The Byron Shire Echo – Issue 39.29 – December 23, 2024

The Annual Reading of the Credits

The Echo was created, produced and distributed by the following drudges over the last year. Many thanks to all and apologies for any inadvertent omissions.

Aletha Zylstra, Alexandra Birot, Alex Arend, Alister Lockhart, Andy Holt, Anna Coelho, Ari Haslam, Aslan Shand, Belle Arnold, Brent Malcolm, Brett McCauley, Brian Mollet, Caleb Wake, Catherine Cusack, Charles Boyle, Claudia Rossier, Crystal Appo, Daniela Ulloa, Daniel Troiani, David Heilpern, David Lovejoy, David Lowe, Elysa Tamaka, Eve Jeffery, Ewan Willis, Gordon Balfour Haynes, Hans Lovejoy, Hernan Sosa, Ingrid Manning, Jacki Coward, Jeff Dawson, Jennifer Dallimore, Joshua Munro, Jo Immig, Kate Messenger, Katherine Leggett, Katie Thompson, Kaye Groves, Kerry Hathaway, Kim Beaver, Leandro Tuao, Lesley Hannaford, Lilith Rocha, Lirhazel Evans, Lucien Shand, Mandy Nolan, Margo Graham, Melva Sparkes, Mia Armitage, Michele Grant, Mike Ebeyer, Mungo MacCallum, Nantichar Yoknit, Neil McKenzie, Neil Young, Olivia Grosser, Paul Bibby, Rangimarie Ferguson, Dr Ray Moynihan, Renee Cunningham, Richard Jones, Robert Thorn, Robyn Eden, Ross Kendall, Sandra Davey, Simon Haslam, Stephen Clarke, Stephen Berriman, Steven Kuan, Tamsin Smyth, Tasman Lindsay, Thomas Gooch, Tim Naylor, Tirza Abb, Vicki Burke, Dr Willow Hallgren, Winston Lamont, Zeeanna Rayment, Ziggi Browning

The Byron Shire Echo

Volume 39 #29•December 23, 2024

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

Phone: 02 6684 1777

Editorial/news: editor@echo.net.au

Advertising: adcopy@echo.net.au

Office: 64 McGoughans Lane, Mullumbimby NSW 2482

General Manager: Simon Haslam

Editor: Hans Lovejoy

Deputy Editor: Aslan Shand

Photographer: Jeff Dawson

Advertising Manager: Anna Coelho

Production Manager: Ziggi Browning

Paul Bibby

The long and protracted attempt to build a residential development in a picturesque corner of Wilsons Creek has been resolved, with Byron Council approving the project earlier this month.

The owner of the 12.3-hectare site at 31 Alidenes Road, Ms Y Jiang, has been seeking planning approval to build on her land since 2019 when she sought permission for the site to be rezoned as R5 large lot residential.

This attempt was unsuccessful, but on December 5 this year, Council approved a more modest Community Title (CT) subdivision comprising 15 neighbourhood lots and one community lot.

The $1.8 million development will also feature two access roads, ancillary works,

Claims by Byron Mayor Sarah Ndiaye (Greens) that Homes NSW had removed temporary accommodation for homeless people in Byron Shire have been strongly refuted by NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson (Labor).

Cr Ndiaye said Council operates in collaboration with community-led initiative, Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration Byron Shire (ERSCBS). She says the removal of the only three [temporary accommodation] providers currently operating in the Byron Shire, is ‘despite record homelessness levels’.

‘The NSW government plans to close eight of 36 temporary accommodation providers across the Northern Rivers, including those in Byron Shire. With over 500 households currently relying on temporary housing, the

and a promise to plant 13,810 trees as part of an ecological restoration project.

While the project is smaller and less intrusive than what was previously proposed, ten nearby residents strenuously objected to the plan, citing traffic safety, flooding, density, pedestrian access, and environmental concerns.

A key issue was the current state of the intersection between Alidenes Road and Wilsons Creek Road which provides access to the site.

A previous road safety audit identified numerous deficiencies in the intersection including a lack of signage, no line marking, poor sightlines, and acute road alignment.

In a bid to address these concerns, Council’s approval for the development includes a requirement that

loss of these services could force people to relocate to distant areas like Tweed, Ballina, and Lismore’, Cr Ndiaye added.

Minister Jackson told The Echo, ‘We are not reducing our temporary accommodation services in the Byron Shire and more broadly within the Northern Rivers’.

‘The claim that we are shutting down service providers is completely incorrect and outright wrong.

‘We continue to provide support and services to anyone experiencing homelessness in the area. We are simply no longer using some for-profit commercial providers, such as hotels and motels, that refuse to negotiate their rates and insist on charging us more.

‘Instead, we are increasing the number of rooms with

the intersection be fully upgraded to meet current road safety standards, including provision of a channelised right turn.

Limited to one dwelling per lot

Council has also imposed a condition limiting development on each block to just one dwelling, meaning that future owners will not be able to expand the development’s population by building secondary dwellings.

Assisting Ms Jiang in her plans for developing the site was the fact that it was identified as a ‘priority site for rural living’ in the Byron Shire Rural Land Use Strategy 2017.

‘The proposed subdivision is consistent with Council’s strategic planning objectives for the site and will make

providers that offer better value to government and wrap-around services, including case management by non-government organisations. This approach provides immediate shelter, while helping people to access longer-term housing and essential support services and is preferable to expensive for-profit providers.

‘Homelessness and housing are major issues impacting people across the state. It is crucial we best use available funds to ensure anyone who needs it has a safe roof over their head.

‘I am very disappointed at this outright misrepresentation and call on those making these claims to justify why they believe we should pay more to for-profit motel and hotel providers for rooms and not partner with notfor-profit services who want to work with government to

What’s in this week’s issue?

What are the impacts of ‘broadcast baiting’ fire ants?4

In conversation with the enemy of capitalism 9 Will Labor give Woodside a licence to accelerate climate change?10 Letters to the Editor11

Pill testing at festivals in NSW15 Reflections on riding to Uluru16 2024 – the year in photos18

A big year of sport in the Shire20 Mandy’s Soapbox: Meno Pause is Coming to Town!21

a positive contribution to the supply of housing stock in the Mullumbimby area,’ Council staff said in their assessment of the proposal.

‘…The proposed subdivision design adequately responds to the constraints and opportunities of the site and complies with the relevant planning controls applying to community title subdivision.

‘The site layout avoids flood-prone land, riparian corridors, and sensitive environmental areas.

‘Building envelopes are generally clear of vegetation and most sites will require minimal excavation or filling to site a new dwelling.’

The approval was passed unanimously by councillors, except for Deputy Mayor Jack Dods who did not take part in the item because of a declared conflict of interest.

deliver long-term solutions’. She added that a $100 million Homelessness Innovation Fund (HIF) will support temporary accommodation providers within the Byron Shire, and will ‘commence servicing the area early in the new year’.

In reply, Cr Ndiaye said Council’s understanding of the changes to temporary accommodation in the Byron Shire was ‘based on the information we received from Homes NSW representatives’.

‘Despite several attempts to seek clarification from Homes NSW, Council has received very little information about the changes to temporary accommodation in the region.

‘If the information Council received was wrong and temporary accommodation services are still available in the Byron Shire, that’s definitely good news’, Cr Ndiaye said.

Horoscope

Mullumbimby High celebrates its HSC success

Mullumbimby High School has praised the Higher School Certificate (HSC) achievements of its 2024 cohort.

In a statement, the school said, ‘This year, the school recorded an impressive 117 band 5/6 results across all subjects showcasing the hard work, determination, and talent of our students and demonstrating the school’s commitment to fostering

success across diverse disciplines’.

‘An outstanding 30 per cent of our students undertook one or more extension subjects across a range of disciplines, including mathematics, English, science, and history. These rigorous courses push students to achieve their personal best, and our results reflect their dedication to academic excellence’.

Principal of Mullumbimby High School, Cameron Johnson, said, ‘Our students have displayed incredible resilience and ambition in achieving these outstanding results. Their success across extension subjects and a wide range of courses is a testament to their hard work and the dedicated support of our teaching staff.’

Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School’s HSC results

Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School have released a media statement saying they are proud to celebrate the outstanding results of the class of 2024 in their HSC.

‘This talented, dedicated and resilient cohort of 28 students showed unwavering commitment and passion for their subjects, underpinned by a strong, shared support for each other’.

‘Not only do we recognise the academic achievements of our students, we also want

to honour and celebrate other measures of success in our graduates. They can plan and implement activities independently, collaborate, work in teams and effectively listen, share and communicate.

Achievements

‘Some of the outstanding academic achievements of the 2024 cohort include: 100 per cent of design and technology students in the top two bands (results above 80 and 90); 80 per cent of

English extension 2 students receiving results above 90 with one mark of 50 out of 50; 60 per cent of legal studies and drama in the top band (results above 90); and 85 per cent of music students in the top two bands (results above 80 and 90).

‘Overall, there were 26 band 6s (scores over 90) and 41 band 5s (scores between 80 and 89) and 35 band 4s (scores between 70 and 79).

‘Many students have already received guaranteed

take over hall management

Community halls around Byron Shire will be now managed by Council staff instead of volunteers (two of which were paid positions).

Outgoing Mullum Civic Hall venue coordinator, Heather Rose, told The Echo she handed the reins over on December 16, after ten years in the job.

‘I have very much enjoyed being involved with all the events over the years and have always been excited and delighted by the sheer variety of events, workshops, concerts, meetings, films, and festivals that I have had the pleasure to assist with’.

give assistance to a fundraising event, or attend a rally in support of a local issue, they come out in numbers!’

Ms Rose says a full-time facilities officer has been employed by Byron Shire Council staff, who will manage four of the Council halls.

New Civic Art Space

entry into highly competitive courses in tertiary and other institutions across Australia. Many students who have achieved high ATARs will receive further early offers ahead of first-round offers in January.

‘The school is proud of the efforts and achievements of all students and their passionate teachers.

‘We wish each graduate every success in their post school journey’, says the statement.

‘I have always found the Mullumbimby community a very engaged and diverse demographic and more than that; they show up!

‘Whether it’s to sit back and enjoy a great show or comedy act, or to actively

She says, ‘The hall board and myself have been working lately to develop the new Civic Art Space in the front room for pop-up exhibitions, and Creative Mullumbimby and Suvira MacDonald have been a great support in this project’.

‘I do hope the artists

among the community will take advantage of this new space for hire.

‘New venue manager James A’Court will be contactable on the current email address and the same phone number and the booking details will be on the Civic Hall website. I wish him all the very best in his new role’.

Mr A’Court describes himself as a ‘Leisure Facilities Manager’ on LinkedIn, and has worked full-time at Lismore City Council since 2022.

For more info visit www. byron.nsw.gov.au/Council/ Leadership/Committees/ Future-Plan-for-our-Community-Halls.

Photo Jeff Dawson

Outgoing Mullum Civic Hall venue coordinator, Heather Rose. Photo supplied

Hans Lovejoy & Nick Hanlon

On November 14, the NSW government reported that fire ants, including six queens, were discovered at a farm in Eureka in the Byron Shire. They were eradicated.

The current Fire Ant Response Plan 2023–27 is a multi-governmental effort – in the Tweed Shire, the ‘broadcast baiting’ system is used, which has been criticised as distributing poisons indiscriminately across ecosystems and farmlands.

It’s a secret plan, and is classified as ‘cabinet-inconfidence and cannot be published’.

Furthermore, biosecurity laws in Qld give powers for government agencies to access properties and spray without consent.

NSW Fire Ant Truths (NFAT) has launched a campaign to educate the Northern Rivers and beyond about what they say are the dire consequences of broadcast baiting.

The NFAT campaign advocates for a more

on-the-ground approach, which they say has proven success in the Americas, where fire ants are endemic.

They say the most enduring programs there generally utilise hot water poured directly onto the ants’ nests, which effectively kills the colony.

The broadcast baiting method laces corn with methoprene and pyriproxyfen – this is scattered via helicopter or by hand, whether fire ants have been found in specific locations or not.

This includes urban gardens, livestock and produce farms as well as untouched wilderness. The poisons used are endocrine disruptors, which are chemicals that interfere with the body’s endocrine (hormonal) system and damages the lifecycle of living organisms.

While there is little online information on the negative impacts of broadcast baiting, Dr Conny Turni (Qld Uni, BSc, Hons, PhD) made a submission to the federal Red Imported Fire Ants in Australia inquiry in December last year.

She describes it as a ‘total

failure of a program’, and says it is not based on scientific evidence. She is also highly critical of how spraying has impacted her rural property.

Dr Turni writes, ‘According to the report it has cost us $644 million to have the ants spread from the port of Queensland to now 700,000 ha of South East Queensland, meaning the program has totally failed to eradicate, nor even stop, the spread of the ants. They are now spending another $593 million over four years to do what they have done for 22 years with no success. An outcome that was predicted by the experience from overseas. Meanwhile, fire ants have been found in NSW’.

Concerns over organic certification were also raised, and Dr Turni says she lodged an official complaint to the National Fire Ant Eradication Program ‘about their spraying of chemicals

without the consent of the owners of properties (I was not contacted, and my land was sprayed) and spraying a product in breach of their permit’.

In response, she says she was threatened with a $13,700 fine ‘if I do not let them spray’.

She also says, ‘My property had lots of green frogs, which is a sign that the environment is healthy. After the spraying in early 2022, I have not seen a single green frog. In December 2023 I have seen the first green frog again’.

She writes: ‘As with all science a precautionary principle should be used’, and within her submission, she provides scientific studies supporting her claims.

Echo questions were put to the National Fire Ant Eradication Program team, run by the Qld government.

They were: ‘What studies have supported the safe administration of spraying growth regulators over large areas of the environment? Is this based on scientific

evidence, and if so is that available?’

And – ‘What was the process that led to this program? Is that available?’

They replied, ‘The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) is the independent authority responsible for assessing and issuing approved instructions via labels and permits for the use of agricultural chemicals under the Commonwealth’s Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994’

‘The APVMA has assessed and registered and/or permitted treatments for fire ants, ensuring they are safe for humans, animals, and the environment.

‘The program’s broadscale eradication treatment products consist of small pieces of corn grit soaked in soybean oil containing a low concentrate of an insect growth regulator (IGR), either pyriproxyfen or S-methoprene. These IGRs break the life cycle of insect pests by preventing the production of viable young.

‘Pyriproxyfen is approved for use in pest control on food crops and in household pest control products, while S-methoprene is used in drinking water to prevent mosquito-borne diseases and in flea and tick treatments for pets.

‘For fire ant eradication, our treatment is applied at a maximum rate of 2kg per ha, with the active ingredient concentration being 5g (1 teaspoon) per 1kg of the treatment product. On a standard 500m2 property, the treatment applied is 100g, containing 0.5g of IGR. For a 10-acre property, 8kg of

‘The Therapeutic Goods (Poisons Standard) Instrument does not classify these IGRs as poisons, owing to their low toxicity to humans. Based on scientific literature and over 20 years of data collected by our program, the concentration of IGRs in our eradication treatment products is safe for humans, animals, and the environment.

Local News

treatment is applied, containing 40g (2 tablespoons) of IGR.

‘We use a granular product, not a spray, and it is spread thinly over targeted areas using various methods, including handheld spreaders, utility terrain vehicles, and aircraft (drones, helicopters, and fixed-wing planes).

‘Our eradication treatment poses minimal environmental risk, especially compared to the devastating impact that untreated fire ants will have on our health, environment, economy, and outdoor way of life. If not eradicated, fire ants will infest up to 97 per cent of Australia – forever changing our way of life. The experience of other countries that have failed to eradicate these ants provides strong evidence about what is at stake for every Australian.

‘We have explored – and continue to explore – alternative treatment methods. Our current method is internationally recognised as best practice for large-scale eradication. We are committed to using the most effective and safest

methods available to protect Australia from fire ants.

‘Any suspected adverse effects from the use of fire ant treatments should be reported to the APVMA’s Adverse Experience Reporting Program.

‘Our goal is to eradicate fire ants from Australia by 2032. Since the first detection in Queensland in 2001, we have successfully eradicated eight out of nine incursions.

‘Our success is confirmed by our ability to contain established fire ants to a small area. Had our program not been as effective, fire ants would have spread north to Townsville, west past Longreach, and south to Albury – as projected by spread modelling from other countries that have failed to eradicate them. These countries continue to suffer the impacts of fire ants daily, which are recognised globally as one of the world’s most invasive species’.

Local MP Tamara Smith (Greens) was asked ‘Are you confident the baiting program is effective and poses no long

term threat to other species?’

She described it as a ‘very wicked ecological dilemma’.

Greens MP: ‘no viable alternatives’

‘The precautionary principle tells us that the risks have to be weighed, and unfortunately, there are no viable alternatives to using pesticide baits to eradicate nests at the moment, and the risk of them spreading is virtually immeasurable owing to the follow-on destruction of countless native flora and fauna, damage to crops and livestock, and life-threatening danger to humans.

‘My parliamentary colleagues in the region and I have been working closely with the NSW minister for agriculture and the Invasive Species Council to see a significant containment and eradication strategy delivered in response to fire ants migrating into the Northern Rivers from southern Queensland’.

Ms Smith’s full reply is at www.echo.net.au.

Paul Bibby

The expansion of the Cavanbah sports centre in Byron Bay is well and truly on the agenda for 2025, with Byron Council set to allocate funds for the project in the first half of the year.

But it seems the expansion will not include a new hydrotherapy pool as had previously been discussed, with this aspect of the proposed project considered both unpopular and unworkable.

As local participation in court-based sports such as basketball and pickleball continues to boom, pressure is mounting on Byron Council to provide additional space for these activities in the Shire.

Earlier this month, Byron councillors voted unanimously to consider a 2025/26 budget allocation of $100,000 to allow for detailed design and costing of two additional internal courts at the Cavanbah Centre.

The meeting heard that, should the new courts be built, they would be suitable for a range of sports, facilitate large tournaments, and expand the possibility of other

uses such as cultural events.

The Byron Bay Basketball Association was particularly keen for the new courts, as their regular competitions were bursting at the seams, the meeting heard.

