UP IN SMOKE SINCE 1986 The Byron Shire Echo • Volume 35 #47 • Wednesday, May 5, 2021 • www.echo.net.au
Echo turns 35 and You are invited!
şćĕſ ƆƐşŕĕſƆ ŔëſĈIJ Īşſ ĎſƖī ōëƱ ſĕĪşſŔ
Last year many of Rupert Murdoch’s regional print newspapers folded. Surviving as a community newspaper is tough, throw in COVID, and a trend towards digital media and you have double trouble. But The Echo remains; a fierce independent voice in a community full of fierce independent people. This year The Echo turns 35, and to celebrate this momentous anniversary they are putting on The Echo Community Awards – and everyone is invited!
For the people Most years it’s a lavish do, but this year because it’s been a tough time for so many we’ve decided to keep it grassroots and accessible to the whole community. You can frock up, or you can turn up in your jeans and Crocs, we don’t judge. Long time Echo writer, comedian, and provocateur Mandy Nolan will host an Awards night that features half hour performances by some of the country’s finest artists: comedian Akmal and musicians Tex Perkins & Jez Mead. Although they have known each other for about 25 years it was not until recently, and more specifically, the COVID-19 pandemic that Tex and Jez formed their current musical working partnership. Tex Perkins (The Beasts of Bourbon, The Cruel Sea, The Dark Horses, The Man in Black, T’n’T, to name a few) has built his reputation on a restless sense of adventure, an ability to evolve and adapt, a dark sense of humour and a knack for teaming up with uniquely talented players who help get the best out of him (just like The Echo). These are community awards and we’d love to know who you ▶ Continued on page 3
A moat-like ring of ‘crocodiles’ (police drug testing units) around the two-street town of Nimbin wasn’t enough to deter thousands from this year’s famous MardiGrass festival and anti-prohibition march. At least 2,500 people attended the festival on Saturday, but Nimbin HEMP Embassy President, Michael Balderstone, said many more came to march on Sunday, driven – sometimes literally – to protest for drug law reform thanks to a continued campaign of police roadside drug testing in NSW. Read more online at: www.echo.net.au. Photo Jeff ‘Ganja Faerie’ Dawson
dşĈëō ƆĕƐƆ ƱşſōĎ ŊĶƐĕƆƖſǕ ŕī ſĕĈşſĎȂ mĕƶƐǽ ƐIJĕ żëŕīōĕĎ 'ſşŕīş Paul Bibby It was a cold, windy night on the rugged NSW south coast and Brian Kiss von Soly was wrapped up in a silver emergency blanket like a human burrito. A kind-hearted camper had given him the blanket to keep warm – perhaps recognising that the Ocean Shores resident was a long way from home. ‘Things were getting pretty chilly
Board defends New palliative management of Mullum care service Rural Co-op ▶ p4 ▶ p9
62/$5 )5(('20
by the end,’ the local adventurer and beer brewer says. ‘Some of the spots were pretty rugged and remote.’ It was one of many small and not-so-small acts of kindness that helped Kiss von Soly achieve a remarkable feat: setting a new world record for the longest ever kitesurfing journey. In an epic three-month adventure, the 35-year-old kite-surfed from New Brighton to Melbourne.
Dying art of conversation ▶ p20
HINTS FOR LIVING A SUSTAINABLE LIFE!
Lift Out page 23.
