The Byron Shire Echo – Issue 39.16 – September 25, 2024

Labor concedes, paving way for Greens mayor

Sarah Ndiaye

Labor mayoral candidate

Asren Pugh has conceded defeat in the September 14 local government elections, with Greens candidate Sarah Ndiaye poised to become Byron Shire Council’s new mayor.

The tight contest between the two had Cr Ndiaye ahead by 770 votes (4.3 per cent), after first preferences, yet the tally is yet to be finalised.

Cr Pugh, who has been a councillor for the past two and half years, said on social media, ‘I have received a surprisingly high number of preferences from [independent David] Warth and a really good flow from [outgoing mayor Michael] Lyon’.

Exhausting ballots

‘Unfortunately, there are simply too many ballot papers that are “exhausting” and do not allocate preferences. This means I am going to fall a few hundred votes short of winning mayor. I have called Sarah to congratulate her on her win’.

‘Even though I have just fallen short, this is an amazing result.

‘Our vote tripled from the last election, which was just over two and half years ago. This is the best result for Labor in Byron Shire in decades’.

Mayor-elect Sarah Ndiaye wrote on social media, ‘We want to wait till every one of your votes is counted’.

‘What we do know is that the results are looking very promising

▶ Continued on page 3

Holiday letting rules introduced

Regulations around Short Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) came into effect for Byron Shire on September 23, with most of the shire now capped at 60 days for unhosted holiday lets. Two precincts in Byron Bay and Brunswick Heads have no cap restrictions.

Jack remains Jack king of the mountain of the mountain

‘Jack Gill ran up the hill, his partner Courtney came running after. Jack ran down and won the crown, and Courtney finished not much later’. Saturday’s Chinny Charge saw competitors and walkers climb Mt Chincogan overlooking Mullumbimby. Jack Gill (pictured) and Courtney Gilfillan won the open men’s and women’s division respectively. Gill ran the entire loop in 30 minutes and ten seconds, while Gilfillan ran it in 36 minutes and ten seconds. Photo Jeff ‘Poetic Injustice’ Dawson

Labor MP slams Greens over housing bills

Hans Lovejoy

Local federal Labor MP, Justine Elliot has again launched an attack on Greens candidate Mandy Nolan when asked about the latest housing legislation being put forward by her party.

Echo questions around Labor’s $10B Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), which became law a year ago, were not answered.

Instead, Mrs Elliot described the Greens as extreme, hypocritical, playing games and unnecessarily blocking her party’s latest housing bills. Labor’s ‘Build to Rent’ and ‘Help to Buy’ bills are before

parliament, yet are being stalled by the Greens and the Coalition, with calls for improvements.

Labor’s Build to Rent’ bill aims to encourage investment in the build-to-rent sector with tax concessions. Yet Ms Nolan says, ‘There is no modelling suggesting that any new homes will be built’.

She says, ‘According to expert evidence presented at the Senate inquiry, it is likely none of these so-called “affordable” homes will be affordable to low- or even middleincome renters’.

Meanwhile, the Help to Buy bill aims to make home ownership more accessible for low- and

middle-income Australians, yet that scheme will be offered to just 10,000 eligible homebuyers across the nation every year, according to the www.conversation.com.au.

PM Albanese says he will reintroduce Labor’s Help to Buy legislation in October, leaving open the possibility of a double dissolution election.

Negotiations for Labor’s $10B Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) saw the Greens pressure Labor into injecting another $3B into the fund. Mrs Elliot has previously told The Echo she does not agree that was a benefit for the electorate, and instead says those HAFF delays were costly.

According to Council’s website, ‘There will be a 12-month transition period for the community and industry to prepare. The changes do not affect hosted STRA. This is where the host, who can be the owner, tenant, or permanent resident, resides on the premises during the short-term stay’.

Byron Shire is the first local government area (LGA) in NSW to have legally enforceable regulations around holiday letting beyond the NSW caps.

Member for Ballina, Tamara Smith (Greens), said, ‘At peak times we have seen thousands of whole homes on holiday sites, while permanent residents have had no rentals available.

‘This cap should see the transfer of some of those properties to the long-term rental market and cannot kick in soon enough.’ Big corps want the trial to fail: local NSW MP

‘Let’s be clear – the big corps will want this unique trial for our community to fail, so we are working closely with the community to amplify the good news stories that we expect to emerge from this power our community now has.

‘As a community, we have faced fires and floods with incredible resilience and there is palpable

▶ Continued on page 2

Spring fair at Cape Byron

Council receives EPA litter prevention grant

Byron Shire Council has been awarded a $420,000 grant from the NSW government’s Environment Protection Authority (EPA) under the Litter Prevention Grants program to help prevent and reduce litter across the shire.

Council staff said in a media release, ‘The injection

of funds is timely, with Council starting to roll out its new Litter and Illegal Dumping Prevention Strategy, which aims to create long-term behaviour change among residents, businesses and visitors over the next five years’.

Jordyn de Boer, from

Council’s Resource Recovery team, said the funding will allow Council to implement the litter component of their recently adopted Litter and Illegal Dumping Prevention Strategy.

‘Litter costs Byron Shire approximately $1.45 million a year’, Ms de Boer said.

Apparent scammer sending invoices

Hans Lovejoy

A local business and Echo advertiser says they were asked to pay a $550 invoice for ‘advertising’ sent to him by Tradie Talk Magazine, based allegedly at 60 Station Street, Parramatta, Sydney. Reforest Now’s Maximo Bottaro told The Echo that this ‘Tradie Talk’ downloaded his ad from The Echo’s website and used it to generate an invoice

for unsolicited ads.

‘I got them on the phone and they said they had talked to “Regen”, which is the name on our email: regen@reforestnow.org.au’.

‘She was stumbling and making stuff up’, added Mr Bottaro. Upon inquiries by The Echo, an unnamed ‘Tradie Talk’ representative replied via email saying that, ‘We will give Regen a call and re-explain our proposal of advertising again to him’.

‘If he’s not interested anymore, we will cancel him.

‘He must of got us confused with you guys, as he obviously has advertised with yourself and maybe even a few other publishers’.

The Echo referred Tradie Talk Magazine to www. scamwatch.gov.au as a potential scammer.

Tradie Talk Magazine’s phone number is 02 9037 0737 and their website is www.tradetalkmag.com.au.

Nate’s big Byron run for charity

Byron Run Club’s founder, Nate Thornbury, is taking on a challenge to run 160 kilometres in under 18 hours on October 5, to raise $5,000 for Fletcher Street Cottage’s Women’s Emergency Relief Program.

Organisers say the oneday marathon ‘will help raise awareness and funds to support women facing domestic violence and homelessness in the Byron Shire’.

‘The one-day marathon will take place on Saturday, October 5 around Byron’s town centre. While Nate

is training hard, the community can get on board by sponsoring the Big Byron Run. Whether it’s a little or a lot, every bit will help Nate to reach his target’.

Nate says, ‘The only way I feel we can help is by shining a light on the sad situation, raising awareness and taking a public stand. To help promote protection and preventative efforts.’

Get involved

Kate Love, Communications Manager at Byron Community Centre said, ‘Whether

you run, donate or spread the word, your contribution will make a meaningful impact’.

Kate adds, ‘As part of the fundraising efforts, Byron Run Club will also be hosting a raffle on October 5 to raise additional funds. Local businesses and individuals are encouraged to contribute to the prize pool’.

‘To cap off the day, an after party will be held upstairs at the Byron Community Centre from 4pm to 9pm’.

The fundraising link is www.bigbyronrun.com.

Holiday letting rules coming, just not now

▶ Continued from page 1

relief to have what I hope will be an effective piece of the puzzle towards alleviating the housing crisis in Byron Shire.

‘Of course, we know that rents in Byron Shire will be high, but supply over the long term will make a difference to both cost and availability

‘NSW is in a rental crisis, and it is my hope that Byron Shire will lead by example in the re-establishment of community amenity and the prioritisation of homes for permanent residents.

‘I will be closely monitoring the cap and the actions of the STRA companies, it is important to see what works and what doesn’t as we

move forward.

‘I believe our model can then set the path towards all communities in NSW having the power to reign in STRA when the balance tips too far towards property investors and big corporations, away from residential amenity and housing availability for permanent residents in communities,’ Ms Smith said.

Council is upgrading Lawson Street, between Fletcher and Middleton Streets. The road is closed but THE SHOPS ARE OPEN.

Support these local businesses while we work on the road, stormwater drainage, footpaths and parking.

• Boards of the Bay

• Miss Brown Vintage

• Bay Active

• Real Estate of Distinction

• Thrills

• Auguste

• Byron Surf

• Kivari

• Flight Centre

• Atlas Homme

• Byron Deli

• The Bay Seafood Market

• Byron Massage

• Success Thai Food

• The Rocks café

• Aquarius Backpackers

• Your Luxury Escape

• A Perfect Stay • Jades on Lawson • Byron Bay Real Estate Agency • Hibiscus Motel

Coco, Quinn and Tonali were rocking their flower crowns at Saturday’s Cape Byron Steiner Spring Fair in Ewingsdale. Hundreds enjoyed the perfect spring weather in the delightful grounds of the Steiner School, with music, art, food and family.

Photo Jeff ‘Crowned Cape and Fare’ Dawson

Local News

Mayor-elect Ndiaye outlines priorities

for the Greens. Asren Pugh called me today and conceded and we congratulated each other on the work put in by all involved. We’re eagerly awaiting the final confirmation of both the mayoral and councillor results’.

‘I’m very proud of the campaign we ran, the collective effort of our wonderful volunteers and the four incredible Greens women who have run alongside me as candidates.

‘I could not have hoped for a better team. Whatever the result, we, the Greens, are in a very good position going forward. We are ready to work for the residents of Byron Shire, whatever happens’.

Top priorities

The Echo asked, ‘While it may be presumptive to ask, given the final tally is yet to be announced, what will be your top priorities when Council resumes?’

She replied, ‘As I consider the responsibilities and challenges of possibly serving as mayor, I want to outline my key priorities for our community’.

‘Amenities that are fit-for-purpose are critical, ensuring they are made more accessible and the community has meaningful input into them is a priority.

‘Upgrading and maintaining roads and infrastructure and drainage is always crucial, and I want to look for

The Byron Greens team with party founder Bob Brown: from left Elia Hauge, Michelle Lowe, Bob Brown, Mayor-elect Sarah Ndiaye, Nell Schofield and Delta Kay. The final councillor numbers will not be known until ballot counting is finalised in early October. Photo supplied

ways to improve our delivery of services in this area.

‘I will advocate for the appointment of a senior ecologist within our planning department.

‘This step is crucial to prevent environmental oversights like those that led to what happened at Wallum.

First Nations perspectives

‘We must also leverage our wildlife corridor mapping to collaborate with community partners, ensuring better outcomes for our threatened flora and fauna.

Incorporating a First Nations perspective in planning and land management is also an exciting prospect.

‘We can work with Bundjalung of Byron Bay Aborginal Corp (BoBBAC)

towards the realisation of a cultural centre as well.

‘Addressing the housing crisis is another top priority.

‘I am committed to exploring all current actions: regulation of Short Term Rental Accommodation (STRA), Community Land Trusts (CLT), Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme (AHCS) and development of the old Mullumbimby Hospital site (for example) and also the creation of a dignity village.

‘We need to collaborate with all levels of government to establish these outcomes and to create a refuge for women and children experiencing domestic violence, and some public housing.

‘Additionally, securing a diverse and sustainable water supply for the future is essential.

‘I believe in the importance

of meaningful community consultation and fostering connections within our neighbourhoods through initiatives like a rail trail and improved on-demand bus services.

Revitalising our towns and villages is also crucial.

‘We will promote a “shop local” campaign and support the development of a circular economy where possible.

‘While there is much to accomplish, I will ensure we approach our goals realistically. With the significant damage from recent floods still weighing on us, we must avoid setting unattainable expectations. I aim to harness the strengths of our community.

‘Together, we can achieve great things. As your mayor, I would work to unite us in our efforts for a brighter, more compassionate future’.

Byron Chamber wins at NR Business Awards

Congratulations to The Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce (BBCC), who have won the ‘Outstanding Local Chamber’ award at the Northern Rivers Business Awards, held over the weekend.

The chamber said in a media release they are now state finalists for the NSW Business Awards.

‘This recognition highlights BBCC’s dedication to supporting local businesses and strengthening community ties’, said the statement.

‘Under President Matt Williamson, BBCC has supported businesses with critical issues like declining retail trade, rising rents, and staffing shortages through focused advocacy, impactful networking events, and promoting local success stories’.

‘Key initiatives, such as the value proposition workshop and quarterly open forum board meetings,

have reshaped the chamber’s proactive approach to solving business challenges, and have delivered tangible results.

‘This includes contributions to the federal government Flood Inquiry, and collaborative efforts to tackle antisocial behaviour affecting businesses in the Byron town centre’.

BBCC President, Matt Williamson, said. ‘We’re incredibly proud to be recognised and look forward to representing Byron Bay at the NSW Business Awards. It’s a testament to our commitment to making Byron Bay’s business community stronger and more resilient’.

Upcoming awards

As BBCC celebrates its own achievement, the chamber urges local businesses to participate in the Uniquely Byron Business Awards 2024.

‘These awards celebrate

the unique success stories of the Byron Shire, and entries are free.

‘The deadline for submissions is Monday, September 30.

‘Winning an award can bring invaluable recognition and opportunity. We

Experience a fresh and strategic approach to real estate.

encourage all businesses in the shire to submit their entries and showcase the incredible talent and dedication that make Byron Bay’s business community so special,’ Williamson added. Visit www.byronbaychamber.com for more info.

SPRING PLANT FAIR

Adrian Howe Senior Sales Executive

Spring Plant Fair this Sunday Plant Fair this

Attention, plant-passionate people! The Mullum Spring Plant Fair is coming up Sunday, September 29, at the Mullum Community Gardens.

Organisers say it will be a ‘day of inspiration, education, and sustainable living’.

Hosted by Mullum SEED, the fair will showcase a diverse array of plants, with a special focus on native plants and also showcasing rare, medicinals, veggie seedlings and fruit tree favourites.

Workshops include biodynamics, syntropics, soil building , food security and sustainability advocates. There will also be composting solutions, and native garden designs.

Thriving gardens

‘Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, there will be something for everyone to discover and there is always something to learn. You are invited to be a part of growing our community’s love for plants, and

increasing their connection to thriving food gardens and native ecosystems.

‘Bring the whole family for a day of celebrating spring! Versace Boys will be bringing a fun vibe – there will also be live music, delicious local food, and activities for children that promote a love for nature and gardening’.

The day runs from 9am till 2pm at 156 Stuart Street, Mullumbimby. Entry by gold coin donation.

For more info, please visit mullumseed.org.au.

Dr Lauren Tober has published her first book, Mental Health Aware Yoga: A Guide for Yoga Teachers, and is celebrating with a book launch.

The clinical psychologist and senior yoga teacher told The Echo, ‘With nearly 80 per cent of yoga students reporting that they practise yoga for mental health reasons, yoga teachers are really on the frontline of contemporary mental health care, and need to understand mental health more than ever, so they can support the majority of students in their yoga classes who are there for the mental health benefits’.

‘That’s why I wrote this book, and that’s why I want

to get it into the hands of as many yoga teachers as possible’.

Dr Tober will also be running Mental Health Aware Yoga training online from October 31 and in Mullumbimby on March 15 and 16, 2025.

The book launch will be at HOV Yoga, located at 10 Towers Drive, Mullumbimby, on September 28 from 3pm till 4.30pm. For more info visit www.mentalhealthawareyoga.com.

Lunch Out Loud concert for Mullum High

Coodjinburra R&B star, Budjerah, performed at Mullumbimby High’s newlyrefurbished hall on Tuesday, as part of the ‘Lunch Out Loud’ experience.

Teacher Kellie Murphy told The Echo the school was incredibly lucky to welcome Budjerah to the school. Lunch Out Loud is an initiative by Warner Music, with a rising musical star

performing a free concert for students at lunchtime.

Ms Murphy said, ‘The performance will be followed by an informal Q&A for any aspiring performers, or students who are interested in working in the music industry’.

‘Budjerah has recently supported Ed Sheeran on his 2023 Australian tour, and is a two-time ARIA award-winner.

‘There’s nothing more

exciting than discovering a new musician that you become a fan of, but for under 18s, it’s often hard to find those artists performing at under age venues that are accessible.

‘This initiative brings artists to schools in a safe and informal environment and we are is excited to help facilitate this musical connection for our students’.

Mullum SEED (Sustainability Education and Enterprise Development) director Techa Beaumont, with Malu and Ruby Star. Photo Jeff ‘Flowers Aplenty’ Dawson

Dr Lauren Tober. Photo Jeff Dawson

House prices in the Northern Rivers are through the roof, teachers and health workers are renting sheds or living in their cars. We can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expecting a different result.

LABOR’S FAILED PLAN:

Only 26 new guaranteed homes for Richmond, sometime after the next election

Maybe 6 locals will get access to their Help to Buy scheme

Continue to back unlimited rent rises

THE GREENS ARE FIGHTING TO:

End tax handouts for wealthy property developers; negative gearing & the capital gains tax discount

Freeze & cap rent increases

Build more good quality public housing , right here in Richmond , h

Junior Landcare connecting kids to country

Ray Moynihan

Hundreds of primary school students in the Northern Rivers are getting their hands dirty this spring, planting trees and learning about landcare.

A publicly-funded Junior Landcare project is rolling out across the region, building links between local landcarers and their nearby school communities.

Students from as young as five are learning how to plant native trees and care for them as they grow, connecting kids to the positive narrative of ecological restoration.

At Byron Bay Public School this week, students got first-hand First Nations knowledge from Bundjalung woman, Delta Kay, before doing some planting to extend the school’s bush tucker garden.

Habitat restored

They also learned how Landcare is helping bring back habitat for the magnificent glossy black cockatoo, with Harry Hackett from Brunswick Valley Landcare, the group co-ordinating the Junior

Landcare program with public funds from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal.

Survey and feedback data so far is showing over 90 per cent of kids liking the workshops and plantings, and over 80 per cent wanting to do more.

‘I loved how we got to learn new things about nature’, said one student from Ocean Shores Public, where kids also did some weeding. ‘It was super fun,

and I want to do it again,’ said another.

A student at the Upper Coopers Creek school planting said ‘it was the best thing I did all month’, while at Wilsons Creek Public, a student reported it was, ‘amazingly good and cool.’

Junior Landcare is coming soon to public schools at Main Arm and Goonengerry.

Of course, planting and caring for trees as they grow is not only fun – bringing back forests is one of the

most effective ways to fight climate change, and volunteer local Landcare groups are doing just that.

If you had any land, time, money or inclination, what better way to invest than helping inspire the next generation to engage in ecological restoration?

Ray Moynihan is coordinating the current Junior Landcare project, with the not-for-profit Brunswick Valley Landcare.

Mullumbimby speller Aleea Thompson heads to Sydney

Aslan Shand

Aleea Thompson from Mullumbimby Public School is one of the top spellers in NSW, quite an achievement by year 5, and she is heading off to the NSW Premier’s Spelling Bee finals in November in Sydney.

Along with another Northern Rivers year 5 student, Willow Allen, from Yamba Public School, they will take to the Q Theatre Penrith on November 1 and compete in the Spelling Bee senior state championships.

‘We are absolutely thrilled that Aleea has reached this

level of the competition’, said Principal of Mullumbimby Public School, David Lees.

‘Aleea is an outstanding and hard-working student who takes on all opportunities presented to her,’ he added.