‘They have a growing membership, and a really engaged and excited team of kids and adults who use the space at the Cavanbah regularly,’ Deputy Mayor Jack Dods (Independent) said.

‘They’re desperately needing, and could easily fill, an expansion to the east [of the centre].’

Council will also consider a budget allocation of $20,000 to fund a strategic review of the operations of the entire centre to assess how it can better meet the needs of users and the community.

This includes exploring

the possibility of a pedestrian and cycle link between the centre and the Byron Arts and Industry Estate, and the idea of using land at the eastern periphery of the centre’s grounds for an all-day parking area to service the industrial estate.

However, plans to include the construction of a publicly accessible hydrotherapy pool as part of the Cavanbah expansion have hit the cutting room floor.

‘I know that was of particular interest to the previous Council,’ Cr Dods said.

‘However, as happens through community consultation, the community really want to retain the Mullum and Byron pools and to expand what’s on offer there, so for that reason a hydrotherapy pool isn’t really supported at the Cavanbah.’

Suffolk Park residents are calling for an urgent halt to Council plans for traffic lights in Suffolk Park.

In a statement provided to The Echo, residents say, ‘The Keep the Flow in Suffo group has been formed in response to the Byron Shire Council’s knee-jerk vote in favour of installing traffic lights at the Clifford Street-Broken Head Road intersection’.

‘The group has started a petition calling for a rescission motion, while the Council thoroughly investigates a roundabout as an alternative solution at the site.

The petition can be found at form.jotform. com/243517591400856.

They say’, ‘Councillors voted 5-4 on November 14 to accept a federal government grant for traffic lights as an “interim measure”, while it investigates a roundabout as a preferred long-term solution’.

‘Councillors also acknowledged consultants’ reports that traffic lights would worsen traffic flow at the intersection, and be an

inferior long-term option to a roundabout.

‘However, the Keep the Flow in Suffo group wants a roundabout investigated thoroughly before work proceeds on traffic lights.

‘Why waste taxpayers’ money on planning for and installing traffic lights that could require road-widening, land acquisition and removal of native vegetation while worsening traffic flow and destroying the character of the southern entrance to the shire? Lights don’t belong in the Shire,’ said the group.

‘The community has campaigned against traffic lights

for over 25 years. We will not be pressured into giving up on our long-held values because of a questionable grant that Council staff were time-pressured to vote hastily upon (grant was accompanied by an unrealistic two-week time-line from the Council meeting, otherwise withdrawn) without consulting obvious solutions and communicating openly with the greater community’.

‘Keep the Flow in Suffo acknowledges that some residents have expressed support for lights, because they believe “something is better than nothing”.

‘We understand their frustration towards action, but lights, whether smart or dumb, are not the solution. We respect the Suffolk Park Progress Association, and are very aware of their involvement towards this agenda.

‘We acknowledge and understand their frustration and plight for a solution. We support their overall agenda but remain focussed towards the most viable and long-term solution for the community’.

Cavanbah sports centre in Byron Bay. Photo Byron Council

Photo supplied by the Keep the Flow in Suffo group

Council steps up with tourism

Paul Bibby

Byron Council has thrown its hat in the ring to host the region’s largest tourism symposium in a bid to generate much-needed energy for the local visitor economy.

As local operators and other businesses continue to recover from what was one of the quietest off seasons in recent times, Council has decided to make a bid to host the 2025 North Coast Tourism Symposium and Tourism Awards.

The symposium, run by Destination North Coast, brings together tourism leaders from across the region to discuss changing trends and attitudes to travel and the socalled ‘experience economy’.

It also features an awards event, with 17 categories that recognise growth, entrepreneurship, and innovation within the local industry.

‘There’s been a lot of discussion about how we present ourselves to the world as a destination,’ Mayor Sarah Ndiaye told councillors and staff earlier this month.

‘This is an opportunity to take the questions and ideas that different groups and people have had and funnel them into a symposium where we have some of the best brains in the business come to the region.

Hero experiences

‘It’s also a chance for us to showcase our “hero experiences” – things like diving out at Julian Rocks, or the markets, Indigenous tourism opportunities, [and] wellness’.

Council recently came under heavy fire for failing to properly promote and advocate for the interests of local businesses and the tourism industry.

Its draft Tourism, Industry and Visitor Economy Strategy was described by Byron Chamber, President Matthew

Dental

Williamson, as a ‘missed opportunity’ that reflected Council’s ‘disdain’ for local business.

Council’s decision, soon after, to summarily close a large section of Lawson St for drainage works poured more fuel onto the fire.

Mayor Ndiaye acknowledged some of the criticisms levelled at Council and the ‘dissatisfaction’ with the draft business strategy.

‘There’s been very different ideas in terms of what our role is in the space of the visitor economy,’ she said.

‘We saw how Tweed [Council] managed to attract a lot of funding and get good outcomes in terms of their website’, she added.

•Crowns & Bridges

The Julian Rocks Nguthungulli Nature Reserve. Photo www.byronbay.com

North Coast News

Aslan Shand

Ballina coast road done-up and dusted

Ballina Shire Council has announced this morning that The Coast Road, Lennox Head, has reopened following essential maintenance and reconstruction works.

Lismore councillors vote on public access

At the last Lismore City Council (LCC) meeting the length of public access, whether councillors are required to attend, and if it will be livestreamed were the focus of debate.

Investigation underway into serious crash near Ballina

About 12.25pm (Wednesday, 18 December, 2024), emergency services were called to the Pacific Highway, Tintenbar, after a vehicle left the roadway and crashed into a tree.

Kyogle has a new GM Kyogle Council has a new general manager. Marcus Schintler, Council’s Manager Corporate Services and Acting General Manager for the past three months, has been appointed to the top job.

Gigadome playground opens in Lismore

Heritage Park’s highly anticipated Gigadome is now open, offering a new level of adventure and excitement for families in Lismore and the surrounding region

Explorations of place and memory at the NRCG

Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) has announced its 2025 annual exhibition program, presenting four exhibitions next month that explore our connections to, and associations with, place and memory by local and interstate artists.

Dry Dock Road boat launching facilities upgrade

Tweed Shire Council (TSC) is seeking community feedback on the proposed upgrade to boat launching facilities at Dry Dock Road.

Cracking down on identity theft

Identity theft can be really difficult to remedy and it’s a problem that can sometimes take weeks or months to solve.

A new partnership between the NSW Police Force and ID

Support NSW will leverage the expertise of both agencies to create a faster and more effective response to identify theft.

Thursday saw Tweed Shire Council hold an extraordinary council meeting to rescind a previous motion on the return of the Kingscliff pod site at 99 Elrond Drive, Kingscliff, back to ‘parkland for community recreation and environmental benefits’.

The rescission motion was brought by Mayor Chris Cherry, and Crs Dr Nola Firth and Reece Byrnes.

At the beginning of the meeting Cr Cherry again emphasised the value of the $18 million of infrastructure that had been put in place at the site and the ongoing need for housing in Tweed Shire. Cr Cherry also emphasised that while the installation of the original pods had not been done with community consultation, the community had provided feedback on the current situation – and on first preferences the majority had supported some form of housing at the site.

‘It’s been a very difficult time,’ she said.

‘[There have been] a lot of accusations levelled at me about this rescission being a dummy spit, this rescission being an abuse of power, this rescission being a use of privilege. I’d like to make sure people understand that this rescission is none of those

Aslan Shand

Evans Head locals have raised concerns over the advertised rodeo ‘Buckin by the Beach’ scheduled for December 28 in Evans Head. Originally advertised for Paddon Memorial Park next to the Evans River, residents said that the first they knew of it was from an ad offering ticket sales to the event. It has now apparently been moved to Stan Payne Oval, though it

things. This rescission is a democratic process that is allowed under the code of meeting, practice that allows councillors to revisit a decision that Council has made and to try to get a better outcome’.

The meeting quickly devolved into a dog’s breakfast as Councillors Kimberly Hone, Rhiannon Brinsmead, and James Owen tripped over one another to bring points of order against speakers and then go down the rabbit hole of what ‘in the spirit of the meeting’ code might mean.

Mayor Chris Cherry finally brought the meeting back to order after telling Cr Brinsmead that she would ‘terminate your audio visual link, if you continue to disrupt the meeting with your points of order’.

Finally back on track Deputy Mayor Meredith Dennis clarified that the rescission motion had been brought at her request; despite the fact that she had previously voted against turning the Kingscliff pod site into temporary or permanent housing and in favour of returning it to parkland.

‘I found this whole, whole situation incredibly difficult. I’ve lived in this community for many years, and have prided myself in championing people who are either underprivileged or palsy patients,

is still being advertised online as at Paddon Park.

Evans Head Residents for Sustainable Development said it has fielded a number of calls from local residents about the proposed rodeo event covering a range of concerns about the impact the event will have on water quality of the Evans River, and the timing of the event in the middle of the busy Christmas

people who are dying,’ Cr Dennis told the meeting.

‘I felt the decision was being rushed, and I wanted to make sure that I was making the right decision.

‘The houses are put there as temporary housing. I’ve had quite a bit to do with the pods because I have an acquaintance there. When things are good during the day, they’re great, but when they go pear-shaped, usually at night, it’s a disaster. And it’s been a disaster for the community.’

Cr Dennis highlighted that the majority support for housing at the site came from the barcode community not from the local residents.

Cr Dennis also highlighted the unknown ongoing expenses to Council from replacing infrastructure; from airconditioners and road repairs to the cost of wrapping up the site when the pods were decommissioned in seven years. She voted against the rescission motion she had requested.

The motion was lost with Councillors Cherry, Byrnes, and Firth voting in favour of the motion and Crs Dennis, Brinsmead, Hone, and Owen against. So the pod site will revert to parklands.

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

period when riverfront usage is at a premium. Parking and noise problems and animal welfare were also raised.

‘The wider community is also opposed to the event being held at Evans Head because the community is already at capacity from the summer holidays and does not need yet another burden on local infrastructure.’

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

David Lowe

At its last meeting, Ballina Shire Council resolved to prioritise CCTV security cameras while allowing alcohol-free zones to lapse.

A motion from former police detective, and now Cr Damian Loone, pushed to make CCTV a priority across Ballina Shire, following a scoping study from Matryx Consulting. The motion sought state and federal support for more cameras to be installed to aid law enforcement efforts and prevent crime across the region.

An increased CCTV presence has previously been supported by both federal MP Justine Elliot and state member Tamara Smith.

Cr Loone received unanimous support for his motion.

Another law and orderrelated motion went the other way, with a majority of councillors voting not to maintain alcohol-free zones and the associated signage in Lennox Head, Alstonville, Ballina and Wardell when the existing zones expire on January 31, 2025.

Mayor Cadwallader said she would like to see the zones reinstated because

Eve Jerrery

A rescission motion to reverse Lismore Council’s December 10 decision to remove all CSG and nuclearfree zone signs on the edge of town, failed last night in the Goonellebah chambers.

The rescission motion by Councillors Adam Guise, Jasmine Knight-Smith and Virginia Waters, was that Council reverse its decision

‘it gives police the power to act if necessary, in certain situations.’

Cr Kiri Dicker suggested that, ‘huge issues with public drinking and alcohol-related violence,’ which had plagued Lennox Head in particular, in the past, were no longer an issue, and that the amount of signage around the area was excessive.

‘I think it’s important to note the police already have powers to address drinking in public,’ she said. ‘When these signs are gone, they still have perfectly reasonable powers to address public drinking. So this is not leaving a legislative gap.’

Cr Loone said he didn’t want his grandson to see the kind of alcohol-related public violence he had previously encountered in Sydney.

Cr Phil Meehan suggested Ballina parks did not present the same issues as those in inner city Sydney.

He noted that local police had not made any deputation on the issue, although they had the opportunity to do so.

The motion to remove the alcohol-free zones and signs was successful, with only Crs Cadwallader and Loone voting for the renewal of the signs.

to remove the signs and replace them with welcome signs once a budget allocation has been determined.

Councillor Guise cited community unity and historical significance while Cr Steve Krieg opposed, arguing the signs’ removal was about modernising entranceway signage.

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

In conversation with the enemy of capitalism

Photo & story Hans Lovejoy

When I arrived to meet the leader of the federal Greens, Adam Bandt, he was sitting quietly by himself at The Other Joint cafe in Mullumbimby.

It was a surprise, given political leaders are always chaperoned by minders and advisers.

So without their annoying distractions, we chatted informally over the state of Australia’s future and what the Greens hope to achieve with the upcoming 2025 election.

Bandt appears more of a quiet policy nerd than a big personality type sustaining their ego through adulation and attention. Typically, the latter inhabit politics, which is unfortunate given their tendency for shallowness and sociopathic behaviour.

Google it, mate

Remember ‘Google it, mate’? Bandt grabbed the headlines in 2022 at his National Press Club address after some young journo hack tried to entrap him on what the WPI (Wage Price Index) was.

Bandt then went on to describe, firstly, how poorly the media inform the electorate with their ‘gotcha moments’, and secondly, the failure of the two party system.

While all that was refreshing, I could see early on in our conversation that I was dealing with a seasoned politician used to trotting out their talking points.

Perhaps my questions were too predictable? Maybe I was underprepared?

The Greens leader effortlessly batted back the accusations of lunatic group, Advance Australia (AA), who have declared war on the party via www.greenstruth. com.au.

AA were behind the ‘No’ referendum vote, and say the Greens are a threat to their Christian Judaic values. They also admit the Greens are the only political party with any brand recognition.

Bandt says, ‘[former PM Tony] Abbott is involved with Advance, along with billionaires who don’t want any tax reform. It’s a badge of honour that AA are coming after us, and not Labor’.

‘We will be running positive messages, not negative’.

‘One in three corporations pay no income tax. We are pushing for what we call “Robin Hood tax reform”, whereby those taxes will help pay for dental for all, for example. We managed to get dental included on Medicare for children, and this is the

Labor looks to cut professionally assessed HSC performances

Draft changes to HSC dance, drama, and music should be scrapped and NSW Labor should go back to the drawing board, says local MP Tamara Smith (Greens).

Ms Smith said in a statement, ‘The Greens back teachers as the experts and stakeholders, when it comes to designing curriculum. The

draft changes to the HSC music, drama, and dance syllabuses put forward by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) appear to be all about cutting costs and very little to do with student outcomes.’

She says the changes propose drama submissions would be limited to digital.

next step’.

So taxing the uberwealthy is again a main focus of their upcoming campaign, along with housing, health, environment and action on climate change.

He says, ‘The federal seat of Richmond [Ballina, Byron and Tweed Shires] has had the same Labor MP for 20 years and has the least affordable rental housing in the country’.

Housing focus

So what about immigration? Should that be cut back to allow housing supply to catch up to demand?

‘It’s not the problem’, he says. ‘It’s the tax breaks for the rich. It’s negative gearing and the capital gains discount’.

So the Greens’ answer, it seems, is building more social housing, which focuses on housing those who have been left behind.

Yet as most know, Byron Shire and the north coast has a lot of constrained land – much is fire- and flood-prone, too hilly, is of high agriculture value or

is protected owing to its unique biodiversity.

When that is mentioned, Bandt seems unperturbed –he replies that he has spent time identifying governmentowned lands in the region and ‘wants to turbocharge’ development.

‘One third of the country rents’, he says, ‘and we are the only party with a rental policy’.

Two types of coal

Moving on, another policy plank of the Greens is winding back coal and gas, because of erm, the impending collapse of a regular, predictable atmosphere that we all enjoy.

‘Emissions are higher under Labor than they were under the Liberal-Nationals’, he quips. ‘Labor has approved 28 new gas projects – there is an apology needed’.

Ok, so what about metallurgical ‘coking coal’ (anthracite), which is used in steel production? Most people think of bituminous coal, which is lower grade and primarily used for electricity generation.

Bandt seems to agree that steel production, which is a carbon-intensive sector, is a necessary part of civilisation, and even suggests ‘green steel’ and ‘green hydrogen’ as a potential to replace the old.

Yet like small modular nuclear reactors, there is no working ‘green steel’ model in operation.

‘Most coal and gas is sent overseas’, he says. ‘We need to look after coal and gas workers with secure wages and jobs. We have a fullycosted transition plan’.

Two men charged with break and enter in Byron Bay

Local police have said in statement that a 20-year-old Tallai man, and a 19-year-old Labrador man have been charged with break and enter offences in Byron Bay after being arrested by police in the early hours of Tuesday, December 17.

Police say, ‘The

20-year-old man was charged with two counts of aggravated break and enter. The 19-year-old man was charged with two counts of aggravated break and enter’. Both men were refused bail and appeared before Ballina Local Court on December 18, police say.

Circus participation boosts mental health

A new report, commissioned by Spaghetti Circus, reveals the significant positive impact that participation in circus arts has on young Australians’ mental health, confidence, and social connections.

The study, developed in collaboration with research agency Patternmakers, reports enhanced wellbeing, increased self-confidence, and stronger social bonds among participants.

The report draws on insights from Spaghetti

Circus’s Performance Troupe’s 2023 season of Monumental in the Northern Rivers, including the response to localised crises such as the devastating 2022 floods and regional disengagement.

The research addresses widespread challenges such as mental health issues, social disconnection, and disengagement, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report is available at https://tinyurl.com/4623rk23.

Federal furry Greens leader, Adam Bandt

Will Labor give Woodside a licence to accelerate climate change?

David Lowe

In the time-honoured Australian tradition, a crucial government decision with national and international implications is about to be made while most of us are distracted by the silly season.

Recently, the Western Australian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Labor’s Reece Whitby, gave Woodside Energy a 50year extension to its mega-polluting LNG plant on the North West Shelf.

Mr Whitby’s job is theoretically ‘to coordinate the state’s response to climate change while establishing a whole-of-government approach to reduce emissions.’

Being in WA though, his actual job is to do whatever the fossil billionaires want.

Woodside’s approval was delayed by a record 770 appeals from conservations, scientific experts and traditional owners.

WA enviro regulator stripped of its powers

WA’s version of the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) said the approval could only be granted if there was mitigation of the greenhouse gas emissions, so the WA government stripped the EPA WA of its power to regulate emissions.

