The Byron Shire Echo – Issue 39.06 – July 17, 2024

SOMEWHERE BETWEEN GUTENBERG AND ZUCKERBERG The Byron Shire Echo • Volume 39 #06 • July 17, 2024 • www.echo.net.au

The energy of NAIDOC

Public subs support Mullum’s locally-sourced water supply

Mayor Michael Lyon has criticised the Mullumbimby Residents Association (MRA) and Greens Cr Duncan Dey, claiming they presented a ‘onesided’ view which ‘certainly swayed current public opinion’ around the future of Mullum’s water supply.

The Echo sought his comment after public submissions on the matter were published in the Extra Water and Sewer Advisory Committee (WSAC) July 19 meeting agenda. A consultant reports that of

the 433 submissions received, ‘the majority of responses ranked maintaining a separate water supply as extremely important’.

Additionally, ‘The majority of responses did not support the recommendation to connect to the regional water supply’.

Public comments were in response to plans put forward by Council staff, underpinned by a consultant’s view, which propose to abandon the town’s locally-sourced

supply from Wilsons Creek weir in favour of a connection to bulk water supplier, Rous. Council staff say that the need for the strategy is based on studies that have determined that the treatment plant at the weir ‘requires upgrades’ in the shortterm and, ‘is ageing and requires replacement’.

Cr Lyon said, ‘I wonder how many people would value this option if they understood that Mullumbimby residents would be paying an extra

$1,000 per year on their water bills to pay for it, versus the rest of the shire, which would be on the much cheaper Rous water’.

Yet Greens councillors, candidates and WSAC members – many with water engineering expertise – say many of their questions remain unanswered and there has been no robust investigation into alternatives for the town to remain self-reliant with its water supply.

▶ See Q&A page 6, editorial page 10

Malibu Club raises $18k for local charities

A recent presentation night at the Byron Bowlo was held by the Byron Bay Malibu Club, where an impressive $18,000 was donated to local charities.

President Jy Pendergast says, ‘The club was very grateful to be able to donate the money raised from the Malibu Classic to some very deserving local organisations. The Shift Project, The Disabled Surfers Association, Byron YAC, Marine Rescue and Westpac Rescue Helicopter were all represented and expressed their thanks’.

‘The common theme from all the recipients was the importance of community.

‘Anne Goslett from The SHIFT Project spoke very eloquently about how donations, no matter how small, keep these community organisations going and that in the current economic climate they are lifelines for the day-to-day operations. Thanks again to all the sponsors, and of course the surfers who entered, the committee, and the club members.

‘Let’s do it all again next year!’

Arakwal dancers, Keep The Fire Burning, Blak, and Loud and Proud, gathered at at Byron’s Main Beach for this year’s NAIDOC celebration of culture, dance and music. The event at the beach followed a parade through town last Thursday morning. Photo Jeff Dawson

Malibu Club captain, Louise Tiernan, John Bancroft from the Westpac Helicopter Service and club president, Jy Pendergast. Photo supplied

Byron’s foreshore future – a closer look

Hans Lovejoy

A rally planned for Byron Bay’s Railway Park on Friday, July 26 from 6pm will be one of the first of 23 as part of the national weekend of action, calling for an end to male violence against women.

Organisers of the local rally, Beth Stirling and Shanaai Brown-Marcantelli, are encouraging everyone to back the demands of the rally, which is mandatory trauma-informed training for first responders across Australia and funding grassroots organisations in the

domestic, family, and sexual violence sector, including men’s behaviour-change programs and women’s refuges.

After a spate of violent and fatal attacks on women, advocacy group, What Were You Wearing, organised the first ‘No More’ rallies.

Politicians need to act now

Its founder and CEO Sarah Williams says, ‘enough is enough’.

Stop the DV!

‘And it has been enough for a long time. We need more action from politicians, and we need them to take these crimes more seriously. In 2012, two men were killed, triggering a whole new law.

‘Now, more than 60 women are being murdered every year, and we are still lacking action.

‘53 per cent of women will experience sexual harassment in their lifetime, with an estimated 97 per cent of these cases going unreported’, she said.

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Plans for Byron Bay’s foreshore are on exhibition until July 31 – Council staff propose options and a ten-year vision for the much-used space, including the removal, or partial removal of the carpark around the pool and Fishheads restaurant.

A multi-storey carpark behind the pool and an upgrade of Apex Park are also proposed, along with the planned retreat (relocation) of the Beach Byron Bay cafe at Clarkes Beach.

Yet on page 19 of Council’s Byron Foreshore Landscape Concept is the disclaimer that the Coastal Management Program (CMP) is yet to be completed and could change any plans adopted by councillors.

The 47-page document says a CMP entails the ‘removal, or not, of spur groynes, landward realignment or not. This foreshore concept plan has been designed to the existing rock wall structure, but will be updated if required, once the preferred design option for coastal protection has been determined’.

The Echo asked staff ‘Why would Council be asking for public feedback around Byron Bay’s foreshore plans before the CMP is approved, given the CMP could change the foreshore plans?’

Chloe Dowsett, Coastal and Biodiversity Coordinator replied, ‘Preparation of a CMP is time-consuming and does not occur in a vacuum to other Council projects and priorities’.

‘All these projects are being considered in the preparation of the CMP, while they are progressing in parallel.

Coastal protection works at Jonson St

‘Key outcomes of CMP preparation, while it progresses, are being incorporated into the Foreshore Concept Plan.

‘Of significance, is the redesign of the Jonson Street coastal protection works.

‘The modification of these works will be determined through Stage 3 CMP option evaluation, where the confirmed design concept option will be selected.

‘The interplay of the CMP and the Foreshore Concept Plan is provided in Section 3.1 [page 19]’.

Asked when the CMP is expected to be ready to be presented to councillors, Dowsett said, ‘Council has three CMPs in preparation: Open Coast, Tallow Estuary and Belongil Estuary’.

‘A CMP is a four-staged process. Stage 2 is now complete for all 3 CMPs. Stage 3 CMP preparation is set to commence soon.

‘Stage 3 is the critical stage for the development of effective management strategies and actions to address the key risks and threats.

‘Deciding on the actions to be contained in each CMP involves detailed consultation with community and agreement of stakeholders and/or agencies on actions.

‘Once Stage 3 is complete, stage 4 is the general preparation of the CMP document for ministerial certification.

‘Presentation of an actual CMP to the minister is likely at the end of 2024’.

Newcastle’s CMP was approved in 2020, making it one of the first in the state.

Ms Dowsett said, ‘There are dozens of CMPs in preparation across coastal NSW, and only a handful of them are certified’.

Mel, one of our first employees. She has recently been promoted and is now helping others get back to work at Beacon.

The local contingent of the National Rally Against Violence action group gathered on Sunday afternoon in Byron Bay to paint their placards for the upcoming rally and march at Byron Bay’s Railway Park on Friday, 26 July at 6pm. Participants are encouraged to wear orange. Photo Jeff Dawson

Artists donate work for Wallum cause

Paul Bibby

They say art imitates life, but can it also save life?

This is the ultimate goal of the Save Wallum Art Exhibition and fundraiser that opened at Gallery Cosmosis in Byron Bay on Friday night.

Dozens of local artists have donated their work to the exhibition in a bid to save the beautiful, but fragile, Wallum heathland from development, and in so doing preserve the life that resides there.

All funds raised will be used to support the campaign to save Wallum, including the ongoing court case, which has seen a temporary injunction imposed on the site.

‘I love that piece of land,’ the owner and curator of Gallery Cosmosis Patti Jacobs said on the eve of last Friday’s opening.

‘I spend a lot of time there and I just thought “this is something I can do”.’

Runs until July 22

The exhibition, which runs until July 22, features more than 100 paintings, almost all of them from local artists.

Their artworks span a range of mediums including watercolour, sculpture and photography, and a vast array of styles.

‘There’s so many beautiful wildlife depictions,’ Ms Jacobs says, including, ‘glossy black cockatoos, scribbly gums,

Among the artists who have donated their creations are Space Cowboy, Daniel Hend, Jay Manby, Sharon Shostak, Howie Cooke, Naomi Gittoes, Yao Mikami, Mark Cora and many more.

Swimmer’s

A local swimmer who got caught in a rip and rough seas at Tallows Beach has survived the ordeal by using his smartwatch to call triple zero.

Rick Shearman, an experienced swimmer and surfer, was bodysurfing at Tallows on Saturday morning when he found himself caught in the break zone as heavy sets rolled in.

‘I copped a couple of big ones on the head and was held under for a while, I started to panic a bit, and cramp up under water,’ Mr Shearman told the ABC.

Realising that escaping the dumpers was essential, Mr Shearman allowed himself to be taken out the back by a powerful current.

However, once out of the wave zone, the 49-year-old

frogs, and also people.’ Gallery Cosmosis is located at 22 Brigantine St, Byron Bay. The opening hours of the exhibition are 10.30am to 4pm.

Junior art exhibition

But it’s not just the artworks of adults which is being celebrated. A Wallum Connections Junior Art Exhibition is also taking place. Open to children aged four to 12, submissions are

open until noon July 19. Young artists can download an entry form from the ‘events’ section of www.savewallum.com, and then drop their masterpieces off at one of the listed entry locations. The works will be celebrated at a tea party on July 21 in Brunswick Heads, at which public voting will take place. A series of prizes are available thanks to donations from local businesses and organisations.

smart-watch sends distress alert

continued to be swept out to sea. ‘It was breaking across the whole stretch of beach from Broken Head to Suffolk Park,’ Mr Shearman told the ABC.

‘It became clear after about 20 minutes that I wasn’t going to make it back in and I needed some assistance.’

It was at this point that Mr Shearman used

his smartwatch to dial triple-zero.

Multiple emergency services were dispatched to the scene, including the Westpac Rescue helicopter.

With the help of Mr Shearman and friends and family on the beach, the helicopter crew was able to locate and winch him to safety about an hour later.

The push for a Byron men’s shed

Watch out for the ‘Northern Rivers Sheds’ marquee at the Byron Farmers Market on Thursday, July 18. Organisers are looking for support in building a Byron Bay shed.

According to www. mensshed.org, ‘The Men’s Shed movement has become

one of the most powerful tools in addressing health and wellbeing, helping men to once again become valued and productive members of our community’.

Co-ordinator for Northern Rivers Sheds, Tony Heeson, says Byron Bay is the largest

area in regional NSW without a men’s shed.

‘We have sheds at Drake and Bonalbo, with populations of only a few hundred, not 7,000’.

For more info call Garry Eastburn on 0428 402 780, or visit www.mensshed.org.

He was treated on the beach and later at Byron Hospital but did not suffer serious physical injuries.

Mr Shearman praised the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Surf Life Saving, police, the ambulance crew and staff at Byron Bay Hospital.

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Holly Galbraith and her son, Alexander, at the Wallum art exhibition, located at the Gallery Cosmosis, 22 Brigantine St, Byron Bay. Photo Jeff ‘For Art’s Sake’ Dawson

Rick Shearman being rescued. Photo supplied

Spring opening expected for Byron community hub

Paul Bibby

The transformation of the old Byron Hospital into a mixeduse community hub is finally nearing completion, with the key players looking to an official opening in spring.

Five years after the dilapidated precinct was sold to Byron Council for $1, the $6.5 million refurbishment of the site is nearly finished.

Once the final lick of paint has been added, the famous Shirley Street precinct will begin its new life as a multi-purpose hub featuring education, community and commercial operations.

Key to this process will be Council handing over responsibility for the hub to Social Futures, the local notfor-profit organisation which will manage the site for at least the next 20 years.

Social Futures says it is hopeful that the hub, which they have named the ‘Byron CoLab on Arakwal Country’, will officially open in October.

‘I’m genuinely excited about the positive impact the Byron CoLab on Arakwal Country will bring to the Byron community, building on the already rich culture of innovation, creativity, and

inclusivity,’ Social Futures

CEO Tony Davies told The Echo this week.

‘My commitment, along with Social Futures and the Byron Shire Council, remains steadfast in exploring new models for lasting community benefits,’ he said.

A Social Futures spokesperson said the organisation was expecting the Council to handover responsibility for the hub in August. It would then undertake minor works to prepare for tenancies, which would take four to six weeks.

‘We are hoping the official opening will be in a few months’ time, possibly October,’ the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said it was not yet able to reveal the names of prospective

tenants for the site, but that it was in discussions with a range of organisations from the not-for-profit and commercial sectors.

EoI ongoing

She said that Southern Cross University, which had previously been discussed as a future tenant, had changed its plans and was no longer looking at the Byron location.

‘The Expression of Interest (EoI) phase is ongoing,’ the spokesperson said.

‘We look forward to being able to sign leases with tenants once management is handed over.’

The upcoming opening of the community hub is a major milestone in the history of the site and for the community members who volunteered

countless hours of their time to keep land in community hands after the closure of the old hospital in 2016.

In particular, the Community Steering Committee undertook significant lobbying of the state government and also created a formal repurposing proposal in 2018.

Since taking over the site in May 2017, Council has sunk millions into the redevelopment, including the long and costly process of removing all asbestos and other hazardous materials.

The past 12 months has seen the entire roof on the northern section of the main building replaced, and major internal work undertaken.

All internal partitioning has been demolished and the building repartitioned into a series of discrete tenancies comprising a mix of sizes and configurations to meet the varying needs of future tenants. The dilapidated hospital kitchen has been turned into a modern commercial kitchen, which will be available for hire, with priority given to not-for-profit groups providing food to community members in need.

For more info, visit https:// tinyurl.com/2trmnj8v.

Building wealth for generations

Through

We

Donations needed for preloved clothing charity sale

The annual pre-loved SHIFT clothing sale is on again August 3 and 4 at the Byron Bay Surf Club.

Co-organiser Leslie Ford, from Red Ginger, told The Echo, ‘We still need donations of your good, used clothing’.

‘Donations can be dropped into the Bell & Ford store in Bangalow or the Red Ginger store in Byron Bay until July 31’.

