The Byron Shire Echo – Issue 39.27 – December 11, 2024

The Saddle Road

Paul Bibby

Aboriginal housing in the Byron Shire looks set to get a significant boost, after the company behind a major development in Brunswick Heads offered to provide five per cent of the residential land on the site for this purpose.

News of the offer was revealed by developer Creative Capital at last week’s Byron Council meeting and accepted, on a provisional basis, by councillors.

The proposed development, known as Gulgan Village, involves rezoning a 37.9ha area of land on The Saddle Road, located between Mullumbimby and Brunswick Heads.

Under the proposal, the greenfield site would be transformed into a housing estate that could provide housing for a population of 600 to 1,000 people.

The Managing Director of Creative Capital, Brandon Saul, formally sought to enter into a voluntary planning agreement (VPA) with Council at last week’s meeting, and this received conditional acceptance from councillors.

Included in the terms of this agreement is an undertaking from Creative Capital that it would provide five per cent of the housing on the site, which would be as much as 20 separate residential lots, to the Bundjalung of Byron Bay (Arakwal) Aboriginal Corporation (BOBBAC) for the purposes of providing housing.

Given that Byron currently has just

Continued on page 3

IF YOU CAN AFFORD TO BUY A POLITICIAN, YOU DON’T NEED A TAX BREAK

The Byron Shire Echo • Volume 39 #27 • December 11, 2024 • www.echo.net.au

Around 200 students took part. Pictured is

St Andrew’s Village (George’s Cottages) Byron Bay will receive $3,595,733 in taxpayer funds to redesign 40 ensuites, remedy drainage issues and external repairs, and deliver targeted care to homeless residents.

In a media release by Federal Labor MP Justine Elliot, she says the project is being funded through Round 2 of the Albanese Labor

government’s Aged Care Capital Assistance Program (ACCAP), ‘which will directly support not-for-profit providers and small communitybased operators’.

Unprecedented levels

She says, ‘We’re continuing to invest funding at unprecedented levels to support aged care providers outside of major cities, along

Byron’s big fashion event

with those that deliver specialist services’.

‘After the devastating news that Feros Care would close Byron Bay’s Feros Village, federal and state Labor governments worked together with the community in 2023 to find a new provider (St Andrew’s) to keep the site open for residents.

‘A year later, I’m proud to be delivering more than $3.5 million

in federal funding to support St Andrew’s Village Byron Bay to continue delivering the very best care and support for our local seniors’, Mrs Elliot said.

‘The Albanese Labor government recently committed an additional $300 million to ACCAP over three years, as part of the historic aged care reforms announced in September 2024’.

The Butterfly Serpent by Elouise Gales was awarded the director’s prize at last week’s WAVE (Wearable Arts Vision in Education) exhibition, held at Mullum’s Shearwater School. The event drew sellout crowds, with around 1,100 people enjoying the event over the four nights last week.

model Shed Nava. Photo Jeff ‘Bric-A-Brac And Back’ Dawson

Rent charged on pod village accom

Paul Bibby

Residents living in Byron Shire’s three emergency accommodation villages, also known as ‘pod villages’, will be required to pay rent from this week, the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) says.

For the past two years, accommodation in the villages has been free, providing much-needed housing for those who lost their homes in the devastating 2022 floods.

Now, this group will be asked to pay a ‘licence fee’ if they want to stay in their pods.

SATURDAY

The licence fee will be income tested, and be set at either the average rent for accommodation of a similar type in the area, or at a reduced rate based on an income assessment which will be undertaken by the Community Housing Provider

(CHP) managing each village.

The licence fee was announced in September 2024, with fees to commence from the second week of December 2024.

In a statement to The Echo, a spokesperson for the Reconstruction Authority said that the temporary villages had been delivered under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements with the federal government.

‘These time-limited arrangements come to an end in 2025, and the RA has been working with landowners, councils and other government agencies to explore the potential for ongoing use for some villages, where possible,’ the spokesperson said.

‘This would be dependent on landowner consent, council support and government agreement.’

The Echo has learned that

the leases for all three of the Shire’s pod villages have now been extended.

However, the lease for the land on which the Mullumbimby pod village is located has only been extended by the state government until July 7, 2025. It is not known what will happen after that point.

Lease extension

The lease extension for the two Brunswick Heads pod villages has been extended for a longer period.

Byron Shire Council, which is the primary landowner for the Brunswick Heads sites, voted last week to provide ‘in principle support for a one-year lease extension’ for both villages. That would mean that the leases for the two sites will expire in June 2026, unless further extended.

Large Myocum DA referred to panel

ADA to create a Community Title (CT), comprising 38 large, exclusive lots and associated infrastructure near the busy Mullumbimby Road and McAuleys Lane intersection has been referred to the Northern Regional Planning Panel (NRPP).

The Echo understands that biodiversity issues triggered the panel’s intervention.

The NRPP also overrides Council’s planning decisions where DAs are deemed above a certain value.

The land was rezoned under the former Council, with traffic issues being one of the issues for Council staff and the developer to thrash out.

submission to Council, the Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) appeared problematic as there were no legal requirements stipulated around traffic management, for example.

The Echo asked Council staff last week, ‘It appears the traffic data to underpin this DA will be a guess – the NRPP say it is ‘essentially the same traffic assessment and intersection upgrade proposal (with slip lanes) for McAuleys Lane as per rezoning – data from 2020 and 2021, with estimated growth factor’.

requirements for traffic management of DA 10.2023.454.1 and the Mullumbimby Road upgrades, including the McAuleys Lane intersection’.

‘Relevant information, including an updated VPA terms, will be provided to the Northern Regional Panel when the DA is presented for determination early next year’.

The Echo also asked when staff’s assessment of the DA will become public, along with what was the outcome from Council’s request for the DA to be brought back to Council for determination.

‘Was the requested rejected, and if so by whom?’

The proponents for 53 McAuleys Lane (DA 10.2023.454.1) are local developers John Callahan and Tim Mundy.

As reported last week, urban designer Jack Dods (now a councillor) was the lead design coordinator and neighbour contact for the DA, yet neighbours say they were inadequately consulted.

And as reported during the DA

‘Why wasn’t the developer required to supply real, up-to-date data?’

That question was not answered, yet Shannon Burt, Director Sustainable Environment and Economy told The Echo, ‘The Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) previously entered into for the Planning Proposal for 53 McAuleys Lane, Myocum, is now under review to take into consideration

Answers will be published if provided. A record of briefing document on the panel’s website says Stephen Gow, Michael Wright, Joe Vescio and former Greens mayor Simon Richardson were present on April 17, 2024.

According to the briefing, key issue discussed included on-site wastewater, biodiversity, traffic and access.

The pod village in Brunswick Heads. Photo supplied

Local News

to include Arakwal housing

▶ Continued from page 1

four houses which are devoted exclusively for the purposes of local mob living on country, this represents a significant increase in the Shire’s aboriginal housing stock.

Councillors voted to ‘recognise’ Creative Capital’s arrangement with BOBBAC that will see a ‘five per cent dedication of housing provided on the Gulgan Village site for housing on country’.

However, further work will be done before this arrangement is legally locked in.

This includes the preparation of an expert report to determine how much affordable housing Creative Capital must provide on the Gulgan Village site, in addition to that which it will provide for Aboriginal housing.

Also, the move is not without controversy.

Process questioned

While there was universal agreement at last week’s meeting was that providing more housing for the local Aboriginal community is a key priority, former mayor Michael Lyon strenuously objected to the process by which this was being achieved in this instance. Cr Lyon said that Council already has a process by which affordable housing contributions on large developments are determined and allocated, known as the Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme (AHCS).

In this instance, he says Creative Capital is seeking to bypass that process, and make an agreement directly with Council.

Creative Captial’s Managing Director, Brandon Saul, said this was because the AHCS was ‘flawed’.

Flawed policy

‘To be frank, I think we can incorporate in our planning agreement something that goes above and beyond that,’

Mr Saul told the meeting.

‘We need to have Arakwal housing on country, we need social housing on country, we need affordable housing in Byron. I think it would be great to incorporate that into a voluntary housing agreement that would go further than an AHCS would.’

But Cr Lyon disagreed.

‘What we’re doing here today, without any consultation with our community, is taking the primary site in the residential land strategy and allocating 50 per cent of the affordable housing component to the Arakwal,’ Cr Lyon said during an impassioned speech.

‘It’s not that I don’t agree with it in principle in terms of Aboriginal people being given housing on country, but for me it’s a bit of a queue jump here.’

‘We haven’t even decided how the scheme’s going to operate. Council hasn’t made the decision yet about how we’re going to allocate this housing or what the criteria will be.

‘I don’t agree with the process.’

Councillor Michelle Lowe, one of two Indigenous members of the Council, said that there were more important considerations at stake than following process.

‘Indigenous people have been thrown under the bus’

‘Obviously process has not been followed, but many times when process has been followed, Arakwal people or Indigenous people have been thrown under the bus,’ Cr Lowe said.

‘What I care about is that there are Arakwal people living on the street in their own town, or can’t live here at all’.

‘I am very willing and happy at this point to say that I don’t care about the process. I care about housing for Arakwal people. I can’t imagine that many people in this community would say no to that.’

Labor councillor, Asren Pugh, said that he supported Creative Capital’s proposal, but that it did not amount to ‘handing over a bunch of land’.

‘This is an opportunity for us to send a message to our community, and to our Arakwal community in particular, that we care about housing Arakwal people on country,’ Cr Pugh said.

‘We start every meeting acknowledging traditional owners, and that means nothing unless we take practical steps to deliver what they’ve asked of us, and that’s very clear – it’s jobs on country and it’s housing on country.’

All councillors except Cr Lyon voted in favour of the motion, paving the way for the Aboringal housing proposal at Gulgan Village to go ahead.

New skills with new tools

not-for-profit organisation uses ‘reclaimed and

to provide an inventive education in sustainability, and use

self-empowerment, resilience and community

Fletcher Street Cottage, part of the Byron Community Centre, has launched its Be Kind Christmas Appeal 2024 to spread kindness and hope to those in need this holiday season.

Organisers say, ‘This year’s appeal highlights both monetary donations and The Giving Guide – a practical gift wishlist designed to provide direct, tangible support to individuals and families facing homelessness, financial hardship and other challenges’.

Damian Farrell, Manager at Fletcher Street Cottage, says, ‘Christmas is a poignant time for many in our community, especially for those feeling isolated or struggling with significant challenges. Every donation is an act of kindness that enables us to provide essential services – from basic needs to emergency relief – making a real difference during what can be an especially difficult season.’

services provide medical care, legal aid, counselling, and more. These resources are invaluable over the holiday season, which can be especially tough for those

facing hardship and isolation. To donate kindness and make a difference for Byron locals this holiday season, visit www. fletcherstreetcottage.com.au.

Byron Shire Council’s ‘No Bat, No Me’ project has won a ‘highly commended’ award at the 2024 Local Government NSW Excellence in the Environment Awards.

Claudia Caliari, Council’s Biodiversity Project Officer and the force behind the project, said the recognition was a wonderful way to celebrate the flying-fox education project.

people about how crucial flying-foxes are in the natural environment.

‘No Bat, No Me’ was a community engagement project aimed at teaching

Ms Caliari says, ‘flying-foxes are long-distance pollinators, they disperse seeds and create habitat for many other important species’.

Fletcher Street Cottage provides critical services to Byron’s most vulnerable, providing wraparound support and a safe space for connection. Community Support Workers offer advocacy and referrals, and 15 specialist

Sunday’s shedding community workshop was held at the Shedding HQ at 18 Prince Street, Mullumbimby. The

recycled materials

tools as an avenue towards

connection’. Pictured is one of Sunday’s participants, Mateo. Photo Jeff Dawson

Pictured from left: Denise, Kelly, Phil and Lindy, breakfast volunteers at the Fletcher Street Cottage. Photo Kate Love, Byron Community Centre

Christmas cheer comes to Byron

Lennox residents meet over increasing crime

With the increase in crime in Lennox Head and across the Northern Rivers, a range of Lennox Head, Ballina, and Northern Rivers leaders held a meeting on Monday night at the CWA Hall at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre.

One of the organisers, Alison Vicker, told The Echo there was a large turnout, with around 120 residents present.

She said, ‘Police Superintendent, Scott Tanner, advised

that there was a spike in crime in Lennox in November’.

‘The spike was owing to a small group of “out of town” criminals blitzing coastal towns.

‘He advised that the days of leaving doors unlocked are over, and regardless of where we live, we need to lock up!

‘In addition, simple security measures such as sensor lights, dog barking, and CCTV cameras are

significant deterrents.

‘Lennox residents responded to say that the community needs to step up, and implement these safety initiatives, including knowing, and being there, for our neighbours, and coordinating safety initiatives. This includes CCTV and sensor lighting within their streets. Residents with security expertise have also volunteered to guide the community’.

Calls to help our older renters

Paul Bibby

Imagine trying to rent and live in the Byron Shire on a fixed income of $600 a week?

That’s what scores, if not hundreds, of older people in the Shire are facing, as rapidlyaccelerating rents leave the old age pension in the dust.

The result, according to long-term local, Anjali Walsh, is a growing experience of financial stress, isolation, and loneliness.

Having arrived with the first wave of hippies 50 years ago, Ms Walsh has watched her community age and has observed that, in recent years, some have experienced a rapid deterioration in their quality of life.

‘What I’ve discovered from talking to people who are ageing in this community is that there are serious shortfalls in our care for them,’ Ms Walsh told last week’s Byron Council meeting.

‘Trying to pay rent and run a car and all the other things we already know about. It’s very difficult to do all of that on $600 a week.

‘They’re struggling and they’re invisible because they’re not out on the streets

and they’re not going to movies and they’re not interacting with other people which is what they need to be doing.’

Positive ageing

The meeting heard that Byron Council developed a policy for positive ageing in 2010, but this was abandoned ten years later for unspecified reasons.

Ms Walsh called for Council to reengage with its older residents, undertaking a study to determined how many are in financial distress.

‘It looks like there’s about 2,000 people in this area over 75, and what I’m trying to find out from Council is how many of these people are

renting,’ she said.

‘Those renting on a pension are the group that I’m worried about, because they’re the people I’ve started speaking to and they have told me that they’re spending their whole time worrying about survival.

‘They don’t interact, they don’t have things working because they’re too broke.’

She also called for Council to help set up an elders’ hub where older locals can connect.

‘We need a place where elders can speak and can share their views and can have a voice,’ Ms Walsh said.

‘That’s what I’m hoping Council will gather together and help organise – a voice for older people.’

Byron locals, Stephanie Rake and Miriam Thomas, were part of the team that gave the Bay a bit of Christmas cheer last week. A Christmas tree now adorns Railway Park, next to the visitor centre. Stephanie told The Echo while the carols didn’t get the funding they hoped for, Hotel Marvel stepped up and helped get the Christmas tree across the line.

Photo Jeff ‘Tinsel Town’ Dawson

Anjali Walsh getting some IT help at the Byron Community Centre. Photo supplied

Local News

The Library of Stuff, a community-shared resource of tools and equipment, has a beautiful new mural on the front of its shed on River Terrace in Mullumbimby.

According to Sasha Mainsbridge, Library of Stuff Co-op founder, Ziggy Toskuss, a newcomer to the Northern Rivers, noticed the faded Library of Stuff artwork and wanted to help those passing by know what goes on inside.

‘Ziggy just looked up our website, found our contact number and simply sent a message asking if we would be interested in him volunteering to paint a mural for us’, she says.

‘The timing was impeccable, as we had our open day that coming Saturday.

‘So, he came along and got started straight away, amidst the demonstrations and displays’, said Ms Mainsbridge.

‘Ziggy’s gift feels like it’s come at the eleventh hour.

‘There are still many critical roles requiring members to take on in order for the library to continue after I step out of my role as

volunteer manager at the end of February.

‘Unlike the library, our other projects can activate or lie dormant depending on resourcing’.

‘The Library of Stuff has been a 50-week-per-year undertaking for five years with only 18 months of that time having a paid coordinator.

‘Now it’s either members share the responsibilities, as well as the benefits, or we call it a day. I’ve reached a place of peace with this likely outcome.

Jordyn Jones Senior Associate

‘We’ve supported hundreds of families and thousands of people have held a reusable cup, plate or bowl at an event that we supported.

‘Over 21,000 loans have been processed since we started recording in April 2019 – which was two years after we started’, added Ms Mainsbridge.

The Library of Stuff is open on Tuesdays from 8am to 10am, Thursdays 3pm to 5pm or online: www.libraryofstuff.org.au.

Byron Shire Council’s draft Community Strategic Plan is on exhibition, and staff say it ‘has been amended based on feedback received from community engagement in 2023 and 2024’.

The draft Community Strategic Plan 2035 is available at www.byron. nsw.gov.au or can be viewed by dropping in to the Mullumbimby Council offices.

Artist Ziggy Toskuss with his latest creation at the Library of Stuff, located behind the Mullum Post Office. Photo Jeff Dawson

Bright Side clinic reopens in Sunrise

Photo & story Mia Armitage

The medical clinic in the Sunrise IGA retail complex has reopened, thanks to the team from Sinamed Family Practice in Ocean Shores.

Dr Hassan Abdelkawy opened the Ocean Shores clinic two and a half years ago, and says when he started seeing elderly patients having to travel from Sunrise after their clinic closed suddenly last month, he knew he had to do something.

The Egyptian migrant has only been in Australia six years, but after training as a surgeon in Ireland and practising in the Gulf, he was quick to pass his Australian accreditations, serve time in local hospitals and under an Australian GP, and set up his own practice.

When asked how he chose what some might consider the less glamorous career of a GP, compared to that of a surgeon, Dr Hassan says he likes helping a diverse community and having time to continue his other love, teaching medicine.

‘I have a passion to teach and supervise and give my experience to the next generations,’ Dr Hassan says.

Patients at the newly reopened The Bright Side Medical and Skin Cancer Centre can expect to see the occasional student doctor by Dr Hassan’s side in the clinic – patients can also refuse to have the student in the consulting room.

The Sunrise clinic’s reopening would not have been possible, Dr Hassan

says, without the help of his Ocean Shores clinic Practice Manager Annalea Patch.

Ms Patch grew up in Casino, and has managed various medical clinics and services across the Northern Rivers, but had to be coaxed back to paid work out of time deliberately taken to spend at home. She says she only considered the invitation to join Dr Hassan because they were ‘on the same page’ when it came to community interests.

‘Two years ago, I was trying to take a step back,’ Ms Patch says, ‘but he is full of drive, he’s full of vision, and it pulls you along’.

‘Before they decided to close it, they had three or four doctors operating, and it was busy and providing a service to the community.