There, problem solved.

What Woodside wants for Christmas is a green light from the federal government to do what it wants on the North West Shelf. Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has 30 business days from the state’s approval to make her decision. Six billion tonnes

The problem is that this single project is projected to emit at least 14 times Australia’s annual CO2 emissions over the life of the scheme – more than 6 billion tonnes of the stuff.

In other words, it’s a carbon bomb with the potential to shred national emissions reduction targets and hasten the extinction of humans and many other entirely innocent species.

Sounds almost cuddly, doesn’t it? Supposedly gas is less climatepolluting than the coal alternative, never mind the methane emissions and all the havoc associated with its extraction and transport.

The company has been investigated by the AFP after allegations of bribery and corruption in Mauritania, it avoided rig decommissioning costs by calling dumped plastic and other waste an artificial reef, and it has been accused of making deceptive public statements in order to get free carbon permits.

Oil spill concealed

The company concealed a large oil spill off the coast of WA in 2016, it led the lobbying effort to force the EPA WA to abandon new guidelines to protect the climate, and in 2004 it was involved in the illegal wiretapping of the East Timor government in a plan to transfer the wealth of one of the poorest countries in the world to its own shareholders.

After a long and historic battle, in which Bob Brown was prominently involved, the company’s proposal to build the James Price Point gas complex, also in the Kimberley, was stopped in 2013.

Federally, though, Woodside tends to get what it wants, no matter who is nominally in power.

Labor friendly with Woodside

Another problem is that Woodside’s expansion, which includes its planned Browse LNG project off WA’s north coast, is already destroying some of the most significant rock art in the world, on the Burrup Peninsula, including the earliest known depiction of a human face at the World Heritage-nominated Murujuga site.

The art here is five times as old as the pyramids and eight times older than Stonehenge.

If it was anywhere but Australia, there would be bulletproof glass, a gift shop and the whole place would be surrounded by armed guards, but here it’s being eroded by chemical emissions from the neighbouring industrial facility while the traditional owners despair.

Off the coast, Woodside is intending to drill up to 50 wells around Scott Reef, described by conservationists as the jewel in the crown of WA’s Kimberley coast and one of the last truly wild places left in Australia.

Despite the best efforts of Tim Winton, John Butler and others, most Australians have never heard of Scott Reef, which is exactly how Woodside likes it, but this is a crucial part of an ocean ecosystem which supports over 1,500 species, including reef-building corals, a myriad of fish species, and migratory whales, including the endangered pygmy blue whale.

The rationale for all this destruction is the usual nonsense about gas being a ‘smoothing fuel’, as WA Premier Roger Cook put it.

Actually, CSIRO research shows that Western Australian gas is displacing renewable energy in Asia, with coal being unaffected.

So what will Tanya do?

Channelling Sir Humphrey Appleby from TV’s Yes Minister, a spokesperson for her department said, ‘As the minister is the decisionmaker for this project, and the statutory decision-making time frame has now commenced, it would be inappropriate to provide any further comment until a decision on the proposal has been made.’

Bribery and corruption allegations

Woodside has a long history of rolling over its opposition, in Australia and overseas.

Albanese needs Western Australia, where Woodside is in charge, and Labor has proven itself an entity friendly to the company.

Woodside executive Gary Gray, for example, went through the revolving door into the Rudd and Gillard governments and then became the ambassador to Ireland.

Alas, Western Australia’s unique environment lacks any voice in government, least of all its environment minister. If Tanya Plibersek gives Woodside what it wants on the North West Shelf for the next 50 years, the capitulation will be complete.

David Lowe is an award-winning filmmaker, writer and photographer with particular interests in the environment and politics. He works with Cloudcatcher Media.

WA’s Burrup Peninsula. Photo Alex Leach

Develop the

We are all aware of the urgent need for more affordable accommodation in Mullumbimby. Unfortunately Council’s proposal for building on the parking lot next to the old Poinciana Cafe seems to be giving the town more problems than solutions –for example there are only 20 parking spaces for 32 homes. Vehicle entry is via a narrow lane that crosses a well-used public footpath, and which is frequently blocked by truck deliveries, and is an accident waiting to happen at the exit with Tincogan Street. Plus the town loses its main public carpark when it is already massively short of street parking, not to mention the only public toilet in town... etc.

A far better choice would be Council’s own parking lot in Station Street. It is a much larger site, so could hold many more housing units, which in turn would make it more attractive to a Community Housing Provider (CHP). So far as I understand no CHP has put their hand up for the current proposal.

As it is larger, there would be sufficient ground-level space for on-site parking for all residents, which the current proposal doesn’t allow, and Council staff can comfortably park in the new parking places it is developing in Prince Street.

Plus Council’s parking lot is already in a residential street rather than in the middle of the commercial part of town, so you wouldn’t have to lose valuable retail space to housing, unlike the current proposal.

If you agree, please let our councillors, whom we elected to serve us, know.

Anando Heffley Mullumbimby

I applaud Anjali Walsh’s excellent proposal to Council for a community-led initiative providing elders with a platform to speak for themselves called ‘The Ministry of Ageing’. She also mentioned affordable courses specifically for our burgeoning older population, and giving them a voice.

Serendipitously I have

been designing a course to encourage elders to speak out called ‘Letter Writing as Community Service.’ As a seasoned letter writer to The Echo, and a regular contributor to The Nimbin Good Times and The Clarence Valley Independent, I have a wealth of experience to help elders have their say. You don’t even have to be a good writer if you know how to use Chat GPT.

Using our knowledge and wisdom to stand up for something we believe in helps us stay relevant and to be heard. It’s also good for our brains.

Don’t let society put you in the corner and shut you up. You can be an agent for social change and grow your power by using and sharing your wisdom and knowledge. Happily, you can do this from home and at no cost to you. No inkwells or stamped envelopes these days. And it is always a buzz to see your name in print. I will be running several free two-hour courses in early 2025. I will consider a Zoom class if people are unable to get to my place. If you are interested please contact me on magentaappelpye@gmail. com.

Magenta Appel-Pye Mullumbimby

and dangerous queuing that would occur at the worst of times. A 2016 report to Council stated that a roundabout would deal with capacity issues for around 20 years then struggle – that’s now 2032! No report stipulates a date for traffic lights exceeding capacity!

I wonder how many, now suddenly wanting to mount a typically noisy Byron Shire minority protest, actually live behind the iron curtain and/or have to use that intersection regularly? The people plastering the poles with signs?

For those who believe that a set of traffic lights will destroy life in Byron Shire as they have known it, can I suggest, when you drive through on the southern tip of your (yearly? weekly?) trip to Ballina, practise some mindful yogic breathing while playing ‘I Will Survive!’. Many of us, here in Suffolk, sing it with everything crossed as we attempt to leave home!

Liz Levy Suffolk Park

‘No traffic lights!’ says your correspondent. Many who grew up in more normal places just don’t get it, but I’d like to know where the concerned agitators have been over the last 30 plus years while the beachside Suffolk Park community has been lobbying and regaling the Council for a roundabout at Clifford St?

This community knows the history of past promises and attempts. The traffic multiplied, the land needed (from three separate landholders) has been developed, the cost of compensation has risen exponentially and a roundabout has become a pipe dream.

In 2017 the community asked Council to investigate traffic lights – the mythology of mass hysteria was busted. The community’s tired of waiting for a miracle multimillion dollar windfall! Far from the bank-up of ten cars referred to in one report, locals will tell you that it is not uncommon to see cars banked up back to Alcorn Street. If you, therefore, have to queue in Armstrong, Brandon or Alcorn Streets as well – forget it! Too bad if you want to go to A&E or to work! There are questions also about the effectiveness of a roundabout, with the chaotic

That’s all the world needs, another holier- than-thou type telling everyone what to do (Letters, ‘bike helmet laws ignored’ December 18).

I’m sure the police have better things to do, like fight crime, rather than harassing people for pursuing a healthy and eco-friendly activity such as bike riding. As an adult, I will decide what I wear when bike riding… not Richard White of East Ballina or the government.

I’ve been bike riding for 40-odd years now and never had a problem. My driving

Buddy Guy, when he hoid da nooz – no more blues.

Photo Jeff Dawson

Continued from page 11

record is just as good. I’m not a risk taker. But I never wear a helmet unless on busy roads. I factor that the health benefits of cycling are greater than the risks.

As far as I know, Australia is the only country in the world with one size fits all, blanket, bike helmet laws. Some other countries have helmet laws for e-bikes only and I’ve heard somewhere in Europe it’s the law to wear a bike helmet on autobahns only, not bike tracks. In many countries cycling is an everyday part of life used for pleasure and transport.

But here in Australia cyclists are demonised and discouraged by petty bureaucratic laws. More people in Australia should be encouraged to bike ride without fear of fines which, let’s face it, are all about revenue making and litigation avoidance, not public safety. There’s a reason why some laws, such as blanket bike helmet laws, are openly flouted Richard White… because some laws are stupid.

Simon Alderton Ballina

Up the ante No, Richard White of Ballina (Letters, December 18), the Byron police are not ‘turning a blind eye’ to fat bikers. I popped into Byron police station and spoke to a cop who told me he had booked two fatbikers without helmets and given four warnings that day. He said they are cracking down on the illegal, speeding, helmetless, riders of fat bikes.

One passed me on the Byron bike path between Kendall and Butler Streets scaring the wits out of me. I was travelling at 23kph. He whizzed past, must have been 40kph. If all concerned people popped into their local police station, it might just make it more serious. Voice your complaint!

Raphael Lee Cass Byron Bay

The Echo Paradox

Probably due to bad karma I spent my younger years among counter-culture

types: dopers, surfers, hippies, LSD-mystics, public servants, artists, poets and assorted bohemians.

Sixty years later, it’s such a pleasure to revisit their views of imminent environmental apocalypticism, far-left politics and the attacks on capitalism in The Echo letters to the editor every week. Your fine publication demonstrates the wonderful power of capitalism, the market economy, and advertising without which there would be no Echo and no public space for the disseminating of those views.

Your journalism has always been at odds with the actual successful growth, prosperity, and enjoyment of the area which has been documented in, and supported by, the advertising. There’s a message in there somewhere but I doubt your staff and readers will get it.

Thomas Gubler Murwillumbah

Thanks David Heilpern

While your sincerity and despair at this crazy world was obviously genuine and heartfelt, I was reminded of a powerful message from a Rolls Royce-owning Indian guy. At the risk of sounding self-righteous, the way is not somewhere in the sky, the way is in the heart, only kindness can change the world.

PS. Osho never bought a single Rolls Royce.

Rod Murray Ocean Shores

Anti-Israel does not equal antisemitism

To preface: I am not proHamas, nor am I antisemitic.

To Danny Wakil who asked in last week’s Echo, ‘Name one army, in all of history, in any war, that has done more to protect the civilians of its enemies that Israel has done in this war?’

Realising you weren’t being ironic, here are some reports of incidents that I have read:

Dr Fozia Alvi was making her rounds of the intensive care unit on her final day at the battered European public hospital in southern

Burns Night poem – The Haggis

Hidden deep amongst the heather Lies an animal with skin of leather Purple or pink for female or male.

Body shaped like a mini rugby ball Spends the day asleep with fright Only stirring in the dead of night. Leaves imprinted its bed of moss

intent and a chilling policy of terror designed to annihilate a people, not just wage war (source: The Cradle 25/11/24).

There are so many reports like this, it is sickening.

The organisations who have declared Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinians are: Amnesty International, The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, The Al-Mezan Centre for Human Rights, CCR (US-led legal advocacy group), UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, The International Criminal Court Of Justice.

Now, we know that Adam Bandt is the worst leader the Greens have ever had. Coming from his Trotskyist background he has, in effect, corrupted and debased the ethics of the Greens. Nowhere, and at no time, has there been any feedback from previous leaders endorsing him.

In particular there is the widely-held perception of antisemitism of the Greens under Bandt.

Standing proud against the moon

Holds its breathe, pupils dilated

Have all been designed to deliver Be it bended or your favourite single malt They say the animal has an eye for the ladies But in truth it prefers a bowl of tatties Strange for one with so many hearts But it has no appetite for tarts

That’s the time it shivers with fright

Gaza when she stopped next to two young arrivals with facial injuries and breathing tubes in their windpipe.

‘I asked the nurse, what’s the history? She said that they were brought in a couple of hours ago. They had sniper shots to the brain. They were seven or eight years old,’ she said. (source: The Guardian April 2, 2024).

Ramallah, September 3, 2024 – Israeli forces shot and killed two Palestinian children in the northern

occupied West Bank today during a large-scale military incursion that has been ongoing since August 28.

Mohammad Abdullah Mohammad Kanaan, 14, was shot and killed by an Israeli sniper around 4.40am (source: Defence for Children International Palestine).

Eyewitness accounts reveal Israeli snipers are systematically targeting unarmed civilians, including children, using tactics that point to deliberate genocidal

Op Shop

Like so many people around the world, I am in a state of sickness over Israel’s crimes and the West’s complicity. What is, nearly, more sickening is the virulent defence of Israel’s actions by calling any criticism against this genocide ‘antisemitic’. Amnesty International are antisemitic? The ICC is antisemitic?

The former defence minister of Israel called the Palestinians ‘human animals’. The President of Israel, Isaac Herzog said, ‘there are NO innocent civilians in Gaza’. Pre-October 7, Gaza’s population was half children. Half. Yet the president himself declares not one of them to be innocent.

Yet, this you ardently defend. There is countless evidence of deliberate killing of children, the deliberate starvation of the Palestinians, deliberate attacks on refugee camps, the use of white phosphorous, the rape and torture of prisoners, etc etc ad nauseum.

The defence of these actions is absolutely sickening. It is defence of genocide of which there is none, ever.

Can I name any country that has done more to protect civilians in a war than Israel? Yes. I would say: nearly every country in the world.

Alison Leonard Mullumbimby

Feedback

Mandy Nolan’s column (Echo, December 11) title ‘You want my feedback?’ demands that very thing about one very salient matter.

Mandy Nolan should give us her ‘feedback’. Does she or does she not support the party’s antisemitic stance? The ‘feedback’ should stick to the matter of antisemitism alone, not refer to Bandt’s leadership and certainly should contain no moral equivocation or moral equivalence that involves the use of any word that begins with ‘I’.

J Rose Mullumbimby

Danny’s challenge

Danny Wakil’s letter laid down a challenge (Letters, December 11) that I’m ready, willing, and happy to meet. A challenge to name a single army that has done more to protect civilians than the IDF has done in Gaza. Well that’s easy: the Russian army in Ukraine. The challenge is so ridiculous that it doesn’t deserve serious deliberation. No, in my opinion the challenge seemed to be all about sowing doubt and confusion, it’s called ‘gas-lighting’, a method of psychological warfare akin to the hackneyed tactic of accusing your enemy of that which you’re guilty of yourself. It can also be called hypocrisy, or psychological projection, or displacement of attribution. That’s Danny when he complains that someone didn’t condemn Hamas, while Danny himself never condemns the IDF. None of these tactics serve the goal of good journalism, but sadly they seem to dominate the media sphere these days, to the detriment of civilised democratic society.

John Scrivener Main Arm

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Eve Jeffery

Gratitude has been a bit of a catch cry in the 2020s. A new age-y mindful-y, mindless, awareness, talking point.

When we were kids, certainly when I was a child, I was taught to say ‘thank you’. ‘Please’ and ‘thank you’. They always went together but it’s a bit like people saying ‘I’m sorry’ or saying ‘I love you’ – sometimes words just become words when the sentiment has gone out of them – they are just words.

Only say it if you mean it

I taught my children NOT to say ‘sorry’ unless they had done something bad and they were truly sorry. Other things that can go in that word slot are, ‘that’s sad’, ‘that’s frustrating, hard, or stressful’. It’s just too easy to say ‘sorry’ and move on.

‘Please’ and ‘thank you’ have become a habit and I suppose we can actually be grateful for that because it’s better than a grunt or snort.

But what about being really grateful?

Am I grateful that I and my family don’t live in Gaza at the moment? Hell yes! But it’s the kind of grateful that comes with its own special double-edged sword. I’m not grateful for what’s happening in Gaza at the moment. I’m not grateful for what’s happening in the Ukraine. I’m not grateful for a lot of stuff – not ungrateful, just not grateful.

I saw a meme on my socials the other day. It was in two halves – the first was a bunch of Western kids, being asked what sort of things they wanted. Surprisingly, or

maybe not, even in ones so young, a lot of them wanted money, and then there were the usual things like candy, horses, puppies and Lego.

The second half of the meme was the same question asked to the children in Gaza. They said they would ask for food. They wanted to go back to school. They were asking to be able to play sport again, but mostly they wanted food, and I sat sobbing, wishing I could give them those things. I felt very ungrateful that I am powerless to do so.

Sometimes this is a really shit country, but this year I have something to be very grateful for.

In 2024 I had a surgery that will most likely save my life being cut short by 10 or 20 years. I am so, so grateful for that, but even more so, I’m grateful that my children made it to their 30s, without being shot. I’m grateful that they, or I, have never been in a war. I am grateful that if they have children, the chances are those kids will grow to adulthood with enough food in their belly and enough teaching in their brains.

As for manners, the ones that I was taught as a youngster – the ones that I taught my children and the ones I hear them teaching other children now – ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ – those will get you a long way, but, think about what you are asking for. Has what we are asking for, and what we are ‘grateful’ for become so frivolous and superfluous to our needs, or survival, that we don’t really care anymore? We just say the words then get on with our day?

I propose two questions this Christmas time

The first is: what are you really grateful for? That is really, really grateful for? Something that is lifechanging, life-assisting, or truly makes you happy?

The other question is: what is something that would make you really grateful; grateful on a personal level and grateful on a global level?

Is world peace possible if we were all grateful enough, could we have that? (PLEASE?)

Is a world without hunger within the realms of possibility? We know it is. We know how much money can be wasted on political campaigns and fattening the rich. If a lot of the money that was superfluous to their needs (most of it) were spent on digging wells, planting crops, and saving the environment, would that make them grateful? It would make me feel very grateful.

