The plan to build traffic lights at the notorious Clifford Stret intersection in Suffolk Park has been consigned to the dustbin, with a majority of Byron councillors voting to formally abandon the idea last week.
But with the government grant funding that Council had secured for the project now in doubt, it remains to be seen whether any works will be undertaken to improve the black spot in the near future. At last week’s Council meeting, seven of the Shire’s nine councillors voted to reverse the Council’s previous decision to install traffic lights, which was made in November last year.
The reversal was driven by a loud and concerted community campaign against the traffic lights, with over 1,100 residents signing a petition demanding that this plan be abandoned in favour of building a roundabout.
However, while traffic lights are off the table, there is now significant doubt over whether a roundabout will be built at the intersection any time soon.
The meeting heard that Council staff do not have the capacity to deliver a roundabout, even a smaller, temporary one, within the very tight timeframe of the current road safety grant that Council was awarded.
‘After looking at the feedback from staff it seems clear that while the community would love to try
St Martin’s celebrates century
On March 25, St Martin’s Anglican Church, Mullumbimby, will proudly celebrate its 100th anniversary.
The parish says the anniversary ‘marks a century of spiritual service and community outreach in the heart of Mullumbimby’.
Founded in 1925, St Martin’s has been a cornerstone of the town, providing a place of worship, fellowship, and support for generations of locals.
The milestone will be celebrated with a series of events – a special service was held on Sunday, March 16, led by Bishop Murray Harvey.
from 3pm. The concert will feature local artists who have a special connection to this beautiful church.
‘We are excited to commemorate this special occasion with our parishioners, the community, and all who have supported St. Martin’s over the years,’ said Anne Wareing, Parish Office Manager.
Enduring spirit of faith
‘This anniversary is a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and service that has defined our church for a century.’
‘Through its outreach programs, St. Martin’s has fostered a deep connection with the local community, providing support in times of need and celebrating life’s joys including weddings, baptisms and special events’.
‘The anniversary celebrations will offer a chance to reflect on the past while looking forward to a future of continued service.
‘Everyone, both long-time members and newcomers, are invited to join the festivities and share in the joy of this historic occasion’.
Yelgun festival site up for sale
Hans Lovejoy
North Byron Parklands, home of Splendour in the Grass and Falls festivals, is up for sale. News of the sale was first circulated by SMH (Nine). SMH reports that ‘expectations are around $35 million’ for the 229-hectare freehold Wooyung property.
One of the shareholders, Brandon Saul, confirmed with The Echo the SMH report, saying, ‘Given the state of the festival industry, a sale was kind of inevitable’.
When asked who the owners were, he replied there are 28 shareholders.
He said, ‘The owners are a collection of friends, colleagues and music lovers that came together to secure the site when it became clear that we needed a permanent home for both Splendour in the Grass and the Falls Festival. Secret Sounds and Live Nation have never had an interest in the property’.
‘Personally, I think the loss to our festival industry is, on balance, a loss for the Shire, but ultimately the decision wasn’t up to us.
A ‘Centenary Celebration Concert’ will be held on Sunday, March 23
She says the church’s history, intertwined with that of Mullumbimby, reflects both the challenges and triumphs of the town.
For more information on upcoming events, visit the parish website www.byronanglicans.org.au or contact the parish office 6684 3552.
‘I fell in love with the area when I came to check out the Bluesfest (which I still love) way back in the ’90s and I think a lot of people out there have been drawn to the area for similar reasons. Culturally, I think festivals, all the way back to the Aquarius Festival, are a really important part of what has made this area so special and I think it’s unfortunate that we’ll be losing some of that’.
When asked what will happen
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Mark Thornton, banjo player with the Byron Anglican Musical All Stars at St Martin’s, Mullumbimby.
Photo Jeff ‘Banjo In God’s House’ Dawson
WIRES Northern Rivers is running a Rescue and Immediate Care Course (RICC) this month, with an online theory component followed by a hands-on, practical day, on March 23 in Lismore. To get involved, email training@wires.org.au.
supplied
The federal Greens are this week announcing a plan to allocate $20 million a year into a National Wildlife Rescue Strategy. They said in a media release the funding would support emergency wildlife responders, rescue operation, rehabilitation programs and veterinary
services, including wildlife hospitals and volunteer care.
‘The historic funding pledge is being launched at the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital this week, by Greens candidate for Richmond, Mandy Nolan, and Greens spokesperson for the environment, Sarah Hanson-Young’.
Byron Shire beach erosion Q&A
Hans Lovejoy
While significant beach erosion along Byron Shire’s coastline from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred is slowly making a recovery, The Echo asked Council staff if they expect the state/federal government to provide funds to help with any remediation.
Chloe Dowsett, Coastal & Biodiversity Coordinator, replied, ‘Yes – although this is not yet confirmed, and there is no information at the moment about what grants or funding opportunities for Council may look like’.
‘Council has been asked to assess beaches and asset impacts and record
▶ Continued from page 1
and deliver a smaller roundabout, or something along those lines within that timeframe… staff didn’t feel that they have the capacity,’ said Byron Mayor Sarah Ndiaye, who moved the motion.
‘They have the perspective of all the other roadworks required in the Shire. They have the perspective of the
this information to form a basis for potential grants applications. This process is being supported by staff from the Department of Energy, Environment,
millions of dollars worth of work that we’re still doing from the last floods. They know better than anyone what they can and can’t deliver in a certain timeframe.’
Councillors will ask the relevant state government funding authority for permission to use some of the grant money to build a pedestrian crossing on Clifford Street,
Climate Change and Water’.
The Echo asked, ‘Are there plans for Council to import sand in the short term?’
Ms Dowsett replied, ‘No – Council has no plans to
and an as-yet unspecified ‘safety improvement treatment’ on Broken Head Road.
‘I know they’ve been rejected once before… [but] we may have an opportunity to do wombat crossings. They slow traffic down, they’re safe for pedestrians, and we could look at maybe other traffic calming measures as well’, she said.
import sand to any beaches to offset erosion impacts and sand losses. This would be significant and any consideration of such a management approach would need state support and investment’.
The Echo also asked, ‘Is there general advice that the public should know about the erosion?’
Ms Dowsett replied, ‘Lifesaving NSW are responsible for determining if beaches are safe to swim. If the flags are up, then the beach is open. Beach accesses to the north and south of the Shire remain closed due to coastal erosion and are hazardous. Please stay away until further notice’.
Labor councillor, Asren Pugh, voted against the latest decision, along with Cr Michael Lyon (Independent). Cr Pugh said, ‘What’s going to happen is that nothing is going to happen, and all we’ve got is more plans to investigate a roundabout. We’re back where we were ten years ago, and ten years before that’.
Awaken your senses on this remarkable 4-day hike. The 42km walk takes you across some of the most beautiful national parks on the NSW North Coast. You’ll feel in awe of nature as you walk through Gondwana rainforest in the remnants of an ancient volcano ending at spectacular Minyon Falls. Immerse yourself in this lush green landscape on a guided or self-guided walk, enjoying campground facilities along the way.
National Park
Photo: Daniel Parsons/DCCEEW
Photo
Byron Shire beaches after the cyclone. Photo Jeff Dawson
Rapid Relief Fund to assist cyclone recovery
Philanthropic organisation,
The Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRCF), has launched a targeted Rapid Relief Fund ‘to provide immediate support to small, grassroots organisations working on the frontline of Cyclone Alfred recovery’.
NRFC organisers say, ‘While the region was spared the worst of the cyclone’s predicted impact, many local charities and volunteer groups have depleted their resources responding to the needs of their communities’.
‘Many smaller organisations don’t have the financial
reserves or fundraising capacity to replenish critical supplies after a disaster,’ said Sam Henderson, CEO of NRCF.
‘The Rapid Relief Fund provides fast, flexible funding so these groups can continue their vital work on the ground. Every dollar goes directly to local communityled recovery efforts.
Mr Henderson says, ‘Rapid response grants are already on their way to 11 local organisations, with more funds going out the door to trusted grassroots groups as donations come in’.
Amanda Gorvin, GM of the
Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, said emergency response equipment had been damaged and made unusable by Cyclone Alfred.
Quickly re-kitted
‘This rapid grant from NRCF is going to get our team quickly re-kitted, and able to get on with the job of repairing enclosures, cleaning debris, and making sure the sanctuary remains safe for all wildlife and animals,’ Amanda said.
Donations can be made via nrcf.org.au/northernrivers-disaster-relief-fund.
Bruns gym expansion request refused
A request to increase the capacity of the new Bruns gym by its owners was refused at last week’s Council meeting.
Last year, councillors granted conditional approval to Voglet Pty Ltd for a boutique gym and cafe at 38 Tweed Street.
The owners sought the removal of the 20-patron limit so that they could operate
at full capacity, and said the restriction on patronage significantly impacts the gym’s financial viability.
Council staff were unsupportive, and said in their report that the owner was yet to submit the relevant paperwork in relation to the parking works it had promised to undertake.
But the property owner, Peter Vogel, told The Echo
revised parking plans were submitted well within the current six-month time frame, and are with Council staff, awaiting determination.
‘Since last week’s meeting, Council staff have confirmed documents were received, and have given a clear outline on next steps to ensure works can begin as soon as possible’, he said.
Booyong abattoir redevelopment approved
Paul Bibby
Plans for a $7m redevelopment of the Byron Shire’s last remaining livestock abattoir was approved by Byron Shire councillors.
But the owner’s request to remove the cap on the number of animals slaughtered at the facility each week has been rejected, and new limits on the hours of operation have been imposed. Late last year, the
Northern Co-Operative Meat Company Ltd submitted a development application for a major upgrade of its facility at 10 Cudgerie Gully Lane in Booyong. The proposal included an extension to the main abattoir building for pre-processing, along with a new truck enclosure and an administration building. The application further included removing or altering existing conditions related to noise and amenity, as well
as the removal of the current processing cap of 5,000 pigs per week.
Councillors voted to approve the physical upgrades to the facility, but to impose a series of limitations on the facility’s daily operations, including a 9pm cap, rather than 24 hours a day, as had been the case previously.
Councillors also rejected the request to remove the limit on the weekly number of animals slaughtered.
Baked to a crisp
Around 1.30pm to 2pm last Wednesday a car caught fire on the Rajah Road roundabout entrance to Ocean Shores. Fire and Rescue NSW’s Brunswick 240 brigade attended the fire, and with support from the Billinudgel and Ocean Shores Rural Fire Service (RFS), they were able to put the car fire out within 15–20 minutes. A spokesperson for Fire and Rescue NSW told The Echo, ‘The driver didn’t know what caused the fire, [although] he did have time to remove most of his possessions’. Photo Jeff ‘Smokey Pants’ Dawson
Yelgun festival site hits the market
▶ Continued from page 1
with the site, Brandon said, ‘That won’t be up to us. That said, the property comes with DA approval for a large health retreat/wellbeing facility’.
Mr Saul said, ‘Personally, I think that would be a great addition to the area, but it would also suit a whole variety of alternative uses… a school, an equestrian facility maybe? [it could be] a solar farm or data facility – the property sits astride the backbone of the internet between Brisbane and Sydney’.
‘It could also be used for rural residential lifestyle lots. Maybe a combination of all of the above? Ultimately, it will be up to whoever buys the site’.
While many music lovers will be sad to see the end to the festivals, a group of
residents who fought hard to protect the site welcomed the news.
Conservation Of North Ocean Shores (CONOS) said in a statement they have been ‘active protectors of the natural environment and First Nations archeological sites for more than 25 years’.
Biodiverse region
Representative Richard Whitling told The Echo, ‘We are extremely happy to see that the Yelgun mega-festival site is up for sale’.
‘This is one of the most biodiverse regions in Australia, containing around 50 threatened fauna species and endangered plant communities.
‘The failure of the festival enterprise is a win for the environment. The site sits in
the middle of the last major wildlife corridor connecting the World Heritage hinterland with the coastal forests.
‘Numerous First Nations archeological sites have been found throughout the locality.
‘CONOS have been faced with a string of environmentally unsuitable developers/ owners over the years, from Allan Bond, to Chum Vidgen, to North Byron Parklands (current site owners).
‘We hope to see someone with environmental sensitivity purchase the site.
‘The site is zoned mostly agricultural, with state government approvals for mega festivals.
‘We don’t think those approvals on the floodplain will be transferable to a new owner’.
Hedley Hungerford’s legacy celebrated 100 years on
Hans Lovejoy
There’s not many local law firms that have the sort of deep historical ties and positive influence on Mullumbimby that Hungerford Lehmann have.
Located beneath The Echo’s office, the law firm turns 100 this year.
In a 2020 piece by Peter Tsicalas from the Brunswick Valley Historical Society (BVHS), its founder, Hedley Hungerford (1895–1978), is described as an ‘exemplum of the model citizen’ given his involvement in almost everything Mullumbimby from 1924 until his retirement in 1969.
Hungerford was the grandchild of Anglican
Minister, the Rev Septimus Hungerford. Septimus landed in Australia from Ireland in 1828 with his large family of ten.
BVHS says Hedley’s father was a prominent Murwillumbah solicitor and property owner, and ‘by 1913 was a leading Freemason’.
Depression era
After passing the bar exams, young Hedley joined his father’s practice, before moving to Mullumbimby in 1924.
The Historical Society’s Tsicalas writes, ‘Hedley arrived in Mullumbimby when the place was in the depths of depression’.
‘In 1921, the lifting of
domestic price controls followed on from the loss of lucrative war-time contracts with Britain, bringing the harsh reality of the free market to the dairy industry, all coincidental with the sudden collapse of the booming banana industry’.
While the double whammy caused a 16 per cent population loss, Tsicalas says it recovered by the late 1920s, just before the Great Depression hit.
Community member
Hedley was an active community member, becoming president and a committee member for various organisations.
This included Rotary, the
School of Arts, the town’s Chamber of Commerce, the Show Society and Legion of Ex-Servicemen.
He was also foundation president of the Charity Amateur Theatrical Society in 1929, and as an athlete of repute, active with the sporting community.
He was also foundation member of the town’s bowls club, while his wife Ella was foundation member of the golf club.
Hedley was also influential in determining the best
site for the town’s pool, while also ‘giving birth to the Chincogan Fiesta along the way’.
In the early 1960s, Hedley took in Paul Lehmann as a partner, and in 1969, Hedley’s retirement was quite an event for the town.
Big farewell
Tsicalas writes, ‘It attracted probably the most representative gathering ever seen in Mullumbimby’.
Speakers from more than 20 organisations which Hedley had represented over
44 years spoke of the ‘qualities of the guest as a citizen and sportsman’.
While his wife Ella died three months before his retirement, Hedley lived on until 1978.
Current proprietor Joshua Allan said, ‘There are not many businesses that make it to their centenary’.
‘It is a great credit to the firm’s clients and the wider community. The Hedley Hungerford legacy is something we are all proud to be associated with’.
Federal’s planning to be reviewed, masterplan questioned
Paul Bibby
Council has scrapped plans to introduce a Heritage Conservation Area (HCA) in Federal, after nearly all the affected landowners indicated that they opposed it.
In a move which has led some to question the representativeness of the Federal village masterplan, a majority of councillors voted at last week’s Council meeting to abandon the proposed heritage protections, in favour of
a beefed-up version of the current protections.
In June last year, councillors voted to begin the process of creating a Heritage Conservation Area in Federal, as a way of ensuring that buildings of particular significance did not lose their character through renovations, additions or other changes that break from tradition.
The 22 sites in the conservation area, along with an additional 24 sites sprinkled around the town, would have been subject to a particular heritage zoning that would have made such works unlawful.
However, when Council released its draft plans to the community for feedback, the
response from Federal residents was a resounding ‘no’.
