The Byron Shire Echo – Issue 39.09 – August 7, 2024

Ten million litres of water wasted a year in Byron Shire

Paul Bibby

Opening Council-related bills is rarely a pleasant experience, but when Ocean Shores resident Robert Birch opened his water bill a few months ago he got a particularly nasty surprise.

The local man, who has a science background, discovered that his water bill had blown out massively without him increasing his water use in any way.

Further investigation revealed that a concealed leak in the main line supplying his house had resulted in 800,000 litres of water pouring into the ground beneath his front yard over a two-year period.

With ongoing wet weather hiding any evidence of the leak at ground level, and Mr Birch’s prior water bills being paid via direct debit, he had no idea what was happening until a dry period in May finally brought a suspicious wet patch to his attention.

A few days later, more than two years after the leak began, he received a notice of higher than usual water usage from Byron Council.

$2,800 water bill issued

This notice was not accompanied by a waiver of the Mr Birch’s swollen water bills, which he now estimates to have totalled $2,800. This is on top of the cost of repairing the leak.

‘In following this up I discovered that there was no policy on concealed leaks [in the Byron Shire], in contrast to every other shire that I looked at in the surrounding area,’ Mr Birch told last week’s Byron Council meeting.

‘The practice of this Council seems to be to blame the residents for those leaks, even though the residents are entirely without fault and without negligence in that matter.’

And it seems Mr Birch is not alone. Doing some basic extrapolation, Mr Birch calculated that Byron Shire was wasting more than ten million litres of water each year at a cost of tens of thousands of dollars for ratepayers.

‘In my opinion it is irresponsible to waste tens of millions of litres of water each year,

Gold for tourism excellence

and unreasonable to expect locals to pay for leaks where they have no negligence or fault,’ he said.

At last Thursday’s Council meeting, Greens councillor Duncan Dey moved that Council waive 50 per cent of Mr Birch’s May water bill and revise the process by which it issues a notice of higher than usual water usage so that residents are notified sooner.

‘We are the standout council in this area and quite different from Queensland in that we just don’t have a policy on undetected leaks,’ Cr Dey said.

‘I believe we should have.

‘Every council and water authority is doing its darndest to conserve water, and one of the ways of doing that is to detect leaks.

‘So what I’m asking for, in addition to waiving part of Mr Birch’s bill, is for Council to revise down the trigger for issuing a notice of higher than usual water usage, and adopt an approach similar to that used by electricity providers, including on bills a graph of the previous rolling five quarters of consumption.

‘I gather from the staff report that we don’t currently have a way of doing that. Well maybe it’s about time that we did. It’s 2024. We have computers that can do that kind of thing. I don’t think it’s a big ask.’

But Council staff, and a majority of councillors disagreed.

In written notes responding to Cr Dey’s motion, Council’s manager of finance, corporate and community services, James Brickley, said that if Council waived the bill it would create a precedent for future leaks that Council would have to pay for or subsidise.

▶ Continued on page 5

There is a matter listed at Byron Bay Local Court where the police are seeking an apprehended violence order against Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Baden Lyon. The case is listed for later this month.

North Coast cultural Bundjalung tour operator Delta Kay won the Gold Award for Excellence in Cultural Tourism. Her company Explore Byron Bay Pty Ltd hosts tours and programs at Walgun (Cape Byron),

Bangalow and Broken Head. ‘I am so proud to represent Byron Bay alongside two other great winners: Byron Bay Bluesfest 2024 which won gold for Festival/Event of the Year, and gold for Excellence in Wellness

Tourism as well as silver for Excellence in Specialised Tourism; and Let’s Go Surfing who won silver for Tour and Transport Operator of the Year,’ she told TheEcho.

Photo Jeff Dawson

Byron Mayor, AVO

Creatively supporting the homeless

Paul Bibby

In a world beset by seemingly intractable problems, making a difference can seem like an impossible task.

For Jane Ball it was about finding ‘that one small thing that you can do to help’.

Every week the Byron local goes to the supermarket and buys a selection of groceries for local homelessness service Fletcher Street Cottage.

It’s a modest but meaningful contribution to the cause of addressing homelessness in Byron, the state’s rough sleeping capital.

‘It’s the standard things really – bananas, apples, pears, bacon and eggs for breakfast, sauces… they like sweet chilli… cheese… At this time of year I might put a few warming treats in as well…’

‘It’s a small amount really… they have huge needs. I just do what I can and it’s gratefully received.’

Acts of kindness

As the shire marks Homelessness Week, the focus is on small acts of kindness and support that individuals can give to help.

Given the soaring cost of living and how rapidly it is outstripping most people’s wages, in-kind donations are a more realistic contribution for many people.

They are also a way of seeing your efforts go directly to those in need, something which Ms Ball finds deeply satisfying.

‘You look at the news and most of the time it’s so dark… it’s quite dispiriting,’ she says.

‘Getting involved, it does feel good. When I go to do my own grocery shopping it’s so boring. But when I do it for them I love doing it.

‘I know it’s not much but

5 ways to take action:

1. Make a donation: financial contributions are critical whether it’s a one-off donation or a regular contribution, every bit helps.

2. Signup for Big Byron Sleepout: join the community in raising awareness and funds by participating in the Big Byron Sleepout on August 17. Sign up to sleepout at bigbyronsleepout.com.

3. Become a partner: you can make a difference by raising funds, hosting events or sharing with your network. If you’d like to contribute in a practical way, you can donate goods and services.

4. Leave a bequest: consider leaving a lasting legacy by including a charity in your will. A bequest can provide long-term support and help sustain critical services for future generations.

5. Volunteer: your time and skills are invaluable. Fletcher Street Cottage, Liberation Larder (liberationlarder.org) and the Mullumbimby and District Neighbourhood Centre (mdnc.org.au) all offer volunteer opportunities.

every little bit counts. If a few people do a little bit it all adds up.’

The manager of Fletcher Street Cottage, Damian Farrell, said that while financial contributions were most needed, in-kind donations of products, services and volunteer time were also invaluable.

‘Support from the community is crucial to addressing this escalating crisis,’ he said. For more information about how to get involved go to www.byroncentre.com. au/fsc/fletcher-street-cottage or contact your local neighbourhood centre, or your local charity of choice.

Jane Ball does a grocery shop for Fletcher Street Cottage each week as a way of supporting those who are homeless.

Photo Jeff Dawson

Local News

Aslan Shand

Last Friday the quick actions of former paramedic Natalie O’Brien, and one of the defibrillators that the Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce helped place around the area, saved a man’s life after he collapsed at the Mullumbimby Pool Shop.

‘I was about to leave the shop with my husband and kids when the pool rep putting stock on the shelf went down like a pile of bricks. The staff didn’t know what to do so they grabbed me. I felt his neck and pulse, he was starting to go blue, he was dead. I started CPR straight away.’

Bruce Butcher who works at the pool shop retrieved the defibrillator from Towers Carpets and Natalie spent around 25-30 minutes assisting the man prior to the ambulance arriving.

‘We did shocks in between CPR,’ explained the former Queensland paramedic to The Echo

‘Once you are hooked up it tells you when to stop doing CPR and when to do a shock. When the ambulance came they shocked him another four times. By the time he left he had a heart rate, was breathing on his own and he was responding to pain stimuli.’

Paramedics and the police told them at the scene that if they hadn’t had the defibrillator available the man would have died. He is now recovering and the defibrillator has been reset and is

available again for use.

There are defibrillators around the town of Mullumbimby outside the Mullumbimby Newsagent, at both industrial estates, the tennis courts, museum, Mullumbimby Golf Club and at the Main Arm and Federal stores.

James Muddle

The Eastern Freshwater Cod, native to the Richmond and Clarence River catchments, once swam throughout the freshwater reaches of these rivers, but are now unfortunately locally extinct in the Richmond River and its tributaries. They were once prolific, but only remnant non-stocked populations remain in some parts of the Clarence River and its tributaries.

Eastern Freshwater Cod, also known as Clarence River Cod, has been in decline in our rivers since the 1920s, starting with the use of dynamite to construct the North Coast railway. In the 1930s, dynamite was also used as a method of catching fish. This use of dynamite managed to kill thousands of fish and also destroyed the ecosystem in which the fish thrived. Fishkills, water quality degradation, floods, and the overall decrease in the habitat where these fish once existed are all factors contributing to the death of the Eastern Freshwater Cod.

Carping on

Introducing the invasive species carp has also been detrimental to the rehabilitation of this native cod. Carp, native to Central Asia, have been blamed for some of the destruction of freshwater

The Eastern Freshwater Cod is extinct in the Richmond River and the not-for-profit organisation OzFish Unlimited and NSW DPI Fisheries have been releasing Eastern Freshwater Cod fingerlings into multiple different locations.

habitats, especially through their feeding method, which uproots aquatic vegetation and muddies the water. Today, the threats to the return of Eastern Freshwater Cod are habitat degradation, removal of large woody debris, water extraction, reduction of bank stability, shade areas, and water quality. It is illegal to target these fish, catch and keep, buy, sell, possess or harm Eastern Freshwater Cod without approval.

The Richmond River Ecological Health Program, a program run by the Richmond Riverkeeper and River Ecology Australia, assessed the Richmond River catchment in 2023, going to different locations and doing an assessment on the general

health of the river and its key tributaries. On a scale of A+ to E, the overall health of the catchment recorded a score of C-.

Reintroduction

Work has been done to help reintroduce this predatory fish into the rivers, with not-for-profit organisation OzFish Unlimited and NSW DPI Fisheries releasing Eastern Freshwater Cod fingerlings into multiple different locations, particularly the Wilsons River, but often these fingerlings can have trouble managing to survive.

Zoe White, who is the Senior Project Manager at OzFish NSW North Coast said, ‘every year there are restocking efforts,’ they go to ‘key locations to assess

the best spot to be released, finding deep holes with good vegetation around it.’ While they do that, they also find ‘declining conditions with weed infestation and bank erosion.’

There have been anecdotal sightings of the cod in upper catchment areas by local fishers, and to hopefully back up these sightings, the use of new genetic technology eDNA is going to be used. Fish leave traces of their DNA in the environment, so the presence of these fish can be found through the collection of a simple sample of water.

When asked what people can do to help reintroduce Eastern Freshwater Cod into our rivers, Zoe White said ‘People can get involved with OzFish, as part of the cod program.

‘Anybody can, on their own properties, undertake restoration efforts’.

Kristin den Exter, representing Richmond Riverkeeper, said ‘If we can bring the Eastern Freshwater Cod back to the river, we know we’ve helped the overall quality of the river.’

If you would like to volunteer or learn more, you can contact: richmondriver.org. au or ozfish.org.au.

James Muddle attends Mullumbimby High School and is doing work experience at The Echo

Natalie O’Brien and her husband Jake O’Brien with Bruce Butcher.

Photo Jeff Dawson

Photo Wikimedia

Q: How will you balance affordable housing and the environment?

Cr Sarah Ndiaye: The cornerstones of our community are our precious natural environment and our creative spirit. The housing crisis has impacted the latter. We need vibrant, connected areas with character and opportunity while protecting our local environment. As the Greens’ mayoral candidate, I’m committed to tackling the housing crisis with a comprehensive approach, working with all levels of government and our innovative community.

There’s no single solution; it’s a complex issue I’ve been addressing for years. We urgently need public housing. We must regulate the shortterm rental market, which impacts housing supply and affordability. Increasing density in existing towns rather than expanding into undeveloped areas is crucial. Multi-use developments can integrate affordable housing with commercial spaces.

Cr Asren Pugh: After years of inaction by Council and the state government, with the recent approval of the first Affordable Housing

Contribution Scheme (AHCS), we have the opportunity to build truly affordable housing. Twenty per cent of all new developments across the Shire will be directly handed to Council for affordable housing. I’ve started discussions with the NSW Housing Minister, Rose Jackson, about accessing the $6 billion for housing in the NSW Budget.

New residential developments must be designed with the community and the environment at their centre. I made sure that our Residential Strategy requires all new residential developments to be master planned.

Cr Michael Lyon: We do this by involving the community in all stages of the process as we seek to deliver housing on the ground at the level that people can afford. We do that by

incorporating our community’s wishes around character and amenity, and by building the supporting infrastructure so that we can embrace the growth in housing that we need, and not fight it.

Q: What should be done with Byron’s pod villages once the leases expire?

Cr Sarah Ndiaye: We need to focus on innovative and compassionate solutions and prioritise the wellbeing of residents ensuring no one is left facing homelessness or an uncertain housing situation. Further consultation will be needed going forward. The pod villages have served an important role in our post-flood response, but they were not originally intended to be a permanent housing solution.

Cr Asren Pugh: In the middle of a housing and

BYRON GREENS

homelessness crisis, I do not support making anyone homeless, so we will need to keep the pods in place for a while. As a strategy, it is not best practice to concentrate vulnerable people in such a small area long term. As we roll out the AHCS we will need to work with the state government to ensure that the pods are properly managed, safe, and that residents can be transitioned to more permanent housing. I support returning the playground and park area back to the residents of Bayside as this was a commitment made when the pods were built.

Cr Michael Lyon: I believe that a massive investment has been made in the temporary emergency housing and we should seek to maintain that until it is no longer needed. For the site in Mullum, I support it

continuing it until such time as we can replace it with an affordable housing development that takes advantage of the civil infrastructure that has already been put in place. This aligns with the Mullumbimby Masterplan and is desperately needed. For the Tweed Street site, I support this continuing indefinitely. For the Torakina Drive site, I believe we should see out the five -year term of the lease and options, and then return it to community open space as promised. If the pods are no longer used on their current sites, we should relocate them in my view to somewhere appropriate, to provide emergency or transition housing.

Q: Outline an original idea you have to solve the housing crisis.

Cr Sarah Ndiaye: One approach is modular cohousing. These prefabricated homes allow for rapid construction, minimal waste, and flexible design. Ideally, we could develop them in the Northern Rivers.

The idea is to create a network of modular homes that can be assembled on available plots, including

unused urban spaces. They can accommodate varying family sizes and needs, focusing on affordability and sustainability.

Cr Asren Pugh: It was Labor Councillor Paul Spooner that championed the Community Land Trust in our Shire. This has now come to fruition with housing for women and children on The Saddle Road.

With housing, we also need to get the basics right – just building more real affordable housing. We don’t need endless houses spread across our hinterland, this is bad for the environment and the most expensive way to deliver services like water, sewerage, waste and roads.

Cr Michael Lyon: We have been working on the idea of an eco-village for some time, and if we can find a way to make it work in the planning system, then I believe we have a model that people can get behind, because it will incorporate a fundamental need: that we start living in harmony with the planet, with more local food production and giving back more than we take, leaving a better planet for future generations.

Cr Sarah Ndiaye

Cr Asren Pugh Cr Michael Lyon

Space Cowboy’s innovative Art Fair

Chayne Hultgren, The Space Cowboy, having reinvented himself as a highly innovative and successful artist, is launching the first Byron Bay Art Fair.

‘There’s something special about Byron, its community and its creativity. I wanted to create an event that reflects that, in a place where local and international artists can come together and showcase their work in a unique setting’ said Chayne.