ddŚĞ ĞƐƚ dĞĐŚŶŽůŽŐLJ ŝŶ ^ŽůĂƌ WŽǁĞƌ͕ KĨĨ 'ƌŝĚ͕ ZĞƐŝĚĞŶƚŝĂů Θ ƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ϲ Ŭt ůĂĚĞ ĂŶĚ ^ƵŶŐƌŽǁ ^ƉĞĐŝĂůĂů ϲ Ŭt Ͳ ϭϲ dž ^ĞƌĂƉŚŝŵ ůĂĚĞ ϯϳϬt ^Ɖůŝƚ Ğůů WĂŶĞůƐ ,ŝŐŚĞƌ zŝĞůĚ ƵĞ ƚŽ ĞƚƚĞƌ ^ŚĂĚŝŶŐ ZĞƐƉŽŶƐĞ DŽƌĞ WŽǁĞƌ ŝŶ ůĞƐƐ ƐƉĂĐĞ
&ƌĞĞ WŽǁĞƌ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ŐŽŽĚ ƚŚŝŶŐƐ ŝŶ >ŝĨĞ
‘I wanted to see my parents and I thought I’d have a go at going down the coast... It feels pretty good now that I look back at it. It was a pretty epic adventure. Your body adapts – camping, sleeping in the bush, kitesurfing for hours each day…’ One of the most memorable aspects of the adventure, Kiss von Soly says, was the people he met along the way. ‘There were a few places where ▶ Continued on page 2
ŵĂnjŝŶŐ ^ŽůĂƌ ^ĂůĞ͊
ϯϳϬt͊
zŽƵ ĐĂŶ ŐĞƚ Ăůů ƚŚĞ ĨƌĞĞ ĞŶĞƌŐLJ LJŽƵ ŶĞĞĚ ĨŽƌ ůŝĨĞ͛Ɛ ĞƐƐĞŶƚŝĂůƐ Ͳ WŽŽů ĂŶĚ WŽŽů ,ĞĂƚŝŶŐ͕ ŝƌ ŽŶĚŝƚŝŽŶŝŶŐ͕ ůĞĐƚƌŝĐ sĞŚŝĐůĞƐ͕ ,Žƚ tĂƚĞƌ ĂŶĚ ŵŽƌĞ͘͘͘ dĂŬĞ ĂĚǀĂŶƚĂŐĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĂůůͲƚŝŵĞ ůŽǁĞƐƚ ĐŽƐƚ ĨŽƌ ƐŽůĂƌ ŶŽǁ͊ DŽƌĞ ^ŽůĂƌ Ͳ DŽƌĞ 'ŽŽĚ͊
The incredible solo mission covered more than 2,000kms, smashing the previous record of 862kms and setting a new mark that could well remain in the books for decades to come. Kiss von Soly arrived back in the Shire last week and is now awaiting official confirmation of his world record attempt from Guinness. ‘I just wanted a bit of adventure…’ Kiss von Soly says in his typically understated style.
dĞƐƚ ƌŝǀĞ Ă EŝƐƐĂŶ >ĞĂĨ s͊ tĞ ŚĂǀĞ Ϯϰ͕ ϯϬ Θ ϰϬ ŬtŚ ĐĂƌƐ Ăƚ ŚĂůĨ ƚŚĞ ŶĞǁ ƉƌŝĐĞ͘
^ƵŶŐƌŽǁ 'ĞŶ ϯ ƌLJƐƚĂůƚĂů ϱ Ŭt WƌĞŵŝƵŵ /ŶǀĞƌƚĞƌ ƚĞƌ
н
ϴϴϴ
Ăůů sŝŶĐĞŶƚ ^ĞůůĞĐŬ WŚ ϬϮ ϲϲϴϴ ϰϰϴϬ ĨŽƌ Ă &ƌĞĞ ǁǁǁ͘ϴϴϴƐŽůĂƌƚĞŬ͘ĐŽŵ͘ĂƵ ŽŶƐƵůƚĂƚŝŽŶ
KŶůLJ Ψϯ͕ϴϴϴΎ ϴΎ
KŶůLJ Ψϱ͕ϴϴϴΎ ϴΎ 3ULFH IRU VLQJOH VWRU\ WLQ URRI DQG GRHV QRW QRW LQFOXGH H[SRUW FRQWURO RU VLWH FRVWV /LPLWHG WHG RIIHU WLO VW 0D\ 6XEMHFW WR VLWH LQVSHFWLRQ HFWLRQ
/LF 1R &
Local News
North Coast news online
Linnaeus Estate DA raises residents concerns Aslan Shand
SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE Have you heard about our New Patient Offer? NO GAP if you are in a Health Fund with dental cover.
