The Byron Shire Echo – Issue 38.05 – July 12, 2023

The two-tier economy

Paul Bibby

Have you tried to get a tradie recently?

How about booking your car in for a service, or hiring a removalist that can fit you in before Christmas?

If you’ve tried calling any of these local businesses recently, you’ve probably discovered that demand for basic services like these is majorly outstripping supply.

Welcome to the north coast’s two-speed economy.

While the local retail sector struggles under the dual pressures of rising interest rates and the increased cost of living, industries involved in providing basic, grass roots services are booming.

Many tradies have waiting periods of two months for an average-sized job, while some, such as carpenters and tilers, are almost impossible to get, unless you’re willing to pay a premium.

The average wait to book your car in for a service in the Shire is two-to-four weeks, and if you’re moving house within the local area you’ll want to plan at least eight weeks ahead.

A series of interviews conducted by The Echo with experts and those working in these industries suggest the boom and consequent shortages in these industries are the outcome of multiple factors.

They include the increase in demand for the building industry brought about by the 2022 floods, and the mass migration to the Northern Rivers during covid.

At the same time, there is a critical shortage of workers in some of these areas, particularly in the trades sector.

Gen deadly

Jason Bentley, from the Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce, said the region was ‘definitely seeing different industries at different levels.’

‘The trade sector is going gang busters. Some are struggling to keep up with demand.

‘But at the same time, others are having to close down their operations or move out of the area.’

Jane Laverty, President of the Northern Rivers chapter of Business NSW, said businesses in the region typically fell into one of three lanes: those that were really struggling, those who were hanging in there, and those who were seeing ongoing very high demand.

Golden triangle

‘All of these businesses are facing what I call the golden triangle, which is housing, staffing and skills,’ she said.

‘These are the three biggest challenges that pretty much everyone is facing’.

‘Even those businesses that are doing well are facing the challenges of finding skilled staff who can actually afford to live in the area.’

These comments are backed up by the experience of local business owners like plasterer, Rob ‘Tymbomb’ Tyman, whose business Tyman Plastery has been in hot demand for nearly three years.

‘I’ve basically been flat out since covid started, but even busier since the floods,’ Mr Tyman said.

‘It’s owing to people leaving the cities and moving here… People buying homes, renovating them. But of course, since the floods, there’s a lot of repair work coming in.’

The experience of local mechanics contacted by The Echo suggests

▶ Continued on page 2

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines’ and Islanders’ Day Observance Committee.

Photo Jeff ‘Observing Since 1986’ Dawson

No consulation with new planning body

The NSW Reconstruction Authority has released a draft document, Protocols – exercise of powers and functions under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022, outlining its powers to act in relation to promoting ‘community resilience to the impact of disasters in NSW’.

The Authority has absorbed both the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) and Infrastructure NSW’s Hawkesbury–Nepean Valley Flood Risk Management Directorate (HNV).

The ‘NRRC retains its Northern

Rivers identity and continues to focus on rebuilding communities in the Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed local government areas. This includes delivering the Resilient Homes Program,’ states the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

While the draft document outlines that it seeks ‘transparency and engagement’ with stakeholders, the ‘Overview of NSW Reconstruction Authority’s key powers’ clearly identifies that no consultation is required by the authority

with councils, landowners (and therefore individuals) etc for them to act. However, notice is required in most circumstances when the authority is seeking to implement any activities or development.

Feedback on the draft Protocols document is open until Friday July 14, 2023 and can be found at www.dpie.nsw. gov.au/about-us/our-agencies/ nsw-reconstruction-authority.

You can provide your feedback by emailing: legal@reconstruction. nsw.gov.au.

Kyrie Kelly, Yalla Wiri Hippi, Xanda Hippi, and Clarence Kelly were part of the Dubai Dance Troupe, who helped entertain the assembled friends and supporters at Thursday’s NAIDOC celebrations, held on Byron’s Main Beach. The annual event has its roots in the 1938 Day of Mourning, and became a week-long event from 1975. The acronym

Wealthy Wategos landowner loses in court

Paul

Bibby

The owner of two multimillion-dollar mansions being built at Wategos Beach illegally breached height regulations for one of the houses during construction, and then took Byron Council to court in a bid to get approval for the unauthorised works.

But the owner has now lost the case, meaning they will have to survive without an entertainment and amenities room next to their rooftop pool.

It emerged late last year that during construction of the dwelling at 44 Brownell Drive, builders began adding an entertainment and amenities room to the rooftop pool area of the second mansion they were building.

This was completely at odds with the Development Application (DA) for the site, and effectively added a fourth storey to the dwelling.

The house is part of a dual occupancy on the 839-square metre site, which already boasts a combined total of eight bedrooms, four carports, two swimming pools and six bathrooms.

The illegal works resulted in an overall building height

of 9.879m, which is 9.4 per cent above the height limit for Byron Bay.

Retrospective DA

When the height breach on the second house came to the attention of the private certifier involved in the development, the owner, Ms E L Cotton, elected to submit a DA to Byron Council, seeking retrospective permission for the unauthorised building work.

When Council refused the application, the owner appealed the decision to the Land and Environment Court (LEC).

These proceedings went to a full hearing and have almost certainly cost the

Global Ripple biz is booming

Paul Bibby

Seven months after fire ripped through Byron’s Global Ripple Op-Shop, the much-loved charity is thriving in its new home next to Bunnings in the Arts & Industry Estate.

On the evening of December 5 last year, the shop’s home in the Byron A&E Estate was gutted by fire, along with all of its precious stock.

secondhand items.

Remarkably, one week later the operation secured the lease for a new space that was even better than the last.

Seven months on, business is well and truly booming.

‘We’re super busy – it’s great!’ volunteer Lisa Durheim told The Echo this week.

‘It’s a really great spot – good parking, really accessible and super visible.

renovated their new home at 2 Grevillea Street, making more space for a wider range of stock.

With the current economic climate causing local belts to tighten, the items are flying out the door.

cash-strapped Council thousands of dollars in legal costs.

Last Thursday, LEC Commissioner Elizabeth Espinosa dismissed the appeal.

Ms Espinosa found that a crucial leg of the appeal failed, namely Council’s refusal of a building information certificate application.

Thus, the entire case for the owner failed.

Ms Espinosa made no order in relation to legal costs in her judgment, raising the possibility that Council will be forced to dig into its coffers to pay the bill.

The court decision raises the question as to how Council will assess retrospective DAs from landowners in the future.

With the shop facing a very uncertain future, the community rallied to the aid of founder, Jacqui Boyett, and her team, donating money and a mountain of

‘There’s definitely more people coming through, sales have risen, and the donations are coming in thick and fast.’

Earlier this year, the team

‘We’ve got the beautiful Suby Cafe set up in the car park so people can stop, grab a bargain, and get some delicious Middle Eastern food while they’re here,’ Ms Durheim says.

The cafe is open Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 2pm, and is located in the Global Ripple car park.

Byron’s two-tier economy

▶ Continued from page 1

that population growth has played a significant role in the boom, along with the challenges that workers face in finding affordable housing.

‘We’ve been absolutely flat out,’ said Jason Torresi, from Main Arm Mechanical.

‘It’s a bit over a month to get in for a service. It’s been like that for most of the year.

‘I’m not sure why – maybe

more people coming to the area and less mechanics?’

‘I think it’s a bit broader than just us, though. I think a lot of people are having a similar experience’.

Tech start-ups

Despite the two-speed nature of the local economy, the region, and Byron in particular, remains a focal point for entrepreneurialism.

‘Byron is a big start-up

hub,’ Mr Bentley said.

‘It’s one of the fastest growing start-up areas in NSW’.

‘There’s a lot of tech startups that have a need for IT infrastructure and people as well.

‘That’s really a focus for us in terms of the future. We’ve got the new [TAFE] technology hub coming in.

‘There’s a real opportunity for people with those skills in the area.’

Wategos is named after WWI veteran, Murray (Mick) Watego Photo www.trip.com

Hans Lovejoy

The Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital (BBWH) faces possible closure, after a NSW government panel recently deemed the facility did not demonstrate ‘value for money’ in its funding application.

The rejection was supported by NSW Environment Minister, Penny Sharpe (Labor), with her office telling The Echo the decision was ‘at arm’s length’ from the panel.

This is despite BBWH’s proven expertise and experience in providing veterinary and rehabilitation services for native animals in the region, something that was also acknowledged by the government in its rejection letter to BBWH founder and CEO, Dr Stephen Van Mil.

Dr Van Mil said in a statement, ‘We are extremely disappointed and surprised at the announcement, but native animals are the biggest losers in this decision’.

Since operations began in January 2021, the hospital says over 4,000 animals have been treated, and over 1,000 in 2023 so far.

A BBWH spokesperson said, ‘On February 6, 2023, the then NSW coalition government announced it had reserved funding of $6 million over four years for BBWH to continue its vital work.

At the time, Northern Rivers-based MLC, Ben Franklin (Nationals), said he believed it was ‘nation-leading, and an exemplar of what can be done across the country.’

A BBWH spokesperson said, ‘In January 2023, the NSW Government’s Expenditure Review Committee approved funding to be reserved for BBWH, based on a strategic business case’.

BBWH says the funding rejection letter was received one week before funding was due to commence on July 1, ‘leaving us in a financial tailspin’.

Yet a spokesperson from the office of NSW Environment Minister, Penny Sharpe, told The Echo that the

previous minister responsible did not sign off on the funding, as required.

They also rejected the BBWH’s description that the NSW government ‘revoked’ their funding, since none was offered.

Value for money?

So what is value for money when it comes to NSW government grants?

According to www.nsw. gov.au, ‘A cost-benefit analysis offers the most comprehensive means of assessing value for money’.

As to how a NSW government panel determines value for money, the website says, ‘A number of Treasury Policy and Guidelines Papers provide guidance that assists in determining value for money’.

These include: ‘NSW Government Business Case Guidelines, NSW Government Guide to Cost-Benefit Analysis and Program Evaluation’.

A BBWH spokesperson told The Echo, ‘We provided substantial evidence and calculations for “value for money”, and also provided an independent economic impact assessment report and a cost-benefit analysis’.

‘BBWH have sought advice from the minister’s office on the formula for calculating value for money in their services, but the response so far has only referred to what is stated in the rejection letter from the Department of Planning & Environment.

has been provided to deliver programs under the NSW Koala Strategy to support the wildlife rehabilitation sector, vets and vet nurses, and to improve outcomes for sick and injured koalas’.

Yet that funding does not support the essential services for other native and threatened species.

Alternative funding

‘We acknowledge that the minister acted on her department’s advice, but we believe the grounds for that advice are spurious.

‘We think this because the letter provided was written in language designed to obfuscate, confuse and cloud meanings. It provided no specific feedback on what constitutes “value for money”.

‘We are at a loss to understand how much more we needed to do to meet the government’s own value for money criterion when it is not clear how the department itself calculates this.

‘We commissioned an economic impact report and tallied up costs and benefits of our work over three years. Through our no fee training programs we also provide over $250,000 of in-kind training value for future generations of vets.

‘Short of commissioning PwC or Deloittes to write our submission, we are not sure how, as a charity hospital, we could have done more to show that our work is effective and value for money’.

The Minister for the Environment’s office told The Echo, ‘The NSW government continues to support wildlife rehabilitation in the Northern Rivers region through existing programs, including a NSW Koala Strategy regional partnership which benefits both koalas and other native wildlife. Investment in this regard totals more than $2M.

‘Additionally, $3.5 million

Despite the knockback, BBWH have sought a meeting with the Minister, and asked the government to ‘consider alternative funding options, for BBWH to continue, including emergency funding options given the severe impact of the decision’.

The charity has also asked for advice and support from elected representatives, including Member for Ballina Tamara Smith (Greens), and Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin (Labor).

Ben Franklin’s office has yet to respond, say BBWH.

Public support for the campaign is also welcome, says the BBWH spokesperson, and they encourage letters to be sent to the minister, asking her to reverse the decision.

Letters of support

Letters of support for BBWH funding can be sent to Penny Sharpe MLC, Minister for Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Heritage: 52 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW 2000.

Members of the public can make a tax-deductible donation to BBWH at www. byronbaywildlifehospital.org/ donate.

As a special feature to celebrate the historical society’s 40th anniversary, the society is organising a treasure hunt for primary school and younger aged children.

Organisers say children wishing to participate need to meet at the front steps of the museum at 10am on Saturday morning to find out

what they are searching for and the

reward.

New exhibition

The museum’s organisers also say a new exhibition will be unveiled for the upcoming market: The Evolution of Telephony in the Brunswick Valley. They say, ‘Lots of old phones

will on display, including one that had the number 1 Mullumbimby’.

The Brunswick Valley Historical Society Museum is located on the corner of Myokum and Stuart Streets, Mullum, next to the monthly markets. For more info visit www.mullumbimbymuseum. org.au/

An injured possum being assessed by vets. Photo David Lowe

Labor MP, Rose Jackson,Q&A – future water use

Hans Lovejoy

NSW Labor front bench MP, Rose Jackson, sure has a lot of responsibilities.

She is Minister for Water, Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Youth, and Minister for the North Coast.

On NSW Labor’s website, she describes herself as ‘a feminist, unionist, Labor member of over 15 years, community activist, daughter, wife and mother’.

Based in Sydney’s inner-west suburb of North Strathfield, Jackson also holds degrees in law and economics from the University of Sydney.

She says on www.nswlabor.org.au, ‘I want to be a politician who challenges cynicism and apathy. I want to build trust and engagement in our political systems’.

The Echo spoke with her last week on the recently released Far North Coast Regional Water Strategy and also about the problems surrounding the now defunct Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC).

The Echo: The Tweed–Brunswick Coastal Sands groundwater table, located in Tyagragh, is still included in the recently released Far North Coast Regional Water Strategy, along with other identified sources in other shires.

Yet the strategy admits, ‘We have a limited

Dr Claire Parsons

Paul Bibby

Data released by Tweed Shire Council this week shows more than 70,500 people have used the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT) since its opening four months ago, significantly exceeding expectations.

understanding of coastal groundwater systems. In particular, we have knowledge gaps on aquifer capacities and on how reliable these groundwater resources are during dry periods’.

Do you support the Tweed–Brunswick Coastal Sands groundwater table being extracted, even though there is limited understanding of these water sources?

RJ: I do – the strategy includes many options for new water sources.

There is acceptance that not all options will be viable.

There is a 40-year time horizon with this strategy, so it is not short term.

There is a lot of modelling work that needs to be done first.

The Echo: There was no reference to the controversial Dunoon Dam proposal within the documents. Is it officially off the table?

Rous County will make the final decision, and I want to support them, and not get too much in the way. I understand it’s still being

considered, but we [the government] are looking at other options. Dunoon has a low cost benefit ratio… having said that, I don’t want to speak for them (Rous).

The Echo: It’s unclear in the documents where the government would be giving any extra financial or departmental support to councils for their water management in this strategy, despite your press release claiming it would.

What assistance will there be above what is already funded?

RJ: We are not committing to additional money at the moment – the analysis is currently underway.

I do not want to commit to project funding before the project has a solid prospect of success. The previous government unfortunately did that.

As way of background, on July 1, the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) was dissolved and its staff moved into the recently established Reconstruction Authority.

The mess, confusion and uncertainty left by NRRC CEO David Witherdin is still having enormous impacts on the thousands of flood affected residents.

Promises of assistance have been reneged upon, and local MPs, including Labor’s own Janelle Saffin have been critical of the NRRC’s lack of communication.

The Echo: What is the government now offering flood-affected residents, after the initial $700M was announced? Will there be a second tranche of funding?

RJ: The two ministers responsible for the Reconstruction Authority [MPs Paul Scully and Jihad Dib] are coming up next week to the Northern Rivers, so I don’t want to step on their toes in terms of announcements. But I do acknowledge that what has been happening has not been satisfactory for the community.

The Echo: There are draft protocols for the NSW Reconstruction Authority on exhibition. According to page 7, consultation with councils and the public has been removed around land developments. Instead, councils and the public will be ‘notified’. Do you believe this is inclusive and responsible governance?

RJ: I prefer consultation – my criticisms of the NRRC and Resilience NSW in the past [in parliamentary hearings] are on record, and their communication was a real failure and challenge. All north coast MPs have said this. We need to do more and better. The restructure of the NRRC and formation of the NSW Reconstruction Authority is an opportunity for this to occur. I am open to new ways [of governance] and do not want to just stick with models that aren’t working. We are not suggesting that it has been working well. We hear the feedback.

BYRON BAY

Dr Claire Parsons is a remarkable dentist whose career in dentistry has spanned over 30 years. During this time, she has mastered the art of dental surgery, and she is well known for her skillful and gentle touch. What’s more, her excellent rapport with patients has enabled her to establish strong, lasting relationships with them. 02

In a development that may add weight to the argument for a rail trail in the Byron Shire, the figures released on Tuesday suggest that the trail here would be extremely well patronised.

The figures were calculated using data retrieved from counters strategically placed along the 24km length of the Tweed section of the NRRT, which runs from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek.

Tweed Shire Mayor, Chris Cherry, said there had been significant interest in the opening success of the NRRT, with all user counts significantly exceeding expectations.

‘I am really proud to confirm that since its opening on March 1, 2023, the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail has welcomed approximately 70,551 people, which is an amazing achievement,’ Cr Cherry said.

‘Our rail trail is welcoming an average of 17,638 people per month, which is approximately 4,048 people per week or an average of 578 people per day.

‘The original business

case for the Tweed section of the NRRT referenced goals of 27,000 people per year which is equivalent to 9,000 people in the first four months. We have absolutely smashed that goal, attracting more than double the anticipated annual number of visitors in our first four months alone.

Cr Cherry said the figures provided confidence to the other councils, including Byron Shire, who were all either committed to or considering connecting to the rail trail for the benefit of the broader Northern Rivers community.

‘With these impressive patronage numbers has also come confirmation that 87 per cent of trail users have used an associated rail

trail experience and spent money with a local business, whether it be one of the many cafes, restaurants, accommodation providers or bike-related businesses such as hire, shuttle or transport services,’ Cr Cherry said.

‘Many businesses along the rail trail have told us about their successes and we are continually working on trail improvements, addressing some of the impacts the popularity has had on the local villages.’

The data shows weekends to be the busiest on the rail trail, with Sunday the most popular day, followed by Saturdays and then Fridays and Mondays. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays still see a steady flow of people.

Have your say on massive development plans for Saddle Road and Bangalow

Hans Lovejoy

Public submissions close Friday July 14 for vague ‘fast tracked’ plans by the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) to upscale the populations of both Bangalow and Saddle Road. Saddle Road is located near the Mullum/Bruns highway turn off.

From July 1, the newly formed Reconstruction Authority subsumed the NRRC’s staff and responsibilities, yet the documents are still on the NRRC’s website.

The plans appear to be aimed at increasing considerably the housing density for the region, with rural zonings changed to residential to accommodate the developments.

According to The Draft Northern Rivers Resilient Lands Strategy Summary Report, available at www.nsw.gov.au, land south of Bangalow could accommodate up to 500 dwellings.

The land, believed to be near Lavender Hill, is not included in the North Coast Regional Plan 2041.

Currently, Bangalow’s dwellings number is 1,080, according to profile. id.com.au. Additionally, indicative land near the Bangalow Industrial Estate is identified, which could house more people in the ‘medium term’, yet no housing figures are provided.

The area has a history of locals

opposing large-scale development, particularly a ‘food hub’, which was eventually withdrawn in 2018.

A similar hard-fought win by locals to retain their amenity occurred in Saddle Road, where land now earmarked as light industrial was pegged as an eco village.

Before calling it quits in 2019, the Bruns Eco Village owner brought other neighbouring landowners on board in an attempt to develop the scenic and highly valuable land. Up to 800 homes are now pegged for Saddle Road.

According to profile.id.com.au, the

population of Brunswick Heads is 1,929, while Mullumbimby is 4,248.

According to www.nsw.gov.au, The Draft Northern Rivers Resilient Lands Strategy Summary Report identifies ‘a sustainable pipeline of land and housing to support the relocation of residents impacted by the 2022 floods’. No

framework

No framework for this is provided within the documents.

The Resilient Land Program covers the Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed local government areas (LGAs).

While the NRRC considered landowner applications for the ‘fast tracked’ development, the NRRC also held secret meetings with Mayor Michael Lyon and General Manager, Mark Arnold, to finalise the lands now under consideration.

Council have, however, asked the NRRC to include a masterplan process and community consultation ‘before any upzoning is undertaken’. A ‘lack of detail about the makeup of the rest of the proposed release areas’ is also noted by Council.

To make your voice heard, visit https://tinyurl.com/jjpmd9rt, email info@nrrc.nsw.gov.au, or mail Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation, PO Box 5124, East Lismore, NSW 2480.

Page 17 of the The Northern Rivers Resilient Lands Strategy Summary Report

Let’s unpack the Labor–Greens fracas over social housing inaction!

Hans Lovejoy

As astute readers would be aware, a $10B bill for social housing, drafted by federal Labor, has stalled.

It’s called the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) Bill, and Labor needs Greens support for it to become law.

While Labor are ‘outraged’ at the stalling of its passage, The Greens maintain that their negotiations have so far produced a $2B accelerated social housing funding package for the states and territories, which will start projects immediately.

Given federal Greens candidate, Mandy Nolan, says ‘Greens pressure produced an extra $2 billion for public and affordable homes, with those funds flowing right now’, The Echo asked local federal MP, Justine Elliot: ‘Is it reasonable to suggest that if it were not for the Greens seeking a better outcome and, “stalling the bill”, this immediate $2B in funding would not have been offered?’

While Mrs Elliot did not answer that question within her extensive reply on the matter, she accused Nolan of

again ‘spreading lies’. So what’s in the HAFF bill? According to the Labor government, the Haff bill will ‘make grants, and enable Housing Australia to make grants and loans, in relation to acute housing needs, social housing or affordable housing’.