To be honest, I’m not entirely sure what it is that I’m wanting to say. There is a deep, and growing deeper, feeling of unrest which most of us actually have. That feeling of eating our Christmas lunch and opening yet another parcel of things we don’t ‘need’ while the news feeds are full of more child amputees than there has ever been in one country at one time. Orphans. Starvation…

What I would be really grateful for this festive season would be peace of mind, the kind of peace that comes with peace. True peace. If Santa can deliver that this year, I’ll be really, really grateful.

Ray Arthur

My Friday night was spent prioritising your partner’s ECG, bloodwork, and pain management when he rushed in from the beach with chest pain. But this time taken meant I was delayed in helping your mother because she couldn’t have a bowel motion. She was distressed and pale when the ambulance brought her in.

I wanted to be in two places at once, but then your sister came running out to find me because your baby niece in bed two just vomited and, well, she’s been feverish all day. So just when I thought I knew where I was going, I was diverted to help a doctor insert a cannula into her little arm so we could rehydrate her – because babies can deteriorate so quickly.

But I didn’t forget about your mother and managed to grab another nurse to help her into the shower because she’d soiled herself.

Thank God… because your son just came off his skateboard and has a pretty deformed wrist. We had to take the time to get his weight, and measure the correct dose of pain relief before we could settle him. He was petrified because we needed to use nitrous oxide to calm him in order to reset his wrist. Talking him through his fear and distress took nearly seven minutes. Measuring up his little face for the mask and getting another nurse to help supervise meant it took another 15 minutes which, you agree, felt like hours.

Then the police brought in a confused and aggressive patient – clearly in some type of psychosis. He was screaming and nearly toppled over the computer and resuscitation trolley. Security were called and for a moment all

the oxygen in the room went to making sure we were all safe. You were frightened and told me so.

Through all of this, don’t forget I have three to four other patients, their family members, or travelling partners, or bosses, or friends who all have questions to be answered or objections, or complaints to be heard and acknowledged.

And they impress they should be answered ‘now’. Yesterday, in fact. And my heart breaks, my cortisol elevates… the pressure I place on myself to be the best that you need is CRUSHING ME. Because I love this job. Because I get value in my life from being in service to you and my community.

And I keep doing it even when I struggle with my depleted energy and empathy… and my self-judgement at not being EVERYTHING and EVERYWHERE you need in this fearful moment. So keep that in mind. My Friday night is a lot like my Tuesday afternoon or 4.20am Thursday morning.

I’m looking out for those you love the most, on the day you least expect a tragedy or misfortune.

And I’m the lowest-paid nurse in Australia.

And I’m right down the road from you in this paradise you call home (and I’d like to keep calling MY home, but I can’t afford housing to stay and keep doing this!).

Sing the petition

I’m asking you to take three minutes to sign a petition. I’m asking you to talk to three people about how much you love nurses and why. Support us! We love you dammit! Because you can’t imagine a world where I am not doing all of this – you rely on and expect me to be there.

Petiiton: https:// tinyurl.com/mrztf6ys.

advertising enquires: 0428 655 806 sales@byronandbeyond.com

Pill testing at music festivals in NSW announced

Aslan Shand

The NSW Labor government has been under long-term pressure from health and advocacy groups promoting a healthbased approach to drugs to introduce pill testing in NSW. Today NSW Labor announced that they ‘will commence a music festivalbased pill testing trial in early 2025, to reduce risks and harms associated with illicit drug use’.

‘The trial, which is free and anonymous, will allow festivalgoers to bring a small sample of substances they intend to consume to qualified health staff to test for purity, potency and adulterants,’ they said in a press release.

‘The amnesty provided as part of this trial, is strictly limited to people seeking to check drugs for their own personal use and it will remain an offence to possess illicit drugs at any event where pill testing is provided.’

Historic day

Former magistrate and drug reform activist Professor David Heilpern told The Echo that, ‘This is a historic day for the drug law reform movement with pill checking now right down the east coast. This will save lives. Credit must go to the tireless efforts of those families who lost children to overdose at festivals and kept pushing this even in the face of such hurtful responses. Amazing that it has taken this long.’

Start Boxing Day

The Greens have congratulated the NSW Labor government on their decision but say that ‘trials must be in place for the festival blitz that commences on Boxing Day’.

‘Further, continuing to have an over-the-top police presence with sniffer dogs and strip-searching tents is an irresponsible use of taxpayers’ money, when music festivals have pill testing facilities.’

Greens MP and drug harm reduction spokesperson Cate Faehrmann said, ‘The health minister says that the trial could be up and running by “early February”. This is too late because most of the music festivals taking place this summer will go ahead

without pill testing services.

‘With festivals like Lost Paradise, Field Day, and Spaced Out in Byron Bay taking place in late December and early January, along with New Years Eve and the holidays, most of the larger summer festivals will have concluded by early February.’

Not everyone agrees

Drug Free Australia have opposed the trial, saying that Australia’s first 1995 ecstasy death, that of Anna Wood, involved MDMA and ‘a study that found that 14 per cent of deaths were caused by an allergic-like reaction to MDMA’.

They stated in a press release that NSW pill testing, ‘will inevitably lead to increased fatalities amongst vulnerable young people

within NSW as festivalgoers will act on the illusory “safety” they think pill testing provides them.’

Testing saves lives

Countering their argument Professor Heilpern told The Echo that, ‘as usual Drug Free Australia remains a Fact Free Zone. The evidence is that pill checking saves lives. Not every life, not all the

time, but it saves lives. This is a great day for those parents who tragically lost children to festival deaths where pill testing was likely to have prevented the death. Their bravery, in maintaining a call for change, should not be diluted by the wowsers and naysayers who cling to some 1950s South Park “don’t do drugs” mentality.

‘Drug Free Australia

maintains that this will normalise drug use and convey a false sense of safety because no drug use is safe. There is utterly no evidence that testing for foreign substances will legitimise drug use. On that argument, we never would have introduced safe injecting rooms or needle exchanges for intravenous drug users. We would just let them die in the street rather than be seen to treat this as a harm reduction exercise. Just like safe injecting rooms, this gives authorities a golden opportunity to educate users, ensure they are minimising risk, and open communications about where things go wrong,’ he explained.

‘Anna Woods did not die solely because of some allergic reaction to ecstasy. She died because she, and her friends, did not get help early enough. Tragically her death has been used to perpetrate myths that have led to more fatalities.

‘Drug Free Australia have lost this battle convincingly, and thus become increasingly shrill and predict catastrophe. This is inherently dangerous.’

The first drug testing-facility set up in Queensland at the Rabbits Eat Lettuce festival in April 2024. Drugs being tested at the facility. Photos Aslan Shand

One of the most spectacular festive light displays in the Northern Rivers is back for its 20th year, courtesy of Christmas enthusiasts Graham and Glenys Purnell with their friend, in Station Street Burringbar. The Purnells have been deLIGHTing families for 20 years.

Photo Jeff ‘Illuminati’ Dawson

Story & photos David Lowe

Earlier this year I rode my push bike from Lennox Head out to Uluru, via Broken Hill and Port Augusta, in a boomerang-shaped arc across three states. The ride wasn’t for charity, or a race – it was just something I always wanted to do.

I’ve always loved bikes. When I was a kid, I used to fantasise about not stopping – just keeping riding, over the hills, beyond the horizon. At last, here was the opportunity.

For this adventure, my partner Eve carried our vegan food and camping gear in a car, which made things a lot easier, but I pedalled the whole way, averaging 100 kilometres a day. It took a bit over a month. It was often freezing, but we had every type of weather; from frosts to rain to over 30 degrees.

Life is different on a bike. Instead of looking at the country from behind a windscreen, you’re inside the experience, changing the perspective with your legs. Wind, gravity and air pressure become tangible.

You’re very vulnerable on two wheels, and there are reminders with every truck that passes and every dead creature you see. The quality of the road affects how much energy it takes to move, but there’s more to it than that. Subtle changes in the land become visible. History starts to feel more present. Some country feels heavy, like molasses. In other places the bike seems to fly.

Doing something like this is a significant physical challenge, but the psychological challenge is greater. A lot of people told me riding to Uluru

was a crazy idea. To succeed, you have to believe you can do it. When the whole, epic trip seemed impossible, I broke it into chunks and concentrated on those.

There’s a lot of pain involved with ultra-endurance cycling, but this is balanced by the endorphins and dopamine that the bike delivers. When you’re riding into a gale or up a mountain, water is like nectar and a simple muesli bar becomes something supernatural.

At night I read Patrick White’s Voss, based loosely on the journals of explorer Ludwig Leichhardt. Voss was another person who had trouble defining exactly why he was drawn west. In his case, sacrifice led to a kind of merging with country. I wasn’t heading on a self-destructive mission, but for both of us, the journey was at least as important as the destination.

When you’re riding long kilometres every day, worries about the climate crisis and other intractable problems take a back seat to more short-term concerns. Do I have enough water to get from A to B? Can I climb up this mountain before it gets dark? Will that wind blow me backwards faster than I can ride forwards?

Amazingly, I had no punctures in 3,366 km. There was also much less bike rage out west than in the supposedly enlightened Northern Rivers – road trains went out of their way to look after me, and the grey nomads were careful with their massive caravans.

In the outback, there’s a sense that everyone’s in it together. Strangers offered me water, chocolate chip cookies, honks and waves. On the second-last day, I even got a clap out of a passenger window from

someone who had no idea where I’d ridden from. There’s less rubbish beside the road as you approach the centre, and the graffiti becomes increasingly pointed, and political. Australia is having a texta argument with itself in every roadside stop.

Uluru is a destination for a lot of people for a lot of reasons, and the first sight of a massive blue cloud mountain turning to orange rock was certainly something to treasure. Up close, it’s sculptural in its visual intensity, and then there’s the spiritual dimension.

From the perspective of a push bike, travelling from edge to centre, our ancient island continent

feels very damaged, but also very resilient. Sometimes even the bike seemed too fast – fundamentally, this is country that’s meant to be walked.

The Uluru ride has taught me I can always become stronger – the sight of a highway stretching into infinity no longer fills me with trepidation.

Although I trained for this adventure, I don’t have a spectacular level of fitness. The miracle that makes the superhuman possible is the bicycle itself, perhaps the most brilliant of

human inventions.

The take home message is that if I can do something like this at the age of 53, then it’s probably not too late to attempt whatever scary, challenging, impossiblesounding thing you’ve been thinking of. It’s mostly a matter of attitude, and having the right people in your corner.

Like the great songwriter Neil Murray told me when I messaged him from the middle of nowhere to thank him for his wonderful music: ‘Keep pedalling and you’ll get to wherever you want to go.’

Rocky country near salt lake. Right: Uluru at sunset. Below: David reaching Uluru.

Reinvent your lawn with a little ingenuity and TLC

Brian Mollet

It was 37 degrees two summers ago and the landlord had just visited and suggested in a polite way that our calf-high ‘lawn’ needed attention. Reluctantly, amidst pools of sweat, noise, fumes, and carbon emissions, we whipped and ground our way through the job, suffering stoically through the whole process.

Afterwards, over a beer, we overlooked our handiwork... ‘I never want to mow again,’ said my flatmate Phil... ‘I’ve done a lifetime’s worth already.’ I had to agree. Mowing is both a sign and a symptom of conformity, and that has never sat well with me.

Possibilities

‘What if...’ said Phil, ‘What if we kill the grass and see what comes up?’.

Phil is a qualified soil geologist and a dab hand at botany, so after a bit of discussion we came up with a plan. Over the next week we covered the newly cut grass with two layers of cardboard and lawn clippings from the landlord’s lawn, avoiding any clippings from grass that had gone to seed. When the long-established couch grass showed signs

Thomas Gooch

As the year draws to a close, the sense of reflection starts to hang in the rear of the mind. Whilst front of mind is hinting at what’s to come in the year ahead…

From what lens should I chose to reflect, and then from which to project?

Is it impact made, directly or indirectly? Is it the connections facilitated? Or is it the presence held?

The beginning

Starting the year with the mantra ‘live this year like it’s my last’, set up what some might think is a rationale for vapid decision-making. However, in truth it was around inhabiting a wholeness in each choice. A commitment to fully turn up in each situation through family relationships, opportunities, business, and other aspects.

This mantra turned into seven lines of text for the mobile cover screen shared with a dear friend. The third line being ‘embrace the learnings, life is short’.

of coming back we repeated the process.

After about 12 weeks we sat back comfortably and observed the process. A few obvious weeds and some of the old grass showed up, both of which were ruthlessly culled. One thing showed up regularly though that Phil took a shine to. ‘Mullumbimby nut grass,’ he said.

Phil explained how this species of sedge grass was indigenous to our area, only grew to ankle height, and was a favourite amongst native fauna as shelter and food.

The future

Now the current mantra heading into the new year is shaping up to be ‘live this life like it’s your last’.

I don’t think it’s a morbid preoccupation, but rather a reminder to completely be present in each choice, asking myself if I’m giving my all. Can I look back and feel that I held nothing back, and gave what was mine to give?

As a new yogi friend Sanjay said, it’s realising you’re not as important as you think you are, but know it’s important to be fully who you are.

Why contemplate this?

Perhaps it’s because living as an entrepreneur in the nature tech space, there’s lots of defeats. The company is not as far along as I’d like, we’ve hit all the barriers possible in the Australian ecosystem. We’ve got national science organisations as competitors. There’s lack of capital in the market, with investors having a low-risk appetite and leaning towards traditional markets.

The startup hype

Lifesaver or weed?

We had a extension to our plan and we put it into action. Nut grass grows in clumps not unlike mondo grass, and sends seeds to sprout nearby but can also send a small viable plant on the end of a tendril of grass to start another clump nearby. We watched it spread and thicken, crowding out most weeds.

At this point it must be said that if you are trying to grow a normal lawn then nut grass is your enemy, indeed a quick internet search for ‘nut grass’ will provide

promotes rapid success, the VC (venture capital) narrative is we invest in early-stage impact. But when it comes to its rapid success it’s more of a wrestle with maintaining determination and patience over time. Then the VC asks if in that early-stage does it mean you’re running as a small business with no/low risk (very different to the US mindset). Meaning as a deep tech company, the journey has been long, and the drive for positive impact for nature wanes. Can we last the race, shifting our relationship with nature in the capitalist system to a positive one? Can we hold out until shaman economics arrive…?

There’s a sense of frustration that creeps in; the highs and lows of startup life start to take a toll. The sixth time of burnout leaves the adrenal system fatigued and patches in the beard start appearing. Perhaps this is why last year’s mantra comes to mind because it’s a value measurement tool of: did I give my all?

‘Yes, and then some’ is the answer. Was it enough?

you with a thousand ways and products to kill it. We decided to go the other way and haven’t mowed the lawn for two years, whilst the local water dragons, frogs and friendly bugs have never had it better.

Our ‘lawn’ is carbon positive, indigenous, and promotes the local wildlife. All we do is weed a little, usually after rain. This experiment of ours may not be a global gamechanger but has made me feel more positive about my impact on the world. Maybe all we have to do is think differently...

Yet to be seen I guess, but it’s a opportunity to check on intent when reflecting, or does it even matter?

In this way, this time of year, and being in Byron helps me to ponder these things. What did the counter culture say, ‘turn up and tune out?’. Respite in the shire lets me start to wriggle my toes in the sand, squelch in mud in the Brunswick River, and feel the rush of waves over my skin at Wategos. Replenishing body, mind, and the other thing which jiggles around… spirit, perhaps we’ll call it.

I don’t know what the year ahead holds entirely, but I know I’m open to what wants to happen, and will keep on living this life like it’s my last. However, the drive to still have impact for nature persists. So, I’ll take on the learnings and insights gained from the entrepreneur life (akin to a kind of yogi journey). Meaning keep on playing the role, yet hoping others continue to play theirs also; across community, government, capital and industry – for the benefit of nature and at scale. Let’s hope.

Brian enjoying the nut grass lawn that means no more mowing.

Photo Jeff ‘Nutbush’ Dawson

2024 through the lenses of The Echo’s photographers, Jeff ‘Steamrollered’ Dawson and Eve Jeffery.

1. The storm that ate Lismore. 2. Alyssa, the first Wallum possum. 3. Sitting down to take a stand at Wallum.

4. Bob Brown in solidarity with Uncle Ydo at Wallum. 5. Wallum protectors smoke the site. 6. The changing of the possums at Wallum. 7. Nina loves the dragon Rob built at the Pocket School. 8. Norm and Magenta tickle the ivories at the Bruns Soundshell. 9. BayFM DJs getting disco-ready.

10. David, Lily, Locky and the dawn at Uluru. 11. Green girls feeling the love. 12. Minimal clothes maximal fun at Tyagarah. 13. Mullum’s colourful Laneways Festival. 14. Spring arrives, autumn leaves at the Writers Festival. 15. Taj Farrant shredding at Bluesfest.

16. Family frolicking at the Mullum Community Gardens, Plant Fest. 17. Dragon boat in full flight the Mullum to Bruns Paddle. 18. Main Arm Music In The Valley. 19. Kate Smorty very happy about George’s Cottages. 20. Byron Bay Film Festival’s Otherworldly after-party.

21. William McInnes, makes a point at the Byron Writers Festival. 22. Bruns Sculpture Walk. 23. Byron mayor caught on The Cassettes’ tape. 24. Chincogan Chargers. 25. Tree planting out the back o’ Mullum. 26. Delta Kay on Country. 27. Versace Boys: everything has gone to mush.

28. Photog John McCormick flanked by son Hamish and Jeff ‘I’m a photog too’ Dawson. 29. The National Circus Festival in Mullum. 30. Soli trying to get a handle on the engineering at Swell. 31. Mmmmm, that’s good democracy sausage. 32. Nearly got a birdie at The Pass.

