The Byron Shire Echo – Issue 34.46 – April 22, 2020

S M O OT H S E A S D O N OT M A K E S K I L F U L S A I LO RS – AFRICAN PROVERB The Byron Shire Echo • Volume 34 #46 • Wednesday, April 22, 2020 • www.echo.net.au

Emergency powers for mayor?

Lest we forget Mullumbimby Services sub-branch acting secretary Adrian O’Loughlan says ANZAC Day, to be held this Saturday, will not be the usual national day of remembrance for those who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

Owing to COVID-19, there will be no dawn service or mid-morning parade.

‘This doesn’t mean ANZAC Day is cancelled,’ Mr O’Loughlan said.

‘It means it will be different.

People can still lay wreaths and remember our fallen, but we must abide by the NSW government social distancing laws.’

The service will still be observed at 6am.

‘From Mullumbimby RSL sub branch to the Byron Shire community: stay strong and safe on ANZAC Day, 2020. Less we forget’, he said.

Paul Bibby

Adrian O’Loughlan. Photo Jeff Dawson

Local government battens down for economic storm Paul Bibby COVID-19 has had a major financial impact on Byron Council, forcing it to consider a $1m bank overdraft and to join other Councils in going cap-in-hand to the state and federal government for help.

But Council looks set to offer further reductions in fees and charges to support local ratepayers and business owners struggling as a result of the economic downturn.

It may also consider cuts to some of its basic reporting and communication functions, including publishing council notices in local newspapers – The Echo currently carries Council’s notices.

‘While we are keeping things running as normally as possible, and

Ex-Airbnbs hit rental market ▶ p6

this includes continuing with our roadwork works and construction programs, as well as other projects, there is no doubt there has been a major impact on our finances,’ mayor Simon Richardson said.

‘Like most councils, we run on a pretty lean budget, and our budgeted and projected income simply isn’t there at the moment, with next to no revenue coming from areas like pay parking and holiday parks.

‘Council is a business, so there will need to be some hard decisions and reprioritising of projects in the coming months to ensure we are able to maintain our standards and levels of service to everyone in our Shire.’

However, it appears this reprioritising will not involve pay cuts

Byron Shire Council Notices ▶ p10

to Council’s top executives, despite some earning more than $180,000 a year. A council spokesperson told The Echo, ‘This is not an option being considered at this stage’.

At last week’s planning meeting, councillors voted unanimously to join other local governments in NSW in asking the state and federal government for immediate financial assistance to support council employees, especially in early education and care.

It also sought to provide stimulus funding to councils for projects to help sustain council operations and boost local economies.

Additionally, NSW Minister for Local Government Shelly Hancock (Liberal) has given councils permission to reduce some of their financial

Make the most of your time at home and in the garden ▶ p19

and other reporting activities.

This includes delaying the adoption of operational plans, budgets and financial statements, and removing the requirement for documents to be made available for inspection at council offices, if the document is published on a council’s website or made available electronically.

Further reductions in fees and charges for ratepayers and business owners will be considered at this Thursday’s full Council meeting.

This includes suspending debt recovery action for unpaid rates and fees other than issuing a reminder notice or statement.

Councillors will also look at a further six-month deferment of developer contributions for sewerage contributions.

Will COVID-19 kill independent brewers? ▶ p22

Greens mayor Simon Richardson would be given far-reaching emergency decision making powers under a staff motion to be voted on at this week’s Council meeting.

In Council’s latest response to COVID-19, councillors will consider giving Cr Richardson delegated authority over all Council functions that are not already delegated to general manager Mark Arnold, including authorising the expenditure of Council funds up to $50,000.

Cr Richardson would also be able to make decisions on Council’s behalf, where he considers that ‘an urgent decision is required for the efficient and effective administration of the Council’.

The mayor would only be able to use the powers in the period between meetings of Council and where it is not reasonable or practical to call an extraordinary meeting, and when the mayor considers that the exercise of the delegation is ‘necessary in the interests of the local community or the wider public’.

Consult with GM He must also first consult with the general manager as to the proposed exercise of the delegation.

Council’s legal counsel Ralph James wrote in a report in the agenda to this week’s meeting, ‘During the current crisis, ▶ Continued on page 3

The only conspiracy theory you need ▶ p26

Why Clipsal Solar?

100 years – Clipsal Solar and your warranty are secure.

We are part of a brand that’s been trusted for the last century.

Mobile App – We put the power in your hands and remain as your data driven energy partner.

Powering Your Tomorrow

4.9/5* Customer Experience – from consult to install, and beyond. We continually support you to maximise your investment, for the life of your system.

Quality – Hardware and retail agnostic. Clean Energy Council certified installers will ensure your set up is safe.

Contact Clipsal Solar for your free consultation at sales@clipsalsolar.com or phone 1300 057 076

Support for individuals and businesses is available.

My priority is to help locals who urgently require assistance and support.

For individuals needing Centrelink assistance, you can access this through your myGov account, by going to www.servicesaustralia.gov.au or by phoning 132 850.

I know many locals are having a lot of trouble getting through on the phone and online. We’re calling on the Government to fix this urgently.

For information and support for local businesses, go to www.business.gov.au, and businesses impacted by coronavirus can also phone the business hotline on 13 28 46.

Information, guidance and advice are changing rapidly. You can find the details of current announcements and advice, which are updated regularly, on my webpage at www.justineelliot.com.au/hot-topics/ and on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JustineElliotMP. If you need help, please call my office on (07) 5523 4371 or by email at justine.elliot.mp@aph.gov.au.

Please stay safe - we’re all in this together.

Justine Elliot MP Your Federal Member for Richmond Proud to be on your side

[

Justine Elliot MP NORTH COAST INFORMATION UPDATES on Facebook | online

]

Authorised J Elliot, ALP, 107 Minjungbal Drive Tweed Heads South 2 The Byron Shire Echo żſĶō ǩǩǽ ǩǧǩǧ

North Coast news daily in Echonetdaily www.echo.net.au

Local News

Masked muesli makers

Scott dons his new outfit at his Farmer Jo Foods production warehouse. Photo Jeff Dawson

Local muesli makers Scott and Sally Tulloch, owners of Farmer Jo Foods in the Mullum Industrial Estate, say they are adapting to their new workspace owing to COVID-19, ‘faster than you can say granola!’

‘We operate under strict SQF accreditation,’ say the Tullochs, ‘which means we already have to run a very tight ship to ensure food safety, cleanliness standards, business systems, and overall effective operations’.

Their two sanitisation shifts per day have been ramped up, and they have implemented ‘super strict sanitisation drills in common areas’. Also the couple say they have ‘drastically increased sanitisation practices for our loading dock’.

‘Without you, we don’t have a business. Stay safe and healthy people x.’

Navigating through COVID-19 testing Aslan Shand Staying abreast of who can get tested for COVID-19 has been challenging for everyone, including local doctors, and this has led to some confusion for some Byron Shire residents.

For one local, advice from her doctor was that neither she, nor her daughter, could get tested for COVID-19.

‘My daughter had been feverish, with a sore throat, and had aches and pains so we rang the doctors. They said not to come in and we got a call back for a teleconsult,’ said the local, who asked not to be identified.

‘The doctor said it could be many things, and to selfisolate for seven days. They sent us lots of material on how to do that. If it gets worse they said to go to hospital.’

Then she also began to show the same symptoms and again rang the doctor and

was given the same advice.

‘I work in a job that where I face customers, and though I haven’t knowingly been in touch with a person known to have COVID-19, I have been in contact with a lot of people,’ she told The Echo.

Her doctor told her that if she was determined to get a test it would cost her $110, which as a casual worker was a big hit to her finances.

Yet, if she self-isolated for the full 14 days, she would be without an income.

It wasn’t until she spoke with a friend that she found out that as a Byron Shire resident, if you are showing symptoms for the virus, you can get tested for free at the Byron Hospital COVID-19 clinic.

So she went to get tested.

Tested negative ‘I got my results back yesterday, and it was such a relief to find out that I didn’t have it,’ said the local

www.echo.net.au/byron-echo Byron Shire Echo archives

resident. ‘The test involves a swab in the mouth to around the tonsils, and then a second swab in the nasal passage,’ she said.

The COVID-19 test is free at the Byron, Tweed and Lismore Hospital COVID-19 clinics. There is no need to

make an appointment, you can arrive and be tested that day.

As of April 19, confirmed COVID-19 cases for Byron Shire were at 16, Tweed Shire 15 and Lismore Shire 5. The data is available at www. health.nsw.gov.au.

Emergency powers for mayor? ▶ Continued from page 1 delegations provide a means of enabling councils to continue functioning in a timely and responsive manner as events unfold quickly and urgent decisions need to be made.’

‘This is particularly so where urgent decisions need to be made between Council meetings and the calling of an extraordinary meeting would not be a sufficiently responsive or feasible way of making the decision.’

Mr James also said that a number of other councils

were moving to confer such emergency powers on their mayors to ensure that they could continue to provide goods and services needed for their communities during the crisis.

‘During the crisis, there is a strong case for governing bodies to delegate to mayors all of the functions of the council which are not delegated to the general manager’. Such a delegation would be complementary to a mayor’s role under s226(d) of the Local Government Act 1993, Mr James said.

Solar farm contracts up Byron Council’s plans for a solar farm at Myocum have taken a step forward with four companies set to be shortlisted for the design, construction and maintenance of the facility at this week’s Council meeting.

The four companies, taken from 12 who submitted expressions of interest, are

Autonomous Energy, Todae Solar, Solgen Energy and Gildmeister LSG. The expression of interest process has revealed that the estimated cost of the solar farm over the course of its 25-year life span is $9.7 million.

Council hopes that construction on the project will commence in early 2021.

Music degrees now online Southern Cross University’s Bachelor of Contemporary music degree has become one of the first music degrees of its kind to be offered entirely in an online format.

The degree, which includes units in sound production, song writing and contemporary Western art, was converted for online

delivery in just one week as the university sought to meet the sudden demands of COVID-19 restrictions.

Mid-year intake Applications for mid-year entry to the course are now open for session 2, commencing July 6. For more information visit www.scu.edu.au.

Art of Medicine

DOCTORS Dr Anthony Solomon Dr Rob Trigger Dr Bettie Honey Dr Sally Ryan Dr Savanna Harrison OSTEOPATHS Paul Orrock Bimbi Gray NATUROPATH Ayesha Amos AUDIOLOGIST Chris Adelaide

Providing comprehensive medical care for your health and wellbeing.

24 Shirley St Byron Bay Phone 6685 8666

BOOK ONLINE

northcoastmedicalcentre.com.au

żſĶō ǩǩǽ ǩǧǩǧ The Byron Shire Echo 3

Local News

For North Coast news online visit

Small business payment needs legislation: ASBFEO With a ‘fresh wave of big businesses using the COVID19 crisis as an excuse for poor payment times’, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO), is calling for federal legislation requiring small businesses to be paid in 30 days.

ASBFEO’s Kate Carnell says, ‘Legislation requiring SMEs to be paid in 30 days is the only way to drive meaningful cultural change in business payment performance across

the economy’.

Within the ASBFEO’s recently released Supply Chain Financing Review, several big businesses that have engaged in poor payment practices are named.

Poor payers named They include MYER, David Jones, Just Group, Sussan Group, Carlton United Brewery, and CIMIC. According to the report, their payment policies ‘are damaging to their small business suppliers’.

NEW REGULAR ONLINE COLUMN FROM THE INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVE

r lines Story Budgeram

– always was, always will be

echo.net.au/storylines *Budgeram means story in Bundjalung language.

Thank you to Ninbella Gallery for supporting this new monthly column.

PLANET WATCH Seeking solutions to a heating planet Thank you to Byron Eco Park Holdings and Southern Cross Uni for supporting this new monthly column:

www.echo.net.au/ articles/planet-watch articles/planet-watch

The Byron Shire Echo Volume 34 #46 • April 22, 2020 Established 1986 • 23,200 copies every week

www.echo.net.au Phone 02 6684 1777 Editorial/news editor@echo.net.au Advertising adcopy@echo.net.au General Manager Simon Haslam Editor Hans Lovejoy Photographer Jeff Dawson Advertising Manager Angela Harris Production Manager Ziggi Browning

Nicholas Shand 1948–1996 Founding Editor

‘The job of a newspaper is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.’ – Finley Peter Dunne 1867–1936 The Echo acknowledges the people of the Bundjalung nation as the traditional custodians of this land and extends respect to elders past, present and future.

Mullumbimby office: Village Way, Stuart St

Fax: 02 6684 1719 © 2020 Echo Publications Pty Ltd – ABN 86 004 000 239 Reg. by Aust. Post Pub. No. NBF9237

4 The Byron Shire Echo żſĶō ǩǩǽ ǩǧǩǧ

!şƖŕĈĶōōşſƆ Ķīŕşſĕ ŕĕĶīIJćşƖſ żōĕëƆǽ ƆƐëǔǽ over littoral beachfront estate expansion of the trust.

‘The clearest and easiest way to do this is a CT that clearly defines the boundaries of each lot and what can and can’t happen.

‘I also think that, given the lateness of the information that’s come through, [including] the legal advice, it would be great to work out quite clearly how we can find a way forward on this site.

‘I don’t think just saying “yes” or “no” right now is appropriate.’

Yet the mayor and his supporters were at odds with many who live in the area.

Paul Bibby A Development Application (DA) for 33 housing lots on the upmarket Linnaeus Estate at Broken Head remains on the table despite containing fundamental legal errors, after a majority of Byron Shire councillors voted to defer the matter, rather than refusing it outright as Council planning staff recommended.

The councillors’ decision also puts them at odds with many affected neighbours, who supported staff recommendations.

In February last year, the owners of the idyllic estate applied for an amendment to Byron’s Local Environment Plan to allow for a community title development comprising 33 lots, each with a minimum size of 250 m2.

It wasn’t until after the DA had received gateway approval from the NSW planning department and completed its four-week public exhibition that Council staff realised there was a ‘fundamental error’ in the way the existing and proposed controls for the site applied in the context of its ‘Special Activities’ zoning.

According to the staff report in the agenda to last week’s Council planning meeting, this error stemmed from advice Council received from the planning department.

‘Additionally, the way in which Byron’s LEP regulates community title subdivision in the SP1 (Special Activities) zone was not fully understood when the department issued the Gateway

Locals opposed Photo www.linnaeus.com.au determination’, Council staff member Steve Daniels said in the report.

‘Council has commissioned legal advice on this matter which establishes that the proposed amendment to Byron LEP 2014 is redundant.’

Housing in a coastal erosion zone?

The legal advice also revealed that part of the site earmarked for housing in the DA was in fact ‘highly likely’ to be a coastal erosion zone.

The Linnaeus Estate is located between Broken head and Lennox Head, and is some of the last littoral rainforest adjoining the coastline in NSW. ‘Permitting the creation of lots on this part of the site for the purpose of dwellings presents liability risks to Council’, Mr Daniels said, referring to the legal advice.

It was on this basis that Council staff recommended that councillors withdraw support for the planning proposal, and begin discussions with the owners of Linneaus about how to achieve their community title goals.

Yet at last Thursday’s planning meeting, a majority of councillors voted to support a motion put forward

by Greens mayor Simon Richardson to defer the DA and commence discussions from this position.

‘For anyone who says that by deferring the DA and meeting with the proponents we are somehow saying that we support this, I would say – if you don’t want more things on this piece of land, the best thing is a CT [community title arrangement],’ Cr Richardson said.

‘Under the current zoning and ownership regime, all it requires for something to be built there is the agreement

Broken Head resident Simeon Michaels spoke via online platform Zoom during Council’s public access, and told councillors that at a recent community meeting, there was ‘passionate opposition among local land owners.’

‘They want the environment protected,’ he said.

‘It’s an interconnected endangered littoral rainforest. Apart from Broken Head Reserve, all the land in this area is in private hands.’

‘There’s nothing smart or original in cashing in on the local area, which so many have worked hard to protect’.

Michaels called for councillors to stand up for the integrity of the environment and planning system and supported the staff recommendation to withdraw support.

Meanwhile, a Linnaeus Estate spokesperson told councillors (via Zoom) that they wanted to defer the DA and enter into discussions with Council.

Kids’ creative writing program gets funding boost While the Byron Writers Festival may have been cancelled for 2020, there is a festival program for younger audiences that has just received a funding boost.

StoryBoard is a free creative writing program for children in the Northern Rivers of NSW, and has received $187,000 in funding from the NSW government to purchase a second bus that will enable them to develop their high school program and extend their primary school program across the region.

StoryBoard project manager Gabby Le Brun says the grant for the second bus will assist them in producing

illustrators for young writers in the Byron and Lismore Shires in 2020 and 2021.

‘This work seems particularly poignant at this moment in time, when children and young people are physically separated from their peers, and it is vital that they have the opportunity for connection, collaboration and a sense of belonging’, she said.

Photo supplied and presenting workshops to students by professional authors and illustrators in a virtual space, and face-toface when students are back in classrooms. They aim to

reach 3,000 young people over the next two years.

She says, ‘The funding will support StoryBoard in presenting fun-filled workshops by professional authors and

Virtual space ‘While current COVID-19 restrictions are in place regarding face-to-face gatherings, this funding will help StoryBoard to deliver programs to young people in the virtual space.’

North Coast news daily in Echonetdaily www.echo.net.au

OFFICIAL MEDICAL ADVICE

Coronavirus: You must take action to save lives in your community.

Stay at home unless absolutely necessary. Banks, supermarkets/groceries, petrol stations, medical services and suppliers will remain open. You must avoid non-essential travel.

If you can, work from home. Use phones for meetings and stop handshaking.

Tap to pay where possible instead of using cash.

Gatherings of 2 people max are being enforced, with the exception of households, work and education.

You must stay 2 arms lengths away from others and wash your hands for 20 seconds.

Exercise away from others.

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra

CUT OUT AND KEEP www.echo.net.au/byron-echo Byron Shire Echo archives

żſĶō ǩǩǽ ǩǧǩǧ The Byron Shire Echo 5

Local News

For North Coast news online visit

Ă?Ĺ&#x;Ć–Ć?IJ Ć†Ä•ĹżĆ°ÄśÄˆÄ• Ĺ&#x;Ç” ĕſƆ ƆĕĹ?ÄŞČ’ÄˆĂŤĹżÄ• şſĹ&#x;ÄŽĆ–ÄˆĆ?Ɔ While the YAC and Mullumbimby Cottage buildings are temporarily closed owing to COVID-19, Byron Youth Service (BYS) workers say they are continuing to find innovative and creative ways to support and connect with young people. Vital services are still being delivered via the phone, social media and other platforms, says BYS youth worker Deb Pearse. ‘Local businesses such as Santos are getting on board by donating self-care products to be added to packs that youth workers can deliver to program participants’, she says. ‘Technology has provided a means by which youth workers can connect, but nothing beats seeing a young person, keeping social distance and

Deb Pearse from BYS and Sarah, manager of Byron Bay Santos. Photo supplied chatting in the sun. ‘Although this is a very difficult time for all in our community, young people can become isolated and struggle, so it’s great to get the support of business and the community’, Deb said.

If anyone would like to

donate self-care products or arts and craft resources, contact Deb on 0409 170 062, email dpearse@bys.org.au.

'ĹżĹ&#x;Ĺź Ĺ&#x;Ç” ĹźĹ&#x;ĜŕĆ?Ɔ Santos Byron Bay and Santos Mullum have kindly offered to be drop off points.

Byron TAFE campus on hold The development of a TAFE ‘innovation hub’ in the Arts and Industry Estate, while still supported by councillors, was put on hold at last Thursday’s planning meeting.

The Council staff report for the April 16 agenda recommended endorsing the plans.

It reads, ‘Council staff have been discussing a lease between Council and TAFE NSW over part of the Council operational land known as Lot 12 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay, which would allow TAFE to construct a Connected Learning Centre (CLC) at the site.’ Yet staff also suggested

giving TAFE NSW a right to ‘purchase the property in the event Council decides to sell’.

According to the agenda minutes, Mayor Simon Richardson, and Cr Cate Coorey declared a non-pecuniary interest, but elected to stay in the meeting and participate in the debate and vote.

A motion by Labor Cr Paul Spooner was knocked back, which was to give Council’s General Manager Mark Arnold, the powers to make a lease agreement, while also giving TAFE NSW a right to ‘purchase the property in the event Council decides to sell.’ Instead, the mayor’s amendment was adopted, which will see Council

*YRɸJEGXW EFSYX XLI &]VSR 8LIEXVI

waiting ‘until the conclusion of the enquiry by design process, including public exhibition report on the structure plan options and draft Arts and Industry estate precinct plan being presented to Council for endorsement, before decisions on anchor tenants are reached.’

Collaborative Council will also ‘undertake discussions with other educational and research entities to ascertain interest in establishing a wider collaborative education and research precinct’.

Crs Alan Hunter and Spooner voted against the mayor’s motion.

Ex-Airbnbs hit rental market There has been a large increase in the number of properties available for rent in the Byron Shire, as former Airbnb and short-term holiday letting properties start returning to the long-term residential market.

Local housing economist Thomas Keily describes the surge as ‘unprecedented.’ He told The Echo, ‘That label is getting bandied about a lot right now, but we’re talking about 500 properties in the Northern Rivers region in the last two weeks. That’s a 50 per cent increase on a year ago. Those numbers are substantial. ‘This is a trend we’re seeing in a number of popular tourism destinations. Properties available for rent have increased by 55 per cent in Cairns and 38 per cent in the Whitsundays,’ Mr Keily said.

Mr Keily cites rental data from real estate platform Domain, which shows that across the country, the

The Companion Card is for people with significant and permanent disabilities who need E GEVIV [MXL XLIQ EX EPP XMQIW ɸ

A man died in a vehicle accident after the small truck he was driving careened off a steep road on Saturday afternoon in Upper Main Arm. Police, fire, and ambulance services were called to the scene of a fire at around 2pm. Locals had responded to the sounds of a car out of control as it came down a very steep access route.

When they got to the scene of the crash, the vehicle and surrounding bush were alight.

We’re here for our community

challenge for parents and children in isolation, with her Human Kind picture books.

Illustrated by Missy Turner, the books invite kids into a conversation about what values mean to them.

Included in the books are resources by child and adolescent psychologist, Dr Ameika Johnson.

Kids and adults are invited to complete 30 acts of humanity over 30 days, following prompts.

The acts are ‘isolation friendly’. For more info visit www.facebook.com/ groups/humankind30days.

We have more Clinical Psychologists ready to meet community needs.

Medical Centre Services Allied Health Services ;ub7b-m oѴbvা1 ;m|-Ѵ

If you hold a Companion Card, and would like to buy a ticket to one of the fabulous shows at the 8LIEXVI ]SYV GSQTERMSR [MPP KIX JVII IRXV] ɸ Just let our friendly box office staff know at the time of purchase.

); -u; 1†uu;m|Ѵ‹ 0†Ѵh 0bŃ´Ń´bm] -Ń´Ń´ r-া;m|v =ou both =-1; |o =-1; -m7 $;Ń´;_;-Ń´|_ -rrobm|l;m|vÄş

6 The Byron Shire Echo şſĜĹ? ÇŠÇŠÇ˝ NJǧNJǧ

He says, ‘We’re seeing people are also moving back home and share houses are breaking up because people are worried about their jobs, or struggling to pay their rent. ‘People have also likely gone back home overseas as well. In combination, we’re certainly seeing more rentals hitting the market. ‘This is probably going to put some downward pressure on rents. While some renters are facing tough economic times at the moment, there’s some good news in that now might be

TODAY’S WORLD IS CHALLENGING.

Mullumbimby Comprehensive Health Centre bv or;m -m7 vাѴѴ ruoˆb7bm] r-া;m|v ‰b|_ =-1; to face GP, Allied Health and Dental services ‰_;u; u;t†bu;7Äş $;Ń´;_;-Ń´|_ -rrobm|l;m|v -u; -Ń´vo -ˆ-bŃ´-0Ń´; ‰b|_ o†u vġ Ń´Ń´b;7 ;-Ń´|_ ru-1াাom;uvġ rv‹1_oŃ´o]bv|v -m7 1o†mv;Ń´Ń´ouvÄş

[[[ F]VSRGIRXVI GSQ EY

Moving back home

a good time to get a good deal or renegotiate with your landlord,’ Mr Wiltshire said.

While Mr Keily acknowledges that the local market balance is moving back in favour of renters, he does not expect rents to fall overnight. ‘You’ve got to remember that the Byron Shire’s rental market is notorious, and until recently, was incredibly tight. Houses defined as “affordable� by community housing providers were practically non-existent. ‘The rental market is also a very stodgy market. People work on longer-term contracts and form emotional bonds with their places of residence. A shock like this will take a while to filter through the market. ‘However, yes, in the immediate term, rents are likely to fall. How far and for how long really depends on how long this crisis lasts.

That’s anybody’s guess,’ Mr Keily added.

Driver dies in Connecting kids in isolation Local author Zanni Louise Main Arm has created a ‘connection’

Fun Fact #4: 8LI &]VSR 8LIEXVI EGGITXW 'SQTERMSR 'EVHW

number of rental properties has increased 20 per cent relative to a year ago, largely on the back of tourism hot-spots.

However, according to Domain economist Trent Wiltshire, there are a number of compounding factors working to create a looser rental market.

60 Stuart Street CALL 6684 1511

SARA GOLDIE

AMY BLOXHAM

VICTORIA VITI

CASIE WALKER

FEEL BETTER. GROW. FIND YOUR WAY. Book your face to face, phone or video appointment. Call 6687 0431

bangalowclinicalpsychology.com.au | 76 Byron St, Bangalow NSW 2479 Medicare and Health fund rebates

North Coast news daily in Echonetdaily www.echo.net.au

Local News

Whale shark pops up at Julian Rocks Jeff Dawson When John Mashford and his son Joel, a member of the Byron Bay Deep Sea Fishing Club, took their boat out to Julian Rocks on Easter Sunday, the last thing they expected was an encounter with a whale shark.

And it turns the big fish had no respect for physical distancing.

John said, ‘We were fishing near the Mackerel Boulder at Julian Rocks, drifting with the motor off, when a five

metre ‘juvenile’ whale shark surfaced near the stern’.

‘This, beautiful, huge creature started nuzzling our four metre boat and continued to nudge us for about five minutes.

‘We couldn’t believe how inquisitive the shark was and this is not a species that usually visit our waters’.

Cape Byron Marine Park manager, Andrew Page, told The Echo, ‘This is the first sighting of a whale shark I’ve heard of in our region, it’s very exciting’.

Photo supplied

More endangered species found from bypass works While former Greens mayor Jan Barham describes Council’s discovery of an unexpected number of critically endangered Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail during Butler Street bypass works as ‘shameful’, the current Greens Mayor Simon Richardson says it’s ‘great news’.

Consultants say around 140 snails were found during the removal of the rainforested area, and their report is now available on Council’s website.

Barham says Council’s bypass application presented to the community and approval authorities stated that the site ‘does not contain a known population of Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail’ and that the impact would only be ‘on a very small area of marginal habitat’.