Country Club pool to close

The Board of Directors at the Ocean Shores Country Club say they have made the difficult decision to close the swimming pool. They said in a statement, ‘This decision was not made lightly, as we understand the emotional attachment many have to the pool, which has been a valued asset for many years’. The board say ‘significant and immediate costs are required to bring the

pool up to a safe and usable standard’, and that, ‘these expenses do not account for the increasingly complex safety regulations surrounding public pools generally’. The board added that as the pool has reached the end of its lifespan, ‘it would be irresponsible to continue investing members’ funds into its upkeep, given both the financial burden and the potential risk of injury…’

Halinka Lang with fellow Byron Bay Public School students and Delta Kay.

Photo Jeff ‘Potty About Pots’ Dawson

Aleea Thompson. Photo supplied

Police called after armed man reported near Byron Hospital

Hans Lovejoy

Emergency procedures were enacted by Byron Central Hospital management after a man with a rifle was seen near the grounds last Thursday.

Detective Chief Inspector, Matt Kehoe, confirmed with The Echo that hospital security alerted police.

He said, ‘Police attended Parkway Drive, Ewingsdale about 1.15pm [on Thursday] after calls about a man in the bush with a firearm’.

‘Police spoke with the property owner and another male who was in possession of a rifle.

Licensed owner

‘The male with the rifle was a licensed firearm owner and complying with the conditions of his licence’.

A spokesperson for Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) told The Echo, ‘The safety of patients, staff and visitors is our number one priority’.

‘Northern NSW Local Health District has detailed emergency procedures in place to respond to an identified risk, threat or

hazard that may impact the security of patients, staff and visitors.

‘On Thursday, September 19, Byron Central Hospital enacted its emergency procedures for a brief period as a precautionary measure in response to an incident on an adjoining property.

‘Police were notified and attended the hospital campus. No staff or patients were harmed and there was no impact to patient care or services’.

Det Ch Insp Matt Kehoe added, ‘Bush turkeys are a native bird and protected.

‘Fines apply should they be killed’.

‘There was no evidence that any birds had been harmed. People are reminded that native birds and animals are protected and must not be destroyed unless a permit is provided.

‘It is also encouraged that when licensed firearms owners are undertaking vermin control, they should advise neighbours and/ or police, particularly in residential areas.

‘No offences were detected’.

Byron Beef Jerky set to expand

Aslan Shand

Byron Beef Jerky are one of seven businesses in regional NSW to have received support from the NSW government with low interest loans to grow their business.

The loans, part of a $5 million pilot program, have also been made to businesses in Dubbo, Wagga Wagga, Wauchope, Bathurst, and the Central Coast and Southern Highlands.

‘We’re so proud to be part of the regional NSW loans pilot program and are grateful to be a recipient of this grant,’ Graham Moule, owner of Byron Beef Jerky told The Echo

Byron Beef Jerky will convert existing areas into cool rooms and food preparation spaces, upgrade power

supply, and improve production and storage leading to higher demand for local beef and job growth.

Graham said, ‘We strive to provide the best beef jerky in Australia. To do this, we need to focus on delivering a great product at a competitive price. This can only be done by investing heavily in upgrading our facility and streamlining our production’.

Employment boost

Graham added, ‘Our aim is to expand our national presence and to be ready for export in 2026. This will bring increased economic activity and employment to our region. It’s really great to see the NSW government working with small business to improve the future of our regional communities.’

Wildlife Sanctuary playground funds boosted by golf charity

A new playground at Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is one step closer after a recent charity golf day.

Hosted by local businesses Club IT and Colourworks, organisers say $2,000 was raised for the project by more

After visiting the Tweed Regional Art Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre, students at Byron’s St Finbarr’s Primary School rolled up their sleeves to explore their own artistic visions.

Partnered with artist

The school’s Kathryn Nulley told The Echo that the Fringe Fine Arts Festival, held last week, was the

culmination of

Kathryn said, ‘Families enjoyed live music, dance and choir performances and were able to bid on some special art pieces produced under the direction of Michele. The project was a wonderful initiative of the St Finbarr’s Parents in Partnership group’.

Mullum’s Heritage Park upgrade

than 50 enthusiastic golfers. General manager of Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Amanda Gorvin, said, ‘The new playground will be a wonderful addition to our facilities, providing a fun and engaging space for our young visitors’.

Works on a new accessible pathway and playground upgrade are underway at Heritage Park, Mullumbimby.

Construction is expected to take approximately six months, say Council staff..

Works include a 2m wide path, including boardwalk areas, from the Mill Street

entrance to Brunswick Terrace, and upgrades to the existing playground. There will also be a new dog off-lead area. As for the unofficial carpark, staff say it will be returned to turf, and cars will be restricted from accessing the site by the installation of rock barriers.

students’ work with Dr Michele Zarro from Byron Bay Contemporary Artspace.

Finnies Fringe Fine Arts Festival was held on September 20.

Photo Lara Milenko

St Finbarr’s celebrate art

North Coast News

Mustow back at RVC but

Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital to open in late spring

The Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital aims to provide critical support to the region’s wildlife carers, hospitals, and conservation groups when it opens in late spring.

Surgery wait lists improving at Northern NSW hospitals

Waiting lists for planned surgeries across the Northern NSW Local Health District continued to improve during the April to June 2024 quarter.

Oceania Cup celebrates girls’ and women’s football in Alstonville

Celebrating girls’ and women’s football and attracting teams and fans from across the region and beyond the Oceania Cup Tournament is marking its tenth anniversary this October.

Right for renters to have pets coming to NSW

Labor NSW, which holds the state’s government majority, says it’s finalising a suite of measures to be introduced to parliament next month aimed at modernising the state’s rental system.

Aus population

now 27.1 million ABS head of demography

Beidar Cho says 83 per cent of the increase is the result of net overseas migration, while the net result of Australian births and deaths made up the other 17 per cent.

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

Aslan Shand

With 47 per cent of the mayoral vote Robert Mustow will once again be mayor of the Richmond Valley Council (RVC) and will most likely get three councillors elected from his ticket.

That means Mustow is likely to retain control of the council with himself as mayor and three councillors maintaining the current conservative approach. This leaves three positions on council for other candidates.

Former RVC general manager, Jon Walker, who currently has 21 per cent of the vote, will take one and

Are you ready to let your imagination run wild? Ballina’s Salvage Shed is once again running their Recycled Art Competition, offering a fun way to keep trash out of landfill while supporting local not-for-profit organisation Momentum Collective. Entries are open to all artists, hobbyists, young people, community groups and schools.

the fifth council position will go to newcomer Lyndall Murray who has 19 per cent of the vote. That leaves the sixth and final position that will be decided by preferences and will be a three-way fight between sitting councillor Robert Hayes, second on Walker’s ticket, Stuart George, second on Hayes ticket, and Bianca Rayner, second on Murray’s ticket. The final results won’t be known until postal and below-the-line votes are counted and preferences distributed.

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

The competition has four prize categories: group award (3+ people) $150; open award $150, 12–18 years award $100; under 12 years award $50.

Entry forms: mymomentum. org.au/recycled-art-comp; visit the Salvage Shed at 167 Southern Cross Drive, Ballina, open daily from 9.30am–3.30pm or phone on 0429 934 557.

Rising Tide Northern Rivers has been training all year in preparation for the November ten-day blockade of the world’s largest coal port in Newcastle.

Using kayaks, SUPs, surfboards and anything that floats, activists aim to prevent all exports of coal from Newcastle from November 22 to 24, before taking the message to Canberra.

People from the Tweed Coast all the way to Lismore have been honing their kayaking, activism and consensus-making skills in preparation for the event, which promises to be the largest-ever civil disobedience for the climate in Australia’s history.

Free quick men’s health checks are available 9.30am to 4.15pm at: Byron Bay on September 26 at the Byron Bay Services Club at 132 Jonson St, Byron Bay; Ballina at Faucett Park, Moon St End, Ballina on September 27 and 28; Alstonville at the carpark opposite Dominos Pizza Robertson Street on September 30 and October 1. No appointment needed. Info see: www.mherv.com.au.

Rising Tide Northern Rivers in this year’s Mullum 2 Bruns Paddle. Photo supplied

The ‘People’s Blockade’ aims to bring together 10,000 people to stop coal ships from entering or leaving the harbour for at least 50 hours, in an escalation of last year’s blockade, when around 3,000 people closed the port for 32 hours.

A bumper two-day Lismore Cycling Festival will take place in Lismore in early October. The first-ever cycling festival is being held on the weekend of October 5 and 6 and promises a mix of competitive racing, participation rides and ‘come-and-try’ sessions for children and adults.

This mix of options makes the event perfect

Training is on the Brunswick and Tweed Rivers every month this year. The next training is on October 7 at the pirate ship in Bruns. A beginners’ session is at 10am, then a paddle to the Wallum site from 11am for a picnic lunch before returning to Brunswick Heads. All are welcome to join in the paddle practice sessions, for more information email: northernrivers@ risingtide.org.au. If you are interested in being involved in the blockade in November you can register on the Rising Tide website: www.risingtide.org.au.

for seasoned cyclists and newcomers.

For more information and to register, visit the official Lismore Cycling Festival website at www. byronbaycycleclub.org.au/ lismore-cycling-festival-2024.

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

SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER

The Byron Shire Echo

Volume 39 #16 • September 25, 2024

MAD laws to keep you safe

In an ever-increasingly complex world of misinformation and sinister algorithms, it’s great to know that federal Labor have your interests at heart.

They introduced The Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024 on September 12.

It’s also known as the MAD bill, which is perfect for 2024. Or 1984.

Oh yes, concerns have been raised.

The Law Council of Australia say the broad definitions of key terms like ‘misinformation’ and ‘disinformation’ are problematic, while The Australian Human Rights Commission also highlighted concerns around its vague definitions, low harm thresholds, and exclusions for government content.

And with more than 2,400 submissions, the government are under somewhat of an obligation to take this seriously.

It’s unfortunate that governments consistently throw unreasonable and under-cooked bills at the public.

It’s like when a developer proposes an excessively large DA, but whittles it back when there is stiff opposition. And when there isn’t a peep? Expectations are exceeded!

Presumably, social media platforms and publishers want to be factual.

The richest Space Karen on the planet, aka Elon Musk, owns Twitter/X, and sees himself as a free speech champion.

He doesn’t like the MAD bill, and called the Labor government ‘fascists’, while also ironically supporting Trump for President.

Space Kaz has been also been slagging off Brazil’s Supreme Court, over their demands on him to

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Office: 64 McGoughans Lane, Mullumbimby NSW 2482

General Manager Simon Haslam

Editor Hans Lovejoy

Deputy Editor Aslan Shand

Photographer Jeff Dawson

Advertising Manager Anna Coelho

Production Manager Ziggi Browning

No normal is the new normal

The people have spoken. Byron Shire’s new mayor is the Greens’ Sarah Ndiaye.

Her Labor rival Asren Pugh graciously conceded a few days ago.

The bill proposes to:

Give the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) new powers to combat online misinformation and disinformation.

Enable ACMA to request that the industry develop a code of practice, which ACMA could register and enforce.

remove over 100 Twitter/X accounts that were challenging the legitimacy of the 2022 election results.

Space Kaz initially refused, closing X offices in Brazil. The Supreme Court then ordered the suspension of X in Brazil and froze local bank accounts of Starlink, Musk’s satellite internet business which is now blocking everyone’s view of the universe.

Then just last week, Musk bowed to one of the key demands made by Brazil’s Supreme Court by appointing a legal representative in the country. He also paid outstanding fines and took down user accounts that the court had ordered to be removed on the basis that they threatened the country’s democracy, TheNew York Times reported.

With uber wealthy individuals like Space Kaz openly bullying governments, it’s understandable that a sovereign nation would like to have a say on misinformation which can damage democracy.

The question is whether the balance will be struck to protect your rights, and whether governments actually care about your freedoms.

Hans Lovejoy, editor

At least three Greens have been elected as councillors – Delta Kay, Elia Hauge and Michelle Lowe. Nell Schofield may join them. We’ll find out when the long, careful process of counting is over.

Delta and Michelle are Bundjalung women.

Finally, we have local First Nations representatives at the heart of decision making.

Caring for country and caring for community will be at the forefront of Council decisions, as never before.

Each of these new councillors comes with a plethora of knowledge and experience invaluable to their task of guiding this shire through difficult times.

Elia Hauge’s expertise as an engineer specialising in water and sustainability will come in very handy when reexamining the decision to rely on Rous County Council for Mullumbimby’s supplies rather than keeping a local water supply option available.

Apart from overwhelming community support for keeping Lavertys Gap viable, there are sound environmental and supply reasons to reconsider the last-minute decision.

We are now in an era of considerable uncertainty with global heating and ecosystem collapse and the consequences are speeding up alarmingly.

Who hasn’t seen the shocking footage of unprecedented fires and floods ravaging the world?

It can no longer be business as usual, with an expectation things will return to normal. There is no normal now.

We need to plan for unexpected emergencies if that is possible. This means keeping many options open.

The proverbial white shoe brigade won’t be happy at this council election result. Sorry guys, but your need to make a dollar must take second place to protecting this shire as a haven for both people and wildlife.

The Byron Shire Echo

Volume 39 #16September 25, 2024

Established 1986• 22,000 copies every week

Nicholas Shand 1948–1996

The Echo acknowledges the people of the Bundjalung nation as the traditional custodians of this land and extends respect to elders past, present and future.

Disclaimer: The Echo is committed to providing a voice for our whole community. The views of advertisers, letter writers, and opinion writers are not necessarily those of the owners or staff of this publication.

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

– Finley Peter Dunne 1867–1936

‘The proverbial white shoe brigade won’t be happy at this council election result’.

Richard Jones

Asren Pugh has been elected as a councillor, as well as the number two on his ticket Janet Swain. Independent David Warth and former independent mayor, Michael Lyon, have also won spots.

The final seat may be Jack Dods, but it’s still too early to tell.

The bottom line is we have a great new group with lots of experience both in Council and in the community. We’re very lucky in this shire to have such a team of caring people.

Majority-female Council

Let’s hope they will work together in harmony for the benefit of all. As a friend remarked, we will have a majority-female Council, and ‘things will go down a notch on the testosterone gauge’.

There may be rapid changes. The planning department needs to be revamped to ensure ecology is at the forefront of planning decisions, and not just the wishes of developers to railroad through developments in endangered species habitat.

There is also a need to promote localisation of our economy to improve resilience and lessen dependence on outside sources and explore more options for moving to a circular economy.

We can expect Council to do its best to tackle the housing crisis. There are no easy or immediate solutions, but it must be addressed, in active co-operation with state and federal governments.

No person in Australia should be homeless or struggling to pay rent.

We are about the richest nation on Earth per capita. There’s absolutely no excuse for this.

Meanwhile, Anthony Albanese is visiting US President Biden in Washington. I cheekily wrote on Albo’s Facebook post ‘Please, let Joe know you’ll be cancelling the

four hundred billion dollar order for the redundant subs and spending it to build a million social housing dwellings instead. Tell him you’ve had to re-order your priorities.’

He is frustrated that the Greens are delaying the legislation to enable the government to acquire equity in homes that people buy. It is likely that such a scheme in today’s market would indeed put upward pressure on house prices. Presumably, the legislation will go through, but the government needs to negotiate with the Greens and the independents for a better outcome. The capital gains tax concessions introduced by John Howard to further enrich the already wealthy have contributed significantly to the housing crisis.

Even if the Albanese Labor government won’t tackle negative gearing (it being in the too-hard basket), reform of the capital gains tax system wouldn’t be costly politically. More funds would be made available for social housing which has become very run down after a succession of conservative governments.

The success of the Greens in Byron Shire, where talented people have been elected to represent the community, has been replicated in other areas, despite the attempt by the far-right billionaire-funded Advance Australia to hijack the elections.

Anthony Albanese goes to the people in a few months too, and the polls are not looking good for him right now.

He needs to tone down his rhetoric and stop attacking potential allies. He may well need the support of the Greens to stay in government. It’s time to work together.

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

Are you in need of a massage, yoga class

Your free guide to the

The rail trail is great for youth, and the environment.

The recent town hall meeting of candidates was excellent. Issues raised included public transport, youth disenfranchisement, and the horror of electric bikes, all pointed to a neat integrated solution within the rail trail.

Electric bikes are a boon for transportation. We know that don’t we? Sure, regulation may be required as the uptake of bikes and scooters scoots ahead of public safety, but when I see young people getting around the

shire without the need for parents or public transport, that signals so many positives: access, equity, affordability, environment, etc.

Professionally, it is painful to observe most people not understanding the cost of public transport, especially in regional areas with insufficient numbers of people to make it viable (even with government subsidies).

Finally, most councillors have realised that the rail trail is indeed the best option, and that we will never get a train, in the next decade, back on that track (at least without massive

public/private investment).

So, what we have now in front of us is a fabulous opportunity to provide a super-efficient transport corridor connecting key shire towns, which when combined with the increasingly affordable electric bikes, delivers a form of private transport that’s arguably better than a solar train or an occasional bus.

The Tweed rail trail also demonstrates all we need to know about the boon to sustainable tourism.

It is time for the roads to share the space with all active transport options and

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT LISMORE INCLUDING 5G

we stop being a car-centric community. Let’s get moving. Merran Morrison Byron Bay

Regarding Mr Jason Dunn’s so-called ‘beautiful project’ that is the Secret Garden Residences at 119-123 Jonson Street (Echo, September 11). The sun rising over the ocean is beautiful. The cool shade of the forest on a hot day is beautiful. A good night’s sleep is beautiful. Kindness and generosity are beautiful. Many simple things are beautiful.

Beauty is not a product. A new apartment in Byron is not beautiful. Greed is not beautiful. Advertorials in community newspapers are not beautiful.

Stephen Totterman Empire Vale

The article in last week’s Echo regarding the forthcoming charge has caused me to reflect on the past.

I ran in the charge in 1985, 1986 and 1987. At the time I was the only Mullumbimby rotarian ever to compete in the event in spite of my

▶ Continued on next page

Letters to the Editor

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

www.echo.net.au/eat-drink

Op Shop

encouraging Dug Graydon to run with me. I was always careful to run between two doctors, Dr Mike Pelmore and Dr Suresh. In those years the event was free and a major feature of the Chincogan Fiesta. Chincogan Charge T-shirts were specially screenprinted and on sale. I still have all three of mine.

At that time Byron Shire Council made serious attempts to create permanent public access to the top of Chinny. Unfortunately, the often rude and invasive behaviour by climbers towards those living adjoining the track and who owned the track land killed off their willingness to cooperate with Council and the rest is history. Participants take note. Bruce Robinson Lennox Head

Thank you to

Thank you to those Byron councillors who have served the community but didn’t stand again. Enjoy life without the meetings and huge agendas and the endless requests from the community for assistance.

Special thanks and appreciation to Duncan Dey who has made a major contribution to our shire, completing

his third time of service on Byron Shire Council. He has been a diligent representative whose expertise has been invaluable. Duncan treats people with respect and takes on issues to deliver open and transparent processes and a fair outcome. He has earned the respect of many in the community for his dedication.

Cate Coorey also deserves huge thanks for her significant contribution as a councillor and for establishing and maintaining the Byron Residents Group (BRG). BRG guided the community through some major issues by providing information and engagement tools. The long campaigns to manage shortterm rental of residential properties, the West Byron developments, coastal and biodiversity protection have challenged us all but BRG kept the community empowered.

Peter Westheimer was another repeat councillor who maintained his commitment to protecting the environment.

To new councillors facing the exhausting but rewarding task of representation and to those who return thank you and best wishes.

Janette Barham Broken Head

Election

On at least two occasions I have been grateful for the assistance given by Duncan Dey in important community crusades. Shock and disappointment therefore followed reading that a tacit swipe at a councillor seeking reelection was later conceded to be ‘mistakenly’ said.

Given the sensitivity of the timing, which allowed little right of reply, did you not bother to more diligently check, Duncan? Is correction, bereft of apology, appropriate here?