• In depth 45 minute consultation • Inclusive of x-rays • Personalised treatment plan • Periodontal Health check • Oral cancer screening
Otherwise $50 (value of $160).
This is a carbon positive practice.
59/1 Porter Street, Byron Bay, NSW 2481 02 6694 3083 | www.omearadental.com.au
OPEN
EVERY DAY AKUBRA HATS CROCS & OOFOS ‘OLD GUYS RULE’ TEES BAMBOO SOCKS & UNDIES RM WILLIAMS CLOTHING, BOOTS & BELTS LARGE RANGE OF MEN’S HEMP COTTON & BAMBOO CLOTHING
wallace | clothing | shoes 109 River Street Ballina
|
6686 2081
2 The Byron Shire Echo lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ
|
wallaces.com.au
Community concern over the current development application (DA: 10.2021.170.1) for Linnaeus Estate in Broken Head has led to detailed analysis of the DA. A key point of contention is the impact of the proposed development on the Nationally Critically Endangered Ecological Community (EEC), Littoral Rainforest at the site. According to the Broken
Head Protection Committee (BHPC), the DA seeks to clear an area of Littoral Rainforest as identified in the Biodiversity Assessment. They point out that the 2019 Federal Government Recovery Plan under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) for the EEC has not been referenced in the application. As a result the BHPC are calling for ‘the proposal to be
referred to the Federal Government owing to the likely impact on the EEC due to the proposed change of use for the site and the associated intensification of impacts.’ However, the clearing of littoral rainforest has been disputed by one of the Linnaeus Estate owners, and representative Brandon Saul told The Echo, ‘The Biodiversity Assessment you refer to clearly indicates the project has been carefully
planned so as to avoid all mapped rainforest on the site. Put simply, no SEPP (State Environment Planning Policy) mapped rainforest will be cleared. Mr Saul acknowledges that there will be an area of 0.44ha cleared, but stated that ‘The calculated compensation planting for this impact is 1,670 trees, but we will be planting a lot more.’ Comment at: www.byron. nsw.gov.au before May 19.
Got time to help the rainforest, and for a Spangled Drongo? ▶ Continued from page 1 it was pretty remote, particularly toward the end, but someone would just walk up to me when I was on the shore and they’d offer me a bed and a place to stay.’ ‘One guy I met actually took time off work and said, “I’ll be your support vehicle till you get to the next point” – that was pretty amazing.’ As well as receiving the kindness of strangers, Kiss von Soly received a dose of good fortune from the weather. After a painfully slow start to the journey that saw him crawl down the NSW coast, he got an incredible run of easterly winds for
Brian Kiss von Soly is back in Ocean Shores excitedly taking on his next challenge. Photo Jeff ‘Always Spangled’ Dawson the final leg. ‘It was the tail end of a storm in Sydney and there were just these freakish easterlies – like one in 20-year winds,’ he says. ‘It took me two months to get to Eden, and then five
days from there to get to Melbourne.’ With the journey now complete, Kiss von Soly is planning for his next big life mission – The Spangled Drongo. No, it’s not a bird watching adventure. Or a
comedy series. It’s a new, environmentally focused brewery that he plans to set up in the Northern Rivers. ‘The idea is that a certain amount from every can or bottle sold goes to helping save the rainforest,’ he says. ‘It was something that was ticking away in my mind during the adventure – just the idea of doing something for the planet, rather than helping rich people get richer. ‘The spangled drongo is the only drongo bird in Australia. They take on prey twice their size and other birds actually nest around them for protection.’
www.echo.net.au
Local News The number of houses without smoke detectors is alarming Eve Jeffery Fire & Rescue NSW is always busy and the nation-wide fires in recent years have highlighted the importance and value of our firefighters. The Byron Bay Fire Station has seen a very busy start to the careers of their new recruits. Within days of returning from her initial training, Briony Fisher, attended two house fires in Byron Bay. Deputy Captain Matt Crisp said that firefighters were able to extinguish the fires relatively quickly but were shocked that neither home had a working smoke alarm. ‘It was just pure luck that one resident woke up in time to escape,’ he said. ‘She escaped with minor smoke inhalation and shock.’ Deputy Captain Crisp says that smoke inhalation is the big killer in house fires. ‘When you are asleep you will not smell the smoke, and a fire can become unsurvivable in just three minutes. Working smoke alarms
New recruits Briony Fisher and Deputy Captain Matt Crisp say they cannot stress enough the importance of smoke alarms. Photo Tree Faerie and an escape plan greatly increase your chances of getting out safely.’
