The Byron Shire Echo – Issue 39.23 – November 13, 2024

Northern Rivers tops for melanoma

Paul Bibby

The Cancer Institute of NSW has issued a sobering reminder to locals to protect themselves from the sun this summer.

The Institute’s new melanoma hotspot map shows that local government areas in the Northern Rivers account for eight of the top ten areas with the state’s highest rates of melanoma. Topping the list is Ballina, followed by Lismore, Byron, the Clarence Valley, with Coffs Harbour rounding out the top five.

Nearly 350 cases are projected to be diagnosed in those areas in 2024.

Tweed, Kempsey, and the Richmond Valley are also among the state’s top melanoma hotspots.

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and Chief Executive Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM said Australia had one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world and the release of the hotspots was

While the trotters never fail to thrill at the Mullum Show, it was the mini-trotters, like this little guy,

Who is running this pony ride? ▶ Continued on page 2

stole the show. The weekend show was again a massive drawcard for the town, with plenty of locals and

Byron Chamber pans Council’s biz strategy

Hans Lovejoy

Former Greens mayor Jan Barham has joined the Byron Chamber of Commerce in a blistering critique of Council’s latest business strategy.

Submissions for the Draft Business, Industry and Visitor Economy Strategy closed last week.

The 41-page document aims to ‘provide Council with specific

guidance and direction to manage future economic growth in a sustainable and ethical manner’.

Newly-elected mayor, Sarah Ndiaye (Greens) told The Echo that while she acknowledges the critical feedback, she said, ‘This is exactly what the process is designed to do – gathering and reviewing input from a wide range of stakeholders to ensure the strategy reflects the

needs of the community’.

She did not say whether the strategy should go back to the drawing board, when queried by The Echo

The draft strategy largely outlines key industries with statistical data, along with identifying ‘strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT)’ and an implementation plan. Three key themes are presented for the

future: ‘foster business engagement’; ‘celebrate our business and brand identity;’ and ‘plan for a sustainable economy’.

Yet the ‘sustainable economy’ details are light.

The strategy’s ‘sustainable economy’ section focuses on how Council are facilitating development through forward planning documents and housing projects.

No vision, says biz pres

Chamber President, Matthew Williamson, said in the submission: ‘In summary, our view is the strategy, in its current form, is a document that says very little, makes no meaningful plan for the future and fails to accurately reflect on the role that Council actually has ▶ Continued on page 2

Chuck Norris, driven by young Lara Whitaker, who

visitors taking part. Photo Jeff ‘Trotts’ Dawson

The Byron Writers Festival’s annual residential mentorship recently wrapped up, after four emerging writers from the region spent a week doing intense workshops and manuscript development. They all were under the guidance of local author and Walkley Award-winning journalist, Sarah Armstrong. Emily Harris, who has been writing a rural noir novel set in a small

▶ Continued from page 1

a timely reminder about the importance of skin protection when outdoors

‘Two out of three Australians will be treated for skin cancer in their lifetime which is why protecting our skin from the sun from a very young age, and into adulthood, is key to reducing our

community similar to her own, says, ‘This opportunity has afforded me the courage and confidence to begin the major rewrite my manuscript requires. While this is incredibly daunting, it actually feels achievable now’.

‘It’s been a real joy to offer guidance and feedback to these writers over the last five days,’ said Sarah Armstrong. ‘I was impressed

risk of this devastating disease,’ Professor O’Brien said.

‘Whether you’re going to the beach or hanging the washing or walking to the shops or train station, I urge everyone to do the simple things like seeking shade when outdoors, wearing sunscreen, putting on a hat, sunglasses and protective

by how engaged they were — with their own work and with each other’s.

‘The residential mentorship is an important way in which Byron Writers Festival supports local writers – a number of past participants have gone on to be published.’

Sarah speaks with authority; her own first published work, Salt Rain, was nurtured in the inaugural year of the mentorship.

clothing to safeguard themselves from harmful UV radiation from the sun.’

In NSW, UV radiation levels are high ten months of the year. Even short bursts of exposure to the sun can be deadly. For more information, or to see the melanoma hotspot map, visit www. cancer.nsw.gov.au.

Continued from page 1

in the local economy. There is no vision, nor are there any goals or milestones set down. As it stands, we believe this to be a missed opportunity to provide a meaningful, clear and reasoned roadmap to the future of our shire’.

Williamson said there appeared an ‘institutional disdain for the visitor economy and the fundamental role it plays in our shire’.

‘…It has taken two years to arrive at this position. Money has been spent, effort has been made and yet we are in no better a position than we were before this process was started. The cost of [consultant] Lucid Economics in this exercise would be interesting to know, and we would ask that this figure be disclosed’.

As for the ‘Foster Business Engagement’ section of the document, Williamson said, ‘This is somewhat of an insult’.

‘The Chamber sought a seat on the Council’s own Business and Industry Committee and was rejected’.

He said Council’s website and minutes show that in 2023, ‘this group tried to meet twice, but couldn’t form a quorum, met once where it was able to manage a quorum, but [it was] with all committee members being made up of councillors and Council staff. No attempted meetings in 2024’.

The Echo asked Council staff if correct, why was the chamber rejected from a committee that is supposed to engage with business. A reply will be published if received.

Williamson said that issues that need addressing include: ‘The delays, the poor culture of engagement, the lack of clarity and complication in Council’s DA process for businesses; the lack of flood-free industrial land, in particular land that is located adjacent to the highway’; and ‘the lack of a strategy on how to deal with parking, and traffic flow through Byron town’.

He added that some genuine vision on the Byron foreshore is needed, and that ‘consideration should be given to the beautification of the town’s streetscape; along with some stewardship of the ‘brand’ of Byron, post Covid’.

A Council employee devoted to the largest driver of employment and economic activity – the visitor economy – ‘would be worthwhile investment,’ he said, as would fast-tracking the rail trail.

Jan Barham, a former Byron Shire mayor and NSW MLC (Greens), also made suggestions to improve the document, saying in her submission that ‘…there is no information regarding the funding available to deliver [outcomes] and the draft actions are likely to create expectations that may not be able to be fulfilled’.

‘It also fails to draw on some of the prior plans and strategies that contributed to the success of the Shire’.

Within her detailed assessment, Ms Barham suggested Council develop ‘a local-based certification

process that identifies a commitment to Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) standards’.

Mayor Ndiaye told The Echo, ‘The feedback from this current exhibition will be reviewed in detail and presented to councillors at a workshop in early 2025’.

‘While a significant amount of stakeholder input has already been considered during the development of the strategy, it’s important that the new Council not only reviews the work done by the previous Council, but also provides direction and input before the strategy is finalised.

‘I have struggled with both [this draft strategy] and the Festivals and Events Strategy, which were presented to councillors during the previous term.

‘Even basic feedback from the workshops seemed to have been overlooked by the consultants, and as a result, these key areas – integral to our community and local economy – need to be better reflected in the documents. There are very valid points raised in both submissions, and I look forward to seeing staff’s responses to the ideas and concerns raised.

‘The new Council is wellplaced to take this feedback on board, address the concerns, and work with staff to revitalise and improve these important documents. By doing so, we can ensure they better serve our community, and environment, and contribute to a thriving local economy’, Mayor Ndiaye added.

From left, Kathryn Walker, Jen Tomasetti, Emily Harris, mentor Sarah Armstrong and Abi Parker. Photo Jeff ‘Not Really Worth A Thousand Words’ Dawson

▶

Local News

Byron CBD roadworks update

Paul Bibby

Local business owners affected by ongoing drainage works on Lawson St, Byron Bay are breathing slightly easier after learning that construction is about to finally be completed.

For more than two months, the shops on a 100m stretch of Lawson St have been forced to endure a major works project right on their doorstep, with Council contractors tearing up Lawson St, installing new stormwater drains, and then undertaking a full road resurfacing operation.

The works have forced the closure of the road, and left locals and visitors alike with the impression that the entire stretch was a building site.

Last week’s road resurfacing works created fumes that drove even the bravest customers away and left staff with headaches and damaged stock.

Plunge in turnover

Overall, the project has produced a plunge in turnover for at least 14 businesses, many of whom were already reeling from previous works, and the impact of a

particularly quiet winter.

But the works are now finally being concluded, which is two weeks ahead of schedule.

‘There was a very notable difference in turnover,’ said Tomas Martin, owner of Boards in the Bay.

‘It kicked off in the first week of the September school holidays where we usually see a lift of at least 10 to 20 per cent. Instead we had a drop of 40 per cent almost instantaneously.

‘We’re somewhat fortunate here because we get significant business from the backpackers a couple of doors down and that continued to some degree. A lot of

the other businesses haven’t been so fortunate.’

Byron Council copped a deluge of criticism over its decision to undertake the works during one of the busiest times of year in the Bay.

But it refused to postpone the project, saying that the timing was necessary to meet NSW government funding requirements.

Council was also unable to provide any financial compensation, or to undertake works at night to expedite the process.

‘It’s really amplified how disconnected Council is from small business,’ said Helen O’Carroll, owner of Bay Active.

‘They are supposed to be supporting us, but there has just been a complete lack of meaningful engagement.

‘We were so exhausted after getting through three months of Council construction work earlier in the year, and then they come along and say ‘We’re doing a full drainage upgrade in three weeks’.

‘We could be one that just doesn’t make it. It’s just crazy to think that we have had to conduct business in this environment.’

Drainage works to continue next year

The nightmare may be coming to an end for Ms O’Carroll and her neighbours, but the drainage works project in the Bay is set to continue.

The project is due to roll out across the Byron CBD next year, including significant stretches on Fletcher St, Lawson St west, and Jonson St. Council has promised that this work will not be undertaken during December or January.

Yet the business owners on Lawson St say more needs to be done to protect their colleagues.

24 units slated for Bangalow Rd, Byron

Paul Bibby

Is it a valuable addition to Byron Bay’s desperately limited housing stock, or a congestion-inducing overdevelopment on one of the Shire’s busiest roads?

This is the question facing Byron councillors this week as they consider an application for a 24-unit residential development at 56-58 Bangalow Road.

Proposed by private investment consortium Propel Investment Management Pty Ltd, the $9 million development would see two old houses demolished and replaced with two blocks of units. The units would be made up of one-and two-bedroom dwellings, with three designated ‘affordable’ under state legislation, and three adapted to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

The dwellings would be serviced by parking for 30 cars, intersection upgrades to Bangalow Road, and a recently constructed, as-yet unnamed, new Council road.

The developer is proposing to remove 40 native trees to facilitate their plans, and

‘Not enough thought has been given to consider the local economy or essential workers who desperately need quality, well-designed affordable housing, as proposed by this scheme.’

to offset this loss through compensatory planting and ongoing weed management within the adjacent coastal wetlands, including the installation of fauna boxes.

Council staff have recommended that the development be approved, declaring that it would ‘provide muchneeded housing supply to the Byron Bay town locality’.

However, they also acknowledge that the proposed traffic generated would exacerbate the ‘already failed level of service on Bangalow Road…’ which was a consequence of ‘the current peak time traffic volumes along it’.

Public submissions on

the proposal suggest that local opinion regarding the plan is divided.

Of the 33 comments received, 20 were in support of the plan while 13 were opposed. There was also a petition with 30 signatures objecting to the project.

Those supporting the plan argued that it would provide much-needed housing for those who could not afford the ballooning cost of renting or buying a house in the Bay.

‘It’s pleasing to see a wellplanned development that addresses the housing crisis within Byron Bay and Byron Shire,’ one supporter said.

‘There is a disproportionate number of new developments that only cater for the luxury end of the market’.

However, those opposed to the plan (a group consisting mainly of those living in the immediate vicinity) argue that there are significant issues in terms of size, the increased traffic created, the exacerbation of parking shortages, and the ecological impact.

‘We now find ourselves in a position of having lost some 12-15 parking spaces in Bangalow Road, a turning lane with no consideration to the residents who can no longer have visitors, as it is now ‘no stopping’, and all this was done without consultation with the affected home owners…’ one objected stated.

Another queried why it was that Council staff had previously expressed ‘serious concerns’ over the traffic situation on Bangalow Rd but were now recommending approval. The matter will come before this Thursday’s Council planning meeting for determination.

56-58 Bangalow Road, located close to the corner of Paterson Street. Photo Google Maps Byron Bay Deli’s Litsa Sahawneh can finally enjoy the smooth new surface of Lawson St, which should re-open on Friday. Photo Jeff ‘On Cue’ Dawson

Aslan Shand

Gold Coast-based Gilmour Space Technologies has received the first Australian orbital launch permit for its maiden Eris rocket launch from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in north Qld.

An Australian launch permit is required under the Space (Launches & Returns) Act 2018 to launch an object from Australia to an altitude of over 100 kilometres.

It comes with a number of conditions that must be met before launch, and a mandatory 30-day notification period.

‘With this green light, we will soon attempt the first orbital test flight of an Australian-made rocket from Australian soil,’ said Gilmour Space CEO and co-founder, Adam Gilmour.

‘Our team is assessing the conditions of the permit and will advise on the anticipated launch date for Eris TestFlight1 in the coming weeks.’

In September, the company announced it had successfully completed a major wet dress rehearsal

The Echo’s own electron wrangler, Ewan Willis, and the Gilmour team read The Echo as they assemble Eris, the first Australian-made rocket. The rocket, developed on the Gold Coast, was recently transported to the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in north Queensland to be assembled and should launch in the next few months. Photo supplied

of its Eris launch vehicle, progressing the countdown to T-10 seconds. The upcoming TestFlight1 will be the first of several planned test launches to reach orbit with Eris, which leverages new propulsion technologies developed by the Gold Coastbased company.

Gilmour Space Technologies was started in 2013 as a company advancing sovereign capabilities in launch vehicles, satellites, and access to space and began its rocket building program in 2015.

Space have been incredible to work with, and their commitment to engaging Bowen residents in this journey is a model of proactive community involvement. Success here isn’t just about reaching orbit – it’s about positioning Bowen as a key player in Australia’s journey to space. This is just the beginning.’

Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate, has seen the company grow from a ‘shed in Pimpama’ to the largest space manufacturer in Australia.

It designs and builds rockets and satellites on the Gold Coast to be launched from the private orbital spaceport in Bowen, Qld. Its north Queensland spaceport, one of only a few private orbital launch sites globally, will initially provide access to low- and mid-inclination orbits.

‘The launch approval marks an incredible milestone for Bowen and the Whitsundays region,’ said Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor, Ry Collins.

‘The team at Gilmour

‘That’s why we’ve invested in our Business Attraction and Expansion programs – to support businesses like Gilmour Space’, he said. ‘This homegrown company is reinvesting in itself and in our city, creating high-value jobs and opportunities for the next generation of Gold Coast innovators’.

‘You certainly don’t have to be a rocket scientist to live on the Gold Coast [or in Main Arm], but if you are, we’ve got a job here for you too!’

For updates on TestFlight1, visit gspace.com/ missions.

Terry Bleakley’s latest film about Bangalow, From Out of the Vault will be shown at the Bangalow Museum on Friday, November 22 from 5pm for a 6.30pm start.

Bleakley told The Echo, ‘Bangalow is a town that transitioned in just a few years from a predominantly working rural town to an urbanised one, shaped by the cultural imports of new settlers from the cities’.

‘Much changed and this challenged those that had lived there most of their lives. But the sky didn’t fall in. People played, sang, volunteered, created and

debated and along the way created community in their own image, just like people have always done.

‘For instance, old photographic records of Bangalow comprise pictures of people and families going about their work and play with scant evidence of the wars, depression and epidemics that existed in the background of their lives’, he said.

Bleakley says all proceeds from the night will go to the Bangalow Historical Society, and BYO drinks and supper can be enjoyed on the lawn.

To reserve a seat, phone Trisha on 0429 882 525.

Casual speeding is the biggest cause of trauma on NSW roads

Adam Gilmour, CEO of Gilmour Space Technologies,

Terry Bleakley’s montage of Bangalow, with newcomers mixing with generations past.

Vision presented for Byron’s foreshore

Prior to September’s Council election, a key issue for voters was the future of Byron Bay’s Main Beach foreshore. All councillor candidates agreed, prior to the election, that more consultation/info was needed before making any decision (unlike Mullum’s local water supply).

Concept plans were presented by Council staff for public comment in late July, which included the removal, or partial removal, of the carpark around the pool and Fishheads restaurant.

That drew opposition from local surfers, who called instead to improve the beachfront areas east of the surf club.

A multi-storey carpark behind the pool and an upgrade of Apex Park were also proposed by Council staff to offset the loss of parking, along with the planned retreat (relocation) of the Beach Byron Bay cafe at Clarkes Beach.

Local landscape architect and urbanist, David Vago, provided The Echo with his vision for the foreshore, which is based largely on staff’s suggestions.

He’s branding it ‘Lets unpave paradise and pull down

a parking lot’.

David told The Echo his company Habit8 (www. habit8.com.au) were behind several high-profile Sydney revitalisation projects, including the Sydney Monorail Walkway, Bondi’s beachfront, and the transformation of Glebe Island into an outdoor music bowl.

Aquatic complex

The plans propose an aquatic complex with Olympic-standard heated pool facilities, replacing the existing pool and buildings.

He says, ‘The upper floor will feature a stylish restaurant, cocktail bar, and function area with a sweeping balcony

offering breathtaking views of The Pass and sunsets over Wollumbin’.

‘The building’s roof will be covered with solar panels and vegetation, ensuring the facility is environmentally sustainable’.

Replacing the carpark would be open space, an outdoor gym and exercise area and a ‘playground themed around First Nations culture and the unique aquatic environment of Byron Bay’.

Amphitheatre

‘A formal sandstone amphitheatre named the “Amp-Sea Theatre” will provide a new venue for community gatherings, events, and performances’, Vago says.

To access tools and resources to create

visit safework.nsw.gov.au or search ‘the safe way or no way’

Plans presented by landscape architect and urbanist, David Vago. Image supplied

Soil health, grazing and climate resilience workshop Nov 24

Pasture ecologist and grazier, Dr Judi Earl, will be holding two workshops on November 24 at the Southern Cross University (SCU) to educate the public around managing grazing to restore soil health, ecosystem function and climate resilience.

Organisers say, ‘Through

her extensive experience in land planning and holistic management, Judi can guide you towards unleashing the full potential of your land and enterprise’.

‘The key to climate resilience lies in healthy soils and thriving ecosystems within a thoughtfully designed-for

-purpose property.

‘After advising and training hundreds of graziers and land managers, Judi decided it was time to put the principles into practice’, they add.

For more info, visit www. soilcare.org. Bookings at www.soilcare.org.

Feral deer workshop Nov 28

With increasing sightings of feral deer in the region, Byron Shire Council is working with the Tweed, Lismore and Kyogle Councils, and Landcare groups, to raise awareness of the pest, which is described as ‘one of Australia’s worst’.

A free workshop for landholders and community

members will be held at the Mullumbimby Civic Hall on November 28, to educate people about how to spot, manage and report the pests.

‘The ecology, behaviour, size, and impact of feral deer make their management a nightmare’ said Claudia Caliari, Biodiversity Projects Officer.

‘Information provided in this workshop will be extremely valuable because most people have no idea what the signs of deer activity are’.

More information about the event, including how to register, is on the What’s On section of Council’s website–www.byron.nsw.gov.au

Unions back rail’s return to region

Supporters of trains attended a presentation at the Bangalow Bowling Club on Saturday around the return of a local train service.