She says it indicates the potential for a larger population in the surrounding wetland. ‘It also clarifies that the studies undertaken were inadequate and that the

ignored requests for further independent studies prior to issuing contracts may have avoided the destruction.’

If a known population had been identified, Barham says, work approvals may not have been given.

But Mayor Richardson says that the ‘habitat for the snail and its population were in far better shape than previous scientific estimations.’

‘It was also extremely pleasing that the relocation of those snails discovered

prior to any habitat loss’, said the mayor, adding that those that were ‘moved the short distance are healthy and acclimatised to their new patch.’

This is despite Barahm saying, ‘The federal Environment Department acknowledges the risks of relocation and that survival is unlikely.’

The Greens Councillors have consistently been at odds with the state and federal Greens policy that is against habitat removal and relocation for development.

Turning 80? Just honk

Around 200 people were invited for John’s big 80th bash at Main Arm’s Kohinur Hall last Friday, but then a global epidemic erupted, cancelling everything.

Determined to celebrate, John’s granddaughter and her mum made a sign for

their gate.

Wife Margaret said, ‘From early morning till very late afternoon, the honks were amazing and made John’s day. It was very special.’

‘We would like to thank everyone for their honking.’

Photo supplied

WE ARE

OPEN! MyVet Byron Bay 6685 6899

myvetbyronbay.com.au

APPLICATIONS EXTENDED TO THURSDAY 21 MAY By extending the application deadline by six weeks, we hope to provide prospective applicants the space to adapt to their current conditions and allow them more time to apply.

This year's theme: REGENERATION & SOCIAL CONNECTION With a total funding pool of $100,000, the Grants Program invites local social and environmental not-for-profits with DGR status to apply.

Please visit our website to read the guidelines before applying. ingrainedfoundation.com.au | hello@ingrainedfoundation.com.au

www.echo.net.au/byron-echo Byron Shire Echo archives

THE INGRAINED FOUNDATION WAS ESTABLISHED BY INDEPENDENT NORTHERN RIVERS BREWERY STONE & WOOD IN 2018.

żſĶō ǩǩǽ ǩǧǩǧ The Byron Shire Echo 7

Local News

For North Coast news online visit

Main Arm DA approval sees cracks in the Greens Hans Lovejoy

RFS assessor refuses meeting with locals Concerns by neighbours revolved around fire and safety issues, said another resident Ewan Willis, adding that neither RFS or Council

CHESS

by Ian Rogers Queensland Grandmaster David Smerdon triumphed over the power of Komodo last week, in an odds match that attracted worldwide attention.

The upset 5-1 victory came in a series of 15-minute games, in which the computer played without one of its knights.

David told the Canberra Times, ‘Larry Kaufman [Komodo’s developer] was thinking of organising a rapid match at knight odds, which had not been done before, and wrote to me and said would I be interested.

‘First I wrote down the ways that I lose. Firstly a blunder – that can happen, I’m rusty anyway.

Second when the position is very open and tactical – I should avoid that. Also, I don’t want to be squashed in space and lastly – I was quite proud to find this one – I realised that I don’t want to have bishop and two knights against two bishops at any stage because then I can get massacred on the squares of one colour.

‘Seventy-five per cent of predictions favoured the computer but nobody really had a clue.

You had two contrasting considerations: if two humans play

Former Greens councillor Duncan Dey

Greens mayor Simon Richardson

Greens Cr Sarah Ndiaye

Greens Cr Michael Lyon

Greens Cr Jeannette Martin

planners the DA applicants had engaged in a dialogue with them, despite requests, and despite Council’s resolution in February to make that happen.

Additionally, it emerged at the meeting that RFS bushfire assessor Peter Thornton also refused to discuss with neighbours the accuracy of his calculations provided to justify the road’s compliance.

Dey told councillors during public access that the dwelling being applied for was built 12 years ago, ‘then duplicated four years ago’.

He went on to say that Council did nothing to prevent the 2016 construction, but then gave orders for demolition. Dey said, ‘Next the order was lifted on the basis a DA would be lodged to legalise the building’.

‘That owner then sold.

The new owner was made aware prior to purchase, of the encumbrance on the property relating to the second (and a third) dwelling being unapproved.’

Dey defended his credentials as an expert after DA applicant, Wayne Weisse, implored councillors to approve his DA and only

accept expert advice. Weisse launched an attack on those opposing his DA, saying that claims of poor process and inaccurate information around the DA from opposers couldn’t be validated.

Instead, councillors should trust professionals, he said.

During debate, that position was generally supported by both mayor Simon Richardson and Sarah Ndiaye (both Greens), as well as Labor Cr Paul Spooner and Alan Hunter (Nationals Party aligned).

At one point, the mayor said, ‘If it wasn’t for the people adjoining this DA, we wouldn’t have to be drawn through this.’ The mayor appeared to resent Dey’s extensive knowledge of the planning processes and of terrain measurement.

A similar statement was later made by Cr Sarah Ndiaye, who added that, ‘This won’t add any traffic to the road as they were already there. [The idea of] Opening the door to more secondary dwellings is absurd. It’s arduous and expensive.’

Similarly, Labor councillor Paul Spooner derided those who face unwanted development in their immediate

vicinity. ‘Everyone is an expert in Byron Shire,’ he said, when speaking in favour of the mayor’s motion, adding refusal would be, ‘taking the certainty out of developments’.

Act), and said, ‘Consent cannot be granted if Council is not satisfied if fire protection has been poorly applied.’

Mr James replied that if advice provided to Council was found to be deficient in a future court case, ‘It comes down to the conclusion, advice and the correspondence.’

Meanwhile the mayor was, ‘wary of the rabbit hole’ regarding precedent.

He said that prosecuting owners of illegal dwellings could have, ‘far greater impact on community than legitimising them.’

After the mayor had spent much time ruminating on his own experiences with illegal dwellings and compliance implications, Labor Cr Jan Hackett pulled him up on a matter of relevance.

Greens Cr Michael Lyon’s motion was eventually unanimously adopted after hours of debate, with conditions stipulating that the road be upgraded first, before any construction certificate is issued for the illegal dual occupancy.

Staff had recommended that only a minor section of the access road be improved

before an occupation certificate was issued.

The final conditions for approval requires rectifying easements at the top of the access to the property, yet issues remain on the bulk of the access.

Cr Lyon said, ‘We don’t follow up prior to occupation,’ and admitted that staff are under-resourced to follow up on many aspects of DAs. ‘There’s nothing we can do about it. I’m not happy, but satisfied’, he said.

each other and one doesn’t have a knight, it’s a massive winning advantage, yet if a computer plays a human in normal chess, it’s not even a contest. Somehow comparing these two is really hard.

‘But there are a couple of advantages that I have that a computer doesn’t have. I know that the computer doesn’t blunder, so if Komodo plays a move that I think loses, I don’t have to spend time working out why it doesn’t. Also, I can bluff. If I know that an exchange of pieces leads to a technical win I can just offer the trade because the computer is not going to test my technique. In addition, I can adapt and it can’t. So my chess got better and better as I worked out how to play against it. It just played the same.

‘After the match some said that I had found a template for playing a computer at these odds, which shows that a knight handicap is too much. Yet if there is a machine learning program which can tailor its style to the opponent in real time, which I think is possible, the computer could win. It would be pretty exciting – pretty scary but also pretty exciting – if they could come up with a way to predict your moves.’

8 The Byron Shire Echo żſĶō ǩǩǽ ǩǧǩǧ

Legal indemnity The matter of legal indemnity was debated, with Council’s legal Counsel Ralph James assuring councillors that decisions made in good faith could be defended in court.

Likewise, refusal could lead to a court challenge by the applicant. ‘We are in a pretty good position [for approval],’ he said.

Yet independent Cr Basil Cameron was not convinced about the liability risk, and said, ‘Safety must come first’.

It was apparent that while Cr Cameron was concerned about the safety of Shire residents from fire and traffic accidents, the mayor and fellow Green Cr Ndiaye appeared more concerned about the legal indemnity of Councillors.

Cr Cameron cited part of Section 4.14 (1A) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A

Passing jibe As a passing jibe at the Greens mayor’s lengthy, laborious and at times irrelevant speech, Cr Lyon said that Cr Richardson ‘had taken a three course meal instead of eating a sandwich’.

The adoption of the DA came despite staff admitting in Attachment 11 to their report there are sound reasons for refusal. These include that the application has not demonstrated that suitable vehicular access is available.

Q Echo journalist Aslan Shand lives on a neighbouring property to the applicant for the dual occupancy.

you Do ve in e beli e red ? th roo a dog

design

A contentious development to legalise an unapproved dual occupancy and the realignment of a short portion of the access road to it, at the top of Coopers Lane West in Main Arm, was unanimously approved at last Thursday’s Council meeting.

Yet debate around DA 10.2018.384.1 was another public display of the deep division between the ‘light’ Greens holding power in Council, and more experienced and environmentally committed elder Greens.

An amendment by Greens mayor Simon Richardson to support staff recommendation – which was vehemently opposed by many neighbours – was narrowly defeated five to four.

One affected neighbour is former Greens councillor and civil engineer Duncan Dey, who told the meeting during public access via online platform Zoom that the slope of the bulk of access road was not compliant with bushfire standards. He says its’s a fact that was never addressed by the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) assessor or staff. Both bureaucratic bodies claimed the slope was acceptable, despite it being ‘steeper than is allowed,’ according to Dey.

ge e stran In thes our chance s it’s y times, l those thing l a s to do ave alway you h d to do. wante

lear skill n new read s & get re-e y for you merg r ence .

or... mayb e it’s time, just, Get to th website d at one!

for expert tuition online or creative graphic design get in virtual touch: contact@thinkblinkdesign.com North Coast news daily in Echonetdaily www.echo.net.au

TM

IT’S TIME FOR IMMUNITY! Life Cykel is still delivering and stocked up for your family’s health.

Stay home and chill out with our pure mushrooms - all infused with Kakadu plum!

“Someone gave it to me, it’s very good!”

- Joe Rogan - Joe Rogan @joerogan @joerogan leader/ Podcasting Podcasting leader/ mixed martial arts mixed martial arts

“My hair has never been the same since I started taking it. It is so thick and long which is exactly what I want.”

- Malia Makaila @malia.makaila Fitness Trainer

“I like to lean on Cordyceps because it’s really good for upper respiratory and strength.”

- Rashad Evans @sugarrashadevans UFC hall of famer

ũ+ŦXG FGƒPKVGN[ PQVKEGF that my immune system JCU DGGP QP ƒTG Ū

“I have not been sick once this season thanks to these guys!”

- Sigourney Cantelo @beauticate Founder & editor of Beauticate

- Dr Christian Gonzalez @doctor.g_ Breast cancer expert & Environmental medicine

“Favourite morning boosters and supplements.”

“I've noticed very, very profound effects from the tinctures that you guys make.”

- Stu Nibly @upgradelabs Manager at Upgrade Labs

“One of the most advanced product packs I have ever found to date.”

- Natalie Ellis @iamnatalie Entrepreneur & CEO

- Dave Asprey @dave.asprey World leading Bio Hacker

- Shayelle la Joie @shayellelajoie Full time student

“For me taking Lion’s Mane every morning helps me turn these thoughts and reflections into beautiful art.”

- Claire Michelle @plantifulsoul

“I’ve been using Life Cykel, what an amazing product... The DGPGƒVU HTQO VJGUG CTG unbelievable.”

“I think they are the bomb!”

- Jemma Searle @jemmasearle

- Archie Sharp @archie_sharp Ranked #3 in WBO world rankings

Experience these profound mushrooms for yourself and get 10% off when you buy online at lifecykel.com with the code: immunity10.

Or support local legends at: Spice, Fundies, Jing Organics, Baz and Shaz, Happy High Herbs, LTCO, Fel’s Kitchen & Santos Organics.

www.echo.net.au/byron-echo Byron Shire Echo archives

“You’re in this focused flow state.”

@LifeCykel lifecykel.com info@lifecykel.com Lifecykel Labs Pty Ltd 2018-2020. All rights reserved.

żſĶō ǩǩǽ ǩǧǩǧ The Byron Shire Echo 9

Byron Shire Council Notices COUNCIL CONTACT DETAILS

DEVELOPMENT CONSENTS

PUBLIC EXHIBITION OF DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS

Council Administration Centre 70 Station Street, Mullumbimby Opening hours 8.30am to 4.00pm Phone 02 6626 7000 Email council@byron.nsw.gov.au Website www.byron.nsw.gov.au Emergency after hours 02 6622 7022 Works Depot 02 6685 9300 SES Controller 02 6684 3444 Rural Fire Service 02 6671 5500 Byron Resource Recovery Centre 1300 652 625 Cavanbah Centre 02 6685 5911

In accordance with Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (as amended), notification is hereby given of the following development consents granted by Council. The consents listed are available to view Online at Council’s website www.byron.nsw.gov.au/find-a-DA.

ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING & ASSESSMENT ACT, 1979

In Byron? Customer service for general enquiries now at Byron Visitor Centre, 80 Jonson Street, Byron Bay. Tuesday and Wednesday, 9.00am to 12.00pm and 12.30pm to 4.00pm or phone 02 6626 7000. Card only payments accepted at this location.

Documents on exhibition are available for viewing at the customer service centre in Mullumbimby and on Council’s website at www.byron.nsw.gov.au/Public-Notice.

MAKE A SUBMISSION Submissions may be made to Council in the following ways: Online:

www.byron.nsw.gov.au/Council/Make-a-submission

Written: Address to: General Manager, Byron Shire Council, PO Box 219, Mullumbimby NSW 2482 Email:

submissions@byron.nsw.gov.au

Please be aware that all submissions will be made public in accordance with Schedule 1 Part 3 Clause 1(a)(vi) of the GIPA 2009 Regulations as applicable including both the substance of the submission and the identity of the author. For further assistance please contact our Records team on 02 6626 7113.

CURRENT VACANCIES Apply for a job at Council. For current vacancies refer to www.byron.nsw.gov.au/Council/Working-at-Byron-Shire-Council/ Current-vacancies.

SIGN UP TO OUR COMMUNITY E NEWSLETTER Visit www.byron.nsw.gov.au/enews or use your phone camera to access the sign up page using this QR code.

HAVE YOUR SAY BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION STRATEGY Open for feedback 24 March to 15 May 2020 Help protect Byron Shire’s unique biodiversity Byron Shire – it’s home to some of the most incredibly diverse and valuable flora and fauna in the world.

The draft Biodiversity Conservation Strategy is a plan of action for Council and the community, to protect and enhance our natural environment. It describes some of our unique biodiversity values, why they are under threat, and how we can help to manage these threats. It also includes a detailed Action Plan – a comprehensive list of specific, prioritised actions that Council intends to undertake to achieve its biodiversity aims.

Information relating to these applications as required by Schedule 1, Division 4, Clause 20(2) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (as amended) is also available online.

APPLICATIONS APPROVED 10.2019.617.1 – Skinners Shoot, 310 Skinners Shoot Road Use of Existing Structure as a Recreation Facility (Indoor) ancillary to Existing Bed and Breakfast Accommodation and for Storage 10.2020.154.1 – Ocean Shores, 15A Weeronga Way Alterations and Additions to existing Dwelling House 10.2019.512.1 – Ocean Shores, 6B Gin Gin Crescent Alterations and Additions to Existing Dwelling House 10.2019.608.1 – Bangalow, 35 Clover Hill Circuit Dual Occupancy (Attached) 10.2019.483.1 – Mullumbimby, 14 Jubilee Avenue Secondary Dwelling and Tree Removal One (1) Tree

10.2020.116.1 – Mullumbimby, 20 Dalley Street Tree Removal One (1) Tree

10.2020.142.1 – New Brighton, 6 Strand Avenue (Lot 3 Sec 5 DP 6834) Planners North Pty Ltd, Demolition and Construction of New Commercial Premises

10.2016.514.3 – Mullumbimby, 3 Lorikeet Lane S4.55 To Modify Approved Plans and BASIX Certificate in relation to One (1) Window 10.2018.305.2 – Mullumbimby, 77 Tuckeroo Avenue S4.55 to Modify Subdivision Layout and Include Underground Drainage Pit 10.2019.119.2 – Mullumbimby, 20 Manns Road S4.55 to Modify Conditions of Consent

ON DISPLAY – DRAFT BYRON LOCAL STRATEGIC PLANNING STATEMENT We invite your feedback on our draft Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS).

The Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) is a new legislative requirement designed to provide a link between the State Government’s strategic plans and Council’s local land use plans and guidelines. All NSW councils are required prepare their own LSPS by the 1 July 2020.

The draft LSPS presents a 2036 vision and framework for land use within our Shire. By bringing together key information from existing land use strategies and plans into one document, the draft LSPS aims to make it easier for the community to understand the future direction of land use in their local area.

The draft Statement will be on display from 2 April – 8 May 2019.

Get involved by visiting ‘Your Say Byron Shire’ to: • find out more about the LSPS • view the draft Statement • complete an online survey or make a submission Details at: www.yoursaybyronshire.com.au/LSPS

Submissions close: Friday 15 May 2020 Enquiries: Liz Caddick 02 6626 7126

SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS 2020

For information on making a submission, and where to address it, refer to the “Make a submission” section of Council’s weekly advertising.

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

Submissions close: 20 May 2020

THINKING ABOUT STARTING A COMMUNITY GARDEN? Council welcomes expressions of interest from those who may wish to start a new community garden. Read through the guidelines online and contact Council’s Sustainability Officer to register your interest today.

Enquiries: sustainability@byron.nsw.gov.au or 02 6626 7295.

10 The Byron Shire Echo żſĶō ǩǩǽ ǩǧǩǧ

10.2020.138.1 – Ocean Shores, 8 Kumbellin Glen (Lot 1323 DP 243480) Ardill Payne & Partners, Demolition of Existing Dwelling House and Construction of Multi-Dwelling Housing Comprising Seven (7) Dwellings

10.2020.137.1 – Mullumbimby, 29 Morrison Avenue (Lot 3 DP 35827) Byron Bay Planning & Property Consultants, Use of Secondary Dwelling

Enquiries: Environmental & Economic Planning Division 02 6626 7126

The Policy aims to facilitate the establishment of new community gardens and regulate the management of existing community gardens on Council owned land. It is designed to be read in conjunction with the Byron Shire Community Gardens Guidelines which explain how to develop, implement and maintain a successful community garden. The guidelines are available on Council’s website.

EXHIBITION CLOSES 29 APRIL 2020

10.2020.129.1 – South Golden Beach, 2 Robin Street Alterations and Additions to Existing Dwelling House and Tree Removal One (1) Tree

For more information call or make an appointment with our biodiversity expert, Liz Caddick.

The Draft Byron Shire Community Gardens Policy is on exhibition for a period of four weeks and is available on Council’s website at www.byron.nsw.gov.au.

Note: Should you make a submission, there are requirements in relation to the disclosure of political gifts and donations. Refer to www.byron.nsw.gov.au/Political-donations-disclosure for further information.

10.2020.171.1 – Byron Bay, 11 Kendall Street Patio Roof

Make your submission before 8 May 2019 • visit: Your Say Byron Shire www.yoursaybyronshire.com.au • email: submissions@byron.nsw.gov.au • post: The General Manager, PO Box 219 Mullumbimby NSW 2482

PUBLIC EXHIBITION

For further information on these applications, contact the relevant planning officer whose details you can find on the DA Tracker. To make a submission, select the ‘Exhibition Details’ tab when viewing the application on the DA Tracker and use the online form.

10.2020.147.1 – Byron Bay, 90-96 Jonson Street (Lot 5 DP 619224) LK Byron Bay Pty Ltd, Change of Use to Amusement Centre

View Byron Shire’s draft Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and have your say online at www.yoursaybyronshire.com.au/ biodiversity-strategy.

DRAFT COMMUNITY GARDENS POLICY

The following Development Applications and the supporting documentation are available online at www.byron.nsw.gov.au/ datracker. You can also view them online using the electronic kiosks at Council’s Customer Service Centre during normal office hours.

10.2020.124.1 – Byron Bay, 9 Mott Street (Lot C DP 416656) Town Planning Studio Pty Ltd, Stage 1: Two (2) New Dwellings to create Multi-Dwelling Housing Stage 2: Strata Subdivision Three (3) Lots

EXHIBITION CLOSES 6 MAY 2020 10.2020.163.1 – Eureka, 149 Federal Drive (Lot 22 DP 1014053) Balanced Systems Planning Consultants, Community Title Subdivision of an Approved Rural Landsharing Community – 15 Lots and a Neighbourhood Lot 10.2020.164.1 – Mullumbimby, 209 Mullumbimby Road (Lot 1 DP 748308, Lot 1 DP 1169608) Town Planning Studio Pty Ltd, Use of Secondary Dwelling 10.2020.119.1 – Coopers Shoot, 231 Coopers Shoot Road (Lot 1 DP 868657) Newton Denny Chapelle, Use of Dual Occupancy (Attached) 10.2020.170.1 – Brunswick Heads, 16 Short Street (Lot 4 Sec 25 DP 758171) Ardill Payne & Partners, Multi Dwelling Housing Comprising Four (4) Dwellings and Four (4) Swimming Pools 10.2020.169.1 – Byron Bay, 30 Marvell Street (Lot 1 Sec 30 DP 758207) Ardill Payne & Partners, Demolition of Existing Dwelling House and Construction of Multi Dwelling Housing Comprising Three (3) Dwellings and Three (3) Swimming Pools

EXHIBITION CLOSES 13 MAY 2020 10.2020.185.1 – Byron Bay, 37 Beachcomber Drive (Lot 1 DP 747793) Mr M J Walker, Use of Alterations and Additions to existing Dwelling House and Increase to Fence Height

BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL ROAD CLOSURES PROPOSED ROAD CLOSING UNDER SECTION 38B ROADS ACT 1993 In pursuance of the provisions of the Roads Act 1993, notice is hereby given that Byron Shire Council proposes to close the council public road listed in Schedule 1.

Schedule 1: • Road Reserve adjoining Lot 199 DP 755695

Byron Shire Council would like to announce that nominations for the 2020 Sustainability Awards are now open.

Upon closure of the road, council intends to sell the land to an adjoining land owner.

Byron Shire is renowned for its passionate community of people doing amazing things for our environment, and we want to celebrate those of you who are taking action to protect and enhance our natural wonders.

All interested persons are hereby invited to make submissions concerning the proposal to the General Manager Mark Arnold, Byron Shire Council, PO Box 219 Mullumbimby NSW 2482, within twenty eight days of the date of this advertisement. Please note that under the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, such submissions may be referred to third parties for consideration.

Nominate your organisation or an inspiring individual or community group to share in the celebration and promote a project or initiative.

Nomination is simple and can be in any of the following four categories: • Sustainability • Biodiversity • Waste • Water

Once the submission period is completed, Byron Shire Council will consider all duly made submissions before deciding whether to continue with the road closure proposal.

Council Ref: #E2019/17319 Enquiries: Deanna Savage 02 6626 7000

To nominate, visit Council’s website at: www.byron.nsw.gov.au/sustainability

This document will be available on Council’s website at www.byron.nsw.gov.au/Public-Notice.

Nominations close: 5 June 2020

Submissions close: Friday 22 May 2020 4.30pm

Please note: the nomination period has been extended. Watch this space for further info and updates on the awards ceremony.

Please note: The canvassing of Councillors or Council staff in relation to this tender will automatically result in disqualification of offending tenderers.

Contact: Julia Curry 02 6626 7295 sustainability@byron.nsw.gov.au

North Coast news daily in Echonetdaily www.echo.net.au

Comment

The quandary of saving jobs vs saving lives

The Byron Shire Echo Volume 34 #46 • April 22, 2020

Recalibration Those wanting to know where the future of the human experiment is headed on a tiny blue dot can always take comfort in historical equivalences and the knowledge that can be gleaned from the past.

Reading Albert Camus’ 1947 classic, The Plague, might not be enough, but it’s a start.

Fun fact – the Spanish Flu was really the WWI trench flu – global governments at the time tried to limit public knowledge because of, you know, morale.

It was only the neutral Spanish and their media who were free to report on it and all the other gory details.

From 1918, it took around a year and half of false starts and recurring cases for life to eventually recalibrate for those who were left alive.

Like other nations decimated by WWI, Australia began its nation building exercise. That appeared to stop once we all got flat screens and leaf blowers.

Now here we are with another opportunity for a nation building exercise. The Commonwealth Bank was established in 1911 as a real Commonwealth Bank, because the government (meaning the people) owned it. For the people, not profits.

What better time than now to reclaim collective assets, like airlines and banks, that would help the country to get back on its feet?

It’s to be expected that the PM, who surrounded himself with public relations spivs and coal lobbyists as ‘advisors’, will be happy to see the fossil fuel industry expand even further as part of a deregulation and aggressive expansion program.

But is that nation building?

The Financial Times reports that the US oil price is below zero for first time in history. Owing to a lack of demand, ‘Producers are paying buyers to take it off their hands’, the Times writes.

Where does that leave Australia’s $195b export market, most of it being stuff that is dug up?

Perhaps iron ore and coal will be unaffected.

Yet most of our exports ($85b) go to China, according to www. oec.world. In return, we import around $47b worth of goods and services from them.

Australia also exports a large amount of natural gas, gold, aluminium, copper, beef and crude petroleum, according to www. austrade.gov.au.

What is apparent from this virus is that international travel and tourism industries will take years to recover, which will affect tourist spots like Byron Shire. And holiday lets and the housing market.

Additionally, the education of overseas students, another massive export, may well be similarly hit.

So Australia will need to refocus on how to support and transition its relatively small population and adjust to a (temporarily) closed global market.

And not let a crazy end-times PM expand fossil fuel industry exports if other major export sectors collapse.

What better start than to redirect efforts back to a great resource – the population.

It’s back to federation times and nation building, now with flat screens and leaf blowers!

Hans Lovejoy, editor News tips are welcome: editor@echo.net.au

I

t has only taken a week for the simple beauty of JobKeeper to become a little tarnished.

Some employers and unions are squabbling over how, or even if, the $1,500 a fortnight, to the six million workers affected, should be delivered.

And those who have missed out are complaining more loudly about being dudded.

They include some million casual workers without a year’s continuous tenure; about the same number of migrant workers on temporary visas, a swathe of foreign students, and virtually the entire arts community.

On top of that, the aviation industry has got in for its chop, and the universities are only the most aggressive group demanding subsidies of their own.

Be in it, mate.

And on the other side, some of the country’s lowest paid will receive an unexpected and unearned pay rise – a free gift from a government not known for disbursing welfare.

This has produced howls of outrage from the envious rich who want their own handouts indexed in proportion to their previous salaries. Grumbling all around. Even without the impasse over the schools; which should open, and when, and by how much?

It should be emphasised immediately that JobKeeper is overwhelmingly good policy. Sure, it was conceived in haste, and birthed before its bureaucratic midwives were entirely ready for it, but the glitches can be fixed.

However, they will not be cheap, and nor, of course, is the original package. So it is fair to ask just how the cost-benefit analysis will deal with the horrendous expense: will it be worth it?