Enjoy free entry to the Byron Bay Art Fair at 12 Wollongbar Street, Byron Bay Arts and Industry Estate on Saturday 17, and Sunday 18 August from 12 to 5pm. For more information, or to apply as an artist, visit: www.thespacecowboy.com.

Photo Jeff Dawson

Byron Shire resident receives $2,800 water bill for ‘concealed leak’

‘As the bulk water supplier to Council, Rous County Council charges a fixed amount for water purchases annually and provides Council no credit for any water that may be lost through leakage,’ he said.

conserve water.

‘This is letting people off who aren’t watching what’s happening with their water,’

Cr Pugh said.

happening on their property.

‘Council has absolutely no visibility about what’s happening past the meter.

Mr Birch will receive $500 off the bill as a one-off concession.

They also decided that, when new software allows, Council will revise the trigger for issuing a notice of higher than usual water usage downwards and adopt an approach similar to that used by electricity providers of including a graph on bills of the previous rolling five quarters of consumption. ▶ Continued from page 1

Labor councillor Asren Pugh echoed these comments, arguing that waiving bills in such instances would act as a disincentive to

‘Anyone can go and look at their water meter at any time. You can go and grab an old bill and walk out the front of your property and look at the meter and compare it

‘Home owners need to be responsible for what’s

‘All of the information is there. They get bills every three months, the meter is right there. Just a blanket policy that says 50 per cent of your bill isn’t your problem I don’t support.’

In the end a majority of councillors agreed on a compromise position.

Karin’s story set to inspire at Byron Surf Fest

Paul Bibby

The ocean holds a very special place in the heart of many Byron locals.

For more than a few of us, it’s a place of rejuvenation and solace – a place we go to wash away the bad days and soak up the good times when they come.

If you’re one of these salty souls then chances are you’ll enjoy Surviving to Thriving, a remarkable feature documentary by local surf coach and filmmaker Karin Ochsner.

Karin lives with a rare immune condition that makes things that many of us take for granted – like living indoors, wearing normal clothes, and eating regular food – potentially life-threatening.

The healing qualities of the ocean are a big part of what keeps her well and able to lead a rich, full and fulfilling life.

Screening at 6pm on August 16 at Byron Theatre as part of the Byron Bay Surf Festival, Surviving to Thriving tracks her challenges and triumphs as she confronts her deepest fears and past traumas.

This includes having to live outdoors during the 2022 floods, having a heartpounding interaction with a shark, and being forced to move around to cope with her condition.

It is also a story of healing, documenting Karin’s growing insight and understanding of her health challenges.

‘For me it’s my energiser, a place of cleansing… it’s a place I love so much,’ Karin says of her relationships with the ocean.

‘It’s like a living being for me. It’s cleansing, uplifting, it’s also the source of my work which I feel so grateful for.’

Since premiering in November last year, Surviving to Thriving has won a host of awards, including Best Feature Film at the Toronto Documentary Feature and Short Film Festival, and two gongs at the Impact Docs awards.

‘It was a huge surprise!’ Karin says of the awards. I was like “Really? I can’t believe this!”.

‘It really is a huge tribute to all of the people who worked on the film,

like Andy Bowles who made the film with me, but also the many locals, who helped out with the film in so many ways. These awards are for them as much as me.’

Surviving to Thriving is one of a host of events happening as part of this year’s surf festival.

Running from August 15 to 18 the festival has a program packed full of gnarly goodness, including surfing competitions, film screenings, parties, workshops and Q&As.

There will also be the Surf Festival Market at Dening Park on August 17.

For more information and to get tickets, go to byronbaysurffestival.com.au.

Torturer’ Dawson

Ocean Shores resident, Leslie Hoffman, recounts his treasured memory of running the Olympic torch on the day it arrived in Australia for the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

‘Watching the lighting of the Olympic flame at the Paris Olympics brought back memories of carrying that same flame on the first day it arrived into Australia on June 8, 2000’.

‘My daughter Kim came with me to share that exciting privilege as I carried the torch into Alice Springs.

‘I was at the opening and closing ceremonies in Sydney, and was on the

finishing line to see Cathy Freeman win her muchanticipated gold medal for the 400 metres sprint.

‘I worked for News Ltd in various roles through Australia as sub-editor, sports editor and eventually editor of the Daily Telegraph in Sydney. I headed up the team for the Olympics bureau four years prior to the event for all News Ltd mastheads. Hence my invitation to carry the torch on their behalf.

‘I still proudly have the Olympic torch I carried and other Olympic memorabilia including the T-shirt I am wearing.’

Karin Ochsner walking out of the surf at Byron. Image supplied

Leslie Hoffman carried the Olympic torch for the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Jeff ‘Olympic

100 years of the Mullumbimby Fire Station

August 2024 marks 100 years of the Mullumbimby Fire Station and you can join in the celebrations with the crew on Saturday, August 17 at 10am.

At what’s now known as the Mullumbimby Fire and Rescue Station 388 the fire crew will be reenacting the original station drill that took place in Gordon Street, Mullumbimby in 1924.

‘An inspector came up from Sydney to observe if the station crew were ready to receive the fire fighting engine they had been allocated,’ explained Captain Josh Rushton.

‘They performed the drill on Gordon Street where they drafted water from the river, put it through the pump they’d received, and ran hose lines off that and produced water.

‘The inspector and the crew of ten members of the Mullumbimby Fire Brigade had dinner together and the inspector told them he was happy with what he saw and that they were ready to perform their duties as firefighters and receive their fire engine.’

Nominations for candidates for the September NSW Local Government election have now opened and you can register online at https:// elections.nsw.gov.au.

‘To be nominated as a candidate for an election in a local government area or ward, you must be

On August 17 locals and visitors are invited to join the 388 fire crew on Gordon Street at 10am to watch them demonstrate the original drill that the original firefighters were put through to receive the first Mullumbimby fire engine.

‘Three will be a few modern touches towards the end and it is going to be really cool,’ said firefighter Kimberley Waldron.

enrolled to vote in the local government area by 6pm Monday, 5 August 2024,’ states the NSW Electoral Commission website.

The nomination period commenced on Monday, 5 August 2024 and ends at 12 noon Wednesday, 14 August 2024. You can nominate as

an individual or as part of a group of candidates for a local government election.

‘To be nominated as a candidate for a local government election, a candidate must be endorsed by a registered political party or at least two electors,’ states the website.

Mullum’s new ‘trash and treasure market’

Peter Barr is calling on locals to come and join him setting up a real ‘trash and treasure’ market at the Mullumbimby Showground this Sunday, August 11 from 8am to 1pm. The focus is on anything that can be reused or recycled from either a car boot or stall so if you need to clear out the garage or have an eye for a vintage bargain

this is your event. ‘I was sick of going to the markets and seeing the same things every time. I am trying to get people to get stuff out of their spare rooms, garages, etc. Bring old tools, vegetables, old fishing gear if you aren’t fishing anymore – just bring the car or ring me and I’ll help get it down there,’ he told The Echo

Stalls are $20 or $10 for kids and proceeds will assist the showground trust.

‘There is a coffee and ice-cream van and music by the OCDs (the old cool dudes). The CWA is getting a free stall to sell their yummy cakes. The Lions Club will run a barbecue.’

No cost for pickup and dropoff, call 0488 297 768.

Byron Writers Festival opens next week with more than 160 writers and experts in over 130 different sessions and over 170 volunteers who make this amazing event possible. Topics covered include the environment, contemporary social issues, poetry, politics, memoir and fiction. Be delighted by best-selling author Trent Dalton in conversation with Julia Baird, crime writers Jane Harper, Candice Fox and actor-turned-novelist Bryan Brown. Get plugged in with poets Tayi Tibble (NZ), Jazz Money, PEN award-winning author and poet Nam Le and winners of the Australian Poetry Slam at ‘Electric Poetics’, just one of the special evening events also on offer. Tickets can be purchased online via byronwritersfestival.com/tickets or from the onsite festival box office. Photo Jeff Dawson

Byron Writers Festival 2024 opens next week

Mullumbimby Fire Brigade in action around the 1970s. Photo supplied

North Coast News

Eva Ramsey goes it alone

David Lowe

‘At risk’ Indigenous youth left on roadside

Aslan Shand

Threats to evict Lismore’s buy-back residents continue

More voices of Lismore’s right-to-occupy movement have been heard after police failed to enforce another eviction notice distributed last week.

Two popular outdoor spaces in the Tweed get a spruce up

The water might be a little fresh still, but if you’re in the Tweed and up for a quick dip, the newly upgraded beach and swimming area at Jack Evans boat harbour could be worth a look.

Man killed in house fire near Nimbin

Investigations continue into a house fire police say killed a man in Terania Creek on Saturday night. Tweed campaign to keep cats safely at home

Tweed cat owners are being encouraged to keep their cats safely at home as the Safe Haven for Cats project launches today.

Local residents can apply for a voucher to build a cat haven or cat enrichment space from now until 31 August 2024.

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

Ballina’s B Ward Councillor

Eva Ramsey appears to be distancing herself from Sharon Cadwallader’s team with her latest statement in advance of local government elections, describing herself as a ‘true independent’.

Noting she was elected in 2021, Cr Ramsey says she’s resided in Ballina for 25 years and is passionate about her community, which she believes requires more services, public spaces and policing.

‘It is time we withdrew politics and block voting from our general everyday Council activities,’ said Cr Ramsey. ‘Politics have no place in local Council boardrooms, we are elected by our community to work for our electorate, nothing else. The community is who we are obligated to.’

New police station?

Cr Ramsey says policing is a ‘major concern’ in Lennox and surrounding areas, and wants to see a new police station in Lennox Head built next to the new fire station on the corner of Hutley Drive and Byron Bay Road.

‘This is Council-held land and had been set aside for relocation of a preschool,’ said Cr Ramsey. ‘They have now decided to discontinue with their redevelopment, as the new public-school facilities will cater for the requirements of a preschool.

‘A local police station facilitates community policing, where officers can build strong relationships with residents. This approach

fosters trust and cooperation between the police and the community, making it easier to address specific local issues.

‘Officers familiar with the area can better understand the unique challenges and needs of our community, providing more effective and personalised law enforcement. This collaboration can lead to proactive problemsolving, creating a safer and more cohesive community. With the growth of the area this is an important issue,’ she said.

Cr Ramsey says she understands the unique challenges of the local community and is passionate about finding solutions that benefit everyone.

‘We can build a stronger, more united community that thrives on mutual support and collaboration,’ she said. ‘As a dedicated advocate for our community, I have consistently prioritised the needs and concerns of our residents.’

Local council elections will be held across 126 NSW LGAs, including Ballina, on 14 September 2024.

On Tuesday morning (July 30) local Indigenous children and young people identified as at risk, were left on the side of roads in the Northern Rivers waiting for transport (that wasn’t coming) to their youth mentoring program.

‘One child who was not picked up for school with One Mob Youth Mentoring [this is in no way related to One Mob Youth Mentoring Program based in Queensland] on Tuesday and was left abandoned, he was not told he was not going to school that day by the Department of Education (DET).

That child wandered the streets looking for something to do with parents unaware of where he was,’ parents told The Echo

After numerous calls to teachers and the

Department of Education the parents and guardians began to build the picture that the program was being cut back.

The program, run through the local service providers in conjunction with the Department of Education, had failed to inform parents, guardians, or students that the program would be moving from a face-to-face model to an online program and that Thursday, August 1 would be the last day of the program, parents said.

The youth mentoring program works with children and young people who have not been successful in the traditional school system by mentoring them and assisting them to continue their education.

‘My son is halfway through year ten,’ explained parent Caroline Wilson.

‘These are children who have already had negative experiences with different agencies and One Mob has a history of acting as a buffer with the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ),’ she said.

‘These are our most vulnerable children who are usually levels behind in education for whatever reason and digital literacy is minimal. Children in places like Tabulum, Box Ridge and Bulguma, Casino, Kyogle, Tweed, Lismore, and Grafton.’

According to what parents have discovered so far, DET is downsizing to minimal teachers behind desks.

The DET is currently preparing a statement for The Echo.

Read more of this story online at www.echo.net.au

The start of something beautiful for animals

It has long been promised and now it has finally begun – stakeholders and supporters were on-site at South Murwillumbah on Tuesday to mark the official start of work on the multi-milliondollar Animal Pound and Rehoming Facility project.

The facility, when complete, will house up to 80 companion animals – 40 dogs and 40 cats – in need of new homes.

Friends of the Pound president, Sonia Trichter, said that Friends of the Pound have been eagerly anticipating the completion of the new impounding/rehoming

facility. ‘We are frequently approached by community members who need to surrender their animals, often due to constraints within the rental housing market.

‘Unfortunately, our current accommodation limitations prevent us from always being able to assist.

‘The new pound rehoming centre will significantly enhance our ability to offer this vital service to the public. We are looking forward to the improvements it will bring, allowing us to better support both the animals and the community in need.’

The animal rehoming building and carpark will be built on Council-owned land at 92–102 Lundberg Drive, South Murwillumbah, with construction expected to commence later this year.

The facility, which will be built by Alder Constructions – who in June were awarded the $6.8 million design and construct contract for the new facility following a rigorous tendering process – is expected to be completed by late 2025, weather permitting.

For more information on the pound, visit: www.tweed. nsw.gov.au/tweed-pound.

Ballina Councillor Eva Ramsey. Photo David Lowe

PAHs – how they impact your health

According to research scientist Dr Effie Ablett the main chemicals in our air and water causing cancer today are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs (rhymes with cars). She warns that they could affect your health, and put your children and grandchildren’s lives at risk.

Most types of smoke contain PAHs, e.g. cigarette, barbecue, and bushfire smoke. If you smell smoke, you are being exposed to PAHs which could result in cancer in 10 to 15 years.

A recent Canadian study has shown people living within 50 kilometres of a wildfire in the past 10 years had a higher risk of lung cancer and a higher risk of brain tumours compared to people not exposed to wildfires. Around 2.7 billion people in the world today are cooking with solid fuels (wood and coal), and they have increased cancer due to PAHs released in the smoke.

Not only is the risk of lung cancer increased, but also oesaphageal, salivary gland, liver, kidney, and cervical cancer – thousands of cancer cases could be prevented if we reduce PAHs in our air and water.

Photo Jeff Dawson

Take action

You can take precautions to reduce your exposure to PAHs, and governments can do a lot more to reduce PAH levels, but there’s more that you can do right now.

Local research scientist Dr Effie Ablett has developed a website which has lots of information about PAHs and how they cause cancer, all backed up by scientific papers (www.pahs-and-cancer. org). Dr Ablett is looking for a team of local people to help publicise the website and lobby the government about PAHs. ‘You can work

to prevent future cancer cases by helping us to publicise information about the main chemicals causing cancer today. You will also spread the word on how to take precautions to avoid PAHs and how to lobby governments to reduce them in our air and water,’ she says.

‘Join us to reduce future cancer – in your children and grandchildren.’

If you can spare a few hours helping to publicise the website, doing a few internet searches, or some Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or X posts, please phone Effie on 0427 363 006.