Smoke alarms essential Deputy Captain Crisp says that it is alarming the number of homes that disconnect their smoke detectors because they are sometimes activated by cooking fumes. ‘This action deprives the residents of their best chance of escape in the event of a house fire. Advancements in
smoke detector technology and correct placement can eliminate most “false” alarms.’ It is the law to have a working smoke alarm installed in each hallway associated with bedrooms and at least one on every level of your home. This includes owner occupied homes, rental properties, short term rentals (Airbnb), relocatable homes, caravans and campervans or any room where people sleep. Deputy Captain Crisp says that 60 per cent of all house fires occur in winter, so now
is a great time to check your smoke alarms and practise your escape plan. Fire & Rescue New South Wales has a free Safety Visit Program to assist people with Home Fire Safety. Visit www. fire.nsw.gov.au or call FRNSW zone office 6686 2959.
Independent for new mayor? Independent Byron Shire Councillor Basil Cameron has announced his candidature for Mayor following Greens Councillor Simon Richardson resignation from the position last month. Former mayor Richardson performed his last mayoral duties on Friday, April 30, alongside Nationals Member of the Legislative Council, Ben Franklin. Mr Cameron has issued a media release describing himself as having a strong and successful record of working with the community. He has referenced the Shire’s housing crisis and ‘major challenges’ around transport and infrastructure. ‘We must work effectively together,’ Mr Cameron says, ‘as mayor, I will ensure this’. ‘Residents and businesses are telling me they want an experienced independent mayor that will put the community first,’ he continues.
Byron Shire Cr Basil Cameron running for Mayor. ‘As a councillor, I have been hands on in building resilience through community empowerment and believe this is central to achieving a sustainable future’. Mr Cameron says he’s been able to drive change within Council that has led to improved finances and infrastructure. He has previously spent five years on Council as deputy mayor and chair of Council’s finance, transport and infrastructure committees. Byron Shire councillors
are due to vote for a replacement mayor on May 13, with the winner only guaranteed tenure until local government elections in September. The only other candidate to have announced their nomination for the position so far is former Greens, turned Independent, Councillor Michael Lyon. Mr Cameron says he’ll be asking councillors to put the interests of the community first and ensure stable independent leadership.
Adrian Howe Licensed Real Estate Agent Known For: •Professional Service •Database reach of National and International buyers •Negotiating record sales in prestige and lifestyle properties •Expansive knowledge of the Northern Rivers Market
0477 222 457
• Biocompatible, metal-free dentistry including crowns, bridges, zirconium implants, dentures • Superb aesthetic reconstructions, e.g. six porcelain veneers • SMART certified (safe mercury amalgam removal technique) • Biological gum treatments aided by phase contrast microscope • Same day emergencies • Dr Nigel Cluer has reopened his books
$190 New Patient Offer with Dr Darren Siu Valued at $316. Includes comprehensive examination, scale and polish, and 2 x-rays (if required).
A QUEST TO RECLAIM
PEACE, HOPE AND PERSONAL SOVEREIGNTY
6687 2150 2/42 Byron Street, Bangalow bangalowholisticdentist.com.au
MARGARET STEVENSON
Celebrating 35 Echo years ▶ Continued from page 1 would like us to recognise? Categories are: Echo Frontline Heart, Echo Saving the Planet Heart, Echo Young Heart, Echo Sporty Heart and Echo Community Heart. To nominate a person in the community – tell us a little about why and who – email gigs@echo.net.au. www.echo.net.au
Tickets for this fabulous event are on sale now. They’re just $25 and include a glass of champers on arrival at 6pm. The entertainment kicks off by 7.30pm. If you want dinner, the restaurant will be open. Tickets: www.echo. net.au/35th-communityawards.