Successful NSW Age Championships for Byron Bay SLSC

Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club had its most successful NSW Age Championships for the last few years, with nippers making many finals across the four-day event held in March at Queenscliff, NSW. Podium finishes included Elijah Round and Jack Keough taking silver in the U12 Board Rescue, and Tommy Trewhitt and Tom Pockley taking bronze in the U13 Board Rescue. (L-R) U12 male board rescue finalists: Elijah Round, Jack Keough (Byron Bay), Dashiell Lonergan, Jordan Prince (Wanda), Jack Allen and Harry Boulton (The Lakes). Photo supplied

International adaptive surfers compete locally for the Australian titles

The Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships took place in Byron Bay for the first time in March, 2024. Over 90 competitors from around the world took part in the four-day event. The event will have its second outing in Byron Bay from March 23 to 30, 2025. Lennox Head surfer Joel Taylor was also named as ‘Male Para Surfer for 2023’ by Surfing Australia, which has given Joel the perfect fillip he needs ahead of the Australian Open later this month. Chris Astill and the support crew were at The Pass for the competition. Photo Tree Faerie

Newy Store

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Marielou Baudouin wins Ballina Tennis Open

Byron Football Club’s female teams claim championships

Byron Bay FC women’s teams have had an amazing year, culminating in their third division team being pointscore champions, and the premier division winning the championship for the first time in 37 years. They also won the A-division Callan McMillan Shield earlier in the year. The success is also flowing in the younger teams as all the club’s youth teams made the finals with both the 14s and 15s winning both the point-score and the championship, and the 12s sharing the championship. Photo supplied

Mullumbimby Tennis Club member Marielou Baudouin won the Ballina New Year tournament open women’s division in straight sets. A total of 188 players took part in the event. Steve Gort (Mullumbimby Tennis Club coach) and Marielou also took home the trophy in the mixed open doubles. Marielou has now gained a scholarship to Michigan University, where she’ll be playing in the US college tennis circuit. Photo supplied

Mullumbimby wins shoot-out

Mullumbimby won a very tight senior men’s Far North Coast grand final against Alstonville Rattlesnakes in late March. The sides were locked at 11–11 at full time, before the Mullum team won the shoot-out 4–3. Photo supplied

Art by Chrissie

Meno Pause is Coming to Town!

Mandy Nolan

Holy shit, just when you thought things were bad, they just got worse.

We have a climate crisis. A costof-living crisis. And now we are in the worst crisis of all – they’ve run out of HRT patches. There’s a worldwide shortage.

Hot, angry, sad, anxious women are not happy. They’re hanging out. There’s no oestrogen this holiday season. Be afraid. Be very very afraid. And guess what – we’re the ones who run Xmas.

We work out who’s coming to lunch. We do the deep clean of every surface in the fricking house. We move the furniture to make the giant table. We do the mega shop. Two trolleys!

We carry the mega shop, up from the car to the house. No prick helps us. Once we’ve trucked 30 bags to the kitchen they emerge: ‘Do you need a hand?’

‘Didn’t you hear me screaming HELP!’, ‘Didn’t you see me lying at the bottom of the stairs surrounded by watermelons?’

Silence. Then they’re gone. Then we unpack. We find places for shopping where there are no places. We cater for all the dietary aberrations. We get back in the car and go get the booze. Just in case there’s a shortage of that too. We line up at Dan Murphy’s. We are the one woman catering unit that would do any film crew proud.

We check off the gift list. If we miss anyone, we regift our own stuff we haven’t opened yet and hope it wasn’t from the person we’re giving it to. We stay up late assembling trampolines for small children, wrapping pressies with tinsel and ribbon, making sure everyone has something special. Then we make the pavlova shell. From scratch. We make two, one that will be cream-free for people who don’t do lactose.

We are first up on Xmas day, stuffing a turkey and whacking it in the oven. We don’t even like turkey. We’re the beardless barista (do chin hairs count?)

STARS BY LILITH

As the roller coaster of 2024’s assorted demands, expectations, anxieties and achievements cruises to its inevitable conclusion, let’s celebrate this year’s last hurrah in the wild style it deserves...

We have a climate crisis. A cost-ofliving crisis. And now we are in the worst crisis of all – they’ve run out of HRT patches. There’s a worldwide shortage.

churning out coffee orders. We oversee the gift distribution. We keep receipts for returns, we neatly fold discarded paper for reuse. We cook breakfast. We clean up. Then we start on lunch. We glaze ham. We make potato salad. It’s relentless. People sit on the couch yelling, ‘when’s lunch?’ We apologise for making people wait.

We are alone in there, surrounded by pots, wondering how oestrogen has got us into this mess, and now the lack of it is sending us spare.

ARIES: Aries love being in charge, so if you aren’t the nominated party planner, don’t sulk, just find a niche to offer your talents where they’re needed. Or kick back and let others do the hustling. Your reward?

Chiron in your sign reigniting a spectacular confidence boost to propel you into the new year.

TAURUS: If Mercury and Mars spark creative inspirations this week, note them down before they get lost in end-of-year revelries. Take some quiet you-time to find gratitude for what you’ve achieved this year, for what you’re ready to leave behind, and what you’re most proud to bring with you into 2025.

GEMINI: A few clues to avoid end-of-year fallout? Bow out of arguments that divide and polarise. If the convo declines into tired, old stories of better times or lacklustre flipping through phone photos, spearhead an initiative to move it on so everyone can end their evenings with a feelgood buzz.

Our extended family arrives, including the uncle we never liked. He insults our ham. We give him the chair with the broken leg.

We jolly everyone along to the table. We serve, we share, we scrape, we repack the fridge. And then eventually we collapse. We are a hot, sweaty mess who would have had a shower but every bastard has used our towels and there’s not a single dry one left.

Try this without the patches. Try Xmas without us doing EVERYTHING. Without us bending over backwards to make everyone happy. It’s hard to be a martyr without oestrogen. It’s why men generally suck at it. We’re angry birds. Xmas just got about a trillion degrees hotter, and this menopausal bitch? She’s under a cold flannel on the couch. You do Xmas. Hey, where’s my lunch?

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: December’s bonus second new moon on New Year’s Eve issues your astral invitation to start prepping now for a cool end-of-year gathering with your close crew, renewing family ties and traditions. As keepers of the clan you love holidayhosting traditional festivities at home, but wherever, enjoy.

LEO: Cancelled plans, forgotten promises, communication breakdowns, so what? So many more opportunities to be creative, stay calm and take charge without engaging in power struggles. You can either be upset by Uranian disruptions, or see them as adding spice and excitement to the festive menu: your choice.

VIRGO: This isn’t the week to rush. It’s kinder to yourself, and everyone else to wind December down to a calm, conscious close. If things get a little messy, just bless the mess as Venus ushers the party season to a cheerful finale, with the zodiac’s end of year menu dishing up the odd surprise.

Cryptic Clues

ACROSS

1.Attendants of holy men surround eastern part of hospital (8)

6.One pops in to spot fish (6)

9.Asian dictator sent back prime cut (3,3)

10.Party at hotel to help with ordering of letters (8)

11.Unit has porticos that are designed with the same features every which way (9)

12.PM is close to head of Tesla (5)

14.Mussolini’s beginning to echo Hitler’s men, leading to increases in mistakes (4-3)

15.Portuguese dictator unfortunately turned on Russian ruler, so they say (7)

17.Browse channels perhaps, with awesome coverage (7)

19.Nick gets half of them by secret means (7)

22.Famous grouch gets movie award (5)

24.Suitor breaking into hotel – that’s trespass! (9)

26.Unit measurement by police officers (8)

27.Carriage made of ground gold (6)

28.Asian dictator returned sheep to Greek island (6)

29.Latin American dictator dunked famous guerilla in wine (8)

DOWN

2.Sousa, true to form, has bride’s chest (9)

3.American elks one found in abandoned sawpits (7)

4.Russian leader has top secret planned for review (10)

5.Communist dictator at last reformed One Nation’s leader (6)

6.Two-thirds of people baffled by head of church (4)

7.Saudi perhaps starts to inspire creativity with a coffee (7)

8.Eastern European told to stop (5)

13.Spooner’s dressing Guy, revealing a strategy (6,4)

16.Arrangement of Latrobe’s to accommodate a stargazer’s instrument (9)

18.In a panic, Franco almost keeps it up (7)

20.Doctor cares about nitrogen and iodine being used as a poison (7)

21. Conforming with part of foot (6)

23.Ladies arrive in the States for a dance (5)

25.Clever organisation, but doesn’t have a toilet (4)

SOLVER’S GUIDE

If you would like to demystify some of the logic behind Stephen Clarke’s clues, scan this QR code for this week’s solvers guide. echo.net.au/crossword-solvers-guide-35

LIBRA: Hoping for a drama-free exit/ entrance from old to new year? We all are, so use your personal astro-talents as diplomats of the zodiac to make it happen. Let Venus, principle of grace and goodwill, guide you to do what comes naturally: be charming, offer compliments and behave beautifully.

SCORPIO: Despite the usual tiffs and differences, this week continues laying treats on the holiday table. Besides indulging, take the time to acknowledge this year’s wins and successes. Venus in the spirit-lifting sign of good cheer is suggesting a refreshingly feel-good entrance into the coming year.

SAGITTARIUS: With alert Mercury jetting through the airwaves to unite with love planet Venus in your sign, don’t waste this golden moment on small talk. Open up conversations about your bigger dreams, goals and vision, as you aim that Sagittarian arrow towards the crystal distance of the coming year.

Quick Clues

ACROSS

1.People who manage the domestic concerns of a family or institution (8)

6.Flatfish, brown with orange spots, important to European fisheries (6)

9.Dictator of Kampuchea 1976–1979 (3,3)

10.A system of letters, esp when arranged in conventional set order (8)

11.Having the same properties irrespective of direction (9)

12.Time of the graveyard shift (5)

14.Bungles; dogs’ breakfasts (4-3)

15.Authoritarian PM of Portugal 1932–1968 (7)

17.The outside or upper layer (7)

19.Furtiveness (7)

22.First name of F1 driver Piastri (5)

24.Encroachment (9)

26.Slang term for coppers (8)

27.Horse-drawn carriage with a folding top (6)

28.Dictator and kleptocrat, president of the Philippines 1965–1986 (6)

29.Dictator of Chile 1973–1990 (8) DOWN

2.Items collected by a bride for her marriage (9)

3.Large deer native to North America (7)

4.Survey of past things (10)

5.Russian revolutionary, Ioseb Besarionis dze Jughashvili (6)

6.The bishop of Rome (4)

7.Coffee originally produced from a shrub in Ethiopia (7)

8.Bohemian (5)

13.Long-term blueprint or overview (6,4)

16.Ancient instrument for showing the positions of the sun and stars (9)

18.Distraught; at wit’s end (7)

20.Element (symbol As; atomic no 33) (7)

21.Section of the foot between ankle and toes (6)

23.Spicy sauce originally made with tomatoes, onions and chillis (5)

25.Facility for chaps (4)

Last week’s solution #34 MUSKET SALMON

CAPRICORN: Life reroutes itself down new highways, exciting ideas take wing, interesting options and possibilities start to form during this stimulating week’s leadup to the fabulous finale of New Year’s Eve sun and new moon in Capricorn, rolling out the red carpet for your grand entrance into 2025.

AQUARIUS: Future-oriented Aquarians will enjoy wrapping up the year under the zodiac’s most ambitious and efficient vibes, so why not get an early start on considering the best use of your time and energy in the coming year, plus what you’d like to give and receive from it.

PISCES: If current astral alignments bring unexpected events and surprise arrivals, look for the gift in everyone and everything. Be ready to go with the flow of last minute arrangement changes. That said, this week reboots itself with a sense of optimism, confidence and fresh beginnings as the new year approaches.

CAPRICORN THE MOUNTAIN GOAT

MANDY NOLAN’S

Crying women (1938), abstract painting by Mikulas Galanda.

Good Taste

Eateries Guide

Open: Wed to Sat, noon till late. 43 Byron Street, Bangalow bangalowtuckshop.com hello@bangalowtuckshop.com.au @ Bangalowtuckshop

Main Street

Open for takeaway daily, 12 midday until dinner. Menu, more details –@mainstreet_burgerbar 18 Jonson Street 6680 8832

Horizon Rooftop

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 7 DAYS

Horizon Rooftop, Hotel Marvell 4 Marvell Street, Byron Bay

Open Daily | 3pm – 9pm NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED Call: 6685 7385 @horizonbyronbay

Success Thai

Open Lunch Wed–Fri

12–2.30pm. Dinner Mon–Sat 5–8pm. Closed Sunday 3/31 Lawson St, Byron Bay www.facebook.com/ pages/Success-ThaiFood/237359826303469

NO BONES

Vegan Kitchen + Bar. 11 Fletcher Street, BYRON BAY 0481 148 007

Oyster Bar

4 Marvell St, Byron Bay  DAILY

Breakfast 7–11:30am Lunch 12–4pm  TUESDAY TO SATURDAY Dinner 5–10pm Book byronbayoysterbar.com.au

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.

Celebrate Christmas at No Bones! Enjoy a 5 course plant based banquet that’s full of festive cheer and cruelty free indulgence. Gather your loved ones and let us make your holiday one to remember.

Book via our website and celebrate the season. www.nobones.co/whats-on

Hotel Marvell’s Newest Seafood Destination

OYSTER HOUR

Tuesday to Saturday 5–6pm  Serving $3 oysters

Beach Hotel, Byron Bay opens new beachside bar ‘The Shack’

Byron Bay, NSW – The Shack, a new bar concept, has officially opened its doors at Beach Hotel, Byron Bay, offering a laid-back, yet sophisticated, place for locals and visitors to enjoy the sun and sea breeze. Positioned across from Byron’s iconic Main Beach, The Shack combines contemporary design with relaxed beachside vibes, making it the perfect spot to savour a drink and a bite in one of the country’s most desirable locations.

The Shack’s menu has been designed to pair effortlessly with The Shack’s range of beers, wines, and cocktails – from classics like Pina Colada, Strawberry Daiquiri and Spicy Margaritas through to specialty options like the new Naked ‘n Famous. For those seeking nonalcoholic options, there’s an array of sophisticated choices available.

The food offering at The Shack celebrates the best of coastal cuisine, accompanied by chill beats to create a welcoming atmosphere that captures the essence of the region’s hospitality culture. Inspired by hand-built beach shelters, the design seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, providing an ideal setting to enjoy Byron’s famous ocean breeze.

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

Follow on Insta: @lennoxpizza

Dishes feature bold coastal flavours and are designed to bring people together. Sharing plates highlight a variety of styles – salty, baked, raw, fried, and skewered – ensuring something for every palate and providing options for a light bite or a more filling meal. Standouts include lobster tacos with mango hot sauce, salmon crudo with stone fruit, and octopus skewers glazed with gochujang and sesame.

Ben Turner, General Manager of Food at Beach Hotel, said: ‘Our menu at The Shack captures everything we love about coastal dining – bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and a sense of togetherness. We’ve created dishes that not only showcase incredible produce but also encourage guests to connect, share, and enjoy themselves – this is what ‘The Beachy’ is all about! Pair any of our plates with a refreshing cocktail or an ice-cold beer, add the ocean breeze, and you’ve got the ultimate Byron experience.’

The Shack at Beach Hotel, Byron Bay is open daily from midday until late. Check out The Shack online: www.beachhotel.com.au/the-shack

BYRON BAY (Continued)

BYRON BAY

LENNOX HEAD

The Shack, the new beachside bar at the Beach Hotel Byron Bay.

The Good Life

A good season for cheeses

Cheesemaker Paul from Nimbin Valley Dairy says it’s been a good season for locally made cheeses, with lots of rain and grass.

Victoria Cosford

Now that the Coopers Shoot lusciously ripe red tomatoes are back at the farmers’ markets, Deb Allard of Cheeses Loves You has been forced to up her production of both mozzarella and stracchino! Burringbar-based Deb, with two decades of cheesemaking under her belt, coaxes magic from the herd of Jersey cows she owns with her husband Jim. There’s haloumi and ricotta and mascarpone, ricotta and feta and quark, her own interpretations of Bries and Camemberts and Romano with names like Little Aud and Claude and Ophir Glen. There’s her cultured butter, her pot-set yoghurt, her cultured buttermilk and her crème fraiche – and there’s the biggest seller, kefir, a fermented beverage similar to yoghurt. ‘People are switching on to gut health’, Deb tells me by way of explaining its popularity. For those ‘who can’t decide’, there are packs of mixed cheeses: wedges and wheels of hard and soft, and for Christmas Deb’s working on wheels of pepper Romano.

Meanwhile, at the Nimbin Valley Dairy stall, you’ll be seeing a lot more goat cheeses. ‘They’re back in season’, cheesemaker Paul tells me. ‘We have St Billie which is a surface-ripened lactic goat milk cheese similar in style to the Crottin… [and] we have our washed goat cheese that we wash in a light brine solution for 7-10 days… It’s lovely and goaty, with stronger umami/brothy flavours…’ They’ve had a good season so far, ‘plenty of rain and grass’, so expect beautiful cheeses from the stall, whichever you choose. And why should vegans miss out on all the cheesy goodness? Thanks to Yummify’s Arianne Schreiber, marketgoers can stock up on hemp Parmesan and mozzarella, almond feta and Camembert, blue cheese and cheddar, and cheeses she spirits out of nuts and seeds. ‘They are’, she tells me, ‘mostly macadamia-based but I use almonds, pumpkin seeds, watermelon seeds and sometimes cashews.

Cheeses Loves You is at New Brighton Farmers Market every Tuesday from 8am to 11am, and at Mullumbimby Farmers Market every Friday from 7am to 11am. Nimbin Valley Dairy and Yummify are at Mullumbimby Farmers Market every Friday from 7am to 11am.

Roca: Byron’s newest restaurant

Based in Lawson St, Roca offers dishes you won’t easily find in the Northern Rivers.

The hum of construction and the rumble of trucks have been a constant backdrop to the transformation of Lawson Street, but hidden amidst the commotion, something extraordinary was taking shape. With its distinctive apricot walls and a striking thatched hay roof, Byron Bay’s newest restaurant, Roca, has quickly become a standout feature of the bustling street.