Bupa has three beautiful care homes set in the Northern Rivers; Banora Point, Ballina and Pottsville, all focused on the health, lifestyle and wellbeing of our residents.

We are committed to delivering the same promise to our team that we offer our customers; support in living a longer, healthier, happier life.

With a range of benefits, including subsidised health insurance for you and your family, register your interest in roles with Bupa today!

The roles we typically recruit on a part-time and full-time basis

To learn more visit: careers.bupa.com.au/bupaagedcare

Scan the QR code to register your interest with Bupa Aged Care

Dr Effie Ablett is calling on the community to take action and join her in protecting themselves and the environment.

The Byron Shire Echo

Tackling inequality is key to tackling youth crime

Youth crime has been touted as a significant problem across NSW, as well as locally, and has led to several meetings being held in Ballina earlier this year and the introduction of tougher youth bail laws across the state.

While it is understandable that people want to feel safe, it is essential that they understand the underlying issues and effective responses to youth crime. Poverty, homelessness, lack of access to supportive education, undiagnosed or un-managed mental health and learning challenges, domestic violence and unstable home life, as well as drug and alcohol dependence are among basic issues faced by many young people. This has led to approximately 45,850 children and young people being homeless in Australia on any given night according to the 2021 Census.

As Detective Chief Inspector Matt Kehoe, Officer in charge of Byron Bay Police Station told The Echo, ‘Diversionary programs are absolutely successful with young people who are identified early and it stops them going down the slippery slope of the youth criminal justice system. Once they are in the youth justice system you see them repeat offend over and over. But if we can find a positive way to engage them through sports, art, or employment it breaks that cycle.’

Yet last week a youth mentoring program that supported Indigenous youth across the Northern Rivers including Kyogle, Casino, and Lismore, cancelled their face-to-face mentoring

program without notice to the young people accessing the program or their parents or guardians.

‘With at-risk children wandering the streets together, feeling abandoned and with nothing to do, you can guarantee an increase in community unrest,’ said one of their parents who contacted The Echo

As former magistrate and Dean of Law at SCU David Heilpern has made clear, there are no quick answers but we need to start with early intervention, support for families in crisis, more domestic violence support programs, innovative health and education inclusion, and First Nations-led programs within community.

Or as one friend who has been through the system recently said, ‘you need to have early intervention for 13 to 18 year-olds. You need people who have been through the system, and who understand what they have, and are experiencing. I wouldn’t have listened to anyone else when I was their age.’

It costs around $1,000,000 a year to keep a young person in juvenile detention. Rather than being ‘tough on crime’ we need to spend that money addressing basic issues of housing, education, mentoring and evidence-based responses to youth crime rather than stripping away their support systems without notice as recently happened here to young people and their families in Northern NSW.

Aslan Shand, editor News tips are welcome: editor@echo.net.au

Immigration and fascism – the time to talk is now

At a time when climate change poses the greatest threat to our world as we know it, it is the politics of immigration – specifically refugee resettlement – that is rocking democracies around the globe.

Donald Trump has had illegal immigration front and centre of both his presidential campaigns. Quoting US Homeland and Border Protection statistics, the Republicans claim that in 2023 the agency had 3.2 million encounters with illegal immigrants including 2.4 million at the southwest border (often South Americans crossing the depleted Rio Grande from Mexico into the US) – a 40 per cent increase on 2021.

In the UK many describe the ‘Brexit’ referendum result as being focused on stopping the seemingly unrestricted passage of immigrants and refugees from Africa via Europe. Nigel Farage, is an icon of far-right politics. His claims that the suspect in the three murders and ten attempted murders of young girls in the UK, Axel Rudakubana, is an undocumented Muslim refugee are wrong. Rudakubana was born in Cardiff and the family are committed Christians.

In France Marine Le Pen has been running for President as a National Front (called ‘National Rally’) candidate since 2012 and has risen significantly in popularity focusing on the party’s antiimmigration policies. In Germany the ‘Alternative for Germany’ (AfP) has transformed from a small far- right group the second-mostpopular in the polls ahead of their 2025 elections.

The ‘Victory Party’ in Turkey was founded to fight against citizenship rights for the three million Syrian refugees – the claim is that a massive Sunni Muslim population is being introduced to destabilise Turkish national identity.

Nationalism is on the ascendency around the world as war and famine cause significant population shifts. These movements are pulling conservative mainstream political parties including the UK Tories, the US Republicans and the

The Byron Shire Echo

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‘Malcolm Turnbull has previously told me of his concern that if border security issues continue to go unaddressed there is a real risk of a resurgence of fascism.’

Catherine Cusack

Australian Liberals to the right. It is happening across all cultures. Late last year Pakistan’s government expelled 540,000 undocumented Afghan refugees and is in the process of removing another 800,000.

Malcolm Turnbull has previously told me of his concern that if border security issues continue to go unaddressed there is a real risk of a resurgence of fascism.

Why do extremists hold such sway on these issues? It is obvious to me that our highly-charged political climate precludes any sort of sensible debate. Our brutal social media and supersensitive media mean all potential contributors run the risk of being denounced as a racist or a supporter of terrorism.

In 2016 I represented the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (I was a member of the international executive that represents all Commonwealth parliaments) at the World Women’s Conference in Jordan. The war was still raging in Syria.

I signed up for a tour to a refugee camp on the Jordan – Syria border. When it was hinted that the visit was cancelled, I pressed ahead anyway, and thanks to the persistence of my driver and the hospitality of the Jordanians I was able to get in, meet the camp police commander and undertook a driving tour.

The camp commander explained Jordan has no borders stopping refugees and its population of around 11 million now includes three million Palestinians and over one million Syrian refugees. Just think about that – Jordan has no oil and no welfare resources for such an intake. Their schools are all open to refugee children and all can

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work for a living. Those Syrians who could not support themselves because they are sick, disabled or traumatised were left in these UN refugee camps.

I said to the police commander that Australia had announced it was taking refugees from the camp. He wanted to know how we were selecting the intake. I replied proudly ‘the policy is compassionate taking the most disadvantaged women and children who have been prioritised by the UN’. He told me bluntly this policy helped nobody. ‘The UN are idiots. Australia should take the Syrians you need – those who can work and be a success.’

‘One day this war in Syria will end and Syria needs to be rebuilt. Jordan cannot pay for that, Syrians need to rebuild their own country. If Australia takes able-bodied refugees they will work hard, send money home, their children will be educated and this diaspora will be the ones to rebuild Syria. This is how you help Syria and how you help Jordan.’

It was a jaw-dropping insight – not from a committee or a government but just one man on the frontline protecting tens of thousands of war refugees. A thought worth considering.

The absence of rational conversation about war and refugees plays into the hands of the far right.

It is so fraught most of us prefer to avoid it altogether – the irony is, if we don’t speak up now for commonsense and moderation there is a risk the opportunity for thoughtful approaches will be lost. Vacating the debate to activists is never a good idea. We need to have the courage to try for balance and improvement, while we still can.

Disney presidents

Don, instead of your security guard shouting ‘Mickey Mouse’ he should have shouted, ‘Donald, duck!’.

Peter Walters Ballina

Tangled whales

Yes, it’s whale migration season again, and yes, whales keep getting tangled in shark drum lines, shark nets, and fishing nets that are discarded by fishing vessels.

This is been going on for as long as I can remember and they get caught up in shark nets on the coastal areas of the Gold Coast, year after year.

Will New South Wales and Queensland regimes get rid of the nets? No way. Bloody hopeless!

Paul Brecht Maclean

Men in black

Early in July, I sent an email to the mayor and councillors in regard to the behaviour of security personnel employed by Clarence Property at Wallum.

I informed the mayor and councillors that since Clarence Property appointed a new security consultant there had been a distinct

change, and the attitude of personnel was, in my opinion, far more menacing.

I also reminded them there had been a letter in The Echo a week before my email complaining of security staff heckling local residents on Bayside streets, making them feel unsafe.

I stated that on June 26, security personnel dressed all in black, wearing balaclavas, with their faces and ID tags obscured, made a pre-dawn raid at the camp site in Wallum. It was an unacceptable scene; one we do not expect to see in Australia.

Cartoon by Antoinette Ensbey

The security staff on that occasion removed the Aboriginal flag, removed the welcome tent and fenced off the turning circle at the end of Omega Ct. If nothing else surely this construction work outside hours is not allowed by Council.

Save Wallum knew that more action was planned by security and I requested councillors to call out any thuggish behaviour before it was repeated. I described it as urgent, as people’s safety was at risk. I also made it clear that there are photos and videos showing security

staff were not compliant to what I’d consider acceptable standards of behaviour.

I pointed out that people have a legal right to peacefully protest and referenced The Echo’s report of the 5am raid, in which it quotes DCI Matt Kehoe of the Tweed Byron Police as saying, ‘I think the protesters have been compliant and respectful’.

I asked Council to step up to ensure people are not

Letters to the Editor

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

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There’s something in Mullum’s water

A concerned citizen I write as a concerned citizen regarding the proposed disconnection of Mullumbimby’s water supply from Lavertys Gap weir.

As a participant in the Council’s community feedback questionnaire, I respectfully disagree with the mayor’s suggestion, reported in The Echo, that submissions like mine were ‘tainted’ by the Mullumbimby Residents Association. My responses were based on personal knowledge and concerns.

So given the community feedback and the gaps in the current proposal, I strongly request that more time and investigation be devoted to this critical issue before any decisions are made.

We appreciate the financial challenges the Council faces but ask that you not sacrifice Mullumbimby’s interest in addressing these. Let us work together to find a mutually beneficial solution.

Gill Lomath Mullumbimby

Plan 2024-34 (Table 12), to continue these 7 per cent annual increases until 2033, when they project that they’ll be able to reduce the annual increase to 2 per cent.

per cent per annum to give what economists call a net present value (NPV) in 2025 of $31.7m.

The $5m cost of the new supply pipeline needs to be added to these costs. These costs should be compared with Hydrosphere’s estimated total operating cost of $20.9m and NPV of $13.7m from Table 58 of their report.

Rising costs of Mullum water

While the questionnaire was complex, it was democratically distributed. The results strongly favoured retaining the existing water supply. I urge all councillors to reconsider their stance on this matter and work collaboratively with residents to find a solution that serves ALL stakeholders.

News from across the Northern Rivers. Covering Byron, Tweed, Lismore and Ballina. Read online now! Subscribe for free and get daily highlights straight to your inbox.

Until there is detailed examination of the financial, social, and ecological options there should be no change in the water supply. The existing infrastructure, though strained during droughts, remains valuable and operational.

In public access time at last week’s Council meeting (1 August) I told Byron Shire councillors that Hydrosphere’s cost calculations for connecting Mullum’s water to the Rous regional supply are seriously underestimated. Sadly, most councillors seemed indifferent.

Rous County Council have been increasing the price charged for water to their four council areas by 7 per cent per annum since 2020. They plan, according to their Long-Term Financial

However, Byron Shire’s water supply consultant, Hydrosphere, based their economic analysis, in 2021, on the 2019/20 bulk water price of $1.72/kL and assumed there would be no increase in this price throughout the 2020-2050 period. Although inflation was low at the time, this seemed to be a risky assumption, which has now proven to be the case.

My preliminary calculations, using Hydrosphere’s demand estimates, show that the total operating cost of supplying Mullum with all of its water from Rous, from 2025 to 2050, would be $61.5m.

This calculation includes Rous’ rising price plans, and a saving of 60c per kL has been applied, as the mayor insists, to take account of reduced Council operating costs. This total could be discounted at 5

I trust that the revised costs that the mayor has requested from his staff, for discussion on 15 August, will bear some resemblance to my calculations. Councillors can then seriously consider whether they still wish to abandon Lavertys Gap weir, in favour of continuously rising prices and everlasting bills from Rous, and against the wishes of 95 per cent of the local survey respondents in June.

Ben Fawcett Byron Water and Sewer Advisory Committee

More letters on Mullumbimby’s water supply including a letter from the Mayor Michael Lyon, can be found online at www.echo.net.au.

No waiting list – immediate appointments available, in person and tele-health

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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

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Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays

Valuable land in our hands

Matt Williamson

Has it occurred to our elected councillors that Byron Shire Council either owns or has responsibility for what could be argued is the most valuable and iconic stretch of coastal real estate in Australia?

At the northern end, you have the First Sun Holiday Park, which connects to the car park that stretches from Shirley St to the pool, you then have the pool itself, the Fish Heads building, Apex Park and the strip of land bordered by the beach on one side and the town on the other all the way up to the Beach Café. An unbelievable piece of public land that is etched into the hearts of locals, and loved the world over.

So how can it be that the best that Council can come up with is a community engagement effort that is in effect a vote for keeping the Main Beach car park, or getting rid of the Main Beach car park? To add insult to injury one of the two options we are presented with comes with the ‘potential’ option to build a multi-storey car park

right on the beach, in the heart of town!

It is difficult to comprehend what is more upsetting: the lack of imagination from Council staff, or the willingness to allow such an opportunity to be squandered by our elected officials. The reality is that this is a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity. How can our town preserve our cultural heritage, make good our environment, leverage the unbelievable value of the asset we have and create something that our children will thank us for?

Many great examples

The world over is full of great examples of where vision and creativity are unleashed when such an opportunity comes knocking. Be that through running design competitions, or seeking the input of notable town planners and architects or, call me crazy, asking the local residents and businesses what they think. Every local has a bunch of happy Main Beach memories, everything from drumming circles to buskers, long days lying on the beach with friends, all the way through to learning to swim at the

pool. Equally, so do the visitors who come and contribute to making this place the diverse, joyful place that it is. This beachfront precinct is the drawcard, it literally is the ‘bay’ in Byron Bay. We deserve better than a yes/no vote on an existing car park plus the potential to build a car park with one of the best views in Australia on land that we own!

We have some serious issues that need to be dealt with in Byron, but don’t be fooled, we also have some fantastic options available to us. Our elections are just around the corner and the challenge to our candidates is what is your vision? Council Chambers is full of plans, strategies and all manner of other collateral. This is all good and purposeful, and rightfully this is what councils do.

However, our elected officials play a different role. We look to them to animate these plans, to bring to life what their vision is and to make clear to the community what they agree or disagree with. We need leadership that clearly states what their vision is for Main Beach and for the town itself.

subjected to intimidation and undue force. I said Council needs to make it clear to Clarence Property that security staff must adhere to the law and to Council by-laws.

I also asked the mayor and councillors to reply to my email stating whether they condoned the intimidatory actions of security staff and whether they were willing to take action to ensure the safety of people in Byron Shire.

And I told them to note that I will be making each reply – or absence of a reply – public.

So here goes. The only reply I received was from Cr Duncan Dey. He thanked me for emailing councillors about this matter and stated clearly that he did not condone the intimidatory actions of security staff. He also said he was looking at what action he could take on this, to ensure people’s safety.

It could be argued that busy councillors don’t have time to read all their emails, however, I know the mayor read my email because he acknowledged it on social media and claimed he was not ignoring me but I have not heard from him since.