As the name implies, it is primarily about keeping jobs – keeping the dole queues as short as possible, and last week we got a guesstimate from Treasury about the potential numbers involved.

The bean counters modelled the most likely outcome as unemployment rising by some 700,000 workers, with the rate rising to 10 per cent by the end of May. A pretty grim prediction – but it could have been a lot worse.

Without JobKeeper it would have been 15 per cent, nudging into serious depression territory. In other words, JobKeeper will save about another 700,000 jobs.

And with the total expenditure at $130 billion, with almost certainly more

to come, this works out at the privileged price of a bit under $200,000 per job.

Of course it is not as simple as that – JobKeeper will have numerous side benefits as well. It may keep sections of the economy breathing during its indefinite period of hibernation, at least until the rainbow gold of ‘Snapback’ miraculously emerges from the darkness.

If I was faced with an irrevocable choice over which of us would survive and which would perish, it would be a no-brainer and I would not hesitate to step aside as gracefully as possible Mungo MacCallum And it should help in instilling a modicum of confidence in both business and consumers desperate for reassurance that the government is actually doing something.

And it would appear that saving jobs is still cheaper than saving lives – just.

Last year, Treasury calculated the cost of a life year at $213,000 (or $4.9m for a statistical life). Obviously all that really demonstrates is that you can prove anything with statistics. But those are the Treasury numbers, and they are the best we are likely to get.

And they may well add to the debate about just how you can compare lives – are they all sacrosanct, all of equal worth? The question has now moved out of the metaphysical and into the economic. On that level, there can be no real argument. I am 78 and in poor health – I have only a short time left, and even that will be limited in productivity and achievement.

My grandchildren are flourishing teenagers with many worthwhile decades ahead of them.

Obviously, if I was faced with an irrevocable choice over which of us would survive and which would perish, it would be a no-brainer and I would not hesitate to step aside as gracefully as possible.

But – and it is a non-negotiable but – I would want it to be my decision, not that of the government, or any of its agencies. Life and death decisions must be personal ones, without either permission

or refusal from the state.

This has always been the case over issues the politicians and theologians describe as matters of conscience; abortion is a matter for the women concerned, not for a cleric or parliamentarian. The same applies to euthanasia, or any other form of voluntary suicide.

And for this reason I have been a lifelong opponent of capital punishment and a pacifist, although, I admit that the latter stance is not always a practical option. When some bastard is kicking you to death it can be hard not to resist.

But with any luck, the dreadful options of whom to triage into the ventilators, and whom into the grave, will not confront us.

Through a combination of good management, good discipline and, it should be admitted, good luck, COVID-19 appears to be coming under control.

So much so that Scott Morrison is foreshadowing a relaxation of some restrictions for some people in some places.

The idea seems to be that in another week or so the trend will be solid enough to be declared definite.

Then, for the next three weeks, the emphasis will be on making sure that the most important tools, testing and tracing, can be consolidated.

And this, controversially, may be contingent on at least 40 per cent of Australians embracing new technology to tell the authorities which contacts they have had that have led to infection from the virus.

The final, crucial step, is that when the outbreaks have been detected, they must be controlled. We have had considerable success at that; it is now a matter of hanging on, at least with the prospect of a silver lining glimmering on the horizon.

And if everything works, we can start the long process of supercharging the economy – an ambitious aim given that Australia’s growth rate has been stagnant for at least the last five years, and without the prospect of an indefinite global recession.

And, importantly, we can start with a limited resumption of parliament.

Some may not regard that as much to look forward to, but they should. If ever there was a signal that the panic is over, and we are attempting to get back to normal, that will be the best indication that the government is fair dinkum.

Pioneering Holistic Dentistry in the Byron Shire for over 20 years

One-of-a-kind, handmade jewellery

Be original cristina_art_silver | cristina etsy: CristinaArtSilver | www.cristina.com.au www.echo.net.au/byron-echo Byron Shire Echo archives

Unfortunately we are closed for general treatment, but we are here for you if you have an emergency.

Call

02 6685 1264

Shop 6/18 Mullumbimbi St, Brunswick Heads | www.brunswickdental.net żſĶō ǩǩǽ ǩǧǩǧ The Byron Shire Echo 11

Letters

For North Coast news online visit

Bypass destruction The wetland destruction for the bypass construction is completed, and 140 critically endangered snails were discovered in the works’ footprint.

Byron Shire Council’s bypass application stated that the site ‘does not contain a known population of Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail’, and that the impact would only be ‘on a very small area of marginal habitat’, and that ‘the proposal would not affect the life cycle of the species, such that a viable population is likely to be placed at risk of extinction’.

This was the information presented to the community, the state government, the courts, and the approval authority, the Northern Regional Planning Panel.

The discovery of the large number of specimens in the bypass footprint also indicates the potential for a larger population in the surrounding wetland. It also clarifies that the studies undertaken to assess the presence of the Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail were inadequate, and that the ignored requests for further independent studies prior to issuing contracts may have avoided the destruction.

It’s highly unlikely that approvals would have been issued by the Planning Panel, the NSW Office of Environment, the Land and Environment Court, and the Federal Department of Environment, if a known population

had been identified.

The snails have been relocated to an area that Council has designated for future development and destruction, calling into question the Council’s commitment to protecting biodiversity.

The Federal Environment Department acknowledges the risks of relocation and that survival is unlikely.

They state ‘the removal of individuals of a species from a site would usually be treated as the complete loss of the individuals, that is, the likely level of impact should be treated as the same as if the individuals had been destroyed’.

Once upon a time the discovery of a colony of a Nationally Critically Endangered species would have been cause for celebration, and would have initiated tangible efforts for protection. A Draft Biodiversity Conservation Strategy is currently on exhibition, and Council should be reminded that actions speak louder than words – this action is shameful. Byron deserves better.

Jan Barham Broken Head

Helping homeless In response to the article headed Where do homeless and travellers go during the pandemic (April 15). I have a great suggestion for where the homeless, and possibly others, could go after the pandemic. Anyone with an inkling of the exploitation

Cartoon Gary Cavanagh – Instagram: @gary_cavanagh and pollution of pristine places by ginormous cruise liners would be heartily gratified to see all these ships grounded permanently, and I use the word advisedly.

I suggest that they remain grounded, that is, tied to shore, and that they form housing for the homeless (and possibly others) who need it and who currently seem to have little in the way of options.

Once we’ve tied those big polluters up, we could take out all the central cabins and allow light and air to enter the centre of the structure, while affording a wonderful courtyard space for gardens and onsite exercise. Well, it sounds like a good idea to me – what do others think?

Bronwyn Sindel Mullumbimby

Echo, Echo, Echo Go Echo, we need you. Free press, not tainted by tyrants and bullies. Amusing and LOCAL. Pete The Poet (Peter Ryan) Mullumbimby Creek

Trump on lockdown We must thank the Donald for alerting us, by tweeting, about the lockdown protests in the USA – which are also happening in China, Germany, Italy, Spain etc.

Until now these protests have been ignored in the mainstream media.

Theo Engelaer Mullumbimby

THE ONLY TO TION GUIDE

ACCOM MODA

BYRON

WHAT’S ON - THE VISITOR GUIDE 2020

BYRON

RIVER S NSW & NORTH ERN 0 2019/2

AND

www .byr onan i

dbey ond. com

www.byronandbeyond.com

www .byr onan

Beyond

dbey ond. com

12 The Byron Shire Echo żſĶō ǩǩǽ ǩǧǩǧ

Nurses registration I have just received my Nurses Registration invoice for 2020. It has gone up again, to $175.

A friend who let her registration go a year ago, as she had retired, was phoned by Lismore Base Hospital and asked if she could return to work. She declined.

The next week, the Nurses Registration Board phoned and said they had reinstated her registration at no cost.

Great, but then for the rest of us working nurses we not only pay, but more. Does that mean we are covering the cost to entice others back to work?

I am happy to be a working health professional in these difficult times, but at what cost?

Local nurse Name withheld

Medical facemasks I refer to your article After the Plague, where you recommend that everyone leaving their house wears a mask.

The NSW government’s current advice is that there is a shortage of protective masks for frontline medical staff. Therefore, the general population trying to source these masks would only add to the shortage until Australia can manufacture its own masks to meet the current medical needs.

Janet Catesby Toormina

A little etiquette Time to update official government information re physical/social distancing.

Currently, the official diagram shows two individuals 1.5 metres apart. However, many people walk, shop, and exercise in couples or in small family groups.

It’s disturbing how often couples walk hand-in-hand or side-by-side down a narrow pathway or shopping isle and are oblivious to the amount of space they are taking up. It is impossible to maintain 1.5m distance from couples who refuse to ‘disengage’. The solution is simple, yet many don’t get it – switch to ‘single file’.

Queuing is another area

requiring clarification. Yes, most generally keep to the 1.5m rule, but many do so by standing in the middle of footpaths and in doorways and make it difficult to enter or leave. The ‘corona shuffle’ may be amusing to watch, but not so funny for people trying to keep a safe distance.

It’s been over a month and some people haven’t changed their behaviour.

Common sense hasn’t prevailed. Just spend five minutes in a supermarket, join a queue for takeaway coffee or use the footbridge. The attitudes/behaviours can range from righteous indignation through to blissful ignorance.

Government information needs to ‘get real’.

John Circosta Brunswick Heads

Shafted workers I’m a frontline worker, a contract cleaner providing an essential service for our state government.

We faced the bushfire threat from mid-October with the community engulfed in a smoke-haze of varying intensity. We worked indoors and outdoors, without air-conditioning through a very long hot summer, with no safety gear.

We also dealt with a flood in February that required all that extra effort to clean up.

Just as autumn arrived, we entered into crisis mode with the COVID-19 virus.

Needless to say, we have all been subjected to very tough, stressful working conditions over the past six months, providing our frontline services during ‘unprecedented’ circumstances.

During the same period, management has been engaged in a fierce battle with the unions, trying to beat off efforts to improve

wages and conditions for their essential workers. Parttime staff received a $2 an hour pay increase in October, when the negotiated contract expired, and reverted to the award system.

Management’s new deal increased our workload with no extra time or wages included. There was no consultation or negotiation, ‘suck it up’ was the message.

As an essential service, we’ve had no special directives or supplies from management to help protect staff.

Management hasn’t reassessed the workload or reorganised work schedules to minimise contact and staff onsite. No risk assessment of older staff has been undertaken.

Yet, we’re the lucky ones, we’ve managed to keep our jobs, and keep the cashflow from public funds rolling into management’s coffers.

Whether we retain our health and our lives remains debatable.

Individual staff members are left to work out the best way to manage their job, and their personal safety.

To management we are expendable, easily replaced, nothing more than a niggling cost on the bottom line. Every decision is about gaming the system, getting staff to do more for less, so management can maximise profits for ephemeral shareholders, and boost obscene performance payouts for executives and the board.

Crowds clapping, words of gratitude, and endless platitudes are worthless, meaningless, and insulting to those putting themselves in harm’s way, when we continue to live in a ruthless marketplace, a heartless economy, where profits remain far more important than people’s lives.

School cleaner Name withheld

No visitors please The scenes that were visited upon the small residential community of beachside Suffolk Park over Easter, endangered our health to an extent that was just not good enough. Though abated somewhat, there is nothing to suggest this will not continue into the future.

If the COVID-19 measures put in place by the National Cabinet are designed to minimise travel and concentrated human contact, the cars (about half with Qld number plates) crammed in beachside car parks and overflowing into Alcorn and ▶ Continued from page 14

North Coast news daily in Echonetdaily www.echo.net.au

Articles

Planet Watch – Roadblocks to renewables Story & image David Lowe

T

MULLUMBIMBY

he Australian political response to the COVID-19 pandemic has proved that governments can act quickly if conditions demand it, even if that means overturning longstanding ideological obstacles.

The relative costs of action versus inaction seem to be much better understood when it comes to this coronavirus than with choices about energy sources, although the stakes are even higher. Can we walk away from fossil fuels before we follow the dinosaurs into extinction?

is open for

EMERGENCY DENTISTRY. Call 6684 2816

Political football In recent decades, federal renewables policy has trailed in the wake of energy policy, which has become a dangerous political football. It wasn’t always like this.

In 2001 John Howard’s government introduced a modest Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET), equivalent to about five per cent of all energy used in Australia. Incentives put in place by Kevin Rudd helped domestic solar uptake, and utility scale renewable energy targets continued to increase, until Tony Abbott threw a spanner in the works with the Warburton Review of 2014, which led to the LRET (Large-scale Renewable Energy Target) going backwards in 2015.

Soon after, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation was ordered to stop investing in wind projects (the industry was supposedly too ‘mature’ to need help).

Things slipped further when, in 2017, Treasurer Scott Morrison brought a lacquered lump of coal into parliament at the behest of the Minerals Council.

As the technology of renewable energy quickly progressed, it was left to the states and territories to find a way forward politically.

In NSW there were positive noises from the premier and her energy minister about renewables and energy efficiency before the last state election, but little action since, amid reports of private solar and wind operations collapsing in the absence of support from policymakers.

The energy deal struck between the Morrison and Berejiklian governments earlier this year turned out to be mostly about propping up coal and unconventional gas, with vague promises of hydrogen research and pumpedstorage hydro in the footnotes.

State initiatives Victoria, by contrast, is well on track to meets its 25 per cent renewables target for this year, and has a 50 per cent target for 2030. Of course that’s about a century in politics.

In 2019 the ACT achieved 100 per cent renewable electricity, with a mix of locally generated and imported green power. Tasmania’s energy will soon also be 100 per cent renewable. With its long history of government-subsidised hydro schemes, the island state exports power via BassLink. New wind supply is coming online, and the Gutwein government also plans to export green hydrogen.

Brunswick Heads Newsagents Jobs in the renewables sector are threatened by the lack of government support.

South Australia’s forward thinking renewables policies have been falsely blamed for power outages, but miraculously survived the last change of government from Labor to Liberal.

Their wind-supported Tesla big battery, mocked by Scott Morrison, continues to prop up the interstate grid, return profits, and spawn imitators. Geothermal energy also looks very promising for the state.

Unfortunately, the massive solar thermal project planned for Port Augusta has fallen over, with stakeholders blaming each other and interstate political interference.

In the absence of meaningful signals from government, Western Australia is falling further behind in the renewables race. The only bright spots are some remote settlements and mines switching to renewables, and the Perth Wave Energy Project.

Queensland, despite its massive natural advantages, remains a laggard in terms of government renewables policy – due to the distorting influence of coal on its politics. Private solar farm operators continue to struggle to survive on the margins. More positively, two major renewable hydrogen and ammonia production projects are planned for the heart of Queensland’s coal and gas country, and big batteries are being constructed elsewhere in the state with government blessing.

In the Northern Territory, unsustainable gas has compromised the energy discussion in recent years, but there has also been serious political support for the $20bn SunCable project, which will sell green power to Singapore.

Hydrogen represents another major renewable energy export opportunity for the NT.

Unsustainable energy solutions Despite current federal energy minister Angus Taylor’s claim to have ‘renewables in his blood’ (he has a family link with the Snowy scheme, and is allowing Malcolm Turnbull’s Snowy 2.0 to limp on), in practice he has been a loyal advocate for fossil fuels since taking over the portfolio, like most of the other people surrounding the Prime Minister.

Scott Morrison’s Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel, is an advocate of nuclear

www.echo.net.au/byron-echo Byron Shire Echo archives

energy, as well as unsustainable gas and hydrogen, making no clear distinction in his public statements about the difference between green, renewable hydrogen and its emission-intense variants. He insists that unproven carbon capture and storage technology can solve emission problems.

Of course there’s no such thing as completely green energy either. Wind farms use a lot of steel; copper and lithium need to be mined; solar panels are difficult to recycle; biomass power plants burn trees, as well as sugar waste; dams destroy country, and batteries continue to rely on unsustainable and unethical supply chains. But some forms of energy are definitely less destructive than others.

The good news is that despite the profusion of electronic devices, and a growing population, Australians are using less non-renewable energy than they did in the past.

Ridiculously high prices for electricity, and global warming concerns, have led people to think more about what they turn on and when, while also taking control of their own power, house by house, via techniques ranging from old-fashioned economising to smart meters, to e-transport, to going completely off the grid.

Community energy retailers like Enova are also doing very well. Despite the mixed signals from politicians, Australians are paying a lot more attention to where their energy is coming from, and voting with their dollars.

Beyond the domestic transformation, Australia’s natural resources and national grid means that with some creative engineering, vision and capital, our country is poised to become a renewable energy superpower, replacing dirty coal and gas exports with something much more positive.

If our government is unable to get off its fossil fuel addiction and assist this process, the least it can do for the economy and climate is to get out of the way.

â–ś This article was originally

published online in Echonetdaily: www.echo.net.au/planet-watchroadblocks-to-renewables, and was made possible by the support of Byron Eco Park Holdings.

STILL OPEN 7 Days a week 7am to 1pm

real farmers, real food Our farmers markets will remain open

*With increased hygiene and social distancing

BYRON BAY Thursdays 7-11am Cavanbah Centre BANGALOW Saturdays 7-11am Behind the hotel

TODAY’S WORLD IS CHALLENGING. We have more Clinical Psychologists ready to meet community needs.

SARA GOLDIE

AMY BLOXHAM

VICTORIA VITI

CASIE WALKER

FEEL BETTER. GROW. FIND YOUR WAY. Book your face to face, phone or video appointment. Call 6687 0431

bangalowclinicalpsychology.com.au | 76 Byron St, Bangalow NSW 2479 Medicare and Health fund rebates

şſĜĹ? ÇŠÇŠÇ˝ NJǧNJǧ The Byron Shire Echo 13

Letters

For North Coast news online visit

▶ Continued from page 12

other side streets, shows that their implementation near me is an abysmal and dangerous failure.

In this we have been let down by every level of government.

Byron Shire councillors closed the Main Beach and Clarke’s Beach car parks/ hangouts – commendable.

Crazy scenes documented by the ABC at Broken Head Reserve car park led to its closure. The patently foreseeable consequence was the overwhelming of car parks, streets and beaches in those smaller areas with remaining vehicular accessibility.

This was in evidence on weekends well before Easter, and before QLD closed its beaches from the Gold Coast to Coolangatta. Pleas to contemplate the likely carnage were ignored by most councillors.

At state government level we have the unconscionable actions of the QLD government warning of strict new border controls – but these are a farce with a quick online application.

Those who hoped visitors to Byron Shire (supposedly a hotspot) might be deterred by 14 days of quarantine should look again on the relevant designated list. It seems different definitions of ‘hotspot’ apply within different states.

As for our own state guardians, we have had Gladys remaining mute to this farce, silence from Ben Franklin, and acquiescence from Tamara Smith.

Federal? As stated by the Chief Medical Officer, emergency powers enable localised measures over and

beyond state boundaries, where needed. I’m tired of every level passing off what’s happening in Northern NSW as someone else’s responsibility. It seems we just don’t count.

Nor is it just communities like my small one affected.

Every new infection, initially isolated, has multiplier potential – within the Shire, south, west and to Brisbane and beyond.

Liz Levy Suffolk Park

Not good enough The recent ABC series Revelation is a tragic reminder of the power imbalance afflicting Australian society where Catholic clergy are able to dominate susceptible, often orphaned, young persons, perpetrating shocking sexual abuse and causing lifethreatening psychological damage.

As Cardinal Pell’s appeal case was argued before the High Court I felt uneasy about the difficulty the Crown had in seeking to have his conviction upheld.

There was that window of 5-6 minutes in the sacristy of St Patrick’s Cathedral, which raised credible questions about whether the opportunity for the acts to take place really existed.

In the opinion of the High Court, the Crown was not able to discharge the onus of proving that the acts, as alleged, did occur. In such cases, if a doubt lingers, then despite the jury finding that the case was proven beyond reasonable doubt, an appeal court will likely override the jury’s verdict.

The most troubling aspect of this whole sorry saga is that the power relationship

is so heavily weighted against the victim.

Consider the notorious members of clergy interviewed in Revelation. They are manipulative, opportunistic, often charismatic, skilful at transferring guilt to gullible youth, and are chronic repeat offenders, acting with apparent impunity. They have immediate recourse to the cleansing power of the confessional, so why be concerned by the law of civil society? And then there was (and possibly still is) the over-arching protective umbrella of their clerical hierarchy.

Lawyers would argue that the presumption of innocence is sacrosanct in our system of justice; that a case needs to be proven beyond reasonable doubt, and that despite the glaring power imbalance, the accused may choose not to give evidence, and so is spared the possible threats inherent in cross-examination.

I harbour serious misgivings about these principles in cases like those involving innocent young persons who have been abused, who live in awe of the clergy, who feel so guilty, or shamed, by their experiences that they do not speak up to their parents (if they have them) or guardians (who are often in awe of the very same abusive clergy). And in many cases years go by without investigation, and so the body of evidence diminishes with time.

Given that the abusing usually occurs in private, and that the abuser likely acts strategically in committing abuse, how can a young victim hope to prove a case beyond reasonable doubt?

In such cases much more emphasis should be given to the jury’s finding, as they are the ones who viewed first hand a victim’s demeanour in testifying. I feel, that with inadequate protection of these tragic victims, that Australia might have a legal system – but it is not a justice system suited to victims of abuse.

Frank Lynch Wilsons Creek

Consequences Habitually, board riders keep a good few metres between them and sun lovers who usually spread their towels at the required social distance.

So closing Byron’s beaches would make no more sense than, say, shutting down the golf courses.

But can someone please tell me why the person responsible for closing all of the Broken Head car parks didn’t think for a moment that drivers would simply park along the hundreds of metres of narrow Broken Head Reserve Road, and that the resultant congestion – particularly on that notoriously pot-holed stretch – would be so dangerous to motorists and pedestrians alike?

Paul Rea Coorabell

Fast-track development The elite are noted for taking advantage of crisis in society to gain financial advantage.

So it is in the state of NSW. At a time when the Byron community has been outraged, by the proposed West Byron development and the Byron bypass, recent ongoing research from a Freedom of Information request

ONE BOOK, TWO GREAT PUBLICATIONS

2020 A guide to the region’s alternative healing practitioners

2020 A guide to the region’s medical and allied health professionals

BOOKINGS STILL OPEN - DISTRIBUTION POSTPONED Contact Echo Publications: 02 6684 1777 byronhealing@echo.net.au healthbyron@echo.net.au 14 The Byron Shire Echo żſĶō ǩǩǽ ǩǧǩǧ

addressing the development of the bypass has left many environmentalists in deep shock.

With the state in the grip of a pandemic we note the forces of neo-liberal dictates are ascending and creating the impression that The Market too is very, very ill, wanting more than mother’s milk to heal. Planning Minister Rob Stokes is promoting new laws to cut ‘red tape’ for the construction industry.

So, whilst society is social distancing, and the spread of COVID-19 is ever present, the neo-liberal virus rises to add further pressure to the environment and sentient beings.

The new balancing act seems to be the tension between COVID-19, a deadly virus, and capitalism’s need for a healthy market. Incompatible viruses!

We must take heed and out this strange NSW state dictate that aids the elite.

Jo Faith Newtown

The right approach?

South Korea, with twice our population, has no lockdown, but everyone wears a mask – and it has 27 new cases today (17 April), versus Australia with 47 new cases today, under lockdown, but no face masks.

Britain, under lockdown with no compulsory facemasks, has 4,603 new cases today. South Korea says ‘wear a mask and wash hands, but don’t lockdown’.

When asked why people in other countries don’t wear a facemask, South Korea’s top doctor replied: ‘because they don’t have enough masks for everyone’.

Now the CDC says ‘everyone should make their own cotton facemask’ and in New York city it is now compulsory to wear a face mask.

The lockdown is unsustainable, unless the lockdown is being used for some unrelated hidden purpose.

To quote Martin Armstrong today, ‘Our computer is showing that if the economy remains closed beyond 1 May, we are looking at a global economic decline that will not bottom for 13 years, until we reach 2032.’

Peter Olson Goonengerry

Rabbit hole Did the Easter bunny go down the rabbit hole?

The reflection of an object is not the same as the object being reflected.

Regarding the COVID-19 virus, the mainstream media

can be considered with that in mind.

The details of the previous flu seasons and serious illness in Australia, and the world, are a reflection of previous events. If you read the reports of hospital cases and deaths from previous years, as I have, it appears to me that something does not add up. The COVID-19 numbers do not compare to the numbers of the previous flu seasons and serious illness; the difference in severity stands out like the moon at night.

Why these numbers are not being talked about and compared in mainstream media is a reflection of something. Not the object. Maybe the world should have been put in lockdown years ago, when you compare the numbers in the official reports.

Are the world governments doing their system reset mode? Have our genetics have been messed about with and changed by some other people for many years now? Are we being given all the known facts by the government about COVID19? Do we believe, accept, that (something) is true, especially without proof, [do we believe] in the object or the reflection or the object?

We have plenty of time to consider these days.

Robert Podhajsky Ocean Shores

A little theology Christianity teaches Jesus came to die for the sins of the world, but 24 hours before the crucifixion Jesus said, ‘I have finished the work you gave me to do’ (John 17:4). So why the anomaly?

‘My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways... and my ways are higher than yours’ (Isaiah 55:9-10). That’s fair enough.

So what did Jesus come to do (according to God, not man!). He came to show us who God is: ‘I have glorified you on Earth. I have finished the work you gave me to do’ (John 17:4). To glorify is to highlight, which in turn, reveals God’s character.

So what did we learn?

Jesus healed everyone they brought to him (Mark 1:32), fed the hungry, showed great compassion, grieved for the hardness of people, walked knowingly to his death, forgave those who tortured and killed him, turned other cheek, judged no man (John 8:15), condemned no one (John 3:16), etc. No wonder John said ‘God is love’ (1 John 4:8). ▶ Continued on page 17

North Coast news daily in Echonetdaily www.echo.net.au

Ballina Business Connect open and ready for business Staying at home doesn’t mean you have to go without. Ballina Business Connect now lists almost 70 local businesses delivering services and goods to your door.

The full list of participating services and businesses is available at ballina.nsw.gov.au/ BusinessConnect.

Once you’ve find the business or service you need, contact them directly and place your order. The business will then organise the delivery, either through their own service, or Ballina Taxis. ‘We’ve had such a positive response from local businesses and community members. It’s a great solution that’s helping connect our community’s most vulnerable with the businesses and services they need,’ said Ballina Shire Mayor, David Wright.

3D face masks One group of Byron locals have stepped up to the mark and are now working together to help ease the shortage of supplies of protective gear for medical and essential workers in the Byron Shire. They are 3D printing face shields, here in Byron, and providing them for free to medical staff and frontline workers. ‘We’ve already delivered shy of 100 masks to medical centres and Got You Covid: face shields 3D-printed in Byron Bay. dentists in Byron Bay,’ said Claire Dumont, who has been involved in getting the project up and running. ‘Even some receptionists wear them, as they have the benefit of covering your entire face, protecting your eyes, nose and mouth from any airborne particles –and importantly acting as a barrier to minimise you inadvertently touching your face.’