‘That’s where I want to see it again, I don’t want the community to lose a GP practice when they’re so hard to come by.’

Bulk billing at the Sunrise clinic is available for all health care and veteran card holders, as well as those aged under 16, but Ms Patch says if anyone else

is struggling financially, they can discuss payment arrangements with her.

‘It’s not going to happen every time, but if I understand that your car is broken down, I am happy to take it on board and talk to the doctor for you’.

Dr Hassan puts it another way, and despite being relatively new to the Northern Rivers, his words may resonate with locals.

Bulk billing and

‘Once I hear from a patient that I make a change in his life or her life, I’m happy, really,’ he says, ‘this is some of the profit that you get, happiness’.

The pair will be joined in coming months by another five GPs, including female doctors, allowing for the clinic to eventually open on weekends.

The clinic, opened last Wednesday, is taking appointments Monday to Friday, and is to continue offering both general medical and skin specialist services.

Fight for Great Koala Park continues

Protesters last week demanded an end to logging in the native forests around Coffs Harbour, to protect the precious habitat of koalas, now classified as endangered and threatened with extinction in NSW.

Despite a decade-long fight for the park, and a promise to create one, the state Labor government has yet to declare its boundaries.

With the original plan for it to cover 176,000 hectares, a recent expose by the ABC revealed the timber industry is pushing for a vastly diminished 37,000 hectares of protection.

Looting not logging

‘I don’t call it logging, I call it looting,’ Mandy Nolan, Greens Candidate for Richmond told protesters last Wednesday at the Little Newry Forest, south of Coffs, where dozens of trucks have been filmed leaving the forest under police protection in recent weeks.

‘I only need a 1.8 per cent swing to win in Richmond. This will put me in a powerful position to fight not only for

our region, but to end native forest logging.’

The Greens are pushing hard for a national ban on logging in native forests, which has already been introduced in Victoria, leading to an important drop in carbon emissions, and protecting habitat for threatened species.

Late last month, the Greens were close to securing a deal with federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, for a tough new national environment protection agency and an end to logging in native forests, before it was now infamously

scuppered by the prime minister.

‘It’s more than 40 years ago that Bob Brown fought for what was seen at the time as an unachievable goal, to put the environment at the centre of political decision making. Thats how the Greens party and its values were formed.’

‘We’re facing an ecological disaster and an economic disaster,’ said Nolan, referring to the massive public subsidies supporting logging, and the thousands of jobs that could come from an eco-tourism industry build around the new Great Koala National Park.

Language school celebrates milestone

Mullumbimby’s private language school Language Tuition Byron recently celebrated its 15th anniversary.

Eva Umlauf told The Echo she started the school at the back of her home after moving with her family from Switzerland to Australia in 2009, and teaching languages at Shearwater Steiner School.

Inspired by her daughter’s HSC journey, Eva selfpublished three textbooks that prepare HSC students for their final HSC exam in French, German, and Italian.

Eva is also celebrating her new website: www.

languagetuitionbyron.com. au and thanking all her past and present students for their support, inspiration and loyalty. She told The Echo, ‘Merci! Danke! Grazie!’.

Mandy Nolan on the protest lines near Coffs. Photo supplied

Dr Hassan Abdelkawy and Annalea Patch from The Bright Side Clinic.

Eva Umlauf with staff and students. Photo supplied

CoLab (old hospital site)

Repairing Coolamon Scenic Dr, Frasers Rd, Goonengerry Rd, Huonbrook Rd, Johnsons Rd, Left Bank Rd, Main Arm Rd, Monet Rd, Possum Shoot Rd, St Helena Rd, The Pocket Rd, Tristan Pde, Wanganui Rd and Wilsons Creek Rd

‘It’s nuts’ – biz have their say on large

Hans Lovejoy

All local business owners contacted by The Echo say they will be adversely affected by plans by Council and NSW government agencies to build 32 tightly-packed ‘affordable’ units over a busy car park near the entrance of Mullumbimby.

Yet Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye (Greens), is standing by the controversial plans, which were concocted behind closed doors under former mayor Michael Lyon.

There are a myriad of issues that are yet to be assessed, including traffic and flooding, along with impacts on neighbouring buildings and an apparent inconsistency with the town’s masterplan.

Led by Council and NSW government agencies, the estimated $10m project will only be achievable with taxpayer funds.

The Echo asked Mayor Ndaiye if she was still supportive of this project and ‘when can the public expect the alternative car park plans to be presented?

She replied, ‘While I understand there are concerns, I do support the concept for the Station Street development, as I believe it is a necessary step in addressing our ongoing housing crisis’.

‘Council is doing what it can to meet the growing demand for diverse and affordable housing, and the development at Station Street is one of the options that gained momentum after being presented to the NSW Department of Planning’.

Relocated parking

assured the community that a new public car park will be built 100 metres away at the corner of Argyle Street and Prince Street, with at least the same number of spaces as the existing car park.

‘Once the new car park is open, the current car park at Station Street will close to make way for the development.

‘Council has now received its first licence from Transport for NSW to develop a portion of the rail corridor land for car parking.

Street. When fully developed, these areas will provide more parking spaces than the current 57 Station Street car park.

Concept parking plans underway

‘Staff are working on concept plans for these car parks, with an expected completion time line for plans by the first-quarter of 2025, and construction to begin in the third-quarter of 2025, subject to necessary approvals.

‘A second licence is also being considered for the remainder of the rail corridor land, excluding the temporary housing village.

‘This larger licence will enable the development of additional car parking for the town centre, as well as new community open space and amenities.

value over $5 million, making it “regionally significant”.

‘As such, it will be determined by the Northern Regional Planning Panel.

‘I hope there’s room for further changes as the planning process progresses, but I believe the overall direction is a positive one for the community’.

As for why no Council representatives were present at the two recent Landcom community info sessions at the Ex-Services Club, Cr Ndiaye replied, ‘I would have loved to have gone, but I had prior engagements booked for both of the sessions’.

‘I wasn’t aware no other councillors attended… We are all very interested in the project and the community engagement, but sometimes it’s just not possible to be at everything’.

Biz not contacted

IGA supermarket

If approved, one of the most-impacted businesses is likely to be the IGA supermarket, which relies on the laneway for truck deliveries throughout the day.

Owner/manager Dino told The Echo, ‘it’s nuts!’

‘This takes out all the parking, and there’s not enough as it is. It will not only affect all my deliveries, but deliveries and parking for the pharmacy and butcher. This will increase congestion, which will be further pushed out onto Burringbar Street’.

The Other Joint, Pink Lotus

‘The principal points of opposition from the perspective of the tenants at The Other Joint and Pink Lotus Illustration of the 32 three-storey unit proposal, that includes a commercial space with private parking. It would replace the existing public car park. Image joinin.landcom.nsw.gov.au/mullumbimby

‘In terms of parking, Council has previously

‘This licence includes two key areas: the corner of Argyle Street and Prince Street, and land north of the Woolworths site in Station

‘Once this second licence is issued, further planning will take place, in line with the Mullumbimby Masterplan.

‘It’s important to note that the development application for 57 Station Street is a Council-led project with a

All business owners and commercial landowners told The Echo they were not contacted by Council or Landcom. They all shared similar concerns around its location, traffic impacts, bulk and scale, and flooding.

James Stewart told The Echo he is working on behalf of the tenants and the family who own the buildings of two local businesses who will be impacted. He said Landcom had not approached him around the project and he is against it.

▶ continued opposite

Local News

Mullum development

▶ from previous page

is largely around their established access and utilities.

‘Gas deliveries, greasetrap pumping, food and beverage deliveries all must come through the rear of the building, as their impact on Burringbar Street would be significant.

‘Besides this, the reduced parking would impact them greatly, and a long major construction would affect their trade.

‘Eva, from The Other Joint, is very concerned about this, after having battled through difficult Covid times.’

Former Poinciana

cafe

Brenden Lawless owns the former Poinciana Cafe site next door.

He told The Echo, ‘This plan would permanently change the site, its future is very concerning to me’.

‘It would lose the connection to the car parking and importantly the other businesses.

‘I love the site and have had only a few enquiries

to rent it over the last few months and all mentioned this issue. I have to look at alternate options as it is not ideal to sit vacant.

‘I think it is a very wellintended project that would help with housing, however in the wrong location.

‘You could build this project elsewhere, you can’t build those very central car parks and central public toilet amenities just anywhere’.

Little Lane Dental

Dr Stephen McGaughran owns the building and operates his practice at Little Lane Dental.

He told The Echo, ‘This would enclose the area and reduce the open space.

‘I am concerned around the traffic impacts – there is a problem already with not enough spaces’.

‘Is this the density of housing Mullum needs?’ he asked.

Michael Collis

Similarly, Chinese herbal medicine practitioner, Michael Collis, operates his acupuncture practice at 2/70 Burringbar Street, next to the former NAB building.

He told The Echo he has been at his current location for 14 years and says he will

have to leave if construction goes ahead.

‘The car parking and traffic impacts are unknown’, he says. ‘This is just not common sense’.

He added his business was impacted by the 2022 floods.

Christina from Madam Butterfly, a costume shop that has recently opened in the former NAB building, told The Echo the proposal is too dense and too close to town.

She also questioned where the toilets would be relocated.

‘I direct people there all the time, as it’s the only amenity around’, she said.

John Robinson Accounting

Accountant John Robinson, who owns the building he operates in on Burringbar Street, told The Echo he is opposed to the project.

The Echo is an impacted business from this proposal and believes it is too big and located in the wrong place.

Google Maps image showing the car park on Station Street, to the north-west of the town’s main roundabout.

North Coast News

Over 1,000 attend Ballina’s DV march

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

Two big grants for charities helping Tweed’s vulnerable

Two charities in the Tweed Shire are to receive Commonwealth grants worth $360,000 each.

Koori Mail Indigenous Art Award winners announced

Winners of the 2024 Koori Mail Indigenous Art Award were recently announced with both open and youth art being recognised.

Legends return to play the ‘Mayor’s 11’ in 2025

Australian cricket legends, including local sporting icons Adam (Gilly) Gilchrist and Steve O’Keefe, will travel to Lismore next year to compete against the ‘Mayor’s 11′ at Oakes Oval.

Tweed rail trail cements its place as outstanding visitor experience

The Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT) has claimed Gold in the Tourist Attractions category at the prestigious NSW Tourism Awards, while Potager – A Kitchen Garden claimed Gold, Tourism Restaurant and Catering Services.

Wollongbar to Goonellabah – your say on the Bruxner Highway

Future development of the 8km road corridor from Sneaths Road at Wollongbar to Kadina Street at Goonellabah is currently under discussion and Transport for NSW are seekinng community feedback.

Accused DV offender arrested after two crashes fleeing police

A young man wanted for several domestic violence and police pursuits offences caused two crashes and stole a moped from its driver waiting at traffic lights, police say. Join Andy swimming the length of the English Channel for our kids

They say you can’t keep a good man down, and Andy Beswick is a living example of that. Beswick plans to swim 1,360 laps of the pool at the Lennox Aquatic Centre with a recovering broken leg, to raise money for kids in the Ballina region.

Aslan Shand

On Friday (November 29)

over 1,000 people converged on the streets of Ballina to demonstrate, advocate, and educate their community about domestic and family violence (D&FV).

Taking action

‘Our walk on Friday was about bringing attention to D&FV during the internationally-recognised call to action against gender-based violence 16 Days of Activism from November 25 till December 10,’ said Ballinaon-Richmond’s Rotary’s D&FV lead, Dave Harmon.

‘Domestic and family violence is abuse. It is intimate terrorism. It is bullying of the worst kind. Done by the hands of those who are in our lives to love and protect us. This behaviour is inappropriate and has to stop. A respectful relationship requires good communication, the ability to resolve conflict peacefully and problem-solving skills teamed with kindness, patience and caring. Basic social skills really.’

Speakers included retired Qld Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson, who spoke of the need for all communities throughout Australia to follow Ballina’s lead in bringing D&FV out into the open, D&FV Prevention Council member Jacque Lachmund, Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader, and NSW Police Inspector Nigel Howard. The Rotary campaign was started by Ballinaon-Richmond in 2019 to bring awareness to the issue of D&FV. It is a wholeof-community approach to help bring about positive change.

South Ballina Beach: Fox and wild dog control to protect priority threatened species

Crown Lands is running a targeted Fox-baiting

5 October 2024 until 21 December 2024 on Crown land (Lot 7303

Purple Friday

‘Domestic and family violence is a whole-of-community problem and it will take a whole-of-community approach to help bring about positive change,’ explained Mr Harmon.

‘The “Purple Friday” campaign with Rotary and Cherry Street Sports Group sees over 100 businesses wear our purple branded shirts every Friday. Doctors, primary and secondary school staff, Council staff, retailers and many others. This is wearable advocacy, they are everywhere. These shirts encourage conversations.

There are so many examples of notifications being shared by those wearing one of our shirts.

International rollout

The campaign has been highly successful and the campaign model developed in Ballina is now being shared with Rotary clubs across 16 countries and has become an endorsed project in these countries for the next three years.

‘Further, NSW Police have formed a three-year partnership with Rotary to address D&FV in our state,’ explained Mr Harmon.

‘Locally we help fund and coordinate the delivery of the ‘respectful relationships’ program called Love Bites in local schools, and provide support for those experiencing D&FV. So, our commitment to this campaign in Ballina is for the long term.

‘Let’s all combine to break the silence on disrespectful relationships, inappropriate language, behaviour and actions. Don’t be a bystander, be there to support your friend, sister, work colleague, mother, daughter, neighbour or even someone not known to you that is experiencing some kind of abuse. Be part of the change we all want to see in Ballina,’ sadi Mr Harmon.

Loss of Norries Headland upper car park challenged

Aslan Shand

The future removal of the Norries Headland upper car park, the outcome of the 2021 Norries Headland Masterplan, was challenged at the last Tweed Shire Council (TSC) meeting (November 21).

A petition signed by 1,041 people brought to the meeting by Labor councillor Reece Byrnes, objected to the closure of the Norries Headland upper car park.

Tweed Mayor Chris Cherry was clear to highlight that the original Norries

Headland Masterplan was completed with significant community engagement and feedback in 2021. The staff report highlighted the fact that ‘the Norries Headland Masterplan Project page on YourSayTweed received over 1,500 views’ at the time it was on exhibition.

Call for report

During the meeting Councillor Byrnes submitted an alternate motion that removed the proposal to be ‘redeveloped and redesigned to retain the much-loved

upper car park’ and instead proposed that ‘the General Manager to bring a report back to Council to review possible options to retain the upper car park’.

This motion was eventually supported by all councillors and a report will include consideration of ‘community concerns regarding the loss of the upper car park as part of the adopted Norries Headland Masterplan, specifically the northern area.’

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

Ballina Council calls on SCU to back arts

David Lowe

Keep your pets safe

For more information

At the last meeting of Ballina Council, Greens councillors Kiri Dicker and Erin Karsten were successful in encouraging renewed support for music and the arts in the Northern Rivers, following Southern Cross University’s (SCU) recent decision to discontinue undergraduate arts programs.

The Executive Director of the National Association for Visual Arts, Penelope Benton, made a passionate deputation emphasising

the critical role of the arts across the region, noting the Northern Rivers’ renown as an arts and creative hub, which contains the largest population of artists and cultural workers in NSW outside metropolitan areas.

Cumulative impact

Cr Kiri Dicker’s motion called on SCU to reconsider its decision, noting the critical role which music and the creative arts play in the vibrancy, diversity and resilience of the Northern Rivers, and formally requested that

Ballina Council write to state and federal ministers urging them to restore equity to regional arts funding, including music festivals and arts education.

Cr Dicker’s motion was carried unanimously. Crs Michelle Bailey and Eva Ramsey were not present.

Further motions in support of the SCU arts program are expected from other Northern Rivers regional councils this month.

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

Over 1,000 people attended the Ballina DV march on Friday, November 29, 2024. Photo Andy Garlepp Photography

Speeches, music and performaces took place at the Ballina Indoor Sports Centre. Photo Andy Garlepp Photography

Local News

Crystal labyrinth underway

Naren King with a couple of the 10,000 rose quartz crystals which will define the new labyrinth at Crystal Castle. Photo Jeff ‘Smelling Of Rose’ Dawson

From Thursday, December 12, to Tuesday, January 31, visitors to Crystal Castle are invited to participate in the creation of the next phase of the new, world-unique Crystal Labyrinth.

Organisers say, ‘Guests can write a message of hope, love, or intention on a small intention card. These heartfelt messages will be then embedded beneath

10,000 rose quartz crystals, which will form part of the labyrinth’s pathways and be set with mortar during the final construction phase in February 2025.’

‘With stage one complete, the Crystal Labyrinth is now open and ready to be enjoyed this summer holiday season’, says Toby King, General Manager of Crystal Castle.

‘In this next stage, the

addition of rose quartz and visitors’ intention cards creates an opportunity for everyone to become personally connected to the labyrinth,’ King explains.

‘The Crystal Labyrinth, designed using sacred geometry and with a halfkilometre walking path, stands proudly in front of the majestic four-metre Blessing Buddha’.

Busy start to storm season for Mullumbimby SES

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is reminding Byron Shire residents that storm season is here after a busy start to the summer months for local units.

Mullumbimby SES volunteers say, ‘The region has already experienced severe weather events, and the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a wet and stormy few months ahead’.

‘Mullumbimby SES volunteers have been kept busy responding to a number of calls for assistance for flood and storm response since the beginning of September’.

Deputy Unit Commander, Eco Tsadik, said volunteers had completed more than 164 incidents in the Byron Shire community.

Above and beyond

‘Our volunteers have gone above and beyond to respond to the community’s calls for assistance,’ he said.

‘Some of the jobs ranged from tarping leaking roofs and clearing trees brought down by high winds, to flood rescues with positive results.’

Mr Tsadik urged the community to prepare their homes and businesses now, and emphasised the

A reminder that crossing flooded causeways and roads can be extremely dangerous, no matter what car you drive.

Photo SES Bendigo Unit

importance of preparation to reduce the impact severe weather could have on properties.

‘Now is the time to clean your roof, gutter and downpipes, trim tree branches away from property and secure down outdoor items and furniture as a way of preparing your property for severe weather,’ he said.

‘Most importantly, please

don’t drive through flood water.’

The Mullumbimby SES unit are always looking for new members. If you would like to join, or just find out more, please go the NSW SES website www.ses.nsw.gov.au.

For local road closure information, visit Byron Shire Council’s Emergency Dashboard: www.emergency. byron.nsw.gov.au.

The Byron Shire Echo

What’s that DA in your hood?