The HAFF bill is a $10B fund that is invested into ‘any financial assets’ (HAFF bill, part 6, section 39 (1).)

The area of investment (‘any financial assets’) is referred to by The Greens as the stock market – they claim the $10B will be ‘gambled’, with profits used to fund social housing.

Stock market gamble

Local federal MP, Justine Elliot told The Echo: ‘Contrary to The Greens’ lies, the Housing Australia Future Fund is not just a “gamble on the stock market”.’

‘The Future Fund is an experienced fund manager, managing over $250 billion for the Australian government.

‘The Future Fund invests in a range of assets in a diversified portfolio – just like the superannuation funds that

support the retirements of working Australians.

‘The Housing Australia Future Fund will also be established in legislation to provide a long-term, ongoing source of funding for social and affordable housing that isn’t subject to the whims of a future government.

‘Future Funds are used across government to provide secure, long-term funding for important policy objectives like the NDIS, medical research, and disaster preparedness’.

Delivery timeline

The Greens also say under this bill, ‘Labor’s plan won’t see a single home built until 2025’.

Given there are no timeframes for housing delivery

contained within the bill, The Echo asked local MP Justine Elliot if the $10B invested into ‘financial assets’ can ‘immediately be redrawn to start social housing projects?’

She replied, ‘Many of the states and housing groups have said that work on the projects can start immediately and by delaying the bill further, The Greens are actually putting these projects at risk’.

Rent freezes

With rent freezes being a key Greens demand to pass the bill, Mrs Elliot tweeted on June 30: ‘The Federal government can’t enforce a “rent freeze”. It’s a matter for states, and those claiming otherwise are lying, or worse, were lied to’.

Yet according to The Greens: ‘From 1916, federal and state governments legislated to freeze and control rents. Rent control measures were introduced at various times of economic crises and frozen during the Second World War at 1939 levels with the Fair Rents Act 1939’.

The Greens website, greens.org.au, claims some European countries have strong government control and regulation of the rental market, which includes ‘rent caps, rent subsidies and strong limitations on evictions.’

The Echo asked Mrs Elliot, ‘if rent freezes are a state matter, will Labor lead, and bring them together to address this?’

‘Or is Labor unsupportive of rent freezes?’

She replied, ‘The Albanese government is already working through national Cabinet and with housing ministers across the country on improving renters’ rights’.

‘The Commonwealth does not have the power to implement a rent freeze and a majority of states and territories have already ruled one out.

‘It’s important to note that data and evidence cited by The Greens tell us this policy would not improve affordability and would mean less rentals in the future’.

Economists’ views

The ABC asked economists their view of the impact of rental freezes.

Joey Maloney from the Grattan Institute think tank said there is a case to limit how much rents can increase by in the current economic climate, however, he argues there could be an adverse side effect to rental control.

‘It reduces people’s propensity to move. And what that means, over time, is that people end up staying in housing that doesn’t suit their needs,’ Mr Maloney said.

Cameron Murray — a housing economist at the University of Sydney — said introducing price caps more widely where rental increases were tied to the inflation rate should be seriously considered.

‘The ACT is the only place in Australia that has a limit on how quickly [rents] can be increased, and that limit is the CPI times 1.1,’ he said.

Federal Greens candidate, Mandy Nolan

Local federal Labor MP, Justine Elliot

Doris chalks up 102

By Doris’s family

Doris Elizabeth Crimson, pictured with her family at Byron’s Aged Care Home, was born on July 12, 1921, at Kensington in Sydney.

Growing up she lived on a farm in Young, NSW with her parents and four brothers, all of whom fought in World War II.

Doris escaped the tough rural life of 1940s Australia and moved to Sydney as a late teen, and stayed there for some time, marrying,

and raising three children in Maroubra.

Superannuation

Unusually for the time, Doris continued to work post marriage, and was one of the first women in Australia to receive superannuation, encouraged by the boss at her first job, who told her it would guarantee her financial security.

‘Dorrie’ followed her children and grandchildren to the Byron Shire in 1973, first living in James View Court,

Dawson

Coorabell, before moving to her longtime residence on Shelley Drive in the late 1980s.

Doris has three children, five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, most of whom are still in the shire.

She’s affectionately known as ‘Nana Big’ to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who love her made-up stories of ‘Rupertikick’, the mischievous chicken, her artworks, and the incredible stories she has about life in early 20th century Australia.

In her work at the Byron Youth Service (BYS), youth worker, Deb Pearse, began to notice that many young people are really concerned about the plight of the environment and its wildlife.

Ms Pearse told The Echo the girls groups at the BYS Cottage in Mullumbimby started having conversations, and began a process of creating images; and the Young and Wild project began.

‘Each participant picked a wild creature that they were interested in, and we began

drawing each week,’ Ms Pearse says. ‘I was amazed to see the work the girls did, and when I showed my manager, Christian Tancred, and other people, they were amazed too’.

‘The next step was working out how to get the images seen in the community, and after a meeting with Jacqui from Global Ripple, she agreed to place two large murals at the shop, one inside and one outside.’

There have been about 40 girls involved in the whole process, and nine who have spent part of their holidays

painting the murals using the images made by all of the girls as reference, with artist Dale Shaddick being instrumental in that process.

‘Hopefully, BYS can access some more funding to do a social media campaign, posters and another mural at Mullumbimby High to further the Young and Wild project’.

Funding needed

Funding for the current two murals was provided by the Regional Youth NSW school holiday program and Global Ripple. To assist with funds, contact Deb on 0409 170 062.

Photo & story Eve Jeffery

In the back, (Left to right): Joanne Wright (daughter), Suzy Campbell (daughter), Sid Crimson (son), Bronte Campbell (granddaughter), Leah Wright (granddaughter), Audrey O’Harae (great-granddaughter); Middle row: Honor O’Harae (granddaughter), Asha Campbell (granddaughter), and the star of the show, Doris. In front is Penelope O’Harae (great-granddaughter) and Izzy O’Harae (great-grandson). Photo Jeff

Artist Dale Shaddick, and Deb Pearse, with young mural artists, Eide, Kendall and Lucilla.

Greens visits

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP, joined local federal candidate, Mandy Nolan, last week at the Bruns Bowling Club to ‘talk directly with residents about Labor’s failure to have any plan for renters or build the number of affordable homes the region needs’. Mandy says towns in the electorate of Richmond have the highest level of rental stress in the country, ‘with more than 50 per cent of tenants paying over 30 per cent of their income on rent’.

Chair of the Byron Bay Visitors Centre, Gail Fuller, has welcomed the centre becoming a finalist in the North Coast Tourism Awards, which will be held in conjunction with the North Coast Tourism Symposium, on Thursday July 27.

The celebratory gala dinner, in partnership with Business NSW, will be held at Plantation House at Tropical Fruit World, and tickets are on sale now.

Fuller said, ‘We are

delighted at this opportunity to join in and celebrate with North Coast Tourism and Business NSW in acknowledging the incredible work the Byron Visitors Centre does for the wider community, supporting our local businesses and visitors alike and of course sharing time with other North Coast Region tourism specialists’.

Manager, Deb McBride, added, ‘The wonderful volunteers, who work hard to keep the tourism industry alive and

Congrats, Frazer Williams-Martin, whose design for the Easy Street commercial zone in Byron’s Habitat estate, has won the Australian Institute of Architects, Commercial Architecture for 2023 award. The award recognised Williams-Martin’s sub-tropical design, which underpins ‘sophisticated active environmental systems’. Photo Jeff ‘Industrial And Agricultural vernaculars’ Dawson

well in the heart of Byron Bay, are thrilled that the centre is a finalist in the category, Excellence in Tourism Services.’

‘Byron Bay is the epicentre for the curious, the mainstream, the alternative and the eco-minded person to visit. Our typical visitor likes to feel they belong to a wider, vibrant community, a community that our town, Byron Bay, holds the mantle for. As each person arrives they have a certain expectation of Byron, having either been here

before, 20 years ago, or having read or heard about the town via media or friends.

‘Although there is a vast array of activity information available on the internet, the centre will receive between 100 and 300 visitors a day – each seeking something different and something that can provide a feeling of having experienced the essence of Byron Bay’. For more information on the awards, visit https:// tinyurl.com/bddam6yz.

Photo Jeff ‘Colour Me Yellow And Blue’ Dawson

& story Eve Jeffery

Not every Scottish dance is an energetic fling, and local instructor Ian Robertson says that Scottish Country Dancing is enjoyed in couples, as opposed to the fling’s aerobic solo display.

Ian teaches the gentler art of country dancing at the Uniting Church Hall in Brunswick Heads, and says it is an activity that gives wonderful physical and social benefits, and helps keep the brain nimble and active.

‘The dances I teach are for two, three or four couples. It’s great if you come with a partner, but many dancers come alone, and you don’t need to be of Scottish heritage – and it is not Highland dancing, that is altogether much more vigorous!’

Easy dances

Ian says he teaches basic movements so that dancers can participate fully in a number of easy dances.

‘My class in Brunswick Heads runs during the day, because it is aimed at adults who are not in full employment. It is one of the activities under the umbrella of the local Brunswick Valley U3A.

Ian says he first saw Scottish Country Dancing at a ball in Parliament House in Canberra.

‘The patterns the dancers made were so entrancing and intriguing; they were so well turned out in kilts and ball gowns; and the musicians’ tunes at turns had a real drive or a subdued lilt or an almost regal elegance. I just had to find out how to join in.’

It wasn’t long before Ian was dancing five days a week, including teaching two U3A classes.

‘I also started on the path

Calling on all skaters!

Local actor, Claire Atkins has taken to the streets in preparation for a starring role in Roller Coaster, a new musical and skating spectacle, to be held August 3–5, as part of Bleach Festival, at the Gold Coast’s Home of the Arts (HOTA) outdoor stage.

towards becoming a qualified dance teacher.’

Ian has also just found out that two dances that he has devised have been accepted to be published.

‘The dances will appear in the next Book of Dances by the Hunter Valley branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.’

If you are interested in joining the classes, there is no special equipment needed, but a water bottle is a good idea.

To find out more, ring 0432 012 519.

QUALITY FURNITURE FURNITURE DONATIONS

Roller Coaster is described as ‘a series of action-packed interconnecting stories and heart-warming ride about finding your tribe’. To complement the ‘all-star team’ of musicians, performers, dozens of roller skaters and a live soundtrack, Claire is inviting roller skaters of all abilities to be part of the show. For skaters wanting to be part of Roller Coaster, a free ‘skate and star’ workshop will be held Sunday, July 23 from 10.30am till 12.30pm, at the Tallebudgera Outdoor and Environmental Education Centre. For more information and to register, email producer@everybodynow.com.au and visit www. everybodynow.com.au.

Dancer, performer and drag queen, Max McAuley, has spent the past 15 years finding his groove in the competitive world of live theatre, and is now kicking goals.

As a young man with Down syndrome, Max has had an even tougher journey than most performance artists.

But the new appetite for inclusion and interest in diversity means that Max is now getting the opportunities he deserves to showcase his talents. Max has been an ensemble member and principal dancer with Sprung!! Integrated Dance Theatre for over ten years, and has recently been exploring some opportunities as an independent artist.

Among other things, he has discovered a passion for drag and Bollywood, and has just returned from a headline performance

at The Golden Pineapple Awards in Newcastle. And for the past ten months, Max has been working with the extraordinarily talented dancer, choreographer and producer, Che Pritchard, to create a one man show that showcases Max’s many talents – drag, hip hop, disco and contemporary

dance, to name a few. The show is now ready for the early production stage before touring at the end of this year. But in order to get the show on the road, Max is seeking financial support. If you’d like to support Max, visit https://tinyurl. com/y2ph8msf. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Photo

To kilt or not to kilt, that is the question for Tabitha, Tina, instructor Ian, John and Terry.

Claire Atkins is calling on skaters of all abilities to join the cast of the upcoming Roller Coaster theatre production.

Photo Jeff ‘Coasting Rather Than Rolling” Dawson

Max McAuley. Photo Jeff Dawson

Tweed councillors go forward with climate adaptation

How to tackle housing affordability in Tweed?

Finding a place to live that is affordable was on last week’s

Tweed Shire Council’s agenda with Mayor Chris Cherry and Councillor Dr Nola Firth moving a Notice of Motion to investigate ‘an Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme for the Tweed Shire’.

Big trees threatened in Ballina

A number of trees, including two very large figs, are going to be destroyed if a proposed child care centre in the car park near Ballina Central shopping centre goes ahead.

World Environment Day festival, Knox Park

The Caldera Environment Centre is hosting a World Environment Day festival event in Knox Park, Murwillumbah on 16 July, 10am–3.30pm.

The Xrossing on fire at The Quad

With plenty of thrills and no spills, the highwire spectacular, The Xrossing presented by SeedArts at Lismore Quad on the weekend, drew hundreds of oohers and ah-ers who delighted in the breathtaking performances.

Assault and robbery

Goonellabah – police appeal for information

Investigators are appealing for information after a man was allegedly assaulted and robbed while he slept in his vehicle at Goonellabah in December last year.

Locals with type-2 diabetes invited to take part in new trial

Researchers from Southern Cross University are conducting a ground-breaking clinical trial investigating Olive Leaf Extract as a treatment option for people living with type 2 diabetes.

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

Calls for roundabout at dangerous Lennox Head intersection

David Lowe

The busy intersection at the corner of Byron Bay Road and Byron Street in Lennox Head is an accident waiting to happen, according to locals Jamie Hoile and Ballina Councillor, Eva Ramsey.

Cr Ramsey started a petition about the issue in May, which has 174 signatures and rising. She told The Echo that while the roundabout is not currently in Ballina Council’s delivery program, it needs to be prioritised as a matter of urgency.

Eva Ramsey would like to see the speed limit reduced as drivers come down the hill on Byron Bay Road towards the intersection (heading north), as well as the construction of a new roundabout to avoid the problem of long delays for people leaving Lennox Head, particularly at peak times.

‘It’s just become really dangerous,’ she said.

Cr Ramsey said that while there haven’t been any major accidents there have been

at least eight or nine close shaves at the intersection.

Wrong priorities?

Lennox local, Jamie Hoile, got in touch with The Echo to question the priorities of Ballina Council, with ongoing support for extensive urban development and beautification work on the main street while critical safety infrastructure – such as a roundabout at the junction of Byron Street and Byron Bay Road – remains on the backburner.

‘A fatality is an imminent

event at this intersection,’ said Mr Hoile.

He said traffic flow at this danger point has increased exponentially in recent months, with continuous, unrelenting traffic flows at 80 km/h in both directions.

The public can support Cr Ramsey’s petition https://rb.gy/gv2di, or submit requests for speed zone changes at: www. saferroadsnsw.com.au.

Read a longer version of this story on The Echo online: www.echo.net.au.

Aslan Shand

There are three extreme risks for the Tweed Shire Council out of 135 identified in their Climate Change Risk Assessment, which was adopted at the last council meeting (22 June).

The three extreme risks centre on ‘implications for key ecosystems, saltwater contamination of Council’s fresh water supply, and loss or damage to Council’s water and wastewater infrastructure’.

Tweed Mayor, Chris Cherry, put forward an alternative motion that ‘Adopts the Tweed Shire Council Climate Change Risk Assessment’ and ‘Commences the preparation of the Climate Change Adaptation Plan’ as opposed to receiving ‘a future report about the scope and funding to complete a Climate Change Adaptation Plan’.

The Tweed Shire Council Climate Change Risk Assessment identifies a range of risks for the Tweed Shire that include increased rainfall

variability in the region leading to increased wet and dry periods according to the North Coast Region section from the NSW and ACT Regional Climate Modelling (NARCliM).

The NARCliM modelling also anticipates an ‘increase in severe and average forest fire danger and that the annual average number of days with temperatures above 35°C will increase with an additional three hot days in the near future and nine in the far future.

Working group

Councillor Dr Nola Firth seconded the motion once a third point was added ‘Noting that the Council Resolution of 15 July 2021 resolved to establish a climate change working group, requests that this working group be formed as a matter of urgency’.

The motion was carried with all in favour.

Read longer version of this story on The Echo online: www.echo.net.au.

Injured cyclist loses court battle against Ballina Council

Paul Bibby

A female cyclist who successfully sued Ballina Council for nearly $200,000 over a stray bollard left on the Richmond River cycleway, has had the decision overturned on appeal.

According to the judgment in the case, Diane Moore was riding an electric bike along the popular track on the morning of August 27, 2020, when the accident occurred.

As she attempted to overtake two pedestrians, Ms Moore noticed a metal bollard on the righthand side

of the pathway about 20cm from the edge.

The cyclist managed not to collide with the bollard, but in seeking to avoid it she momentarily left the track and, while attempting to steer back onto the path, fell from her bicycle.

Ms Moore suffered a serious hip injury as a result of the accident, and subsequently took Ballina Council to court, claiming damages for negligence.

The Council denied responsibility, arguing that that the plaintiff was aware of the bollard, and  denied

Open doors with a degree in Property Valuation

that it owed a duty of care beyond precautions against a risk of harm, faced by persons taking reasonable care for their own safety.

Duty of care

But District Court Judge Jonathan Priestley disagreed, finding that the Council breached its duty of care by failing to remove the single bollard on the other side of the pathway in 2016.

Following a three-day trial in November 2022, he ordered the Council to pay Ms Moore $193,531 in damages.

However, the Council

appealed this decision to the NSW Court of Appeal – the state’s highest appellate court – alleging 11 separate errors on the part of the judge.

Following an appeal hearing in June, presided over by three Supreme Court justices, the original decision was overturned in a judgement handed down on July 7.

‘In my view, the plaintiff did not establish that the Council had failed to take reasonable care for her safety in failing to remove the bollard at some point in time between 2016 and 2020,’ Justice John Basten

said in his judgment. ‘A shared pathway contains many hazards for cyclists, especially avoiding pedestrians and other cyclists.

‘The plaintiff, not having established that the Council, by leaving the single bollard in place on the pathway, failed to take reasonable care for her safety, the appeal must be upheld and the judgment in the District Court set aside.’

Ms Moore was also ordered to pay the Council’s costs of the original trial and the appeal.

will help you pursue a career as a property valuer. Combine your business skills, networking ability and keen eye for detail to succeed in the booming property sector as you learn different techniques, processes and specialist skills. Make a life-changing move and apply now for Semester 2, 2023.

Intersection of Byron Bay Road and Byron Street, Lennox Head. Photo David Lowe

Bachelor

(HE20507V02), delivered from TAFE NSW connected learning spaces across regional NSW,

We wish to inform you that the Splendour in the Grass music festival will be held at North Byron Parklands, Yelgun on Thursday 20, Friday 21 Saturday 22, and Sunday 23 of July 2023 with camping patrons arriving from 7am Wednesday 19 July and departing by 5pm Monday 24 July. The approved hours of operation are 9am to midnight on Thursday 20 July and from 9am to 2am on Friday 21, Saturday 22, and Sunday 23 July 2023. Please note, music will commence from 11am Friday, Saturday and Sunday and the main stages will cease operation at midnight. Audio testing will take place on Thursday 20 July during event hours.

COMMUNITY HOTLINE

The Splendour in the Grass Community Hotline will be in operation from Wednesday 20 July to Monday 25 July inclusive. The hotline will be staffed during the event, and a recorded message service will operate outside of these hours. Please note, all calls to the Community Hotline are logged and recorded for quality purposes.

THE SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS COMMUNITY HOTLINE NUMBER IS 1300 899 440

Residents with any parking, noise or litter concerns during the festival period should contact the Community Hotline and we will have our Community Response Team assist you. The Community Hotline is not to be used for general event enquiries. Residents can also email community@northbyronparklands.com with any concerns.

Any venue related enquiries can also be directed to North Byron Parklands on community@northbyronparklands.com

TRAFFIC

A traffic management plan, prepared by an RMS accredited traffic engineer, was updated in late 2022 following an independent audit review, including consultation with state and local regulatory authorities to help minimise the impact of this event on the local road network and the immediate areas surrounding North Byron Parklands. Changed traffic conditions include:

•Temporary turning lanes along Tweed Valley Way into North Byron Parklands defined by delineation devices. This is to assist wit h the steady flow of through traffic. Please follow the directional signage. Please note traffic infrastructure will be in place from 9am Monday 17 July and will be removed by 5pm Tuesday 25 July.

•Reduced speed limits of 40km/h will be in place along Wooyung Road in addition to Tweed Valley Way / Brunswick Valley Way commencing approx. 100m south of the Yelgun interchange continuing along Tweed Valley Way to 300m north of Jones Road, as well as on the Northbound and Southbound off ramps from the Pacific Motorway at the Yelgun interchange.

•To manage potential illegal camping or parking in the immediate surrounds of North Byron Parklands, Local Resident Only access checkpoints will be in operation for Yelgun Road, Billinudgel Road and Jones Road at the Tweed Valley Way intersections.

•Traffic control staff will be in place along Wooyung Road in addition to Tweed Valley Way between the Yelgun Interchange and Jones Road.

•All traffic control will be managed by RMS accredited traffic controllers. However, please be prepared for POSSIBLE SHORT DELAYS.

•Camping patrons will begin to arrive from 7am on Wednesday 19 July and depart by 5pm Monday 24 July.

•For safety reasons, there is strictly NO PEDESTRIAN access into North Byron Parklands. NSW Police will be enforcing this requirement.

GETTING TO THE EVENT

The only way patrons can access the Event is via one of the following:

•SITG Festival Buses and authorised Private Shuttle Services;

•Private vehicle WITH A VALID PRE-PURCHASED VEHICLE PASS; or

•A Taxi Service, including authorised Uber Vehicles. No other means of transport will be allowed on site.

PATRON DROP OFF & PICK UP

In an effort to reduce the impact of festival traffic on surrounding roads to North Byron Parklands, there will be NO DROP OFF OR PICK UP of festival patrons at the event via all private vehicles or unauthorized shuttle services. DO NOT Drop Off or Pick Up patrons along Tweed Valley Way or surrounding areas. This is ILLEGAL and dangerous not only for pedestrians and vehicles, but also causes traffic delays. NO STOPPING signs will be in place along the surrounding roads and adjacent to North Byron Parklands, with NSW Police and Council parking e nforcement officers patrolling these areas and enforcing the NO STOPPING zones. Significant fines apply.