‘Our hope is this will also help the businesses who are doing it tough. We are still welcoming businesses to register to join the Business Connect hub. After you register your business, details will be advertised on Council’s website and in the local paper each week,’ explained Cr Wright.

Got You Covid have now set up a website to centralise orders and encourage anyone to donate needed materials or money.

Businesses wanting to promote their business or service can register for free online at www.ballina.nsw.gov.au/BusinessConnect. For more information contact Ballina Shire Council on 1300 864 444.

Help for parents with Google classroom

Keeping it local STAY LOCAL Byron Bay is an app that helps local people support local businesses while staying home as much as possible. The app is available for download from the Apple App Store now and is free for users and businesses.

Co-founders, Kimberly Sowers and Sarah Beardmore, both live locally in Suffolk Park. With backgrounds in technology, communications, hospitality and tourism, they felt that there had to be a way to bridge the gap between people who were needing to access things safely, and the businesses who are still able to provide them. ‘COVID-19 is rapidly changing our everyday lives.

With the dire need for social distancing and self-isolation, many people are wondering how to access the things they require, as well as how to support the local economy. At the same time, our beloved local businesses in and around Byron Bay are struggling to keep doors open and staff employed,’ said Sarah and Kimberly. ‘We have been seeing so many amazing innovations in our local economy from travel vans being used for delivery, fitness instructors offering classes online, to distilleries pivoting to produce hand sanitiser. We love Byron and really want to help people support the hard work and creativity it takes to keep businesses running through such unprecedented times.’ You can download STAY LOCAL Byron Bay now for free. If you are a business or know of one who should be included in the app, or have any questions, send an email to staylocal@nown.io or call Kimberly Sowers at 0487942511.

How is your business coping?

For more information contact them online at www.gotyoucovid.com.au.

Help is available for students and parents to navigate Google classrooms, and for those on Commonwealth benefits you can potentially receive it free of charge.

One hour workshops are available from North Coast Community College on Thursday 23 April (10–11am) for students and parents. During the workshop you’ll get live feedback, and of course you’ll be able to ask questions. The training is delivered by their Google Certified Trainer (who is also an experienced High School Teacher and a Dad of three school kids). More info at: https://northcoastcc.edu.au/ self-development/. Teachers wanting to update their skills in G Suite and Google Classroom can sign up for the workshop next Friday, 24 April (9am–12noon). This training can be used towards Teacher-identified Professional Development for NESA Accreditation.

More info at https://northcoastcc.edu.au/ google-essentials/.

Art in Lismore Exhibit at Lismore Regional Gallery If you are interested in exhibiting in Lismore Regional Gallery’s Jenny Dowell Gallery, don’t forget to put in your submission by the deadline of 27 April 2020. When you are submitting your proposal you need to provide: images (10 maximum), CV/ BIO (including contact details), links to website (if available), and an exhibition statement (approx. one page). Artists will be paid an Artist’s Fee of $500. For more information see the Lismore Gallery website: https://lismoregallery.org or email your applications to: art.gallery@lismore.nsw.gov.au.

www.echo.net.au/byron-echo Byron Shire Echo archives

Together // Alone: residency in-house Recognising that the COVID-19 outbreak is forcing all public gatherings to halt, and galleries and museums to close, The Lismore Quadrangle is keen to explore the ways in which we can amplify our human capacity to creatively respond to adversity during the pandemic.

The Quad & Lismore Regional Gallery are reaching out to local and regional artists in the Northern Rivers, many of whom are facing unexpected income loss. They are offering at-home creative residencies to makers, artists, musicians, designers, arts workers, techs, crafters and idea innovators that have been affected by the coronavirus.

This is a paid opportunity to develop a concept, new or in the works, to extend your artistic or creative practice from an isolated location.

Projects can take place over a two-week period.

This response program: Together//Alone is not outcome specific, you can deliver concepts or a fully developed project, it certainly does not have to be fully formed or perfect.

The Together//Alone program seeks creative responses that counteract our lack of access to our shared creative community gathering places of The Quad and Lismore Regional Gallery, and sets a provocation for contributing artists: ‘How do we remain connected to community places from our homes?’ ‘We ask that a component of the project be able to be shared digitally so that our community can connect and engage with the work; view it, sing along to it, dance to it, admire it, read it... be inspired by it, and feel a sense of connection with community,’ said a spokesperson.

Artists working in all mediums are invited to apply, including, but not limited to: writers, musicians or other performance artists, sound and or multimedia artists, video, installation or performance artists, ceramicists, craft or textile artists, comedy, dance workshops, animations, experimental music, conversation and panels, ezine’s, photography, podcasts and more.

A minimum of five artists will be selected to participate in the Together//Alone Program.

For more information see the Lismore Gallery website: https://lismoregallery.org.

Business NSW is partnering with other state Chambers and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) to survey business perspectives on the crisis and the effectiveness of the Federal Government’s support measures. It’s a short survey, the Chamber network will use the feedback to alert key Government decision-makers of the needs of business. You can take the survey online: https://www.businessnsw.com/

inGrained Foundation UWRRQTVU PQV HQT RTQĆ“VU In support of local not-for-profits with deductible gift recipient (DGR) status to adapt to current restrictions brought about by COVID19, the inGrained Foundation has extended the application deadline for the Northern Rivers Large Grants Program 2020 (www. ingrainedfoundation.com.au/grants-program) to Thursday, 21 May. ‘We hope the additional six weeks (original deadline 9 April) will provide prospective applicants the space to adjust their projects and grant applications if necessary,’ said a spokesperson for the inGrained Foundation.

The grants program has a total funding pool of $100,000 and accepts applications for the grants from not-for-profits with DGR status to apply for a grant between $10,000 and $30,000 to boost their social and/or environmental projects. This year’s theme is regeneration and social connection.

Pantry, art and mindfulness packs for those in need Sulis Hair Salon in Byron has joined forces with the Byron Youth Activities Centre (YAC) to create the Northern Rivers Pantry Project, which aims to collect donated items and distribute them to families hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis. The Northern Rivers Pantry Project (Facebook page: @northernriverspantryproject) is looking to the community to donate items to create Pantry Packs, and Arts and Crafts Mindfulness Packs, for those in need. See a full list online. Please deliver donated items to the YAC, 1 Gilmore Crescent, Byron Bay, 8am–12pm.

Volunteer drivers are needed to deliver the packs to recipients. Contact Tahlia on 0415 306 011 if you can be a delivery volunteer.

To order a pack call 0415 306 011 or email northernriverspantryproject@gmail.com.

Free home delivery Dino’s IGA in Mullumbimby has started providing free deliveries with a focus on the elderly and people isolated in and around Mullumbimby. You can head over to their website at www.dinoshome.com.au where they have made getting the basics home delivered as simple as possible.

şſĜĹ? ÇŠÇŠÇ˝ NJǧNJǧ The Byron Shire Echo 15

COVID-19 Community Organisation Updates Mullumbimby and District Neighbourhood Centre services are operational • Community Support/Emergency Relief: Food parcels, meals, assistance with electricity and Telstra bills, • Listening Space – free counseling, • Staying Home Leaving Violence program, • Integrated Domestic & Family Violence program, • Food Recovery, • Information, referral and advocacy.

We are seeing people who have never had to access a service like ours before.

We are doing everything we can to ensure people feel valued and have dignity as they access support. We encourage people to call us on 0491 227 306. We can talk to people about what they need, and any items can be collected. In some cases we can organise delivery.

The Byron Bay Community Centre is continuing to run a range of services These programs include: Homeless Breakfast: 7.30–9am Wednesday and Friday.

Homeless Showers: Monday and Wednesday 10–12.30pm (book in at breakfast).

Women’s Support Group: Fridays (women only) 1–3pm at Community Cabins.

Severe Wet Weather Shelter: signs at Byron Community Centre on days when WWS open, with instructions.

Free Phone Counselling for Byron Residents: Call 0414 322 064 10am–2pm weekdays to make an appointment.

Emergency Food Delivery: Locals who are physically or financially unable to shop can now phone the Byron Emergency Pantry on 0482 787 552 to request a free food box delivery.

In an isolated environment like now, Liberation Larder is partnering in this venture to help out the community by providing healthy, freshly cooked meals and fresh produce.

Women’s Counselling: For women needing extra support, leave a message for community worker on 6685 6807.

Byron Community Pantry: Food parcels delivered to anyone in the Byron Shire who cannot physically or financially shop. Call 0482 787 552.

Ballina/Byron U3A Meetings of the group are suspended until further notice because of the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Craft and Social group

Buttery program online

The Byron Community Craft and Social group has been closed until further notice because of COVID-19. Normally held in the Uniting Church in Byron Bay, they now have to stay isolated in their own homes and do their projects in isolation. So until further notice, stay home and stay safe. Thread up, cast on and keep in touch with each other.

For any enquiries, phone Tilly on 6685 5985.

The Buttery has taken its communitybased programs online. Any existing Buttery clients can get in touch with their counsellor to arrange to take part in one-on-one counselling, or to take part in a group.

Book Fair cancelled Friends of Libraries of Byron Shire, after much thought and deliberation, have found it necessary to cancel their 2020 July Book Fair at the Byron Bay Surf Club including, sadly, the Friends’ raffle. They thank everyone for their support and patience during this unusual time of physical distance; whether it be Byron Surf Club, Byron Storage or all the raffle donors and tireless helpers. Their monthly meetings, needless to say, are also on hold until further notice.

They are looking forward to the 2021 Fair. If possible, hold on to all book donations until then or contact byronbayfol@gmail.com.au for further information.

Ocean Shores Art Expo The Ocean Shores Art Expo, scheduled for the last weekend in August, regrettably has been cancelled for this year. Full details of the reasoning for this decision can be found at www. osartexpo.com.

On a positive front the OSAE committee will honour a $2,000 grant to fund a workshop for senior High School Art students in Byron Shire.

They thank the Mullumbimby High School Art teachers who have kindly agreed to coordinate this, when it is safe to do so. Support for artists is vital at this time, so please remember to reach out to artists with things as simple as liking an artist’s page and telling them how their work has affected you. Other inexpensive ways the community can support local artists include signing up for online classes run by local artists, becoming a patron of artists on Patreon, buying their handmade clothing, cards, pots, gifts, CDs, merchandise, and repeat streaming of local artists while you sleep.

Fun croquet The Pottsville Fun Croquet Club Inc hopes that all of its wonderful members are well. There will be no fun croquet for the foreseeable future due to COVID-19. Enquiries, Jenny on 0413 335941 or see our Facebook page – Pottsville “Fun Croquet” Club Inc.

Breast Cancer Support The Breast Cancer Support Group, Byron Bay, is for the time being meetingonline and not face-to-face.

For meeting number or info, please write to byronbcs@gmail.com or call 0431 207 453.

16 The Byron Shire Echo żſĶō ǩǩǽ ǩǧǩǧ

People not already taking part in a Buttery program, and who are concerned about their mental wellbeing or substance use can call The Buttery intake line during office hours, Monday–Friday, for a free assessment and to find out about joining a free program: 6687 1111 or email: intake@buttery.org.au.

Men’s Shed To combat social isolation during the COVID-19 crisis, The Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) has

launched online to help Shedders stay connected.

‘Men’s Sheds are an effective initiative because they connect people who would otherwise be socially isolated on a daily basis,’ said AMSA Executive Officer David Helmers.

The goal of The AMSA Shed Online is to facilitate an online space where people can connect in the same way they do at the shed – over a cuppa and a laugh.

Community transport The Tweed Byron and Ballina Community Transport (TBBCT) is still operating through the COVID-19 pandemic. TBBCT clients can still call to book a trip, if their transport needs are essential eg, medical appointments that can’t be undertaken by Telehealth.Trips into

Queensland can take place for medical appointments. TBBCT is unable to provide transport for people with flu-like symptoms, or who suspect they may have contracted COVID-19.

Call your GP for advice.

TBBCT is still taking on new clients and accepting referrals through My Aged Care. They can also assist callers with CHSP and community transport inquiries. TBBCT offices are not accessible to visitors at the moment, but calls are welcome, during office hours 8.30am–4.40pm, Monday to Friday on 1300 875 895.

Alcoholics Anonymous All AA meetings are now available online, via a Zoom or Skype platform.

For more information call 0401 945 671, 1800 423 431, or 1300 222 222. Find out more from Lonnie at: ww.aa.org.au

Still Regular As Clockwork Liberation Larder Liberation Larder is running on a skeleton staff of volunteers as many of their volunteers are in the high risk or aged group. Skilled, healthy volunteers are welcome to apply to become involved in the Liberation Larder team. Any non-perishable food items are gratefully accepted. Call Liberation Larder on 0435 879 778.

The SHIFT Project The SHIFT Project Byron is a non-profit charity that provides a residential education program for women who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness. In response to COVID19, we will be providing temporary/ short-term supported accommodation for a small number of women in need.

Please call Anne on 0411 844 134 or email anne@shiftprject.org.au. They are also offering local women overthe-phone psychological support with our qualified psychotherapist, please call 0411 844 134. For more information see www.shiftproject.org.au.

Low-cost or free food Food Box Thursdays 9.30–11.30am at Uniting Church, Mullumbimby. If you have any sort of Centrelink card you may purchase cheap food, obtain free veges, and enjoy a cuppa. Free Food Relief Bags for anyone doing it tough, every Wednesday 10–12noon at The Hub Ocean Shores, cnr Rajah Rd and Bindaree Way. No ID or Concession Card required. NILs referral service also available. Check Facebook page The Hub Baptist Ocean Shores for details.

Hub Baptist Church in Ocean Shores The Hub Baptist Church in Ocean Shores has multiple layers of support available for the homeless and disadvantaged. If anyone finds themselves in need of support during

this pandemic simply email them at help@thehubbaptist.org and one of their team will respond. If young people want to talk to someone they can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, e-mail or seek web counseling via www.kidshelpline.com.au – Facebook: @kidshelpline, Insta @kidshelplineau, Twitter @KidsHelplineAU.

#ViralKindness Mullumbimby A group has been set up via Getup called #ViralKindness Mullumbimby.

They are looking for people to come on-board and drop the #ViralKindness postcard off around their own neighbourhood to signal their willingness to help the more vulnerable in the community, and they have had quite a bit of interest from locals.

‘We can offer help with shopping, urgent supplies like prescription medications, and also just a wellbeing check, a phone call, because people can become lonely when self-isolating and living alone already,’ said Rachael Kealy who is coordinating the Mullumbimby group.

‘We’re trying to cover the whole of Mullumbimby, but with only eight of us at the moment it’s proving a little difficult, so any extra help that we can get from other community members would be most appreciated.’

Go to www.viralkindness.org.au, select the ‘find a group’ tab, type Mullumbimby, and click on ‘join our group’.

Byron Youth Activity Centre Byron Youth Activity Centre is closed to the public. If you need support you can message on Facebook or Instagram, call your caseworker on their mobile, or ring the office on 6685 7777 and leave a message.

NSW State forests closed Camping and picnic areas in NSW State forests are closed until further notice as part of the public health precautions. This applies to all State forests in NSW, including native forests and pine plantations. Walking tracks in State forests can still be accessed for exercise, although it is important that people practise social distancing of 1.5m between individuals as per the public health advice. Further information is on the website at www.forestrycorporation. com.au.

Mullum CWA Due to the coronavirus risk, Mullumbimby CWA branch will not meet in person until further notice.

Support each other, and keep in touch by phone. For more information contact president Sue on 6684 1675 or secretary Jenny on 6684 7282.

Uniting Church Op Shop Mullumbimby The Uniting Church Op Shop Mullumbimby is closed till further notice. We thank all our volunteers, customers and regular contributors for your support. We respectfully ask that no donations of any kind, big or small be left at, or near buildings adjoining the premises as we do not have the capacity to process or store these items. We look forward, with faith, to the day we can all be together again.

DEADLINE: NOON FRIDAY Please note that, owing to space restrictions, not all entries may be included each week. Email copy marked ‘On The Horizon’ or ‘Regular As Clockwork’ to editor@echo.net.au. This section is intended for the benefit of nonprofit community groups.

North Coast news daily in Echonetdaily www.echo.net.au

Articles/Letters

NEFA asks EPA to withdraw approval to log burnt koala habitat On 3 March this year the Environment Protection Authority’s (EPA) CEO, Richard Bean, approved the logging of burnt koala habitat across 5,062ha in Bungawalbin, Doubleduke and Myrtle State Forests, that form parts of the Banyabba Area of Regional Koala Significance.

The North East Forest Alliance (NEFA) has requested that the board review what they call the CEO’s ‘reckless’ approval of logging of this heavily burnt Banyabba Koala population habitat between Casino, Grafton and Iluka, on the NSW north coast.

NEFA spokesperson, Dailan Pugh, says the EPA added additional logging restrictions because the Integrated Forestry Operations Approval (IFOA) is, according to the EPA NSW website, ‘not designed to moderate the environmental risks associated with harvesting in landscapes that have been so extensively and severely impacted by fire’.*

90% Banyabba koalas lost ‘NEFA agrees that the IFOA is not fit-for-purpose in a heavily burnt landscape, and neither is a one-size-fits-all set of generic add-ons such

â–ś Continued from page 14

The above is at the heart of the gospel (Jesus is mediator).

So what about the Cross?

If God didn’t require Jesus’ death, who did. Guess? (humanity). The only way humanity could see redemption or atonement, was by way of sacrifice. And, or, was (is) it something in our hearts? So Jesus walked the walk for us. This shows the ‘Cross’ in its true light.

In regards to sacrifice in the Old Testament, the law is full of sacrifice (animal). Yet Psalm (40:4) says ‘I desire no sacrifice’ (Also see Jeremiah 7:13-25).

So what happened? In the OT, when the people rejected God (i.e. Exodus 6:9), which was most of the time, he mirrored onto them, and gave them what they wanted (he can read our hearts, and you can’t force love). The law (Ten Commandments etc. including animal sacrifice) is such an example, and the law is how we learn (we are still learning). The law also reflects God’s

The Banyabba koala population is one of the worst affected by the 2019 wildfires with up to 90 per cent of koalas lost from burnt area. This koala was found in Ellangowan State Forest.

Photo Dailan Pugh

as have been applied across north-east NSW – without consideration of the local fire impacts’, said Dailan Pugh. ‘The Banyabba koala population is one of the worst affected by the 2019 wildfires, as 83 per cent of its modelled 71,000 ha of ‘likely’ koala habitat was burnt, with the apparent loss of 90 per cent of koalas from burnt areas,’ said Mr Pugh. ‘NEFA have revisited numerous heavily burnt areas where we found extensive koala use before the fires, and are not finding any survivors. Worse still, it is now apparent that the combination of drought and fire has killed many trees in these areas.

Character (i.e. you should not: kill, steal, lie, covet‌; and giving, forgiveness, love thy neighbour, love one another, love your enemy, etc.). Jesus magnified OT law.

There’s a much bigger story (veil) here, including the severity and judgement of God in OT. Jesus never killed anyone! Nor does he judge us (that’s good).

So neither does God (John 5:22)! God is love. Hence the gospel (why Jesus came). If you’re interested, check out the book Acts of our Gentle God (J Sculberg).

Note: ‘The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits and without partiality, and without hypocrisy.’ (James 3:17).

Peter Duke Cumbalum

Home-grown pandemic risks Prime Minister Morrison has criticised the World Health Organisation for supporting the reopening of China’s wet markets, one of

www.echo.net.au/byron-echo Byron Shire Echo archives

Partially burnt forests a haven ‘However we are finding surviving koalas in partially burnt forests. They have already taken a heavy hit, and now the EPA have approved the logging of the vital feed and roost trees the survivors depend on. ‘This population was already in decline because of clearing, logging and other factors before the fires and must now be considered in danger of extinction.’ Mr Pugh says the EPA’s new approvals apply a generic set of additional prescriptions across north-east NSW with no assessment

or consideration of the effects of the fires on koala populations. ‘As part of the development of the IFOA, the EPA and the Expert Fauna Panel’s (EFP) proposed koala feed tree retention rates were more than halved by the Natural Resources Commission (NRC), and tree sizes reduced, on the political grounds of resource impacts. ‘The only new measure in the EPA’s approval that appears specifically intended to mitigate impacts on koalas is a requirement to retain “Temporary feed tree clumps�, additional to other exclusions, over seven per cent of the burnt logging areas.

which is widely considered to have been the source of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s not just China that permits these vile places to exist; PETA Asia has just released footage of wet markets in Indonesia and Thailand. The footage shows blood and rotting flesh covering the floors and countertops, dogs lying dead with flies buzzing around them, and chickens and cats awaiting slaughter in cramped cages.

Mr Morrison is right to criticise these filthy torture galleries as potential breeding grounds for the next pandemic virus. The US Centers for Disease Control has stated that 75 per cent of new or emerging infectious diseases in people come from other animals.

But the PM is wrong to think that Australian industries do not pose a similar risk. Millions of gentle kangaroos are shot every year for their flesh or skins.

Many, including mothers carrying joeys in their pouches, are wounded but escape, only to suffer and die slowly. Incapacitated adults,

and orphaned joeys are decapitated, or have their heads smashed in. Others are simply left in the field to die of starvation, predation, or exposure.

Kangaroos are often butchered in the field and transported on unrefrigerated open trucks. An investigation found that many of the carcases stored by the kangaroo-meat industry were contaminated by dangerous bacteria, including E-coli, streptococcus, and staphylococcus. Russia has banned kangaroo-meat imports several times because of pathogenic contamination.

A study by Belgian spatial epidemiologist, Marius Gilbert, found that Australia had generated more instances of historical ‘conversion events’ (when a non-toxic avian flu strain suddenly becomes dangerous to humans) than China. It is becoming ever clearer that the exploitation of animals, anywhere, invites human disease.

Desmond Bellamy PETA

Desktop failure ‘This is yet another politically compromised theoretical desktop construct, which will not even compensate for the halving of the feed tree requirements the EPA considered necessary before the fires, let alone the massive impacts of the fires. ‘These logging prescriptions are untested, with no trials, monitoring or evaluations.’, he said.

Mr Pugh says the risk of the Forestry Corporation blundering into homes of koalas barely surviving after the fires, and patches of habitat vital to the population’s recovery, is too high. ‘Even if such patches are inadvertently found, there

are no requirements to protect them. ‘The EPA were reckless to approve the logging in this severely burnt koala population [area] after refusing NEFA’s requests to replicate earlier surveys nearby to assess fire impacts, and without first undertaking surveys to find surviving koalas,’ he said. ‘For the future of the Banyabba population, it is essential that any patches, both burnt and unburnt, that are capable of supporting breeding female koalas are found and protected from further degradation’.

Q *https://www.epa.nsw. gov.au/your-environment/ native-forestry/bushfireaffected-forestry-operations.

www.zephyrhorses.com

APRIL 2020 SPECIAL Private rides and lessons from only $100!

DATE NIGHT MISS EATING OUT? Harvest are bringing a three course date night menu to your home every Saturday.

It’s nearly ready to eat, and easy enough for any home cook. Just set the table and light a candle or two, for a romantic night in with Serves two your loved one. Frozen options for the kids.

More info: harvestnewrybar.com.au (go to Shop, then 3-course meal for 2)

$59

To our dear families, if you have children over 7, I would like to offer you my

FREE DIGITAL DOWNLOAD of holistic, creative activities to all share at home:

THE KALEIDOSCOPE INSIDE US

BY JULIE PRETYMAN

Email me at beyondpurple@hotmail.com or ring on 0413 440 788 şſĜĹ? ÇŠÇŠÇ˝ NJǧNJǧ The Byron Shire Echo 17

Articles

For North Coast news online visit

Enough with the adoration of the Morrison!

Phillip Frazer

P

M Scott Morrison is dispensing billions of COVID-19 relief money as if it were his personal golden egg stash, and you’d think from the universal acclaim he’s getting for ‘saving us’, he’s launching the new People’s Utopia of Aussieland. Actually, it’s our money, not his. He’s saving capitalism, not us, and we’ll have to re-pay it anyway, in pain and taxes.

And, most of the largesse will stop as soon as the virus crisis ends.

Furthermore, the Liberal/ National feds and states are funneling all the ‘stimulus’ through business owners and bankers, on the premise that gifts to corporations will trickle down to us, the people.

Neoliberal hucksters have been hawking this laissez-fairy tale since they took over most of the world’s economies in the 80s – and everytime wealthy corporates and individuals have been given such bag-money, they keep it.

The people will pay The first gospel of neolibs – I prefer to call them MachoCapitalists – is never fund citizens through social programs and basic incomes.

Why? Because we’d just buy more yachts and third or fourth homes, like Trump’s and Morrison’s mates do, right? Actually, no, we’d spend it, on education, health, necessities like food, and on infrastructure like

Jacinda from creative, Scotty from marketing. Can we expand the ‘national cabinet’ to include her, in the Chair? laptops and pothole filler.

Even Morrison’s multi-billiondollar handouts to Qantas, Virgin and other giant corporate bludgers will be paid for by us. He’ll sermonise that we have to accept less social spending and fewer state benefits (austerity), which he’ll tell us is the price you-the-people have to pay for we-the-righteous-leaders rescuing you.

Virgin, by the way, is 40 per cent owned by two Chinese airlines, 20 per cent each by Etihad (Abu Dhabi) and Singapore Airlines, and 10 per cent by Branson and his mates.

These foreign nationals invested in Virgin Australia willingly, but they believe in MachoCapitalism’s second rule; that if big businesses fail, we the taxpayers

have to save them.

We the taxpayers should own any companies we rescue, but Morrison & Co are religious adherents to the third rule of MachoCapitalism; never ask for a single share in exchange for a bailout, because only privateers can run things, not ‘socialists’. Labor leader Anthony Albanese got up the guts to declare that equity might be on the table, but really he just meant a loan; apparently our workers could never run our own airline.

Last December, in my Echo review of the first decade of the 2000s, I found some good news; I reckoned that the unfolding ecocatastrophe was compelling vastly more members of our profligate species to realise that we must rejig

Be the change you want to see Aslan Shand The last few years have been a rolling wave of dire situations: floods, followed by drought that was compounded by some of Australia’s worst fires. Of course that was all before the current COVID-19 pandemic.

But the rain has come, and while community planting events have had to be cancelled due to the virus, you can still have a positive influence on the climate.

STARS

BY LILITH

TAURUS THE BULL As Pluto sets off a chain reaction of retrograde outer planets, sun and new moon in Taurus offer a grounding measure of common sense to this week’s mixed messages…

The Rainforest 4 Foundation has been at the forefront of positive action, including planting rainforest trees to restore fire-devastated rainforests and buying back land in the Daintree.

‘We’ve purchased four properties this year, one each month’, said Kelvin Davies, founder of the Rainforest 4 Foundation.