There were one pecuniary and eight non-pecuniary interests tabled at last week’s Council meeting, with independent Cr Jack Dods again winning the leaderboard, with five.

Other councillors who found themselves conflicted with the job they were elected to are independent Cr David Warth, and Greens Crs Delta Kay and Elia Hauge.

If the trend continues for four years, it will be interesting to hear how effective they think they have been, given all that abstaining, Or maybe we should be grateful they are so well connected and have their hands on the pulse of development?

Anyway, there were a few noteworthy items worth mentioning.

Community Title subdivision in Alidenes Road, Wilsons Creek.

Councillors unanimously voted to approve a 16-lot Community Title (CT) subdivision at 31 Alidenes Road, Wilsons Creek.

Staff described it as ‘an irregular shaped lot with an area of 12.27 hectares located next to the old Mullumbimby hydro-electric power station, approximately 4.5 kilometres from Mullumbimby township’.

While the sites would be powered by reticulated electricity and telecommunications services, staff say future dwellings would be supplied by rainwater harvesting and sewage would be managed on-site. According to the Road Safety Audit findings, ‘The submitted Road Safety Audit (RSA) identifies several deficiencies in the design and condition of the intersection between Alidenes Road and Wilsons Creek Road that were deemed to be “high risk”.’ As such, upgrades are recommended.

Staff say the site is suitable for development.

‘Overall, the proposed subdivision design adequately responds to the constraints and opportunities of the site… Each lot has adequate room for the siting of a dwelling on flood-free land with a northerly aspect and room for gardens and ancillary outbuildings’.

Compliance stand down over demolition order

Councillors supported staff’s recommendation for a retro approval of a secondary dwelling at 80 Vallances Road, Mullumbimby.

According to the Council minutes, compliance officers had whacked a demolition order on the owner, yet there is no mention of why they pursued the owner to that point.

A variation to the 100m separation distance between the main dwelling and the secondary dwelling was sought, and accepted.

It was noted that ‘Council recently eliminated the 100m metre requirement for dual occupancy dwellings within the rural zones’.

Planning staff say, ‘The proposed development is satisfactory having regard to the relevant environmental planning instruments and planning controls applicable to the site.

The proposal raises no significant issues in terms of environmental impacts which cannot be managed’.

‘The site is a serviced, unconstrained property and is considered suitable for the proposed development’, they added.

There you have it!

We explored two local planning issues from a long list that were dealt with at the December 5 meeting.

Hans Lovejoy, editor

Selling dreams through Brut strength

When I was much younger, there was an advert on the black and white television (between re-runs of Gilligan’s Island) touting a scent.

A young man who diligently and generously applied it under his arms and in a mist around hairy nether regions was suddenly way more attractive to women.

It was very funny – because the poor fellow was such a dork, and we all knew in our heart of hearts that this was just silly make-believe and there was no magic ozoneeating ingredient which could possibly compel gorgeous women to want that fashion-free bespectacled scrawny sod.

But the product sold because, ridiculous as it was, I guess there was an attraction to the dream. I related to the guy – I was all of those things and wanted that attention so badly.

And we all get sucked in by the marketers and promises at some stage. Kids with the latest incarnation of footy cards, swap in the complete naive certainty of making millions and no one ever does except the exploitative child-crazecreating capitalists.

Sleeping formulas for the insomniacs, secret chemical compounds in shampoo, and financial scams promise a better life with your Nigerian bank account distribution buddy.

So why then is it any wonder that a majority of voters get mesmerised by a charlatan selling another dream – safe borders, less crime, tariffs to beat off those sneaky Chinese, no need for vaccinations, Musk scent wealth spread to all, make America something-orother again.

No more stupid than say gambling or talking in tongues.

No more gullible than a cream that will make me look like George Clooney.

In Wild Wild Country, the filmmakers showed how intelligent, college-graduate, middle-class young people could be seduced into following (and for some even killing) for a guru who had not spoken for years and kept his fleet

of Rolls Royce limousines sparkling. I guess a quarter of all Americans voting for Trump then ought not be a surprise.

But I was still gutted, amazed and depressed, gobsmacked and depleted all at the same time.

And not just because I was wrong. I have avoided the news ever since.

I’ve rediscovered sudoku, and listening to talking books in the car because the radio news triggers me into a cycle of despair.

Evenings at 7pm are just another tick tock time, giving up a lifetime habit/obsession of watching ABC television news.

Rule of law?

America has a leader who has no respect for the rule of law, and who will fix courts, pardon fascist criminals, feed the right-wing macho frenzy.

My heroes, like Albie Sachs, are rolling in their proverbial graves.

Because there is precious little rule of law now in the United States and now an even more stacked ever-younger Supreme Court, increased voting gerrymanders, more cred to conspiracy theorist foxes in charge of law enforcement hen-houses. An already fragile, deeply flawed democracy looks like falling off the edge.

And how scary is it that here, more than maybe, the same formula just might work for Dutton.

My colleague Aiden Ricketts has written a heartfelt message that this is the death of authenticity.

And he’s right, but how authentic is the alternative – upgrade Albo and his millionaires’-row house?

I mean, isn’t a lifetime milliondollar pension, free business class airfares for him and his significant other, forever staff members and fully-funded private office enough?

And remember he gets a house in Canberra, and on the waterfront in Sydney and all catered and cleaned while he’s in office as well.

Labor loves logging

How authentic is Minns with logging to extinction my cuddly glider out of the no-koala-not-National Park? Or the drug summit that cancels decriminalisation before, during and after?

Or getting rid of Community Justice Centres without any consultation? How authentic is Biden pardoning his clearly guilty son? How authentic was Kamala anyway?

The ALP, and the Democrats, don’t believe most of what they themselves spout, cloaking their vanity in a camouflage of insincerity masquerading as policy. They are about as authentic as the scent in my ad. So, if there is a choice of two unauthentic bullshit artists and one side is promising you roses, and the other has delivered you thorns who are you going to vote for huh?

I promise I will not have faith in voters’ humanity or goodness ever again. I will expect the most cynical, jealous and hating side of everyone first at the ballot box. Because that is the legacy of America’s last (ever?) election.

And if you think that this column is disjointed and messy and jagged and pessimistic well that is an accurate reflection of my mind just now.

So, I am looking in the back of my cupboard for my Brut deodorant to give me the edge in life, hair on my head, 20:20 vision and make me sexy.

When I find it, I might just realise it still smells like shit.

Professor David Heilpern is a former magistrate and is now Dean of Law at SCU.

Professor David Heilpern

Mullum spirit

The 32 units proposed for our much-appreciated car park will terminate Mullum’s character. It represents the single most destructive blow to Mullumbimby so far.

Robert Zandstra

Landcom’s DA

Myocum

I tried to fill in Landcom’s feedback form but was surprised at the number of pointless questions: ‘What are the benefits you see during the construction period?’, etc and so many repetitive questions that seem designed to put residents off submitting any feedback. It put me off.

A three-storey complex with car parking is massively over scale. This formula has been applied by every developer in the Byron Shire for many years: submit a development application (DA) that is ridiculously oversize then trim it back a little so it’s only terribly oversized and everyone feels happy without really looking closely at it.

I can imagine the huge queues of traffic after this development is built (with a second car park on the other side of the rail line) at the busiest intersection in Mullumbimby. And traffic funnelled via the IGA laneway? Crazy. Developers here have always stated: ‘It’s just not viable to reduce the DA size’. Well it’s just not a viable development then, is it?

Raymond Timms Mullumbimby

Where to scream

The strap under The Echo’s masthead on November 27

suggested that some entity was grateful that people scream into the abyss.

This is incorrect. Screaming should be done into the void, and the abyss is for staring into.

The German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche (18441900) was the expert on this, as evidenced by his popular remark, ‘Beware that, when fighting monsters, you yourself do not become a monster... for when you gaze long into the abyss. The abyss gazes also into you.’

Those who need digital help with void-screaming can visit https://screamintothevoid.com.

Michael McDonald Bairnsdale VIC

Fibs, fabrications and quotes

If it starts with a lie can you believe what follows? I am of course referring to your bogus Kafka quote.

It was of course not Kafka but Leo Longanesi and sounded better in Italian –Fanfare, bandiere, parate. Uno stupido è uno stupido. Due stupidi sono due stupidi. Diecimila stupidi sono una forza storica – but was then twisted by someone needing to give substance to some dubious point and ten thousand people believed it. Rob Watson Tyagarah

Ed: Thanks, Rob, our sincere apologies. There was a last-minute hunt for a quote and we didn’t check whether its attribution was correct. Stupido. We’re now wondering if there’s other stuff on the internet that’s untrue?

and to continue with this policy is just ridiculous and unacceptable.

Our councillors need to stop pushing this particular case of 57 Station Street, replacing our well-used public car parking in Mullumbimby to, as stated, house Council staff. This to me says it is all about our Council workers and the rest in need of real affordable housing can stay homeless, get used to living in their cars or living in higher-priced rental housing. ‘No, no, no’, to destroying our area with this unsuitable street-clogging system of housing, it has not worked, and won’t work, to fullfil its so-named affordable housing goal.

Questionable Council

I seriously can’t believe that our newly-elected councillors keep pushing the unaffordable, so-called affordable, housing SEPP policy to build unaffordable housing.

My very clear view is that none of this SEPP scheme has improved. The other fact is that it is unsuitable in regional areas with lack of suitable public transport, such as ours. The fact that we are clearly lacking available parking spaces practically all over our Byron Shire as our population has increased. The 20 per cent of housing built must be made at a supposedly discount rate of 20 per cent lower than comparable rental rates. But compared to which rental rate, the lowest or the highest that can be compared?

Then there is the very glaring problem of that comparison – rental at the higher end will of course cause other rental rates to rise, as has happened before. The answer lies in protesting, to stop such problems from escalating. The state government needs to be held accountable. The parking pushed onto our overcrowded streets is the problem caused in part by previously-constructed SEPP housing. That has been the problem in our cities, along with developers cashing in and not renting at affordable rates.

The SEPP policy, replacing the public housing system, is the number one problem regarding the shortage of affordable housing,

Career Guidance

Annie Radermacher Brunswick Heads

Dear comrade

A response to Mike Balson’s letter, Upper Wilsons Creek (November 29). I hear your heart is breaking and how else can one respond when bearing witness to the brutality of genocide upon our brothers and sisters, from Palestine, to the Congo, to Sudan and beyond…

Some days are dark, so dark, and I feel broken by the suffering of others and the cruelty of humanity. All I can do is collapse upon the Earth in grief as she drinks from our tears and we drink from hers. The Great Mother is calling us home. She yearns for us as we yearn for her.

Then dawn breaks and I am reminded by my ancestors, by my beating heart, and those like-hearted ones amongst us, of my purpose here and reason for being.

But I urge you, from one heart to another, do not lose

Eric Willis enjoys reading his weekly Echo in Tarradale, Victoria. Photo supplied

BazaarButteryMarket

heart and do not lose hope, for you are not alone. Millions across the globe feel as you do. You are needed. We are all needed. Find courage in those freedom fighters and truth speakers who have walked before us, alongside us, and emerging.

Every single human has an important part to play in this movement. Everything is connected. And you never know who is watching and learning from you. So let’s speak up in everyday conversations about injustices near and far. From here, to Gaza and beyond.

We live in a world that renders each one of us complicit in the most horrific crimes against humanity! So yes, we have an obligation to demonstrate our solidarity and there is work to be done. We must remember, there is not a system, no matter how entrenched, no matter how evil or corrupt with power and greed, that can withstand the force of the people rising!

our eyes on the prize – our collective liberation.

Yes, the road to liberation is long but let’s walk it together. We all know that the liberation of one cannot come from the oppression of another. Our liberation is collective and so is the struggle for it!

Esther Berkon Left Bank

Rapidly approaching reality

For me personally, I have found great solace in finding others in the community that feel as I do by joining Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine, attending rallies, supporting direct action, writing to our so-called ‘representatives’ and becoming informed. All these actions give me a sense of hope, which is resistance. And resistance is hope!

Some might say, what difference do these actions make? This may not be for us to know. We just keep showing up for humanity knowing that one action leads to another and that the tipping point will come. It is not for us to know when but to keep

Although Tim Winton is a wonderful writer and environmental activist, the horrific dystopian future of climate-charred cities and landscapes full of dirty inhabitants as described in his latest book Juice, reviewed by Tori Bail (Echo, November 27) is ridiculous. Unlike the perceived future in beloved Mad Max-type films of heroes surviving on cans of spam and baked beans in a hellish landscape, our rapidly-approaching reality will be of a beautifully clean world of magnificent vegetation, clean air and water – and the inhabitants will be living the healthiest of lives. North-eastern NSW and south-eastern Queensland will be particularly salubrious due to the efforts of all of our high-rise developers and our region will have reached its ultimate potential with vibrant communities enjoying their exciting lives.

The problem with the idea of a dystopian future is that reality does not operate like that, a slow decline into ever-poorer health and depression. Whether it is an individual, a business or a community,

adverse conditions always cause a sudden collapse once vital tipping points are encountered. Individuals and businesses collapse more rapidly, communities are more resilient – though utterly dependent on stable and sustainable resources. With a rapidly-heating world particularly affecting food security, ruled by corporations and politicians fighting for greater power, there can only be one possible future. Utterly dependent on foreign resources in an ever-more chaotic and conflicted world as populations increase, millions starve or attempt to flee climate realities – any of the numerous tipping points, be they political or natural, can cause a domino effect resulting in sudden collapse. Incomprehensible for most people that live in a delusional world, we are so overspecialised and dependent on cheap, easilyaccessible resources only available because of their non-sustainability, that the sudden collapse is inevitable, no matter how optimistic we are. Tim Winton’s world without utes will also be a world without food or energy and his dystopian future will rapidly pass.

Some people may survive – those adapted to tropical ecosystems, though they will no longer have an impact on the world’s ecology. Plants and animals, particularly those that we regard as weeds and pests, will quickly replace us, recycling our pollutants, cleaning the air, sea and land. The towers of north-eastern NSW and south-eastern Queensland will support vast numbers of flying foxes, fruit pigeons

and other birds feasting on the fruits of the strangling fig forests encrusting them while saltwater crocodiles will enjoy the tropical mangrove forests at their base. Humanity’s only possible legacy will be a thin greasy line in the sedimentary rocks, indicating a species that was exterminated by its hatred of nature and of its neighbours. People who can accept genocide in Palestine for the white persons’ narcissistic and delusional supremacy of their ideals of a ‘greater good’, are people who can only experience a short and ugly future.

Gary Opit, Carmel Daoud and Lowanna Daoud-Opit, Wooyung

Take it back

I was very disturbed by the information about supermarkets saying it is more profitable for them to market produce in bulk, in plastic, rather than selling single items. I don’t believe them for one minute. We all are aware of the insane problems we, and our planet, are dealing with in respect to microplastics. It has contaminated our water, it’s inside of us all, babies are born with microplastic in them, and it is causing problems with infertility, just to name a few issues with microplastic and mimics of oestrogen that they produce. We just had our government pass a bill to ‘protect’ persons aged 16 and under from accessing social media. Now I don’t necessarily think children should access social media under this age but I do believe it’s the responsibility

Moving beyond the ‘step’ – it is more than just a word

Adam Abbasi-Sacca

The emphasis on spending time with family during this upcoming holiday season is an enduring, annual reminder of being part of a blended family.

I’ve had a stepfather for as long as I’ve been able to consciously remember.

He is a kind and compassionate Italian man that has shown up for almost every major hurdle and milestone in my life. We speak every day, sometimes multiple times. He intentionally chose to take me under his wing (as the excess baggage of my mother).

More than the stereotype

Still, one phrase always stands out for me in the above recollection – ‘step’.

For those of us blessed with the ability to have actively involved stepparents; the label itself, steeped in negative stereotypes, doesn’t authentically match the reality.

It’s your choice

Ultimately, this rant is not aimed at advocating for a new, catch-all term to regulate step-relations, or the relations of others. I am fiercely in support of autonomy. While their symbolism means a great deal to me, these are only words. Words, whose appropriateness and relevance, should be determined within the homes, and guided by the relationships of the very people impacted by them.

This four-letter word has determined many things well before I could even understand their meaning: legal recognition, biological connection and when I was growing up… preconceptions.

Having a stepfather has allowed me to master the art of referring to my father by his first name – confusing for a kid when everyone else could call him that too.

With this ‘step’ relationship has also come other extended family ties: a stepbrother,

stepgrandparents, stepuncles and stepcousins.

Beyond the ‘step’

Despite the close relationship I have with these people (my family) –their relationship appears to be blocked by a literal ‘step’ in the way. A disconnect by surname and blood.

Recent Census data suggests that of all family units in Australia, approximately 8.5 per cent involve a steprelationship and the number is increasing. Clearly, I am

not alone – if anything (for once in my life) I am part of a trend.

But it does make me question at what point we can leave off the ‘step’? Particularly, where the parent and their family has been so integrated into your life and being, that it’s (almost) all you know.

One solution appears to be varying the terminology itself.

In many Scandinavian countries, the term ‘bonus’ parent or ‘bonus’ family has been used for

years to reflect the rise of blended family units. A term that emphases the opportunities that having a stepparent brings; rather than the gap created between stepparent and stepchild is. Undeniably, such a focus works to shift negative connotations and societal attitudes towards stepparenting.

(Although, I wonder how that would’ve sounded in the playground during my childhood… and whether or not it would’ve gotten me egged.)

I have friends who would immediately correct me if I referred to their stepfather as such, ‘No, you mean my mum’s husband!’ I can’t imagine ‘bonus’ would add much value in that instance. Perhaps I’ve been wrong to pay attention to the formality of a title that matters even less at my current age. Writing this now helps me to see that. The only credible solution for me appears to be to let the term go; as well as what it represents. So, if anyone is looking for me during the end of year festivities – I’ll be with my dads and mum (and the rest).

Open

Open Every ay 10am - 10pm

Adam, his mum and bonus dad at his University of Sydney graduation ceremony. Photo supplied

Adam and his bonus brother Daniel on Insight for SBS Australia. Photo supplied

▶ Continued from page 14

Op Shop

Cnr Tweed St & Booyun St Brunswick Heads Next to IGA Supermarket Mon to Fri 10am–4pm Sat 10am–1pm VOLUNTEERS

of the parent to implement ways to monitor children on the internet, just like you don’t allow them out at night because of the danger involved with that lack of supervision. But my real issue is why isn’t the government fining the supermarkets, or any large corporation for that matter, that continues to use plastic? Protect our children’s right to be healthy and have a planet by the time they are 16.

student debt on top of $3 billion already promised, and make the current fee-free TAFE program permanent. Affordable housing and low-cost accessible education are both core Labor policies that only a majority Labor Albanese government can deliver.