Was a clarifying phone call too much to ask from The Echo? There is surely a cautionary tale here: ‘Editors also need to take particular care in selecting and editing letters during election periods, including consideration of the timing of the publication of letters to allow adequate time for reply before an election day where letters refer adversely to a candidate or other relevant person.’ presscouncil.org.au.

Let’s not overlook the stakes. Cr Pugh, on first count, finished just four per cent behind the likely new mayor, a gap that has every chance of narrowing. The successful mayoral

candidate has an automatic seat on Council – plus a casting vote – with the quota gained by the group passing down the ticket. Quite an advantage! All very unfortunate! Liz Levy Suffolk Park

I suspect the answer is ‘yes’ to your query about whether Labor are serious about MAD legislating (Backlash, September 18).

The bureaucracy I find myself in has a section called Member and Registry Services. You guessed it – the staff therein and their communications are from MARS. What has always puzzled me is that so many females work in that section. I’ve always thought they came from another planet. Just goes to show how wrong one can be.

Graham Bassett Suffolk Park

The Darling River (Barka is it’s Indigenous name) has been polluted and drained to the point that the great Murray cod were floating dead, along with other species of fish, e.g. pigmy perch.

▶ Continued on page 16

From Byron good things grow

Aslan Shand

Born and bred in Byron, David Hertzberg is now the 2024 Mahla Pearlman Australian Young Environmental Lawyer of the Year.

David entered the world at Byron Bay Hospital, then spent his formative years at Byron Bay Preschool before enjoying the fun days of youth at Byron Bay Primary and High School; before heading to university. It was at university that he gravitated towards law and after a stint in commercial litigation says he is now lucky enough to work in a small public interest litigation firm focusing on climate and biodiversity issues.

‘It’s hard to grow up in Byron and not care about the environment and care about nature,’ David told The Echo

‘I’m so grateful for the education I received at Byron Primary and Byron High. They’re great schools, I had some amazing teachers and I made many of my best friends at school. There is an ethos in the Byron community of caring about these issues, that helped shape what I care about.’

David is currently a principal lawyer at Equity Generation Lawyers (EGL), which he joined in 2021.

‘Over the last few years, David has run a number of cases in the Federal and High Courts which have had a significant impact on different aspects of climate change policy in Australia. This impact made David a standout in a very strong field of nominations this year,’ Law Council of Australia President, Mr Greg McIntyre said when recognising David’s achievements.

The Mahla Pearlman Award is named in honour of the former Chief Judge of the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales, and former President of the Law Council of Australia, the late honourable Mahla Pearlman AO. The recipient is a young lawyer who has made a significant contribution to environmental law and to the legal and wider community. EV tax

One of the key environmental cases David worked on that recommended him for the Mahla Pearlman award was the Vanderstock case, where the Victorian government sought to tax owners of low emission and electric vehicles. While the

L to R: Robyn Glindemann, Co-Chair Australian Environment and Planning Law Committee, Legal Practice Section, Law Council of Australia; The Hon James Allsop AC; David Hertzberg, Equity Generation Lawyers; The Hon Justice Rachel Pepper, Judge NSW Land and Environment Court; and Paul Crennan, President Environment Planning Law Association (EPLA). Photo Law Council of Australia

uninformed like myself might think the purpose of paying for the registration of a vehicle was to pay for things like road maintenance, the Victorian government felt that fuel tax was what paid for roads. Therefore the significant revenues that governments have been able to collect from the fuel excise, the tax that is built into the price of your fuel, was no longer available because low emissions and EV vehicles didn’t purchase traditional fuel. The EV tax was a way for the Victorian state government to try and claw back some of this perceived loss of revenue.

‘The case has broader implications for the relationship between federal and state governments and who ultimately, has the power to impose taxes like Victoria’s EV tax,’ said David.

‘The High Court found that the power sits with the federal government not the states.’

This meant that Victoria was no longer permitted to charge EV and low emission vehicle owners an extra charge for the kilometres they have driven.

Greenwashing

David is currently representing Parents for Climate who have filed a claim in the Federal Court of Australia against EnergyAustralia for misleading over 400,000 consumers about the climate impact of its products.

‘Parents for Climate alleges that EnergyAustralia is misleading customers by marketing its Go Neutral product as “carbon neutral” and having “a positive impact on the environment” when it is primarily generated by burning fossil fuels, which the company claims to have “offset” simply by buying carbon credits,’ explains the Parents for Climate website.

‘This is a greenwashing case, and it’s the first case in Australia to take aim at “carbon neutral” style marketing. We’re arguing that when you burn fossil fuels you can’t just buy carbon credits to cancel out the release of carbon into the atmosphere,’ said David.

‘“Offsetting” is an incredibly problematic practice and this case shines a light on that.’

The Mahla Pearlman Australian Young Environmental Lawyer of the Year award is conducted annually by the Australian Environment and Planning Law Group of the Law Council’s Legal Practice Section.

‘The selection of David for this award also recognises the expertise and time he has committed to providing advice to environmental NGOs and community groups and to supporting professional development through his role as a mentor and lecturer in environmental law,’ Mr McIntyre said.

David told The Echo that working in the area of climate change is about more than the natural environment; climate change is a risk to people, communities and economies.

‘I think climate change is the biggest challenge we face. I feel really passionate about this area and I feel lucky to work in this area,’ he said.

‘Becoming new parents with my partner does reinforce it and make you see the world through a different prism. We talk about 2050 as an important milestone – our son will be 26 then, finishing university, starting work – it’s not so far away and it makes you realise why taking climate action is so urgent, we really do owe it to the future generations to combat biodiversity loss and climate change.’

Refused Cudgen Connection development listed for Gateway Determination

Aslan Shand

The community and Tweed Shire Council have come out strongly against the development application (DA) for what’s called ‘Cudgen Connection’, proposed on State Significant Farmland (SSF) on the Cudgen Plateau. Despite the opposition, the proposal has now been listed for a Gateway Determination just days after the Tweed Shire elections on 14 September.

The site, next to the new Tweed Valley Hospital (TVH), was bought by developer Allan Larkin, Director of Digital Infratech, just days before the announcement that the adjacent TVH site, which was zoned as SSF at the time, would be rezoned to build the hospital.

At the time the proposed Cudgen Connection site was bought, it was also zoned as SSF. Mr Larkin quickly proposed a mixed-use site called Cudgen Connection seeking to have the site be part of the Stage 2 hospital development, but this was rejected.

The developer’s request to be referred for a Gateway Determination was rejected by Tweed Shire councillors on May 2, 2024, though Tweed

Council staff had ‘recommended that the application for Gateway Determination should be approved’.

Seven-storey buildings

The project is seeking approval for ‘286 dwellings’ on land zoned SSF at 741 Cudgen Road, Cudgen with ‘affordable housing’ being put forward as one reason it should go ahead.

In the developer’s proposal summary (briefing report) there is no mention that the site is zoned SSF. The summary states that they seek to ‘rezone from RU1 Primary Production to SP2 Infrastructure’ and ‘increase the maximum height of buildings from 10m to 38m’ with building heights up to seven storeys. They propose the dwellings on the site are managed ‘with a registered community housing provider, not-forprofit organisation, state agency, or similar for a period of no less than 25 years’.

Not needed

‘The NSW Government (in particular, Health Infrastructure) have indicated several times that the combined available land on the TVH

site and Kingscliff TAFE site is all that is required for the full development of a health/ education precinct and have included most of what is listed in the Cudgen Connection proposal in future stages of the TVH masterplan. This is further endorsed in the Kingscliff Locality Plan,’ pointed out the President of the Kingscliff Ratepayers and Progress Association (KRPA), Peter Newton.

Iron clad promises?

At the time the SSF was rezoned for the TVH to be built, the Nationals, and the Labor Party, at state and federal level all committed to ‘iron clad’ promises that no more of the SSF would be rezoned.

Then Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders told The Echo in February 2022, ‘The NSW government made a commitment to protecting the remaining Cudgen

farmland in the Tweed Shire. I support the local member and thank Geoff Provest for his advocacy in ensuring this land is protected for the Tweed Shire community’.

At the same time the opposition Labor party also committed to preserving the SSF with a joint statement from local Tweed Labor councillor Reece Byrnes, along with then Shadow Minister for the North Coast Walt Secord, and Justine Elliot, Federal Member for Richmond saying, ‘Labor has always been committed to protecting the Cudgen farmland from development and that hasn’t changed.’

Impact on farming

The most productive future farming land is on the east coast of NSW owing to its alluvial soils and consistent rainfall when the impacts of climate change are modeled.

With the impacts of climate change the rest of the state suffers more and more with reduced farming production capacity.

Many are asking why bother with an independent agriculture commissioner as recommended in budget estimates if the state government isn’t going to apply the existing mapping of SSF?

‘What was the point of doing this mapping of SSF in the first place if the zoning is not going to be applied,’ asked Mr Newton.

Mr Newton told The Echo that, ‘it is extremely disappointing that the matter has now been sent for a Gateway Determination against the strong message sent by [Tweed Shire] Councillors in refusing this in May. While the planning panel has requested that the proponent agree to changes to their proposal prior to this going to a determination – the unequivocal bottom line is that this is SSF.

We would hope and expect that NSW Planning will stand by the need to protect this important land.’

Floodgate

Opposite the proposed Cudgen Conneciton site another 48ha of land that is

zoned SSF is now up for sale.

‘This land is now on sale and being marketed completely inappropriately as “residential land” – again an invitation to land bankers hiding their true intent under the “need for housing”,’ said Mr Newton.

‘This game of community “whack-a-mole” has gone on for far too long – this precious [farming land] resource is needlessly, continually, under threat and we would expect our elected representatives and NSW Planning to have our backs on this.’

Strategic delay?

Tweed District Residents and Ratepayers Association President, Lindy Smith, told The Echo that she questioned the timing of the proposed Gateway Determination being listed.

‘I find it extraordinary that the Planning Proposal (PP) for the Cudgen Connection development on the Cudgen Plateau’s SSF has now come to light after our Council election. I do a weekly check of the relevant government sites – the Cudgen Connection PP had not been listed on the government sites, despite being lodged in May,’ she said.

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The red soils of the Cudgen plateau. Photo Tweed Council

Why? Because cotton farmers upstream were allowed to over-drain water to grow cotton by the then coalition regime, and by Water Minister Melinda Pavey. They just turned a blind eye to what was going on.

The cotton farmers claim it wasn’t them sucking the Barka dry. Well who else could it be? They were the ones who needed so much water.

Mullum propaganda

When my otherwise peaceful, progressive mate from Mullum starts sprouting militarist, right-wing Russian propaganda that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was ‘all the West’s fault’, you know something is wrong.

ancient history is from scripture classes!

Hemp doesn’t and you don’t need to use pesticides with hemp growing well. Back in the 1930s the petrochemical industry came up with a product called nylon which was a competitor for hemp products, so a worldwide campaign began to make growing hemp illegal.

Originally the sales and rope on ships were made of hemp and the first pair of Levi’s jeans were made from hemp. Yes Dupont you’ve a lot to answer for don’t you?

Above the Barka there’s Cubby Station, a big cotton farm which gets flood water before it reaches the Murray Darling Basin. The dam built there has more holding capacity than Sydney Harbour. No wonder the poor Darling/Barka is dying and nearly dead.

Paul Brecht Maclean

Why are some Australians buying right-wing conspiracy theories? I guess for the same reasons some Americans are buying it – poor educational standards.

Falling for propaganda on the internet is a result of decades-long curriculum chaos. In NSW we stopped teaching history, geography, and political science in primary schools and replaced them with some watered-down nonsense subject called HSIE. In high school these subjects aren’t compulsory and by then it’s often too late to nurture any interest. While these subjects have been returned, the decades of damage was already done. Anyway, the emphasis in schools is on subjects that get you a job, not tricky, controversial subjects such as history.

As a result, two generations of Australians were barely taught basic world facts. Many young Aussie kids’ only knowledge of

So, Russian propaganda has found a fertile breeding ground of cynicism and confusion in the Australian population. Sure, they probably couldn’t pinpoint Ukraine on the map, but if someone who looks intelligent on YouTube tells them that the Russian invasion of Ukraine was Ukraine’s fault, they’ll probably believe it. Yes, the internet has filled the vacuum left by our dire educational system.

Simon Alderton Ballina

Guess who?

I am home to native animals; I have prevented mass extinction and every national park is birthed from my womb. I use three per cent of my land and produce the only sustainable product in the world and that will regrow forever. I am the last manufacturing business in Aussie except for mining. I have evolved my methods and now have world’s-best practice. My staff are trained scientists, and for the latest science on koalas check out research scientist Dr Bradley Law.

James Wright Byron Bay

Ecocide, koalas Climate change-affected Pacific Islanders have taken the issue of ecocide to the international arena.

Whilst ecocide is recognised as extremely harmful to nature/habitat/ sentient beings its legal status should be ratified by the Rome statute which has the power to recommend the same to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Thus, governments, companies, etc. could face severe legal consequences.

Could it be argued that over 200 hectares of demolition (by NSW Forestry) of the Great Koala Park (now a ‘moonscape’) approved by the Minns government is heading to severe legal ramifications surrounding ecocide? The legal contradictions already abound. Koalas now face extinction. The actual above habitat is also ‘home’ to many endangered species. For further information check out ABC RN 6am to 9am Friday 20/9/24. Dr Maloney interview. There are many forms of ecocide… there is legal hope on this issue. Call out ecocide.

Jo Faith Newtown

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MULLUMBIMBY NEWSAGENCY

Yet again, Gareth Smith posts a ridiculously one-sided view of the high-level damage to the schooling infrastructure and education system in Gaza and the West Bank. He obviously knows that Hamas in Gaza and the terrorist organisations in the West Bank intentionally use schools and any other public facilities as military bases, as their standard operating procedure, knowing that Israel will need to respond to the location that attacks are originating from.

This is nothing new, and has been a military strategy because, as everyone knows, Hamas and the other terrorist organisations do not value the lives of Palestinian civilians and intentionally put them in harm’s way.

I totally agree with Smith that the education of Palestinians is vital to peace in the region, and they should be shielded from the bloodlust of Hamas once this war is over.

A body that can bring the region out of this mess is the Global Imams Council (Google them).

Heated rods and electric batons were also used causing at least one death; 35 have died at the hands of their Israeli torturers who were rounded up and held in custody. Throngs of angry protesters, including politicians, stormed the base and released them (The Times of Israel, 19/9/2024).

Despite the evidence of rape, torture, infanticide, genocide and now, in another blatant violation of international law, when communication devices exploded injuring thousands, Australia abstained from the UN vote calling for an end to the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestine. Penny Wong said it was ‘disappointing’ that 124 nations supported it. Australia is complicit with Israeli genocide!

Gareth W R Smith Byron Bay

Global Imams Council

which categorically prohibits the harming of innocents. Furthermore, these atrocities contravene international humanitarian laws, including the Geneva Conventions, which are designed to protect civilians during times of war.’

Operation Al Aqsa Flood was precisely oriented toward undermining ‘normalisation’ of relations between Arab nations and Israel because such normalisation sidelines the right to Palestinian self-determination and independence upheld by the international community.

to it. The LGBTQ community sat alongside the Jewish community in condemning the Bill for not going far enough. Strange bedfellows representing strange times. It is indeed a fine balancing act between criminalising direct threats of violence towards a group or individual which this Bill has acknowledged, whilst resisting calls to clamp down further on conduct such as inciting hatred, serious contempt, revulsion or severe ridicule which tend to fall under the freedom of speech banner, and remain a much more volatile and tetchy beast.

Christmas is getting closer, and we are stocking up on great gift ideas, from Fairy wings to Barbies on pushbikes. Even Jordan made the photo!

Can you spot her?

t n

stationery.mullumnews@gmail.com 44 Burringbar St, Mullum

The Global Imams Council is a highly respected Islamic council, and they are putting the blame for the terrible loss of life and property, on both sides, squarely on Hamas and Iran.

Do you get it? They don’t blame Israel, they blame Hamas.

Danny Wakil Billinudgel

Rape, torture, murder

Recently, The New York Times reported on anal rape and torture in the Sde Teiman interrogation centre. Eight former inmates described how they were forced to sit 18 hours a day in diapers and were beaten if they fell asleep. Younis al-Hamlawi, was lifted onto a metal rod which penetrated his anus causing immense pain.

Regarding M McCormack’s letter quoting the Global Imams Council (GIC). While the deaths of hostages is to be condemned by all humanitarian standards, we must agree that all lives matter and none are more precious than others.

It is absurd to claim that Hamas is responsible for every life lost when Israel is absolutely responsible for the genocide in Gaza. Denying such agency is absurd. Though notably absent the wording of the council’s statement equally applies to Israel’s barbaric onslaught in Gaza resulting in the slaughter of tens of thousands of civilians: ‘The targeting and brutalisation of civilians, especially those who are defenceless and held against their will, are acts of unmitigated evil. These actions represent a gross violation of the sacred laws of conflict as ordained by all major faith traditions, including Islam,

On September 18 the special session of the UN General Assembly passed resolution A/ES-10/L.30/ REV.1 that reaffirms previous resolutions and states: ‘reaffirming the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to their independent State of Palestine, the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force and stress the need for the withdrawal of Israel from the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, the realisation of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, primarily the right to selfdetermination, including the right to their independent State, and the complete cessation of all Israeli settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.’ The struggle for freedom in Palestine did not begin on October 7, the Nakba is ongoing.

Duncan Shipley-Smith Byron Bay

Hate and war

Whatever your personal views regarding the Criminal Code Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill 2024, the one thing that stood out to me was those most in opposition

Whilst minority groups and LGBTQ voices expect fair protection from those who govern, their concerns are real. Abuse and hatred both online and in real life are at all-time highs. Everybody now has an opinion which can reach and affect millions of people instantly; however we must remain vigilant in regards to our freedoms (or loss of ) and the responsibilities which come from those.

As for the Jewish lobbies calling for stricter antisemitism laws it is hard to know where to start. I disagree with their calls for slogans such as ‘From the river to the sea….’ to be criminalised. This feels like a dummy spit resulting from their own conscience. How any nation has the audacity to call for bans on words alone whilst killing their neighbours on a day-to-day basis with rockets and drone attacks defies belief.

Israel has all the tools and resources it needs to be the grown up in this relationship and yet it continues to act like a school yard bully. Anti war DOES NOT equate to anti semitism. Grow up and become part of the solution.

Kol Dimond West Mullum

Before the truth has got its boots on

David Lowe

Lying in politics reached a new low last week when United States Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance said he had to ‘create stories’ in order to get the attention of the media, even if that meant demonising innocent people who have already suffered more than most.

When Vance’s false story about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Ohio emerged from the bowels of the MAGAverse and on to the world stage in the Trump-Harris debate, at first it seemed like just another comically stupid senior moment from the orange candidate, but this has since emerged as a key racist plank in the Republican campaign for the presidency, and for control of the US Senate.

Vance’s main role is to translate and justify the most extreme nonsense which emerges from Trump’s mouth, distracting attention when necessary, but he’s also a threat in his own right, having been installed by billionaire nutjob and mentor Peter Thiel as the heir apparent, and proven his ability to twist himself into whatever shape is required in the pursuit of power.

These are people who well understand the maxim that ‘a lie is halfway round the world before the truth has got its boots on’.

With their true plans for the people of America so unpalatable they can’t be mentioned, the Trump-Vance campaign is entirely built on fear and untruths, and the rest of the world is taking notes.

Truth overboard

Here in Australia, we have a history of going along with big American lies, most

notably the fictitious weapons of mass destruction that justified the invasion of Iraq. Less ambitious lies from both the Labor and Liberal camps have also driven federal elections in recent years, including imaginary death taxes and ‘mediscare’ campaigns, but for these to work they generally need to have at least some relationship to reality (it has to feel like the kind of thing the other party might do, based on their past behaviour).

John Howard took things a big step backward with children overboard, and now – emboldened by the American example – we’re entering a not-so-brave new world where pretty much anything goes, aided by newfangled AI deep fakes and social media, along with old villains such as the Murdoch media.