We have an extensive festival bus service and encourage you to utilise one of our official bus stops. The Brunswick Heads bus stop at Fawcett Street is one of the closest bus stop locations to Splendour in the Grass where festival bus services will operate. For more information regarding bus timetables go to www.splndritg.com/buses

FESTIVAL SHUTTLE BUSES

All persons travelling to the event via bus will be checked for a bus ticket and valid 2023 event ticket or wristband prior to boarding and will not be allowed on the bus without this. All patrons are required to pre-purchase a bus ticket prior to their arrival at the event. For more information go to www.splendourinthegrass.com/buses

PARKING

There is NO PARKING along Tweed Valley Way or in the streets surrounding North Byron Parklands. SpecialEvent parking restrictions will be in place and Council parking enforcement officers will again be on patrol throughout the event. Council issued parking fines will apply. Please note that camping or sleeping in vehicles within the Byron and Tweed Shires is not permitted. The maximum penalty exceeds $2,200 in the Byron Shire. Council enforcement officers will be on patrol throughout the event period enforcing this regulation.

PEDESTRIAN ACCESS

There is NO PEDESTRIAN access into North Byron Parklands. NSW Police will be enforcing this requirement.

FENCE JUMPING & TRESPASSING

Any persons attempting to gain entry to the festival without a valid event ticket either on foot, by private vehicle, bus or other means is considered to be trespassing and therefore breaking the law. Under the Enclosed Lands Protections Act 1901 NSW Police will be issuing on the spot fines of $550 for trespassing, and trespassers will be evicted from the North Byron Parklands site.

We truly thank you for your patience and understanding, The Splendour in the Grass team

into this pillow

Self-reflection isn’t a common attribute for politicians, especially the corporatised ‘in the tent’ types.

They are pretty easy to spot, and inhabit councils, state and federal governments.

With ambition over substance, they don’t offer much vision, and rely on their charm to win over enough of the public so they can enter the hallowed ‘tent’ of governance.

Instead of challenging and bending the bureaucracy to work for those who elected them, ‘in the tent’ politicians see their job as being a willing cog in the machine. It’s a means to an end, so they can climb the political ladder.

As a result, we all suffer, because invariably no meaningful reform occurs, and the govcorp machine grinds onwards, with the interests of the governing and wealthy class trumping everyone elses.

While these political actor types seem to always disappoint, the media should also dig deep and look to where it can improve.

It’s a serious job being the interface between the public and the governing/wealthy class.

So – as editor, I regret running the page three story and photo in last week’s edition of Cr Asren Pugh.

It was born of frustration.

As a Mullum local, I am witnessing the trashing of the town I grew up in by this Council majority.

The hypocrisy question put to Cr Pugh is still valid, however, and remains unanswered.

The context is that he was the mover of two motions around developments at the June 22 Byron Council meeting.

One motion called for

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General Manager Simon Haslam

Editor Hans Lovejoy

Deputy Editor Aslan Shand

Photographer Jeff Dawson

Advertising Manager Anna Coelho

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community inclusion in decision making by the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) with their ‘lands strategy’ (see page 5), while his other motion, on Council turning a busy Mullum car park into housing, did the opposite, as it was held behind closed doors.

In his letter on page 20, Cr Pugh attempts to deflect from the question, claiming all councillors voted for confidentiality in the second motion.

That’s just saying: ‘Hey, we are all as bad as each other!’

It’s irrelevant who voted for confidentiality – his name is on both motions.

Remarkably, he now says he is happy to discuss the issue publicly, while also having a sneer at Cr Duncan Dey’s ‘transparency’.

It’s terrific that Cr Pugh has a newfound sense of purpose, because transparency and honesty with the public has been lacking with other projects prior to this.

They include the pod villages, the rollout of the NRRC land strategy, and Council’s ‘affordable housing’ project, slated for the Mullum railway corridor.

Echo requests for information on the latest car park plans, with redacted tender amounts, were refused by GM Mark Arnold and Mayor Michael Lyon.

The only public information on this matter (which is selling public land to a developer) is being drip fed by the mayor, at his pleasure.

Unlike Council, The Echo is doing its best to inform the public of these developments, unfiltered from govcorp spin and secrecy.

Hans Lovejoy, editor

The Byron

Shire

Cost of living could be eased with surplus

When the government is in surplus, the people are in deficit.

That’s never been truer than it is today. Treasurer Jim Chalmers tells us the budget surplus this financial year ballooned from an expected $4.2 billion out to $19 billion.

Ordinary Australians, desperately trying to keep their budgets under control and cost cutting wherever they can, should expect some kind of relief from this surprise windfall.

Rough sleepers should expect immediate assistance. The latest count found there are 300 homeless people in Byron Shire alone, more than double last year’s count.

The problem is particularly acute for women.

Meanwhile, our local MP, Justine Elliot, continues her taxpayerfunded social media campaign against The Greens, simply because they are trying to persuade her government to take real action to help the homeless and desperate renters. Her social media account blocks anyone, including me, who is too ‘vociferous’.

Her top priority should be finding suitable accommodation for people sleeping on the streets of her electorate.

The prime minister suddenly found a lazy two billion dollars to throw into the kitty to help states deal with the housing catastrophe.

He could easily add another eight billion from that surplus right now. Then we might just start seeing a difference.

The government is nervous about fuelling inflation, and say they are going to pocket the surplus. That surplus belongs to all Australians. Helping the homeless absolutely must have priority over any inflation fears.

There are other urgent issues that also need dealing with. Australia is likely moving into another potentially deadly El Nino cycle. Heaven knows how hot and dry it’s going to get this coming summer.

The planet has just had the hottest June day ever. Greenland ice is melting at an unprecedented

Echo

Volume 38 #05July 12, 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

rate. Anything could happen in a few months.

Australia has a fleet of about 150 firefighting planes. Judging by the raging forest fires in Canada this year, we need to gear up for the worst-case scenario.

Coulson Aviation of Canada has been converting Boeing 737s into FireLiner tankers. These are highly effective and capable of carrying 15,000 litres of water at a time. One of these tankers, named Phoenix, was ordered in January this year and is based in Sydney.

FireLiner tankers cost $2.5 million a year to lease. The Albanese government could invest in any number of these and it would have zero effect on inflation. Tankers, and other effective firefighting equipment, need to be stationed in vulnerable areas all over Australia. It must be top priority.

Many lives, properties and so much forest and wildlife can be saved. Australians will never forgive the government if it fails to prepare to prevent disasters that could be stopped in their tracks.

Another inflation-free investment would be retiring a chunk of tertiary student debt. Many mature women have needed to go to university to retrain to earn an income after relationship breakdowns, taking time out to have children, or the death of partners.

There are over one hundred thousand people over sixty carrying an average HELP (Higher Education Loan Program) debt of more than ten thousand dollars.

The total HELP debt owed by those sixty-and-over is around $1.4 billion. That has leapt this year as interest on the debts is tied to inflation. People are retiring, often in poverty as rents and the cost of

living have skyrocketed, with this burdensome debt hanging around their necks, further stressing them out. Retiring the HELP debt of the over-sixties would cost less than ten per cent of this coal and gas export-fuelled budget surplus. It’s just a book entry, would have zero effect on inflation, and give peace of mind to tens of thousands of vulnerable and struggling elders.

There are multiple ways the Albanese Labor government could recycle this huge surplus to assist people who are really suffering from the cost of living crisis, the lack of health care, and to mitigate the worst impacts of the climate crisis, without having any impact on inflation.

As for our local MP, Justine Elliot, she needs to take time out from her Greens-bashing campaign to attend to the urgent needs of her electorate. It is truly shameful we have hundreds of people sleeping rough in Byron Shire.

She could, for example, organise for them to be housed in some of those empty Airbnbs, until more permanent accommodation can be organised. The cost of doing that wouldn’t add a cent to inflation. Look how the homeless were suddenly housed during the covid pandemic. Why not now?

This government needs to wake up to the rising groundswell of discontent at their appalling failure to help Australians desperately in need.

The unprecedented wealth disparity in today’s Australia has turned us back into a feudal society. Instead of barons, we have billionaires who call the shots. It’s surprising young Australians aren’t

‘Australians will never forgive the government if it fails to prepare in advance to prevent disasters that could be stopped in their tracks’.

Richard Jones

east of Main Beach and drifts towards the flags. We offer our children and visitors urban waste to swim in.

Often the drain ponds on the beach forming a dirty lagoon. Unassuming parents let their children swim in this brown lagoon. Many years ago I complained to Council about this and received, in part, this response: ‘AMS staff have been assessing water quality at this location for some weeks. A further test received by me today indicated that the ANZECC water quality standards were exceeded and therefore the impounded water was considered to be a public safety issue’.

In other words the water quality was deemed unsafe. For many years Council had installed a ‘No Swimming’ sign at the drain exit. Another admission of poor water quality.

In 1970 this drain that leads to the beach from Cowper Street was installed when the sand mining departed. It was installed illegally. Byron Shire Council would refuse any request to install such an ocean outfall now.

Dual Aboriginal names

It is with delight that I read today that the local First Nations Elders are calling for the dual naming of Julian Rocks / Nguthungulli and Cape Byron / Walgun.

I’m interested to also hear of all the local massacre sites and to signpost their exact location.

In Germany, one person decided to name all the sites of transportation and killings of the Jewish community under the Nazis. He started the Stolperstein Project 30 years ago, laying down 75,000 brass cobble stones across all of Germany’s streets, engraved with individual names of Jewish citizens deported and murdered under Hitler’s orders.

I migrated from Germany 40 years ago trying to escape the horrendous past of killing Jews, gays, gypsies, communists, social democrats and people with disability.

I’m now a citizen of a country that is not yet fully embracing their past of murdering members of our First Nations community.

We hear of killings at Hell’s Hole near Mt Jerusalem, and a massacre of

helpless women, children and Elders on Shelley Beach near Ballina.

It is not only the Myall Creek massacre near Moree that needs to be remembered. The horrible truth is right below our feet in the Shire. What are we doing about honouring them?

Horst Tietze Mullumbimby

Shambolic NRRC

I believe my story succinctly illustrates the chaotic and distressing nature of the decision-making process employed by the NRRC. It needs to be called out for what it is! I was first contacted by NRRC on 14 February, 2023 to acknowledge my registration for the Resilient Homes Program. I received a second text from them on 13 June to say they would soon be in touch. I have heard nothing since. The deadline for hearing about my eligibility was meant to be 30 June.

I’m in a row of three virtually identical houses at the northern end of Station Street in Mullumbimby. One has been deemed eligible for retrofit or raising, the next-door neighbour rejected

[their offer] and I’ve received no word. The flood affected each one in the same way and to the same extent. The frontage of all three extends about 90m along the street and yet all have different outcomes. Go figure. This unjust and distressing process must be publicised and an investigation called for. I know of more severely affected houses in Mullumbimby and elsewhere that have been rejected [for assistance] and will therefore receive no government support. We were all affected and deserve to be treated fairly and with respect.

I’m pleading for The Echo to start and lead a campaign to bring this to the attention of those who may be able to help.

Stephen Bellerby Mullumbimby

Ocean outfall Byron Byron Bay’s most popular beach has an ocean outfall. All of the urban detritus from the Carlyle, Massinger and Kingsley Streets basin flows into a drain from Cowper Street. The drain was only installed about 1970. It opens directly into the ocean just

It is time that this drain is closed off for good. Let the water follow the natural course it did for many years before. It will require a little extra creative engineering.

Byron Shire Council has started working with consultants to design upgrades to Byron Bay’s drainage system as part of the Byron Bay Drainage Upgrade Project.

If you wish to eliminate this polluted ocean outfall on Main Beach write to Council now.

Cartoon by Jamie Hoile

Robodebt catastrophe unveiled in all its horror

David Lowe

The logical conclusion of a philosophy that views anyone on welfare as a ‘bludger’ and anyone poor as fair game was on horrifying display as Robodebt Royal Commissioner Catherine Holmes AC SC revealed her 1,039 page report to the Australian public on Friday. After ten months’ work, this is not a document that pulls its punches, minces its words, or avoids naming names. It comes with a trigger warning and discusses suicide.

The commissioner expresses her incredulity that computer-based income averaging could ever have become the basis of an official government debt recovery scheme, and describes as ‘truly amazing’ the lengths that the Morrison government went to in attempting to hide the scheme’s lack of legal foundation.

As it turns out, the incompetence of the people involved was a perfect match for their cruelty and stupidity, which was why the whole sordid mess unravelled so spectacularly, but not before destroying the lives of a large number of innocent Australians.

At the core of the disaster was the politicisation of the public service, which began in a major way under John Howard and has since become much worse. This culture contributed to the failure of checks and balances which would, once upon a time, have stopped an idea as bad as Robodebt from ever getting out of the gate. Services Australia are singled out for special attention, but are just one of a number of government agencies who appear to be in need of major reform.

The number one recommendation of the Royal Commission’s report is that governments ‘design policies and processes with emphasis on the people they are meant to serve.’

Perhaps, if all prospective politicians could have these words tattooed somewhere sensitive, they might sink in?

There are 56 further recommendations, most of which are equally sensible; which is probably why Peter Dutton and others of a Liberal/National Party persuasion have been reluctant to endorse them, so far. However, Mr Dutton has apologised for Robodebt on behalf of the former government.

The point of the scheme was supposed to be to crack down on welfare cheats, although as Commissioner Holmes points out, the evidence was that ‘fraud in the welfare system was miniscule’.

Robodebt was sold on the

Hottentot must fall

There is an urgent need to change the street name, Hottentot Crescent in Mullumbimby to Khoisan Crescent.

The reason for this important change to occur is that the derogatory term ‘Hottentot’ (same connotation as ‘nigger’) was given to the indigenous peoples, the Khoisan, in the 18th century by European colonisers. The term now is deprecative and offensive. Slurs have been used to dehumanise and marginalise these

basis that it would generate $4.7 billion in savings from 2014 to 2022. Actually $406 million was saved. The costs of the scheme have so far amounted to over one billion dollars, including compensation to victims.

The political point of the scheme, of course, was to publicly bash poor people, in order to distract us all from the extremely wealthy companies and individuals who continue to rip off Australia to an alarming degree. Commissioner Holmes directly calls out populist politicians who have advanced their careers by attacking the most vulnerable in society, saying they ‘need to abandon for good (in every sense) the narrative of taxpayer versus welfare recipient.’

Human cost

More than 443,000 Australians were targeted by Robodebt. The total cost in human lives is hard to quantify, but there are numerous harrowing stories in Commissioner Holmes’

communities for centuries. It is time for us to acknowledge the harm caused by these names and take steps towards rectifying this injustice.

The Khoisan people have a rich cultural heritage that deserves to be celebrated and respected. By changing the name of this street, we can take a step towards acknowledging and honouring the contributions of this community to our shared history. It is an important step towards promoting inclusivity and fighting

report, including suicides.

After debt collectors were sent after one man, pursuing a non-existent Robodebt, the young man took his own life. His mother told the Royal Commission she ‘found debt letters hanging on the fridge along with a drawing of a person shooting a gun in their mouth, with dollar signs coming out of the back of their head.’

Another witness told Commissioner Holmes, ‘I feel utterly betrayed by the government for this… [We] were treated like criminals and cheats, when all the while it was the department’s scheme that was illegal.’

One part of the Royal Commission’s report remains secret, pending further investigation and potential prosecution of individuals for their criminal behaviour. Former Mministers, Christian Porter, and Alan Tudge, have already claimed to be in the clear. Stuart Robert has also said he’s not in the frame to appear in court for his

against the systemic racism that has plagued our society for far too long.

By shedding light on this momentous change, we can educate and inform our readers about the historical significance and importance of embracing diverse cultural narratives.

As South African-born residents of the Byron Shire, we are writing to request that Byron Council change the name of Hottentot Crescent in Mullumbimby to Khoisan Crescent, the preferred name for the non-Bantu-speaking

actions relating to Robodebt. If this is true, the mind boggles, but that’s Australian politics, just ask Gladys Berejiklian.

Peter Dutton will be hoping very hard that the voters of Fadden, on the Gold Coast, are able to forget the name of their former local member, along with the crimes of his government, when they vote in a by-election to replace Stuart Robert on Saturday.

Meanwhile the exSmirker-in-Chief (and Robert’s mate), Scott Morrison, has publicly rejected the findings of the Robodebt Royal Commission, but not said whether he’s been referred for further civil or criminal actions.

You can read Commissioner Catherine Holmes’ complete report at: https:// robodebt.royalcommission. gov.au.

If this story has brought up any issues for you, Lifeline is available 24/7 on 131 114.

indigenous people of South Africa.

We understand that changing the name of a street can be a complex process, but believe that it is a necessary one. We urge Council to take this request seriously and to work towards making this change a reality. Let us work together to build a more just and equitable society for all.

On behalf of local and Interstate members of the Khoisan Community of Australia.

Jonathan De Wet

Byron Bay

Robodept personified. Cloudcatcher Media with Midjourney AI

Former Chief Justice of Queensland, Catherine Holmes AC SC is the commissioner tasked with investigating Robodebt.

Dive head first into some of the year’s biggest books featured at the 2023 festival

Byron Writers Festival is inviting audiences to expestorytelling and conversation centred around this year’s theme ‘Wild Imagination’ at the beautiful Bangalow Showgrounds. On arrivalaged to be guided by their mood range of stimulating conversations and panel discussions.

The Deep Dives marquee will conversations; where you can divenary and emotive topics that leave you yearning to discover more. If you love hearing from the authors of this year’s biggest and most compelling taste of what to expect.

After a tragedy in Tasmania Heather Rose

was catapulted on a new course to explore life through four lenses –

of family and the lessons of pain. Nothing Bad Ever Happens Here is a

and healing. The multi-awardwinning writer will be interviewed by Jill Eddington. Richard Fidler will return this year to discuss The Book of Roads and Kingdoms of mediaeval wanderers who travelled out to the edges of the known world during Islam’s fabled Golden Age. Fidler weaves together beautiful and thrilling pictures of a dazzling lost land with the story of an empire’s rise and utterly devastating fall. A perfect session for those and adventure. A new book exploring First

Heather Rose Q&A

Heather Rose is the Australian author of eight novels, including the Stella Prize-winning The Museum of Modern Love. In this insightful Q&A, Heather discusses her memoir, Nothing Bad Ever Happens Here.

Nothing Bad Ever Happens Here is What made it the right time to write about your own life?

start it. My kids had been asking for

Despite grief and heartbreak, life’. How much of that trust comes from connection with nature?

I grew up in Tasmania. It was a and sailing. Nature has always felt like a friend. Sometimes our heartbreak happens right in the grip of

natural events. We lose people we love and it can feel impossible to know what to do with the grief and the emptiness. When the human -

tice is to take it moment by moment -

whatever way I can. The natural time to listen.

You turn grief and pain into conduits for gratitude and joy – how does that perspective play out in the everyday?

through the pain are sometimes

and points to possible ways to navigate through the climate crisis to a more sustainable future. Barkandji Zena Cumpston Plants: Past, Present and Future deep knowledge and understanding

The Seven Skins of Esther Wilding is a beautiful and profoundly moving novel written by Holly Ringland. After Esther Wilding’s beloved older sister disappears and her family struggles to live

a reluctant journey following the trail of the stories Aura left behind. Ringland will be joining Jemma Birrell to discuss her brilliant latest novel about the far-reaches of

ways life can transform when we

Dubbed by Geraldine Brooks

Anna Funder’s Wifedom shines a spotlight on George Orwell’s wife Eileen O’Shaughnessy. Known as the literary brilliance who shaped Orwell’s why – and how – was she written out of his story? Funder will join Conversations

intimate view of one of the most important literary marriages of the

Gabriel Krauze’s autobiographic Who They Was

man who lived a life of violent Krauze was heavily involved in while completing an English

understanding of ‘toxic masculinity’ and the way class and capitalism can shape young lives.

Another brilliant author who explores class and gender in her writing is Pip Williams – best known for the international bestThe Dictionary of Lost Words Williams welcomes readers back into the richly drawn world of her The Bookbinder of Jericho of history seen through women’s eyes. In this compelling conversaexplore the concept of knowledge and what is lost when it is withrelevant today.

The above sessions are just a hint of the incredible lineup and brilliant conversations on the table Explore the program further at byronwritersfestival.com/festival

fails and we are cocooned in the -

I never take any of it for granted.

Your curiosity has taken you on adventures spiritual and physical. Where is it drawing you today?

the greatest days of all. I’m grateeverything that grows and feeds us and makes habitat for the countless other beings. The world is so generous to us. Finding ways to be generous in return is a beautiful exploration and reminds me about all I have to be grateful for. That’s how I come back to joy.

You live simply and quietly in

Tasmania. Has that changed after the success of your novels The Museum of Modern Love and Bruny? It did become very busy there for a while. So we started to imagine a nearby and a forge. Now we still live a river and the sea. We have a long driveway and the forge is underway. We are growing delicious food.

f w se

b

There’s a line at the beginning of the memoir forgiveness for the choices we make in order to be ourselves.’ I’m still learning to love and forgive and celebrate season. I’m laughing and dancing and having adventures. I’m diving deeper into an appreciation for the world we inhabit. The food we eat. This biosphere that connects us. The legacy we are leaving. And I’m reminding myself to go gently and with joy. To start with love. To be grateful. I’m not sure where that is

Poof reader

The heading for the ‘Positions Vacant’ ad on p42 of The Echo (5 July) certainly provides concrete evidence for the need of a ‘P[r]oof Reader’. It is just so deliciously ironic!

Do please employ a ‘Proof Reader’.

J Rose Mullumbimby

Staying positive

In these politically divisive times leading up to the Voice referendum, I’m impressed with the calm, positive approach by the ‘Yes’ side. This contrasts with the alarmist, ‘sky’s gonna fall’ approach of the ‘No’ side.

