The Byron Shire Echo – Issue 39.30 – January 1, 2025

Home invasions, thefts continue around region

Asixteen-year-old boy will appear in children’s court on January 10, charged with offences related to an alleged home invasion and car theft at Lennox Head early Friday morning.

Police say three unknown people allegedly entered a home on Gibbon Street and threatened the occupants, two men aged 36 and 37, with a knife.

They are accused of demanding keys to two cars parked at the property, and then stealing them.

A police chase led to Casino, where the occupants of both cars allegedly fled on foot. Police say the two vehicles have been seized for forensic examination and that investigations led to the arrest of the boy.

Byron break and enter

Meanwhile, residents around Byron Bay continue to report on social media that break and enters are continuing.

Belongil Crescent resident Anna Ockert confirmed her online post with The Echo, in which she says her husband woke to two men in their bedroom at 2.40am on Saturday, December 28.

‘They took house keys, car keys and his wallet. They then tried to steal our car’, she says.

‘Gates, security lights and a locked house didn’t stop them’.

‘We were very grateful to the two police cars that were here in five minutes, and that our family are safe. [It was] horrific that we felt it was a matter of time, as our two

▶ Continued on page 3

Mia Armitage

As reported last week, local tourism operators running hotels and motels have been accused of charging the state government higher rates to accommodate some of the most vulnerable people in the state in the lead-up to Christmas.

NSW Housing Minister Rose Jackson (Labor) said she was pleased to advise that one of her

department’s commercial providers in the Byron Shire had agreed to negotiate their rates, which will mean those seeking temporary accommodation in Byron Shire will be sheltered over Christmas.

Bookings continue

Minister Jackson said, ‘Based on this new rate, Homes NSW will continue to undertake bookings with them’.

‘All current clients will remain

until a longer-term housing option is identified.’

Previously, NSW Housing and Homelessness Minister Rose Jackson said the government was no longer prepared to let private business operators rip off taxpayers and exploit a declared housing crisis.

‘In some cases hotel owners were charging the NSW government substantially more than what they are charging tourists,’ she said. ‘This is not acceptable to me or

2025 beach party!

accused of overcharging taxpayers to shelter the needy

anyone in our community’.

The minister’s comments come in response to a Byron Shire Council media release last week in relation to an alleged loss of temporary housing providers in the Shire.

Anna Lockwood, of the Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration Byron Shire, was also quoted in Council’s release, saying less than two per cent of local housing stock was social housing.

on page 3

From Sydney to Byron Bay – Anna, Jude, Heli and David were just one small drop in the chilled masses on Byron Bay’s Main Beach. Like many visitors to the area, they were heading to Soul Street in Byron for a big night out. Photo Eve Jeffery

Beach rescue rewarded

Paul Bibby

A local teenage surfer has prevented a potential tragedy at South Golden Beach by rescuing two people from a treacherous rip.

Teo Martin, a well-known member of the surf community in the Shire’s north, has suddenly found himself thrust into the limelight after the December 17 incident, which has received national media attention.

The 14-year-old was out surfing when his friends began frantically gesturing for him to come in.

‘They were waving me, and I thought they’d seen a shark or something,’ Teo told the ABC. ‘I paddled in and they told me [our friend was] drowning.’

The youth paddled out to the ailing swimmer and managed to get him back to shore with the aid of his surfboard.

But the rescue didn’t end there. A passerby, fellow local Sam Taylor, had dived into the surf in a bid to save the same person, but had become caught in the rip himself.

‘I reached the kid and was with him for about three or four seconds and the water just pulled us apart,’ Mr

brand new

local

Taylor, 38, told the ABC.

‘I just felt like a ping pong ball, just back and forth in between the rip and waves breaking on my head.’

Teo paddled back out and managed to rescue Mr Taylor as well, bringing him safely back to shore.

As paramedics arrived, Teo had already returned to the water, spending the next two hours ripping it up in the surf. It was only through some social media call outs over the following days that Mr Taylor and his wife managed to find the young man so they could thank him.

After eventually tracking Teo down, Mr Taylor and his wife bought him the best gift

Fire engulfs auto shop

a young ripper can have – a brand new board.

‘Literally, without Teo I’d be dead – so, honestly, I don’t think I can do enough to thank him and even [his parents] for raising such a great kid with a big heart,’ Mr Taylor said.

The rescue has been held up as a salient warning for swimmers and potential rescuers alike.

Surf Life Saving NSW said the incident was a timely reminder to only swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled locations, and to immediately call triple zero if someone is in trouble, rather than diving straight in to get them.

Dr Heyning recognised for service

Each year, the Australian Rural Doctors network recognises rural GPs who have achieved 35 plus years of service to remote, rural and regional communities in NSW.

Local GP, Dr Marc Heyning, was presented with this award for recognition of his service to the township of Brunswick Heads and surrounding areas.

The cause of a Mullumbimby fire that destroyed a local business premises on Friday evening was still under investigation Monday morning, police said.

The blaze took thirty firefighters two hours to get under control, a Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) spokesman said, with some concerns about the exposure

of cylinders requiring extra attention. Volunteers from local Rural Fire Service brigades fought the fire alongside paid workers for FRNSW.

The fire was reported in the premises of local business, Mullumbimby Automotive on Tincogan Street in the town’s centre, at 5.58pm Friday.

The area was declared a crime scene overnight until police forensic detectives

arrived Saturday morning, a Tweed Byron Police District duty officer said.

While the single-level auto mechanic’s shop is reportedly destroyed, neighbouring businesses escaped damage, FRNSW said.

There were no evacuations required and nobody was physically hurt in the fire.

A phone number for the impacted business was disconnected Monday morning.

New housing authority gives developers more powers

provide affordable housing’.

The HDA is a new state-led approval pathway aimed at reducing approval timelines for major residential housing projects across NSW.

Dr Heyning commenced work at Brunswick Heads Medical Centre in 1988, and has been the principal GP there for 37 years.

In 2023, Dr Heyning received a Distinguished Service Award from the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine.

He now continues to provide service to the community as one of the few doctors in the Northern Rivers who provides obstetrics care and counselling and medical advice for Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD).

Dr Marc Heyning. Photo supplied

The peak body representing NSW councils says the latest housing reforms by the NSW government will increase the powers of developers while reducing the ability of councils to have a say on local planning matters.

In a media statement, Local Government NSW (LGNSW) says the eligibility criteria for the new Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) has ‘generously presented developers with the freedom to exceed development standards by up to 20 per cent, giving greater opportunities for profit-driven land banking, and no mandated requirement to meaningfully

According to planning. nsw.gov.au, projects with an estimated development cost of approximately $30 million or more in regional NSW will be eligible.

The government says developers can now choose between the existing regionally significant development pathway (assessed by councils and determined by planning panels) or the new HDA pathway for major residential developments.

Yet LGNSW says the HDA ‘will further weaken the role of community-led strategic planning, while doing nothing to address real barriers to housing delivery, such as land banking, skills and labour shortages and soaring costs of materials and labour’.

LGNSW President Cr Darriea Turley AM said, ‘The new three-person HDA will be receiving EOIs from large developers, and recommending these bypass councils and instead progress through state assessment and ministerial determination’. She added that, ‘There is nothing in the planning system to compel them to build’.

Just reward:

teenager Teo Martin (left) receives a

surfboard from fellow local Sam Taylor (right) whom he rescued at South Golden Beach on December 17. Image supplied

Mullumbimby Automotive was gutted by fire on Friday. Fire crews managed to contain the blaze. Photo Fire & Rescue NSW

Mia Armitage

Vale Marty Mayberry

Aslan Shand

Silver medal Paralympian, and doctor, Marty Mayberry, passed away at his home in Brisbane on December 18, 2024.

He was aged 38.

Marty was a man who had met many challenges in his life, and his father Paul said he is ‘very proud of how he handled adversity’.

Born in Byron Bay, Marty attended both Byron Primary School and Byron High School.

However, at 16 years old, Marty contracted meningococcal disease and beat the one-in-ten survival odds.

Having skied since he was five years old, having both his legs amputated below the knee did not keep him down, and he was back on the slopes within a year.

Within two years of becoming a double belowthe-knee amputee, he was competing in skiing and he

went on to compete in two Paralympics.

During the six years he was a competitive skier, Marty completed a health science degree at Griffith University.

2020 silver medal

In 2010, Marty won the silver medal at the Vancouver Winter Paralympics in downhill and was ranked second in the world in the downhill standing class.

Following this success, Marty retired from the sport

and started his medical degree at Sydney University.

In 2023, Marty was one of the first inductees into the Griffith University Sports Hall of Fame.

‘Marty was a great alpine skier and an even better doctor,’ said Paul.

Marty was continuing his speciality training in rehabilitation when he died and will be greatly missed by the medical community.

‘Wherever he went from Ballina Hospital, to John Flynn Hospital, to the Queensland Rehabilitation Services while he was doing his training they all asked him to come back when he was qualified,’ Paul explained.

Marty will be greatly missed by his family and his two sons Hugo, ten and Finn, eight who were the centre of his life.

There will be a memorial service for Marty in Brisbane in early February.

Lighthouse upgrade to include cycleway

Paul Bibby

One of the Shire’s biggest tourist attractions is set to get a significant upgrade, with the addition of a shared pedestrian and cycleway up to the Byron Lighthouse.

For years, locals have watched with brows creased in concern as visitors elected to walk or jog to and from the lighthouse along Lighthouse Road.

The absence of a designated footpath for most of this stretch forced these pedestrians to walk along the road or shoulder for much of the journey, and to cross dangerously in front of traffic at multiple points.

Now, Byron Shire Council has endorsed plans for an 850m shared pedestrian and cycle path stretching from Brooke Rd up to the

lighthouse precinct near the Tallows lookout.

Running through the picturesque Walgun State Byron Conservation Area, the shared path will include three new pedestrian crossings.

There will also be new signage and line markings, and the speed limit for cars travelling on Lighthouse Road will be reduced from 50km/hr to 30km/hr to facilitate safe crossing for pedestrians.

Get Active grant

Council has applied for a ‘Get Active NSW’ grant to fund the project, the cost of which is expected to extend well into the millions.

It applied for the same grant to fund the project last financial year, but was unsuccessful, and has made changes to the new

Tourism operators accused of overcharging taxpayers

▶ Continued from page 1

Mayor Sarah Ndiaye told Bay FM that Council was willing to be ‘flexible and try to make things work in these difficult circumstances’.

‘We’ve done that before,’ she said, explaining that a backpackers was used for that purpose while it

application based on feedback from Transport for NSW.

Council has also made an application for ‘Get Active NSW’ funding to help it pay for a shared bike and pedestrian path on the main street of Bangalow.

Works will include the construction of a 2.5m wide concrete path with associated drainage, landscaping, crossings, signs, lines and retaining walls.

The existing handrail on the pedestrian bridge over Byron Creek will be replaced with a bike-safe full barrier fence.

The results of these funding applications should be known in the first quarter of the new year.

The new look Carsburgs unveiled

After many months of being under wraps – with what seemed like endless renovations –the new Carsburgs petrol station has been revealed at the entrance to Mullumbimby.

It features a retro vibe with lights, fresh paint and new pumps. Owner Brenden Lawless says he wanted to keep the Carsburg name in honour of the family who had operated the mechanics, Holden dealership and petrol station at the site for over four decades.

‘It made sense to keep

the name given the history,’ he said.

‘I was grateful that former owner Tony said yes to keeping the name’.

And why wouldn’t he?

Tony and his family were at the ribbon-cutting ceremony last Monday, and Tony was brimming with enthusiasm and excitement that the family name remained on the building.

He told The Echo he loved the renovations and it was a very special day for him and the family.

After his retirement, Tony

Carsburg had supported and sponsored numerous local sporting groups, schools and service clubs, and was regarded as one of the Shire’s most generous business owners when it came to sponsoring community events. 1940s style

Brenden told The Echo, ‘I wanted it to look as muscular as possible, like an authentic 1940s petrol station, so that when you pass by, you have a sense of nostalgia – it’s different to your standard modern petrol stations’.

Home invasions, thefts continue around region

▶ Continued from page 1

immediate neighbours have just been broken into this year too’.

Ms Ockert wrote, ‘Please [local MP] Justine Elliot, we need more police!’

‘They are doing an amazing job, but we need many more of them. They need more staff so they can have the capacity to patrol the streets at night.’

Mrs Elliot replied to Ms

Ockert on social media, saying, ‘This is really terrible to hear. We just had 17 new police announced for our area, but I am pushing to get more resources and personnel here’.

Mrs Elliot said, ‘I also strongly support youth offender laws that the NSW government has recently brought in, and the introduction of Jack’s Law to address knife crime’.

was waiting for its DA to go through. ‘We had 25 or 26 units being occupied there one year, when we hit this critical time of Christmas’.

‘We worked with one of the show grounds and got some glamping tents and provided some accommodation.’