Northern Rivers Railway Ltd (NRRL) secretary Lydia Kindred said NSW Rail Tram and Bus Union secretary, Toby Warnes, ‘firmly pledged to work with Northern NSW regional railway groups to see what he can do to help us

protect our remaining tracks (e.g. Lismore to Yelgun)’.

‘We have had communities up and down the Northern Rivers railway line calling for a return of our trains for the last 20 years, so it is wonderful to hear that Mr Warnes is backing the most sensible approach where our railway corridors look after all of our community’s needs, not just those of a

few’, said Ms Kindred.

‘The NSW government sent out a media release on October 8 announcing a new and more positive approach to restoring regional railway lines. Hopefully this means that we can look forward to sense prevailing and that tracks are protected for future public transport needs’.

For more info email northernriversrailway@gmail.com.

HSC achievements celebrated at Byron Steiner

Teachers and staff from Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School told The Echo they are ‘immensely proud of every student who completed their HSC exams this year’ with 11 nominations for exemplary works across a variety of disciplines, with art yet to be completed.

‘It is a testament to the

unique spirit of innovation, passion, and dedication that thrives at our school on every level through the students’ educational journey’ a staff member said in a statement.

Of particular note was the Young Writers Showcase – English Extension 2 nomination for the creative non-fiction composition ‘Apoptosis’.

A young singer and songwriter was also recognised for their exceptional talent. ‘If selected, students have the extraordinary opportunity to perform at the Sydney Opera House’. There were also three nominations for design and technology and seven nominations for drama/theatre.

Mullum High students win in economics

Year 11 Business Studies students, Brooke Towers and Alice Mathison, recently attended the awards ceremony for the Economics and Business Educators Plan Your Own Enterprise Competition in Sydney.

Business Studies teacher Celeste Grennan told The Echo, ‘The competition had two divisions – division one for individual entries, and division two for group entries’.

‘In their division, 114 plans were entered and they were one of five to be selected as finalists,’ she said.

‘Brooke and Alice had to present a pitch on their ‘Mobile Butchers’ to a panel of

judges and guests in Sydney at the Chartered Accountants

Australia and NZ offices.

‘The judges viewed their plan and considered their

Nurse and midwives

pitch and the girls were placed second in the state! This is such an amazing effort! Well done. I am super proud’, said Ms Grennan.

moving north for better pay, says unions, Greens

Hans Lovejoy

NSW nurses and midwives (NSWNMA) say they are continuing to fight for fair pay and conditions, after a gathering at the Banora Point Community Centre last week ‘heard firsthand accounts of the staffing crisis plaguing Northern Rivers hospitals’.

It was hosted by Byron Shire community advocate and Greens candidate for Richmond, Mandy Nolan, and she says the meeting ‘revealed the devastating impact of the growing pay disparity between NSW and Qld healthcare workers, with many local nurses considering crossing the border for better wages and conditions’.

She said, ‘The brand new $723 million Tweed Valley Hospital should be a crown jewel of our healthcare system. Instead, it’s struggling to retain staff because Qld is offering our nurses up to $20,000 more to work just kilometres away.’

The Echo asked NSW Regional Health Minister, Ryan Park (Labor) if it was true, as claimed, that the Qld government was offering nurses and midwives up to $20,000 more in wages than in NSW, and, ‘Does NSW have the lowest full-time equivalent healthcare workforce rate in Australia, at 2,285 per 100,000 people?’

While not replying to the questions, Minister Park said, ‘While we cannot undo a decades-long wages cap in a single year, the NSW government is committed to boosting our frontline health workers’. He added that there are ‘promising results’ from the rural health worker incentives scheme.

He also outlined a number of improvements to working conditions and pay across the state.

Wages cap removed

‘We’ve removed the wages cap and delivered muchneeded wage increases – the

majority of NSWNMA members voted to accept a 4.5 per cent wage increase last year, the highest increase in over a decade,’ he said. ‘We’ve achieved record retention and recruitment levels – and the nurses workforce has increased by over 2,000 FTE to over 56,000 FTE since taking office and grown by almost 30 per cent since 2012’. Crisis point

Tweed NSWNMA Branch President, Kristin RyanAgnew, who addressed the forum, said the situation has reached ‘crisis point’.

‘We are losing our skilled staff like a drain across the border,’ she said. ‘Qld is offering $20,000 retention bonuses for coastal positions and up to $70,000 for rural placements’.

She added, ‘Here in NSW, we get nothing. After suffering an effective 10 per cent pay cut since 2020, many of our nurses are simply giving up and moving north.’

Alice and Brooke came second in NSW for their economics pitch in Sydney on October 21. Photo supplied

Justine Elliot and Anthony Albanese

CHILDCARE CHEAPER

AND LABOR IS ALSO DELIVERING:

A 15% pay rise for early learning educators

$641,000 to help three local childcare services stay open

Support for early childhood teaching students to go on prac

Justine and the Cobbers Child Care Centre workers giving a thumbs up for the 15% pay rise for early childhood educators.

League legends highlight men’s mental health

Photo & story Digby Hildreth

The Bangalow Bowlo has hosted its fair share of comic acts, but few would have provoked the raucous hilarity that NRL ‘super ref’ Bill Harrigan managed on Friday.

Harrigan was one of three rugby league legends telling tall, and frequently scandalous, tales of their battles on and off the field to an audience of 130 men who had gathered for a fundraising lunch event designed to promote awareness of mental health in the region.

Harrigan was joined by former Balmain Tigers second-row forward, Paul Sironen, and North Sydney Bears and Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles prop forward, Don McKinnon, as speakers at the three-course lunch, the ‘entertainment’ drawcard for an event with a deadly serious purpose – highlighting the declining mental health of men in NSW.

months of 2024 there were 467 suicides recorded in NSW – 359, or nearly 77 per cent of them, men.

Bookings: rustymiller1943@gmail.com

Rusty Miller : 0428 847 390

Tricia Shantz : 0421 422 645

Organised by the Bangalow Men’s Shed, Lions Club and NSW Police, the lunch was kicked off by Detective Inspector Craig Erickson, who provided some alarming statistics. In the first six

‘It’s dire, a massive health issue, affecting the family, the community and everybody involved,’ Det Insp Erickson said. First responders are among those profoundly affected: in the last financial year, NSW police attended almost 70,000 mental health related incidents across the state, 2,664 of them locally, said the 31-year police veteran. Men needed to ‘own’ the reality of their situation, Det Insp Erickson said.

‘As blokes, we need to raise our awareness and reduce the stigma around poor mental health; learn to recognise the symptoms, reach

out to our mates before their anxiety and sleep disorders worsen into illnesses such as high blood pressure and heart problems.’ By the time it’s physical, it’s very hard to treat, he said.

Talk to your mates

The event is part of an ongoing program encouraging connection between men called ‘Talk to Your Mates’, run by Bangalow Men’s Shed. President David Noakes said several attendees had spoken about how moved they had been by it, with one disclosing to him a family secret that he’d kept for 30 years.

‘We hope to see more of that,’ Mr Noakes said.

Tyagarah land works underway

A NSW government department has provided a brief statement around the future use of land in Tyagarah that it manages, located between Bluesfest and the airstrip, on Yarun Road. Given major earthworks by a large excavator were underway recently, The Echo asked: ‘What are the plans for the land, and is there a DA that

could be provided?’

A Transport for NSW spokesperson replied, ‘The site on Yarun Road has a history of varied uses, including serving as a construction staging ground, a construction stockpile site, a sand quarry, and agricultural land’.

‘Transport for NSW will be carrying out remediation work on this site in 2025’.

Waimea Bay photo by Steve Wilkinson

Rugby league veterans Don McKinnon, Billy Harrigan and Paul Sironen at the Bangalow Bowlo.

A quiet space for the departed

Wellbeing Hub not being removed, says Ed Dept

Further to last week’s story around the concerns of the Mullumbimby High School’s P&C that a Wellbeing Hub demountable would be removed, a NSW Department of Education spokesperson has denied this will happen.

The spokesperson told The Echo, ‘No decision has been made. The school this week put forward an application, with P&C submissions

attached, to extend the use of the demountable for another 12 months. The Department of Education is currently assessing this application with an accommodation review underway’.

Work with school

‘The department will continue to work with the school to ensure that it has the facilities it needs.

‘Demountables were installed at Mullumbimby High School following the 2022 floods to provide temporary accommodation while the permanent school facilities were repaired and refurbished, work that has since been completed.

‘One of the demountables is currently used as a Wellbeing Hub at the school’, the spokesperson said.

A ceremony of love and remembrance was held at Mullum’s Heritage Park on Sunday for the Day of the Dead ceremony. It was a chance for the living to connect to the loved ones who are no longer with us. Photo Jeff Dawson

North Coast News

Tweed mayor new NRJO chair

Alleged Tweed Heads jewellery store thief charged

Police say they’ve charged a man after an alleged robbery at a jewellery store at Tweed Heads South on Friday, November 8.

Lismore residents haven’t recovered, not disaster ready

Resilient Lismore says results of a recent door-to-door survey include more than two thousand residents living in more than a thousand households that haven’t recovered from the 2022 floods and aren’t properly prepared for future disaster.

Together we celebrate – all abilities events throughout Tweed Celebrating all abilities throughout the Tweed will see a huge series of inclusive events spanning November and December to celebrate International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) on Tuesday 3 December.

Northern Rivers has highest rates of skin cancer in state

Local government areas on the Northern Rivers account for eight of the top ten areas with the state’s highest rates of melanoma.

Recognition for community work in Lismore

Lismore City Council’s nominations for the 2025 Australia Day Awards are now open.

Police investigate neo-Nazi protest

Police say they’re investigating a suspected white supremacist rally held at Wollumbin (formerly known as Mount Warning) near Murwillumbah.

Missing teen alert: Chelsey

Police are asking the public for help finding a 15-year-old girl reported missing from Armidale. Police says she is known to frequent the Armidale, Lismore and Ballina areas.

The Coast Road, Lennox Head temporary closure

A section of The Coast Road, between Pat Morton Lookout and the North Creek Road/ Byron Bay Road roundabout from Tuesday, 19 November.

Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry is the new chair of the Northern Rivers Joint Organisation (NRJO) after its first board meeting on Friday since local government elections in September.

Cr Cherry takes over the leadership role from Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader, who has been elected deputy chair for the two-year term.

The NRJO board is made up of seven mayors representing the Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Richmond Valley and Tweed Shires and Lismore local government area.

Access government programs

It’s responsible for advocacy, political representation and cooperation on matters of regional significance and has five stated priorities: biodiversity; community wellbeing; a connected

region; sustainable energy, water and waste use; and a diverse regional economy.

The NRJO leadership announcement quotes Cr Cherry saying the group’s ‘purposeful collaboration’ is important now more than ever.

‘While we were recovering from waves of COVID-19, lockdowns and border closures, our region

faced the biggest flood in modern Australian history – the impacts have been devastating.

‘Through the NRJO, we aim to access the programs and incentives on offer by the government that will provide our community in the Northern Rivers with the best possible opportunities to thrive,’ the NRJO chair Cr Cherry said.

Right to drive for medicinal cannabis users demanded

Mia Armitage

Repeated calls for NSW drug driving law reform with consideration of medicinal cannabis have been heard at the state government’s drugs summit forum in Lismore.

More than a hundred people were at the Lismore Workers Club for Monday’s forum.

Earlier on Monday, Health Minister Ryan Park visited The Buttery rehab centre in Binna Burra, where he announced $21 million in state funds over four years for alcohol and other drug treatment in Northern NSW.

Gov’t restricts drugs summit reporting

Media were only allowed to attend summary presentations of group discussions in the forum, owing to what government officials said

was consideration of privacy for some participants who were present or past drug users. Photos of the event were also banned.

The forum comes alongside a continuing NSW parliamentary inquiry into the state’s regulatory framework around cannabis. The inquiry held hearings in Lismore recently, and the dominant theme was a call for law reform to prevent medicinal cannabis users being charged for the offence of impaired driving.

Ms Wheeler called for greater awareness of and education around drug rehabilitation and recovery services, while Mr Heilpern called for a drugs court in Lismore.

There were calls for pilltesting options, and for more safe needle-injecting rooms.

Full story in The Echo online: www.echo.net.au.

Help turtles survive by identifying and tracking turtles and their nests

Aslan Shand

Breeding and nesting season for sea turtles has begun with green turtles, loggerhead turtles, and even the critically-endangered hawksbill turtle species to be found nesting in southern Queensland and Northern NSW beaches.

Nesting season runs from November until March, with hatching occurring anywhere from January onwards, and NSW TurtleWatch is calling on the public to keep their eyes peeled at the beach this summer for nesting sea turtles. They are asking you to report nesting locations you spot up and down the coastline.

‘Marine turtle nesting frequency along the NSW coastline is certainly

increasing. However, as we enter an accelerated climate change period in Earth’s history, it is unknown whether, as a species, marine turtles will be able to naturally adapt and shift from nesting

beaches that have become too hot for optimal nesting, to cooler beaches further along the east coast of Australia – such as our local beaches in Northern NSW,’ said Sarah Jantos from

Fingal Head’s Green Heroes.

Last nesting season was one of the best on record for NSW Turtlewatch, with 16 total nesting events recorded from New Brighton Beach in the Byron Shire to Diamond Beach on the Mid-North Coast.

How can you help?

‘Sea turtle nests are vulnerable to a range of threats including predation, high tides, and erosion. The sooner we are notified of a nest, the quicker we can get down to the beach and physically protect and monitor the nest until it hatches,’ said NSW TurtleWatch Project Officer Merryn Dunleavy.

The public can play a vital role in aiding in the survival of sea turtles across the state through not only monitoring

critical nesting habitat but also identifying potential threats to nesting sea turtles. If you’re down at the beach and spot sea turtle tracks or a nest, please call NSW TurtleWatch on 0447 877 149 or NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) on 1300 072 757.

Turtle ID app

‘The OceanID project unites leading AI (artificial intelligence) facial recognition technologies. Similar to a human fingerprint, marine turtles have unique facial features. By capturing a photograph of the LEFT facial side profile of a turtle and uploading it to the OceanID platform: www.oceanid. org community members contribute to non-invasive research,’ said Ms Jantos.

Northern Regional Joint Organisation Deputy Chair (L) Sharon Cadwallader and Chair (R) Chris Cherry. Photo supplied

Similar to a human fingerprint, marine turtles have unique facial features that can be used to create individual profiles for each animal. Photo Green Heroes

North Coast News

Photographic portraits celebrating North Lismore

The 2022 floods have changed the face, and community, of Lismore forever. Exploring the stories, history and memories of North Lismore through the community photographic and oral project Living Memory will bring together people’s stories, preserve memories and capture the community at a moment in time.

At the heart of this work is the desire to creatively support a community experiencing a massive transformation – to tell their stories, in their own words, exploring the stories, history and memories of North Lismore.

In October many current and former North Lismore residents (‘Northies’) came together for a Living Memory community co-design workshop, sharing stories and ideas of how they would like North Lismore to be remembered. Local historian Adele Wessell and photographic artist Cherine Fahd were on hand to share more about the Living Memory project.

Pop-up photobooth

As part of the Living Memory project, North Lismore’s community is invited to be centre-stage. Photographic artist Cherine Fahd believes photography can bring people

and communities together, and creatively address moments of significant social change. ‘Photography has the power to make us visible to each other, to make us feel seen in ways that say, “I belong, I am here”.’

Pop-up photobooths will be set up at 43 Bridge Street, North Lismore on Thursday, 28 November (4 to 6pm) and Saturday, 30 November (8.30 to 11am) and Living Lab Northern Rivers invites locals to come along and have your portrait captured by local photographer Elise Derwin — by yourself or with everyone in your family, neighbours, mates or local club!

Oral history

A series of oral histories with North Lismore residents will be created as part of

Living Memory. They will explore the theme of home, community and locality in the words of locals. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch with Living Lab Northern Rivers at livinglabnr@scu.edu.au.

Digital archive

Living Memory will showcase the final series of oral histories and portraits at an event in Lismore in March 2025. They will also be accessible for long-term future reference, along with a collection of historical materials and artefacts. Together they will form a record of a North Lismore, its place and people, at a particular time.

Full story in The Echo online: www.echo.net.au.

SCHOOL COUNSELLOR

Commencing January 2025

Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School is a vibrant and progressive K-12 school, with 360 students, dedicated to the educational principles inspired by Rudolf Steiner.

The School Counsellor provides professional counselling services to our High School Students and their families, Monday to Friday 8.30–3.30pm (term time only) reporting to the Deputy Principal.

enjoy working with a great cohort of educators. Applications are reviewed as received. Position description and application process available: https://capebyronsteiner.nsw.edu.au/positions-available/

You can’t tell if materials contain asbestos just by looking at them. Asbestos is dangerous if damaged, disturbed or deteriorating so you shouldn’t remove it by yourself.

Planning ahead will avoid delays and cost blow outs.

Living Memory pop-up photobooth in North Lismore.

Photo Elise Derwin

The Byron Shire Echo

Volume 39 #23 • November 13, 2024

It certainly is an odd thing – if true – that the Byron Business Chamber was denied a seat at Council’s Business and Industry Committee – see page 1.

Was that the case?

In April 27, 2023, The Echo reported that Council staff claimed that the business committee struggled to attract members.

As result, a senior staff member said at the time that Council reverted to holding the meetings without outside input.

Instead, staff, and councillors just talked among themselves at the Business and Industry Committee meeting.

How riveting!

This perhaps neatly sums up the way in which the previous mayor did business.

Thankfully, we have moved on.

Now is an opportune time for a refresh, under somewhat new management, with bold new ideas and vigour.

So let’s Make Byron Great Again, and shake off all the poor decisions from the past with a shake of the smudge stick.

Council is the biggest employer in the Shire, running on the biggest budget. As such, it affects livelihoods and our shared prosperity.

So, it would be expected that communication and engagement by our local overlord will be at the forefront.

Thankfully, there is a draft Community Engagement Strategy now open for comment.

It’s a 29-page document that professes to take the community’s views seriously, yet like other ‘strategic documents’, it appears like a tick and flick requirement by the state government.

What’s an advisory committee?

They are voluntary positions to advise Council (councillors and staff) around finance, floodplains, arts, and traffic matters, for example.

There are ten advisory committees listed on Council’s website, down from 16 in the previous term.

New members are now being sought for eight advisory committees as well as the Byron Masterplan Guidance Group.

To get involved visit: www.byron.nsw.gov.au

The process by which feedback influences policy, for example, is optional. Page 25 says, ‘Where relevant and possible, [community input and feedback] is reflected in reports for the consideration of Council and in final documents, strategies, and proposals’.

Engaging with the unwashed masses is just one aspect of what is an enormous and important job as a councillor. If the newbies can navigate and improve word salad ‘strategic documents’, created by highly paid, unaccountable consultants, then it’s at least a start.

PS there is a Council meeting this Thursday!

Hans Lovejoy, editor

Afew minutes after Donald Trump’s ‘Wow look what just happened!’ speech, claiming the win on election night, I was messaged by an 18-year-old American-born student. We have been connected for some time on social media.

She wrote: ‘I am crying. I lost all my rights as a woman. I am trembling in fear for my future.’ I tried to reassure her: ‘It’s okay, democracy has many aspects, voting is just one of them.’

She explained her situation.

Her dad is a white American Trump supporter, and mom is an undocumented Mexican immigrant who arrived 25 years ago at age 15.