Hypocrisy is front and centre of the ‘No’ campaign. Mr Dutton would have us believe he can support those elements of the proposed constitutional change that would recognise the Indigenous people’s long occupation of this country, but not the part that allows them to have an early involvement through a representative council in how laws affecting them are made. To me that’s both duplicitous and a disturbing political ploy.

Yet, it is axiomatic that unless there is an Indigenous

focal group deliberating, resolving internal differences and then speaking ‘as one’, the Indigenous policy area is going to continue to be dismissed by governments as ‘too hard’. And instead of acting in concert with the citizens affected, a government will be forced to ‘send in the troops’ (a sure sign of policy failure) as it did in the case of the NT intervention.

I would like to make the reader an offer: There will soon be an occasion when you can exercise very effective ‘sovereignty’ in this regard. Historically, ‘sovereignty’, in the form of a person, meant the right to make laws, rule others, and control a domain. In Australia, sovereign power rests with the people and is exercised through representative bodies such as federal and state parliaments. And each of these parliaments has different areas of law-making power. For example, the Commonwealth makes defence laws and the states make laws about education.

On the occasion of this referendum each citizen has exactly as much power as any Peter [Dutton] or Anthony [Albanese]. It’s a unique opportunity to tell

politicians how they are to involve Indigenous people in making laws that affect Indigenous people. You don’t have this opportunity even at elections.

So, best not to waste the referendum opportunity as it may be the only time you have such sovereign power in your lifetime. There is no exercise of citizen sovereignty by voting ‘No’ as things (like ‘closing the gap’) will likely continue in their perilous state.

Frank Lynch Mullumbimby

Assange

Two years ago a group of us gathered beneath the pandanus and fig trees near Main Beach, Byron Bay in the pouring rain. We had come together to commemorate Julian Assange’s 50th birthday.

As we discussed the latest developments in Julian’s situation up to that point in time, we didn’t think we would have to call for his freedom for much longer. Regrettably, we have gathered on many occasions since then, and we have had to stand again for his 52nd birthday on 3 July.

It was not pouring rain this time, but in bright winter sunshine. For Julian,

however, there was still no sunshine for him or trees to stand under on his birthday as he is still locked up in virtual solitary confinement behind the grim and punishing walls of His Majesty’s maximum security prison in Belmarsh, London.

He is now into his fifth year of incarceration at the hands of the British justice system, without charge, at the behest of the United States Government.

Furthermore, in what could almost be seen as acts of spite following Stella Assange’s well publicised and successful tour of Australia two weeks ago, the FBI announced they are continuing their investigations into Julian Assange and Wikileaks.

To rub further salt into the wound, a single British High Court judge has now ruled that an application by Julian’s legal team to appeal to the court against his extradition to the US be refused. At the time of writing a further and final application for appeal has been lodged.

It is also reported that the legal papers for his extradition have already been drawn up.

So, by the time of his next birthday, Australian citizen Julian Assange could be

imprisoned in an American prison facing indictments that carry a sentence of 175 years.

As US President Joe Biden proclaimed recently on Press Freedom Day: ‘Journalism is not a crime’.

Words into action Mr President, and drop the charges against Julian Assange and call for his immediate release.

Roy Drew Mullumbimby

Car parking Mullum

There was carparking rage in Mulllumbimby on 3 July. Senior woman indicates same time for car park as man (on other side of road) indicates. She gets it; it’s on her side. Man stops his car, leaving it blocking traffic, crosses road to stand at her car window, abusing her. Cars behind him beeping. I stand as witness making sure she is alright. Man goes back to his car… ranting… drives off swearing at us. Shame on you. Whether the lady was in the right or not getting that park, this man’s nasty behaviour was reckless and mindless. Intimidating entitlement in little old Mullumbimby.

Also, the hinterland roads are not one way. Just because there’s no middle

line, does not mean driving wilfully in the middle of the road, then being cranky about it if you have to move over for another car coming the other way. It’s dual carriageway.

What, because your car is bigger and newer you have the right for more road? Intimidating entitlement again? Stay left, you selfish moron. We all have a right to the road. Yes, they’re only three-quarter width and in poor condition (always have been!). The school bus and quarry truck can pass each other fine. It’s called ‘sharing the road’.

Please stop with this ‘all about me’ syndrome.

Sarah Hughes Goonengerry

Mandy Nolan

While Mandy Nolan’s weekly Soapbox is sometimes interesting and thought provoking, it does provide her, a Greens candidate, with an unfair advantage for self-promotion. Why doesn’t The Echo give other candidates equal space to present their opinions and to also describe how busy they are in saving the world?

Louise Andrews Lennox Head

▶ More letters on page 20

Opinion

What are the costs of our actions, and who really pays the price?

Kathleen Angus

Acouple of weeks ago

I came across the creature. I thought it was dead. It looked emaciated and was totally unresponsive to me asking it questions and poking at it with a stick. I picked the last of the blooming zinnias from my old garden, a bright pink one, laid it against its body and said a quiet prayer.

A few hours later though I saw the flower was on the ground and the goanna had moved forward by about a foot. I couldn’t see its body rising and falling with breath, but it blinked when I touched its tail. I called WIRES. A volunteer from Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers came to meet me as the sun went down. We drove up the mountain along the dirt road, down the dirt track, down another dirt track and into the rainforest clearing I’d lived in for a couple of years, to pick up the goanna – totem of the Bundjalung people.

That night she messaged me. She’d given it fluids and a hot water bottle and the next morning would bring it up to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctary where she worked as a vet

nurse. I know what a healthy goanna looks like, and I knew what this guy looked like, but still, I let hope in.

The next morning I received a text message, along with the image from the X-ray they’d done. The picture of the goanna in perfect spiral pose reminded me of the logo for GECO, a tiny grassroots group down in Victoria run mostly by volunteers who have dedicated their lives to protecting the last remaining old growth forests and creatures of East Gippsland. This lizard is in skeletal form though, with each of its scales luminescent against the black backdrop. What also appeared luminescent in the X-ray were the eleven bullets that laced the creature’s not yet fullymatured body. Shot from the barrel of a BB gun.

The veterinary staff said they had no idea how the animal had survived so long. It had been dying from a combination of dehydration, starvation, and possible lead poisoning for about a month. It was put out of its misery that morning. Goannas are so tough they told me – so resilient – they can fight

for hours and hours to defy euthanasia. This one didn’t.

When I found out what had happened to this poor creature, that had been causing havoc in my kitchen for two years, I wanted to burn the human species to the ground. I hated us for our extreme numbness.

A few days ago I’d been for a walk in Mt Jerusalem National Park. Afterwards, at the gates of Hell‘s Hole I was about to get into my car (which, yes, runs on petrol), when a guy on a dirt bike came up the road. I put my hand out and put on a friendly, slightly confused expression, gesturing for him

to stop so I could ask him a question. He did.

‘Are you going into the national park on your motorbike?’ I asked.

‘Yeah’, he said. What followed was an interesting exchange. I asked him why he didn’t care that National Parks aren’t there for him to rag his motorbike around in? They’re there as the sole designated space for nonhuman animals to have a home – a place for the myriad creatures – we share this land with to feel safe, and a place for human beings to try to enjoy the feeling of being alive; respite, you might say.

He did care he assured

me – he was even aware of the noise he was making. If only all we had to do was be aware. But we don’t. We actually have to alter our actions. Annoying, isn’t it?

The exchange lasted a few minutes, the man, hidden in anonymity behind his full face helmet on his unregistered bike, offered up an array of excuses, which demonstrated his spectacular selfishness and lack of logic as to why what he was doing was okay and was somehow different to the way other people might rag their motorbikes around the national park: humans are part of nature and humans invented motorbikes; it’s a form of transport; he doesn’t ride it really fast; he’d been at work all day; and finally, we are ‘over-governed’.

Ought I to have responded to those points? The atom bomb – an extension of ourselves and therefore nature? Should we order in a whole bunch and scatter them around the forests to add to the biodiversity? A form of transport? Yes, so are tanks, freightliners, and roller skates.

You don’t ride fast? You’re gonna ride a noisy, polluting

motorbike around a national park and you’re gonna do it real slow?

You’ve been at work today? So have about ten thousand other people in the local area. Should they all ride their motorbikes through the national park to let off some steam? Maybe you need to reduce your working hours?

And finally – the issue of governance. There is probably nothing I’m more sensitive to than someone suggesting I’m a stickler for the rules. I would happily break every law in this country if they were all senseless, but some of them aren’t, such as the ones that regulate the way we treat the few remaining natural habitats left on this continent. Maybe if we could all grow up, stop being so self-entitled, and treat the natural world with reverence, we wouldn’t find ourselves being ‘over-governed’.

We are so very fortunate to live in such an incredible place. We’d do well to remember that it is a healing ground, which means if we’re here, whether it be on unceded Bundjalung Country, or just on planet Earth, it’s because we need to heal.

PSYCHOLOGY

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X-ray of a goanna that had 11 slugs in its body. Image supplied

Op Shop

VINYLS CARPETS

Glad all over

A time for human compassion; and for government to stop regarding grants as one great joke because it controls the ‘bank’.

The poor thing was under his thumb, he was the boss and he made her say it. Secret loves can remain no secret anymore for anyone elected to public office or indeed in the public service.

The other problem is that governments have regarded the granting of money as one big joke – pork the barrel and pork the public. No more. Granting of money to electorates must be done by joint party parliamentary committees, openly. And, decisions by cabinet must cease to be cabinet-inconfidence and indeed commercial-in-confidence: if business wants to do business with government in any state or territory in Australia, in any tier, there mustn’t be any mirrors or smoke or fugazis. Australia must play it straight. And, watch out for that wildcard called love.

John Dobinson Herston

Disappointing

It was disappointing to read yet another set of articles in The Echo attacking Byron Council for trying to take action on housing people in our Shire.

For

Bring

· Tailored group mindfulness sessions.

· One-to-one coaching.

· Resources to support ongoing wellbeing.

· Live or online.

Enquiries and bookings: 0401 926 090

YOUR FACILITATOR

I was proud to move the motion at our last meeting putting the Station Street affordable housing proposal out to tender. I understand that car parks are important, but too often our car parks are now being used as places to sleep for those that don’t have a home. Is it too much to ask that we build real homes for these people instead? We have the highest number of rough sleepers of any shire in NSW. We are in a housing emergency. We need to take action.

I am getting used to some very strange and confused accusations coming from The Echo, not least those being made in last week’s edition sprawled across page 3. It seems strange to make accusations of secrecy when the information being discussed was reported publicly on the very next page! It’s worth noting that The Echo never actually asked me for any information. Had they, I would have done my best to provide as much as I could.

For some reason it was my photo and demands of accountability from me when I never moved any motion to move into a

confidential session. I would have been happy to discuss it publicly. I had carriage of the agenda item during the meeting simply because I had called it in order to get some questions answered.

I was particularly interested in ensuring that the Council maintained some real assets as part of any project, some real assets for the community into the future. All details that I would be happy to talk to The Echo or any community member about.

It is worth noting that even The Echo’s appointed hero of transparency, Councillor Dey, voted to move into confidential session (along with every other councillor present). I look forward to seeing his face also sprawled across page 3 with similar accusations and demands.

Let’s get real about the devastating housing situation that we face in our community. It’s not easy to get these projects off the ground and builders and councillors are doing their best to respond to the housing crisis.

Byron Councillor Asren Pugh Byron Bay

Editor, Hans Lovejoy, has responded to this letter in his editorial on page 14.

Rail trail

In response to last week’s letter ‘Rail line’s future’, Mike Yarrow mentions Mayor Michael Lyon’s apparent change of mind regarding his support four years ago for rail in Byron Shire.

When it closed 19 years ago in 2004, I thought rail should be reinstated, but after a couple of years I, along with many others, saw increasingly diminishing chances of this.

Mayor Lyon would appear to have advanced his thoughts, probably due to the extraordinary costs of rail per se. and is likely watching, as most of us are, the wonderfully successful Tweed Rail Trail, with smiling faces on cyclists, walkers and business owners and their staff, as opportunities have, and continue to, flourish. Hardly ‘an insignificant minority group’!

It may be worth noting too, that prospects of rail are diminishing exponentially, with not only the neighbouring LGAs’ keen interests in their rail trail sections throughout most of the 132km length of our old rail corridor, but that a major impediment to a rail service rebuild, is the micro 3km

length already committed to the Solar Train, which will likely never be extended an inch further, due to many reasons.

Rail trails are very conducive to natural ecological protection, as much more bush is allowed and encouraged, and rail trail users are magnets for wildlife observing. It’s a big part of the experience.

Tim Shanasy Byron Bay

Be kind

To the 14- or 15-year-old girl who made aggressive, nasty, vicious faces, noises and hand gestures to my partner as she drove slowly out of the Woolworths car park on Monday 3rd:

I truly hope you have a loving home and someone kind to greet you when you go home.

I’m writing this partly to deal with my own anger and partly out of concern for you.

In kindness,

Rod Murray Ocean Shores

David Heilpern

Each week I get a belly laugh at your left-wing bias. I chuckle at the extreme green radicals who populate your pages. But David Heilpern’s drivel on trans sport made me see red.

David obviously has no idea what men competing against women will do.

Dave: go ahead and bash the crap out of the Murdoch press, but sport has absolutely nothing, zero, to gain from allowing trans participation. Women’s sport as we know it, and enjoy, will be destroyed by athletes with massive amounts of testosterone, much much more that the average girl, smashing those girls on the sports arena.

Dave, stick to chess or jacks, because you know bugger all about sport.

Mike Tancred Lennox Head

For more information on transgender and sport see ‘Trans Kids: The Misinformation Battle’on

the Science Vs podcast at: https://podcastaddict. com/science-vs/ episode/136980396 via @ PodcastAddict. #scienceVs.

Years ago, elderly widows and widowers with a big house or spare room took in men and women who had no family or place to call home. This gave them dignity, a family atmosphere, and a safe place in the community. This also allowed them to look out for each other with no additional cost to the taxpayer.

Somewhere along the line, unthinking government ministers decided these community-minded landlords should pay tax [on this imcome] and threatened them with fines if they did not comply.

With enough to do, and no knowledge of how to navigate the new system, this extra burden was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Unfortunately, most were turned out onto the streets to fend for themselves.

It was not just the boarders but the elderly landlords who lost the support that enabled them to remain and maintain their homes. A double loss for the government coffers as both became huge financial burdens!

Soul-destroying ‘homeless shelters’ were acquired or built, which stripped away any dignity this hapless group had managed to earn whilst in homely accommodation.

Until sufficient, reasonably priced accommodation for this huge army of homeless can be built, anyone with a spare space or garden [shed] should be permitted to take these unlucky people in without being unfairly taxed or hounded.

If law makers had any common sense at all, they would recognise the gift that ‘spare rooms’ have afforded them over the years, and what these rooms can continue to do.

Barbara Turner Byron Bay

Science Vs – Trans Kids: The Misinformation Battle

US politicians are trying to keep trans kids from getting the medical care they need to transition — and states are banning them from playing on the sports teams that match their gender. So we’re looking at the science here, and asking: are the medical treatments for trans kids dangerous? And do trans folks have an advantage when it comes to sports?

https://podcastaddict.com/science-vs/episode/136980396

Former RMIT University researcher had close links with company he drew data from

Cosmos Magazine

RMIT University

Research Integrity

Office is investigating a former researcher and medical practitioner who failed to disclose his personal links to a spa facility from which he drew participants for research into the use of hot springs.

Among the authors of a 2017 paper that set out ‘to assess the characteristics, motivations and experiences of visitors to Australia’s largest commercial hot spring’ is Dr Marc Cohen, and Cohen’s then honours student, James ClarkKennedy, who was first author.

Among the paper’s conclusions – based on a six-week survey conducted in 2015 – was the identification of ‘significant benefits… for back pain, arthritis, stress/ anxiety, depression and insomnia’.

These benefits were so compelling, the authors wrote, as to ‘(warrant) consideration from Australian health practitioners and insurers as a form of complementary therapy’.

The research was entirely drawn from people who used the Peninsula Hot Springs facility that Cohen was associated with. Its website says: ‘The “Indulgence or Therapy” research is a first for Victoria. RMIT received more than 4,000 responses to an online survey with results published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research in March 2017.’

There were no associated randomised controlled independent trials.

The findings are still being used to promote Peninsula Hot Springs, on the Mornington Peninsula, which opened in 2005.

At the time the research was conducted, Cohen was a Professor of Complementary Medicine and Program Leader Master of Wellness at RMIT University; he remained in this role until 2018.

At the same time, Cohen was inking a deal with Peninsula Hot Springs’ founder, Charles Davidson, and three other investors to purchase a hot springs day spa in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Companies Office’s Companies Register records that Cohen and Davidson became directors of New Zealand’s Maruia

Hot Springs on 25 September 2015.

Peninsula Hot Springs holds a controlling interest in Maruia Hot Springs.

Cohen reported he was a director of Maruia Hot Springs ‘for a short period’.

The NZ register reports that Cohen ceased to be a director of Maruia Hot Springs in July 2022.

Long-term association

He acknowledged remaining a ‘minority shareholder’. The register records that his shareholding is through Senco Pty Ltd, a company of which he is the sole director, according to the Australian Securities & Investments Commission.

However, the association between Cohen and Davidson stretches back more than two decades.

A 2022 article published in Spa Business and promoted by Cohen on his Instagram feed, quotes Davidson as saying, ‘(Cohen has) been a part of our story since we first met back in 2002.’

A screenshot of Cohen’s LinkedIn profile taken on 4 May 2023 also describes him as holding the role of medical director of Peninsula Hot Springs from January 2002 to the present.

In it, he states: ‘As Medical Director, I help direct the Medical, Research, Science and Educational activities across the PHS Group’s many properties, which currently include Peninsula Hot Springs, Maruia Hot Springs, Metung Hot Spri(ngs) …’

The LinkedIn profile has since been updated, and now states Cohen commenced as medical director of Peninsula Hot Springs in August 2022.

In May, when asked by Cosmos Weekly for

clarification, Cohen said he had been involved with Peninsula Hot Springs since its inception, in terms of ‘giving informal advice and going there’.

‘So, I’ve sort of been in that role for a long time, but it was only last year when I started formally in a paid position there,’ he explains.

Cohen denied that there was an undeclared conflict of interest in his research because ‘I wasn’t paid, it was informal’.

‘I’ve always loved hot springs, and been involved with that, so to have a hot springs down the road that I could do research with was always great,’ he adds.

‘But, in terms of doing a survey, I never thought that that would be a conflict, no.’

In a statement provided in June, Cohen explained that he had reviewed and changed his LinkedIn profile after first being contacted by Cosmos Weekly

‘I am proud to have been involved with (Peninsula Hot Springs) since before it began trading and to have seen it develop to become a multiaward winning business, yet realise now that I was incorrect to include this on my LinkedIn profile as it appears to have caused some confusion,’ he stated.

He continued to deny that his connections with Peninsula Hot Springs or Maruia Hot Springs represented conflicts of interest, but said that if they ‘could be perceived by others as (conflicts) then it needs to be addressed’.

Cohen advised that he had been approached by the editor of the journal in which his research had appeared after ‘they had been made aware that the conflict of interest statement

for our article may have been incomplete’.

‘If these issues are considered a conflict then it appears that the conflict of interest statement may indeed be incomplete,’ he wrote in response.

‘A suggested revised conflict of interest statement that is correct at the time of publication is as follows:

‘Marc Cohen is a shareholder of Maruia Hot Springs in New Zealand of which Peninsula Hot Springs is the majority owner, and on occasion provides informal, unpaid advice to the owners of Peninsula Hot Springs.’

According to an RMIT spokesperson, Cohen did not make any declarations of conflicts of interest in relation to conducting this research through the formal university policy and processes pertaining to the declaration and management of conflicts of interest by academic staff.

The spokesperson says that the institution ‘takes very seriously the integrity of research’.

‘The fact that Dr Cohen is no longer employed by RMIT does not preclude RMIT from investigating a potential breach of research integrity,’ the spokesperson said.

‘RMIT’s Research Integrity Office is investigating the matter, in keeping with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and our institutional research policy.

‘Where and if a breach or breaches of research integrity are found, RMIT will pursue corrective and/or disciplinary actions as appropriate, including correcting the public record or retracting a publication.’

Top: The Peninsula Hot Springs website.

Right: Dr Marc Cohen. Photo Facebook

BANGALOW HERITAGE HOUSE MUSEUM

Bangalow Historical Society is opening its facility to a range of happenings. From Saturday 1 July till Saturday 12 August is the exhibition titled Behind the Front Gate. It will display items from the 1950–70s era, from mid-century cool to the fantastic plastic of’70s kitsch. Craft enthusiasts are polishing off their art and craft work to display and sell at a craft fair to be held on Saturday 22 July, in conjunction with the Bangalow community garage sale.

COCOON CONSTRUCTS

Cocoon Constructs is a Byron Shire-based, sustainability-focused construction company specialising in high quality tiny homes and modular buildings. Their goal is to service the need for low impact housing in the Northern Rivers community.

For more information on design, timing, procedure and any questions in general don’t hesitate to reach out.

Omer: 0491 386 206 oliver@cocoonconstructs.com.au @cocoon_constructs

BECOME A FOSTER CARER

Craft enthusiasts who’d like to book a place can contact Jenny Holden on 0497 012 973 for more details. To book a Secondhand Stall contact Trisha Bleakley on 0429 882 525 for more information. Heritage House verandah space and kitchen are available for hire: bangalowhistorical@bigpond.com.