At the helm of the kitchen is acclaimed head chef Diego Vallenas, a culinary maestro flown in directly from Peru. With over 20 years of international experience across South America, Asia, and the Middle East, Vallenas has curated a menu that is both innovative and authentic.

Enjoy casual dining like the cevichería with prosecco, fresh oysters and ceviche, or treat your partner to the full experience with authentic tapas, grilled anticuchos, larger share plates, and indulgent desserts. For a feast to remember, opt for the signature, ‘Eat Like Papi’ banquet with an optional 1.5-hour unlimited drinks package. There will be classics, which you won’t find easily anywhere else in the Northern Rivers, such as arroz chaufa (Peruvian Chinese fusion prawn fried rice) and flan with dulce de leche.

Complementing the food are signature cocktails like the classic pisco sour and an extensive wine list. With locally-sourced ingredients from the Northern Rivers, Roca promises a true celebration of flavour, culture, and community.

Roca offers all-day dining, open from 6:30am to midnight every day. To celebrate its grand opening, Roca is offering half-price ceviche and prosecco every day from 3pm to 5pm for a limited time only.

Indulge yourself with the Northern Rivers’ tastiest

Ma ng SPACES

ProSol Austra a

ProSolar Australia recently installed a new 9.13kW solar system at the Bexhill Hall, a place close to their hearts. This project is a testament to their commitment to sustainable energy and giving back to the community that nurtured them from the start. They are immensely proud of this achievement and look forward

to continuing their support for local and environmental initiatives. ProSolar Australia’s work at the Bexhill Hall highlights their dedication to promoting green energy solutions and supporting the communities that have supported them! Contact them today on 02 7912 0760 prosolaraustralia.com.au

Swap a Bo le

Swap a Bottle is a 100% locallyowned and family-run independent LP Gas supply business, conveniently located in South Murwillumbah.

Since their distributor, Noel from Brunswick Valley Gas, has sold to Elgas, they are thrilled to be providing a local gas supply option and delivering personally in the area! Their friendly, dedicated team would love the opportunity to organise your 45kg gas delivery with the service and reliability their wonderful existing customers already enjoy!

Head to the website for online ordering www.swapabottlegas. com or Free Call: 1300 727 013 10 Kite Crescent, South Murwillumbah

Eden at Byr

Eden at Byron is full of great ideas to decorate your home and garden for the festive season, as well as lovely gifts. You’ll find beautiful plants, including bonsai, bromeliads, orchids, water lilies, Venus fly traps and other carnivorous plants, and flowering plants for inside and out. There’s the best range of fruit trees on the north coast, with lychees, blueberries, citrus, mangoes, feijoas, avocadoes, chillis, and tropical stone fruit and apples, to name just a few.

And because it’s Christmas, there are gorgeous living Christmas trees, as well as red poinsettias, the classic Christmas flower.

With hassle-free parking, complimentary gift-wrapping, and gift vouchers available, there’s no better place to do your Christmas shopping.

140 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay 02 6685 6874

W ng Windows by Jake

Are your windows and doors working? Are you prepared for the imminent arrival of winged friends carried by the summer sea breeze? Well, fret no more! Don’t replace… REPAIR and SAVE with Working Windows.  Jake and Toby are local experts specialising in the repair and, if necessary, replacement of windows, doors, fly screens and security screens. With 10+ years experience in timber, aluminium and uPVC products, they pride themselves on always delivering top-quality, eco-friendly results that best benefit you and your environment.

Contact them today via phone or email, or check out their website for more information.

workingwindows.com.au

Toby 0405 793 994 Jake 0435 506 465 workingwindows1@gmail.com

Enspire Furn ure

At Enspire Furniture & Homewares Ballina, they believe that great furniture does more than fill a space - it enhances the way you live. Whether it’s a statement piece for your living room, a practical dining set for your family, or a workspace that fosters creativity and productivity, the furniture you choose plays an essential role in shaping your environment. They offer timeless pieces that combine function, beauty and quality. Their team of designers, sales staff and global sourcing experts are committed to creating and selecting pieces that look

good, support a sustainable lifestyle, and work well in everyday life. From minimalist designs to more traditional and rustic styles, they aim to blend clean lines with thoughtful functionality.

Visit Enspire for quality furniture, homeware supplies and decorating advice.

15 Sheather St, Ballina 02 6686 8802

www.enspirefurniture.com.au @enspirefurniture

christmas service

The Anglican Parish of Byron

The Anglican Parish of Byron is excited to offer worship in various location across Byron Shire, at a variety of times this Christmas (see advertisement.) As we face new challenges, it is important to make the most of opportunities to gather and support one another. The church buildings of All Souls Bangalow, St Martin’s Mullumbimby and St Paul’s Byron Bay will be lit as a reminder of the reason for the public holidays.

‘However we choose to form community, our prayer is that we are able to share a sense of hope which fosters peace and love for all peoples.’ With every blessing Byron Anglicans.

Christmas message 2024

‘The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light!’ Christmas, a festival full of nostalgia. We sing for peace, yet don’t know how to find it. We wish each other happiness, yet it seems more challenging to be happy. We buy each other presents, yet what we need is loving-affection. We sing to a child who is God, yet the child in our hearts may be lost.

Yes, it’s true. Yet, nostalgia allows us to discover that our naturaldesires go far beyond what we may possess or enjoy.

‘Happy birthday Jesus, you show us your light!’

Fr David Gilbey, Pastor.

Holy Spirit Catholic Parish: St Finbarr’s-Byron Bay / St Kevin’s Bangalow

Anglican Parish of Byron

CHRISTMAS SERVICES 2024

Tuesday 24 December, Christmas Eve

6pm All Souls Bangalow Family Christmas Extravaganza 1 Ashton Street, Bangalow

Wednesday 25 December, Christmas Day

7.30am

9am St Martin’s Mullumbimby 38 Stuart St, Mullumbimby

9am St Paul’s Byron Bay

Byron Photo Magic

Visit Byron Photo Magic for all your photography needs, including instore or online printing, large-format, canvas printing, photo books and calendars.

They have full 35mm/120mm film Colour & BW processing and printing services, batteries, memory cards, camera bags, Fujifilm Instax & Polaroid Cameras, along with the full range of GoPro and accessories.

They handle old video tapes to USB. They stock frames, photo albums and an extensive range of Promaster photographic accessories, tripods, filters, binoculars, telescopes and the largest range of 35mm film on the north coast, as well as pre-owned 35mm film cameras. Passport photos are covered professionally instore; call in and see Stephen, Karen, Kristen ,Isabella, Jemma and Bruna.

Open Mon-Fri 10am–5pm, Sat (school holidays) 10am–2pm, Sunday/ Public Holidays closed.

www.photomagic.com.au

Shop 20, Mercato on Byron, 108-114 Jonson St, Byron Bay 02 6685 5877

Starlight Festival

Start 2025 with intention at the Starlight Festival in Bangalow. Immerse yourself in sound healing with crystal bowls, handpans and flutes. Experience the transformative power of breathwork, movement sessions, and ancient shamanic wisdom. Choose from over 100 sessions and workshops across four days – all included with entry. Enjoy a new gourmet vegan menu daily at the cafe, then explore the main hall to find the perfect crystal, unwind with a massage, or get a psychic reading to prepare for the year ahead. January 2-5 at the A&I Hall Bangalow.

Tickets $35 at starlightfestival.com.au or on the door.

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

Transform your life with plants

Nestled in the lush hinterlands of the Northern Rivers, Nimbin Herbs has been a sanctuary for over 25

journey. Rooted in tradition and nurtured by the rainforest, we create the body, and awaken the spirit.

Visit us in Nimbin seven days a week online. Experience nature’s wisdom with Nimbin Herbs today.

60A Cullen St, Nimbin www.nimbinherbs.com.au @nimbin.herbs

STARLIGHT FESTIVAL

Radiant Lotus Qigong Rachel Hanrahan 11.15-12.15pm Gentle movements, mindful breathing, and meditation.

Medicine Song Circle

Omoro Sonqo

11.30-1pm Medicine songs from ancient traditions around the world.

Rewire & Awaken Breathwork Journey Kristy Ferrari

1.15-2.30pm A multi dimensional breathwork journey.

Sound Immersion

Heidi Bone

2.45-3.45pm The healing power of sound in a space of deep relaxation. into every aspect of your life

Sacred Collective Archetypal Dance Jennifer Genest

3-4.30pm Collectively applying our bodies, sound, emotion, feeling, senses and music.

Singbowl hands on workshop

Anup & Brinley

10-10.45am Learn how to use singing bowls for meditation, healing & clearing.

YinYasa Sound Bath Eva Michelle

10.15-11.15am Flow through a sequence of Vinyasa and Yin asanas.

Ayurvedic Healing Hacks

Anaiya Cooper

3-3.45pm Quick and simple ways to bring Ayurvedic Healing into your life.

3.15-4.15pm

Mantra Soundscape Adam Buchanan 9.45-10.45am Sing mantras, dance, & celebrate together

Embodied Ritual Delamay Devi 11-12pm Journey through movement meditation into asana, somatic exploration and self inquiry.

Ancestral Knowledge & Wisdom Kumu Pa’a Kawika Foster. 12.30-2pm Explore the pillars of Hawaiian spirituality.

2.30-3.30pm

Cacao Ceremony & Kundalini Kirtan Prema Shakti Rising

2.45-4.15pm

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

Better By Bike

This Christmas, gift the joy of an eco-adventure with super comfy e-bikes! Order a gift voucher today for your loved ones to use whenever they choose.

Discover the beauty of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail as you ride through rainforests, over historic bridges and explore abandoned rail tunnels. Better By Bike caters to the whole family with infant seats, tow-behind bikes and chariots for kids and pets. Cargo and fat tyre bikes are also available. Choose accommodation pickup or meet them at their Murwillumbah Railway Station shop.

Looking to buy? They also stock a fantastic range of bikes, e-bikes, and fat-tyre e-bikes to suit the entire family. Their friendly team will help you find the perfect gift and get everyone rolling into summer!

info@betterbybike.com.au

0408 444 858

betterbybike.com.au

Insta: betterbybikeoz

FB: betterbybikes

Join the Let’s Go Surfing team for an awesome time surfing or stand-up paddle- boarding (SUP) this school holidays. They offer private and group lessons and tours for all ages, as well as a two-hour kids only lesson. Their lessons include all equipment and expert instruction in really small groups.

These lessons provide education, maximum fun, and safety, for your kids. They cover the basics from warm-up, to paddling, catching waves and standing, while also catering to intermediate and advanced students (technique refinement and style improvement). Your kids will also learn important surf and safety rules including info on rips, tides, sandbanks and waves.

They offer lessons in Byron, Ballina, Lennox and SUP tours on flat water in the Brunswick River and Lake Ainsworth.

Open 7 days 8.30am–4.30pm

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

Ring in the New Year at Byron Bay’s Festive Markets

Celebrate the season and farewell 2024 in Byron Bay’s iconic style! Byron’s Summer of Markets brings festive cheer with three dazzling events to round off the year.

• Saturday, December 28: the Byron Twilight Market lights up Railway Park (4pm–9pm) with twinkling stalls, tasty treats, and live music by Mark Easton.

• Sunday, December 29: stroll the Byron Beachside Market at Dening Park (8am–3pm), featuring unique gifts, sustainable treasures, and live sounds from Cinnamon Sun, Peter Hunt, and Russ Jalakai.

• Tuesday, December 31: bid 2024 goodbye at the New Year’s Eve Twilight Market (4pm–9pm). Shop, celebrate, and soak in Byron’s magical community spirit.

A perfect post-Christmas celebration to embrace the new year!

Visit byronmarkets.com.au for details

Matt the Vinyl Junkie is back with another five-day mega record sale in Brunswick Heads. After a sweat-soaked mid-summer visit to Tokyo, The Vinyl Junkie has added a tonne of fresh stock to the almost 30,000 pieces of vinyl covering most genres. There will also be a stack of recently added $5 specials.

DJs will be on the decks most days so come and have a dig and have a listen. The fair starts on Saturday, December 28 and runs till Wednesday, January 1. Open 10am–6pm every day.

Brunswick Heads Record Fair

Brunswick Heads Memorial Hall Fingal Street, Brunswick Heads 10am to 6pm everyday

Saturday, December 28 till Monday, January 1

SCHOOL HOLIDAY LESSONS

festive season

things to do

Virtual Golf Centre Ballina

Looking to try something new and different in Ballina? Come along and visit this state-of-the-art indoor, air-conditioned virtual golf facility, with an amazing atmosphere.

Fully licensed and ready to cater for your next work or family function. Family friendly.

Great for the seasoned golfer, the beginner, or those just wanting to have some fun with mates. Come play some of the best golf courses in the world like St Andrews and Augusta. Also plenty of virtual golf games for the non-golfers like putt putt and target golf games.

They welcome you to bring your own clubs, if not they have clubs for you. Lessons available and gift vouchers for Christmas!

Open 10am till late 7 days a week 14 Ascot Road, Ballina www.virtualgolfcentre.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

Byron Bay Camping & Disposals

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

festive season

Beyond Byron E Bikes

Make this summer unforgettable with Beyond Byron E Bikes! Whether you are planning a family celebration, holiday adventure, or looking for the perfect gift, they’ve got you covered. Their e-bike experiences offer memorable rides along the scenic Northern Rivers Rail Trail, and they’ve got all the gear to make it family-friendly. They offer baby seats, kids trailers, tag-alongs, and even dog trailers, so everyone can join in on the fun! For the ultimate summer treat, gift vouchers are also available - an ideal surprise for anyone who loves cycling or exploring nature.

Book your next adventure easily at beyondbyronebikes.com.au

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 @bowercampco bowercampco.com.au 0424 468 777

WHAT SANTA SEES

•Most 5-star reviews

•Puncture proof tyres & gel seats

•E Bikes for all the family

•Up to 5 hrs hire

•Starting from Mooball

BOWER CAMP CO.

Son of Drum

Treat your earholes 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

Byron Bay Chocolate Co

The Byron Bay Chocolate Co. was founded in 1985 by husband and wife team David and Carole O’Connor and for more than 30 years their family has poured their hearts and souls into every single chocolate made, using only the highest quality, freshest ingredients. The quality of their product has ensured their long-term success. From humble beginnings, the Chocolate Co. has grown rapidly over the years, enjoying sweet success and a loyal customer base locally and globally. From the very beginning, all chocolates have been, and continue to be, handmade with love at their small family factory in Byron Bay.

Chocoholics throughout Australia and all around the world look forward to the next time they can indulge in these delicious sweet treats!

02 6685 8062 byronbaychocolateco.com.au @byronbaychocolateco

Be Inspired this Summer

The Sperry Tents team are passionate about delivering luxury, creative and sustainable events. They are able to turn these values into reality and offer a unique and visionary style of event planning.

They bring a holistic approach to event hire by personally assisting you with all areas of event design and delivery to ensure your experience is smooth and enjoyable from the first conversation to the last.

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

MahaShe’s Biggest sale of the year!

MahaShe’s biggest sale of the year is on now, for a limited time only! Enjoy never-seen-before discounts on so many beautiful, timeless styles at incredible prices.

MahaShe is a local boutique fashion label celebrated for its vibrant, retro-style prints and effortless designs. Specialising in natural fabrics and placing a huge emphasis on sustainability, MahaShe is a label you can feel proud to support this season.

This is your chance to own stunning, high-quality pieces crafted from 100% cotton, at prices you won’t believe. Don’t miss out - these styles are as timeless as they are unique, and they won’t last long!

Visit MahaShe Brunswick Heads and discover their most exciting sale yet.

14 The Terrace, Brunswick Heads www.mahashe.com @mahasheclothing

A FAMILY-FRIENDLY BYRON BAY NEW YEAR

Music, face-painting, dancing, street dining, and roving performers…

Byron Bay’s Soul Street is a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration.

‘Community is at the heart of the Soul Street festivities and I hope people of all ages step out on December 31 and enjoy a safe, welcoming and inclusive celebration’, Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye said.

Celebrations start at 4pm in Jonson Street with live music and children’s activities.

The Twilight Markets will be on in Railway Park, featuring local arts and crafts.

Entertainment on the main stage at Dening Park near the surf club will start at 6pm.

Much of the town centre is an alcohol-free zone and there will be a strong police presence.

More information about Soul Street 2024 is on Council’s website.

ALSTONVILLE’S FESTIVAL!

As the sun sets on 2024, join us for Alstonville’s highly anticipated New Year’s Eve Festival, a family-friendly celebration to welcome 2025 with joy and community spirit!

Starting at 4pm on December 31, the festival will offer delicious delights from food trucks, thrilling rides and live entertainment. The evening will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display at 9pm, lighting up the night sky.

This alcohol-free event ensures a safe, welcoming atmosphere for all ages. Entry is just $2 per person, with free admission for children under three. Mandatory bag searches will be conducted for everyone’s safety.

Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration – gather your loved ones and join us as we bid farewell to 2024 and ring in 2025!

www.alstonvilleshow.com

CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE AT BYRON’S TWILIGHT MARKET

End 2024 in true Byron style at the first ever New Year’s Eve Byron Twilight Market on Tuesday, December 31, from 4pm to 9pm at Railway Park

This special event will feature an evening of creativity, community and laid-back summer vibes, with local artisan stalls, gourmet street food and the soulful live music of Guy Kachel. Known for his heartfelt blend of folk, blues and country, Guy’s performance will set the perfect tone for the final sunset of the year.

Byron Markets Manager Carl Taylor says, ‘The New Year’s Eve Twilight Market is such a special way to gather, reflect and celebrate Byron’s vibrant spirit.’

For more details, visit www.byronmarkets.com.au.

RING IN 2025 AT BEACH HOTEL BYRON BAY

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style at The Beachy, where an unforgettable night of live music and good vibes awaits! Dance your way into the new year with an electrifying lineup of party bands: Vybez Band, Makka Band, Izaeah Marsh Band, and Animal Ventura. The energy doesn’t stop there - their talented DJs will keep the party going well past midnight.

Set against the iconic backdrop of Byron Bay, this is the ultimate way to toast to 2025. Gather your crew and grab your tickets now through Moshtix - this is one NYE celebration you won’t want to miss!

