubleshooting

•Email setup and repair

•New Mac device purchase advice

•RAM upgrades (where possible)

•Battery replacements

•Productivity software

•Anti-malware applications

•General system maintenance

Call 0418 408 869 for an appointment www.mrmacintosh.com.au

Maha Bazaar - selling

Maha Bazaar is Byron’s original and iconic hippie store and one of the last remaining remnants of Byron’s counter-culture past. Stocking a diverse range of unique and worldly treasures including exotic jewellery, natural cosmetics, musical instruments, Indigenous artefacts, hemp clothing, incense, crystals, candles, arts, crafts, homewares and more... it’s an experience you won’t forget.

For over 25 years this iconic shop has been a pillar of the Byron community and woven itself into the very fabric of the town. Unfortunately due to ill health, Radha and the family are selling this unique and timeless store. This is a rare opportunity to become part of the Byron tapestry with a well established, lifestyle business in a prime location.

For enquiries please visit www.bonzabfs.com.au (quote business ID–20255)

Or contact the broker directly: matthew@bonzabfs.com.au

0488 812 782

Sunbeam Solar

Sunbeam Solar is a local business that has served the Tweed and Byron Shires for the past 25 years.

The business is committed to providing clients with solar power systems that suit their needs, helping to significantly lower their energy costs, or in putting an end to their electricity bills entirely.

Government rebates are still available for grid connect or stand alone solar systems. Sunbeam Solar offers competitive prices and installation of the highest quality. They have a track record of supporting their local clientele for over 25 years, providing back-up service and warranties. They are also Tesla certified and have recently installed many Tesla systems. For more information please contact sunbeamsolar@bigpond.com (02) 6679 7228 www.sunbeamsolar.com.au

Attention senior citizens!

If you need help with technology, then attend a FREE class with Mark the Chief Geek at My Geek Mate. It’s a 1.5hr session (max 3 persons) and is sponsored by the Australian government.

Alternatively, Mark is also available for private tech support or tuition. Parking is free, still no potholes.

Tip: Locally lots of people are being scammed recently, so ideally don’t use an email provider that doesn’t have the option of ‘two-factor’ / ‘multifactor’ authentication.

Android users: please be aware of dodgy apps that change your user interface and access your data, go to Settings > Apps > and uninstall any apps you’re concerned about (remember lots of them come with Android anyway and you won’t be able to remove all of those).

1/53 Tamar Street, Ballina Mark 0431 122 057

Wallace & Co

If you need some retail therapy, you can’t go past locally owned Wallace & Co, in the heart of River Street, Ballina!

Offering expert advice and good old-fashioned customer services, they specialise in men’s and ladies’ clothing and footwear. Shop the biggest and most sought-after range of linen and bamboo clothing from Industrie, Kingston Grange, Gazman and Blazer, as well as Birkenstock and Doc Martin shoes and famous Australian brands like Akubra and RM Williams.

Shop their great range now.

Open seven days for your shopping convenience, or shop online.

6686 2081

109 River St, Ballina wallaces.com.au

Introducing Barbara Diaz of Somerville Laundry Lomax

Somerville Laundry Lomax welcomes Barbara Diaz to its family law team.

Barbara holds a Bachelor of Laws and Masters of Applied Law (Family Law) and has seven years of experience in the area of family law.

Barbara specialises in family law working across a broad range of family law matters including complex property settlement, parenting, child support, binding financial agreements and spousal maintenance.

Barbara is committed to achieving the best outcomes for her clients at all times. She will provide easy to understand legal advice and guide clients through their relationship breakdown with sensitivity and compassion.

Barbara also speaks fluent Spanish and is able to provide advice in Spanish.

02 6621 2481

www.sll.com.au

Juno Energy

June is battery month at Juno Energy

They offer Tesla AC batteries and the soon-to-be-released Enphase AC batteries.

They specify AC batteries as they are reliable and do not rely on an external inverter to operate.

Tesla batteries have a ten year warranty, the new Enphase batteries have a very strong 15 year warranty. Both batteries can be added to any existing solar system or, in some cases, can be installed without solar power.

For more information on either or both please email patrick@junoenergy.com.au  or call 0425 256 802

Good Taste

BYRON BAY

Eateries Guide

The Rocks

Brunch

7am–1pm, every day

16 Lawson St, Byron Bay

6685 7663

Menus at therocksbyronbay.com.au

@therocksbyronbay

Barrio Eatery & Bar

1 Porter Street, North Byron

Mon–Tues: 7am–3pm

Wed–Sat: 7am–10pm

www.barriobyronbay.com.au

@barriobyronbay 0411 323 165

Wahlburgers

Byron Bay

American style burger restaurant & sports bar

Upstairs at Mercato on Byron, Jonson Street. www.Wahlburgers.com.au

North Byron Liquor Merchants

61 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay Ph 6685 6500 www.northbyronhotel.com.au

Open 10am–8pm daily

Loft Byron Bay

4 Jonson Street, Byron Bay 6680 9183

Book online: www.loftbyronbay.com.au

The Italian Byron Bay

21, 108 Jonson St, Byron Bay

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

Legend Pizza

Serving Byron Bay for 30 years. Open 7 days. Delivery from Suffolk to Ewingsdale.

2/3 Marvell Street, Byron Bay 6685 5700 www.legendpizza.com.au

Main Street

Open for takeaway daily, 12 midday until dinner.

Success

Lunch Wed–Fri

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!

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.

American & local sports played live Family Offer Buy 1 kids meal, get 1 free. $8 after 8 $8 drinks from 8pm Thur–Sun. Live music Fri–Sun.

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

‘Byron’s boutique bottle shop’

Natural wine

Craft Beer

Local Spirits Specialty Tequila for the ages Wedding & event liquor catering

OCEAN SHORES

Brunch 8 til 2pm / Tues – Sat

Dinner 5 til 8pm / Thur – Sat

BYRON BAY

Dinner from 5pm / Mon – Sat DJ EVERY WEEKEND

HAPPY HOUR 5–6pm

Signature cocktails, and casual dining with ocean views.

Happy Hour | Daily from 4–6pm.

$6 loft wine or lager, $10 spritzes, $14 margaritas & $30 house wine bottle

Half price deli board & $2.50 fresh oysters

Espresso Martini Nights | Every day 9pm–close, 2 for $25 Classic Espresso Martini. Open daily from 4pm.

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

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

Byron’s Freshest Pizza

Order online and join our loyalty program.

Catering for up to 100 people lunch and dinner.

BYO

Locally owned and operated. Scan code for menu.

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.

BANGALOW

Bangalow

12 Byron St, Bangalow

Bread Co.

6am–3pm weekdays. 7am–2pm weekends. 6687 1209 www.bangalowbread.co info@bangalowbread.co

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.

CELEBRATIONS BY LIZ JACKSON

Cakes by Liz Jackson

New Barrio chef was ‘born into kitchen’

New Barrio chef, Daniela Maiorano, was ‘born into the kitchen’ in Abruzzo, Italy, and as a fourth-generation chef she’s very aware that to make something special in the kitchen, you do need to view the process as more than just a job. She takes her kitchen team to meet farmers so that they understand to take care of produce in the kitchen, because they know where it comes from.

‘In my family, my parents were so busy all the time working and in the restaurant that all they could do was cook and feed us with this love’, she says. ‘I love working with producers, farmers… I love to see a beautiful vegetable in the garden and transform it into something in the kitchen, but most of all I love watching people eat my food and smile.’

This process of meeting growers from the very nearby area, transforming local produce with collaboration, cooking, and sharing the love with the local community is something that she believes complements the ethos at Barrio, which ‘is all around local mentality’, she says. But to this she brings her own flair. ‘I love cooking, I love experimenting with new dishes’, but she says it must be ‘authentic’.