CA CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

Building, developing, buying property? Before you sign a building contract, let CA Construction Management provide advice to ensure you gain the best understanding of the risks and responsibilities. They provide advice to property buyers seeking future development potential, offer concise detail on restrictions and offer guidance on building and land entitlement. Their extensive experience in the building industry provides clients with guidance on their construction and development projects, offering sound purchase due diligence advice, potential development opportunities, facilitating design & approval processes, and managing construction contractors through to completion. Affiliated with Castrikum Adams Legal and Bangalow Conveyancing, their businesses undertake the complete suite of property transactions, along with construction and development project management. Complex property matters, conveyancing, easements, construction contracts, progress claims, completion inspections – they are there for you. www.caconstructionmanagement.com.au

0411 575 991

Suite 2/5 Lismore Rd, Bangalow

Northern New South Wales urgently needs more foster carers. There are currently 910 children living in out-of-home care in Northern NSW, but not enough foster carers to cope with the demand. Foster care agency MacKillop Family Services has seen the number of enquiries from prospective carers across the state decline by 51 per cent over the past three years. Other agencies are reporting a similar decline.

The lack of available carers is creating significant challenges for the foster care system. In the most extreme cases, children risk being placed in shortterm placements, forced to leave their community or moved into staff-run residential care homes. They are calling on families all over Australia to answer the call to care for these vulnerable children.

To find out more, call the MacKillop Family Services Foster Care enquiry hotline on 1300 791 677.

DEVICE TRADER

Device Trader has been serving the Byron Shire for over seven years. The company continues to evolve from a man in his van doing doorto-door phone repairs to a full bricks-and-mortar and e-commerce business. They specialise in Samsung, iPhone & iPad repairs, new and refurbished phones and they also have a wide range of phone and computer accessories.

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

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

02 6685 5585

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

PULP FICTION

Pulp Fiction, Murwillumbah, is a treasure trove for the daringly darling, the romantically rebellious, and anyone who loves a far-out-andfunky find. This unique secondhand store is filled wall-to-wall with an extensive, eclectic pre-loved book collection and forever-loved designer and vintage clothing, perfect for the unique individual! Whether you’re a complete bookworm or a passionate fashionista, you’re bound to find something to enjoy at Pulp Fiction & Fashion.

Find them at 309 Tweed Valley Way from 10am to 4pm, seven days a week. Cash and card welcome.

309 Tweed Valley Way, Murwillumbah @pulpfiction_murwillumbah

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 private ‘Computer Tutor’ Sessions with Dave Carnovale, aka ‘Mr Mac’. www.mrmacintosh.com.au

BYRON COLLEGE DON’T MISS A BEAT!

Another bright and shiny new term is soon to begin at Byron College, and yet again they are offering the very popular, nationally recognised, funded and Fee-FREE* ‘CHC33021Certificate III in Individual Support’ course. Whoop!

Develop invaluable skills as a disability support worker, providing physical and emotional empowerment to individuals living in community facilities, private homes or residential accommodation. Combine your caring and compassionate nature with training and skills to facilitate and structure daily tasks to support independence, social inclusion and quality of life for those living with a disability.

NEA ALEXANDRA BOOKKEEPING

Nea is a passionate Certified Bookkeeper and Registered BAS Agent with over 25 years of experience. Nea left behind the big smoke ten years ago in favour of the beautiful Northern Rivers lifestyle and has built her bookkeeping firm – Nea Alexandra Bookkeeping – into a thriving business with an impressive client list (Wandering Folk, Pack Gallery, Sahana Byron Bay and Sneaky Sound System, to name a few).

Nea and her skilful team will eliminate the stress of bookkeeping and let you get on with doing what you do best. With a refreshingly down-to-earth approach, Nea and her team tailor their services according to your unique business needs and goals, leaving out the corporate speak. You will have the confidence to move forward with your business feeling empowered. 104 Stuart St, Mullumbimby 0417 660 793 bookkeeping@neaalexandra.com

CAPE BYRON RUDOLF STEINER SCHOOL

The Term Two Class 11 Biology excursion to Hastings Point Marine Discovery Centre was an educational and eye-opening experience for students. Exploring the diverse ecosystems of mangroves, sand dunes and rocky shores, they gained first-hand knowledge of these environments. Interacting with marine organisms allowed them to witness the intricacies of coastal life up close.

This excursion provided invaluable hands-on learning, fostering a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and the dynamic vitality of nature.

At Cape Byron Steiner School the students are offered a wide range of senior subjects across all KLAs. Classes are delivered by dedicated, highly experienced teachers with lessons designed to engender a deep appreciation for the natural world and a love of learning.

Cape Byron Steiner School Enrolments

Nicole Haggerty 02 6639 9300 enrolments@capebyronsteiner.nsw.edu.au

TWEED WINTER WEDDING OPEN DAY

Go ahead, create a rewarding career for yourself in an in-demand sector.

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

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.

Fres h onEyes Byron Bay

A word from the Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming 2023 Byron Business Awards, a prestigious event that recognises and celebrates outstanding growth, entrepreneurship and success across the

Don’t miss this chance to be a part of a prestigious celebration of business excellence. Take the leap, seize the opportunity, and submit your entry for the 2023 Byron Business Awards today!

For more information to submit your application, please visit our website and www.byronbaychamber.com

Jason Bentley – President, BBCC

The Hum

Welcome to The Hum, a local whole food cafe directly opposite Main Beach. With a made-from-scratch ethos, their delicious juices, smoothies, salads, dressings and sauces are all made fresh! They also offer great coffee, acai, classics, and everything in between. The menu is available to either ‘takeout or hangout’ with Pegs accepted on any purchase.

Open seven days 7am–2.30pm.

2/14 Bay St, Byron Bay www.thehumco.com.au

Costa taco

FEATURED CHAMBER BUSINESS

Savvy Beverages

Savvy Beverages is an award-winning nutrition start-up that makes healthy and mind. Their healthy products are made by nutritionists in Byron Bay, born out of a desire to create something healthy that had not been done before and that would really help people in today’s world.

They challenge the status quo of the coffee, tea and energy drink markets with new

Their solution uses carefully selected vitamins, nootropics and superfoods, which greatly improve mental performance by increasing focus and energy, but also improve mental health by lifting mood and resilience to stress and anxiety.

also infuse it with coffee, sold as coffee powder and biodegradable coffee pods. www.savvybeverage.com.au

BYRON CENTRAL OSTEOPATHY

Jamie Bennett is offering DNS as part of his osteopathic treatment at Byron Central Osteopathy. Jamie’s dedication to providing these services is unparalleled as Byron’s only registered DNS practitioner. DNS and osteopathy suit all ages and the weekend surfer to world champion athletes. Discover a new level of health and mobility through osteopathy and DNS.

Open Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm. 02 6685 5515 info@byronosteo.com.au

Suite 7/6 Marvell Street, Byron Bay

Bayleaf

NUHA COLLECTIVE

Nuha Collective is a multi-modality clinic in Byron Bay.

The professionally trained and registered practitioners offer Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Facial Rejuvenation, Acutonics, Remedial, Deep Tissue and Relaxation Massage. The clinic specialises in pain management, sports injuries, Women’s Health and Nervous System Repair. Free parking and health fund rebates available. Winter special: $100 pp for Massage.

5-37 Broken Head Rd, Byron Bay 0423 714 875 www.nuhacollective.com.au

LEGEND PIZZA

Costa Taco is a premium Mexican eatery in the heart of Byron, known for their authentic, highquality food and drink. They prioritise using fresh, seasonal produce sourced sustainably from local farmers. Visit them on Jonson Street for a delicious meal and enjoy a 20 per cent discount when paying with Pegs. 20 Jonson Street, Byron Bay www.costa-taco.com

ww.costa-taco.com m

and a 20 per cent h Pegs

Located in the heart of Byron Bay, Bayleaf serves fresh, locally sourced food, ethical specialty coffee and showcases monthly guest roasters. Their table service menu includes seasonal items and drink specials and is fully licensed for those ‘long lunches’ with friends. If you’re on the move they offer takeaway coffee, pastries and food to go. Now

2a Marvell St, Byron Bay hello@bayleafbyronbay.com www.bayleafbyronbay.com

Legend Pizza’s

Large Pepperoni Pizza, just $15!

‘The Basics’ pizzas starting from $13.

For 30 years Legend

Pizza has been serving Byron Bay and supporting local businesses and sporting organisations. They are extremely proud to be one of the longest running food outlets in Byron. Using locally sourced ingredients, they can create whatever

Open seven days.

02 6685 5700

2/3 Marvell Street, Byron Bay

DR MOOSE

Dr Moose has been a family owned local business, since 1995. They offer same day custom digital printing on t-shirts, stubby coolers, hats, tote bags and more. They use the cotton t-shirts that are pre-shrunk and made to last. LOCALS 10% OFF WINTER DISCOUNT–valid through July–August 2023 (in-store only) . Open every day 9.30am–5.30pm 02 6685 5825 drmoose@drmoose.com.au 48 Jonson Street, Byron Bay www.drmoose.com.au

CO-WORKING IN BYRON’S VILLAGE CENTRE

Whether you need space to check emails after a surf at the beach or you want a workspace that kicks your mindset into high gear, Vali Bryon offers digital nomads

it all done. Central Byron location. Parking. Highspeed internet. 50 per cent off every 5th visit.

Book your space

02 6680 8456

1 Lateen Lane, Byron Bay 2481 reservations@valibyron.com.au

BECK THE BOOKKEEPER

It’s time to lodge your tax return. Make sure you:

•Get your maximum refund

•Don’t miss a deduction

•Understand all the jargon

•Be compliant for peace of mind

Beck the Bookkeeper specialises in individual tax returns including sole trader, Airbnb & rental schedules.

with good old fashioned service, call today to book

02 6608 4372 hello@beckthebookkeeper.com.au www.beckthebookkeeper.com.au

ww

Byron Massage Clinic

Byron Massage Clinic is a multi-modality clinic in Byron Bay.

practitioners offer Remedial massage, Bowen, Sports Massage and Relaxation Massage. They can help with pain management, injury treatment, or simply support your nervous system with relaxation. Winter couple’s special. 2 x 1 hour massages $120pp. Health fund rebates available. Open seven days. Early and late appointments available Mon–Thurs.

6/4 Bay Lane, Byron Bay 66856107 www.byronmassageclinic.com.au

Orbit Eco Dry Cleaning

Byron Bay’s Eco Friendly Dry Cleaner will professionally clean your clothing and household items using their gentle bio-degradable and non-toxic process. It’s safer for the environment and for the health of their customers and staff. Suits, coats, jackets, dresses, wedding dresses, silk, leather and suede, lounge covers, doonas, blankets and more! Gerard and Shelley look forward to welcoming you into Orbit!

Shop 3/ 130 Jonson Street Byron Bay www.orbitecodrycleaning.com.au

Ph. 1300 ORBITS (672 487)

Holistic and Integrative Psychology Services

life situations is always easier with a trusted ally at your side. The In Health Byron team can help you navigate the challenging moments of life – and help you come out stronger, wiser, and

to is important…

Connect with them today - to start your healing journey. 23/5 Easy St, Byron Bay, NSW, 2481 02 6626 6993 inhealthbyron.com.au

100% PETS

100% Pets Byron Bay is your local family owned and operated

Three Blue Ducks

Discover winter charm at The Ducks. Savour delicious, hearty mussel dishes every Thursday at ‘Mussel Night’! Enjoy a picnic basket amidst the beautiful grounds of The Farm. Indulge in their famous Sunday roast and get a generous discount with local app Pegs. The working farm provides an incredible backdrop for special events. Plus, their threeblueducks.com

11 Ewingsdale Rd, Ewingsdale

THE BOWER HOTEL SPA | INTRODUCTORY OFFER

To celebrate the opening of The Bower Hotel Spa they are offering 20 per cent off all treatments from now until 31 August. To take advantage of this offer, use code ECHO20 when booking your treatment.

Note: This offer is only applicable to hotel spa treatments. The discount is not available on the purchase of spa products.

28 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay 0404 049 914 marketing@thebowerbyronbay.com.au www.thebowerbyronbay.com.au

Sunrise Window Tinting

Top rated service and

friendly and knowledgeable team

enables them to become your pet care partner for

4/55 Centennial Cct, Byron Bay 0411 440 335

Combine huge reductions in heat, UV exposure and glare

•Tint regeneration

Father and son team with 45 years combined experience. Take advantage of their special winter offers. www.sunrisewindowtinting.com.au

3/21 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay 0412 158 478

HONEY BEE HOMES

home environment. Located in the Northern Rivers, Jo and Grescha have created a living space intimate enough for everyone to feel like it is their own home, and not a facility.

It is aged care truly reimagined. With a ratio of one carer to three residents, your loved one will experience personalised care at its best from a small experienced team they know and trust.

residents are able to feel safe and secure.

HCP and NDIS approved providers.

Contact to chat further:

enquiries@honeybeehomes.com.au

02 8088 0773 www.honeybeehomes.com.au

om.au

Good Taste

BYRON BAY

NO BONES

VEGAN KITCHEN + BAR.

BYRON BAY

11 Fletcher Street 0481 148 007

OCEAN SHORES 82 Rajah Road 0422 355 928

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.

Menu, more details –@mainstreet_burgerbar

18 Jonson Street 6680 8832

Success Thai

Open Lunch Wed–Fri 12–2.30pm. Dinner Mon–Sat 5–8pm. Closed Sunday 3/31 Lawson St, Byron Bay www.facebook.com/ pages/Success-ThaiFood/237359826303469

The Rocks Brunch 7am–1pm, every day 16 Lawson St, Byron Bay 6685 7663

Menus at therocksbyronbay.com.au

@therocksbyronbay

Eateries Guide

We are a part of a plant-based movement and invite you to join us on our expedition to save the Earth one Brussels sprout at a time.

#brusselsnotbeef

www.nobones.co

Signature cocktails, and casual dining with ocean views.

Happy Hour | Tues – Sat from 4–6pm.

$8 loft wine or lager, $10 spritzes, $14 margaritas & $30 house wine bottle

Half price deli board & $2.50 fresh oysters

Espresso Martini Nights | Tues – Sat 9pm–close, 2 for $25 Classic Espresso Martini.

Open Tuesday to Saturday 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.

Open for takeaway daily, 12 midday until dinner.

Menu and more details @mainstreet_burgerbar

‘Make a meal of it’ Add chips and a drink, just $5.

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

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

The Rocks

We have a range of freshly sourced dishes, Reverence coffee, and hand-made juices and smoothies at locals prices. Fully licensed, all-day brunch and happy hour from 11am. Check out our new dishes on Instagram!

Dinners from 5pm Thursday–Monday. Bookings highly recommended via our website. Re-opening June 29 with local, seasonal and native inspired cuisine. Connecting our community with First Nations culture through food.

Local and live music Sundays 6–8pm.

www.karkalla.com.au | @karkallabyronbay

Barrio Eatery & Bar

1 Porter Street, North Byron Mon–Wed: 7am–3pm

Thurs–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.

North Byron Liquor Merchants

61 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay Ph 6685 6500

www.northbyronhotel.com.au

Open 10am–8pm daily

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

BANGALOW

Bangalow Bread Co.

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

CELEBRATIONS BY LIZ JACKSON

Celebrations

Cakes by Liz Jackson

Secret of the Other World

It’s their fifth year of offering porridge at the farmers’ markets – and I can understand how Bronwyn and Andrew have what the former modestly describes as a ‘good following’. I watch as she artfully prepares bowls for a customer who’s requested ‘two porridges with the lot’: first the oaty base, then the drool of creamy tahini, a ladle full of glossy berries, the perfectly fanned-out slices of pear, tumble of crunchy pecans and a final slick of maple syrup. Yum!

Other World is their business name and they’ve also long been a source of glorious fruit juices and smoothies and, in summer, chia seed puddings. Indeed, their output is determined by seasonality and all their ingredients are locally sourced and certified organic where possible. Plant-based too means they are a haven for the evergrowing swell of vegans.

I ask Bronwyn if there’s a secret to their porridge and she smiles mysteriously, before conceding that it’s a blend of organic oats, chia, quinoa and coconut sugar. ‘Our winter staple,’ she says, ‘is the porridge. First thing on a chilly morning it works really well.’ She goes on to say that she and Andrew are ‘passionate about healthy and wholesome food that’s good in the belly; delicious food that we love!’ – not to mention supporting the local farmers.

Primarily a juice/smoothie business,

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

Coffee,

theirs underwent a change about ten months ago when they started at the Mullum Farmers Market. ‘We branched out of our usual mould,’ says Bronwyn, ‘and moved into a more savoury menu.’ Hence their Vegie Bowls, which change seasonally: a bed of quinoa, kale salad, fresh avocado or salsa, salad or greens, a vegetable fritter, their own tomato chutney and cashew cheese dressing over the top.

I ask Bronwyn for a porridge tip. ‘Add a little salt!’ she replies, ‘it brings out the flavour!’.

Other World is at New Brighton on Tuesdays from 8–11am and at Mullumbimby on Fridays from 7–11am.

Bronwyn & Andrew from the Other World

Good Life

Introducing the new chef at Harvest restaurant

of the Harvest team means anything in abundance can be used, not just through the restaurant, but in the precinct’s deli too, or throughout the growing Harvest pantry of preserves.

Harvest Newrybar is located in the historic village of Newrybar, at 18–22 Old Pacific Hwy. Harvest’s restaurant is open for lunch

Wednesday–Sunday, and dinner Thursday–Saturday. The deli is open seven days from 7.30am, and the gardens are open to the public to enjoy while Harvest is open, and for community events.

For more information, or to make a restaurant booking go to: harvest.com.au Follow menu updates at @ harvestnewrybar

Much-loved Northern Rivers restaurant and food destination, Harvest Newrybar has welcomed Marcello Polifrone as head chef to oversee its restaurant and overall food direction across the precinct.

Marcello brings with him a wealth of experience cooking in leading restaurants across NSW including Pilu, Quay and Sister’s Rock at Borrodell Estate. Marcello will bring his young family to Newrybar, together with his enthusiasm to cook regionally in one of Australia’s most exciting food bowls.

Marcello’s Italian heritage is seen in the new Harvest menu, but it is the local produce and lifestyle that has had the biggest impact on his dishes. ‘I’m so excited to be working so closely with what feels like the never-ending ecosystem of producers and suppliers in the Northern Rivers region,’ says the chef.

‘Already I am blown away by the access here, but what really stands out is the sense of responsibility and respect for community. Every single day I’m sent a menu of fresh wild caught seafood to choose from by Northern Rivers Seafood, with gems like 6ft long wild caught kingfish. Being able to call our lettuce grower who is only 4km away and have lettuce delivered within 30 minutes is a far cry from my experiences in Sydney.’

Last year, Harvest celebrated 15 years as a key part of the Newrybar, Byron Bay and larger Northern Rivers region. A constant in Harvest’s history has been championing the farmto-table philosophy and local producers, and this is something Marcello plans to add to.

Like many in the Northern Rivers, Harvest adapts its menu to changes in the local seasons to support the sustainability of the local ecosystem. Under Marcello’s guidance, even the Harvest gardens are changing; with Marcello

and long-time Harvest gardener, Richie La Face, working together to ensure the sharing of information with the team on daily herb picking adventures, and availability of seasonal produce to work with the restaurant’s menu.  Alongside its garden, the Harvest menu also makes use of a meat ageing room in the adjacent deli, and of course the more than 120-year-old woodfired oven that calls the former bakery its home, and which is used to cook and develop beautiful flavour across the menus of the restaurant and deli. This oven has been the centre of the community since before Harvest’s time,

offering a communal way of cooking and preserving energy and heat for the Newrybar community since the early 1900s.

On the current menu, Marcello cooks locally caught wild snapper from Yamba with South Ballina pippies, house fermented cucumbers and citrus from nearby Picone’s Orchard, and a sauce from the fish/ pippi stock that is made in-house to not only minimise waste (a baseline according to Marcello) but to also maximise what you get from that wastage to benefit the overall taste of the dish. The nimbleness

Volume 38 #05

12–18 July, 2023

Editor: Eve Jeffery

Editorial/gigs: gigs@echo.net.au

Copy deadline: 5pm each Friday

Advertising: adcopy@echo.net.au

P: 02 6684 1777

7 DAYSOFENTERTAINMENT

CIRCUS, COMEDY, WTF?!

Brunswick Picture House’s sassy season of Cheeky Cabaret is up and running!

Judging by the gasps, squeals and wide open mouths of the audience, this cast is proving to be one of the wildest the Brunswick Picture House has ever had!

A hilarious variety show with an ever-evolving group of troubadours, miscreants, delectable divas and yes, WTF showstoppers means there is something for everyone. Seven years on, it continues to titillate, make jaws drop and most importantly, lets you leave your troubles at the door and run away for a couple of hours! Think you’ve seen it all? Think again…

Throughout July – visit: brunswickpicturehouse.com.

Could you be BayFM’s next Sponsorship Manager?

We need a friendly, organised, energetic person to help the Byron business community reach its customers through BayFM. A background in sales, socials and ideally media is needed for the role

Sound like you?

W: echo.net.au/entertainment bayfm.org

This permanent part-time role is 16 station life allows. Base salary plus 10% commission on sales, plus super.

Email stationmanager@bayfm.org today for a full job description.

SPAGHETTI’S WORLD PREMIERE IS MONUMENTAL

Spaghetti Circus are proud to announce the world premiere of their new work Monumental, set for a twoweek run at The Brunswick Picture House. This punchy and poignant new work is proudly co-produced by The Brunswick Picture House and will see Spaghetti’s crazy talented Performance Troupe take their much-loved shows to a whole new level.

Monumental looks at the missing moments in history, the under-recognised achievements of scientists, social advocates, and artists.

Directed by Spenser Inwood from award-winning

A Good Catch Circus and featuring a multi-instrumental band by local musicians Melia Naughton and Sue Simpson, this show is set to impress!

Tickets to the two week season, August 16 – 27. Tix: www.brunswickpicturehouse.com.