Empower women

‘The heart of the SHIFT Project is to educate and empower women at risk of

homelessness, helping them regain control over their lives and futures. The pre-loved clothing sale directly supports this noble endeavour.

Homelessness is a pervasive issue, particularly among women who often face unique challenges such as domestic violence, single motherhood, and systemic inequality.

‘More than just a fundraiser, the sale embodies the values of sustainability and community.

‘Each purchase not only reduces waste, but also directly contributes to transforming lives’.

Start a conversation Jake Blumberg, phone 02 8216 6359, email

or Sam La Cava, phone 02 8216 6554 , email slacava@ords.com.au or visit ords.com.au

The new facility, which is located on Shirley Street, near the town’s police station. Photo supplied

Leslie Ford with some of the hundreds of quality fashion clothes that will be for sale to aid SHIFT. Photo Jeff Dawson

Practical localisation solutions explored, July 27

Sally Cusack & Simon Jankelson

It may feel like Covid, floods and fires are behind us, but the economic impacts of all of these events persist, and any of these could happen again in the not-too-distant future.

Even a cursory look at what faltered, and what worked, during those times shows that joining localisation efforts is the most supportive step we can take for the sustainability of this region.

Two weeks ago, new community group Relocalise Northern Rivers (RNR) brought the Byron Shire community together for a sellout screening of Local Futures’ latest film, Closer to Home

The audience shared examples of community grassroots activities they had encountered in the past week that had made them smile.

Some examples given were Shedding in Mullumbimby; neighbourhood UHF radio training to keep neighbours connected in times of crisis; lettuce from my garden; and a local fisher selling hand-caught fish.

On Saturday, July 27 from 2.30 to 5pm at the Byron Community Centre, RNR will again

As part of a localisation event in July 27, Local Futures’ short film, The Power of Local, will screen. It features 30 examples from around the world of local businesses and other initiatives that meaningfully address community needs, while also countering the negative impacts of globalism.

bring the community together to explore how we can bolster existing initiatives.

Those with a passion for localisation are welcome to come and share their ideas, collaborate with others, and help transform our region.

The RNR team will also facilitate forums on key areas, such as food security, local business and affordable housing.

US economist and lawyer, Michael Shuman, who presented in Byron last year on the benefits of localisation – and inspired the creation of RNR – says that one of the most powerful things a community can do is to nurture local business.

Unlike remotely-owned enterprises, local businesses generate ‘more income, wealth, jobs, better environmental protection, better civic participation, more public health from better food.’

RNR is also offering a six-week incubator program in September. This program is designed to equip changemakers with the tools needed to bring their ideas to life.

You can express your interest at info@relocalise.org.

Tickets for the July 27 event are available at www. relocalise.org and Humanitix.

Sally Cusack & Simon Jankelson are from Relocalise Northern Rivers (RNR).

New gallery space launches

The latest work by artist Caleb Reid will feature at the new Byron Bay Community Arts College arts hub opening on Wednesday, July 24 from 5pm. The College’s Asher Todd told The Echo Caleb’s art is inspired by the ‘Automatic’ style, which was made popular in the 1920s by surrealist artists Andre Masson and Hans Arp. The arts hub is located at 6/8 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby. Photo Jeff Dawson

New coercive control laws explained

With new coercive control laws coming into effect on July 1, Greens candidate for Richmond, Mandy Nolan will hold community forums – along with other speakers – in Lennox Head and Mullumbimby, during July and August.

Mandy says, ‘coercive control is a pattern of controlling and manipulative behaviours

within a relationship, which can include financial control, stalking, isolation, and physical violence. These laws aim to address a particularly insidious form of domestic abuse that can have severe, sometimes fatal, consequences’.

‘The free public forums will unpack the new laws, providing a safe place for

discussion about how a  person experiencing coercive control in their relationship can get help.’

The Lennox Cultural Centre event is on July 23 from 6pm to 8pm and the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club event on August 6 from 6pm to 8pm. To RSVP, or for more information, visit mandy4richmond.com/events.

Mullum’s future water supply Q&A

Hans Lovejoy

In the same week public submissions were published largely against Council staff plans to decommission Mullum’s local water supply in favour of bulk supplier Rous (see page 1), Greens Council candidates are calling for a pause on the decision until after the September 14 local government elections.

Councillors are set to vote on the issue on August 15.

The Greens are calling for more time for the decisionmaking process, citing inadequate research, and outdated climate modelling.

Greens candidate Elia Hauge, who is also a water engineer, said, ‘Council has a responsibility to make the right choice for Mullumbimby’s long-term water security, but there’s not enough information available to do that before the election’.

Additionally, NSW Greens’ water spokesperson, Cate Faehrmann, is also calling for the decision to be delayed.

Cr Sarah Ndiaye, who is running for mayor and is the chair of the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee, told The Echo she supports a delay.

‘I have always supported more information, and can see the benefits of more community input and further information’, said Cr Ndiaye.

‘When you see that sign coming into Mullumbimby and it says ‘the biggest little town’, that was because Mullumbimby was pretty selfsufficient. It had its own water supply, electricity production and waste management along with many other things.

‘We know now localising key infrastructure can deliver more resilience, so it’s a big decision to lose our local water supply. It may end up being the right decision, but there are still a lot of questions’.

Cr Ndiaye was asked: You previously said more detailed information was needed about the potential for off-stream storage. Has there been much investigation into how to lift the heritage order? It’s unclear why this is a impediment given it is operational now.

‘I would like more information about off-stream storage to understand what it would look like, how it could work, what the environmental considerations

are and if it’s feasible.

‘The anomaly of having working infrastructure that sits under a heritage order that prevents ongoing works still baffles me, and I haven’t seen the rationale around that or what the costs variations to repair would be if that wasn’t an impediment.

‘Regardless, we have been told that the current footprint of the infrastructure can’t meet current standards, but there must be work-arounds for situations like this’.

Has there been much research into grants available to improve infrastructure and develop off-stream storage capacity?

‘Not that I’m aware of.

‘The option seems to have been dismissed without thorough investigations.

‘We are really lucky that decisions were made over 100 years ago that have seen our shire have a clean and reliable water supply.

‘It’s a big responsibility to have to make sure that people 100 years from now can enjoy the same privilege, but with the changing climate and an increase in extreme weather events, that’s becoming harder to deliver’.

Veterans honoured for their service

Dr Kevin Tibbett

On July 11, the Byron Bay RSL sub-branch held an inaugural memorial service to officially recognise the veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Arabian Gulf, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.

They are Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) personnel, deployed by Australia between 2001 and 2009.

The day was well attended and supported by members of the Veteran’s motorcycle club.

We honoured the memory of the 41 Australian soldiers who lost their lives in Afghanistan and the two in Iraq, and we acknowledged the physical and psychological scars borne by many of our veterans. Their sacrifices and those of their families deserve our utmost respect and gratitude.

The RSL NSW has lobbied the state government to establish a new memorial in Sydney that honours the service of MEAO veterans. This week, the NSW government announced it has allocated $2 million for the memorial to be built. RSL NSW continues to be a powerful

advocacy voice for veterans and their families, and the success of this campaigning is indicative of our strong relationship with all levels of government.

RSL NSW is committed to providing wellbeing support and services to veterans of all conflicts, and their families.

Dr Kevin Tibbett is President of the Byron Bay RSL sub-branch.

Early warning systems for

Three sets of automated flood warning signs and cameras have been installed on Main Arm Road, Left Bank Road and Myocum Road, say Council staff.

They say the signs have solar-powered flashing lights that are activated when water levels reach a trigger point.

Staff add that the ‘SES has responded to countless calls to help drivers whose vehicles are stuck in the water and sadly some lives have been lost over the years’.

‘Lights will now automatically come on when water reaches a certain level indicating the road is closed’.

Front row from left: David Lawrence, Joanne Livingstone, Violet Hill, Tex Saunders, Nifty Watts, Phantom Larkin, Wizard Eaton, Bones Williams, Warren Pearson and Sasha the dog, Back row from left: Colin Jones, Tex Saunders, Kevin Tibbett, and Robert Asquith.

Photo supplied

North Coast News

Fingal residents celebrate Cubby Bakehouse backdown

Kiri Dicker to run for Ballina mayor

Two in hospital, including officer, after perilous arrest

A Northern Rivers man wanted for arrest and an officer trying to arrest him are both in hospital after a disastrous encounter in the early hours of the morning.

72 house-raises and retrofits announced

– Ballina

Seventy-two homeowners in the Ballina electorate will receive government funding to raise and retrofit their flood-affected homes, says local NSW Greens MP, Tamara Smith.

Wollongbar pod residents to be out by November

The residents of the Wollongbar pod site have received notices, via text and letter, that they must find alternative accommodation by November leaving many residents distressed and struggling to find a place to live in the area.

Electricity lines clipped and lines come down in Lismore

Police confirmed that a truck clipped powerlines on Friday, July 12 on Dawson Street, Lismore.

Tweed River dredging in July

Dredging to the entrance of the Tweed River will begin this month as part of the Tweed Sand Bypassing project.

Aslan Shand

The illegal development of the Fingal General Store into a commercial bakery was ended on Tuesday when Cubby’s development application (DA) was modified to remove the commercial bakery. The significant changes removed the application for a commercial bakery at the site and reverted to a general store operating 7am to 7pm and a restaurant that would operate until 10pm seven days a week.

While it was clear from councillor comments that the Fingal community were in support of the reopening of the Fingal General Store there was clear division on whether the community supported the 10pm opening hours seven days a week. Local residents fought against the extended opening hours for the restaurant and councillors Nola

Firth (Greens) and Deputy Mayor Meredith Dennis (Independent) proposed limiting the hours to 7am to 7pm. This however, was voted down by Liberal councillors James Owen and Rhiannon Brinsmead along with conservative Cr Warren Polglse and Labor Cr Reece Byrnes.

‘The site of the Fingal Store is zoned as a residential block of land amongst residential housing,’ explained local resident Vilia Hendry, ‘and it now can be open seven nights a week for a restaurant till 10pm.

‘The community met with Cr Reece Byrnes and we felt that he understood our situation and the effect the 10pm would have on nearby neighbours. We were disappointed to see him not even acknowledge us at the meeting, let alone support us with the motions to change the hours to 7pm.’

Tweed boating trip turns fatal

A boating venture on the Tweed River ended in tragedy on Saturday when the vessel capsized and a passenger died.

Police, on the weekend, said emergency services were called to the North Wall of the Tweed River about 6am Saturday after two people were seen clinging to the upturned hull of a 6.5m half-cabin runabout boat. Representatives from the Tweed/Byron Police District, Tweed Heads Water Police, Marine Rescue, the Westpac

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Rescue Helicopter crew, and surf life savers launched a rescue mission and managed to retrieve both men from the water.

One of the men was taken to Tweed Heads Hospital as a precaution. The other man had to be winched from the ocean by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew.

Police said he was taken to Duranbah Beach but was unable to be revived.

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

No live music

Cr Firth proposed a motion to ban amplified live music at the venue which Cr Owen argued vehemently against. Yet via consultation with staff it became apparent that no live music, let alone amplified live music, is allowed at the venue.

Staff clarified that one of the conditions (condition 73) on the consent is that it must ‘comply with the noise level impact assessment’ and that the acoustic report did not ‘anticipate live music… so therefore it’s not permitted by virtual condition 73’.

This means that the restaurant ‘can’t have live music inside or outside,’ explained Ms Hendry. ‘There is no outside seating for anything, even the takeaway cafe.’

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

Lennox local, and sitting councillor, Kiri Dicker is running for m ayor of Ballina Shire Council in the upcoming council election and is putting affordable housing for key workers front and centre of her campaign.

‘Every week I am talking to people in my community who are experiencing the impacts of the housing crisis, including having to move away from their social and professional networks to find affordable housing. It’s having a devastating effect on the social fabric of our communities and affecting the sustainability of small businesses, many of whom have told me they are cutting back hours due to difficulties finding staff,’ said Cr Dicker in her press release.

Cr Dicker was first elected to Council in 2021. She grew up in Lennox Head where she is currently raising her family.

Her mayoral campaign will spearhead an ambitious plan to build hundreds of affordable rental homes for local workers on councilowned residential land, which she says will boost Ballina’s local economy by supporting small business and ensure local families and young people affected by the

housing crisis can continue to call the Ballina Shire home. Under the plan, Council will construct a range of 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom units on Council-owned residential land and rent them to people who are working for a business or organisation located in the Ballina Shire.

A household is considered to be in ‘housing stress’ if they are paying more than 30 per cent of their income on rent or a mortgage. Therefore, Cr Dicker and her team are looking to fix the rent of Council-owned housing at 25 per cent of tenants’ gross household income, ensuring tenants are not experiencing housing stress.

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

Lismore: 85-house land release; ROR say bought-back houses should provide accommodation

Reclaim our Recovery (ROR) have welcomed news that houses bought back by the NSW Reconstruction Authority (NSWRA) may now be used for housing.

This follows a community campaign ‘Occupation until Relocation’ that has seen some Lismore houses bought back by NSWRA occupied by those who are struggling to find accommodation after the 2022 flood.

The concession by Minister for Planning and

Public Spaces, Paul Scully, that ‘there are homes under the buyback system that may be able to be used in that intervening period or while they are relocated or gifted or whatever may happen to them in the end’ was made during the visit to Lismore by Scully and Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib.

‘ROR would like to thank the minister for this announcement, which is in line with community sentiment,’ ROR told The Echo

85 houses

The North Lismore development was announced and will deliver 85 house sites.

‘North Lismore will be developed in consultation with the community, taking into consideration the site’s environmental, biodiversity and cultural significance,’ said a joint press release from Lismore MP Saffin, and ministers Scully and Dib.