Since marriage, her controlling husband has blocked her from applying for citizenship. She has five children – one still at school, and this triggered my friend to catastrophise about a Trump presidency.

‘When my mom gets deported, I can no longer go to college.’

Me: ‘What?’

‘I would be responsible for my siblings. I have to be a mother to them while my mom is gone’.

‘I can’t have my sister help to raise my siblings, since she is going into the military.’

She voiced fears of racism and rampant Trump supporters who openly hate Mexicans.

A few hours earlier, this young woman had been excited to vote for the first time. Inexperience left her unprepared for a Trump victory.

I closed my eyes and pictured how many dramas like this one were unfolding in millions of homes across America.

In the awkward position of trying to point out some positives, I defaulted to ‘wait and see’.

Trump policies are not going to come into effect overnight – there are plenty of steps yet to take place. Nobody knows the details of what has not yet happened.

This did not really convince her, but we did start a more rational conversation about ‘turning back the clock’, and the fierce resistance particularly for women’s rights

We talked about the dignity and determination of the suffragettes

The Byron Shire Echo

Volume 39 #23November 13, 2024

Established 1986• 22,000 copies every week www.echo.net.au

Phone: 02 6684 1777

Editorial/news: editor@echo.net.au

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

‘We can be inspired by the women whose shoulders we stand on. Many of these women never got to vote themselves, but fought in other ways

– Catherine Cusack

(who she knew virtually nothing about) and the many opportunities to have a voice in democracy.

We can be inspired by the women whose shoulders we stand on. Many of these women never got to vote themselves, but fought in other ways so that we could have it.

Every time I go into a ballot box and feel glum about my choices, I think of, and thank, those women.

It puts my own grumbling into perspective. I feel their inspirational presence, and it should inspire all of us to stand up for ourselves and those we love.

We think we have it bad? I sent her an article on Susan B Anthony – and her 1872 arrest, when it was discovered she had voted in an American presidential election.

Ms Anthony was fined $100 for her crime, but never paid a penny.

When she died in 1906, Australian women already had the vote. It took another 16 years before American women won the same rights. For a nation that claims to have been a proud democracy since 1789, the USA sure has a chequered history.

Democracy is a journey, not a destination, and Donald Trump’s election must, of course, be accepted as part of the journey.

The one positive is Trump seems well placed to end the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East earlier than a Harris presidency would have.

In fact, he promised to end them before he is even sworn into office – it is quite conceivable this could happen. These tragic wars have gone on too long, and even his harshest critics concede they are all for bringing them to an end.

But Americans who voted for him expect a lot more – and this is why the next two years, leading to the mid-terms, pose an enormous risk for Republicans.

Trump’s mass deportation of illegal immigrants, if carried out as promised, will be a disaster for American businesses, ranging from manufacturing to agriculture.

Many industries are dependent upon cheap undocumented labour. Ripping all of them out of the labour force is unthinkable, pulling millions of their children out of school and funding internment camps run by the military is going to have huge consequences.

If the policy faceplants owing to complexity, then the Republicans lose a lot. If the policy goes ahead and the economy faceplants, then Republicans lose even more. Cake and eat it too

In this election, Americans voted to have their cake and eat it too. They voted for low inflation and also for high tariffs which cause inflation.

On women’s rights, voters split their ballots in the ten states where abortion referendums were held. Seven of the ten states passed the proposed measures guaranteeing women choice. In Arizona, for example, the measure passed with a 62 per cent majority – then the same voters cast their presidential ballot for Trump. Go figure.

As Kamala Harris so eloquently put it, conceding the election outcome does not mean conceding the political fight.

Indeed, the fight can only be energised, as a great gaping reality gap opens up between what Trump promised and what he actually does. So strap in for four more years of the Donald. Dust off the history books, and be ready to again debate issues we wrongly believed were settled and buried years ago.

It’s going to be wild.

Catherine Cusack is a former NSW Liberal MLC.

u flour wel of

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

Parking discrimination

I refer to last week’s letter by Page O’Hara. I too pay rates and was also denied a parking permit.

We live in Byron Shire, however have a business over the border. Our two cars are registered to our business. We have Queensland drivers’ licences as our business requires us to deal with registration plates in Queensland as part of our business operations, so they remain as Queensland. We also pay rates in Queensland.

As we live so close to the border there must be many others in our situation. Surely common sense should prevail in these situations. I went into the Council offices in Mullum with a book of evidence but was flatly denied. Seems discriminative to me.

Sam Henry Ocean Shores

Paid parking mess

‘Council says you can now pay using the QR code.’ I was shocked when I read this! What about people like me, who are technophobic or neo-Luddites? I don’t do ‘apps’ or two-factor verification or phone banking or... (I don’t even have a television!).

What about QR code scams? Yes, QR code scams are real, just google the term. The most basic is to cover an expected public code display with your own sticker (and then redirect to a spam site). Will Byron Council reimburse victims? Unlikely! Will Council waive fines for people without a smartphone? Unlikely!

I only noticed recently, when we visited the sculpture exhibition, that all parking meters in Brunswick Heads only take mobile phone payments through an app! How ridiculous! It’s forcing people to own and use one.

This reminds me of a time about ten years ago, when I often failed to submit the most basic online forms –because I had to leave the ‘required’ field for a mobile phone number blank, simply because I didn’t have one. This then meant jumping through hoops to try to make contact with the organisation or company

who wanted my details. Some online orders (yes, occasionally I use such merchants, only not Amazon) were impossible to place without a mobile number. I’m not sure who loses out, the supplier or me. Only yesterday, I abandoned a shopping cart because the only payment options were some obscure app, PayPal, and GooglePay – neither of which I am inclined to use and provide my data to (Google and Facebook would be the last ones I want to give more data to).

Yes, you may call me oldfashioned, but at least I’m not completely alone. The

popularity of dumbphones (google it!) is rising and almost every large retailer stocks at least a couple. People are realising that it’s better for their mental health and general wellbeing to ‘disconnect’.

In view of the planned TEx digital ID system it might very well be that more people choose not to comply and revert to simpler devices, which aren’t able to perform the required checkins. That would put a lovely spanner into the global hegemony plans. I certainly don’t trust that my required data would be safe.

Then how will anybody be able to pay the parking meters in Bruns? Hint: coins or ‘old-fashioned’ credit cards might be the future! It still works in Byron Bay. I would definitely fight any fine in court – if I’m not provided with a basic nonsmart-tech option.

Your neo-Luddite, Juergen Klein Mullumbimby

And the winner is… Trump v Harris.

And the winner is Vladimir Putin (and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping by stealth), Benjamin Netanyahu, Viktor Orban, anti-abortionists, climate change deniers, those who are antiminorities, autocracy, big business, self-interest, greed, fear and hate, etc.

It’s time for progressive people everywhere to take stock and fight back in defence of liberal democracy.

Simon Alderton Ballina

Career Guidance

Op Shop

BazaarButteryMarket

Koalas, roads, police

What a tragic situation you found yourself in, Louise Andrews (Koala letter, Echo November 6) as the police decided to pull you up for travelling at a safe speed for koalas rather than going after the aggressive speeding hoon.

As an opinion writer, I’ve always said that a good ‘Letter to the Editor’ is the equivalent of a mini-opinion piece. Now I know that a well-written letter can also be an encapsulation of everything that’s wrong with our world.

Vivienne Pearson Ocean Shores

David’s article

agency to stop this human catastrophe.

end of his article he is asked for advice on life. He suggests that vulnerability allows the boundaries of one’s tight and perhaps crustaceous self to be frayed and maybe even changed. I get it. To be vulnerable I have to be willing to hear, really hear that person opposite me who may be diametrically opposed to how I think.

Right there, in that moment is the potential of true change.

Ian Hamilton Myocum

Broken by the ceaseless stream of unprecedented barbarity conscientiously reported with the hope of influencing an outcome that may reflect a modicum of human decency but then being normalised by the disgusting rhetoric of war and rapidly silenced, not unusually by a sniper bullet.

When I picked up the latest Echo from my driveway, today, I clipped out, for the first time ever, an article. It was titled ‘Like a bird, on a wire’ and it was written by David Heilpern, former magistrate. I clipped it because ever since I heard tonight’s subject, ‘life’, I have been really, really suffering. And yes, it does have to do with ‘that’ election, but only tangentially.

deal’ and just because I don’t understand how to read a scientific review, I can be dismissed as someone too, well, stupid to spend time on. Since that time I’ve thought a great deal about this. Science occupied an almost sacred credibility… but what those same pro-science people didn’t understand was the psychology of communication. I think we’ve probably all experienced some situation where we KNOW we are right, but can’t, no matter how eloquent we are, be heard. It demonstrated to me that science, although rigorous, still needs to be heard, and that hearing is still the preserve of the individual.

From local to global...

If people are placing hazardous waste in their kerbside bin then put cameras on the trucks to scan the rubbish going into the trucks, and fine the residents. Recycle lithium!

I recall the many times my tears have flowed reading novels, watching documentaries or movies about the genocide of WWII or the disappearance of all the Latin American people, of Rwanda, Vietnam, etc. I also recall the conviction that rose in my heart and belly that I could never sit by and not at least do something, do anything to give voice to the voiceless, hope to the oppressed. At the very least cry openly in the streets.

Gina Lakosta Huonbrook

Allow me a moment to clarify. Ever since Covid, I’ve found myself in opposition to... others. Covid morphed into Trump, along with a big dose of climate melancholia. But here’s the thing. I discovered, for the first time in my life, that people have simply stopped listening to anything they don’t completely agree with. And the list keeps growing, and including even people I never would have thought would be in that group.

David’s article was a brilliant description of his deep and ongoing frustration at just how hard it is to change minds. After 14 drug inquiries, and as he puts it, his 300th inquiry into old-growth forests, he is venting his frustration. He is doubting if anything he ever said changed anything.

Here’s the only theory I have. Name me one thing so fully taken up, so fully penetrated, so fully replacing our old ways… And maybe, just maybe that has something to do with this inability to hear anyone anymore. I am of course talking about that incomprehensibly large behemoth called the internet. I hear people tell me: ‘Oh, we’ve been through phases like this before’. Please, I ask, tell me when we have been inundated daily with thousands of messages with one purpose: profit?.

Several experts and organisations are highlighting the rapid decline in battery prices and its potential to enable a transition to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030. For instance, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has reported that battery prices could fall by 40 per cent by 2030, making the combination of solar, wind, and battery storage more affordable than building new coal or gas power plants in many parts of the world.

Presidents and emperors Splashed all over the news today is Trump declaring victory over Harris as 47th American president. But, one of the big questions is, keeping in mind Trump was mightily ‘pissed off’ after losing to Biden in 2020, can he run again?

Well, the 22nd amendment of the US Constitution states ‘No’! Only two terms, that’s it! But constitutional amendments can be repealed. Look at Vladimir Putin of Russia or Xi Jinping (China) or the ‘Supreme Leader’ of Iran!

I’m not going to talk about whether any of them are right or wrong, on vaccines, on climate change, on Trump… that’s not the issue.

The issue is what has happened to cause this unheardof division and dichotomy that is even reaching into families and breaking them apart? It’s not enough for me to say I’m right and they’re wrong. Hey, enough people in America believe they are right to elect… you know who!

So… what has changed? What could possibly have such a major effect and yet to be almost undetectable to us? And if I am unwilling to say I’m right and they’re wrong, what part of the problem and what part of the solution does this little life, christened Ian Blair Hamilton, have?

During Covid I made a lot of people angry on social media. The most common argument was that the science of the vax was a ‘done

Now, we are on the precipice-like edge of a whole acceleration of that, called AI, artificial intelligence. If you don’t understand what effect it is already having… I suggest you find out.

Here’s my bottom line. My ‘life’ was a summation of my thoughts coming to me as a result of my life experiences.

I am ‘this’ because ‘that’ happened to me. I believe that the designers of the intelligence that now pervades our mental bandwidth are paid to take over that bandwidth that I once called ‘Ian’. I come to that conclusion as a participant victim, not as an observer, for my first defence, that other people are wrong. That idea no longer holds water. They just think as strongly and defensively as I do. How can I say that’s ‘wrong’?

David, I hear you. Near the

Also, Goldman Sachs Research predicts that electric vehicle battery prices could fall almost 50 per cent by 2026 due to technological advancements and a drop in key metal prices. These reductions in battery costs are crucial for scaling up renewable energy storage and achieving ambitious climate goals.

This is an opportunity to quickly obliterate the climate crisis. Perhaps everyone (e.g. you) could cancel the next jet-away holiday and add a cheap battery and EV to your garage instead.

Sapoty Brook Main Arm

Recently I was asked what is wrong with me. What is wrong with me weeping openly in the streets about thousands and thousands of children being maimed and slaughtered without restraint or respect for any current law or convention?

Hhhmmm, well on reflection I can only say I find myself as flawed as we all find ourselves in these times, gagged and without

Because, that’s what America has voted for! Since losing office to Joe Biden, Trump has sown the seeds and fanned the flames of discontent and radicalism. And Trump’s threat to deploy the US military against anyone who protests against his will as president, will become the reality, in the US.

The ‘honeymoon period’ for Trump, however, is not likely to last until inauguration and the internal divides and frustrations will bubble up.

But Trump is just the man to suppress them and make America more isolationist, more unreliable, and very, very dangerous. This second Trump term is going to be very different from his first chaotic four years with large sections of the press labelling his far-right, authoritarian, ultra-nationalist political philosophy – fascism!

The dystopia is real for millions

Michael McDonald

It’s been said that dystopian fiction adapts the problems of third-world people to first-world people.

The dystopia is real and here now. As of mid-2024, there are around 120 million forcibly displaced people worldwide – UN News.

This figure is made up of 68.3 million internally displaced people (displaced within their own countries); 37.9 million refugees (those who have crossed international borders) – United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR); and eight million asylum-seekers (those seeking international protection but whose claims have not yet been decided) – UNHCR.

The major drivers of displacement include climate change and conflict.

Climate change is displacing around 20 million people each year owing to extreme weather events such as floods, cyclones, and droughts – Weforum.

Conflict has resulted in millions displaced in countries such as Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Myanmar – UN News.

Another fallout from conflict is the amount of carbon dioxide and pollutants being pumped into the atmosphere by heavy armaments.

To add to the dystopia, it’s estimated that 40.3 million people are in modern slavery, including forced labour and forced marriage.

As climate change worsens and fragile

law-and-order breaks down, these unfortunate people will be on the move, even more so, and joined by millions of others. Will fragile sovereign borders hold together? Will the richer nations be able to maintain a ‘civilised’ control of their societies? These are the questions the climate crunch brings with it. If anarchy prevails, one can expect roving gangs and vigilantes attempting to hold their neighbourhoods

together. The preppers may well be right, if folks can escape into isolated regions, dependent upon those isolated regions being able to sustain life in a warming climate.

This podcast by Dan Ilic offers some hints: unswcentreforideas.com/article/ preppers.

This article first appeared on the Climate Crunch Facebook page.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Time is running out to secure your tenancy in Byron’s newest community hub, metres from the heart of town.

Byron CoLab on Arakwal Country is open for business at 10-12 Shirley St, Byron Bay. Leading the charge among the first occupants are Byron Community College, Northern Rivers Community Foundation and The Family Centre. Baloney’s Deli café fit out is well underway.

Over 50% of available floorspace is now tenanted.

If you’d like to be part of this vibrant community hub, we have limited community and commercial rental space available.

Contact Mikaela Hicks, Centre Manager, Byron CoLab on Arakwal Country, Social Futures, on 0407 787 595.

Visit socialfutures.org.au/byroncolab

Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man reimagined for 22nd century conditions.

The Ghosts of 2016: How the Democrats’ betrayal of Bernie Sanders and embrace of neoliberalism paved the way for Trump

Chaiy Donati

With Trump’s historic victory on November 5, the neoliberal era – the era that promised a marketplace for everything and a solution for nothing – seems to be witnessing its slow, painful death. Trump’s victory, though rhetorically toxic, was the right-wing’s response to the inevitable collapse of a system that could no longer deliver for the people it promised to serve.

The Democrats, however, failed to offer any meaningful alternative. Trump’s movement scapegoated the wrong people, fomented division, and undermined social cohesion, but it was, in its own way, a coherent vision – if not for everyone, then for enough.

Tuesday in greater numbers than ever before, handing him his historic victory as the 47th President of the United States. Yet, in 2016, when given the choice between the two populist figures, these crucial voter blocs decisively broke for Bernie. Sanders’ populism wasn’t a passing fad; it was a genuine challenge to Trump’s populist appeal, grounded in a classical understanding of what it means to be ‘left-wing’ and to reject the establishment.

it by turning Sanders into a scapegoat.

Clinton understood there was a populist anger out there, a hunger for change that could not be ignored. But rather than embracing it, she co-opted that energy and twisted it into something more palatable to the establishment. She didn’t just position herself as the more electable candidate; she positioned herself as the ‘true’ left – the champion of the ‘new’ left that was more concerned with identity than with economic justice.

The party elites, led by Hillary Clinton, made a fateful decision to double down on identity politics as their primary weapon to defeat both Bernie Sanders and, ultimately, lose to Trump.

In 2016, the Democrats did everything in their power to suppress the one figure who could have credibly led the left through the death throes of neoliberalism: Bernie Sanders. I was there, on the ground, canvassing for Sanders and working at his New York headquarters, witnessing the party’s manoeuvres up close and personal. Sanders was not merely a candidate – he was the embodiment of left-wing populism, born from the failures and betrayals of neoliberalism. His rise wasn’t just about policy; it was about confronting the entrenched power structures that had hollowed out the American dream. Sanders’ vision of economic justice, rooted in class struggle, was a genuine alternative to the political establishment, and it resonated deeply with a broad coalition: working-class voters, Latinos, disillusioned youth, and the so-called ‘Bernie Bros’ – including Joe Rogan.

These very demographics – so loyal to Sanders in 2016 – swung to Trump last

The left’s sudden fixation on ‘wokeness’ and identity obsession wasn’t some organic ideological surge – it was a deliberate, tactical manoeuvre orchestrated by Clinton and her allies. The goal was to create a narrative that eventually painted Sanders as racist and sexist because his politics were rooted in class, not in the language of identity.

This wasn’t just a failure of tactics – it was, as history has shown, a surrender to an unelectable position.

The Democrats, in trying to outflank Sanders with a new form of ‘wokeness’, failed to realise they were setting themselves up for political ruin. It wasn’t the base of the left that embraced this obsession originally; it was the Democratic establishment who saw populism rising within the party, felt the tides of change, and chose to kill

This was the beginning what would become the ‘Great Awokening,’ where Clinton famously declared that breaking up the banks wouldn’t end racism – and by extension, wouldn’t solve sexism or other forms of oppression. She reduced Sanders to a single-issue candidate – one whose only concern was the economy – while opening the door to a distorted narrative of what the left should be.

By 2024, with the political advantage once gained from Trump’s mishandling of Covid in 2020 now fading, the compromises the Democrats had made in 2016 had left them in a self-inflicted predicament, attempting to reconcile a pro-business, deep-state, neo-conservative agenda with the demands of the new ‘woke left’.