I’m not fat, I’m bold word choice matters but fonts speak too but fonts too

GRAPHIC DESIGN, PRINT, DIGITAL, BRANDING, TUTOR

thinkblinkdesign.com

A SHOWCASE OF NORDIC CINEMA

The full 2023 Saxo Scandinavian Film Festival program, presented by Palace, has been launched with a vibrant selection set to ease the winter chill. The specially curated program of the best new cinema from the Nordic region features films from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden and will be screening nationally at Palace Cinemas, July–August

Opening the festival is the Australian premiere of Let The River Flow (Ellos eatnu - La elva leve) a story of true events that inspired a generation of young Norwegians. Writer/ director Ole Giæver’s elegant, multi award-winning drama follows a young woman who is unintentionally drawn into a protest against a dam that may flood Indigenous Sámi land.

Festival centrepiece Godland (Volaða land) is awardwinning Icelandic writer/director Hlynur Pálmason’s follow-up to his breakout hit A White, White Day and has been met with widespread critical acclaim. The stunning historical drama follows a Danish priest who embarks on a pilgrimage across a largely unexplored Iceland in the late 1800s.

The highly anticipated sequel to box office smash Darkland, Darkland: The Return is a slick dramatic thriller with a supernatural twist, and from Sweden comes Shadow Island, a pulse-pounding thriller featuring a cast of exciting new talent.

Crowned best Nordic film at the 2023 Göteborg Film Festival, Unruly is an unsettling 1930s-set drama inspired by real-life events from the notorious women’s institution on the Danish Island of Sprogø that taught ‘compliance’ to ‘morally deficient’ girls.

The 2023 Saxo Scandinavian Film Festival will screen at Palace Byron Bay, 20 July– 9 August.

Tickets from www.scandinavianfilmfestival.com

UKE MULLUM’S 12TH BIRTHDAY –HIP-HIP HOORAY!

Uke Mullum is turning 12, and the theme for this event is ‘friends’.

Get ready to embark on a musical adventure like no other as Uke Mullum proudly presents this highly anticipated celebration! It will be a night of pure joy, laughter, and lifelong friendships, presented by the eminently loveable Miss Amber and Stukulele

Prepare to unleash your inner musical merriment, delving into the magic of the ‘friends’ theme. With ukuleles in hand, strum and sing along to a specially curated ‘friends’ themed songbook, crafted to ignite your spirit and bring people together through the universal language of music.

Brace yourself for an extraordinary line-up of guest vocalists who will dazzle and inspire. Including the magnetic presences known as Miss Amber and Stukulele, and Daughter Rose, combined with the iconoclastic Jimmy Dowling, the captivating tones of Ash Bell, and the enchanting country stylings of Clelia Adams. Local Mullum Uke Club regulars Val and Erina will kick off the proceedings and all are backed by the A-team Uke Night band.

Tickets $25 at the door, or book online for $20 (plus booking fee) at https://bit.ly/Friends23.

Join the fun on Thursday, 20 July, at The Courthouse Hotel in Mullumbimby. Doors 5.30pm, show 7pm.

For more information, contact: Stukulele | Uke Mullum 0431 678 616 | stu@ukemullum.com

SOUTHERN CROSS SOLOI STS CELEBRATING 20 YEARS IN BANGALOW

The Southern Cross Soloists are about to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Bangalow Chamber Music Festival, with a thrilling program that embodies the significant achievement of presenting world-class classical music in Bangalow to audiences from all over Australia.

Last week Seven spoke to Artistic Director of the Southern Cross Soloists, Tania Frazer, about what’s happening in Bangalow in August.

What is special about this year’s event?

Without a doubt, the answer is that this is our 20th festival, which is no mean feat!

Are you excited about performing?

Both myself, and all the musicians are always excited about playing at the festival – it is the absolute highlight of our performance year!

It is always such a special treat for all the musicians to come together for a week to prepare and then perform in such a stunning destination. Part of that excitement is that each group of artists is different each year, and we don’t play together regularly, so there is an incredible artistic energy that is completely unique to every festival. The music in each program also gives us all a chance to show audiences what we can do!

Although we are a not-for-profit organisation, the Bangalow Music Festival has no public funding, so the fact we have managed to present a world-class chamber music festival for 20 years is a huge achievement, and a testament to all of the people who make it happen.

What is your top must see (or two)?

Definitely international concert pianist, Konstantin Shamray, who is making his debut at the festival this year. Konstantin is a former first prize winner at the Sydney International Piano Competition.

We also have ten other international soloists debuting this year and many old friends, such as Sydney Symphony flute soloist, Emma Sholl, so you could pretty much throw a dart and any concert you choose will be featuring an incredible virtuoso musician.

ot-for-profit organisation, ass chamber huge estament to all of e ust nal concert hamray, who at the festival is a former he Piano er nd ch y you ing an musician

Did you have a particular theme in mind this year?

Did you have a par t this Thhis fest an a d th immerse the beauty and music’s m musical t o their c

This year’s festival is all about celebration and offers the chance for audiences to immerse themselves in the sublime beauty and virtuosic artistry of chamber music’s most beloved works, performed by some of Australia’s most outstanding musical talent, who are all true masters of their craft.

Are you getting enough sleep in the lead-up?

A Are you lead a -up

So far, so good. But once we hit the twoweek lead-up, things get pretty crazy! What inspires you?

S So far, so week l Wha I’m a

I’m inspired by working alongside such an extraordinary group of world-class musicians. My aim with the festival is to create something that could stand alongside the best music festivals in the world, and this year’s guest artists certainly fit the brief! www.southernxsoloists.com

CINEMA GIG GUIDE

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

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

WEDNESDAY 12

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, DAN HANNAFORD

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 5PM JACK BILLMAN

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY,

6PM THE GIN BUGGS

BANGALOW BOWLO 7.30PM

BANGALOW BRACKETS OPEN MIC

METROPOLE, LISMORE, 7PM

LIVE POETS

THURSDAY 13

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, MARSHALL OKELL DUO

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY,

5PM MATT DAY, 8PM CHRIS

DEL MAR, 9PM LUCID SAFARI

BYRON THEATRE 6PM BRIGHT

LIGHT JULY 2023 SCHOOL

HOLIDAYS WORKSHOP

PERFORMANCE

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY,

6PM KANE MUIR + DJ KIRA

SUNDAY

KARKALLA, BYRON BAY,

6.30PM WOMEN’S, NON-

BINARY, TRANS OPEN MIC

NIGHT HEADLINER GRACE

HOGAN

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM

BRIAN WATT

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE

HOUSE 7PM CHEEKY

CABARET

LENNOX HOTEL 8PM JAM

NIGHT

THE LEVEE, LISMORE, 5PM

ROYAL DUCK

MARY G’S, LISMORE, 9PM

KARAOKE

FRIDAY 14

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY,

THE WHISKEYS

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY,

8PM RAGGA JUMP

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM OLE FALCO + DJ SIMBA

HOWL & MOAN, BYRON BAY,

7PM THE SEA BENZ, FLY

AGARIC & JOE CONROY

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 7.30PM

WEAR THE FOX HAT

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE

HOUSE 7PM CHEEKY

CABARET

WANDANA BREWING CO.,

MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM DJ PAPA

BITCHO

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

CLUB LENNOX 7PM ADAM

BROWN

LENNOX HOTEL HOTEL STAGE

8.30PM HARRY NICHOLS

BAND

BALLINA RSL LEVEL ONE

10AM DEAN DOYLE WITH

SOPHISTICATION MORNING

MELODIES, BOARDWALK 5PM

KO WALKER

SHAWS BAY HOTEL, BALLINA,

6PM BEN WHITING

MARY G’S, LISMORE, 6.30PM

LUKE VASSELLA + DJ CAWS

METROPOLE, LISMORE, 7.30PM SARAH GRANT BAND

+ DJ DEEP FRYER

THE CITADEL, MURWILLUMBAH, 7.30PM THE SHINING HOUR

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS

5PM GREGG PETERSON

TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 8PM RHYTHMS OF IRELAND

SATURDAY 15

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, THE TYLER DURDENS

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY,

3PM LUKE BENNETT, 6PM

LIFE IS A MYTH, 8.30PM DJ

JAMIE LOWE, 10.30PM DJ

FAUVE SCOTT

BYRON THEATRE 2PM

BRIGHT LIGHTS – 20TH

ANNIVERSARY SHOW

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM ANIMAL VENTURA + DJ

REIF + DJ ZAC EWING

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4.30PM

PUSH + JOCK BARNES

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE

HOUSE 4PM & 7PM CHEEKY

CABARET

WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 3.30PM DJ MATTY P

CLUB LENNOX 7PM 3 PLAY

LENNOX HOTEL HOTEL STAGE

8.30PM LENNOX GROOVE ‘TURNED UP’ FT. THE TRYOUTS

SHAWS BAY HOTEL, BALLINA, 6PM YHAN LEAL

BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK

7PM PINK ZINC

HOTEL ILLAWONG, EVANS HEAD, 7PM HILLBILLY SKANK TRIO

ELTHAM HOTEL BONES AND JONES

METROPOLE, LISMORE,

7.30PM AMENDS + JACOB +

DAHLIA + DJ FRXSTY

MARY G’S, LISMORE, 9PM THE ROCHELLE LEES BAND

MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES

CLUB 6PM LEIGH JAMES

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS

5PM JASON DELPHIN

TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 8PM ASHES TO ASHES – THE DAVID BOWIE EXPERIENCE

PASTURE & CO., CURRUMBIN

VALLEY, 11AM TIN PARLOUR CHINDERAH TAVERN 2.30PM CHINDY CHEERS

COOLANGATTA HOTEL 8PM

THY ART IS MURDER

SUNDAY 16

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, FELICITY LAWLESS DUO BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 1PM BEN WALSH, 4.30PM LATE FOR WOODSTOCK

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4PM

PASIFLOREZ

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE

HOUSE 2PM LIL’ CHEEKY, 6PM CHEEKY CABARET

KARKALLA, BYRON BAY, 5.30PM JOSH LEE HAMILTON

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM DAN HANNAFORD + DJ KAI

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

WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 3.30PM DJ ARUANDA

CLUB LENNOX 3PM TIM

STOKES

BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK

2.30PM BALLINA BLUES

CLUB WITH THE SOREN CARLBERGG QUARTET AND SWEET FELICIA

SHAWS BAY HOTEL, BALLINA, 3PM PINK ZINC

THE LEVEE, LISMORE, 4PM TAHLIA COBY

KNOX PARK, MURWILLUMBAH, 10AM WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY FESTIVAL

UKI MARKET, BILL JACOBI’S ROGUE ELEMENTS. BILL JACOBI AND NICK CHURKIN + PETER HADDOCK WITH SPECIAL GUEST ROBBIE

RENFREW

SOUNDLOUNGE, CURRUMBIN, 4PM THE RADIATORS

MONDAY 17

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, GUY KACHEL

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6.30PM KELLY BROUHAHA

TUESDAY 18

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, LEIGH JAMES

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6.30PM KAYAL

TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 11AM SONGS OF THE SEVENTIES

WEDNESDAY 19

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, WILL CLIFT

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6.30PM JAKE HILL

BANGALOW BOWLO 7.30PM

BANGALOW BRACKETS OPEN MIC

BALLINA FAIR CINEMAS IS NOW PART OF THE PALACE CINEMAS FAMILY

Palace say they are proud to be preserving Ballina’s cherished community cinema, where they’ll continue bringing exceptional movie experiences to Ballina audiences.

And this week at Ballina the school holidays reign supreme with Elemental, Spider-Man: Across the SpiderVerse and The Little Mermaid

In Byron Bay there’s a real treat this week; a film that came for the fabulous French Film Festival and stayed. Driving Madeleine (Une belle course) is a 2022 FrenchBelgian drama film directed by Christian Carion. The film stars Line Renaud as 92 year-old Madeleine who is leaving her suburban home to enter an aged-care facility on the other side of Paris; en route, she asks taxi driver Charles (Dany Boon) to take a detour.

Charles knows it will be a good fare when he picks her up and is everything from annoyed, to amused, to tender when he finds she is in no hurry to reach her new home and asks him to go via various locations around the city that have been significant in her life.

This warm and wonderful film is basically a two-person show, the rest of the cast blending in and out of the action seamlessly, more props than characters, only because the performance of Renaud and Boon is so riveting and space consuming, there’s no room to acknowledge anyone else.

Extraordinarily, Renaud’s performance is of a woman her actual age – many nonagenarian’s would struggle to leave the house each day and she must be acknowledged for her stellar contribution to this film. This film does wend its way to an inevitable and reasonably predictable conclusion, but as with life, it’s the journey in this film and not the destination that leaves it mark.

A seemingly simple taxi ride across Paris evolves into a profound meditation on the realities of the driver, whose personal life is in shambles, and his fare, an elderly woman whose warmth belies her shocking past. Go and see it – just go!

Driving Madeleine screens at Palace Byron this week.

Mungo MacCallum’s Crossword #499

Robo from the Rich

Cryptic Clues

ACROSS

1. For every English politician, a conservative brief (10)

6. Messy shop, but upmarket (4)

10. End tale involving the proper way to eat spaghetti (2,5)

11. Worlds plot with aliens (7)

12. Say, look at alien shores for fish (9)

13. G’day – put back start of tennis match (3,2)

14. Lady Bjelke-Petersen, painter of flowers (5)

15. Applies water vapour to joint on liner (9)

17. Partner in a Nazi ring – American spies back alien (9)

20. Delay – like a sailor, perhaps? (5)

21. Really trendy, the Spanish pub (5)

23. I hate rock group, whether it’s Globe or Jerusalem (9)

25. Make a noise over time – surprise! (7)

26. Quarter a circle – getting close (7)

27. Eager for broken knee (4)

28. Work out put below the platform (10)

DOWN

1. Packhams or avocadoes? Report doubles (5)

2. Radio star re-emerged – could become hot! (9)

3. A calm column, mug – analysis for me (5,9)

4. Three French, three directions for locks (7)

5. One poster designed for a smart reply (7)

7. Frank is done with time (6)

8. Quiet little dog – but they say shoo! (4,5)

9. Newton, Gauss, Einstein – this maniac team assembled (14)

14. Showy footballer – it keeps returning (9)

16. Damage counterfeit coin with a small instrument (9)

18. A group performing without restraint (7)

19. Two specialists – English understanding (7)

22. A bird the French name (5)

24. A rim – 500 moved cautiously (5)

STARS BY LILITH

With the Sun in the sign of ancestors, family and heredity, this week’s ripe for the wisdom of some departed stars who have gone ahead, and other elders still among us.

Quick Clues ACROSS

1. Brusque (10)

6. High-class (4)

10. Still firm after cooking (2,5)

11. They orbit a star (7)

12. Upright-swimming, tiny fishes (9)

13. Ask someone for money (3,2)

14. Plants of a particular region (5)

15. Large self-propelled boat (9)

17. Colleague (9)

20. Linger (5)

21. Watering hole (5)

23. Edible bud of a variety of thistle (9)

25. Startle (7)

26. Approaching (7)

27. Ardent (4)

28. Comprehend (10)

DOWN

1. Sweet, juicy fruits (5)

2. They cool the engine (9)

3. Famed Echo crossword compiler (5,9)

4. Ringlets (7)

5. Retort (7)

7. Undisguised (6)

8. US footwear brand (4,5)

9. Numbers men or women (14)

14. Vivid remembrance of a past event (9)

16. Blues harp (9)

18. Desert (7)

19. Friendly agreement between two countries (7)

22. Championship (5)

24. Sidled (5)

Last week’s solution #498

APOL LOBEHEMOTH ROVOOIR

DIN OSAURMENTOR

MTEEAL BRIEFCASESRU LE ORATE

ISISREALESTATE ENSAE

ASTONISHEDAPSE BVEPT

BATSOUTERSPACE RCRYRA BOLEROPORPOISE MNUEOVE CARESSESCREASE

According to the recent Royal Commission, nearly half a million Australians received false Robodebt notices. Welfare recipients – people living in poverty, were criminalised by an automated debt-recovery system that left people to dispute a debt they never had. The system used to calculate the debt was wrong. It caused enormous harm to hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people. For some, the pressure was so great, they took their own life. Others may have got their money back but have had no acknowledgement of the personal harm that Robodebt caused them at the time, and possibly may cause in the future when they might want to buy a home or need a line of credit.

Jenny Miller lost her 27-year-old son to suicide when Centrelink told him he owed $28, 000. He was bombarded with daily calls and letters from Centrelink and debt collectors, and his mother believes this pushed him over the edge. I find this impossible to get my head around; right now, one in three big corporations pay no tax. More than half of the mining, energy and water companies paid no income tax in 2020–21. In a story about tax avoidance in The Guardian from eight months ago, those companies included Adani Mining Pty Ltd, one AGL entity, Alcoa Australian Holdings, Ampol, Anglo American Australia, ExxonMobil Australia, two Glencore entities, a Peabody Australia holding company, Santos, two Shell energy entities, Whitehaven coal, Woodside Petroleum and Yancoal Australia.

Chevron, one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies, with headquarters in the US has been present in Australia for almost 70 years. They paid a total of $30 income tax for 2020–21, despite having a total income of $9.1 billion and a taxable income of $113 million.

How can a coal and gas giant pay $30 in tax and get away with it, while a

ARIES: ‘Technology is not going to save us. Our computers, our tools, our machines are not enough. We have to rely on our intuition, our true being. We all have to find what best fosters the flowering of our humanity in this contemporary life, and dedicate ourselves to that.’ Aries mythologist, Joseph Campbell.

TAURUS: ‘This is a dark time. If the world is to be healed through human efforts, I am convinced it will be by ordinary people, people whose love for this life is even greater than their fear. Grace happens when we act with others on behalf of our world’. Taurean author and environmental activist, Joanna Macy.

GEMINI: ‘There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of birds, the ebb and flow of tides, the folded bud ready for spring. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature – the assurance that dawn comes after the night and spring after the winter.’ Gemini conservationist, Rachael Carson.

single person on Centrelink was issued fines of $28K? How can vulnerable people living in poverty be told they owe more than a gas company? How can they end up killing themselves while corporations make a killing?

Introduced in 2016 by then Minister for Social Services, Christian Porter, this automated debt recovery scheme was capable of issuing debt notices at 20, 000 a week. From 2016 to 2019 the Robodebt scheme issued more than half a million inaccurate Centrelink debt-recovery notices through ‘income averaging’. This has since been ruled unlawful. Those who disputed the debts imposed on them were then asked to prove they didn’t owe it. Scott Morrison, former PM and then leader of the government that endorsed this scheme, has rejected adverse findings made against him. In a 990 page report Commissioner Holmes says the scheme was plagued by collusion and dishonesty in concealing its unlawfulness.

It’s the most blatant example of a government weaponising the

CANCER: ‘To be loved is a privilege and prize equivalent to being born. If you’re smart, you pause regularly to bask in the astonishing knowledge that there are many people out there who care for you and want you to thrive and hold you in their thoughts with fondness.’ Cancerian astrologer and musician, Rob Breszny.

LEO: ‘Empowering women means trusting them. For real change, we need feminine energy in the management of the world. We need a critical number of women in positions of power, and we need to nurture the feminine energy in men. Peace requires everyone to be in the circle – wholeness, inclusion.’ Leonian author, Isabel Allende.

VIRGO: ‘When I am among the trees… they give off such hints of gladness. It’s simple, they say, and you too have come into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled with light, and to shine. It is a serious thing just to be alive on this fresh morning in this broken world.’ Virgoan poet, Mary Oliver.

LIBRA: ‘Yes, there is tremendous suffering all over the world, but knowing this need not paralyze us. Worrying does not accomplish anything, your anxiety will only make things worse. If we don’t know how to breathe, smile, and live our life deeply, we will never be able to help anyone.’ Libran Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh.

SCORPIO: ‘If you can fill the journey of a minute / With sixty seconds worth of wonder and delight / Then the Earth is yours and everything that’s in it / But more than that, I know you’ll be all right.’ Scorpio singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, based on the poem ‘If’ by Rudyard Kipling.

SAGITTARIUS: ‘My heartfelt wish is that you and I, and everyone around the world, will continue expanding our hearts and minds while celebrating our differences and ridding ourselves of any form of discrimination. This, I believe is a basic requirement for peace within ourselves and in our societies.’ Sagittarian performance artist, Tina Turner.

welfare system. It makes me wonder if the sudden enthusiasm for upping everyone’s support payments during covid wasn’t some sort of economic contrition?

People have been paid back, but it’s not enough. The people who took their lives are gone. There will be class actions to come. The cruelty at the heart of Robodebt can’t be restituted by money alone. It goes deep to the heart of our sense of fairness and our need to call out a system that criminalises the poor.

So I have a suggestion. Let’s apply the same brutal debt recovery software to corporations and the super wealthy. Let’s garnish substantial sums of money from their bank accounts. Let’s force them to sit on the phone for accumulated months, pushing buttons, while they wait for an operator who has the authority to allocate an appeal number. Let’s calculate and recover the real debt owed to this country. Let’s call it: Robo from the Rich.

And while we’re at it, let’s get rid of that annoying liability called Scott Morrison. Maybe it’s time to go home, Scott, and ask Jenny what to say to a mum who lost her son to a government lie.

CAPRICORN: ‘Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity. We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.’ Capricorn civil rights activist, Martin Luther King Jnr.

AQUARIUS: ‘We have at our disposal a great language, and the imaginative, creative use of that language can be at the service of humour. Political correctness means nothing to me. It’s the new Puritanism, darling. Preventing us from expressing ourselves. I discuss things in a realistic manner.’ Aquarian satirist, Barry Humphries.

PISCES: ‘Mechanical voices, radios, telephones, take the place of human intimacies, and the concept of being in touch with millions brings a greater and greater poverty in intimacy and human vision. This is the illusion which might cheat us of being in touch deeply with the one breathing next to us.’ Piscean author, Anais Nin.

How can a coal and gas giant pay $30 in tax and get away with it, while a single person on Centrelink was issued fines of $28K? How can vulnerable people living in poverty be told they owe more than a gas company?