Keith Duncan Ballina Labor

society? The fact is that no one knows these other hidden meanings, unless you can pay certain people for the true interpretations that are secret?

R Podhajsky Ocean Shores

Israel itself

they obsess over Israel, a criticism I believe also applies to your letter. Try to be more balanced, please. Danny Wakil Billinudgel

CHRISTMAS DAYMASS: St John’s–Mullumbimby:8:00am p ST JOHN’S CATHOLIC PARISH: Weekend Mass times are normal, then: n:

CHRISTMAS EVEMASSES: OurLady of Lourdes –Brunswick Heads:5:30pm (Carols begin at 5:00pm) St John’s–Mullumbimby:7:00pm

Well I have a solution. It’s called ‘take it back’. I propose on the first Sunday of each month we take our washed plastic in a bag and return it to the supermarket it came from. We respectfully return what is theirs, that we are forced to use. We place it in a trolley with the words ‘take it back, it’s not mine’. See how quickly they decide to use biodegradable plastic. Time for us to take responsibility for our children and the planet’s future. We can’t wait for the government, nor should we want to.

Sharne Warren Bangalow

Building Aussies’ future

What a great end to the parliamentary year, the Albanese Labor government finally got its logjam of stalled legislation passed by the Senate, in some cases vital bills have been needlessly held up for almost two years.

One can understand the opposition playing political games, but the Greens are a whole different story, their obstructionism and grandstanding has cost struggling young Aussies trying desperately to negotiate the housing crisis, dearly.

A major but rarelymentioned cause of high rent is the land tax NSW imposes on rental property owners. The current median house price in Byron Bay is $3.55 million (as per realestate. com.au), resulting in a land tax liability of approximately $39,000 a year, or $750 a week. Including the cost of mortgage, Council rates, insurance premiums, repairs and maintenance the median rent of $1,200 a week for a three-bedroom house in Byron Bay does not cover the owner’s expenses.

If the government is serious about providing incentives to build rental accommodation, the land tax for rental property needs to be drastically reduced or eliminated.

Chris Beisenherz Byron Bay

I mean what I say I mean what I say when I say what I mean, when I say what I mean I mean what I say. Has language been subject to changes as time has passed? Resulting in misunderstanding and misinformation about the true meaning of the words used, in thinking, speaking and writing?

What Israel is doing to the Palestinians, it’s doing to itself. The harm Israel’s bringing to the Palestinians, it’s bringing to itself. The hell Israel’s creating for the Palestinians, it’s creating for itself. The enemy Israel’s making of the Palestinians, is an enemy it’s making for itself.

By delegitimising Palestinian statehood, Israel is delegitimising its own statehood. By dehumanising the Palestinians, Israel is dehumanising itself.

John Scrivener Main Arm

Israel Hamas

To David Gilet who penned a letter in last week’s Echo (and all the other self-appointed ‘experts’ on the Israel Hamas war), l challenge you. Name one army, in all of history, in any war, that has done more to protect the civilians of its enemies than Israel has done in this war?

You will notice that David Gilet did not mention even one word against Hamas in Gaza or Hezbollah in Lebanon. He states that, ‘wherever there is a civilian population there are going to be some Hamas members within that population.’

Norman Finkelstein reports testimonies from Israeli military veterans who had participated in Operation Cast Lead (2008) that everything is permissible even firing white phosphorous, ‘because it’s fun. Cool’ (Gaza: An Inquest Into Its Martyrdom, p.75). The Israel Defence Force (IDF) fired white phosphorous at the UNWRA HQ in Gaza City, at the UN Beit Lahiya school and at the Al Quds hospital even though precise coordinates had been given. It was deliberate targeting of civilians with one of the most appallingly cruel weapons. White phosphorous can reach 816 degrees Celsius and cause horrific burns which can eat through bone and spontaneously ignite when exposed to air, thus posing awful risks to surgeons exposing white phosphorous within the body. It turns into phosphoric acid when inhaled or touches the eyes causing fatality and blindness. Major organs like the liver and kidneys are attacked.

The struggling Greens hierarchy must have been severely stung by recent electoral losses, chosen self-preservation over selfinterest, caved in to public pressure and passed the Help to Buy housing legislation, a targeted policy that will help tens-of-thousands of low-income workers, locked out of the housing market, to buy a house.

The Build to Rent legislation also passed parliament which paves the way for the construction of 80,000 new homes to rent, in both cases a big win for struggling young Aussies. Students were also big winners, with the announcement that a reelected Albanese Labor government will wipe a further 20 per cent off

This developed complexity has found its way into being accepted as a normal. This results in the opening of the doors of deceptive language that is commonly used today. The use of deception, with the use of words, thought about, spoken, and written. This situation leads to having to use the legal system to find what the words in contracts and other matters really mean, which costs a lot of money to seek the true meaning. Even the government has to use this system.

This legal system uses different languages that no one fully understands, other dictionary’s, Black’s Law Dictionary, legalese and meanings that are applied to syntax, grammar, parsing, arrangements and punctuations. Does this result in the use of deception at the core of our disturbed

What complete and utter garbage! Hamas over many years built hundreds of kilometres of terror tunnels intentionally starting from hospitals, schools, mosques etc. This was obviously no coincidence, they use their population as human shields as everyone knows, and Hamas shoots their civilians if they run away.

Also, there are plenty of open non-populated areas in Gaza that Hamas could fight from if they chose to, away from the civilians. If you don’t know that, just look at a map of Gaza pre-war.

War is always shit, and innocent civilians do get killed, but the difference is Hamas and Hezbollah intentionally target Israeli civilians – but yet again not a word regarding this from David.

Israel didn’t want this war, and they have done bad things, as happens in all wars, but organisations like Amnesty International prove themselves to be completely biased and irrelevant when

Human Rights Watch verified its extensive use by Israel in populated areas of South Lebanon between October 2023 and June 2024. They analysed 100 photos and videos finding evidence of white phosphorous use in 47 of them (https://www. hrw.org/report/2024/11/07/ beyond-burning/rippleeffects-incendiary-weaponsand-increasing-calls).

Bretton-Gordon, a retired British Army chemical weapons expert, said, ‘We all cry into our teacups on Sunday morning when we see all these pictures of melting children. Quite frankly, it’s our fault. Some of the things I’ve seen have been indescribable and you just think, crikey, when are we, as a government and people, going to do something about this? (https://www.newsweek. com/why-united-nationsnot-investigating-allegedwhite-phosphorusattacks-1468042).

When will the Australian government unreservedly condemn its use by Israel in Gaza and Lebanon or is the sight of burnt babies not enough to stir them?

Gareth Smith Byron Bay

Ballina Bears on top in second grade Far North

Coast cricket

Ross Kendall

The Ballina Bears XI are in first place on the Far North Coast second grade (South) competition ladder after a win against Alstonville at their Hill Park Oval last Saturday.

Ballina won the toss and elected to bat, scoring 144 after being bowled out in the 28th over.

Jordan Holmes top scored with 37 while opener, Josh Slater went the distance to finish unbeaten on 30no.

Alstonville captain, Peter Van Zijl, led the attack with 3/24 off six overs with support from Aaron Hanna (2/12 off 6.2 overs).

All out for 69

In reply, Alstonville got off to a healthy start reaching 1/36, but crumbled to be all out for 69 in the 33rd over.

Luke Hall did the damage

for the Bears, returning 4/7 from eight overs, including four maidens and two caught-and-bowled.

Ravinderpal Singh added to the Alstonville collapse by taking 2/2 off his three overs. Hamish Clacher snared 2/21 off his eight.

The top four of the competition also includes Tintenbar East Ballina, Marist Brothers and Lennox Head.

Bangalow second grade picked up their second win of the season but did it with aplomb after scoring 6/353 off their 40 overs, after choosing to bat playing away at Megan Crescent Oval in Lennox Head.

McPhail scores 146

Bangalow’s opener

Anthony McPhail did most of the damage scoring 146 including ten fours and 12 sixes. Jason Hinds added 58 runs from 56 balls, while

Conor Bensley hit a quick-fire 75 off 39 balls including seven fours and five sixes.

Best of the Lennox bowlers was James Barnes with 2/70 off eight overs.

In reply, the Lennox Pirates were all out for 107 inside 19 overs. The top three batters were the only ones to make double figures with Connor Benfield top-scoring with 38.

Bangalow’s Sonny Singh took 4/53 off eight overs while Jameson Hinds collected 3/15 off 2.1 overs.

Bangalow are sixth place on the second grade (South) ladder.

In the Far North Coast (North) second grade competition Byron Bay are on top with five wins ahead of Terranora Lakes and Cudgen Hornets (four wins each). Mullumbimby Brunswick round out the top four.

Meet the Pollock family cricket champs

Three generations of the Pollock family took to the field for the Lennox Head Pirates last Saturday.

Pictured are Max (12), Nathan (40) and Brendan (71), who started playing together last season, and have stayed with the team this season. All three took wickets on the weekend at their game against Byron Bay.

Community wellbeing and resilience boosted by funds

Successful funding recipients of the 2024 Community Wellbeing and Resilience (CWR) Program have been announced by Healthy North Coast.

Queer Family, Plan C and The Returning will each share in $1m funding to deliver programs over the next two years to help impacted North Coast communities in their recovery from the health and wellbeing impacts of natural disasters, and to build their capacity to respond to future events.

Healthy North Coast say, ‘Since 2022, funding has been provided to 26 community wellbeing and resilience initiatives through the CWR program, valued at more than $6.3 million’.

Justine Elliot MP, Member for Richmond and Assistant Minister for Social Services, said, ‘As our region continues to rebuild from the profound impacts of recent disasters, strengthening the health and wellbeing of our communities is essential to building resilience’.

Social cohesion

‘By investing in community-led initiatives that support stronger social cohesion and disaster preparation, we’re not just addressing immediate needs, we are laying the groundwork for a stronger and sustainable future for all.’

CEO of Healthy North Coast, Monika Wheeler, said building community resilience is fundamental

Karatekas back from national seminar

Byron Shire Shotokan

Karate Do and Self Defence sent a strong Team of five local Karatekas to the 2024 Kase-Ha Shotokan Karate National Seminar (Gasshuku) held in Victoria, from November 22 to 24.

Damien O’Meara obtained his Self Defence Black Belt and Chief Instructor Jean Boussard his 5th Dan in Kase-Ha Shotokan.

Sensei Jean Boussard told The Echo, ‘It was a unique opportunity for our dedicated Karatekas to benefit from the teaching of a Master in this remarkable workshop in practical selfdefence. They are Arie Farkas Sensei (8th Dan), our Chief Instructor, assisted by three top Kase Ha Instructors, my friends Senseis Mark Smith, Terry Raftry and Mark Johnson, all 6th Dan’.

‘This is realistic traditional Shotokan Karate, not competition-oriented, but the genuine martial art!

‘There were very challenging sessions during these three days, physically, emotionally and mentally, but the team is passionate and they all did so well.’

The Bangalow Dojo opened its doors in 2011, but the Academy was established in 1998 in Byron Bay

Boussard says, ‘The goal of Kase-Ha Shotokan is to reach a level beyond technique, which is based on the ancient Budo approach to martial arts and spirit’.

The presentation of a strong and effective defensive system is involved.

A variety of blocks, with open and closed hands, and of attacks with legs and arms, must satisfy equally defensive and offensive requirements.

‘My teaching is towards self defence and not towards

the limited efficiency of competition and tournaments’.

‘Children, the Cubs and the Tigers, are taught traditional Shotokan Karate; adult classes and women’s self-defence incorporate the realistic training in practical self-defence of the Kase-Ha Way. We have just delivered a demonstration to the Residents of the RSL Lifecare in Suffolk Park, and a training workshop at Emmanuel Anglican School in Ballina.

‘At the Bangalow Dojo, age is not the focus, as the 60 members range from six years old to 70 years plus’. For more visit www. byronshireshotokan.com

to improving health and wellbeing outcomes due to natural disasters and a changing climate.

‘Our region includes a number of local government Areas that have experienced high numbers of declared disasters, including the bushfires in 2021 and the Northern Rivers floods in 2022,’ said Ms Wheeler.

‘The CWR program focuses on improving community health and wellbeing through local projects that build social connection, strengthen the capacity of our volunteer and community organisations, and ensure communities are equipped with the knowledge, skills and resources to adapt to the health and wellbeing impacts of a changing climate.

Photo supplied

Damien Aurelien and Sam Ash are pictured in the front row, Sensei Jean is pictured top left. Photo supplied

Good Taste

Eateries Guide

BYRON BAY

Three

Main Street

Open for takeaway daily, 12 midday until dinner.

Menu,

– 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

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.

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.

The Ducks at Hotel Brunswick now open

Hotel Brunswick has long been a favourite destination for locals and visitors to the region, offering great food, cold beers, and live entertainment. With Three Blue Ducks now at the helm of the kitchen at Hotel Brunswick, and the opening of a new bottle shop, the iconic venue is introducing an exciting new chapter, blending tradition with innovation to deliver an even better guest experience.

‘The Ducks at Hotel Brunswick’ is a new eatery that combines the relaxed atmosphere of a classic Aussie pub with the food style and sustainable ethos that Three Blue Ducks is known for. The Ducks opens within the venue just in time for the busy summer season, offering a refreshed menu featuring modern twists on pub classics alongside coastal Cali-inspired bites.

This new venture brings together

Three Blue Ducks co-owners Darren Robertson and Andy Allen, Regional Head Chef Sam Morton, Hotel Brunswick’s Head Chef Loki Lynch, and Group General Manager of Food Ben Turner. Together, they have created a menu that

celebrates the best local produce from the Northern Rivers region while putting a Ducks twist on beloved pub favourites.

Guests can expect dishes like Australian bay lobster rolls, prawn toast with nam jim, shell-on king prawns with Marie Rose sauce, and chilli chicken wings. The menu also includes new takes on classic pub meals like burgers, schnitzels, chicken parmigiana, fish and chips, and woodfired pizzas, alongside fresh salads, punchy ceviche, and tacos. For dessert, there’s fried apple pie or warm chocolate and sea salt brownie, both served with classic vanilla ice cream.

The new Cellarbrations bottle shop at Hotel Brunswick features a range of beers, wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic options. It’s Brunswick’s one-stop shop for everyday favourites and special occasion drinks. Cellarbrations is open seven days a week, or you can shop online.

Hotel Brunswick is open daily from 10am until late, with The Ducks at Hotel Brunswick serving tasty pub dishes from 12 noon Monday to Friday, and from 11:30am on Saturdays and Sundays.

Above: Andy Allen Three Blue Ducks, Loki Lynch head chef Hotel Brunswick, Darren Robertson Three Blue Ducks, Sam Morton Regional Head Chef Three Blue Ducks, Ben Turner Group General Manager of Food Hotel Brunswick. Photo by Paul Liddle.

The Good Life

Victoria Cosford

It’s the fragrance of burning wood which seduces me first. Before me, flames roar in the low-domed, three-metre-deep brick cavity, which is where Jon and Gina Hutton bake their hundreds of beautiful sourdough loaves. From a wheelbarrow, Jon feeds log-ends of Australian hardwood into the gaping maw –they have 23 tonnes of it delivered annually from a saw mill in Grafton. I’m really at the coalface, and the heat within the small bakery is rising. Three times a week the oven is fired up in order to bake enough bread to supply the markets.

They’ve been at it for over 18 years now and it’s still just the two of them, a couple from Sydney’s Northern Beaches who, almost on a whim, purchased property at Crabbes Creek and proceeded to create both a business and a home. Too hot for the bakery now, we have relocated, adjacent, to that home, to one of the wooden decks which flow seamlessly from the open-plan house, all lofty ceilings and heavy wooden beams, brick walls and carved wooden furniture, all of it made by Jon. I want to move in. It’s a little paradise, the fruit of years of hard work, and maybe the day will come when Jon and Gina get to slow down

and enjoy it. For now it’s the beating heart of the business, the place where their ancient grain loaves (khorasan and spelt), their pumpkin and linseed and dark rye, and macadamia and honey – sturdy, hearty, rustic breads with a devoted following which includes me, a khorasan-tragic – are pumped out. For Christmas I plan to make bread sauce using khorasan, by simmering 600ml milk with 50g butter, one chopped onion, six cloves, six peppercorns, two garlic cloves, one bayleaf and three thyme sprigs. Strain that and return the liquid to the pan then add 100g breadcrumbs and simmer for several minutes before stirring in four tablespoons of cream and freshly ground nutmeg. Season to taste then serve.

Crabbes Creek Woodfired are at New Brighton Farmers Markets every Tuesday from 8am to 11am and Mullumbimby Farmers Markets every Friday from 7am to 11am.

The Echo asked one of the devoted followers who buy this bread each week from the Mullumbimby Farmers Market what they liked about it, and they said: ‘This bread, fresh, organic, woodfired bread is something pretty special, I know people who drive down from Qld for it. Also, the fruit buns are a family staple, an easy, tasty and healthy grab-and-go that sustains’.

Founded in 2018 by old friends Dom Hurley and Shanu Walsh, Ventura Brewing began with a simple concept – to create a delicious, refreshing alternative beverage to beer, wine, cider and seltzer, something clean, easy drinking, made from real ingredients and without all the sugar, carbs, gluten and artificial flavours. With over 600 craft beer breweries in Australia that are mostly geared towards middle-aged, male beer drinkers, the boys wanted to try something different, alcoholic kombucha, a simple idea with a tasty outcome! But there was one problem, the boys had no idea how to make it or where to start – so like all good things they started in a garage.

The next two years involved endless hours in the garage creating, crafting and experimenting. Shanus’ job was to figure out the equipment and to make sure it tasted OK — which at first, according to him it did not. Dom’s job was to build the business and create the brand. By 2020 Australia’s first craft hard kombucha brewery was born in their home town of Murwillumbah, and by 2022 had won Australia’s best alternative drink.

Their signature, easy drinking, hard kombucha is brewed in limited small batches using a mix of modern equipment and traditional techniques. Starting with premium grade, all natural ingredients they slow-brew the kombucha base for an extra smooth flavour with balanced profile that finishes in the goldilocks zone - not too sweet, not too sour, just right. With a range of unique and delicious flavours like ginger & yuzu, lavender lemonade, and vanilla oaked cola, they have found even the most skeptical drinkers ditching their regular brews and opting for a hard booch.

It’s exciting times lately, with the recent opening of their brewery taproom, located just outside the quaint historical village of Murwillumbah, it has polished concrete floors, natural stone finishes and a lush sub-tropical courtyard garden. With 12 taps of nectar pouring a rotating selection of the awardwinning hard kombucha, native iced teas, along with craft beer, natural wines and quality non-alc options – there’s plenty for everyone. Paired with easy, delicious snacks guaranteed to make your taste buds happy and stomach smile. The laid back atmosphere is the perfect spot to kick back with friends, enjoy an ice-cold bevy straight from the taps and watch sunset over Wollumbin and the scenic caldera.