Forty-five public submissions were received during the 28-day exhibition period, and the vast majority did not support the proposed heritage conservation area, nor the additional listings.
Staff recommended that councillors abandon the heritage conservation area, and instead seek to beef up existing protections.
This included review of the Chapter E6 of the Byron DCP 2014 for the Federal village to come up with further controls to protect the village character of Federal.
Property owner, Linda Hanock, told councillors and staff the whole experience cast doubt on the representativeness of the Federal masterplan process, and some of its recommendations.
‘Many of us contributed to the data gathering at workshops and so on. I applied to be on the steering group, but didn’t hear back’.
Councillors didn’t bring the matter up for debate, unanimously voting to accept the staff recommendation. Federal residents who addressed the meeting during public access said the proposal suggested that the Federal village masterplan, which spawned the idea for the Heritage Conservation Area in the first place, was out of touch with the interests and wishes of the community.
Woodford festival organisers in need of assistance
Woodford Folk Festival founders/directors Bill and Ingrid Hauritz are in need of assistance, says Bluesfest director Peter Noble.
He says, ‘Just days before Christmas 2022, their home burned down, leaving them without a place to stay’.
‘As they were trying to rebuild, they faced severe health issues while abroad. Bill suffered a stroke and multiple medical emergencies, while Ingrid is overwhelmed with the responsibility of managing everything.
‘They have always been givers, contributing so much to the arts and community. Now they need our support to cover medical expenses, temporary housing, and other costs’, said Noble.
The fundraiser is at https://gofund.me/29b9f6ea.
Current proprietor of Hungerford Lehmann, Joshua Allan, with staff members from left Skye McKenzie, Grace Kelly, Jo Hobson, and Pia Singh. Photo Jeff Dawson
Local News
Conversations support DV funds
The Vagina Conversations were again a huge success, with packed houses from March 13–16. The annual event raises funds for the Mullum Women’s Resource Service Escape Fund, and the Tweed DVIRC Impact Fund. Pictured are Laura Liz Calo, Aditya and Lesley Hudson-Moon, Zenith Virago, Mandy Nolan, Kate McMahon, Hailie Halloran, Libby Tooth and Kimberly McIntyre. Photo Jeff ‘Vagenda’ Dawson
AVO against Cr Michael Lyon withdrawn
Eve Jeffery
Former Independent Byron Shire mayor, Michael Lyon, appeared in the Tweed Heads Criminal Court on Monday morning for what turned out to be his last appearance in the matter concerning an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) that the police sought against him in August last year.
At that time, after police were called to the home of Cr Lyon and his wife, charges were laid and an application made by the police for an AVO.
Cr Lyon was re-elected as a councillor last September, and was first elected eight years ago on a Greens ticket
but later quit the party.
He was originally listed to appear in the Byron Bay court, but at the 11th hour, that was changed to Tweed Heads.
Several court appearances
Since then, Cr Lyon has appeared several times in front of magistrates in Tweed and Byron Bay, once in October 2024 for an alleged breach of the AVO earlier that month at The Pocket.
Last week in the Tweed Heads court, criminal charges against Cr Lyon were withdrawn. Monday morning’s proceedings lasted less than two minutes.
Representing Cr Lyon was Xavier Hanckel-Spice, on behalf of John D Weller and Associates.
Once Cr Lyon was seated, Mr Hanckel-Spice immediately deferred to the police prosecutor who said the AVO application was withdrawn, upon which the magistrate dismissed it.
Outside the courthouse, The Echo asked Cr Lyon if he had a comment to make and he said not at this time.
If this story has raised issues for you, the 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling number is 1800 737 732.
International women’s breakfast, March 26
Comedian Ellen Briggs will be leading the charge of amazing local women who will be talking about women who inspired them in their lives at the Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce
International Women’s Month Breakfast, to be held on March 26 at the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club.
Organisers say, ‘Tea, coffee and a light breakfast will be supplied as you start your morning uplifted by some of the amazing local women from Mullumbimby’.
‘This breakfast is about bringing women together and empowering women in business and in their lives,’ said local businesswoman,
chamber member, and organiser, Jenelle Stanford.
You can buy tickets online at www.mullumexservices. com.au/whats-on or buy them in person at the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club.
Please buy tickets in advance to assist with catering, as there will be no tickets available on the door.
Anti-mould formula available at wholesale
In 2022, when Burringbar resident Charlie Jenal’s company Wild Organic Ways (WOW) had just started, he ended up giving away all his anti-mould cleaner to locals who had lost almost everything.
‘2022 was the worst [flood] I’ve seen. I had to help somehow,’ says Charlie. ‘Alfred wasn’t as bad… but there’s still enough moisture around to make mould a health concern.’
He says WOW’s range of products, including the anti-mould formula, are allorganic and made from local ingredients. Charlie says he wants to help locals affected
by our latest weather event.
‘I can’t afford to give product away this time, but I can sell it at wholesale cost,
which is almost 50 per cent off the regular price’, he said. For more information, visit www.wildorganicways.com.
Charlie Jenal, from Wild Organic Ways (WOW). Photo Jeff ‘Mould & Old’ Dawson
North Coast News
SES ends Ex-Alfred operations
The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) formally concluded its response to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred on Friday 14 March 2025.
Taser used in Tweed Heads arrest
Local police say they used a taser in the arrest of an armed 37-yearold man later accused of driving an unregistered car without a licence, at Tweed Heads on Saturday.
Motorcyclist dies after Uki crash
Emergency services were called in response to a crash between a ute and a motorcycle on Kyogle Road on Saturday afternoon.
Register to vote! It really does count
Five years ago, young people were marching in the streets demanding change – across the globe, they were coming together in climate marches that were impacting politics around the world. Voting in the election ensures your voice makes a difference.
She Hoops heading to Ballina
She Hoops has Ballina on the list of nationwide basketball clinics and leadership workshops for young girls and women.
Mandy Nolan campaign launch: better is possible
Greens candidate Mandy Nolan will officially launch her campaign on Friday, March 21 at the Bangalow A&I Hall with a heady mix of hell-raising, humour, and hope.
Two in court on manslaughter charge after home birth near Coffs Harbour
Two women have appeared in court charged with manslaughter after a home birth at a property north-west of Coffs Harbour.
Lismore’s Reclaim Our Recovery says Chris Minns should get facts straight
ROR says Premier Chris Minns’ remarks on 2GB radio calling for the demolition of Lismore homes and the eviction of occupants were clearly intended to name a scapegoat, ‘as a distraction from the many failures of the ill-designed recovery programs since the 2022 floods.’
Blackwater is the likely cause of a fish kill that has occurred in the Richmond River, at Ballina following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
OzFish, Australia say they had multiple messages on March 15 of ‘thousands of fish gasping for air, or washing up dead, following the recent cyclone and flooding’. They started testing oxygen levels on March 16.
OzFish CEO Cassie Price said ‘blackwater’ is the likely cause.
‘Blackwater is caused by flooding, washing organic material into waterways. This strips oxygen from the water as it decomposes, suffocating fish and other aquatic wildlife,’ she explained.
Photos provided to Ozfish show dead flathead, bream, whiting, prawns and other marine life washed up on shore, and videos show dying fish gasping on the shoreline. OzFish have also received reports of mud crabs and eels walking out of the water to escape smothering.
Ms Price said OzFish volunteers are out testing and monitoring water quality.
‘The results aren’t good. Healthy water should have at least 5mg of oxygen per
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Top:
the
following Ex-Tropical
Photo Ozfish Right: Restoring local swamplands that border the Richmond River such as the Tuckean Nature Reserve would reduce future fish kills. Photo ozfish.org.au
litre. Fish experience distress when it falls below 4mg per litre, and start to die at 2mg a litre. In Richmond River (March 16), the dissolved oxygen levels are almost nil, sitting at 0.4 mg a litre.’
Urgent action needed
Ms Price said she fears that this could repeat earlier large-scale fish kills and decimate the resilience
of local fisheries.
‘Urgent action must be taken to prevent further fish kills, and build resilience into our waterways,’ she said.
Ms Price said restoring local swamplands that border the Richmond River would reduce the severity of the blackwater events, and fish kills.
‘Healthy swamp bordering rivers acts as a sieve, or a filter, that reduces the blackwater from entering the waterway.’
‘Restoring the Tuckean Nature Reserve (https:// ozfish.org.au/projects/ tuckean-swamp) to a more natural hydrological regime would mean that much of the swamp would process the flood water, so that significantly less blackwater enters the lower Richmond River after events like this.’
Get involved
She encouraged the public to record any dead fish they discover and share the information with the charity.
‘The community can capture a lot of information in a lot of places, very quickly, which is why we’re calling for assistance.’
‘Record a pin drop or georeference of your location, estimate the number of fish, take note of any key species you can identify, and take photos and videos. Send it through to info@ozfish.org.au.’
‘This data will give us an evidence base that can assist in navigating the approvals pathways to restore areas of known blackwater production, like the Tuckean Swamp.’
Hay, soil, landscaping materials, pots and soils are now banned, for one month, from entering NSW from stormimpacted and infested areas of South East Queensland.
In the aftermath of ExTropical Cyclone Alfred, the NSW government has taken immediate action to ensure that these types of fire ant carrying materials, such as hay, will not be transported into NSW.
The government has suspended the Group Biosecurity Emergency Permit, which allowed movements of these materials from lower
risk areas in the fire ant biosecurity zone of South East Queensland to NSW. This follows the NSW government’s suspension of turf being moved from Queensland fire ant infested areas into NSW from November last year.
‘We’ve all seen the images of wind and rain in Queensland, and this is making the fire ants mobile over the coming weeks. The temporary suspension of the hay permit is a necessary step to mitigate the movement of these highly invasive pests,’ said Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty.
‘Fire ants won’t march into NSW they will either be
carried with materials such as soil, mulch, hay and turf, or fly in by natural spread from Queensland. Which is why we’re ramping up surveillance in these high-risk areas.’
The NSW Fire Ant Team has stepped up efforts to prevent the spread of fire ants, with proactive early detection surveillance across northern NSW. The initiative uses specially trained detection dogs and human surveillance teams to monitor high-risk sites. Read
The Commonwealth and NSW governments have jointly funded emergency financial assistance grants following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred of $180 for individuals or up to $900 per family to cover essential costs such as food, clothing, medicines and emergency accommodation.
‘As we move from response to recovery, the
NSW government is making sure people across the north coast can get back on their feet,’ said Minister for the North Coast Rose Jackson.
To be eligible for a Personal Hardship Assistance Grant, you must reside in one of the 18 declared affected Local Government Areas (LGAs), and you must have been either subject to
evacuation orders (category red emergency warning) or experienced power outages of more than 48 hours. Applications can be made online through your MyService Account on the Service NSW website (www.service.nsw.gov.au/ transaction/nsw-supportcyclone-alfred-march-2025) or on the Service NSW app.
Fish kill in
Richmond River at Ballina
Cyclone Alfred.
Aslan Shand
Colin Davidson and his wife Dianne have nurtured generations of young people throughout the region through their work at the Mullumbimby Community Preschoool. It is with great love that Dianne with their son Christian have said goodbye to Colin.
Colin passed away peacefully in Byron Bay Hospital after a life that has inspired many.
His love of art, astronomy, science and travel has inspired many young hearts and minds through his work at the Mullumbimby Community Preschoool after he and Dianne took over ownership in 1978.
Growing up under Sydney’s Mascot flight path, Colin’s love of sunsets, clouds and astronomy were influenced by the constant aeroplanes overhead that drew his eyes skyward, and family members who were air traffic controllers.
Colin attended the Julien Ashton Art School as a teenager, which led to his interest in exploring carving, airbrushing, fine ink and pencil drawings using his imagination and his love of science fiction as the subject of many of his artworks.
Colin and Dianne met in 1965 and had their only son Christian in 1973,
nine months before they moved to Mullumbimby, where they decided to stay.
Though this did not stop Colin following his passion for travel, which saw him visiting volcanoes, glaciers, and whales.
He was thrilled to make it to Hawaii in 1997 to see Comet Hale-Bopp and the Northern Lights in Alaska and Canada – these being just some of the amazing experiences Colin had throughout his life.
‘Experiences were more important to Colin than material things,’ said Dianne.
Colin loved a chat and a coffee, and he spent significant amounts of time helping fundraise, collecting and transporting goods, and lending a hand throughout the community.
‘Colin was also a long-term supporter of the Fred Hollows Foundation, which became even more important to him as his eyesight deteriorated,’ said Dianne.
In December 2017, Colin suffered a stroke, just two weeks before he marked 40 years of teaching.
He was lovingly cared for at home by family, friends, and neighbours over the last seven years of his life, and was always grateful for a life well-lived.
‘Measure your days in moments, not minutes,’ was how Colin lived his life.
Colin’s ashes will be taken to sea when humpback whales are migrating.
No matter where you are in the ‘old’ range, the Shire’s ageing residents are welcome to the Elder’s Hub, a new meeting place in Mullumbimby.
It is situated in a bamboo yurt, in the Gordon Street permaculture garden and across the road from the Byron Community College.
Co-organiser, Anjali Walsh, says there are courses on offer. ‘We will be open every second and fourth Saturday morning, so please drop by for a chat, and a warm welcome. Our next talk will be on Saturday, March 22 from 10am’.
‘Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take
– Maya Angelou
Colin Davidson. Photo supplied
The Byron Shire Echo
It’s US presidential pandemonium!
No one knows what is going on, or where we are going, or what will be there when we arrive.
An ageing reality TV show star has returned for his finale, and surrounded himself with the wealthiest Bond villains on the planet.
They seem to be having lots of fun destroying the stuff that keeps the social fabric intact, while punching down.
There’s simultaneous tariff wars on trusted trading partners, while the vast unwieldy US bureaucracy is being dismantled at a quick pace.
The chaos needs some explanation, so the ageing reality TV show star is pivoting from his message of ‘making prices lower’ to it’s all ‘turbulence’, while things break and get glued back together.
Stocks are down, fascism is up, and it sort of smells of 1930.
The Trump administration just deported, or ‘disappeared’ more than 200 Venezuelans from the US to a mega-prison in El Salvador.
This was without trial and is against federal judge orders.
Maybe humans – en masse – are destined to rhyme history?
We’ve been here so many times – ‘strong’ leaders undermine democracy, then tell us that democracy is weak and we need them instead.
Then the purges begin.
Weirdly, there’s just horror and disbelief as to what is unfolding –no-one seems to have any answers about what to do.
The Tesla Takedown movement is one reasonable response, which has reduced Musk’s overblown capitalisation a smidge.
His counter-response was a cheesy caryard sales pitch on the Whitehouse lawn. Is that winning?
In 1997, Shane Stone was the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, and he sought to cement his position by a ‘tough on crime’ agenda for young offenders.
Ho hum – the more things change. His government passed a mandatory sentencing regime for property theft or damage which meant that young offenders must be sentenced to imprisonment.
The then Chief Magistrate, Ian Grey, argued against these laws publicly when they were being debated, sought to work around them in judgments once enacted, and when overruled by the Supreme Court, took the most ethical road, the path with heart, and resigned.
He said, ‘For me, it was untenable to continue in the position given the prospect of locking children up for minor offences’.
This illustrates the importance of having a line in the sand. Working within the system is all very well, but you need limits that you will not cross. I’m not blaming or shaming those who work within – I did for decades – and it is often a tough, lonely road.
in youth crime. And then, without any party consultation, without any call by the opposition, extended these ‘circuit breaker’ laws by a 2GB special for an additional three years, claiming that it was working because more kids were in custody.
‘It’s not “mission accomplished” on youth crime, but the bail laws are working, so we’re extending them.’
Thanks Labor Premier Chris Minns – but working exactly how, if the youth crime rate is unaffected?
This is the greatest rate of increase in Aboriginal juvenile incarceration in Australia’s history.