‘Of course, I’m Italian, and I’m going to bring my own tradition; it’s going to be comfort food with great technique.’ Whether that involves making ravioli the way her father taught her, or drawing on memories of helping her grandmother roll gnocchi and shape sourdough for the daily service, Daniela feels that the kitchen is her true passion and calling, and her cooking is all about bringing people together.

Daniela Maiorano Photo: Jess Kearney

When she returns to her home town of Sulmona, in Abruzzo, Italy, she will cook excellent, traditional Abruzzese food in her family restaurant, Ristorante Clemente (named after her great-grandfather, and now headed up by her renowned father, Clemente). But expect to find new dishes on the menu at Barrio, perhaps using new interesting produce made especially for chefs by their friends at The Farm, or wild mushrooms sourced from a wild mushroom forager. Whatever direction the menu takes, ‘I think people are going to like what they see coming’, says Daniela.

Barrio: 1 Porter St Byron Bay barriobyronbay.com.au

Good Life

An evening with Cape Byron Distillery at Treehouse

pecan wood, ‘a native form of hickory’.

The main driving force behind his business was ‘to provide a local and wild-caught alternative to farmed salmon’, he says.

The Bay Smokehouse

Victoria Cosford

‘It’s like turning lead into gold!’, is how Damien Curtis describes the alchemy of smoking fish.

Damien’s business, The Bay Smokehouse, has been selling locally-caught and -smoked fish fillets like tailor and mullet at local farmers’ markets these past six years or so and, more significantly, his award-winning (and utterly divine) Smoked Fish Rillettes, that are about to go national.

Get ready for a night of delicious food, craft cocktails, premium spirits, and great music on Thursday 22 June at 6.30pm at Treehouse.

Local favourite, Treehouse, on Byron’s Belongil Beach, is teaming up with Cape Byron Distillery, home of popular tipples including Brookie’s and Cape Byron Whisky, to bring a tasting and dining experience, hosted by Eddie Brook.

Guests will be welcomed with a Brookie’s G&T on arrival, before they sip, savour, and get to know the unique flavours that the local distillery brings to the table with a gin, whisky, and liqueur tasting flight.

Treehouse’s chefs have curated a perfectly paired feast with a selection of their most loved shared dishes and wood-fired pizzas, freshly prepared using locally-sourced

ingredients.

As the sun sets, kick back with a signature cocktail of your choice, enjoy the DJ’s tunes, and soak in the relaxed Belongil Beach vibe.

Tickets are $89pp, so book now and get ready to savour the spirit of Cape Byron Distillery.

About Treehouse

Set amongst the palm trees, Treehouse draws inspiration from its beachside location, natural surroundings, and the beautiful hometown of Byron Bay. With rustic natural timber, vintage furnishings, and beach shack-style decor, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy good vibes and great food.

The bar restaurant serves up simple and authentic

dishes using locally-sourced produce. On the menu, you’ll find signature wood-fired pizza, Mediterranean-inspired eats, local brews, and fresh cocktails.

Whether you’re coming straight off the beach for a few cold ones, celebrating a special occasion, or rounding up your closest friends for dinner and cocktails, everyone is welcome.

The thing is, this is no ordinary smoked fish and no ordinary fish smoker. Frenchborn Damien grew up eating smoked fish, but it was a trip to Arnhem Land, where he and his wife were filming a documentary, that fired his passion.

‘I got a taste for smoked mullet’, he tells me. The whole primal concept of smoking fatty oily fish on fire – ‘the very Aboriginal experience’ – stirred something in him. Seeing that no one was doing much in the way of smoking wild-caught oily fish he glimpsed an opportunity, and began looking into smokehouses. This, in turn, resulted in a visit to Grimsby in the UK to train under a master fish smoker, where ‘I learnt a more advanced craft… using traditional kilns.’

Ultimately, research led him to the original fishsmoking kiln, the Torry Kiln (‘it transformed smoking fish’, Damien says, ‘it’s all uniform smoking’). Utilising a 1960’s

manual from the British Library he had one custom built, a stainless-steel beast. ‘Now I’m able to smoke a lot more fish a lot more efficiently’, he says. He uses local

As for those rillettes: Fingal Head-caught mullet, fatty and rich in Omega3 oils, smoked and blended with buttery local macadamias, it’s a star product – and once you taste it, you’ll know why!

The Bay Smokehouse is at New Brighton Farmers Market on Tuesdays from 8–11am, and Mulllumbimby Farmers Market on Fridays from 7–11am.

5AM – 11AM EVERY DAY

49 BURRINGBAR STREET, MULLUMBIMBY

Paddock to Plate with Terra Firma to 24th June, 12–6pm, Levenvale Farm, Bellingen

A fire dining experience

A fire

Inclusions:

• 4-course menu menu

• Beverage tastings

• Live music

• Trailer screening Trailer

• Farm tours

Accom and shuttlebus options available.

Tickets are selling fast!

Book online: www levenvalefarm com au www.levenvalefarm.com.au

Brought to you by:

Volume 38 #01

14–20 June, 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

CELEBRATING THE WOMEN OF SURFING

Attention all surf enthusiasts! Seas The Day Women’s Surf Festival, presented by Surfing Australia, is celebrating the incredible women of surfing and promises to be a thrilling experience for the whole family. And the best part? It’s absolutely free!

Surfers and beach lovers from all walks of life will gather at the stunning Kingscliff Beach for a day filled with fun, excitement, and community spirit. The festival offers something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just looking to enjoy a fantastic day out.

One of the festival’s highlights is the pressure-free female surf competition for female surfers of all levels, which takes place in a tag-team format. Watch as talented surfers and newcomers showcase their skills in the divisions of shortboard and longboard. And the best part – foamies are allowed!

But the festival is not just about competition. A diverse festival program awaits attendees, with a variety of engaging activities and workshops. Immerse yourself in the world of wellness with yoga sessions, breath-work, and ice-bath classes. Discover the secrets to achieving balance and mindfulness both on and off the board.

For those seeking inspiration and knowledge, don’t miss the live podcast session featuring Tracks Magazine and the

legendary seven-time World Champion, Layne Beachley Gain insights into the world of professional surfing and learn from Layne’s remarkable experiences. Additionally, the ‘Awake Academy’ session by Layne herself offers a unique opportunity to dive deeper into personal growth and empowerment.

Film enthusiasts can enjoy free movie screenings on offer like Great Ocean Road by Surfers for Climate; part documentary, part road trippin’ surf flick, all about the saltwater women of the deep south and their shared love for the rugged coastline we call home. Additionally, Physics of Noseriding by Lauren Hill and Yamba by Lucy Small will take you on a journey through the art and science of surfing and a journey to meet a group of pioneering female surfers from Ghana. Seas The Day has a great lineup of local food trucks and refreshing drinks and live music performances – a perfect soundtrack to your day at the beach.

A true celebration of the power and beauty of women’s surfing, welcoming everyone, regardless of age or skill level, to come together and embrace the surfing community. So mark your calendars and join in on 17 and 18 June at Kingscliff Beach For more information and to check out the full festival program, visit: seasthedaysurffestival.com. Remember, admission is free!

HORN BANDS

BATTLE OF THE HORNS

Held annually in June, Make Music Day is part of the international Fête de la Musique, taking place in a thousand cities and places across 120 countries.

This event, music-for-all, celebrates music in all its forms, encouraging people to band together and play music.

This year, Resonator Music brings The Battle of the Horn Bands as a special musical show between Bullhorn Band from Brisbane and Hot Potato Band from Sydney. Both on the same stage –like never before!