Tony Carsburg with son Damien, Tony’s wife Nerida, and new Carsburgs owner, Brenden Lawless, behind the wheel of James Dodds’ T’bird. Photo Jeff ‘Triple Hemi’ Dawson

Marty Mayberry

Gardens enhanced by new shelter

Designer and builder, Chris Kinzel, with Tescha Beaumont and Ruby Star at the new covered space at the Mullum Community Gardens. Photo Jeff ‘Garden Statues’ Dawson

There’s a new covered space within the expansive Mullum Community Gardens.

Called the Lily Pad, or Food Forest stage, it was designed and built by Chris Kinzel to provide the public with a sun/rain shelter for picnicking or

casual gathering. It can also serve as a soundshell stage venue for music or speaking.

Golden mean ellipse

The design incorporates two golden mean ellipses, as floor and roof.

The overhead curvature is subtle for the eyes to behold, and creates gentle, natural acoustic amplification.

The project was commissioned by Jeanette Martin and funded by a NSW grant that was submitted by Tescha Beaumont.

Christmas Lunch feeds the needy

need.

in conjunction with

on this much-appreciated Christmas Day lunch each year. It is also supported

Bidfood Australia, Coca-Cola, Coastal Fresh, Michael’s Seafood, PFD Food Services and

Fruit & Vegetable Wholesale. Photo Jeff ‘Green On The Outside And Always Read’ Dawson

Bangalow slated for 10% increase by 2035

Paul Bibby

Bruns under the lens and brush

The latest projected population and housing density figures for four of Byron Shire’s largest villages have been released, with statistics painting a picture of growth patterns over the next decade.

Released by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment just before Christmas, the figures show that NSW will be home to an extra one million people by 2035. And while Byron Shire will not be among the fastest-growing parts of the state (that’s Sydney, Shoalhaven and Maitland in case you’re interested), we will definitely be taking on our fair share of the additional humans.

Somewhat surprisingly, it is Bangalow that will witness the Shire’s biggest population increase over the next decade, according to the figures.

The once-sleepy town and its surrounds is predicted to experience a ten

per cent population increase by 2035, bringing its total horde to 7,757.

The next-fastest-growing town will be Byron Bay and surrounds, which will apparently see a seven per cent increase in population, bringing its total population to 11,812. Density will also increase in the Bay, with each square kilometre there hosting 297 people – a seven per cent increase that will make it far and away the most crowded town in the Shire.

Next on the population growth list will be Mullumbimby and surrounds, whose population will increase by 5.5 per cent over the next decade to 9,478.

The 500-plus new folk coming into this part of the Shire will cause its population density to increase by six per cent to a still-modest 35 people per square kilometre.

Lagging at the back of the race (or the front if you’d prefer your town to stay its

present size!) is Brunswick Heads/Ocean Shores (a conglomeration created by the department for statistical purposes). These two towns will become home to a combined total of 500 new residents over the next ten years, a five per cent increase which will bring their total population to 9,718 residents.

The combined density of the towns will also increase by five per cent, bringing it to 178 people per square kilometre.

The department is using the figures to support its argument in favour of increasing low- and mid-rise housing across regional NSW. It says that, despite the increased demand, the supply of new homes across the state is declining.

Residential approvals have reportedly fallen since mid-2021, as the shortage of construction materials, limited market feasibility, and rising interest rates kicked in.

Photographer Mark Seiffert and painter Blairo will hang their work in an exhibition called ‘A Brush with a Lens–Bruns in Technicolour.’ The exhibition is an exploration of the many intriguing faces and landscapes of Brunswick Heads. Opening night is January 15 at 6pm, and it will run until January 22 at the Cosmosis Gallery, located at 22 Brigantine Street, Byron Arts & Industry Estate. Photo Jeff ‘Getting The Picture After All These Years’ Dawson

Shona, Steve, Gordon, Claudia and Anne Marie help serve the delicious Fishheads Christmas Lunch for those in

Fishheads,

Liberation Larder, put

by

Pirlos –

Santos Organics is proud to announce the 2024 recipients of their Grow the Growers project.

In a statement, Santos Organics management said, ‘With this year’s funding received from Ingrained Foundation, a further six small-scale organic farms in the Northern Rivers will be able to start the process of transitioning their farms to certified organic’.

‘The Grow the Growers project also offers an opportunity for farmers to network and learn together as they work towards establishing commercial viability through the sale of their “organic in-conversion” produce including at Santos Organics stores.

‘This year’s recipients use a range of farming and land management techniques, including permaculture, regenerative market gardens, and syntropic agroforestry.

in the future of food production, food security, and environmental stewardship.

‘This project acknowledges that farmers are our foundation. Local organic and regenerative farmers not only supply our community with fresh, nutrient-rich food, but provide a working model for a thriving future –giving back in at least equal measure (or more) to what is taken; and working with the natural environment rather than against it for ecological balance, restoration, and regeneration.’

‘Additional funding was also provided to two of last year’s recipients: Margi’s Fruits at Mullumbimby and Mariefields at Pumpenbil.

‘The project is a continuation from last year, where eight farms were supported, including 560 Farms and Misty Creek Agroforestry, who both achieved full certification within a year of funding’.

Project manager, Paula Williams, said, ‘It was fantastic to see these recipients’ longstanding commitment to organic farming rewarded

‘This year, farms receiving funding to start their journey to organic certification include Aysu at Stokers Siding; Plumtree Pocket Enterprises at Upper Burringbar; Roseberry Growers at Roseberry Creek; Earth Rising at Federal; Market on Manse at Myocum; and Star Nature at Coorabell.

with a short transition period. We were thrilled to be able to stock their “certified organic in-conversion” produce, as they worked towards full certification, and we’ll continue to welcome their fresh produce now that they’ve gained full certification.’

She says the Grow the Growers project emerged after Santos Organics considered the role they could play as a local food retailer in supporting small- to medium-scale agriculture in the region, knowing how critical the role of organic and regenerative farming is

14 farms supported

She adds, ‘Grow the Growers has now supported a total of 14 farms on their journey to organic certification. Over the coming year, Santos Organics aims to build stronger and more collaborative relationships with growers and share their stories with the Santos Organics community, connecting the food we eat to the land on which it is grown – and to the awesome people who grow it for us’.

Profiles of the recipient farms are at www.santosorganics.com.au/blogs/ think-local.

Op Shop

Zoe Walsh with her small productive acreage in Myocum, known as ‘Market on Manse.’ She is pictured with permaculture guru, Thomas Mack. Photo santosorganics.com.au

North Coast News

News from across the North Coast online

Woman dies after crash at Tintenbar

A woman has died after being involved in a serious crash last week at Tintenbar.

Resilient Lismore Hub Christmas break

Resilient Lismore volunteers and staff have thanked the community for their support throughout 2024 and say the Resilient Lismore Hub has closed to the public until Thursday 9th January 2025.

Local councils back return of SCU arts degrees

The recent cuts to Southern Cross University (SCU)’s undergraduate programs in art and design, contemporary music, and digital media, from 2025 have prompted north coast councils to call on the university to reconsider, given the importance of the sector to the Northern Rivers.

Truck fire near Newrybar Authorities say nobody was physically injured when a truck’s cargo caught fire near Newrybar Sunday night.

Remembering the Black Summer bush fires, five years on

As the NSW Rural Fire Service marks the fifth anniversary of the tragic loss of firefighters, they are also reflecting on one of the most devastating chapters in our history — the 2019/20 Black Summer bush fires.

New intake of paramedics and call takers for NSW

Ambulance

Just before Christmas, NSW Ambulance welcomed 16 new paramedic interns and 18 trainee emergency medical call takers after they were officially inducted into the service at a ceremony at the State Operations Centre in Sydney.

Pilot killed in crash near Yamba

A light plane crash west of Yamba on Sunday killed the pilot and left his passenger with serious injuries, authorities say.

Marine Rescue anticipates busy holiday season

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers across the state say they were busy during November, with the service expecting demand to increase over the holiday season.

Police alert for alleged DV offender

Police are asking the public for help finding a man wanted on an outstanding warrant for alleged domestic violence offences.

Bradley Michael O’Rourke is known to frequent the Bora Ridge, Ellangowan and Bungawalbin areas.

Arts Northern Rivers has celebrated its success in 2024 and is looking to launch the Who We Are project in 2025.

The Arts Northern Rivers Who We Are project is a ‘two-year study profiling the Northern Rivers’ creative industries that discovered a couple of insights,’ explained Jane Fuller, Executive Director of Arts Northern Rivers.

‘The research has shown that the region is home to the largest population

of cultural workers in NSW outside of Sydney; and the Northern Rivers’ creative industries are growing four times faster than the national creative workforce. Cultural and creative businesses turned over $887m in 2021, up from $662m in 2016 (a 34 per cent increase).’

As well as delivering six CASP projects including the Kinship Doobai Dancers and Kyogle Zine and Print Fair, Arts Kyogle was also born.

‘Art On Bundjalung was our biggest yet! This year’s event attracted over 3,500 attendees and generated $55,000 in income for creatives, featuring a full cultural program and artisan offerings in the stunning location by the Dirruwung at Evans River,’ said Fuller.

‘Thank you to everyone we have worked and collaborated with, in 2024, it was a bumper year of activity across our amazing region of creatives.’

Five new mobile CCTVs to in Tweed Shire hotspots

Two remote CCTV cameras have been installed by Tweed Shire Council at Jack Evans Boat Harbour, a known hotspot for antisocial behaviour.

The cameras are among five new remote CCTV cameras, a part of efforts to boost security in the region.

In September, Tweed Council representatives, along with business and tourism operators and a representative from Tweed Byron Local Police District undertook an audit of the Tweed Heads CBD.

The top recommendation of the audit was to boost CCTV surveillance in the area to help police to combat ongoing issues such as vandalism and antisocial behaviour.

The new mobile units are powered through solar technology and are able to be moved to locations as required.

Two CCTV cameras are located at the popular Jack

Evans Boat Harbour – one near the Boundary Street parking lot and the other near the Bay Street parking lot.

‘With the help of both state and federal governments, Council has invested a lot in making Jack Evans Boat Harbour a jewel in the crown of Tweed, with the all-abilities and youth play spaces, safer swim access and loads of shade and picnic structures so people can really enjoy the harbour. We want them to feel safe while they do this and these new cameras will go a long way towards ensuring that,’ said Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry.

Council does not provide footage from its CCTV systems to individuals or organisations other than law enforcement agencies. All incidents or criminal activities must be reported to the police, who will then request CCTV footage from Council. For more information on community safety and the CCTV in Public Places Policy, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/ community-safety.

Ballina Coast Road done-up and dusted

Expressions of interest are being accepted now for nearly 30 homes bought by the NSW Reconstruction Authority through its Resilient Homes Program buyback stream.

The homes bought via the RA’s $880 million NSW and Commonwealth Governments Resilient Homes Program are to be made available for sale and relocation via real estate agent PRD Northern Rivers.

NSW Minister for Planning Paul Scully said on Sunday relocating and reusing the homes and ‘giving them a new lease on life’ was something the community wanted to see happen.

A range of homes were on offer as of Sunday, the government said, from ‘charming old timber homes’ to ‘those needing more work’ to ‘bring them back to their former glory’.

Many homes featured front verandas, high ceilings, and other traditional features, the government said, from ‘quaint to grand’ in a ‘variety of sizes and styles’.

This fenced-off flood-impacted home in South Lismore is just one house, on a street full of them, two-and-half years after the 2022 disaster. Photo Mia Armitage

‘The homes are rich with stories and community heritage and are ready to be relocated to a safer location,’ a media release read, ‘this proposal will ensure that they can continue to house future generations’.

The homes were to be offered for sale under an EOI process, with priority given to people impacted by the 2022 floods and those seeking to relocate a home within the Northern Rivers.

All properties had undergone an assessment

‘so that buyers can understand what work will need to be completed as part of the home’s relocation and renovation’, the government’s announcement read.

The homes were to be displayed on the PRD Northern Rivers website and open for inspection prior to the EOI closing on 14 February 2025.

More information was available via the RA’s website at www.nsw.gov.au/ relocatable-homes-eoi.

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

Many locals had ‘harrumphed’ that the work was happening at this time of year and might encroach on Christmas traffic – but everything is done and dusted.

have reopened

The project, which began in November, involved reconstructing a key section of The Coast Road between Pat Morton Lookout and the North Creek Road/Byron Bay Road roundabout.

With the works now complete, both lanes of traffic have reopened, ensuring smoother and safer travel for all road users.

Final line marking next month

Final line marking is scheduled for January 2025. These minor works will not

require any road closures and will be completed under traffic control.

This project was funded by the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and involved a full pavement reconstruction with new pavement and bitumen resurfacing.

Ballina Council said it ‘would like to thank the community for their support and patience while we completed this essential maintenance. We are committed to delivering a safe and reliable road network for our community.

‘These works are separate to the damaged road shoulder on the southbound lane near Pat Morton Lookout. This landslip site will be repaired under natural disaster funding recently approved by the state government. The project is in the initial design phase and construction is not anticipated until later in 2025.’

For road updates or road closures visit: livetraffic.com.