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

Ballina councillor Kiri Dicker is running as the Greens mayoral candidate in this September’s council election. Photo supplied

Fingal Head residents celebrate the removal of the commercial bakery from the illegal development of the DA for the Fingal General Store. Photo supplied

Treating trauma with MDMA

Sociologist Rebecca Huntley will launch her new book Sassafras at Byron Writers Festival. We speak with her about her experience of new drug treatments.

Experience books in a whole new way at Byron Writers Festival “Living

eulogies” , launches and poetic performances

Australia’s largest regional writers festival embraces the theatrical with a series of evening feature events that blend literature with music, entertaining talks and speeches, and poetry accompanied by music.

deliver

Electrifying poets

Book launches

Q: Your new book Sassafras is a memoir about using MDMA to overcome intergenerational trauma and trauma in your own life. What led you to MDMA therapy?

Over lunch a friend asked me “how are you?” and in that moment I decided to be really honest about what I was struggling with.

to see my mother anymore. Instead -

ing and a recommendation to see a woman she had gone to for an MDMA session. I took a gamble -

ing never taken the drug before although I had read about it in books on trauma by writers like Bessel van der Kolk. I would never have believed how life changing it has been.

Q: As a social researcher, what surprised you when researching this book and the treatment?

The origins of the drug are interesting to me. The oil from the root of the sassafras tree provides the all parts of that tree were utilised by some Native American groups for its healing powers. Before it

realise there was a global movement working to get clinical trials

with all the good and the not so good that comes with that.

Q: What lessons or ideas are you hoping to share with readers?

I hope my experience is a useful contribution to the important national and international

psychedelic treatments for complex trauma and PTSD. If we get chance to really help people help themselves.

Q: You will be launching Sassafras at Byron Writers Festival, what are you looking forward to about the festival?

Without wanting to lean too and relaxing at the same time.

long-time friend whose kind words about my memoir feature on the

to be in conversation with David Marr about his book and also to and readers.

lineup of festival artists including-ashvili will speak to the phrase

Be ignited and inspired by a powerful lineup of poets and performers from around the world. From sto-

language with festival stars Jazz

Australian Poetry Slam heats.

In two free book launches at the Huntley will launch her new memoir Sassafras about treating post-traumatic stress disorder

investigation into the Australian fossil fuel industry in Slick . At Byron local Stephen Wyatt will launch Rainforest Warriors to save the Byron hinterland in

Young readers well catered for with contemporary books and rising stars

Egg-

shell Skull with a new novel called The Work zeitgeisty author Jessie Tu with The Honeyeaterlow up to the acclaimed bestseller A Lonely Girl is a Dangerous Thing

author of the Prison Healer and the Medoran Chronicles

author of eighteen books with a new “romantasy” novel Deep is The Fen Catch up-and-coming First Nations

Steph Tisdell speaking on coming-

poet described as a literary “It Girl” by the New York Times Youth Pass for under 25s

This year Byron Writers Festival

help younger audiences experience all the magic of the iconic writers wander between six venues and choose what they want to listen to on the day. Sit down and hear from leading thinkers and changemakers

Tickets and full program at www.byronwritersfestival.com

When it’s better off said

a living eulogy to someone

William McInnes

Marieke Hardy and Emilie Zoey BakerJazz Money

The Byron Shire Echo

Volume 39 #06 • July 17, 2024

Water politics is undrinkable

The September 14 Council election campaigning is well underway, though it’s been somewhat low-key to date.

Until now, the most significant difference between Mayor Michael Lyon (independent, former Green) and Greens challenger Cr Sarah Ndiaye has been on the Wallum fiasco.

Cr Ndiaye wanted to spend Council’s legal resources to put pressure on the developer, Cr Lyon instead used his casting vote to give the developer their works certificate and then thought he could negotiate afterwards.

Did that get anywhere?

Anyway, there’s also Labor’s Asren Pugh wanting to be mayor for some reason, yet he supports the mayor on Wallum (and a lot of other things, besides).

Now there’s a new point of difference between Crs Ndiaye and Lyon – the future of Mullum’s locally-sourced water at the Wilsons Creek Lavertys Gap Weir – see pages 1 and 6.

Unfortunately, the rhetoric that surrounds this has a political smell, but either way, the decision councillors will make on August 15 has enormous implications for Mullum residents and future generations.

So we need all the information on the table, don’t we?

Attempts by The Echo to extract comment from the mayor during the public exhibition stage of Mullum’s water supply proposal were largely unsuccessful.

But on Monday night – after the public submissions were published – Cr Lyon bemoaned to his social media followers that the process had been skewed by his opponents, and made his case for getting rid of valuable infrastructure that any town would be envious of – a localised water source (with the added bonus of having an emergency connection to Rous).

He said, ‘Unfortunately, the Water and Sewer Committee of Council have delayed and obfuscated, requesting more and more information, presumably in the hope of reaching the answer they want to get to’.

The mayor wrote that a ‘preliminary, conservative analysis’ of an off-stream storage solution ‘would see the average water bill for a Mullum resident go up by $1,020’.

Notice how he wrote ‘preliminary’?

So it hasn’t really been looked at in any detail, which is what hydrologists and water engineers from Council’s Water and Sewer Committee complained about.

The Echo previously published detailed questions by these water engineers which remain unanswered by Council staff.

It would seem reasonable to address those questions before making this significant decision.

Instead, we are told the issue has been around for two years (behind closed doors, mind you), and time is running out because of the ageing infrastructure.

The mayor’s preferred option would surely be disappointing for those who understand the climate uncertainty ahead.

And even if you don’t believe in climate change, flooding and fire events will happen again.

So why wouldn’t we try and be as prepared and self-reliant as possible?

Cr Lyon’s long essay didn’t dwell on that.

Is that a signal that he will not fight tooth and nail for the best community outcomes?

At least voters know what they will get if he is returned on September 14.

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

Ready for the meta-crisis?

The attempted assassination of Donald Trump has caused shock waves, but it’s sadly not surprising this would happen, with so much hate and vitriol being expressed in the US presidential race.

The New York Times published this article about Donald Trump a few days ago: ‘A once great political party now serves the interests of one man, a man as demonstrably unsuited for the office of president as any to run in the long history of the republic. A man whose values, temperament, ideas and language are directly opposed to so much of what has made this country great’.

‘Instead of a cogent vision for the country’s future, Mr Trump is animated by a thirst for political power: to use the levers of government to advance his interests, satisfy his impulses and exact retribution against those who he thinks have wronged him…’

Despite this condemnation of Donald Trump, this assassination attempt is likely to create a wave of sympathy and even more support for him. If he were to be elected, it would have dire consequences, not just for the American people, but for the world and for action on the meta-crisis, including the climate and biodiversity emergencies.

Trump versus climate

As leading climate scientist Michael Mann says, ‘A second Trump term is game over for the climate’.

Plans for his next term are detailed in Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation’s blueprint for a second Trump administration. It’s a horrendous 900-page program that calls for extreme right-wing policies on every aspect of American life. It plans mass deportations and politicises every aspect of federal government, giving Trump control over the justice department, and cutting entire federal agencies, such as the department of education. It infuses Christian nationalism into every aspect of government policy.

The polls are likely to swing wildly over the next few weeks.

To win, Biden needs to be

The Byron Shire Echo

Volume

Phone:

Editorial/news: editor@echo.net.au

Advertising: adcopy@echo.net.au

General

‘The Gaza tragedy is a potent electoral issue, and not just in Australia. UK Labour lost four seats to independents standing on the issue’.

Richard Jones

several percentage points ahead of Trump, because the Electoral College distorts the value of votes, giving much greater weight to votes in smaller states where Republicans dominate.

George Bush won in 2000, even though Al Gore received over half a million more votes. Trump won in 2016, even though Hillary Clinton won nearly three million more votes.

If Joe Biden stays in the race, as he appears determined to do, he would lose on current polling, but anything could happen between now and election day.

Aussie election looms

At home, Anthony Albanese faces an election soon, probably early next year now, as the current polls are not favourable.

The Senator Payman saga stole the limelight, and drew attention away from the tax cuts.

He didn’t get the bounce in the polls he would have hoped for. In fact, the 19th century Labor policy of not allowing MPs to have a conscience vote has damaged Labor.

The Gaza tragedy is a potent electoral issue, and not just in Australia. UK Labour lost four seats to independents standing on the issue.

Jeremy Corbyn, former Labour leader, was expelled from Labour over his alleged antisemitism. Nevertheless, he won his Islington seat back as an independent, with 50 per cent more votes than his Labour opponent.

The UK election result was called a landslide, yet Labour won only 35 per cent of the vote and conservatives 24 per cent. Liberal Democrats had their best result in over 100 years, and Tories the worst in 300 years. Greens won four seats despite the UK’s unfair first past the post system.

A similar earthquake took place in France.

Psephologists gloomily predicted far-right candidate Marine Le Pen would grab a majority of seats.

Squabbling parties on the left got together and formed an instant coalition, New Popular Front (NFP), and secured more seats (188) than Macron’s Ensemble, (161), pushing the supposedly resurgent hardright National Rally into third place with 142 seats.

The NFP and Ensemble must now work out which candidate would be acceptable for Macron to appoint as prime minister. It’s not impossible Greens leader, Marine Tondelier, could become PM.

Another political upset that could have profound consequences for world peace and the women of Iran is the election of moderate, former brain surgeon, Masoud Pezeshkian, as president.

His reformist ambitions may be somewhat curtailed by incumbent supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who has been there for 34 years, but significant reforms may be introduced nevertheless.

Fears about the rise of the farright have been somewhat quelled by these results in the UK, France and Iran.

Fortunately, Australia has compulsory voting and a preferential system. Independents and minor parties have a real chance of electing significant numbers of MPs and may well hold the balance of power in both houses after the next election.

That would be good for democracy, and hopefully speed up urgently needed reforms to address all aspects of the meta-crisis.

Richard Jones is a former NSW MLC and is now a ceramist.

Your free guide to the flourishing health and wellbeing industry of Byron and the

I note that water mains replacement is soon to be undertaken on Bangalow Road, Byron Bay. Timeframe July to November.

The traffic into town from the south between 8–9am is at full capacity. It only takes a small disruption at this time of the morning to bring traffic to a standstill. Traffic then backs up many kilometres south past the Suffolk Park turnoff.

Buses will be late to school. Students late to their year 12 exams. Hundreds of people late to work. Thousands of hours of individuals’ time wasted all to keep a project going at this time of morning.

In 2022 Byron Shire Council stated, after a similar incident: ‘I fully understand

your concern and wish to assure [you] that Council would never approve of the work that resulted in this type of impact.’

Can Byron Shire Council guarantee that there will be no interruption to traffic at this time of morning?

George Graham Byron Bay

Thanks for your excellent article, Paul Bibby. Exactly the publicity and coverage we wanted.

Many Middle Eastern veterans struggle to settle back into society, many with mental health, and drug and alcohol problems similar to Vietnam veterans in the 1960s and early ‘70s who also suffered social disapproval and non-acceptance.

Letters to the Editor

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

This was despite a large percentage of Vietnam vets being mostly reluctant Nashos (national serviceman) conscripted randomly at 20 by the so-called ‘death lottery’.

Middle Eastern vets are reluctant to join the RSL despite its welfare programs and camaraderie, and it is now dominated by exVietnam era ADF vets.

Very few WWII vets like my father and uncles still survive, hence our program to attract a whole new cohort.

Jim Rogers VP, Byron Bay RSL

Beacon Laundry’s half-page ad (Echo, July 3) trumpets the promise of ‘clean karma’.

This is the same business, a multimillion-dollar enterprise, that has just poached the primary client of Linen Shift – the social enterprise laundry created by the SHIFT Project. You may know that the SHIFT Project is a local and beloved charity, created and existing SOLELY to support women facing the prospect of homelessness in the Byron Shire. Linen Shift

offers not only employment for at-risk women, but support in upskilling, finding safe housing, and further education.

During its set-up in Bangalow, Beacon gave an undertaking to SHIFT that its business model would not compete with Linen Shift. (See interview with Anne Goslett and Julie Wells in the Echo, 29 May). Beacon has reneged on this, thereby undermining Linen Shift and the women it employs. This leaves SHIFT in an extremely precarious and unsustainable position. Already having been forced to let go of some staff and reducing the hours of others, SHIFT is in damage control with deeply traumatic consequences for the women it employs and supports.

How’s THAT for ‘clean karma’?

Linda Haigh Main Arm

Our Gage is still a missing person, after the car was found crashed into a tree on Koonyum Range Road several weeks ago. Clive and I (Gage’s mum) have heard every doomful speculation, from well-meaning people.

But Gage is a kind and gentle soul, who loves music and little frogs, and I am confident that love is a vibration which is felt deeply by every conscious being, so we hold onto faith, hope, and love. Beautiful friends of our kids (Niki and Gage) have come to see us with so much love for Gage at the campground where we stay and patiently pray. Others have made contact with Niki, with support and prayer, and community we have never met have held our son in their

Cartoon by Sydney Craythorn

Op Shop

I am visiting friends in Byron this week, and looking at the Letters section in The Echo I was shocked to see the negative response to David Heilpern’s piece. I thought he must have said some controversial things to evoke such a response. Further there was no supportive response to balance the negative. However, when I got to read Heilpern’s piece later in the day I was even more surprised to find a very balanced and reasonable assessment of what is happening in Gaza.

I am very concerned by any racist attitudes or actions, including those relating to antisemitism. I was appalled by the atrocities which occurred last October 7 and equally by the ongoing atrocities that have followed in Gaza. One atrocity does not justify another. Both involved the killing and injuring of thousands of innocent men, women and children. I was angered by what Hamas did, but now I find myself angered by what Israel has done.

A friend who is Jewish told me when she spoke to people in Israel about her distress at seeing Palestinian

children suffering, their response was, ‘what about our children in the Holocaust?’ Some time ago while teaching at an American university, my African American students did not want to discuss the Holocaust as they felt nobody cared about their situation in their own country. My answer to those students was to say it is not a competition of suffering. We need to be able to care about and show empathy towards all individuals and groups who experience trauma.