Since 2016, the Democrats have been trapped in the futile task of reconciling a crumbling neoliberal agenda with identity politics, all while refusing to confront the death of neoliberalism itself. Their failure to acknowledge the

widespread collapse of popular support for neoliberalism – particularly among key demographics in their former voter base – and their active sabotage of Sanders’ vision for a new path forward, has played a pivotal role in Donald Trump’s political resurrection. His comeback, the most remarkable in modern history, was built on the left’s failures. For the Democratic Party to reclaim its integrity and purpose, it must undergo a radical transformation – one that confronts the ghosts of its past compromises. No longer can it remain a vessel for corporate interests, the military-industrial complex, or the shadowy influence of deep-state elites. To be true to its roots, it must reconnect with the working class, reignite the fight for economic justice, and revive the ideals of liberty, equality, and free speech. These were the ideals that once infused the party with life – first in the 2008 promises of Obama that soon faded, then again in the 2016 promises of Sanders – before they were extinguished and suffocated. To find itself again, the party must look not forward, but inward, rediscovering the genuinely progressive values – not the hollow, performative ‘Wokeness’ – it once claimed as its own.

Chaiy Donati is a Byron Bay local with a degree in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Queensland. He is a former President of Queensland Young Labor, former National Political Organiser for the Transport Workers Union and seasoned Political Organiser in the ALP since 2007. Donati worked on the 2016 Bernie Sanders Campaign in Brooklyn, New York. He is currently the President of the Mullumbimby Brunswick Valley Branch of the ALP.

Articles

Nations must dramatically increase climate change adaptation

Cosmos Magazine

Nations are not doing enough to address the rising impacts of climate change the United Nations Environment Program’s (UNEP) latest Adaptation Gap Report 2024: Come hell and high water has found.

The report recommends a dramatic scale up of adaptation efforts this decade, starting with a commitment to act on finance at COP29.

Global average temperatures are rapidly approaching 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, and, according to the report, ‘mitigation action is woefully underachieving on the scale and ambition needed to keep within the long-term temperature goals of the Paris Agreement’.

Climate change and the ‘adaptation

Despite contributing least to the climate change crisis, developing nations are being hit hardest by increasing loss and damage due to climate change and are already struggling with increasing

debt burdens as a result.

The ‘adaptation finance gap’ reflects the need for a fair and equitable flow of money from developed countries, which are disproportionally responsible for the historic and current greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change, to developing nations to help them effectively and adequately adapt.

The report found that while international public adaptation finance flows

from developed countries to developing countries are increasing, they are nowhere close to making up the adaptation finance gap, which is estimated to be AU$328-591 billion (US$215-387 billion) per year.

The report calls for nations to step up to the challenge by adopting the ambitious New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance next week at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The politics of life at the M-Arts Centre – phew or spew?

Richard Hil

The first in a series of public talks called ‘This Stuff Matters – Politics of Life’ takes place at the M-Arts Centre, Murwillumbah on November 21. The evening kicks-off with bar and food starting at 5.30pm, with the main event starting at 7pm. The conversationalists are Juliane Schultz (The Idea of Australia. A Search for the Soul of a Nation) and Judith White (Culture Heist: Art vs Money).

They’re going to talk about what the US election means for you, me, and everything on the planet in a session titled ‘Phew or Spew?’. Let’s face it, the choice before the American people on November 5 wasn’t great. And the prospect of a Trump presidency is sending shivers down the global spine. You know the reasons why. Julianne and Judith will reflect on what the US election result means in terms of US democracy, (so-called), global geopolitics, as well as its implications for Australia. How should Australia respond to a Trump presidency?

The US election is of course only one among a host of things we think

about. The Politics of Life series is concerned with how and what we think, what worries us, and how we are in the world. It assumes we’re all philosophers. You don’t have to be a Plato or Aristotle to wonder what life’s all about. We think about the meaning of life all the time. How can I be happy, content? Why am I so sad? What does love mean? Why is my relationship not working out? Why do I feel so lonely? Why do I seek meaning and purpose? Why do I keep asking so many questions? Why can’t I just live?

Truth told, none of us knows the answers to these sorts of imponderables. If we did, we wouldn’t need all those self-help and personal growth books, or the mind fixers, would we? Life’s a journey all right. It’s complex. It can be brutish and short, but it can also be wonderfully joyous. Our lives, of course, are shaped by historical, social, economic, cultural and material circumstances. How we think of and experience life depends on where, when and with whom we find ourselves.

Life as we know it, is changing, and fast. Our

worlds are becoming more polarised, troubled and uncertain. The very technologies that promised so much connection seem to be driving us apart. Despite their relative wealth and privilege, western societies exhibit many signs of social fragmentation and human misery. We’re among the loneliest generations to have lived.

Which is not great news given that the climate predicament and ecological destruction are going to have massive implications for how and where we live. To face up to what’s unfolding, we’ll need to rebuild civic life and create more resilient communities, through reconnecting with others, sharing our thoughts and feelings, building new solidarities and finding solutions to our collective problems.

The Politics of Life series is focused on what will encourage us to think afresh about what life means in a transformed environment and what we can do to make life feel more connected and joyous.

You can book your ticket for the first event here: https://thisstuffmatters. my.canva.site.

Adaptation

However, given the scale of finance required it says that ‘NCQG can only be a part of the solution’ and will also require ‘innovative approaches and enabling factors to mobilise additional financial resources.’

It found that a more strategic approach to investment is needed, shifting from ‘a focus on short-term, project-based and reactive action to more anticipatory, strategic and transformational adaptation’.

Planning and implementation of adaptation within countries is also not increasing fast enough. While 171 countries now have at least one national adaptation planning instrument in place, 26 counties do not, and ten show no indication of developing one.

The report urges nations to include stronger adaptation components in their third set of nationally determined contributions (NDCs), due in February 2025.

Executive Director of UNEP, Inger Andersen, says climate change is already

devastating communities across the world, particularly the most poor and vulnerable.

‘Raging storms are flattening homes, wildfires are wiping out forests, and land degradation and drought are degrading landscapes,’ says Anderson.

‘People, their livelihoods and the nature upon which they depend are in real danger from the consequences of climate change.

‘Without action, this is a preview of what our future holds and why there simply is no excuse for the world not to get serious about adaptation, now.’

Massanassa, Valencia, Spain. October 31, 2024. A person empties a bucket full of mud taken from his house into a street filled with cars and debris after the flood.

Photo Vicente Sargues / Shutterstock

Fire fighters battling flames on the Woombah to Iluka road in November 2019 during the Black Summer fires. Photo Ewan Willis

Scott’s 184no paves way for Byron win

Smashing the inaugural Mullum Tennis Classic

Young footballers

take on the state’s best

Scott Kilpatrick scored 184no last Saturday, helping Byron Bay to 5/305 in their game against Tintenbar-East Ballina (TEB) in a third grade fixture at the Recreation Grounds.

TEB threatened the total, after a quick 105 from James MacDonald, but ultimately fell short on 9/237.

Two weeks earlier, TEB got the win against Byron Bay in the 80th over of the day.

Southport’s Taona Mashaga plays a shot in the under-12 girl’s final on her way to winning 6-2, 6-1 against Maria Ivanova at the inaugural Mullumbimby Tennis Classic on Sunday, November 10. For more info, visit www. mullumbimbytennisclub.com. Photo Philip Brown

BOWER CAMP CO.

Ross Kendall

The Byron Bay Public School (BBPS) boys football team made a gallant and impressive run in the Public School Sport Association’s state-wide knock-out competition, to finish in third place as the event reached its zenith in Sydney earlier this month.

The team of youngsters took on all comers, and was undefeated going through the preliminary contests based in the Shire, then North Coast and regionally.

The competition is open to all primary schools in NSW. All players have been playing at Byron Bay Football

Club (BBFC) since they were five or six years old, according to BBFC committee member, Danita Leitch.

Teamwork

‘The team devoured and defeated all teams they came up against, until the secondlast round. The teamwork and creativity displayed by the BBPS kids did not go unnoticed,’ she said.

‘Little Byron Bay made its mark on the best in the state. Results like this inspire a town and all its little kickers’.

It was a big effort to get the team to Sydney for the big finale, but a combination of trains, planes and automobiles got the job done.

‘BBFC is a communitybased club that relies on volunteers. You don’t get results like these without a lot of work behind the scenes,’ Danita said.

‘BBFC has the biggest membership for player participation than ever before and we are excited to start 2025 with enthusiasm’.

Players

Players included: Noah Atkinson, Nash Balbi, George Bloor, Max Bower, Max Cowan, Joshua Davidson, Tasman Harding, Benjamin Isaacson, Cooper Knaus, Jett Knaus, Onni MarilaineneMarinelli, Izzy O’Harae, Quinn Roche and Levi Simmons.

Self-defence to empower women

A trauma-informed women’s self-defence workshop organised by Reon and Amanda Fisher, took place over two weekends with a dozen attendees.

The workshop was a remarkable success, say organisers, and brought together women of all ages who were eager to learn practical self-defence techniques in a supportive and empowering environment.

Safety focus

Reon, a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu with a decade of experience, shared his expertise while emphasising the importance of safety, especially after his own experience with a home invasion in 2023.

Amanda, a traumainformed kinesiologist, facilitated the session with her unique approach to healing and empowerment through jiu-jitsu, drawing on her 15 years of experience.

The progress made by the participants was significant, with many expressing newfound confidence and skills by the end of the session.

Monthly classes

In light of this success, Reon and Amanda are thrilled to announce that they will be hosting monthly women’s self-defence classes at Point Break Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Mullumbimby.

These classes are open to

females aged 12 and above, and no prior martial arts experience is required.

The next class will be held on Sunday, November 17, from 10am to 12pm at Point Break Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, 2/62 Stuart Street, Mullumbimby.

‘We believe this initiative will continue to foster a sense of community and empowerment among women in our area,’ said Reon and Amanda.

Byron Bay Public School boys football team. Photo supplied

Brazilian jiu-jitsu crew. Photo supplied

Ross Kendall

Scott Kilpatrick retiring from the crease. Photo supplied

Love Byron Bay

With so much on offer, support local!

BYRON YOGA STUDIO

Join Byron Yoga Studio for a Free Yoga Community Day! Sunday, November 17, 6.30am–6.30pm.

Enjoy a full day of free yoga classes, local snacks and chats with the teachers. Plus, win lucky door prizes, and goodie bags for the first 30 guests.

Donations welcome to support Fletcher St Cottage. Book your spot via Mindbody.

6 Byron St, Byron Bay (upstairs) byronyoga.com/free-yoga-day-byron-bay/

BYRON MARKETS

The Byron Summer of Markets invites visitors to explore local art, music and hand-crafted goods at three iconic events: the Twilight Market every Saturday night, the Community Market on December 1 and 15, and the Beachside Market on December 31.

Follow @ByronMarkets for updates and enter to win special prizes from stallholders. www.byroncentre.com.au/bcm/byron-markets

ENZO & TOTO

Enzo & Toto, a cherished Byron Bay boutique, introduces its new Spring/Summer styles – perfectly curated for the season’s warm embrace. Known for timeless quality and handpicked luxury, Enzo & Toto offers refreshing, effortless pieces ready to take on the heat. From airy silhouettes to versatile essentials, each item reflects their commitment to style and elegance.

Visit in-store or online.

02 6685 5266

Shop 2/15-19 Fletcher St, Byron Bay www.enzoandtoto.com

YOFLO

To celebrate the re-opening of the new store and the start of the Summer, Yoflo are having a special afternoon on Friday, November 29 from 2pm to 6pm.

Come celebrate and get rewarded, they’ll have lots of giveaways and discounted Yoflo all afternoon!

3 / 19-23 Lawson Street, Byron Bay @yoflo

THE UNIQUELY BYRON BUSINESS AWARDS & END OF YEAR PARTY

Tickets are now on sale for ‘the Uniquely Byron Business Awards & End of Year Party’ on Thursday, October 28 at Ember in Byron Bay. The night will be packed with highlights, from an inspiring awards ceremony, to delicious canapés, drinks, and dancing to wrap up the year.

Whether you’re a local business owner, community member, or supporter, this is the perfect chance to honour Byron’s finest businesses, reflect on the year, and connect with familiar faces. Tickets are limited, so secure yours today for an unforgettable night celebrating our resilient and vibrant business community!

Thursday, November 28, at Ember, Byron Bay Time: 5.45 to 10.30pm

Tickets: $90 (members) $110 (non-members) @ humanitx.com

For more information visit byronbaychamber.com

NO BONES

No Bones is Byron Bay’s go-to for incredible plantbased flavours and feel good vibes! Dive into a world of taste with their creative dishes and signature cocktails.

Whether you’re vegan or just hungry for something fresh and bold, No Bones takes you on a flavourpacked journey that’s as kind to the planet as it is to your taste buds.

0481 148 007 11 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay nobones.co @nobonesrestaurants

Eateries Guide Good Taste

BYRON BAY

Main Street

Open for takeaway daily, 12 midday until dinner.

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

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

Oyster Bar

4 Marvell St, Byron Bay  DAILY

Breakfast 7–11:30am

Lunch 12–4pm  TUESDAY TO SATURDAY Dinner 5–10pm Book byronbayoysterbar.com.au

The Rocks

Open daily

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

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.

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.

Hotel Marvell’s Newest Seafood Destination

OYSTER HOUR

Tuesday to Saturday 5–6pm  Serving $3 oysters

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

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

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.

lizzijjackson@gmail.com 0414 895 441

Festival of the Rosé at North Byron Hotel

North Byron Hotel 61 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay 6685 6500

Open: 11am Mon–Fri & 8am Sat–Sun Kitchen hours: 11:30am–late daily Breakfast: 8am–11am Sat & Sun www.northbyronhotel.com.au

Sefa Kitchen

Wed to Sat 11.30am-late 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

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

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

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

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.

Correction: In our story about Open Table last week we got Ronit’s last name wrong. Her name is in fact Ronit Robbaz Franco. Sorry Ronit.

North Byron Hotel will bring the blush to the bush, and transcend into a delightful French provincial playground this November, as they partner with Maison AIX, Australian Bay Lobster and Mindy Woods in appreciation of all things rosé.

This unmissable takeover provides holidaymakers, and locals alike, the perfect opportunity to shelter from the sun underneath the blossom pink displays – designed by the talented Nikki Ogilvy, founder of Nikkau Flora – whilst sipping on the finest drops of blush around.

Each glass or bottle of AIX-en-Provence rosé purchased, unlocks the possibility of a perfectly paired, all-day rosé-fused menu, created by Head Chef Jedd Rifai, and inspired by womanof-the-moment, Mindy Woods of Karkalla, and her unbridled connection to country.

As if that wasn’t enough, on Saturday, November 23, North Byron Hotel will host ‘Festival of the Rosé’ in the sun-drenched garden, alongside a carefully curated line-up of wine producers who will be providing a fussfree, informal tasting, and an opportunity to meet-the-makers.

Whilst rosé quenches thirst, native food queen, Mindy Woods returns to the fireside to serve some of her signature dishes and seafood snacks in collaboration with local supplier, Australia Bay Lobster. For just $60, guests can enjoy the ultimate foodie experience, at an intimate lunch served by Mindy, as she exemplifies the possibilities that native ingredients and

cooking-practices hold. The ticket is inclusive of two glasses of AIX-en-Provence rosé, acting as the perfect pairing for the likes of rock oysters dressed with pepperberry mignonette, chargrilled prawns with macadamia satay, kangaroo tartare, sea herbs and ooray crips, and a seared, scalloped warrigal green emulsion native red curry, plus more!

Once lunch is served, the party starts as regionally and internationally recognised winemakers begin on the pours. For just $25, guests can flirt between sampling, led by Lo-FI Wines, MEREDITH, Ricca Terra, Natural Order Wines, Source of the Nile, Liquor Merchants, and more, as the garden transcends into a pink-fueled buzz, with live entertainment playing into the night. Mindy’s menu will continue to be smoked, charred and sauteed throughout the afternoon, making this an accessible way to try food from one of the country’s most exciting chefs.

Grab your friends, family and Uber rides home. This is set to be a perfect dose of pink, to celebrate summertime in the Bay.

Tickets can be purchased online at What’s On, North Byron Hotel at https://northbyronhotel. com.au/whats-on.

Date: Saturday, November 23

Time and price: Premium tickets, 12:00pm to 1:30pm: $60.

General admission, 1:30pm to 7pm: $25.

Location: North Byron Hotel, 61 Bayshore Dr, Byron Bay

LENNOX HEAD

The Good Life

Greens from The Farm

Victoria Cosford

The scapes, by the time you read this, may no longer be around. The long green shoots which grow from a garlic bulb make their brief appearance between spring and summer. I’m learning all about them from Josh Dooley, who had thrust some into my arms the previous week and urged me to roast them, to treat them like asparagus. Which I duly did, and they were fantastic, very subtly garlicky, a little sweet.

Josh and wife Lynette have been growing glorious produce at The Farm in Ewingsdale for about ten years now, and selling at farmers’ markets for the past one-and-a-half. The absence of signage (‘I like to

be incognito!’, jokes Josh) does nothing to deter the flow of customers to the stall, where three trestle tables are festooned with things mostly green. There are the amusingly-named bouq-kales, bunches of four different types of kale, including cavolo nero, white Russian and Russian curly, which are a big seller. There’s silverbeet and green onions and cabbages, broccolini and bok choy and watermelon radishes, prettily pink inside. And there’s the big tub of mixed leaves, another big seller for the couple, and no wonder, an assortment so zingily fresh they nearly leap out at you.

And yet what you see may well no longer be there in a few weeks’ time. ‘We’re in the

cusp season’, Josh explains. ‘All these leafy greens are starting to come to an end, and soon it will be zucchinis and chillis and capsicums and beans.’ He says that they’ll keep the mixed leaves going for as long as they can, ‘but they don’t like the heat. Winter’s the time greens thrive.’

Here’s a couple purchasing scapes, and I want to know what they’ll do with theirs.

‘They’re delicious pickled!’ says the girl, ‘plus they’re really yummy in an omelette.’

‘They’re a by-product that’s become a delicacy’, adds Josh.

Greens From The Farm are at Mullumbimby Farmers Market every Friday from 7am till 11am.

Sefa Kitchen brings Turkish breakfasting to Habitat’s courtyard

Sefa Kitchen’s canteen has already become a hotspot, drawing crowds to its signature lunch trays, where guests can build their own meal from an ever-changing selection of ten salads, slow-cooked regional casseroles, and hearty broths. Sefa’s offerings align with the Mediterranean diet philosophy, with an emphasis on fibre-rich foods, quality proteins, healthy fats, nuts, and dried fruits – a diet considered one of the healthiest in the world.

Starting this week, Sefa’s canteen is also showcasing Turkish breakfast staples.

Highlights include the Turkish breakfast plate: Çılbır eggs, and baked zucchini eggs with garlic yogurt, burnt chili butter, mint, and sumac.

The freshly-made pide flatbreads add to the authentic Turkish breakfast experience. For coffee, there is Beam Coffee, roasted locally in Byron’s industrial precinct, along with house-made, masala-style Bonny’s Jungle Chai, matcha, and coldpressed coffee, available on weekdays from 7:30 am to 3pm.

Set against the lush Habitat courtyard, Sefa Kitchen’s

Middle Eastern-inspired canteen, bar, and restaurant provides an inviting escape for work, play, and socialising, day and night. Thursday, locals’ night features a special deal on charcoal shish platters with a welcome drink for just $35, and kids can eat free and play in the garden.

Sefa Kitchen combines casual daytime hangout

vibes with elevated dining experiences across its thoughtfully designed spaces. Ideal for small and large gatherings, Sefa Kitchen offers a dining room, bar, and courtyard for everything from cabaret-style immersive dinners, to cultural events and live music nights. The dining room is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through

Saturday, with a full bar and a cocktail and wine list inspired by Middle Eastern flavours.