10/141 Lundberg Drive, Murwillumbah.

Taproom open Thursday to Saturday From 1pm to 8pm. Available at North Byron Liquor Merchants or online. @ventura_brewing • www.venturabrewing.co.

No Bones, Byron Bay’s beloved plant-based kitchen and bar, is celebrating the festive season with exciting new offerings that promise to delight locals and visitors alike. With an updated cocktail menu, vibrant new dishes, a luxurious Christmas banquet, and an unforgettable New Year’s Eve event, there’s no better place to indulge this summer. Their cocktail menu has been reimagined with sustainability and local flavours in mind. Sip on the Strawberry Fields – a refreshing blend of 78 Degrees Sunset Gin, strawberry gum syrup, and Mediterranean tonic, garnished with lemon myrtle and fresh strawberries. Or indulge in the zesty, sunkissed flavours of their Aussie

Aperol Margarita – a vibrant twist on a beloved classic.

In the kitchen, the No Bones chefs are serving up fresh, seasonal creations that capture the essence of summer. Fan favourites like their much-loved Pad Thai and refreshing Watermelon Tartare are back, joined by the new Tofu Baos. And don’t miss their new incredible dessert: sponge cake topped with passionfruit ice cream and pistachio crème - it’s a summer dream on a plate.

This holiday season, gather your loved ones for their Christmas banquet. Enjoy five indulgent plant-based courses, including treats like crème fraîche with pickled grapes, roasted beetroot, and orange honey dressing, along

with their famous Wellington. Top it all off with their optional wine selection for the ultimate festive feast.

As the year winds down, No Bones is the place to be for New Year’s Eve. Celebrate the arrival of 2025 with an exclusive menu, creative cocktails, and live DJ’s. Whether you’re looking for a cosy evening or a lively countdown, they can ensure your night is unforgettable.

their vibrant flavours, warm hospitality, and a touch of holiday magic.

Reserve your spot today at nobones.co for a festive season to remember.

The unique woodfired sourdough made by Jon and Gina Hutton – who moved from Sydney’s Northern Beaches to build a home, an oven, and a business – deserves its devoted following.

Since 2018, No Bones has been at the heart of conscious dining in Byron Bay, blending sustainability with exceptional food and drinks. This festive season, you can make your celebrations memorable with

festive feasting

things to do

Spaghetti Circus

Special Spaghetti Circus offer – enrol and get a free t-shirt

Enrol and pay for Term 1 by Friday, 20 December and get a free fire-enginered Spaghetti Circus t-shirt!

Spaghetti Circus starts back on 3 February 2025 with new classes in stilts and tumbling, in addition to the 30+ classes already on offer. Classes offer something for everyone irrespective of age, fitness or skill level. As well as a wide-range of classes for kids from 2–18 years they offer adults classes twice a week aimed at having fun and getting fit – no circus experience required and it’s a fabulous way to meet new people!

By enrolling by the end of Term 4 you can also access their early bird offer. www.spaghetticircus.com

Byron Bay Pork & Meats

It’s that very merry time of year again and the butchers at Byron Bay Pork are preparing the finest cuts of Christmas meats and selections for customers. Your local family-owned business in Mullumbimby, they source premium quality pork, beef, lamb and goat from their family farms. All meats are antibiotic and hormone-free.

They have locally-sourced and smoked leg hams along with free-range chickens, ducks and turkeys. Their specialty sausage range includes a glutenfree variety, salami and they stock a range of locally-produced smallgoods, sauces, spices and products.

Come in and see the friendly staff, or place an order on the phone, for all your festive season needs.

Open Monday to Saturday. 70 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby 6684 2137

Paradise Golf

Paradise Golf is Byron Bay’s go-to destination for fun, food and unforgettable golf experiences. Their indoor virtual golf bar features state-of-the-art simulators, offering something for everyone–from seasoned golfers looking to sharpen their skills, to complete beginners eager to try interactive games in a relaxed setting.

Enjoy locally-made pizzas and sip on signature cocktails from the fully licensed bar while you play. With a welcoming atmosphere and engaging activities, Paradise Golf is perfect for all ages (children over 5) and occasions.

Take on world-class courses or dive into fun mini-games. At Paradise Golf, the laughs are endless, the food is delicious, and the shots are always memorable. Swing into the action and discover why Paradise Golf is a hole-inone for fun in Byron Bay!

Contact info: hello@paradisegolf.com.au www.paradisegolf.com.au

The Hive (next to Stone & Wood Brewery) 88-94 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay Arts & Industry Estate

Devine Quality Meats

Devine Quality Meats in Mullumbimby are here to help with all your festive feasting needs. They have delicious hams that are smoked inhouse, as well as a range of turkeys, ducks and chickens.

All meats are locally-sourced, antibiotic-and hormone-free and their award-winning sausages are a must try. Also stocking quality deli and small goods, they have a great range.

Order now for Christmas by dropping in to the store or calling 02 6684 2015 64 Stuart St, Mullumbimby

Get Sperry this Christmas!

The annual work Christmas party is a great way to celebrate the achievements of the year and kick-off the holiday cheer. From glittering Christmas parties to lively end-of-year corporate events, Sperry Tents have got something for the naughty and nice.

Planning an intimate private gathering or lavish celebration? They’ll make your party a truly unforgettable experience.

When organising your work Christmas party, it can be tough to decide where to start, so book a call with their team and let them make it happen.

Their tents, furniture and lighting create the perfect outdoor space for your Christmas celebration. If you already have a venue or restaurant let them sprinkle the Christmas cheer. Their stylists will design a celebration to suit your budget and vision.

1300 773 779 hello@sperrytents.com.au Instagram @sperrytentsaustralia @styleandhire

BYRON BAY PORK & MEATS BUTCHERY

Byron Bay Services Club (BBSC)

The Bistro is the heart of BBSC - offering an inviting atmosphere paired with exceptional food. Whether you want a quick bite or a leisurely meal, their menu has something for everyone. Each dish is crafted with the freshest ingredients by their exceptional Head Chef, Teaghan Peddie, and his team of dedicated staff. Highlights include mouthwatering steaks, juicy burgers, fresh salads, and ever-changing weekly specials to keep patrons spoilt for choice!

The Bistro’s spacious, light-filled setting and the team’s commitment to providing the best service and a friendly ‘home away from home’ atmosphere makes BBSC the perfect spot for both casual get-togethers and special occasions.

Indulge in the outstanding flavours and enjoy an unforgettable dining experience.

132 Jonson Street, Byron Bay 02 6685 6878 www.byronbayservicesclub.com.au

Otherworld

It’s Christmas Eve and Santa has to travel the globe to deliver presents before the night is through. Join the reindeers on the journey and discover the night sky through Santa’s eyes: from the shining moon to the changing constellations, see shooting stars and look for North; this gorgeous show brings together storytelling and astronomy to take the audience on an enchanting festive journey. Designed for young viewers, this show will captivate both adults and children alike!

Join Otherworld for the Australian premier of the 360 immersive film - “What Santa Sees”. This special Christmas experience will screen every day from 10am to 3pm in our immersive dome from December 7 until January 4. Films are included as part of the regular gallery entry. Tickets online at www. otherworld.live

102 Jonson St, Byron Bay

Bower Camp Co

After the busyness of the festive season, the folk at Bower Camp Co invite you to slow down, step into nature and return to yourself.

Give yourself or someone you love the gift of true self-care this Christmas with their Rest and Restore Camp Retreat from 21-24 February in Border Ranges National Park.

Spend quality time in beautiful surroundings, conversing, creating, connecting.

Experience rainforest walks, waterhole swims, creative workshops, breathwork, and time to rest, read, and sleep in your comfortable bed.

Enjoy delicious meals, made with care, from local produce.

Let Bower Camp Co nurture you in nature.

Single and double stays available.

Bower Camp Co also host private and corporate camps for your group or special event and run hiking and stargazing comfortable camp packages.

Contact: info@bowercampco.com.au

festive season

Son of Drum

Treat your ear-holes this Xmas with a gift from Son of Drum Musical Instruments in Mullumbimby! Their latest range includes all sorts of folk and world instruments, tribal percussion and beautiful chimes and sound healing items, and plenty of fun stuff for the kids, so they’ve got everyone covered, from grommets to grannies! And if you’re no muso, no problem; get moving instead with some fun toys such as glo poi, fire staff, juggling balls and more. And of course they’ve got all the strings, accessories, on stage and recording gear you need, so get down to 31 Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby and sort yourself out!

02 6684 1742

Shop 1/31 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby sonofdrum.com.au

Nimbin Herbs

Nestled in the lush Northern Rivers hinterland, Nimbin Herbs is a sanctuary for seekers of healing, transformation, and connection.

Rooted in tradition and guided by the wisdom of nature, they believe that plants have the power to inspire profound change.

Their mission is to support your healing journey and their carefully crafted botanical offerings are designed to soothe the mind, energise the body, and awaken the spirit, making them a beautiful healing Christmas gift for someone you care about.

Every item, from their organic teas and tinctures to their ritual blends, is made in Nimbin, and many of the plants and herbs they use are also locally grown.

Explore Nimbin Herbs in person or online, and experience the transformative power of plants for yourself.

Open 7 days.

60A Cullen Street, Nimbin 2480 www.nimbinherbs.com.au | @nimbin.herbs

The Cork Shop

If you’re looking for unique, beautiful and functional Christmas gifts, think cork!

Harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree, cork is 100% natural, sustainable, recyclable, durable and waterproof. It is hypoallergenic and microbial, and is not prone to stretches or tears.

An amazing, organic raw material, cork is used to make many beautiful items such as handbags, shoes, wallets, jewellery, sunglasses, homewares, toys and more. It’s soft, smooth, flexible and incredibly lightweight, which makes it comfortable to wear. Cork is a great vegan alternative to leather. The cork oak tree is unique in that its thick bark can be harvested every nine years or so and cork oak trees can live up to 250 years, so choosing cork is great for our environment.

thecorkshop.com.au

Byron Arcade, 13 Lawson Street, Byron Bay 0422 262 675

The Book Warehouse

The Book Warehouse looks forward to helping you with your Christmas gifts over the coming weeks, and don’t forget they have the best range of beautiful artist gift cards in the area plus art supplies, games and a huge selection of bargain titles.

Merry Christmas from Sarah and the team at The Book Warehouse, Lismore, Coffs Harbour, Ballina and Grafton.

Lismore: 107-109 Keen Street, Lismore | 02 6621 4204

Ballina: 85 River Street, Ballina | 02 6686 2436

Grafton: 89 Prince Street, Grafton | 02 664 25187

Coffs Harbour: 26 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour | 02 6651 9077 www.thebwh.com

Byron Bay Camping & Disposals

Your one-stop shop for Christmas and your next outdoor adventure.

If you need sleeping bags, tents, workboots, knives, lighting, kitchenware, stoves, mattresses, rainwear, snorkelling and fishing gear – they have it!

Byron Bay Camping & Disposals is a locally-owned-and-operated family business of over 40 years. Located in the Byron Bay Arts and Industry Estate, with plenty of parking available.

Come in and meet the team. Their staff will give you friendly, expert advice, no matter whether your next adventure is a campout, bush school, fishing trip, multi-day hike, or you need Christmas present inspiration.

1/1 Tasman Way, Byron Bay 0439 212 153 www.byron-camping.com.au theteam@byron-camping.com.au

The Island Luxe Family

A family that shares a passion for travel… for the road less travelled, seeking beauty and inspiration in nature’s artistry and architecture.

A love of finding old and antique objects characterised by their imperfections; fabrics and textiles that stand the test of time; art and curiosities that tell a story.

An aesthetic rooted in a timeless simplicity and a belief that we can experience a holistic sense of the world, and ourselves, through restraint and making considered choices for the way we curate our lives.

The Island Luxe ethos redefines luxury, reminding us that space with imperfections shows that nothing furnishes more beautifully and luxuriously than the spirit and the soul, and creating an immersive and transportive experience that mirrors our emotions when we travel.

Island Luxe

62 Byron Street, Bangalow info@islandluxe.com.au

Island Luxe Tribe

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

the perfect gift festive season

A

gift

of art (from the heart)

Welcome in the festive season with the joy of art at the Coorabell Hall Summer Art Show on the weekend of 14 and 15 December, 10am-4pm.

Eight Byron-based artists will be exhibiting more than 50 artworks - beautiful, affordable gift ideas for art lovers. Join artists Nadine Abensur, Cheryl Bailey, Lizi Beadman, Belinda Black, Gerry Brown, Jane Couttie, Carole Coffey and Sharon Whittle at the opening night, from 5.30pm on Friday 13 December, with an open bar and Kamal’s curry.

Learn more about the artists and their works on Saturday 14 at 2.30pm, when the the artists will be in conversation with Dee Tipping.

Artist greeting cards will be on sale, as well as a select range of DeeZines Clothing Safari pieces.

Visit coorabellhall.net/art-space for more information.

Contact: coorabellhallarts@gmail.com 565 Coolamon Scenic Drive, Coorabell

You are invited! Coorabell Hall Summer Art Show

Opening night: 5.30pm Friday, December 13 + weekend of 14-15 December, 10-4pm featuring 8 Byron artists.

Welcome in the joy of art this festive season with Nadine Abensur, Cheryl Bailey, Lizi Beadman, Belinda Black, Gerry Brown, Jane Couttie, Carole Coffey, and Sharon Whittle.

Balloon Aloft

There is plenty to do and see in the Northern Rivers this busy summer season.

Why not float above it all on a gorgeous hot air balloon flight? Whether you’re looking for adventure, special occasion, staff get together or simply time well spent with the family these summer holidays - then look no further!

Hot air ballooning is the first form of aviation and offers great romance!

Every Balloon Aloft flight is a fantastic morning out during golden sunrise hours and is followed by a delicious breakfast afterwards at Three Blue Ducks restaurant.

With pictures included and gift vouchers available too, it also makes for a great gift idea! Be organised, book in and “Come Fly with Us” this season at www.balloonaloft.com

A beautiful unique piece of art makes the perfect festive gift artworks from $150 visit the art @ Artspace www.coorabellhall.net

**art cards on sale** Sat 14 Dec, 2.30pm join the Artists in Conversation + Q&A

*background artwork Jane Couttie

Love Byron Bay

With so much on offer, support local!

NO BONES

Celebrate Christmas with a festive planant-based banquet at No Bones! Indulge in a five-couourse feast paired with optional natural wines, all in an in a atmosphere of good vibes and holiday cheer. It’s a joyful, sustainable way to share the day with loved ones. Book now for an unforgettable Christmas lunch experience!  nobones.co

BYRON SUMMER OF

Celebrate C lebrate Christmas in Byron Bay with the Byron Summer of Markets! Enjoy three vibrant markets filled kets! threevibrantmarketsfilled with unique gifts, creative stalls, delicious food and live music. From handcrafted jewellery to sustainable fashion, find something special while supporting over 500 local businesses. Join the festive fun on 14, 15 and 21 December, and embrace Byron’s magical community spirit

Find out more at byronmarkets.com.au

Articles

BYRON YOGA STUDIO

ends, the team at Byron Yoga Studio give

As the year e thanks to their beautiful Byron yoga community for thanks to th keeping the joy of yoga alive. Join them for a class soon.

First Month Unlimited Yoga: $50!

See classes and book here: www.byronyoga.com/ yoga-classes/

Every body’s welcome!  6 Byron St, Byron Bay

YOFLO BYRON BAY

Cool down this summer with everyone’s favourite…Yoflo! Independently created and operated in Byron Bay since 2011, they start with 100% real natural yoghurt! Their Yoghurts, Acai and Sorbets are made fresh daily, using locally-sourced ingredients and toppings.

Open everyday 9am to 9.30pm.

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

North Coast news online

Expert verdict on GenCost: renewables still cheaper than nuclear

Cosmos Magazine

Independent energy experts largely – although not universally – agree with an economic analysis that finds renewable energy, with storage, to be the cheapest energy option for Australia’s future.

A draft of the 2024-2025 GenCost report, which is published each year by CSIRO and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), was released today.

The draft report, which is open for public consultation until February 2025, has found renewables to be cheapest for the seventh year in a row.

This is despite several changes to the report’s analysis of nuclear power, after criticism that last year’s report sold the technology too short.

‘Size matters when discussing the economics of nuclear and renewable energy generation,’ says Dr Thomas Longden, a senior research fellow at Western Sydney University’s Urban Transformations Centre.

‘A critical issue is the comparison of a technology that needs to be built at large scale and will have large upfront construction costs, with a technology that is modular and can be built at different sizes. For example, in the case of roof-top solar, individual households get to choose the size of their system.’

Longden says that the changing grid favours flexible technology, like solar.

‘For nuclear to achieve the lowest levelized cost of electricity, it needs to be built big and operate all the time and for a long time,’ he says.

Solar cheapest

‘Yet, the bigger it gets; the more upfront cost needs to be paid. And if it isn’t used as often or as long as expected, then it gets more costly.’

The GenCost report estimates that solar power is the cheapest option for building new electricity generators –even accounting for the cost of battery storage.

Solar photovoltaics have dropped in price by eight per cent over the last year, while

batteries have dropped by 20 per cent.

Wind, gas turbines, and coal have all risen in price, by two per cent, 11 per cent and four per cent respectively.

‘In my opinion, the findings of the GenCost 2024-25 report are a clear indication of the transformative role renewables continue to play in Australia’s energy transition,’ says Professor Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian, a discipline director from Swinburne University’s school of science computing and engineering technologies.

‘The report also addresses nuclear power, noting its long operational life but highlighting its extended

development timelines and integration challenges, which limit its viability for near-term needs.

‘In my opinion, a more immediate and effective solution lies in community microgrids and peer-to-peer energy sharing.’

Professor Stefan Trueck, director of the Transforming Energy Markets Research Centre at Macquarie University, says that the report likely underestimates the cost of onshore wind energy.

‘Over the last three years, the capital cost of wind projects has risen by nearly 50 per cent driven by supply chain constraints, rising material costs, labour costs,

and inflationary pressures.

The report appears to rely on outdated assumptions, ignoring these recent developments,’ says Trueck.

The GenCost report finds that solar photovoltaics and battery storage has ‘weathered the inflationary period the best of all technologies’.

‘In addition to the capital cost and the operating cost, these options have a cost associated with decisionmaking and obtaining social and political support,’ points out Associate Professor Nader Naderpajouh, from the University of Sydney’s faculty of engineering.