Sadly Israel’s actions will not resolve the Hamas situation. That government’s actions have led to a worsening situation both now and into the future.

Karen Heycox Coogee

I am not Jewish, but married into the local Israeli community. If you call a fear for my community’s safety a ‘bias’, I will wear that.

I was at Byron Council when the motion was passed, the most disturbing day since October 7. Why?

The ‘Zionist’ lobby that David smears consists of local Jewish/Israelis who have

experienced nine months of real antisemitism – verbal abuse, threats, business boycotts, virulent online abuse, graffitied walls, children’s safety threatened at school.

Council’s motion has brought the world’s most complex political, cultural and religious tragedy into our everyday lives, whilst emboldening and validating the deep antisemitism that feeds every ignorant conspiracy theory this area feasts upon. The following day at the farmers’ market, a Jewish mother and her child were attacked by a wellknown unhinged local ‘activist’. The police attended.

This motion has no place in local politics, no effect whatsoever in alleviating the suffering of Palestinians and has real-life consequences for your community.

Louisa Tsadik Mullumbimby

I am overwhelmed by the vitriol hurled at the ‘selfhating Jew’ David Heilpern by the letter writers in last week’s Echo. He is labelled an antisemite (and presumably I am too, a child of Holocaust survivors), under the

definition that any criticism of Israeli policy automatically categorises one as an antisemite even if you are a Jew. Have any of these letter writers visited Gaza, or even the West Bank?

While October 7 was a horrific attack, it was not an attack in a vacuum, 2,000,000 people have been living in an open-air prison since 2005, all movement in and out policed by Israel. It is common knowledge that Netanyahu was financing Hamas to prevent an alliance with the Palestinian Authority which might have promoted the possibility of the formation of a Palestinian state.

Attempts by Gazans to try non-violent protest were met by Israeli snipers taking pot shots at the protesters, shooting them in the knees. This has all been documented.

Jenny Bush Murwillumbah

Many more letters have been recieved on this topic, they, along with full versions of the above letters will be printed in The Echo online at: www.echo.net.au.

NSW Drug Summit announced

Aslan Shand

The NSW Labor government has finally delivered on their election promise to hold a NSW Drug Summit that will take place this year.

The multiday summit will comprise two days of regional forums in October 2024 and two days of forums in Sydney on Wednesday, 4 and Thursday, 5 December.

‘Finally, after a decade, a government has listened.

I am so grateful to Premier Minns and Minister Park for hearing the community,’ Matt Noffs, CEO of the Ted Noffs Foundation told The Echo

‘Whereas 20 years ago it was heroin in back alleys, it’s now meth and youth crime in regional areas, including Byron Bay. But what lies behind youth crime and ice addiction? You guessed it – trauma. So locking kids up and throwing away the key just makes hardened criminals.

‘This summit is a chance for regional NSW to see action and to make regional areas safer. To treat drug problems and implement better diversion for young offenders,’ he said.

▶ Continued from page 11

hearts through this time. Some pretty special people giving their time freely in meaningful ways, thank you.

There’s no reason for Gage not to make contact with his family, we’ve only love between us. I’d say come home darling, but unfortunately there isn’t one, and Gage clearly required such a refuge prior to the crash.

Gage did not take his puppy, Ember, with him that

‘We can’t arrest our way out but we can treat the trauma and no one is as traumatised as regional communities. Methaphetamine still has a strong hold on northern towns and this summit is a chance to act and make those communities safer.’

The government have said that the Drug Summit will bring together medical experts, police, people with lived and living experience, drug user organisations, families, and other stakeholders to provide a range of perspectives and build consensus on the way NSW deals with drug use and harms.

‘We know that drug use impacts individuals, families and communities in many different ways. The drug summit will bring people together to find new ways forward to tackle this incredibly complex and difficult problem,’ said NSW Premier Chris Minns.

Drug hubs

The $33.9 million for drug and alcohol support and the planned Drug Summit will see 12 not-for-profit organisations receive a share of $33.9 million over four years to

day, who, being a hound, intimately familiar with his scent, would have found him the first day. That this did not happen is most unfortunate. Gage walked from the accident, so he is somewhere, and though unwell in the weeks preceding the crash, we are expecting that our dear Gage is very much alive. Please continue to keep Gage in your prayers. Thank you.

Ida Wilson, Gage’s mum

deliver new, wrap-around alcohol and other drug sup port services, as part of the NSW government’s response to the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug ‘Ice’

The announcement included The Buttery, one of six organisations funded to add access to alcohol and other drug treatment and support to existing community services.

‘The Drug Summit will provide a range of viewpoints from those who interact with illicit drug use and addiction, from both health as well as non-health contexts. This is an important conversation for us to have and it will be the first of its kind in a quarter-century,’ said NSW Health Minister Ryan Park.

‘The premier is tackling what Berejiklian never saw coming, that is the postCovid crime,’ Mr Noffs told The Echo

‘Trauma remains the protagonist in the story of drugs and crime. The NSW government has shown that regional crime – youth crime and drugs – is something that hurts everyone. I’m thankful that we are going to see real change after 20 years.’

Mrs Elliot

It’s very unfortunate that Justine Elliot has so little confidence in herself or her party that she needs to publicly crap on the Greens’ point of view regarding housing policies, etc. I refer to the full-page ads in your paper.

Phoebe Havyatt Byron Bay

More letters in The Echo onlien at: www.echo.net.au.

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE VODAFONE & OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT EXISTING MONOPOLE OFF PACIFIC HIGHWAY AT 2 TANNER LANE, TYAGARAH NSW 2481 INCLUDING 5G

1. The proposed 5G upgrade will consist of: at 35m.

Vodafone and Optus

Christabel Amankwah at Service Stream Limited, 0419 793 679, TPG.Submissions@servicestream.com.au or Level 3, Tower B, Zenith Centre 821

Taking action to preserve forests for the Great Koala National Park

David Bradbury

It was pouring rain, and dark, as my 14-year- old son Omar, Frankie our faithful Jack Russell, and I made our way four hours south to the traditional logging town of Taylors Arm, west of Macksville. Taylors Arm was made famous in Slim Dusty’s song, The Pub With No Beer

I checked my phone on where to meet the activists for our ‘guerilla strike’ the next morning. After 30 years of forest activism and confronting loggers with my camera, I am tired. I just wanted to pitch my tent in the drizzle and get to sleep with my boy. It was Omar’s first forest action. He was there with dad because he knew dad cared for the animals and birds in the forest. And cared for the world we are passing onto the next generations.

The Minns government promised to establish the Great Koala National Park to save the koala, and other Australian species, like the greater glider that are under threat of extinction. We just had to vote for his MPs at the last state election. That was 15 months ago – still no koala park.

Still the felling of the big trees (and small immature trees that end up as woodchips rather than homes for animals) goes on at a frightening pace in NSW’s state forests. Labor or Liberal-National Party – nothing changes.

Since elected, Minns and his Environment Minister Penny Sharpe

and NSW Forestry Corporation (NSW FC) have given the loggers another 20 months of free license to keep savaging the forests we all rely upon for our clean water and air, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, the pollinators for our food supply, and tourist values.

The text from veteran forest activist Susie Russell did not read encouragingly: ‘David, a lot has happened in last 12 hours. We’ve moved to a private property. Call me.’

One young logger alerted to ‘them bloody greenies are in our town!’ had followed Susie’s car and told her threateningly when she pulled over, ‘I’ve 20 blokes who will sort you lot out quick smart if you get up to any tricks.’

Silent movement

Omar and I set up our tent in the pouring rain. A wet Frankie shivered in the back corner. A silent sentry waving a torch walked through our camp at 3.40am. Silently our group of 12 packed their tents, started up their engines and drove in single file up the logging dirt road into the appropriately named Mistake State Forest. We would blockade the road to stop the loggers getting out their prized ‘big trees’ they’d felled the week before.

Over an hour later while still dark, the loggers turned up in their 4WDs. Incensed that their passage to the money trees was blocked, they immediately fell back on name calling, ‘You f---ing scum! You dole bludgers! You f---ing pieces of s--t!’

Fortunately we are all seasoned activists used to this abuse by those who only look upon the forest as a means to support their lifestyle and pay the mortgage.

They got back into their 4WDs and left angrily to call the police.

As light crept into the darkened, rain-soaked forest and the kookaburras started to laugh at these antics of mice and women. Nicole, a local, aged about 45, drove up. She too was outraged at us blocking ‘her road’.

‘Look, I’m with you guys, I really am! I love animals and I understand what youse are doing. But this is not the way.’ We patiently heard her out.

She was confused and less volatile when Susie told her what the loggers are doing here was illegal. That NSW FC had broken the law that requires them to do surveys for koalas and other threatened species

and took me to get help.’

Joy, one of our group who herself knew what it was like to be traumatised having survived trapped in the bunker of their home during the bushfires of 2019, wrapped her arms around a sobbing Nicole. We all stood there in silent respect for yet another woman who had been the victim of male violence and contempt.

Shortly after, a woman police officer and male partner rolled up in their 4WD. She read us the usual ‘riot act’. Not hostilely, just matter-of-fact. ‘If you don’t leave the designated logging area, you will be placed under arrest.’

before letting the loggers in.

Suddenly our conversation with Nicole turned tragic. She told us that she had been kidnapped by one of the local men years ago who had held her prisoner in his caravan isolated in the bush and raped her over a series of days and nights. When he had gone somewhere, she managed to kick her way out of his locked caravan and ran through the bush in a frenzy.

‘Look here... at the scars on me head!’ she declared to us as she bent her head forward and combed her hair through her fingers.

‘I didn’t feel any of it, the barb wire ripping into my legs as I ran through the bush. I got to the highway and tried to flag down a truck speeding by. He ignored me. Crazy woman by the side of the road. But the next truckie stopped

We had a quick conference and decided that we’d made our point. We got into our cars and drove down the windy mountain track past the gloating loggers who filmed our car rego plates...for easy identification next time we dared to come to the town with no beer.

I contacted the minister’s office for an interview with Environment Minister Penny Sharpe as to why it was taking so long for the Great Koala Park to become a reality. I received this reply: ‘The process to establish the park is well under way and work is on track for a government decision in late 2024.’

Don’t hold your breath for koalas and greater gliders.

See the vide clip for this action at: https://youtu.be/LR0_YYd-eCc

At Knit Happens, we’re not just about knitting & crocheting; we’re about bringing the world of yarn right to your doorstep, from the locally sourced, sustainable materials of Australia to the globally celebrated yarns that have inspired crafters around the world. Our collection features the best of both worlds. Australian-made wonders and international favourites.

Activists blocking loggers from taking the ‘money trees’ from Mistake State Forest. Photo David Bradbry

The Grandpa Wars

It’s impossible to look at American politics right now without thinking WTF? In the blue corner there is the faltering, forgetful, and possibly demented Biden, and in the red corner we have a vitriolic, revengeful, pussygrabbing sociopathic, now-convicted felon who is Trump. It’s the weirdest presidential wrestling match ever. It’s so depressing. Are these really the best of America’s political heavyweights? In all of the US – the country that bangs on about the American Dream, the birthplace of free market capitalism – is this all they have? It’s the duopoly in overdrive. Two old white men. This isn’t bingo, this is world politics. In a landscape of cataclysmic climate change and war, why are Americans being given two old men? Can you imagine them offering up 81- and 78-yearold women as presidential hopefuls? The internet would melt down. This is patriarchy. And these are our patriarchs. The men from the past who won’t leave the table. That’s no way to navigate the future.

The retirement age in the US is 66. Joe Biden is 81. Trump is 78. Everyone talks about Biden’s age, forgetting that Trump isn’t far behind. Forget everything else - they are BOTH too old. They’re both more than a decade older than the retirement age. Being president is a very intense and demanding job. I’d think it’s a 100-hour week minimum. Although on reflection I do recall Trump being MIA or on the golf course during his last term. Having two seniors running for president is as ludicrous as doing the reverse – having presidential candidates under the adult working age. Imagine if it were Joe Biden 17 vs Trump 16.

STARS BY LILITH

This Cancerian week’s best spent enjoying home base with whoever you consider family. Also sparing a thought for those who are homeless, in war zones or transit camps who don’t have your good fortune, and helping where you can...

In the blue corner there is the faltering, forgetful, and possibly demented Biden, and in the red corner we have a vitriolic, revengeful, pussygrabbing sociopathic, now-convicted felon who is Trump.

There would be outrage. Although they’d at least have better odds on either of them seeing out their term and managing the gruelling hours.

It’s painful to watch Biden struggle. And of course there’s Trump. No longer a ‘felon’, now a ‘survivor’ of an assassination.

I mean, you couldn’t have planned a better way of driving the narrative away from your opponent and back to you! And as the hero! Showing your ability to survive adversity. No longer old. But super human! A bullet graze AND a fist pump? Even in Hollywood a director would say ‘easy on the fist pump’.

ARIES: Aries are regarded in some astrological circles as the zodiac’s adulescents or kidults: an impression you could dispel this week by expressing yourself with tactful maturity. Aim for patient and creative responses when dealing with others currently more stressed and less capable than your good self.

TAURUS: Don’t let Mars in your sign – or anything else for that matter –pressure you into engaging in stressful activities this week, which benefits from examining where your goals and someone else’s, even your own differing needs, aren’t in alignment, and discussing what mutual adjustments might work.

GEMINI: Cosmic circumstances are more reasonable this week for bringing into the open something you haven’t wanted to talk about for fear of causing upset. Others are more receptive than they have been, but tread gently all the same: it’s still a period when emotional overload’s only a breath away.

Especially as a man died and others are critically injured. Read the room mate.

What really irks me is that Trump and the conservative forces that have propelled him into politics are responsible for creating an American world where buying a gun is almost as easy as buying an iPhone, and anyone can choose to express their political or social discontent by using that gun to murder as many people as they can manage. Trump has become a victim of the same system he has helped create. But instead of it being called out, he can be the macho man hero who rises above the violence of his opponents, with a photo to immortalise it in the history books forever.