‘We ran a crowd funding campaign in November with Mullumbimby based company We Are Explorers, and that helped to

ARIES: In these tense and trying times, don’t let divergent opinions come between friends. Or overestimate your own abilities. We’re entering a stubborn, unbudging transit, so it’s worth checking if there is a habit or attitude or belief that you’d benefit from changing? This week’s most helpful word: Flexibility TAURUS: Happy birthday furry four-footeds, as this week’s sun and new moon join Uranus in Taurus for a threeway celebration of the Festival Of You. As annual new moon in your sign opens your personal portal for a huge reset, keep in mind that new paradigms need somewhere to fit, so make some space for them.

18 The Byron Shire Echo żſĶō ǩǩǽ ǩǧǩǧ

our lives to be in accord with the Earth’s biosphere. We have just a few decades to save our species, which will require some huge failed projects to be abandoned: most religion, private property, profithoarding, and male domination, for starters.

Global climate change is still too hard for most people to fully grasp, but this biological chemical called a virus has brought us socially eyeball-to-eyeball with inescapable change.

Indian novelist Arandhati Roy says that this pandemic ‘is a portal, a gateway between one world and the next. We can choose to walk through it, dragging the carcasses of our prejudice and hatred, our avarice, our data banks and dead ideas, our dead rivers and smoky skies behind us. Or we can walk through lightly, with little luggage, ready to imagine another world.

And ready to fight for it.’ (Her whole essay appears in the London Financial Times, of all places: https:// www.ft.com/content/10d8f5e874eb-11ea-95fe-fcd274e920ca).

A real future Scott Morrison will never join Arundhati and the billions of us who see that we need to build another world on this planet – as distinct from that other planet called ‘Away’, where we’ve been throwing our garbage for all these years. He’s too macho to care, and complete the purchase.

Rainforest 4 work in partnership with the local Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation and transfer the properties they purchase to the Daintree National Park and World Heritage Area.

Local rainforests Kelvin Davies at one of the properties they have purchased in the Daintree.

purchase Lot 305.’

They are currently raising the funds to purchase the sixth, which is currently under contract. They need to raise another $15,105 to

Closer to home Rainforest 4 are looking to keep planting trees to help rebuild the local rainforests that have been devastated by the recent fires.

‘Wildlife needs habitat to survive. It’s vitally important that we restore as much rainforest as possible,’ says Kelvin.

besides –‘rapture!’.

If you still think Scotty M is not such a bad bloke, be aware that almost every man who advises him in the Prime Minister’s Office is a member of the oil, gas, and minerals industry elite. His ‘mentor’ is the wealth-doctrine pastor Brian Houston, presently under investigation by NSW police for not reporting his father’s admission that he sexually abused members of his congregation.

Like every good MachoCapitalist, Morrison’s mission is to give more money and more power to large businesses, and to themselves. Take the plan to force Facebook, Google etc to pay a share of the billions they make from advertising to Australians every day. Will we ordinary Australians (quiet or noisy) get this tax loot? No. The point of this battle is to give Rupert Murdoch a share of the online action he’s failed to earn,via levies to his, and Peter Costello’s Channel 9, media empires. The drive to tax the supranational tech giants has been led by Europe,where Angela Merkel’s government is spending $AU 95 billion of Germany’s tax funds to support artists, freelancers and culturalcreatives – the very people Morrison and Co. enjoy screwing even more than they enjoy torturing refugees.

Q Phillip Frazer posts with little luggage at coorabellridge.com.

Dr Willow Hallgren has explained that one of the most effective ways to have a positive impact on reducing global heating is to plant trees (Planet Watch: www.echo.net.au/ category/articles/planet-watch).

Over 5,500 hectares were impacted by the fires in the areas of Terania Creek, Tuntable Creek, Tuntable Falls, Huonbrook, Upper Coopers Creek, Upper Wilsons Creek, Wanganui and surrounds.

For $10 you can support the planting of a tree, including its maintenance for three years. To donate, or to find out more go to Rainforest 4 Foundation at: www.rainforest4.org.

GEMINI: This week’s new moon in your house of closure and transitions is strongly suggesting that when outdated programs surface you press delete, because it’s time to download new software.

Whenever you start to respond to something in the same old knee-jerk way, change it up and try something different.

LEO: Opinions aren’t facts, nor are regurgitated social media posts, so apply common sense to what you hear and read, and say. As in, don’t make sweeping statements unless you’re able to back them up.

Amidst all the mayhem, a door is likely to open this week – but you’ll have to close another one to take advantage of it.

LIBRA: This week’s astral energy’s about shared resources.

When considering mergers, trust is paramount. With fluctuating, uncertain conditions set to linger for some time, you really need to know, and feel, you’re doing the right thing. So examine alliances, options and contracts – there’s really no rush to sign until you feel fine.

SAGITTARIUS: With three planets including new moon in your sector of assistance and organisation, this week calls for your generous nature to go the extra mile in supporting others.

Thoughtful acts of service are your current love language; if you’re spending time at home, serve yourself by organising the heck out of your living space.

CANCER There’s strength in numbers this week, though you’ll have to navigate the inevitable interpersonal turbulence. With everyone on edge, casual comments can spark defensive reactions, so before making assumptions or jumping to conclusions, ask and clarify. You – or the other party – might be totally unaware of causing offence.

VIRGO: Having doubts?

Questioning information or somebody’s motives?

Wondering what’s really going on? Don’t know what to decide? Then take your time.

Strengthen support systems.

Be aware that probing research could upset others, and proceed carefully. Plant new moon seeds of what you want to grow over the coming six months.

SCORPIO: This week’s grounding energies bring a key situation down to earth with a resounding thud, shifting goal posts and sending a jolt – pleasant or otherwise – through close relationships. In the current climate it’s vital things are done right, so stand your ground if someone’s trying to cut corners. Collaboration’s the name of the team-working game.

CAPRICORN: This week’s planetary trinity in your creativity and entertainment sector’s great news for coupled Capricorns and solo Goats alike, but aim for respectful exchange of give and take, rather than insisting on doing things your way. Sure, Capricorns always know best, but if others are listened to, they’re more likely to accept that fact.

AQUARIUS: Change can happen to anyone before they’re ready, so best accept it – nothing else you can do anyway. Set goals and make plans; some of them will work, even if your support squad’s temporarily absent. This week’s astral energy in your domestic sector suggests the start of something new in your living situation – maybe getting used to working from home?

PISCES: Those feelings you’ve been wanting to express, that stuff you’re ready to discuss? Well, now’s the time. Three planets in your communication sector have you talking up a storm this week, which is excellent for sharing inspiring ideas. Though don’t rush into production without a well-researched plan – there are surprises galore in store for all of us.

North Coast news daily in Echonetdaily www.echo.net.au

HOME & GARDEN Bee Care – caring for your bees Are you new to beekeeping, or need advice or support to manage your existing beehives? Are you up to date with NSW biosecurity requirements?

Autumn is a critical time to check your beehives are ready for winter; with a strong queen, plenty of brood, and free of diseases and pests.

From July 2020, all NSW beekeepers will be required, under the Australian Honeybee Industry Code of Practice, to carry out twice yearly disease inspections.

Paul from Bee Care can help.

• 20+ years as a successful beekeeper.

• Biosecurity certification for hive inspections.

• Practical, hands-on advice and support.

• Ongoing hive management for honey and native bees.

Better call Paul on 0491 608 272 beecarist@gmail.com

Red Ned’s Salvage & Secondhand

Red Ned’s recycled building materials and kitchens has six showrooms bursting at the seams with amazing stuff. Ēöƌ ÎŞö ļśöij ċļŞ ūĒöĕŞ ijļŞIJÎī ūŞÎðĕijČ ĒļŰŞŤǂ ijðǠūļ Ēöīś ƌļŰ ƆĕūĒ your search while we are all in isolation, their team are happy to do the hunting for you.

Just let them know what you are chasing and they can send you photos and details of any item that may suit. Payment can be organised on or before delivery, so there is no need to come in.

They also have a huge range of new aluminium sliding doors and windows in stock available for immediate delivery.

Stay safe everyone.

46 Machinery Drive, Tweed Heads South | 07 5524 4244

Byron Community College

Self-Isolate in the Garden What a great time to be in the garden. Mullum Creek Nursery has a huge range of hardy, native flowering shrubs and groundcovers. If you think you might be stuck at home in self-isolation why not duck out to the nursery and grab some native plants and redo your garden?

Get outside and enjoy this great autumn weather.

There are so many varieties to choose from. Banksias, kangaroo paw, bottlebrushes, grevilleas, finger limes, lemon myrtle, lilly pillies, plus much more. Large range of tubestock and advanced lilly pillies, for hedges.

Come in and check them out. Mullum Creek Nursery is open Wed to Friday 10am to 4pm, and Sat 9am to 1pm.

Yankee Creek Road, Wilsons Creek | 6684 3911

www.echo.net.au/byron-echo Byron Shire Echo archives

Byron Community College is now offering a selection of live online classes through the Zoom platform with plenty on offer to enhance your home and garden while we all stay at home.

Term 2 classes will be starting in May with exciting new online courses such as Native Beekeeping, Hand Poured Soy Candles, Kokedama and Bees Wax Wraps for Food.

Enjoy staying connected to the community while leaning something new.

Please stay updated via the Byron College newsletter or via www.byroncollege.org.au for the latest community course offerings.

żſĶō ǩǩǽ ǩǧǩǧ The Byron Shire Echo 19

Uncharted Waters

RT

PO P U S

AL C LO

THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY'S RESPONSE TO THESE EXTRAORDINARY TIMES

ALIVE and WILD Plant based pantry boxes!

Gluten and dairy free

Mental health in uncertain times In times of uncertainty, our mental health becomes even more important.

Mullumbimby Psychology, the region's largest provider of mental health support, remains open to all - children, adolescents and adults.

Face-to-face, ‘Telehealth’ (secure video) or phone sessions.

Safe distancing practised for face-to-face visitors.

Call 6684 4748 for more information or visit mullumbimbypsychology.com.au

STAPLES: Flax Crackers Activated Seed Bark Pizza Bases $35 TREAT: Raw Chocolate Sour Cherry Slice or Salted Caramel Peanut Slice $40 CHEESE: Fermented Cashew Brie Macadamia Cheddar Shards Creamy Nut Ricotta $45 DELUXE: all of the above $120 (choice of Slice) Pick up Myocum Local delivery $10 0412 400 085

BYRON SHIRE SHOTOKAN KARATE-DO Boost your immune system with fun Karate Self-Defence: we are now teaching Shotokan Kase-Ha online.

Sessions are pre-recorded and you receive a weblink twice a week to watch on your computer or mobile phone at your convenience.

Kids and adults; from beginners to black belts.

7am–2pm Mon–Fri (takeaway only)

6680 9798 1A Banksia Drive, Byron Industrial Estate Thanks for supporting our family business and take care.

Jenny and David and the team at Bun Coffee.

Your Body Knows Yourbodyknows is offering beautiful nutritious homemade meals.

Lennox Head Butchery & Deli

Seven Mile Brewing is now offering FREE DELIVERY to postcodes 2477, 2478, 2479, 2480, 2481, 2482, 2483.

Visit the website and place a $50 minimum order!

Our full seasonal and core range is available in crowlers, 4-packs, and cartons.

We will continue to offer home delivery and safely supply the public with their beers as long as they are able. sevenmilebrewing.com.au

Deliveries to the whole Shire.

Stay home and eat well whilst in isolation.

Cooked from scratch: vegan and non-vegan, hormone free, free-range chicken and meats, organic legumes, spices and coconut oil.

Text us your email or phone number to receive our weekly changing menu.

David & Yoko 0475 054 126 yourbodyknows.com.au FB: yourbodyknows Instagram: your.body.knows

20 The Byron Shire Echo żſĶō ǩǩǽ ǩǧǩǧ

In these uncertain times we understand that convenience is key. So we are offering free same day delivery for all orders placed before 10am. To make things simple we are offering a range of set-price meat packs for delivery, or pick up, in addition to our everyday meat and meal range.

Orders can be placed in store, by phone, Instagram or Facebook thebutcherswife.net.au

An online/phone consultation is taken to build your health plan with an emphasis on food medicine and practices so you can feel safe that it will be cost effective. Prescriptions delivered by post.

We’re so thrilled to be able to nourish our community through our new and improved takeaway setup!

Bayshore Drv, Industrial Estate @bareblends.byronbay

Jean Boussard Sensei 0458 245 123 dallboussard@gmail.com byronshireshotokan.com

GOURMET MEATS & TREATS

Please phone ahead for pick up or for $5 (Byron Shire only) we will deliver fresh locally roasted coffee to your door.

Julie Caracatsanoudis is a clinically qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner with a Bachelor of Microbiology.

We’re still blending the most delicious and nutritious smoothies in town from 8am–3pm Mon to Fri and 8am–midday Sat.

Stay healthy, positive, vibrant!

Bun Coffee roastery door is still open

Byron Bayurveda

Bare Blends Smoothie Bar

Fresh fruit & veges delivered to your door!

Supplying the finest fresh local produce to top restaurants and cafes for over a decade, Suncoast Fresh are now supporting locals in their time of need.

We can’t deliver a chef. But we can deliver Ɏǝƺǣȸ ˡ ȇƺ ingredients.

Ph. 0435 228 539 byronbayurveda.com.au @byronbay_fooddoctor Autumn Ayurveda cleanse at home/online, for a limited time.

At local, family owned Blue Bay Gourmet we normally sell to fine restaurants. But in these unusual times, we can now supply your home kitchen.

Staples from oats, noodles and olive oil to gourmet white anchovies, manchego and truffle paste. Low prices.

Free delivery on orders over $100. bluebaygourmet.com.au Online store

Based in Byron Bay, with refrigerated transport, our team is ensuring freshness and quality delivered with social distancing respected.

Click & Collect is also available.

6639 1600 suncoastfresh.com.au

Trevor Mead Butcher & Deli Our online shop is now up and running. Home delivery & click and collect options available. We deliver to 2481, 2479 and 2483. First delivery is free, use code WELCOME at checkout. We offer free delivery to all in the at-risk category. Contact us for your free delivery code. Thank you for your support Byron Bay #shoplocal #stayhome 6685 6583 trevormead.com.au

The Book Room Mullum and New Brighton Farmers Markets Stay safe! Order online or by phone and have books delivered free to local areas from your favourite local, family owned book stores.

We have great books for the entire family as well as home schooling resources, craft and art supplies.

Our wonderful staff are still available in our shops for pickup and quick purchases.

We appreciate your continued support. thebwh.com

Byron Bay’s ˡ ȸɀɎ ȅƺƳǣƬǣȇƏǼ cannabis clinic.

ANANDA clinics. A philosophy of integrative plant medicine.

Natural homeostasis in the nervous and immune systems.

Medicinal cannabis in line with the current approved regulations in place by the TGA. Dr Jamie Rickcord FRACGP has set up the clinic for residents of Northern NSW to access medicinal cannabis.

Ph 5624 5024 anandaclinics.com.au

The hugs are on hold, but there are still plenty of smiles on offer alongside fresh local produce at the Mullum and New Brighton Farmers Markets.

Comprehensive hygiene and social distancing measures create a safe shopping environment, and we ask that customers Shop‘n’Go. Big thanks for your continued support of our amazing local farmers.

FREE same day home delivery in Byron Shire and Lennox Head Physically separate points of sale and parallel work teams Staff wear gloves and use new operating procedures towards contact-free process All stock is listed and available for purchase by phone on 6685 8183 or online at thebookroomatbyron.com 27 Fletcher St, Byron Bay & 2/60 Ballina St, Lennox Head

Tuesdays 8am–11am newbrightonfarmersmarket.org.au Fridays 7am–11am mullumfarmersmarket.org.au

North Coast news daily in Echonetdaily www.echo.net.au

Uncharted Waters

SUP POR T LO

CAL

THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY'S RESPONSE TO THESE EXTRAORDINARY TIMES

Castrikum Adams Legal Your local legal people: Conveyancing Leases Building Contracts & Disputes Aged Care Contracts Wills & Estates Family Provision Claims Trusts & General Commercial Our virtual boardroom is open for business via a number of online platforms, and we still offer good old-fashioned telephone advice.

To make an appointment, call 0411 180 907 or email: enquiry@castrikumlegal. com.au

Astrology readings While we’re all (mostly) stuck at home, I’m offering 30 minute phone readings for $50 (40 mins usually $80).

You’ll be surprised by how much insight into yourself, your relationships, your work and the future you will gain!

Friendly and superexperienced (30 years).

Visit jennyblume.com.au or call Jenny Blume on 0411 631 940

Devine Quality Meats Devine Quality Meats Mullumbimby are offering Free Local Delivery in Mullumbimby and surrounds.

Serving the community with antibiotic and hormone free meat, Vince and his team have plenty to choose from. You can still get your grass fed local beef, sausages, duck, roast meats, locally sourced pork, ham and bacon.

The Vinyl Junkie Records OVER 40,000 RECORDS IN STOCK. by appointment only.

0401 955 052

Call in with orders: 6684 2015 or 0429 842 015

is offering 'open by appointment' personal shopping experience, or FACETIME in store browsing any time, with free giftwrapping 'sanitise and send' service or local delivery.

Ali stocks luxury homewares, gifts and furnishings, so if you are doing a bit of decorating or need a gift, LovinlifeCo has you covered.

Follow on instagram @lovinlifeco_ali for special offers.

0417 924 154.

Paséyo – Fresh, Yummy Food Our delicious meals, created using fresh ingredients, feed your taste buds and your immune system.

Our smoothies, coffees, bowls and freshly pressed juices are all available as takeaways.

For your next meal try our wholesome, balanced dishes that combine grain, protein and vegetables.

Full details and menu on our website.

0498 010 881 www.paseyo.com

Flavour Ocean Shores Open 7 days from 7am–8pm.

Takeaway and deliveries only.

Award winning local coffee, pita pocket sandwiches, fresh pasta, authentic Italian pizza, beef goulash, vegan curry, hot chips, salads, chocolate brownies and much more.

Delivery of pizzas and home cooked meals available seven nights per week.

Call 5614 8603 Ocean Shores Shopping Centre

Boredom busters for all ages from

Toy Kingdom

Coffee, handcrafted Malawach, Falafel, Pita Pocket, traditional Yemenite spices… and all your favourites delivered to your doorstep…

We are doing everything we can to support and protect the wellbeing of our community. yamanmullumbimby.com.au

BYRON BAY Board games, LEGO, puzzles, craft, outdoor activities and heaps more!

New stock arriving each week!

Browse online mytoykingdom.com.au Follow us for regular updates @mytoykingdom Phone orders 6680 8811

Byron Farmers Market is classified as an essential food service so remains open.

Get outdoors and have fun in a responsible way!

Zephyr Horses is currently offering private 1-on-1 rides and lessons for only $100 (1hr ‘forest trail’) and $150 (1.5hr ‘forest to beach’).

Save $$$.

Limited spots available.

Visit zephyrhorses.com for more information or to arrange a ride!

BYRON FARMERS MARKET

We have new measures in place to provide a safe environment, including extra hand-washing stations and hand sanitiser on all stalls, social distancing, and extra space between stalls.

Our cellar door is open Tues-Sat, noon till 5pm at 7/4 Banksia Dr, Byron Bay. Limit of two 50ml bottles per person. $2 per bottle.

Bring your own bottle and refill 100ml for $3.

Thursdays 7–11am at the Cavanbah Centre and Saturdays 7–11am behind the Bangalow Pub.

lordbyrondistillery.com.au

byronfarmersmarket.com.au

www.echo.net.au/byron-echo Byron Shire Echo archives

Only one shopper per household please.

For the special price of $30 you will receive: 30ml Mango, Raspberry & Sparkling Sauce, 30ml Blueberry & Peach Sauce, Sweet Health Cookie Jar, Byron Bay Tea Co. Tea Bag, Lambruk Pantry Wooden Spoon, Small Lambruk Pantry Bag, and we’ve also included our Perfect Pancake Recipe.

Order now at lambrukpantry.com.au

TAKEAWAY AND HOME DELIVERY* IN MULLUMBIMBY

Call to order 6684 3778.

Open every day from 9AM–8PM. *Delivery Sun–Fri, 4–8PM. Mullumbimby only.

Free Delivery from $39.

Lord Byron Distillery HAND SANITISER available We continue to make hand sanitiser and sell at our cost price to support the local community.

Spoil Mum this Mother’s Day with a unique Lambruk Pantry Hamper!

Om Healing Ayurveda Jacinta McEwen from Mullumbimby Herbals and OmHealing Ayurveda is now offering online and phone consultations.

In her consults Jacinta uses photos you send her and makes a health care plan specifically for you. Her prescriptions can be picked up from Mullum Herbals Dispensary or posted to you.

Detailed notes will be emailed to you.

Ring 6684 9422 or email jazzyom@gmail.com omhealing.com.au mullumherbals.com.au

Byron Bay Pork & Meats is now offering free delivery to Mullumbimby and surrounds.

Call the shop to place your order.

Locally sourced premium quality pork, beef, lamb and goat from their family farms.

Specialty sausages including a gluten-free variety, smoked leg hams, free range chickens and ducks. All meats are antibiotic and hormone free.

Open Mon-Sat. 6684 2137 70 Dalley Street.

Hemp Culture are still open!

10am–3pm Superfood supplements to support your health and well being, hemp foods, skin care, and of course, all your growing needs, nutrients, fertilisers and growing mediums.

Grab a bargain on clothing which is currently 20% off!

If you can't get to the store we deliver, offering 10% off your first order. hempculture.com.au 95/97 Stuart Street, Mullubimby 6684 1937

żſĶō ǩǩǽ ǩǧǩǧ The Byron Shire Echo 21

Good Life

The

Will COVID kill independent brewers?

By S Haslam The larger the brewer, the greater the capital and resources.

I asked Nick Boots, General Manager of Stone & Wood, whether the crisis has strengthened the hand of the biggest corporate brewers? Are a proportion of Australia’s 600-odd independent brewers in trouble at the moment?

‘Most people would probably be surprised to hear that over 85 per cent of Australia’s beer market is owned by multinational corporations overseas, including brands like Carlton, Byron Bay Brewery and Great Northern’, said Nick. ‘These corporations have enormous global scale, eff iciency and access to lots of cash that will likely assist them in riding out these tough times – and recovering afterwards.

FRESH FISH

Open 7 days a week FOR TAKEAWAY Fish & chips, burgers, wraps, salads and more... hookedandcookedmullum.com.au

Phone orders 6684 2146

‘This is particularly important to note when independent breweries in Australia and abroad are really bearing the brunt of this uncertainty. The brewers’ association in the US has suggested that as many as half of family-owned breweries could collapse as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; if replicated here in Australia, that would result in over 300 family-owned, community-focussed breweries closing for good – and that would be a disaster.

‘For Stone & Wood, as a local independent brewer, our focus remains on carefully managing our way through this crisis while assisting our people, local community, drinkers, trade customers and supplier partners wherever we can, while continuing to operate in a way that minimises our impact on the environment.’

How have independent breweries been impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions?

Creperie, Cafe & Bistro

NOW OPEN FOR TAKEAWAY ONLY Shop 5/103 Jonson St, Byron Bay | 6694 3394

Stone & Wood are serving takeaways – but half our independent brewers could end up having to shut.

‘Stone & Wood have converted both locations into takeaway stalls, where Byron and Brissy locals can grab a six-pack, carton or 1L sharer bottle of our entire range of beer from the tap. Plus, our Brissy brewery now offers delivery of beer via the Bopple app – fresh beer direct to your door! We’re very grateful for the community support we’ve enjoyed so far.

‘While we can’t sell kegs, our entire range of beer is being brewed, bottled and packaged up in Murwillumbah as always.’

What will brewing look like in six months time? What changes are you tipping for the market?

‘As for most breweries, the biggest impact for us has been the closure of pubs, bars, restaurants and venues, customers of ours who’ve been operating non-stop for decades – that’s obviously had a huge effect on our community, our local nightlife, and has been distressing for venue owners.

‘The health of the beer market for brewers will be closely aligned to the timing of the re-opening of pubs, clubs, restaurants and venues like our Tasting Room and brewery in the Byron Arts and Industry Estate.

‘In particular, the prime minister’s announcement of the closures, back in March, meant hundreds of venues around the country were effectively stuck with kegs full of beer they could no longer sell. To support our longstanding customers, we accepted the return of all full, unopened kegs of our entire range of beers and provided customers with a credit, saving venues essential cash during the beginning of the crisis.

‘In the case of Stone & Wood, we have lost over 50% of our revenue, and have had to intensely review our expenses to keep the brewery sustainable for our 150 permanent employees (over 70% of our employees are co-owners). Once normality returns, it would be reasonable to suggest that both our brewery and our awesome customer businesses are likely to remain lean and conservative for a lengthy period.’

Good Taste Eating Out Guide

BALLINA

Wharf Bar & Restaurant Ballina FB/Insta: wharfbarballina 12–24 Fawcett St, Ballina 6686 5259

TAKEAWAY OPEN! Our takeaway is still open, from 8am to 7pm.

We will be taking extra precautions to ensure our staff and the community are safe during this time, while still serving Ballina their favourite dishes!

NEWRYBAR

Harvest 18-22 Old Pacific Highway Newrybar NSW 2479 02 6687 2644

BYRON BAY

Legend Pizza Open 7 days 9am till after midnight Shop 1 Woolworths Plaza 90-96 Jonson Street 6685 5700 www.legendpizza.com.au

Fishheads Byron Bay 1 Jonson Street, Byron Bay 6680 7632 FISHHEADSBYRON

Success Thai Open Mon–Sat., 4pm to 7pm for takeaway and deliveries.

3/31 Lawson St, Byron Bay www.facebook.com/ pages/Success-ThaiFood/237359826303469

22 The Byron Shire Echo żſĶō ǩǩǽ ǩǧǩǧ

FRESH PIZZA BYRON STYLE

www.harvestnewrybar.com.au @harvestnewrybar

Check us out on

facebook.com/byron.legendpizza Scan code for our menu!

BYO Home delivery 7 days Established 1992

Home Delivery to Byron Town, Sunrise and Suffolk Park.

The Empire 20 Burringbar St, Mullum 6684 2306 FB/Insta: EmpireMullum empiremullum.com.au

See Facebook for further details.

+ pantry cooking essentials + frozen meals + wine & cocktails Allpress coffee: 6.30am–12pm daily (take-away)

The Empire is open for takeaways for breakfast and lunch!

It might be a tough time right now, but with some kindness and a positive attitude we’ll get through it!

The Empire kiosk is still doing what we do: serving up delicious vittles to help you get through the day.

CATERING

CELEBRATIONS Celebrations Catering By Liz Jackson

Taking orders between 4–5pm.

Delivery between 5–7pm.

Home delivery call 0421 902 855 or 0402 258 990

Food is medicine.

Locally sourced vegetable boxes $50 (pre-order for Saturday pick-up and delivery)

MULLUMBIMBY

TAKEAWAY OPEN! Our takeaway is still open, from 7.30am to 7pm.

We will be taking extra precautions to ensure our staff and the community are safe during this time, while still serving Byron their favourite dishes!

HARVEST MARKETPLACE Providing fresh, nutrient dense produce boxes for our community.

Help us to support local farmers and growers to keep our little economy going.