‘These costs significantly impact the project initiation and approval stages, and continue to be a major part of the decision on the operation and decommissioning of the options.

Extremely generous for nuclear power

‘There is a need to ensure decisions for selection of the options are made considering the social and technical systems and their interaction,

that is, how communities, organisations and businesses are interacting with their infrastructure systems.’

Professor Ian Lowe, an emeritus professor of science at Griffith University, calls the report’s assumptions about nuclear power ‘extremely generous’.

‘The optimistic lifetime of 60 years is assumed, even though no nuclear power station has ever continued to perform for that long, so the costs of extending the operating life that far are not known,’ he says, adding that assumptions about capacity factor and construction time are also optimistic in the Australian context.

‘Overall, the study confirms the view of the electricity industry that solar and wind with storage are much cheaper than any nuclear power station would generate,’ says Lowe.

‘The world investment figures for new capacity reflect that conclusion, with literally about a hundred times as much new renewables investment as new nuclear power this year.’

L ULU’S CAFE

Lulu’s Cafe owner Shani faced significant challenges during the pandemic. With lockdowns and restrictions, she struggled to maintain her loyal customer base while navigating health and safety concerns, however her resilience kept the cafe afloat. Since then, Lulu’s Cafe has continued to grow, thanks in part to recent renovations that refreshed the space and created a more inviting atmosphere. Recently Shani introduced a Middle Eastern-inspired menu, which brought new flavours and excitement to the cafe. The combination of the cafe's renovations and menu update have contributed to its continued success, attracting more customers and solidifying Lulu’s as a beloved neighbourhood spot. Shani’s ability to adapt and innovate played a key role in the cafe's ongoing growth. Stay tuned to see what’s next for Lulu’s Cafe. 104 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby 02 6684 2415 Lulus-cafe.com.au

HUNGERFORD LEHMANN SOLICITORS

Hungerford Lehmann Solicitors are a dedicated team of legal professionals committed to providing exceptional legal services tailored to your needs. For nearly 100 years they have proudly partnered with their clients to protect their legal positions, commercial objectives, and private family interests. Their approach is client-focused and resultsdriven; they prioritise clear communication, integrity and a deep understanding of each client’s unique circumstances. Whether you are navigating complex legal matters or seeking advice on everyday issues, they are here to support you every step of the way. Let Joshua Allan and his team assist you today.  (02) 6684 2477 advice@hungerfordlegal.com.au 64 McGoughans Lane, Mullumbimby  hungerfordlegal.com.au

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.

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

NORTHERN RIVERS PODIATRY

Northern Rivers Podiatry, located on Marvell Street in the heart of Byron Bay, is a premier clinic dedicated to exceptional foot care. Known for its commitment to patient well-being, the clinic offers state-of-the-art podiatric services that range from general foot health to advanced treatments for sports injuries, orthotic therapy, and ingrown toenail care. Northern Rivers Podiatry prides itself on using the latest technology and evidence-based practices, ensuring tailored solutions for every patient. Led by a team of highly-qualified professionals, the clinic places a strong emphasis on personalised care, aiming to enhance mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life. With a welcoming atmosphere and a reputation for excellence, Northern Rivers Podiatry is a trusted choice for foot health in Byron Bay and the surrounding communities.

10/6 Marvell St, Byron Bay 02 6619 2939 northernriverspodiatry.com.au

MY GEEK MATE

The Chief Geek says you can't buy or recover lost time so refrain from buying cheap USB 2 flash drives. USB 3 flash drives are significantly faster than USB 2 drives, offering data transfer speeds up to 10 times faster.

In addition to the flash drive type, you'll need to consider the connection type: USB-A and USB-C. USB-A is the traditional rectangular connector, while USB-C is a smaller, reversible connector. You can buy flash drives with both types.

USB 3 usually has a blue connector and USB 2 uses black

Mark wishes you all a wonderful Christmas and New Year and says to try and have some device-free time! : )

1/53 Tamar St, Ballina

Email: mark@mygeekmate.com.au

Phone: 0431 122 057

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

THE LOCAL’S CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

It’s the festive season! The Local’s Christmas Gift Guide is here for all your Christmas shopping inspo.

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 accessories 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

YOUR PATHWAY TO A NEW CAREER

Byron Community College will be offering the perfect introductory courses to their nationally recognised certifications in 2025. These affordable and accessible 8-week courses are available fee-free*for those looking to up-skill, secure your first job or create a new career.

Introduction to Visual Arts: explore and create both 2D and 3D forms across various artistic mediums. Diving into the fascinating world of textiles, crafting unique works by adapting and applying diverse techniques.

Introduction to Mental Health: learn to support individuals from diverse backgrounds through loss and grief, those living with mental health challenges, and effectively navigate the complexities of the AOD sector.

Pathways to Aged Care: develop the skills to support individuals living with dementia or lifelimiting illnesses offering essential end-of-life support. byroncollege.org.au or call 6684 3374

Shop Local

h i s C h r i s t m a s ! this Christmas!

I t ’s b a c k ! It’s back!

2 0 x 20x $ 1 0 0 100 vouchers to be won!

S H O P L O C A L & W I N ! SHOP LOCAL WIN!

GET YOUR ENTRIES IN TO WIN: Spend $20 or more during the Mullum Shop Local campaign for your chance to win one of 20 $100 shopping vouchers*

*Voucher must be redeemed before March 31, 2025. Licence type: Lottery-Trade Promotion-Single Promotion.

Bringing together the community and local businesses has been a core part of the Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce and Community (MCCC) since it was restarted nine years ago.

The chamber restarted after owners of the Mullumbimby Newsagency, Jenelle and Dean Stanford, brought together a marketing campaign before Christmas 2015. Around 48 local businesses came on board to run ads in the local papers, and on television, to promote Mullumbimby as a great place to shop in the lead-up to Christmas.

Following the success of the campaign, local businesses decided that it was time to start the Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce and Community. Working with NSW Business they successfully got the chamber going.

‘Over the years NSW Business has tried to change our name to Business Mullumbimby but we have stayed as Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce and Community because the community is a really important part of who we are. We have a lot of community organisations that are a part of us.’

The chamber have supported a range of local initiatives including flood recovery, drought assistance, Mullumbimby Sculpture Park, and getting the annual Chinny Charge back and running up Mount Chincogan.

Another of their events that they put on is the upcoming Carols by Candlelight that brings the community together. This year it is being held at the Mullumbimby Showground on December 15, from 6.30pm. So bring a blanket, partake of the barbeque fundraising for Mullumbimby Primary

Pictured: Rachel Kelly, one of last week’s winners, with Renèe at Bodypeace Bamboo Clothing.

T h i s w e e k’s This week’s Wi n n e r s Winners

Week 3 winners and where they shopped:

1. Mr A.Smith – Mullum Medical Centre

2. Natalie Clements – Son of Drum

3. M. Smores – Devine Meats

4. Lynne Hampson – Main Arm Store

5. Kathy Wards – Mullum Chocolate Shop

Bookshop Mullumbimby

6. True Wheel Cycles EQUIPMENT &

7. Mullumbimby Hire & Sales 8. Mullumbimby Rural Co-op

& BEVERAGES 9. Byron Bay Pork

10. The Court House Hotel Mullumbimby

11. Devine Quality Meats

12. Dino’s IGA Mullumbimby 13. Heaps Good

14. Main Arm Store & Bottlo

15. Mullumbimby Bowling Club

16.The Mullumbimby Chocolate Shop

17. Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club

18. The Paddock Project

19. Paséyo

20. Santos Organics

21. The Source

22. Spice it Up Thai Restaurant

23. Wandana Brewing Co

GIFTS & CLOTHING

24. Bodypeace Bamboo Clothing 25. Cactus Hill 26. Madame Butterfly 27. Made In Mullum

28. Mockingbird Vintage 29. Mullum Instyle Living 30. Portobello Vintage Wares 31. Stewart’s Menswear HARDWARE

32. James Hardware Mitre 10 Mullumbimby

HEALTH & BEAUTY

33. Craig Watson Soul Pattinson Chemist

34. JCS Skin Boutique

35. Mullum Advantage Pharmacy

36. Mullumbimby Comprehensive Health Centre

HOMEWARES & ELECTRICAL

37. Bridglands Betta

MUSIC

38. Son of Drum

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

39. Mullum Mac

40. Mullumbimby Optometrist

41. Mullumbimby Pet Shop

42. Mullumbimby Vet Clinic

STATIONERS

43. Mullumbimby Newsagency

Volume 39 #27

11–6 December, 2024

Editor: Eve Jeffery

Editorial/gigs: gigs@echo.net.au

Copy deadline: 5pm each Thursday

Gig Guide deadline: 5pm each Friday

Advertising: adcopy@echo.net.au

P: 02 6684 1777

W: echo.net.au/entertainment

seven days of entertainment

Eclectic Selection

What’s on this week

One of Australia’s hardest working bands, Gold Coast outfit, The Mason Rack Band are blues rock legends, having played shows all over Australia and toured internationally to Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Vanuatu, Japan and this weekend, Brunswick Heads.

Saturday from 4.30pm at the Hotel Brunswick. Free show.

Tim Stokes is a coastal folk and blues singer-songwriter who took root in the North Coast NSW town of Byron Bay, a fertile region for similar Australian artists, many years ago after experiencing almost catastrophic car engine trouble –he’s still here.

Friday at the Ballina RSL, 6.30pm. Free show.

Pink Zinc is a collective of musicians based in Byron Bay and is usually a four-piece, playing a mixture of rock, pop, funk and soul music – whatever they have on the musical menu, this band is sure to get you up and dancing.

Saturday from 7pm at Club Lennox. Free show.

The featured artists for this Sunday’s Tintenbar Up Front are Ash Bell and Luke Vassella –Vassella has been song weaving since 1998, bringing his signature atmosphere wherever he plays. Bell has been weaving a musical spell over the region since forever – if you haven’t heard of these two awesome musos then you don’t really live on the Far North Coast –that is all!

Sunday at the Tintenbar Hall from 3.30pm. Tickets $15 on the door.

Guinness lives at the Eltham Pub all year and so do their beaut’ Irish folk friends – on the second Wednesday each month a bunch of local musicians gather round a few tables near the fireplace for an evening of traditional folk music. Naturally the pints flow and the pub’s abuzz with the sound of Ireland.

All welcome, as audience, or to join the jigs.

Wednesday at the Eltham Hotel from 5pm. Free show.

Midnight Oil’s Jim Moginie is a songwriter, guitarist and keyboardist. Since the band’s final Resist world tour in 2022, Jim has been busy launching his solo guitar album Murmurations as well as his stunning memoir The Silver River Moginie has released a new album called Everything’s Gonna Be Fine and he is playing in Byron Bay on the weekend.

Sunday at the Byron Theatre at 7pm. Tickets: byroncentre.com.au.

Dive into the soulful melodies of Akova, the multi-instrumentalist whose music flows like a river of emotion. Experience the raw talent and heartfelt lyrics as Akova takes you on a musical journey unlike any other, from the strum of his guitar to the beat of his drum. Every note resonates with passion and authenticity.

Akova is at the Beach Hotel from 6pm on Monday. Free show.

Good feels for Goldfeels

Dan Kelly isn’t just a songwriter; he’s a world-builder. The multiple ARIA and AMP Award nominee’s albums arrive after years of refinement, craftwork and tinkering. The music goes far beyond anything obvious or straight ahead, to encompass the nexus of Dan’s idiosyncratic perspective, unerring gift for character portraiture and impressionistic storytelling. Each record acts like an epic Australian novel, but for the arresting effervescent imagination of his beautiful melodies, masterful guitarwork and the saturated texture of the production.

Dan’s breakthrough albums with his band The Alpha Males, Sing The Tabloid Blues (2004), and the J Awardnominated Drowning In The Fountain Of Youth (2006) painted a frenetic portrait of Melbourne’s share house life. Dan Kelly’s Dream (2010) presented a series of vignette travelogues of eccentrics and outsiders. Leisure Panic! (2015) made his focus geographical, a panorama of Northern New South Wales, introducing more folk and pastoral elements into his signature anime-inflected adventure rock.

A rumination on cycles of time, Goldfeels, takes us on a journey through the goldfields of Dja Dja Wurrung land in Central Victoria.

Get some good feels with Dan Kelly’s Goldfeels launch on Saturday at 7pm at the Eltham Hotel. More info and tickets from moshtix.com.au.

Out of the ordinary

Looking for a night out that’s anything but ordinary?

Look no further than the Brunswick Picture House, where the quirky meets the fabulous!

The Cheeky Cabaret is back this December, featuring another new mix of troubadours, miscreants, delectable divas and cabaret queens every season, so no two shows are ever the same.

And for this very special Christmas edition, they are delighted to welcome Tara Boom to their magnificent

A fond farewell

It’s with heavy, but hopeful hearts that the Band Called Stereo is parting ways. The group are taking different paths as musicians which they hope will make the journeys beneficial for them all – Cinnamon and Leo are going to university, Floyd has a new project ‘Coffee Teeth’, and Kiarn is in the band Nuexit.

As a band they have become like a family, supporting each other through music and creating everlasting memories. To help them celebrate parting ways, they are inviting everyone to their final gig on December 19 at The Northern in Byron Bay, playing with Thirst Trap for their single release, ‘Tiramisu’. The Colliflowers will also be playing on the night.

Band Called Stereo are on at 8.30pm so get in quick –they’re keen to play their tracks one last time for you all. A free gig at The Northern Hotel.

cast of performers. One of Australia’s favourite unconventional circus performers, Tara was always at the back of her dance classes as a child but has now quickly risen to cement her place at the forefront of the Australian circus and cabaret scene. What she can do with popcorn will leave you wide-eyed, gasping, and laughing in the aisles.

If you want to impress your besties, staff, in-laws, yoga class, book club or guests, bring them to the wildest night they’ll have in the Northern Rivers – they’ll be well taken care at the Cheeky – what better way to celebrate this silliest of all seasons by throwing your Christmas do, at the biggest party in town?

As usual, the Cheeky Garden Bar and Kiosk are open an hour before showtime so come early to grab a delicious bite and a fancy cocktail.

Get off the couch and get yourself to this year’s Christmas Cheeky. Season runs December 4 to 15 with special weekend matinee sessions.

Be sure to check out brunswickpicturehouse.com for the incredible lineup of summer shows coming up, from comedy to burlesque, and everything in between. Tickets and info: brunswickpicturehouse.com.

seven days of entertainment

The Light Eternal

Specialist chamber choir, Vox Caldera, is directed by Nicholas Routley and was formed in 2012. It is resident at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium, in Lismore, and has gained a reputation as one of the Northern Rivers’ premium choral ensembles.

The singers always enjoy the preparation of mixed works for their Christmas concert, which is a highlight of the musical year. This year, the title of the concert – Light Eternal – is the translation of the inspirational work ‘Lux Aeterna’ by Elgar. Many in the audience will recognise the work as ‘Nimrod’, part of Elgar’s Enigma Variations, arranged for eight-part choir.

French composer, Poulenc’s quirky setting of ‘Hodie Christus Natus Est’ (Today Christ is Born) has often become an ‘ear-worm’ for many in the choir, after rehearsing it. The music is energetic – full of metric changes and scrunchy chords.

For many, the highlight of this program will be one of Bach’s famous motets: ‘Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied’ (Sing to the Lord a New Song). It is written for double choir and is one of the most virtuosic works in the choral repertoire.

Other gems are by Josquin, Handel, Bruckner, Gjeilo and Pärt, (the latter two are still living composers). Several seasonal carols will end the concert.

Vox Caldera will be joined by Belinda Manwaring, baroque cellist, and Hamsa Arnold, the organist at St Mary’s.

Sunday 3pm at St Mary’s Anglican Church, Ballina. Tickets from trybooking.com.

Searching for a gift that truly gives back?

This festive season, consider donating to your everyone—local news, musicians, and the culture that connects us all.

A new microphone is $300 and a CD player is $1600. Every contribution counts!

Head to bayfm.org/donate or scan this QR Code.

Thank you from all of us at BayFM, and have a merry Christmas!

GIG GUIDE

The Diva has Landed

Internationally-renowned singer, comedian, cabaret artist and daughter of a dairy farmer from Kyogle, Catherine Alcorn, will make her Brunswick Picture House debut on Sunday, December 15 in her brand new show The Diva Has Landed!

Hailed as ‘a must see!’ (L.A. Times), ‘absolutely hilarious’ (Time Out), with ‘a voice to die for’ (Stage Noise), Catherine combines her wickedly inviting sense of humour and dynamic voice, exhilarating audiences wherever she goes. Most famously known for her portrayal of Bette Midler in The Divine Miss Bette, Alcorn will present an evening of stories and songs from her time on the stage across her 20-year career, ranging from jazz, rock, showtunes, and country – all with a touch of festive frivolity.

Backed by a three-piece band led by pianist Oliver Stanton; Geoff Green of George fame on drums; and Crick Boue from the Karl.S.Stevens band on bass, audiences can expect a world-class, hilarious and uplifting show right here in the heart of Brunswick Heads.

Although a Sydney girl, Alcorn’s ties to the Northern Rivers are strong. Alcorn says returning to the Northern Rivers is like coming home. ‘This is my spiritual place. Dad grew up not far from Brunswick on a dairy farm in Kyogle, so having the opportunity to bring a new show to this area, meet and perform for the locals is an absolute gift.’

‘The Brunswick Picture House is now a bucket list venue for so many touring artists and has transformed how audiences access global entertainment. The love and charm that Brett Haylock and Chris Chen have invested into this venue is palpable. It radiates pure joy. I can’t wait to be part of that magic and history.’

Catherine Alcorn: The Diva Has Landed, Sunday December 15 at 4pm. Tickets: brunswickpicturehouse.com.