Labor’s latest response is their Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation Bill 2024

Digital deception

Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland told parliament the bill ‘positions Australia to be at the forefront of tackling this growing international problem – one which

threatens to undermine our civic discourse and democratic engagement and participation’, by making digital platforms accountable for mis- and disinformation on their services.

In the Senate last week, the Opposition was having none of it. Liberal senator Alex Antic said the proposed legislation was Orwellian.

‘The bill appears to be effectively aimed fairly and squarely at alternative internet platforms that defy the government-approved narrative,’ he said.

‘Is this all about Twitter, X? Why is the establishment so against X? Why is this government so against Elon Musk?’

Hmm, maybe it’s something to do with the fact that Trump’s buddy Musk is personally sharing QAnon conspiracies and other extreme-right lies and misinformation to millions of people on a daily basis?

Tasmanian Liberal senator Claire Chandler developed the Orwellian theme, saying, ‘if the government doesn’t think social media companies are censoring enough of the content they don’t like, the minister will be able to personally order investigations and even

public hearings on any misinformation topic determined by the minister.’

‘The constant attacks on freedom of speech that come from this Labor government are a huge concern,’ she continued.

‘The risk of people being allowed to speak freely, and maybe get their facts wrong from time to time, pales in comparison with the risks of government and big tech telling you what you can say and when you can say it.’

Unfortunately Labor’s proposed bill will do nothing to stop lying in politics, or in political advertising. Maintaining that outrageous situation is something both major parties will die in a ditch for, it seems.

Speaking of dying and ditches, the US vice-presidential debate will be of unusual interest this year, with the lies and misdemeanors of J.D. Vance expected to be entertainingly skewered by his opponent, Governor Tim Walz, on live television on October 1.

Hopefully the truth will be the winner, for once.

You can read David Lowe’s political comments every Monday in The Echo online at: www.echo.net.au.

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Eyebrows of mass destruction, John Howard. Photo Wikipedia/CC

Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance. Photo US Congress

Losers supporting locals

The Echo isn’t a multinational, or even interstate-based, media group that employs a couple of locals for each publication and does the minimum necessary to send maximum profits out of our area. Why? Because we’re not smart enough. We haven’t even set up as a NFP to reduce the tax we pay.

The fact that last year we gave more money back to this community than we gained from advertising is due solely to financial mismanagement – basically we employ far too many local people.

Supporting local businesses keeps the local economy circular and strong.

We pay 25 employees every week, more than double that if you include all the contract columnists, IT people, the 20-odd distributors and so on. And annoyingly, even though no-one at The Echo gets paid a lot, we can’t get them to resign and find a job elsewhere.

So, if you’re a local business that would like to make a direct contribution to your local economy, and loves being part of a lively and engaged community with access to accurate news and information, advertise with The Echo!

Vaping impacts exercise capacity in a similar way to smoking

Cosmos Magazine

Anew study has added to the growing evidence that long-term vaping is harmful to health, finding that young people who vape perform worse than others in tests measuring their capacity for exercise.

Although the study only involved 60 people, it found vapers’ exercise performance was similar to that of young smokers.

The research was presented on September 8 at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Vienna, Austria.

‘In this study, we looked at a group of young people with no apparent signs of lung damage,’ says Dr Azmy Faisal, senior lecturer in cardiorespiratory physiology at Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK, who presented the research.

‘Among the people who had been vaping or smoking for at least two years, we saw important differences in how well they coped with exercise.’

Faisal and colleagues studied 60 people in their 20s, all of whom had normal lung function according to

spirometry testing. A third of the participants were longterm smokers, a third were long-term vapers, and a third did not smoke or vape.

To study their heart, lungs, and muscles’ responses to increasingly difficult exercise, participants took part in an incremental exercise test on a static bike. This involved pedalling at harder and harder levels until they reached exhaustion.

‘The smokers and the vapers had measurably excess breathing while using the exercise bikes. They found it harder to breathe, their muscles became more fatigued, and they were less fit overall,’ says Faisal.

‘In this regard, our research indicated that vaping is no better than smoking.’

In addition, and on average, the group of young vapers had lower ‘peak exercise capacity’ than the group who did not vape or smoke – 186 watts and 226 watts, respectively. This is a measure of the maximum amount of physical exertion that a person can achieve.

But their peak exercise capacity was similar to the group of smokers (182 watts).

Blood tests and an ultrasound also revealed signs of reduced blood vessel health in vapers and smokers compared to the non-smoking and non-vaping group.

‘Previous research has shown that vaping is linked to lung inflammation and damage, and harmful changes to the blood vessels,’ says Faisal.

‘Although, some research suggests that vaping could be used to cut back or quit smoking, we don’t yet know what longer-term vaping use does to our bodies.’

Dr Filippos Filippidis, Chair of the ERS Tobacco Control Committee, who was not involved in the research, says more and more young people take up vaping without knowing what the long-term consequences could be to their health.

‘Although it’s always a challenge to know if the associations we find in these studies are causal or a result of some other systematic differences between groups, people who vape need to be aware that using these products could make them less fit and able to take part in exercise,’ says Filippidis.

‘Doctors and policymakers also need to know about the risks of vaping, and we should be doing all we can to support children and young people to avoid or quit vaping.’

Cryptic Clues

ACROSS

9.Genteel tango, with piano variations, is ideal (7)

10.Condition of IRA fighter is admitted (7)

11.Ancient warship with faulty meter? Run one in (7)

12.Weirdly, gargoyle misses duck and goose (7)

13.Shock musical work going on a long time, for Tommy perhaps (4,5)

15.Yacht outline seconds away (5)

16.Commanding officer eats sparingly, having old money (7)

19.Underwriting agenda! (7)

20.Sailboat at S-bend (5)

21.Spooner’s collision with horses and whales (9)

25.Famous chairman grabs disturbed rest with virtuoso (7)

26.Spanish treasure ship uses imperial measure for fuel, containing trace of ethanol (7)

28.Gentleman turns to fish, then meatball (7)

29.Adopt naughty pose on purpose (7)

DOWN

1.Sailing ship made with saw? (6)

2.Zulu attends cricket match on account of signs from the heavens (6)

3.Cattle species finally replaced by English (4)

4.Take possession of a numbers file (6)

5.Roaming gypsy ignoring unknown girl viewer (8)

6.Band Reebok rocked with roll (5,5)

7.General Electric swallows up shoddy little shaving brand (8)

8.Distant image in film The Outsider (4,4)

14.Work on invasion (10)

16.Mistakenly search me for cloth (8)

17.South African plants drug in enzyme (8)

18.Boat train almost starts to negotiate eastern railway (8)

22.Chat on web with attractive person (6)

23.Angel fish swallows old queen (6)

24.Burn first part of record by Melba? (6)

27.Jennifer, a 24, doesn’t finish run (4)

SOLVER’S GUIDE

We’ve had feedback that our crosswords are a bit difficult.

To demystify some of the logic behind Stephen Clarke’s clues, scan this QR code for this week’s solvers guide.

STARS BY LILITH

This week’s sun and Mercury glide into fair-minded, beautyloving, artistic Libra, joining Mars and Venus in emotional water signs for our annual balancing of head and heart...

Quick Clues ACROSS

9.Someone who expects unrealistic perfection in society (7)

10.Clause in a document that embodies a stipulation (7)

11.Ancient Greek galley (7)

12.Large Eurasian goose, Anser Anser (7)

13.Extended dramatic musical work in contemporary idiom (4,5)

15.Small two-masted sailing vessel (5)

16.Old coins, one hundredth of a rouble (7)

19.Underlying theme (7)

20.One-masted cutter-rigged vessel (5)

21.Marine mammals; Pacific species of salmon (9)

25.Musician of outstanding skill (7)

26.Large square-rigged sailing vessel (7)

28.Fried cake of meat or fish coated in breadcrumbs (7)

29.Give or take in marriage or betrothal (7)

DOWN

1.Small one-masted vessel (6)

2.Small inflatable motorboat (6)

3.Cows (archaic) (4)

4.Supplementary building (6)

5.Small hand held telescope (8)

6.Meal of grilled meat in a roll of unleavened bread (5,5)

7.Company that produces shaving gear and cosmetics for men (8)

8.Contestant deemed to have little chance of winning (4,4)

14.Profession (10)

16.Fabric of fine soft goat’s hair (8)

17.Enzyme that splits up proteins (8)

18.Large beer glass (8)

22.Metal bar which when suspended points north to south (6)

23.Sweet innocent child (6)

24.Chanteuse (6)

27.Run with a long stride (4)

Last week’s solution #21 A B R U D C

Where Has the Music Gone?

Mandy Nolan

What happens when you take hundreds of millions of dollars of revenue out of our local economy?

We’re about to find out. The Falls Festival is no more. Splendour has finished. And this year Festival Director Peter Noble told us this would be the last Bluesfest. It seems unfathomable that our iconic signature event will be no more.

It’s just not possible for large-scale events like this to continue.

And this has to hurt. We may not feel it instantly, but over time, when the three single biggest stimulators of the local economy are absent, it’s without a doubt that our entire region is going to feel the pinch. Each festival literally brought in tens of millions to boost our local economy every year. Over a decade that will be a significant financial loss. Hundreds of millions of dollars not coming here.

For many of the market stalls it was where they made their primary income each year. There’s accommodation and transport providers. There’s site management workers. There’s sanitation services. There’s security firms. There’s sound engineers and film production teams. There’s printing and publicity services. There’s local media. There’s restaurants and bars and fashion boutiques and shoe stores. Hundreds, if not thousands of people in the production pipeline.

The economic stimulus a big festival provides is almost impossible to map with accuracy, as the money moves through our community, and into the broader NSW and national economy rapidly. There’s barely an industry here that doesn’t benefit, even if indirectly, from the larger festivals. For most of the local schools, raffling-off tickets to these events has been the income stimulus for their fundraising raffles for the last two decades.

From a creative and cultural standpoint, it’s the end of an era.

But things have changed.

It started with the disruption of the pandemic. The threat of cancellation meant people lost the confidence to

ARIES: Mercury urges us to make fair judgments based on facts, not feelings. Of course you’re in a rush, but it’s worth your time to slow down and negotiate patiently this week, because with Mercury in objective, peace-seeking Libra, diplomatic talks could restore harmony to your relationships.

TAURUS: As planetary peristalsis moves from contraction into expansion, from lean and clean to ‘why not enjoy more of life’s pleasures’, the current star map recommends adding a little vino to the bean curd, a little social syncopation to your to-do list, some sweet treats to this week’s business interactions.

GEMINI: As your mentor Mercury relaxes into your personal sector of selfexpression and creativity, the astrological atmosphere lightens and your fun-loving, entertaining self comes out to play. Do what you can to make life lovely for someone this week: so easy, and you’ll receive so much more in return.

There’s barely an industry here that doesn’t benefit, even if indirectly, from the larger festivals.

travel, or attend a multi-day large scale event. Events themselves struggled to cope with maintaining their staff with no clear idea about when things might open again. The enormous burden of work and capacity it takes to book a festival, collapsed them sometimes in just a day.

Then there’s the challenges of climate change. Massive unpredictable and sometimes unseasonable weather events that can cripple an outdoor event. And now a cost-of-living crisis.

The festival sector is experiencing an unprecedented seismic shift. Production costs have increased by 30-40%. Event insurance alone is crippling. And that’s not something festivals can pass on to their punters as a massive ticket hike. It might shock many to know, that even a sold-out event will struggle to turn a profit on ticket sales alone. Festivals are cost-heavy. And many rely on bar revenue for their profit share. But people aren’t really drinking at festivals anymore. They’ve either given up or they can’t

CANCER: With speedy Mars in your sign at a supportive angle to strategic Saturn, you’ll have the gift of timing on your side this week. There’s a fine line between leaping at an opportunity and using the wisdom of discretion, so assess the pros and cons but don’t take forever making up your mind.

LEO: The current collaborative astro-cycle fosters partnership and compromise: as in harmony, equality and cooperation. Its focus is on we rather than me. This week asks you to consider how you can balance serving the collective with doing your own signature Leo thing – and enjoy the process as well.

VIRGO: This week’s celestial energetics help you make adjustments that feel like fun rather than struggle. Time to reset that sweet spot between business and pleasure, luxury and economy, efficiency and quality, discipline and spontaneity. Kick off this annual exercise in equilibrium with a good dose of self-care.

LIBRA: Mercury in Virgo liked to get things right: that’s its job. This week’s Mercury moving into Libra wants things to be beautiful. And Venus shimmying into sultry Scorpio for the next few weeks draws your attention to relationship dynamics, especially around money, that you mightn’t normally question.

SCORPIO: With vixen Venus sashaying into your sign seduction becomes an art form, and look who’s winning people over with wit and charm like moths to their Scorpionic flame. Time to keep your magnetic magic, powerhouse charisma and potent powers of persuasion focussed on what makes you happy.

SAGITTARIUS: If your mentor planet Jupiter in the sign of the twins has been causing double trouble lately, its upside offers twice as many solutions. Which make themselves apparent this week if you’re receptive to other peoples’ ideas, which could help broker more equitable deals at the negotiating table.

afford it. Without the injection of government funding, the model has become unsustainable. While the beneficiaries are numerous, they just can’t do it alone. And to top it all off, people have changed. Younger generations exposed to music on the internet have much more narrowcast tastes. They’re not interested in attending events outside of their lane. It’s not just business that’s impacted. For musicians and creatives, it’s devastating to lose these events that were so important in showcasing your work and connecting you with new and existing audiences. It’s our trade fair.

It seems the opportunity now lies in micro activations. Smaller, more niche events. One-day festivals. Pop-ups. There is a huge resource of experienced event creators going fallow and if we don’t use them, we’ll lose them. And we’ll not just be broke. We’ll be worse. We’ll be boring.

Please, support your local festivals and events. A cost-of-being-boring crisis could be fatal.

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox column has appeared in The Echo for almost 23 years. The personal and the political often meet here; she’s also been the Greens federal candidate since before the last federal election. The Echo’s coverage of political issues will remain as comprehensive and fair as it has ever been, outside this opinion column which, as always, contains Mandy’s personal opinions only.

CAPRICORN: This week’s planetary map screams carpe diem: seize the day and enjoy the inviting entertainments on display. Mercury in the sign of giving things a fair go recommends keeping an open mind to people you wouldn’t ordinarily consider. Take the time to listen and you might be pleasantly surprised.

AQUARIUS: As the celestial pendulum swings towards elegance, artistry and aesthetic considerations, this week’s astro-energetics ask the questions: How might you bring more style and grace into your working day, more beauty into your personal life, more teamwork into your community, more justice into the world?

PISCES: This week’s artistic star lineup recommends ‘the beauty way’: the practice of dedicating each day to receiving beauty into your life. To seeing and appreciating the beauty in yourself and others: in a stranger’s smile, a flower beginning to bloom, a happy child or animal. And then sharing it.

MANDY NOLAN’S

The Byron Shire Rebels U15s rugby union side has capped off a storming year, by winning the Far North Coast Rugby premiership.

Earlier this month, the side backed up their minor premiership win when they defeated Lennox Head in the grand final 20-5.

The side is coached by Christian Sergiacomi.

The team are a product of the merger between Byron Bay Rugby and Bangalow Rugby two years ago, but they didn’t really find their mojo till this season.

‘The side has had a few

ordinary years, where we were losing a lot more than we were winning’, team manager Dan Green said. ‘Last year, we only won two games, but this year the side only lost two.’

‘Our kids got bigger and stronger this year, plus we had a sprinkling of new players’, said Dan.

‘We had managed to beat Lennox through the year, but there was only ever a handful of points in it’.

‘They are a really good team. We just managed to get on top of them through the forwards on grand final day’.

Wollongbar-Alstonville and Casuarina Beach were

EPA needs strengthening, say scientists

Twelve of Australia’s leading scientists and First Nations experts have joined the chorus calling on Labor Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, to work with the Senate crossbench to strengthen and pass the Nature Positive Bills to establish an effective EPA and a new environmental data agency (EIA).

The Biodiversity Council

media release says, ‘In just 20 years the numbers of many native species have fallen to less than half’.

‘We cannot continue with business as usual’.

‘Australia urgently needs a strong environmental regulator to help protect nature.

‘The regulator needs to be independent and guided by clear national environmental standards’.

the other two teams to make it through to the semi-finals.

Dan is hoping that the majority of the side, most of whom also played in the U15 Far North Coast representative side for the Country Championships, will return to the club for next year’s season.

All new players are welcome, he said.

Senior rugby

In the senior grades, Byron Shire Rebels have also made the finals, but have failed to qualify for this weekend’s grand finals.

The first-grade team lost their preliminary final against Wollongbar–Alstonville Rugby (WAR) 47-14 last weekend, playing in Ballina.

Second grade was beaten in their elimination final against Ballina 22-18.

The senior grand finals for Far North Coast Rugby Union are on this Saturday, September 28, and feature games between Casuarina Beach and WAR in both first and second grade.

In the Women’s 10s Casino take on Lismore, and in the U18s Lennox Head also play Lismore.

Byron basketball wraps up carnival

Jenny Ogle

Basketball players from all over Australia and internationally recently converged for the Byron Bay Basketball annual senior carnival.

Players came from the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Victoria, Tasmania and Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Nigeria, Serbia and the US.

The quality of play was at a very high level, with the top four teams in each division fighting it out with minimal point differences to take the trophy out.

The men’s competition had two local Byron Bay teams playing, and the women’s competition had one local Byron Bay team, who unfortunately didn’t make the grand final.

The men’s final was an exciting match between the Skool of Hard Knockz (which included Australian and international players) and Behoys (from the Sunshine

Coast). It was bucket for bucket all the way, with the Behoys taking out the win for the second time in ten years.

The women’s final was between the Warriors (from the Gold Coast and Murwillumbah) and the Rimshots (Brisbane). The game was tight for the first half, then the Rimshots stepped up a notch and ran away with the win. The Rimshots made it a hat trick, winning the

trophy three years in a row.

Huge thanks to our sponsors: Club Byron, North Byron Hotel and North Coast trophies; and to our referees and our amazing photographer, Kylie Robertson.

Organisers Paula Daniels and Jenny Ogle have slam dunked this carnival, and after a decade of hard work and fun, they have retired, and will pass the ball to some new faces for 2025.

Thousands of nurses strike for 24 hours over pay

Thousands of NSW nurses and midwives went on strike across the state for 24 hours on Tuesday, calling for a wage increase of 15 per cent to make their wages competitive with other states.

At a public rally on Tuesday at Jack Evans Boat Harbour in Tweed Heads, and rallies in Albury and Sydney, union members asked the NSW government to increase their wages above the three per cent baseline and provide NSW wages in line with wages in Queensland and Victoria.

‘The government seems to forget that nurses and midwives are leaving for better wages and conditions to Queensland and Victoria, where wages are between

10 and 22 per cent higher,’ explained NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) General Secretary Shaye Candish.

‘Our members are desperate to provide the safe level of care NSW patients need when seeking treatment inside public hospitals, but instead of their skilled work being remunerated accordingly, their employer believes a baseline three per cent pay offer is enough.

Tried to avert action

‘We have genuinely tried to avert this action, but the government has simply failed to demonstrate a willingness to move. The state government had been given ample opportunity to work

with the union, but there has been no genuine attempt to negotiate on the pay and conditions claim.

‘The state government could have stopped this industrial action from occurring by coming to the table with an improved offer, but it has chosen to ignore us repeatedly,’ said Ms Candish.

We would love to run all kinds of local sport on these pages so please send your photos and stories to sport@echo.net.au.

Ross Kendall

Art by Chrissie chrissieartwork@gmail.com

Byron Shire Rebels have won the U15 rugby premiership. Photo supplied

Rimshots (Maddy Woodford) vs Beez (Jess Eke).