The opening performance is by the local music students from LSTT, and the School Concert Band, formed by Lennox Head Public School,Southern Cross Public School and Teven-Tintenbar Public School. After them, the local band Sky Eater with multi-instrumental artillery (keys, sax, vocals, clarinet, and melodica).

Join us for a fun afternoon of live music, food, drinks, activities for kids, and a wonderful fundraising event wherein all money raised will assist and support charities in our local area.

A fundraiser for: Dementia Inclusive Ballina (for elderly people living with dementia), Give Them a Chance (for foster children), and the Rotary Club of Ballina.

Cherry Street Sports Club, East Ballina on Sunday 25 June, at 3pm. Tickets $55. Tickets from Event Bookings: eventbookings.com/b/event/the-battle-of-the-horn-bands

A fun afternoon of live music, food, drinks, activities for kids, and a wonderful fundraising event which all money raised will assist and support charities in our local area.

HOT POTATO BAND

BYRON HIGH’S YEAR 11 DRAMA – STORIES IN THE DARK

their determination, and an unwavering hope that they will somehow find and reconnect with their families and be safe again.

The themes presented in Stories in the Dark will resonate with current world events. With a distinctly Eastern European feel, the conflict happening in the story is a stark reminder of the experience of civilians surviving the war in Ukraine. The play showcases the power of storytelling to provide hope, escape, and comfort during a time of loss and survival.

Next week, Byron Bay High School’s Year 11 drama cohort will present Debra Oswald’s Stories in the Dark – a play that will both confront and uplift audiences.

The story is set in an undisclosed war zone, where amid danger and violence, feisty teen, Anna and her unwanted guest, twelve-year-old Tomas, develop an unlikely friendship. The two struggle to survive in a hostile environment when all they have is each other,

CAPAL Head Teacher and Co-director, Ms Simone Museth, says immersing ourselves in this ‘imagined’ war zone demands that the actors portray the fear, despair, grief, exhaustion, hunger, thirst, and anxiety of the characters with integrity and control. ‘That’s no mean feat for a bunch of 16 and 17 year olds, who have never personally seen war.’

Stories in the Dark is Byron Bay High School’s sixth Year 11 theatre production in seven years. Public performances will be held Tuesday 20 June, Thursday 22 June and Friday 23 June in the PAC at Byron Bay High School from 7pm. Tickets are on sale now – community members are welcome to attend.

Tickets: $15 adults, $10 student and $40 for family (two adults + two students) from events.humanitix.com/byron-bay-high-school-presents-debra-oswald-s-stories-in-the-dark

Please be advised, references to violence and loss in a war context are included in the play’s narrative, and therefore may not be suitable for sensitive younger.

Enjoy a programme of music from the high energy to the sublime, sourced from the movies, iconic bands and the great symphonies!

The NRYO is comprised of the best young talent from across the region, who come together once a year for this special orchestral event.

PHOTO BY ALISHA DOHERTY HOUGH

NRYO FREE CONCERT AT WHITEBROOK THEATRE

Get ready to be captivated by enchanting melodies, powerful rhythms, and awe-inspiring performances as the highly popular Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra takes centre-stage – this eagerly-awaited concert promises an unforgettable evening of musical brilliance, showcasing the wonderful talent of the region’s young musicians (and some buddies from afar!).

Under the expert direction of their esteemed guest conductor, Patrick Brennan, as well as sectional leaders from the Northern Rivers Conservatorium itself, the Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra will bring to life a diverse repertoire that spans classical masterpieces, contemporary compositions, and stunning arrangements of popular favourites.

The concert will be a testament to the hard work and dedication of these young musicians, as they showcase their skill and passion for music.

Through tireless rehearsals and workshops over the previous three days and an unwavering commitment to musical excellence, these exceptional individuals have honed their skills and developed a greater understanding of the dynamics and teamwork of the orchestra.

The Whitebrook Theatre provides the perfect backdrop for this mesmerising musical journey; as the orchestra takes the stage, the theatre will come alive with a symphony of sound, leaving the audience in awe of the power of music. Comprising family, friends, and music enthusiasts, the audience will witness firsthand the transformative power of music and is testament to the region’s vibrant music culture and the remarkable talent that flourishes within it.

This free concert is on 6 July at the Whitebrook Theatre, Southern Cross University, from 6.30pm. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra!

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YOUNG LOCAL TALENTS SHOWCASED AT BYRON MUSIC FESTIVAL

The members of hard-rocking band, Da Manager, were in school uniform when they had their first in-studio radio interview.

That was not so long ago. But a lot has happened for the young men from Cabarita since, including being the 2023 Bluesfest Busking Comp Grommet Winners in April, with two mindblowing sets at the festival and an appearance at the Beach Hotel.

They have now written a swag of songs, recorded their first four-track EP, and this weekend will take to the stage at the Byron Music Festival, bringing their latest song, ‘Cloud Machine’, due for release on the Festival Friday.

Banjo Golder,Arlo Kirk, Phoenix Preston and Cruz Kill are still in their early teens but bring a confidence and big sound that ensure they will more than hold their own among the 35 local performers at Dening Park on Saturday Festival Director, Nick Sergi, says Da Manager were brought together by a common love of ’90s grunge and were inspired by classic Aussie bands such as Silverchair, Wolfmother and Grinspoon and are one of several young acts playing this weekend – which is only fitting for a Byron Youth Service fundraising event.

‘The youth and artistic ambition in the Festival’s lineup is inspiring. Many of them are on the brink of exciting careers, so we want locals to get out in support and celebrate them while they can,’ says Nick.

Band Called Stereo are another group who, despite their tender years, are 2021 Byron Music Festival veterans with a deep love and understanding of music running through their veins.

Between juggling lessons at Byron High and the experience of live performances at the Rails, the Beach Hotel and other venues, the group have also managed to release two singles, Send Me Away and Cracked Lips, showcased to rapt audiences at Pulse Alive 22 and Bluesfest this year and picked up for a film. Both were written by Cinnamon Laddin Catron, Stereo’s 16-year-old vocalist and rhythm guitarist.

Band Called Stereo have just emerged from the SAE studio with three new tracks that will be presented at the Festival and be part of an album, Uncanny Valley, to be released later this year. Cinnamon is joined by her brother Leo on bass, Floyd Whitaker on drums and Kiarn Stenner on lead guitar.

Another highlight will be rapper Bodhi Dey, just 20, but also someone who takes his musical purpose seriously. Bodhi remembers being blown away hearing the Hilltop Hoods at the age of 13, and starting to write his own raps a short time after, revelling in wordplay and creating punchlines and complicated rhyme schemes, inspired by the poetry of Kendrick Lamar. Acclaimed producer AJ McFadden says Bodhi has ‘the ability to freestyle and hold a crowd with just his voice and his words. He has the ability to make people think, and the capability to make them believe’.

Sergi says these emerging acts are just three of the 35 who will be performing at the family-friendly Festival on Saturday. ‘This is music for everyone and it’s all local!’.

There are plenty of veteran performers too – acts such as Resin Dogs,Caravana Sun, Hussy Hicks, Emily Lubitz, HOLiDAY, Colliflowers, Marshall and the Fro, and Groove Terminator There’s a range of parties and activities at venues around Byron too, from Friday night’s Launch Party to Sunday’s Community Beach Clean-Up in collaboration with coastal conservationist group Positive Change for Marine Life. Byron Music Festival 2023 runs from 16–18 June 2023. Main Event: Dening Park, Byron Bay, on Saturday 17 June, 11am–8.30pm.