SPECIAL SCREENINGS 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (G)

CINEVAULT Mon: 6:30PM

BETTER MAN (MA15+) ADVANCE SCREENING Sat: 7:15PM

MOANA 2 (PG)

SPARKLING PREVIEW Sun: 3:00PM

DAFT PUNK & LEIJI

MATSUMOTO: INTERSTELLA

5555 (G) Thurs: 7:00PM. Fri, Sat, Sun: 3:00PM, 6:00PM EMILIA PÉREZ (CTC) SPANISH PREVIEW Tues: 6:30PM

MUFASA: THE LION KING (PG) ADVANCE SCREENING Wed: 6:00PM

WEDNESDAY 11

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, DAN HANNAFORD

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 4PM INO PIO, 7PM THE MARK DIVOLA DUO

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM MATT BUGGY + DJ OREN SELECTA

BANGALOW BOWLO

7.30PM BANGALOW BRACKETS’ OPEN MIC SESSION

ELTHAM HOTEL 5PM IRISH FOLK JAM

THURSDAY 12

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, HARRY NICHOLS TRIO

ARIAS, KASEY TAYLOR, KARL PILBROW

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM CHEEKY CABARET

THE HUB, OCEAN SHORES, 3.30PM CHRISTMAS CAROLS

WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM DJ JASON DIGBY

DRILL HALL THEATRE, MULLUMBIMBY, 7.30PM 10 MINUTES OF FAME

ST JOHN’S SCHOOL

HALL, MULLUMBIMBY, 7.30PM ECSTATIC DANCE

MULLUM WITH DJ DAKINI

MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 8PM KRAPEOKEEE WITH JESS

CLUB LENNOX 7PM ADAM GARDINER

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 8PM A.SWAYZE & THE GHOSTS + LOVE BANANA

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM ALEX BOWEN + DJ QUENDO, 8PM THE VERSACE BOYS, HAYLEY GRACE & THE BAY COLLECTIVE & CINNAMON SUN

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM CHEEKY CABARET

DRILL HALL THEATRE, MULLUMBIMBY, 7.30PM 10 MINUTES OF FAME

LISMORE CITY BOWLO

7PM THE SUPPER CLUB

SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 6PM HAYLEY GRACE

FRIDAY 13

BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK 6PM TIM STOKES

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, THE SWAMP CATS

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 3PM DÉVU + NANNA’S PIE + MAKKA BAND

BYRON THEATRE

7.30PM BYRON BALLET OPEN DAY CONCERT

CHERRY STREET SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, 7PM JOCK BARNES BAND

THE CHANNON TAVERN 7PM MONKEY & THE FISH BAND

MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES

CLUB 6.30PM MARTIN WAY

TYALGUM HALL

6.30PM RYLAND MORANZ (CANADA), ANDREA KIRWIN & CLAIRE EVELYN AND THOSE FOLK

SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 6PM HARRY NICHOLS

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 6PM NATHAN KAYE

SATURDAY 14

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, EPIC

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 4PM INO PIO + KANE MUIR + DJ ZAC EWING

BANGALOW HOTEL 4PM BEN AMOR HOTEL BRUNSWICK

4.30PM MASON RACK BAND + DAN HANNAFORD FOLLOWED + DJ LOXHART

BRUNSWICK HEADS

PICTURE HOUSE 4PM & 7PM CHEEKY CABARET

WANDANA BREWING

CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 5PM TUFFTONE

SOUNDSYSTEM

DRILL HALL THEATRE, MULLUMBIMBY, 7.30PM 10 MINUTES OF FAME

BILLINUDGEL HOTEL 7PM ADAM HOLE BAND CLUB LENNOX 7PM PINK ZINC

BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK 6PM GUS

CHERRY STREET SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, 8PM FAT ALBERT

ELTHAM HOTEL 7PM DAN

KELLY + REGIONAL CRISIS

CORAKI MEMORIAL BOWLS

CLUB 7PM GLITTERATI RIOT

MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6PM DENNIS CUTHEL

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 6PM GREER SULLIVAN + REWIND

SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 6PM TIM STOKES

KINGSCLIFF BEACH HOTEL 7PM THE JACKS

WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 3.30PM DJ DARLAN

DRILL HALL THEATRE, MULLUMBIMBY, 5PM 10 MINUTES OF FAME

MULLUMBIMBY CIVIC HALL 7PM PRAYERS FOR PEACE – AVISHAI BARNATAN, SHAI SHRIKI, AMIR PAISS, FAEZEH SEHPARSADAGHIAN, SOPHIA TUV, WILLOW STAHLUT & TSOOF BARAS

BILLINUDGEL HOTEL

1PM HUBCAP STAN & THE SIDEWALK STOMPERS, TINTENBAR HALL

3.30PM LUKE VASSELLA & ASH BELL

BALLINA RSL BLUES CLUB BOLT FROM THE BLUE

ELTHAM HOTEL

2.30PM JESSE REDWING THE CHANNON TAVERN 3PM ACID BLEED UKI MARKET FELICITY

LAWLESS & PAUL GEORGE

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 1PM TAHLIA MATHESON

SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 2PM GUY KACHEL

KINGSCLIFF BEACH HOTEL 3PM INO PIO

TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 4PM FELICITY URQUHART & JOSH CUNNINGHAM, BROOKE MCCLYMONT & ADAM ECKERSLEY, AND MARK & JAY O’SHEA

MONDAY 16

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6.30AM MATTY ROGERS + MATT ARMITAGE + SARAH GRANT TRIO, 9PM EZEQUIEL

Daily except Sun: 10:45AM, 11:30AM, 1:00PM, 1:45PM, 3:15PM, 5:30PM, 7:15PM. Sun: 10:45AM, 11:30AM, 1:15PM, 1:45PM, 3:30PM, 5:50PM, 7:15PM RED ONE (PG) Thurs, Mon: 11:15AM, 2:10PM, 8:30PM. Fri: 11:15AM, 5:15PM, 8:30PM. Sat: 11:00AM, 5:15PM, 8:30PM. Sun: 10:45AM, 5:15PM, 8:30PM. Tues: 2:10PM, 8:30PM. Wed: 10:45AM, 2:10PM, 8:30PM ALL FILMS AQUARIUS (CTC) Thurs, Mon: 11:00AM, 1:50PM. Fri, Tues: 1:50PM. Sat: 1:40PM. Sun: 1:00PM. Wed: 11:00AM, 1:20PM GLADIATOR II (MA15+) Thurs: 1:00PM, 4:00PM, 8:10PM. Fri, Sun: 11:20AM, 2:40PM, 7:45PM. Sat: 11:20AM, 2:40PM, 8:00PM. Mon, Tues, Wed: 1:00PM, 4:00PM, 7:00PM HERETIC (MA15+) NFT Thurs, Fri, Mon, Tues: 11:30AM, 1:20PM, 3:40PM, 5:45PM. Sat: 11:30AM, 1:20PM, 5:30PM. Sun: 11:30AM, 5:45PM. Wed: 11:30AM, 1:20PM, 3:10PM, 5:45PM, 8:30PM KRAVEN THE HUNTER (MA15+) NFT Daily: 10:45AM, 1:30PM, 4:15PM, 7:00PM, 8:15PM OUT OF SEASON (M) Thurs: 10:50AM, 3:45PM, 6:00PM. Fri: 10:50AM, 3:45PM, 6:00PM, 8:30PM. Sat: 10:50AM, 3:30PM, 6:00PM, 8:40PM. Sun: 11:10AM, 6:00PM. Mon, Tues, Wed: 10:50AM, 3:45PM, 6:10PM THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM (M) NFT Daily except Sat: 11:00AM, 1:45PM, 4:30PM, 7:15PM, 8:15PM. Sat: 11:00AM, 1:45PM, 4:30PM, 7:45PM WICKED (PG) Thurs, Mon, Tues, Wed: 11:10AM, 2:30PM, 4:00PM, 5:00PM, 7:45PM. Fri, Sat: 11:30AM, 2:15PM, 4:00PM, 7:45PM. Sun: 11:30AM, 2:15PM, 4:00PM, 7:00PM, 8:00PM

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 2PM ANIMAL VENTURA + CINNAMON SUN + 42 BAND BYRON THEATRE

11AM HOME – JUNIOR CONCERT, ENCORE PERFORMANCE STUDIO 5PM INTERSTELLAR –SENIOR CONCERT, ENCORE PERFORMANCE STUDIO

ALL FILMS BETTER MAN (MA15+) ADVANCE SCREENING Sat: 7:15PM SPARKLING PREVIEW Sun: 3:00PM GLADIATOR II (MA15+) Daily except Sun, Tues: 1:10PM KRAVEN THE HUNTER (MA15+) NFT Thurs, Fri, Mon: 10:30AM, 4:20PM, 7:15PM. Sat: 10:30AM, 4:20PM. Sun: 9:45AM, 1:30PM, 7:15PM. Tues: 2:00PM, 4:40PM, 7:15PM. Wed: 10:30AM, 4:20PM, 7:00PM MOANA 2 (PG) Daily except Sun: 10:00AM, 12:20PM, 2:40PM, 5:00PM. Sun: 9:45AM, 12:20PM, 2:40PM, 5:00PM MUFASA: THE LION KING (PG) ADVANCE SCREENING Wed: 7:15PM THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM (M) NFT Daily except Sun, Tues: 1:30PM, 4:15PM, 7:10PM. Sun: 12:00PM, 4:15PM, 7:10PM. Tues: 12:45PM, 3:45PM, 7:15PM WICKED (PG) Thurs: 7:00PM. Fri, Sat, Mon: 10:15AM, 7:00PM. Sun: 10:15AM, 6:20PM. Tues: 10:45AM, 6:45PM. Wed: 10:15AM

SHEOAK SHACK, FINGAL HEAD, 7PM RUSS JALAKAI TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM

1.30PM B.O.K. DANCE –NOSTALGIA

COOLANGATTA HOTEL 8PM THIRST TRAP

SUNDAY 15

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, TBC

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 4.30PM THE FERAMONES + BELTERS ONLY

BYRON THEATRE 7PM JIM

MOGINIE WITH SPECIAL GUEST HAMISH STUART

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

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 4PM ADAM HARPAZ

BANGALOW HOTEL

6PM KANE MUIR

HOTEL BRUNSWICK

4PM ROUND MOUNTAIN GIRLS + TRILLAH

BRUNSWICK HEADS

PICTURE HOUSE

4PM CATHERINE ALCORN: THE DIVA HAS LANDED, 7PM CHEEKY CABARET

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

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, JASON DELPHIN BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM AKOVA

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6.30PM MARSHALL OKELL + DJ DANNY B

TUESDAY 17

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, ISAAC FRANKHAM

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM MARK USHER + DJ OREN SELECTA

WEDNESDAY 18

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, TIM STOKES

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM HENRY WEST + SLOWTH + JUMAN

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM DAN HANNAFORD + DJ OREN SELECTA

BANGALOW BOWLO

7.30PM BANGALOW

BRACKETS’ OPEN MIC SESSION

HOTEL BRUNSWICK

7PM HAYLEY GRACE

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS

6.30PM KINGY COMEDY – FEATURING STEVE ALLISON

PALACE BYRON BAY

BALLINA FAIR CINEMAS

You Want My Feedback?

What’s the obsession with ‘reviews’?

It used to be something that you got after a performance in a stage show, now the guy at Optus wants one. And Sportsgirl. Even the place where I bought socks the other day. I was barely out of the store and it said, ‘thanks for shopping with us, can you rate your experience?’

I don’t know. I just bought socks. I went into the store expecting to buy socks, and left with socks. In the scheme of things, I guess it was pretty good. I got what I came for.

It was over in two minutes. The survey took five. Actually, if I’m to be honest, the survey wrecked my sock buying experience. I was happy until they wanted something from me. Data. They don’t just want my money. They want my soul. I’m wearing socks. They’re sharing my data.

And I’ve been coerced into talking about socks with strangers.

Stop sending me review requests. I’m tired of rating inconsequential experiences. The other day one place I attended asked me for a 10/10. They told me that if I gave them that rating, then they’d give me a $50 bonus next time I was in the store. That doesn’t feel like a rating. That feels like extortion. Another sales assistant told me that if he didn’t get full marks his management called him in for a performance review. I don’t know, but telling me this, I feel bad. That’s management using these stupid reviews of their sometimes dodgy products to punish or reward their staff. What if I’m the arsehole? How can I – a mere shopper – rate the performance of someone on a minimum wage? What if they had a shit day and didn’t feel like blowing smoke up my ample ass? Can’t we just be happy they turned up at work?

Being treated with enthusiasm by staff and having a pleasant experience shouldn’t require a review or a survey. When people are being nice to me, it’s always more meaningful if they don’t want anything from me. Not even a sale. Just a positive human interaction. Knowing people are nice to you for a review makes the whole experience transactional. Which I guess in sales is to be expected, but if I know you treated me well for a review, not

STARS BY LILITH

Venus quantum-leaping into experimental, unconventional Aquarius and Neptune flowing forward again in intuitive Pisces suggest this week’s best problem-solving strategy, besides being kind, is tuning into inspirational flashes ...

If I’m to be honest, the survey wrecked my sock buying experience. I was happy until they wanted something from me. Data. They don’t just want my money. They want my soul. I’m wearing socks. They’re sharing my data.

because of being a decent human, it takes the shine off. It makes me feel used. Where is that question in the review? Did you feel truly seen? Did you feel validated as a human being? Did your sense of worth swell when you saw our socks?

They never ask the right questions. They ask about the service. Maybe they should ask about the product. Was it made here? Or by children in the Third World? Is this business profiteering on the back of products made by the world’s most vulnerable? Because if I find out that you’ve profiteered from children, it doesn’t matter how friendly you are, it won’t be a great review.

ARIES: Feisty, tempestuous Mars retrograde could fly into histrionics at the slightest provocation this week, so serve your nerves by opting out of drama. How to handle puzzling behaviour and unsettling situations? Be patient, let an acceptable solution come to you, don’t pressure yourself to act until it does.

TAURUS: Dramatic Mars in its most theatrical mode suggests that end-of-year festivities could get quite vivid, so best keep it profesh at office parties and social gatherings. Be proactive: hydrate well, dine before wining, then get yourself into a calm frame of mind to sit back and enjoy the show.

GEMINI: If tricky Mercury retrograde in the sign of busy tongues initiates some bickering or uncharitable communication this week, lean away from this and into the coming weekend’s annual full moon in Gemini bringing its cornucopia of delightful socialising with friends and family, colleagues and community.

I’m thinking about my sock purchase. What would have made that experience better? I mean, if they want 5-star reviews they might want to lift their game. A foot massage? Compliments on how pretty my feet are. Maybe some complimentary, in-house sock-brewed kombucha? I mean, it wouldn’t kill them to suck a toe.

I mean, why so much feedback? It’s customer service, not brain surgery. If I had my brain operated on I might expect a text from the neurosurgeon saying ‘rate my brain work’. Question one: How happy are you with the brain surgery? One: very happy; Two: happy; Three: not happy at all. Although I guess, if I wasn’t ‘happy at all’ I’d be struggling to write the review. So the brain surgeons have it all over us in the review department. Those socks I bought. They’re uncomfortable. The seam rubs my toe. I can’t wear them. I only found this out a week or so later – AFTER I’d written the 5-star sock review. Too late for the truth. Please stop with the requests for feedback. That’s my honest feedback.

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.

CANCER: People can’t read your mind, so tell them what’s on it, especially during next weekend’s chatty full moon in the expressive sign of the celestial twins. Which also suggests listening to your own inner twin: that trusted voice that guides you to the right, and sometimes surprising, decisions.

LEO: Mars backpedalling in Leo for the rest of the festive season suggests your organised majesties get as much holiday prep as possible done ahead of time, so you can put your paws up and enjoy the year’s finale in suitable style. Lead with your heart this week, and accessorise from there.

VIRGO: Don’t waste energy trying to get the facts this week, as some people get carried away with their own storytelling and others are just contrarian. Rather than fixating on this, plus all the unfinished stuff you need to get done, tune in instead to the big picture and spirit of joyful togetherness.

Crossword by Stephen Clarke

Cryptic Clues

ACROSS

6.Club accepts Nero, crook and aristocrat (7)

7.Old Australian spies find refuge (5)

9.Emblem of victory appears on map, turned over to show learner (4)

10.Nativist planned to bottle iodine and oxygen for arrival of supernatural being (10)

11.Whip around to hammer iron, perhaps (4,4)

13.Gloomy Spanish gent abandons hotel, replaced by Pole (6)

15.Powder produced in crystal carbonation (4)

17.Residence of rogue not the latest thing (5)

18.Lettuce, eggplant, endive and kale starters – something to go into potato soup? (4)

19. Don has to maintain uniform pressure (6)

20.Aristocrat butchered duck and hare (8)

23.Wild seabirds do have whiskers! (10)

26.Roast left inside – that’s the idea! (4)

27.Expert cloaked in a new item of kitchen wear (5)

28.Perennial beast of burden bears head of giant decaying eel (7)

DOWN

1.Price Mafia fixed is enough to warrant court action (5,5)

2.Whinge when Nationals’ leader wears jeans back to front (6)

3.Teas brewed for those times when you’re expected (4)

4.Cheat has item of value turned over to aristocrat (8)

5.Listen! Hitler’s men are enthralled by Pence and Trump’s capital (4)

6.Hooray for British Rail, getting eggs sent up (5)

8.Son on bottle but avoiding a punishment (7)

12.A turned chunk of wood (5)

14.Poorly adjusted to illness killing off male chromosome (likely erectile dysfunction) (10)

16.Animal running amok around uni reveals valuable ore (7)

17.Aristocrat has travel document without a number (8)

21.Money we returned to nut (6)

22. Cocktail and food for romantic poet (5)

24.Aristocrat delivers Echo article on rugby league (4)

25.Reddish whisky leached from ash tree (4)

LIBRA: With combative Mars and peacekeeping Venus in a rare and awkward misalignment, feelings could ricochet between extremes, and simmering tensions could boil over this week. So let bridgebuilding Venus direct you towards common ground and productive discussions, even if they start out as arguments.

SCORPIO: With the flammable combination of feisty Mars, trigger-happy Mercury and end-of-year cocktails, situations could easily erupt. Your best gift to the season of unreason? Keeping in mind Scorpio Kurt Vonnegut’s exemplary observation that the purpose of human life is to love whoever is around to be loved.

SAGITTARIUS: Could the last week of Mercury retrograde in your sign possibly be laid-back? It’s your call, so don’t stress. Make ‘take it easy’ your mantra. Try not to be too effusive or emphatic. Listen to people’s concerns, and answer them sincerely. Conditions will be more amenable next week.

Quick Clues

6.The lowest British hereditary

7.Rock band on the comeback trail (5)

9.Tree-like plant native to the tropics and sub-tropics (4)

10.A visit of God, or of a good or evil being, from the beyond (10)

11.A niblick, for example (4,4)

13.Dismal; melancholy (6)

15.Common silicate mineral notable for its extreme softness (4)

17.A country seat, in Italy often

18.National emblem of

20.Highly placed nobleman of the Austrian imperial family (8)

23.Items of dining room furniture (10)

26.Scheme (4)

(6) 3.Anticipatory features of transport timetables (4)

4.Italian noblewoman (8)

5.Interjection used to get someone’s attention quietly or covertly (4)

6.Well done (5)

8.Affliction; whip (7)

12.Tree with very light wood (5)

14.Unsuited to a particular situation (10)

16.Oxide of aluminium (7)

17.British nobility title below an earl (8)

21.Tropical American tree with nuts whose kernels are edible (6)

22.Author of Ode on a Grecian Urn (5)

24.British nobleman ranking below a marquess (4)

25.A horse whose coat is a mix of coloured and white hairs (4)

Last week’s solution #32

CAPRICORN: With Mars and Mercury scrambling signals and mixing messages, savvy Capricorns will check arrangements, reconfirm bookings and leave early when traveling this week. Also be diplomatic about what you say, the way you say it, and posting on socials. And leave room for a little magic. Better still, a lot.