Photo Kylie Robertson

R nbow Po r C p y

Off-grid batteries: Why upgrade to lithium?

Upgrading from lead acid to lithium-ion batteries in off-grid solar systems enhances performance and reliability. Lead acid batteries, with a lifespan of 6-10 years, often fail suddenly and degrade over time, allowing only 50% of their capacity to be used safely. In contrast, Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries offer 100% usable capacity, longer lifespan, and greater efficiency. Though the initial cost is higher, LiFePO4 batteries are cost-effective over time, reducing the cost per kilowatt-hour by 30-80%. They are also more robust and reliable. Options like ZYC, PowerPlus, Pylontech, and Pelio batteries cater to various needs, ensuring a significant upgrade to your off-grid solar system’s performance and sustainability.

Contact Rainbow Power Company today to find out how they can help you.

02 6689 1430 team@rpc.com.au

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ProSolar is passionate about supporting local businesses and communities. From solar installations to community involvement, ProSolar is committed to making a positive impact. Follow them on Instagram at @prosolar.australia and Facebook to discover their most iconic installations.

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From small patios to sprawling gardens, WCAV’s systems are tailored to blend effortlessly into the landscape, offering balanced sound throughout.

Schedule a free in-home demonstration today and hear how outdoor audio can transform your space into a place you’ll never want to leave. With WC Audio Visual, outdoor living is more than just a moment—it’s an experience.

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Sunbeam Solar has trained four apprentices, all now fully qualified electricians. Some of them continue to work in the solar industry, some now run their own businesses or work in the electrical metering sector. Sunbeam Solar are proud of their legacy, giving back to youth in the local community. They currently have a third-year apprentice and will be looking to start a new school-leaving first-year apprentice in 2025. Contact them now if you’re interested in this fantastic opportunity.

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Eden at Byr

It’s springtime, so get your garden growing! Summer crops like basil, tomatoes, capsicum, chilli, eggplant, beans, cucumber and corn, as well as salad leaves and herbs, can all be planted now. Growing your own is a great way to enjoy some of the more unusual heirloom varieties, and freshness is guaranteed. You’ll know exactly what has gone into the soil and on to the plants, so you’ll know it’s all clean and safe.

Local, organically-made Living Farm Compost is the perfect planting mix, providing the ideal conditions for your seedlings to thrive. It contains living microorganisms which boost soil health, and that means strong plants, and fewer pests and diseases. If you haven’t used it yet, you are in for a treat!

140 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay 02 6685 6874

Why oose

Unblock

Piפ Cle ing?

Unlike Unblock Pipe Clearing, many plumbers don’t have the latest technology, equipment or experience that comes with specialising in clearing blocked pipes and drains, but for Unblock Pipe Cleaning. ‘It is what they do, all day every day.’ The equipment allows them to accurately locate, identify and fix the issue correctly the first time. They don’t just fix the issue, they will give you a warranty on most jobs!

Being a local, family-run business, you can be assured that they will take care of your best interests.

Phone James on: 0429 888 683

Tweed Regional Museum

There is so much to explore at Tweed Regional Museum! Current exhibition Omnia invites you to reimagine the Museum’s collection, taking you on a

stunning new immersive spaces, including a rainbow-themed wonderland that invites curiosity and new discoveries.

Make sure you book in your school holiday workshops for October via the Museum website. Lose yourself in ‘Tik Tok’, their wall of beautiful clocks in the Omnia exhibition, and create your own unique working wall clock in their Time Travellers workshop.

Get inspired by the beautiful Aboriginal art featured in their Land / Life / Culture exhibition and create your own bottled sand art. You’ll learn how to make coloured sand before creating your own unique design.

museum.tweed.nsw.gov.au

@TweedRegionalMuseum

2 Queensland Road, Murwillumbah

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is the Tweed’s newest ‘must do’ visitor experience. It is a shared recreation and nature trail created along a disused railway line. It is free to use and provides a safe environment for walkers, cyclists, and people of all abilities to explore the beautiful Northern Rivers region. The start of the rail trail is located at the heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station just 36km south of Gold Coast

where they can grab a rail trail map, purchase souvenirs, and

There is parking available at the station for 60 cars, with an stores including bike-hire and shuttle services. Bathroom facilities are available, along with a picnic table and chairs, an bubbler.

Users will cross 16 of these bridges, many of which have been restored, and bypass ten which have been left as a feature along the trail. The Burringbar Range Tunnel is a highlight of the trail and

through. The other tunnel is the Hulls Road Tunnel which is 50 metres long.

way, and explore the local villages of Murwillumbah, Stokers Siding, Burringbar, Mooball and Crabbes Creek. The rail trail also connects to the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Arts Centre which is just a short trip from Murwillumbah Railway Station. allowed on a short leash.

Better by Bike

Enjoy an eco-adventure with your family, riding advanced e-bikes through the rainforests, historic bridges, and abandoned rail tunnels of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail!

Conveniently located at the start of the trail, Better By Bike has everything you need for the whole family to enjoy the day. Their e-bikes are super comfy, they have tow-behind bikes and chariots for kids and pets, baby seats, double-seater e-bikes, and an adult e-trike for extra assistance. Helmets, lights, spacious pannier bags and locks are provided, and they can pick you up from your accommodation too.

Their friendly, local staff will ensure you’re all set with bike operation tips and personalised trail suggestions, ensuring your family has the ‘Best Day Ever!’ Book your family adventure today.

Murwillumbah Railway Station 284 Tweed Valley Way, Murwillumbah 0408 444 858

Betterbybike.com.au @betterbybikeoz

Wollumbin Street Baker

Discover a delectable escape just across the bridge from the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

bread and exquisite pastry to coffee and cake. Indulge in Wollumbin Street Baker’s signature pies

have you covered. Wollumbin Street Bakery is conveniently located with ample seating and parking. Elevate your adventure on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, and your tastebuds by treating yourself to the perfect pie. They look forward to seeing you soon.

5-7 Wollumbin St, Murwillumbah 02 6672 5757

WOLLUMBIN STREET BAKERY

Elevate your taste buds! Freshly baked bread Exquisite pastries, pies & rolls

Located just across the bridge from the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

Tweed River House

Just a few minutes from the rail trail in Murwillumbah, is the Tweed River House, an exquisite bistro and bar nestled on the picturesque banks of the Tweed River, offering panoramic hinterland views of Wollumbin / Mount Warning. Whether you choose to enjoy a meal in the elegant dining room or on the river verandah, a lighter bite with shared plates at the casual riverside Lawn Bar, or a relaxing afternoon tea in the Palm Lounge, the ambiance evokes the gentler pace and charming style of the Northern Rivers.

The century-old, restored Plantation River House is a haven for those seeking an escape to a serene and captivating dining experience, making Tweed River House a true gem in the heart of the Tweed Valley and a perfect complement to riding or walking the rail trail.

131 River Street, South Murwillumbah tweedriverhouse.com.au

Kat Harvey Cheese

Kat Harvey Cheese is a specialty cheese retail store

the very best Australian and imported cheeses. The toasties made by Kat are the perfect treat after a day on the rail trail. They are made-to-order using superior produce available in-store. There is a choice from two different toasties each week with vegetarian options available.

Kat also runs regular cheese-tasting workshops. Contact Kat for bookings or to organise a unique experience for your group.

Outside M-Arts Precinct, opposite the car park at Knox Park.

www.katharveycheese.com

@katharveycheese

Tweed Regional Gallery AND Margaret Olley Art Centre

Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre is housed in a modern, architecturally–awardwinning building with views to Wollumbin / Mount Warning. The Gallery’s seven exhibition spaces present a dynamic program of touring exhibitions, alongside exhibitions showcasing the work of regional and national artists presented exclusively at the Tweed Regional Gallery. The Margaret Olley Art Centre (MOAC) celebrates the career, life and legacy of Margaret Olley, Australia’s most celebrated painter of still life and interiors. MOAC combines exhibitions, interactives and the permanent re-creation of areas of Olley’s famous home studio.

2 Mistral Road (Cnr Tweed Valley Way) Murwillumbah 02 6670 2790 gallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au

Moo Moo Roadhouse

Located on the Tweed Valley Way in the quaint village of Mooball, the Moo Moo Roadhouse has been a popular pit stop for locals and tourists for many years, and has now added the abundance of rail trail cyclists and walkers to its fan club. Whether you’re walking, riding or driving, the Moo Moo Cafe is the perfect spot to fuel up, grab a bite to eat, drink some awesome coffee and check out the great range of motorcycles, memorabilia and antiques they have on display. And they have free

Open Monday to Friday 6am–5.30pm

Saturday and Sunday 7am–5pm

5887 Tweed Valley Way, Mooball 02 6677 0057

Facebook: MooMooRoadhouse

Apex Dining

The magic of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is discovering the hidden beauty and abundance of the hinterland.

Apex Dining at the Tweed Regional Gallery is a standout with spectacular 360 degree views of the sparkling river, rolling green hills and ranges beyond. Open for brunch and lunch with a fresh and modern menu, Apex Dining is fully licensed, making it the perfect reward for a vigorous day on the rail trail. With cool drinks, snacks and coffee too, all available to take away, it’s the perfect pit-stop on your trail adventure.

2 Mistral Road (Cnr Tweed Valley Way) Murwillumbah 02 6672 5088 www.apexdining.com.au

Beyond Byron E Bikes

Come and immerse yourself in nature on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail with an e-bike from Beyond in Mooball, their location offers the easiest access from the highway in either direction. They have e-bikes for all ages and sizes – including baby seats, trailers, tag-alongs, and kids’ e-bikes.

Why Beyond Byron E Bikes are the best? They have

German-made e-bikes. Plus, they’re the only company with puncture-proof tyres on every bike.

For the more adventurous, they offer two selfguided e-bike tours. Start on the rail trail and journey through the rainforest to the award-winning Husk Distillery in Tumbulgum or venture into the Tweed hinterland and majestic Mount Jerusalem National Park to visit Unicorn Falls.

All details, live availability, and online booking are at beyondbyronebikes.com.au. Starting at just $99 for

Murwillumbah Railway Station

Murwillumbah CBD Tweed Regional Museum Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre

Tweed

Good Taste

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

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.

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

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

Open daily 7am - 1pm 14–16 Lawson St 5642 0149 therocksbyronbay.com.au @therocksbyronbay

Sefa Kitchen

Wed to Sat 12pm-late

1 Porter St, Byron Bay @nourishing.habitat  www.nourishinghabitat.com

Loft Byron Bay

4 Jonson Street, Byron Bay 6680 9183 Book online: www.loftbyronbay.com.au

Nourishing Habitat

1 Porter St, Byron Bay @nourishing.habitat 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

Bangalow Bread Co.

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

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

Welcome to Horizon, Byron’s newest rooftop bar.

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

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

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

Locally sourced ingredients amazing coffee dog friendly delicious smoothies fresh juices outdoor seating in the sun

Rustic yet refined Middle Eastern cuisine. Generous share platters. Wood-fire oven and open-flame grill.

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

Commune Canteen Mediterranean daytime eatery. Mon to Fri 7.30am – 3pm Gitana Spanish wine bar and deli. Wed to Sat 3.30pm – late

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.

Stone baked sourdough, hand-rolled pastries, small batch pies, house made cakes.

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

Eateries Guide

Lennox Head

Pizza & Pasta

4/74 Ballina St, Lennox Head

Open 7 days

Lunch: 12–2pm Pizza & drinks only: 2–5pm Dinner from 5pm

The Empire 20 Burringbar St, Mullum 6684 2306

Open for brunch and lunch, Mon–Fri 8am–3.30pm Sat & Sun 8am–2pm

FB/Insta: EmpireMullum empiremullum.com.au

Views, Brews, Cocktails, Beats, and Eats! Live Music Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Bookings essential. Head to lennoxpizza.com

Follow on Insta: @lennoxpizza

The seasonal menu features classic and modern dishes with innovative twists. Find something for all tastes, from epic burgers to vegan delights. Enjoy delectable treats and good vibes at this Mullum icon.

Harvest Newrybar: destination breakfast

Nestled in the centre of Newrybar, the restaurant at Harvest is well known as a destination for leisurely long lunches and intimate dinners, and now there is another reason to visit – breakfast.

Thursdays through to Mondays, Harvest is opening the restaurant doors bright and early for a breakfast offering that highlights the freshest seasonal ingredients from both their kitchen gardens and some of the Northern Rivers’ best local producers.

Making the most of humble ingredients, on the breakfast menu you will find food that is fresh, simple, and delicious. Picture generous plates of ricotta hotcakes with orange custard, and grilled chorizo with smoky stracciatella. If you prefer something lighter, there’s

house-made granola with coconut yogurt and seasonal fruits. It’s food that doesn’t just satisfy, it celebrates the joy of eating.

With views that overlook the surrounding gardens, Harvest is the perfect place to spend the morning – whether you are coming in to enjoy a leisurely catch-up with friends and loved ones on the sun-soaked veranda, or stopping by for a coffee and quick bite to eat before a busy day.

Make your way to Harvest – breakfast now serving!

Breakfast: Thursday to Monday, 8am to 11am.

Lunch: Wednesday to Monday, 12pm to 5pm. Dinner: Friday to Saturday, 5.30pm to late. 22 Old Pacific Highway, Newrybar Village.

LENNOX HEAD

MULLUMBIMBY

BYRON BAY

morning. Photo: K Holmes

The Good Life

Strawberries, blueberries

Victoria Cosford

‘The buckets are in!’ Dean tells me. Sure enough, those white plastic buckets filled with 1.25kg of blueberries command one end of the Blueberry Fields stall; and bucket customers buy, then nibble their way through. Peak availability of the berries is October through to February but already they seem to be everywhere. Dean has been operating the stall for about nine years for the Brookletbased business, now in its 30th year.

Next door, there’s Monty and his strawberries. ‘Doubtless God could have made a better berry,’ said William Butler in about 1600, ‘but doubtless God never did.’ Who doesn’t love strawberries?

And Monty’s are looking particularly radiant at the moment, although he tells me it’s not been a great season and he’s had to throw a lot away ‘because of the wet.’ Today the sun shines and the customers cluster. Fortunately we have other berry stalls such as Tallogum Berries, The Morrows and you’ll find certified organic strawberries at Summit Organic Farm.

Of course I’ll be eating the berries in their natural,

unadorned state, but I cannot resist making a free-form berry tart. In a food processor whizz together 300g butter, 150g icing sugar, and 2 eggs then add 600g plain flour. Turn it out, press it into a disc and chill in plastic film for 20 minutes while you prepare the berries. In a bowl tumble gently together a punnet of blueberries and a punnet of strawberries, halved if large, 150g raw sugar and the grated rind of half a lemon – set aside 15 mins. Preheat the oven to 200C. Roll the pastry out to a rough oval on a large sheet of baking paper and transfer both to a baking tray. Pile the berries into the centre and, using the baking paper, lift the pastry all around to half-cover the fruit, leaving an opening in the centre. Sprinkle with extra raw sugar then bake 45-55 mins or until golden with juices bubbling and berries glossy. Gorgeous with thick cream!

Monty’s Strawberries, Blueberry Fields and Summit Farms are at New Brighton Farmers Market every Tuesday from 8am to 11am and Mullumbimby Farmers Market every Friday from 7am to 11am. Tallogum Berries are at Mullumbimby Farmers Market every Friday.

‘Be

yourself and enjoy’ at Billinudgel Pub

A ‘good old country pub’, like the Billinudgel Hotel (founded in 1898) has always played an important part in the community, and if you’re used to visiting a soulless modern concrete suburban ‘tavern’ in your city/suburb, you’ll understand why that’s so important. Why both locals and visitors appreciate the family’s commitment to preserving the historical nature of this particular pub which was, for example, a favourite haunt of long-time Echo and national political columnist, the late Mungo MacCallum, after too many renovations stole the soul of his previous pub.

After the railway was built, from a work camp at the nearby ‘Salad Bowl’ in the 1890s, Billinudgel came into being, around the same time that this family owned and operated pub was established in 1898. ‘Ma’ Ring was the licensee for 53 years from 1950 to her death at 101 in 1983, and her niece’s son Ken Barnham, with his sons, runs the pub now. It’s still right next to the old railway station, but the pub has outlasted even that, with the line closing in 2004.

With the town’s history and family connections, there’s something special about sitting

out the back of the pub now, at tables on the grass or in the old shed, enjoying free live music in the beer garden most Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. The back area is also home to recurring dance parties including Nudge Nudge Wink Wink and Bare Foot Beat.

The general vibe is that all are welcome here. Ken and his family view this as, ‘a place that

we want locals and travellers alike to feel comfortable to relax, be themselves and enjoy the sense of community that we foster. We have two of our own beers on tap: “Easy Ale” and “Kenny’s Cheeky Pils” which are brewed exclusively for us by Earth Beer Company,’ they say.

Not only is it kid- and dog-friendly, but you’ll find

traditional Aussie pub fare such as meal and drink specials for $25, Mondays (pasta day), Wednesdays (snitty day) and Thursdays (burger day), although the kitchen is happy to cater for all modern dietary requirements. And, they stock the best cheesecakes in town that just happen to be vegan, locally-made by Plant Food for the Soul.

But despite keeping the best of the traditional pub, the space can also be transformed for weddings, parties, charity functions, art shows, club meets and everything in-between, with customisable catering and private bar options to suit each individual event.

And, in case you haven’t noticed, there is accommodation available on the second floor of the pub.

This is a pub that’s well worth visiting, especially to sit around in the beer garden with the warmer weather – it’s an easy stop off the M1, situated 5 minutes from Brunswick Heads and 20 minutes to Byron Bay.

Billinudgel Hotel, 1 Wilfred St, Billinudgel. Open from 10am to10pm, Monday to Sunday billinudgelhotel.com.au.

Hiatus wins best alcohol-free beer

Hiatus Beers was only founded recently in 2022, but their delicious Pacific Ale has already taken out the inaugural trophy for ‘Best Reduced or No Alcohol Beer’ at the 2024 Sydney Royal Beer and Cider Show last Tuesday night. The beer uses Veloria, Vienna and Munich malts with Galaxy hops.

‘We knew Nic had created a great beer, which he continually improves with each brew, and so it was great to get the independent recognition, especially as a relative newcomer to the non-alc category,’ said Julien Ryan from Hiatus.

Open 6am – 12pm

Monday – Saturday Shop 6/108 Stuart Street Mullumbimby.

COFFEE SHOP

Ryan Bruin from Summit Organics

The historic Billinudgel Hotel, founded 1898. Photo: Dan Paul

Cunning Stunts Nudge Nudge Wink Wink. Photo: @mala_snaps

Byron Arts & Industry Estate

1. BYRON ELECTRIC TATTOO REMOVAL

Byron Electric Tattoo Removals specialise in fullcolour tattoo removal and fading for seamless cover-ups. With over a decade of expertise, they use state-of-the-art laser technology for safe, impressive results.

Request a no-obligation quote or free consultation. Afterpay and flexible payment plans available. Mention Echo ad for 20% off. Act now!

5/59 Centennial Circuit

www.byrontattooremoval.com.au info@byrontattooremoval.com.au

2. ARCAA

Visit Arcaa and explore their latest spring collection of premium pieces. Both timeless and versatile, their garments are crafted from conscious knitted fibres, using organic cotton and natural linen. The store also offers a curated selection of accessories, jewellery, gifts and lifestyle products. Open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4pm and Saturday 9am to 3pm or visit their online store anytime.

arcaamovement.co

@arcaamovement

Shop 10, 1 Porter Street

3. TEMPLE OF THE SUN

Visit Temple of the Sun’s tranquil boutique and immerse yourself in a museum-like journey of discovery. Indulge in rose tea and Turkish delight as you explore considered jewellery collections designed with a deep appreciation for ancient symbolism and craft. Even glimpse into the solid gold studio, where artisans handcraft their fine jewellery and ceremonial pieces on-site.