BY LIZ JACKSON

Celebration cakes Personal catering services Event co-ordination and management

E: lizzijjackson@gmail.com P: 0414 895 441

North Coast news daily in Echonetdaily www.echo.net.au

Property Insider

Email us. propertyinsider@echo.net.au

Exploring the Mandatory Code of Conduct for COVID-19 impacted small and medium sized commercial tenants News from the REINSW (the full article can be found on their website).

On 7 April, the National Cabinet announced a Mandatory Code of Conduct (Code) for COVID-19 impacted small and medium sized commercial tenants.

The good faith leasing principles imposed by the Code stand to radically alter the rights of affected landlords and tenants. The Code seeks to share the burden of the challenging conditions faced by the property sector (including through a sharing of benefits provided to landlords by their banks), and to ensure commensurate protections are in place to support Australian businesses. Whilst the Code was prepared after consultation with stakeholders in the commercial property sector, many aspects will require further development by both State and Territory governments, and industry participants, to ensure clear and successful outcomes.

Applicable Leases Commencement will be determined by each State and Territory, and the Code is intended to apply for as long as the Commonwealth JobKeeper program is operational (in the COVID-19 Period).

Regardless of the dates on which individual States achieve legislative adoption of the Code, the Code proposes commencement of the measures from a date after 3 April, within individual State legislation to define the date.

The Code applies to commercial tenancies where the tenant is both; • a small or medium sized enterprise with an annual turnover of less than $50 million per year (measured at the franchisee level for franchises, and at the group level for retail corporate groups). It is thought the intent is for the grouping to apply to all corporate tenants, not just retail groups; and those who are;

• suffering financial distress and hardship – defined so that tenants eligible for the JobKeeper program automatically qualify. Businesses with an annual turnover less than $1 billion are eligible for the JobKeeper program, if they have experienced a 30% fall in revenue since 1 March 2020, and are not subject to the major bank levy.

Key Requirements The Code is based on good faith leasing principles and is designed to encourage parties to reach mutually agreeable outcomes. However, its ‘principles’ include the following guidance, to be applied on a ‘case by case’ basis:

•

•

•

The Code includes several express positive obligations required of negotiated outcomes:

•

• Rent reductions; landlords must reduce rent proportionately to the decline in the tenant’s business, measured by the reduction in

•

turnover during the COVID-19 period, and a reasonable recovery period.

The reduction is to be a combination of waivers and deferrals of rent.

Alternate outcomes, such as deferral, pausing or hibernating, may also be used to reach commercially agreed outcomes; and Lease obligations remain on foot; tenants must remain committed to the terms of the lease and continue to pay rent where possible.

The Code also imposes a number of restrictions that apply during the COVID-19 period, and a reasonable recovery period: Rent increases: landlords must not impose rent increases (except in the case of retail turnover rent), Terminations: landlords must not terminate leases for the non-payment of rent, Securities: landlords must not draw on tenant securities (including personal guarantees) for the nonpayment of rent,

• Penalties: landlords are prohibited from imposing penalties for tenants who stop trading or reduce opening hours; and • Interest: landlords must not charge interest on any unpaid rent.

Despite the level of prescription, the Code seeks to promote flexibility for landlords and tenants in several respects: the Code includes a number of broad overarching principles encouraging tenants and landlords to work together to share the financial burden during the COVID-19 period; landlords and tenants are encouraged to negotiate in good faith amendments to their existing arrangements that are bespoke and appropriate to their particular circumstances; and there is an expectation that landlords will work with their banks to share the burden, and share any benefits provided to them with tenants; finally, the arrangements will be overseen by a binding mediation process coordinated by each State and Territory.

Brunswick Heads

N O I

T C U

A

26 Fawcett Street Brunswick Heads

4

3

3

1

1

670m2

AUCTION PAVILION EXCELLENCE When privacy, excellence, quality & modest street appeal matters! Quietly tucked away at the end of Fawcett Street in Brunswick Heads are ‘The Pavilions’ with sub-tropical gardens, that set the tone and create that relaxing beachside oasis, ideal for anyone wanting to live the seaside village life in the Byron Shire. Footsteps to the river, beaches, boat harbour, restaurants & cafes via parkland.

The pavilions, two architecturally designed houses both consisting of polished timber floors, stone benches, gas

cooking, large verandahs, joined by a pool and covered deck.

Usable under cover space for games, storage of bikes, surf boards, kayaks etc & a tandem garage for three.

Endless options for these pavilions, guest accommodation for those wanting an income or as a family home offering space for family and friends. A truly unique and special place.

The property will be auctioned, if not sold before. For comparable sales or to inspect contact Peter Browning.

For virtual tours follow @ljhookerbrunswickheads

Auction

Inspect Contact

9 May, 2020.

Online, virtual 11.30am start Private Viewing by request Peter Browning 0411 801 795

@peterbrowningrealestate

ljhooker.com.au | 6685 0177 Residential | Commercial | Rural | Finance

www.echo.net.au/byron-echo Byron Shire Echo archives

żſĶō ǩǩǽ ǩǧǩǧ The Byron Shire Echo 23

Property Business Directory

For North Coast news online visit

CONVEYANCING

AGENTS

PROPERTY ADVICE ESTATE PLANNING WILLS

bvk TARA TORKKOLA

NPC

Site: 39 2

1

1

$225,000

bvk.com.au Upstairs in the

SOLICITORS ATTORNEYS

QUALITY LEGAL ADVICE

SALES MANAGER & SALES SPECIALIST

Cobaki Broadwater Village

Byron Arcade 13 Lawson St Byron Bay

02 6680 8522

BUYING and SELLING REAL ESTATE You need an alternative legal specialist

A FRESH APPROACH “Tara was a pleasure to work with. Her knowledge and assessment of the market is very apparent. She is tenacious, dedicated, astute and savvy and her negotiating skills are awesome.” Ewingsdale vendor Contact Tara to discuss your property or career at First National Byron M: 0423 519 698

NP CONVEYANCING We are here to help AND we’ll save you money PHONE 6685 7436 NP CONVEYANCING FOR A QUOTE 2/75 Jonson Street Byron Bay 2481 Ph: (02) 6685 7436 Fax: (02) 6685 7221

E: TARA@BYRONBAYFN.COM BYRONBAYFN.COM.AU

PAUL PRIOR

Lic No 1041865

FINANCE

Professional and results-driven with extensive marketing knowledge.

Servicing the Byron Shire and beyond.

Call Paul for an appointment today.

0418 324 297 paulprior@byronbayfn.com

Positioned less than 10 minutes from the centre of Tweed Heads/ Coolangatta, Cobaki Broadwater Village is set in 110 acres with its own lake stocked with fish and is perfect for over 50’s who prefer to live in a secure, peaceful environment.

This neatly presented home on a large corner block presents an excellent opportunity to acquire one of the most affordable twobedroom homes in this prestigious village.

The tiled living area consists of an L-shaped open plan lounge and dining area with a Fujitsu split-system air conditioner.

Two good-sized bedrooms with timber laminate floors and builtin robes with mirror doors.

Modern kitchen with new appliances.

Renovated bathroom with a good-sized corner shower cabinet and vanity unit. Plus, there is a separate toilet and external laundry.

The village bus provides residents with a free service six times a day to local shopping centres, clubs, and medical centres.

Sorry, no pets permitted.

6685 8466 | byronbayfn.com.au

Inspect: By appointment Contact: Kelvin Price 0423 028 468 Mr Property Services

Did you know?

0411 757 425 tim@millerrealestate.com.au millerrealestate.com.au @timmiller_realestate

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Property Management Melissa Phillips 02 6685 0177 rentals@ljhbrunswickheads.com Save yourself thousands, call the expert property management team.

Investment Management Team LJ Hooker Brunswick Headsª

ljhooker.com.au

Not only does # Н #* have the highest circulation and the widest distribution, but we have the most attractive, interesting and talented readers.

Telling it like we think it is since 1986.

24 The Byron Shire Echo żſĶō ǩǩǽ ǩǧǩǧ

North Coast news daily in Echonetdaily www.echo.net.au

Chris Hanley OAM

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

PRINCIPAL/LICENSEE

0419 662 338

To all our clients, friends, and the wider Byron community, You have supported us, now we would like to support

James Young

you in any way we can.

0419 856 840

WHAT DO YOU NEED RIGHT NOW?

DIRECTOR/SALES

Su Reynolds DIRECTOR/SALES

0428 888 660

During these uncertain times, we are here, operating, available to advise you on anything real estate related, or to deliver or help

Paul Banister

source whatever it is you and your family need right now.

DIRECTOR/SALES

0438 856 552

Helen Huntly-Barratt

OUR PROPERTIES CAN BE INSPECTED BY PRIVATE APPOINTMENT AT A TIME TO SUIT.

DIRECTOR/SALES

0412 332 232

ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WILL BE CARRIED OUT FOR ALL INSPECTIONS. Please know we are all set up to run remotely and use innovative digital technologies.

We are here to answer all your calls and enquiries whenever needed.

We hope everyone remains safe and in good health.

Tara Torkkola

SALES MANAGER / SALES

0423 519 698

Paul Prior SALES

0418 324 297

Luke Elwin SALES

0421 375 635

Virginia Kane - 0414 662 338 Property Manager/Commercial Agent

Sophie Moir - 0436 684 147

Helene Adams SALES

0412 139 807

Property Manager

Corrine Tickle - 0436 684 144 Property Manager

Oliver Aldridge

Karen Halpin - 0447 233 131

SALES

0421 171 499

Property Manager

Jared Trenholme - 0429 985 497 Leasing Consultant

Lauren King - 0436 684 145 Business Development Manager

Greg Price SALES

0412 871 500

Olivia Outerbridge - 6685 8466 Property Management Trainee

Denzil Lloyd SALES

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TEAM It’s business as usual for our PM team, who are also operating offsite for the safety of our community. They are doing an extraordinary job renting unprecedented numbers of properties in these changing market conditions.

0481 864 049

Vanessa Coles SALES

0433 836 755

PLEASE CALL US, EMAIL US, OR CONTACT US THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA - WE ARE HERE TO HELP. PH: 02 6685 8466

www.echo.net.au/byron-echo Byron Shire Echo archives

W W W. BY R O N B AY F N . C O M . A U

żſĶō ǩǩǽ ǩǧǩǧ The Byron Shire Echo 25

www.echo.net.au/soap-box

CHECK OUT THE FULL STORIES ONLINE

Editor: Mandy Nolan Full stories and photos can be found online at echo.net.au/entertainment NORTH COAST ENTERTAINMENT

BYRON BUCKLEYS TAKE ON THE WORLD! Hailing from Byron Bay, The Buckleys launched their first North American Virtual Tour, on Saturday, 4 April, reaching over 370,000 fans over four ‘virtual tour dates.’ The Buckleys are going to be taking their virtual tour to South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, crisscrossing the globe with their final show streaming across Australia and New Zealand… all done from their living room in Byron Bay! Adapting his long-time experience launching tours, albums, and films, Petrol Records head, CM Murphy worked in conjunction with their U.S. label, UMe, and Live Nation. The Buckleys recreate the personalised ‘live’ experience during this time of social distancing.

Catch The Buckleys, Live From Home, at 6pm AEST on Thursday, 30 April. For more info, and to watch the virtual concert, visit facebook.com/livenationoznz

TOGETHER/ALONE With the current coronavirus outbreak forcing all public gatherings to halt, and galleries and public arts spaces to close, we have witnessed the cancellation of all art fairs, festivals, gatherings, markets and community celebrations. The Quad, and Lismore Regional Gallery, have launched a project called Together//Alone exploring ways to creatively respond to adversity while supporting Northern Rivers artists, many of whom are facing serious income loss.

They are offering paid opportunities for Northern Rivers’ artists – across all art forms – to develop a creative concept over a twoweek at-home ‘residency’, which must includes a component that can be communicated via a digital platform. Applying artists do not need to present fully formed and completed works, the emphasis is on the creative process and ‘connection’.

A minimum of five artists will be selected to participate in the first project. Works will be shared via The Quad and Lismore Regional Gallery’s websites, and social media channels.

GEORGE STILL CALLS CUBA HOME Being separated from your significant other during the COVID19 lockdown presents particular emotional challenges, but for comedian George Smilovici – his significant other isn’t a person, it’s a country: Cuba. Going back to the country of his birth has been transformative for George, who calls it his happy place.

It was this sense of belonging that saw George – a nationally recognised, and lauded comedian – take a completely different direction; one more in line with his pianist father. He stopped telling jokes and started playing music.

His first album, Cuban Takeout can be heard on Spotify and other music platforms.

BAREFOOT ON COVID

Community Radio Bay FM 99.9 T 6680 7999 | W bayfm.org

30 Yeairr!s On A

Bay FM public fund donations are tax deductible

In these quickly changing times, Barefoot Law is keeping people informed about the legal implications of laws and regulations brought in during COVID-19.

‘There’s plenty of landlords who are being great and negotiating reduced rent – and some have issued eviction notices and panicked. The other issues we are seeing are around JobKeeper – some employers are using it to do what they shouldn’t. JobKeeper assumes everyone keeps working.

We have had a few casuals ask about the legality of moving from 10 hours per week to 25 for example. That’s not a reasonable change. There are also issues with family law in the lockdown, with co-parenting becoming tricky in some cases. ‘Consent orders still apply’, says Mark.

If people have legal questions they can go to the website: barefootlaw.net.au or barefoot law on Facebook.

MANDY NOLAN’S

SOAPBOX

THE ONLY CONSPIRACY THEORY YOU NEED Lately I have been busy tackling the conspiracists who, frankly, must be worn out by their fervor. It’s exhausting trying to stay outraged for any length of time. While I think their beliefs are questionable, I do admire their energy! I’m clearly not a conspirasist.

One question I always ask, when determining the efficacy of a theory is, who benefits? Generally the answer is a very non-specific – ‘Them’ or ‘the corporations’ or ‘the government’ or a combo ‘Them’ of all of the aforementioned.

Last night I woke up with the answer! The culprit, the winner, behind the COVID conspiracy, it seems so obvious – I can’t believe it’s taken me this long – the answer is right there in your loungeroom! Lying there under your kitchen table. Begging to get on the bed! Who are the major beneficiaries of this pandemic and the subsequent lockdown that has ensued? Dogs.

It’s a Canine conspiracy. Have a look around – have you ever seen such happy dogs? Owners who begrudgingly walked their dogs once a day are now pounding the pavement with their pooches at least two, sometimes three times, a day. Doggy daycare is closed. Mummy/ Daddy is home!

(BTW my skin goes weird when people baby talk their dogs by referring to themselves as their dog’s Mummy or Daddy. This always invokes a very unpleasant and illegal video on my mind-screen showing the circumstances that led to the authorship of said dog… ergh! Please stop!)

Dogs are clearly behind it all. Just look how waggy their evil little tails are right now. And not just Chinese pugs.

All Dogs – even American Mastiffs. The English bulldog has colluded with the French poodle and with the Aussie Blue Heeler. Yes, it’s an international conspiracy – spread through poo. The whole ‘pick-up-the-poo’ campaign has been part of a worldwide plot to create a viral vector for pooch-to-human transmission. It’s taken decades to train us up, and finally, all the balls were in a row… they just weren’t being thrown. Until now.

Humans are now throwing the balls – in every park, on every beach, in every street. It’s what we do now for a sense of achievement. We throw balls. Dogs have what they’ve always desired: You. You there with nothing good in your life except Them. You, realising that just being together is all you will ever need. You, at home. You, never going out – except to walk them. You in your underpants, staring despondently out the window, waiting for your next walk… The leash is certainly on the other neck now!

You, begging your dog for just one more walkie. The fifth one today. Just to get out of the fucking house.

This may seem ridiculous, but I have evidence. Just yesterday, I saw two dogs high five each other on the beach. Look at their hairy little faces – that’s a smile.

They’ve got us good. My dog can’t believe it. For the last few years, Elvis has been taking himself for a walk. He has a circuit – he walks the same path – visits the same people – at exactly the same time, twice a day. I’m not a dog person. I am immune to the cuteness of puppies. I only really like old dogs. I do however like my dog a lot.

For a dog, he’s ok. He’s old and he’s self-reliant – two qualities I also like in people. There I was thinking Elvis was getting exercise, now I realize he was attending some sort of secret dog meetings – conspiring for world dog-imation.

All that urinating on trees or letterboxes – that’s not marking territory – that’s pee-mail. That’s their messaging system! When they sniff, that’s Them reading it – then peeing on top – that’s their response. They’ve been coding for years. They don’t need fancy laptops – they just need to lift the leg.

And guess who doesn’t get the virus? Dogs. Dogs are immune. That’s not a coincidence. That’s bio-engineering.

There is a saying ‘every dog has his day’, well that day has certainly arrived.

But the game is up. I’m onto you. It’s time you furry fuckers rolled over – you dirty dogs need to come clean!

But in the meantime… I might just have one more walk.

26 The Byron Shire Echo żſĶō ǩǩǽ ǩǧǩǧ

North Coast news daily in Echonetdaily www.echo.net.au

Service Directory SERVICE DIRECTORY RATES, PAYMENT & DEADLINE

BUSH REGENERATION & WEED CONTROL

IWIRE

ANTENNAS

• New digital antennas * • Reception NO FIX NO CHARGE problems For fast service call • Extra TV outlets

DEADLINE: For additions and changes to the Service Directory is 12pm Friday.

WEED CONTROL SPECIALIST Lawns – bindii weeds – Army worms – grass grubs .....0418 110714 LINE ADS: $99 for 3 months or $340 for 1 year prepaid.

EAST COAST BUSH REGENERATION Tree planting, weed control. Call Rossco Faithfull.0409 157695 For line Service Directory ads email classifieds@echo.net.au.

DISPLAY ADS: $66 per week for colour display ad. Minimum 8 week booking 4 weeks prepaid.

Please supply display ads 85mm wide, 28mm high. New display ads will be placed at end of section.

David Levine iwireantennas.com.au *conditions apply For display Service Directory ads email adcopy@echo.net.au.

FRANCHISE OF THE YEAR! The Echo Service Directory is online in Echonetdaily – www.echo.net.au/service-directory JP DIGITAL ANTENNAS Reception problems, new antennas, extra TV points, all areas .....0432 289705 Carpet and upholstery cleaning, urine ANTENNAS PLUS. TV, WiFi, Electrical. Reliable. Call Norm ............................................0422 668582 ACCOUNTS & BOOKINGS: 6684 1777 extraction, rust removal, heavy traffic areas, deodorising and sanitation.

0402 022 111

CARPET CLEANING

Green & Clean

ANTIQUES/RESTORATION

INDEX

Hire ..............................................28 Kitchens........................................28 Landscape Design .........................28 Landscape Supplies .......................28 Landscaping .................................28 Locksmith .....................................28 Osteopathy ...................................28 Painting........................................28 Pest Control ..................................29 Photography .................................29 Physiotherapy ...............................29 Picture Framing ............................29 Plastering .....................................29 Plumbers ......................................29 Pools ............................................29 Removalists ..................................29 Roofing.........................................29 Rubbish Removal ..........................29 Septic Systems ..............................29 Solar Installation ..........................29 Television Services ........................29 Tiling ............................................30 Tree Services .................................30 Tuition ..........................................30 Upholstery ....................................30 Valuers .........................................30 Veterinary Surgeons......................30 Water Filters .................................30 Water Supplies ..............................30 Water Tanks & Tank Cleaning .........30 Welding ........................................30 Window Cleaning ..........................30 Window Tinting ............................30

ARCHITECTS

BLACKS CHIMNEY SWEEPING & REPAIRS AHHA member, insured. 3rd generation .....66771905

OCEANARC ARCHITECTS Reg. 6042 www.oceanarc.com.au ..............................................66855001

CHIROPRACTIC

ATELIER LUKE – Luke Hayward architect, Reg. 10438 www.atelierluke.com ...............0401 875535

BAY FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC Peter Wuehr 17 Bangalow Rd Byron Bay ..............................66855282

AUTOMOTIVE

WAVE OF LIFE NETWORK CHIRO (lowforce) 8/9 Fletcher St, Byron Bay. Andrew Badman...66858553 MICHAEL SCHWAGER 108 Stuart Street, Mullumbimby ...................................................66841962

CLEANING • Tyres • Batteries • Wheel Alignments MULLUMBIMBY TYRE SERVICE Dalley Street, Mullumbimby 6684 2016

ACTION WINDOW & PRESSURE CLEANING

LEGENDARY OFFROAD TYRES

BAYSIDE RADIATORS Windscreens & air-con. Billinudgel. AU29498 .................................66802444

BATHROOM RENOVATIONS

actionjoewindow@gmail.com

• House washing • High pressure or soft wash • Window cleaning • Driveways, paths & roofs • Gutters & flyscreens • Water efficient • Free quotes Phone Joe or Helen 0409 207 646 or 0412 495750

REVAMP BATHROOMS Bathroom Renovations and Tiling Repairs :DOO )ORRU 7LOLQJ _ :DWHUSURR¿ QJ _ 3HUVRQDOLVHG VHUYLFH DQG DGYLFH _ &XVWRP GHVLJQ ZLWK FRQVXOWDWLRQ _ )XOO OLFHQVHG LQVXUHG

Call

Call Jason 0434 177 594

BLINDS, AWNINGS, CURTAINS, SHUTTERS LOCAL

SHOWCASE DEALER SHOWROOM

0434 539 979

BOOKKEEPER Local and reliable .................................. barbarasbookkeeping.com.au 0402 118649

1/84 Centennial Circuit Byron Bay

66 680 0 8862

BOOKKEEPING, BAS, payroll, hubdoc, etc. Serving N. Rivers since 2007. D Evans .......0432 176091

FREE E MEASURE E QUOTE E

ACUPUNCTURE

˘˗ ˘˞˛ ˌ˘˖˙˕ˎ˝ˎ ˛ˊ˗ːˎ ˘ˏ ˒˗˝ˎ˛˒˘˛ ϻ ˎˡ˝ˎ˛˒˘˛ ˠ˒˗ˍ˘ˠ ˝˛ˎˊ˝˖ˎ˗˝˜

ACUPUNCTURE CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE M Collis..................................................66842559 MARLENE FARRY Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine marlenefarry.com ..............66842400 MOBILE ACUPUNCTURE & acupressure massage. Ph Dr. Derek Doran ........................0414 478787

AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION

artisanair.com.au

PLEASE CALL

Roof & Pressure Cleaning Roof Painting Deck Oiling

6680 9394 Lic 246545C

fullcirclerefinishing.com

CURTAINS

Byron Bay PLANTATION SHUTTERS

CLEANING SERVICE

Phone Mick 0409 009 024

AWNINGS

SPECIALISTS IN HOM E AUTOM ATION

– Sales – Installation – Repairs – All Commercial Refrigeration – Residential & Commercial Airconditioning – Coolroom Design & Construction – Freezer Rooms

6684 2783

ZZZ EOLQGGHVLJQE\URQED\ FRP DX

Email: mickbhl@gmail.com

ROLL BLINDS

DETAILED CLEANER/GUEST HOUSE MANAGER All natural products 4.8 Stayz rated ..0410 723601

COMPASS CURTAINS

23 years and going strong!

BEYOND CLEANING GROUP Quality focused. Brunswick to Ballina from $39.60ph .....0451 102239

Custom made curtains, blinds and decor items

PROFESSIONAL LOCAL CLEANER excellent references, good rates. Shire wide. Ph Krissy ..0410 860330

We come to you, wherever you are: Byron, Lismore, The Clarence and beyond…

0435 954 212

compassinteriors@optusnet.com.au

HOLIDAY CLEANERS Avail now! Domestic, AirBnB, last-minute. Local, exp & reliable .0421 360961 BOND CLEANING...........................................................................................................0421 360961 HIGH END RESIDENCE CLEANER 25 yrs 5 star exp. reliable, diligent, ABN, insured .....0411 846816

COMPUTER SERVICES

YOUR LOCAL BLIND MAN at North Byron Blinds .................................................. Amos 0404 421518

BRICKLAYING

RENT-A-GEEK Mobile PC Repair (Byron Shire) ....................................................................66844335 BETTER CALL SAUL The Mac Doctor. Repairs. Upgrades. Used Macs.............................0411 562111

COOLMAN AIR CONDITIONING 23 years experience. Lic 178464C AU30147 ..............0412 641753 RAINBOW REGION AIR CONDITIONING ARC AU36141. Lic No. 264313C.....................0487 264137

• RELIABLE TRADESMAN • DECKS & PERGOLAS • TIMBER SCREENS & DOORS • GARAGE CONVERSIONS

DARYL 0418 234 302

Over 25 yrs local experience. All forms of concreting.

Residential • Civil • Industrial

LICENCE NUMBER 344531C

ALL AROUND

CALL BRETT 0414 542 019

BUILDER – JOHN McGAURAN Personalised Service. 20 yrs exp. Lic 170208C .............0415 793242

02 66 804 173

Digital TV ALL Antenna Installations & Repairs ALL Electrical Work

CONCRETING

able market cost of the work to be done (labour and materials) exceeds $5000 (including GST).