Art on Bundjalung 2024. Photo Bek Hatfield

colleges and went with what seemed like the best offer by Dallas Baptist Uni’, Mike said.

‘Jackson was offered scholarships by several US

‘We would like to give a huge thanks to his Byron Bay coach, Alvin Caoyonan, and TSS coach, Anthony Petrie’, Mike added.

Byron Library is currently hosting Anne Leon’s exhibition of paintings. Her son, Max, has just taken down his collection of paintings, while husband Potts graced the walls of the library before that. Photo Jeff ‘The family that hangs together hangs together’ Dawson

Brunswick Heads students Ivy, Adeline, Alia, and Felicity were at the recent Carols By Candlelight, held at the Mullum Showgrounds. The event was organised by the Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce before Christmas. Photo Verity Bee

18-year-old local Jackson McCabe has just returned home briefly from his fouryear US scholarship at Dallas Baptist Uni. His dad Mike told The Echo Jackson started basketball and business studies in August, and was scouted after playing through the ranks of NSW basketball state teams.

Jackson McCabe. Photo supplied

2024 in the rear view mirror

To get a sense of what happened in the past 12 months, I trawled through The Echo’s 2024 editions.

There were a few themes that emerged. For example, the delicate balance of preserving the unique environment of the area, while examining how development occurs remains an important topic that The Echo covers.

It has been a constant focus of this newspaper since its inception as an independent voice in 1986.

Another is seeking transparency and honesty from our elected leaders. And best practice when it comes to process and outcomes.

It was a remarkable year in local politics, not so much because of the September election, but because former mayor Michael Lyon continued to govern in a style that appeared very unlike what Byron Shire represents.

There appeared a lack respect for transparency and good process, while putting the protection of bureaucrats above the public interest. Moreover, he continued to push inappropriate developments until he was booted from office under a cloud of domestic violence claims.

Those DV claims will be tested in court in March.

Greens candidate Sarah Ndiaye was elected mayor, who ran a close race with Labor’s Asren Pugh.

There were many political stoushes that impacted the community throughout 2024. Notably Wallum, which is a fight to preserve rare and endangered habitat at the proposed Wallum housing estate in Brunswick Heads.

Moving on, acting as a developer, Council proposed several projects last year. They include rezoning the former Mullum hospital site for up to 130 dwellings. At the time, the proposal contained no social

housing component, yet includes 20 per cent for affordable housing. Will it be sold off in 2025 to recoup remediation costs? There is also a questionable proposal to build 32 units over a busy Mullum carpark.

Council’s Residential Strategy 2024 was adopted by the NSW government in late July. It aims for nearly 7,000 new homes over 20 years.

Residents’ groups claimed at the time there were a myriad of issues, primarily proposing flood-prone lands, a lack of transparency and a poor process which surrounded it.

Upon taking office in September, Mayor Ndiaye was successful in having Mullum’s future water supply deferred while other options are considered.

Also last year, Bangalow Chamber Music Festival organisers moved their event from Bangalow to Qld, after ‘increased costs and lower than average ticket sales’. Later in August, Bluesfest organisers also said it will be their last in 2025. Splendour in The Grass / Falls Fest organisers have abandoned their festival in Yelgun for the time being.

The Echo ran a few reports on the struggling local business sector throughout the year. In the run up to the local Council elections in September, a number of small businesses in Byron’s CBD were placed under enormous financial pressure after Council’s staff announced major road/drainage works over the busy summer trading period.

In some good news, the former Byron Hospital was relaunched in late October to provide office spaces and communal areas for community service providers, businesses, educators, health providers and the arts sector.

The Echo wishes you all a safe, happy, healthy and prosperous 2025.

Hans Lovejoy, editor

New Year’s revolution

Happy new year’s revolution! Another orbit of our beautiful Earth home around our life-giving Sun.

According to the now widely adopted Gregorian calendar, January 1 is the day the Western world celebrates the new year.

It’s a time for reflection, connection and renewal.

If you’ve started 2025 reflecting on the increasingly monetised experience of the NYE spectacular, you’re not alone.

Look, I’m no wowser, but spending $7 million on fireworks seems so out of kilter with where the world is at right now. It also terrifies wildlife and domestic animals and causes pollution.

What if we did something different to bring in the new year, like planting millions of trees together?

Without a natural cycle or collective anchor to moor to, NYE seems destined to be perpetually ‘bigger, better and more spectacular’ than the previous year. On this arbitrary day of celebration, excessive alcohol consumption also fuels a massive spike in domestic violence.

Historically, the date to celebrate has been rejigged a few times in response to collapsing empires and Christian stories.

It was Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 who designated it as January 1 at a time when witches were being executed, and it was heretical to even suggest the Earth was not at the centre of the universe!

Today, we know the mutual dance of the Earth around the Sun takes 365 days. Since spheres have no real beginning or end, if we kept religion out of it, we could theoretically choose any day as the start of the new solar cycle.

Or we could just be in perpetual celebration of the here and now. Every single day could be New Year’s Day. It’s quite a liberating thought.

Fun fact: to date our Sun is the most perfect spherical natural object in the known universe.

Speaking of circularity, if I’ve understood it correctly, reading

The Byron Shire Echo

Indigenous and non-Indigenous authors on this, the First Nations people of Australia do not share the linear Western ‘arrow of time’ concept.

Their temporal reality is circular, and has no beginning or end and hence there is no ‘new year’ as such.

The seasons, as we understand them, also do not serve as a basis for ‘linear metaphors of new life in spring and death in winter’.

While the concept of marking new year is otherwise a nearuniversal one, its timing is purely culturally determined and often based on nature and seasons such as lunar cycles, agricultural practices and celestial events.

The Chinese, for instance celebrate the lunar New Year as a family event on the second new moon after the winter solstice, so the date varies each year. It signifies renewal of life with the promise of spring just around the corner.

Year of the Wood Snake

2025 is the year of the Wood Snake, and is said to bring qualities such as resilience, wisdom and thoughtful progress.

The Persian new year Nowruz occurs on the first day of spring, and has been celebrated for over 3,000 years across the Balkans, Central Asia, the Middle East and beyond.

Nowruz celebrates peace, unity, cultural diversity, respect and harmony with the environment and is recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage for Humanity.

The Māori new year celebrates the return of the Matariki star cluster in the night sky in mid-winter and is tied to their maramataka lunar calendar. Their observance is about renewal and the gathering of families to celebrate new beginnings.

North Coast Vets

Caring

Astrologically speaking, we’ve also recently entered a new phase with the great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, the two largest planets in our solar system, in the air sign of Aquarius.

This conjunction has previously been associated with social upheaval and breakdown of old orders to make way for the new.

Astrologers suggest this new era will ultimately be a paradigm shift towards greater equality, community and humanitarian ideals, but the collapse of the old order will likely be chaotic and a rough ride.

At new year, people often say, ‘let’s hope and pray it’s a better year’. Well yes, but let’s also step up and make this a better year for humanity and our planet in any way we are capable of.

We are at an existential juncture with collapsing cultural systems and nature teetering on the brink.

My new year’s revolution is a big ‘Boo! Hiss!’ to Earth-destroying patriarchal fascists with their feudalistic plans, robots and colonies on Mars and a great big ‘Yay’! to Earth defenders, forest regenerators and people being kind and compassionate to one another.

Let’s aim for the sky together not endless ‘f*ck it lists’ keeping us all enmeshed in late-stage capitalism. Let’s make it our collective new year’s revolution to go forth with laser beams of love and peace in our hearts to repair, restore and regenerate this Earth and care for each other. Happy New Year every day of the year.

Jo Immig is a former advisor to the NSW Legislative Council and co-ordinator of the National Toxics Network. She’s currently a freelance writer and researcher.

Mandy’s

I was a participant in Mandy Nolan’s stand-up comedy course in November this year. On the evening of Monday, December 2, sixteen of us got up and did our original performances at the Byron Bay Services Club.

It was a wonderful night of hilarious, comedic talent.

My partner and I got up last as a duo, having not even rehearsed once together. We, in spite of our lack of practice, had so much fun and the crowd certainly sounded like they enjoyed our clowning around.

We would have loved to have seen our own performance and when we were finished we were approached by many people who said how funny our act was and how they laughed hysterically.

At the end, one woman came up to us to say how much she loved what we did. She told me that she filmed it and she offered to send the copy to me by Dropbox, then she took down my email address.

Unfortunately we didn’t receive an email with the Dropbox link from the woman, whose name I did not recall.

Anyway we would still love to see the film of our performance, so if there is anyone out there who knows this woman or if you are she, reading this, could you make contact with me please, either through The Echo or Mandy or the Byron Community College? All of whom I give permission to pass on my email address which I assume you may have either lost or written down wrongly.

Anyway, I hope you or someone you know reads

this. Thank you.

Philip Byrt aka Phil Freeman, did his best attempt at Andy Kaufman’s character Tony Clifton. In case anyone was wondering?

Philip Byrt Tyagarah

I would agree with Simon Alderton of Ballina that wearing a helmet is an individual choice, except for the fact that everybody pays financially, and family and friends pay in other ways, if someone sustains a major head injury.

To Simon and others who choose not to wear a helmet, again I have no problem if you are fully committed to your choice and wear a wristband stating ‘in case of head injury that could have been prevented, please just take me home to recuperate using my own resources’. Exceptions are allowed for children who of course are not exercising their own choice.

Christine Ahern Suffolk Park

What a wolf in sheep’s clothing was honey-voiced Councillor Krieg at the Lismore Council meeting on December 19, leading his cohort of fake Independents. Mouthing payment of respect for the Indigenous elders, and calling for respect in the Council chambers, even threatening to close the meeting – if any more applause is heard for a community champion’s proud and heartfelt speech on keeping the CSG Free (coal seam gas) signs. Respect? What about respect for the incredible, unique, national-news-making

achievement of this community in saving the local country from fracking and the industrialised landscape that is a gasfield? Fracking does not require a single well, it requires vast areas of previously agricultural land to be covered with a network of wells, pipes, roads, electricity stations, pumps, and more, and the land to be cleared for ten metres around every installation and both sides of every route

Dear Mr Krieg, We must say we were a little more than gobsmacked by the suggestion that you want to remove the CSG signs around Lismore. Not only is that a clear insult and an affront to all those who worked so hard to keep this area gasfieldfree but shows a profound ignorance and disregard for what the consequences would have been if the Metgasco juggernaut had not been resisted and had got a foot in the door.

What happened at Bentley was a heroic stand by the majority of the community (do you need to be reminded?). It was a battle fought hard by hundreds, if not thousands of people in this, the community that you currently represent. People who gave huge slabs of their time and resources to protect the farmlands in this area from such a notoriously destructive industry. The victory at Bentley set a gold standard for the whole of the Northern Rivers.

would be more than a little bit of a stink… all hell would break loose!

And while we are at it, why not remove all the Rotary and Lions Club signs – they are mainly dedicated to past events – whoops! Something not resonating here?

Mr Krieg, we really think you ought to reflect a little bit here on your decision… people in the community were not really impressed with your ‘leadership’, or should we say lack of, during and after the floods. One could say less than sparkling… we think to avoid embarrassment, you need to slow down here and think about what you are doing. Once again, you are not reading the community.

Ron Curran and Liz Friend Ocean Shores

(Google some images). Think about what we have not lost, what we have so much reason to be grateful for, that is unspoilt. Those Gasfield-Free signs are a well-deserved tribute to the people of this part of the Northern Rivers, and Lismore councillors block-voting to remove them exhibits anything but respect for any and all of that.

Daniel Berg Lismore

The decision that you and the other councillors have made to remove the CSG signs is so contemptuous and so out of touch with the feelings of your own community. We actually can’t believe you’re for real.

We were particularly astounded by Councillor Jensen’s declaration that we ‘don’t want to re-hash history… that (we want to) look to the future’. What do you think would be the reaction, say, if you applied the same attitude / logic and suggested that local war memorials and remembrance sites should also be removed because we need to ‘look to the future’? We’re sure there

Wishing to express grateful thanks for those Byron Shire Council workers and other community workers who worked on Christmas Day and were not able to be with family. Thank you.

Rod Murray Ocean Shores

For sure, the Bangalow Lions organisers have a job to do and meant well to conclude the Christmas event with fireworks, but it’s a tradition from an era that should have been long gone by now.

Not everyone is happy with fireworks that harm the local environment. We live in co-dependence with our natural green landscape with an intact wild animal population. When the fireworks started, I observed from afar the effects on wildlife, with

Henry and Brian Galvin at the Sensō-Ji temple, Tokyo, Japan.

the echoing sounds of booming bombs, the sequenced pops that simulated machine-gun fire!

Refugees reside here from war zones, apologies to them. The veterans, elderly, sensitive, infants. I heard the alarmed sounds from birds, dogs barking. I saw the bats’ erratic flight, freaked out, helpless! I understand that other marsupials, like koalas, possums, bandicoots, platypus, are adversely affected by long-term PTSD, and potential death, as a result of fireworks.