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Disappointingly, in fact, reprehensibly, the mayor brushed it off. I now know, after reading Tom Nursey’s letter in The Echo last week, that he was well aware of what I would call thuggish behaviour and had in fact seen photographic evidence but chose to turn a blind eye. Ironically, the mayor is campaigning for the upcoming elections on a claim of being accountable – clearly, he is not. He shows complete disregard.

Amanda Midlam Mullumbimby

Hopeless hopeful

PM hopeful, Peter Dutton, Australia’s opposition leader (who always likes a song and dance) has again dragged up the nuclear power alternative as an election issue. Going along is Richmond’s National Party candidate, Kimberly Hone, who’s advertised the fact that 29 first-world countries have all gone for nuclear power, but not Australia.

The implication is that something must be wrong, Australia.

Well, how about the obvious logic that maybe, just maybe, Australia got this one right for a change?

In a sunny country

RETAIL

(worlds away from European and British madness and hopefully one day American madness) why would Australia not seek to use solar and green energy?

What Australia should stop doing (an economic bridge too far away) is continue to export coal to thirdworld countries to continue to pollute the atmosphere of the only home and planet we’ve got!

T Sharples Tweed Heads

Byron candidates

J Davies of Mullumbimby, in their letter of July 31, laments the calibre of the three candidates for Byron Shire mayor revealed thus far, and concludes by stating that: ‘Byron Shire deserves a lot better than what is being offered’.

My question to Mr/Ms Davies, through you Mr Editor, is why have you not therefore put up your hand to be a candidate for election?

Don’t just complain Mr/ Ms Davies, personally do something about a situation you don’t like, as I have done in my own local government area (Ballina).

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Meanwhile, down at your local council…

Graeme Gibson

Many years ago I worked on the adult education component of a major Commonwealth government civics and citizenship program. I can’t say I helped educate many adult Australians about our democratic system, but I learnt a lot. Some years later I became active in a campaign to influence local council plans for the area I then lived, Jervis Bay. Council processes were a mystery to many people, including me, but I learnt a lot here too.

As recently reported in The Echo, council responsibilities are far more than roads, rates and rubbish. And an elected councillor’s role goes beyond just representing constituents, but into policy development and monitoring council’s finances and overall performance. These tasks require a certain skill set and a willingness to update skills.

I have seen very diligent councillors happy to contribute to their community. And I have seen councillors using council as a stepping stone to a larger political arena, or a retirement power trip. As a result I have something of an overdeveloped interest in local government, the level closest to the

people, that affects peoples’ lives on a daily basis. Competition for a position on any council will usually be intense and vigorous in metropolitan and larger centres. In rural areas it will mostly be modest, and sometimes non-existent.

At the last election in December 2021, 54 of the 124 NSW councils, mostly in rural areas, had less than two candidates for each councillor position. This is not good for local democracy. In Kyogle there were 12 nominations for nine positions. In one ward the only nominations were sitting councillors, reelected without contest.

A typical councillor

After each election the NSW Office of Local Government releases a diversity report. Its 2021 report describes the typical councillor as a male in his sixties with previous experience as a councillor, whose first language is English and is neither Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander nor has a disability.

This does not represent the general population. While state and federal parliaments are not representative of the general population either, the local level – closest to the people – should be well placed to address that.

Based on council size and population, councillors are paid a fee not a salary, with an additional fee paid to the mayor. Since 2022 councillors have also had the discretion to award themselves a superannuation contribution, with this being the same level as council employees.

Lack of diversity

For the effort required to do the job well, it’s a low fee. The tribunal’s 2023 annual determination noted the lack of diversity, the unacceptable workload and the resultant low quality local democracy, recommending ‘a comprehensive review of the framework for mayor and councillor remuneration’.

This year the tribunal awarded a 3.75 per cent increase in payments from July 1. Tweed is classified as a Regional Strategic Area, with councillors now receiving between $20,500 and $33,810. The mayor’s additional fee is between $43,530 and $98,510.

Ballina, Byron and Lismore are classified as Regional Centres, with councillors receiving between $15,370 and $27,050. The mayor’s additional fee is between $31,980 and $66,800. Kyogle is classified as a Rural Council with councillors receiving between $10,220 and

$13,520. The mayor’s additional fee is between $10,880 and $29,500.

The low payment is well recognised as a major factor in the low numbers of younger people willing to stand for election. And while women tend to be more active in their local communities, men are more likely to be on council.

The 3.75 per cent increase awarded this year is not the comprehensive review recommended last year.

Some councillors will argue against any increase in their fees, or in a superannuation contribution, citing the council’s budgetary pressures. This will be popular with many voters but, whether unintentional or otherwise, will maintain the disincentive younger people or those with lesser financial security face.

Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against white blokes in their sixties – but I think greater diversity and a better quality local democracy are worth paying for.

Registrations for the upcoming local government election on Saturday, 14 September 2024, are now open and will close at 12 noon on Wednesday, 14 August 2024. You can register at (www.elections.nsw.gov.au).

Ballina Bombers ready to claim the 2024 AFL minor premiership

The Ballina Bombers women’s AFL squad is set to claim the 2024 minor premiership in the Queensland Football Association’s Southern Division Two competition after maintaining their undefeated run for the season by beating Pacific Pines 7.10.52–1.1.7 last Saturday.

The competition has one round left of the regular season before the finals, but even an unlikely loss wouldn’t unseat the Bombers from their position at the top of the table as they are two wins out in front of nearest rival Burleigh.

Burleigh have just one loss for the season, and along with Robina and Palm Beach Currumbin, will join the Bombers in finals football.

In last Saturday’s away game the Bombers got out to a 35-point lead by the first quarter, before holding tight in defence to keep the home side restricted.

Jessie Baumer kicked four goals and was awarded both ‘players player’ and the ‘best on ground’ awards.

This Saturday sees a ‘Daisy versus Goliath’ contest as the Bombers take on Jimboona from 4.45pm at Fripp Oval in Ballina. Jimboona are last on the competition ladder and are yet to record a win for the 2024 season.

Southern Stingrays

Local first-grade male players are also having a good end to their season after the they put together back-to-back wins last Saturday. Playing away

Big numbers for cycling races

two of the

50

‘close-contact’

for

experience

they defeated Coomera 13.11.89–13.6.84.

The week before they were also impressive beating Robina 10.10.70–5.6.39 playing at home on Fripp Oval.

It was the Southern Stingrays first wins since round five, in April. They sit seventh on the ladder.

The side can end the season with three wins if they can beat second-placed Coolangatta playing away this Saturday from 2.00pm at Eximm Oval.

Byron Bay junior basketballers take blue ribbons in regional competition

Byron Bay basketball juniors have had a successful run in the North East Junior League (NEJL) competition claiming two championships in the finals held in late July at the Port Macquarie Stadium.

In the U/14 boys’ Division One category, the local side won its major semi-final against Tamworth Thunderbolts 47–45 to win a place in the grand final. Tamworth then won against Newcastle to finally make it through to the grand final, but again fell to the Beez boys 59–41.

Going into the finals both teams were locked on 37 points, after both went through the first 20 preliminary rounds of the competition with 17 wins apiece.

The Beez boys (black) U/18 division one side, also looked good going into the finals with just one loss from 20 games, putting them ahead of nearest rival, the Port Macquarie Dolphins, who had four losses in the regular season.

The Beez did lose their first final 90–85 playing Port Macquarie, but made up for lost ground in the preliminary final where they beat

the Central Coast Rebels 113-77.

Back in form the Beez dominated the grand final beating Port Macquarie 103–56.

Girl Beez

The Beez U/18 girls also had a great season winning 12 of their 14 regular season games, coming in second behind Maitland Mustangs who lost just one game.

The Mustangs got the upper hand in the first semifinal beating the Beez 74-66. This left the Beez needing to win the preliminary final to have a crack at the championship, but they feel agonisingly close, losing 64–63 to

the Newcastle Falcons.

‘It was very disappointing,’ coach Bret Madden said. ‘We were leading most of the game and have beaten this side by 20 points, but all our best players were fouled out’.

Maitland went on to land the premiership beating Newcastle 79–45.

In a reprieve for the Byron girls, Maitland has pulled out of the state finals and the Beez will be turning up in their place.

‘The team felt they should be at the state finals, so this is great opportunity for them,’ Bret said.

The 2024 State Cup will be played in Orange over the weekend of August 17-18.

Ballina Seagulls win rugby league minor premiership

The Ballina Seagulls have sealed the NRRRL 2024 firstgrade minor premiership with a 34–14 win over the Kyogle Turkeys playing away last Sunday afternoon.

Ballina had a good day away as they also won reserve grade 48–12, women’s touch 24–10, with a 12–all draw in the U/18s.

The win caps off a strong run to the finals for the first graders that included a 22–18 win at home on Sunday, 28 July against Marist Brothers that earned them the Denis Meaney Shield.

The Seagulls are on top of the table, three competition points clear of secondplaced Cudgen and Evans

Head (23 points), with just one game remaining in the regular season.

Bilambil (20) and Marist

Brothers (20) take out fourth and fifth spots.

Byron Bay (17) round out the top six but Northern United (16) and Mullumbimby (16) are close behind.

Byron Bay take on Ballina at Ballina as rained-out round five is replayed before the finals starting on the weekend of August 17 and 18.

This Sunday Mullumbimby take on Cudgen at home, while Northern United take on Evans Head at home, in games they also have to win if they want a chance to play finals football.

The Southern Stingrays are getting on top of their opponents as the season comes to an end. Photo supplied

The U/14 Byron Bay Beez basketballers came away from the NEJL with a championship win. Photo suppled

Ballina with the Denis Meaney Shield. Photo supplied

Race

Byron Bay Cycling Club’s winter series attracted close to

riders across two junior and four senior grades at the Cavanbah Centre on July 28. The day also included a training day

women to gain

at

racing. Photo supplied

Eateries Guide Good Taste

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

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 | Everyday from 4–6pm

$20 Steak Night | Every Tuesday, 100-Day-Aged Black Angus Sirloin 2-for-1 Cocktails | Every Thursday with any Set Menu from $40 Bottomless Bubbles & Spritz | Every Saturday from 12–2pm with any Set Menu from $40 Open Tues – Friday from 4pm, Sat from 12 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

Delicious new winter dinner menu, live jazz every Sunday arvo, happy hour 3–5pm Friday to Sunday & our famous Sunday roast. Enjoy a wander in the fields, meet the pigs, and picnic in the sun… there really is something for everyone.

lizzijjackson@gmail.com 0414 895 441 GLUTEN FREE

Hand-made pantry staples

Victoria Cosford

North Byron Hotel

61 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay

6685 6500

Open: 11am Mon–Fri & 8am Sat–Sun

Kitchen hours: 11:30am–late daily

Breakfast: 8am–11am Sat & Sun www.northbyronhotel.com.au.

Main Street

Open for takeaway daily, 12 midday until dinner.

Menu, more details –@mainstreet_burgerbar 18 Jonson Street 6680 8832

Bonito Byron Bay

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Ground Floor, Hotel Marvell

4 Marvell Street, Byron Bay

Step away from the centre of town and into a shimmering oasis away from crowds.

A tucked away treasure, the North Byron Hotel is a thriving mecca of good food, great music, laughter and the ‘chilled Byron Bay vibes’.

Eat Drink Discover

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.

It doesn’t matter that I have a floor-to-ceiling bookcase of cookbooks, a collection of sad home-made ones and subscriptions to food magazines. Nor that I am able to access pretty much anything I might wish to cook via the internet. The fact is, I cannot resist a recipe when I see one – so the sight of recipe cards complete with sumptuous photography at the Church Farm stall fills me with joy.

Breakfast Daily 8am – 12pm Laneway light lunch Daily 12pm – 5pm

Dinner Tuesday – Saturday From 5pm

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

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.

Church Farm has been a presence for nearly ten years, its humble beginnings a roadside stall at Billinudgel where Andrew Morris and family started selling the surplus herbs, chillies, tomatoes and cucumbers from their property. That their products are now distributed nationally by three distributors – ‘health food stores, grocers, delis, butchers, gift shops – you name it!’ Andrew tells me – is testament to the commitment of him and his team to producing ‘great products for our customers who appreciate quality ingredients and pantry staples that don’t contain any additives or other nasties.’

Everything, from the commercial kitchen at Mullumbimby, is hand-made, bottled and packaged in small batches, a range covering sauces and curry pastes, the wildly popular tomato passata and a honey and pepper-berry mustard. ‘I

a

have a passion for food and cooking and am self-taught,’ Andrew tells me. ‘I love to learn from different sources, especially from some of my talented chef mates.’

With the soaring cost of grocery items, it’s a welcome solution to feeding families: glorious flavourings, locallysourced ingredients, meals made easy by the simple addition, in many cases, of protein or plant. Inspired by one of those cards, I’m

planning to whip-up baby beef rendang pies, first making, then cooling the rendang, pre-baking puff pastry bases in Texan muffin tins, filling them with the rendang, topping them with little pastry lids then baking till golden brown. Divine! Church Farm is at New Brighton Farmers Market every Tuesday from 8am to 11am and Mullumbimby Farmers Market every Friday from 7am to 11am.

BYRON BAY

Andrew Morris from Church Farm – the business started as

roadside stall in Billinudgel. Photo supplied

The Good Life

Brazilian BBQ at Mullum’s LOVE sign

There will be an unforgettable Brazilian BBQ evening at The Paddock Project on 17 August with delicious food, vibrant music, and fun activities for all ages. The event will raise funds for an accessible toilet so that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the project’s syntropic gardens.

‘Your support will help us create a more inclusive and

welcoming space for all,’ says organiser Karen Gross. ‘Don’t miss out on our exciting raffle with over $2,500 in prizes up for grabs, aiming for a $4,000 target on the night. It’s a fantastic opportunity to win big and support a great cause!’

‘Savour a variety of mouthwatering dishes with both vegetarian and meat options, all infused with traditional Brazilian flavours. Whether you’re a

fan of smoky grilled meats or delicious veggie delights, our BBQ will have something to please every palate. The RSL will be managing the bar, ensuring a great selection of beverages to accompany your meal.

‘Our event will feature live performances by talented musicians Marilane de Mello and Raissa Hari, who will be enchanting us with their beautiful bossa nova and Brazilian-style music. It’s the perfect backdrop for a delightful evening under the stars.

‘The evening will be filled with engaging activities, including kids’ craft stations and a cosy fire pit for everyone to enjoy. It’s an event for the whole family, offering a wonderful opportunity to relax, have fun, and connect with friends and neighbours.’

Tickets for the event, which include a three-course meal, are available now! With only 250 tickets available, don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this special night. Kids under 5 are free. Primary school-aged kids $20. See tinyurl.com/ yehjkcjy for more information.

Persian Pickled Garlic

Persian pickled garlic has a delicious mild garlic flavour, tastes a little bit like a mild pickled onion, and is low odour. It can be eaten straight out of the jar and goes really well with cheese and crackers, and beer of course. Its vinegar makes an easy salad dressing with olive oil. The pickled garlic has garnered quite a strong following up and down the East

Coast, and is also apparently wonderful at preventing colds, and for general health.