3 Ti-Tree Place www.templeofthesun.com.au @templeofthesunjewellery

4. BYRON LOCAVORE

At Locavore in Byron Bay, everything starts on their family farm. As Ethicurean farmers, they raise animals ethically and flavourfully using regenerative organic practices. Their commitment to working with nature means greener land and responsibly sourced meat. Enjoy their range of organic, regenerativelyraised beef, pork, chicken, lamb, and wild game – delicious and good for the environment.

The Hive, 5/88-92 Centennial Circuit www.locavorebyron.com

5. MCTAVISH SURFBOARDS

McTavish is the ultimate destination for all things surf. Grab a pre- or post-surf coffee and browse the range of handcrafted surfboards (all made on-site in the factory behind the showroom), surf accessories and apparel, or borrow a demo board for the weekend.

Surfboard Factory, Surf Shop & Cafe 91 Centennial Circuit www.mctavish.com.au @mctavishsurf

6. MR VINTAGE

How you dress is representative of your personality. You are unique, one in 7 billion, born out of the death of a star. Life’s too short to wear boring clothes. Recycled and vintage clothing sourced from around the world.

02 6680 8640 3/6 Centennial Circuit @mrvintageaustralia

Creative, small-batch, hand-made, stateof-the-art, artisan, innovative, ethical, imaginative, hyper-local, leading-edge, quality, EXPLORE premium, master, handcrafted, accomplished, cutting edge, organic, designer, eclectic DISCOVER ingenious, beautiful, unique, sensational, avant-garde, original, visionary, inspirational, expert, brilliant, gifted, ahead of the curve. YOU wonderful, compelling, THERE experiencing, witnessing, engaging. NOW.

7. BYRON BAY CAMPING AND DISPOSALS

Spring’s well and truly here and the temperature is perfect for all those outdoor activities. Byron Bay Camping and Disposals have most of your Bait and Tackle needs, with brands in store like Okuma, Zman, Halco, Platypus and Jaz lures. They also have a huge range of snorkelling and spearfishing gear for those who prefer spending their time in the water.

1/1 Tasman Way

www.byron-camping.com.au 0439 212 153

Habitat Precinct

8. NEVER NEVER CAFE

Recently opened Never Never Cafe is located at the new Depot. Great coffee powered by SingleO and authentic Argentinian empanadas made in house with local and fresh ingredients baked daily. Enjoy a taste of South American healthy street food.

Open Monday to Friday from 7am to 2pm U27, 73-75 Centennial Circuit @nevernevercafe 0413 912 271

9. BODYPEACE BAMBOO

Visit Bodypeace Bamboo’s Warehouse Shop and treat yourself to silky soft, luxurious bamboo clothing and underwear which is naturally breathable, moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic. The warehouse boasts all of your favourite pieces in their complete size range, plus bonus sale items and samples for up to 70% off. Men’s and Women’s XS–XXL.

Warehouse Shop open Wednesday to Friday, 10am to 3pm.

2/4 Ti -Tree Place www.bodypeacebamboo.com @bodypeacebamboo facebook.com/bodypeacebamboo

A cleverly designed village where people live, work and play, all in one place, combining old-school Byron (community, creativity) with new thinking (live+work spaces, car sharing) and good times (food, shops) to create a little oasis for locals and visitors alike.

HABITAT

Get out of town! Visit Habitat where you can shop, eat, drink and recharge, all in one place. They’ve carefully curated every flagship store, independent boutique and fashion label, so you can find the iconic style you’d expect from Byron, hassle-free. Plus, they’ve got all your favourite health and wellness studios and good food galore.

Habitat, Byron Bay

10. RICHARDSON MURRAY LAW

Practicing exclusively in family law, Richardson Murray offers legal advice and guidance in matters of separation, divorce, parenting arrangements and property settlements. With considerable experience in all matters of relationship breakdown, including domestic and family violence, Richardson Murray are known for their compassionate approach and commitment to clients. Their dedicated team aims to deliver the best possible outcomes for clients.

42 Parkes Avenue

www.richardson-murray.law

11. B SMOOTHIE BAR

The science-backed power of the Bare Blends authentic nutritional product. Relax on the sunny decking whilst the amazing team create your smoothie. Enjoy a performance smoothie, while sipping on a Paradox espresso, or munch on a toasted Turkish sandwich... ‘You can’t buy me love... but you can buy me a smoothie.’

Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 3pm, Saturday, 8am to 2pm.

5 Easy Street

@bsmoothiebar

12. COMMUNE CANTEEN

Inspired by the home-cooked meals found in Mediterranean townships, Commune Canteen offers an ever-changing menu based on fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients.

Enjoy colourful salads, hot slow-cooked meals, hearty soups, and breads baked in-house.

All dishes are served from our counter in a casual yet vibrant atmosphere.

Open Monday to Saturday, 7.30am to 3pm

1 Porter Street www.nourishinghabitat.com @nourishing.habitat

13. VAGABOND

Delighting the taste buds of Habitat community and beyond since 2020.

Delicious plant-based goodness ... baked, loved, created in-house, where the vibes are extraordinary, the sounds awesome, the communication brilliant... by the amazing Vagabond team. Consistently excellent organic coffee roasted by Paradox. ‘Gratitude is the best attitude.’

Open Monday to Saturday, 6.30am to 3pm, Sunday, 7.30am to 2pm

1 Porter Street @vagabondbyronbay

Habitat Precinct

14. BYRON FAMILY LAW

Byron Family Law is a boutique family law firm established in Byron Bay. Through collaborative and resolution-focused practices, they support clients to separate more kindly and to rebuild following divorce or separation. They work in collaboration with local counsellors, conveyancers, accountants, mediators, and health and wellness professionals to support you and your family to not only survive but thrive following a separation.

02 6687 2774

18

LET’S GO SURFING

School Holidays at

Get your tickets at: otherworld.live

Join Let’s Go Surfing for an awesome time surfing or stand up paddle boarding these holidays. They offer private and group lessons and tours for all ages, as well as kids’ only lessons. Lessons include all equipment and expert instruction in small groups, and provide education, maximum fun, and safety for your kids. They cover the basics from warm-up to paddling, catching waves and standing, while also catering to intermediate and advanced students. Kids also learn important surf and safety rules including info on rips, tides, sandbanks and waves.

Open 7 days 8:30am–4:30pm

Shop 5, 11 Fletcher St, Byron Bay @letsgosurfingaustralia 02 6680 9443 www.letsgosurfing.com.au

OTHERWORLD is an immersive playground for the senses where technology and art collide. Experience over 20 interactive exhibits from local and international artists, including the only 360 VR cinema dome in NSW, featuring special school holiday films seen for the first time in Australia. Check out their brand new exhibits incorporating the latest in AI technology and light. Fun for all the family. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary journey into the world of immersive art. Kids under three are free. Annual family passes also available.

Booking: www.otherworld.live 102 Jonson Street, Byron Bay

Zephyr Horses is a unique coastal horse ranch in the picturesque town of Byron Bay.

We offer small personalised horse tours in the beautiful sub-tropical woodlands and on the beach.

Book your unforgettable experience today!

ZEPHYR HORSES

Experience the magic of Zephyr Horses, a boutique horse ranch in Byron Bay offering unique and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, Zephyr Horses provides tailored horseback rides along scenic trails, through lush forests and on pristine beaches.

Zephyr Horses offers a variety of unique riding experiences, aside from their popular two hour Forest to Beach Ride, including the Pub Lunch Ride, where guests enjoy a leisurely ride followed by a visit to a local pub for a feed and a drink. For younger riders, shorter private rides, pony rides and amazing pony parties provide a memorable, hands-on horse experience. Zephyr also offers location hire for private events, adding a rustic charm to any gathering. Riding clubs are available for both adults and kids, catering to all skill levels and fostering a love for horsemanship in a supportive environment.

While their expert guides capture the journey with complimentary photos, for those who prioritise photography, professional packages are also available. Discover the beauty of nature and the thrill of adventure at Zephyr Horses. Book your experience today. www.zephyrhorses.com

Looking for something exciting for the kids these school holidays? Circus Arts Byron Bay offers the perfect adventure!

Their fully indoor venue is open six days a week, so you can drop the kids off for a full or half day of fun, knowing they’ll be entertained and active, rain, hail or shine! From soaring on the flying trapeze to bouncing on trampolines, conquering rock walls, mastering acrobatics, and diving into circus games, there’s something thrilling for every young explorer.

From September 16 to October 14, they’re creating a space where kids can unleash their energy, discover new skills, and simply be themselves.

Don’t miss out on the fun - bring your kids along for a memorable holiday experience!

www.circusarts.com.au

17 Centennial Cct, Byron Bay 02 6685 6566

BYRON BAY

BRUNSWICK JUNIOR SURF LIFESAVING

Every Sunday between October and March, Brunswick Nippers flock to the beach to enjoy the surf, learn vital surf safety and survival skills and teamwork, and have a great deal of fun. Nipper events include wade events, board paddling, swimming, beach sprinting and beach flags, as well as lots of fun activities and games designed to teach and improve surf skills. All Brunswick Nippers also participate in a progressive Surf Education program designed by Surf Life Saving Australia. Children 5 to 13-years-old can be registered as a Nipper, (they’re registered in the age group according to the age of the child on October 1). Next registration day is October 13 at the Brunswick Surf Club or register online now. https://brunswickslsc.org/nippers/ jac@brunswickslsc.org

BRIGHT LIGHTS PERFORMANCE SCHOOL

Bright Lights Senior Musical Theatre Troupe presents ‘Legally Blonde, Jnr’

BALLOON ALOFT

These school holidays, the Northern Rivers has everything you need!

What more could a kid wish for than a fantastic sunrise surprise with the family, all aboard Balloon Aloft’s big colourful floating balloon? It’s magic made to marvel for kids and adults alike.

Watch the balloon burst into life, and see trees, animals, hills, houses, roads, rivers and spectacular landscapes of the rainbow region from a bird’s eye view. Included with every flight is a delicious breakfast afterwards at the beautiful Three Blue Ducks restaurant.

Come fly with Balloon Aloft!

@balloonaloftbyronbay www.balloonaloft.com

NORTH BYRON HOTEL

Last year this talented group of performers presented four sold-out shows of “Frozen Jnr’. This group have now graduated from fantasy and princesses to pink outfits and legal brilliance. If you enjoyed the movie, you are certain to enjoy the stage show. The show is full of great songs, exhilarating dance routines, emotional highs and lows and a few twists and turns in the world of Elle Woods. If you wish, wear pink. Join us at the Byron Theatre for all the fun of ‘Legally Blonde Jnr’.

October 4 and 5 at Byron Community Theatre Tickets at byroncentre.com.au

Calling all prospective young chefs to North Byron Hotel’s kitchen. Head Chef Jedd Rifai is running his ever popular cooking classes during the school holidays, teaching kids how to make pizza and gnocchi from scratch, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. This is the perfect place to make friends, whilst taking home new skills and recipes to feed the family. Get your little ones ready to roll up their sleeves, and tuck in!

Pizza workshops: October 2 & 9 from 2pm. Gnocchi workshops: October 3 & 10 from 2pm.

61 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay 02 6685 6500 northbyronhotel.com.au

seven days of entertainment

Eclectic Selection

What’s on this week

This month the feature act at Ballina RSL’s Big Gig Free Live Comedy night is Mark McConville An accomplished stand-up, MC and keynote speaker who has been working in the Australian entertainment industry since 1998. In 2018 Mark graduated from Griffith University with a master’s degree in Suicidology.

Mark has combined his natural talent in comedy with his expertise in suicidology to impact communities around Australia. MC is Mandy Nolan and support is Andrew Roper Thursday at 7pm, Ballina RSL. Free show.

Coorabell Hall Saturday Night Fever is on this weekend – get into your disco groove and jive to the vibes of Wax Addicts, Miss Renee Simone and Pob. There will be a pizza van on site and a licensed bar. All proceeds to hall maintenance and upgrades.

Saturday from 6pm at Coorabell Hall, Coorabell. General admission $50, tickets from events.humanitix.com.

The Open Skies Family Day BBQ is on this weekend – what’s better than a Saturday spent BBQ-ing with your nearest and dearest? Literally nothing –except maybe someone else doing it for you. Join in the family fun for delicious BBQ food, live DJ music and so many activities for the kids including pony rides, face painting, donuts, gelato, arts and crafts and more.

Saturday from 12pm at the North Byron Hotel, Byron Bay. Free event.

The Art 4 Art’s Sake art exhibition is on at the Federal Halland School of Arts this weekend.

It’s been a while since local artists Soren Carlbergg, Marika Bryant, Mahala Magins, Caroline McKay and Peter Neilson held an Art 4 Art’s Sake exhibition – 2018 to be precise!

The planned annual event squashed by Covid, fires, floods and the ‘grand finale’ wash-out of Goonengerry Road and Federal, years in the fixing...

Now, let the exhibitions begin again –The Bloody Good Food Company are working out of the kitchen, alongside Devonshire teas, cakes, coffee and surprises, and music from the Artful Dodgers (see what we did there?)

Saturday and Sunday from 10am at Federal Hall, Federal. Entry by gold coin.

The Golden Gaytimes hit the ground running in 2024 with a new single ‘Swipe Right Swipe Left’ – the Maitland, NSW band are driven by

the understanding that great music is made with liberal measures of both spook and wonk, and their debut album has inspired a run of madcap, psychedelic and party atmosphere gigs, guaranteed to have punters heading for the dance floor.

Sunday at 6pm, The Rails, Byron Bay. Free show.

A free all-ages event invites you to relax on the grass at The Quad in Lismore. In celebration of the official reopening of the Lismore Regional Gallery and Lismore Quadrangle, two local talents will be gracing the Quad with a delightful evening of live music. Bring your picnic blankets, chairs, and dinner for a night filled with the soulful folk and country sounds of Emily Lubitz and Family Jordan.

Saturday at 6pm, The Quad, Lismore. Free entry.

Volume 39 #16 25 September–1 October, 2024 Editor: Eve

Editorial/gigs:Jefferygigs@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

The cheekiest by far…

The mother of all Cheeky Cabarets is back with a special spring season.

The reputation of the outrageous genre-bending show has spread like wildfire with its often weird and always fabulous lineup, and of course, a new cast each season. This is without question the wildest night you’ll have in the Northern Rivers!

Cheeky is back for three big weekends in September and October – along with special weekend matinee sessions!

The Cheeky features a different cast of troubadours, miscreants, delectable divas and cabaret queens every season, so no two shows are ever the same! You’ll leave spellbound, titillated and amazed. As always, bring Grandma but leave the little ones at home.

If you think you’ve seen it all, think again…

Each season of the Cheeky Cabaret features a different cast of performers and different acts. The Cheeky may contain some brief or full nudity, raucous adult language and highly suggestive or sexual humour. The acts are never gratuitous or in vain; they are intended to titillate, to make your jaws drop, and always to entertain, with tongue firmly planted in cheek. A variety show like the Cheeky means that there is something for everyone, and conversely, some acts may not be to your liking. You may wish to cover your eyes or your ears, but never ever don’t at least give the Cheeky a try!

There are six great shows to go until October 4 –don’t miss out!

Get your tickets at brunswickpicturehouse.com.

MARK MCCONVILLE

THE GOLDEN GAYTIMES

FAMILY JORDAN

KING OF SWING

So tell me – why Sinatra?

I’m drawn to his music. I’m drawn to the actual sound of the music as well. There’s no computers in sight, it’s all completely and utterly metal, leather, brass and ivory – everything’s real, even the tape machine is not digital. Everything’s done organically.

You know, I’ve got a 12-piece big band. I regard them as a powerful, beautiful monster that just work perfectly and in synchronicity. You know, there is just all these different parts that come together to create this wonderful sound.

If you think about the growth of music, of the instruments throughout the years, I just don’t want to lose that. I want to keep it current.

Have you done tribute shows for other people?

I was drawn to Michael Bublé – I was driving down a road and I heard the Michael Bublé song, ‘Everything’. It just did something to me. It was life changing. And at the time I was a hairdresser, and I auditioned for my wife – I said, ‘Look, I’ve got an idea. I want to do a Bublé review show’. I failed my first audition. She was hard – a hard, honest woman. She was with her mum and dad, so my in-laws, and they said that I was good. I was about 60 per cent there. I just needed to do a bit more rehearsing, and they’d give me their blessing. So I rehearsed. Six months later I’d learned 75 songs, all Sinatra and Bublé, and off we went. After that my wife went out and actually helped me get my first PA.

So this is a fairly fresh show?

We toured it last year and we did all the major theatres in Queensland.

What is it that you’re really loving about the show at the moment?

So I’ve done a four-piece tour in Queensland. I’ve never played with the big band in New South Wales in the Frank Sinatra show. It is fresh, but, you know, the music is ancient. I’ve met many audience members – people that have seen Sinatra. They’ve come up to me and told me that they saw Sinatra in Melbourne. I’m enjoying bringing it new, now. What inspires you?

I would say the pursuit of a good life – one that is full of love, self, honesty and listening.

What is your current ear worm?

I think that’s an incredible question! I know that is probably the best question I’ve ever been asked. Let me just think…

I find myself singing – Barry Manilow. Another one is Shirley Bassey, ‘Big Spender’ and Tom Jones. Are you having enough fun?

What, right now? I’ve got such a great balance. I spend lots of quality time with my family. I love looking at beautiful Byron Bay. I live in between Federal and Coorabell, and it’s just green, green hills and blue sky, and it’s so peaceful, and we’re just not too far away from the beach.

Yes, I’m loving my job. I love my kids. I love my dogs. Yeah, I’m absolutely loving my life right now.

entic-

King of The Swingers: Sinatra Through The Years, is the most authenticsounding tribute concert to the unforgettable music of ‘Ol’ Blues Eyes’ himself, Frank Sinatra. Standing in Frank’s shoes is international performer Rhydian Lewis – it feels like he is channeling Sinatra at his absolute peak. Being supported by one of Australia’s finest big bands, The Residuals, King of The Swingers has toured extensively, and in November they are coming to Ballina. Seven caught up with Rhydian Lewis.

seven days of entertainment

seven da

peak uals, hey are Ki Si Rh Re Su th ba ki

King of the Swingers: Sinatra Through The Years, Rhydian Lewis & The Residuals Big Band on Sunday, November 17, at the Ballina RSL, 1.30pm. ballinarsl.com.au/event/ king-of-the-swingers.

It’s the Land Of Make Believe

The Land Of Make Believe Storytelling Festival is a three-week celebration of storytelling through the lens of the travelling carnivale – folklore and fairy tales flourish.

The festival has free and ticketed events and includes theatre, games, dance, music, circus, workshops, and more. The diverse program will include conversations with artists and authors, storytelling for both children and adults and a number of meticulously-curated themed events.

The Land of Make Believe is an immersive storytelling event opening on 4 October with a collaborative art exhibition featuring painting, mixed media, wearable art and installations by Talulah Rae, Belinda Royal, Penelope Sienna, Dallas Rae, Leah Lelash and Laura Bensi.

The Land of Make Believe will also host the grand opening of the fabulous Strumpet Salon and Exotic Imaginarium opulent travelling theatre – a place where many stories have been bought to life – that was all but destroyed in the 2022 flood. Come and join the adventure of curiosity and wonder with the opening of the ‘Ballad of the Gypsy’s Curse’ on Saturday, 5 October.

The opulence of the roaring ‘20s meets The wonder and whimsy of the Travelling Carnivale. This evening event will feature free gypsy carnivale music from 5pmto 6pm on the Strumpet Salon stage.

There are only 20 ticketed seats to three exclusive shows from 6pm, featuring swooning songstresses, burlesque, sideshow, storytelling and dance. Come and delight in exquisite performances in the opulent theatre, enjoy the art, have your fortune told and get a beverage or two from the Strumpet Bar – this is an adults only event.