This is child abuse. This is vote harvesting at the expense of another stolen generation.
No resignations there, nor from the Local Court or Children’s Court bench.
The community is no safer –indeed it is at much greater risk in the medium and long term from demonised young people, let alone the damage to our social fabric by making police the effective determiners as to who gets bail. Startlingly, in one country (guess where – the US) there were 75 per cent less children in detention in 2022 than there were in 2000.
And youth crime reduced by over 30 per cent. There is no evidence that locking up more children reduces youth crime. That’s because the causes are complex, not linear.
So apart from hating on Teslas, there is no organised opposition.
The US Democrats are a shambles, having pursued agendas that middle (white and generally poor) Americans don’t care for.
What they do care about evidently, like everyone else, is the cost of living.
It’s the same across the globe.
The housing crisis is everywhere. Food, fuel, power, and consumables went through the roof after Covid, and have stayed high ever since.
This rant is not ‘the politics of envy’– it’s the politics of justice and wanting to create a place where humans can thrive collectively.
It should be clear by now that it doesn’t matter how much money billionaires have, it’s never enough.
The link between being distracted by billionaires and declining standards of living is yet to be made en masse.
Billionaires need to be taxed like buggery till they shut up.
Hans Lovejoy, editor
And so to the ALP. I have friends who have hung in there. Good on them. Only disagreeing internally, not crossing the proverbial or literal floor, never criticising the leader publicly, toeing the party line.
‘Better to be inside the tent seeking change’, they say. Remember Penny Wong having to defend an anti-marriage equality stance? It was sickeningly hypocritical.
Her line in the sand must have been a long, long way up the beach.
There are some who cannot stomach it, like Senator Fatima Payman.
So, ALP friends, where is that line now? Maybe not at decimation of koala forests. Maybe not at new coal and gas. Maybe not at mandatory prison terms for waving a flag even if it is directly against ALP policy.
But what if the state government passed laws that locked up innocent Aboriginal children with bail laws tougher than for adults? What if they trialled them for 12 months, and all that happened was the number of children locked up increased by a third, almost all Aboriginal. And there was no resulting reduction
The Byron Shire Echo
This is deliberate, knowing, systemic racism. Within three more years, there will be hundreds of additional kids on remand. The laws in the Territory were shockingly bad, but not as foul as the regime now in NSW.
The provisions targeting children here are much worse, because they imprison those who have been charged, not those who have been convicted. This represents a massive shift in power from the courts to the police, because the latter decide who gets charged with what.
And in NSW, as the Supreme Court has pointed out, the effect of these bail laws is that if there are two offenders with identical records, and one turns 18 tomorrow, and one turned 18 yesterday, then the younger one will be refused bail, and the older one released.
For centuries, now reflected in international human rights, the law has been that children should never be treated more harshly than adults.
These laws were opposed by the Law Society, the Bar Association, Legal Aid and the Aboriginal Legal Service. The Supreme Court has been damning, but compliant.
Oh, and please do not give me the argument that the other side of politics would be worse. First, that is just an unprincipled race to the bottom. Where does it end?
Second, I doubt they could be shoddier, but at least there would be an opposition opposing.
Third, realpolitik suggests they would be unlikely to be able to pass anything tougher through a future upper house.
And finally, it is just such dumb politics – a swing to the law-andorder shock-jocks’ agenda did not help the ALP in Queensland, Northern Territory or (soon) Victoria. Better to actually lose power than lose your morals. Hate is an insatiable beast.
You can’t ‘out hate Rupert’ or racism. I could not belong to a party that passes such laws. I could not remain on a court that was obligated to apply them. So, my ALP friends, where is your line in the sand? If not now, pray tell, when?
Davd Heilpern is a former magistrate and is now Dean of Law at SCU.
David Heilpern
Byron Bay pool
The local swimming pool serves the community, not the tourists.
It is virtually impossible for locals to get to Byron Bay swimming pool due to lack of parking. Buses carrying school students have to park a distance away and teachers need to supervise students through traffic.
To spend extra money on a pool built in 1966 is not serving the community. Byron Bay needs a pool that has access as good as any other local town. Just because it is in an iconic location does not justify upgrading this ancient piece of infrastructure. The face of this town has changed since 1966 and services have to be adjusted accordingly.
George Graham Byron Bay
Splendour sale
Billinudgel Property Trust is selling North Byron Parklands, and thousands of Byron-Tweed residents are jumping for joy.
No more satellite cities plonking right next to Billinudgel Nature Reserve. No more disturbing late-night noise, festival traffic clogging our roads, telecommunications in a snarl because
thousands on site are jamming the airwaves. No more discarded camping gear on site and countless plastic bits carelessly dropped and ground into the soil.
For punters, no more flooded campsites, body searches, waiting in the cold for buses that never show up, and no more Live Nation ripoffs with through-the-roof ticket prices.
So goodbye Splendour! There’s a chance now for our own artists and venues to build a new, vibrant, yearround local music scene.
Whoever buys the site: remember it’s in North Byron’s catchment, where flood water sits before making its way out to sea at Bruns.
What to do with this flood-prone land? Fill is not the answer! The current owners brought in some with state government approval, but more is simply not appropriate for a flood zone of that size.
We hope the new owners will work with our Council to give the land the environmental protection it has been sorely lacking as a mega-festival site.
Kathy Norley South Golden
Beach Community Association
Letters to the Editor
Send to Letters Editor Aslan Shand, fax: 6684 1719 email:editor@echo.net.au Deadline:Noon, Friday. Letters longer than 200 words may be cut. Letters already published in other papers will not be considered. Please include your full name, address and phone number for verification purposes. Letters edited for length will be able to be read in full (if a reasonable length) in The Echo online at: www.echo.net.au/letters.
The Echo is committed to providing a voice for our whole community. The views of letter writers are their own and don’t represent the owners or staff of this publication.
Resilience platitudes
Resilience platitudes are one of the costs of living in a disaster zone.
The cost of living is the top election issue the pundits tell us. The environment barely rates a mention. Yet the cost of living in a war zone battling the forces of nature is top of the agenda for many of us on the front line.
The climate is making our environment uninhabitable, crushing our economy, threatening our homes and our lives. How can any community prosper and succeed when everything they build is washed away in a passing storm?
Preparing for the onslaught and recovering from disasters takes a lot of energy and resources, it’s stressful and exhausting.
Muttering platitudes about tough, resilient communities is just not good enough. We’re left carrying the can
for all the shit decisions made by our governments, our planners, the architects, engineers and public works department who didn’t get it right.
We’re paying the cost, fixing up our roads, and drainage, the powerlines and driveways and our homes, over and over again in this insane, endless cycle. A cost-of-living spiral that draws in more victims with each passing year. Survivors are impoverished by the cost of rebuilding their lives. Too many are still living on the streets in vans or temporary shelters with nowhere to go and no way out.
Punters are worried about the hip pocket and we’re pissed off when we see business as usual.
New gas plants and coal mines get approved and subsided, while big business avoids tax and resists the transition to renewals. Governments just won’t stand
up for the environment and protect our communities from harm. In fact, both state and feds have created new harsh laws to punish and discourage environmental protectors. They’re literally trying to silence us and kill us.
We need our government to fix the root cause that allows these disasters to impact adversely on our communities. We can’t take it anymore. We’re f***ing over it. Let’s punish those useless pollies at the ballot box!
Michele Grant Ocean Shores
Big Byron Bay bombshell
Cyclones aren’t Byron’s only major catastrophes waiting to happen to pricey Pacific beach-front properties.
I’m one of the founders of IQ. Before the film festival took it over. I did the paperwork and grant applications
with the help of Peter WynnMoylan from the Australia Council.
The other co-founders and I would hang out at IQ picking up rocks and rubbish. Sometimes tribespeople would come and sit with us. One of them told me how people didn’t live full time in the coastal areas. They only came there to pick food, fish and hunt. Their reasoning is that, more often than not, tsunamis wipe out the whole area.
Now I live in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco where everybody is earthquakeand tsunami-conscious. I check earthquake and volcano reports every day. Lately the Pacific Rim is making moves. NZ sits on a huge fault line that runs up to Tonga. The Pacific plate is currently making some moves under the Australian plate and there is an uptick in earthquakes in Oz in recent times.
Along that fault line are undersea volcanoes and earthquakes and massive underwater landslides. Every so often big enough to generate a tsunami that travels thousands of kilometres. ▶ Please read full letter in The Echo online: www.echo.net.au/letters.
Deborah Paulino (Anurag) San Francisco
Dreamworld
‘So farewell to the Norfolk Island pines’, is one of the famous lines in the Midnight Oil song called ‘Dreamworld’. 40 years later it’s still happening. With the removal of one of the famous Norfolks which stood tall in the Apex Park near the surf lifesaving club. The excuse
Cartoon by Jamie Hoile
Continued from page 9
was safety reasons due to Cyclone Alfred.
There have been ongoing rumours throughout Australia that Norfolks get a fungus disease and salinity poisoning. They never did 20 years ago. These Norfolk pines in Byron were planted nearly 100 years ago. The main reason for planting this species of pine is its tolerance to high wind and salinity. Just look at where they are from. Norfolk Island. It’s a small windy and salty island in the Pacific Ocean east of Australia. The Norfolk Island pines are a symbol to remember fallen soldiers who fought overseas.
All over coastal Australian towns you usually see these famous pines. Planted on either side of the road on the way into towns and along beach fronts.
Sometimes these pine trees are taken down due to some proposed development in which the pine tree would obstruct the view of their muilt-storey boujee (bourgeoisie-luxurious or high class) development. It happened in Brunswick Heads multiple times in the last 20 years.
Alright let’s forget about past history and nature.
When you can live in a Dreamworld reality.
Che Hamill-Diehl Coorabell
Dangerous
Anyone who thinks that ebikes or skateboards couldn’t get any worse should keep an eye out for the bloke on a skateboard with a baby strapped to his chest, last seen on the wrong side of the road travelling into oncoming traffic.
Even when I called out to him and recorded vision on my phone, some idiot at a cafe abused me telling me not to worry about it.
Fascinating….
Rod Murray Ocean Shores
Speed
It’s disappointing that little is done by the Byron Bay council in regard to controlling vehicle speed in urban areas. Most cities and towns now have speed limits of between 30kph and 40kph and many more traffic calming devices in their jurisdictions. We have hardly any. Lawson Street and Lighthouse Road are examples where we desperately need speeds mitigated. We have greatly increased pedestrian and cycling traffic now (plus illegal electric bikes) with
little protections.
Many areas have no footpaths (something I thought was one of the main reasons we have local governments) and you need to walk on the road or street, e.g. Cowper Street in Byron Bay. Some of the bike crossings, like on Ewingsdale Road, are very dangerous.
Hopefully someone does a review of the situation and it’s rectified – have a look at Ballina’s efforts on this problem.
Wally Hueneke
Recognition
Byron
Bay
It takes a committed human to put his actions where his mouth is. Thank you, and much gratitude to Byron Shire Councillor David Warth.
Last week when Belongil Creek quickly rose, menacing and foreboding, and Childe Street became flooded and threatening David initiated action. He personally went to the blocked estuary, the mouth of the creek, and with some young enlisted men, shovels in hand, dug a channel for the water to escape back into the ocean. It was raining and probably quite dangerous.
Instantaneously the creek subsided, as did the flooded road. Simple.
David would never boast about this feat – he is too modest. It is important that good acts of care are recognised, and as many people as possible should know. I hope that we all, (including the other councillors sitting on their bums) heed this example of care in action.
Josephine Wolanski Byron Bay
intersection
Who is happy to see the 30-year Clifford Street safety hazard and black spot continue to fester while tossing back the $2.3m the government gave them to fix it?
Who decides that 1,000-odd signatures on a petition is proof positive of ‘overwhelming’ community support? That it’s sufficient to ignore the safety of young and old and other vulnerable pedestrians to prioritise some sort of a vibe instead?
Who is still wasting precious resources on more wild goose chases?
Multiple choice: a) Two experienced and realistic councillors who prioritised duty of care over a cacophony of BS? b) The rest of Byron Shire Council. (Answers provided soon in Council minutes - item 17.1)
Who is happy to swallow and regurgitate the wild assertions of a loud campaign rather than note the feedback from expert, independent consultants? Because this better serves the narrative of justification for a decision that was never in deliberation, and based on anything but reason and sense?
Who has consigned beachside Suffolk Park, the young and LifeCare residents to countless more years of danger and traffic chaos? Well a few candidates, but I’d look to the mayor who seems determined to lead a bloc of Greens councillors.
Liz Levy Suffolk Park
At the Byron Shire Council meeting on Thursday, a resounding victory to the Suffolk Park community was ratified by Mayor Sarah Ndiaye.
Following months of massive community backlash, members of Suffolk Park’s community were rewarded with a definitive ‘No Traffic Light’ resolution.
In representations I declared, ‘traffic lights are
wrong, it’s dumber than the Disco Dong’.
Council voted 7:2 in agreement with the ‘Keep the Flow in Suffo’ community.
A $2.3m grant will be varied or refused.
Kelly Minahan Suffolk Park
The American influencer who thought it was fun to take a baby wombat from his mother has been advised by the prime minister to try taking a crocodile instead.
‘Take another animal that can actually fight back,’ he suggested.
Of course, that is not her style. In her hunting videos which appeal to those aroused by blood and death, she grins inanely over the corpses of innocent deer she has ambushed. She is likely to be deported and, except for psychopaths who love blood sports, we will all say good riddance.
But the prime minister missed an obvious point. In Australia, we kill two million chickens, cattle, sheep and pigs every day, after tormenting them with dehorning and debeaking to ensure they, like the wombat, cannot defend themselves. If the PM is really concerned with protecting animals that can’t fight back, he should immediately withdraw support and subsidies to the meat corporations and encourage Australians to eat plant-based foods that are better for us, our environment, and particularly gentle, innocent animals.
Dr Desmond Bellamy PETA Australia
It’s a sad reflection on Byron Council that long-overdue community consultation has resulted in a late upswell of emotion regarding their proposed housing development at 57 Station Street, Mullumbimby.
I say ‘late’ because the ultimate success or failure of the project no longer resides with Council. The opportunity for councillors to have any influence had already passed when the community consultation took place on February 24. The success or failure of this project is now a matter for the Northern Regional Planning Panel (NRPP). This comprises five individuals, two of whom are selected by Byron Shire Council and three statechosen representatives. They will deliberate on the development application (DA) once it has been on public display and submissions from interested parties
have been received.
At this stage I would like to mention two clauses included in the code of conduct which applies to members of the NLPP: The following situations are considered to represent a conflict of interest for panel members:
1. Members who have current or previous involvement in a specific project, or site, that is subject of a DA or a planning proposal that is subsequently reviewed by a panel, for example as a consultant.
2. Members, who are excouncillors, where they have deliberated or voted on, or otherwise considered, a matter, and/or been present when such consideration is undertaken, in their previous role at council and that matter, or a related matter, subsequently comes before the panel.
▶ Please read full letter in The Echo online: www.echo.net.au/letters.
Steve Bellerby Mullumbimby
Climate disasters are super-charged by fossil fuels – the science is clear and unequivocal. Labor, Liberal, and National pollies are also fuelled by fossil fuels – they are in the pockets of big gas and big coal. One thing is for sure, those pollies are never going to accept any blame when shit hits fan.
A strong green and independent climate-actioncentred federal cross-bench has never been more essential. One not in debt to climate vandals.
Daniel Berg Lismore
Congrats to The Echo for giving credit where credit is due, but sadly, it quickly descended into another Labor-bashing exercise.
The handling of the weather emergency by the federal Labor government, the NSW Labor government, the Qld LNP premier, and relevant local government mayors could not be further from the unorganised chaos of 2022. However, you just couldn’t resist trumpeting the Greens even though they had little to do with it.