For more information, email info@byronmusicfestival.com.au or visit www.byronmusicfestival.com.au

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GIG GUIDE

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

SATURDAY 17

SUNDAY 18

BYRON

BAY, GUY KACHEL

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY,

6.30PM BEN WHITING

BANGALOW BOWLO

7.30PM BANGALOW BRACKETS OPEN MIC

THURSDAY 15

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON

BAY, THE GIN BUGGS

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY,

6.30PM ISAAC FRANKHAM

BYRON THEATRE

7.30PM BAKERSFIELD MIST

HOTEL BRUNSWICK

6PM ELLA FENCE

LENNOX HOTEL HOTEL STAGE

8PM JAM NIGHT

THE LEVEE, LISMORE,

5PM KIM MCLEAN

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS

6PM WINTER WARMER –

MC MANDY NOLAN, THE SPACE COWBOY AND FELICITY LAWLESS AND MSELENEOUS

FRIDAY 16

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON

BAY, THE WHISKEYS

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY,

5PM FELICITY LAWLESS,

8PM PINK ZINC, 10PM DJ

REIFLEX

BYRON THEATRE

7.30PM BAKERSFIELD MIST

THE NORTHERN, BYRON

BAY, BYRON MUSIC

FEST – LAUNCH: FLYING

MACHINE; OFF JUDY; SOY

DIVISION; STONED WAVES;

RATMONGERS; FAUVE; BILLY BAILEY; CECILE; KIRA

SUNDAY & BEN WALSH

LONE GOAT GALLERY, BYRON

BAY, 5PM EXHIBITION

OPENING ANTHONY J

WALKER – CAVANBAH

BANGALOW HOTEL ROB

SARIC

LENNOX HOTEL HOTEL STAGE

8.30PM THE VERSACE BOYS

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM JAX

MUSIC

WANDANA BREWING CO.,

MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM DJ TAZ

MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 5PM BALCONY BEATS,

8.30PM KRAPPYOKEE WITH

JESS

ST JOHN’S SCHOOL

HALL, MULLUMBIMBY,

7.30PM ECSTATIC DANCE

MULLUMBIMBY WITH DJ

ISHWARA

COURTHOUSE HOTEL, MULLUMBIMBY, 8PM THEM

CULPRITS

SHAWS BAY HOTEL, BALLINA, JORDAN MAC

THE AARDVARK, LISMORE,

7.30PM GRINDING EYES +

LIMINAL AND APOSTLES

METROPOLE, LISMORE,

7.30PM MONKEY AND THE FISH, 8PM DJ SLINKY

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS

5PM BRETT HEALY

TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 8PM THE

KING OF POP – MICHAEL

JACKSON TRIBUTE

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON

BAY, MOJO RISING

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON

BAY, 3.30PM KALAKARI,

6.30PM JEROME WILLIAMS

DUO, 9PM DJ MY HAPPY

PLACE

BYRON THEATRE

7.30PM BAKERSFIELD MIST,

7.30PM NOLAN ANGELL +

SHANI FORRESTER

BYRON BAY SERVICES

CLUB BYRON MUSIC FEST

– AFTER PARTY: DJ SUN

JAZZ; VELVET TRIP; COLBEY; THE NEW LANGUAGE; THE VERSACE BOYS & TAHLIA

MATHESON

SALTWATER SOCIAL CLUB, BYRON BAY, BYRON MUSIC

FEST – AFTER AFTER PARTY:

LIVE DJS

DENING PARK, BYRON BAY,

11AM BYRON MUSIC FEST

BANGALOW

HOTEL PHANTOM LIMBZ

LENNOX HOTEL HOTEL

STAGE 8.30PM LENNOX

GROOVE ‘TURNED UP’ FT.

SCATTERLIGHT, LIMINAL & SUPER ORBIT

SHAWS BAY HOTEL, BALLINA, KELLY BROUHAHA

NORTHERN RIVERS

COMMUNITY GALLERY

(NRCG), BALLINA, 2PM IN CONVERSATION WITH

MICHELLE WALKER AND JUDE WHITE

BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK

6PM BEN WALSH

HOTEL BRUNSWICK

7.30PM JORDAN MAC

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE

HOUSE 7PM THE ROCKY

HORROR PICTURE SHOW

WANDANA BREWING CO.,

MULLUMBIMBY, 3.30PM DJ

JAKOB JON

BURRINGBAR SPORTS CLUB

2.30PM DJS: POB, CURLY,

HALO, RIA LISTIC & NIRGRANTHA

THE LEVEE, LISMORE, 7PM KARAOKE

METROPOLE, LISMORE,

7.30PM TWO TEARS IN A

BUCKET, 8PM DJ OVALS

MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6.30PM STOCKADE

THE CITADEL, MURWILLUMBAH,

7.30PM NOLAN ANGELL + SHANI FORRESTER

KINGSCLIFF SURF CLUB

12PM SEAS THE DAY

FESTIVAL – SALLY SAL,

2.30PM SIALA

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS

5PM ADAM BROWN

TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 8PM THE ROBERTSON BROTHERS

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON

BAY, HAYLEY GRACE TRIO BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY,

1.30PM LUKE BENNETT,

4.30PM THE NINTH

CHAPTER

TREEHOUSE, BYRON

BAY, BYRON MUSIC

FEST – CLOSING PARTY:

RECOVERY DAY/CLOSING PARTY, SUMMER WOODS; FELICITY LAWLESS; ANIMAL VENTURA & BURNING

HANDS

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4PM THE VERSACE BOYS

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE

HOUSE 6PM THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW

OCEAN SHORES COUNTRY

CLUB 4PM THE GIN BUGGS MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 3PM OPEN MIC WITH THE SWAMP CATS

WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 3.30PM ALEX

TILLEY

SHAWS BAY HOTEL, BALLINA, 12PM BANGERS ON THE GREEN FESTIVAL

BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK

2.30PM BALLINA BLUES

CLUB WITH SOREN CARLBERGG QUARTET +

DENNIS WILSON

ELTHAM HOTEL BUD ROKESKY

METROPOLE, LISMORE,

3.20PM HUCKLEBERRY AND BRODIE BUTTONS

THE LEVEE, LISMORE,

4PM PIPPIN NICHOLSON

UKI MARKET BLAKBOI +T RUSS JALAKAI

REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH,

5.45PM SCREENING: FLYWAYS – THE UNTOLD JOURNEY OF MIGRATORY SHOREBIRDS

KINGSCLIFF SURF CLUB

12PM SEAS THE DAY FESTIVAL – ATHENA JOY,

2.30PM  GABRIELLE LAMBE

MONDAY 19

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, JAMIE ASHFORTH

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY,

6.30PM TRILLIAH

TUESDAY 20

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, DAN HANNAFORD BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY,

6.30PM JOSH LOVEGROVE

BYRON BAY HIGH SCHOOL

7PM BYRON HIGH YEAR 11

DRAMA – STORIES IN THE DARK METROPOLE, LISMORE,

6.30PM OPEN MIC

TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM

11AM BACK TO THE TIVOLI

WEDNESDAY 21

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, JON J BRADLEY

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY,

5PM GUY KACHEL

BANGALOW BOWLO

7.30PM BANGALOW BRACKETS OPEN MIC

TOO BIG FOR THE GREEN? MOVE TO THE BAY!

Bangers on the Green event is moving from the Bangalow Bowlo to the waterfront Shaws Bay Hotel, East Ballina.

The Shaws Bay Hotel has recently undergone an ownership change and its new manager, Amber Jones, is embracing the opportunity with open arms to bring Bangers on the Green to the Northern Rivers seaside town of Ballina.

