Good Life
The
Jingi Walla – welcome to my country Eve Jeffery Local Arakwal woman, Delta Kay, is excited to be sharing her culture and her country as she leads Aboriginal tours exploring Cape Byron and Broken Head. Delta Kay, well known and respected in the Byron Shire, is passionate about sharing Aboriginal culture – her ancestors have lived in the area surrounding Byron Bay for thousands of years and Arakwal customs, knowledge, ceremonies and stories have been passed down to her for safe keeping. Delta says that when she is doing tours, she is practising her culture. ‘Every day I observe country and feel in awe of her. I want people to leave my tours with a deeper understanding of how my family have always cared for the land and are still caring for it. I believe this understanding leads to a stronger feeling of belonging for our locals and a deeper respect from visitors who want to connect with Indigenous people and learn about this incredible place we call Byron.’ Delta says the Aboriginal tours, that are for locals and visitors alike, are a must-do so that cultural protocols are understood and are followed. ‘Byron Shire has many sacred sites that we want protected for future generations – we need people who are not Indigenous to this country to support us and avoid certain areas to protect them. Or, if you’re visiting a sensitive area then to behave appropriately, refrain from splashing it up on Instagram – just enjoy the moment!’ During the tours, guests can expect to hear about Aboriginal existence before colonisation, including how Arakwal Bundjalung people cared for and preserved the land. Delta also explains the devastating impact of settlement and displacement on Aboriginal people. She teaches some Bundjalung language and provides information about bushfood, natural medicine, tools, weapons and artefacts. The Cape Byron tour is a moderate 1.5km, two hour return
walk while learning about significant places and hearing local history and traditional stories. During the tour, guests often see an abundance of wildlife, such as dolphins, wallabies and Fairy Wrens to name a few. From coastal rainforest to crashing waves and rocky cliffs, the views on this tour are truly special. Bring binoculars, especially in winter and spring as there are great opportunities to spot migrating whales. The Broken Head tour is a moderate 1.6 km two hour Arakwal woman, Delta Kay, tour where guests often see wants to share with you the pods of dolphins and whitebeauty and culture of her bellied sea eagles. country. Photo Tree Faerie. There is a maximum group size of ten people and organisers offer a free pick-up and drop-off service for guests within 6km of the Byron Bay CBD. Delta says it’s about respect for country. ‘We walk softly on country. Locals and visitors alike can empower Indigenous communities to speak for country, work on country and live culture – [it’s important for visitors to] follow cultural protocols and ensure that they use genuine Indigenous tours, not nonIndigenous people telling our stories and culture. ‘Our art has been appropriated internationally, our flag has been stolen, our stories, at the very least, must remain with us – not with non-Indigenous tourism operators. ‘I respectfully ask tour operators to ensure they have an Indigenous person from their traditional country doing cultural interpretations. Indigenous tourism must be led by Aboriginal people.’
Variety is the spice of life! If you are looking for a little inspiration for a unique culinary experience then a visit to Picone Exotics– it’s an experience not to be missed! John has over 400 different varieties of fruit tree on his farm – so to say it’s a passion is an understatement. Not only will you be thrilled by the weird and wonderful, he has endless tips on how to grow, eat, or drink these fruits too. For starters, the Torch Ginger flowers not only look stunning in a vase but you can eat them – just finely shred the petals and add them to tom yum soup. The Brazilian cherries are delicious whizzed up with some ice and mixed with soda and gin for a thirst-quenching
cocktail. Just one of those cherries will give you your daily vitamin C dose, says John. The shahtoots, a 5-6cm long mulberry, have a flavour similar to port, and the nopalitos are the soft pads to the prickly pear that, when barbequed, give a citrus tang. And you can’t pass up an awesome dessert of black sapote, known as the chocolate pudding fruit, it’s very tasty just on its own – but if you whizz up the flesh with coconut cream, vanilla bean and cacao, then refrigerate for a few hours and you’ll have nature’s chocolate mousse. With the stonefruit coming through you’ll find many varieties on John’s stall
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Authentic
Indian Restaurant Now taking bookings for Christmas & end of year parties Takeaway and delivery Open Tuesday till Sunday 4.30 – 8.30pm
8 Wilfred St, Billinudgel
02 6680 3352 Instagram @billis.indian
“It ’s not just a Blueberry, it’s a Tallogum Blueberry!”
Chris Wallace and father-in-law John Picone, and some of the vast variety of fruits at the Picone Exotics stall. that you’ve probably never tasted before. So make sure you pay him a visit, and have a chat – as he will no doubt have a list of exciting ways to consume them. John is at the Mullum Farmers Market every Friday from 7–11am.
This family owned blueberry farm is just down the road, supplying local shops and farmers markets, to ensure a sustainable footprint.
Find us on Instagram: @tallogumberries
Dining at loft Casual, relaxed dining perfect for intimate dinners, groups and special occasions. Menu by Head Chef, Craig Mcfarland. Our new ‘set menu’ option is perfect for groups - enjoy our chef’s selection of dishes. View our menu online. Open every day from 4pm - Late
@loftbyronbay
www.echo.net.au/byron-echo Loft-Echo-Ad-XL_260x88mm_V25.indd 1 Byron Shire Echo archives
Set Menus - Loft favorites -
- Loft dining -
7 dishes $39 pp
9 dishes $49 pp
for groups of 4+
wĈƐşćĕſ ǩǨǽ ǩǧǩǧ The Byron Shire 2/9/20 Echo 4:49 p. m.37