Sefa Kitchen: 1 Porter St Byron Bay Web: www.sefakitchen.com Insta: Sefakitchen.Byron

Josh and wife Lynette with some greens from The Farm, ‘zingily fresh’.

Byron’s Best-Kept Summer Secret: The Markets You Can’t Miss

By Amanda Kuhn

Locals and visitors alike are raving about Byron’s Summer of Markets - here’s why you need to be there.

What if you could shop local, soak in Byron’s beachside vibes and discover unique finds - all in one place? Welcome to the Byron Summer of Markets, where you can experience the best local talent and creativity every week. Whether you’re a longtime resident supporting your community or a visitor eager to explore what makes Byron Bay so special, these markets offer an authentic slice of Byron life. Each market is packed with surprises, from handcrafted jewellery to funky fashion, international food and live bands.

The Original Byron Experience – Byron Community Market

Looking for that perfect gift or craving something handmade?

The Byron Community Market is where you’ll find it all, with markets held on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of December and January in the heart of Byron’s town centre. Imagine strolling through rows of over 250 stalls filled with unique goods from Byron’s talented makers, artisans and growers, all while live music from local performers adds to the atmosphere.

“We’re so proud of the diversity and quality of what our local stallholders bring to the markets,” says Carl Taylor, Markets Manager. “It’s not just shoppingit’s an experience where people can connect with the local community.”

The Iconic Coastal Classic – Byron Beachside Market

Dreaming of beachside shopping? Mark your calendar for Sunday, 29 December when the Byron Beachside Market returns to the Main Beach foreshore in the lead up to New Year. This isn’t your average market - it’s a handpicked collection of Byron’s best creative artisans, all set against the stunning backdrop of Byron’s iconic Main Beach. You won’t want to miss this one.

“Our Byron Beachside Market is a highlight for locals and visitors alike. There’s something really special about browsing handmade artisan goods with the ocean as your backdrop,” says Carl.

Saturday Night Vibes – Byron Twilight Market

For something a little different, head to Railway Park every Saturday night for the Byron Twilight Market. Think local arts and crafts, food trucks and live entertainment - all under the stars. It’s the perfect way to kick off or wind down your weekend, with a uniquely Byron twist. Don’t miss the night market on Saturday, 21 December to get all of your Christmas gifts for friends and family. From morning markets to evening delights, Byron Markets are where you’ll find the true spirit of shopping local this summer. Whether it’s handcrafted goods, fresh eats or a special handmade Christmas present, you’re sure to discover something special this summer.

In celebration of Byron’s Summer of Markets, we’re running a competition to win something amazing from our very own stallholders! Want in?

Follow us on Instagram at @ ByronMarkets to find out how to enter.

Byron Community Market

Sunday 1 & 15 December

Sunday 5 & 19 January

Byron Beachside Market

Sunday 29 December

Main Beach foreshore, 8am – 3pm

Byron Twilight Market

Every Saturday Railway Park, 4pm – 9pm

Special New Year’s Eve Market

Tuesday 31 December

Find out more at www.byronmarkets.com.au

SUNDAY

1ST & 15TH DECEMBER 5TH & 19TH JANUARY

Town Centre 8am – 3pm

FEATURED MARKETSTALLS

SUNSALT BYRON BAY

For the wanderers and dreamers… You only live once and life can be simple, beautiful and relaxed with SUNSALT organic Turkish towels. The perfect towels/sarongs for hitting the beach/pool/bath or waterfall! Quick drying, compact and light. Practical gifts for everyone; van-lifers, travellers and bathers. Find SUNSALT online or at local markets. sunsaltbyronbay.com.au

PATRICK STERLIN ZENTHAI SHIATSU THERAPIST

Zenthai Shiatsu combines the healing arts of Zen Shiatsu (Traditional Chinese Medicine), Thai Massage and Osteopathic techniques. Patrick holds a safe space where he gently invites you to unwind limiting patterns in your body and connect with the underlying emotions. He supports your nervous system’s self-regulation, allowing your body to reorganise intelligently.

May you be your greatest gift to the world. www.patricksterlin.com/zenthai 0422 540 686

MINTCHI

Mintchi is an Australian lifestyle brand focused on conscious slow fashion and homewares. They create limited-edition collections using sustainable, eco-friendly materials. Designer Joana’s handmade softies embody this ethos, with even their tiniest details crafted from recycled materials. Committed to reducing waste and respecting nature, Mintchi strives to make a positive impact on both fashion and the planet.

Discover more at www.mintchi.com.

KERAMIKA

Keramika design high quality handmade ceramics that are inspired by nature and a love of artisanal craft. You can find them at the markets and at their showroom in Mullumbimby, where they also also offer classes, full pottery studio access and firing services. Now is the perfect time to purchase unique handmade gifts for Christmas and support local makers.

50 Station Street, Mullumbimby www.keramika.com.au

BYRON BAY DRESSING SHED

Change in comfort under an organic cotton Byron Bay Dressing Shed. It’s soft and cool against your skin, with extra large arm openings that allow you to pull your arms inside and change easily, plus an extra large hoodie and deep pockets.

It’s light enough to take travelling and stylish enough to wear to a coffee shop after a swim.

www.byronbaydressingshed.com.au

Light enough to take travelling, stylish enough to wear to a coffee shop after a swim.

Lightweight organic cotton. Extra large hoodie & deep pockets. Fantastic sun protection!

byronbaydressingshed.com.au

Unique and beautiful ceramics Hand made in the Byron Hinterland

Station Street, Mullumbimby www.keramika.com.au

THE LOCAL’S CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

It’s the festive season! Get your Christmas shopping done early with The Local’s Christmas Gift Guide.

Gifts for her

Top picks for the ladies in your life: Dinosaur Designs accessories, Craie Studio leather bags, Sage & Clare homewares, Lorna Murray hats, Odesse Australian-made fragrances and Maison Matine body products.

Gifts for him

Get him something good! Skwosh tees and caps are always a popular gift for the guys. He will also love Solid State fragrances, Rains bags and a huge selection of vinyl.

Gifts for the little ones

Spoil those kiddies with Kip & Co kidswear, sweet silicone toys (top pick - the binoculars and building blocks), felt finger-puppets, Ken Done bucket hats and beach towels, and lots of goodies for outdoor activities.

Open 7 days 9:00am-4:30pm 5/21-25 Fletcher St, Byron Bay @thelocal.stores

BYRON COMMUNITY COLLEGE

From AI to Vegan Meals

Byron Community College has a fantastic lineup this November, there’s something for everyone!

Check out these workshops:

Basket Weaving: Friday, 15 Nov (3 sessions) – traditional weaving techniques.

Bicycle Repair & Maintenance: Saturday, 16 Nov – essential bike repairs.

AI for Business: Tuesday, 19

Nov – Practical AI for modern biz’s.

Facebook for business: Friday, 22 Nov – boost your socials.

Natural building intro: Saturday, 23 Nov – sustainable building made simple.

Vegan Meal Prep: Sunday, 24 Nov – Plant-based cooking skills.

Web Design with WordPress: Friday, 29 Nov (4 sessions) – BYO website. Handmade Paper Lights: Saturday, 30 Nov – craft unique paper lights. Death Defying Law with Mark Swivel: Saturday, 30 Nov – get informed! For curious minds and hands-on learners!

Learn more and ENROL here: www.byroncollege.org.au/or call (02) 6684 3374

NORTHERN RIVERS RECYCLED BUILDING MATERIALS - COMING SOON TO LISMORE

Northern Rivers Recycled Building

Materials is the salvage and recycling business for Northern Rivers Demolition & Asbestos (NRDA). Being in an industry that generates a lot of waste, Samuel from NRDA felt a huge responsibility to relook at the way the demolition industry deals with its waste that could otherwise be repurposed and recycled.

Having grown up in Alstonville near Big Scrub remnants, Company Director Samuel Northfield has a big passion for the old rainforest that once was. ‘Most of the hardwood coming out of the homes we demolish most likely came from the Big Scrub so by recycling these timbers, it’s our way of paying respect and not only that, it’s brilliant timber that you just can’t get anymore’.

Showroom opening date TBA, @northernriversrecycledbuilding for more updates or call Samuel on 0403 427 262

COORABELL PUBLIC SCHOOL

Coorabell Public is a small school with a big family feel. Their highly energetic and enthusiastic staff embrace new and emerging educational practices to ensure their students are happy, engaged learners. Their reputation for consistent academic success extends beyond their school community. They balance achievement in the classroom with an outstanding creative and performing arts program led by a specialist teacher, as well as multiple sporting opportunities for their students. They have a supportive and progressive P&C, and their families share a real connection to the school, with a deep sense of belonging.

To find out more about the school, and their fabulous transition-to-school program, visit the website.

https://coorabell-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/ (02) 6684 7281 21 Mango Lane, Coorabell

GLOBAL RIPPLE CHARITY

Thrift your heart out at the newly expanded Global Ripple Charity shop! With eclectic treasures for everyone, a great atmosphere, and now even more space full of treasures galore, it’s the perfect place to spend a few hours and find some amazing bargains while supporting a local charity. You can shop knowing that every penny spent is directly supporting people in need.

If you would like to support Global Ripple, drop off your preloved items, donate furniture and spread the word.

Open Monday-Saturday 9-4:30pm

Located at 2 Grevillea St, Byron Bay (behind Bunnings)

MY GEEK MATE

Password managers offer several advantages over pen and paper for storing passwords. Stronger security: they generate complex, unique passwords for each account, making them harder to crack. They also encrypt your passwords, protecting them even if your device is compromised. Plus you’ll be notified of any data breaches.

Convenience: autofill and auto-login features save time and effort.

Reduced risk of loss: unlike physical notes, digital password managers are accessible from any device with an internet connection, minimising the risk of losing your passwords.

pen and paper for passwords passwords for each encrypt ce a e with ng

perating system or

Native password managers, integrated into your operating system or browser, offer additional benefits such as seamless integration with your device and automatic updates. Come and sit down with Mark for personal tech support and tuition.

1/53 Tamar St, Ballina

Email: mark@mygeekmate.com.au Phone: 0431 122 057

THE BOUTIQUE FAMILY LAWYERS

Choosing the right law firm is crucial when navigating the complexities of family law matters. Richardson Murray is a boutique law firm practicing exclusively in family law. The team at Richardson Murray consists of experienced family lawyers who understand that family issues like divorce, parenting arrangements, property disputes and domestic violence can be emotionally overwhelming. At Richardson Murray, anything less than excellence is not good enough. Their client service and client care are unsurpassed, going above and beyond to ensure results and client

satisfaction. The team at Richardson Murray are dedicated to ensuring that your family law matters are resolved so that you can close the chapter, turn the page, and commence the next chapter in your life.

www.richardson-murray.law

Contact: info@richardson-murray.law

Telephone: (07) 5619 5933

Ground Level, 42 Parkes Avenue, Byron Bay

15 AND 16 NOVEMBER

With a full schedule of competitions and events there is something for everyone at this year’s Bangalow Show.

In celebration of the Bangalow Poultry Clubs 100th birthday this year, our theme is “Chooks” so running with that theme, there will be a Chook Hunt on Saturday for primaryaged kids – numbered chooks (not alive!), will be hidden around the grounds and pavilions for the kids to find – pick up the entry form at the show office on Saturday morning and get hunting. Return your completed form before 2pm and the winner will be announced at the Village Green before the “Cluck and Crow” competition at 3pm. Get your lungs working and give us your best cock-adoodle-do to win.

Friday kicks off with the Working Dogs at 6:30am, grab breakfast at the Lions Kiosk and watch the dogs go through the motions. This is followed by Led and Ridden Horse Classes and Showjumping at 9am. Dairy Cattle can be seen over at Scarrabolotti ring from 9am, followed by the Children’s Pet Parade at 4pm and Battle of the Breeds Beef Cattle Competition at 6pm.

A jam–packed Saturday opens with Open Campdraft from 6am, finals at 2:30pm, more horse action from 9am, including the Heavy Horses at 10am.  There will be plenty of beef exhibits and poultry – more chooksgalore.

Sideshow Alley runs all day Friday & Saturday along with Steve’s Reptiles, Old MacDonald’s Farm Animals, and Stan’s Woodworking. Our usual fabulous events on Saturday include Tart of the Show - this year is sure to have some yummy versions of a Macadamia Tart – the Boot Toss and games for the kids.

Our premier event, the Stockman Ironman Competition is always a crowd pleaser, along with the junior version Farm Kids Challenge. Local band Mossy Rocks will be playing in the Lions Bar and our Saturday evening entertainment is a couple of Monster Trucks –sure to be a winner.

Then it will all finish with a spectacular fireworks display.

Gates open at 6:30am Friday & Saturday. Entry $15 adult, $7 pensioner/high school, and primary school and under for free.

See bangalowshow@ outlook or bangalowshow. com for more information

ISLAND LUXE

Two distinct locations, two unique experiences.

An aesthetic rooted in a timeless simplicity

ISLAND LUXE BANGALOW

62 Byron Street, Bangalow 02 6687 1605 info@islandluxe.com.au

ISLAND LUXE TRIBE BYRON BAY

1/11 Marvell Street, Byron Bay 02 6680 9600 tribe@islandluxe.com.au

Mercedes and her team at Castrikum Adams Legal and Bangalow Conveyancing are passionate about our local community and will be attending the Bangalow Show to cheer on all competitors across a number of events.

Our practice areas include:

Conveyancing | Building and Construction Disputes

Property Matters | Contract Disputes | Estate Planning

Leasing | Business Transactions | Commercial Law

Probate and Contested Estates

Bangalow Conveyancing and Castrikum Adams Legal, work together to achieve your goals, no matter how complicated they may seem.

a legal predicament, or need to talk about anything property related, we are your onestop shop.

15 AND 16 NOVEMBER

Sideshow Alley | Pavilion Exhibits | Baby Animals |

Steve’s Reptile Show | Pet Parade | Cattle | Poultry | Horse Exhibits | Competitions & much more!

FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER

All times are approximate and may change on the day

6.30am Working Dog Trials

Lion BBQ open for breakfast

7.30am Young stock all breeds class

9am Dairy Cattle

Pavilion open for viewing

Show Jumping

Horse Led Classes

Horse Ridden Classes

Horse Breed Classes

Danny Thomas Memorial Stock Horse

Challenge

Junior & Juvenile Stock Horse Challenge

10am Sideshow Alley - all day

Steve’s Reptiles

Old MacDonald’s Baby Animals

Stan Ceglinski - Woodworking

Lion Club Bar & BBQ open

2.30pm Campdraft - Junior / Juvenile / Maiden / Novice

4pm Pet Parade - Scarrabelotti Ring

6.30 Beef Cattle - Battle of the Breeds

A family owned Reggio Emilia environment for ages 6m-5yrs, embracing nature & connection to community. We support children’s growth & creativity through experiential learning and play.

SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER

6am Campdraft

6.30am Lions Kiosk open

Hacks

All times are approximate and may change on the day

9am Show Jumping

Paddock Pony

Beef Cattle/Vealers – Scarrabolotti Ring

Poultry/Caged Birds – Poultry Pavilion

10am Heavy Horse

Stan Ceglinski - Woodworking Tart of the Show – Village Green

11am Bush Poets - Village Green

Junior Showgirl / boy registration –

Village Green

Family Fun Frolics- Village Green

Boot Toss – Village Green

Big Bang Burger Bite – registration

Village Green

Barrel Racing

2pm Official Opening - Main Ring

2pm Prepare your bird for showing @ Poultry

Pavilion

Monster Truck Taster

Big Bang Burger Bite – Village Green

Open Campdraft Final

3pm Cluck & Crow- Village Green

Bareback Cut Out

Shopping Relay

Farm Kid Challenge

Dog High Jump

Farm Produce Auction

Rodeo Musical Chairs

Mossy Rocks @ Lions Bar

Team Stockman Ironman

Monster Trucks

8pm Fireworks

Cryptic Clues

ACROSS

1, 8 Down. Continue a poem – bizarrely, many stories begin this way (4,4,1,4)

6.Donkey not all there – he’ll do your dirty work for you (6)

9.Serbian goes wild, slashing knight and cook (6)

10.Proceed slowly into big country without finishing toast (4-4)

11.Northern Australian trippers have no love for strippers! (9)

12, 22 Across. Roll made by fashionable baker, with barley starter (5,5)

14.Airmen confused, then start to laugh – diggers get it! (7)

15.Gambler, accepting last of odds, must be a funny guy (7)

17.Critic at the front door? (7)

19.It’s Puck, tangled up in a heist (7)

22. See 12 Across

24.Associated Press and Reuters embroiled in breaches (9)

26.Commercial speech hasn’t got copyright, or an appendix (8)

27. Uniform police secure authorisation primarily to transmit data (6)

28.First Nation people right in relation to the origin of Australia (6)

29.Setters upset about old ribbons (8) DOWN

2.Warships returned on budget –that’s telling (9)

3.Long story abbreviated to relieve hedonist (7)

4.Philosophical bases of date and prices revised (10)

5.Fine effort but lacking Romeo’s nuance (6)

6.Ninja instructor accepts one who professes non-violence (4)

7.Fabled giant, a long time lacking energy, and old, has an afterthought (7)

8. See 1 Across

13.Squashes Spooner’s lunatic objections (10)

16.Count finds menu changed by Earl on speed (9)

18.Loud clear call is distorted in carol (7)

20.Telco planned to keep up two lines (7)

21.Perhaps batter has a key? (6)

23.Provider of down clue: ‘Religious festival attended by old queen’ (5)

25.Permit tour leader to be removed from view (4)

STARS BY LILITH

With serious Saturn on the move we can’t escape the weighty issues of our world, but executive Venus taking charge in practical Capricorn offers support to tackle this week’s conundrums in creative and responsible ways...

Quick Clues

ACROSS

1, 8 Down. Introductory words to many an old tale (4,4,1,4)

6.Wild close relative to the dog (6)

9.Stew food slowly in a closed pan (6)

10.Both a greeting and a farewell (4-4)

11.Practitioners of communal nudity (9)

12, 22 Across. Thin slices of grilled meat and accompaniments in flat bread (5,5)

14.Ore (7)

15.Person who makes jokes from wordplay (7)

17.Device on a door to herald a visitor (7)

19.Armed robbery (7)

22. See 12 Across

24.Openings (9)

26.Arithmetic or algebraic function (8)

27.Send data to a device (6)

28.Group of Aboriginal peoples who live at Mparntwe / Central Australia (6)

29.Awards made from ribbon (8)

DOWN

2.Orderly account of events (9)

3.A person of refined and fastidious taste, esp in food, wine, etc (7)

4.Words by which something is said about the subject (10)

5.Discrimination; finesse (6)

6.Adherent of an ascetic Indian religion (4)

7.Fabled one-eyed giant (7)

8. See 1 Across

13.Variety of pumpkin (10)

16.Give a one-by-one list (9)

18.Middle Ages trumpet with a loud and shrill note (7)

20.Two successive lines of rhyming verse (7)

21.Batter who starts an innings (6)

23.Sea-duck whose fine down is used to make bedcovers (5)

25.American multi-national financial services corporation (4)

Last week’s solution #28

SHAMBOLIC HYPER

T B A I O A R O ARSENAL NUCLEAR R O T O C I L T BALZAC MENELAUS O

Beyond the Wall

Mandy Nolan

I’ve never liked walls. The idea of creating a structure that keeps people separate.