Fireworks emit tiny particles of manganese, aluminium, and cadmium. They release sulphur dioxide gases, as well as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide into the air we breathe. This matter, including spent cartridges, makes its way to the ocean via creeks, contaminating the sea grasses that the sea animals feed on.

I ask organisers of community events to take a leaf from Byron Shire Council’s ban on balloons because balloons impose a life threat on marine animals. Likewise, there needs to be a shire-wide ban on fireworks on similar grounds. End celebrations on a peaceful,

no-harm-infliction note! I don’t see any justification for the use of fireworks.

Robert Ensbey Bangalow

I am deeply saddened by the grotesque defacement of Byron town with graffiti displaying the Nazi swastika symbol.

I am even more devastated by the lack of action by anyone in a position of authority (police, Byron Shire Council) to remove it – given this symbol was outlawed in NSW in 2022.

The Holocaust and WWII is not a distant memory; or something that happened to ‘other people’. My greatgrandparents were marched into the forest in a small town in Ukraine – and shot to their death by the Nazis.

The swastika is a triggering and revolting reminder of how low we can go as a civilisation.

I would think the people of the Byron Shire would never stand for this.

And no, don’t try to tell me it’s the symbol of peace practised by the Hindus. I am an Indian/European Jew and I know the difference.

Bianca Burd Suffolk Park

I have observed, as have others, that every holiday period and Christmas Byron Council puts six or more staff on for the majority of the day in Byron to assist people safely crossing the road at two spots.

This must cost Council considerably each day with six to eight staff. They are working in the hot sun and traffic builds up as they take people across each time.

As a suggestion, could Council not put a temporary crossing sign in place for December that does not cost? People can then use it independently and traffic can flow.

The money being spent could be redirected to more parking staff which would help business. I have observed cars in the same parking spot beyond the designated time whilst people wanting to park and shop do laps around town. Motor homes continue to be parked up as well, using parking as temporary campsites.

Please can Council advise how many rangers are on duty for parking for the Shire and the hours worked? There are also many areas that need parking limits to be in place and they seem absent. Revenue seems to be lost.

Mullumbimby is totally out of control. I left the other day so frustrated when I had intended to purchase several items. To be able to shop locally we need to park.

The decision was made to remove the small amount paid for a residential parking permit that would have contributed to much-needed infrastructure. These decisions are taken so lightly.

Alison Drover Broken Head

Primate’

One of the cricket commentators on the third Test is under fire for light-heartedly calling an Indian bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, an ‘MVP –Most Valuable Primate.’

From a biological point of view, the description is true. Humans are a species within Family Hominidae –‘great apes’ – and us apes, monkeys, and several other species of mammals are part of the order known as primates. So, Jasprit Bumrah is a primate (a most valuable one – probably the best bowler in the world at present), the commentator is a primate, and so are you and I, and in all the ways that matter, we’re all the same.

The term MVP: Most Valuable Primate is the title of a 2000 movie about a chimpanzee who plays ice hockey. Investigations by PETA US found that the chimps used in this and many other films were usually taken from their mothers at an early age, trained to perform by cruel abuse, and kept in cramped cages soiled with their own waste. PETA eventually succeeded in having those chimps released into a sanctuary.

It came with the Herald one day last December

My bonus brand-new Michael Leunig calendar

One image each month from that great illustrator

The people’s poet our favourite commentator on the human condition

He’s penned so many amusing editions – this fine-feathered philosopher

Of crazy cartoons full of compassion and delicate drawings of dags

Curl Flat characters invariably twisted and sensitive sight-gags for SNAGs

And each month had thirty odd little boxes to mark off the days with birthdays and hot dates and bills to be paid

Things to remember right up to December

like doctor’s and dentist appointments I’d made and my record of when and how much it rained this summer

January

I make no new year’s resolution unless it chance to be like Mr Curly’s

Completely con-voluted and carefree

February

Has a Valentine’s theme – kisses hearts romance and dreams

Keeping love alive is not all that hard

I make a note to buy roses – write my sweetheart a card

March

Is Piscean / and something strange and awesome washed up by the sea

On a sandy beach sightseers gather wearing suntan lotion

And runaway shopping trolleys rolling back to the ocean

Are caught in the margins of the black line frame

I know without Leunig life would not be the same

He’s as bold as that intrepid explorer don Vasco Pyjama

As deep and meaningful as the Dalai Lama

Poet Laureate of the absurd with his nonsense verse and his play on words

From the ridiculous to the sublime

he’s a maestro of the hand-drawn line

Don’t you reckon?

Michael Leunig

Rather than using our common order as an insult, we should recognise our common ancestry, fix the abuse and cruelty we impose on our fellow primates, and insist that films involving primates should only ever use computer graphics.

Dr Desmond Bellamy PETA Australia

Gaza Danny Wakil, (Letters December 10, 2024) if the circumstances weren’t so tragic I could hardly stop myself from laughing at your accusations of bias levelled at David Gilet. What are the actual numbers? According to

▶ Continued on page 12

Robert Gibson Byron Bay

Articles Time in lieu

The man was in his pyjamas when he went out to the bin one night, slipped on a banana peel and hit his head, hard.

He found himself in a mysterious void. He couldn’t see the ground, but something was holding him up. In the distance there was a light. Uh oh, he thought to himself.

Not knowing what else to do, he shuffled towards the light.

His head hurt. That’s not supposed to happen, he thought. Well what is supposed to happen? How the hell should I know? Abandoning this fruitless inner monologue, the man shuffled towards the light.

There were no choirs, or winged beings with harps, or any music for that matter, just a dull, vaguely industrial hum.

The distant light turned out to be a faulty neon light over a little booth with a glass window, just sitting there in the void. Inside the booth was a small and ancient clerk, who could barely see over the counter.

‘Next!’ said the clerk, without looking at him.

‘Um,’ said the man.

‘Next!’

There was no one else around. The man went up to the counter.

The clerk looked at him, bored beyond measure. ‘ID?’

Taken aback, the man felt through the pockets of his pyjamas. There was nothing there except an old apple core and a tissue. ‘Can you tell me what’s happening?’

‘Have you got any ID or not?’

‘I don’t think so.’

Shaking his head, the clerk gestured to the man to hold his hand up.

Confused, the man tried to copy him.

‘On the glass!’

‘Ah right, okay.’

The man put his hand on the glass, which he suddenly realised was also a screen. The lines of his fingertips and

palm emerged from his hand and redrew themselves on the glass in glowing green, ten times bigger than life.

Surprised, the man stepped back as the lines of his virtual hand and finger prints resolved, spun and mirrored themselves, then stretched and transformed into lines of text. It was a list, accompanied by numbers. Mirrored, it was hard to see what the text said, but the clerk could read it.

Reading, the ancient clerk gestured at the glass, then moved his fingers to scroll the text faster and faster as he shook his head, unimpressed. The list went on for what seemed like forever.

‘What is it? asked the man.

‘The usual stuff.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘This is a list of all the things you’ve wasted time on in your life.’

‘Seriously?’

The clerk looked at him like he was three years old.

The man persisted. ‘What sort of things?’

‘Sitting at traffic lights, lying awake at night worrying, waiting for school to end, waiting for meetings to end, scrolling social media, queues, dealing with Microsoft products, the usual stuff. You do seem to have spent an extraordinary amount of time wondering about what happened to some girl called Penelope, who you saw when you were at primary school.’

‘But why?’

‘Why what?’

‘Why do you want to know all this stuff?’

‘It’s my job to know.’

‘Well... why does it matter?’

‘It matters because now you have to make a decision.’

The clerk swiped the lines sideways to reveal a glowing series of numbers. ‘Nine years, eight months, three weeks, six days, fifteen hours, thirteen minutes, and six seconds.’

‘What’s that?’

The number slowly faded away.

‘That is how exactly much time you’ve wasted in your life.’

‘Seriously?’

The clerk stared at him without a trace of humour.

‘You have the opportunity to donate your wasted time to someone else, or you can have it back, as time in lieu.’

‘That’s up to you.’

‘Who would I donate it to?’

The man thought about this. He lived alone. He was an only child. His parents were dead. He didn’t know anyone well enough to know if they would appreciate an extra nine years.

‘Can I give it to someone who’s dead?’

‘Do I look like a miracle worker?’

‘Um, okay.’

The man’s head whirled.

‘I really need to think some more about this.’

‘Don’t you think you’ve wasted enough time already?’

‘Okay, okay, but tell me something. Why was thinking about Penelope a waste of time?’

‘Did you ever try to contact her, or even say hello?’

‘I guess not. I was always too shy.’

‘Well there you go then. Time’s almost up. What will it be?’

‘Um.’

‘Tick tock,’ said the clerk. ‘I don’t have all day.’

‘I need more time!’

‘Rightio then,’ said the clerk. ‘Try not to waste it. Next!’

He pressed a button and a hole opened up under the man at the counter.

Screaming, he fell through the void, only to find himself in the back of an ambulance, still wearing his pyjamas. He could hear the siren as it raced through the streets. A penlight was in his eyes, then flicked off as he blinked.

A female paramedic was holding his head and looking into his eyes, concerned. ‘Are you with us, mate?’

The man saw her name tag. Penelope.

David Lowe

‘Into the void’ image by David Lowe.

ballinarsl SCAN FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT

KIDS’ SHOW

The ridiculous thrust of a two-week decision by the Byron Shire Council for acceptance of the government grant to install traffic lights at the corner of Clifford Street and Broken Head Road is an inferior answer to a problem that lasts about 30 minutes on an average day.

The build-up of traffic starts around 8.30am and is usually over by 9am when the school drop-off is done. During this timeframe traffic on Broken Head Road is crawling into Byron, which is a greater time-consumer than anything exiting Clifford Street.

Byron Council has admitted that lights will only exacerbate the problem. Why are they even considered as a solution?

Nick Walker Suffolk Park

In response to Liz Levy’s ‘Yes to traffic lights’ (Letters, December 23). I will stress that our letter (same Echo) emphasised, ‘We respect the Suffolk Park Progress Association’ (SPPA). I would not be part of this movement or even bothering to respond to your

▶ Continued from page 10

figures from the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). From November 2023 to December 5, 2024 there have been 968 Palestinian deaths and 15,879 Palestinian injuries in the West Bank. Over the same period there were 49 Israeli fatalities and 312 injuries. OCHA states that these figures are independently verified by at least two credible sources.

prickly letter unless I was speaking on behalf of a majority of the Suffo community.

Based upon an online secured, impartial survey which revealed 69.5 per cent support for roundabouts, 19 per cent preferred lights and the 11.5 per cent said to do nothing, most of these made notes against the installation of lights. I am aware of the 51-attendee vote at the SPPA meeting, however, there was a clear agenda and supporting association with dominant numbers at this meeting with an obvious outcome. The community is still only now becoming aware of this matter.

May I also bring to your attention that the last push for traffic lights in 2016 was rescinded as traffic lights did not meet the Roads and Maritime Services Mandatory Traffic Safety Criteria (Ref: Ken Gainger, Byron Council GM, Echo, 15 March 2016). This is a matter of community safety not some ‘agitator-driven’ protest against traffic lights as you suggest.

I refuse to get caught up with your cavalier comments such as ‘many who grew up

OCHA has not yet published the official death toll in Gaza since October 2023 however, clearly it far exceeds the fatalities resulting from the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

The majority of agencies who collect such data estimate that there have been around 45,000 Palestinian deaths of which at least half are women and children. The estimate for fatalities from the Hamas attack on October

in normal places, agitators, typically noisy Byron Shire minority’. I thought it best to educate with a sense of diplomacy instead.

Us commoners who live in Suffolk Park and live behind the ‘iron curtain’ (not sure how an intersection is compared to a geopolitical division of this magnitude) also use the intersection several times a day, as do you. To answer your question ‘where have we been over the last 30 years?’, us commoners have been around, some with families that date back five plus generations, some have been mayor of the shire, own prominent businesses in the shire and have had enormous input into the local area and community. Our families and us have ensured ‘The Bay’ remained high-rise free, Club Med and the big fast-food giants didn’t open their doors in town, they built golf courses, community groups, a bowling club, RSL and introduced numerous sporting clubs. We ensured that traffic lights were never installed in town as they were/are just not the ‘Way in the Bay’. I suggest you get the picture that

7 was around 1,200 and 240 hostages taken with 100 or so released.

I am the child of two Jewish parents who survived the Holocaust. Your extreme bias and false accusations lead only to the perpetuation of hate. Have you no heart? Do you really believe that those dead and injured babies we see on our television screens are Hamas combatants?

As for the space in Gaza you believe exists for civilian shelter, the ABC has done the figures. Gaza has a population similar to Brisbane yet Brisbane is 45 times bigger. Greater Sydney would fit 35 Gazas into it and Melbourne

we as a group are as much a part of the community as you are. I digress.