1/9 EASY STREET, BYRON BAY GROUND FLOOR, SINGLE LEVEL APARTMENT

Katrina Beohm 0467 001 122

katrina@kbrealestate.com.au kbrealestate.com.au

BYRON BAY | BALLINA | LISMORE

Magazine

Issue 1 out Wednesday 2nd August!

The Echo Property Magazine is a brand new monthly magazine, which will be inserted and distributed with all 24,500 copies of The Echo, on the first Wednesday of each month.

A full gloss magazine, measuring 235mm wide by 275mm high, it will offer the best value and most effective reach for property advertisers in the region. Spanning the Byron, Ballina, Lismore and Tweed shires, The Echo offers the largest circulation by far.

Advertising properties for sale across the Northern Rivers, Echo Property Magazine will be a go to real estate guide for readers each month. It will also feature on The Echo’s highly trafficked website www.echo.net.au as a digital magazine which will include hyperlinks to your website. The Echo online averages 137,500 unique visitors monthly!

AUGUST ISSUE OUT WEDNESDAY 2ND

Distributed on the first Wednesday of each month.

BOOKING DEADLINE: Midday Thursday 13 July

COPY DEADLINE: Midday Tuesday 18 July

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: adcopy@echo.net.au or 6684 1777

AUCTION 22ND JULY

3/72 Harbour Way, Brunswick Heads

AUCTION

The perfect retreat in the heart of Brunswick Heads with our stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom ground floor unit. Recently renovated. Convenience is key! Just a short stroll from town, the boat harbour, and the picturesque river, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips. Explore the charming boutique shops, indulge in the local cuisine, relax in the famous Bruns pub beer garden and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Brunswick Heads.

AUCTION AUCTION

21 3

So much on offer and an unbeatable location, super motivated sellers

View Saturday 11–11.30am

Auction Saturday 22nd July

Contact Peter Browning 0411 801 795

12/1 Langi Place, Ocean Shores

AUCTION

Urgent Sale! Don’t miss this prime opportunity! Stunning east-facing unit with breathtaking white water views, and direct sightlines of Byron Lighthouse. Awake each day to captivating sunrises from your private deck. Nestled adjacent to the prestigious Ocean Shores Golf Club, this property is a golfer’s paradise. In-demand location, sought-after views. Available for auction on July 22nd.

2.52 3

quickly! Register for auction today!

View Saturday 12–12.30pm

Auction Saturday 22nd July

Contact Peter Browning 0411 801 795

Jordan Byrnes 0475 309 530

AUCTION AUCTION

2/38 Mullumbimbi Street, Brunswick Heads

AUCTION

View Saturday 12–12.30pm

Auction Saturday 22nd July

Attention all buyers and investors! Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a truly captivating 1.5 bedroom apartment in the heart of Brunswick Heads. Steeped in charm and character, this gem exudes the irresistible nostalgia of yesteryear while seamlessly incorporating all the modern conveniences of today. Boasting a north-facing deck, bask in the warmth of the sun. With urgency in the air, the sellers are focused on the property being SOLD before or on auction day, offering a rare chance to secure this apartment. Embrace the idyllic lifestyle, where old-world allure meets contemporary living. Act swiftly and be part Brunswick Heads paradise.

Contact Peter Browning 0411 801 795

1/3 Nunyar Court, Ocean Shores

AUCTION

Going once, going twice... This 3-bed, 2-bath North facing unit could soon be yours! Spectacular blue water ocean views from a generous deck will steal your breath away.

retreat. The best part? It’s a blank canvas. Bring your vision, your style, your touch. Imagine the potential! Renovate and innovate to elevate the value of your investment.

this chance to create the oceanfront home of your dreams. Be quick - this property will be SOLD in a blink.

View Saturday 1–1.30pm

Auction Saturday 22nd July

Contact Jordan Byrnes 0475 309 530

An exceptional top-level business and commercial opportunity, this extremely successful tourist resort offers excellent value. Prime location, only 3 minutes from the airport, close to many tourist attractions and a leisurely walk to the main shopping precinct. Large freehold property and business on multiple titles.

• 50 well-appointed rooms

• Restaurant and cocktail bar

• Swimming pool with large sunbed deck

• Conference facilities

• BBQ and poolside picnic table

• Modern managers residence

• 3 Separate titles

Harcourts Northern Rivers

• 94 Mellis Cct, Alstonville. Sat 9–9.30am

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

• 2 Spinnaker Cres, West Ballina. Sat 10–10.30am

• 43 Bentinck St, Ballina. Sat 10–10.30am

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

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

• 150 Burnett St, Ballina. Sat 11–11.30am

• 2/5 Henry Philp Ave, Ballina. Sat 11–11.30am

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

•

•

• 11 Waranga Cres, Burringbar. Sat 1–1.30pm

Century 21

• 3/33-35 Green St, Alstonville. Sat 9–9.30am

• 433 Koonorigan Rd, Koonorigan. Sat 11–11.30am

First National Byron Bay

• 160 Reardons Ln, Swan Bay. Thurs 11am–12pm

• 53 Fig Tree Hill Dr, Lennox Head. Thurs 2–2.30pm

• 69 Lilli Pilli Dr, Byron Bay. Thurs 3–3.30pm

• 2/5 Chinbible Ave, Mullumbimby. Fri 10–10.30am

• 103 Goonengerry Mill Rd, Goonengerry. Fri 1–1.30pm

• 41 Gordon St, Mullumbimby. Fri 1–1.30pm

• 2 Coachwood Ct, Federal. Fri 2–2.30pm

• 45 Myocum Ridge Rd, Myocum. Sat 9–9.30am

• 3/75 Stewart St, Lennox Head. Sat 9.30–10am

• 18 Ridgeland Cl, Boat Harbour. Sat 10-10.30am

• 69 Lilli Pilli Dr, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

• 64 Sunrise Blvd, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

• 2/5 Chinbible Ave, Mullumbimby. Sat 10–10.30am

• 36 Warrambool Rd, Ocean Shores. Sat 10.30–11am

• 41 Gordon St, Mullumbimby. Sat 11–11.30am

• 17/58 Armstrong St, Suffolk Park. Sat 11–11.30am

• 12 Brandon St, Suffolk Park. Sat 11–11.30am

• 103 Goonengerry Mill Rd, Goonengerry. Sat 11–11.30am

• 75 Butler St, Byron Bay. Sat 11–11.30am

• 26 Oakland Ct, Byron Bay. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 2 Coachwood Ct, Federal. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 53 Fig Tree Hill Dr, Lennox Head. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 30 MacGregor St, Suffolk Park. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 85 Arthur Rd, Corndale. Sat 1–1.30pm

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

• 50a Presentation Cres, Cumbalum. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 50b Presentation Cres, Cumbalum. Sat 12–12.30pm

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

• 7 Crandon Ct, Goonellabah. Sat 12.30–1pm

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

LJ Hooker Brunswick Heads

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

• 12/1 Langi Pl, Ocean Shores. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 3/72 Harbour Wy, Brunswick Heads. Sat 1–1.30pm

• 1/3 Nunyar Ct, Ocean Shores. Sat 1–1.30pm

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

Mana Real Estate

• 1477 Kyogle Rd, Uki. Wed 11am–12pm

• 2a Oba Pl, Ocean Shores. Sat 9–9.30am

• 59 Riverview St, Murwillumbah. Sat 9.30–10am

• 2 Clifford St, South Golden Beach. Sat 10–10.30am

• 66 Castle Field Dr, Murwillumbah. Sat 10.30–11am

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

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

• 86 Castle Field Dr, Murwillumbah. Sat 11.30–12pm

• 3 Narooma Dr, Ocean Shores. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 20 Rosewood Ct, Lakewood. Sat 11am–12pm

• 20 Rosewood Ct, Lakewood. Sun 11am–12pm

Tim Miller Real Estate

• 4-6 George St, Bangalow. Sat 9.15–9.45am

• 5 Gumtree Pl, Bangalow. Sat 10–10.30am

• 12 Ivory Curl Pl, Bangalow. Sat 10.45–11.15am

• 447 Eltham Rd, Eltham. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 146 Cameron Rd, McLeans Ridges. Sat 1–1.30pm

McGrath Byron Bay

• 78 Owenia Wy, Broken Head. Wed 4–4.30pm

• 10 Banksia Pl, Mullumbimby. Fri 1.30–2pm

• 16/3 Pecan Ct, Suffolk Park. Sat 9–9.30am

• 20 Wallaby Cl, Ewingsdale. Sat 9.45-10.15am

• 151 Burnetts Rd, Nashua. Sat 10–10.30am

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

• 5/174 Fowlers Ln, Bangalow. Sat 10.45–11.15am

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

• 680 Cawongla Rd, Larnook. Sat 11am–11.30am

• 78 Owenia Wy, Broken Head. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 58A Paterson St, Byron Bay Sat 11.45am–12.15pm

North Coast Lifestyle Mullumbimby

• 414 Main Arm Rd, Mullumbimby. Sat 11–11.45am

North Coast Lifestyle Brunswick

• 6/20 Fingal St, Brunswick Heads. Sat 9–9.30am

• 2 Kiah Cl, Ocean Shores. Sat 10–10:30am

• 11 Riverside Cres Brunswick Heads. Sat 10–10.30am

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

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

Ray White Byron Bay

• 48 Jacaranda Dr, Byron Bay. Thurs 11–11.30am

• 31 Beachcomber Dr, Byron Bay. Thurs 12–12.30pm

• 109-111 Broken Head Rd, Suffolk Park. Thurs 1–1.30pm

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

• 31 Beachcomber Dr, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

• 109-111 Broken Head Rd, Suffolk Park. Sat 10–10.30am

• 65 Currawong Wy, Ewingsdale. Sat 11–11.30am

• 48 Jacaranda Dr, Byron Bay. Sat 11–11.30am

• 39 Belongil Cres, Byron Bay. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 429 Wilsons Creek Rd, Wilsons Creek. Sat 11–11.30am

• 4 Argyle St, Mullumbimby. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 13 Argyle St, Mullumbimby. Sat 1–1.30pm

Real Estate of Distinction

• 35-37 Edwards Ln, Kynnumboon. Fri 10.30–11am

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

Ruth Russell Realty

• 54 Main Arm Rd Mullumbimby. Sat 11–11.45 am

Service Directory

Garden & Property Maintenance....41

Gas Suppliers................................41

Graphic Design..............................41

Guttering......................................42

Handypersons...............................42

Health..........................................42

Hire..............................................42

Insurance......................................42

Landscape Supplies.......................42

Landscaping .................................42

Locksmith.....................................42

Painting........................................42

Pest Control..................................42

Photography.................................42

Physiotherapy...............................42

Picture Framing............................42

Plastering.....................................42

Plumbers......................................42

Pool Services.................................42

Removalists..................................42

Roofing.........................................43

Rubbish Removal..........................43

Self Storage..................................43

Septic Systems..............................43

Solar Installation..........................43

Television Services........................43

Tiling............................................43

Transport......................................43

Tree Services.................................43

Upholstery....................................43

Valuers.........................................43

Veterinary Surgeons......................43

Water Filters.................................43

Water Services..............................43

Welding........................................43

Window Cleaning and Repairs.......43

Window Tinting............................43

Writing Services............................43

PLEASE CALL 6680 9394

B Timbs Painting B Timbs

Byron Coast Removals

The Water Filter Experts

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.

TREATMENT ROOMS FOR HIRE Pura Vida, Brunswick Heads 0418337508

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.

TRADEWORK

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.

PUBLIC NOTICES

KINESIOLOGY

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

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

CLASSIFIEDS THAT WORK ALL WEEK!

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

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

CLEARANCE

TREE SERVICES

Leaf it to us 4x4 truck/chipper, crane truck, stump grinding. Local, qualified, insured, free quotes. 0402487213

MOTOR VEHICLES

MAZDA CX-9 20124WD 12 mths rego to 28/06/2024, grey, new tyres, electric and heated seats, bluetooth audio, towbar, 7-seater, plenty of power and space, 270,000kms. $12,000 ono. Ph 0409324724

CARAVANS

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

POSITIONS

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

WANTED BLACKBEAN SEED

Clean, dry seeds wanted. Call us on 0266884208 to register as a supplier. Min. 100kg/delivery. 500kg can be picked up. Payment $2.25 per kg

Paid within 7 days of delivery!

Oud’s Amazone

LOCAL REMOVAL

VACANT

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

Firewood

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

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

Positions

our Community Enforcement team. See ad on page 19 for details.

PROF. SERVICES

DENTURES

LOOK GOOD FEEL GOOD

Free consultation. SANDRO 66805002

HEALTH

HYPNOSIS & EFT

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

Maureen Bracken 0402205352

003 301 crystalsanddreaming.com.au

Mindfulness

Bring greater focus, clarity and calm into your workplace.

Certified Mindfulness

Educator Paul Bibby 0401 926 090

GARAGE SALES

FOR SALE

CLOSING DOWN SALE

COMMERCIAL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT

Half price onsite sale at Elixiba from 9am–5pm Wednesday 12 July, 10/23 Jonson Street, Byron Bay Stainless steel 2m island bench with upper and lower shelving $2,000.

Ice machine $3k. Bar pump $500. Glass dishwasher $950. Big pass-through dishwasher $700. Beer fridge $1,800. Cash drawer $50. Small freezer $100. Kitchen 3 door fridge $1,500 Fryer $500. Stove $3,000.

Big pots $20, small pots $5, frying pans

Sales Get your firewood early MARK - 0427490038 Could poetry ever be a matter for calculation? Could chess be inspired by a Muse? In this story two very White Horses and Dark Knights David Lovejoy’s book is available at The Echo 0427 347 380 Fully insured • Free quotes 20 years local experience • 19 inch chipper • Stump grinding • Cherry picker • Crane truck • Bob Cat • FULLY INSURED • PROFESSIONAL SERVICE • FREE QUOTES 0 4 0 2 3 6 4 8 5 2 0402 364 852 Byron Bay & Surrounding Areas & Areas 6681 3140 Mobile 0417 698 227 Mobile • Arborist • 15” Wood • • Chipper • Stump Grinder • Grinder • Fully Insured • Insured HYPNOSIS & NLP www.wendypurdey.com Make profound changes in your life. Achieve personal goals and reach your true potential within every aspect of your life. Call Wendy 0497 090 233 Tip Runs & Rubbish Removal 0408 210 772 Call Sh ahi do 6688 2494 Shahido O sho Meditation Osho and Celebration and 2 Day event 2 Day event Saturd ay 15 & Sund ay 16 Jul y Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 July (9am O s ho Sats ang both d ays) Osho Satsang both days) 10am bre akfa s t l unch 1pm 10am breakfast, lunch 1pm. 11am variou s O s ho me di tation s various Osho meditations to 3pm to 3pm. 5pm Guru Purnima cel ebration Guru Purnima celebration (Sat) wi th li ve mu s i c with live music. 6pm O s ho Vi d eo Osho Video. 7pm Dinner (Sat) Dinner (Sat). Sun d ay variou s O s ho me di tation s Sunday various Osho meditations.

$10. Outside chairs or tables $15 each. Any other miscellaneous benches and equipment at best offer. For further details or if you miss the date, please phone Ray 0418610059

Residents of Tallowood are hosting a community garage sale day on Sat 15 July, 8am–2pm. Serious treasure hunters won't want to miss this, multiple garage sales all in the one place. Find yourself some pre-loved bargains or get involved! Maps will be available on the day at the kids playground or on the Facebook page: Tallowood Garage Sale Day 116 STUART ST, MULLUM Sat 9–11am. Clothes, jewellery, 3 h/holds combined.

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

• The Art of Paper & Print - Mon 17th July

• Plant Life Drawing 1 - Tues 18th July

• English Skills For Work & Study 2 - Tues 18th July

• English Skills For Work & Study - Weds 19th July

• The Art of Juxtaposition 1 - Weds 19th July

• Breathing The Land 1 - Thurs 20th July

• Introduction to Floristry - Fri 21st July

• Grow Harvest & Store - Sat 22nd July

Rides

Full

We are currently adding multiple new exciting attractions and undertaking major upgrades to other attractions at our parks. We are expanding our ride start up, shutdown and rebuild teams and are looking for experienced tradespeople to work with us. Your duties will include routine safety checks, preventative maintenance and rebuilds of some of Australia’s most exciting attractions. A minimum Cert III in Mechanical Trade is essential.

For further details or to apply please visit https://careers.villageroadshow.com.au/ en/listing/

Byron Dog Rescue (CAWI)

5-year-old desexed female

English Staffy x Ridgeback ‘Nala’ is looking for a forever home.

Strong, loving, playful, big-beautiful-eyed Nala needs patience & stability due to past trauma and resulting mistrust.

NAL A NALA

She’s good with children, cats and cows. She gets very excited around other big dogs and suffers fear aggression. Nala needs a loving but firm handler who can provide her with further training and socialisation.

Please contact Shell on 0458 461 935.

MC: 991001000924234

Adobe Tutorin

Experienced

• Photoshop

• Indesign

• Illustrator

contact@thinkblinkdesign.com www.thinkblinkdesign.com

MUSICAL NOTES

SOCIAL

LOTS

LIBERALLY SPILLING THE INK SINCE 1986

Zephyr is a 1 year old, Koolie X. He is full of energy and loves to run and play and learn new things. He would suit an active household or family with older kids, preferably on acreage. He is incredibly friendly with other dogs.

Z E P H Y R ZEPHYR

M/C # 991003001704113

For more information, please call Yvette on 0421 831 128

Please complete our online adoption expression of interest at: friendsofthepound.com/adoptionexpression-of-interest/

Visit friendsofthepound.com to view other dogs and cats looking for a home.

ABN 83 126 970 338

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

AMBULANCE, FIRE, POLICE 000

AMBULANCE Mullumbimby & Byron Bay 131 233

POLICEBrunswick Heads .......................................................... 6629 7510 Mullumbimby 6629 7570 Byron Bay 6685 9499 Bangalow 6629 7500

STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE Storm & tempest damage, flooding 132 500

BRUNSWICK VALLEY RESCUE Primary rescue 6685 1999

BRUNSWICK MARINE RADIO TOWER 6685 0148

BYRON CENTRAL HOSPITAL 6639 9400

BYRON COUNCIL: EMERGENCY AFTER HOURS 6622 7022

NEIGHBOURHOOD

Oak is a gorgeous example of a silver tabby. He’s a complete smooch, full of kitten excitement & to complement him is his sister, Ash. Beautifully socialised & ready for your love, Oak & Ash are waiting to be firmly planted into a loving family where they will continue to grow & thrive.

To meet Oak & Ash, please visit the Cat Adoption Centre at 124 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby.

OPEN: Tues 2.30–4.30pm, Thurs 3–5pm Sat 10am–12 noon Call AWL on 0436 845 542

Two year old ANJULI is a retired mother. “Been there - done that!” So she has perfected the skills of being both loving and affectionate. A happy cat with a big, wide eyed gaze as she seeks a human family of her own. She’s on the look out so beat the rush and give us a call.

A little angel just waiting for you.

All cats are desexed, vaccinated and microchipped. No: 95301000642476

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

& CATS)

But words are things, and a small drop of ink, Falling like dew, upon a thought, produces That which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think...

Community at Work

Regular As Clockwork

DEADLINE NOON FRIDAY

Please note that, owing to space restrictions, not all entries may be included each week. Email copy marked ‘Regular As Clockwork’ to editor@echo.net.au.

Mullumbimby District Neighbourhood Centre

Mullumbimby & District

Neighbourhood Centre is open

Monday–Friday 9.30am–4pm (closed from 12.30–1.30pm for lunch). We offer a variety of servics. Everyone is welcome. Call reception on 6684 1286. Some of our services include:

Flood Recovery Support Service: personalised, long-term support for those impacted by the floods. Community support: Food parcels, meals, showers, assistance with electricity bills. Work Development Orders.

Listening Space: free counselling. Free Yoga: every Tuesday 3–4pm. More Than A Meal: Free Community lunch Tuesday–Friday 1.30–1.30.

Financial Counselling Staying Home, Leaving Violence program. Information, referral, and advocacy

Gulganii affordable pantry shop: located at 3 Bridgeland Lane

Orange Sky: Free laundry service Mon morning & Tue afternoon

To enquire about accessing any of these services call reception 6684 1286, check our website www.mdnc.org.au, or follow us on Facebook or Instagram. @ mullumbimbyneighbourhoodcentre

Byron Community Centre

Byron Community Centre

The Byron Community Centre provides community services and programs including meals, advocacy and counselling for locals in need. Fletcher Street Cottage: A welcoming, safe and respectful space where people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness can come to get practical relief opportunities, find connections and access broader support. Fletcher Street Cottage services are open Monday–Friday. Breakfast: Monday–Friday, 7am–9am. Showers and Laundry: Monday–Friday, 7am–12pm. Office Support: Monday–Friday, 9am - 12pm. Support Appointments: Individual support appointments with community workers or specialist services. For bookings please call 6685 6807. Fletcher Street Cottage, 18 Fletcher St, Byron Bay. More info: www. fletcherstreetcottage.com.au.

Byron Community Cabin: Seniors Computer Club (school term only), 9–11am, Friday, Carlyle Steet. More info: www.byroncentre.com.au Phone: 6685 6807

Low-cost or free food

Food Box Thursdays 9.30–11.30am at Uniting Church, Mullumbimby. You may purchase cheap food, obtain free veges, and enjoy a cuppa. Free Food Relief Bags for anyone doing it tough, every Wednesday 10–12noon at The Hub Ocean Shores, cnr Rajah Rd and Bindaree Way. No ID or Concession Card required. NILs referral service also available. Check Facebook page The Hub Baptist Ocean Shores for details.

Liberation Larder Takeaway lunches and groceries Monday and Thursday 12 till 1pm. Fletcher Street end of the Byron Community Centre.

Respite Service

Byron Shire Respite Service Inc delivers high-quality respite care to a broad range of clients throughout the Byron, Ballina and Lismore shires. Donations welcome: Ph 6685 1921, email fundraiser@byronrespite.com.au, website: www.byronrespite.com.au.