The Magic Theatre of Curiosities and Wonders will be held on Saturday, 12 October from 1pm to 5pm.

Boogie Boogie Boogie

Step right up to the Magic Theatre’s family carnivale funday. Their travelling theatre hosts four amazing ticketed kids shows from 2pm to 4pm. Alongside the ticketed events will be a free circus play space, dressups, children’s storytelling, magical creature workshops, face painting, music, and the opportunity have your photograph taken on the vintage carnivale papermoon. This is a funtastic family day for kids of all ages.

Carnivale of the Mysteries of the Soul starts at 5.30pm on Saturday, 19 October – your soul has embarked upon a hero’s journey, descending from the eternal realm into the holographic physical plane. Together you will solve puzzles, uncover ancient mysteries and hidden truths and conspire with other players to unfold a choose-your-own adventure storyline, to emerge resplendent, inspired and full of joy! Dinner is an exquisite three-course plant-based meal, lovingly prepared by local chefs, with local produce. Laugh, dance, sing, create, imagine, eat, drink, love and play your way through this meticulously crafted game of life – this is an adults only event.

CINEMA

Our favourite love affair

The 2024 ST. ALi Italian Film Festival presented by Palace returns to cinemas with a not-to-be-missed program of the best new Italian films and classic gems, screening in Byron Bay and Ballina from Thursday.

Multi-talented Italian-Australian food writer, TV producer and host Silvia Colloca will invite audiences to enjoy ‘la dolce vita’ as this year’s ST. ALi Italian Film Festival ambassador, sharing her love of all things Italian with festival audiences.

The Land Of Make Believe is on at Flourish Gallery, 15 Casino Street, South Lismore from October 4 to 25. For more information, visit: themagictheatre.com.au/landofmakebelieve.

44 4

for a night of deep dancing and good vibes October 19, 6pm - midnight.

Theatre for six hours of fun for the frequency. Support Byron’s own and only independent radio station as you boogie to Pob, Si Clone, Gez, Rahel, Lustr, Spacie and Naked Ninja.

This year’s delightfully diverse program includes awardwinning drama, documentary, laugh-out-loud comedy, and historical epics starring an array of new and iconic talent. The first highlights offer a glimpse into the festival which celebrates Italian cinema and filmmakers at their very best.

Special presentations include the playful, meta comedy Marcello Mio, led by acting royalty and reallife mother-daughter duo Chiara Mastroianni and Catherine Deneuve. A joyful imagining of the daily lives of a creative family, it focuses on the legacy of the great Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni, Chiara’s late, real-life father.

The festival’s second special presentation and winner of the 2024 Sydney International Film Festival’s coveted Sydney Film Prize is There’s Still Tomorrow (C’è ancora domani). The directorial debut of Paola Cortellesi, who also stars in the film, follows a woman living in postwar Rome with her family who dares to break with tradition. Loved by critics and audiences alike, it was the highest grossing film in Italy last year.

There is so much more you will love about this festival – see the entire program at www.palacecinemas.com.au/festivals.

The 2024 ST.ALi Italian Film Festival presented by Palace screens in Byron Bay and Ballina from September 26 to October 16 at Palace Byron Bay, and Ballina Fair Cinemas.

Palace Byron Bay

Jonson St, Byron Bay

MIO

seven days of entertainment

CATCH, THROW, DISCO, AND UNDIES – IT’S CIRCUS!

The National Circus Festival takes place at Mullumbimby Showground from October 4 to 6. Tickets are affordably priced, with one-day passes for children at $25 and adults at $70. For more details and tickets, visit www.nationalcircusfestival.com.

The National Circus Festival lights up Mullum Showground, October 4 to 6, with awe-inspiring acrobatics, world-class circus, and sensational cabaret – the festival offers something for everyone, celebrating the diversity and magic of the world of circus. Featuring 40 acts over three days in four venues, what Seven really wanted to know was about undies…

A GOOD CATCH CIRCUS

Your show ‘For the Love of the World’ is performed by an intergenerational ensemble from their 20s to 60s – is learning from each other a two-way street?

Absolutely. We are all mentoring each other to an extent.

Who is the funniest group member and what colour undies are they wearing?

Debra Batton is our clown boss. Her undies are a bespoke patterned pair in greens and pinks with a gold spotted crotch bought in Berlin.

THROW CATCH COLLECTIVE

Is juggling as easy as it looks?

The aim for performing juggling is to make it look easy, so often times no, it is not as easy as it looks. However, like any physical skill juggling can be broken down into smaller components so that it is more manageable to learn, so if you approach any new technique by breaking it down into manageable chunks then putting them all together makes life much easier.

If you were juggling undies, what colour would they be?

If I were juggling undies I would want the most technical options possible, so I would make them so that one side of the underwear are one colour, and the other side are another, that way I can switch them at various points so I would make the front white and the back a super vibrant neon green so that when I change it is a very distinct change.

We all know kids are way better than grown ups – have you ever met an adult who was/is just as awesome as a seven-year-old?

In the worlds of circus and children’s entertainment I am very lucky to be surrounded by lots of awesome kids and adults, but I would definitely say the adults who give seven-year-olds a run for their money in awesomeness are my mentors and Byron Shire locals Shorty Brown (children’s entertainer) and Alice Cadwell (National Circus Festival Director).

What colour undies are you wearing?

As a children’s performer it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to tell you that, but any grown-ups coming to the fabulous Cabaret shows at the National Circus Festival might see some undies!

HANA FIESTA

If only you knew

The often-pondered idiom ‘If I only knew then, what I know now’, gets a test run in cinemas in a new flick screening this week. What would you actually do if you had pre-knowledge of the things coming to pass? In My Old Ass It all begins with a mushroom trip that brings free-spirited Elliott face-to-face with her 39-year-old self.

My Old Ass is a comedy-drama film written and directed by Megan Park. It stars Maisy Stella in her film debut, Percy Hynes White, Maddie Ziegle – known for her seasons on Dance Mums, and the centrepiece of several Sia music videos – Kerrice Brooks, and Aubrey Plaza.

My Old Ass is a fresh coming-of-age story, an 18th birthday mushroom trip brings free-spirited Elliott (Maisy Stella) face-to-face with her wisecracking 39-year-old self (Aubrey Plaza). But when Elliott’s ‘old ass’ starts handing out warnings about what her younger self should and shouldn’t do, up to and including that she not to fall in love, Elliott is sure she can follow the advice she has been given. That is, until she meets the boy her older self warned her about.

Elliott realises she has to rethink everything about family, love, and what looks like becoming a transformative summer.

Would you listen to older you?

This film could be a guide book or a cautionary tale – or both!

My Old Ass screens this week at both Ballina Fair Cinemas and Palace Cinemas, Byron Bay. For times visit: palacecinemas.com.au.

GIG GUIDE

WEDNESDAY 25

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, ANIMAL VENTURA

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM INO PIO

BYRON THEATRE 6PM THE POINT!

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM DAN HANNAFORD

BANGALOW BOWLO

7.30PM BANGALOW BRACKETS OPEN MIC

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM CHEEKY CABARET

LISMORE SHOWGROUND

7.30PM NORPA PRESENTS WILDSKIN

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS

6.30PM KINGY COMEDY –MARK MCCONVILLE

FRIDAY 27

THURSDAY 26

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, LILLI FAIRFAX

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM LOS ANTONIOS + MECHI ROMERO

BYRON THEATRE 6PM THE POINT!

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM OLE FALCOR HOTEL BRUNSWICK

6PM ALLY PALMER

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM CHEEKY CABARET

LENNOX HOTEL

8PM THURSDAY JAM NIGHT

BALLINA RSL LEVEL ONE 7PM THE BIG GIG COMEDY NIGHT

ELTHAM HOTEL

5PM BLUEGRASS JAM

THE LEVEE, LISMORE, 5PM BLACK TRAIN,

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, EPIC

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM MICKA SCENE DUO + THE VYBEZ BAND

BYRON THEATRE

7.30PM JULIAN BELBACHIR

NORTH BYRON HOTEL

4PM DJ DAVID BANGMA

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6.30PM ANDY JANS BROWN DUO + DJ JAMES MACK,

8.30PM MARIANO MELLINO

HABITAT COURTYARD

4PM GITANA BLOCK

PARTY FEATURING JESSE

FIREBRAND AND ART GITANA FLAMENCO

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM THE WHISKEYS

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 8PM CHEEKY CABARET

7.30PM ALPHABET POETRY

THE SUPPER CLUB AT THE BOWLO, LISMORE, 7PM THE SUPPER CLUB SOUL BAND

LISMORE SHOWGROUND

7.30PM NORPA PRESENTS WILDSKIN

ST JOHN’S SCHOOL HALL, MULLUMBIMBY, 3PM SPRING FAIR

WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM DJ XUJA

MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 8PM KRAPPYOKEE WITH JESS

DURRUMBUL HALL

7PM ECSTATIC DANCE MULLUMBIMBY WITH DJ ISHWARA

CLUB LENNOX 7PM THE DETECTIVES, 7PM ANDREW & MAL

LENNOX HOTEL 9PM LIVIN’ IN THE 70S CHERRY STREET

SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, 7PM NATHAN KAYE HOTEL ILLAWONG, EVANS HEAD, 7.30PM JON J BRADLEY

LISMORE REGIONAL GALLERY 6.30PM OFFICIAL REOPENING LISMORE REGIONAL GALLERY FEAT. DJS ZAC & JO, FEMME NASTY & GUY GREY

10:45AM, 1:30PM, 4:15PM, 6:15PM THE WILD

NFT Daily: 11:10AM, 1:30PM, 3:50PM ALL FILMS A DIFFICULT YEAR (M) NFT Daily except Sat: 11:15AM, 2:00PM, 4:30PM, 7:00PM. Sat: 11:15AM, 1:15PM, 4:30PM, 7:00PM ALIEN: ROMULUS(MA15+) Daily: 8:20PM BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE (M) Thurs, Fri, Mon, Tues: 10:45AM, 1:40PM, 4:00PM, 6:10PM. Sat, Wed: 10:45AM, 4:00PM, 6:10PM. Sun: 11:30AM, 1:20PM, 6:10PM DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE (MA15+) Thurs: 11:15AM, 3:20PM. Fri, Mon, Tues: 11:15AM, 5:50PM. Sat, Sun, Wed: 5:50PM IT ENDS WITH US (M) Daily except Sun, Mon: 11:15AM, 7:45PM. Sun: 10:45AM, 7:45PM. Mon: 11:15AM, 8:00PM MY OLD ASS (MA15+) NFT Thurs, Sat, Sun: 11:10AM, 1:50PM, 4:00PM, 6:00PM, 8:30PM. Fri, Mon, Tues, Wed: 10:50AM, 1:50PM, 4:00PM, 6:00PM, 8:30PM NEVER LET GO (MA15+) NFT Thurs, Fri: 3:20PM, 5:30PM, 8:20PM. Sat, Sun: 3:20PM, 5:30PM, 8:30PM. Mon: 1:00PM, 3:20PM, 8:20PM. Tues, Wed: 3:20PM, 5:30PM, 8:35PM SPEAK NO EVIL(MA15+)

LISMORE SHOWGROUND

7.30PM NORPA PRESENTS WILDSKIN

THE LEVEE, LISMORE, 7.30PM DJ TRANQKARMA THE CHANNON TAVERN 7PM POLY & CO

MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6.30PM LEIGH JAMES

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 5PM GREGG PETERSON

SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 6PM TAHLIA MATHESON

SATURDAY 28

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, PINK ZINC

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 8PM BAG RAIDERS (DJ SET)

NORTH BYRON HOTEL

1.30PM DJ WILL CONNELL

THREE BLUE DUCKS, EWINGSDALE, 12.30PM JAZZ FACTORY + ADAM HARPAZ

BANGALOW HOTEL 4PM ROD MURRAY & SIMON LEIGH HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4PM PASIFLOREZ, EAGLE EYE JONES AND DRUIDS FLUIDS

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 2PM LIL’ CHEEKY, 6PM CHEEKY CABARET

MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 3PM OPEN

LONE GOAT GALLERY, BYRON BAY, 3PM NOW + THEN –ARTISTS IN CONVERSATION + EXHIBITION OPENING

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6.30PM MATT ARMITAGE DUO + KANE MUIR, 9PM DJ

ABEL TORO + DJ DALE

STEPHEN + REIF HAND

BANGALOW HOTEL 4PM DION & EVAN

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM MICKA SCENE + DJ WHO’S WHO

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM BUDJERAH

MULLUMBIMBY EX-SERVICES CLUB 8PM KEVIN BORICH EXPRESS

FEDERAL HALL 10AM ART 4 ART’S SAKE

LENNOX HOTEL 9PM DJ SLIM

RUSTY, 9PM RAGGA JUMP

BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK

6PM NATHAN KAYE

CHERRY STREET SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, 8PM WEAR THE FOX HAT

THE QUAD, LISMORE, 6PM EMILY LUBITZ AND THE FAMILY JORDAN LISMORE SHOWGROUND

2PM TURTLE BOY

MONDAY 30 RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, OLE FALCOR BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM Z-STAR THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM MARK USHER

7.30PM NORPA PRESENTS WILDSKIN

MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6PM STEPHEN LOVELIGHT THE CITADEL, MURWILLUMBAH, 7PM DANA

GEHRMAN + RUBY GILBERT

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS

5PM BLAKE EVANS

SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 6PM INO PIO

SUNDAY 29

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, GOLDEN GAYTIMES

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 1PM DAVID MCCREDIE + GOODRICH + LATIFA TEE

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM MARK CHAPMAN

NORTH BYRON HOTEL

2PM DJ MONSIEUR DIOP

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

TUESDAY 1

WEDESDAY 2

ECHO CLASSIFIEDS – 6684 1777

CLASSIFIED AD BOOKINGS

PHONE ADS

Ads may be taken by phone on 6684 1777 AT THE ECHO HEAD OFFICE

Ads can be lodged in person at the Mullum Echo office: Village Way, Stuart St, Mullumbimby EMAIL ADS

Display (box ads) and line classifieds, email: classifieds@echo.net.au

Ad bookings only taken during business hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm. Ads can’t be taken on the weekend. Account enquiries phone 6684 1777.

AGMs

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DEADLINE TUES 12PM

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

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LINE ADS:

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Mullumbimby & District

Neighbourhood Centre

Connecting the Byron Shire Community

PUBLIC NOTICES

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

Some thought that Sarah Ndiaye’s grinning face everywhere you looked was slightly inappropriate in the context of multiple environmental crises and deadly conflicts. Others no doubt took it as a sign that Sarah is going to solve all the worlds problems painlessly and enjoy doing so.

A third group comes to mind: Those who have gender issues mixed up with green issues. Such people should maybe form their own party instead of gate-crashing an existing one and highjacking the agenda. Then again maybe the latter group has actually found a way to combine the two issues by adopting the slogan “It’s the girls turn to stuff up the planet.” Yes, that must be it Fast Buck$

COMMUNITY HOT BRUNCH FREE

FIRST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH

• Sausage sizzle • Hot dogs • Sandwiches

• Coffee & tea

• Fruit Salad

EVERYONE WELCOME

Come one come all and join us in a meal or just a chat. Takeaway most welcome: COVID safe rules apply. Frozen takeaway meals now available.

10am to 12pm In the Ballina Presbyterian Hall

Corner of Cherry & Crane. Just behind the Presbyterian Church.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

- Kitchen Hands -

- Retail Assistants -

- Drivers and Co-driver -

- Community Support AssistantsMDNC is in needs of dedicated volunteers to be part of a big loving family. All skill sets welcome.

Contact SylviaVolunteer Coordinator Mon-Fri 6684 1286

MOTOR VEHICLES

LOCAL REMOVAL

School Crossing Supervisor (Part-Time) Byron Bay Public School

You have a chance to make an impact on your local community.

In this Role, you’ll

Become a Road Safety Hero that is held in very high esteem in our communities and vital to the safety of our kids, parents, teachers and local motorists. You’ll also grow to be a much-loved familiar face around the school with a unique opportunity to touch the lives of countless families.

Byron Bay Public School shifts fall between the school zone hours of 8:30am to 9:30am and 2:50pm to 3:50pm, Monday to Friday, with 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour in the afternoon. School Crossings require 20 hours of supervising per fortnight.

You will receive an hourly rate along with superannuation, and you will also be compensated during school holidays from Terms 1 to 3.

About you

You’re a community minded person who would like to contribute.

You’re reliable and prepared to show up for your community – in good or bad weather.

Julie Wells

Anne Goslett (nee Mannix)

Dip.Som.Psych, Clinical PACFA Reg. Individual and Couple Therapy Supervision and Coaching (02) 6685 5185 9 Fletcher St, Byron Bay

0401 926 090

Applicants must be 18 years of age at the time of appointment. All training, uniforms and equipment will be provided. And one more thing! As you’ll be working with children on our roads, your willingness to obtain a Working with Children Check, Reference Checks, Police Check, and a Health Assessment is vital. Don’t worry if you haven’t done this before, we will help you through the process! If you already have a Working with Children Check, that’s fantastic as that will speed up the process.

Applications close 11:59pm on Sunday 9 October 2024

Apply Now: jobs.transport.nsw.gov.au/job-invite/96375/

If you have any questions regarding this role or any other locations, please contact: Sandhini Chaudhary via sandhini.chaudhary@transport.nsw.gov.au

For more information and more roles, please visit jobs.transport.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘School

BUSINESS FOR SALE

STARFISHTAKEAWAY FOR SALE

Same owners for 22 years. Great business,long lease, awesome location! Only serious parties email

DEATH NOTICES

Tim Brooke-Hunt Aged 76 years

Left us peacefully on 23.09.24 At home, with family and friends. A service will be held on Friday September 27 at 2pm Tweed Valley Cemetery & Crematorium Eviron Road, Eviron, Tweed Valley. RIP Tim . n, Twe

On The Horizon

DEADLINE NOON FRIDAY

AGM Suffolk Park

WORK WANTED

Adobe Tutoring

•

• Indesign

•

In Loving Memory of MAUREEN ALLAN of Mullumbimby. Passed away peacefully on Sunday 15thSept 2024. Aged 88 Years.

Dearly loved Wife of Peter Allan (dec’d).

Loved Mother of Tracey and Jeremy. Cherished Grandmother of Wattle, Jack and Blaise.

Family and Friends are warmly invited to attend Maureen’s Funeral service

To be held at the Mullumbimby

Presbyterian Church on Saturday 28thSept at 10am. Michael Currie at Brunswick Valley Funerals 6684 6232

LIFE CELEBRATIONS

FRANCIS (FRANK) GORDON BIENKE

12/5/43 – 17/9/24

Passed away at home on Tuesday 17th September 2024, surrounded by his loving family after a long and courageous battle with motor neurone disease and cancer.

Dearly loved husband of the late Kathleen Bienke (née King), Francis was a devoted and cherished father to Lesley, Colin, James, Cameron, Julian, Maryann and Amie. He was an adored Pop to Rowon, Xavier, Zara, Kaelen, Byron, Noah and Soul, and a valued father-in-law to Chris, Steve, Diana and Miracle.

Son of Annie and Frederick Bienke, Francis and the Bienke family were long-time residents of Byron Bay. Francis was the beloved brother of William, Louis, Velma, Jeanette, Rodney, Narelle, Frederick and Ross, and his surviving siblings Jeanette, Rodney and Narelle. His love for his family and deep connection to both his family, friends and the community will be fondly remembered by all.

An incredibly caring, generous and cheeky spirit, you showed us all how to live, love and laugh without boundaries and will forever be with us.

Francis will now be laid to rest beside the love of his life Kathleen, reunited in spirit. The love they shared was extraordinary, and their legacy will continue to live on through all of us.