I mean, how’s the timing? Just as Meta rolled back the restrictions on his Facie and Insta accounts! Holy crap! That shit will go viral! Who would believe the luck of those events happening within 24 hours of each other!

Yes, Biden and Trump can be president – but of their local golf clubs. End the patriarchy. Before it ends us.

CANCER: His Cancerian Holiness the Dalai Lama, among his many teachings, has arguably the best advice available for this week’s astral conditions: Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation – don’t bring up the past

LEO: With glorious Venus and expressive Mercury in Leo both enhancing your natural individuality and creativity, what you do, say, and the way you behave could make the world a better place this week, if you choose to share and radiate those unique qualities only you are blessed with.

VIRGO: There’s absolutely no need to let social obligations overwhelm you this week. Not if you think twice before picking up strays: stray ideas which could end up costing more than they’re worth, or needy people likely to end up resenting the fact that they feel indebted to you.

Crossword by Stephen Clarke

Cryptic Clues

ACROSS

1.Super blooper the end of Cooper (6)

4.Accredited organs cover chemicals giant (8)

9.Edition in which Anne revised nine things (6)

10.Basis of argument for building (8)

11.Curl up with unfinished novel, old article being missing (6)

12.Expose cheek to Republican stranger (8)

13.To the back, right away from boat (3)

14.Stirs up sour brew with shortened teaspoon (6)

17. Gentleman butchered lion for meat (7)

21.Pageant of inking (6)

25.Noise expected of a donkey but not right for a horse (3)

26.Tagliatelle, originally cooked al dente, is ingenious (8)

27.Writer in jail gets hair shortened (6)

28.Raider has bad manners where love’s involved (8)

29.Circulation of air in rear of metallic element (6)

30.Strange scenes, essentially best depicting fundamentals (8)

31.At this point leading man Knight snaffles Oscar (6)

DOWN

1.Party person distilled rye for Flora (8)

2.Female genius wandering around hotel presenting Chinese philosophy (4,4)

3. Echo beginning to promote permits to incorporate gold decorations on garments (8)

5.For artillery leaders defeat is a long way off (3,3)

6.Brief time in this month that’s deeply personal (6)

7.Banged up but picked for team! (6)

8.Polish saint captivated by carrot? (6)

12.Dump bad stuff (7)

15.So, off to audition! (3)

16.Mind hag avoids church (3)

18.Matching label on, quote, ‘Wine’ (8)

19.Cat in agony, beginning to eat putrid chemical (8)

20.Urbanite Yank attached to Mann’s novel (8)

22.Position of streamer placed about foot of statue (6)

23.Philanderers are first to become agitated about commencement of liaisons (6)

24.Jail for trainee (6)

25.Take care of Spooner’s little Ted (6)

LIBRA: Will this week’s Venus in her most lavish transit help you curb the urge to acquire those inviting items slashed at the sales? Probably not, but it will give you a keen eye for a great buy. Be very wary though about volunteering personal information of the financial kind.

SCORPIO: A powerhouse connection between Mars and Pluto may well ignite your inner brilliance this week. And heritage full moon on 21 July recommends honouring enduring friendships, mentors and business relationships: the heroes of your familial, social and professional world who are always there for you.

SAGITTARIUS: In their eternal search for understanding, Sagittarians aren’t afraid to ask the big questions, so speak out by all means this week, but be advised that feelings are generally delicate, so extra efforts at empathy are necessary. If this week’s questions make waves, they also offer lessons in tactful surfing.

Quick Clues

ACROSS

1.Manager; chief; old bloke (6)

4.Functionary; certified (8)

9.A set of nine entities (6)

10.Presuppositions (8)

11.Lie close and snug (6)

12. Contestant deemed unlikely to win (8)

13.Towards the ship’s stern (3)

14.Gets them up and moving (6)

17.Juicy cut of beef (7)

21.Beat of a drum (6)

25.Inlet of the sea (3)

26.Well endowed (8)

27.Scribbler (6)

28.Ancient Scandinavian (8)

29.Chemical symbol Ba (6)

30.Volatile or essential oils (8)

31.Upon this (6) DOWN

1.Plants or boughs; fresh growth (8)

2.The discipline of harmonious placement of things (4,4)

3.A uniform’s shoulder ornaments (8)

5.Distant; amazing (3,3)

6.Farthest in (6)

7.The interior (6)

8.Sheen (6)

12.Pass a rugby ball (7)

15.Thus (often in brackets to indicate faithfulness to what is quoted) (3)

16.Acumen (3)

18.A person with the same title (8)

19.An amino-compound formed by putrefying animal tissue (8)

20.Guy from the big smoke (8)

22.Posture assumed when about to play the ball (6)

23.Takes part in light-hearted amorous banter (6)

24.Resident assistant surgeon or physician in a hospital (6)

25.Take heed (6)

Last week’s solution #11

CAPRICORN: Capricorn full moon on 21 July, a rare, bonus second full moon in your sign, is brilliantly aligned with changemaker Uranus, which could illuminate fabulous inspirational flashes. That said, acknowledge whatever’s been accomplished since Capricorn full moon a month ago, and celebrate with those who’ve been part of your growth.

AQUARIUS: If protocol or red tape drives you into the unbearable zone this week, don’t even consider acting or making decisions till you’ve calmed down. Though irritating details take more time and attention than you want to give them, just know they’ll be more trouble if you don’t.

PISCES: This week your profound intuition in dealing with feelings comes into its own. Where others puzzle and flounder, your ability to pick up on people’s emotional states will have you wondering: What’s the problem? Don’t you see you only have to tune in? The answer is you can, some can’t.

CANCER

MANDY NOLAN’S

10/8 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay

@kahakai_byronbay

www.Kahakai.com.au

Hours: Wednesday – Sunday Brunch 7:30am-1:30pm

Bonito Byron Bay

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Ground Floor, Hotel Marvell

4 Marvell Street, Byron Bay

8am

Book hotelmarvell.com.au/restaurant

Call 6685 7385 | @bonitobyronbay

Horizon Rooftop

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 7 DAYS

Horizon Rooftop, Hotel Marvell

4 Marvell Street, Byron Bay

Open Daily | 3pm – 9pm

NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED

Call: 6685 7385 @horizonbyronbay

Success Thai

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

Closed Sunday 3/31 Lawson St, Byron Bay www.facebook.com/ pages/Success-ThaiFood/237359826303469

The Rocks

Brunch 6.30am–1pm Dinner 5pm–10pm

14–16 Lawson St, 5642 0149

therocksbyronbay.com.au @therocksbyronbay

Loft Byron Bay

4 Jonson Street, Byron Bay 6680 9183

Book online: www.loftbyronbay.com.au

Commune Canteen

1 Porter St, Byron Bay

Open Monday to Saturday, 7:30am to 3:00pm @commune.byron www.nourishinghabitat.com

Three Blue Ducks

The Farm, 11 Ewingsdale Rd. 6190 8966 enquiries@threeblueducks.com threeblueducks.com/byron Open 7 days from 7am. Mon-Thurs: breakfast & lunch Fri-Sun: breakfast, lunch & dinner

North Byron Liquor Merchants 61 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay 6685 6500 liquor@northbyronhotel.com.au

Open 10am–8pm daily and 10am-9pm through Summer

Main Street

Open for takeaway daily, 12 midday until dinner. Menu, more details –

@mainstreet_burgerbar

18 Jonson Street 6680 8832

Eateries Guide Good Taste

Local food, for locals, carved out by the ocean-shore It’s a must!

Come in and try the new taste experience

Local seasonal produce......fermented and pickled food....house cured and smoked fish.

10% off for all locals! Fully licensed

Enjoy breakfast, coffee or light lunch in our casual dog-friendly laneway or treat yourself to a comfortable elegant seafood dinner experience.

Welcome to Horizon, Byron’s newest rooftop bar.

Enjoy hinterland views, stunning sunsets and signature cocktails showcasing local distilleries and breweries.

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.

Happy Hour 6pm–8pm

$6 Beers & $7 Wines

$12 selected cocktails

Live Music Thursdays & Latin Night Sundays Open for dinner Wed–Sun

Signature cocktails, and casual dining with ocean views.

Happy Hour | Every day from 4–6pm. $8 loft wine or lager, $10 spritzer, $14 margaritas & $30 house wine bottle Half price deli board & $2.50 fresh oysters Espresso Martini Nights | Every day 9pm–close, 2 for $25 Classic Espresso Martini.

Open 7 days from 4pm. Sat lunches from Noon.

Mediterranean daytime eatery.

Healthy colourful salads, bone broths, hot slow-cooked meals, and in-house baked breads. Tucked away community courtyard. Eat / Play / Work

Enjoy

and picnic in the sun… there really is something for everyone.

‘Byron’s boutique bottle shop’

Local service Old and rare wines

Natural wines Craft beers Specialty tequilas

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.

Dinner at Three Blue Ducks

A new dinner menu has arrived at Three Blue Ducks Byron Bay, taking advantage of seasonal winter produce and showcasing the passion for simple, ethically-sourced, real food that the Ducks are famous for.

Head chef Sam Morton and co-owner Darren Robertson have pulled out all the stops on the new seasonal offering including: scotch eggs and beef sausage sangas using eggs and beef raised on The Farm; mussels with hashbrown and whipped garlic; The Farm-raised steaks with charred spring onion and curry butter; sustainably-caught fish of the day with beans, beetroot and mustard greens; and for dessert, whipped chocolate with sour plum, candied fennel and macadamia. They also offer a vegan menu along with a chef’s selection available on Friday

and Saturday nights if you want to hand the decision-making over to someone else.

The Ducks’ famous roast dinner, with a live acoustic set, is available every Sunday from 4:30pm with $1 from every roast sold in July donated to The Returning – a majority Indigenous, women-led charity that seeks to address inequality within society. Plus, you can receive 20% off all dinners with Pegs, the local Byron currency app.

Three Blue Ducks is located at The Farm Byron Bay, just a short drive from the Byron CBD. Make a booking via the website: threeblueducks. com/Byron, or get in touch with the reservations team directly via (02) 6190 8966 or enquiries@ threeblueducks.com.

BYRON BAY

The Good Life

Valley of Craftsmen at Mullum Farmers Market

Victoria Cosford

It’s a pest and a weed, introduced from East Asia and found along most of the east coast, invading pastures and stifling native species.

Camphor laurel, an evergreen, is a tree reviled by many – but to Lawrence Clain it’s the backbone of his business.

Originally from the Blue Mountains, Lawrence relocated here over 15 years ago with the idea of building yurts. He’d become disillusioned with carpentry – ‘I didn’t like the building industry’, he tells me, ‘didn’t like just knocking up cheap pine-frame houses.’

The yurt idea, however, became side-tracked. Working at a local timber mill he met the owner of Le Chop, the former chopping board market stallholder, and started working for him. When the opportunity to buy the business presented itself, Lawrence took it, gradually, over the years, building it up in the workshop, wholesale and online – and of course at the markets. A year ago he and his partner opened a shop in Lismore, supplying it with tables, shelving, desks, coffee tables – all made out of camphor laurel.

Myocum-based Lawrence loves the whole creative side

of carpentry, and especially the boards, attempting as far as possible to minimise waste.

The natural holes and knots in the timber he seals off with resin, which is why you’ll see those beautiful seams and layers and panels of mainly blues and greens in the chopping boards. ‘Normally’, he says, ‘people would chuck out the heart of the wood – its very centre – but I started to fill them in with resin.’ He mixes powdered pigments

to make the colours. All the carving he does himself – ‘I’m a bit obsessive’ – and he tries to go with the natural flow of the timber. No two boards are the same.

The other great aspect is the antibacterial and antifungal properties of camphor laurel, providing the safest surfaces for food preparation.

Valley of Craftsmen is at Mullumbimby Farmers Market every Friday from 7am to 11am.

From feeding a young family to a community

Farmer Nicole Dayman is one of the newest members of Byron Farmers Market, having joined the market earlier this year. Her passion for gardening and growing her own food for her young family has evolved into a full-time farming gig where she now feeds the community of Byron.

‘Nic’ as she is known, and her husband, Monty, grow a range of certified organic produce on the family farm at Goonengerry. And while neither of them grew up on a farm, they both have had a love of growing since they were kids.

‘Monty has been growing potatoes since he was a little boy,’ she says. ‘His parents, both teachers, farmed a few acres in Dural in Sydney with a market-style garden, stone fruit, sheep and a milking cow!

‘My parents were both avid gardeners, but we didn’t live on a farm. However, my sister and I were pretty free-range and nature-loving growing up.’

Today, the couple, along with their two children, live and work on their 75-acre property, named Rockwall Farm, where they use a range of organic and regenerative farming practices.

‘We love being out in the paddocks with the animals and the plants, and seeing our kids enjoy the space and freedom that living on a farm allows. There are challenges, of course, mostly climate related, and we are finding, over the years, that good planning can soften the blows that inevitably pop up.

‘Growing clean food for people and our family is a real privilege, as is being available to our kids and watching them grow and learn from nature.’

‘Our youngest daughter has been growing herbs and dehydrating them to make teas for a school project, and our son is working on his tractor driving and slashing skills,’ Nic says. You can find Nic and her range of certified organic produce, along with dehydrated citrus, rosella tea and the ever-popular immune booster shots, at the Rockwall Farm stall at Byron Farmers Market every Thursday morning.

And it seems the couple’s shared passion for sustainable living has been passed on to their two children.

‘Whisky and Smoke’ dining experience

On Saturday 20th July, North Byron Hotel will host an openfire event ‘Whisky and Smoke’, where chef of the moment Pip Sumbak (@pipsplate), and North Byron Hotel’s own, Jedd Rifai, will be cooking a bespoke, cheese-focused menu over fire, made up of the finest, artisanal blocks supplied by Sam Studd, one half of expert selectors, Studd Siblings

To kickstart the interactive dining experience, Eddie

Brook, from Cape Byron Distillery will be on hand to serve an inclusive small-batch Hot Butter Whisky cocktail, whilst the chefs add the final magic touches to the spread. All three collaborators are known for utilising unmatched produce from top quality suppliers, to showcase the knock-your-socks-off ingredients Byron prides itself on from land to sea.