A divide that includes some by excluding others.

Walls have been a primitive and historic way humans mark their territory.

Everything inside the wall is mine. And outside the wall is all that will be mine once I put a wall around it.

It’s this idea of ownership that infers a kind of walled-in capture. It’s the architectural cornerstone of colonial culture.

Our walls are no longer brick and mortar. They are digital. Cyber walls.

We are separated by walls we cannot see. Walls created by capitalism. A wall that you cannot climb. A wall you cannot stick your finger through or spray-paint with graffiti.

It is a paywall.

To climb it you need a credit card.

Because that will take you to this mythical place of ‘knowledge’ and ‘belonging’ – the land beyond the paywall. Really it’s just more algorithmically designed propaganda to keep your bias nice and shiny.

But to find your nirvana, you must get beyond the paywall.

I imagine the paywall as a thing. Like in Game of Thrones. I imagine it as the northern Wall. And we are the wildlings, the free, crazy, letterto-the-editor-writing independentmedia-loving folk. Living free, unaware of the danger that lies beyond. The White Walkers. Giant attacking media zombies with murderous Murdoch heads or Elon Musk masks. The people who put stuff behind the paywall. The same people who put stuff on your social feeds. People who decide what you see. It’s not called a ‘feed’ for nothing!

I remember Saturday mornings. Before the Wall.

The smell of newspapers and tea and toast. Sitting on a bed covered in paper. I remember reading through, from the headlines to the bylines,

ARIES: Aries is one of the fastest signs in the zodiac to connect the dots, but this week’s planetary lineup is fixed and determined. So try to avoid locking horns, because even a small compromise or concession on your part could go a long way towards easing a gridlock situation.

TAURUS: This week your planetary muse, Venus, could have you thinking about job satisfaction and work/life balance, especially during Taurus full moon on 16 November, your annual date to factor in the simple things that bring you joy: nature’s beauty, your favourite food and music, a rejuvenating massage.

GEMINI: This week’s resourceful energy helps spotlight where you might be spending inefficiently, where to reduce waste and trim needless costs. It also suggests you get busy with an early start on end-of-year arrangements before Mercury your primo planet retrogrades inconveniently during the pre-xmas rush.

The people who put stuff behind the paywall. The same people who put stuff on your social feeds. People who decide what you see. It’s not called a ‘feed’ for nothing!

the lift-outs, the in-depth articles, the stories that surprised me. The obits. The retractions. The love for sale. It would take me all weekend to read the paper. I loved reading things that were beyond my interest. Things I wouldn’t have known, if they hadn’t been sprawled amongst the toast crumbs. I never understood the Nazdaq.

And yes, you had to pay, but it wasn’t a wall. I didn’t give my details and links to my credit card. I didn’t bleed my data to the man. I didn’t have to sign up for a subscription that arrives in a beep on my app. I went to the newsagent and flicked them $2. Then I wrapped my

CANCER: This week’s full moon in your personal sector of professional and career achievements could bring a chance to change, or improve, your financial status via an offer out of the blue, or introduction to a helpful connection. Be extra discerning though, as you filter through new invitations and opportunities.

LEO: During this psychically-charged week, your manifesting powers are significantly dialled-up, so remember that whatever you focus on, you’ll get more of, because where attention goes, energy grows. It’s also quite a stubborn transit, so flexibility and negotiation will achieve the most successful results.

VIRGO: If you’ve been on a bit of a roller coaster lately, or feeling unduly pressured, relax and take time to reassess the situation. Slowing down won’t stop your progress – it can actually be a blessing to help you get your bearings and feel confident that you’re heading in the right direction.

LIBRA: With your leading planet Venus on the lookout for profitable pairings in the coming weeks, this season of strategic alliances is the year’s most propitious period for business discussions, and partners to confer about relationship goals, future ambitions, shared resources, even bucket lists if that’s your thing.

SCORPIO: Birthday celebrations notwithstanding, this week’s behind-thescenes planetary forces are nudging you to put some healthy, life-affirming practices into place before holiday hedonism kicks into high gear. Consider initiating a few sustainable daily shifts that fit easily into your lifestyle: small commitments that are easy to keep.

SAGITTARIUS: While Mercury in your energetic sign has your mind in overdrive, issues can escalate in nanoseconds, so remember this when posting or uploading. If other people’s unsavoury sides start showing, a smart response could be to arrange a brainstorming session where everyone brings their best to the table.

vegetable peels in it and used it to compost my garden.

But instead of a paper on the bed, there is a dude behind the paywall reading news as it drops from The Australian or Fox News. There are a lot more people living behind this wall. The world they inhabit is totally different to mine. Because their media and my media tell us different stories.

I remember when I enrolled in my journalism class a trillion years ago –and the long lectures on objectivity. About how this was the role of the journalist. To be objective. To find the truth of a story.

Now the truth is just another algorithm lurking behind a paywall I can’t afford.

But you still have power. Teenyweeny wall-breaking power.

Unsubscribe.

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: At last your planet boss Saturn heads forward after four-and-a-half months backed up in retrograde, and even better, Venus steps confidently into her most upmarket placement (Capricorn) bringing a much-needed degree of emotional stability to this sensual and sexy, grouchy and ouchy, high intensity week.

AQUARIUS: This week’s astrological cycle in the sign of shared resources opens a new chapter for investments: emotional, physical and economical, placing focus on mutual funds, passive income and property matters. There’s strength in numbers, so investigate teaming up on a joint endeavour or co-op venture.

PISCES: As Saturn moves forward out of its hibernation in Pisces, you’re able to clearly recognise and acknowledge your part in recent misunderstandings. This week brings an increased need for data security and privacy filters, so perhaps consider deleting those apps tracking your every move or closing gossipy chat threads.

MANDY NOLAN’S

Volume

13–19 November, 2024

Editor: Eve Jeffery

Editorial/gigs: gigs@echo.net.au

Copy deadline: 5pm each Thursday

Gig Guide deadline: 5pm each Friday

Advertising: adcopy@echo.net.au

P: 02 6684 1777

W: echo.net.au/entertainment

seven days of entertainment

Wild Aid fundraiser –comedy night featuring Jimeoin, Lehmo and Mandy Nolan

Kookaburras, koalas, pelicans, spangled drongos, galahs, pademelons; these are some of our wild creatures that bring us joy and make us laugh with their curious calls and comic antics.

They also need our help. They get hit by cars, attacked by pets, snagged in marine debris, and see their habitat destroyed from overdevelopment. Since 2020, Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital has been helping wildlife with expert veterinary care for over 8,000 sick, injured and orphaned patients and counting.

Eclectic Selection

What’s on this week

Māori reggae rockers Katchafire are touring in November and December, launching the tour with a show at the Beach Hotel in Byron. With special guests, fellow Aotearoan Laughton Kora, and locals The 4’20’ Sound, doing DJ sets.

Katchafire’s music blends classic roots reggae, R’n’B, funk, and modern dancehall. Their universal vibe resonates with fans worldwide, combining slinky pop, cool grooves, and uplifting energy.

Thursday at 8pm at The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay. Tickets $45 from moshtix.com.au

For around 18 months now, on the second Wednesday of each month, a bunch of local musicians gather round a few tables near the fireplace for an evening of traditional Irish folk music. Naturally the pints of Guinness flow and the pub is abuzz with the sound of Ireland!

All are welcome at the Irish Folk Jam, as audience, or to join the jigs. 5-8pm, every second Wednesday of the month.

Wednesday from 5-8pm at The Eltham Hotel, Eltham. A free event.

This amazing Wildlife Hospital needs your help. So on Thursday, November 21 at the Beach Hotel, Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital are staging their second annual Wild Aid fundraiser as a comic relief event featuring exclusive performances from acclaimed comedians and MC Madeleine West

‘The Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital is an essential community service,’ said Jimeoin. ‘I’m proud to be one of the hospital’s wildlife ambassadors. I’ve visited with my family to see first-hand the work the vets and nurses do along with volunteer wildlife rescuers.’

‘We know our work is important, but it’s really hard to be around animals suffering all the time.’ said Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital General Manager of Veterinary Services, Dr Bree Talbot. ‘People supporting our fundraisers makes us feel valued and inspired to keep at it.’

The event will also feature a live auction of ‘money can’t buy’ items provided by supporters from near and far.

Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital acknowledges the generous support of the performers and event sponsors Southern Cross Credit Union, Southern Cross University, The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay and Ray White Byron Bay.

We all need a belly laugh, and it’s for a great cause – for the wildlife.

Get your tickets while they’re still available. Thursday, November21 at The Beach Hotel. Doors open from 6pm. Tickets from moshtix.com.au.

The much-loved Hot Shorts competition of short plays returns to Mullumbimby’s Drill Hall Theatre, running over two weekends starting Thursday, November 14. For over 25 years, Hot Shorts has given local writers, directors, and actors a platform to showcase their talents.

From November 14 to 23 on Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30pm, with Sunday matinees on November 17 and 24 at 5:00pm. Tickets are $25 and $20, available at drillhalltheatre.org.au

Kingfisha return for their first shows since 2020 with special guests Sky Eater, District Dub City, and DJ Mustapha Perfecting their unique mix of modern reggae for over a decade, the Kingfisha sound is seductive, polished, and irresistibly catchy. Characterised by deep, all-encompassing rhythms, compelling synth lines, and treated drums, topped with a soulful understated vocal. Celebrated as bass-heavy roof-raisers – get ready to dance it out!

Friday from 7pm at the Brunswick Picture House, Brunswick Heads. Tickets $35 and $40 from brunswickpicturehouse.com

Two very special concerts will celebrate a posthumous Sara Tindley album project that has been brought together by two of her long-time musical friends, Lucie Thorne and Ash Bell. A collection of solo home recordings made by Sara in the last year of her life, the album Golden Girl, also features two new songs written by Lucie and Ash in tribute to their dear friend, alongside two previously unreleased duets with Sara.

Friday at The Citadel, Murwillumbah from 7.30-9.30pm. Tickets $20 and $30 from humanitix.com. Saturday at The Rochdale Theatre from 3-5pm. Tickets $20 and $30 from trybooking.com

Circe’s Chords cutting-edge flamenco production promises a powerful spectacle, brought to life by a stellar eight-member ensemble. With a vibrant mix of music, dance, and poetry, audiences will be captivated by four dancers, two guitarists, a singer, and a versatile percussionist and keyboardist, all in harmony to present flamenco in its most potent form.

Saturday from 7pm at Brunswick Heads Picture House, Brunswick Heads. Tickets $32 and $40 from www.brunswickpicturehouse.com

JIMEOIN

Lemon Chicken at the Courthouse

It’s almost the silly season and what better way to celebrate than with a traditional Lemon Chicken gig at the Courthouse, Mullumbimby.

Playing a myriad of covers from Paul Kelly through to Rage Against the Machine, the band will also bring to the stage a special treat, throwing in some new tunes for added flavour.

Lemon Chicken are inviting all to come on down for simultaneous dancing and drinking and the possibility of Luke in a tutu; everyone is welcome for a fun night which the band are hoping will be their biggest yet at the Courthouse.

A local band set on bringing live music back to town, head down to support them.

Friday, November 15 starting at 8:00pm, only $5 entry

seven days of entertainment

The Railway Friendly Bar offering music every night!

With music absolutely every night of the week, The Rails is a Byron Bay institution for live music and local musicians.

The best bit is, the gigs are free. So drop in for a drink, some food and great music.

Wednesday will feature the blues and roots stylings of Marshall OKell, while the Sarah Grant Duo will grace the stage on Thursday. Venus Fly Trap + friends will be back to play a hometown show on Friday night. Local favourites Swamp Cats will perform on Saturday and festival favourite cover band Soul’d will perform with Future Fakori at the LIV LOUD event on Sunday.

Next week, Monday features rock artist Jamel Boukbou and Tuesday evening the multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter Ally Palmer will be performing her beautiful, heartfelt soulful-folk songs.

Check out all gig details at therailsbyronbay.com

Sinatra Through the Years with Rhydian Lewis and The Residuals Big Band

King of The Swingers: Sinatra Through the Years, is the most authentic-sounding tribute concert to the unforgettable music of ‘Ol’ Blues Eyes’ himself, Frank Sinatra. Standing in Frank’s shoes is international performer Rhydian Lewis, who performs 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 with their concerts being described as ‘simply stunning’. They perform the songs in a truly captivating way, against a backdrop of iconic stories. This show’s moving re-creation of the unmistakable sound, of probably the most recognisable icon in American history, is something of a masterpiece.

Rhydian and The Residuals have a special chemistry that cannot be denied, that will make you feel as if you are back in the Copa and The Sunset Lounge on the infamous Las Vegas Strip, in the 1940s, ‘50s, and ‘60s. Whilst you’re submerged in the Vegas vibe, you will hear some of the most memorable songs ever written, made famous by one of the world’s greatest ever crooners. Featuring a song lineup, including some of Sinatra’s most famous and best-selling hits; ‘Come Fly With Me’, ‘The Lady Is a Tramp’, ‘Fly Me To The Moon’, ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’, ‘That’s Life’, ‘My Way’, ‘Luck Be a Lady’, ‘The Theme from New York New York’, ‘Old Devil Moon’, ‘One For My Baby (And One More For the Road)’, ‘My Kind of Town’, ‘Strangers In the Night, (Love Is)’, ‘The Tender Trap’, and more. This is possibly the closest thing to Frank Sinatra in his prime, touring today.

In 1978, 20 years after its original release, Rhydian’s firstever tape cassette was Frank Sinatra’s ‘Come Fly With Me’, which he played so much, the tape nearly wore out. ‘I was brought up with the songs of Sinatra,’ he says, ‘but I just couldn’t hit those low notes until later in life! And now, here I stand before my very own swinging Big Band, singing The Sinatra songs from my childhood. Dreams really do come true!’

Swing and crooner music, is just as popular today, as way back in the day. See for yourself why Rhydian Lewis is being called Australia ’s own Sinatra, with his dedicated and heartfelt stories, both serious and funny, about the man who led The Rat Pack, won an Oscar, and married one of the most beautiful women in the world. Rhydian is featured on The Ministry of Sound’s first-ever big band swing album released in 2015 in the UK, US, Canada and Ireland.

This feel good, good times show may be just what you needed to put a jump back in your step! Re-live the Sinatra era and enjoy The King of The Swingers.

Ballina RSL. Sunday, November 17

General admission, standing $29 / $25 Member. Member theatre style $35 / $30

Member cocktail tables of 4 people $39 / $35

Doors: 1.00pm Show: 1.30pm 18+

ALLY PALMER

seven days of entertainment

Full-On Theatre: bringing laughter, music, and stories to life

AWKward is a thought-provoking and humorous exploration of contemporary Australian life.

A compelling new theatre performance that delves into the complexities of friendship, race, and identity, this thought-provoking and humorous production follows two mates—one Indigenous and one white Australian— through a labyrinth of social interactions, highlighting the awkwardness that often arises from differences in culture, race, and personal experiences.

From the uncomfortable truths about race and cultural identity in Australia to the strange expectations of showbiz and the high stakes of live performance, AWKward is a powerful reflection on what it means to be friends in modern society. Audiences will experience moments that make them laugh, cringe, and reflect on the reality of navigating relationships in a diverse world.

Developed in New York City (July 2024) by two Australian theatre-makers, Mitch King and Dave Houston, AWKward is a work that blends entertainment with social commentary. Mitch King, an Indigenous dancer, musician, and actor from the Widjabul Wia-bal people of the Bundjalung nation, brings his rich cultural heritage to the stage, while Dave Houston, a musician, comic, and actor with an Anglo-Celtic background, infuses his unique comedic style into the performance. Together, the duo create a dynamic and engaging show that transitions between serious and humorous moments, often flipping characters and situations to explore deeper issues.

Touring nationally and internationally, Full-On Theatre supports artists of all ages.

7:30pm on Friday, November 15 at the Byron Bay RSL. 7:30pm on Saturday, November 16 at Wilsons Creek Wildernest (address with ticket purchase)

7:30pm on Sunday, November 17 at Byron Bay RSL, Byron Bay (Lolitah will open the theatre show with her unique songs at 6:15 pm).

Tickets from humanitix.com.

Theo Parrish and

Swooping

Wild Combination, Wondercore Island, A Love Supreme, Ma Presents and Flo Records are thrilled to welcome Theo Parrish and Swooping (featuring members of Hiatus Kaiyote) for a unique gig.

rnational k nown ge and desire to get

Theo Parrish, renowned international DJ, is known for his vast musical knowledge and desire to get people dancing.

collections. From those modest beginnings, it quickly became a favourite at the Byron and Bangalow markets before finding a permanent home in the vibrant Lumber Yard precinct of Bangalow. Flo Records isn’t just a shop; it’s a hub for music lovers and DJs, all united by a love for diverse sounds and the timeless, tangible beauty of vinyl records.

Swooping—a trio including Paul Bender Perrin Moss, and Simon Mavin Grammy-nominated Hiatus Kaiyote—brings an improvisational energy that pushes musical boundaries. Revered by icons like Prince, Pharrell, and Questlove, and heavily sampled by artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé, Hiatus Kaiyote’s impact on music has been immense. With Swooping, they delve into raw, spontaneous expression, taking their artistry in new directions.

vin from the K aiyote—brings hat pushes musical s like Prince, Pharrell, ampled artists ith w, ing ns.

For an added treat, Theo Parrish and Swooping will host a free, open conversation at Flo Records from 2pm before the show This intimate discussion offers fans a chance to hear about their musical journeys, inspirations, and creative philosophies.

s rs s, ey

Flo Records began its journey four years ago with a simple online ad seeking vinyl

it’s a hub for music lover a love for diverse so of

Offering a carefully curated selection across genres – jazz to jungle, rockabilly to reggae, dancehall to disco – Flo Records has something for every taste and rhythm. Each record is chosen to resonate with collectors, enthusiasts, and DJs who cherish the artistry and history embedded in vinyl. With shelves stocked to reflect the rich tapestry of musical eras, the shop invites visitors to explore, connect, and expand their musical worlds.

O ffering a careful jaz reggae, dancehall t for ever y t record is chosen to res enthusiasts, and DJs wh and histor y embedde stocked to refl of musical e visitors to th

Flo’s vision than retail a commun can exper ev

Flo’s vision has always been more than retail; it’s about fostering a community where people can experience music together. Hosting events has been central to this goal, and now, that dream is set to soar with this special performance.

Friday, November 15. Artists in conversation at Flo Records Bangalow, from 2pm. A free event.

soar with this s Novemb conversation at fre

Live show 5pm to 11pm at Playground, Byron Bay – tickets from eventbrite.com.au.

Live show 5pm t Byr eventbrite.com

SWOOPING

THEO PARISH

seven days of entertainment

GIG GUIDE

WEDNESDAY 13

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, MARSHALL OKELL

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 4PM

INO PIO, 7PM CINNAMON SUN

BYRON THEATRE 6.30PM

TAKAYNA, THE HEART OF LUTRUWITA FILM PREMIERE AND BOOK LAUNCH

CINEMA

She’s unbreakable

It’s been described as electrifying, a candid film about Jelena Dokic’s story, inspired by her 2017 memoir of the same name.

Unbreakable is not just a tennis story. It’s the story of Jelena Dokic’s survival, of her overcoming extraordinary odds, and of her ultimate triumph in the face of poverty, bullying and extreme brutality. It’s about how she survived as a refugee, twice. How she survived on the tennis court as she ascended to become world number four.