Stone Wood Water Hops

Has it really been ten years since Stone & Wood started brewing at their Murwillumbah Brewery? Well, that was kind of a rhetorical question, but the thrill of seeing the massive stainless-steel vats full of Pacific Ale, and other brews, was experienced anew during the Open Day last Saturday – check it out next year if you missed it. The event also has live music and food, as well as brewery tours and beers, and it also raises much-needed funds for Wedgetail Retreat palliative care hospice. Pictured: Mike Berry, Daniel Neszpor, Jimmy Davonshire and Alejandro Pineda from Stone & Wood show exactly how it feels to have way more beer than you could ever drink. Photo by Jeff ‘Chief of Beer Security’ Dawson.

Persian Pickled Garlic

Ready to eat. It is really very nice party garlic. Now available from several outlets strategically located on the Northern Rivers from Ballina to Tweed Heads.

Go to my website for the list of outlets, or better still just ring me for a friendly chat! Don’t Google me.

Darrell Tully - your local distributer.

Mobile: 0414 659 063 seven days a week

Garlic has been used worldwide since ancient times as a food flavouring and in traditional healing, most likely spreading from Central Asia to Ancient Egypt and beyond. Persia (modernday Iran) is the ancient home of garlic, according to Darrell Tully, who formed a strong connection to the food when his Persian friend began selling pickled garlic in the Brisbane markets circa 1999.

Soon she was distributing Persian pickled garlic all over Queensland and Darrell joined her in 2002.

‘Eventually,’ he says, ‘I took 200 boxes of her garlic to Sydney and sold the lot. I gave tastings in markets from Byron to Tweed Heads and placed my brand Teska in butcher shops along the way.’

‘I ran out of stock in 2017,’ says Darrell, ‘but my old

customers on the Northern Rivers keep asking for more. Now I am only placing the best of Persia strategically in a few outlets between Ballina and Tweed Heads to serve my customers.’

‘It complements fish and chips. The vinegar is just superb. A tip I got from a customer was to dice it with fresh tomato and spread it on toast for breakfast’.

‘Take two cloves daily, to prevent colds and for general health. It is natural garlic preserved in vinegar and salt. It beats garlic tablets. It really has a delicious mild garlic flavour and is low odour.’ And Darrell has a word of advice for home garlic picklers. ‘Don’t try pickling fresh garlic, it is not the same and it takes lots of time to do.’

For more info on where to get it go to persianpickledgarlic.com.au or call Darrell on 0414 659 063.

BYRON BAY PORK & MEATS BUTCHERY

The chef, the musician and the organiser: Brazilian BBQ at the Paddock Project, 64 Argyle St Mullumbimby. Photo Jeff ‘Greener Way’ Dawson

Three days of inspiring conversations and stories this weekend at Bangalow Showground

Byron Writers Festival is renowned for its relaxed and friendly

its incredible three-day program. But how do you ‘do’ a writers festival? Here’s our guide to help you tailor your festival experience.

What happens at the festival?

The festival brings writers and thinkers from many walks of life

novelists.

With a similar set-up to a music -

marquees and the A&I Hall) and choose what they want to see on the day. Be inspired by the festival’s

biggest names in one-one-one con-

and discover new writers to nourish your soul and revive your mind. Kick on into the evening at separately ticketed Feature Events with highlight authors from the festival.

Welcome to Byron Writers Festival 2024

I’m so delighted to

tival. Writers from around

galow Showground for three days in celebration of books and ideas. We’ve curated an extensive

of Australian and international

with and musicians. Together we will traverse all aspects of beauty of language. Join us under the trees for compelling conversations and perfor-

Eat, drink and shop!

There are plenty of tasty food options -

Lions Club operates an on-site bar each day. The Book Room presents

meet authors for signings after their sessions. Explore the popular sculpture walk or take home a memento from our artisan market stalls.

Do I need to be a writer to enjoy the festival?

everyone – whether you read one

in love with books.

What’s the best ticket type for me?

1-Day and 3-Day passes give access to all sessions on your chosen day or

Our new Youth Pass for people day of the festival. There are also

discounted tickets for pensioners and concession card holders. Separately ticketed Feature Events, Workshops and Satellite Events take place during festival week and in the evenings. Explore the program at byronwritersfestival. com/festival-program. Can I take the kids?

of entertainment. A Kids Big Day Out Pass years) and one adult to the kids

Parking and shuttle bus

To park at Bangalow Showground you’ll need a 5 Parking Pass for each day you intend to park. A free festival shuttle bus operates everyCentre (Ewingsdale Road) and theavailable at Cavanbah Centre for shuttle bus patrons. See details at byronwritersfestival.com/travel.

All festival tickets are available at byronwriterfestival.com/tickets. Unique Fashion, Accessories, Furniture

Electric Poetics

Friday highlights

packed lineup of literary

Welcome to Country by Arakwal custodian Delta Kay

the highlights available to

Becoming Murdoch (4)

Eric Beecher & Walter Marsh

The Murdoch media empire and its patriarch have global influence on markets and politics. Join journalist Walter Marsh (Young Rupert) and Crikey owner Eric Beecher (The Men Who Killed the News) for an exploration of the man behind the empire. With

8.45am Lilly Pilly

Women Make History (2)

Meg Keneally & Victoria Purman

Acclaimed historical fiction writers Meg Keneally ( Free ) and Victoria Purman ( The Radio Hour ) discuss their latest novels inspired by historical figures and actual events – with women at their heart. With

9.15am Hakea

Life on the Page: Writing Memoir (8)

Kris Kneen, William McInnes, Nova Weetman

and what – if anything – is concealed? Join

Nova Weetman for an intimate exploration of putting their life on the page. With Alan Close. 10am Lilly Pilly

History: Facts & Fictions (14)

Sarah Percy, Kate Fullager, David Marr

How much of what we think we know dominant story we’ve been told isn’t strictly

Percy ( Forgotten Warriors (Bennelong and Phillip) and David Marr (Killing For Country 11.30am A&I Hall

Prima Facie (16)

Susie Miller

Drawn from the internationally acclaimed PrimaFacie the price victims pay for speaking out and the system that sets them up to fail. Join author

1.00pm Hakea

Question 7 (20)

Richard Flanagan

is about the choices we make about love and the chain reaction that follows. Join Booker

discuss this love song to his island home. With Jill Eddington. 2.00pm Acacia

Leo Vardiashvili

Hard By a Great Forest (25)

struggle to make peace with the past. Join Leo Vardiashvili to discuss his powerful and the spirit to survive. With Jennifer Byrne. 3.15pm Acacia

Sassafras (34)

Rebecca Huntley of Sassafras it was embedded deep within her mind. Sassafras

4.30pm A&I Hall. Free event!

Saturday highlights

access a world of stories

lineup – starting with

Here are just some of the compelling

Coffee & Papers (39)

Clive Hamilton, Marina Kamenev, Isabelle Reinecke

and the week’s news with journalists and authors Clive Hamilton (The Privileged Few Marina Kamenev ( century Courting Power

8.45am A&I Hall

Stone Yard Devotional (35)

Charlotte Wood

– 2024 Booker Prize nominee!

Join Charlotte Wood to discuss her latest novel Stone Yard Devotional – longlisted for the – a deeply moving novel

of and The Weekend

With Jill Eddington. 9.00am Acacia

The Art of Writing Crime (40)

Jane Harper, Candice Fox, Dinuka McKenzie

Join superstar crime writers Jane Harper ) and Tipping Point) for this genre on what makes winning crime stories. Explore the traditional conventions of the them. WithAlex Adsett. 10.15am Acacia

Lola in the Mirror (46)

Trent Dalton & Julia Baird Lola in the Mirror Boy and All Our Shimmering

11.45am Hakea

The Road to the Country (50)

Chigozie Obioma

The Road to the Country is the epic story of a university student conscripted and forced to fight a war he

12.45pm Acacia

36 Ways of Writing a Vietnamese Poem (36) Nam Le

winning collection of stories The Boat Le returns to his great themes of identity and poetry. 36 is

With Caoilinn Hughes. 2.15pm Hakea

The Mega Election Year (62)

Nick Bryant, Meena Kandasamy, John Lyons

The Forever War Meena Kandasamy (Tomorrow Someone Will ) and John Lyons ( Balcony Over ) to discuss the results and the consequences to come. With Misha Ketchell. 3.15pm Melaleuca

Slick (69)

Royce Kurmelovs of Slick Kurmelovs. Slick is a riveting expose of

4.15pm A&I Hall. Free event!

Home to the world’s largest natural crystals where you can sit in an ancient amethyst cave. Wander the tranquil Shambhala Gardens, enjoy breathtaking views, delicious lunch and Crystal Sound Healing.

Open 7 days per week, 10am — 5pm 81 Monet Drive, Mullumbimby, NSW 2482

Beautiful new clinic in Newrybar Village

We are committed to the highest standard of care in all of our treatments. Remedial / Deep Tissue / Lymphatic Drainage / Sports / Relaxation / Pregnancy / Trigger Point / Dry Needling / Cupping / Bowen. Instant health fund rebates available.

Book online now! Visit bbrmassage.com.au or call 0499 490 088

BIG VOICE CHOIRS

Choirs for all people led by Janet Swain and Gina Ogilvie

GOSPEL SONGS: SEMESTER 2

5 August – 8 December

Starting Monday 5 August Brunswick Picture House or Tuesday 13 August

M-Arts precinct, Murwillumbah

Contact Janet Swain 0438 965 397 sdynastymusic@gmail.com

Face Yoga Australia

A natural facelift for a youthful look 0429 843 782 faceyogaaustralia.com

5th Sep

KIND BUSINESS

Values create Value

Sunday highlights

of big ideas and uplifting Bring the little ones to Kids Choir.

Art & Power (71)

Bri Lee & Jessie Tu

Join Bri Lee and Jessie Tu for an exploration of their compelling new releases. Lee’s The Work is the debut

while Tu’s The Honeyeater is the follow up to acclaimed bestseller A Lonely Girl is a Dangerous Thing 9.15am Hakea

War & Brotherhood (75)

Chigozie Obioma & Leo Vardiashvili

Two international festival guests Chigozie Obioma ( The Road to the Country) and Leo Vardiashvili (Hard by a Great Forest) discuss their stunning new

10.15am Acacia

Kids Big Day Out

workshopspace at The Coolamon.

Lilly Pilly

9:00am Ella Bancroft

9:30am Kate & Jol Temple

10:00am Peter Carnavas

10:30am Matt Stanton

11:00am Nova Weetman

11:30am Bob Brown

12:00pm Student Writing Prizes

The Alternatives (80) Caoilinn Hughes

latest book. The Alternatives follows

when the oldest disappears into the 11.45am Hakea

North Coast Noir (86)

Bryan Brown & Dinuka McKenzie

(TheDrowning (TippingPoint) for a riveting discussion

12.45pm Lilly Pilly

The Coolamon

Storytime: 9:00am Cheryl Leavy

9:30am Miss Nicky

Workshops: 10:00am Megan Daley

11:00am Peter Carnavas

Unsung (90)

Kate Ceberano

In Unsung: A Compendium of Creativity Kate Ceberano muses on the people and experiences that have inspired ; what hurts and what sustains. It’s proof of a lifetime lived in 2pm Melaleuca

The Mungo Panel: Press Freedom (89)

Nick Bryant, Amy McQuire, Louise Milligan

(The Forever War Black Witness Pheasants Nest) for an exploration of the state of media freedom in Australia and around 2.15pm Hakea

My Story (93)

Nicky Winmar most memorable moments in sporting

into his life. With Gideon Haigh. 3.15pm Acacia

Held at Bangalow Showground and A&I Hall, Market Street, Bangalow. Gates open daily at 8am daily. Free shuttle bus from Byron Bay!

FRI 9 – SUN 11 AUGUST 2024 byronwritersfestival.com

Volume 39 #09

7–13 August, 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

seven days of entertainment

Eclectic Selection What’s on this week

Throughout their illustrious ten-year career, the indie pop three-piece San Cisco have become one of Australia’s most successful independent artists amassing multiple accolades, gold and platinum records, top-5 ARIA charting positions and much more.

Saturday from 8pm at the Beach Hotel, Byron Bay Tickets: moshtix.com.au

Step into the world of music legend Joe Cocker with The Joe Cocker Express! Join them for an unforgettable night of music and nostalgia as they pay tribute to the iconic artist. The show promises to transport you back in time with spot-on renditions of Cocker’s greatest hits. Fronted by Australia’s very own Chev Wilson whose timbre and uncanny likeness to young Joe breathes new life into his classics.

Saturday 8pm at Ballina RSL Tickets: ballinarsl.com.au

The Dunoon Sports Club is hosting their famous Pluckers and Poets open mic this weekend. Come along and enjoy a great afternoon of free live music on their covered deck with wonderful views and a great kids’ play area. Bring your own instrument or voice, backing is provided if required.

Sunday from 4pm at the Dunoon Sports Club. Entry is free.

Miss Amber & Stukulele will be celebrating Uke Mullum’s 14th birthday back at the Courthouse where it all began. The theme is ‘duets’. Come and see face-to-face intimate performances from amateur performers right up to seasoned legends. This will be an amazing afternoon of warm and fuzzy fun. Bring your uke or just your smiling face and be ready for a sing-a-long.

Saturday 2pm at The Courthouse, Mullumbimby Tickets: events.humanitix.com/ ukulele-duets

Ballina Shire Concert Band and Lismore City Concert Band are getting together this weekend to play two separate sets, and then play one big set together. Come and see the BIG big band play. Everyone is welcome. Sunday from 2pm at McCarthy Hall, Alstonville. Entry by donation

With decades of experience between them, Perry Street Park’s paths crossed in the thriving Brisbane music scene – they are your rock-pop cure. Drawing their inspiration from artists such as The Vanns, Gang Of Youths, INXS and Crowded House, they’ve cultivated a sound ready to define the next era of Australian rock.

Saturday at The Rails, Byron Bay Free entry

Sharing the acoustic and intimate vibes of The Levee Lounge and Bar in Lismore, Black Train is bringing smooth harmonies and traditional folk instruments for an Americana gospel blues feel.

Thursday 5.30pm The Levee Lounge and Bar, Lismore

Island of the Gods

Come celebrate the launch of Daniel Salfield’s new book Island of the Gods at the Brunswick Picture House. Live music from Matt Boylan Smith and Byron’s most mischievous funksters The Versace Boys as well as a bound-to-be-hilarious, really spiritual trivia competition to test your new age credentials.

Daniel Salfield has been a community radio presenter on Bay FM for 25 years and this is the first time he has something of his own to promote! Island of the Gods is fictional and loosely occupies the crime thriller genre but also could quite happily sit on the shelves of satire and black comedy.