DINGO DEMOLITIONS & ASBESTOS REMOVAL ................................. 66834008 or 0407 728998

AH

SALISBURY

• DEPT OF FAIR TRADING: A licence is required for all residential building work where the reason-

SERVICING THE BYRON SHIRE

ANTENNAS & INSTALLATION

0439 624 945

CONCRETING & PAVING

BUILDING TRADES

Friendly Reliable Prompt Local

www.echo.net.au/byron-echo Byron Shire Echo archives

BUILDER Renovations, maintenance, 30yrs exp. mchughdesign.com.au Lic 29792C....0408 663420 HAVEN BUILDING All aspects of building. Lic 326616C ...............................................0432 565060 RENOVATION SPECIALIST Customised Service. Builder: Levi Alexander Lic 189611C ..0402 434154

Lic No. 337066C

Lic: 299433C ARC: AU40492

5 Stars

CLEANS: Holiday, Residential, Bond, Commercial, Spring

BRICK/BLOCK LAYING Contractors. Lic 291958C. Phone Mark ........................................0409 444268

45 Manns Road, Mullumbimby

www.byroneco.com.au

Quality Exterior Refinishing

SUNSCREENS

Barbara Wilson

Mullumbimby Refrigeration & Airconditioning Services

• Window Cleaning • Screens & Tracks • Pressure Washing • House •Roof • Paths • Solar

Phone Oliver 0419 789 600

ACCOUNTANT Paul Mayberry..............................................................................................66847415

AU 37088

Commercial / Domestic / Insurance

CHIMNEY SWEEPING

DIGITAL ELECTRONICS REPAIR & SERVICE TV. Audio. Antennas .......... 66843575 or 0414 922786

ACCOUNTANTS & BOOKKEEPERS

AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION

0408 232 066

APPLIANCE REPAIR

Lic.136717c

Accountants & Bookkeepers ..........27 Acupuncture .................................27 Air Conditioning & Refrigeration....27 Antennas & Installation.................27 Antiques/Restoration ....................27 Appliance Repair ...........................27 Architects .....................................27 Automotive...................................27 Bathroom Renovations..................27 Blinds, Awnings, Curtains, Shutters27 Bricklaying....................................27 Building Trades .............................27 Bush Regen & Weed Control ..........27 Carpet Cleaning ............................27 Chimney Sweeps ...........................27 Chiropractic ..................................27 Cleaning .......................................27 Computer Services ........................27 Concreting & Paving ......................27 Decks, Patios & Extensions.............28 Dentists ........................................28 Design & Drafting..........................28 Driveway Maintenance ..................28 Earthmoving & Excavation.............28 Electricians ...................................28 Fencing .........................................28 Floor Sanding & Polishing..............28 Garden & Property Maintenance....28 Garden Design ..............................28 Gas Suppliers ................................28 Graphic Design ..............................28 Guttering ......................................28 Handypersons ...............................28 Health ..........................................28

Cleans deeply, dries in 1-2 hours

Far North Coast NSW John & Teresa

FURNITURE RESTORATION Old/antique. 40+ yrs exp. erwinfurniturerestoration.com 0412 528454

CONCRETING

Free Quotes

Call Daniel

0424 876 155

FABRICA JOINERY Quality kitchens/timber doors/windows. Lic 244652C .........................66808162 PLATINUM CRETE CONCRETING Lic 225874C. 20 years exp. Free quotes. Justin .........0458 773788 CARPENTER HANDYMAN FB Greg’s Handyman Services Byron Bay Lic No 1039897....0414 109595 FLANAGAN CONCRETING & EXCAVATIONS. Lic 155456C. Ph Andrew.........................0401 968173

żſĶō ǩǩ, ǩǧǩǧ The Byron Shire Echo 27

Service Directory

For North Coast news online visit

DECKS, PATIOS & EXTENSIONS

FENCING

GUTTERING

FULL CIRCLE REFINISHING Timber & deck oiling, coating, stripping. Fast free quotes .....0419 789600 THE DECK DOCTOR Sanding & refinishing, cable balustrading. Free quotes. Richard ...0407 821690

DENTISTS

POOLSAFE GLASS FENCING

BRUNSWICK HOLISTIC DENTAL CENTRE.......................................................................66851264

GLASS & ALUMINIUM POOL FENCING PROFESSIONALS 0499 178 297 psgfencingnsw@gmail.com

DESIGN & DRAFTING

BYRON & BEYOND FENCING Any fence, any time, prompt quotes....... 66804766 or 0422 207299

LITTLE LANE DENTAL, MULLUMBIMBY ...........................................................................66842816

Gutter guard Gutter cleaning Locally owned Fully insured Free quotes Call Junior for friendly, genuine advice and service.

www.spotlessgutters.com.au

0405 922 839 or AH 6684 1778 ABN 180 623 364 42

HANDYPERSONS

BAREFOOT BUILDING DESIGN www.barefootbuildingdesign.com..........Bob Acton 0407 787993 EDL FENCING Installations & repairs. Prompt service. ..................................................0432 107262 A.S.A.P. All renos, carpentry, plastering, painting, studios & bathrooms .......................0405 625697 DAVID ROBINSON DESIGN DRAFTING All Council & construction requirements ......0419 880048 FLOW FENCING Pool fencing, timber/colourbond, local, professional and reliable.......0416 424256 HANDY ANDY Carpentry, plastering, welding ......................................... 66884324 or 0476 600956 BYRON ENERGY EFFICIENT DESIGN & DRAFTING www.beedad.com.au ...............0423 531448 AWESOME REPAIRS Professional, commercial & domestic. Wayne...............................0423 218417

FLOOR SANDING & POLISHING

FENG SHUI DESIGN CONSULTANT Lizzie Bodenham livingbalancedesigns.com.au Ph .0431 678608

THE FLOOR SANDER New & old floors, decks, non-toxic finishes, special effects, free quotes..0407 821690

DRIVEWAY MAINTENANCE

GARDEN & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Coast to Country Asphalt Specialising in

Acreage Mowing Specialist | Mini excavation Toro Dingo with stump grinder, trencher and soil cultivator

Contact Vadi: 0404

ALL ASPECTS OF ASPHALT & BITUMEN SERVICES

CON

C RET E ED G

978 383

Acreage & Residential Mowing | Gardening Fire Hazard Reduction | Brush Cutting Tip Runs | Turf Laying | Fully Insured

SERVICING THE EAST COAST OF THE NSW NORTHERN RIVERS

ING

HIGHPOINT Repairs & handyman services. Painting, plastering & tiling. Michael ........0421 896796

Chiropractic, Counselling, Dentists, Osteopathy, Physiotherapy ACUPUNCTURE & COSMETIC MEDICINE Dr Adam Osborne ...........................................66857366 MULLUMBIMBY HERBALS Naturopathy, Ayurveda, Massage, Herbs. .............................66843002 WWW.EASTCOASTPILATES.COM.AU Judy Leane Ex. Phys ...........................................0408 110006

6677 1859

&

ABSOLUTE HANDYMAN. Repairs, renovation, maintenance, painting. Call Mark ........0402 281638

• OTHER HEALTH RELATED SECTIONS IN THIS SERVICE DIRECTORY: Acupuncture,

0467 482 948

oast Asph alt st C Ea

GOOD NEWS HANDYMAN Carpentry, home renovations/repairs etc. Jesse..................0458 968290

HEALTH

• Asphalt Driveways • Sub-divisions • Earthworks • Carparks • and all Maintenance!

For a Free Quote Call Now

THE HANDYMAN CAN All home maintenance, repairs, painting, odd jobs etc .............0427 110953

REMEDIAL MASSAGE: Deep tissue, sports, relaxation. HICAPS avail. Aaron Ovens ......0408 707304 COUNSELLING & LIFE COACHING: Anxiety, Depression, Relationships. TracieAnne.com. 0437 174804

HIRE

0430 297 101 / 6684 5437 info@byronbaymowing.com.au www.byronbaymowing.com.au

Burringbar

MULLUM HIRE Builders, party and much more ........................www.mullumhire.com.au 66843003

KITCHENS

EARTHMOVING & EXCAVATION

D HINGED Kitchens & Joinery. Lic 283553C. www.hinged.com.au .......................Dave 0409 843689

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

TINY EARTHWOR

BEAU JARDIN We design & build beautiful gardens www.beaujardin.com.au Lic 177274C ...0417 054443

Philip Toovey

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Garden Design & Property Planning. Andrew Pawsey ..........0478 519804

0409 799 909

LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES

various implements available for limited access projects

THE BYRON BAY GARDEN & LANDSCAPING COMPANY Structural Landscaping

EARTHMOVING & PLANT HIRE Specialising in driveway construction & maintenance

• Paving • Stonework • Timber work • Retaining wall • Garden maintenance • Planting • Turfing • Mulching • Hedging • Lawns

• Tip trucks 3 to 12 tonne • Excavator 5 to 21 tonne • Positrack loader augers 150 to 600mm & rock grab • Driveways • Roads • Acreage clearing • House pads • Drainage • Carparks • Bush rocks • Rock walls • Competitive rates

Training & assessment: earthmoving plant & forklift

0434 329 111

– nationally recognised qualifications

0427 663 678 / 0410 056 228

MULLUM.MOWING@gmail.com. Ride-on, large lawns & acreage. Ph Peter................0423 756394

5.5 TONNE EXCAVATOR, POSITRACK & TIPPER HIRE Specialising in road works, land clearing, retaining walls and general earthworks.

Augers and rock grab available.

EXPERIENCED OPERATORS | FREE QUOTES 0432 299 283

GUTTERS CLEANED Solar panel cleaning, all areas, free quotes, fully insured ... 66841778 or 0405 922839

• Sand • Soils • Gravels • Pots & statues • Lots, lots more

1176 Myocum Rd, Mullumbimby (just past golf course)

6684 2323 / 0418 663 983

LANDSCAPING

A-Z Lawns & acreage, trees & hedges, clean ups & tip runs, all gutters ..........................0405 625697 A.C.E. LAWNMOWING & GARDENING Best rates, reliable, guaranteed............. Nick 0404 764894 LEAF IT TO US Specialists in acreage mowing, garden, tree maintenance.....................0402 487213 PAUL’S MOWING Local & reliable. Mullum, Bruns, O. Shores, Byron & Bangalow.........0422 958791 A GREEN EARTH Garden restoration, maintenance, tree & rubbish removal ................0405 716552

NORTHERN RIVERS TRENCHING 65hp chain trencher, mini excavator, cable locating.0402 716857 TIP RUNS & RUBBISH REMOVALS 4m3 trailer..............................................................0408 210772 ALEX EXCAVATION 3.5T Zero Swing excavator & bobcat loader & 5T Tipper Rock Grab 0417 920300 BRUSHCUTTING Rubbish, Property Maintenance, Lawns.............................................0412 469109 RICK’S PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Mowing, brushcutting, gardening, pool service ...0424 805660

ELECTRICIANS

GREEN DINGO for all your mowing and gardening needs. Ph Michael .........................0497 842442

24 HOUR SERVICE AH

GARDEN DESIGN

02 66 804 173

Domestic Commercial

All Jobs Small or Large

Lic: 154293c

0439 624 945

G.W. GARDEN MAINTENANCE. Mowing, whipper snipping, gardening, tip runs ........0408 244820

Shaun Savage Landscapes Established 2008 ~ Lic No: 247282c

Specialising in: • Retaining Walls • Pool Surrounds • Block Work • Paving • Turfing • Stonework 20 Years Experience

0405 594 288

www.simplybeautifulspaces.com.au FENG SHUI / GARDEN DESIGN .........................Lyn 0428 884329 LEMONTREELANDSCAPES.COM.AU Liam. Lic No 277154C .........................................0423 700853

GAS SUPPLIERS

LOCKSMITH Brendan Duggan Locksmith. Automotive car keys and lock installation/repair .......0412 764148

SECURITY, DATA, TV Tim Nicholls ph: 0468 384 203 lic: 000102498

nichollselectrical@outlook.com

COUGHRAN ELECTRICAL 24 hour service, Lic 154293C .......................... 0439 624945 or 66804173 RONNIE SPINKS Everything electrical. Lic 27673 .........................................................0429 802355 JP ELECTRICAL Level 2 ASP Under-g/O-head lines, Pwr poles, Solar. Lic 133082C ........0432 289705 JIM LABELLE ELECTRICAL O.Shores, Mullum, Byron, Brunswick. Lic 176417C..............0415 126028

Free Delivery

Locally Owned Est 18 years

No Rental Reliable

BLUE BEE ELECTRICAL 25 years experience. Lic 189508C. Call Dave ............................0429 033801 CIRCUITS PLUS. For everything electrical in Byron Shire. Lic 201844c ..........................0422 668582

28 The Byron Shire Echo żſĶō ǩǩǽ ǩǧǩǧ

NORTH COAST OSTEOPATHY Jodie Jacobs. Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri.....................................66857517

www.brunswickvalleygas.com

OCEAN SHORES, Jo Meon. Mon & Thu. Email hello@thehealthcove.com or phone ..........66805602

6680 1575 or 0408 760 609

PAINTING

GRAPHIC DESIGN

• DEPARTMENT OF FAIR TRADING INFO: When dealing with home owners, painters are required

www.thinkblinkdesign.com

SPINKS ELECTRICAL Lic 284939C..................................................................Call Mitch 0421 843477 BEN FORSYTH, Electrician. Lic:240691C. Ocean Shores & surrounds. No job too small ...0422 136408

OSTEOPATHY

DESIGN Print | Branding | Social Media | Websites | Graphic Design

to quote a licence number only for external work valued over $5000.

ALL-WAYS PAINTING BYRON BAY

• Domestic & Commercial • Servicing all areas • Workmanship guaranteed • Attention to detail

0438 784 226 • 6685 4154

Lic No 189144C

ELECTRICAL Steve Nicholls ph: 0455 445 343 lic: EC28753

North Coast news daily in Echonetdaily www.echo.net.au

Service Directory PLASTERING

RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL NEW ROOFS / RE-ROOFS INSULATED ROOF PANELS FASCIA & GUTTERS REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE

PLASTERING CONTRACTOR DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL

C. A. Warwick Lic. No. 114578C ‡ )UHH TXRWHV ‡ *\SURFN À [LQJ VHWWLQJ

&UDLJ 0413

X 6680 7573 0415 952 494 X www.yvesdewilde.com.au LIC 114372C

Lic 167371C

ZZZ JMJSDLQWLQJ FRP DX JDU\#JMJSDLQWLQJ FRP DX

4XDOL¿ HG ¹ ,QVXUHG ¹ /RFDO 4XDOLILHG ¹ ,QVXUHG /RFDO Free Quotes – 33 years \HDUV ([SHULHQFH experience )UHH 4XRWHV

NEIL A McINTOSH

INTERIOR/EXTERIOR • PLASTER REPAIRS • WALLPAPERING CLEAN & TIDY • ALWAYS ON TIME • ALL AREAS Mobile: 0421 938 104 – 465 Uralba Road, Uralba

PLUMBERS

Mark Wopling

ABN 31 490 733 798 LIC 203196C

Painting & Decorating

24 years experience

QUALIFIED • INSURED • LOCAL • FREE QUOTES

OCEAN SHORES SKIPS Mini skip specialists ......................................... 0412 161564 or 66841232 TIP RUNS & RUBBISH REMOVAL 4m3 trailer................................................................0408 210772

NEED A PLUMBER? DRAINER? GASFITTER?

Chay 0429 805 081 20 YEARS LOCAL SERVICE

MAN WITH UTE. RETHINK REUSE RECYCLE. Ph Mark ................................................0411 113300

SEPTIC SYSTEMS Home sewage solutions Commercial wastewater treatment Rainwater tanks concrete and plastic

Northern Rivers Pty Ltd

SHANE

0400 852 141

30 years experience

NEWT wastewater treatment. Septic design, upgrades, maint & intall. Lic 207479C............... 0429 805081

Blocked drain specialists Everything plumbing, drainage & gasďŹ tting

SOLAR INSTALLATION

energyplumbing@gmail.com WWW.ENERGYJETTING.COM.AU WWW.ENERGYPLUMBING.COM.AU

Pioneers of the solar industry

Serving Northern NSW since 1998

Call us on 6679 7228

Your local, qualiďŹ ed team. m 0428 320 262 Specialists in standalone & e sunbeamsolar@bigpond.com grid interact system designs.

POOLS

Electric Lic 124600c

&Ĺ?ŜĚ Žƾƚ ĹšĹ˝Ç Ç‡Ĺ˝Ćľ Ä?Ä‚Ĺś ÄžĆŒĹ˝ Ç‡Ĺ˝ĆľĆŒ Ć‰Ĺ˝Ç ÄžĆŒ Ĺ?ĹŻĹŻ Ç Ĺ?ƚŚ &ĆŒÄžÄž Ć?Ĺ˝ĹŻÄ‚ĆŒ ÄžĹśÄžĆŒĹ?LJ

Ç€ÄžĆŒÇ‡ĆšĹšĹ?ĹśĹ? 'ŽŽĚ Ĺ?Ĺś ^Ĺ˝ĹŻÄ‚ĆŒÍ• Ä‚ĆšĆšÄžĆŒĹ?ÄžĆ? Θ ^Ĺ˝ĹŻÄ‚ĆŒ ,Žƚ tÄ‚ĆšÄžĆŒ

Ä‚ĹŻĹŻ sĹ?ĹśÄ?ĞŜƚ ^ĞůůĞÄ?ĹŹ Ä¨Ĺ˝ĆŒ Ä‚ &ĆŒÄžÄž ŽŜĆ?ƾůƚĂƚĹ?ŽŜ

MULLUM POOL SHOP Water testing, eco products, mobile service, construction/repairs....0418 666839

REMOVALISTS Professional Property Protection you can Trust

• Targeted treatments for all pests with “no sprayâ€? cockroach treatments • If you have found live termites, do not disturb them and call us for advice!

No cost for quoting on active termites Relax, when safety, reputation and experience matters, we are the experts

6685 4490 or AH on 0414 769 018

www.sanctuarypest.com.au

02 6681 6555 Free quotes on active termites Environmentally safe

YOUR PEST & TERMITE SPECIALISTS www.allpestsolutions.com.au

Calls always returned

Professional • Commercial • Personal

0429149 533 Est 2006

PHYSIOTHERAPY BANGALOW PHYSIOTHERAPY Manual therapies, acupuncture, mat/reformer, clinical exercise classes, laser, shockwave. Kim Snellgrove, Cally O’Hara .......................................................66872330

0409 917646

BYRON BAY’S LOCAL REMOVALIST MOVING THE SHIRE FOR OVER 10 YEARS

0432 334 200 02 6680 8170 leapfrogremovals@yahoo.com.au

u

• Best Price Promise • Highest Quality Products • 10 Year Installation Workmanship Guarantee • 5 Year Annual Onsite Cleaning and Maintenance included

Your Local Solar Experts

1800 88 68 77 firstsunsolar.com.au 268 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay

‡ /RFDO ‡ &RXQWU\ ‡ ,QWHUVWDWH

Lic. 258112C

/2&$/ Â&#x2021; 6<'1(< Â&#x2021; *2/' &2$67 Â&#x2021; %5,6%$1( Â&#x2021; 0(/%2851(

02 6684 2198

0435 791 129

TXHULHV#PXOOXPELPE\UHPRYDOV FRP DX

MAN WITH A VAN/TRUCK Reasonable rates. Phone Don ............................................0414 282813 466 Main Arm Road, Mullumbimby.....................................................................................66845288 BENNY CAN MOVE IT! .................................................................................................0402 199999 ANTHONY Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ORSOGNA Physiotherapy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy Suffolk Park 1 Bryce St ... 66853511 BIBI BRADBURY FURNITURE REMOVALS, general cargo pickup and delivery ..........0478 104516

ROOFING

OCEAN SHORES PHYSIOTHERAPY Manual therapies, dry needling, custom orthotics, shock wave therapy, real time ultrasound. Nigel Pitman, Ilse V Oostenbrugge....................66803499

DOMESTIC â&#x20AC;˘ INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL

PETRA KARNI PHYSIOTHERAPY & Craniosacral, Manual Therapy, TMJ, Classes.

Petra Karni & Andrew Weatherstone. Byron and Suffolk. Mâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;F & open Saturdays. Ph ....0403 226858

PICTURE FRAMING

MONTYS METAL

MULLUM PICTURE FRAMERS Stuart St rear lane behind Mitre 10 ............................0403 734791

Licence NSW: 30715C Licence QLD: 1227049

www.echo.net.au/byron-echo Byron Shire Echo archives

v

LEAPFROG REMOVALS

Juno Energy is your local authorised LG energy specialist offering solar and battery solutions for your business & home

www.junoenergy.com.au licence number: 255292C

â&#x20AC;˘ Freight services to Brisbane weekly â&#x20AC;˘ Carriers of ďŹ ne art â&#x20AC;˘ Furniture removal â&#x20AC;˘ E-bay pick up & delivery

NICK EDMOND Physiotherapy & Acupuncture. Open Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday

BILLINUDGEL CUSTOM PICTURE FRAMING. 7/1 Wilfred St, Billinudgel ........................ 6680 3444

Patrick - 0425 256 802

SHIRE REMOVALS & FREIGHT CO

30+ years experience in commercial photography and photojournalism

www.treefaeriefotos.com â&#x20AC;˘ 0417 427 518

Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Good with Solar

From Middle Pocket to Middle Earth â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just give us a ring

BRUNSWICK BYRON PEST CONTROL................................................................................66842018

Tree Faerie Fotos

WĹ&#x161; ĎŹĎŽ ϲϲϴϴ Ď°Ď°Ď´ĎŹ

Ç Ç Ç Í&#x2DC;Ď´Ď´Ď´Ć?ŽůÄ&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E;ĹŹÍ&#x2DC;Ä?ŽžÍ&#x2DC;Ä&#x201A;Ćľ

Andyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Move & More

Small and Medium Moves, Tip Runs & Deliveries, 1 or 2 Men at Low Prices to Most Areas Based from Byron Bay & Mullumbimby

THE PEST MAN EXTRAORDINAIRE Second opinion / alternative views. 50 yrs exp .....0418 110714

PHOTOGRAPHY

â&#x20AC;˘ 1300 Taylex â&#x20AC;˘ www.talex.com.au

TRINE SOLUTIONS Local sewerage specialists. Plumbers, drainers & gas fitters. Lic 138031C. 0407 439805

7KH Ă&#x20AC; QLVKLQJ WRXFK WR \RXU KRPH

PEST CONTROL

â&#x20AC;˘ plumbing.td@bigpond.com

0418 754 149 â&#x20AC;˘ 07 5523 9930

JARRAH DAVIDSON Plumbing, draining, gas fitting & roofing. Lic 187712C................0438 668025 BILL CONNORS All plumbing/draining. Lic #1051 .................................. 66801403 or 0414 801403 Mob: 0409 451 518 mwoplingpainting@hotmail.com HRH PLUMBING Providing a prompt, reliable & efficient service. Lic 220755C ............0402 652017 MARK STRATTON All plumbing & emergency. Sewer drain camera/locator. Lic 57803C ....0419 019035 AD PAINTING by John Hand. Lic 13246C ................................................ 0413 185399 or 66841249 ADM PLUMBING SERVICESâ&#x20AC;Ś (NO JOB TOO SMALL)â&#x20AC;Ś Lic 234528C. ....... Call Adam 0466 992483 ALL WAYS PAINTING NORTHERN RIVERS. Qualified, insured, clean. 0413 401907 or 66805015 COLIN J WILLIAMS PLUMBING & GAS Lic L7990. Urgent repairs. Byron to Tweed ......0434 273726 BYRONBAYPAINTINGSERVICES.COM.AU â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Reliable. Quality work. Ph .....................1300 255 724 Accredited

A1 RUBBISH REMOVAL AND TIP RUNS. 9m3 trailer. Same day service. Best rates .....0413 289443

Sales Installation Service

ABN 48867459605 Lic 33995C

PAINTER

RUBBISH REMOVAL

SUNRISE PLASTERING. No job too small. Renovations + patchworks. Gtd sat. Free quote ....0418 992001

Lic 312643C

X FINALIST OF THE MASTER PAINTERS OF AUSTRALIA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE X ENVIRO FRIENDLY PAINTING www.duluxaccredited.com.au

ALL ROOF CLEANING Experienced, insured & fast free quotes. Call ..............................0419 789600

DQQH P ZDUZLFN#JPDLO FRP

QUALITY PAINTING SERVICES

Licence No. 207479C

YVES DE WILDE

0 4 1 1 6 8 3 0 0 3 | Z A C . M A C TA G G A R T @ G M A I L . C O M | L I C 2 2 3 4 8 9 C

451 186

ROOFING

Metal RooďŹ ng Installations â&#x20AC;˘ Guttering Downpipes â&#x20AC;˘ Fascia â&#x20AC;˘ Skylights â&#x20AC;˘ Whirlybird Patios â&#x20AC;˘ Repairs â&#x20AC;˘ Leaf Guard

Craig Montgomery â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 0418 870 362 Email: montysmetalrooďŹ ng@gmail.com www.montysmetalrooďŹ ng.com.au

Solar. OďŹ&#x20AC;-Grid. Electrical.

info@eastpointpower.com.au www.eastpointpower.com.au

CONSIDERING GOING OFF-GRID? As a provider of top quality installations in the region since 2006, you can trust us with customised power systems, expert knowledge & affordability.

0428 678 513 â&#x20AC;˘ mark@standalonepower.com.au

www.standalonepower.com.au

TELEVISION SERVICES INSTALL SERVICE: TV, Wi-Fi, AV special phone rate .................................... Damian 0414 741233

şſĜĹ? ÇŠÇŠ, NJǧNJǧ The Byron Shire Echo 29

Classifieds

Service Directory TILING FRANCHISE OF THE YEAR!

WATER FILTERS The Water Filter Experts

TILE & GROUT CLEANING

for home, commercial and rural properties

Servicing the Far North Coast for 20Â years.

Free quotes. Experienced local technicians.

ChemDryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s patented cleaning systems.

Far North Coast NSW John & Teresa

6680 8200 or 0418 108 181

WINTER SPECIAL:

0408 232 066

Every 5th m2 FREE

WATER SUPPLIES

TILER/STONEMASON/WATERPROOFER Lic 24418C. Phone Karl ...................................66804103

TREE SERVICES

CHOPPY CHOP TREE SERVICES The Fully Insured Professionals

â&#x20AC;˘ Stump Grinding â&#x20AC;˘ Bobcat â&#x20AC;˘ Cherrypicker â&#x20AC;˘ Crane Truck â&#x20AC;˘ 18â&#x20AC;? Chipper

WATER TANKS & TANK CLEANING TANK CLEANING Repairs, installation, first flush diverters, pumps, etc ........................0418 662285

WELDING WELDING & FABRICATION Structural, general, repairs & Aluminium. Call Rod ...........0408 410545

WINDOW CLEANING CLEAN VIEW Prompt, professional, insured. Phone David .............................................0421 906460

WINDOW TINTING SUNRISE W. T. 3/19-21 Centennial Cct, Byron. Cars, homes, offices, etc. High quality ..0412 158478 SURFWAGON - Car/Home/Office tint. Lifetime Warranty. W/sale price .........................0434 875009

Mungoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crossword 1

We provide professional & reliable tree services to make your environment safe and healthy.

AREAS WE SERVICE Ballina / Byron Bay / Tweed Heads / Gold Coast / Murwillumbah

1300 384 766

info@evirongroup.com.au www.evirongroup.com.au

2

3

4

â&#x20AC;˘ 20 years local knowledge and experience â&#x20AC;˘ Fully insured / free quotes â&#x20AC;˘ 19 inch chipper â&#x20AC;˘ Bobcat â&#x20AC;˘ Cherry picker â&#x20AC;˘ Crane truck

www.harttreeservices.com.au

0427 347 380

BUSH REGENERATION & CAMPHOR/ INVASIVE PLANT ERADICATION Environmentally friendly methods â&#x20AC;˘ Restoring

the natural ecosystem for land owners â&#x20AC;˘ /ĹśÄ?Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ć?Ĺ?ĹśĹ? Ć&#x2030;Ć&#x152;Ĺ˝Ä&#x161;ĆľÄ?Ć&#x; Ç&#x20AC;Ĺ?Ć&#x161;Ç&#x2021; Î&#x2DC; Ç&#x2021;Ĺ?Ä&#x17E;ĹŻÄ&#x161;Ć? ĨŽĆ&#x152; Ć&#x2030;Ć&#x152;Ĺ?ĹľÄ&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Ç&#x2021; Ć&#x2030;Ć&#x152;Ĺ˝Ä&#x161;ĆľÄ?Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ć?