NYE at Beach Hotel, 1 Bay Street, Byron Bay Tickets via Moshtix

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stopquestioning.

~ Albert Einstein

BYRON ARTS & INDUSTRY ESTATE

2. GO TANGO

Have you ever wanted to learn the art of tango dance? Go Tango’s Byron studio offers weekly lessons, monthly courses and social events for all levels.

Move, smile and feel good. Tango is for everyone!  Bookings

1. HIVE BYRON BAY

Discover the buzz at Hive Byron Bay! This vibrant precinct is your go-to for delicious food, unique drinks, and exciting activities. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee before work, meeting colleagues for lunch, or unwinding after hours, Hive has it all. With trendy spots and new eateries opening soon, there’s always something fresh to explore. Experience Hive Byron Bay today!

92 Centennial Circuit hivebyronbay.com.au

essential - book online or contact Esther.

1/102-104 Centennial Circuit www.gotango.com.au  0431 130 456

3. McTAVISH SURFBOARDS

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

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

BYRON ARTS & INDUSTRY ESTATE

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

4. NORTH BYRON HOTEL

North Byron Hotel is a meeting place for friends and families to get together and indulge in sustainable Northern Rivers produce, and local musical talents. Showcasing the best of the rainbow region, the sun-drenched garden welcomes locals and holidaymakers for restaurant quality food at pub prices. Check out the website for a jam-packed events calendar, fit for the whole family.

61 Bayshore Drive 02 6685 6500 www.northbyronhotel.com.au

5. MR VINTAGE

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

3/6 Centennial Circuit 02 6680 8640 @mrvintageaustralia

6. BYRON BAY CAMPING AND DISPOSALS

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

1/1 Tasman Way www.byron-camping.com.au 0439 212 153

7.

Paradise Golf is Byron Bay’s ultimate indoor virtual golf bar, where fun meets the fairway! Experience top-tier simulators, play world-class courses, and perfect your swing – rain or shine. With a laid-back vibe, curated cocktails and delicious locally-made pizza, it’s the perfect spot for golfers and non-golfers alike. Swing into Paradise Golf and make every shot a hole-in-one!

88-94 Centennial Circuit www.paradisegolf.com.au

HABITAT PRECINCT

HABITAT

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

8. BYRON FAMILY LAW

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

18 Parkes Ave 02 6687 2774 www.byronfamilylaw.com.au

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

9. RICHARDSON MURRAY LAW

Practicing exclusively in family law, Richardson Murray offers legal advice and guidance in matters of separation, divorce, parenting arrangements and property settlements. With considerable experience in all matters of relationship breakdown, including domestic and family violence, Richardson Murray are known for their compassionate approach and commitment to clients. Their dedicated team aims to deliver the best possible outcomes for clients. 42 Parkes Avenue www.richardson-murray.law

10. ARCAA

Visit Arcaa to discover the latest resort collection of premium summer pieces. Timeless and versatile, the garments are crafted from sustainable, lightweight knitted fibres, featuring organic cotton and natural linen.

The store also offers a selection of accessories, jewellery, gifts, and lifestyle products.

Open Mon–Fri, 9.30am–4pm and Sat, 9am–3pm, or shop anytime by visiting the online store.

Shop 10, 1 Porter Street arcaamovement.co @arcaa_movement

PARADISE GOLF

23–31 December,

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

Eclectic Selection

Great gigs and hot nights are made for each other, and that’s what Thirsty Merc’s Electric Summer tour is all about. Fresh off a stack of soldout shows for the band’s ‘20 Good Years’ anniversary, Electric Summer promises fans an unforgettable live music experience. Audiences can expect a jam-packed setlist of hit songs and crowd singalongs, showcasing the unique charisma that has held Thirsty Merc at the forefront of antipodean touring for more than two decades.

Ballina RSL, 8pm on Saturday. Tickets from $51.50 at ballinarsl.com.au.

Turtle Boy are a funky 100 per cent live duo who have become very popular in the region in recent times with acoustic guitar looping, funky beats, big vocals and ripping sax solos, covering all the greats from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s to current acts, pub rock, and Oz rock.

Ballina RSL Boardwalk from 6pm on Tuesday. Free show.

ofsevendaysplus entertainment

What’s on this week

There’s nothing like a Boxing Day big giggle with MC Mandy Nolan, Steve Allison and Charlie Valentine, to get you past the fact that yesterday you probably ate too much food, and drank too many beers and wines, and now you just need to relax and laugh it all off before you head into the new year – this will be an incredibly funny event!

Thursday at the Ballina RSL from 7pm. Free show.

The ultimate party band to get you up and dancing – the Cath Simes Band packs in capacity audiences wherever they go, playing your favourite hits from the ‘60s right through to the current chart-toppers.

From 7.30pm at the Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads on Friday. Free show.

Luke Pauley is a refreshing singer-songwriter, painting with a broad stroke of genres. Pauley has an incredible vocal range reminiscent of Jeff Buckley and his passion for his craft is truly captivating to see.

Friday from 6pm at the Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club. Free show.

As a long-time resident of the region, Dr Baz established himself as a pioneer of the local music scene in the early ‘80s. Described as, ‘the Charles Bronson of swamp blues,’ by someone who ought to know better, Barry has fascinating music industry credits to his name. With a rich, deep voice Barry rocks electric and acoustic guitars with exciting flamenco skills. He also turns his hand to boogie and swing style piano.

Murwillumbah Services Club from 6pm on Saturday. Free show.

Soul’D has been a dynamic presence in the Northern NSW music scene for over almost 20 years. This 10-piece ensemble boasts an impressive lineup of musicians who are celebrated for authentically recreating the retro sound of the golden era of music – spanning rock ‘n’ roll, soul, funk, RnB, blues, and more. This is a captivating live music experience that will get you on the dance floor.

4pm at Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads on Sunday. Free show.

Hashimoto’s Cactus is a power psychedelic rock trio led by guitarist and vocalist Stephen Lovelight (Round Mountain Girls). Joining him are Michael Di Cecco on drums and Hans Lovejoy on bass. They play a mix of quirky bluesy originals and covers by the likes of Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Not prickly – nice.

Saturday from 8pm at The Rails, Byron Bay. Free show.

With starlight in your eyes

The Starlight Festival offers ancient wisdom for modern times. When many of us seek authentic connection and spiritual grounding, the upcoming Starlight Festival at the Bangalow A&I Hall promises a rare opportunity to step into sacred space and ancient wisdom. The four-day gathering will feature two remarkable spiritual leaders who have dedicated their lives to translating ancient practices into accessible wisdom for our times.

Festival director, Rosie Richards, says the festival represents a convergence of sacred traditions that our world desperately needs right now. ‘We’re not just creating an event – we’re cultivating a space where ancient wisdom can take root in modern times.’

The Festival will feature Kumu Pa’a Kawika Foster, a 51st-generation Hawaiian cultural teacher whose presence commands both respect and wonder. From the sacred Halawa Valley of Molokai, Foster carries forward an unbroken chain of spiritual knowledge that spans half a century of teachers. His 2016 elevation to Kumu Pa’a and Kumu Hula marked a personal achievement as the continuation of a powerful, ancient, living tradition. As a practitioner, Kawika’s mission is to help individuals understand the deeper way of thinking and living that his ancestors embraced – he offers insights on how to live in harmony with nature, the community, and the self.

Alongside Foster, the festival welcomes Patricio Lara Ainardi, whose journey spans from Chile to India. Known for blending musical artistry with spiritual healing, Ainardi brings over 25 years of experience as an independent musician and healer. His performances fuse global sounds like reggae, bossa nova and new Latin American songs with spiritual elements, creating transformative experiences that combine sound healing with ceremonial guidance.

Together these presenters offer festivalgoers a rare opportunity to experience two distinct spiritual practices. While Foster embodies the grounded wisdom of Hawaiian tradition, Ainardi represents the borderless nature of spiritual seeking.

Richards says, ‘When we witness Kumu Foster sharing ancient Hawaiian wisdom, or experience Patricio’s transcendent musical healing, we’re not just observers – we’re participants in the preservation and evolution of sacred traditions.’

Foster will lead sessions on Hawaiian cultural practices, including hula and traditional chants, while Ainardi will offer heart meditation, sound healing sessions, and musical performances that blend various global influences from rock and reggae to Latin American rhythms. Both presenters aim to help participants deepen their spiritual connections and find healing through ancient practices adapted for our times.

As our world grapples with major social, political and environmental challenges, the Starlight Festival gives participants a space to experience and integrate the enduring power of traditional wisdom. It reminds us that in an age of digital isolation, the old ways of connecting –through ceremony, music, and shared experience – remain as vital as ever.

The Starlight Festival takes place from January 2 to 5 at the A&I Hall and surrounds in Bangalow. Tickets are $35 on the door or online, two-for-one entry Thursday and Friday.More info at starlightfestival.com.au

KUMU PA’A KAWIKA FOSTER

Sing the Camino

is a facilitator and leader

Vintila has been both lucky, and privileged, to find her calling in life as a choir director. Choir directing deeply fulfills her. Her Raise the Roof singing communities nurture everyone in them, Jessie included. They nurture each other through the friendships naturally formed, and through the music they make together, which lifts them up, every time they meet.

Vintila’s love of sharing songs, and connecting fellow song lovers, is central to her life, and she is profoundly grateful for that. On her first Camino in 2013, Jessie, like countless modern pilgrims from all over the world, loved the many riches on offer. Treading ancestral footsteps, and connecting to her European heritage, to the land beneath her feet, and to her spirit. Connecting to fellow starry-eyed pilgrims, their hearts similarly, sweetly open. Connecting to new cultures, languages, food, and the beautiful replacement of life’s usual duties with the gift of simply walking, all day, refreshingly, restoratively purposeful. The purpose being to nourish body and soul.

But Jessie missed singing, because she is a singing endorphin addict. Singing for Vintila is like salt, or good stock, it is what life needs in it for her to experience life at its best. If there was a way to enrich the Camino’s beautiful melting pot experience, it was to add some generous dollops of ‘song stock’.

Two kinds of song stock were added, in cooking up the Sing the Camino recipe. Firstly, intimate afternoon concerts from local folkloric musicians, who through not only song, but also generously shared stories, dance and costume, connect us more deeply to the people, culture and history of the land we are traversing. Secondly, a daily dose of the delightful drug that is group harmony singing, songs easy enough to learn and sing together after long days on the track.

After many years running Sing the Camino on the most famous Camino route (which heads west across northern Spain) guests were asking for another one, so Jessie explored the lesser known Camino Portuguese (which heads north into Spain). This became a lovely opportunity to dive into fado, the iconic Portuguese folk music she had a longstanding fascination with. Fado is imbued with the uniquely Portuguese emotion saudade (akin to longing). Jessie is proud to say that after substantial live fado ‘research’, the best and most moving fadistas she’s come across are the ones sung on her trips. There is some space on the upcoming May 9-21 Sing the Camino Portuguese 2025 tour, and expressions of interest are also welcome for May 2026. www.singthecamino.com.

AROOP ROY COMES TO BILLINUDGEL

On Australia Day 2025 long weekend, the Sensory Blender delivers an exceptional line up of globally celebrated DJs to the Billinudgel Hotel.

Featured artist Aroop Roy (UK), is a globally-renowned producer, musician, and DJ. Aroop blends house, techno, jazz, and global rhythms into electrifying sets. His genredefying performances have captivated audiences at iconic venues like Fabric, Printworks, and Hi Ibiza. Seven caught up with Aroop Roy for a chat about the Billinudgel event.

It’s probably very hard to separate your many hats … do you see yourself foremost, as a producer, a musician, a DJ or as the head of the label?

I have a pretty holistic approach. I grew up playing in bands, singing in the choir and blagging my way in the orchestra on second violins – I constantly had the radio on and as I grew older, spent most of my weekends in record shops, seeing how far my newspaper-round money could stretch.

My productions often feature me playing bass, guitar, synths and sometimes vocals. A lot of the music I produce finds its way into my sets and most of my reworks and edits are produced with the dance floor in mind. One of the key motivations for DJing is sharing music with people. My label, Vive La Musique, is a labour of love, digging out lost sounds, or simply music which deserves a new audience. Here also, since the original tracks are not necessarily with the dance floor in mind, I usually produce and commission remixes, hoping people will be inspired to trace back to the original. So in a simple sentence – it’s all connected and impossible to separate!

What sets you apart from other DJs?

The way I mix together seemingly disparate sounds from a wide spectrum of cultures and generations seems to have made a particularly big impression on both dancers and DJs. While I am conscious of genres and the history of different scenes, I tend to think of tracks

on a raw musical level looking for things in common or complimentary elements. I do enjoy surprising people and since no part of my set is ever planned, I often surprise myself too! You might find me playing UK Garage at a disco event or blending New Order with an African tribal number – somehow it all makes sense!

Have you ever found a piece of music that made you feel like you dug up gold?

When I discovered some lost ‘80s tracks from South African bass player and composer – the late Sipho Gumede, I was really blown away. The combination of South African Zulu-jazz roots, modern boogie and infectious pop sensibility was both unique and breathtaking. It took me on a two-year journey of tracking down the original producer Greg Cutler, who had long left his career in music, and eventually reissuing the music on my label Vive La Musique. One track that particularly inspired listeners is ‘Jika Jika’ (under Sipho’s The Boogieman moniker) – it’s an audacious cover of Grandmaster Flash’s ‘The Message’ romping through the original elements with a super-funky South African twist. What will the punters at the Billinudgel hear that no one has heard before?

I have quite a collection of exclusive unreleased productions – both original tracks and reworks. I’m producing new music every week, so no doubt there will be several tunes getting their first dance floor airings! Are you having enough fun?

I do work very hard and take a lot of pride and care in what I do. But every now and again, I have to take a moment to appreciate what an incredible privilege it is to be able to share music I love and enjoy so many moments of joy with people around the world. So, yes, I’m having a lot of fun!

This special event promises a journey through diverse musical landscapes while supporting a vital local cause – Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital.Tickets from eventbrite.com.au/e/sensory-blender-presentsaroop-roy-uk-tickets-1108918257359?

Local choir director Jessie Vintila

on the Sing the Camino tours

CINEMA

This

film is A Real Pain

Sometimes you see a trailer that is so fascinating, and so alluring, that you just know you are going to have to watch the film at the cinema – on the day it comes out – even if that day is Boxing Day!

In his impressive second feature directorial endeavour, writer/director Jesse Eisenberg delivers A Real Pain, equal parts gut-punching drama and whip-smart comedy, with an award-winning screenplay that exudes humanity as it explores complicated familial relationships beset by intergenerational trauma.

Clever, funny and profoundly moving, this Sundance Film Festival award-winning dramedy follows two mismatched cousins, David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin), who reunite for a tour through Poland to honour their deceased grandmother and reconnect with their heritage. Their adventure takes a turn when the duo’s old tensions resurface against the backdrop of their family and World War II history.

Culkin dazzles in a career-best performance while co-starring alongside Eisenberg. The highly acclaimed actors make for a superb team, demonstrating deep empathy and understanding with mesmerising depictions of a wide range of complex emotions as the cousins grapple with the ways their lives have diverged while also trying to reconnect. While Benji’s irreverent charm only partially masks his deep inner melancholy, David’s frustration with and genuine love for his cousin is palpable.

A Real Pain blends an odd-couple buddy road trip with an, at times uncomfortable, yet relatable family drama that sensitively taps into the pain still felt by family of Holocaust survivors.

Screenings start Boxing Day at Palace Cinemas, Byron Bay.

In your car?

Jump onto BayFM at 99.9FM for the Shire’s own and only radio station. On your device?

Find us on your radio app, or go to the source at bayfm.org to listen live or to listen back via the Program Guide. Yep, you have options.

GIG GUIDE

WEDNESDAY 23

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, JAMEL BOUKABOU

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM KANE MUIR + SARAH GRANT TRIO

TUESDAY 24

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 8PM RAGGA JUMP

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM HARRY NICHOLS TRIO

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 7.30PM PUSH

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 8PM DJ KIRA SUNDAY & DJ ZAC EWING

BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK 6PM TURTLE BOY DUO

SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 5PM JASON DELPHIN

WEDNESDAY 25

NO SHOWS TODAY!!!