Alateen meeting

Alateen meeting every Thursday at 5–6pm. Do you have a parent, close friend or relative with a drinking problem? Alateen can help. For 8–16-year-olds meet St Cuthbert’s Anglican Church Hall, 13 Powell Street,

corner of Florence Street Tweed Heads. Al-Anon family groups for older members at the same time and place. 1300 ALANON 1300 252 666 www.al-anon.org.au

ACA

Adult Children of Alcoholic Parents and/or Dysfunctional Families (ACA) help & recovery group meets in Lismore every Friday 10–11.30am, Red Dove Centre, 80 Keen Street. Byron meetings are on Tuesdays at 7pm via Zoom – meeting ID 554 974 582 password byronbay.

Drug support groups

Call Alcoholics Anonymous 1800 423 431 or 0401 945 671 – 30 meetings a week in the Shire – www.aa.org.au.

Are you experiencing difficulties and challenges because of the alcohol or drug use of someone close to you?

Learn coping skills and gain support from others. Narcotics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. For information and meetings call 1300 652 820 or text your postcode to 0488 811 247. www. na.org.au. Are you concerned about somebody else’s drinking? Al-Anon Family Groups meetings held Fridays at 2pm by Zoom. 1300 252666 www. al-anon.org.au.

Support after suicide

StandBy provides support to people who have lost someone to suicide. They provide free face-to-face and telephone support and are accessible 24/7. Follow-up contact is available for up to one year. Find out more at: www. standbysupport.com.au or call 13 11 14. If you, or someone you are with, are in need of immediate support please call an ambulance or police on 000.

End-of-Life Choices

Voluntary Euthanasia End-of-Life

Choices are discussed at Exit International meetings held quarterly. Meetings are held at Robina and Tweed Heads South, this month. Attendees must be Exit Members. For further Information www.exitinternational.net or phone Catherine 0435 228 443.

Carers’ support

Mullumbimby Mental Health Carers’

Support Group for family members and friends who have a loved one with a mental health issue. Meeting on 4th Thursday of each month 9.30am at the Mullumbimby Neighbourhood Centre. Info: Susanne 0428 716 431.

Rainbow Dragons

Rainbow Dragons Abreast (RDA) welcomes breast cancer survivors for a paddle at Lake Ainsworth, Lennox Head (and sometimes at Ballina) on Sundays 7.30am for 8am start. Contact Marian 6688 4058, mazzerati2010@ gmail.com.

Older adult exercise

Chair Based Older Adults Exercise

Classes run by a qualified instructor, that feel more like fun than exercise, are held every Thursday at 10.15am in the Brunswick Memorial Hall. Cost $10. All welcome. Just show up or if you have any questions please contact Di on 0427 026 935.

$5 pilates classes

Pilates for the price of a coffee! Come and join us for $5 Pilates classes every Thursday at 8.45am in the Memorial Hall, 22 Fingal Street, Brunswick Heads and Monday at 8.45am in Mullumbimby. It doesn’t matter what level you are, as beginner to advanced options are shown. Just bring a mat and water. My goal is to keep the Shire active and feeling great one person at a time. No need to book just show up.

For more information contact Di on 0427 026 935.

Pottsville Community Association

Pottsville Community Association meetings are on the last Tuesday of the month at 6.30pm at the Anglican Church in Coronation Drive, Pottsville. Have your say on what is going on in your local area. For details contact secretary@ pottsvillecomunityassociation.com or via Facebook.

Hub Ocean Shores

The Hub Baptist Church has opened a new space for the Community in Ocean Shores on Wednesdays 10am–12 noon. Connect, access support, free food and lunch and free clothes. The space has games such as lawn bowls donated by The Brunswick Heads Bowls Club, card making, lunch available, and relief from cost of living pressures.

Brunswick Valley

Historical Society Inc

The Museum is on the corner of Myocum and Stuart Sts Mullumbimby, open Tuesdays and Fridays 10am–12pm and market Saturdays 9am–1pm. Discover your local history, join our team – 6684 4367.

Safe Haven Mullumbimby

Safe Haven in Mullumbimby provides free mental health support to the community from 12–6pm, seven days a week. Safe Haven is funded by Healthy North Coast and is staffed by experienced clinicians and mental health support staff. Safe Haven is a drop-in centre, no appointment or referral is required. Any community member is welcome. We are located at 15 Tincogan St, behind the Mullumbimby and District Neighbourhood Centre. Find out more online: safehavennc.org.au or email: support@safehavennc. org.au. Free community support groups commencing in February. Art Connection for Women: commencing Monday 6 February – 27 March, 10.30am–12noon. Addiction Family Support: Commencing Tuesday 7 February 6.30pm–8pm. Enquire at Mullumbimby Safe Haven open 12pm–6pm seven days.

Social sporting groups

Mullumbimby: Tuesday Ladies Group of Riverside Tennis Club welcomes new players 9.30am every Tuesday next to Heritage Park, for social tennis, fun and friendship. Info: Barbara 6684 8058. South Golden Shores Community Centre Women’s table tennis every Monday at 10am. Phone 0435 780 017. Byron Bay Croquet at Croquet Club next to the Scout Hall at the Byron Rec Grounds every Monday at 3.30pm. Ring 0477 972 535. Pottsville Fun Croquet Club at Black Rocks Sportfield. Beginners and visitors welcome. Game starts 8.30am Tuesday and Thursday. $5 per game. Enquiries 0413 335 941.

Exercise for older adults

Chair Based Older Adults Exercise Classes run by a qualified instructor, that feel more like fun than exercise, are held every Thursday at 10.15am in the Brunswick Memorial Hall. Cost $10. All welcome. Just show up or if you have any questions please contact Di on 0427 026 935.

Amitayus Home Hospice

Our trained volunteer carers at Amitayus Home Hospice Service provide practical, compassionate, and quality palliative care to those who wish to die at home. To find out more about this free service, or to train as a volunteer carer, please contact us: M 0468 483 857, info@amitayus.org.au, www.amitayus.org.au.

Toastmasters

Byron Cavanbah Toastmasters meetings coaching in communication and self-development run on 1st and 3rd Mondays, 6.15 for 6.30pm at Byron

Bay Services Club, Byron Bay. Online attendance allowed. Mullum Magic Toastmasters: Mullum Magic provides a safe and fun environment for members and guests to develop their public-speaking and leadership skills. Meeting 6.30–8.30pm every second and fourth Thursday of the month at thePresbyterian Church, 104 Stuart St, Mullumbimby. New members and guests welcome. Contact Bruce 0418 515 991 or Ninian 0411 629 982.

Meditation

Dzogchen meditation and study group 2nd and 4th Saturdays each month at Mullumbimby CWA Hall. Didi 0408 008 769. Buddhist meditation and conversation with John Allan, Mondays 6.30–8.30pm, The Yurt, Temple Byron. No fees. John 0428 991 189. Byron yoga philosophy club free meditation classes Monday, 7pm, 1 Korau Place Suffolk Park. Go to www. wisdom.yoga or phone Kris 0435 300 743. Byron Bay Meditation Centre, Tuesday 6.30pm at Temple Byron. For more info: byronbaymeditationcentre. com.au or contact Greg 0431 747 764.

Brunswick Heads CWA

Brunswick Heads CWA Crafty Women meet Fridays 10am–2pm, cnr Park and Booyun Streets, Brunswick Heads. Join us for a chat and cuppa, bring along your craft projects including sewing, knitting, crocheting, or quilting. Beginners welcome. Gold coin donation for morning tea.

Byron Gem Club

The Byron Gem and Lapidary Club is open weekly to members new and old. Visitors welcome to view club facilities. Activities semi-precious and gemstone cutting, shaping and polishing, gem faceting, silver work, gem setting and jewellery making etc. Facebook @ Byron Gem Club. Club workshed located past Sky Dive Byron at Tyagarah Airfield. Contact 6687 1251 or 0427 529 967 for more info.

Lions Club

Interested in making new friends and helping our community? Lions Club of Brunswick Mullumbimby meets 1st & 3rd Tuesdays at 7pm Ocean Shores Country Club. Info: Joan Towers 0400 484 419.

Craft group

The Uniting Craft & Social Group meets every Monday 9.30am–2.30pm at the Uniting Church in Carlyle Street, Byron Bay. Bring lunch and whatever else you need. Small cost. All welcome. Do you prefer patchwork and quilting? Come along on Monday evening same place at 6pm. Enquiries Tilly 6685 5985.

Op shops

Uniting Church Op Shop, Dalley St, Mullumbimby – open each Saturday 9am–12 noon. Byron Bay Anglican Op Shop opens Tuesday to Saturday 9am–1pm. Volunteers needed. Enq Cathy 0432 606 849. Mullumbimby Anglican Op Shop opens Monday to Friday 9am–4pm, Saturday 9am–12noon. Volunteers needed, enq to shop 6684 4718. Mullumbimby

Seventh-Day Adventist Op Shop opens Tuesday to Friday 11am-3pm. Companion Animals Welfare Inc (CAWI) op shop Brunswick Heads (next to supermarket) open Mon–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 9am–1pm, Sun closed.

Mullumbimby Potters & Sculptors

Mullumbimby Clayworkers Gallery in the Drill Hall complex is open every Thursday to Saturday 10am–2pm with pottery and sculpture from community members for sale. All details at www. mullumclayworkers.com.

CWA Bangalow

If you are interested in making new friends by supporting the Byron Shire community through fundraising and lobbying, pursuing craft interests and learning new skills, think about joining Bangalow CWA. Come along to our rooms, 31 Byron St, Bangalow between 10am & 2pm Monday to Friday to find out more. We are open Monday to Friday 10 to 2 and Saturdays 9 to 12. Our popular cake stalls are on the last Saturday of the month 8 to 12. Find us on Facebook or contact cwasecbangalow@gmail.com

Toy Library

The Byron Shire Toy Library is open Mondays and Thursdays 9am–12 noon, at the Children’s Centre, Coogera Cct, Suffolk Park. Come and see the large range of preschoolers toys available for loan.

On The Horizon

DEADLINE NOON FRIDAY

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

Bruns CWA 75

We invite you to help us celebrate 75 years on Saturday the 22 July from 11am–3pm including a sausage sizzle from 11.30am–1pm. There are photos of the past and samples of what we make at the Brunswick Country Womem’s Association. Join us on the corner of Park and Booyun Street. For more information please email brunscwa@gmail.com.

BV VIEW

Brunswick Valley VIEW Club will hold a luncheon meeting on 13 July at Brunswick Bowling Club at 10.30am for 11am start. Apologies ring Wenda on 0449 563 580 or email: wjhunt@yahoo. com.au no later than Monday before.

Free computer lessons

There are still places available in the one-on-one free computer lessons initiated by the Australian Government Be Connected program. Mullumbimby Library host these on a Wednesday morning from 9.30am–12.30pm, phone 6684 2992, and Byron Bay Library on a Monday from 9.30am–12.30pm, phone 6685 8540. Bookings are essential.

Prostate cancer support

The next meeting of the Northern Rivers Day Prostate Cancer Support Group is to be held on Wednesday, 12 July 10am until 12 noon at the Alstonville Plateau Sports Club, Deegan Drive, Alstonville. Men previously and newly diagnosed with prostate cancer are urged to

Up your skills

Come to Upskill in Mullumbimby, a free introductory building and carpentry workshop. Workshops are held every Saturday, 9am to 1pm at Shedding Community Workshop. Bookings Essential via shedding.com. au. Contact Sophie Wilksch via email at shedding.communityworkshop@ gmail.com.

Muslim prayer

Friday Muslim prayer. Jumu’ah service held weekly at the Cavanbah Centre at 1.30 pm. Come to the remembrance of Allah.

Landcare

Bangalow Land and Rivercare working bee every Saturday 8.30–10.30am. Email: bangalowlandcare@gmail.com. Noelene 0431200638.

Sex & Love Addicts Anon

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous is peer-support group of men and women for whom sex and/or romance have become a problem. For details of weekly meetings, phone 0452 074 974 or visit www.slaa.org.au.

Bangalow Museum

The Bangalow Museum is open Thursday to Saturday 10am–2pm. Volunteers are needed, so if you have a few spare hours either weekly, monthly or for special events call in at 4 Ashton Street, Bangalow or contact Trisha 0429 882 525.

Soap Aid saving lives

Soap Aid is a not-for-profit organisation recycling and sending critical soap to communities facing major hygiene challenges. Please drop in your partly used household or holiday rental soap for recycling to Kim at Raine & Horne Byron Bay 39 Fletcher Street 0499 839 566. Small and large quantities welcome. https:// soapaid.org.

Bosom Buddies

Ballina Bosom Buddies Support Group meets the third Thursday each month 10am–12pm at the Ballina Kentwell Community Centre. Contact Karen 0439 438 576 for further information.

S tor@echo.net. t au

join with the group to experience the personal cancer stories told which give a great opportunity for all present to share, learn and benefit from each other. Partners and Carers are also most welcome to attend as family are very much inviolved with the process and treatment of therose with this diagnosis. Guest speaker Jodie Cochrane from Southern Cross University. Enquiries Bob Corney 0493 075 612.

Women’s Circle

A women’s circle is held 10am–12pm, every Tuesday at the Byron Community Cabin on Carlyle Street. Morning tea, art activities and connection to community for women experiencing housing insecurity. It is hosted by Fletcher Street Cottage and Byron Community Centre. For more info: ww.fletcherstreetcottage.com, email: fsc@byroncentre.com.au, or call 6685 6807.

Byron Bay Cancer Support Group

The Byron Bay General Cancer Support Group has been running for six years and welcomes new participants. The aim of the group is to provide a safe, supportive and friendly environment for people with cancer to discuss how they are feeling and connect with other people with cancer. Meetings are held every four weeks on the first Tuesday of the month at 10am. For more information contact the Cancer Council on 13 11 20.

Volunteer call out Support for New Mums Inc. a Northern NSW community program are recruiting volunteers in the Byron Shire. We offer a free of charge, home visiting program for mothers with babies. For more information email Deb: newmums8@gmail.com.

Gnosis Society

Gnosis: Course in the mysteries of life and death. Topics include: the knowledge of oneself, awakening conscious faculties, alchemy, tantra, kabbalah, the path to self-realisation, sacred symbolism, the elementals of nature, establishing order in the psyche, the death of the ego, meditation and esoteric practice. Monday nights in Byron at the Gnostic Society. By donation. More information and the address phone: 0412 020 243 esotericstudies.com.au.

Richmond-Tweed Family History Society

The Richmond-Tweed Family History Society holds its monthly general meeting on the first Saturday of every month at Players Theatre, 24 Swift Street, Ballina, from 2–4pm. At each meeting we have a presentation. 5 August, AGM plus talk.

Beginners Bridge

Beginner Bridge lessons at Ballina Bridge Club are starting on Tuesday, 18 July for six weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Lessons run 9.30–11.30am at 13 North Creek Road, Ballina (Opp Aldi). Bridge is a challenging game and lots of fun to play. Cost is $80 including tuition and a workbook. Night lessons will also begin on Wednesday, 2 August at 6pm. For further information or to register contact Judy on 0407 664 337.

Bangalow set to challenge Byron Bay for the top spot in senior men’s football

The top-of-the table clash between Byron Bay FC and Bangalow in senior football is all set for this Friday night, with both clubs riding high after wins on the weekend.

The Bangalow Bluedogs senior male sides had a good day playing at home against Maclean Football Club last Saturday, winning in the premier league game 3–0 and the champions league fixture 5–1.

Byron Bay FC also had good away wins, defeating Goonellabah 4–2 in the premier league and 4–0 in the champions league.

The win for the Bangalow premier league side puts them on equal competition points with Byron Bay, but in second position on the ladder, only because of a slightly inferior goal difference.

The Byron side has had 12

games and lost two, drawn one, while Bangalow has just eleven games played with one loss and a draw. Both teams have eleven wins.

So the scene is set for a big double header this Friday night at the Byron Bay Recreation Grounds where the action kicks off at 6pm for the champions league game followed by the

Ballina pair win NSW croquet championships

Colin Beaton

Local croquet players revelled in the opportunity to test their skill against talented opposition when the clubs at Byron Bay and Ballina hosted the 2023 New South Wales Golf Croquet Championships over five days from June 28 to July 2.

premiership clash at 8pm.

The last time the premiership teams played was in round five in early May, with the points going to Bangalow after a 3–1 win.

In the Football Far North Coast champions league Byron Bay sits in third place with nine wins, while Bangalow are in seventh position with four wins.

Point Break BJJ dominate Gold Coast tournament

In both single and doubles competition, the players were the first in the state to play a tournament under the newly sanctioned Advantage Play handicap system that encouraged involvement from a wide range of abilities. Players travelled from across the state to compete.

During the five days of competition players engaged in round robin group play before the top qualifiers moved on to three rounds of finals, with many of the local competitors displaying excellent form.

In the doubles final,

Ballina’s Margaret Mitchell and Sharon Daley staged a tremendous fightback to recover from 2–7 down to overcome Chris Cox (Port Macquarie) and Jim Hannigan (Ballina Cherry Street) in an absorbing final 9–8.

Sharon also excelled in the singles, where she was runner-up 2–7 to Margaret Carwood from Maitland.

Robyn Poynting (Ballina Cherry Street) came in fourth

behind third-placed Chris Cox (Port Macquarie).

Tournament director, David Scott, commended the organisation and hospitality of the local clubs and praised the sporting spirit of the players.

The championships followed the recent pennant series of the Northern Rivers association where Ballina took out the title with Byron Bay as runner-up.

Newbies win open pairs at Brunswick Bowls

Club newcomers Helen Baker and Judy Smith have won the open pairs championship at the Brunswick Heads Women’s Bowling Club played on June 27.

The two players are ‘very new’ according to publicity officer Kerry Dexter.

The Point Break Brazilian Jiu Jitsu team has again won the award for best overall junior academy at the 2023 Grappling Industries Gold Coast tournament held in early June.

The Point Break team amassed a total of 1990 points, well ahead of nearest rival, Broz Martial Arts, who scored 1306 points.

All up, 43 teams from across Australia entered the competition.

The Point Break team came away with a total of ten gold, ten silver and four bronze medals.

Gold medal winners included: Phoenix Idato, Jaali Hill, Leonardo Elliott, Alexander Elliot (two), Jaia Forsyth, Angus Walker, Samudra Ghozali Miller and India Rose Frith (two).

Silver medals were won by: Phoenix Idato, Billy Day, Tawhirimatea Gardner, Kio Taccori, Evan Mydock, Om

Segal, Tatsui Inouchi, Jai Forsyth, Jupiter Max James and Samudra Ghozali Miller.

Bronze medalists included: Taki Kell, Kyden Kelly, Tatsui Inouchi and Xavier Kane.

The team also won the best overall junior academy last year.

‘It was an inspiring result for our humble Mullumbimby club,’ Rhys Dykes, head professor at Point Break BJJ said.

In the final they took on another new player, Kristine Pryor, and the more experienced Julie Quigley.

‘It was a close game all the way through and on the 17th end both teams were equal at 17 all,’ Kerry said.

‘On the 18th end Helen and Judy were lucky to pick up a five, then another one, taking them to 23–17.

‘The last two ends saw Kristine and Julie fight back scoring three points, to take them to 20 but not enough to win the game. Final score 23–20.

‘It was an exciting game and some brilliant bowls were played. The ladies should have been very proud of their efforts,’ Kerry said.

This was the only game played in the open pairs championship as several players were away holidaying and others had won previously, so were ineligible to enter.

Send us your sport stories!

We would love to run all kinds of local sport on these pages so please send your photos and stories to sport@echo.net.au.

Stuart Elliott (Byron Bay) is a picture of concentration as he lines up his shot during the doubles. Photo supplied.

Open pairs teams (L–R): Julie Quigley, Kristine Pryor and champions Judy Smith and Helen Baker. Photo supplied

The juniors at Point Break BJJ were again named the best academy after dominating the Grappling Industries tournament at the Gold Coast last month. Photo supplied

Bangalow maintained a solid defensive record keeping Maclean goalless last week. Photo Marilyn Hanigan

Backlash

The deadline for small businesses to apply for the $50,000 flood recovery cost grant for the February and March 2022 floods has been extended to 15 December 2023. ‘The NSW government understands that unavoidable labour and supply chain issues have made it difficult for successful grant applicants to submit costs, quotes and receipts. For more information contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 between 8am to 5pm or go online at: www.service.nsw.gov.au and search ‘apply February and March 2022’.

According to flightradar24.com 6 July, 2023 ‘was the busiest day for commercial aviation that we’ve ever tracked. We tracked 134,386 commercial flights’. Researchers have found that ‘private aircraft still emit more than 33M tonnes of greenhouse gases, more than the country of Denmark, and because they carry so few people they are five to 14 times more polluting than commercial planes, per passenger, and 50 times more polluting than trains,’ according to The Guardian

Listen to the sounds of silence. New research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests ‘that nothing is also something you can hear’ according to lead author Rui Zhe Goh (www. cosmosmagazine.com).

The Business Awards for the Northern Rivers have launched. This year the 2023 Business Awards will comprise 21 different categories with

Florence and Jack reckon you can’t beat a drum for making a rhythmic racket. Hundreds enjoyed the perfect weather, fabulous food, delicious beats, enchanting dancing and melodious tunes at last Sunday’s Matsuri Japan Festival, which transformed Byron’s YAC.

Jeff

chopsticks are bigger than yours’ Dawson

each category awarded regionally. Enter online at: www.businessnsw.com.

Humans doing the hard jobs on minimum wage, while the robots write poetry and paint is not the future I envisaged.

According to a report in The New Daily ‘A 12-year survey of waters off northern Australia and New Guinea turned up four species of walking shark that stroll about on their fins, along the reefs at low tide, nibbling up small fish and invertebrates.’

In 16th century France, women could charge their husbands with impotence as a reason for divorce. The convicted husbands would have to prove themselves in a public trial through successfully ejaculating.

TERM III GROUP SINGING

Photo

‘My