Described by bestselling fantasy author Kim Falconer as, ‘Agatha Christie meets Yoga Bitch in this whirlwind satire on modern-day gurus and those attracted to them. Comedic, for sure, but be ready. Salfield lures you into a holiday wonderland where any sudden move could make the knife cut too close to the bone. Outstanding read! Namaste.’ Sunday from 4pm at the Brunswick Picture House. Entry is only $15, or $30 including a copy of the book, and free for gurus.

seven days of entertainment

We love the Shire Choir

Shire Choir has brought the joy of collective singing to the shire since 2018. Led by the dynamic singer/songwriter/ actor Melia Naughton (Wildskin, New Blood), the choir, AKA you, is accompanied by the Birrell Bros Band, featuring Jamie Birrell, Luke Bennett and Ben Cox (Majestic Knights), who first appeared together in NORPA’s smash theatrical production Love for One Nightat the Eltham Hotel.

Subject of a 2023 documentary by local filmmaker Sharon Shostak, Shire Choir is a feel-good, pop-up singing experience that has appeared at pubs, historic halls, and festivals including the Byron Writers Festival. Thousands of locals have joined in the uplifting magic of their one-nightonly choir.

Finalist in the Byron Council Community Awards for Health and Wellbeing, Shire Choir is an accessible and affordable antidote to the stresses of daily life. Singing in a group improves cognitive function, reduces tension, elevates mood and creates community connection. Shire Choir is produced by Sally Schofield (DJ Sally Sound) who is passionate about inclusion, mental wellness and bloody good music.

No experience required, all voices welcome, come and learn a classic pop/rock song in three parts and then belt it out with a room full of wonderful humans.

Sunday at 6pm at the Bangalow Bowlo.

Could you be BayFM’s next Studio Manager?

Put yourself at the heart of BayFM. We’re Australia’s most awarded community radio station in recent years - but now we need more help to build on this success.

You’ll need good tech skills as well as people skills for this part-time role. The commitment is 20 hours a week allows. Pay rates are in line with your responsibilities.

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

Let’s get the party started!

The Byron Bay Surf Festival’s Tracks Party is on at the Beach Hotel on Friday, August 16

Headlining the show is the award-winning Pacific Avenue, a four-piece alternative rock band who in 2017, in the Australian coastal town of Gerringong, were well and truly born. They blend the sounds of classic rock & roll with a contemporary indie flavour. Pacific Avenue have had a busy and exciting few years, landing awesome festival slots and they have also supported the likes of The Wombats (UK), Louis Tomlinson, Tash Sultana, Ocean Alley, Ruby Fields, San Sisco, Tyne James Organ and The Angels.

Since then, Pacific Avenue have had wonderful success with the release of their debut EP ‘Strawberry Skies’ produced by Adrian Breakspeare (Gang Of Youths). In 2021, they released their single ‘Easy Love’ which embodied the notion of ‘love is love’ and it has no boundaries. This track had an overwhelming reception, placing 108th in the Triple J Hottest 200.

The Tracks Party show will also include the garage threepiece Crocodiles, alternative rock band, Molly Rocket, and the Californian soul collective band, Allenswoth Doors open at 5pm and the music will kick-off at 6pm and run through until midnight. Tickets are selling like hot cakes, so get in quick! First release is $35 available through Oztix.

Bluey sound designer presents SAE masterclass

They say that sharing your knowledge is one of the greatest ways to inspire creativity and innovation among young people. This is especially true of Dan Brumm, an SAE University College graduate, and an accomplished sound designer and voiceover artist for the Emmy Award-winning show, Bluey , and the critically acclaimed Godspeed Dan recently held a masterclass for SAE students, where he shared insights from his thriving career and offered valuable perspectives on his work on one of the world’s most streamed shows.

Having graduated from SAE with a qualification in audio, Dan is passionate about supporting the next generation of sound designers who are looking to build successful careers. ‘I really think there’s a lot of value in giving back, particularly when I’ve been fortunate enough to have that experience. Back in 2003 I had the opportunity at SAE to access Pro Tools in the studio, which at the time wasn’t available at home. I absorbed it all, and to this day I still remember writing down some of the shortcut keys – it was a great introduction into sound.’

Then in 2015, Dan’s brother, Joe, made a film about a dog which changed everything. ‘The short, which eventually became “The Weekend” in series one of Bluey, piqued the interest of a lot of production houses, including Ludo. Then it got aired at the Asian Pacific Film Festival and it blew everyone away. We had heads of networks in tears, which led to the BBC picking it up.’

Having been involved in all 151 episodes of the hit animation, Dan explained how his role impacts the storytelling and revealed the unique approach to sound on the show.

‘The fundamental part of being a sound designer is trying to support the story that the director is telling through key sound choices. Joe wanted the sounds of Bluey to reflect the very grounded and naturalistic aspects of the show. We wanted the sound design to be as real as possible, which would help give weight to the beautifully stylised animations.’

For those students who are just starting out in sound, Dan explained his editing process and emphasised the importance of honing your instincts.

‘If I’m editing an episode of a show, I’ll park it and come back the next day with fresh ears, and if the sound isn’t right, it will immediately stand out. When you haven’t got much experience it’s hard to know if something sounds good, but I would just learn to trust your instincts.’

SAE’s audio courses are designed to build the essential skills for a successful career in the creative industries. Enrol now for September 2024.

Find out more at sae.edu.au.

CINEMA

It ends with us

Domestic violence is often the hardest story to tell and in Colleen Hoover’s best-selling sensation It Ends with Us, based on the relationship between her mother and father, Hoover says ‘it is the hardest book I’ve ever written.’ The story captivated book lovers around the world and has now been brought to life on the big screen. The highly anticipated first adaptation of Hoover’s novels stars Blake Lively in a potent performance that perfectly captures the character of Lily Bloom that so many connected with from the book.

Lily is a woman who overcomes a traumatic childhood to embark on a new life in Boston and chase a lifelong dream of opening her own business. A chance meeting with charming neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni) sparks an intense connection, but as the two fall deeply in love, Lily begins to see sides of Ryle that remind her of her parents’ relationship. When Lily’s first love, Atlas Corrigan (Brandon Sklenar), suddenly re-enters her life, her relationship with Ryle is upended, and Lily realizes she must learn to rely on her own strength to make an impossible choice for her future.

The compelling, moving, and heartbreaking romantic drama is formidably directed by Jane the Virgin’s Justin Baldoni who also stars alongside Lively as Ryle. It Ends with Us opens at Palace Cinemas and Ballina Fair Cinemas this week.

GIG GUIDE

WEDNESDAY 7

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, MASON LLOYDE

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM CHLOE JETT

BYRON THEATRE 1PM NT LIVE: PRESENT LAUGHTER

ELTHAM HOTEL 6.30PM NOT QUITE FOLK JAM

CITADEL, MURWILLUMBAH, 5PM FILM SCREENING –‘FOLLOW THE RAIN’ PLUS Q&A

THURSDAY 8

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, DONNY SHADES DUO

WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM DJ PAPA BITCHO

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 8PM KING STINGRAY

BYRON THEATRE 6.30PM CLIMATE CHANGERS FILM SCREENING

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM OLE FALCOR

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM YAZMINDI

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM LUKE HEGGIE

THE LEVEE, LISMORE, 5PM BLACK TRAIN

THE SUPPER CLUB AT THE BOWLO, LISMORE, 7PM THE SUPPER CLUB SOUL BAND CITADEL, MURWILLUMBAH, 6.30PM YOUTH POETRY SLAM WITH SARAH TEMPORAL

COOLANGATTA HOTEL 7PM KINGSWOOD

MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 8PM KRAPPYOKEE WITH JESS CLUB LENNOX 7PM TIM STOKES

LENNOX HOTEL 9PM LEMON CHICKEN

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

STAR COURT THEATRE, LISMORE, 7.30PM BILLY VS ELTON

THE LEVEE, LISMORE, 7.30PM DJ TRANQKARMA

FEDERAL HOTEL, ALSTONVILLE, 7PM MATT DAY TRIO

THE CHANNON TAVERN 7PM ROO TRIO

CITADEL, MURWILLUMBAH, 4.30PM SHELLY BROWN’S CHOIR EXPERIENCE, 7PM NORTHERN RIVERS SONGWRITERS NIGHT

FEATURING BRETT CANNING, SHELLY BROWN AND MATT HILL

MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6.30PM MARTIN WAY

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 5PM NATHAN KAYE

SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 6PM COASTAL ROAD

TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 8PM

TUBULAR BELLS IN CONCERT

PEARCES CREEK HALL, PIERCES CREEK, 7PM ALEX LLOYD

COURTHOUSE HOTEL, MULLUMBIMBY, 2PM UKE

MULLUM’S 14TH BIRTHDAY PARTY – DUETS

WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM DJ ROB

SYDNEY

DURRUMBUL HALL 3PM

ARCHERINGA – DREAMTIME FESTIVAL

CLUB LENNOX 8PM ADAM GARDINER

LENNOX HOTEL 9PM DJ CRAIGR

BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK 6PM

TAHLIA MATHESON, LEVEL ONE 8PM THE JOE COCKER EXPRESS

MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6PM LINDA STREET

CITADEL, MURWILLUMBAH, 7PM SEARCHING FOR CHARLIE OWEN

FRIDAY 9

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, HARRY NICHOLS BAND

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 8PM

SAN CISCO + SALARYMEN

BYRON THEATRE 8PM BYRON WRITERS FESTIVAL 2024

KEYNOTE GALA: FROM THE GROUND UP

NORTH BYRON HOTEL 4PM DJ SHANE COLLINS

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6.30PM KANE MUIR + DJ OREN SELECTA, 9PM TAYLOR SWIFT: THE ERAS PARTY

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM BEN WHITING

COOLANGATTA HOTEL 7PM LOUDER THAN LOVE

SATURDAY 10

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, PERRY STREET PARK

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 9PM 42 BAND

BYRON THEATRE 7.30PM THE FLEETWOOD PAC

BANGALOW HOTEL 2PM JESSE REDWING

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4.30PM

MAJESTIC KNIGHTS + DJ

BEATDUSTA GOODIE

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM LISA MITCHELL

THE BURROW, CABARITA, ROD MURRAY

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 5PM LEE-ANNE JOY

SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 6PM MATTHEW ARMITAGE

WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 3PM DJ ABEL EL TORO LENNOX HOTEL 1PM INO PIO CLUB LENNOX 4PM JB’S BLUES BREAKERS

BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK

2.30PM SUNDAY BLUES CLUB SESSIONS FEAT. TROMBONE KELLIE GANG

SHAWS BAY HOTEL, BALLINA, 3PM SHAWS BAY SUNDAY SESSIONS FT MARSHALL &

TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 8PM OH WHAT A NIGHT

SUNDAY 11

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, ALLY PALMER DUO

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 4.30PM PISTOL WHIP BYRON THEATRE 6.30PM AGAPI & OTHER KINDS OF LOVE

YULLI’S, BYRON BAY, 3PM YULLI’S OPEN MIC

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM JASON DELPHIN THREE BLUE DUCKS, EWINGSDALE, 12.30PM UPBEAT

BANGALOW HOTEL 2PM

PHANTOM LIMBZ

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4PM LATE FOR WOODSTOCK + CHEV WILSON

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 4PM DANNY SALFIELD – ISLAND OF THE GODS BOOK LAUNCH

MONDAY 12 RAILWAY HOTEL,

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

TUESDAY 13

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, CHRIS ARONSTEN BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM AKOVA THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM MARSHALL OKELL

WEDNESDAY 14

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, ISAAC FRANKHAM BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM BEN WHITING

NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM KANE MUIR BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 6PM SAVE WALLUM EXTREMELY SOPHISTICATED FUN-RAISER TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 7.30PM CELESTE BARBER

4:45PM, 6:30PM, 7:30PM, 8:00PM KA WHAWHAI TONU: STRUGGLE WITHOUT END (M) Daily: 3:00PM LONGLEGS (MA15+) Thurs, Mon: 1:00PM, 4:00PM, 6:15PM. Fri, Sun: 1:00PM, 6:15PM. Sat: 1:30PM, 6:15PM. Tues: 12:45PM, 4:00PM, 6:15PM. Wed: 1:00PM, 4:00PM

GALLERIES

ART KIND

Contemporary art gallery and studio providing engaging exhibitions, art classes and workshops

3/18 Centennial Circuit, Arts & Industry Estate, Byron Bay

Open Wed – Sat 10am – 2pm 0404 946 553

@artkindbyronbay www.artkind.com.au

ARTIST STUDIO GALLERY

Belongil Beach

Open by appointment 0409 604 405 www.janrae.com.au

ARTIST’S HOME GALLERY

Byron Bay

Landscape inspired works imparting a ‘spirit of place’ Open by appointment 02 6685 5317 jaypearse.com

GALLERY COSMOSIS

Arts & Industry Estate

Byron Bay 0431 331 205 gallerycosmosis.com linktr.ee/gallerycosmosisbyronbay

H’ART GALLERY

Local art in the heart of Mullumbimby Mullumbimby Comprehensive Health Centre, 60 Stuart Street, Mullumbimby 0401 647 325

KARENA WYNN-MOYLAN, FINE ART

World award-winning contemporary realism art direct from the artist at her Bangalow studio Phone or text 0414 822 196

LENNOX ARTS COLLECTIVE GALLERY

painting | photography | woodwork | ceramics jewellery | classes | workshops 2/72 Ballina Street, Lennox Head Open 7 days 10am – 3pm lennoxartscollective@gmail.com FB & Insta: @lennoxartscollective

LONE GOAT GALLERY

28 Lawson St, Byron Bay (located in the Byron Library building) Open Wed – Sat 10am – 4pm lonegoatgallery.com.au

MIST GALLERY

GALLERIES ART

Shop 1B-51 Tweed Coast Rd, Cabarita Beach 0419 870 305 mist.gallery.cabarita@gmail.com FB & Insta: @mistgallery

MULLUMBIMBY CLAYWORKERS GALLERY Drill Hall Complex, 2 Jubilee Ave, Mullumbimby Open Thurs – Sat 12 – 4pm mullumclayworkers.com

MZ GALLERY

Byron Bay Contemporary Artspace 57 Tennyson Street, Byron Bay 0468 718 045 www.byronartspace.com.au

NIMBIN ARTISTS GALLERY

47 Cullen Street, Nimbin

Opening hours 10am – 4pm daily 02 6689 1444 www.nimbinartistsgallery.org

NORTHERN RIVERS COMMUNITY GALLERY

Cnr Cherry & Crane Sts, Ballina

Open Wed – Fri 9am – 3pm, Sat – Sun 9.30am – 1pm 02 6681 0530 nrcgballina.com.au

TWEED REGIONAL GALLERY & MARGARET

OLLEY ART CENTRE

Gallery hours: Wed–Sun 10am – 4pm Cafe open 10am – 4pm 2 Mistral Rd, Murwillumbah 02 6670 2790 gallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au

The Arts The Arts The Arts Artist in focus

NORTH COAST MUD TRAIL

Share the passion of pottery during the much anticipated ‘North Coast Mud Trail 2024’.

On the weekend of 17 and 18 August, members of the public are invited to drive around the Northern Rivers to

The annual North Coast Mud Trail is a once-a-year occasion for our artists to open their spaces to the public, and provides a rare opportunity for art lovers, adventurers, locals and visitors to step inside the creative workshops of local artisans, watch demonstrations, listen to artists’ talks, participate in workshops and purchase unique ceramics directly from the artists.