The main reason the organisation was vastly different, and all the volunteers and government disasterrelief organisations worked so well, and in unison, to communicate early, accurate flood declarations and evacuation orders, was because
of an election commitment by the Albanese government to establish NEMA.
This initiative involved investing $200 million annually on disaster prevention, matched by the states, through a Disaster Ready Fund. Labor also committed to establishing a National Aerial Firefighting Fleet in partnership with the National Aerial Firefighting Centre.
You see David, this vastly improved, natural disaster response was no accident. It was the forward planning by a very proactive, competent, Labor majority government.
▶ Please read full letter in The Echo online: www.echo.net.au/letters.
Keith Duncan Ballina Branch, NSW Labor
Albanese’s priorities
Israel has blocked all aid entering Gaza and cut off electricity so that desalination plants cannot operate.
According to UNRWA more than four thousand children and pregnant and lactating women have been diagnosed with acute malnutrition in the Gaza strip since the start of the ceasefire, while no food staples, no medicines, no tents, no coats, no fleece sleepers for babies and children are available.
This is a war crime about which Australia and the G7 nations remain silent although, to be fair, Albanese did inveigh against an American influencer who carried a baby wombat away from its mother, saying she should ‘try some other Australian animals’ and ‘see how you go there’!
Gareth Smith Byron Bay
Thanks
Acknowledging the deep pain suffered by the community, due to structural and ‘cyclonic’ forces I am amazed by the enormous love, compassion, and caring that exists in the Byron Shire community.
As a peace activist for over 55 years I linked with activists who were addressing the real meaning of peace in the Gaza strip. Benny Zables initiated this vision. Sadly a meeting in Byron went sour, not initiated by peace activists but by oppositional forces. Suffice to say, I felt my spirit of hope leave me, so ghastly was the attack. My passion is the rights of the child… despair overtook.
▶ Please read full letter in The Echo online: www.echo.net.au/letters.
Jo Faith Byron Bay
Mullum Civic Hall
It has been a while since I was last involved in an event at the Mullumbimby Civic Hall, but helping at Flickerfest recently I was amazed at one improvement in the hall. Whoever is responsible for creating the access from the kitchen to the main hall by replacing a section of the counter with a half-door is an absolute genius and needs to be congratulated.
Access to the kitchen has previously only been possible by going outside and reentering the hall from another door, this has always been a major problem and at times a security risk.
It is always the little things that make a difference and to some this might seem a small change in a big hall, but boy it makes a big difference, so thank you to whoever is responsible.
Morag Wilson Mullumbimby Creek
Cure for Alfred
Back in the 2000s we had six months of drought. So Raym and Sol were asked to lead a ‘rain dance’ at Mullumbimby Showground. The tribe was called with drumming and dancing and rituals. Within 48 hours it started raining and continued for six
months. Tribe 1, drought 0.
So Bronte put out a call for us to visualise a wall along the Queensland and Northern NSW coast to stop Alfred coming ashore. I reminded her that ‘shamans can steer cyclones’ and suggested we send Alfred back out to sea.
So at the Wednesday night community dinner at Gondwana, I suggested the same and a sailor mate said, we don’t want to send Alfred to worry anyone else. So we decided to just keep him offshore and dampen down his energy.
Bronte’s satellite map showed, Wednesday evening, Alfred did a little pirouette and lost energy!
So Thursday I put out a call to lightworkers to send Alfred back out to sea and dissipate. And the satellite map showed that’s what happened on Friday. So Shamans 2, Alfred 1.
For Sapoty who always wants a scientific explanation, I offer the theorem I + E x C = M.
Intention + Emotion x C (speed of light) = Manifestation.
As Dylan says, ‘you don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows’.
Noah Yamore Mullumbimby
The Conversation spoke to kids after
The Conversation
Many children in Queensland and northern New South Wales have had their lives disrupted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Schools were closed (about 14 were still shut as of Thursday afternoon, 13 March, 2025), families hunkered down and then the cleanup and repair efforts began.
For students in Lismore, the past week will have likely brought back memories of the catastrophic floods in the area in 2022.
Our research on the Lismore floods (which is awaiting publication in two peer-reviewed journals) contains key lessons for how communities and schools can support young people after Cyclone Alfred and other disasters.
Our research
Between late February and March 2022, the northern NSW town of Lismore and surrounding region faced two catastrophic flooding events. Almost 1,000 schools in the broader area were temporarily closed and in some cases, schools were relocated or permanently shut.
In the Floods + Me project, we worked with young people in Lismore to understand the impact of the floods on their lives and education.
Twenty-nine young people aged five to 17 documented their experiences through art, poetry and stories. The project also surveyed 107 students (aged 11–17) at a Lismore school in December 2024.
Profound experiences
Young people told us how their worlds were upended by the floods. As Aisha said:
‘My mum told me to pack a bag, and we went to my aunty’s house for a couple of hours as we had nowhere to go. We then stayed at my grandma’s house in Alstonville for around three–four months.’
Lovely told us how the flood made its way up to the second level of the home, and her Dad and dog had to escape through the roof.
‘Until evening, we kept going back to the last reachable place near our house on the hill to observe the flood level. I went to bed with a lot of stress and couldn’t sleep properly.’
Wanting more emotional support
The young people in our study said there were many kinds of support after the flooding. This ranged from rebuilding and cleaning houses to donations of food and clothes. But almost a quarter of those in the survey said they didn’t observe any support.
Young people also said they wanted more emotional and mental support. Or, as one young person put it: comfort, counselling, trauma management, therapy, hugs, kindness, love.
Others said they wanted specific training: I don’t know how to be resilient – I need to be taught how to be. Don’t just tell me to be it. There were differing experiences of ‘bouncing back’. While many reported being able to recover with little difficulty (36 per cent), almost the same number reported the opposite (32 per cent). About one fifth (21 per cent) of respondents were unsure and 11 per cent did not respond.
Wanting more school support
In the Lismore floods, some students reported 2022 as a ‘lost year’ at school. As Erika told us: There were a lot of things going on, lots of things not working, even as we tried to still get education.
Our participants said more financial and educational support such as tutoring and online schooling would have helped to fill the gaps in their learning.
Taking time to recover
Young people told us they didn’t necessarily want to rush back to ‘normal’.
They said they didn’t want to ignore what had happened. This suggests the return to learning should be well planned and structured. And include consultation with students about what they need.
Floods and their aftermath can be unsettling, frightening and sometimes traumatic. These experiences need to be processed in healthy and constructive ways.
Our participants wanted more information about disasters to be included in their formal education. About 80 per cent of the survey respondents said teaching about flooding and disasters in schools was necessary.
The majority of students reported being worried about climate change, but this was more pronounced among girls. Half (50 per cent) of female respondents said they were concerned, compared to 24 per cent of boys and 3 per cent of non-binary/genderdiverse students and those who do not disclose a gender.
Listen to young people
A key theme in our research is young people want to be listened to and want to be included in recovery and future planning efforts.
As one young person told us: ‘Give us hands-on jobs in the moment so we don’t feel helpless. A lot of my friends felt this, and I felt lucky that I got to help; it helped me recover.’
They also raised caring for pets during floods as a key issue for communities to plan for.
As another participant explained: ‘there was an evacuation the night before, but we said ‘we’re not leaving unless we know our pets are going to be safe’.
What’s next?
Unfortunately, climate change means young people are increasingly likely to face disruptions to their education and their communities in the form of floods, heatwaves, bushfires and storms.
According to a 2025 UNICEF analysis, at least 242 million children and young people in 85 countries had their schooling disrupted by extreme climate events in 2024.
This means schools, teachers and communities need plans to empower children to face these crises and recover in healthy ways.
In the meantime, for those now rebuilding from Ex-Cyclone Alfred, our participants advise it is important not to rush the recovery phase. As one told us: ‘We took a long time to come back to feeling normal.’
Authors: Amy Cutter-MackenzieKnowles, Alexandra Lasczik, Jeanti St Clair, Liberty Pascua de Rivera, and Simone M Blom at Southern Cross University.
https://tinyurl.com/mrnvrz5v
Lismore South Public School engulfed by the 2022 floods. Photo supplied
Mullumbimby High following the 2022 floods. Photo supplied
Flooding in Lismore, showing NORPA and Bruxner Highway, 31 March 2022.
Photo David Lowe
Sport
Recently the Suffolk Park Tennis Club got together for their Hawaiian-themed community day.
Organisers told The Echo, ‘There were games for kids, face-painting, some hula hoop competitions and of course some wooden racquet tennis!’
‘Club volunteers have rejuvenated the courts over the last two years, attracting over 100 members, a court resurface, new nets and new LED lights.
Next stage
‘The next stages of club development include a shaded and seating area as well as fencing upgraded when feasible.
‘There are a number of
great coaching and social tennis services provided at the courts. Membership is $60, which gets you access to $5 an hour court hire.
‘Suffolk Park is a core participant in the new North East Tennis League which commences this month’.
For more information, or to join the club please email ourbyrontennis@gmail.com.
Mullumbimby Tennis Club say they are thrilled to announce an exciting new initiative for the community.
Organisers say, ‘After an incredible year of growth and success, we are offering free specialist tennis coaching for both members and nonmembers, starting March 19’.
‘This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone keen to give tennis a go, with coaching at a high level in a fun and energetic cardio tennis format.
‘Sessions will run for four weeks, every Wednesday morning at 7.30am, for one hour.
‘Spots are limited, so we encourage interested participants to register early by texting Stephen Gort on 0412 731 814.
‘Mullumbimby Tennis Club has gone from strength to strength, with six newly resurfaced courts, upgraded fencing, and a successful open
Senior cricket semi-
Local cricketers are preparing for semi-finals this weekend across four grades in the wider Northern Rivers area.
In the LJ Hooker premier league the minor premiers, the Cudgen Hornets, will take on Casino at the Reg Dalton Oval. While in the other semi-final, last year’s champions, the Goonellabah Workers, take on Marist Brothers in Lismore at Oakes Oval.
In the second grade (north) competition, Byron Bay will play a semi-final against MullumbimbyBrunswick Heads on their home ground, the Cavanbah Centre, after collecting the
minor premiership for 2025. Meanwhile, Cudgen take on Terranora Lakes at the Dave Burns Field. In the second grade (south) minor premiers, the Ballina Bears host Bangalow at Fripp Oval, while the other semi-final sees Marist Brothers take on Tintenbar-East Ballina (TEB) at Mortimer Oval in Lismore. Bangalow third grade took out the grade’s minor premiership, and will take on TEB at home, while Byron Bay travel to Saunders Oval to play the Ballina Bears.
In fourths, TEB contend with Bangalow at Kingsford Smith Oval, while Alstonville play Lennox Head at Geoff Watt Oval.
tournament held last year.
‘Alongside this new initiative, we also host social tennis: on Monday ladies’ night, Tuesday mixed social tennis evenings, Wednesday morning ladies, Friday evening and Saturday afternoon mixed social tennis, providing plenty of opportunities to get involved.
‘Come and join a welcoming tennis community, get fit, make new friends, and take advantage of this unique free coaching opportunity with
Hayley Walker
The Brunswick Byron Netball Association hosted 38 teams across six age divisions for a representative league carnival last Sunday, March 16. Teams from Grafton, Woolgoolga, Bellingen, Lower Clarence, Ballina, Lismore, and Casino travelled to compete at BrunswickByron’s home ground in Mullumbimby.
The day was jam-packed with 20-minute mini-games. It will be just one of many local carnivals the players will participate in over the coming months in preparation for state titles.
Local representative teams will head down to Camden, Campbelltown and Penrith later in the year to
qualified coaches.
‘Sessions will be held at the Mullumbimby Tennis Courts on Stuart Street, opposite the Community Gardens, with plenty of parking available.
Don’t miss out—register today and be part of the action!’
For general info about Mullumbimby Tennis Club visit www.mullumbimbytennisclub.com, or email admin@mullumbimbytennisclub.com.
compete for in the NSW state titles for 2025. Local competition for Mullumbimby, Byron Bay, Bangalow and Ocean Shores teams also commenced last Saturday. Over the winter months, games for all ages are played every Saturday at Mullumbimby. For more info visit www.brunswickbyronnetball.com.au.
We would love to run all kinds of local sport on these pages so please send your photos and stories to sport@echo.net.au.
Suffolk Park Tennis Club crew. Photo supplied
Bangalow secured the third-grade minor premiership on Saturday, by beating Alstonville by six wickets. The team was led by Matty Coles’s batting, with 48n/o, and Dougall, who took an incredible 5/8 from seven overs. Photo and text supplied by Naomi Chambers
Photo supplied
MULLUM ON THE MAP
1. MADE IN MULLUM
Made in Mullum is an amazing collective of 64 local artists and makers sharing one shop. Open seven days a week, they have everything from handmade clothes, toys, ceramics and jewellery to original art, tie-dye kits and perfume.
22 Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby Instagram/Facebook: Made in Mullum www.madeinmullum.com.au
2. HEMP CULTURE
Choose 100% hemp for unmatched sustainability and durability. Make a positive impact on the planet while enjoying high-quality, eco-friendly products. Visit Hemp Culture today and explore their latest hemp drops!
Little Paddock People is a garden based program for kids. Wednesdays 10–11am. $5 each. Learn about the garden through sensory play and story time.
64 Argyle Street, Mullumbimby Info and bookings contact Jayde: 0411 130 069
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY MONTH BREAKFAST BY THE CHAMBER
In celebration of women, their achievements and success in business, the Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce is hosting an International Women’s Day Month Breakfast on March 26.
Hosted by the amazing comedian Ellen Briggs, there will be a number of speakers who will be talking about the women who have inspired them in their lives.
The breakfast will be held at 8am at the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club and costs $20 per person.
Tea, coffee and a light breakfast will be supplied as you start your morning inspired by some incredible local women from Mullumbimby.
You can buy tickets online at: www.mullumexservices.com.au/whats-on or buy them at the Mullumbimby Ex-Service Club. Please buy tickets in advance to assist with catering as there will be no tickets on the door.
mullumbimby.org.au
4. SON OF DRUM
Australia's most original and eclectic music shop! Loved by locals – no visit to Mullum is complete without stopping by this little gem. Acoustic musical instruments, records and electronic gear. Everything music.
Experience over 30 years of trusted service at Devine Quality Meats — locally-sourced, topquality cuts, expert advice, and friendly faces that make every meal better. Taste the Devine difference.
64 Stuart Street, Mullumbimby 02 6684 2015 devinequalitymeats.com.au
6. LINEN HOUSE MULLUMBIMBY
MULLUM ON THE MAP
New dinnerware has arrived in store! Entertain in style with two exquisite ranges - durable stoneware in soft hues and a handcrafted resin collection, bringing natural beauty and elegance to your table.
All things NRL and other assorted trading cards in stock now, including current Pokemon and other sports like soccer and basketball. Pop in and get you favourites while stocks last.
44 Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby 02 6684 2127
8. STEWART’S MENSWEAR
Even though it’s still warm, Stewart’s Menswear’s new arrivals provide the perfect transition through autumn. Lightweight layers and breathable fabrics perfect for Mullum's mild autumn days (and nights).
The Farm, 11 Ewingsdale Rd. 6190 8966 enquiries@threeblueducks.com threeblueducks.com/byron Open 7 days from 7am. Mon-Thurs: breakfast & lunch Fri-Sun: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Roca
Byron Bay
Sun to Thur–6:30am–10pm Fri & Sat–6:30am–midnight 14 Lawson St, Byron Bay (02) 5642 0149 @rocabyronbay www.rocabyronbay.com.au
$5.
Delicious new winter dinner menu, live jazz every Sunday arvo, happy hour 3–5pm Friday to Sunday & our famous Sunday roast.