But most importantly, how she survived the unimaginable abuse by Damir Dokic, her violent father and manager. The man whose love she craved most. It’s a story of growing up – never being alone, but always lonely. Ultimately, it’s the story of how the tennis world and a nation of fans chose to look away when Jelena needed them most. The question is… why?

Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story features firsthand testimony from Jelena, Australian and international tennis greats, including Pam Shriver and Lindsay Davenport, as well as former Women’s Tennis Association officials, and journalists Chris Clarey of The New York Times, and CBS’s 60 Minutes reporter Jon Wertheim.

Now showing at Palace Byron Bay Cinema and Ballina Fair Cinemas. www.palacecinemas.com.au

PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM DAN HANNAFORD

BANGALOW BOWLO 7.30PM

BANGALOW BRACKETS’ OPEN MIC

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM WILD WOMEN 2

ELTHAM HOTEL 5PM IRISH FOLK JAM

FRIDAY 15

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, VENUS FLY TRAP + FRIENDS

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 5PM TIAGO FREITAS, 8PM

BYRON DNB PRESENTS

S.P.Y. WITH THE 420 SOUND, DAVE QUENDO, SOPHDEXX, HOSTED BY MC SNUZE

BYRON THEATRE 7PM AQUARIUS – FILM SCREENING WITH Q&A

PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL PLAYGROUND, BYRON BAY, 5PM SWOOPING (HIATUS KAYOTES BAND), DJ THEO PARRISH, FLO RECORDS DJS & DINGO BALEARIC

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM MATTY ROGERS

TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE STAGE 8PM SWEET, THE FAREWELL TOUR

COOLANGATTA HOTEL 5.30PM COL GERMANO

THURSDAY 14

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, SARAH GRANT DUO

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 4PM LACHIE DWYER, 8PM

KATCHAFIRE WITH SPECIAL GUEST LAUGHTON KORA (NZ)

BYRON THEATRE 6.30PM

HEATH FRANKLIN’S CHOPPER – NOT HERE TO F*CK SPIDERS

PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM MATT BUGGY, 8PM

NORTHERN NIGHTS 02 FT.

BYRON BAY SERVICES CLUB 7.30PM FULL-ON THEATRE PRESENTS AWKWARD

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM INO PIO

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM KINGFISHA WITH SKY EATER, DISTRICT DUB CITY, DJ MUSTAPHA

WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM DJ AFRODESIA

ST JOHN’S SCHOOL HALL, MULLUMBIMBY, 7.30PM

ECSTATIC DANCE MULLUM WITH DJ 3RD EYE WARRIOR

DRILL HALL THEATRE, MULLUMBIMBY, 7.30PM HOT SHORTS

MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 8PM KRAPPYOKEE WITH JESS COURTHOUSE HOTEL, MULLUMBIMBY, 8PM LEMON CHICKEN

SATURDAY 16

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, THE SWAMP CATS

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 3PM MICKA SCENE SOLO, 6PM

KANE MUIR & THE HOWLERS, 9PM MADISON KAT

BYRON THEATRE 7PM THE BRIGHT LIGHTS AWARDS

PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL

NORTH BYRON HOTEL 4PM

VIKEN ARMAN, UONE, TAYA, MONSIEUR DIOP & AFRODISIA AND WREN

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM MARK CHAPMAN

EWINGSDALE HALL 7PM FULL MOON OUTDOOR ECSTATIC

DANCE WITH DJ LO QI

BANGALOW HOTEL 6PM INO

PIO

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 12PM THE HOPE REVOLUTION

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, , 6PM HAYLEY GRACE

BYRON BAY SERVICES CLUB

7.30PM FULL-ON THEATRE PRESENTS AWKWARD

YULLI’S, BYRON BAY 3PM OPEN MIC

BANGALOW HOTEL 4PM THE LONESOME BOATMAN BYRON THEATRE 6PM THE YAC REVUE – FEATURING BOY OF MANY COLORS AND YASMINDI HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4PM PAUL A GEORGE + SPECIAL GUESTS MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 3PM OPEN-MIC WITH THE SWAMP CATS WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 3.30PM DJ DARLAN DRILL HALL THEATRE, MULLUMBIMBY, 5PM HOT SHORTS

MAGIC MACHINE, FLUKES OF SENDINGTON, EARTH TO JOSH, BRUSH PRAIRIE + ZIA OF THE DANDY WARHOLES

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM

TAHLIA MATHESON

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE

HOUSE 7PM BOB EVANS: WHEN KEV MET BOB RIDES AGAIN

DRILL HALL THEATRE, MULLUMBIMBY, 7.30PM HOT SHORTS

THE LEVEE, LISMORE, 5PM MICK DALEY

CHERRY STREET SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, 7PM ANDREW & MAL

MARY G’S, LISMORE, 5.30PM TEAK, 9.30PM DJ BRENTO

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM FLAMENCO

DANCE: CIRCE’S CHORDS

WANDANA BREWING CO.,

MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM DJ LAINIE

CHAIT

DRILL HALL THEATRE, MULLUMBIMBY, 7.30PM HOT SHORTS

MULLUM CIVIC HALL, 8PM

SHAI SHRIKI FULL BAND

BILLINUDGEL HOTEL 7PM SONIC FX

LENNOX HEAD COMMUNITY CENTRE 7PM THE HOT SEAT –MANDY NOLAN’S CAMPAIGN PREMIERE & LIVE CHAT SHOW

BALLINA RSL 6PM ISAAC FRANKHAM

CHERRY STREET SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, 8PM POLY AND CO

LISMORE WORKERS CLUB 9PM

BALLINA RSL 2.30PM ALPHA STOMP ELTHAM HOTEL 2.30PM THE BURES

ROCHDALE THEATRE,

8.30AM SOUL FISH, MONKEY AND THE FISH AND CHRIS FISHER KINGSCLIFF BEACH HOTEL 1PM JEROME WILLIAMS TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE STAGE 2PM MARINA PRIOR & MICHAEL CORMICK

COOLANGATTA HOTEL 12PM TANE-RUA, 4PM LIVING IN THE 70S

MONDAY 18

MARINA PRIOR & MICHAEL CORMICK

THE LEVEE, LISMORE, 7.30PM DJ GUY GREY

THE CHANNON TAVERN 3PM MONKEY & THE FISH BAND

MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6.30PM LEIGH JAMES

THE CITADEL, MURWILLUMBAH, 7PM HETTY KATE JAZZ

JON J BRADLEY

SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 6PM LACHIE THOMAS SOLO

COOLANGATTA HOTEL 4PM

LISMORE CITY BOWLO 7PM THE SUPPER CLUB SOUL BAND

II (M) NFT Daily: 11:15AM, 1:15PM, 2:15PM, 3:15PM, 4:15PM, 5:15PM, 6:15PM, 7:15PM, 8:15PM HERE (M) Thurs, Sat, Tues: 6:00PM. Fri, Mon, Wed: 1:15PM, 6:00PM. Sun: 11:00AM, 6:45PM LEE (M) Daily except Sun: 10:45AM, 3:30PM, 6:00PM. Sun: 10:45AM, 1:30PM, 6:00PM SATURDAY NIGHT DEFAULT (MA15+) Thurs, Fri, Sat, Tues: 1:15PM, 3:30PM, 8:00PM. Sun: 3:30PM, 8:15PM. Mon, Wed: 1:15PM, 3:30PM, 8:15PM

SMILE 2 (MA15+) Daily except Mon, Wed: 8:15PM THE MOOGAI (M) Daily except Thurs, Sun: 3:45PM. Sun: 4:00PM THE POOL (M) Daily except Sat: 11:10AM. Sat: 10:45AM THE SUBSTANCE (R18+) Daily: 3:10PM, 8:00PM THERE'S STILL TOMORROW (M) Daily except Sun: 10:50AM VENOM: THE LAST DANCE (M) Thurs, Fri, Tues: 11:00AM, 1:10PM, 5:45PM. Sat: 10:45AM, 1:10PM, 5:45PM. Sun: 10:45AM, 1:10PM, 6:00PM, 8:20PM. Mon: 11:00AM, 1:10PM, 8:15PM. Wed: 11:00AM, 1:10PM, 8:20PM PARIS OPERA BALLET: SWAN LAKE (CTC) Sun: 1:00PM

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 6PM

JUSTIN JONES, 7.30PM LOONEE

TUNES ON TOUR WITH BAGGY TROUSERS & LISTEN UP 9PM

MATT CLARK BAND

MARY G’S, LISMORE, 9.30PM ALL GONE BAND THE CHANNON TAVERN 6.30PM KARAOKE

MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6PM MARTIN WAY THE CITADEL, MURWILLUMBAH, 7.30PM ASH BELL + LUCIE THORNE

PRESENT SONGS FOR SARA, GOLDEN GIRL ALBUM LAUNCH

CHILLINGHAM STORE 3PM

PHANTOM LIMBZ

SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 12.30PM

BURNING HANDS, 8.30PM

JON J BRADLEY

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 6PM THE BLAKE EVANS DUO + JASON DELPHIN

TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE STAGE 8PM THE TWO

AMIGOS – GLENN SHORROCK & BRIAN CADD

COOLANGATTA HOTEL 4PM

THE GREEN SINATRAS, 7PM

COOLY ROOTS MIN FESTIVAL WITH THE NEIL JUNIOR BAND, CONQUER, ANDRE CORDEIRO BAND, DJ DANNY WILSON, 9PM THE VYBEZ BAND

SUNDAY 17

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, SOUL’D, DJ FUTURE FAKTORI

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 4PM DIZZY DAYS, WHARVES, JUNO, RAAVE TAPES

PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, JAMEL BOUKABOU

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM JOCK BARNES

PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM MARK USHER

TUESDAY 19

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, ALLY PALMER

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6.30PM PRISCILA RIOS, 7.30PM JAPA SYSTEM

PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6.30PM MARSHALL OKELL

TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE STAGE 11PM SHADES OF STREISAND

WEDNESDAY 20

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, ISAAC FRANKHAM

PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM INO PIO

BANGALOW BOWLO 7.30PM BANGALOW BRACKETS’ OPEN MIC

TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 7PM STAND UP FOR MANDY FEAT. KITTY FLANAGAN, DAVE HUGHES, AKMAL, JACKIE LOEB, TING LIM, ELLEN BRIGGS AND MANDY NOLAN

Classifieds

ECHO CLASSIFIEDS – 6684 1777

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.

DEADLINE TUES 12PM

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

RATES & PAYMENT

LINE ADS:

$17.00 for the first two lines

$5 .00 for each extra line

$17 for two lines is the minimum charge.

DISPLAY ADS (with a border): $14 per column centimetre

These prices include GST. Cash, cheque, Mastercard or Visa

Prepayment is required for all ads.

TWEED BYRON LALC

ORDINARY MEMBERS

NOTICE OF MEETING

Date: Friday 22nd November 2024 Time: 10am

Venue: Minjungbal Museum & Cultural Centre, Cnr of Kirkwood Road and Duffy Street Tweed Heads South Agenda items include: CLBP, General Business. Contact: Ph 07 5536 1763 or email tweedbyronlalc@tblalc.com

Authorised by: Chairperson Tweed Byron LALC

WHERE TO GET THE ECHO

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PRAECIPE

For the record Kaaren Teresa Schimana of Huonbrook, New South Wales, is permanently domiciled on the Land and Soil of Terra Australis. I am not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and the paramount security interest holder of all estates, property, assets and collateral, both registered and unregistered, and all associated copyright protected trade names. My lawful reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis was recorded with Public Recording Number RPP44 63900051002918523600 on Proclamation Date 17th October 2024, and tacit agreement was established by my unrebutted Living Testimony in the Form of an Affidavit. All usufruct subjugation ties have been severed with the occupying corporate government of Australia. The corporate Australian kakistocracy and its affiliates are instructed to immediately cease and desist misaddressing Kaaren Teresa Schimana in fraudulent debased DogLatin, GLOSSA and to cease and desist infringing upon my estate, property, assets, collateral and copyright protected trade names.

WILD DOG

BAITING NOTIFICATION

This notification is to advise all landholders within one kilometre of the property at 31 Pinegroves Rd Myocum that 1080 wild dog baits will be laid on the abovementioned property from 20/11/2024 to 31/01/2025. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROGRAM. Property owners are recommended to restrain their pets and working dogs and to ensure that they do not enter the baiting location during and after the poisoning operation. In the event of an accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance. 1080 poisoned baits will be laid in accordance with Pesticide Control (1080 Liquid Concentrate & Bait Products) Order 2020 under Section 38 Pesticides Act 1999. Additional requirements may be imposed by NCLLS. For further information contact: Jason Edwards 0457 356 510 or David Brill, Senior Biosecurity Officer, Local Land Services, 0438 104 935.

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

HEALTH

HAWAIIAN MASSAGE Ocean Shores, Michaela, 0416332886

KINESIOLOGY

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

SANDRA DAVEY, Reg. Pract.

HYPNOSIS & EFT

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

HYPNOSIS & NLP

Over 30 years of experience WendyPurdey.com. Ph 0497 090 233

CHEAP

SHARE ACCOM.

BYRON:

MULLUMBIMBY: Lge

$350pw or med $250pw for working n/s. 0408547654

TO LET

BANGALOW rural f/furn s/cont studio, $450pw, no pets, n/s, full-time working professional preferred. Ph 0409348072

STUDIO COTTAGE: newly renovated with separate workspace set in stunning rainforest in Mullumbimby. 3-6 month lease $650pw. Please call 0481755766.

LOCAL REMOVAL

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

BALLINA SELF-STORAGE UNITS Secure. From $22p/w. Ranging from 10–44 m3. Across 3 locations. 66867011

Community at Work Classifieds

PETS

kittens. She truly deserves a loving home now.

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

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

D E X T E R DEXTER

Dexter is a 9 month old, Bull Arab Dane / mastiff bloodhound X. He is a playful, goofy pup who adores everyone he meets. Dexter has made great progress with his training and would thrive in a family with older children, that is committed to continuing his education.  # 991003002444230. Location: Murwillumbah. For more information contact Yvette on 0421 831 128. Please complete our online adoption expression of interest:https://friendsofthepound.com/ adoption-expression-of-interest/

Visit friendsofthepound.com to view other dogs and cats looking for a home. ABN 83 126 970 338

On The Horizon

DEADLINE NOON FRIDAY

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

Free Japanese festival

The Matsuri Japan Festival in Byron Bay will take place in Dening Park on November 23 from 2 to 8pm. It is a free, family-friendly, community event that introduces unique Japanese cultural experiences. Bring your picnic mat, enjoy the beach breeze for an outdoor picnic dinner. YATAI Asian street foods will be served under the lantern, and live Japanese music and entertainment will be provided. Enjoy traditional performances, bon-dance, craft workshops, and kids’ games – all with a Japanese twist. To keep the festival free, every beer you drink will be a donation to the festival.

Byron Bay Hospital

Auxiliary

End-of-Life Choices

Voluntary Euthanasia End-of-Life Choices are discussed at Exit International meetings held quarterly. Last meetings for the year are being held shortly. 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)

Death Cafe

Shedding AGM

Join our Shedding Community Workshop AGM and potluck dinner on Monday, November 18 from 5.308.30pm at The Railway Shed, 18 Prince Street in Mullumbimby. Bring a dish and join the celebrations! RSVP to 0458134551 or hello@shedding.com.au.

Banora Point Church Fete

One of Banora Point’s most popular community events is back again this year! The Banora Point Uniting Church Fete is taking place on Saturday, November 23 at the Uniting Church, 63 Darlington Drive, Banora Point, from 8am to 12 Noon. All the popular favourites are back including a scrumptious BBQ breakfast, and lovely Devonshire teas. The award-winning Banora Point High School Concert Band are performing from 11am. BV VIEW

ADULTS

LU NA LUNA

10-month-old desexed female Irish Wolfhound x Kelpie ‘Luna needs a new home. Only weighing 23.5kgs, Luna is tall but very petite. She is great with children and other dogs and LOVES to play. She has the sweetest, most adorable temperament. She will need ongoing training and an active companion or family with a decent-sized fenced yard. Please contact Shell on 0458461935. MC: 978142000105470

Boots

Boots is a 14 month old black and white, shy boy who pretends he doesn’t like people but likes to be stroked. He gets on well with other cats and feels more secure around them. He will need lots of patience until you earn his trust and if you have another young cat, he’d be happy. He came with his brother, Otter, who is very similar in personality but is ginger and white.

All cats are desexed, vaccinated and microchipped. No: 900164002267302.

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

MONTHLY MARKETS

Byron Bay Hospital Auxiliary will be holding their Christmas Garage Sale on Saturday, November 30 from 8am to 12noon at 105 Beech Drive, Suffolk Park. Christmas cakes and puddings, pickles, bric a brac and plants. Contact Maureen on 6685 3162 for further information.

CWA Christmas Market

The CWA Brunswick Heads annual Christmas Market is on Saturday, November 30 from 8am to 1pm. Christmas cakes, Jam, pickles, handmade christmas gifts of plants and flowers. At the corner Park and Booyun Streets, Brunswick Heads. Cash only. Contact Mary on 0431 908 063 for further information.

GCAT

The Green and Clean Awareness Team’s (GCAT) monthly Dunecare Day is on Sunday, November 17 from 9am to 12 noon, meeting in front of the Beach Cafe at Clarkes Beach. We plant in the sand dunes from Clarkes Beach to Main Beach. From 12 noon to 1pm, enjoy a delicious free BBQ and be in the draw to win one of four excellent prizes. It’s good fun. Inquiries to Veda 6685 7991 or Peter 0488 715 565.

Louise Southerden

Byron Bay Library is pleased to be hosting award-winning travel writer Louise Southerden, in conversation with Sarah Reid on Thursday, November 21 4 to 5.30pm as they talk about Louise’s book TINY: a Memoir About Love, Letting Go and a Very Small House. Light refreshments provided. Bookings essentials 6685 8540 or online at www.rtrl.nsw.gov.au.

A Death Cafe is being held on Saturday, December 7 at 10.30am. The location will be in Ballina – venue location on registration. A Death Cafe is basically an opportunity to have a discussion about death and dying in a safe and respectful space. The object is to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their lives and to break down the taboos. A Death Cafe is not bereavement support or grief counselling and there are no agendas. Death Cafes will be held the first Saturday of each month in Ballina. For further information and/or to register attendance please email Kerry Johnston at: kerrymj@ymail.com.

NR Gateway

Free community lunch the first Friday each month. All are welcome to come and connect, enjoy a free barbecue with vegetarian options, cakes, snacks and coffees. Lunch runs 10.30am to 12pm at 76 Carrington Street, Lismore. Call Community Gateway for more details 6621 7397. Residents can receive community support in Goonellabah on Tuesday, November 19 from 1-4pm. Supports include energy bill assistance, chemist and retail vouchers, food boxes and access to a range of other support services. Bookings essential. Call Community Gateway on 6621 7397 for more information and to check eligibility. Mums and Bubs free inclusive playgroup for children aged 0-3 years, their parents and carers. Bookings are essential, call 0429 640 075 for more information.

Adopt a family for Christmas and help a family that will be financially struggling through the holidays. If you want to donate any presents, gifts or food call Community Gateway on 6621 7397.