For just $80 tickets include Hot Buttered Whisky Cocktail

on arrival, an array of oozing cheesy snacks by esteemed chefs and selectors, and the opportunity to add Cape Byron Distillery whisky flights and purchase drinks from the bar.

As the hotel edges into being the shire’s leading vinyl venue, a selection of DJs will be spinning records throughout the afternoon in the subtropical garden, making this an unmissable event for locals and holidaymakers alike.

‘We initially had a small market garden growing seasonal vegies, with laying hens, selling via a roadside stall,’ Nic says. ‘Fast forward to now, and we are concentrating our time growing ginger, turmeric, garlic, onions, potatoes, citrus and flowers for the market.

‘We are certified organic, and farm with regenerative practices. We care for the land and encourage biodiversity through our farming practices, planting cover crops to increase organic matter and improve soil fertility, rotating crops and using no chemical inputs.’

Nic says that while they have faced their challenges, the rewards have far outweighed any adversities.

Food Security in the Northern Rivers. Food Planning for families and local communities

CWA Hall, Lennox Head Cultural and Community Centre Friday 26th July, 10am-2pm

• Strengthen community connections

• Get inspired

• Develop disaster preparation and resilience skills

• Discuss everything from growing to storing, transporting, accessing, selling and composting food in the Northern Rivers, NSW

• Have fun!

• Get support

• Join us, register here: www.planc.org.au/rising-together

Byron Farmers Market is held Thursdays from 7 to 11am at Butler St Reserve, and Bangalow Farmers Market is held Saturdays, from 7 to 11am behind the Bangalow pub.

Open 6am – 12pm Monday – Saturday Shop 6/108 Stuart Street Mullumbimby.

Farmer Nicole Dayman at Byron Farmers Market.

Carpenter Lawrence Clain

1. BYRON BAY PORK

A local, family-owned business that sources premium quality pork, beef, lamb, and goat from their family farms. Call in and see their friendly team.

Open Monday to Saturday. 02 6684 2137

4. LULU'S CAFE

Nestled in Mullumbimby's heart, Lulu's organic vegetarian cafe offers fresh, vibrant dishes and quality food. Locally-sourced ingredients, no preservatives, and no seed oil define their pride in serving the community. Newly licensed. 02 6684 2415 lulus-cafe.com.au • @lulus.cafe.mullum

7.

All your stationary needs available and so much more. Get cosy for winter, with beanies, sockets and oodies. A big distributor of trading cards, a large selection of Pokemon in store but selling

THE MULLUMBIMBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Mullum Chamber of Commerce & Community brings together numerous business and community and artistic groups to foster the wellness of the town of Mullumbimby for all those who enjoy this wonderful and eclectic environment to live in. Our last Kollective meeting was at the Museum where our rich history is on display for all to listen and learn.

All volunteer-led, we meet once a month along with the police and fire brigade to promote and assist many projects within the town.

Mullumbimby Laneways festival has just been and we are moving on to the Chinny Charge with entries now open online.

We are an open and inclusive group and welcome all new members who wish to make a positive contribution to our town. www.mullumbimby.org.au

2. HEMP CULTURE

Discover Hemp Culture, your destination for eco-conscious living. Our sustainable hemp products span nutrition, cosmetics, clothing, self-care, and more, ensuring your daily routine is natural and green. hempculture.com.au • @hempculture_au

5. ARTISTS & MAKERS COLLECTIVE

Made in Mullum is an amazing collective of 64 local artists and makers sharing one shop.

Open seven days a week, they have everything from handmade clothes, toys, ceramics and jewellery to original art, tie-dye kits and perfume. Instagram/Facebook: Made in Mullum

Transform Active offers 20 group classes, state-of-the-art Technogym equipment and expert trainers to reconnect body and mind. With a recovery sauna and diverse memberships, they foster a supportive, local fitness community. 0432 583 716 www.transformactive.com.au

3. THE MULLUMBIMBY CHOCOLATE SHOP

Old-fashioned fun where you'll be dazed and amazed at the selection of mouth-watering treats! Offering artisan chocolate, gelato and a lolly bar where you can choose from over 100 lollies. Open seven days. 02 6684 4825 @themullumbimbychocolateshop

6. MAVEN DENTAL

From routine checkups to Invisalign and everything in-between. Maven Dental Mullumbimby provide comprehensive dental services tailored to your unique needs We cant wait to see you smile! 02 6684 2644 mavendental.com.au/Mullumbimby

10. STUDIO SUVIRA

An extensive range of ceramics, arts and sculpture on show, call first to ensure a meeting with Suvira and an opportunity to discover and understand his techniques for producing his beautifully crafted works. 0402 125 922 suviramcdonald.com • @studiosuvira

12. THE PADDOCK PROJECT

Ever driven past The Paddock and wanted to stop in? Now's the time! Enjoy freshly harvested organic veggies, great coffee, salads, snacks. Situated in the most amazing garden. Visit us today!

0400 348 209 www.paddockproject.com

11. LINEN HOUSE OUTLET

Create your ultimate winter feel, with the dreamiest bedding! The classic stripe coverlet offers a contemporary, easy-living vibe. This charcoal, yarn-dyed, quilted coverlet features a 120 GSM polyester fill for added comfort.

02 6684 6452

13. ROSETTAS DELI & BISTRO

Discover Rosetta Deli & Bistro, a culinary gem by Manuel. Where Michelin-star expertise meets nostalgic Italian cuisine, deli meats, cheeses and gelato. Tues–Sat 3pm–9pm, Fri–Sat lunch from 11.30am. Nonna approved!

0461 435 150 www.rosettadeliandbistro.com.au

A hidden gem, Bimbi serves Allpress Espresso, sandwiches, pastries and tasty treats. Open Mon to Sat, 6am to 12 midday. Grab a take away or sit in the sunny courtyard. @bimbi_coffee_shop

14. BIMBI COFFEE SHOP

BANGALOW HOLISTIC DENTAL

Under Dr Nigel Cluer’s guidance, Bangalow Holistic Dentist has the highest level of mercury hygiene

Studies have shown that if the dentist doesn’t follow the SMART (Safe Mercury Removal Technique) protocol the patients’ blood levels of mercury can

SMART means:

•Pre-procedural rinse with activated organic charcoal and post rinse with NAC

•Full draping of patient from head to toe

•Rubber dam with rubber dam sealant

•Low speed suction under rubber dam

•Windows open for cross ventilation

•Oxygen via nose mask

health & healing

•IQ mercury extraction machine within 8 inches of mouth

•Dentist and assistant fully gowned, masked, with hat and special gloves. For mercury detox supplements, Dr Cluer recommends the Detox Qube from

02 6687 2150

www.bangalowholisticdentist.com.au

ELEMENTS OF BYRON RESORT

Discover the serenity at Osprey Spa. Nestled amidst Byron Bay’s tranquil splendour, where land meets

rejuvenation and renewal for your mind, body, and choose from a bespoke menu of luxurious massages and rejuvenating facials, each crafted to pamper your senses and enhance well-being. Handpicked Osprey rituals and personalised treatments. Osprey Spa transcends the ordinary and as the premier spa in the region, it honours community and connection. Locals are invited to enjoy a 10% discount Monday through to Thursday. Open seven days to the public.

02 6639 1555

spa@elementsofbyron.com.au www.elementsofbyron.com.au/spa

LIZA ATHERTON KINESIOLOGY

Are you prepared to embrace a more conscious way of living? Are you ready to leave behind overwhelm, worth?

session when you mention this ad. 0499 588 971

@liza_atherton_kinesiology lizaatherton.kinesiology@gmail.com www.lizaathertonkinesiology.com

MULLUMBIMBY COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH STUDIO

Liza, an experienced neuroenergetic kinesiologist, is dedicated to guiding you through a transformative journey. Specialising in women and children, she helps unravel limiting beliefs, triggers, and outdated patterns. Liza’s mission is to help you release burdens and create a space of calm, clarity, and peace in your life. In her nurturing environment, every concern is met with genuine care and compassion. You’ll leave feeling lighter, calmer, and clearer, ready to embrace a renewed sense of self and purpose.

In a separate health studio located next door to the health centre on Stuart Street, Mullumbimby

Medicare rebates may apply with a GP referral.

Medicine’ programs which are aimed at prescribing exercise programs for people with chronic disease and for preventative health. The purpose-built exercise physiology

Exercise has been widely used as preventative medicine to reduce the risk and incidence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Regular exercise can improve health and reduce the severity of diseases. Exercise as medicine programs utilise exercise physiologists who specialise in chronic disease management through physical rehab, tailored exercise programs and behavioural coaching. 02 6684 1511

www.mullumhealthcentre.com

BYRON COLLEGE, COURSES AND WORKSHOPS TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD!

If you’re passionate about the health and wellness space, then Byron Community College can help you upskill and be of service.

Provide First Aid: Nationally-accredited 1-day training.

Youth Mental Health First Aid: get equipped with the skills to recognise and respond to an adolescent who may be experiencing a mental health problem or crisis situation.

Reiki Level 1: learn the ancient gentle Japanese method of hands-on energy healing.

NDIS Support Worker: 1-day workshop full of valuable insights and information to start your journey as an NDIS support worker.

HeartMath Resilience: learn how to self-regulate emotions, reduce stress, focus and recharge your energy with breath meditation techniques.

Don’t miss out!

02 6684 3374

www.byroncollege.org.au

Volume 39 #06

17–23 July, 2024

Editor: Eve Jeffery

Editorial/gigs: gigs@echo.net.au

Copy deadline: 5pm each Thursday

Gig Guide deadline: 5pm each Friday

Advertising: adcopy@echo.net.au

P: 02 6684 1777

W: echo.net.au/entertainment

THEY’RE BACK!

Stone & Wood’s popular Murbah Open Day is back on Saturday, August 3 – they are celebrating a decade of boutique brews and community. Stone & Wood’s Murwillumbah Brewery will open its doors from 11am to 5pm, inviting locals and brew lovers from near and far to enjoy a rare behind-the-scenes experience, with guided tours running throughout the day offering an exclusive insight into the brewing and packaging process. The Murbah Open Day is an event for the whole family and a celebration of the wonderful Northern Rivers community, featuring the best local music, delicious food, and fresh brews direct from the source.

Taste the current batch of Northern Rivers Beer (NRB), a brew inspired by the surrounding region and its people. Crafted with at least 70 per cent certified sustainable malt and 100 per cent certified sustainable hops, NRB is Stone & Wood’s most sustainable brew and it also gives back to the local community through the Ingrained Foundation.

With two stages for music, the event is full of great tunes – the main stage will feature the Beddy Rays, Dan Sultan, DJ Cashew, The Beefs, Verge Collection, AKA Lui, Mid Drift and the Club Raiders DJs, while the Brew Deck stage will feature DJs Bean Dip, Dan Muz, Mase vs Kane, Reiflex, Sammond, and Yazmin

Entry to Murbah Open Day 2024 is via gold coin donation and all profits will once again raise funds for Wedgetail Retreat, which provides free palliative care to the Northern Rivers community. Operating without government funding, Wedgetail relies on the support of its community to keep its doors open and continue with the excellent care they provide.

Regular bus transfers will be available to and from locations around Murwillumbah and Tweed, for just $5 each way. Check the website for routes and pick up/drop off times. Bookings are essential.

Don’t miss out on this annual celebration of community, beer, and good vibes – mark Murbah Open Day in your calendar now. Whether you’re a local legend or simply love great beer, there’s something for everyone at this year’s event.

See you there on Saturday, August 3, from 11am. Visit stoneandwood.com.au for more info

TYALGUM MUSIC FESTIVAL WILL BE AWESOME

An opera, a jazz night, a string quartet, mythical creatures, QCGU talent, a violin and piano recital, a wind quintet from Los Angeles and a harp – what more could you need for a fabulous weekend of music?

The Tyalgum Music Festival will hold eight extraordinary concerts over three days in September. This stellar festival is a favourite with many in the region and is renowned for delivering something special for audiences.

The weekend program has been carefully curated and features Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel – with Gianna Guttilla, Sabrina Wall, Christie Eckersley, Cameron Bodiam-Taylor, Annika Hinrichs and Lois Redman, with Peter Luff conductingthe Limpinwood Ensemble

Mythical Creatures is a song cycle by Paul Kopetz on the poetry of Svyetlana Hadgraft and a variety of inspired portraits. Each of the ten movements is a musical impression of a mythical creature that has existed in the folklore of cultures from around the world since the beginning of time – with illustrations by Tyalgum Public School students these creatures will really come to life. The performers are Leanne Kenneally, Leon Warnock, Michal Rosiak, Vivienne Brooke, Rianne Wilschut, Paul Kopetz, Katharine Willison, Peter Luff and Mitchell Leigh

Danial de Borah and Kristian Winther will present lunchtime recital of glorious violin and piano sonatas and the Orava Quartet will join forces with the Limpinwood Ensemble wind players to perform Françaix’s magical arrangement of Mozart’s much loved Quintet for Piano and Winds

With Cool Nights, Hot Jazz with theSteve Newcomb Trio you can enjoy a relaxed evening of jazz with the Steve Newcomb Trio, featuring Etienne Steven in the Tyalgum Jazz Cafe. Sit at tables of four, share a platter and soak up the sounds. This performance will also feature Helen Russell and Grace King

The 2024 festival will highlight a performance of freshfaced talent from the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University (QCGU) and the LA Philharmonic Wind Quintet will bring a little West Side Story to Tyalgum featuring Denis Bouriakov, Marc Lachat, Boris Allakhverdyan, Whitney Crockett and Andrew Bain

Another highlight will be Emily Grainger and the Orava Quartet with Ravel’s mesmerising Introduction and Allegro and Debussy’s Trio for Flute, Viola and Harp

This will be a stunning weekend of music – find out more and book tickets at

BEDDY RAYS

IT’S PLAY SCHOOL!