This year the North Coast Mud Trail is a much more experiential adventure with most studios running some kind of ‘Weekend Extra’ such as workshops, demonstrations and artist talks - most of them for free.

Mullum CWA and an ice cream van at Middle Pocket Pottery. Please support these new initiatives and also all the ceramicists who work hard all year to bring you this amazing event.

Grab a brochure from most cafes and stores in the region and plan your own Mud Trail adventure. You can also visit North Coast Ceramics website to download a brochure. Or email info@northcoastceramics.com.

https://www.northcoastceramics.com

Madam Mystery Anna Carey until 1 September

GALLERY

Sos Ceramics

Rainforest Ceramics

Studio Suvira

TWEED REGIONAL GALLERY

‘Madam Mystery’ by regional artist Anna Carey presents a photographic series, started during the

Each photograph contains a constructed miniature model, creating an imaginary space where reality meets fantasy. The works explore notions of escapism and how we make sense of an unknown future. Carey invites viewers to escape into these invisible worlds, creating connections after unprecedented times.

Tweed Regional Gallery, Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–4pm.

gallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au

2 Mistral Road (Cnr Tweed Valley Way), Murwillumbah South 02 6670 2790

C.A.S.E. MENTORSHIP GRANTS

support Northern Rivers artists in 2024. Successful grant recipients can be mentored by: a professional artist; someone involved in the creative arts industry; artist’s practice. While the artist must be from the Northern Rivers, the mentor may reside outside the region, anywhere within Australia.

Applications close 15 September 2024 and can be downloaded with more details on the website. You can also read about the 2023 mentees/mentors’ experiences.

www.caseartspace.com/c-a-s-e-grants-2024

@c.a.s.e.inc

BYRON WRITERS FESTIVAL GALA

Hear ideas to change our world at the Byron Writers Festival evening gala event. Hosted by ABC’s First Tuesday Book Club’s of the festival will grace the Byron Theatre stage to deliver powerful and entertaining talks inspired by the 2024 theme ‘From the Ground Up’. Featuring Nigerian novelist Chigozie Obioma, Four Corners journalist Louise Milligan, new Late Night Live host David Marr, Parramatta literature laureate Yumna Kassab and Indigenous journalist Amy McQuire, see some of the brightest minds of the festival in one night.

2024 Byron Writers Festival.

Friday 9 August, 8pm. $40/$35. Tickets available from Byron Theatre. byroncentre.com.au/bct/whats-on

ART IN THE HEART OF MULLUMBIMBY

Art lovers need look no further than the Mullumbimby Comprehensive Health Centre, home to the H’Art Gallery. Featuring more than 30 artworks by 10 local artists, the gallery is an absolute must-see.

gallery and rotates the exhibition every six months. The space provides local artists a platform to display for an extended period and sell their work.

Visitors to the health centre are greeted by the art, which provides a distracting escape from stress and concern while creating a vibrant, healing atmosphere.

Conveniently located on Stuart Street, the H’Art Gallery is art in the heart of Mullumbimby.

Enquire at info@solveig.com.au

APPLY NOW FOR NRCG’S 2025-26 EXHIBITION PROGRAM

The Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) is currently accepting applications for their 2025–26 exhibition program.

They welcome proposals from artists, designers, curators, community and cultural groups in all art forms that display innovative ideas and approaches to contemporary arts practice. They value socially–engaged, research-based, and experimental projects that will captivate and challenge audiences. They strongly encourage applications from First Nations artists, artists from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, deaf and disabled artists and LGBTQIA+ artists.

For more information visit NRCG’s website or contact the gallery. nrcgballina.com.au

Keynote Gala - Yumna Kassab, David Marr, Louise Milligan, Amy McQuire and Chigozie Obioma. Hosted by Jennifer Byrne.

Installation view of Grounding (States of Flow) by Jemima Patch-Taylor, 2023. Photo by Miles Away Mediaz

Michelle Walker & Wendy Mills - c.a.s.e Mentorship Grants 2023.

Anna-Carey, Dejavu Psychic 2022.

Cryptic Clues

ACROSS

1.Cat en tournant starts to inspire French design (5)

4.Iran sued unfairly (8)

10.Everyone has torn creams. Lol! (3,6)

11.Where actors begin? (5)

12.Pet in game holds line (7)

13.Hero’s boyfriend, a corrupt dealer, holds knight (7)

14.Way out of beach (4)

16.Stewed hot leeks (6)

18.Head scalped by clumsy guy (3)

21.Very angry about Mum (3)

22.Pages singers at audition (6)

23.Wake in prison (4)

25.Raider presents rude manner on radio (7)

27.Constant sniper smashed by royals (7)

29.Drop dead! (5)

30.Leader said to be moral (9)

31.Dog starts to sniff and paw at mirror image (8)

32.Exhausted old queen flees snake (5) DOWN

1.Badly needed ram went off the track (9)

2.Fib by Romeo (5)

3.Knight leaves sherry at pub (6)

5.Cad chucks whiskey on artist’s gear (5)

6.Road repair skilful and appealing (8)

7.Facing incorrectly, batting team dismissed! (6-3)

8.Scary Tasmanian gets up to seize lecher (5)

9.Female genius weaving around hospital presenting Chinese philosophy (4,4)

15.Distressed mourner at top of the line! (9)

17.Knight born with both sides of patella in possibly arthritic condition (4,4)

19.Spooner’s firm bases form part of boat (9)

20.Troop is one of four following sergeant’s lead, and not coming back (8)

24.Fragments of sign showing us east, not south (6)

25.Commanding officer lifting lid on crimes of coppers? (5)

26.Pure energy running wild (5)

28.Right out of stiff wood (5)

Note: Six clues have no definition. Solving 25 down could provide a generic clue to supplying this deficiency.

STARS BY LILITH

Venus in Virgo can be nitpicky, especially in tandem with this week’s Mercury retrograde in the same fastidious sign. Best keep in mind that people rarely do better from being criticised: try compliments instead...

Soapbox

End homelessness

Mandy Nolan

HQuick Clues

ACROSS

1.Theme (5)

4.Ancient Roman silver coin (8)

10.Entirety of those present (3,6)

11.The get-go (5)

12.Third longest river in Australia (7)

13.He was in love with the priestess, Hero, in Greek mythology (7)

14.South African monetary unit (4)

16.Standard monetary unit of Israel (6)

18.Dolt (3)

21.Block (3)

22.Multiples of 24 sheets of paper (6)

23.Mix; excite (4)

25.Privateer (7)

27.They are often next in succession (7)

29.Consign to the earth (5)

30.Ethic (9)

31.Variety of spaniel (8)

32.Dead beat (5)

DOWN

1.Wind about in a circuitous course (9)

2.Obsolete German coin (5)

3.Silver coin worth two shillings (6)

5.Frame for supporting a painting (5)

6.Charming; dear (8)

7.Of knowing something, thoroughly or perfectly (6-3)

8.Greek woodland god, represented by the Romans as part-goat (5)

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

15.Upper number of a vulgar fraction (9)

17.Patellofemoral or tibiofemoral arthralgia (4,4)

19.Rope attached to the foresail (9)

20.Sub-unit of a regiment (8)

24.Bits (6)

25.Metal pieces used as currency (5)

26.Standard monetary unit of Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Mauritius (5)

28.Small stand of trees (5)

Last week’s solution #14

N B D F C W P A ONAROLL AVATARS O S R OAR I S B KASHMIR ENTITLE T O I E E R

omelessness is proof that our housing system is broken. The neoliberal hot take that hard work and compliance will be rewarded is a fairy tale as fantastical as Cinderella. We have more homelessness in Byron Bay than in the City of Sydney. In March this year Sydney to Katoomba, with a population of 5 million, had a rough sleep count of around 550. From Tweed to Grafton, with a population of 300,000, there were 750 people counted. We get around 10% of the funding. You don’t have to be a demographer to know it doesn’t add up – fiscally or philosophically. Homelessness is shameful. Not for those who are homelessness, but for us. Those who are housed. For our government, for everyone with a portfolio of investment properties, for those of us who flaunt our success. For all of us who passed GO and collected $200, who put hotels on Pall Mall and fined the people who landed there. It’s on us. We have to stop looking away.

We don’t like to see homeless people. So often, we don’t. It makes us uncomfortable. Their lack of safety makes us feel unsafe. We ‘disappear’ people. The first way is by not actually ‘seeing’ them. When we walk past a person who has set up camp in a doorway we avert our eyes. We don’t look at their trolley of broken belongings. The sign that says ‘donations welcome’. The sad creases on their face. The cold on their skin. We don’t see their story. We don’t say hello. We don’t stop to find out their story.

The story of everything that led them to here. The baby that was born plump and loved. The mother that held them close, who could never have imagined her sweet child would be here on this bitter night, on this street. Unloved and alone. Yet here they are, perhaps a father, a brother, an uncle. A writer, or a cook, a plumber, a mechanic, a drover. A man who has run out of options, with no safe future. We don’t see the cuts on his hands, the dirt on his skin. The trauma he may have endured. The lack of hope. Every time we look away we are complicit. Our government looks away.

ARIES: Aries psychologist James Hillman believed we focus on our problems because each one harbours a secret treasure for us, and August’s finicky, hair-splitting perfectionistas offer plenty of scope for testing his theory. This week’s gift is understanding how effective changing your attitude is, rather than other peoples’.

TAURUS: Your boss planet Venus in flaw-finding mode can make it hard to distinguish between what’s real and what’s your imagination, or incline you to be overly critical and judgmental. Mercury’s suggestion? Rather than pointing out peoples’ faults or playing the blame game, focus on common ground and finding solutions.

GEMINI: Key themes of your boss planet Mercury’s retrograde this month include ruff led feathers, dummy spits, issues with healthcare providers and outages at home, though good luck finding the requisite tradies. What’s it good for? Really good for rejigging work and wellness regimes: yours, the family, your pets.

We don’t like to see homeless people. So often, we don’t. It makes us uncomfortable... We ‘disappear’ people.

It’s why our homelessness support services are run on charity. They are asked to support those who must beg for assistance, by begging themselves. Shameful.

The second way we disappear people is with our prejudiced narratives. I’ve heard them in conversations and on Facebook community forums. They say that many homeless people in our region aren’t from here. They’ve moved here from elsewhere for the good weather. So what? That’s not how belonging works. If you are here you belong. Whether you own five properties or five plastic bags. If you are here, you are part of our community. If you are here because you thought things might be better, or change, or that being homeless would be a little easier, then welcome.

The other narrative is that people choose to be homeless, or they somehow deserve it because of their addiction or mental health. No one chooses homelessness. Trauma may make people feel unsafe in certain settings. Addiction is almost always the end result of unaddressed trauma. A health

CANCER: Mercury in reverse this month suggests the need to proceed strategically, so pay attention to existing power structures and be alert for intimidation tactics. If it becomes necessary to speak up, Mars and Jupiter are currently encouraging asking careful questions if you feel the need for more information.

LEO: Energetic Mars and Jupiter could cause distractions this week, along with Mercury and Venus in fault-finding mode. Not what your majesties might have ordered for your birthday month, but rather than listening to the critics, just enjoy exploring the smorgasbord of options on life’s bountiful table.

VIRGO: In this week’s less than ideal scenario of Mercury retrograde in your sign, team efforts may be delayed by mistakes, or your helpful feedback taken as criticism. Good news? The elegant entrance of Venus into Virgo evens up chances that your considered approach will be understood and appreciated.

LIBRA : With Venus your celestial mentor moving this week to the Libran zone of closure, she’s likely to be quite discriminating: calibrating who and what will and won’t be part of your forward course. All perfectly normal and natural, since people as well as trees have their deciduous seasons.

SCORPIO: With five planets backtracking this month you’re actually in luck, because this greatly facilitates the inner work needed right now. Part of this week’s retrograde rejig might be cutting others some slack, as in Scorpio Joni Mitchell’s song about not knowing what you’ve got till it’s gone.

SAGITTARIUS: Communication planet Mercury’s retrograde this week offers a helpful trial run before its final reversal for 2024 in Sagittarius later this year. So practise spontaneity, working with the unexpected, backing up files, reconfirming plans and being patient with others if you have to redo or repeat something.

issue that has been made judicial so that traumatised people are traumatised over and over again. It would be impossible to endure homelessness and not have a mental health condition. It’s dehumanising. It’s intolerable. It’s the end cost of our housing boom. And our compassion recession.

The third way we disappear people is by believing that somehow homelessness is their fault. By not recognising the drivers: domestic and family violence, unaddressed trauma, the increased cost of living, the lack of rental protection, and the use of the housing market not for shelter, but for wealth creation. The lack of funding for frontline services means for many people the situation is critical. The census in 2021 told us on any given night 122,494 people are homeless. But we have one million empty homes.

In the meantime, right here, right now, groups like House You are working to create a village, or community campground to provide dignity and safety in the short term until more secure options are available.

And on August 17, I’m participating in The Big Byron Sleepout to raise money for Fletcher Street Cottage – it’s $100 to sign up and you commit to raising $400 with sponsors. Can you join us? Yes, it’s going to be cold, and I probably won’t sleep. But it might be a real way to actually ‘see’ homelessness in our community, and do something. To sign up go to bigbyronsleepout.com

We have to end homelessness.

CAPRICORN: Saturn retrograde in your communication zone gives this month an introspective edge, urging a review of long-term goals. It invites you to apply all your Capricorn wisdom distilled from past experience to discussing and realigning plans with a renewed understanding of responsibilities.

AQUARIUS: Mercury is the planet of communication, commerce, logical thinking and linear order. This week its retrograde gift is a shift from left to right brain focus. Less attention on facts and reason, more on relaxing and using this opportunity to think outside the box: something Aquarians are particularly good at.

PISCES: As Neptune, backed up by Saturn in your sign helps dissolve stagnant structures to make room for more spacious thinking, you’re likely to be so busy rejigging unhealthy habits that the service and supply issues of this month’s Mercury retrograde won’t be such a big deal at all.

Classifieds

ECHO CLASSIFIEDS – 6684 1777

DEADLINE TUES 12PM

Publication day is Wednesday, booking deadlines are the day before publication.

RATES & PAYMENT

LINE ADS:

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.

KINESIOLOGY

$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.

Simple and effective solutions. Anxiety, Cravings, Fears & Trauma. Maureen Bracken 0402205352 HYPNOSIS & NLP WendyPurdey.com. Ph 0497 090 233

PUBLIC NOTICES

BE IT KNOWN TO ALL MEN that all assets and securities formerly held by STOREY, B.J. have been transferred to the private in a oneoff tax exempt gift. The Beneficiary has placed all assets in a private trust. Perfected lien reference:

WHERE TO GET THE ECHO

If you live in Lennox Head or Ballina, but outside our current home delivery area, you can pick up an Echo from many locations, including: Richies IGA Ballina, Ballina RSL, One Stop Shop Ballina, Ballina Golf Club East Ballina, Brighton St Takeaway near the Shawsy, Seagrass Lennox, Lennox pub drive-through, Station St Grocer Lennox

Career Opportunities

organisation, we have stable, local employment opportunities in Mullumbimby at our Coolamon

Great employment opportunities on a permanent part time or casual basis for:

• Personal Care Assistants

• Registered Nurses

ongoing training and a strong team.