Call Nrth Rivers Camphor Control 0408 581 445

ALL AREAS OF THE NORTHERN RIVERS & SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND

0401 208 797

â&#x20AC;˘ Professional Tree Removal, Surgery & Maintenance â&#x20AC;˘ Stump Grinding â&#x20AC;˘ Weed Control â&#x20AC;˘ Arborist Reporting & Consultancy â&#x20AC;˘ EWP Cherry Picker Hire â&#x20AC;˘ Mulching of Green Waste â&#x20AC;˘ 24 Hour Emergency Call-Out â&#x20AC;˘ Professional, Reliable Service

SUMMERLAND TREE SERVICES ............................................. Call Tim 66813140 or 0417 698227 PETER GRAY Grad. Cert. Arb. AQF8. Consulting arborist................................................0414 186161 BYRON TREE SERVICES Qualified, insured. Call Alex ....................................................0402 364852 MARTINO TREE SERVICES ..............................................................................Martino 0435 019524 LEAF IT TO US 4x4 truck/chipper + stump grinding. Local, qualified, insured. Free quotes.0402 487213 A VERY HANDY MAN TREE SERVICES................................... Happy to help. Andrew..0412 558890 PROBLEM CAMPHORS and woody weeds removed. No fuss-green waste, lantana too! ..0478 779650

TUITION HARMONIUM TUITION, REPAIRS, SALES. Contact Alice.............................................0427 423723

UPHOLSTERY BANGALOW UPHOLSTERY Now at Billinudgel. Re-covering specialists.............................66805255

VALUERS BYRON BAY VALUERS NSW & QLD regâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d. Chartered Valuers ................... 0431 245460 or 66857010 SIMPSON PROPERTY GROUP - Valuation, Advisory & Asset M/ment. Specialists in: Residential, Rural, Commercial & Industrial. www.simsonproperty.com.au..........0400 134562 or 0427 220976

VETERINARY SURGEONS MULLUM VET CLINIC: Richard Gregory, Bec Willis, Mark Sebastian â&#x20AC;&#x201C; After hours avail ...66843818 NORTH COAST VETERINARY SERVICES Dr Lauren Archer .................................................66840735

i Echo şſĜĹ? ÇŠÇŠÇ˝ NJǧNJǧ 30 The Byron Shire

N331 6

7

8

11

12

13

15

17

21

18

22

27

20

24

26

28

Cryptic Clues

Quick Clues

1. Reported murder, with dire consequences â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but it was supposed to be a pleasure trip! (10) 6. Actors chuck (4) 10. Soldier left company and Australian territory (7) 11. Look at the deceased â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it was boiled! (7) 12. Shattered gladiator loses 500 to 50 to scaly beast (9) 13. Red-faced former prime minister?

(5) 14. French word, alien group composition (5) 15. Something to see â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and if there are two of them, is easier to see! (9) 17. Service, Eastern, employers rubbers (9) 20. Specialist queen â&#x20AC;&#x201C; come in (5) 21. Right, everyone stretch out (5) 23. Hectic art needed for the designer of buildings (9) 25. Song and a little water â&#x20AC;&#x201C; emergency supply (7) 26. Escorted that woman in pre-loved garb (7) 27. Off or on team (4) 28. Drops explosive on the underworld â&#x20AC;&#x201C; small shocks (11)

1. Trip in the snow (10) 6. Throw, toss (4) 10. Old British soldier (7) 11. Boiled, steamed (7) 12. Large reptile predator (9) 13. Red, florid (5) 14. Musical form (5) 15. Sight, pageant (9) 17. Women who offer a form of physiotherapy (9) 20. Come in (5) 21. Extend, stretch out (5) 23. Person who designs buildings(9) 25. Method of emergency relief using aircraft (7) 26. Escorted, guided (7) 27. Team (4) 28. Unpleasant surprises (11)

ACROSS

DOWN

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

6684 1777

AT THE ECHO HEAD OFFICE Ads can be lodged in person at the Mullum Echo office:

Village Way, Stuart St, Mullumbimby

EMAIL ADS

Display classies (box ads):

adcopy@echo.net.au Line classies:

classifieds@echo.net.au

ACROSS

DOWN 1. Middle eastern republic (5) 2. Boundary sections of motors (9) 3. English king who lost the Americas (6,3,5) 4. Spins, turns (7) 5. Earn respect (7) 7. Pained, hurt (5) 8. Childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s toy, usually taken to bed (5,4) 9. English king who had six wives (5,3,6) 14. Symbols of the past, usually monuments (9) 16. Large and imposing church (9) 18. Washing liquid (7) 19. Give up, surrender (7) 22. Bitter, tart (5) 23. Movements of the oceans (5)

1. Song co-ordinates rise for the unhappy country (5) 2. Steep land required for final sections of motors (9) 3. Rotter hid egg â&#x20AC;&#x201C; he capered, he went mad! (6,3,5) 4. Turns taxes around books (7) 5. Earn takeaway meals? (7) Last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s solution N330 7. Revolutionary revealed in publicity I D E N T I F Y S T N N A R W â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it hurt! (5) L E 8. Kennedy, endure â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only a toy (5,4) A B D U C T E D C T I T L 9. Smashed, then theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re high with C H E W I N G T H E F the uxorious king (5,3,6) U N L H R T R O G U E T O O T H 14. Reminders of weird oral mimes (9) A I T W 16. Tom he raised fat church (9) C O N F E R R A L E 18. Hair wash? Fraudulent crap! (7) Y E A A I C S U R F I N G T H 19. Turn small amount into total S P A N H E bloody surrender (7) P R E A C H S T I L 22. Bitter current â&#x20AC;&#x201C; dispose of it (5) A E H O O U N E N 24. Crash diets â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they come and go (5) R E D S E A

RATES & PAYMENT LINE ADS: $17.00 for the first two lines $5.00 for each extra line $17 for two lines is the minimum charge.

DISPLAY ADS (with a border): $12.50 per column centimetre These prices include GST.

Cash, cheque, Mastercard or Visa

Prepayment is required for all ads.

Echo Classies also appear online in Echonetdaily â&#x20AC;&#x201C; echo.net.au/ classified-ads

23

25

PHONE ADS

CLASSIFIEDS THAT WORK ALL WEEK!

16

19

DEADLINE TUES 12PM

Ad bookings only taken during business hours: Monday to Friday, 9amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;5pm. Ads canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be taken on the weekend.

Account enquiries phone 6684 1777.

9 10

14

PRUNING ~ REMOVALS ~ STUMP GRINDING

5

CLASSIFIED AD BOOKINGS Ads may be taken by phone on

TRIDENT WATER Remote access delivery, 4WD water truck. Northern Rivers & surrounds ..0412 580 564

Mark Linder QualiďŹ ed Arborist 0408 202 184 choppychoptrees@bigpond.com

ECHO CLASSIFIEDS 6684 1777

U D O E W N A T R S O D N D E E N

I O N A Y X

H M E A E D S E T R E T T O U N D I N G

DISCLAIMER

On sale at The Echo

Advertisements placed in The Byron Shire Echo do not reďŹ&#x201A;ect the views or opinions of the editorial staff.

The Byron Shire Echo does not make any representations as to the accuracy or suitability of any content or information contained in advertising material nor does publication constitute in any way an endorsement by The Byron Shire Echo of the content or representations contained therein.

The Byron Shire Echo does not accept any liability for the representations or promises made in paid advertisements or for any loss or damage arising from reliance on such content, representations or promises.

PUBLIC NOTICES

EXPLORING THE DRUG OF CHESS

BELONGIL CATCHMENT DRAINAGE BOARD (FORMERLY KNOWN AS BELONGIL SWAMP DRAINAGE UNION)

2020 BOARD ELECTIONS

Water Management (General) Regulation 2011 The Belongil Catchment Drainage Board shall be conducting elections for directors (seven positions) in June 2020. This notice is calling for nomination of candidates for that election. The date by which nominations must be received, the nomination day, will be the 15th May 2020.

Nominations must be made using nomination forms (to be obtained by the Returning Officer). Nominations must be signed by the nominee, proposer and seconder, all of whom must be eligible to vote in the election.

Completed nomination forms must be forwarded either by mail or email to: The Returning Officer, BELONGIL CATCHMENT DRAINAGE BOARD, POBox 441, Byron Bay NSW 2481 or emailed to belongildrainageboard@gmail.com.

The nomination forms must be time stamped (emailed) or post marked on or before the nomination day, 15th May 2020.

To be eligible for election to the board a nominee must be entitled to vote in this election. A person is entitled to vote in this election if they are the holder of land within the drainage district of the Belongil Catchment Drainage Board. All persons eligible to vote in this election are listed on the Belongil Catchment Drainage Board Final Roll, 2020 which is available from the Returning Officer. If less than seven nominations are received the election will be declared as uncontested, and all nominees will be advised of their appointment to the board. If a ballot is required voting papers shall be issued in accordance with the members voting rights contained on the Roll of Voters.

Copies of all forms or information regarding this election can be obtained by contacting the Returning Officer, Tom Vidal, on 0411 826 442 or belongildrainageboard@gmail.com.

North Coast news daily in Echonetdaily www.echo.net.au

Classifieds PROF. SERVICES

FOR SALE

SHORT TERM ACCOM.

DENTURES

BAMBOO PLANTS: clumping, screening, hedging, ďŹ&#x201A;owering gingers, bromeliads.

Close to Mullum. 0458535760

BRUNSWICK HEADS 3bdr house, furn, serviced accom in the heart of town.

Would suit work-from-home $600pw inc bills. 3 months negotiable. 0413720771

LOOK GOOD FEEL GOOD Free consultation. SANDRO 66805002

HEALTH

HYPNOSIS & EFT

Simple and effective solutions Anxiety, Cravings, Fears & Trauma.

Maureen Bracken 0402205352

KINESIOLOGY

Surrogate sessions now available (remote work) Reduce anxiety, promote immune health Ph 0403125506 SANDRA DAVEY, Reg. Pract. www.kinesiologynorthcoast.com.au

HYPNOSIS & NLP www.wendypurdey.com.au

Supporting you to create positive changes.

Call today 6680 2630

HALLS FOR HIRE COORABELL HALL WEDDINGS, GIGS, CLASSES 66871307 www.coorabellhall.net

TRADEWORK

3EPTIC 7ASTE 2EMOVAL

MIELE WASHERS

Dryers and dishwashers available at Bridglands Mullumbimby. 66842511 DAVID LOVEJOYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BOOKS Available from The Echo reception: Between Dark and Dark, a memoir; Moral Victories, the biography of a chess player; Heresy, an historical novel.

ALL JUST $10 each.

ARCHIBALDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHEAP QUARRY PRODUCTS

Road base, gravel, blue metal and metal dust. ALL SIZE DELIVERIES. Phone 66845517, 0418481617

COMPOST TOILETS

For tiny houses to commercial Green Building Centre 0431721073 GUITARS, RECORDS, HI FI valiantmusic.com.au 66851005

BYRON BAY FIREWOOD Pickup / Delivery Seasoned Firewood Kindling, bags, trailer, tonnage (up to 30 tonne).

Residential | Commercial | Wholesale Prompt and reliable service.

Michael â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 0401 739 656 byronbayďŹ rewood.com.au

3UMMERLAND %NVIRONMENTAL

4HE ,IQUID 7ASTE 3PECIALISTS

s 3EPTIC TANK CLEANING s 'REASE TRAP SERVICING s /ILY ,IQUIDS s 0ORTABLE TOILET HIRE s HOUR SERVICE

TREE SERVICES

A VERY HANDY MAN

TREE SERVICES

Covering all aspects of tree work and tree stump removal (stump grinding)

FIREWOOD â&#x20AC;˘ Fence posts â&#x20AC;˘ Poles â&#x20AC;˘ Sleepers â&#x20AC;˘ Sawn timber Kings Creek, Mullumbimby Mark 0427 490 038

Mon-Wed, by appointment Thurs/Fri 8am to 4pm | Sat, 8am to 3pm

ITEMS UNDER $100 FREE: Cement, double laundry tub.

Mullumbimby. Jake 0429155460

WANTED

FREE QUOTES Â? HAPPY TO HELP

LP RECORDS: good condition, no op shop crap! Ph Matt 0401955052

Call Andrew Wilson Â? 0412 558 890 Â?

GARAGE SALES

Experienced climber â&#x20AC;˘ Insured â&#x20AC;˘ Licensed

After hours & emergency service available

â&#x20AC;˘ FULLY INSURED â&#x20AC;˘ PROFESSIONAL SERVICE â&#x20AC;˘ FREE QUOTES

6684 4421 0402 364 852

Tip Runs & Rubbish Removal 0408 210 772 MOTOR VEHICLES

20 years local experience â&#x20AC;˘ 19 inch chipper â&#x20AC;˘ Stump grinding â&#x20AC;˘ Cherry picker â&#x20AC;˘ Crane truck â&#x20AC;˘ Bob Cat

CASH PAID FOR UNWANTED CARS Local regâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d business 66845296 or 66845403

Fully insured â&#x20AC;˘ Free quotes

0427 347 380

â&#x20AC;˘ Arborist â&#x20AC;˘ 15â&#x20AC;? Wood Chipper â&#x20AC;˘ Stump Grinder â&#x20AC;˘ Fully Insured Byron Bay & Surrounding Areas

6681 3140 Mobile 0417 698 227

OCEAN SHORES 3bdr, 2bath, furnished house, close to shops. Available now. $460pw inc WiFi and some bills 0413720771

SHARE ACCOM. FANTASTIC location in Byron Bay. Room for rent in beautiful share-house. Share with two others. 3mins walk to Belongil beach and town. Lounge, kitchen and balcony (large enough for social distancing). $200pw inc WiFi & gas; elec separate. Min 4 weeks, min age 30, 2 weeks bond, available now. 0431126818

TO LET SUFFOLK PK Brandon St. 3bdr house, 1bath, 145m to beach, own garden, dogs ok, spacious living, long lease, min 12mths. Avail now. $695pw. Ph 0410685904

DLN 19950

www.echo.net.au/byron-echo Byron Shire Echo archives

www.byroncollege.org.au

02 6684 3374

& backloads to Brisbane. Friendly, with 10 years local exp. 0409917646 Summerland Storage Bangalow From $105 to $290 mth Call GNF Bangalow 66872833 CABARITA BEACH. Lovely 2 bedroom, light and airy unit located 3 mins walk to beach and shops. Tastefully furnished, or available unfurnished. $495pw plus electricity. Pool in complex. Caba is only 25 mins drive to the Byron Shire and a wonderful place to live. Long term lease available. Email cabarental@gmail.com SUFFOLK PARK studio for rent up to 6 months. Either king or 2 x long single beds. Details (but not booking) ByronBeechPad.com Apply aphc2481@ gmail.com $350pw ono.

3 BDR LAKESIDE APARTMENT, Byron Bay. My fully furnished unit is located near quiet nature reserve/beach. Will give a special rental deal to hospital workers.

Call Elke on 0458179026 SUFFOLK BEACHSIDE garden flat with patio. 1 bedroom, fully equipped, furnished, very close to shops and tavern. $350pw inclusive + WiFi. Call Rick 0422253614 LARGE ONE ROOM studio available on peaceful property in Myocum. $290pw 0439681217

YES WE ARE STILL HERE FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS! Contact us or head to our Facebook or Instagram pages @ljhookerbrunswickheads for information on all our rentals and properties for sale.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Stay safe!

L.J. Hooker Brunswick Heads 6685 0177

WORDPRESS SETUP/TRAIN/MAINT Reas rates info@wordpressit.com.au

FRENCH â&#x20AC;˘ ITALIAN â&#x20AC;˘ GERMAN Eva 0403224842 www.languagetuitionbyron.com.au

MUSICAL NOTES QUALITY PIANOS for sale, and expert piano tuning. Ph Fred Cole 0412216019

BIRTHDAYS

Adobe Tutoring Experienced Professional Trainer â&#x20AC;˘ Photoshop â&#x20AC;˘ Indesign â&#x20AC;˘ Illustrator contact@thinkblinkdesign.com www.thinkblinkdesign.com

EXCEPTIONAL DRIVERS WANTED. Day & Night shifts available. Apply now careers@gobyron.com.au or 66209213

To talk to one of our volunteers, please call AWL 0436 845 542.

Like us on Facebook!

AWL NSW Rehoming Organisation Number: R251000222

IGOR the Corgidor.

Check out this little cutieâ&#x20AC;Ś Igor is a 2-yearold male Labrador x Corgi.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true, he could have been created in a sci-ďŹ lab by the infamous Frankensteinâ&#x20AC;Ś with his 20kg full-size Lab body on his little dwarfed legs.

Igorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a bit of a free spirit with little training. He has some fear of the leash & car travel. Nevertheless, he has a gorgeous sweet nature, is fantastic with other dogs & will make a loyal, fun, energetic & loving family dog. If you would like to meet this

absolute darling, please phone Shell on 0458 461 935.

MC: 953010004204828

s, Love alway s e the Drudg xxx

DEATH NOTICES DAVIES, TERENCE JOHN â&#x20AC;&#x153;JACKâ&#x20AC;?

Died at Wedgetail 9.4.2020 aged 74.

Much loved by partner Jan and family.

CARLSON,

BRIAN ROBERT. Much loved husband of Terry.

Loved father and father-in-law of Shane & Anne and Gary.

Loved grandfather of Damien, Gary, Owen, Aaron, Joshua, Lauren and Emma. Loved by his seven great grand children.

Brian will be missed by all family and friends.

Aged 81 years A private family service was held at the Melaleuca Station Crematorium Chapel, Chinderah on WEDNESDAY (April 22, 2020) at 11.30 am.

Michael Currie Funerals 6684 6232

Bear

Gone but never forgotten

McWHINNIE,

KERRY ANNE. Nee Estreich Passed away peacefully with family at her side. Loved partner of Warwick. Much loved mother of Simon and Adam.

Kerry will be sadly missed by all family and friends.

Bear is an 8 year old desexed male purebred Australian Cattle Dog. He has grown up on a farm and that is where he will be happiest.

He is perfectly behaved in the home as a companion animal and loves children, but has never been socialised with other animals so must be the only pet. If you can give Bear a permanent, loving home contact Pam on 0421 017 461.

M/c No 981000300520892.

Visit friendsofthepound.com to view other dogs and cats looking for a home.

ABN 83 126 970 338

Aged 65 years A private service was held at Mullumbimby Lawn Cemetery on Tuesday 21 April, 2020.

Due to the current circumstances, Kerry's life will be celebrated at a later date.

ONLY ADULTS EXQUISITE Be impressed with my hot body and warm hands. Tweed area. 0438573677 FULL BODY RESTORATION Fill your tanks & heal through pleasure massagebyronbay.com or 0425347477

Michael Currie Funerals 6684 6232

FLICK, PHYLLIS GRACE  29th March, 1916 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11th April, 2020 The last surviving member of the Arthur & Ivy Wraight (Dec.) family of Brunswick Heads AGE 104 years  Â

5/16 The Terrace, Brunswick Heads

WANTED TO LEASE

We are still re-homing & fostering out our gorgeous cats and kittens. This is strictly by appointment only & in accordance with the current social distancing measures.

We are hoping that this could be the purrfect time for you to make a positive difference during these uncertain times. What is certain is that animals are a wonderful emotional support.

Byron Dog Rescue (CAWI)

WORK WANTED

TUITION

POSITIONS VACANT

Ballina Car Centre

LOCAL REMOVAL

BARGAINS

6686 5586 / 0418 676 274

HANDS IN, WEEDS OUT! $30ph.

Whippersnipper $35ph 0431335310 Jared

ACCESS TO ACREAGE, dwelling or not.

Prefer 2x2 or 3x3 or similar. Substantial security deposit OK. Pls call 0423218417

16 ENDEAVOUR CLOSE, BALLINA

! "

BANGALOW, SMALL HOUSE to rent, partly furnished. Washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, refrigerator. No outgoings.

Carpets and tiles, large shower. Suit 1 person, male or female. No drugs, no smoking. $400pw. Ph 0402061110

1995 Suzuki Vitara Soft Top Manual Farm 4wd Sold as-is No rego SN1234 $2250 1997 Mazda 121 Metro 5dr Hatch Manual Rego till September SN6696 .........$1995 Auto 2009 Subaru Forester Premium 114650km Sunroof Leather SN4333 ..............$10990 2011 Ford Transit Jumbo Highroof Lwb 6spd Manual Turbo Diesel 138252km SN4144 ........................................$21950 Auto 2016 Vf Commodore Wagon 130696km 1 Owner Log Books SN4996.........$13450

ballinacarcentre.com.au

PETS

Sister of Harry, Clive (Frizz), Jean, Gordon & Donald (all dec.)

Devoted wife of George Thomas Flick (Broken Head) (dec.)

Cherished Mother of Robert and Nancy, Deslie and Basil, Geoffrey and Elaine.

Adored Grandmother (15), Great Grandmother (34), Great, Great Grandmother (7½).

Loved Aunty, friend and Mrs Flick to many.

Late of Burns Street, Byron Bay (81 years).

Passed away gently at RSL Lifecare Patrick Bugden VC on the 11 April, 2020. A private burial was held at the Mullumbimby Lawn Cemetary where she now lays at rest with her husband as were her wishes. Rest In Peace in Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden, beautiful mother and nana.

Devoted to Pleasure Ć&#x2020;

Couples, Men & Women Ć&#x2020;

touchofjustine.com

0407 013 347

FARMERS/WEEKLY MARKETS Each TUE New Brighton 6677 1345 Each TUE Organic Lismore 6628 1084 Each WED 7-11am Mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;bah 6684 7834 Each WED 3-6pm Nimbin 0475 135 764 Each WED 4-7pm Newrybar Hall Each THU 8-11am Byron 6687 1137 Each THU 2.30-6.30pm Lismore 0450 688 900 Each FRI 7-11am Mullum 6677 1345 Each SAT 8-11am Bangalow 6687 1137 Each SAT 8am-1pm Uki 6679 5530 Each SAT 8.30-11am Lismore 0466 415 172 Each SAT 8.30-12am Blue Knob

şſĜĹ? ÇŠÇŠÇ˝ NJǧNJǧ The Byron Shire Echo 31

Backlash Hoping everyone is staying at home where possible. Just like Donald Trump did during the Vietnam war.

Q Q Q Q

Good news!

Remedial massage back on essential services list.

Book Online www.tonicosteopathy.com 6 Lawson St, Byron Bay (next to Medical Centre)

Ph 6685 5993

GOODIES TO GO! SERVING UP BREKKIE, LUNCH AND SNACKS TAKEAWAY ONLY PHONE ORDERS WELCOME! CALL 6684 2306

An Indigenous perspective on global systems is the topic for academic and author Dr Tyson Yunkaporta’s webinar speech for the Ngara Institute on April 22 from 7.30pm. His latest book is Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World. Organisers say, ‘His approach is warm and deeply poignant’. Visit www.ngarainstitute.org.au to get involved.

Q Q Q Q

Ready for COVID-19 phone surveillance? While Apple and Google are developing an app to alert users to their proximity to others with the virus, the PM backflipped after saying such technology could be made mandatory. Such privacy invasion is exactly what the likes of Peter ‘Lord Voldemort’ Dutton want.

So instead of debating how it would work, the answer should just be ‘No, you can’t have that information’. This government’s trust deficit was built up over years of incompetence (Robodebt, the 2016 census debacle…), and what looks a lot like malice.

Q Q Q Q

20 Burringbar St, Mullum EmpireMullum empiremullum.com.au

While the Australian Federal Police (AFP) raid on News Corporation journalist Annika

A north-bound garbage truck overturned at the highway on-ramp at Gulgan Rd, near Brunswick Heads, on Thursday morning. It resulted in minor injuries to the driver. There were several other vehicle accidents over the weekend, with a head on collision on Saturday morning near Uncle Tom’s. Later that afternoon, a small truck crashed in Upper Main Arm, killing the driver (see page 6). Photo Jeff Dawson Smethurst was found to be unlawful by the High Court, the judgment highlights ‘the on-going vulnerability of public interest journalism’, says advocacy organisation, the Law Council. At this point, the AFP are yet to hand back Smethurst’s files and the law still gives them an avenue for prosecution. The Law Council says, ‘Australia’s media is critical to holding government and its agencies accountable for their actions and scrutinising the exercise of power. Transparency and accountability lead to better decision-making and

a stronger democracy that protects rights and freedoms and upholds the rule of law’.

Q Q Q Q

Who said it? ‘If it wasn’t for the people adjoining this DA, we wouldn’t have to be drawn through this.’ That was Greens mayor Simon Richardson at last week’s Council meeting (see page 8). Fellow Greens member Duncan Dey is a neighbour who is affected by this highly questionable proposal on a narrow steep and windy road. As expected, Dey was across the DA far more than any councillor.

The mayor’s disdain for pesky

knowledgeable residents was supported by his protégé, Sarah Ndiaye and Labor Cr Paul Spooner. Perhaps it would be much easier for uninformed councillors if all contentious DAs were welcomed by an ignorant public?

Q Q Q Q

Business journo Alan Kohler posted this on Twitter.

We need your help The Echo, like all locally owned businesses, is feeling the impacts of COVID-19. Our pages have diminished dramatically in recent weeks because our valued advertisers have either stopped trading, or are buckling down in preparation for an uncertain future.

This pandemic will pass, and a new normal will emerge. Yet right now, your help is needed to keep this independent voice alive and thriving in the Byron Shire community.

Right now, we need your help. Advertising and/or donations are both critical to our survival.

If you are not a business looking to reach the Echo ’s readership, the best way to contribute is via PressPatron (www.presspatron.com). PressPatron allows supporters to make contributions to their favourite journalism websites in a few simple steps. To support The Echo visit:

www.echo.net.au/support-us

It’s not a conspiracy to suggest that challenging times can, and will, be used by authoritarian governments and tyrants to grab more power – history is littered with such examples.

If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

The media’s role, of course, should be to hold the powerful to account. Unfortunately, corporate media does not provide that service.

On behalf of all our 40-odd local workers, we thank not only our readers, but also our advertisers – it’s you that keep us going.

Independent media, by its nature, is not aligned with big business nor the government which it owns. The close alignment between big business and government is an ever present danger to democracy and a healthy society.

The Echo still delivers over 21,000 copies each week, and Echonetdaily, our daily news website (www.echo.net.au), is experiencing record numbers of visitors.

By being uncompromised, The Echo has reported to its readers fearlessly for over three decades.

In turn, our valued advertisers recognise the importance of such unique content.

32 The Byron Shire Echo żſĶō ǩǩǽ ǩǧǩǧ

100% local, 100% independent The Echo is one hundred per cent locally owned and one hundred per cent independent.

This newspaper was started in 1986 by locals after no media would report on police harassing and intimidating residents in the hills behind Mullumbimby. Main Arm road was closed, helicopters and riot squads were brought in for the annual marijuana raids. Since those times, The Echo has thankfully thrived.

And public sentiment – with governments trailing behind – has shifted towards supporting cannabis as an invaluable plant medicine. This is just one aspect to the importance of counterculture and what The Echo stands for. Another is hyperlocal reporting on local governance and maintaining the environmental credentials that have been hard fought over.

The Echo believes that this community recognises and supports these values.

It is thanks to the businesses who support us through advertising that The Echo exists, so we encourage our readers to support them.

North Coast news daily in Echonetdaily www.echo.net.au