This year, your favourite Play School TV friends are stepping out of the screen and onto the stage for ‘Let’s Play Together’. Embarking on a thrilling national concert tour started this March in Victoria, they’ll be bringing a whirlwind of fun right across the nation.

Let’s Play Together is not just any show – it’s a celebration of friendship, games, and the magic of play.

Led by two beloved Play School hosts and featuring cherished characters like Big Ted, Little Ted, Jemima, Humpty, and the new faces Joey and Kiya, this singalong, dance-along concert promises a blend of lively dances and soothing moments to captivate and delight. Imagine a room where colourful boxes burst with surprises, where songs propel you to dance, and quiet times invite you to be swept away in wonder. Set in the vibrant Play School games room, the presenters and playful toys will guide you through enchanting worlds – from the depths of the ocean to the expanse of the cosmos.

Don’t miss the joy of discovery and the pleasure of shared stories and songs. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the Play School family, this show is packed with fun and surprises for everyone.

Join in for an unforgettable journey of imagination and play – where every moment is a treasure, and every memory is filled with joy.

Grab your tickets now and let’s play together!

Bought to you by Kids Promotions in association with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

Sunday, August

4 at 10am and 12 noon at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre – Bookings essential so call 1300 788 028 or go to www. kidspromotions.com.au

EXPLORING THE HISTORY OF WOMEN IN MUSIC

Following an overwhelming response from audiences and critics alike, Lady Sings The Blues is back with ‘Volume 2’, promising an even more exhilarating journey through the history of music as shaped by legendary women.

Lady Sings The Blues – Volume 2 is a story about women in song, their hurts, struggles and pain while their beauty remains the same. You will be transported from the speakeasy setting to the very heart of our lady, Prinnie Stevens

Stevens rose to national stardom on the inaugural season of The Voice Australia where she battled her best friend Mahalia Barnes, and wowed audiences with her high-energy performances.

Stevens perfected the art of song and dance from a young age, landing her first major musical at 17 in the Australian premiere of Rent. Since then, she has cemented herself as one of Australia’s most in-demand triple-threats. She has gone on to star in several musical theatre shows, The Bodyguard, Hair

the Musical, Thriller LIVE (in the West End) and has now landed back in the cabaret world where her pop, gospel, theatre, soul and RnB talents all come together.

Lady Sings The Blues – Volume 2 features a powerhouse lineup of the work of iconic songstresses including Aretha Franklin, Mahalia Jackson, Nina Simone, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, and more. It is a captivating homage to the trailblazing women who have left an indelible mark on the music industry.

Lady Sings The Blues – Volume 2 promises an unforgettable evening of music, emotion, and homage to the women who have shaped the musical landscape for generations to come. Don’t miss your chance to experience this extraordinary production and the incredible talent of Prinnie Stevens.

Catch this awesome show on July 19 at 7.30pm in the Byron Theatre – go to www.byroncentre.com.au for more info.

GIG GUIDE

It’s free to list your gigs in the gig guide. gigs@echo.net.au w: echo.net.au/gig-guide. DEADLINE 5PM ON FRIDAYS

LISMORE CITY BOWLO 7.30PM ROBYN

CINEMA

GO NORTH FOR GREAT FILMS

Celebrating its tenth year, the 2024 Saxo Scandinavian Film Festival full program has been launched with a stellar line-up showcasing the best new cinema from the Nordic region.

Go north this winter with films from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden screening nationally from July to August.

This year’s festival will open with the epic historical drama The Riot (Sulis 1907), directed by Academy Award-nominated Nils Gaup (The Last King). The film depicts the escalation of tensions leading to the Sulis uprising of mining workers in 1907 where workers struggled under inhumane conditions in dangerous, dark copper mines. This important episode in Norwegian history has never been told on screen before and portrays the origin story of the powerful Norwegian labour movement.

Hugely popular in Finland, this year’s Festival Centrepiece Stormskerry Maja is based on the book series by Anni Blomqvist – the tale of female empowerment set in the 1840s, it follows Maja and her husband through the breathtaking Finnish seasons on the windswept and remote Åland archipelago. Stunning cinematography makes this a must-see on the big screen.

Direct from the 2024 Cannes Film Festival where it opened the Un Certain Regard section, When The Light Breaks (Ljósbrot), directed by Rúnar Rúnarrson, is a poignant drama, set between two sunsets, that follows a young art student whose morality is tested over a long summer’s day in Iceland.

The second special presentation is Iceland’s Touch (Snerting)

A romantic drama directed by renowned filmmaker Baltasar Kormákur, it is based on the best-selling eponymous novel. Spanning several decades and continents, it follows one man’s emotional journey to find his first love.

Also from Iceland come two chilling thrillers – Cold (Kuldi), is moody, twisted and guaranteed to leave the audience buzzing. An adaptation of Icelandic crime author Yrsa Sigurdardottir’s bestselling novel, it follows a state investigator uncovering the mystery of decades-old deaths at a juvenile centre, and the eerie Natatorium is the story of an 18-year-old who becomes caught up in the dark past of her family, learning secrets that will threaten her life while she is staying with her estranged grandparents. These are just the tip of the iceberg (see what I did there?) for this awesome film festival.

The Saxo Scandinavian Film Festival screens from July 26 to August 14 at Palace Byron Bay and Ballina Fair Cinemas. For more information, visit: scandinavianfilmfestival.com and follow on Instagram/Facebook @ScandiFilmFest.

WEDNESDAY 17

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, DAN HANNAFORD

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 5PM TAHLIA

MATHESON

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM JASON

DELPHIN

BANGALOW BOWLO 7.30PM

BANGALOW BRACKETS OPEN MIC

THURSDAY 18

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, BEN WALSH

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 5PM

KALAKARI + CASEY MAY & THE LOVERS + KENZO CRUZ

BYRON THEATRE 6PM BRIGHT LIGHTS

HOLIDAY WORKSHOP PERFORMANCE

NORTH BYRON HOTEL 5.30PM OPEN MIC

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM

JORDAN MAC + DJS

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE

7PM BRUNS DOES WINTER BURLESQUE

KELP BAR, BALLINA, 6PM ROD MURRAY

THE LEVEE, LISMORE, 5PM NEIL

MCCANN

LISMORE CITY BOWLO 7PM THE SUPPER

CLUB

THE BURROW, CABARITA, 6PM OPEN MIC NIGHT

FRIDAY 19

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, THE WHISKEYS

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, DANCE

DANCE REVIVAL AUSTRALIA

BYRON THEATRE 7.30PM PRINNIE

STEVENS

PLAYGROUND, BYRON BAY, 3PM EARTH, JAM & FIRE

NORTH BYRON HOTEL 4PM DJ ZAC

COMMUNE CANTEEN @ HABITAT, BYRON BAY, 4PM THE VERSACE BOYS

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 8PM SAM BUCKLEY BAND

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM THE DREGGS + NANA’S PIE + LUKE MORRIS AND THE HEAVY HITTERS

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE

7PM BRUNS DOES WINTER BURLESQUE

OCEAN SHORES TAVERN 8PM DJ NIGHT

FEAT. FRAKTEK VS TEXI, SUBFORM & BHAKTI

MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 8PM

KRAPPYOKEE WITH JESS

CLUB LENNOX 7PM BEN WHITING

LENNOX HOTEL 9PM GLITTERATI RIOT

CHERRY STREET SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, 7PM TIM STOKES

YULLI’S, BYRON BAY, 3PM YULLI’S OPEN

MIC

MARTIN BAND AND BENJI & THE SALTWATER SOUND SYSTEM

THE LEVEE, LISMORE, 7.30PM DJ MAGNUS

THE CHANNON TAVERN 7PM MONKEY AND THE FISH BAND

MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6.30PM

DARREN J RAY

THE BURROW, CABARITA, 5PM GREEN VELVET

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 5PM MATTHEW BRIGHT

SATURDAY 20

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, SOUL’D BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, BEDDY RAYS + THE TERRYS + RUM JUNGLE NORTH BYRON HOTEL 2.30PM DJ JR.DYNAMITE

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM DAN HANNAFORD + DJS 7PM GMJ & MATTER + DJ LUCAS R B2B MADDOG HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4.30PM THE SWAMP

CATS

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 2PM LIL’ CHEEKY, 7PM BRUNS DOES WINTER BURLESQUE

BANGALOW HOTEL 2PM DAVE POWER

CLUB BURRINGBAR 12PM SPLENDOUR IN THE CAGE

CLUB LENNOX 7PM FAT ALBERT DUO

LENNOX HOTEL 9PM DJ SLIM RUSTY

BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK 6PM

BROADWATERS

CHERRY STREET SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, 8PM PISTOL WHIP

DUNOON SPORTS CLUB 6PM MATT HILL

THE CHANNON TAVERN 6PM KARAOKE

MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6PM

STEPHEN LOVELIGHT

CITADEL, MURWILLUMBAH, 7PM GALLIE

THE BURROW, CABARITA, 5PM HUBCAP

STAN

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 5PM GREGG PETERSON

SHEOAK SHACK, FINGAL HEAD, 2PM BILL JACOBI

SEAGULLS, TWEED HEADS, 7.30PM BARNES STORM

SUNDAY 21

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, THE MAJESTIC NIGHTS

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 4.30PM SOUL’D NORTH BYRON HOTEL 2PM DJ NAT WHITE

PLAYGROUND, BYRON BAY, 3PM EARTH, JAM & FIRE

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM MATTHEW ARMITAGE

BANGALOW HOTEL 2PM ROB SARIC

BANGALOW BOWLO 7.30PM

BANGALOW BRACKETS OPEN MIC

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4PM BOOTLEG

RASCAL + ANDY V MUSIC

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 6PM BRUNS DOES WINTER BURLESQUE

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

TINTENBAR HALL 3PM ANDREA KIRWIN & KELLY BROUHAHA

BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK 2.30PM SUNDAY BLUES CLUB SESSIONS FEAT IMPERIAL BLUES REVIEW + TWO TEARS IN A BUCKET

SHAWS BAY

MONDAY 22

DAVID MCCREDIE THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM

USHER SHAWS BAY HOTEL, BALLINA, 3PM LIVING IN THE 70S

TUESDAY 23

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, GUY KACHEL

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM AKOVA

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM MARSHALL OKELL + DJS TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 11AM PETER PAKI & TREVOR MARTIN

WEDNESDAY 24

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, DAMIEN COOPER BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM GUY KACHEL

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM ALEX BOWEN

BANGALOW BOWLO 7.30PM BANGALOW BRACKETS OPEN MIC

except Tues: 11:00AM. Tues: 10:40AM FLY ME TO THE MOON (M) Daily except Tues: 1:15PM, 4:30PM, 7:20PM. Tues: 4:30PM, 7:20PM KINDS OF KINDNESS (MA15+) NFT Daily except Sun, Wed: 10:30AM, 1:00PM, 7:15PM. Sun: 10:30AM, 7:15PM. Wed: 1:00PM, 7:15PM LONGLEGS (MA15+) NFT Daily: 1:20PM, 4:10PM, 6:20PM, 8:30PM

39 BILIN ROAD, MYOCUM

Property Business Directory

Property Business Directory

PROPERTY STAGING styling for sale call us for a free quote on 0432 574 321

cactushillproject.com.au home@cactushillproject.com.au

STEVE TANCRED Property Valuer and Consultant Prompt advice directly from valuer principal

FROGLEY TANCRED AND ASSOCIATES PTY LTD Lennox Head, NSW • 0428 875 396 • steve@frogleyvaluers.com.au

Buying & Developing Property?

Craig Adams Project Manager / Director 0411 575 991 craig@cacm.net.au

caconstructionmanagement.com.au

First National Byron Bay

• 5/18 Sunrise Boulevard, Byron Bay. Wed 3–3.30pm

• 160 Reardons Lane, Swan Bay. Thurs 10.30–11am

• 13 Cavvanbah Lane, Byron Bay. Thurs 12–12.30pm

• 22/183-205 Broken Head Road, Suffolk Park. Thurs 12–12.30pm

• 7/19 Teak Road, Federal. Thurs 1–1.30pm

• 1 Settlement Road, Main Arm. Fri 12–12.30pm

• 7 Saligna Court, Mullumbimby. Sat 9–9.30am

• 1/6 Firewheel Place, Suffolk Park. Sat 9–9.30am

• 62 Possum Creek Road, Bangalow. Sat 9–9.30am

• 15/24 Scott Street, Byron Bay. Sat 9–9.30am

• 34 Helen Street, South Golden Beach. 10–10.30am

• 10 Oakland Court, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

• 6 Victor Place, Lennox Head. Sat 10–10.30am

• 36 Robin Street, South Golden Beach. Sat 10–10.30am

• 5/18 Sunrise Boulevard, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

• 3/7 Keats Street, Byron Bay. Sat 10.30–11am

• 419 Left Bank Road, Mullumbimby Creek. Sat 10.30–11am

• 13 Coral Court, Byron Bay. Sat 11–11.30am

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

• 1363 Main Arm Road, Upper Main Arm. Sat 11–11.30am

• 22/183-205 Broken Head Road, Suffolk Park. Sat 11–11.30am

• 51 Granuaille Road, Bangalow. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 35 Bencluna Lane, Eureka. 12–12.30pm

• 69 Tooheys Mill Road, Nashua. 12–12.30pm

• 146 Alcorn Street, Suffolk Park. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 783 Fernleigh Road, Brooklet. Sat 12.30–1pm