Please can we focus on the agenda at hand not on community judgement? We understand the frustration and WANT for a timely solution for access and exit to Beachside Suffo. We agree with the SPPA that roundabouts are the long-term solution so why are we even entertaining this non-compatible option? Please also be aware that roundabouts come in a range of sizes, shapes and functionalities that can be refined to most intersections. It doesn’t have to be a roundabout of the same proportions as the northern-bordering larger roundabouts. It should be about our community placing pressure on Byron Council to resolve the intersection properly with the obvious and final solution.

Traffic lights at this intersection will create multiple safety issues. Should we not request the member for Richmond to pursue grants for a safer long-term solution instead of this knee-jerk solution?

is 28 times the size of Gaza. Hamas may have built tunnels to hide themselves and their military equipment in but unless I am hallucinating my television screen shows me innumerable destroyed buildings that look like they were residences or schools or hospitals? Are Hamas combatants going to allow women and children into the tunnels constructed for military purposes?

You state that we ‘should name one army in all of history in any war that has done more to protect civilians of its enemies than Israel has done in this war?’

And others? You have a very short memory. Perhaps you

Just a couple of questions I would like to ask. How do you like the traffic lights in the middle of town? Would Byron Bay be a different place if traffic lights had been installed? I suggest these are both rhetorical questions.

Can we not aim for the obvious and final solution instead of a quick fix, motivated by a government grant, which pressurised councillors to make a vote prior to the funding terminating?

Considering it has taken 25+ years to get this far I question that traffic lights will be an interim solution. Lights will be here to stay; it would be ignorant to think otherwise. Not to mention setting a precedent for more lights in the shire.

Quick-fix urban solutions don’t belong in our patch of paradise. See petition at: https://form.jotform. com/243517591400856.

Dean Prosser

On behalf of the ‘Let it Flow in Suffo’ group

There is only one entry/ exit point for Suffolk traffic causing blockages.

have forgotten the Sabra and Satilla massacre which was a massacre of up to 3,500 Palestinian refugees by Israel’s proxy militia, the Phalange during Israel’s invasion of Lebanon in 1982.

A massacre overseen by then Israeli Defence Minister, Ariel Sharon. Or the 1948 deaths of around 15,000 Palestinians and the expulsion of over 750,000 from their land in 1948. Of course, this was to provide a homeland for those European Jews who wanted to flee Europe where they had lived for generations prior to the Holocaust.

Jennifer Bush Murwillumbah

A new road with entry from the roundabout between the service station and the back of Park Hotel, the road to reach Armstrong Street (a short distance), would relieve a lot of congestion at the Clifford Street pub corner. It will need a bridge road over the canal.

The new road, albeit single lane, narrows a bit closer to Armstrong Street for a few yards.

Council may have to acquire land from the adjoining properties, if required.

Traffic turning left into Clifford Street from the Byron side should be prohibited.

Council should also look at another road into Suffolk from the Lennox side into MacGregor Street or behind the houses on MacGregor Street where there is some open land.

Extending Alcorn Street over the Wilkinson footbridge to reach Bangalow turnoff looks a non-starter.

Council should pressure the state government to come to the party with financial help.

V Subramanya Suffolk Park

Peace or hate?

Did you spend your time and energy last weekend at the beautiful ‘Prayers for Peace’ concert at Mullum Civic Hall or did you spend it at the disgusting hate-fuelled antiIsrael gathering in Byron near the Rails?

Prayers for Peace was a packed hall of Jews, Muslims, and Christians who came together yet again to promote harmony and understanding, whereas the anti-Israel gathering was full of banners with disgusting lies or at very best, distorted truths. These peace-haters compete with each other to see who can make the most outrageous Israel-hating

Articles / Letters

Building momentum: Byron Bay Men’s Shed makes strides in 2024

Bryan Frew

2024 has been a significant year for the Byron Bay Men’s Shed. The organisation has grown from its early days of enthusiastic planning into a more substantial and structured community group, dedicated to fostering connection and purpose among local men.

Key milestones this year include the formal establishment of a committee, the opening of a bank account, and registration as a charity – marking a major step forward in our ability to operate effectively and seek funding.

A successful Notice of Motion (NoM) brought to the Byron Shire Council resulted in a unanimous vote to provide Council staff support and funding to help identify a site for the shed. This was a pivotal achievement, highlighting Council’s recognition of the importance of

statements that have nothing to do with the truth. Hate is the easiest and the most immature of emotions. It takes a real adult to feel the pain from both sides and to look for the commonality between different tribes, in order to create a better future for all.

Israel is a state that was voted in by the UN and has every right to be there from so many perspectives. Israel deserves to live in permanent peace. Palestinians deserve to live side by side with Israel in permanent peace, in their own land with leaders who can see a better way forward.

World peace starts in your own homes, and community. Is your home a house of peace and understanding or a house of war?

Shalom, Salam, Peace is the only way forward.

Danny Wakil Billinudgel

No boycott list

Once again, Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine is being smeared with false claims. The alleged ‘boycott lists’ circulating in the Murdoch press are a complete fabrication. We have consistently told our members not to boycott local Israeli businesses and we have NOT produced a boycott list. In fact, when we passed a ‘ceasefire’ motion in Byron Shire Council, it specifically asked people not to boycott these businesses.

Our movement is about advocating for the rights and dignity of Palestinians, who have suffered decades of horrific oppression and apartheid as documented by the UN, Amnesty

this initiative for the Byron Bay community.

Following the Council elections, the Men’s Shed addressed the new members, ensuring they were brought up to speed with our progress and goals. While these engagements have been promising, the challenge of identifying a suitable site remains unresolved. Despite productive meetings with senior Council staff, we have yet to secure a location for the shed – a critical step that unlocks significant funding opportunities. This delay has been a source of frustration but has not dampened our resolve.

The location that has shown the most promise is the Butler Street Reserve. Historically used as a tip, the site has faced development challenges due to contamination with PFAS, the extent of which is still not determined. Although the Council Management Plan of 2003

International and even Israeli human rights organisations.

Our focus is on truth, justice, and peace, as we work to support the ICC and ICJ’s acknowledgement of Israel’s ongoing war crimes and human rights violations, and provide life-saving aid to those in need. We will continue this work, knowing that grassroots movements like NRFOP around the world are crucial – history has shown us this clearly through the example of South African apartheid, where global rejection proved instrumental in its dissolution.

However, these recent lies about us are likewise accompanied by attacks and intimidation. We have faced death and rape threats, property damage, and verbal abuse. Our peaceful events have been targeted with spitting, racist slurs, and vile hate-speech, individuals have called the police to disrupt us, and venues and artists have been pressured to cancel. These actions aim to silence us and stop our vital work for Palestinian rights.

Let’s be clear: those who oppose our efforts are the ones standing in the way of life-saving humanitarian aid. They are prioritising their supremacist views over the desperate needs of innocent children.

We will not tolerate racism or violence. We stand in solidarity with all people in their fight for justice and equality. We will continue to expose and confront hate, using every legal means to hold those spreading lies accountable.

has set an ambitious target to secure a site and ‘lay the slab’ by mid-2025. This timeline presents a significant challenge to the often slow-moving machinery of Council, but it reflects our commitment to seeing this vision realised.

aimed to address these issues, it has yet to be implemented.

Pushing forward

Adding to the urgency of progress is the fact that many of the founding members of the Men’s Shed are in their 70s. Their passion and dedication underscore the importance of moving quickly to achieve our goals. The committee

Throughout the year, we have kept the momentum going with several key events and meetings. Highlights include a gathering at Wullum Place to assess its potential as a site, a vibrant community meeting at the Byron Bowlo, and another productive session at the Byron Services Club. In addition, members enjoyed a warm and informative visit to the Ballina Men’s Shed, culminating in a barbecue that strengthened ties and provided valuable insights into running a successful shed.

Our growing membership is another cause for celebration. We now have 45 registered members, reflecting the community’s

enthusiasm and support for this initiative.

These achievements and activities demonstrate the dedication and passion of our members and supporters. The Byron Bay Men’s Shed is more than a project; it’s a vision of community, connection, and support for men of all ages and backgrounds. As we move into 2025, we remain committed to finding a site, unlocking funding, and bringing our shed to life for the benefit of our community.

We invite everyone to stay connected with our progress and lend their support to this vital initiative. For more information, please visit our website: https:// byronbaymensshed.org.au. Together, we can make the Byron Bay Men’s Shed a reality.

Bryan Frew is the secretary of the Byron Bay Men’s Shed committee.

Early morning set up at the Byron Farmers Market. Photo supplied

Good Taste

Eateries Guide

NO BONES

Oyster Bar 4 Marvell

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

3/31 Lawson St, Byron Bay www.facebook.com/ pages/Success-ThaiFood/237359826303469 Hotel Marvell’s Newest Seafood Destination

OYSTER HOUR Tuesday to Saturday 5–6pm  Serving $3 oysters

BYRON BAY (Continued)

BYRON BAY

Photo: Jillian McHugh and Roca Byron Bay.

Photo courtesy Brookies.

The Good Life

Nourish your body

You never want to eat again. Weeks of rich food and perhaps excessive alcohol have left you heavy and jaded at a time of year when long golden summer days, balmy evenings and sparklingly crisp ocean stretch tantalisingly ahead, the best motivators for feeling light and healthy.

And help is at hand at the farmers’ markets! Your digestive system will thank you with your first stop-off at either Byron Fermentary or Lovemore Fermentary. Both offer ever-changing menus based on seasonality, and so at the former there might be lemon mead, mushroom miso and kimchi, miso and seaweed. At Lovemore there’ll be probiotic krauts for gut health – perhaps pear, kohlrabi and macadamia, or apple and fennel, or fermented green tomatoes. At both you can rest assured all ingredients are local.

Other World offers up cold-pressed organic juices, organic green smoothies, chia pudding and fabulous frequently varying Buddha Bowls. There might be exotic mushrooms with brown rice, chickpeas, seeds and kraut; or spiced roast cauliflower with hummus and quinoa. Again, local organic seasonal ingredients which scream health and goodness.

At Ayusa you’ll find their beautiful range of herbal energy teas borne of the Amazonian super leaf Guayusa, a wonderful alternative

to coffee, as well as the refreshing sparkling ginger-infused tea ‘Rise’.

Byron Cane Company will freshly coldpress sugar cane juice for you, scented with organic lime and loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, while Jungle Juice suggests a large range of gorgeous, energising freshly-squeezed fruit and vegetable juices.

Pick up some Lion’s Mane powder or capsules from Shroom Bros for improved brain function! Fancy lettuces and herbs from Gourmet Salad Hut for all those salads you’ll be eating! Sprouts from Sprout Lovers! And, of course, Summit Organics, Organic Forrest, Morrow’s, Jumping Red Ant, Everest Farm, and Greens from The Farm for the freshest fruit and vegetables. You’ll be back on track in no time!

Byron Fermentary, Byron Cane Company, Jungle Juice, Gourmet Salad Hut and Greens from The Farm are at Mullumbimby Farmers Market every Friday from 7am to 11am.

Lovemore Fermentary and Ayusa are at New Brighton Farmers Markets every Tuesday from 8am to 11am.

Other World, Shroom Bros, Summit Organics, Organic Forrest, Morrow’s, Jumping Red Ant, Everest Farm are at New Brighton Farmers Market every Tuesday from 8am to 11am and Mullumbimby Farmers Market every Friday from 7am to 11am.