Regular As Clockwork DEADLINE NOON FRIDAY

The Brunswick Valley VIEW Club will hold a luncheon meeting on November 14 at Brunswick Bowling CLub, Brunswick Heads. The meeting will start at 10.30am for 11am and members are welcome to bring along friends to join in. Cost for members $23 with choice of menus. Apologies call Wenda on 0449 563 580 or email: wjhunt@yahoo.com.au.

ShedFest 2024

Want to play with tools? Join ShedFest our end of year celebration and pen day on Sunday, December 8 as we bring together shedders, repairers, collaborators and guests in a free event for all people! A hands-on day of workshops, live music, food, drink and activities to discover our workshops for wellbeing, our creative community and a smorgasbord of skills! 10am to 3pm, 18 Prince Street. RSVP to 0458 134 551 or hello@shedding.com.au.

Northern Rivers for Refugees fundraiser Northern Rivers for Refugees (NRFR) help refugee families settle in our beautiful region. The fabulously funny Ellen Briggs is MCing a Trivia Night Fundraiser on Saturday, November 16 at St Johns School Hall, Mullumbimby. Buy tickets from Humanitix by searching ‘Mullumbimby trivia night’ or from www.nrfr.org.au or send an email to hello@nrfr.org.au.

Saving Paterson Hill

The Saving Paterson Hill display continues at Byron Bay library throughout November in the Local History room. The Paterson Hill Action Group saved this precious coastal heathland between 1993 and 1997. Were you there? Can you name anyone in the photos?

AMBULANCE, FIRE, POLICE 000

AMBULANCE Mullumbimby & Byron Bay 131 233

POLICEBrunswick Heads .......................................................... 6629 7510 Mullumbimby 6629 7570 Byron Bay 6685 9499 Bangalow 6629 7500

STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE Storm & tempest damage, flooding 132 500

BRUNSWICK VALLEY RESCUE Primary rescue 6685 1999

BRUNSWICK MARINE RADIO TOWER 6685 0148

BYRON CENTRAL HOSPITAL 6639 9400

BYRON COUNCIL: EMERGENCY AFTER HOURS 6622 7022

NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE (Mullumbimby) 6684 1286

Please note that, owing to space restrictions, not all entries may be included each week. Email copy marked ‘Regular As Clockwork’ to editor@echo.net.au.

Mullumbimby District

Neighbourhood Centre

Mullumbimby & District Neighbourhood Centre is open Monday–Friday 9am–4pm (closed 12.30–1.30pm for lunch). We offer a variety of services. Everyone is welcome. Call reception on 6684 1286. Some of our services include: Flood recovery support service: personalised, long-term support for those impacted by the floods. Community support: food parcels, meals, showers, assistance with electricity bills. Work Development Orders.

of these services call reception 6684 1286, check our website www.mdnc.org.au, or follow us on Facebook or Instagram. @ mullumbimbyneighbourhoodcentre.

Byron Community

ANONYMOUS Meets daily 6680 7280

NORTHERN RIVERS GAMBLING SERVICE 6687 2520 HIV/AIDS – ACON Confidential testing & information 6622 1555

ANIMAL RESCUE (DOGS & CATS) 6622 1881

Listening Space: free counselling. More Than A Meal: free community lunch Tuesday–Thursday 12.30–1.30pm. Financial counselling Staying Home, Leaving Violence program: Information, referral, and advocacy.

Gulganii affordable pantry shop: located at 3 Bridgeland Lane. Orange Sky: free laundry service Mon morning & Wed afternoon. To enquire about accessing any

The Byron Community Centre provides community services and programs including meals, advocacy and counselling for locals in need. Fletcher Street Cottage: A welcoming, safe and respectful space where people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness can come to get practical relief opportunities, find connections and access broader support. Fletcher Street Cottage services are open Tuesday–Friday. Breakfast: Tuesday–Friday, 7–9am. Showers and laundry: Tuesday–Friday, 7am–12pm. Office support: Tuesday–Friday, 9am–12pm. Support appointments: Individual support appointments with community workers or specialist services. For bookings please call 6685 6807. Fletcher Street Cottage, 18 Fletcher St, Byron Bay. More info: www.

fletcherstreetcottage.com.au. Byron Community Cabin: Seniors Computer Club (school term only), 9–11am, Friday, Carlyle Steet. More info: www.byroncentre.com.au Phone: 6685 6807. Low-cost or free food Food Box Thursdays 9.30–11.30am at Uniting Church, Mullumbimby. You may purchase cheap food, obtain free veges, and enjoy a cuppa. The Hub Baptist Church in Ocean Shores has food relief available for anyone doing it tough, please contact us on 0434 677747 if you find yourself doing it tough. No ID or Concession Card required. NILs referral service also available. Check Facebook page The Hub Baptist Ocean Shores for details. Liberation Larder Takeaway lunches and groceries Monday and Thursday 12 till 1pm. Fletcher Street end of the Byron Community Centre.

Respite Service

Byron Shire Respite Service delivers high-quality respite care to a broad range of clients throughout the Byron, Ballina and Lismore shires. Donations welcome: Ph 6685 1921, email fundraiser@byronrespite.com.au, website: www.byronrespite.com.au.

Byron Dog Rescue (CAWI)

Service Directory

Service Directory

HANDYPERSONS

Property Insider

‘Eden’ at Coorabell

• A truly gifted parcel of Byron’s amazing hinterland

• Over 100 acres of rolling green slopes, productive orchards and original rainforest groves

• Your choice of several elevated homesites with detailed consultancy reports for two palatial residences

• Long frontage to postcard Coorabell Creek with waterfalls and swimming holes galore

• Amazing selection of rural valley vistas, all within an easy scenic drive to Byron beaches and Gold Coast attractions

• It’s a rare opportunity for such a truly beautiful hinterland property to be presented for your consideration

Located in the heart of Byron’s stunning hinterland, but just a stone’s throw from world–famous surf beaches and the villages of Bangalow, Mullumbimby and Brunswick Heads, this productive lifestyle property is a joy to inspect.

Running down to beautiful Coorabell Creek, the sheltered, easterly aspect and deep frost–free red soil allow for a wide variety of tax effective agricultural pursuits.

For those wishing to express their architectural ambitions, there are several amazing homesites offering stunning vistas, with detailed consultant reports for two palatial residences.

Grazing, growing or just enjoying the peace and privacy a large hinterland acreage can deliver–choices, options, opportunities and beauty are all available when considering ‘Eden’ at Coorabell as your next lifestyle investment.

362 Coorabell Road, Coorabell

Auction: December 7

Contact Agent: Greg Price 0412 871 500 Ray White Rural Bangalow

16 BRYCE STREET, SUFFOLK PARK

5 KINGSLEY STREET, BYRON BAY

Nightcap Ridge is set on 67* acres of private land, an oasis within Nightcap National Park, near Minyon Falls. The property is currently an eco-retreat, offering short term accommodation with three cottages achieving great occupancy rates. Nightcap Ridge hosts weddings, events and health retreats in the stunning function space, The Argory which has a liquor license and helicopter access. There is a three-bedroom manager’s residence and the property holds a water license, with water drawn from the pristine Boomerang Creek. The grounds include manicured gardens, a dam with a jetty for swimming, lily ponds, walking tracks as well as many established fruit trees. The flora and fauna is plentiful, with rare native trees, resident koalas and lyre birds. Totally off the grid, Nightcap Ridge has the infrastructure ready to go to scale the business and fulfil the DA approval for 15 cottages, and 45 overnight guests. Or simply share the enviable property with your family and friends. Disclaimer *= approx.

OLIVER HALLOCK 0419 789 600 oliver@amirprestige.com.au

COLLEEN BRUNT 0437 533 943 colleen@amirprestige.com.au

AMIR MIAN 0401 470 499 amir@amirprestige.com.au

18 Cockatoo Crescent, 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 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 timberstyle flooring sets the tone, flowing effortlessly throughout the generously proportioned light filled living spaces, with high ceilings throughout.

Prime location in the sort after Tallowood Estate – minutes to Mullumbimby town, 15 minutes to Byron Bay’s beaches and restaurants

• Generous three bedroom, office and two bathroom layout upstairs

• Separate downstairs studio, with bathroom. Currently used as a professional music studio, soundproofed and acoustically engineered.

• Spacious open-plan kitchen, living, and dining areas with seamless

• Primary suite with walk-in robe, ensuite, and direct private deck access

• Large timber veranda facing mountain views and fenced backyard, perfect for entertaining or relaxing with family.

• Eco-friendly living with a premium solar system and water tank Price guide: $1,580,000 - $1,680,000

Idan Gonen

Licensed Real Estate Agent

M: 0482 553 050

E: Idan@nclp.com.au

W: nclp.com.au

flow

Ingenia Lifestyle - Kingscliff

Business Directory

@taratorkkolafirstnational @taratorkkola_realestate www.byronbayfn.com.au

Open For Inspection

First National Byron Bay

• 10 Armstrong Street, Suffolk Park. Wed 10–10.30am

• 6 Coachwood Close, Byron Bay. Wed 10.30–11am

• 49 Carlyle Lane, Byron Bay. Wed 12–12.30pm

• 440 Dorroughby Road, Dorroughby. Wed 3–3.30pm

• 16 Henderson Place, Modanville. Wed 4–4.30pm

• 5/75 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay. Thurs 10–10.30am

• 18/6 Firewheel Place, Suffolk Park. Thurs 11–11.30am

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

• 49 Carlyle Lane, Byron Bay. Thurs 12–12.30pm

• 30 Beachside Drive, Suffolk Park. Thurs 1.30–2pm

• 3/60 Lawson Street, Byron Bay. Fri 10–10.30am

• 49 Carlyle Lane, Byron Bay. Fri 12–12.30pm

• 23/24 Scott Street, Byron Bay. Fri 1–1.30pm

• 10 Muli Court, Myocum. Sat 9–9.30am

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

• 5 Kingsley Street, Byron Bay. Sat 9–9.30am

• 2/27 Kalemajere Drive, Suffolk Park. Sat 9–9.30am

• 1/6 Sallywattle Drive, Suffolk Park. Sat 9–9.30am

• 3/2–6 Cemetery Road, Byron Bay. Sat 9–9.30am

• 2/6 Firewheel Place, Suffolk Park. Sat 9.45–10.15am

• 2/4 Corkwood Crescent, Suffolk Park. Sat 10–10.30am

• 1135 Booyong Road, Clunes. Sat 10–10.30am

• 5/75 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

• 3 Weemala Lane, Federal. Sat 10–10.30am

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

• 65 Citriadora Drive, Ewingsdale. Sat 10–10.30am

• 11 Lizray Road, Federal. Sat 10.30–11am

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

• 132 Lockton Road, Bexhill. Sat 11–11.30am

• 18/6 Firewheel Place, Suffolk Park. Sat 11–11.30am

• 835 Federal Drive, Goonengerry. Sat 11–11.30am

• 84 Grant Street, Ballina. Sat 11–11.30am

• 16 Bryce Street, Suffolk Park. Sat 11–11.30am

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

• 12/213 Coorabell Road, Coorabell. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 326 Booyong Road, Nashua. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 24 Swell Avenue, Skennars Head. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 6 Coachwood Close, Byron Bay. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 16 Henderson Place, Modanville. Sat 12.15–12.45pm

• 30 Beachside Drive, Suffolk Park. Sat 12.15–12.45pm

• 2/8 Julian Rocks Drive, Byron Bay. Sat 1–1.30pm

• 147 Whian Whian Road, Whian Whian. Sat 1–1.30pm

• 346 Coorabell Road, Coorabell. Sat 1.30–2pm

• 50 Rocky Creek Dam Road, Dunoon. Sat 1.45–2.15pm

• 440 Dorroughby Road, Dorroughby. Sat 2.30–3pm

• 1145 Friday Hut Road, Binna Burra. Sun 12.30–1pm

North Coast Lifestyle

• 1 Gahwang Court, Ocean Shores. Sat 9–9.30am

• 5/20 Booyun Street, Brunswick Heads. Sat 9–9.30am

• 52 Norton Street Balllina.Sat 10am–10.30am

• 744 Upper Burringbar Road, Upper Burringbar. Sat 10–10.30am

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

• 150 Cabarita Road, Bogangar. Sat 10.00–10.30am

• 1 Myokum Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 10–10.45am

• 22 Mill Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 10–10.45am

•  45 Geles Road, Upper Burringbar. Sat 11–11.30am

• 268 Burringbar Road, Burringbar. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 1/35 Fingal St, Brunswick Heads. Sat 11–11.30am

• 577 Humpty Back Road, Pearces Creek. Sat 12.30–1pm

Ray White Rural Bangalow

• 400 Dorroughby Road, Dorroughby. Sat 10–10.30am

• 362 Coorabell Road, Coorabell. Sat 11.30am–12pm

Ruth Russell Realty

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

Tim Miller Real Estate

• 11 Booyong Road, Clunes. Sat 9.15–9.45am

• 5 Walker Street, Clunes. Sat 10–10.30am

• 90 Bates Road, Federal. Sat 11–11.30am

• 113 Kings Road, Federal. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 166 Emerson Road, Rosebank. Sat 1–1.30pm

• 35 Riverside Drive, Mullumbimby. Sat 2.30–3pm

DJ Stringer Property Services

• 40 Korina Ave, Coolangatta. Sat 9–9.30am

• 207/4–10 Douglas St, Kirra. Sat 10–10.30am

• 12/28 Coolangatta Rd, Kirra. Sat 10–10.30am

Property Business Directory

• 1066/20–22 Stuart St, Tweed Heads. Sat 10–10.30am

• 2/98 McLean St, Coolangatta. Sat 10–10.30am

• 8/10 Tweed St, Coolangatta. Sat 11–11.30am

• 34 Lloyd St, Tweed Heads South. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 4/14 Lorikeet Dr, Tweed Heads South. Sat 12.30–1pm

• 75 Gilward Dr, Mudgeeraba. Sat 12:30–1.30pm

• 4/74 Greenway Dr, Banora Point. Sat 1–1.30pm

• 33/74 Greenway Dr, Banora Point. Sat 1–1.30pm

• 35 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah. Sat 1.15–1.45pm

Tim Miller Real Estate

• 11 Booyong Road, Clunes. Sat 9.15–9.45am

• 5 Walker Street, Clunes. Sat 10–10.30am

• 90 Bates Road, Federal. Sat 11–11.30am

• 113 Kings Road, Federal. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 166 Emerson Road, Rosebank. Sat 1–1.30pm

• 35 Riverside Drive, Mullumbimby. Sat 2.30–3pm

Dodds Real Estate

• 2/11 Constellation Close, Byron Bay. Sat 11–11.30am

MANA RE

• 197 Billinudgel Road, Billinudgel. Wed 12–12.30pm

• 5 Aldinga Court, Ocean Shores. Wed 1.30–2pm

• 42 Balemo Drive, Ocean Shores. Wed 4–4.30pm

• 2251 Big River Way, Ulmarra. Thurs 3–3.30pm

• 44 Lalina Avenue, Tweed Heads West. Sat 9–9.30am

• 42 Balemo Drive, Ocean Shores. Sat 9–9.30am

• 197 Billinudgel Road, Billinudgel Sat 10–10.30am

• 1 Tree Street, Murwillumbah. Sat 10.30–11am

• 3 Helen Street, South Golden Beach. Sat 11–11.30am

• 121 Blackwoods Road, Nobbys Creek. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 4 Hart Street, Ocean Shores. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 27A Rajah Road, Ocean Shores. Sat 1–1.30pm

McGrath Byron Bay

• 16 Jacaranda Drive, Byron Bay. Wed 4.30–5pm

• 162 Old Bangalow Road, Byron Bay. Sat 9–9.30am

• 13 Phillip Street, South Golden Beach. Sat 9.30–10am

• 5/37 Childe Street, Byron Bay. Sat 9.30–10am

• 19/2 Alcorn Street, Suffolk Park. Sat 10–10.30am

• 50 Shirley Street, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

• 16 Jacaranda Drive, Byron Bay. Sat 10.30–11am

Real Estate of Distinction

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

• 81 Harwood Road, Burringbar. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 15 Broadway, Burringbar. Sat 1–1.30pm

• 6439 Tweed Valley Way, Burringbar. Sat 2.30–3pm

NEW LISTINGS:

First National Byron Bay

• 18/6 Firewheel Place, Suffolk Park

• 6 Coachwood Close, Byron Bay

• 58 Ruskin Street, Byron Bay

• 58 Ruskin Lane, Byron Bay

• 36 Keys Road, Coorabell

• 84 Grant Street, Ballina

• 2–4 Standing Street, The Channon

• 12/213 Coorabell Road, Coorabell

North Coast Lifestyle Properties

• 8 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby.

• 1 Myokum Street, Mullumbimby. $955,000

• 5/20 Booyun Street, Brunswick Heads.

• 1 Gahwang Court, Ocean Shores. Contact Agent

• 577 Humpty Back Road, Pearces Creek.

• 31 Balemo Drive, Ocean Shores. Contact Agent

• 5/38 Mullumbimbi Street, Brunswick Heads. $1,150,000

• 104 Orana Road, Ocean Shores. Contact Agent

• 25 Weeronga Way, Ocean Shores. $620,000

Backlash

At a time of rising authoritarianism and government persecution of activists, federal Labor somehow think introducing a vague social media ban for under16s – under which all ages are required to verify their age/ID – is a vote winner. It’s not as if their misinformation bill isn’t bad enough…

A resident has pointed out that Main Arm Road at Upper Main Arm is in such poor condition that it has been ‘cancelled’ by Google Maps. If you need to go from Upper Main Arm to Mullumbimby (maybe in an emergency?), Google directs you through Uki, Stokers Siding, Burringbar and then the highway. Time for a road audit, councillors?

One-on-one digital literacy lessons for seniors with all phones, tablets, laptops and computers. Tech help for Apple devices only.

How do you send a photo?

Can I get help to learn more about technology?

can i get help to learn more about using my phone?

How do I stay safe online?

experienced teacher Phone or email: 0420 235 624 contact@thinkblinkdesign.com

‘I am confident that the lesson the Australian Labor Party will learn from the events in the United States is to do exactly the same things the Democrats did, and lose to Peter Dutton next year’, Tweet from First Dog On The Moon.

A group of masked neoNazis managed to get permission to leave their mothers’ basements and climbed Wollumbin last week. They ignored the wishes of local Indigenous people, who say it is a sacred site. Are the priorities of the National Socialist Network to punch down rather than to punch up?

Hooray. Murdoch orcs report another minted-out-of-towndeveloper has splashed $25m on a Belongil beachfront site and plans to build an ‘epic trophy home’.

This controversial new method of making a horse go faster is yet to be approved by the RSPCA. Jeff ‘Trust Me, I’m A Proctologist’ Dawson

A music all-inclusive holiday, Summersong Music Camp, is on January 17–22 at a retreat in Tyalgum. Organisers say that Echo readers will get a $50 discount on registration if they say they saw it in The Echo. For more info visit summersongmusiccamp.com.

The Byron Bay High School P&C 2024 raffle will be drawn November 29, and a huge prize pool is on offer, valued over $16,000. Visit www.rafflelink.com.au/bbhs2021 for more info.

Summerland Bank is marking its 60-year diamond jubilee, and say they are holding in-branch birthday parties with live music, family fun, and cash prizes. There will be free pizzas and business giveaways on Thursday, November 14, 2pm till 4pm at the Bangalow branch.

TO BE ENJOYED FOR GENERATIONS

(02) 5633 1416 www.muskensbuilding.com.au admin@muskensbuilding.com