‘With its bayside water views and the amazing Ballina sunsets, combined with some cool Indie rock tunes from the best up-andcoming original bands in Australia, such as The Rions, and Floodlights, along with the opportunity to put more than 1000 music lovers into our venue was too good an opportunity to pass up,’ said Jones.

Co-founder of Bangers on the Green, Mark Haughton says ‘It’s just an unfortunate circumstance in regards to Council’s decision to reduce capacity and staging. As the second round of ticket release is now 60 per cent sold out we just couldn’t physically fit it inside the Bungalow Bowlo and had to move the event. We had already been

in conversation with Amber about running an event at the Shaws Bay Hotel down the track, so it was just of matter of bringing that day forward as the hotel is a natural fit for Bangers on the Green’. Since Amber has taken over management she has ensured The Shaws Bay Hotel would be proactive in bringing original live music to Ballina. This will be a fab day of seriously cool Aussie live music that you wouldn’t normally get to see in one afternoon. Bangers

on the Green features

The Rions Floodlights

Blake Scott, Nice Biscuit, These NSW, Workhorse, Gimmy and the Spring Rollers, Luke Morris & the Heavy Hitters Sweetie and Siobhan Cotchin

Come and enjoy rockin’ tunes by the sea while you tell your friends you love them at Bangers on the Green, Shaws Bay Hotel, Sunday from noon to 8pm Tickets $75 from Oztix. Session

Mediterranean Inspired Beachside Home

• With a Mediterranean-inspired design and less than 200m to the beach, this is the perfect place to experience a slower pace of life

• There is a combined living and modern kitchen adjoins a dedicated dining space

• The main bedroom features an ensuite and a large deck which backs onto Arakwal National Park with paths through to the Ti-Tree Lake and Broken Head

• An added bonus to this property is a beautifully designed one-bedroom freestanding studio offering additional space for guests

30 MacGregor Street, Suffolk Park

Price Guide: Contact Agent

Open: Saturday, 17th June 11.30–12pm

Immaculately Presented Beachside Suffolk Home

• Positioned in a private enclave which includes a private pool, cabana area, and maintained gardens

• The renovated kitchen and living room open through large sliding doors onto the north-facing paved courtyard with beautiful bush outlook

• 3 spacious bedrooms, the main with a private ensuite and balcony

• Walking distance to the beach and Suffolk Park’s shops and restaurants

22/58 Armstrong Street, Suffolk Park

Price Guide: $1.1m to $1.2m

Open: Saturday, 17th June 12.30–1pm

Su Reynolds 0428 888 660

Luke Elwin 02 6685 8466

Beachside Duplex in Desirable Lennox Head – Own One or Two

• These properties present an incredible opportunity for you to either buy one or both of these beachside retreats just one street away from 7 mile beach

• Both homes offer a spacious layout split over two levels, downstairs comprises of two bedrooms, a bathroom, laundry and garage

• Upstairs hosts the open plan kitchen, living, dining and main bedroom

• Fantastic location 200 metres from the beach

3+4/75 Stewart Street, Lennox Head

Price Guide: $1.3m – $1.385m each

Open: Saturday,

35 FLETCHER ST, BYRON BAY NSW 2481

PH: O2 6685 8466

Charming Barn Style Home in Picturesque Hinterland Location

• The charming wood and iron property has breathtaking views of rolling hills and a myriad of entertaining and relaxation areas to choose from

• Featured are grand full-height ceilings and the open plan design provides versatility and the freedom to make the space your own

• To the rear of the property is a generous covered verandah, which overlooks a stunning ten metre pool and uninterrupted hinterland views

• This is a grand 5 bedroom home with additonal outbuilding/studio

Open For Inspection

Mana RE

• 46 Narooma Drive Ocean Shores. Sat 9–9.30am

• 3/1 Yalla Kool Drive, Ocean Shores. Sat 9–9.30am

• 15 Natan Court, Ocean Shores. Sat 10–10.30am

• 2A Oba Place, Ocean Shores. Sat 10–10.30am

• 20 O’Flynn St, Lismore Heights. Wed 10–10.30am

• 8 Redgate Road, South Golden Beach. Sat 11–11.30am

• 1/6 Boondoon Crescent, Ocean Shores. Sat 11–11.30am

• 2/6 Boondoon Crescent, Ocean Shores. Sat 11–11.30am

• 66 Castle Field Drive, Murwillumbah. Sat 12.30–1pm

• 66 Castle Field Drive, Murwillumbah. Thurs 3–3.30pm

• 6 Colli Close, Ocean Shores. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 10 Beach Ave, South Golden Beach. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 86 Castle Field Drive, Murwillumbah. Sat 1.15–1.45pm

• 86 Castle Field Drive, Murwillumbah. Thurs 3.45–4.15pm

• 9 Buchanan St, South Murwillumbah. Sat 2.15–2.45pm

• 9 Buchanan St, South Murwillumbah. Thurs 4.30–5pm

• 1477 Kyogle Road, Uki. Sat 2.15–2.45pm

Harcourts

• 24 Farrelly Avenue, Cumbalum. Sat 9–9.30am

• 150 Burnett Street, Ballina. Sat 9–9.30am

• 43 Bentinck Street, Ballina. Sat 9–9.30am

• 589 Ballina Road, Goonellabah. Sat 9–9.30am

• 7 Crandon Court, Goonellabah. Sat 9.30–10am

• 10 Kookaburra Street, Ballina. Sat 10–10.30am

• 14/3-13 Sunset Avenue, West Ballina. Sat 10.15–10.45am

• 36 Surf Avenue, Skennars Head. Sat 10.30–11am

• 2/14 Barrett Drive, Lennox Head. Sat 10.45–11.15am

• 28 Elkhorn Parade, Ballina. Sat 11–11.30am

• 2/51 Gibbon Street, Lennox Head. Sat 11.30–12pm

• 1106 -1108 Tamarind Drive, Tintenbar. Sat 11.30–12pm

• 565 Friday Hut Road, Brooklet. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 19 Surf Avenue, Skennars Head. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 1 Bath Street, Wardell. Sat 12.30–1pm

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

• 467 Ellis Road, Rous. Sat 1.30pm–2pm

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

Byron Shire Real Estate

• 7/11 Booyun Street, Brunswick Heads. Sat 10–10.30am

• 9 Quail Way, Mullumbimby. Sat 11–11.30am

• 2 Berrimbillah Court, Ocean Shores. Sat 12–12.30pm

LJ Hooker Brunswick Heads

• 8 Station Street Mullumbimby. Sat 11–11.30 am

• 32 Kolora Way, Ocean Shores. Sat 11–11.30 am

• 3/72 Harbour Way, Brunswick Heads. Sat 12–12.30 pm

• Unit 2/38 Mullumbimbi St, Brunswick Heads. Sat 12–12.30 pm

• 40 Byangum Road, Murwillumbah. Sat 2–2.30 pm

McGrath Byron Bay

• 2/3 Jackwood Court, Suffolk Park. Sat 10–10.30am

• 38 Armstrong Street, Suffolk Park. Sat 11–11.30am

• 47 Tuckeroo Avenue, Mullumbimby. Fri 10–10.30am

• 680 Cawongla Road, Larnook. Sat 9.30–10 am

• 10 Banksia Place, Mullumbimby. Sat 12.15–12.45 pm

Ray White Byron Bay

• 31 Beachcomber Drive, Byron Bay. Wed 1–1.30pm

• 1/3 Sallywattle Drive, Suffolk Park. Wed 2–2.30pm

• 11/183-205 Broken Head Rd., Suffolk Park. Wed 3–3.30pm

• 4 Oakland Court, Byron Bay. Wed 4.30–5pm

• 4 Oakland Court, Byron Bay. Fri 3–3.30pm

• 11/183-205 Broken Head Rd., Suffolk Park. Sat 9–9.30am

• 31 Beachcomber Drive, Byron Bay. Sat 9–9.30am

• 65 Currawong Way, Ewingsdale. Sat 10– 10.30am

• 1/3 Sallywattle Drive, Suffolk Park. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 13 Argyle Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 12-12.30pm