Victoria Cosford

Katerina Lazareva from Byron Fermentary

Cryptic Clues

ACROSS

1.Unusual lines appearing around old part of shoe (6)

4.Papa races all over the place at an astronomical distance (6)

9.Marine killer taking out short army officer from Spanish island (4)

10.Broken down men outran team leader in competition (10)

11.Italian dynasty uses drugs but November Echo won’t get involved (6)

12.First of the royal deeds of purchase (8)

13.Rogue causes nasty scare in firstclass (9)

15.Islamic ruler takes a turn in Crimea (4)

16.Councillor, sailor, soldier or hermit? (4)

17. Colleague gets bracelet perhaps (9)

21.State of obsession follows onsets of traumatic aphasic shocks (8)

22.Good selection of expensive red (6)

24.Lender used brawn unfairly in card game (10)

25.Notorious felon loses head – and bottom! (4)

26.Head of publicity at Echo tailing large roo to the continent (6)

27.Dull article ended poorly (6) DOWN

1.Liaise informally over origin of rebellion with old English PM (7)

2.Secret police almost maintaining equilibrium (5)

3.Network left room at the top along with Echo (7)

5.Void shrouds onset of Autumn – it’s happening every year (6)

6.Semites turn up hosting old men –but not always (9)

7.Profile of count – or misrepresentation? (7)

8.Australian songbird, at fair in eastern capital, and a songbird in church! (7,6)

14. Caroline married badly – to a digger (4,5)

16.Pantomime is cleaner with promotion by Echo (7)

18.Warning of attack, and terrible danger, to Echo (2,5)

19.Soldiers don’t have time for a course of therapy (7)

20.Implicate parent wrongfully (6)

23.Assist to maintain credit cutting (5)

Quick Clues

ACROSS

1.Inner underside of a boot (6)

4.Unit for measurement of distances of stars, approximately 3.26 light years (6)

9.Black and white predatory whale (4)

10.Series of games to determine a winner or winning team (10)

11.Medieval Florentine banking family (6)

12.Pulling or being pulled; grip, as of a wheel on a road (8)

13.Wrongdoer (9)

15.Military commander or chieftain in a Muslim jurisdiction (4)

16.Decapod marine crustacean (4)

17.Supplementary part; assistant (9)

21.Last habitat of the thylacine (8)

22.Farmhouse or country house, and its stables and other buildings (6)

24.Dealer in pledged articles (10)

25.Cut of beef between the loin and the round (4)

26.Northern land mass comprising forty-five countries (6)

27.Make less sensitive or intense (6)

DOWN

1.Citizen of a small Eastern Mediterranean state (7)

2.Secret police of East Germany (5)

3.Screen of crossed bars, often used to frame climbing plants (7)

5.Lasting or living for a year (6)

6.Occasionally (9)

7.Outline (7)

8.Australian actress and singer of songs for children (7,6)

14.Gina Rinehart, for example (4,5)

16.Riddle enacted syllable by syllable (7)

18.An alert to assume a defensive position (2,5)

19.System of government; course of treatment (7)

20.Snare (6)

23.Unpleasantly pungent or sharp to taste or smell (5)

A Sober New Year

Mandy Nolan

This will be my third sober new year. People ask: is this forever? Will you ever drink again? No, I won’t. I actually like not drinking. It’s cheaper. I can’t believe I paid so much to feel so shit. I feel completely fine. I enjoy social occasions. I can relax after work. I can talk to people I don’t know. I probably won’t tell them I love them and say we have to catch up more, but I can ask them about themselves and create a fairly warm bond. Then in a few years if we actually form a reciprocal bond, I will catch up more and tell them I love them because it’s genuine. I won’t drunk dial them at 1am.

Drunk people don’t listen. They make a bee line for you, but it’s not about you. It’s about them. Drunk people don’t ask questions. They talk. Usually about themselves. It’s repetitive. It’s loud. It’s uninvited and it’s boring. It’s often a lubricant for a trauma dump. Which is ironic. Because alcohol is usually part of what created the trauma in the first place.

I know. I used to be that person. It’s like my sober karma. I get constant reminders of why my resolve not to drink is a good one.

People don’t get better with alcohol. I certainly didn’t. Unfortunately the most dangerous effect of booze is it gives you that loose confidence that persuades you to inflict yourself loudly on strangers. You’re funnier, cooler, more interesting. In your head. To those of us who are sober, it’s uncomfortable, anxiety-creating and awkward. Drunk people don’t leave space for anyone else.

Now, when I am in the presence of drunk people I shudder. It’s really hard to deal with as a sober person. The IQ drops significantly, the conversation goes on a loop, and they like to touch you. Usually it’s as harmless as a hug. Sometimes a kiss. Sometimes they grab your head and force weirdly confrontational and intimate eye contact. Sometimes it’s a grope. Or a slap. A push. A punch. Most violence involves alcohol, most assaults, most road deaths. My own father died drunk at the wheel, killing a friend’s grandfather in the head

The nodal points in astrology outline our journey through life. South node shows our familiar, well-worn operating modes: the been there, done that story. North Node highlights where we’re headed...

ARIES: Mars reversing into your base of operations could raise home and family issues, which this year’s nodal axis suggests are best addressed by re-jigging your usual approach to something more flexible and empathetic. If mediation and behind the scenes cleaning up are needed, you’re likely to find this surprisingly warm and rewarding.

TAURUS: The zodiac’s south node is turning the page on a new life chapter this January, which requires letting go of an old self-image and the thoughts and behaviours that accompanied it. You are so much more than you thought, and the north node invites you to your latest incarnation.

GEMINI: You love changing things up, and this year’s south node axis shift, starting this January, calls time to ditch stale domestic routines. The north node simultaneously highlights your personal journey for the coming 18 months towards a less heady, more heart-based approach to work and professional interactions.

So this New Year’s Eve I’ll probably be in bed by 10. But I’ll be awake at 5am. Bright, happy, well rested. Full of hope.

on collision. Yet we’re pretty fine with it. Why is that?

More and more kids are born with FASD. That’s fetal alcohol pectrum disorder. There are a variety of symptoms, from intellectual impairment to behavioural aberrations, including ADHD. It’s from alcohol. And it’s not just the mother, the damaged genes can be transferred through the father’s sperm. About 2% of all babies have FASD. It’s totally preventable. Yet we’re ok with that.

People ask if I miss alcohol. And the truth is no. In fact it’s the opposite. The only regret I have is that I drank for too

CANCER: The astrological south node indicates what to let go of in order to move forward. In your communication sector this year, it suggests examining your habits of receiving and passing on information. Is it time to stop doom scrolling, start talking in face time, maybe declare a moratorium on complaining?

LEO: Retrograde Mars introducing a reflective start to the year offers the opportunity to finesse that delicate dance between your need to lead and others to find their shine. And January’s south node shift highlights possibilities that have been obscured by ideas about what needed to be done, and whose job that was.

VIRGO: This month the zodiac’s astrological south node entering Virgo for the coming year and a half calls a halt to putting others’ needs before your own, and being constantly available as everyone’s problem solver. Directives are even more specific from the celestial north node, about which more next week...

LIBRA: January’s astrological south node closing the door on whatever’s had its day amplifies this month’s reminder that making space around us gives our brains room to breathe. Curated space-arranging is a Libran superpower, so use this celestially assisted cycle for deleting knick-knack overload and a decor refresh.

SCORPIO: The zodiac’s south node moving into your sector of friends and groups calls time to review your networks. Which people, plans and projects no longer resonate? Who are the keepers, and how can you tell? By the tingly taste of excitement as you take the north node road, described next week.

SAGITTARIUS: The celestial south node’s change renders your comfort zone of autopilot operating and habitual responses less appealing this year, though strategic Mercury nevertheless recommends easing carefully into new arrangements, and not without a backup plan. Tune in next week for this year’s direction north node directive...

long. I wish I’d stopped earlier. I wish I’d left the party. I wish I hadn’t used alcohol as a crutch. Facing my own traumas, the hard stuff was so much easier than I thought. In fact, it was easier than drinking.

I don’t wake up regretting what I said to someone. I don’t check my phone to see who I called at midnight. I don’t give my money to an industry that causes so much pain and damage. I don’t waste hours telling myself and other people that I’m a manageable drinker. I don’t have to worry about how I’ll get home, or how I’ll pick up the car the next day. I can drive.

So this New Year’s Eve I’ll probably be in bed by 10. But I’ll be awake at 5am. Bright, happy, well rested. Full of hope. Being sober gave me back my mornings.

And they are magic.

Ironically I now have, sober, what I chased when I drank.

Self love. And it’s free!

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

CAPRICORN: As the new year’s sun shines on Capricorn birthday celebrations, you’ll find the fun in fundamentals as Mercury in your goal-setting sign for the larger part of January engages you in playing the long game: positioning yourself for success by organising, planning and setting up connections to help you thrive in ‘25.

AQUARIUS: This year’s south node axis moving to your zone of intimacy suggests that this is an auspicious time to let go of some barriers to closeness you may be holding. To reframe your boundaries so they’re more selectively porous, and let down your guard to new ways of connecting.

PISCES: With gracious, graceful Venus beginning this year in your sign, could you be more blessed? Yes, on 12 January when the karmic north node shifts into Pisces to open an eighteen month portal of planetary support for using your natural talents to do your true work in the world.

CAPRICORN THE MOUNTAIN

MANDY NOLAN’S

Created using AI and photoshop by think blink design

ART KIND

ARTIST STUDIO GALLERY

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

Art

Contemporary art gallery and studio providing engaging exhibitions, art classes and workshops 3/18 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay Arts & Industry Estate, Open Wed–Sat 10am–2pm 0404 946 553 @artkindbyronbay www.artkind.com.au

Art in the heart of Mullumbimby

Art lov

ARTIST’S HOME GALLERY

Byron Bay

Comp the H’A artwo absolu

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

Graphic impressionist Solveig curates the

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

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

BYRON CLAY WORKERS GALLERY Fairview Studios 114 Stewarts Road, Clunes

Open Friday to Sunday John Stewart 0406 404 335 johnstewartceramics.com

GALLERY COSMOSIS

Graph every local a extend Visitor by the conce

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

Visionary Art

22 Brigantine St, Byron Bay

Conve heart

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

Open Thurs to Sat: 10.30am–3pm or by appointment 0431 331 205 gallerycosmosis.com

GARAGE GALLERY

Enquir

Enquire at info@solveig.com.au

Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre

Portraits of Love: A Mother’s Perspective by regional artist Meli Axford, explores the nuanced dynamics of love, family, and her daughters’ transition to adulthood through a mother’s eyes.

Featuring vibrant paintings that capture the complexities of growing up, the exhibition showcases the latest in Axford’s ongoing Pool Series Her works are framed as portraits of love through a mother’s eyes, offering an alternate perspective on portraiture and contributing to the phenomenology of the female gaze.

2 Mistral Road, Murwillumbah

Open Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm gallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au

‘Community Arts Hub’ (Byron Community College) Cnr Gordon & Burringbar Streets, Mullumbimby @mullum.garage.gallery 02 6684 3374

H’ART GALLERY

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

KARENA WYNN-MOYLAN, FINE ART

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

LISMORE REGIONAL GALLERY

11 Rural St, Lismore, Bundjalung Country NSW Open hours: Wednesday to Sunday 10am–4pm, Thursdays until 6pm lismoregallery.org | @lismoreregionalgallery

LONE GOAT GALLERY

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

MULLUMBIMBY CLAY WORKERS GALLERY

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

MZ GALLERY

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

NIMBIN ARTISTS GALLERY

47 Cullen Street, Nimbin Opening hours 10am–4pm daily 02 6689 1444 www.nimbinartistsgallery.org

NORTHERN RIVERS COMMUNITY GALLERY

Cnr Cherry & Crane Sts, Ballina

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

GALLERIES ART GALLERIES

TWEED REGIONAL GALLERY & MARGARET OLLEY ART CENTRE

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

Meli Axford: Sibling Rivalry2024 Oil on canvas 120 x 150 cm

Image courtesy the artist © Meli Axford

Hello summer

BYRON’S VIBRANT MARKET SCENE

Summer in Byron is a time of sunshine, sea breezes, and the vibrant hum of local markets. This January, immerse yourself in the Byron Summer of Markets, where creativity, community and coastal charm converge.

Kicking off the month is the iconic Byron Community Market on Friday, 5 January - a beloved gathering of local artisans, foodies, and performers. In an exciting addition, a special Byron Community Market will also run on Friday, 19 January, providing another opportunity to explore its unique offerings.

As the sun dips below the horizon, the magic continues with the Twilight Markets, lighting up every Saturday night with live music, handcrafted wares, and gourmet bites.

Make this summer unforgettable - shop local, connect, and celebrate Byron’s creative spirit.

@byronmarkets byronmarkets.com.au

NIMBIN HERBS

Nestled in the lush hinterlands of the Northern Rivers, Nimbin Herbs has been a sanctuary for seekers of healing, transformation, and connection for over 25 years. 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 with nature as your guide, and their carefully crafted botanical offerings are designed to soothe the mind, energise the body, and awaken the spirit.

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 @nimbin.herbs nimbinherbs.com.au

BYRON BAY CAMPING & DISPOSALS

Your one-stop shop for your next outdoor adventure.

If you need sleeping bags, tents, work boots, knives, lighting, kitchenware,

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, trip, multi-day hike, or you need Christmas present inspiration.

1/1 Tasman Way, Byron Bay 0439 212 153

email: theteam@byron-camping.com.au byron-camping.com.au

ROCA

Byron Bay’s food scene just got spicier with the opening ofRoca, a vibrant America, Asia, and the Middle East.

Enjoy casual dining at theCevichería 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.

Complementing the food are signature cocktails like the classic pisco sour and an extensive wine list. With locally sourced ingredients from the community.

14 Lawson St, Byron Bay @rocabyronbay

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

Call 1300 773 779 or emailhello@sperrytents.com.au @sperrytentsaustralia | @styleandhire

Hello summer

VIRTUAL GOLF CENTRE BALLINA

Looking to try something new and different in Ballina?

Come along and visit this state-of-the-art indoor, airconditioned 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.

Lessons and gift vouchers available. Family deal: 1 hour for $60, for 2 adults and kids 15 and under free. Extra adult $10.

Open 10am till late, 7 days a week.

14 Ascot Rd, Ballina virtualgolfcentre.com.au

BETTER BY BIKE

Take the family on an unforgettable adventure along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail!

This holiday season, get the kids out into nature. WithBetter By Bike's supercomfy e-bikes, their ride will be the highlight of the holidays!

Explore lush rainforests, cross historic bridges, and ride through abandoned rail tunnels. They’ve got the whole family covered with infant seats, towbehind bikes, and chariots for kids or pets. Need something extra? Cargo and fat-tyre bikes are also available. Choose pickup from your accommodation or meet them at their Murwillumbah Railway Station shop.