Enjoy a wander in the fields, meet the pigs, and picnic in the sun… there really is something for everyone.
Latin Fusion All-Day Dining
Enjoy delicious casual dining with flavors straight from the grill! Savor our chargrilled anticuchos, indulge in fresh ceviche & oysters, or elevate your night with the Roca dining experience. Pair it all with a classic Pisco Sour or our best-selling Hot Like Papi cocktail. Available daily from 2:30pm to 5pm.
Welcome to Horizon, Byron’s newest rooftop bar.
Enjoy
6685 7385 @horizonbyronbay
BYRON BAY (continued)
BYRON BAY
The Good Life
Discover the essence of goodness with Satvik Foods partnered with Little Valley Distribution
Nestled in the lush rainforests of Northern New South Wales, Satvik Foods is more than just a local business—it’s a celebration of health, sustainability, and the art of wholesome eating. This family-run business has been serving the community since 2010, offering a range of easy cook meals that are highprotein, plant-based and gluten-free. Their mission? To nourish the mind, body, and soul while treading lightly on the planet.
Satvik Foods takes pride in its Ayurvedic-inspired recipes, crafted with love and care. From Australiangrown grains to unique spice blends, every product is designed to make healthy eating both delicious and convenient. Whether you’re whipping up a quick red lentil dhal or savouring their royal rice, Satvik Foods ensures every bite is nourishing and delicious.
Thanks to their partnership with Little Valley Distribution, Satvik Foods has expanded its reach, bringing its goodness to a broader audience. Based in Mullumbimby, Little Valley Distribution shares Satvik Foods’ commitment to quality and sustainability. With a curated selection of natural, organic, and eco-friendly products, Little Valley helps local businesses like Satvik Foods shine on a national stage.
Together, Satvik Foods and Little Valley Distribution embody the spirit of community and conscious living. By choosing their products, you’re not just making a healthy choice for yourself—you’re supporting a network of passionate local people dedicated to a better future.
So, why not bring a little Satvik
into your life? Visit their website or
More reasons to fall in love with Bánh Mì from Pink Lotus
Pink Lotus, the much-loved, family-run Vietnamese restaurant known for its flavours and warm atmosphere, is giving fans of its signature bánh mì even more to celebrate. For a few months now, Pink Lotus has been baking its bread inhouse, in both of its locations, offering an incredible upgrade to their bánh mì.
‘There’s something magical about bánh mì – it’s a perfect harmony of textures and flavours that’s both comforting and exciting,’ says Dao Vo, owner of Pink Lotus. ‘We’ve listened to our customers, and they’ve been asking for more. So, we’re introducing new varieties and extending the experience to dinner.’
Alongside their muchloved crispy pork classic, plant-based tofu, and garlic and lemongrass chicken, they’re introducing bold new seasonal specials, like xíu mại Vietnamese meatballs, premium Wagyu beef steak and both barra karaage and chicken karaage. Whether you’re dining in or taking it to-go, the expanded menu offers a fresh spin on a Vietnamese staple while staying true to its authentic roots.
in two locations:72a Burringbar St, Mullum-
and 16 The Terrace, Brunswick Heads pinklotusfood.com.au
goodness
Could you fall in love with Bánh Mì from Pink Lotus. Photo: Jeff Dawson
Satvik Foods’ packs are great value
Dao Vo, owner of Pink Lotus. Photo: Jeff Dawson Pink Lotus is a must-visit destination for food lovers in both Mullumbimby and Brunswick Heads. Pink Lotus
bimby
Going to therapy used to have a certain stigma around it, and years before seeking help. Regular couples counselling can actually prevent crises and help strengthen your relationship, whether there and relational dynamics that may be causing friction in your
health & healing
Counselling can also be supportive for individuals who are moving through a breakup or entering a new relationship.
DEEP LISTENING COUNSELLING and Australia.
Deep Listening – counselling for couples and individuals
The healing power of Santos herbal teas
and the Naturopaths at Santos Organics have crafted blends to support healing. Relaxation Tea helps calm the nervous system and ease anxiety, while Respiratory Tea supports lung health after exposure to dust, mould and damp conditions. For those feeling run down, Immunity Tea provides a nourishing boost to aid recovery.
remedies to help our community rebuild health and resilience. A simple cup of tea can be a powerful tool for grounding, healing, and restoring well-being. Santos Organics Dispensaries are located in Byron Bay and Mullumbimby.
51–53 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby
02 6684 3773
105 Jonson St, Byron Bay
02 6685 7071
3/7 Brigantine Street, Byron A&I
Estate 02 6685 5685
Sparkle Well
Naturopath and health teacher Sally Mathrick is keen to trump problematic menopause and make menopause great again. Many traditional cultures hold this female maturation process in great esteem. We can too!
Sally has been learning academically, clinically, socially and personally, about this important transformation since her own perimenopause symptoms went unrecognised 8 years ago. Today, we’re discussing menopause, unlike our mothers and grandmothers. There’s research afoot, and we’re learning
much as hormones, plus there’s adaptations in metabolism, psychology and immune function too. All of which can be supported.
Sally’s upcoming program Shape Your Menopause, shares many
www.sparklewell.com.au 0413 230 780
Coastal Dental Care
Kate Messenger - Kinesiology & Energy Psychology
Your body is an incredible database that stores records of every experience you’ve ever had, and Kinesiology is a remarkable modality that can access all parts of this database. Using gentle biofeedback muscle testing, Kate communicates with your physical body, sub-conscious mind and energy systems, tapping into this database in a very precise and targeted way - identifying the root cause of your issue, and utilising the most appropriate therapeutic techniques to free your innate healing capacity, allowing you to move towards health and wellbeing on all levels.
rehabilitation, brings 20 years of experience to Dental Implants & Aesthetics. With advanced knowledge in complex restorative treatments, Dr. Miralles has extended his services to the Northern Rivers community, providing locals with access to high-quality care that previously required travel to major cities. His patient-centred approach focuses on restoring cutting-edge procedures like All-on-X implants and handcrafted porcelain veneers. Alongside Dr. Franck Page, who handles the surgical aspects, Dr. Miralles is committed to improving oral health and quality of life for patients in Byron Bay and surroundings. For consultations or more information contact Dental Implants & Aesthetics on 02 5643 9213
Northern Rivers Podiatry
Kate can work with you around physical and emotional issues, trauma, stress compulsive behaviours, enhanced performance, brain integration, and more! Contact her for a free discovery call.
Located on Marvell Street in the heart of Byron Bay, is a premier clinic dedicated to exceptional foot care. Known for its commitment to patient wellbeing, the podiatric services that range from general foot health to advanced treatments for sports injuries, orthotic therapy, and ingrown toenail care. Northern Rivers Podiatry prides itself on using the latest technology and evidence-based practices, ensuring tailored solutions for every patient. emphasis on personalised care, aiming to enhance mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life. With a welcoming atmosphere and a reputation for excellence, Northern Rivers Podiatry is a trusted choice for foot health in Byron Bay and the surrounding communities.
10/6 Marvell St, Byron Bay 02 6619 2939 northernriverspodiatry.com.au
health & healing
Byron Bay Denture Clinic
Grove Psychology Clinic
When participating in impact sports, wearing a custom sports mouthguard is far safer than having no protection. At Byron Bay Denture Clinic, the Protect Plus + Custom Mouthguard, crafted reduces the risk of dental injuries like broken teeth, cut lips, and gum damage, as well as more serious injuries like jaw fractures and concussions.
Troy Fraser, your local dental prosthetist, makes each mouthguard in our fully equipped lab on Middleton Street, Byron Bay, ensuring maximum comfort, security, and protection. Compared to injury risk by up to 60%.
By choosing their Protect Plus + Custom Mouthguard, you’re ensuring your teeth and jaw are well-protected while you focus on your performance.
02 6685 8744
8/14 Middleton Street, Byron Bay byronbaydentureclinic.com.au
After earning a PhD in psychology from Columbia University and working in a range of clinical settings in New York City, Dr. Geiger made her way to the Byron Shire and opened Grove Psychology Clinic, providing high quality psychology services.
In the heart of Brunswick Heads, Grove has a growing team of psychologists, specialising in trauma, PTSD, ADHD, dissatisfying relationships, psychosis and more. Services include individual and group therapy.
Fit is an essential component to the success of easy. At Grove, their goal is to make this process as seamless as possible. Consultation calls are available
Dr Sam Gartland is a UK-trained doctor, whose practice of from multiple sclerosis (MS). His area of interest is Lifestyle Medicine, a lifestyle approach centering on plant-based nutrition. Sam’s new practice, Life Medical Mullumbimby, of disease alongside GP services, skin-checks and natural therapies. Sam also holds a Masters in Sports Medicine. He has worked with Premier League and ‘A’ League football
HLTAID011 - Provide First Aid
Held by: Byron Community College
Date: Thurs 20 March & Thurs 10 April
Time: 9:30am till 3:30pm
Address: Byron Campus, Byron College
Contact: byroncollege.org.au or 6684 3374
Face Yoga
Held by: Byron Community College
Date: Sat 5 April
Time: 10am till 3pm
Address: Mullum Campus, Byron College
Contact: www.byroncollege.org.au
or 02 6684 3374
THRIVE In 2025 – One Day
Transformative Retreat
Held by: Sugar Beach Ranch
Date: Sat 5 April & Sun 6 April
Time: 9am till 4pm
Address: Sugar Beach Ranch, South Ballina
Contact: sugarbeachranch.com/thrive
Learn Energy Healing; Explore & Develop Your Intuition
Held by Lin Bell
Date: Sat 5, Thurs 17 or Sat 26 April
Time: 9.30am till 12.30pm
Address: Byron Community Centre
Contact: linbell0@gmail.com or 0404 066 707
Byron Community College
Byron College’s commitment to supporting mental health.
courses, not just to support your own mental health, but also to educate how best to support your fellow humans with whatever struggles they’re facing. After the recent trauma of Cyclone Alfred, now is health support work.
This subsidised* and nationally recognised practitioners and professionals, and will get you industry-ready to provide compassionate, clientcentred support to individuals navigating mental health challenges, whether it’s outreach services, residential care, or rehabilitation programs.
Learn more and apply at www.byroncollege.org.au or call 02 6684 337 *for eligible students. This training is subsidised by the NSW Government
clubs and has been published in Sports Medicine literature. He has been a retreat facilitator for Overcoming MS and is a co-author of the Overcoming MS Handbook. Sam is committed to empowering others with the skills and knowledge to optimise their health.
Life Medical Mullumbimby 113 Stuart St, Mullumbimby 02 6680 2486. www.lifemedicalmullumimby.com.au
Byron healing is a go-to website featuring informative and entertaining articles on health and wellbeing. It features a host of practitioners and businesses in the industry,
Qigong Health & Meditation Retreat
Held by Heart Mind Centre
Date: 3 to 8 October
Time: 5-night residential retreat - daily
Address: Sangsurya Retreat Centre, Byron Bay
Contact: heartmindcentre.com.au/ heart-mind-qigong-retreat or info@ heartmindcentre.com.au
Egyptian Emotional Clearing Technique Retreat
Held by: Aromatica
Date: 10 to 17 November
Time: 7-day residential retreat
Address: Ewingsdale, Byron Bay, NSW
Contact: trybooking.com/CXUYT or book@ aromatica.net.au or 0459 469 141
Mental Health
Held by: Byron Community College
Date: Starts 28 April to 10 December
Time: Mon & Weds 9am till 3pm
Address: Mullum Campus, Byron College
Contact: www.byroncollege.org.au or 02 6684 3374
Cryptic Clues
ACROSS
1.Clues scattered around Times lead to ruin (7)
5.Bid that would have been helpful last November? (2-5)
10.Sad American holds title (4)
11.Part of New York City, Los Angeles and North Dakota initially situated in eastern state (10)
12.Spooner’s married escort is a drag (4,6)
13.Shark with a degree? A big hit! (4)
14.Lorelei with two t’s? Confused Oppenheimer, among others (5,4)
17.Saw deviant bag ladies being shunned by Libs (5)
19.Pope cancels embracing nut (5)
20.We take tart with mischievous children (9)
23.Park scavenger starts to inspect bins in Sydney (4)
25.Baritone dancing around man of mystery at tango – it’s too much! (10)
28.Unusually energetic aunt, originally a family member (5-5)
29,30. Shark left sailors with no alternative (4,7)
31.Famous tories went off and died (7) DOWN
2.Fierce sea turbulence causes suspension of hostilities (5-4)
3.Cutesy duckling’s heading to river (5)
4.One’s at head of short line, with left and right ends, for a Benedictine maybe (7)
6.Make a speech about name being embellished (6)
7.Part way to Lima with exemplary character (4,5)
8.Men at home gutting shark in East European capital (5)
9.Frozen mass preserved in ambergris (4)
15.Unscrupulous financier, they say, only stops at the end to listen (4,5)
16.Money stashed by frugal Europeans (3)
18.Sergey! Run like mad! It’s a shark! (4,5)
21.Underwriting the secret agenda! (7)
22.Simple kind of housing in favour (4-2)
24.Modified Akubra, minus the crown, that can be worn by Muslims (5)
26.Witches won’t use cold cooker (4)
27.Sailor traps sanctimonious creature with little trunk (5)
Quick Clues
ACROSS
1.Move furtively or hurriedly (7)
5.Bridge bid without a suit (2-5)
10.Formal title for honoured woman (4)
11.Australia’s Sunshine State (10)
12.Inert mass (4,6)
13.Fast-swimming shark species (4)
14.Lead character sharing name with work (5,4)
17.Time-honoured saying (5)
19.Edible nut from hickory tree (5)
20.First-person plural reflexive pronoun (9)
23.Long-legged wading bird (4)
25.Unreasonably high in price (10)
28.Grandchild of one’s sibling (5-5)
29. Harbour (4)
30. King of Pop (7)
31.Rich in history or legend (7) DOWN
2.Temporary halt to combat (5-4)
3.Woollen fabric often used in suits (5)
4.Sweet, flavoured alcoholic drink (7)
6.Elaborately decorated (6)
7.Inspirational figure to emulate (4,5)
8.Capital city of Belarus (5)
9.Large floating ice mass (4)
15.Illegal moneylender with high rates (4,5)
16.Romanian currency unit (3)
18.Large stout-bodied shark, also known as the sand tiger shark (4,5)
21.Underlying meaning in communication (7)
22.Simple sloping roof structure (4-2)
24.A loose garment, with veiled eyeholes, covering the whole body, worn in public by some Muslim women (5)
26.Kitchen appliance for baking (4)
27.Large tropical mammal with short trunk (5)
Last week’s solution #46
ADJOURN PODCAST I N A O O L T ISIS
Volunteering: Just Do It!
There is one supereasy way to be happier, more fulfilled, connect with community, and to get off socials – volunteer. Volunteering is this incredible two-way street. You give back to your community, and in return you feel good about yourself. It’s better than 100 likes on a Facebook post! Actual real likes from people with actual faces!
On the weekend I went down to New Brighton and helped a few very committed, community-minded locals remove fencing posts and wire from the beach. My role was very minor, I just carried stuff. Sometimes that’s all you need to do. In chatting to one of the locals I discovered that he’d lived there for 50 years – he’d moved here back in the day when you still could. Because it was cheap. For 30 years he’d been a member of Dune Care, until the organiser left and there wasn’t anyone to perform that admin role so the group disbanded. But they still cared for their beach. He laughed and said, ‘there’s just old blokes in it now, like me.’ All around the country, organisations are struggling to find volunteers. They are on the decline. I had a bit of a lightbulb moment. Without long-term, genuinely affordable and secure housing, we don’t have volunteers. If people don’t know how long they are going to be somewhere they are less likely to volunteer. If they’re on holidays in an Airbnb they’re definitely not, you’re lucky if they put the bin out. So in a very community-minded way, secure housing helps us all. Even the superaffluent who’ve never dug a hole in their entire lives. Except maybe to hide some cash.