AQUARIUS: Love planet Venus bringing her electric presence to Aquarius for the rest of December makes your cool, calm, and objective. Charm is a welcome contribution to this week’s festive complications and complexities. This is your time to give Aquarian individuality free rein, to enjoy celebrating friendship, community and the holiday season.

PISCES: As December’s pace escalates, the urge to get away from the madding crowds becomes increasingly pressing, so if you’re able to slip off for a refreshing getaway, do it. Your personal heads-up arrives this week when Neptune surges out of hibernation in Pisces and the uncertainties of recent months clarify

MANDY NOLAN’S

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Byron Dog Rescue (CAWI)

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

DISCO

This is Disco, an 18 month old long haired boy. A quiet, childfree home is needed for this timid but loving, shy guy. Would suit indoor living. Must be in a calm home with few disruptions as he’s very sensitive. A truly stunning cat with a loving personality, ready to give lots of cuddles to the perfect owner! Microchip no. 953010100663001.

Please ring Jennie on 0410828157 if you’d like to meet Disco.

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

H A R L E Y HARLEY

Harley is a 7 month old, Schipperke X. He is smart, active and loves to be in the middle of the action. Harley would suit an active family with the time to give him the enrichment he needs to keep him happy. # 991003002702850

Location: Murwillumbah

For more information contact Yvette on 0421 831 128 Interested?. Please complete our online adoption expression of interest https://friendsofthepound.com/ adoption-expression-of-interest/

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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, help with electricity bills. Work Development Orders.

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

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LOTS OF GORGEOUS LADIES available for your pleasure nearby. Spoil yourself. Inhouse & outcalls. 7 days. 0266816038.

Byron Community

The Byron Community Centre provides community services and programs including meals, advocacy and counselling for locals in need. Fletcher Street Cottage: A welcoming, safe and respectful space where people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness can come to get practical relief opportunities, find connections and access broader support. Fletcher Street Cottage services are open Tuesday–Friday. Breakfast: Tuesday–Friday, 7–9am. Showers and laundry: Tuesday–Friday, 7am–12pm. Office support: Tuesday–Friday, 9am–12pm. Support appointments: Individual support appointments with community workers or specialist services. For bookings please call 6685 6807. Fletcher Street Cottage, 18 Fletcher St, Byron Bay. More info: www. fletcherstreetcottage.com.au. Byron Community Cabin: Seniors Computer Club (school term only), 9–11am, Friday, Carlyle Steet. More info: www.byroncentre.com.au Phone: 6685 6807.

Respite Service

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

Alateen meeting

Alateen meeting every Thursday at 5–6pm. Do you have a parent, close friend or relative with a drinking problem? Alateen can help. For 8–16-year-olds meet St Cuthbert’s Anglican Church Hall, 13 Powell Street, corner of Florence Street Tweed Heads. Al-Anon family groups for older members at the same time and place. 1300 ALANON 1300 252 666 www. al-anon.org.au.

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 677 747 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.

ACA

Adult Children of Alcoholic Parents and/or Dysfunctional Families (ACA) help & recovery group meets in Lismore every Friday 10–11.30am, Red Dove Centre, 80 Keen Street. Byron meetings are on Tuesdays at 7pm via Zoom – meeting ID 554 974 582 password byronbay.

Drug support groups

Call Alcoholics Anonymous 1800 423 431 or 0401 945 671 – 30 meetings a week in the Shire – www.aa.org.au. Are you experiencing difficulties and challenges because of the alcohol or drug use of someone close to you?

Learn coping skills and gain support from others. Narcotics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. For information and meetings call 1300 652 820 or text your postcode to 0488 811 247. www.na.org. au. Are you concerned about somebody else’s drinking? Al-Anon Family Groups meetings held Fridays at 2pm by Zoom. 1300 252666 www.al-anon.org.au.

Support after suicide

StandBy provides support to people who have lost someone to suicide. They provide free face-to-face and telephone support and are accessible 24/7. Follow-up contact is available for up to one year. Find out more at: www. standbysupport.com.au or call 13 11 14. If you, or someone you are with, are in need of immediate support please call an ambulance or police on 000.

On The Horizon

DEADLINE

NOON FRIDAY

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

Green and Clean Awareness Team

The Green and Clean Awareness Team’s monthly Dunecare Day is on Sunday, December 15 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.

Bangalow Men’s Shed

Christmas stall

Bangalow Men’s Shed Christmas stall has handcrafted gifts, decorations, and one-of-a-kind treasures on Saturday, December 14 from 8.30am to 12 noon at Heritage Fire Station Park (next to the Post Office) or the shed if raining. Unique wooden toys and ornaments, beautifully crafted homewares, festive decorations for your tree and table, great stocking fillers for all ages, and plants for a bargain!

End-of-Life Choices

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

Volunteer call out

Support for New Mums Inc. a Northern NSW community program are recruiting volunteers in the Byron Shire. We offer a free of charge, home visiting program for mothers with babies. For more information email Deb: newmums8@gmail.com.

Brunswick Valley Historical Society

The Museum is on the corner of Myocum and Stuart Sts Mullumbimby, open Tuesdays and Fridays 10am–12pm and market Saturdays 9am–1pm. Discover your local history, join our team – 6684 4367.

Carers’ support

Mullumbimby Mental Health Carers’ Support Group for family members and friends who have a loved one with a mental health issue. Meeting on 4th Thursday of each month 9.30am at the Mullumbimby Neighbourhood Centre. Info: Susanne 0428 716 431.

Rainbow

Dragons

Rainbow Dragons Abreast (RDA) welcomes breast cancer survivors for a paddle at Lake Ainsworth, Lennox Head (and sometimes at Ballina) on Sundays 7.30am for 8am start. Contact Marian 6688 4058, mazzerati2010@gmail.com.

Older adult exercise

Chair-based older adults exercise classes run by a qualified instructor, that feel more like fun than exercise, are held every Thursday at 10.15am in the Brunswick Memorial Hall. Cost $10. All welcome. Just show up or if you have any questions please contact Di on 0427 026 935.

Pottsville Community Association

Pottsville Community Association meetings are on the last Tuesday of the month at 6.30pm at the Anglican Church in Coronation Drive, Pottsville. Have your say on what is going on in your local area. For details contact secretary@ pottsvillecomunityassociation.com or via Facebook.

Organic Landcare

Organic Landcare’s next volunteer day, and the last one for 2024, will be Saturday, December 14, from 8am until 2.30pm. Meet at the end of South Beach Road, fire trail gate. Bring swimmers for after and wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants for sun protection.

Free Tango

Free Tango at ‘Casa Luna’, 9 Fletcher Steet, Byron Bay, 6pm to 7.30pm every Thursday. This is a social event. For more information email: janrae7@gmail.com.

BV VIEW

The Brunswick Valley VIEW Club

Christmas luncheon meeting is on December 12 at the Brunswick Bowling Club frm 10.30am and costs $30. Apologies call Wenda on 0449 563 580 or email: wjhunt@yahoo.com. No later than the Monday before. Next meeting is in February 2025.

Byron Toastmasters

Byron Cavanbah Toastmasters Club is a group for public speaking. It meets on the first and third Monday of the month 6.15pm – 8.30pm, Byron Services Club, 132 Jonson St, Byron Bay. For more information email Tamra @temcmahon15@outlook.com.

Free

African Dance

Free African Dance classes for local seniors are being led by Angela McWhinney on Mondays in Byron Community Centre, 69 Jonson Street,

Byron Bay. These classes are a joyful exploration of African rhythms and movement designed for all fitness levels. Each session includes a gentle warm-up, rhythmic sequences, body percussion, free expression, choreography and a relaxing cooldown. Spaces are limited and bookings are essential. Call (02) 6685 6807 (Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm); or book your ticket at https://events.humanitix. com/african-dance-for-seniors.

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. Fresh bread and produce If you’re living on a low income and struggling to put food on the table, get to Community Gateway om Tuesdays after 11am to access their community pantry, with fresh bread, food and produce at 76 Carrington Street, Lismore. Call 6621 7397 to check your eligibility. Residents can receive community support in Goonellabah on Tuesdays 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.

DIRECTORY RATES,

& DEADLINE

Byron Coastal Property Management and Byron Bay Accom, Byron Shire’s only specialist property management agency

Owned by locals, Campbell and Annie Korff, and run by a local team led by Janice Maple, Byron Coastal Property Management’s team focuses specifically on providing superior property management services for both short- and long-term rentals. They do not handle any property sales! This focus allows their team to dedicate themselves wholly to their property portfolio, and the results speak for themselves – Byron Coastal Property Management has leased more residential properties this year than any other local agent, and days on market are lowest in the region.

The well-respected short-term letting arm of the business, known as Byron Bay Accom, is run by a team of dedicated

holiday managers. All the staff are long-term Byron Bay locals and have been helping guests plan their perfect getaway for over 20 years. Unlike most

other online booking agencies, Byron Bay Accom manage their portfolio of holiday properties locally and are hands-on in the booking, maintenance and

presentation of your holiday home for guest stays. The intricate knowledge of both their property portfolio and the local area ensures a high rate of repeat direct

bookings from happy clients.

As the largest dedicated property management office in the Byron Shire, Byron Coastal Property Management offers investors a professional, transparent and personal approach, with a focus on maximising income. Unconstrained by a one-size-fits-all franchise network, they have been able to develop market-leading systems and procedures designed for the unique attributes of the Byron Shire market and environment, ensuring that every property receives the care and attention it needs. Byron Coastal Property Management tailor their expert property management services to the specific needs of your property and your personal goals, whether that be maximising your financial returns,

maintaining a lifestyle asset for your family or anything in between.

Byron Coastal Property Management staff are truly passionate about this beautiful region, and love assisting clients with their holiday and long-term housing needs. They are always looking to add to their management portfolio of both short- and long-term rentals with quality properties across all budgets, and are only too happy to discuss the unique requirements of managing your investment. The Byron Coastal Property Management team will help you ensure that your investment in Byron Bay is a successful one. Call their expert team today for an obligation free appraisal on 02 6680 8111.

480 LEFT BANK ROAD, MULLUMBIMBY CREEK

The friendly team from Byron Coastal Property Management and Byron Bay Accom are ready to take care of all your property leasing and management needs.

56 CEDAR ROAD, WILSONS CREEK

CLOVER HILL CIRCUIT, BANGALOW

@taratorkkolafirstnational

1 Tweed Coast Road, Hastings Point - NSW 2 1 1 Price: $420,000 Property

North Star – Site 274

Fantastic opportunity to purchase an affordable contemporary 2-bedroom home located just 20 minutes’ drive south of Tweed Heads on the beautiful Tweed Coast and just a short stroll to a surf beach and tidal estuary. Unique home on a large block offers buyers an opportunity for indoor/outdoor living as well as having your own private screened in entertainment area. Open plan living/ dining area with raked ceilings & exposed timber beams, and split system air conditioner.

The delightful, updated kitchen is in good condition and offers ample storage cabinets complemented with stone bench tops, a gas cooktop, electric built-in oven as well as a dishwasher and decorative backsplash. Located towards the back of the home are two newly carpeted bedrooms, both have built-in wardrobes & ceiling fans. Renovated bathroom tiled floor to ceiling featuring stylish vanity with stone top & modern round basin as well as a bath with overhead shower and separate toilet.

Adjoining carport is suitable for 1 vehicle and features a roller screen blind. The resort amenities include three swimming pools, a 25m lap pool, 3 heated spas, sauna, gymnasium, hair dressing salon, snooker/pool tables, massage therapist, library and tennis court making it an ideal living environment.

Retirement living at its best without the associated costs of exit fees and No stamp duty. Sorry, no pets permitted.

Inspect:By appointment

Contact: Heike Wilson 0403 713 658 Mr Property Services

Open for Inspection

First National Byron Bay

• 29B Julian Rocks Drive, Byron Bay. Wed 2–2.30pm

• 325 Riverbank Road, Pimlico. Wed 4–4.30pm

• 18/6 Firewheel, Suffolk Park. Thurs 1–1.30pm

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

• 23 Prince Street, Mullumbimby. Fri 11–11.30am

• 480 Left Bank Rd, Mullumbimby Creek. Fri 12–12.30pm

• 11 Lizray Road, Federal. Sat 8.30–9am

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

• 56 Parrot Tree Place, Bangalow. Sat 9–9.30am

• 6 Coachwood Close, Byron Bay. Sat 9–9.30am

• 10 Muli Court, Myocum. Sat 9–9.30am

• 22 Offshore Avenue, Skennars Head. Sat 9–9.30am

• 24 Swell Avenue, Skennars Head. Sat 9–9.30am

• 2/37 Childe Street, Byron Bay. Sat 9.30–10am

• 346 Coorabell Road, Coorabell. Sat 9.30–10am

• 835 Federal Drive, Goonengerry. Sat 10–10.30am

• 18/6 Firewheel, Suffolk Park. Sat 10–10.30am

• 2/8 Julian Rocks Drive, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

• 29B Julian Rocks Drive, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

• 22 Karalauren Court, Lennox Head. Sat 10–10.30am

• 325 Riverbank Road, Pimlico. Sat 10–10.30am

• 3/2-6 Cemetery Road, Byron Bay. Sat 10.30–11am

• 12/213 Coorabell Road, Coorabell. Sat 10.30–11am

• 100 Broken Head Road, Newrybar. Sat 11–11.30am

• 4/113 Paterson Street, Byron Bay. Sat 11–11.30am

• 23 Prince Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 11–11.30am

• 1145 Friday Hut Road, Binna Burra. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 14 Oakland Court, Byron Bay. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 23 Clover Hill Circuit, Bangalow. Sat 1–1.30pm

• 54 Paterson Street, Bangalow. Sat 1–1.30pm

Mana Real Estate

• 121 Blackwoods Rd, Nobbys Creek. Sat 9–9.30am

• 16 Yamble Drive, Ocean Shores. Sat 9–9.30am

• 1 Tree Street, Murwillumbah. Sat 10–10.30am

• 30 Balemo Drive, Ocean Shores. Sat 10–10.30am

• 467 Tweed Valley Wy, S Murwillumbah. Sat 11–11.30am

• 2/2 Gara Court, Ocean Shores. Sat 11–11.30am

• 49 Eviron Road, Condong. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 5 Aldinga Court, Ocean Shores. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 27A Rajah Road, Ocean Shores. Sat 1–1.30pm Ray White Byron Bay

• 7/68-70 Lawson Street, Byron Bay. Wed 12.30–1pm

• 5/10 Sunrise Boulevard, Byron Bay. Wed 1.30–2pm

• 4 Tamarind Court, Suffolk Park. Fri 9.30–10am

• 15 Little Burns Street,

Property Business Directory

Ruth Russell Realty

• 6 Murumba Close, Ocean Shores. Sat 11–11.45 am

• 73 New City Road, Mullumbimby. Sat 12.30–1.15 pm

Tim Miller Real Estate

• 9 Walker Street, Clunes. Sat 9.15–9.45am

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

• 390 Binna Burra Road, Federal. Sat 11–11.30am

• 90 Bates Road, Federal. Sat 12–12.30pm

DJ Stringer Property Services

• 40 Korina Ave, Coolangatta. Sat 8.30–9am (AUCTION ON SITE @ 9am) QLD Time

• 75 Gilward Dr, Mudgeeraba. Sat 9–9.30am QLD Time

• 12/28 Coolangatta Rd, Kirra. Sat 10–10.30am QLD Time

• 1066/20-22 Stuart St, Tweed Heads. Sat 11.30am–12pm NSW Time

• 2124/14-22 Stuart St, Tweed Heads. Sat 12–12.30pm NSW Time

• 4/14 Lorikeet Dr, Tweed Heads South. Sat 12–12.30pm NSW Time

• 20 Eliza Fraser Ct, Terranora. Sat 1–1.30pm NSW Time

• 2/98 McLean St, Coolangatta. Sat 1–1.30pm QLD Time

• 5 Pimpala Crt, Tugun. Sat 2–2.30pm QLD Time Dodds Real Estate

• 47 Rankin Drive, Bangalow. Sat 11–11.30am New listings

First National Byron Bay

• 54 Paterson Street, Byron Bay

• 41 Pacific Vista Drive, Byron Bay

•

Backlash

Are you prepared for the imminent arrival of winged friends carried by the summer breeze?

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One of the most powerful media entities on the planet, Rupert Murdoch, appears to have acted ‘in bad faith’ around his failed bid to change an irrevocable family trust. If there’s bad faith within his own family, what does it say about his global business interests?

Land values across NSW have reached a record $2.98 trillion, with residential land driving the growth, says the NSW Valuer General. There’s the proof that when homes are treated as assets, it drives prices up and locks out future generations from ownership. Well done, Labor and LiberalNationals governments!

they would upset a hundred or so rich guys?

A Prayers For Peace concert will be held on Sunday, December 15, 7pm at the Mullumbimby Civic Hall. Musicians performing are Avishai Barnatan, Shai Shriki, Amir Paiss, Faezeh Sehparsadaghian, Sophia Tuv, Willow Stahlut and Tsoof Baras.

shocking disparity between employer and employee protections in Australia, or

The December 14, 2010 Echo edition, hosted on Issuu.com, has been removed owing to a copyright complaint. What’s the complaint? We don’t know, because the complainant, McGraw Hill Education, won’t say, and instead wants us to file a US federal court application, which we are unable and unwilling to finance. McGraw Hill Education is owned by Platinum Equity, who say they have more than $48 billion of assets under management. The December 14, 2010 Echo edition is still available as a pdf on our website.

Byron Bay has taken silver and been named the second most-visited destination in Australia for coach travellers in 2024 by Greyhound Australia – Brisbane came first. They say, ‘Backpackers make up 63 per cent of the passenger load’.

What percentage of the solutions to the world’s problems are off the table because

Stop blaming yourself and others – learn Feng Shui and instead blame the furniture.

The CSIRO have slapped down Liberal Party talking points on nuclear, claiming renewable storage and transmission are easily the cheapest option for Australia. As a distraction, Liberal leader P Duddy says he will remove the Indigenous flag from his press conferences as it’s too divisive. Classy move, Duddy, classy.

Is the Woolworths strike another example of the

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just more teething before automation takes over?