Real Estate of Distinction

• 2 Giaour Street, Byron Bay. Sat 11–11.30am

• 413 Crabbes Creek Road, Crabbes Creek. Sat 1–1.30pm

• 35-37 Edwards Lane, Kynnumboon. Sat 3.30–4pm

North Coast Lifestyle Properties Mullumbimby

• 3 Argyle Street Mullumbimby. Sat 11–11.45am

North Coast Lifestyle Properties Brunswick

• 6/20 Fingal Street, Brunswick Heads. Sat 10–10.30am

• 1 Byron Street, New Brighton. Sat 10–10.30am

• 2 Glendale Crescent, Ocean Shores. Sat 11–11.30am

• 34 Gloria St, South Golden Beach. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 5 Wahlooga Way, Ocean Shores. Sat 1–1.30pm

Tim Miller Real Estate

• 12 Ivory Curl Place, Bangalow. Thu 11.45am–12.15pm

• 12 Ivory Curl Place, Bangalow. Sat 1–1.30pm

• 25 Kings Road, Nashua. Thu 12.45–1.15pm

• 25 Kings Road, Nashua. Sat 10.30–11am

• 447 Eltham Road, Eltham. Sat 9.30–10am

New listings

Byron Shire Real Estate

• 9 Quail Way, Mullumbimby. Sat 11–11.30am

McGrath Byron Bay

• 680 Cawongla Road, Larnook. Sat 9.30–10 am

• 10 Banksia Place, Mullumbimby. Sat 12.15–12.45 pm

North Coast Lifestyle Properties Mullumbimby

• 59 Dry Creek Road, Upper Main Arm. $800,000–$850,000

• Lot 207, Tallowood Ridge Estate, Mullumbimby. $480–$520,000

• 414 Main Arm Road, Mullumbimby. Contact Agent

North Coast Lifestyle Properties Brunswick

• 34 Gloria St, South Golden Beach - $1.29mil–$1.32mil

• 2 Glendale Crescent, Ocean Shores. $1,250,000

• 11 Riverside Crescent, Brunswick Heads. Contact Agent

Auction

Tim Miller Real Estate

• 25 Kings Road, Nashua. Sat 11am on site

• 12 Ivory Curl Place, Bangalow. Sat 1.30pm on site

The Echo is delivered to almost every home in the Byron Shire, even right up the back of Eureka, Federal, Goonengerry, Wilsons Creek, Clunes and Middle Pocket. We also home deliver in Ballina Shire (East Ballina Lennox Head, Skennars Head), and bulk drop to Ballina CBD, Murwillumbah, Pottsville, Kingscliff, Alstonville, Lismore, Nimbin and Evans Head. 24,500 papers every week.

Is your property for sale advertised in The Echo?

6685 0177 rentals@ljhbrunswickheads.com Save

Service Directory

SERVICE

DIRECTORY RATES, PAYMENT & DEADLINE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ACCOUNTS & BOOKINGS: 6684 1777

INDEX

Accountants & Bookkeepers..........33

Acupuncture.................................33

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration....33

Architects.....................................33

Automotive...................................33

Blinds, Awnings, Curtains, Shutters.33

Bricklaying....................................33

Building Trades.............................33

Bush Regen & Weed Control..........33

Carpet Cleaning............................33

Chimney Sweeping .......................33

Chiropractic..................................33

Cleaning.......................................33

Computer Services........................34

Concreting & Paving......................34

Decks, Patios & Extensions.............34

Dentists........................................34

Design & Drafting..........................34

Earthmoving & Excavation.............34

Electricians...................................34

Fencing.........................................34

Floor Sanding & Polishing..............34

Furniture Maker............................34

Storage..................................36

Septic Systems..............................36

Solar Installation..........................36

Television Services........................36

Tiling............................................36

Transport......................................36

Tree Services.................................36

Upholstery....................................36

PLEASE CALL 6680 9394

Cleaning continued on next page

B Timbs Painting B Timbs Painting

TILING

FRANCHISE OF THE YEAR!

Byron Coast Removals

TILE & GROUT CLEANING

Servicing the Far North Coast for 20 years. Free quotes. Experienced local technicians.

Far North Coast NSW John & Teresa 0408 232 066

DISCLAIMER

Advertisements placed in The Byron Shire Echo do not reflect the views or opinions of the editorial staff.

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

IMPROV THEATRE GAMES

Guaranteed FUN! First class free Then $20 per class Mullumbimby 0422996731

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 (box ads) and line classifieds, email: 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.

AGMs

FSAAI (Federal Hall & Church) AGM

Will be held at the hall, Jasper Corner on Thurs 29 June at 6pm. All welcome

PROF. SERVICES

DENTURES

LOOK GOOD FEEL GOOD Free consultation. SANDRO 66805002

MULLUM DENTURE CLINIC Now open 8am–5pm. 0256148741

HEALTH

KINESIOLOGY

Clear subconscious sabotages. Reprogram patterns and beliefs. Restore vibrancy and physical health. De-stress. Ph 0403125506

SANDRA DAVEY, Reg. Pract.

HYPNOSIS & EFT

Simple and effective solutions

Anxiety, Cravings, Fears & Trauma.

Maureen Bracken 0402205352

PURA VIDA

WELLNESS CENTRE Brunswick Heads COLON HYDROTHERAPY

HYPERBARIC OXYGEN FAR INFRARED SAUNA REMEDIAL MASSAGE + more  66850498

PSYCHEDELIC ASSISTED THERAPY www.psychedelicassistedtherapy.com. au

SOMATIC SHAMANIC HEALING

Trauma-informed healing, accessing core issues with deep integrative soul work, ritual & body wisdom. www.deborahwolf.com.au

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): $14 per column centimetre

These prices include GST. Cash, cheque, Mastercard or Visa Prepayment is required for all ads.

MYOSKELETAL MASSAGE THERAPY – MUSCLE RELEASE, JOINTALIGNMENT

Tight/weak muscles pull the joint out of alignment, compressing nerves and blood vessels that feed joint function, leading to pain, inflammation and weakness. I use massage and other techniques to re-align the joint, ie neck, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles and jaw. Stay flexible and upright into old age! Chantni mobile massage 0474 744 926 janineda@gmail.com

CRYSTAL HEALINGS & READINGS

Mullumbimby

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

Mindfulness @ Work

Bring greater focus, clarity and calm into your workplace.

Certified Mindfulness Educator Paul Bibby 0401 926 090

HYPNOSIS & NLP

www.wendypurdey.com

Geographical Names Act 1966

The Geographical Names Board is seeking public comment on a proposal by Byron Shire Council to name the following:

Piccabeen Park for a reserve located at 27 Deacon Street, Bangalow, Byron Local Government Area.

The proposal can be viewed, and submissions lodged on the Geographical Names Board website at gnb.nsw.gov.au from 14 June 2023 to 14 July 2023 Alternatively, written submissions can be mailed to the Secretary, Geographical Names Board, 346 Panorama Ave, Bathurst, NSW 2795.

In accordance with Section 9 of the Geographical Names Act 1966, all submissions lodged may be subject to a Government Information (Public Access) application and may be viewed by a third party to assist the Board in considering this proposal.