Thinking of buying your own bike? Check out their wide range of bikes,

0408 444 858 @betterbybikeoz betterbybike.com.au

CLIMBING JUNGLE

Climbing Jungle Indoor Rock Climbing gym is the ultimate adventure playground for kids and adults - there is no age limit! Whether you're a beginner or pro, there are climbs for everyone. If you're up for a challenge, it's a safe and fun environment to get active and have some fun!

On top of that, the social vibe makes every visit awesome - they have a highly supportive and welcoming community and their super cool instructors are always there to help, making sure everyone stays safe whilst having an absolute blast.

nture ou re a ! have cool s safe whilst program. courses for

Rock up and climb for the day, or book in for their school holiday program. Regular kids classes start 4th Jan, plus they run workshops and courses for adults. Check their website for what's on!

28 Smith Drive, Ballina 02 6675 9800 climbingjungle.com.au

BYRON PHOTO MAGIC

Hello summer

SUMMER CAMPING MADE EASY

Byron Photo Magic, your trusted local camera store, is here to help you capture the magic of summer holidays. Whether you're heading to the golden beaches, hiking to Cape Byron Lighthouse, or enjoying family picnics under the Norfolk pines, they have everything you need to preserve those unforgettable moments.

From the latest cameras and accessories to expert advice on getting the perfect shot, Byron Photo Magic ensures you're ready for every adventure. Their friendly team is passionate about photography and helping you turn summer memories into lasting keepsakes.

Visit them in-store for great deals, tips and inspiration. This summer, make every click count with Byron Photo Magic - because the best moments deserve to be captured.

Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-2pm (Closed Sun & Public Holidays).

Shop 20 ‘Mercato on Byron 108 -114 Jonson St, Byron Bay 02 6685 5877 photomagic.com.au

Make the most of your summer and let Bower Camp Co take the hassle out of camping.

Immerse yourself in nature whilst Bower Camp Co do all the work.

Lay back, relax and enjoy an authentic camping experience with quality tents, real mattresses, real sheets and really great food.

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

Let Bower Camp Co nurture you in nature.

Get your people together for a “better than glamping” experience in one of Bower Camp Co's beautiful rainforest or beach National Park sites, or at a location of your choice.

Connect to nature. Connect to your people. Connect to yourself. Check out their upcoming camps or let Bower Camp Co design a camp for your group or special event.

0424468777 email: info@bowercampco.com.au @bowercampco bowercampco.com.au

BOWER

BALLOON ALOFT

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

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 balloonaloft.com

BEYOND BYRON E BIKES

•Starting from Mooball

Book your next adventure easily atbeyondbyronebikes.com.au

Volume 39 #30

1–6 January, 2025

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

What’s on this week

Remember the days when Aussie pub rock was king? When bands like Cold Chisel and INXS rocked the local pubs, and the energy was electric? Those were the nights of vibe-filled venues, where the music was pumping, the dance floor was heaving, and all we cared about was having a good time. Living in the 80s brings that same spirit back with a setlist that will have you singing along and dancing like it’s 1985.

Wednesday 4.30pm at the Hotel Brunswick. Free show

A lineup that blends rising stars with seasoned favourites, acting as the ultimate tastemaker for Aussie live music, this editon of Spaced Out features: Dice, The Buoys, Daily J and Shag Rock.

Thursday 2pm Beach Hotel, Byron Bay. Tickets from $79.30 at oztix.com.au.

The Whiskeys are a two-piece, boisterous, and heavy blues and rock band – if you can imagine The Black Keys meeting Royal Blood, and then closing your eyes and hearing Led Zeppelin, then you have an insight into the sound they create.

Friday at the Rails The Whiskeys. Free show

Get ready to rock as the legendary Screaming Jets take the stage in 2025. This high-octane show promises a night of heart-pounding energy and pure rock ‘n’ roll intensity as the iconic band performs a with a kick-ass multi-artist bill.

Tuesday at 5.30pm at the Ballina RSL – Level One. Tickets: from $61.20 – ballinarsl.com.au.

Utterly fresh and unique but steeped in the tradition of real, authentic blues, the music of Mojo We’bbss is truly world-class. With charisma and a naturally captivating stage presence, Mojo breathes new life into roots-based sounds transcending all age and fashion barriers.

Sunday 2.30pm at the Blues Club, Ballina RSL. Free show

Eclectic, eccentric and hedonist, DJ Monsieur Diop is in eternal search for the timeless sound. His devotion for music took him on a journey of no return. His creative approach revolves around the progression of natural incidents in the pursuit of harmony.

Sunday from 3.30pm at Wandana Brewing Co. Free show

Shooting to fame at the age of 19 with a viral audition video that now has over 50 million views on YouTube, Karise Eden has arguably one of Australia’s most distinctive voices – Karise’s solo shows see her armed with her guitar and a songbook of her own originals plus her own twist on some classics that have influenced her musical journey throughout her career.

Friday 7pm at the Byron Theatre. Tickets from $47 – byroncentre.com.au

Following the beautiful evening that was the first-ever musical bonanza earlier this year, tucked into the hills at Repentance Creek, Musical Bonanza #2 is on at Coorabell Hall and features Baby Cool, Tralalablip, Blue Divers and Merryn Jeann.

Following the live shows, you can dance the night away (until midnight*) with DJ Myles Doughman.

Coorabell Hall – Saturday, from 3pm. $25 humantix or $30 on the door.

seven days of entertainment

Well hello summer 2025!

We all know summer in Bruns is hard to beat, especially when the Brunswick Picture House is bringing you another jam-packed January, all in air-conditioned comfort.

The ‘House’ is flying straight out of the gate from 3 January with their smash hit show – Bruns Does Burlesque , which returns dripping with pure glamour in an all-new, bumper three-week summer season –the biggest yet – featuring some of Australia’s hottest burlesque and boylesque artists. Like its sister show, the Cheeky Cabaret, the sexy, sassy and innovative cast are truly representative of the jaw-dropping beauty of the world of burlesque, right here in Brunswick Heads. What better way to start 2025 than with one of the shire’s hottest shows? Don’t miss out – there are discounted tickets available for preview night.

The Picture House, which some say is the official home of comedy in the shire, once again, has a January lineup of comedy will leave you laughing in the aisles: high school teacher turned brilliant comic, Bron Lewis , hits the Bruns stage with her show Who’sTalking?! – while the dynamic duo Mel Buttle and Nath Valvo are back with high kicks, twirls and a whole gossipy avalanche of jokes.

And finally the House’s best mate and Australia’s favourite dickhead, Tommy Little returns with a brand new show –over six sessions. You’ll be the first in Australia to hear his jokes before he takes the show on the road.

And finally, don’t let the adults have all the fun – Lil’ Cheeky, the family friendly circus bonanza is back in an all new, all ages circus show that no one – young or old – should miss. It’s got the sass and attitude of the late-night shows but without the guilt of leaving any of the family behind. Put the devices aside and bring them out for some true live entertainment. January 18 and 25 at 2pm with family discounts available.

Cheeky organisers say, ‘Want front row seats to any of our events? Fancy a discount off your show tickets? Join the Housemate program, as many others have done, and enjoy plenty of benefits. You’ll also be supporting a local community not-for-profit entertainment venue.’

The Garden Bar is open an hour before showtime – grab a bite and a fancy cocktail. It’s open before, during the show and at interval. Be sure to check out the full summer program on sale now at: brunswickpicturehouse.com.

Still crazy funny after all these years

A man walked into a bar, actually, it was the Services Club in Byron Bay – and he sat down and for the next two hours he laughed his bloody head off because Austen Tashus was on stage crackin’ a few jokes.

A man on the wise side of 41, Austen Tayshus born at Sydney’s first Comedy Store in Jamieson Street in 1981. He stood up for the first time after a fairly precarious delivery, in March of that year. By 1982, Australiana was ready to record and it was released by Regular Records through Warner Music in June 1983. It sold in excess of two hundred thousand copies, went double platinum, and still holds the record for the highest-selling Australian single ever.

d for the next off because ew jokes. ayshus was amieson time after hat d and it gh Warner wo m, and ing

d

seven days of entertainment

as far as rich social interactions goes, as long as I’m getting rich from the social interactions, I’m happy. Are you having enough fun?

Are fun?

What could be more fun than Costa?

Austen Tayshus is STILL on the road (and boy is he tired – boom boom!)

They say ‘start as you mean to finish’ and laughing is a good way to begin the year.

d ar. ng

In January Austen Tayshus will be playing local shows to kickstart your 2025.

Seven caught up with Austen Tayshus’s handler, Sandy Gutman, last week in the lead-up to his Byron Bay show.

What’s fantastic about performing this show?

e is ut r ows in ally prowess has

Letting everyone see how great I am! But seriously, it’s the culmination of another great year of stand up. I’ve done 100 shows in 2024 all over the country, and so this really is the culmination, that and the fact that my prowess has exceeded my own expectation!

Standing up for two hours – that’s a big ask for a 41-year-old

That’s what I do and I am getting better at it. I get much funnier each time I stand more than 30 centimetres higher than everyone else in the room –the stage has that effect on me. I’m great. More than that. I’m actually terrific.

Has anything exciting happened to you this year?

My life is a barrel of excitement, sometimes, it’s almost too much for me and I have to sit parts of it out and let other people be excited for me, but, did you hear I’m getting younger? I’m on the Blue Zone Diet. I’m doing a lot of gardening, and I’ve lost 40 years. How about that? It’s amazing in the Blue Zone. It’s about places like Okinawa, Nuoro Province, the Nicoya Peninsula and Icaria – where people live to 100 because they they have a diet which is beans, and they do a lot of gardening and walk up mountains, but they don’t get old. Yeah, so because of the Blue Zone Diet, instead of being 41 I’m actually a lot younger.

The Blue Zone lifestyle combines physical activity, low stress, rich social interactions as well as the local whole-foods diet. Is performing the ‘low stress and rich social interactions’ part?

Well performing is low stress for me, but maybe not for the audience, I like to keep them on their toes. But

I am having as much fun as a cockatoo!

I fun a Austen is putt 40th anniversa on w Cam S the show. Tic show on Janua Bay S – ca

Austen Tayshus is putting a very funny 40th anniversary spin on Australiana and will be supported by Cam Standen for the Byron show. Tickets are selling very fast for his show on Monday January 6th Byron Bay Services Club – call 6685 6878 for details.

A exciting event is on this weekend as Grow Do It and Mullumbimby Community Garden present: the Costa’s Garden: Flowers – Mullumbimby book launch. Everyone’s favorite garden gnome, Costa Georgiadis of Gardening Australia and illustrator Brenna Quinlan have produced a book for young green-thumbs everywhere, and it’s all about flowers.

Come celebrate with permaculture party band

Formidable Vegetable and Grammy-winning kid-hop MC, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo

If you miss the man on Monday or you want to see him again, he has shows on Wednesday, January 8, at the Bangalow Bowling Club and Thursday, January 9, at the Tyalgum Hotel. Tickets are available at the venues.

If y th M y t a s W Jan the B Bowlin Thursda 9, at the Ty Ticke at

This will definitely be a family fun afternoon of music, laughter and flowers. There will be community stalls, with Save Wallum, Mother Earth Educators, Face Painting and some delicious snacks from Mullum Community Gardens crew.

Come dressed as a garden gnome or your favorite flower and join in a fabulous garden party the likes never before seen in Mullum.

Costa’s Garden: Flowers – Mullumbimby book launch is on at Mullumbimby Civic Hall Saturday 4 January 2–4 pm. Tickets Available at events.humanitix.com –Costa’s Garden: Flowers Mullumbimby

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.

Sonic journeys and transformative soundscapes

This year’s Starlight Festival lineup offers a diversity of sound healing and musical artistry, with two extraordinary performers Daniele and Atman bringing their unique approaches to transformative sound. Each weaves a story of connection, spirituality, and healing, inviting listeners to embark on deeply personal journeys through sound.

Daniele, a visionary musician, artist, and producer, channels the healing power of sound into his immersive sessions. With a profound respect for sacred instruments, he crafts intimate ceremonies and one-on-one experiences that explore the transformative potential of vibration.

Daniele has delved into an array of traditional and modern instruments, including Native American flutes, the didgeridoo, shamanic drums, handpans, gongs, singing bowls, and the human voice. His work embodies a soulful exploration of sound as a tool for personal transformation and collective healing.

Atman, a multicultural nomad and seasoned performer, brings 15 years of global experience to the stage. Having traveled across Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia, he draws deeply from the cultural and spiritual landscapes he has encountered. Atman’s connection to Australia runs especially deep; since arriving a decade ago, he has journeyed across the country, from its coasts to the heart of the Northern Territory, where he visited Uluru to receive the blessings of the land.

Along the way, he has learned from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous players, blending their teachings into his craft. Rooted in a spiritual journey that began in 2009, Atman’s sound healing blends inner spiritual cultivation with profound musical expertise.