Volunteers are the heartbeat of our villages. In the recent flood crisis they made food for evacuation centres, they turned up to help people in danger make their way to safety. Volunteers run our kids’ sporting clubs, they cut up the oranges, they organise washing the shirts, they plant trees, they care for wildlife, they fight fires, they visit the elderly, they raise money for the less fortunate, they bake cakes for fundraisers, they rescue people caught in a rip. Volunteers feed the homeless. They sit with people in distress. Volunteers welcome you to the theatre and show you to your seat.
Our volunteers are ageing. I’ve been doing a few shifts in homeless kitchens and in various other frontline
The upside of Venus, the love and money planet, plus Mercury, the communications and travel planet simultaneously retrograde? It forces us to find new solutions and alternative ways of operating…
ARIES: With Venus and Mercury both retrograde in your sign, what isn’t working becomes apparent. If you don’t want to keep having replays (and what Aries does?) then change what needs changing. Keep finding creative outlets for those inevitable retrograde frustrations and give your selfcare an extra boost.
TAURUS: Whether you’re shy and reserved or naturally outspoken, Venus your ruling planet might very well have you feeling frisky and flirtatious this week. In which case, how about dressing up the present tell-it-like-it-is communication style with some artfully expressed emotions? A little poetry won’t go astray.
GEMINI: As you get swept into the flurry, challenges, and possible turmoil of this week’s interactions and dialogues, it’s important not to get distracted from your goals by information overload. The current celestial scenario will definitely benefit from writing lists, creating outlines and formalising agendas.
CANCER: Cancerians are understanding and engaged listeners, and with forthright Mars currently in your sign you may also feel more confident about approaching a long-standing issue with a friend or family member. Your sensitivity is a superpower, so use it to share your feelings without overwhelming others.
MANDY NOLAN’S
Find an organisation that you feel resonates with your core values and your skillset and even if you feel like you don’t have the time, maybe just get involved and you’ll find a way to be useful.
organisations and I am often the youngest there. I’m 57. It’s clear for the health of our community we need younger people to step up. At one homelessness outreach in Tweed I was working alongside a woman who was nearly 80. While I celebrate the awesome community spirit of our older community, I’d invite younger people to get involved too. Find an organisation that you feel resonates with your core values and your skillset and even if you feel like you don’t have the time, maybe just get involved and you’ll find a way to be useful. You’ll never regret it. And you meet some awesome older people.
LIBRA: Venus retrograde is prime time for Librans to do a recce of what works, and what works not so much, in long-term friendships and partnerships. So take the initiative with people and activities that matter to you: your ruling planet in one of the spiciest zodiac signs is keen to try something new.
LEO: This week’s Venus placement suggests that Leos are likely to get the best results by allowing others to wrestle responsibility away from you who know best and let them try it their way. Which will then either work out, or not, in which case you’ll get to do it your way after all.
VIRGO: Messenger Mercury, your mentor planet, slows down for three weeks, three times each calendar year. Which is Virgo’s cue to execute a retrospective check, retire what’s tired, and reset your PGS (personal guidance system) before launching into another cycle. Aim for that sophisticated simplicity which is your trademark.
SCORPIO: You’re a water sign, so move with this week’s tide rather than against it. Better to expend your energy playing to your strengths than resisting conditions you don’t think are favouring you. The planetary recipe’s sparking up quite a sexy dynamic, so why not enjoy the gameplay?
SAGITTARIUS: Your ruling planet Jupiter in its most convivial, communicative mode is optimal for brainstorming, networking and lively exchanges, but beware this week of scattering your focus. Lighthearted interactions with other witty people by all means, but take care you don’t get carried away and overpromise.
A few years back I joined the CWA. With its 100-plus year history of supporting the welfare of women and children, it felt like the right place for me to go. I remember my first meeting. I felt nervous. I am an average cook and my handicraft expertise is nil. Would I be kicked out? The president noted how good it was to see younger members. I looked behind me. ‘No that’s you Mandy’. I blushed. I love the CWA. I am blown-away by their sense of service, and the incredible work they do. It’s inspirational. Maybe one day I’ll even learn how to knit.
Volunteering reminds you, that in a world that sometimes feels narcissistic and self-centred, that people are good. That together we make a difference. So please, our forests, our beaches, our vulnerable, our kids, our elderly and our broader community need you. Sometimes when you save others you actually save yourself.
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: If this week runs your ideas, beliefs and operating systems through a series of stress tests which uncover some challenging realities, then accept that knowing where your weak points lie is useful data. Now you can redirect your energy so you aren’t wasting valuable time, energy and resources.
AQUARIUS: Mercury and Venus both reversing in the zodiac’s fieriest sign are known to spark heated communications leading to hasty decisions, as frustrating hitches and glitches see tempers flare. But on the flip side, this is a week when your calm and cautious Aquarius side comes into its own.
PISCES: Other people’s demands can be hard to ignore, but take advantage of the sun’s last days in your sign to opt out of playing everyone’s caretaker – to switch off the world’s white noise, step out of day-today obligations and tune in to what your intuition is telling you.
seven days of entertainment
Once in a generation
Nai Palm is the kind of artist that arrives once in a generation, a three-time Grammy-nominated songwriter from Australia. She is a composer, instrumentalist, producer, vocalist and poet who approaches these self-taught disciplines with an intuitive, infectious grace, which has sent her on a journey to sculpt songs that have been received and treasured across the world.
It is a world she has travelled many times over with her band Hiatus Kaiyote who, along with Nai Palm, have become household names since they first began playing together in Melbourne in 2011.
Hiatus Kaiyote’s first R&B Grammy nomination, for their song ‘Nakamarra,’ was followed by a second for ‘Breathing Underwater,’ from their sophomore album, 2015’s Choose Your Weapon
Their music defied categorisation: some called it ‘neo-soul’, others ‘future soul’; the band calls it, simply, wondercore.
Their records and live shows won them raves in The Guardian, Rolling Stone, and in The New York Times, where Jon Pareles wrote that, ‘Hiatus Kaiyote’s music stretches and bends every parameter.’
That spirit of blending began with Nai, growing up in her mother’s Melbourne home, vibrating with the sounds of Motown and flamenco, African music and hip-hop. After her mother died of breast cancer, the 11-year-old Nai went to live with a foster family high in the Australian Alps. By the time the adolescent Nai found her way back to Melbourne, she had acquired three things: an abiding, spiritual connection to the land; an uncanny, self-taught mastery of two instruments, the guitar and her own voice; and the ability to write songs that were as complex as her influences.
This is a free Great Southern Nights show on Sunday, 30 March at the Beach Hotel, with support Juman and Kalakari from 4pm. Great Southern Nights 2025 takes place from 21 March to 6 April, featuring 300+ gigs across New South Wales.
Yirrmal in Byron Bay
It’s not every day that you find an artist with such raw talent; a young musician who can effortlessly draw on thousands of years of culture and seamlessly translate that into beautiful, soulful and touching music.
Hailing from the Yolngu Nation of Northeast Arnhem Land, Yirrmal is a powerful and passionate storyteller and a truly captivating entertainer.
Just like his father, songman Witiyana Marika (founding member of Yothu Yindi), Yirrmal’s music weaves traditional manikay (ceremonial songs) with more modern musical forms, drawing from his life experience between the two worlds.
Described by The Guardian as having, ‘one of the most arresting voices in Australian music’, Yirrmal’s live performances are never to be forgotten. Standing at over 6 and a 1/2 feet tall and with a voice that will break your heart, and a spirit that will put it back together, Yirrmal’s presence in all aspects is big. But it doesn’t take audiences long to feel the emotion and fragility in this gentle giant. Yirrmal’s voice becomes a clear messenger of the pain and resilience of his story and that of his people.
Yirrmal’s exceptional talent has seen him tour extensively with the Black Arm Band and collaborate with artists such as Archie Roach, Shane Howard, Baker Boy and King Stingray, and his mesmerising performances have been a crowd favourite at previous Blues festivals.
Now, for the first time ever, Yirrmal will be performing his own solo show at the Byron Theatre on Sunday, bringing his unique and unifying performance to Byron Shire for one night only.
Presented by Great Southern Nights, the event will feature support musician Birren Slabb at 6pm, followed by Yirrmal at 7pm. Advance booking is highly recommended at www.byroncentre.com.au.
seven days of entertainment
More March madness
Last month, the Brunswick Picture House was contemplating the arrival of March Madness, and who would have guessed what an absolutely crazy last couple of weeks there would be in the Shire.
The ‘House crew hopes that everyone is safe and their hearts go out to those who continue to be impacted by the adverse weather conditions.
ts go out to those who continue to be e adverse weather conditions.
sublime footage taken above and below the water’s surface. Inspiring and thought-provoking, the festival is filled with moving footage, touching interviews, and insightful narrations, with new dates on Thursday and Friday, 27 and 28 March.
Check out what’s on in the next few weeks…
so much on, the crew at the Brunswick re can or t wo pism; to leave troubles at the door and ide live entertainment in the form usic, ytellin val an k ou
With so much going on, the crew at the Brunswick Picture House can offer audiences an hour or two of escapism; to leave any troubles at the door and provide live entertainment in the form of music, dance, cabaret, comedy, storytelling, circus and even a film festival and a music trivia night!
It couldnt get more ridiculous tha is 40 years in his new s unnatur feel. See Bob in and 29 and 30 M Grabsomematesas Ba ive dance, cabaret, g, film d a music trivia night! ut what ’s
It couldn’t get more ridiculous than this… Bob Downe is celebrating 40 years in his new show Choose Bob, featuring classics with an unnaturally big-haired, shoulder-padded feel. See Bob in two shows on Saturday and Sunday, 29 and 30 March.
ob Ca h hit cipan stori al os, es, d tache
arlton’s t, Willing nt, es:
In Rob Carlton’s smash hit, Participant Rob tells four true stories: sexual taboos, big lies, deep heartaches, and blind hope. With stories from his 20s to his 50s, this show – which just scooped up awards at Perth Fringe World and Adelaide Fringe – reminds us what it is to feel alive; you’ll laugh and cry and laugh again and leave in love with the world – this Sunday.
eep s, and blind h stories
Recognised as the most prominent flamenco guitarist in Australia, Duende Flamenco Show musical and cultural experience not to be missed, with special guest artists Miranda Giner – this Saturday.
0s to his this hich up Perth World and – reminds us what it live; cr y and in and leave in love with the his Sunday ed in Australia, Paco Lara’s is a world- class nd cultural not to be ith special artists Deya and Byron Mark urday
The Ocean Film Festival World Tour showcases a mesmerising three-hour celebration of our oceans, comprised of
e. Wit his 2 w – w ds at aide feel a h aga d – th gnis enco nde cal a ed, w nda s showcases a three-hour bration of
BayFM and the Picture House launch Face The Music! It will be the wildest, wackiest night you’ll ever experience. Forget everything you know about trivia nights – this one’s got a live house band, a hilarious host and a whole lot of musical mayhem, with epic prizes on the line –this Thursday. And wait no longer… the new Cheeky is now on sale – it’s the show that the whole Shire has been talking about. A two-week season commences on Thursday, 10 April Tickets for all shows at brunswickpicturehouse. com.
ayFM unch Face l be the wilde ack iest y ver experienc Forget everyth you k now abo trivia nights –one’s a liv band, a hilario a whol musical m with on lin this Thur wait t season of C Cabaret – th wh be talking abo s 10
Matt’s local and global
Matt Corby is both a local Murwillumbah resident and also an internationally recognised music artist extraordinaire.
Last year was an absolute highlight at Bluesfest, where he headlined alongside Jack Johnson and The Tesky Brothers. That year saw the release of his third album Everything’s Fine. It was nominated for album of the year by both ARIA and Triple J, and was the reason for soldout shows across the UK, Europe, US and Australia. Matt is blessed with a voice made out of gold. His breakout single was the heartfelt ‘Brother’. Now certified ‘six-times-platinum’ by ARIA, the song is adored by his audience as a bona fide Australian classic. He has backed that up with three acclaimed albums and hit singles ‘Resolution’, ‘Miracle Love’ and ‘No Ordinary Life’. This is Matt Corby’s first show in the Northern Rivers since that iconic Bluesfest slot and likely his only show in the area for 2025.
The show is part of the Great Southern Nights series, which is fast becoming a beloved live music celebration that will take place in multiple venues across NSW in March/April – the inaugural Great Southern Nights was launched in November 2020 by the NSW government through Destination NSW and in partnership with ARIA. Great Southern Nights plays a vital role in supporting the live music, entertainment, and hospitality sectors as they recover from the weather, and before that the pandemic.
Matt Corby is at the Green Room on the Bluesfest site in Tyagarah on Saturday from 7pm to 11pm. The show is 18+ and final tickets are available at moshtix – tinyurl.com/ MattCorbyGSN.
ROB CARLTON
Eclectic Selection
What’s on this week
Adam Gardiner is a musician and composer from the Northern Rivers. Since completing a bachelor of contemporary music in 2009, Adam has worked regularly as a performer, session musician, teacher and composer.
Thursday from 6pm at the Metropole, Lismore. Free show.
When he’s not tinkering on cars, running on the beach with his dog somewhere in Byron, helping a random stranger, or doing his part in saving the planet, you’ll find Ole Falcor on the back porch penning introspective songs that make you feel like he’s been
walking in your shoes.
Tuesday at the Rails, Byron Bay. Free show
Growing up in the small town of Molong, Donny Shades spent her time learning guitar and singing along to every single one of her mum’s records. The gigs started rolling in when she turned 15 and she has never looked back. Soon realising that Molong wasn’t the right place for her musical career she moved to the Northern Rivers.
Friday from 7pm at Club Lennox, Lennox Head. Free show.
Bulletproof is a band on a mission to give the punters what they want. With an arsenal of iconic hits from the ‘70s to today, Bulletproof channels the heart and soul of classic pub rock, delivering high-energy performances designed to captivate and
resonate with everyone.
Bulletproof redefines the pub rock experience, delivering bold, crowd-pleasing music with a timeless appeal.
Friday from 8pm at The Rails, Byron Bay. Free show.
Sam Buckingham is the current, and the next, big thing and with several acclaimed songs and her grassroots, fan-focused approach, Buckingham has become one of Australia’s most respected independent, self-managed artists. Known for her intimate live shows, Buckingham has been touring since the release of her 2017 album The Water Saturday from 7pm at The Citadel, Murwillumbah. Tickets $42 from humantix.com/au.
For over ten years the six members of The Feramones have refined a repertoire of some of the greatest,
and most sophisticated rock songs of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s – songs that are universally known and loved. These are song that transcend the generation gap but which require The Feramones’ rare level of craftsmanship to faithfully deliver. The Feramones will keep the dance floor busy.
Saturday from 8pm at the Billinudgel Hotel. Free show.
A fundraiser for a national treasure and musician from Afghanistan, and his family who are fleeing persecution owing to music being illegal under the current regime, will be held on Sunday – the event features Mitch King, The Bollywood Sisters, Jimmy Dowling, Doli Pru Marma, Mandy Hawkes, The Nickies, Olive Gap FamilyBand, The Lonesome Boatmen, Ella Millard, Christina Webster, Daniel Friel, Tom Brunnekreef and Bobby Dazzler.
Sunday from 5pm at the Pearces Creek Hall. Tickets $20/$5 from humantix.com/au.