• 30 Avocado Crescent, Ewingsdale. 12.30–1pm

• 50 Rocky Creek Dam Road, Dunoon. Sat 1–1.30pm

• 7/19 Teak Road, Federal. 1–1.30pm

• 6/51 Belongil Crescent, Byron Bay. Sat 1–1.30pm

• 7/11-19 Cooper Street, Byron Bay. Sat 1.30–2pm

• 1 Settlement Road, Main Arm. Sat 2–2.30pm

Harcourts Northern Rivers

• 6 Princess Avenue, Ballina. Sat 9.30–10am

• 6/6 Pine Avenue, East Ballina. Sat 10–10.30am

• 10 Eider Quadrant, Ballina. Sat 10.30–11am

• 4/5 Marge Porter Place, West Ballina. Sat 11–11.30am

• 32 Justelius Road, Meerschaum Vale. Sat 11am–12.00pm

• 11 Bayview Drive, Cumbalum. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 337 Hermans Lane, Pimlico. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 8 Barnwall Street, Cumbalum. Sat 12.30–1pm

• 96 Emigrant Point Road, Pimlico. Sat 12.45–1.15pm

• 73 Lagoon Drive, Myocum. Sat 1.45–2.15pm

Mana RE

• 10 Palmer Avenue, Ocean Shores. Wed 11.30–12pm

• 39A Granuaille Road, Bangalow. Wed 1–1.30pm

• 46 Orana Road, Ocean Shores. Sat 9–9.30am

• 67 Commercial Road, Murwillumbah. Sat 9–9.30am

• 16 Eloura Court, Ocean Shores. Sat 10–10.30am

• 142 Bakers Road, Dunbible. Sat 10–11am

• 10 Palmer Avenue, Ocean Shores. Sat 11–11.30am

• 119 Commercial Road, Murwillumbah. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 28 Philip Street, South Golden Beach. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 39A Granuaille Road, Bangalow. Sat 1.30–2pm

McGrath Byron Bay

• 69 Argyle Street, Mullumbimby. Wed 11–11.30 am

• 10 Cooper Street, Byron Bay. Sat 9–9.30am

• 774 Friday Hut Road, Binna Burra. Sat 9.15–9.45am

• 28 Carlyle Street, Byron Bay. Sat 9.30–10am

• 39 Ruskin Street, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

• 2/31 Carlyle Lane, Byron Bay. Sat 10.30–11am

• 16 Rosewood Avenue, Bangalow. 11–11.30am

• 195 Old Byron Bay Road, Newrybar. Sat 11.15–11.45am

• 4 Browning Street, Byron Bay. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 9 Rosewood Avenue, Bangalow. 12–12.30am

• 3 Midgenberry Place, Suffolk Park. Sat 12.30–1pm

North Coast Lifestyle Properties

• 1/20 Fingal Street, Brunswick Heads. Sat 9–9.30am

• 9 Kolora Way, Ocean Shores. Sat 10–10.30am

• 284 The Pocket Road, The Pocket. Sat 11–11.30am

• 6 Park Street, New Brighton. Sat 11–11.45am

• 53 Hunter Street, Burringbar. Sat 12–12.30pm

Real Estate of Distinction

• 79 Bayview Drive, East Ballina. Sat 10–10.30am

• House 1 No. 1 Canowindra Court, South Golden Beach. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 81 Harwood Road, Burringbar. Sat 1.30–2pm

Tim Miller Real Estate

• 15 Ivory Curl Place, Bangalow. Sat 9.15–9.45am

• 1271 Lismore Road, Clunes. Sat 10.15–10.45am

• 5 Ewandale Close, Clunes. Sat 11–11.30am

• 20 Federation Drive, Eltham. Sat 12–12.30pm

New Listings

First National Byron Bay

• 7 Muli Place, Suffolk Park

• 51 Granuaille Road, Bangalow

• 6/33–35 Childe Street, Byron Bay

• 5/18 Sunrise Boulevard, Byron Bay

• 15/24 Scott Street, Byron Bay

• 30 Avocado Crescent, Ewingsdale North Coast Lifestyle Properties

• 400 Upper Wilsons Creek Road, Upper Wilsons Creek. $1,380,000–$1,500,000

• 12 Rush Court, Mullumbimby. $835,000

• 107 Risleys Road, Federal. $2,495,000

• 24 Flinders Way, Nth Ocean Shores. $1,860,000

• 9 Kolora Way, Ocean Shores. $945,000

• 70 North Teven Road, Teven. Contact agent

• Round Mountain. $4,480,000

• Lot A & B, 21 Warrambool Road, Ocean Shores. Vacant land

• 1/20 Fingal Street, Brunswick Heads. $1,420,000

ECHO CLASSIFIEDS – 6684 1777

DEADLINE TUES 12PM

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.

PUBLIC NOTICES

BELLYDANCING

Presented by Amitayus Home Hospice Service

1st August-September 12th & September 21st 6.30-8.30pm info@amitayus.org.au or Register with Byron Community College

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.

HEALTH

KINESIOLOGY

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

HYPNOSIS

Simple and effective solutions. Anxiety, Cravings, Fears & Trauma. Maureen Bracken 0402205352

GARAGE SALES

Mullumbimby. 66842511 ARCHIBALD’S CHEAP QUARRY PRODUCTS

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

NEISHA

Neisha is a divine black lady. She tolerates shelter life but would most certainly thrive in a loving home. She likes head rubs and will tell you kindly when she’s had enough. Black cats are considered to be a symbol of good luck and Neisha will bring lots of lucky love to her new family.

To meet Neisha & our other cats & kittens, please visit the Cat Adoption Centre at 124 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby.

OPEN: Tues 2.30–5.30pm, Thurs 3–5pm / Sat 10am–12 noon Call AWL on 0436 845 542

We

email and display a willingness to learn.

Role specific training will be provided.

Please email your resume to: Luarne@nrimaging.com

For any further information regarding the Job please contact the above email with all enquires.

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

and learn. She is looking for an active family who can provide her with space to run and lots of things to do. M/C # 900164002075887

For more information please contact Yvette on 0421 831 128 or please complete our online expression of interest form at: www.friendsofthepound.com/adoptionexpression-of-interest

Byron Dog Rescue (CAWI)

ROSIE & ON SLOW ROSIE ONSLOW

Rosie – 6.3-year-old desexed female Jack Russell (MC: 900164001290038)

Onslow – 9.6-year-old desexed male Miniature Fox Terrier (MC: 900006000250381) This little pair of sweet rascals adore people and lots of attention, but can be reactive to other dogs. We are looking for one or two homes. Neither dog is a hunter and once they’ve alerted you to visitors or passing walkers, dogs or noisy birds, they quieten down quickly. Contact Shell on 0458 461 935.

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 9am–4pm (closed 12.30–1.30pm for lunch). We offer a variety of services. 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.

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

More Than A Meal: free community lunch Tuesday–Thursday 12.30–1.30pm. Financial counselling

Staying Home, Leaving Violence program: Information, referral, and advocacy.

BILO

YES, we still have kittens! Bilo is a small bundle of playfulness about 11 weeks old. He’s white with black patches and should be an indoor only cat. He gets on with other cats and adores people.

All cats are desexed, vaccinated and microchipped. No: 953010006756622.

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

MONTHLY MARKETS

Gulganii affordable pantry shop: located at 3 Bridgeland Lane. Orange Sky: free laundry service Mon morning & Wed 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

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 Tuesday–Friday. Breakfast: Tuesday–Friday, 7–9am. Showers and laundry: Tuesday–Friday, 7am–12pm. Office support: Tuesday–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

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

AMBULANCE, FIRE, POLICE 000

AMBULANCE Mullumbimby & Byron Bay 131 233 POLICEBrunswick

Food Box Thursdays 9.30–11.30am at Uniting Church, Mullumbimby. You may purchase cheap food, obtain free veges, and enjoy a cuppa. The Hub Baptist Church in Ocean Shores has food relief available for anyone doing it tough, please contact us on 0434 677747 if you find yourself doing it tough. 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 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

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.

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.

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.

Dolphins return home as champs

Nelson Bay dominate NSW Croquet championships

Following from the recently finished pennant season and the Northern Rivers Croquet Association Championships, local players took on opponents from across the state this week when the Croquet NSW Division Three Championships were contested on the lawns of Ballina, Byron Bay and Lismore.

Played in a very sporting manner, restricted to players with a handicap of nine and above, the titles were decided over five days of intense competition, with each competitor engaged in five games most days.

Standout player

Rob Batho from Nelson Bay was the standout player of the series as he was unbeaten over the five days in a superb display that saw his handicap drop from nine to seven.

He teamed with Nelson Bay clubmate, Garry Allan, in the doubles to defeat Byron

Bay pair Gerd Modlich and Jed Hart in the final, and then repeated that result against Gerd to take the singles title.

The convivial interaction of players both on and off the field was a credit to the local administration and referees.

Crunch time in local rugby league

front of Byron Bay (17).

The Ballina Seagulls came away with a 12–12 draw, playing away against the Murwillumbah Mustangs last Saturday, which was enough for them to be on top of the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League (NRRRL) first grade ladder, with a four-week run to the finals. Ballina’s Jordan Lee scored his side’s two tries with conversions from Hamish McClintock.

Congested table

The result left Ballina at the top of a very congested table with 19 competition points. They are one ahead of Cudgen (18), who have a game in hand, and just two points in

The Red Devils have slipped from top spot after back-to-back losses.

Last Sunday they went down 20–10 playing against Tweed Coast at home, and the week earlier fell to Bilambil 28-12.

Three teams – Bilambil, Evans Head and Marist Brothers – are next on the table on 16 points with Northern United and Murwillumbah on 14 points.

Giants in ninth place

The Mullumbimby Giants, sit in ninth place (12), after back-to-back wins, beating Evans Head 28–26 playing away last Sunday, after beating the Tweed Coast Raiders,

Mullum’s Wimbledon tennis day, July 28

Mullumbimby Tennis Club are having their annual Wimbledon Day on Sunday, July 28, commencing from 10.30am. Organisers say, ‘The community are all welcome to attend this fun day of tennis.

All ages and abilities are encouraged to participate. Please come dressed in white or as your favourite tennis player’. Prizes are also on offer. For enquiries, contact Carol on 0419 046 776.

again playing away, 30–26, the week before.

But they, along with Murwillumbah, have poor for-and-against differentials, which will need to be improved before a final berth beckons.

Finals from Aug 17

Still there are plenty of teams with a lot to play for in the run in to the finals starting on August 17.

Rained out round one will be played this weekend.

Games include Mullumbimby (at home) against the Tweed Seagulls on Saturday, and Ballina (at home) against Casino on Sunday, along with Byron Bay travelling to play Evans Head.

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CCTV camera and locators

High pressure jet rodder

Electric eel

1.7t excavator and 3m tipper truck

Septic systems

Sewer treatment systems

The U12 Far North Coast Rugby Union Dolphins have returned home as country champions, having competed in the state tournament in Camden. The team consisted of players from Lennox Trojans, Wollongbar, Lismore, Byron Rebels, Casino and Casuarina. Photo supplied

Ross Kendall

Croquet finalists Rob Batho and Gerd Modlich. Photo supplied

Mullumbimby’s defence was too strong for the Evans Head Bombers last weekend.

Photo Sarah Archibald

Backlash

Aside from US presidential assassination yabber yabber – will the US reality show finale end with in a deep state hot coup? See Richard Jones’s column on page 10.

Vale long-time Main Arm identity and artist, Kenny Moat, who died this week.

An acid-house reunion gig at The Northern called Smile is on July 27, and is being described as ‘culturally significant in the Shire’ by co-organiser Paul Paradoxia. He says, ‘The Shire is full of ex-ravers and former party heads from every major city in Australia and the world’.

‘Cost of living is our top priority’ Peter Dutton mumbles with his mouth full of caviar at Gina Rinehart’s birthday’ –The Shovel

Direct from the West End and sold out venues, Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of The Dubliners, will be in at the Byron Bay Theatre on August 3. The show stars Ged Graham, who narrates ‘the audience through the fascinating life of the group in between stunning performances of so many of their celebrated classics’.

Vale Michael Taylor, a very humble and generous soul, who died on June 23. He was well-known and loved in the community as a master masseuse with a wicked sense of humour. He is survived by his wife and soulmate of 32 years, Francene Lee, and his brothers Tom and Bob.

Psst: Byron Music have opened in their new location – 17 Tasman Way, the Arts and Industry Estate, Byron Bay.

Australia’s fastest lawn mower is perhaps this 1950 Mercury, seen in Bruns last weekend. It appears lower than Rupert’s trust rating. Or is it lower than Peter Dutton’s capacity for generosity and compassion? The annual Back to Bruns, Show and Shine, drew hundreds in beautiful winter weather last weekend to see scores of classic cars and wild jalopies.

Photo Jeff ’Get Off My Lawns’ Dawson

Controversial health practitioner, Darrell Wolfe, renowned for his non-surgical and self-healing methods, is touring Australia with free ‘transformative lectures and certifications’. He will be at the Byron Bay Community Centre on July 28 from 3pm.

Independent MP Dr Monique Ryan MP has launched www. cleanuppoliticsact.com.au and has a bill before parliament that would require in-house political lobbyists to be on a register, ‘and place tougher sanctions on those who break the rules, and open up ministerial diaries so we know who they are meeting and why’. Presumably it will be supported by Labor and the coalition because, erm, they believe in transparency?

Remember folks, lock your cars and houses, as young adults – reportedly from

Qld – keep stealing stuff. Sign posts were removed at

Way in Ocean Shores over the weekend and there were reports of a police chase in Bruns on Tuesday morning.

Local Byron Shire

Psychologist, Gemma Mackenzie

No waiting list – immediate appointments available,

Gemma was born and raised in the Byron Shire and has recently returned after living both interstate and overseas for many years. She has worked in mental health for over ten years as both a registered psychologist and an art therapist. Gemma works with adults and young people experiencing a broad range of challenges including:

• Anxiety and depression

• Trauma and sexual assault

• Stress grief and loss

• Life transition

Relationship issues

Depression loss and grief

Yengarie