Both artists offer festival-goers an opportunity to step into soundscapes that transcend the ordinary, creating spaces for reflection, healing, and transformation. Whether through Daniele’s reverent exploration of vibration or Atman’s globally-inspired sonic journeys, their performances promise to leave an indelible mark on all who listen.

Starlight Festival is on this week starting on Thursday and finishing on Sunday at the Bangalow A&I Hall and surrounding areas. Visit starlightfestival.com.au for more information, tickets $35 on the door or online.

seven days of entertainment

GIG GUIDE

WEDNESDAY 1

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, RAGGA JUMP

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 4.30PM THE FERAMONES

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 8.30PM BULLETPROOF

BANGALOW BOWLO

7.30PM BANGALOW BRACKETS’ OPEN MIC SESSION

HOTEL BRUNSWICK

4.30PM LIVING IN THE 80S

BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK 6PM JOCK BARNES

SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 3PM FAT ALBERT

THURSDAY 2

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, MARSHALL OKELL DUO

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 2PM DICE, THE BUOYS, DAILY J & SHAG ROCK

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 8PM THE FERAMONES

A&I HALL, BANGALOW, 9.30AM STARLIGHT FESTIVAL

HOTEL BRUNSWICK

7.30PM HAYLEY GRACE

WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4.30PM DJ

SALVE JORGE

MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 8PM KRAPEOKEEE WITH JESS

KINGSCLIFF BEACH HOTEL 6PM PETE MURRAY

FRIDAY 3

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, THE WHISKEYS

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 9PM D.O.D.

BYRON THEATRE 7PM KARISE EDEN

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 9PM MOOD SWING & CHEVY BASS

A&I HALL, BANGALOW, 9.30AM STARLIGHT FESTIVAL

HOTEL BRUNSWICK

7.30PM PUNK ROCK

HILLBILLY

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM BRUNS DOES BURLESQUE

WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4.30PM DJ

SALVE JORGE

CLUB LENNOX PINK ZINC

BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK

6PM NATHAN KAYE, LEVEL ONE 8PM DREAMS –FLEETWOOD MAC & STEVIE NICKS

CHERRY STREET SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, 7PM BEN & VIC, 7PM PINK ZINC

EVANS HEADS BOWLO 5PM JON J BRADLEY

MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES

CLUB 6.30PM PHIL GUEST

SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 6PM ISAAC FRANKHAM

SOUNDLOUNGE, CURRUMBIN, 6PM JASON DELPHIN

SATURDAY 4

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, THE SWAMP CATS

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 3PM CINNAMON SUN 6PM FAT ALBERT, LP GIOBBI + DJ KIRA SUNDAY, B2B & DJ YAZMIN

BYRON THEATRE 2PM A LITTLE BIT OF BLUE PUPPET SHOW, 7PM PRINNIE STEVENS

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 8PM THE ELTON JOHN EXPERIENCE

A&I HALL, BANGALOW, 9.30AM STARLIGHT FESTIVAL HOTEL BRUNSWICK

4.30PM WEAR THE FOX HAT + LUKE HAYWARD + DJ BOZ

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM BRUNS DOES BURLESQUE

MULLUMBIMBY CIVIC HALL 2PM COSTA’S GARDEN: FLOWERS – MULLUMBIMBY BOOK LAUNCH

CLUB LENNOX 7PM OOZ

BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK 6PM ADAM GARDINER

CHERRY STREET SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, 8PM PINK ZINC DUO

REPENTANCE CREEK HALL

3PM MUSICAL BONANZA #2 WITH BLUE DIVERS, BABY COOL, MERRYN JEANN, SCRAPS AND WISHFISH

THE CHANNON TAVERN 6.30PM KARAOKE

MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6PM STOCKADE

KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 1PM BLAKE EVANS 6PM TAHLIA MATHESON + ROGUE ELEMENTS

SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 1PM WILD RANGERS, 6PM BEN WHITING

TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 2.30PM & 8PM LEGENDS IN CONCERT SOUNDLOUNGE, CURRUMBIN, 7PM MONTY FRANKLIN

KIRRA BEACH HOTEL 7PM JON J BRADLEY

COOLANGATTA HOTEL 8PM ELEPHANT SESSIONS

SUNDAY 5

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

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 4.30PM MURRAY COOK’S SOUL MOVERS + HOT CHIP, VAN SHE TECH & JONO MA

THE PERCH, WATEGOS 2PM DJ BIRD FLU

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 3PM YULLI’S OPEN MIC, 7PM FLOWDAN & NEFFA-T + AUSAR AND THE BLACK MAMBA

A&I HALL, BANGALOW, 9.30AM STARLIGHT FESTIVAL HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4PM ELEPHANT SESSIONS + TOMI GRAY + YAZMINDI

BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 6PM BRUNS DOES BURLESQUE

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

WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 3.30PM DJ MONSIEUR DIOP BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK

2.30PM BALLINA BLUES CLUB FEAT MOJO WEBB BAND ELTHAM HOTEL

5.30PM MANDY HAWKS THE CHANNON TAVERN 3PM NATHAN

MONDAY 6

WEDNESDAY

Classifieds

ECHO CLASSIFIEDS – 6684 1777

CLASSIFIED AD BOOKINGS

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

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.

Classifieds

POSITIONS VACANT

IN MEMORIAM

Community at Work

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

On The Horizon

DEADLINE NOON

FRIDAY

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

Life and death

MAEVE

is a 2-year-old desexed female Red Heeler x Fox Terrier. Maeve is a darling who gets on really well with other dogs, but will nip at them if she feels overwhelmed. Maeve is alert, bright, playful, affectionate and super loyal. She will need ongoing training and adequate exercise/stimulation to keep her happy. If you have a fenced yard and are a loving, competent and confident dog handler, please contact Shell on 0458461935.

MC: 953010006417383

Marley is a 1 year old, Smithfield/terrier X. She would be an excellent match for an active family with older kids who can keep up with her lively spirit. Marley will benefit from ongoing training and plenty of enrichment. #991003002063706

Location: Murwillumbah

For more information contact Yvette on 0421 831 128 Interested?

Please complete our online adoption expression of interest: https://friendsofthepound.com/ adoption-expression-of-interest/

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

CORNWELL 26/8/1932 - 16/12/2024

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,

MONTHLY MARKETS

Byron Bay. For more information email Tamra @temcmahon15@ outlook.com.

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 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.

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.

SUN, MOON & TIDES

ONLY ADULTS

LIFE CELEBRATIONS

SOCIAL ESCORTS

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 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 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.

Byron Dog Rescue (CAWI)

Service Directory

ECHO SERVICE DIRECTORY RATES, PAYMENT & DEADLINE

Deadline: For additions and changes is 12pm Friday

Line ads: $99 for 3 months or $340 for 1 year prepaid

Display ads: $70 per week for colour display ad. Minimum 8 week booking 4 weeks prepaid. Please supply display ads 85mm wide, 38mm high. New ads will be placed at end of section. Contact: 6684 1777 or adcopy@echo.net.au

Creative Carpentry & Property Maintenance

Decks,

Kieran 0427 196 962

Losers supporting locals

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

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

Supporting local businesses keeps the local economy circular and strong.

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

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

Live simply. Live lightly. Create positive change.

The Jagera Eco Community in Yaegl Country

You may have heard of ‘ecovillages’ … but an intentional permaculture community just ten minutes’ walk from Maclean CBD that ticks affordability, liveability, and sustainability? And that’s only 20 minutes to the Yamba coastline? And just over an hour’s drive to Byron? Well – that’s unique!

Jagera Eco Community is that hidden jewel; prime real estate in a rare pocket of forested, northfacing hillside in Yaegl Country with breezes from, and views of, the Clarence River … and it is flood-free.

Unlike most urban developments, Jagera is a community title development driven by the vision of caring for people and planet, not pocketing development profit. There are 11 residential lots, and, like a strata situation, people own their own lot and a share of the community land and facilities.

Living community-sufficient instead of self-sufficient is what humans have been doing for thousands of years. It makes ecological, economic and evolutionary sense. We evolved as communal beings and our brains and bodies are ‘wired’ for connection, mutual support, and a sense of welcome and belonging.

With all the development approvals and civil engineering drawings approved by Clarence Valley Council, and with two-thirds of the development capital raised already, Jagera is, as they say, shovel-ready.

The Jagera project is aiming to start construction in June 2025.

Jagera runs gatherings, including music, arts, and sustainabilitybased events bringing the wider local community together. ‘We often mark the change of season, solstice or equinox with special events, and welcome those interested in co-creating intentional communities to join us,’ says

Rennie, Jagera community member.

Living simply, peacefully and sustainably in an eco-community has been a dream of Rennie’s –and of other people wanting to be part of a conscious community outside of the largely-unaffordable Byron bubble.

We are an intergenerational, intentional community, inspiring each other to live simply and sustainably on beautiful Yaegl Country in the Yamba hinterland.

Jagera is a community title development fully approved by Clarence Valley Council.

Our 11 lots are flood free, north facing and easy walking distance to Maclean town centre.

Brainchild of long-term locals, Peter Cuming and Eshana Bragg, founders of multi-award-winning environmental consultancy Sustainable Futures Australia, Jagera is calling for new members with a diverse range of skills, interests, ages, genders, family situations and cultural backgrounds to join. Jagera are also seeking ethical investors to provide the final development capital for construction of shared infrastructure and completion of the subdivision.

This is a rare opportunity to be part of creating a unique ecovillage on the north coast of NSW.

For more information on Jagera go to ecocommunity.org.au/join-us or call Belinda on 0400 777 862.

www.ecocommunity.org.au

Belinda

Main image: A wild life – Jagera’s rainforest gully and creek ecosystem restoration and wildlife habitat are perfect for family adventures. Top: Community gatherings in the ‘village green’ at the centre of Jagera Eco Community. Bottom: Cofounders of Jagera: Eshana Bragg (left) and Peter Cuming (right) with Pacha and Anja Light of Local Futures (middle).

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

•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

This property generates income from a sharefarm agreement,

while also

embrace a

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Mooball in the Northern Rivers, “Benwerrin” is not just a property; it’s a cherished piece of

•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

This

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.

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

•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

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.

of Interests Close 27th November 4pm

• 1012m

•

•

• Zoned R3 Medium Density.

BYRON BAY ACCOM

•We are locally owned and run

Reasons to List your Holiday Property with Byron Bay Accom

•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.

Property Business Directory

Backlash

or email:

235 624

Here’s to the new year – 2025! It’s a chance for new beginnings, and a chance to reform and recalibrate with positive new habits. 2024 begone!

Oh dear Goodess, we got it wrong again – it’s Lilith Rochas who has run the Byron Bay Hula and Mana Aloha Troupe for the past 20 years, not Zenith as stated last week.

While governments repurpose rail infrastructure for rail trails, the Chinese have just unveiled the world’s fastest high-speed train, the CR450 prototype. It is capable of reaching test speeds of 450km/h.

It’s unclear whether Elon Musk or an AI Musk bot is posting on his dumpster fire social media platform X. Regardless of who or what it is, they seem deeply hypocritical. After Musk posted ‘… FUCK YOURSELF in the face’ in his defence of importing skilled labour into the US, he posted ‘Please post a bit more positive, beautiful or informative content on this platform’. Bluesky is the X alternative, and doesn’t come with an unstable gaslighting billionaire baby man.

Politicians (rightly) get a bad rap, mainly because most lie, distract and feather their nest while everything continues to fall apart. Not so 39th US president, Jimmy Carter, who just died at 100. He turned his post-presidency into a masterclass on service leadership. From building homes to fighting disease, he was a reminder that true greatness isn’t about power, but how you use your influence to help others.

FYI: The ABC has reported that researchers are optimistic that an artificial reef trial at a WA beach can tackle beach erosion nationwide.

ICYMI the Byron Community Markets are on in Byron CBD on Sunday, January 5 from 8–3pm and the Byron Twilight Market is on every Saturday from 4pm at Railway Park.

Ten years ago in The Echo (December 30, 2014 edition): Smoke could be seen as far south as Byron Bay on Christmas Day as around 300 acres of bushland near Pottsville burned to the ground. And the alleged leader of the Ballina Rebels, along with two others, were arrested charged with dealing ice and speed along with gun-related charges.

New Year’s Day is a high-risk period when coastal incidents and drownings are three times more likely than on any other day, say Surf Life Saving NSW. They are reminding people to

heed safety warnings around alcohol and swimming or boating, and swimming at

unpatrolled locations, where the vast bulk of tragedies occur at this time of year.

Inclusion in 2025***

*Zev achieved Band 6 results in of his subjects ** Sophia & Juniper’s works will be featured at galleries across NSW

Wyana’s work will be showcased at Gallery 76 in Sydney in March and April

*Zev of his galleries across March and

In a break from his normal modus operandi, Santa Claus arrived at Byron’s Main Beach by inflatable rescue boat (IRB) to the delight of the young nippers and beach goers just before Christmas. Photo Jeff ‘Beached In Red And White’ Dawson