Rocking the equinox
Autumn Wiggle will be rocking the equinox at Durrumbul Hall from 6pm till midnight on Saturday with internationally-acclaimed local legend DJ-producer Taya, Gold Coast-based Brazilian rockstar DJ team, Camila Rosa and Kayo Alves, the awesomeness of Pob, the splendour of goddess - Sahaja, international Byron Brazilian phenomena – Marcos V and the French groove master Skyclone
A top-shelf, hi-vibe party featuring epic world class production with five-way monster Void sound system, next level, moving-head lights, lasers and projection mapping wizardry c/o Crystal Grid & Spectacle Art, dance performers and Katsu decor. Dress fancy, chill on a couch, hang by the fire, check out Rady J Blackcrab live art, catch up, and wiggle with friends.
This is a BYO, 18+ event. Limited tix at https://humanitix.com/au $45 + GST and booking fee.
Khentrul Lodrö
T’hayé Rinpoche 2025!
PUBLIC TALK
The Key to Open the Secret Doorway to the Mind:Mind and Mental States
Join us for an evening exploration of how we can transform our experience from suffering into happiness by changing our mind and mental states.
Thursday, April 3rd, 6-8pm. Free admission. Mullumbimby Civic Memorial Hall, 55 Dalley St, Mullumbimby.
WEEKEND TEACHING
The Heart Essence of Interdependent Origination
Saturday & Sunday, April 5th and 6th 10am-noon, 2-5pm both days. Free admission. Ocean Shores Community Centre, 55 Rajah Road, Ocean Shores.
Rinpoche will teach on this precious text by the great Indian master Nagarjuna, whose insights into the mechanism of interdependence are extraordinary and complete-and translate into wisdom about living and dying.
For weekend teaching, please pre-register at katog.org/events. Info: Julia 0421 022 428 australia@katogcholing.com
Heartsongs, mantras, spirit and connection
Join world-travelling chant leader Kevin James, his partner Susana Rodriguez, and Chris Lane (OKA) for an evening of heartsongs, mantras, community spirit, deep connection and an invitation to join in song and mantra as a way to reconnect, and return to the essence of the heart.
You may find yourself singing your heart out, dancing in blissful joy, and embracing the profound silence that naturally follows the Sound Journey with the meditative and rich sound of Japanese shakuhachi flute, crystal bowls and slide guitar.
BYO cushion, cup and cash for chai.
Saturday, 22 March at St John’s Hall, Mullumbimby.
Doors open 6pm for a 7pm start.
Tickets at tickets.kevinjamesmusic.com.
Musicians for Life and Justice
Love live music? Love the Earth and its people? Then Life Support: Musicians for Life & Justice is the gig for you! On Sunday, the Mullumbimby Civic Hall will come alive with an electrifying six-hour lineup featuring DJ Dakini, Tashmeen, Juman, Áine Tyrrell, Lucy Gallant, and Lionheart Rebellion. Speakers include comedian and Federal candidate Mandy Nolan, this night isn’t just about great music – it’s about action.
One hundred per cent of the profits is for Olive Kids, supporting Palestinian children, and the Climate Justice Alliance Northern Rivers, fighting for a livable future. With the climate crisis hitting home harder than ever, and Palestine’s struggle for justice more urgent than ever, this is a chance to dance, connect, and make a difference. Come hungry – authentic Palestinian cuisine and drink available.
Join us. Stand for justice. Dance for life. Sunday from 4pm at the Mullumbimby Civic Hall – general admission $30, concession $10
Lemon Chicken good
Forget your bland musical diets. Lemon Chicken is cooking up a chaotic, yet delicious, blend of sounds that’ll leave your ears craving more. Picture this: the raw, unbridled fury of ‘Killing in the Name’ by Rage Against the Machine, simmered with the sharp wit of Paul Kelly’s ‘Dumb Things’, and finished with the sultry, dark groove of INXS’s ‘Devil Inside’.
They’re not your average cover band. They’re a five-piece force of musical mayhem, smashing genres together with a joyful disregard for convention. They believe in the sheer, undeniable power of a killer song, no matter where it comes from. One moment they’re unleashing the righteous anger of Zack de la Rocha, the next we’re dissecting the complexities of relationships with Paul Kelly’s lyrical genius, and then they’re plunging into the seductive depths of INXS’s rock swagger.
Lemon Chicken is here to shock you, to reignite your love for forgotten classics, and to expose the hidden threads that connect seemingly disparate musical worlds. So, throw caution to the wind, grab your dancing shoes, and let Lemon Chicken take you on a wild, unpredictable sonic adventure. We guarantee, it’ll be a taste sensation you won’t soon forget.
Lemon Chicken is on Friday at the Courthouse Hotel, Mullumbimby from 8pm.
JUMAN
GIG GUIDE
CINEMA
Unforgettable French cinema
From now until Wednesday, 2 April, is your chance to see the cinema highlight of the year – the Alliance Française French Film Festival
You can be part of this unforgettable cinematic experience featuring a spectacular selection of French films – from comedy, romance, and drama to thrilling adventures, at Palace Cinemas in Byron Bay
Get ready for a film festival packed with that French charm we all know and love. There’s something for everyone in the diverse lineup of 42 incredible films, and plenty of special events.
Screening this week, direct from the Cannes Film Festival 2024, Holy Cow marks Louise Courvoisier as a powerful new voice in cinema, winning the festival’s prestigious Youth Prize in the Un Certain Regard category – also screening is the hysterical Love Boat, from actor-director Bruno Podalydès, that will have you laughing out loud at absurd disguises, misguided intentions, and chaotic schemes. Expect the very best of the worst – half bottles, cut corners, and special deals – all as long as it’s not too expensive.
Not to be missed is the special event screening of Army of Shadows – restored in 4K and presented at Cannes Classics in 2024, see acclaimed director Jean-Pierre Melville’s unglamorous and nuanced study of the French Resistance, eating itself from the inside.
Based on Melville’s experience in the French Resistance and Joseph Kessel’s novel, the film is deeply personal, combining his intense study of the human condition with the signature chiaroscuro and realism that established him as a celebrated auteur of French crime cinema. Controversial upon its 1969 French release and only premiering in the US in 2006, Army of Shadows remains a masterpiece of atmospheric tension, ideal for cinéphiles.
Don’t miss this exclusive screening of one of history’s greatest war films on Thursday at 6.30pm. For more information and tickets, visit palacecinemas.com.au.
WEDNESDAY 19
RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, DAN HANNAFORD
BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM MILO GREEN
PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL
TREEHOUSE, BYRON BAY, 5PM KYLE LIONHART
THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM INO PIO + DJ OREN SELECTA, 9PM DUELLING
PIANOS – JOHN HILL & JON
SHORTER
BANGALOW BOWLO
7.30PM BANGALOW BRACKETS OPEN MIC
THE PADDOCK PROJECT, MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM CURRY AND JAM OPEN MIC
LENNOX PIZZA 6.30PM OPEN MIC
THURSDAY 20
RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, ANIMAL VENTURA
BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM MICKA SCENE DUO
PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON
BAY, ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL
NORTH BYRON HOTEL
5.30PM OPEN MIC
THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM BRAVE DAISY, CHARLIE & THE VELVET SKY, LUCY’S HOUSE, VLADS, DAN HANNAFORD + DJ QUENDO, 8PM DUELLING
PIANOS – JON SHORTER & SHANE PARRY + BODHI ACTON & SAM WHEAT
HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM GUY KACHEL
LENNOX PIZZA 5PM JOSE
METROPOLE, LISMORE, 6PM ADAM GARDINER
NORTH BYRON HOTEL 4PM DJ JONNY UTAH
THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM DZ DEATHRAYS + TRIM
REAPER – MATT ARMITAGE
A&I HALL, BANGALOW, 7PM MANDY NOLAN OFFICIAL
CAMPAIGN LAUNCH FEAT. KATRINA AND THE GREENIES, ABORIGINAL COMEDY ALLSTARS, ANDY SAUNDERS AND MANDY NOLAN
HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM ZUES WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM DJ AFRODESIA
COURTHOUSE HOTEL, MULLUMBIMBY, 8PM LEMON CHICKEN
MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 8PM KRAPEOKEEE WITH JESS
CLUB LENNOX 7PM DONNY SHADES
CHERRY STREET SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, 7PM LUKE YEAMAN
METROPOLE, LISMORE, 6PM ROKUSTIX
ST JOHN’S SCHOOL HALL, MULLUMBIMBY, 6PM KIRTAN – KEVIN JAMES, SUSANA
RODRIGUEZ AND CHRIS LANE
BILLINUDGEL HOTEL 4.30PM THE YAMS + THE FERAMONES
CLUB LENNOX 7PM OOZ
LENNOX HOTEL 7PM LIVING IN THE 80S
BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK 6PM ROO & COLIN
CHERRY STREET SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, 8PM FAT ALBERT
MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6PM STEPHEN LOVELIGHT
THE CITADEL, MURWILLUMBAH, 8PM SAM BUCKINGHAM
KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 6PM GREGG PETERSON
SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 6PM ISAAC FRANKHAM
SHEOAK SHACK, FINGAL HEAD, 7PM FELICITY LAWLESS AND LUCY GALLANT
BILLINUDGEL HOTEL 1PM JACK
RAYMOND & DEMI CASHA
LENNOX PIZZA 5PM LILY GRACE
BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK
2.30PM SUNDAY BLUES CLUB
SESSIONS FEAT. SOULFISH
ELTHAM HOTEL
WHARF BAR, BALLINA, 3PM INO PIO
2.30PM MATTHEW ARMITAGE
SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 1PM ENTERTAINMENT EMPORIUM
PEARCES CREEK HALL, PEARCES CREEK, 4PM MITCH KING, THE BOLLYWOOD SISTERS, JIMMY DOWLING, DOLI PRU MARMA, MANDY HAWKES, THE NICKIES, OLIVE GAP FAMILY BAND, THE LONESOME BOATMEN, ELLA MILLARD, CHRISTINA WEBSTER, DANIEL FRIEL, TOM BRUNNEKREEF & BOBBY DAZZLER.
MONDAY 24
SEAGULLS, TWEED HEADS, 7.30PM LISA HUNT
MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB
6.30PM CHRIS C
SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 6PM INO PIO
KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 6PM MATTHEW BRIGHT TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 8PM THE HINDLEY STREET COUNTRY CLUB
SATURDAY 22
RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, PINK ZINC
BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 3PM JOE CONROY, SUNNY LUWE & JAM HOT LIVE
LISMORE CITY BOWLO 7PM THE SUPPER CLUB SOUL BAND
TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 7.30PM THE HINDLEY STREET COUNTRY
CLUB
FRIDAY 21
RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, BULLETPROOF
BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 5PM KALAKARI + BOY & BEAR, GARRETT KATO & BEN MORGAN
BYRON THEATRE 7.30PM MEG WASHINGTON
PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL
HOTEL BRUNSWICK 3PM OOZ, BUTTER MELLO, HAYLEY GRACE, MID DRIFT, SARAH GRANT, MARVELL, DUSTY BOOTS,THIRST TRAP & DJ BEATDUSTA GOODIE
PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL
TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 8PM THE JOE COCKER EXPRESS
SUNDAY 23
RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, JOCK BARNES DUO
BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 4.30PM THE FERAMONES BYRON THEATRE 6PM YIRRMAL
PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL
NORTH BYRON HOTEL 2PM DJ
MONSIEUR DIOP
TREEHOUSE, BYRON BAY, 2PM JOE CONROY
YULLI’S, BYRON BAY, 3PM YULLI’S OPEN MIC
THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM LUKE YEAMAN
HOTEL BRUNSWICK
NORTH BYRON HOTEL 1.30PM DJ JR.DYNAMITE + DJ NAT WHITE
THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM JOCK BARNES DUO + THE DUSTIES
THE GREEN ROOM, BYRON, 6PM MATT CORBY
BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM PACO LARA DUENDE FLAMENCO SHOW
WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM DJ ROB SYDNEY
4PM BULLHORN + JESSE WITNEY
BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 6PM ROB CARLTON
OCEAN SHORES COUNTRY CLUB
3PM OPEN MIC
MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 3PM OPEN MIC
WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 3PM DJ DARLAN
MULLUMBIMBY EX-SERVICES CLUB 3.30PM MAMBO DE MULLUM NO 3
MULLUMBIMBY CIVIC HALL 4PM LIFE SUPPORT: MUSICIANS FOR LIFE AND JUSTICE
RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, OOZ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM JOCK BARNES
PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL
THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM MARK USHER
TUESDAY 25
RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, OLE FALCOR
BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM ADAM BROWN PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 11AM BACK TO BROADWAY
WEDNESDAY 26
RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, DAMIEN COOPER BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM TRILLA
PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL
TREEHOUSE, BYRON BAY, 5PM ANIMAL VENTURA
THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM KANE MUIR + DJ OREN SELECTA
BANGALOW BOWLO
7.30PM BANGALOW BRACKETS OPEN MIC
THE PADDOCK PROJECT, MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM CURRY AND JAM OPEN MIC
BLACK BAG (M) Daily: 10:20AM, 5:20PM BRIDGET JONES: MAD ABOUT THE BOY (M) Thurs,
PALACE BYRON BAY
BALLINA FAIR CINEMAS
ECHO CLASSIFIEDS – 6684 1777
CLASSIFIED AD BOOKINGS
PHONE ADS
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Publication day is Wednesday, booking deadlines are the day before publication.
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Letter;
5.Meeting Closed
DATE: Friday 4th April 2025
TIME: 12.30pm VENUE: Minjungbal Museum & Cultural Centre, Tweed Heads South Agenda:
1.Open Meeting & Acknowledgement
2.Apologies
3. Consideration to approve the creation of a Biodiversity Stewardship Site over for Lot 1 DP1218057, being Boyd Street, Cobaki Lakes NSW 2486, by entering into a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW)
4.Close Meeting
At this meeting, it is proposed the members will decide whether or not to approve of the land dealing, after being asked to consider the impact of the proposed land dealing on the cultural and heritage significance of the land to Aboriginal persons. All enquiries should be directed to Tweed Byron LALC’s office during business hours.
Authorised: Tweed Byron LALC Chairperson
Road & Duffy Street, Tweed Heads South
TIME: 11:00am
AGENDA: 1.Welcomes; 2.Apologies;
3.Minutes of previous meeting;
4. Approval of the TBLALC Community Land and Business Plan (CLBP) 2022–2027;
5. Other Business placed on the agenda prior to the commencement of the meeting;
6.Date and time of next meeting. Please
All inquiries about this meeting should be directed
the CEO of the Tweed Byron LALC during business hours.
Authorised: Chairperson
Classifieds
MUSICAL NOTES
GUITAR STRINGS, REPAIRS Brunswick Heads 66851005
LOST & FOUND
LOST: HESSIAN BAG outside Mullum Library a few weeks ago - contains precious address book. Return greatly appreciated. Ph 66840048
BIRTHDAYS
Community at Work
On The Horizon
ONLY ADULTS
MALE 2 MALE MASSAGE
Sensual, relaxation, stimulation. Very discreet. In & outcalls www.thehealingtouch.com.au 0476069889
BALLINA EXCLUSIVE
34 Piper Dr. Open 7 days 10am till late. In & Out Calls. 66816038. Ladies wanted Find us on Facebook and Twitter!
KRYSTAL ADULT SHOP
Large variety of toys and lingerie 6/6 Tasman Way, A&I Est, Byron Bay 66856330
SOCIAL ESCORTS
LOTS OF GORGEOUS LADIES available for your pleasure nearby. Spoil yourself. Inhouse & outcalls. 7 days. 0266816038.
MAGGIE
Meet Maggie, a pretty, sweet and petite little girl. She is black & white with a soft mid length coat and cute long white stockings on her back legs. She’s affectionate, kind and easy going, and ready for a loving forever home! 4 months old, desexed and vaccinated. Microchip 953010007027330.