THURSDAY 26

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, THE HILLBILLY SKANK

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 1PM JEROME WILLIAMS + LISA HUNT + COSMO’S MIDNIGHT W/ HELLCAT SPEEDRACER

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4PM

LIVING IN THE 70S + DJ KIRBY

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 8PM KANE MUIR & THE HOWLERS

BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK 6PM

BROADWATERS DUO, LEVEL ONE 7PM BOXING DAY BIG GIG WITH MC MANDY NOLAN

– FEATURE: STEVE ALLISON + CHARLIE VALENTINE, LISMORE CITY BOWLO 7PM THE SUPPER CLUB

LENNOX HOTEL 8PM JAM NIGHT

FRIDAY 27

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, JB’S BLUES BREAKERS

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 5.30PM THE BAY COLLECTIVE + MR BELT & WEZOL

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 7.30PM

CATH SIMES BAND

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 8.30PM PINK ZINC AND SUPERCHEEZE

WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4.30PM DJ AFRODESIA

ST JOHN’S SCHOOL HALL, MULLUMBIMBY, 7.30PM

ECSTATIC DANCE MULLUM WITH DJ ISHWARA

MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 8PM KRAPEOKEEE WITH JESS

BALLINA RSL LEVEL ONE THE FERAMONES, BOARDWALK

6PM PINK ZINC DUO

CHERRY STREET SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, 7PM TIM STOKES

THE CHANNON TAVERN 7PM THE HOOCHERS

MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES

CLUB 6.30PM ROB BOSTOCK

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS

6PM LUKE PAULEY

SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 6PM ANDY JANS-BROWN

CLUB LENNOX 7PM ANDREW & MAL

COOLANGATTA HOTEL 8PM THIRSTY MERC

SATURDAY 28

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 8PM HASHIMOTO’S CACTUS

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 3PM MICKA SCENE DUO + BAG RAIDERS

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4.30PM

PISTOL WHIP + ZAC

HUBBARD + BEATDUSTA GOODIE

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 9PM WONGO, JOEY

TUCKSHOP, KIRA SUNDAY & REIF HAND

WANDANA BREWING CO.,

MULLUMBIMBY, 4.30PM DJ TAZ

BILLINUDGEL HOTEL 7PM COASTAL ROAD

CHERRY STREET SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, PINK ZINC

BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK 6PM LUKE YEAMAN, LEVEL ONE 8PM THIRSTY MERC

MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES

CLUB 6PM DR BAZ

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 6PM CINNAMON SUN + THE BLAKE EVANS BAND

SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 6PM TAHLIA MATHESON

CLUB LENNOX 7PM CHILDREN OF BOB

SUNDAY 29

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, MARSHALL OKELL BAND

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 1.30PM DAVIE MCCREDIE + SUNNY LUWE

HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4PM SOUL’D + CALLUM CREELMAN

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

OCEAN SHORES COUNTRY CLUB 3PM OPEN MIC WITH DR BAZ

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

WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 3.30PM DJ JAX

BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK 2.30PM BALLINA BLUES CLUB FEAT FBI WITH GUEST LOUIS MULLER

THE CHANNON TAVERN 3PM ANGEL & ALI

SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 1PM LEIGH JAMES

KINGSCLIFF SURF CLUB 3.30PM JON J BRADLEY

CLUB LENNOX 4PM ISAAC FRANKHAM

MONDAY 30

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, HAYLEY GRACE & THE BAY COLLECTIVE

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 3PM ISAAC FRANKHAM + KINGSWOOD HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM OLLIE TWOHILL

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 8.30PM ISAAC FRANKHAM + DJ BILLY BAILEY

9:00PM ANORA (MA15+) NFT Daily except Tues: 10:30AM, 11:50AM, 2:40PM, 5:30PM, 6:00PM, 8:00PM, 8:40PM. Tues: 10:30AM, 11:50AM, 2:40PM, 5:30PM, 8:00PM, 8:40PM BETTER MAN (MA15+) NFT Daily : 9:45AM, 12:30PM, 4:00PM, 5:10PM, 6:15PM, 8:00PM GLADIATOR II (MA15+) Daily : 8:15PM HERETIC (MA15+) Daily: 8:45PM PARTHENOPE (CTC) Daily: 10:15AM, 12:50PM, 3:15PM, 6:00PM THE ROOM NEXT DOOR (M) NFT Daily : 9:45AM, 1:00PM, 3:40PM, 6:00PM, 8:45PM WICKED (PG) Thurs, Sat, Mon, Tues: 9:45AM, 2:45PM, 8:15PM. Fri: 9:45AM, 2:45PM. Sun: 9:45AM, 8:15PM WICKED: SING-ALONG VERSION (PG) Fri: 8:15PM. Sun: 2:45

TUESDAY 31

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, THE WHISKEYS & PINK ZINC HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM RAGGA JUMP + DJ KIRBY

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM KANE MUIR, MARSHALL OKELL, DUELING PIANO RESIDENTS, + DJ DANNY B

OCEAN SHORES TAVERN 8PM NYE TIKI PARTY FT DJ LAINIE GODIVA

BILLINUDGEL HOTEL 6PM HAYLEY GRACE & THE BAY COLLECTIVE

BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK 6PM TURTLE BOY DUO, LEVEL ONE 9PM DJ SCRADLEY & PERCUSSION

CHERRY STREET SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, 8PM LISA HUNT THE CHANNON TAVERN 6.30PM THE FUNNY GOATS BAND + DJ THE WHO’S WHO UKI HALL 3PM THE BUSH DOCTAS, ROSIE MISCHIEF, LADI ABUNDANCE, RUSS

PALACE BYRON

BALLINA FAIR CINEMAS

ECHO CLASSIFIEDS – 6684 1777

CLASSIFIED AD BOOKINGS

PHONE ADS

Ads may be taken by phone on 6684 1777

AT THE ECHO HEAD OFFICE

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

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

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

DEADLINE TUES 12PM

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

RATES & PAYMENT

LINE ADS:

$17.00 for the first two lines

$5 .00 for each extra line

$17 for two lines is the minimum charge.

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

These prices include GST. Cash, cheque, Mastercard or Visa Prepayment is required for all ads.

PUBLIC NOTICES

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

Exciting Opportunity - General Practitioner

We have an exciting opportunity for a local Fellowed General Practitioner to join our experienced doctors and nurses in a supportive and dynamic team environment. With a new outlook for 2025, we are looking for a progressive thinking GP at our health hub in Byron Bay.

The Practice

North Coast Medical Centre (NCMC) is a long-standing Byron practice, known for its integrative and multidisciplinary approach to quality health care delivery within this iconic beachside community. NCMC provides a boutique space in aesthetic, culture and patient experience. It’s well-appointed facilities create a relaxed environment for both practitioner and patient.

Open 5 days a week, Monday to Friday from 08.30am – 5.00pm

• A brains trust of General Practitioners, Allied Health and Nurses

• Flexible working arrangements

• Best Practice software

• Mixed billing

• Online bookings with HotDoc

The Location

24 Shirley Street, Byron Bay

The Advantage

• Be part of a progressive team

• Regular multidisciplinary meetings

• Transparent and ethical values

• A fun, supportive work environment

• Excellent work life balance

• Rapid growth of your own patient cohort

Apply Now

Whether you are a recently qualified VR GP looking for your next move, or a fellow GP wanting to work with a progressive team, this exceptional opportunity should not be missed.

For a confidential discussion and to book a time to visit the practice, please call the Practice Manager.

02 6685 8666

info@northcoastmedicalcentre.com.au

BIRTHDAYS

Community at Work Classifieds

Dog Rescue (CAWI)

J E SS JESS

H A R L E Y HARLEY

Harley is a 5 month old, Schipperke

He is a real little character, 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/adoptionexpression-of-interest/

Visit

TILLY

her own mind! She likes to be patted and stroked but will tell you when she’s had enough. She loves to sit and look out of the window and would be a very interesting companion. Tilly would love to find her forever home before Christmas! Microchip no. 953010004365538.

4thSUN

4thSUN

On The Horizon

DEADLINE NOON FRIDAY

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

Life and death

A Death Cafe is being held on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 10.30am at The Gallery Cafe, Cherry Street, Ballina. A Death Cafe is an opportunity to have a discussion about death and dying in a safe and respectful space. The object is to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives.

A Death Cafe is not bereavement support or grief counselling and there are no agendas. Death Cafes will be held the first Saturday of each month. For further information and/ or to register attendance please email kerrymj@ymail.com.

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 to 8.30pm at Byron Services Club, 132 Jonson Street, Byron Bay. For more information

email Tamra @temcmahon15@ outlook.com.

Guided walk

Explore the Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens with a guided walk for one hour Learn how the volunteerrun gardens has developed since the 1990s on Sunday, December 29 at 9.30am. Adults $5, children free. Bookings essential, email: publicity@ friendslrbg.com.au. Join us for morning tea after the walk. Gold coin donation appreciated. Wear sturdy shoes, hat, and bring your water bottle.

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).

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.

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 cool-down. 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

Regular As Clockwork DEADLINE NOON FRIDAY

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

Mullumbimby District

Neighbourhood Centre

Mullumbimby & District

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

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

Financial counselling

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

Gulganii affordable pantry shop: located at 3 Bridgeland Lane. Orange Sky: free laundry service Mon morning & Wed afternoon. To enquire about accessing any of these services call reception 6684 1286, check our website www.mdnc.org.au, or follow us on Facebook or Instagram. @ mullumbimbyneighbourhoodcentre.

Byron Community

The Byron Community Centre provides community services and programs including meals, advocacy and counselling for locals in need. Fletcher Street Cottage: A welcoming, safe and respectful space where people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness can come to enjoy practical relief opportunities, find connections and

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.

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.

access broader support. Fletcher Street Cottage services are open Tuesday–Friday; breakfast 7am–9am; showers and laundry 7am–12pm; office support 9am–12pm. Individual support appointments with community workers and specialist services available please book on (02) 6685 7830. Fletcher Street Cottage, 18 Fletcher St, Byron Bay. More info: www. fletcherstreetcottage.com.au. Byron Seniors Club: www.byronseniors.com. au. More info on Community Services: www.byroncentre.com.au Phone: (02) 6685 6807.

Low-cost or free food

Food Box Thursdays 9.30–11.30am at Uniting Church, Mullumbimby. You may purchase cheap food, obtain free veges, and enjoy a cuppa. The Hub Baptist Church in Ocean Shores has food relief available for anyone doing it tough, please contact us on 0434 677747 if you find yourself doing it tough. No ID or Concession Card required. NILs referral service also available. Check Facebook page The Hub Baptist Ocean Shores for details. Liberation Larder Takeaway lunches and groceries Monday and Thursday 12 till 1pm. Fletcher Street end of the Byron Community Centre.

Respite Service

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

Alateen meeting

Alateen meeting every Thursday at 5–6pm. Do you have a parent, close

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.

VIGILANT SINCE 1986

A new era for Byron commercial development

3–5 Boronia Place, Byron Bay

In the heart of Byron Bay’s vibrant Arts and Industry Estate, 3 Boronia Place offers an exceptional opportunity for both investors and owner-occupiers seeking a versatile and modern commercial space. The development stands on the former site of the iconic Bells Ice Factory, a location rich in industrial history, now reimagined to meet the demands of today’s businesses.

The site’s transformation into 16 innovative, multi-use warehouse units represents a significant step forward in the evolution of Byron’s commercial infrastructure. With the first two units already sold, it’s clear that this development is resonating with those who seek both functionality and flexibility in a prime location.

Each unit is meticulously designed with the modern business in mind. Featuring innovative floorplans, these units are built to maximise both space and efficiency. With internal clearances of 4.2 meters, high ceilings provide ample room for both storage and operational functions, while the inclusion of two dedicated car spaces per unit ensures that convenience and accessibility are prioritised.

Select units (7-16) offer additional mid-level storage—an ideal feature for businesses that need to keep inventory or equipment out of the way, but easily accessible. Every unit also boasts a 2.7-meter high, air-conditioned first floor, a highly desirable feature in the local climate, offering a comfortable environment for office spaces, meeting rooms, or other business-related activities.

The modern kitchenettes and two bathrooms in each unit further add to the functionality of these spaces, making them fully equipped for dayto-day operations.

At the heart of the development is the seamless integration of technology and infrastructure.

Each unit is equipped with threephase power and data-enabled connectivity, providing the foundation for businesses to operate efficiently in today’s fast-paced digital world. Whether you’re running a tech start-up, a design studio, or a trades business, these spaces are designed to support your business’s growth and success.

In addition to their functional design, the units are positioned in a prime location that is both accessible and connected. Situated just minutes

from the motorway and the centre of Byron, the development offers easy access to local transport networks, which is essential for businesses looking to attract customers and suppliers from both near and far. With the first two units already sold, 3 Boronia Place is proving to be an attractive prospect for those looking to invest in a growing

commercial market. The combination of modern design, flexible spaces, and a prime location positions this development as one of the most exciting opportunities for business owners and investors in Byron Bay.

Whether you’re an owner-occupier seeking a tailored space for your business, or an investor looking to capitalise on a sought-after commercial

BYRON BAY ACCOM

asset, 3 Boronia Place provides a unique opportunity to secure a piece of Byron Bay’s dynamic industrial and creative heart.

Address: 3–5 Boronia Place, Byron Bay Arts & Industry Estate Agent: Luke Elwin 0421 375 635 First National Byron www.byronbayfn.com

Specialists for over 20 years!

Reasons to List your Holiday Property with Byron Bay Accom

•We are locally owned and run

•Licenced real estate agency with fully qualified staff

•Database of over 30,000 guests with strong repeat bookings

•Work with you to maximise the profit on your investment

•Trusted systems, regular property inspections, a great team of contractors

•Knowledgeable about our holiday property portfolio and Byron Bay!

Our team genuinely loves what we do – check us out on google reviews

What our clients say…

“Byron Coastal and Cheryl and Luana have been managing my Byron property for well over a decade. They work with me to maximise income and keep the property in top condition for our tenants. I thoroughly recommend them!”

Don Johnson, Calinda Sol.

The team at First National Byron would like to thank all our clients who trust us to buy and sell their homes. Thank you to our suppliers, our hardworking trades people, our committed cleaners and gardeners. Thank you to this wonderful community who continue to support us year after year. FROM THE FIRST NATIONAL BYRON FAMILY TO YOURS, WE WISH EVERYONE A MERRY CHRISTMAS, AND A SAFE, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL 2025!

This holiday season, we thank you for your continued support and look forward to helping more of our community in the year ahead. From our MANA family to yours, we extend warm wishes for a joyous Christmas season. May 2025 bring new opportunities, new beginnings and continued success for us all. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

• 80.11 ha (200.275 acres) in 2 lots on one title

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Mooball in the Northern Rivers, “Benwerrin” is not just a property; it’s a cherished piece of family history, lovingly nurtured over three generations.

•2 Rd access Pottsville Rd & Tweed Valley Way & NR Rail

•Zoned RU1 Primary Production and RU2 Rural Landscape

•Two 4 Bed, 2 Bath, 2 Car homes with incredible views

•7 paddocks, new fencing, yards, sealed road access

•Multiple machinery/hay sheds and workshops 196

30 Balemo Drive, Ocean Shores

Step into serenity and tee off from your back door!

3 Bed | 2 Bath | 2 Car | 930m2

This property generates income from a sharefarm agreement, tenant arrangement, and beef cattle farming, while also offering potential for additional accommodation or commercial opportunities. This is your chance to embrace a truly special lifestyle in an incredible location.

081 118

of Interests Close 27th November 4pm

Julie-Ann Manahan

392 Middle Pocket Road, Middle Pocket

5 Bed | 2 Bath | 6 Car | 10.9 HA

Classic Federation charm meets modern comfort.

Central Park Lane, Casuarina

This

Elevated Retreat with Breathtaking Views in Mullumbimby

18 Cockatoo Crescent, Mullumbimby.

Let your eyes wander across endless vistas from ever y corner of this remarkable home, where each moment is accentuated by stunning views that make this property truly unique and unforgettable. Looking straight onto Mt Chincogan, with Wollumbin in the distance.

This amazing home is nestled on a quiet, tree-lined street and welcomes you with a sense of character and style that instantly feels like the dream home you’ve been searching for. Inside, the warmth of the gorgeous timberstyle flooring sets the tone, flowing effortlessly throughout the generously proportioned light filled living spaces, with high ceilings throughout.

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

Generous three bedroom, office and two bathroom layout upstairs

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

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

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

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

Eco-friendly living with a premium solar system and water tank

Idan Gonen

Licensed Real Estate Agent

M: 0482 553 050

E: Idan@nclp.com.au

W: nclp.com.au

TEAM GUDGEON

• 1012m house and land package.

• DA approved two-lot subdivision between Charles St and Queen Ln.

• Expressions of interest taken for 500m land-only option.

• Zoned R3 Medium Density.

Property Business Directory

Property Business Directory

Backlash

Apologies to Zenith and her crew for getting their name wrong on page 2 last week – it was the Byron Bay Hula/Mana Aloha Troupe who performed at the recent Liberation Larder end-of-year gathering.

NSW Labor ‘will commence a music festival-based pill testing trial in early 2025, to reduce risks and harms associated with illicit drug use’. About time! Except it’s not in time for summer, which is when most festivals are held. It’s a still a win for sanity and against the needless deaths of young people.See page 15.

Lismore councillor Big Rob and his supporters got their way by knocking back a rescission motion – the

CSG and nuclear-free zone signs on the edge of town are to be removed. The signs say 87 per cent voted ‘no’ to CSG. Those who voted to remove the signs were councillors Gordon, Hall, Battista, Rob, Bing and Mayor Krieg. See page 8.

There are changes to parking and new signage to protect Marshalls Creek foreshore. Council staff say, ‘“No parking” areas along the foreshore of Marshalls Creek at New Brighton have been extended to protect the area from further erosion’.

Vale, Michael Leunig, a national treasure of Australian culture. His family wrote upon his death, ‘The

pen has run dry, its ink no longer flowing – yet Mr. Curly and his ducks will remain etched in our hearts, cherished and eternal’.

Tweet by US senator Bernie Sanders: ‘Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, is threatening to unseat elected officials if they do not follow his orders to shut down the government during the holidays. Are we still a democracy, or have we already moved to oligarchy and authoritarianism?’

‘The Albanese government approved a batch of four coal mines on Thursday’, reports www. reneweconomy.com.au, ‘including a super-emitting mine that could

almost crash the Safeguard Mechanism’. See page 10

The Guardian reports, ‘California officials have declared a state of emergency over the spread of bird flu, which is tearing through dairy cows in the state and causing sporadic illnesses in people in the US’.

Heard of Autobesity? [noun] – it’s the alarming growth of private cars in height, width, length and weight at the expense of public space, the environment, street quality and overall safety.

Pointed out on the Twitter/X alternative, Bluesky: ‘AGL made a profit of $824 million from $13,583 million

a look back over the

revenue in the 2023–24 financial year (source: AGL annual report). A fine of $25 million is equivalent to a worker with a gross income of $60,000 a year getting a $110 fine. Such a fine is just a business cost, not a deterrent’.

Wildlife patient numbers are surging, says Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital vet, Dr Bree Talbot. She says, ‘We’ve seen almost 3,000 patients in 2024, including many species threatened with extinction. We’ve treated almost 8,500 animals since we opened.’ The hospital is seeking financial support from philanthropic foundations and corporates to establish a trust – visit www.byronbaywildlifehospital.org for more info.

Blocked drain specialist

Latest technology and equipment for locating, eliminating and repairing

CCTV camera and locators, high pressure jet rodder and electric eel

1.7t excavator and 3m tipper truck

Sewer and Septic Systems installations and servicing

12 month guaranteeon most jobs

Local, Family owned and operated

Take

year, as captured by Echo photographers Jeffrey Dawson and Eve Jeffery. ▶ More photos on pages 18 & 19