Relatives and friends are invited to honour Francis’ life; a service will be held on Monday, September 30 at 12 noon at St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, 6 The Avenue, Alstonville, New South Wales, where we previously honoured Kathleen. All who wish to celebrate his life with us are welcome to attend.

Frank’s service will be livestreamed, please refer to Parkview Funeral Home website for the details later next week.

SOCIAL ESCORTS

PETS

Lyla is another sweet black and white 4 year old female. We’ve had a dearth of black and white cats lately! She and her sister, Tilly, came from a household with too many cats. She would love to find her perfect home!

All cats are desexed, vaccinated and microchipped. No: 953010004365554.

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

Byron Dog Rescue (CAWI)

LOL A LOLA

Lola is a desexed female 8.8-year-old Staffy x in excellent health and condition. She is very loving & loyal, adores humans of the big and little kind, loves cuddles and being included in family life. Lola is fine with other dogs if introduced correctly but doesn’t really want or need doggy friends. She is best suited to walks on a (long) lead. Please contact Shell on 0458461935. MC: 953010001248784

Suffolk Park Progress Association is holding its AGM on Tuesday, October 15 at 4pm at the Suffolk Park Hall. All welcome.

Mullum Plant Fair

The Mullum Plant Fair is on Sunday, September 29, 9am to 2pm at the Mullum Community Gardens, 156 Stuart St, Mullumbimby, gold coin donation. For more info: mullumseed. org.au or contact Emma-lee Luther at community@mullumseed.org.au.

60+ internet help

Over 60 and need some internet assistance? The Brunswick Heads library are offering 40-minute one-onone sessions to help you get started on Wednesday, October 2 and running every Wednesday for 16 weeks. Queries with e-mail, online shopping and banking, cyber security or even how to use your tablet is available. Call 6685 1816 to book a session.

Marley is a 9 month old, Smithfield/Terrier X. She is an energetic pup who thrives on activity and engagement. She would be an excellent match for an active family with older kids who can keep up with

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

Liberation Larder AGM

The Liberation Larder wishes to advise its members that the AGM will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, October 15 at Byron Community Centre, Wategos 2. New members are welcome.

BV Probus Club

The Brunswick Valley Probus Club meeting is on Tuesday, October 1 at 10am at The Ocean Shores Country Club. Guest speaker is Linda Cash talking about Wildlife of the Falklands. Visitors welcome. Inquires ring Margaret on 6680 3316. Action party

Angry about skyrocketing rents and house prices while wages stagnate? Tired of paying someone else (bank or landlord) for shelter? Join us on Tuesday, October 8, 6pm, Mullumbimby Uniting Hall, 132 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby for an energising and collaborative action party as we work together to House You! Get in touch via office@ houseyou.org to RSVP or follow House You online.

Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens

Enjoy a guided walk in the Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens on Sunday, September 29. The ‘Spring in the Gardens’ walk will let you see what’s flowering in the rainforest. Meet at 9.45am at the Visitors Centre at the Gardens for a 10am. $5 for adults, children free, Cash only. Bookings essential: publicity@ friendslrbg.com.au.

End-of-Life Choices

Visit friendsofthepound.com to view other dogs and cats looking for a

This handsome teen is Ralph! He’s full of energy & enjoys playing with toys and playing chase. Ralph is an affectionate boy who would make a great addition to a family wanting a loving playmate. To meet Ralph & our other cats & kittens, please visit the Cat Adoption Centre at 124 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby.

OPEN: Tues 2.30-4.30pm Thurs 3-5pm Sat 10am-12 noon | Call AWL on 0436 845 542 | Like us on Facebook. Animal Rehoming Organisation Number R251000222

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

MONTHLY MARKETS

Voluntary Euthanasia End-of-Life Choices are discussed at Exit International meetings held quarterly. Last meetings for the year are being held soon. 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).

Art 4 Art’s Sake

Local artists Soren Carlbergg, Marika Bryant, Mahala Maggins, Harry Williamson, Caroline McKay and Peter Neilson are getting together at the Federal Hall and School of Arts this weekend, 28-29 September from 10am-2pm. A celebration of life and art and the reopening of Federal Hill with live music from The Artfull Dodgers and food. Original painting raffle and entry by gold coin donation. Come join us!

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 look 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,

PHYSIOTHERAPY

www.echo.net.au/echo–property

Elevated retreat with breathtaking views in Mullumbimby

Let your eyes wander across endless vistas from every corner of this remarkable home, where each moment is accentuated by stunning views that make this property truly unique and unforgettable. Looking straight onto Mt Chincogan, with Wollumbin in the distance.

This amazing home is nestled on a quiet, tree-lined street in the sought-after Tallowood Estate and welcomes you with a sense of character and style that instantly feels like the dream home you’ve been searching for. Inside, the warmth of the gorgeous timber-style flooring sets the tone, flowing effortlessly throughout the generously proportioned light filled living spaces, with high ceilings throughout.

The open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area invite you in, creating a heart for the home where the chef can prepare meals while still being part of the conversation. With ample bench and cupboard space, the kitchen is a true delight. As you prepare your favourite dish the breathtaking views through the large windows make cooking feel less like a chore and more like a peaceful retreat.

Boasting a thoughtfully designed three-bedroom, two-bathroom layout upstairs, with studio including bathroom downstairs, this home is built for comfort. The primary bedroom features a walk-in

robe, an elegant ensuite and private deck access – the perfect place to enjoy the bushland opposite with a cuppa or a nightcap beneath the stars. The second and third bedrooms are spacious, each with built-in robes, ensuring plenty of storage space for the family.

For those who work from home, an enclosed office provides the privacy you need, with light and airflow. Downstairs a soundproof studio awaits, with beautifully finished polished cement flooring and acoustically-designed wooden roofing, it offers endless possibilities. Whether it’s a space for visiting parents, a teenage retreat, or a creative space, the studio comes complete with a full bathroom, ensuring comfort and privacy.

The expansive veranda is a true highlight of the home with timber decking and sweeping views, offering the perfect spot to sip your morning coffee or unwind after a long day. The veranda’s stairs lead down to a fully-fenced backyard – a safe and serene space for children and pets to play.

Even the garage in this home goes

above and beyond, providing space for two cars plus additional space and built in storage, with internal access that makes carrying groceries a breeze. Whilst down the side of the house is access, room enough for a caravan or trailer.

This property is equipped with a premium solar system, promoting sustainable and cost-efficient living, ensuring your home runs smoothly while reducing

your environmental footprint.

With easy-care finishes paired with picturesque views, this home offers effortless living in a setting you’ll never want to leave.

Located just eight minutes from Mullumbimby town, you have quick access to all it has to offer, from the vibrant local farmers’ market to charming cafés, boutique shopping, and excellent schools.

And with Byron Bay’s stunning beaches and renowned restaurants only 15 minutes away, you’re never far from coastal adventures or fine dining experiences.

18 Cockatoo Crescent, Mullumbimby

Viewing: Sat 28th Sep, 10am Contact: Idan Gonen

HINTERLAND FAMILY ESTATE IN SOUGHT AFTER TINTENBAR A PREMIER LIFESTYLE RETREAT WITH STUNNING VIEWS

Offering an idyllic hinterland lifestyle on 1.37 acres, combining privacy with scenic beauty. This spacious fourbedroom home is designed for relaxation and entertainment, featuring a stunning in-ground pool, expansive entertaining deck, and manicured gardens. The main living area has raked ceilings and connects effortlessly to the outdoor spaces, while the upstairs master retreat enjoys its own balcony and stunning views over the countryside. This is more than just a home - it’s a lifestyle. A unique opportunity to own a piece of paradise in an exclusive location. Arrange an inspection to truly appreciate its grandeur!

Let your eyes wander across endless vistas from every corner of this remarkable home, where each moment is accentuated by stunning views that make this property truly unique and unforgettable. Looking straight onto Mt Chincogan, with Wollumbin in the distance. This amazing home is nestled on a quiet, tree-lined street in the sought-after Tallowood Estate and welcomes you with a sense of character and style that instantly feels like the dream home you’ve been searching for. Inside, the warmth of the gorgeous timber-style flooring sets the tone, flowing effortlessly throughout the generously proportioned light filled living spaces, with high ceilings throughout.

18 Cockatoo Crescent, Mullumbimby Open for Inspection 10am Sat 28th

Contact agent for price guide

• Expansive hilltop home with breathtaking panoramic views from every corner

• Prime location – 8 minutes to Mullumbimby town, 15 minutes to Byron Bay’s beaches and restaurants

• Generous three bedroom, two bathroom layout upstairs

• Separate downstairs studio, with bathroom

• Spacious open-plan kitchen, living, and diningareas with seamless indoor-outdoor flow

• Private primary suite with walk-in robe, ensuite, and direct deck access

• Large timber veranda and fenced backyard, perfect for entertaining or relaxing with family

• Enclosed office space, ideal for working from home or creative pursuits

• Eco-friendly living with a premium solar system, reducing energy costs and your carbon footprint

81–83 Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby NSW 2482 ABN: 34 068 287 427

www.nclp.com.au P: 02 6684 2615 E: sales@nclp.com.au

Business Directory

Open For Inspection

First National Byron Bay

• 3/6 Julian Rocks Drive, Byron Bay. Tues 1–1.30pm

• 1/14 Keats Street, Byron Bay. Thurs 11–11.30am

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

• 1/14 Keats Street, Byron Bay. Thurs 11–1.30am

• 34 Main Arm Road, Mullumbimby. Thurs 12.30–1pm

• 1/34 Lawson Street, Byron Bay. Thurs 2–2.30pm

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

• 1363 Main Arm Road, Upper Main Arm. Fri 10.45–11.15am

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

• 440 Dorroughby Road, Dorroughby. Fri 12.30–1pm

• 14B Childe Street, Byron Bay. Fri 2–2.30pm

• 3/6 Julian Rocks Drive, Byron Bay. Fri 4–4.30pm

• 5 Barby Crescent, Bangalow. Sat 9–9.30am

• 3/6 Julian Rocks Drive, Byron Bay. Sat 9–9.30am

• 6/133–141 Broken Head Road, Suffolk Park. Sat 9–9.30am

• 2A Clifford Street, Suffolk Park. Sat 9–9.30am

• 2/27 Kalemajere Drive, Suffolk Park. Sat 9–9.30am

• 20/11 Constellation Close, Byron Bay. Sat 9–9.30am

• 1/6 Sallywattle Drive, Suffolk Park. Sat 9–9.30am

• 1/14 Keats Street, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

• 15 Palm–Lily Crescent, Bangalow. Sat 10–10:30am

• 1/1 Tea Tree Court, Suffolk Park. Sat 10–10.30am

• 4/113 Paterson Street, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

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

• 15/24 Scott Street, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10:30am

• 19A Gordon Street, Byron Bay. Sat 11–11.30am

• 124 Alcorn Street, Suffolk Park. Sat 11–11.30am

• 50/11–19 Cooper Street, Byron Bay. Sat 11–11.30am

• 56 Parrot Tree Place, Bangalow. Sat 11–11.30am

• 40 Old Bangalow Road, Byron Bay. Sat 11–11.30am

• 1 Park Street, Brunswick Heads. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 1/34 Lawson Street, Byron Bay. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 34 Main Arm Road, Mullumbimby. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 30 Beachside Drive, Suffolk Park. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 15 Plantation Drive, Ewingsdale. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 22 Karalauren Court, Lennox Head. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 14B Childe Street, Byron Bay. Sat 12.30–1pm

• 10 Muli Court, Myocum. Sat 12.30–1pm

• 37 Matong Drive, Ocean Shores. Sat 1–1.30pm

North Coast Lifestyle Properties

• 1/15 Boondoon Crescent, Ocean Shores. Sat 9–9.30am

• 2/9 Grandview Street, East Ballina. Sat 9–9:30am

• 3 Woggoon Terrace, Ocean Shores. Sat 10–10.30am

• 52 Norton Street, Ballina. Sat 10–10:30am

• 18 Cockatoo Crescent, Mullumbimby. Sat 10–10.45am

• 9 Rangal Road, Ocean Shores. Sat 11–11.30am

• 6/15–17 Mullumbimbi St, Brunswick Heads. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 22 Mill Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 1–1.45pm

Ray White Byron Bay

• 9 Huonbrook Road, Wilsons Creek. Thurs 12–12.30pm

• 13/41–43 Shirley Street, Byron Bay. Thur 12–12.30pm

• 1/12 Jarrett Street, Ballina. Thur 2–2.30pm

• 11 Browning Street, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

• 9 Heritage Court, Suffolk Park. Sat 10–10.30am

• 109–111 Broken Head Road, Suffolk Park. Sat 11–11.30am

• 1 Hayters Drive, Suffolk Park. Sat 11–11.30am

• 17 Beachside Drive, Suffolk Park. Sat 11–11.30am

• 13/183–205 Broken Head Road, Suffolk Park. Sat 12–12.30pm

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

• 19/183–205 Broken Head Road, Suffolk Park. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 9 George Street, Bangalow. Sat 1–1.30pm

• 271 Goremans Road, Eureka. Sat 2–2.30pm

Ray White Rural Bangalow

• 55 Tristania Street, Bangalow. Sat 10–10.30am

• 28 Rankin Drive, Bangalow. Sat 10–10.30am

Ruth Russell Realty

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

Tim Miller Real Estate

• 9 Keith Street, Bangalow. Sat 10.15–10.45am

• 90 Bates Road, Federal. Sat 11.15–11.45am

• 113 Kings Road, Federal. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 1 Wickham Place, Clunes. Sat 1–1.30pm

DJ Stringer Property

• 22 Cabbage Gum Rd, Cudgera Creek. Sat 9–9.30am

• 21 Irving St, Tumbulgum. Sat 9–9.30am

• 3D/3–9 Eden St, Tweed Heads. Sat 10–10.30am

• 22/80–86 Duringan St, Currumbin. Sat 10.30–11am

• 36 Broadwater Esplanade, Bilambil Heights. Sat 11–11.30am

• 13/27 Philip St, Currumbin. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 8/10 Tweed St, Coolangatta. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 41/3 Clancy Ct, Tugun. Sat 12.30–1pm

• 1/6–8 Endeavour Pde, Tweed Heads. Sat 1.30–2pm

Dodds Real Estate

• 19 Ballina Road, Bangalow. Sat 11.00–11.30am

• Main Arm Road, Mullumbimby. Sat 12.30–1pm

• 6181 Tweed Valley Way, Burringbar. Sat 12.30–1pm

Harcourts Northern Rivers

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

• 2/12 Hackett Lane, Ballina. Sat 10–10.30am

• 337 Hermans Lane, Pimlico. Sat 10–10.30am

• 26 Clavan Street, Ballina. Sat 10.15–10.45am

• 96 Emigrant Point Road, Pimlico. Sat 10.45–11.15am

• 52 Riverview Avenue, West Ballina. Sat 11–11.30am

• 79 Burnet Street, Ballina. Sat 11–11.30am

• 10 Eider Quadrant, Ballina. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 9 Fitzroy Street, Wardell. Sat 11.45am–12.15pm

• 6 Rifle Range Road, Wollongbar. Sat 12 –12.30pm

• 6 Condon Drive, East Ballina. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 6 Patchs Beach Road, East Wardell. Sat 12.30–1pm

• 73 Lagoon Drive, Myocum. Sat 1.30–2pm

• 5 Cooper Street, Byron Bay. Sat 1.30–2pm

Helene Adams Property

• 1.06/139 Jonson St, Byron Bay. Wed 10–10.30am

• 87 Tweed Coast Rd, Bogangar. Wed 12–12.30pm

• 7/99 Broken Head Rd, Suffolk Park. Sat 10–10.30am

• 1.06/139 Jonson St, Byron Bay. Sat 11–11.30am

• 87 Tweed Coast Rd, Bogangar. Sat 1–1.30pm

MANA RE

• 46 Orana Road, Ocean Shores. Wed 4–4.30pm

• 44 Lalina Avenue, Tweed Heads West. Sat 9–9.30am

• 4 Brunswick Street, New Brighton. Sat 9–9.30am

• 10 Palmer Avenue, Ocean Shores. Sat 9–9.30am

• 4 Hart Court, Ocean Shores. Sat 10–10.30am

• 2/5 Canowindra Court, South Golden Beach. Sat 10–10.30am

• 6 Central Park Lane, Casuarina. Sat 10.15–10.45am

• 26 Robin Street, South Golden Beach. Sat 11–11.30am

• 42 Balemo Drive, Ocean Shores. Sat 11–11.30am

• 49 Eviron Road, Condong. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 80 Harbour Way, Brunswick Heads. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 7 Bulgoon Crescent, Ocean Shores. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 142 Bakers Road, Dunbible. Sat 12.30–1pm

Business Directory

Backlash

With Cr Sarah Ndiaye’s presumptive mayoral win, here’s how to pronounce Ndiaye: It’s ‘enj-eye’, or ‘enjai’. Many never got a handle on former mayor Michael Lyon’s last name, with it often being spelled ‘Lyons’.

Further to our page 1 story, housing affordability has worsened over the past 12 months in NSW to reach its worst level in at least three decades, according to the PropTrack Housing Affordability Report. ‘Median home prices across the state reached $900,000 in FY24’, say report’s authors. Data from www.renovationcapital.com. au also suggests RichmondTweed has the most unaffordable housing in the country.

Bluesfest is past 60 percent sold out in just a month for its Easter festival, says director Peter Noble OAM, ‘and many of our accommodation options have already been taken’. Touted as the last, Noble says ‘We don’t want to hold our last festival, but the financial realities, compounded by the recent costof-living crisis, might force our hand. We’ve contributed $1.1 billion to NSW over the last decade – surely that merits a small governmental support in return?’

With the corporate watchdog ACCC investigating Coles and Woolies for collusion, misleading customers and breaching consumer law, this quote by Obi Nnadi comes in handy: ‘Competition happens at the bottom. The people at the top are collaborating’.

Psst: The Echo office will be shut on Monday October 7 for the Labour Day public holiday. While the day celebrates

Benefits of being a bass player:

the achievements of workers’ rights, ironically Echo editorial drudges are not so lucky, and remain chained to their solitary cubicles.

We’ve had feedback that our crosswords are a tad tricky, so this week we have included a solver’s guide to help demystify the logic behind Stephen Clarke’s clues – see page 22. Found on the internet.

The Byron Orchid Society wishes to thank the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club for allowing them to use their venue. Lee Anne Crawford from the club said, ‘We would also like to thank Mitre 10 Mullumbimby, Laurie Mills, Janelle and Julia Bambery for donating a plant for our raffle. Thank you to all members of the Byron Orchid Society who volunteered their time at our Orchid Show on September 13 and 14’.

Regarding exploding devices aimed at Lebanese militant group Hezbollah – presumably implanted by Israel forces – Whistleblower Ed Snowden tweeted: ‘If it were iPhones that were leaving the factory with explosives inside, the media would be a hell of a lot faster to cotton on to what a horrific precedent has been set. Nothing can justify this. It’s a crime. A crime. And everyone in the world is less safe for it’.

Local inventor Lawerence Eastland’s latest venture is perhaps not appropriate to mention in this family newspaper, but for the curious,

the info is at www.kickstarter. com/projects/eyedesign/ alarmkok-the-new-sensationof-waking-up-with-goodvibes.

‘Environmentalism without class struggle is just gardening’ – Chico Mendes.

‘There is no such thing as climate change unless you try and get home insurance’ – Jane Caro.

Congrats to Bangalow Koalas, who reached an incredible milestone with 400,000 trees planted since 2019 on a property in Knockrow. President, Linda Sparrow, said, ‘Our hands-on community-based response to the climate crisis is already working. These plantings have connected individuals, families, farmers, communities and Indigenous and Landcare groups in a collaborative effort to give us all hope. To prove, especially to our children, that making a difference is not just possible, it’s happening now’.

Physical and emotional issues

Stress and pain relief

Sabotage programs

Fears and phobias

Enhanced performance

Concentration and focus Plus much more!