To apply, scan the QR code with your smart phone or visit: www.catholichealthcare.com.au/about-us/careers

We promote the dignity, life and spirituality of older people through connected and inclusive communities.

Coolamon Villa, Mullumbimby

ONLY ADULTS

OPAL

Sweet, strong 2-year-old desexed female Dalmatian x Staffy ‘Opal’ has a shy, sensitive, quiet demeanour, is great with other dogs and children and has lived with a cat. Very intelligent and highly intuitive, Opal will thrive with leadership and consistent training. She’ll need a good couple of hours of off-leash exercise per day.

In the right home, Opal will reward you with her loyal, fun-loving and affectionate self. Contact Shell on 0458 461 935. MC: 953010005792889

CLAUDINE

Claudine is a sassy, silver & black tabby. She’s affectionate towards people & although a diva, she is learning to be better mannered towards the other cats. She’s a pretty girl & boy does she know it!

To meet Claudine, 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

On The Horizon

DEADLINE NOON FRIDAY

Email copy marked ‘On The Horizon’ to editor@echo.net.au.

Brunswick Heads Tennis Club

The Brunswick Heads Tennis Club has social tennis every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday  4pm till 6.30pm. All welcome.

Mullumbimby CWA

Mullumbimby CWA

The next meeting of Mullumbimby CWA is August 14 at 10am at the CWA Rooms. Bring a plate for a light lunch to follow the meeting. New members are always welcome. Date claimer: September 14 is the branch Land Cookery contest. For more information, call Jenny on 6684 7282.

End-of-Life Choices

MUSICAL NOTES

New members are always welcome at the monthly meeting of Mullumbimby CWA. Come to the CWA Rooms on August 14 for a 10am start. Bring a plate for a light lunch afterwards. The country of study is France, and we are also interested in agriculture and the environment, cultural events, cooking, painting and handicraft.

CWA lobbies the various levels of government for improvements to our way of life. Info: secretary, Jenny Barlow 6684 7282.

Prostate cancer support

DISCO

Disco is about 16 months old and a lovely ragdoll with beautiful colouring. He’s super friendly and has been in foster care for several months whilst we’ve been waiting for paperwork. He likes kittens so probably would be OK with cats. His foster carer loves him but unfortunately can’t keep him as she goes away for work.

All cats are desexed, vaccinated and microchipped. No: 953010160663001.

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

and clever. Freya would suit an active family with older kids on property.  M/C # 991003002444224

Location: Murwillumbah

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

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

AMBULANCE, FIRE, POLICE ............................................. 000

AMBULANCE Mullumbimby & Byron

BRUNSWICK VALLEY RESCUE Primary rescue 6685 1999

BRUNSWICK MARINE RADIO TOWER 6685 0148

BYRON CENTRAL HOSPITAL 6639 9400

BYRON COUNCIL: EMERGENCY AFTER HOURS 6622 7022

NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE (Mullumbimby) 6684 1286

DOMESTIC

NORTHERN

MONTHLY MARKETS

The next meeting of the Northern Rivers Day Prostate Cancer Support Group is to be held on Wednesday, August 14 from 10am until 12 noon at the Alstonville Plateau Sports Club, Deegan Drive, Alstonville.

Men previously and newly diagnosed with prostate cancer are urged to join with the group to experience the personal cancer stories told which give a great opportunity for all present to share, learn and benefit from each other. Partners and Carers are also most welcome to attend as family are very much involved with the process and treatment of those with this diagnosis. This will be a time of quality sharing on health and wellbeing updates. Enquiries phone Bob Corney 0493 075 612.

Writers Fest

Friends of Libraries special Writers Festival event has author Jodi Rodgers discussing her latest book ‘Unique’ with Mick O’Regan on Thursday, August 8, 1.30pm at Ewingsdale Hall, Ewingsdale. Bookings are essential, www. byronbayfol.com. $20 FOL members, $25 Non-members. With a legendary Country Women’s Association afternoon tea. Plus a lucky door prize.

BV VIEW

The Brunswick Valley View Club (BVVC) luncheon meeting August 8 at Brunswick Bowling Club, Brunswick Heads at 10.30am. The BVVC will be celebrating its 39th birthday, 39 years of service to the community and continuing sponsorship to the children from Smith Family to continue their education. Bring a friend Apologies call Wenda on 0449 563 580 or email: wjhunt@yahoo. com.au no later than Monday before.

Astronomy night

You are invited to come to our Astronomy Night on Saturday, August 10, at the Corndale Hall to fundraise for the hall. This family event starts at 5.30pm with a barbecue dinner and drinks. Cash only, no eftpos, no dogs please. What’s to see? The moon is a waxing crescent 28.3 per cent illuminated the moon will set at 10.23pm and Saturn rises at 7.31pm, viewing after 8.30 pm. Live streaming of galaxies and nebulae. Large telescopes on site up to 16” diameter. For more info call Dave 0407 237 985 or Richard 6688 2052.

Voluntary Euthanasia End-of-Life Choices are discussed at Exit International meetings held quarterly. Meetings are held at Robina, South Tweed and Ballina. Attendees must be Exit Members. For further Information www.exitinternational. net or phone Catherine 0435 228 443 (Robina & South Tweed) or Peter 0429 950 352 (Ballina).

Byron Seniors Program

Connect with your community at Byron Community Centre through the Byron Community Centre Seniors Program. It now offers African dance, drama and a computer club. Find out more by calling: 6685 6807 or l.ook at: www.byroncommunitycentre. com.au.

Tough Guys book club

The Tough Guy book club for the thinking man. You don’t need to be tough. Meets at Ballina Sports Club, 7pm on the first Wednesday of every month. Completely free: https:// www.toughguybookclub.com/.

Bruns crafty women

The CWA Brunswick Heads crafty women meet each Friday between 10am and 2pm, corner of Park and Booyun Street, Brunswick Heads. Join us for a chat, a cuppa and bring along your craft projects including sewing, knitting, crocheting, memory books or quilting. Women are always welcome, please bring a gold coin donation. If you would like more information please email: brunscwa@gmail.com. Our members meeting takes place the first Friday of the month at 9am.

Antique & Collectables exhibition

The Northern Rivers Collectors Club in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Mt Warning AM Murwillumbah are holding their 32nd Antique & Collectables exhibition & Trading Fair on Sunday, 11 August at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre from 8.30am to 2pm. There will be thousands of antiques, vintage and retro items, as well as modern collectables for sale. There will be a sausage sizzle and refreshments. Proceeds donated to Tweed Palliative Support. Details 0439 779 577. Bangalow Historical Society

If you’re interested in making new friends, supporting your local Museum and Historical Society through volunteering, think about joining Heritage House team. We are open Wednesday to Saturday so come along anytime and meet the volunteers, there is lots to do from cataloging, exhibits, meet and greet visitors and if you have a particular skill that you think will be used here then please call in or phone Trisha on 0429 882 525. Find us on Facebook or contact us bangalowhistorical2479@gmail.com.

Byron Dog Rescue (CAWI)

Happy Birthday Tas!

Love from the Echo crew

Service Directory

Elders Lifestyle Group – Ballina and Brunswick Heads,

Buy | Sell | Rent | Holidays

Elders Lifestyle Group, a prominent real estate firm operating throughout New South Wales from Forster to Brunswick Heads, has announced a strategic expansion with the acquisition of new office locations. This move underscores the group’s commitment to enhancing its service capabilities and strengthening community ties.

The newly acquired offices are strategically located near existing Elders Lifestyle Group branches. This proximity will significantly improve the group’s ability to serve clients and broaden its regional reach. According to David Gray, CEO and Director of Elders Lifestyle Group, these acquisitions are a ‘game changer’ that will enable the network to ‘expand our footprint across the Clarence Valley and Northern Rivers.’

By integrating the Ballina and Brunswick Heads offices, Elders Lifestyle Group aims to leverage

the power of a combined sales team to elevate its service offerings and create more opportunities for local communities. This expansion is a key element of the company’s growth strategy, aligning with its mission to support and contribute positively to the regions it serves.

The expanded network promises an enhanced standard of real estate services, offering clients access to a more comprehensive range of insights and updates. The group’s renewed focus on these areas reflects its dedication to delivering exceptional service and fostering regional prosperity.

Elders Lifestyle Group invites clients to connect with their Lifestyle Property Specialists for the latest property insights and updates. The organisation remains committed to providing unparalleled service and supporting the continued success of the communities it serves.

you’ll also get insights to suburb and market trends, recent sales and more. getstarted:

You can now find out what your home is worth by generating a digital property report using data from CoreLogic (Australia’s leading property data provider). Apart from getting an estimate of what your home is worth,

Elders Lifestyle Group Ballina 02 6686 3511 | 9/26-54 River St, Ballina ballina.eldersrealestate.com.au

Elders Lifestyle Group Brunswick Heads 02 6685 1206 | 1/12 Park St, Brunswick Heads brunswickheads.eldersrealestate.com.au

326 BOOYONG ROAD, NASHUA

51 GRANUAILLE ROAD, BANGALOW

1271 LISMORE ROAD, CLUNES

First National Byron Bay

• 160 Reardons Lane, Swan Bay. Thurs 11–11.30am

• 4 Wright Place, Bangalow. Thurs 12–12.30pm

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

• 4/3–7 Glasgow Street, Suffolk Park. Sat 9–9.30am

• 6/51 Belongil Crescent, Byron Bay. Sat 9–9.30am

• 6 Victor Place, Lennox Head. Sat 9–9.30am

• 50/11–19 Cooper Street, Byron Bay. Sat 9.30–10am

• 11 Dalmacia Drive, Wollongbar. Sat 9.30–10am

• 5/37–39 Bottlebrush Crescent, Suffolk Park. Sat 10–10.30am

• 1 Settlement Road, Main Arm. Sat 10–10.30am

• 146 Alcorn Street, Suffolk Park. Sat 10–10.30am

• 7 Saligna Court, Mullumbimby. Sat 10–10.30am

• 51 Granuaille Road, Bangalow. Sat 10–10.30am

• 4 Wright Place, Bangalow. Sat 10–10.30am

• 36 Robin Street, South Golden Beach. Sat 10.30–11am

• 35 Bencluna Lane, Eureka. Sat 11–11.30am

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

• 6/122 Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay. Sat 11–11.30am

• 297 Left Bank Road, Mullumbimby Creek. Sat 11–11.30am

• 10 Oakland Court, Byron Bay. Sat 11–11.30am

• 419 Left Bank Road, Mullumbimby Creek. Sat 11–11.30am

• 39 Bilin Road, Myocum. Sat 11–11.30am

• 797 Fernleigh Road, Brooklet. Sat 11–11.30am

• 37 Gloria Street, South Golden Beach. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 326 Booyong Road, Nashua. Sat 12.30–1pm

• 5/20–21 Pacific Parade, Lennox Head. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 30 Avocado Crescent, Ewingsdale. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 14 Sherringtons Lane, The Pocket. Sat 12.30–1pm

• 2/1 Canowindra Court, South Golden Beach. Sat 12.30–1pm

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

• 1363 Main Arm Road, Upper Main Arm. Sat 1.30–2pm Harcourts Northern Rivers

• 8 Bridge Drive, Wardell. Sat 10–10.30am

• 52 Riverview Avenue, West Ballina. Sat 10–10.30am

• 96 Emigrant Point Road, Pimlico. Sat 11.00–11.30am

• 337 Hermans Lane, Pimlico. Sat 11.45am–12.15pm

• 6 Rifle Range Road, Wollongbar. Sat 11.30am–12.30pm

Lorimer Estate Agents

• 28 Coachwood Court , Federal. Sat 11–11.30am

Mana RE

• 9 Green Frog Lane, Bangalow. Sat 9–9.30am

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

• 39A Granuaille Road, Bangalow. Sat 10–10.30am

• 119 Commercial Road, Murwillumbah. Sat 10–10.30am

• 142 Bakers Road, Dunbible. Sat 11–11.30am

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

• 16 Eloura Court, Ocean Shores. Sat 12.30–1pm

• 261 Tunnel Road, Stokers Siding. Sat 12.30–1pm

North Coast Lifestyle Properties

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

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

• 1/15 Boondoon Crescent, Ocean Shores. Saturday 10–10.45am

• 1/23 Royal Avenue, South Golden Beach. Saturday 11–11.30am

• 284 The Pocket Road, The Pocket. Saturday 12–12.30pm

Ruth Russell Realty

• 73 New City Road, Mullumbimby. Sat 11–11.45am

Tim Miller Real Estate

• 1271 Lismore Road, Clunes. Sat 10–10.30am

• 15 Ivory Curl Place, Bangalow. Sat 11–11.30am

• 113 Kings Road, Federal. Sat 12.15–12.45pm

• 5 Ewandale Close, Clunes. Sat 1.15–1.45pm

• 94 Fernleigh Road, Tintenbar. Sat 2.30–3pm

New Listings

North Coast Lifestyle Properties

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

• 709 Federal Drive, Federal. $3,200,000

• 1/15 Boondoon Crescent, Ocean Shores. Contact Agent

• 24 Flinders Way, Nth Ocean Shores. $1,830,000

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

• 1/23 Royal Avenue, South Golden Beach. $825,000

Property Business Directory

Over just ten days, a petition of 1,300 signatures for a large-tiled chess board and, outdoor chess tables in the vicinity of Main Beach, Byron Bay was gathered and delivered to Byron Council last week.

‘Labor has taken a year to come up with regulation of gambling ads that pleases no-one. It’s a sure sign media companies remain powerful,’ said Crikey regarding Labor’s proposed changes to gambling advertising. The Echo does not publish ‘form guides’ or accept print or online gambling advertising.

Mission Australia’s Youth Survey 2024 closes on August 16, so now is the time for young people to use their voice and share their thoughts, personal concerns and what they see as important. The annual Youth Survey collects responses from young people aged 15–19 nationwide. To take part in the survey, go to www.missionaustralia.com.au/ youthsurvey.

Correction from last week’s front page story on the repair of the Soundshell amphitheatre, Brunswick Heads – financial assistance was kindly donated by Lauren Archer, head veterinarian at North Coast Veterinary Services.

The Shark Meshing (Bather Protection) Program 2023/24 Annual Performance Report released on Monday shows that over the previous summer, a total of 255 marine animals were caught in shark nets with just 15 (5.8 per cent) of those being target sharks. The previous summer 89 per cent of the 228 animals caught were non-target, meaning more non-target species were caught in the nets this year.

Byron chess enthusiasts make their move

‘Amazingly I received hundreds of messages of encouragement, saying that they should have been installed years ago,’ petition organiser Peter Hanna told TheEcho. ‘There is nothing more wonderful than to congregate, play chess and surf all at the one time at the Byron beachfront – it has become my second home. These facilities can be paid for and supervised by the

and

Image Ewan Willis with Midjourney AI