Narelle Underwood Chair

For more information: visit gnb.nsw.gov.au

346 Panorama Ave, BATHURST NSW 2795

WANTED

WANTED: SILKWORM EGGS to breed silkworms. Ph 0438689480

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

GARAGE SALES

HUGE, MOVING AWAY Too much to mention & lots of free stuff. 3 Nightcap Court, Mullumbimby. Sat 7am–noon.

COORABELL HALL TABLETOP & CAR BOOT SALE 9am–midday. Saturday 17 June. $20/table/boot. 8am setup. 0487900790

Tip Runs & Rubbish

Removal

0408 210 772

CARAVANS

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

BUSINESS FOR SALE

THE FAMOUS ELIXIBA restaurant is soon becoming available on a walk-in walk-out basis. All stock, furniture, fixtures etc and full training all included. Low ingoings and long-term lease. Comfortable repayment terms available; so could be a good opportunity for those wishing to start up a business. For further information contact ray@elixiba.com

SHORT TERM ACCOM.

MULLUM Mature woman/couple, catlover to caretake/rent f/f house, solar HW, 19/07 to 15/09, no kids/pets, n/s, $300p/w plus bills, incl Wi-Fi. 0432623165

SHARE ACCOM.

SUNRISE Lge rm, 3bdr t/house. $260p/w. Working person, no pets. 66856760.

3 x LARGE ROOMS, OCEAN SHORES $280 or $300 ea, all inc. 0435179256

FOR SALE

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

Make profound changes in your life. Achieve personal goals and reach your true potential within every aspect of your life. Call Wendy 0497 090 233

TRADEWORK

Firewood

early MARK - 0427490038

White

Horses

SB0810

POSITIONS VACANT

EROTIC MASSAGE STAFF reliable and friendly for Gentlemen’s Relaxation Centre 18+. Tweed. Grace 0418185791

BROW/LASHES EXPERT NEEDED

We have space for you to set up at our gorgeous organic skincare/makeup outlet in Centennial Cct, Byron Arts & Ind. Est. Available now. Call M: 0419493615

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

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

THE ECHO

* The Echo has contract positions available immediately, delivering papers to:

*

LENNOX HEAD WEST: 1000 papers & LENNOX HEAD NORTH 1100 papers. These two Lennox runs can be done together)

* GOONENGERRY/MYOCUM/

ANDERSONS HILL: 480 papers

MYOCUM/TYAGARAH: 300 papers

These adjoing runs are done together.

* These positions involve inserting, folding and (in wet weather) bagging and delivery of papers & throwing them accurately to driveways from a car

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) or Byron A&I Estate (around 10am) 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

SOUTH GOLDEN BEACH house for short term rental July–Dec. 2bdrms, 1.5 bthrms furnished $800p/w. 0406503292

SOUTH GOLDEN BEACH 3 min walk to beach. 3bdrm, 2 bthrm, DLUG. $800p/w. Suit working couple only, good refs. Pet allowed, flood free, long let. 0423904291.

LOCAL REMOVAL

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

FOR RENT

SMALL HOUSE

New, 1 person only, fully furnished. Linen supplied. No outgoings, includes Wi-Fi. $600p/w. 0402061110

3 BDR HOUSE, OCEAN SHORES $750p/w. Long let. 0435179256

TO LEASE

BEAUTIFUL THERAPY ROOMS

The Centre for Mind Body Wellness is welcoming Psychologists, Naturopaths, GPs, and other experienced Wellness Practitioners to join our team in Mullumbimby.

For more info and to apply visit www.centreformind bodywellness.com.au/join.

National Transport and Logistics company requires HC/MC seasonal cane truck drivers at Condong,Broadwater and Harwood Sugar Millsites. Competitive pay rates. Send Resumé/CV to Wendy.Keel@sctlogistics.com.au or call 0409 568 795

Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School currently has the following exciting opportunities available:

High School TAS Teacher and/or Learning SupportAssistant (Casual Relief)

Applications close: 9am, 13 June 2023

Hand Craft Teaching Assistant (Primary School) (Part time)

Kindergarten Teacher (Full time)

Applications close: 9am, 20 June 2023

Please refer to the website for position descriptions and detailson how to apply at www.shearwater.nsw.edu.au

POSITIONS VACANT TUITION

Friday 23rd June

• Mental Health First Aid

Saturday 24th June

• Intuitive Artist Journal

• Welding & Metal Fabrication

FINAL Term2Courses

Saturday 24th June

• Forest Bathing Outing

• Healing The Critical Voice

• Lino Block Printing

• Sunny Spaces Art

RTO: 90013 02 6684 3374 byroncollege.org.au

NSW Coastal Council

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW? Together, we create thriving environments, communities and economies.

Do you have the expertise to contribute to improved management of the NSW coastline?

The NSW Government is inviting applications for membership on the NSW Coastal Council from those with the relevant technical knowledge and expertise in: coastal physical sciences, including geomorphology; coastal engineering; coastal land use planning; coastal ecology; social science; economics; local government management; property law; dispute resolution; and traditional and contemporary Aboriginal use and management of the coastal zone.

To Apply

To submit an application please send a cover letter (no longer than two pages) and CV (no longer than 4 pages) to mcef@environment.nsw.gov.au

For further information, contact Bruce Coates on (02) 4927 3104.

Applications close Tuesday 4 July 2023 at 11:55pm

For information on the role visit iworkfor.nsw.gov.au and search 529340.

NSW Department of Education

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to work in your local school?

The NSW Government is committed to taking immediate action to reduce teacher workload in schools with the new School Admin Improvement Program (SAIP). The program has multiple roles available in various locations across NSW for temporary full-time and part-time positions for the duration of 6-months. The roles commence on Monday 31 July 2023, with the possibility of extension.

please apply through the QR codes provided below.

FRENCH • ITALIAN • GERMAN Eva 0403224842 www.languagetuitionbyron.com.au

Adobe Tutoring

Experienced

Professional Trainer

• Photoshop

• Indesign

• Illustrator

contact@thinkblinkdesign.com www.thinkblinkdesign.com

MUSICAL NOTES

GUITAR STRINGS, REPAIRS Brunswick Heads 66851005 LOST & FOUND LOST: PRESCRIPTION GLASSES Red frames. Mullum or Bruns 0421371468

RESTORATION Healing Through Pleasure massagebyronbay.com or 0425347477

LICENSED TO THRILL Premium Massage & Play touchofjustine.com/byron-bay-outcalls

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

Inspired Creative Academic Nurturing

HS RELIEF TEACHERS

MATHEMATICS & SCIENCE

Cape Byron Steiner School is a vibrant and progressive K-12 school dedicated to the educational principles inspired by Rudolf Steiner.

High School Mathematics and Science Teachers for relief work. Previous experience in Steiner Education would be desirable.

Applicants will be registered or eligible to register with the NSW Institute of Teachers and hold a current NSW Working with Children Check. Please send expressions of interest to: employment@capebyronsteiner.nsw.edu.au

FUNERAL

CAMPBELL, JOHN ANDREW

Passed away peacefully. Much loved husband of Pam (dec). Loved father and father-in-law of Malcolm & Julie, Karen & Bruce, Allan & Gail and Jennifer. Loved by his twelve grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. John will be sadly missed by all family and friends.

Aged 86 years.

MONTHLY MARKETS

Provide welfare, health and wellbeing support for students with intellectual disabilities under the direction and supervision of a teacher.

With an understanding of the needs of Aboriginal students and knowledge of Aboriginal communities and cultures, you will provide assistance to teachers, Aboriginal students and their families.

Support schools in building vibrant, tolerant and harmonious school communities by developing approaches to improve social, emotional, health and education outcomes for students.