Please make an appointment 0403 533 589 • Billinudgel petsforlifeanimalshelter.net
Handsome 7-month-old male Kelpie x Bull Arab ‘Maxi’ is an exceedingly sweet natured boy. He is very responsive to directions and corrections, is quite submissive and excellent with other dogs. He will no doubt be a mix of very active combined with chilled affectionate couch potato. Maxi would suit life on a property/ farm or would be the most charming companion for someone with an active lifestyle with time to exercise and train. Please contact Shell on 0458461935. MC: 941000028968305
DEADLINE NOON FRIDAY
Email copy marked ‘On The Horizon’ to editor@echo.net.au.
AIR
The Australian Independent Retirees (AIR) will meet on Friday, March 21, at 10am at the Ballina RSL Club. The guest speaker will be Patricia Wilson from the Pimlico Historical Museum. Morning tea will be available and a meeting fee of $5 will be payable. Lunch will be at the Cherry Street Sports Club. Enquiries contact President, Jill Huxley on 6686 8958.
CWA Brunswick Heads
Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens
and is perfect for anyone with joint or mobility issues. Session 10.30 am till 11.30am on Friday, March 14. Bookings essential 6685 8540 or online www. rtrl.nsw.gov.au.
Byron
Book Fair
Meet Harper
CWA Brunswick Heads branch will be holding an Easter Market on Saturday, April 5, 8am to 12noon on Corner of Booyun and Park Streets, Brunswick Heads. Home made cakes, jams and pickles, craft work, plants and flowers. Cash only, come early to avoid disappointment. Contact brunscwa@ gmail.com or 0431 908 063.
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).
Visit friendsofthepound.com to view other dogs and cats looking for a home.
MONTHLY MARKETS
5thSUN
Volunteer Information Day to be held for Friends of Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens Volunteer Information Day from 9.15am to 1pm on Sunday, March 23. Look around the Gardens and find out what you can do to help manage and maintain this beautiful part of Lismore. Meet at the Visitors Centre at 313 Wyrallah Rd, East Lismore, turn first right after entering the waste facility entrance off Wyrallah Road. Morning tea provided. Email: publicity@friendslrbg.com.au and let us know you are coming.
Flower and Foliage Spectacular
The Kyogle Garden Club Flower and Foliage Spectacular is taking place on Friday, April 11 from 8am to 4pm and Saturday, April 12, from 9am to 2pm at St Brigid’s School Hall, Wiangaree Street, Kyogle. For more information email: flowerandfoliage25@gmail. com.
Chair yoga at Byron Bay Library
As part of NSW Seniors Festival 2025, Byron Bay Library presents Chair Yoga For Seniors. This easy yoga covers
Regular As Clockwork
DEADLINE NOON FRIDAY
Friends of Libraries Byron Shire are once again holding their annual four-day Book Fair from Friday, July 11 to Monday, July 14. Donations of books of all genres are needed and always gratefully received, in clean and good condition. Highlighting the need for children’s books, art and limited editions to name a few. For more information and to donate call Janene 0407 855 022.
Liberation Larder fundraising
Liberation Larder fundraising film night at Byron Theater on Saturday, April 5. Thanks to Mr Simple Byron $250 toward our raffle ticket prize. Donations are tax deductible, BSB 722 744 Account number: 1000 71909 Account name: Liberation Larder; donations for raffle prize are appreciated, call 0435 879 778 for more information. But a ticket at https://www. byroncentre.com.au/theatre-events/
Please note that, owing to space restrictions, not all entries may be included each week. Email copy marked ‘Regular As Clockwork’ to editor@echo.net.au.
Mullumbimby District Neighbourhood Centre
Mullumbimby & District Neighbourhood Centre is open Monday–Friday 9am–4pm (closed 12.30–1.30pm for lunch). We offer a variety of services. Everyone is welcome. Call reception on 6684 1286. Some of our services include: Flood recovery support service: personalised, long-term support for those impacted by the floods. Community support: food parcels, meals, showers, assistance with electricity bills. Work Development Orders.
Listening Space: free counselling. More Than A Meal: free community lunch Tuesday–Thursday 12.30–1.30pm.
Financial counselling
Staying Home, Leaving Violence program: Information, referral, and advocacy.
Gulganii affordable pantry shop: located at 3 Bridgeland Lane. Orange Sky: free laundry service Mon morning & Wed afternoon.
To enquire about accessing any of these services call reception 6684 1286, check our website www.mdnc.org.au, or follow us on Facebook or Instagram. @ mullumbimbyneighbourhoodcentre.
Byron Community
The Byron Community Centre provides community services and programs including meals, advocacy and counselling for locals in need. Fletcher Street Cottage: A welcoming, safe and respectful space where people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness can come to enjoy practical relief opportunities, find connections and 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.
ACA
Adult Children of Alcoholic Parents and/or Dysfunctional Families (ACA) help & recovery group meets in Lismore every Friday 10–11.30am, Red Dove Centre, 80 Keen Street. Byron meetings are on Tuesdays at 7pm via Zoom – meeting ID 554 974 582 password byronbay.
Drug support groups
Call Alcoholics Anonymous 1800 423 431 or 0401 945 671 – 30 meetings a week in the Shire – www.aa.org.au. Are you experiencing difficulties and challenges because of the alcohol or drug use of someone close to you? Learn coping skills and gain support from others. Narcotics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. For information and meetings call 1300 652 820 or text your postcode to 0488 811 247. www. na.org.au. Are you concerned about somebody else’s drinking? Al-Anon Family Groups meetings held Fridays at 2pm by Zoom. 1300 252666 www.al-anon.org.au.
Support after suicide
StandBy provides support to people who have lost someone to suicide. They provide free face-to-face and telephone support and are accessible 24/7. Follow-up contact is available for up to one year. Find out more at: www.standbysupport.com.au or call 13 11 14. If you, or someone you are with, are in need of immediate support please call an ambulance or police on 000.
Volunteer call out
Support for New Mums Inc. a Northern NSW community program are recruiting volunteers in the Byron Shire. We offer a free of charge, home visiting program for mothers with babies. For more information email Deb: newmums8@gmail.com.
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).
Byron Dog Rescue (CAWI)
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
OJAYOGA.COM.AU Classes, workshops, 1:1’s for mental health.
Why Byron Bay’s property market stands apart
Byron isn’t just another coastal town – it’s a place with a soul. Much has changed over the decades, but it’s still all about a thriving creative scene; a place where people come for the surf and stay for the sense of community. Last week’s cyclone was a reminder of just that – the way locals banded together to clean up, support businesses, and check-in on neighbours. That strong sense of belonging is what makes Byron different, and it’s why the property market here doesn’t follow the usual trends.
A market with staying power – most beach towns follow a familiar pattern; big summer demand, quieter winters, and plenty of investor turnover. Byron? It’s different. People don’t just buy a house here; they buy into a lifestyle. It’s about wellness, creativity, and being part of something real. That’s why properties don’t move as often. Once people put down roots, they tend to stay.
Scarcity drives demand – Byron’s beauty isn’t just about the coastline; it’s about the balance. There’s been a lot of change over recent years but there’s still a deep respect for keeping development in check. Add to that a tight-knit community where homes are held onto for decades, and you’ve got a property market where demand consistently outstrips supply.
Byron moves to its own beat – broader market trends will always have an influence, but Byron’s not one to follow the usual boom-and-bust cycles. Limited land, strong community sentiment, and ongoing demand from both locals and city-changers tend to keep things steady; even when other markets waver.
More than just a home – in Byron, buying a property isn’t just about finding four walls and a roof. It’s about the way of life; mornings in the surf, weekends at the farmers’ market, long lunches that turn into sunset sessions at the Beachy. And with more people working remotely, it’s no surprise that Byron is attracting people who want to make this lifestyle their full-time reality.
Local knowledge matters – real estate in Byron isn’t just about numbers, it’s about people. Locals care about who moves in, and the right agent isn’t just selling property; they’re welcoming people into a community. Knowing the market is one thing, but understanding the heart of Byron? That’s what really matters.
For expert guidance on the Byron Bay property market, contact Ed Silk on 0418 660 063.
766 Urliup Road, Urliup
“Mount View” An Ideal Tweed Hinterland Escape. The interstate owner’s plans have changed.
homestead (STCA) and skip the Tweed Shire Council approval process which can take well over a year. Freehold 60.55ha* (149.62ac*) of mixed country with sections of elevated rural
recommend that you inspect.
Ray White Rural Murwillumbah | 02 6672 7555
Good Morning Mt Warning
‘Our Haven’, Far North Coast Hinterland, NSW
raywhiteruraltweedvalley.com.au
• A picturesque & peaceful 11.54ha* (28* acre) haven for families, animals & nature, a place to de-stress & enjoy
• In a truly commanding position, the homestead provides spectacular views from every window & large verandahs
• A large open plan living & dining area is the heart of the home + ample shedding including space for caravan
• 800m* frontage of upper reaches Oxley River with useable banks for picnics & everyday walks
• Tranquil clean, caldera acreage overlooking one of Australia’s most recognised peaks, fertile soils & great fencing
• Zoned R5 Large Lot Residential, 650m* to town, 23km* Murwillumbah & 56km* GC Airport & Tweed Coast beaches
This remarkable property is literally ‘one of a kind’ and offers something very special for buyers looking to purchase in a highly desirable lifestyle village. The home oozes comfort and invites you into your own private sanctuary as soon as you step inside with nothing to spend, just relax and enjoy your new lifestyle.
Spacious renovated kitchen featuring numerous large soft touch drawers for easy access storage, as well as an induction cooktop with rangehood, built-in oven and a stainless-steel dishwasher. Renovated bathroom showcasing a delightful bath with an overhead shower, stylish vanity and a toilet.
Two good-sized newly-carpeted bedrooms with sliding barn doors, built-in robes and modern ceiling fans; master features a luxury en-suite.
A wide carport adjoins the home and is suitable for two vehicles.
Situated just minutes from Tweed Heads/Coolangatta the ‘petfriendly’ over 50’s Lifestyle village is just a stroll to the Tweed River and there is public transport at the entrance to the park. Village amenities include a swimming pool, club house, social club and library.
Retirement living at its best without the associated costs of exit fees and no stamp duty.
• 135 Rocky Creek Dam Road, Dunoon. Wed 11–11.30am
• 23 Prince Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 9.45am–10.15am
• 835 Federal Drive, Goonengerry. Sat 10–10.30am
• 23 New City Road, Mullumbimby. Sat 10–10.30am
• 21 Excelsior Circuit, Brunswick Heads. Sat 10.30–11am
• 346 Coorabell Road, Coorabell. Sat 10.30–11am
• 5/31 Browning Street, Byron Bay. Sat 10.30–11am
• Lot 1, Wilsons Creek Road, Wilsons Creek. Sat 11–11.30am
• 73 New City Road, Mullumbimby. Sat 11–11.30am
• 1 Driftwood Avenue, Byron Bay. Sat 11.30am–12pm
• 11/31 Hayters Drive, Suffolk Park. Sat 11.30am–12pm
• 35 Avocado Crescent, Ewingsdale. Sat 11.30am–12pm
• 4/6 Keats Street, Byron Bay. Sat 12.30–1pm
• 325 Riverbank Road, Pimlico. Sat 12.45–1.15pm
• 135 Rocky Creek Dam Road, Dunoon. Sat 2.15–2.45pm
Mana Re
• 5 Philip Street, South Golden Beach. Wed 3–3.30pm
• 8 Kiyung Court, Ocean Shores. Wed 4–4.30pm
• 2251 Big River Way, Ulmarra. Wed 12–12.30pm
• 17 Frances Street, Murwillumbah. Sat 9–9.30am
• 38 Banool Circuit, Ocean Shores. Sat 10–11am
• 156 Byangum Road, Murwillumbah. Sat 10–10.30am
• 8 Kiyung Court, Ocean Shores. Sat 10–10.30am
• 1 Tree Street, Murwillumbah. Sat 11–11.30am
• 2/10 Halyard Court, Ocean Shores. Sat 11–11.30am
• 1/50 Hall Drive, Murwillumbah. Sat 12–12.30pm
• 5 Philip Street, South Golden Beach. Sat 12–12.30pm
• 55 Kyogle Road, Bray Park. Sat 1–1.30pm
• 22-24 River Street Brushgrove. Sat 2.30–3pm
• 2251 Big River Way, Ulmarra. Sat 3.30–4pm
Sotheby’s International Realty Byron Bay
• 271 Goremans Road, Eureka. Sat 9–9.30am
• 6 Greenview Place, Skennars Head. Sat 9–9.30am
• 85 Skennars Head Road, Skennars Head. Sat 10.15–10.45am
• 15 Muli Muli Avenue, Ocean Shores. Sat 10.30–11am
• 32 Olivia Circuit, Lennox Head. Sat 11–11.30am
• 41 Hyrama Crescent, Brunswick Heads. Sat 11.30am–12pm
• 45 Seaswell Crescent, Lennox Head. Sat 12–12.30pm
• 5 Koala Close, Ewingsdale. Sat 12.20–12.50pm
For more OFIs go to: www.echo.net.au/ofi
Broadwater, Tweed Heads South
Backlash
Ten years ago, The Echo’s strap (the text under the masthead) was ‘Living In The Present Owing To The Restraints Of The Space-Time Continuum’. We reported on the NSW Liberal-National government’s bright idea of forced Council mergers, and Mullum held a meth meeting.
A tree-planting event will be held March 21 from 2pm to 5pm at 1247 Myocum Road, Mullumbimby. Organisers of the first annual Gondwana Green Day Out say 500 native rainforest trees planted along a creek bank will, ‘bring back lost ecosystems but also improve water quality, flood resilience, and climate stability’. RSVP via makayla@ gondwanarainforesttrust.org.
MINDFULNESS @ WORK
Bring greater clarity, focus, and wellbeing into your organisation through the practices of mindfulness.
Tailored group mindfulness sessions. One-to-one coaching. Resources to support ongoing wellbeing. Live or online.
Enquiries and bookings: 0401 926 090
Huh? The Guardian reports that ‘Half the Walkley Foundation board members have resigned amid a spectacular falling out between the media union [Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance] and the annual journalism awards, the Walkleys’.
Psst: volunteer applications for the Byron Bay Writers Festival will open on March 24. Volunteers are essential to the heart of the festival, say organisers, ‘and we’d love to have you join our team’. For more info visit www. byronwritersfestival.com/ volunteer.
A nationwide march for native forests will be held on Sunday, March 23. The Byron Bay march will start at Railway Park at 10am, with a march down the main street and ending with a rally with speakers and music at Dening Park.
Greens candidate Mandy Nolan will launch her
campaign on Friday, March 21 at the Bangalow A&I Hall. Tickets are at https:// tinyurl.com/2w8fu55s.
Well we now know it costs $20,000 to advertise on the front page of the SMH (Nine), after Clive Palmer stirred everyone up with his ad claiming there are only two genders. It’s always a tricky balance where freedumb of speech is confused with platforming hate. Clive would love it if everyone babbled on about genders rather than how obscene wealth disparity has become. BTW, Echo front page ads are quite affordable – call us on 6684 1777 for a good deal : )
From Crikey: ‘Ita Buttrose has been removed from the speaker list at Women in Media Australia’s 20th anniversary fundraiser, with concerns raised about the platform afforded to her in light of the ABC’s Antoinette Lattouf saga’.
Congratulations to Mullum’s Stewart’s Menswear, who have been selected again as a finalist in the Australian Small Business Champion Awards.
There’s a new word for those who would like improvements, not reckless over-development, in their town – a
Mullum Nimby.
The Byron Bay Services Angling Club have raised an impressive $5,000 for the Lismore charity
Our Kids. John Anderson from the club told The Echo the money was raised from the sale of seafood-tray raffle tickets each Friday evening at The Rails. Photo Jeff ‘Fish Sauce’ Dawson