Closing date: Monday 19th June 2023 at 4pm

For role enquiries please contact Dina Mannah on 02 7814 0809 or at recruitmentreformprograms@det.nsw.edu.au

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Graveside Service to be held at Mullumbimby LawnCemetery on FRIDAY (June 16, 2023) commencing at 11.00am

ONLY ADULTS

Sport makes a return to local fields right around the Shire this weekend, and includes top-level match ups with plenty to offer fans.

In local rugby league it can’t get much better than the local derby between the Byron Bay Red Devils and the Mullumbimby Giants at Mullumbimby this weekend.

Mullumbimby are coming off the back of a good win against Murwillumbah and are fifth on the ladder, just one competition point behind Tweed Coast.

A win for the home team could see them firmly wedged into the top five.

Byron Bay have one less win for the season than Mullumbimby but find themselves in ninth spot, on a very congested ladder.

A win for Byron Bay could see them leap-frog up the ladder and rejuvenate their season.

The visitors will be hoping for a good contingent of

supporters making the trip to Les Donnelly Field at the Mullumbimby Leagues Club to cheer them on.

Seniors kick-off at 2.45pm Sunday June 18.

The women’s touch fixture starts the day at 10.50am, and Mullumbimby will be playing for the first back-to back wins.

The U/18s and Reserves

are in between, making for a full day of rugby league action.

Rugby Union

In the Far North Coast senior rugby competition local fans will be treated to a top-of-the-table clash between the Byron Shire Rebels and WollongbarAlstonville Rugby.

It will also be the first time the newly formed franchise has a run at the Byron Bay Recreation grounds for the year.

The clubs are almost inseparable at the top of the table. WAR is just out in front but have played an extra game. After a slow start to the season, they have regianed their winning mojo.

They are the only side that has really troubled the Shire Rebels, handing them their only loss of the season in early May, in a game at Alstonville.

After the break both sides will be rested and the Shire Rebels will be relying on a vocal home crowd to get them over the line.

Reserve Grade is also

a top-of-the-table clash, so again the teams will be leaving nothing on the field. Reserves get underway at 1pm Saturday June 17, followed by first-grade at 3pm at the Byron Bay Recreation Grounds.

Football

The Byron Bay Recreation Grounds hosts another local derby when Byron Bay take on Mullumbimby Brunswick Valley FC in the men’s champion league from 6pm on Friday night, June 16.

Byron Bay are fifth on the ladder and looking to break into the top four, while MBVFC are hoping to claim their first win of the season.

To top off the night Byron Bay’s top two women’s teams will be going head-tohead at 8pm.

Byron Bay ones only have one extra win for the season, so the twos will be doing their best to match them, and claim some kudos.

The Far North Coast representative U/18s rugby union team has won the NSW Country Championships held in Sydney last weekend.

The Dolphins were undefeated throughout the competition and had wins over Brumbies Country (10–0), Illawarra (15–0), Central North (13–0), the Hunter (15–7) and Mid North Coast (17–8).

In the Country Championship final they again beat the Hunter 16–6.

Having qualified for the State Championships, where the best country sides take on the best from the city, Far North Coast had a 3–o win over Sydney University, after being beaten by West Harbour 10–0.

The team consist of

players from Lennox Head, Wollongbar-Alstonville, Casuarina Beach, Lismore, Yamba, Trinity Grammar and Southern Cross University.

To collect the championship trophy and do it undefeated was ‘very

Sport Calling All Sports

satisfying and very rewarding,’ co-coach Jeff Watt said.

Many in the team had played together before, and Jeff had coached them to the U/16 country championship a few years ago.

‘It all came together on

the weekend.

‘We have got rugby talent on the Far North Coast’.

Lifting to play the Sydney teams on Monday was a big ask, but they did get a win despite a heavy injury toll and playing some big sides.

The Byron Breakers Triathlon squad has won this year’s North Coast Interclub League after nosing out the Coffs Harbour Rockets.

The Breakers won the championship last year, and now have victories in three of the five years the competition has run.

The seven-round competition coincides with local triathlons run throughout the North Coast.

After round four the Coffs Harbour Rockets were in top place but Byron got in front over the last three events; the Kingscliff and Byron Triathlons and finally the Club Championships at Forster.

The Club’s Deb Fuller was leading the MVP list for

the competition into the last round but ended up in second place (13.5 points) behind Kim Elvery (15.5) from the Clarence Valley Stingrays.

Fans can expect open rugby when the Shire Rebels take on WAR at Byron Bay this Saturday. Photo Vicki Kerry

The Mullumbimby Giants will test Byron Bay’s defence with their attacking flair this Sunday. Photo Elna Nelson

The U/18s FNC Dolphins continuing their winning run in the NSW Country Championship, and won it this year without losing a game. Photo supplied

Deb Fuller collected the 2022 North Coast Interclub trophy last month on behalf of the Byron Breakers, and will be adding this year’s to the cabinet. Photo supplied

Backlash

The conversation about whether Byron Shire should abandon long-standing height limits and restrictions on developments on farmland is underway – see page 6. Yet without a clear framework and pathway, rezoning land for new housing simply won’t provide homes for those who can’t afford the current market rate. Politicians, of course, know this, so it’s best to ignore their rhetoric until they provide a framework that works.

A reminder for the federal Labor government from Stella Assange: ‘Julian is in a 3x2m single cell. He’s in his cell for over 22 hours a day, and he only gets to see his family once or twice a week, for little more than one hour at a time’.

The secret is out as to why the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corp (NRRC) performs so poorly. Like everyone else in the area – they need staff! A ‘high calibre’ NRRC director for the North Coast is sought who ‘will have proven experience and a successful track record in leading regional, dispersed teams’. To apply, visit iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/job/ director-north-coast-407283.

Congrats to Byron Shire Council staff, who have been recognised at the 2023 Local Government Professionals NSW Awards, for their innovative projects in disaster recovery and environmental protection. The Mullum Flood Recovery Centre was the winner of the Community Partnerships award, while the Main and Clarkes Beach Dune Recovery project took the honours in the Environmental Leadership category.

Psst: Sperm counts have fallen 52 per cent in the past five decades, The Age (Nine) reports, and the decline appears to be speeding up. Messing with male hormones are chemicals in tin can linings, cosmetics, nail polish, teflon pans and flame retardants on cushions. And Aged Care Minister, Anika Wells, told the National Press Club last week that within the next ten years, there will be more people over the age of 65 than under 18, for the first time in Australian history.

Property data from PEXA suggests roughly a quarter of homes bought last year were mortgage free. So who are these cohort of buyers not affected by rising interest rates and inflation? Contrary to last week’s Backlash speculation that many are boomers, www.statista.com suggest the largest cohort of ‘property investors’ is aged 36–45 (33.85 per cent), followed by those aged 46–55 (29 per cent), followed by those aged 56–65 (13.2 per cent), followed by those aged 66 years and older (3.03 per cent). The real concern, of course, is that just 0.7 per cent of those

buying homes are under 25 years of age.

Nazi symbols are to be banned by the federal government, which will of course push the trading of the memorabilia further underground. Fun fact –Hitler’s autobiography Mein Kampf was required reading in Germany around the time

he invaded Poland in 1939. And the Gestapo wouldn’t have looked so sharp if it wasn’t for the Hugo Boss suits. As for Mercedes Benz…

Remember decades ago when fossil fuel corps and governments said gas was a transitional energy source, then did nothing about it?

Renew Economy reports an Australian-first law, prohibiting the use of fossil gas in new homes and businesses could be passed in the ACT’s parliament in November. ‘The ACT already sources all of its electricity from 100 per cent renewables, which have once again protected households from a big increase in bills’. Remember: it’s only a coup if it’s from the coup d’etat region of France. Otherwise, it’s just sparkling white terrorism.

Image from the social