Available from all major bookselling platforms but please support your local bookstore Further details — www.margaretstevenson.com.au lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ The Byron Shire Echo 3
Local News
FURNITURE DONATIONS PLEASE
also homewares and electrical, manchester, and clothing.
GLOBAL RIPPLE OP SHOP 17 Grevillia Street, Byron Arts and Industrial. Phone 0457 192 225 Be sure to leave a message for us to call you back, and leave photos of large donations – we can also collect from you. Thank you.
North Coast news online
Board defends management of Mullum Rural Co-op Aslan Shand The issue of potential fraud and financial mismanagement was a key part of the response from Mullumbimby Rural Co-op board, and Chair Ross Tucker, when they responded to shareholder concerns over the current management of the Co-op. Over 60 shareholders attended a meeting, called by shareholders, last Wednesday April 28. Tensions, at times, ran high as the board attempted to address a range of concerns. These included:
the recent failure of the new management to send out the April monthly invoices, questions regarding the boards management of staff, particularly manager Tony Neclerio, and why a community-based Co-op now required staff to sign none-disclosure agreements (NDA). The board defended its management of staff by raising issues around discrepancies in relation to stocktake of over $100,000, failure of the computer system to reconcile with the bank accounts, serious issues raised by multiple qualified auditors’ reports, and blank cheques found in the office. It was pointed out by some attendees that the computer system had had issues from the time it was installed. The board recognised this by acknowledging that they are currently in the process of making changes to resolve this. Other attendees, who asked not to be named, have pointed out that the police have not been called in,
and that it used to be fairly standard practice to keep a few blank cheques to hand to pay suppliers, particularly before computerisation of banking as we see it today. Several shareholders questioned the validity of the need for NDAs at a community based Co-op which is primarily used by the shareholders. The board’s Chair, Ross Tucker, responded by saying NDAs had been put in place ‘because staff aren’t there to disclose Co-op business’. The meeting drew mixed responses from shareholders and former employees. ‘There were many mistruths put forward,’ former employee of 15 years Madeline Holemes told The Echo. The issues raised in the qualified opinion section of the 2019/20 independent auditor’s report, contained in the Co-op’s financial report, outlined that the computer systems and annual stocktake did not leave a ‘suitable audit trail. Controls within this environment
were considered inadequate, during the financial years. There are risks that stock could be misappropriated or transactions deleted without detection.’
Resolution ‘I did some mediation for them and they have come to an arrangement with Tony and I believe it will work itself out in time,’ said former Chair, Maurie Mahr, who was a member of the board for 23 years and Chair for ten. ‘The Co-op is in a very sound financial position. I was pleased to help them out. Everyone will walk away happy I think.’ Wayne Gardiner, who was one of the shareholders who called the meeting, told The Echo, ‘I was so relieved to hear from the board members how well the Co-op was going as I was led to believe it was in crisis. In saying that, there needs to be more transparency so members can monitor its, hopefully continued, success.
Changes afoot in Byron for markets and cars Paul Bibby
The Glitz & Glamour of The Echo’s quinquennial event returns to once again honour wonderful contributions to our unique and vibrant community Book your tickets quick – this will sell out! Tickets $25 – echo.net.au/35th-community-awards
4 The Byron Shire Echo lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ
Byron Council has taken a further step toward getting cars out of, and pedestrians into, the centre of Byron, by voting to introduce car-free Sundays. Designed to replicate the success of the town’s New Year’s Eve celebration – Soul Street – the move will see part of Jonson Street and some other adjoining streets closed to cars for one Sunday a month. ‘The time is definitely now,’ independent Councillor Cate Coorey said in moving the motion at the last full Council meeting. ‘We have, as a Council, delivered the means by
which a car-free town centre is possible: a road that bypasses the town centre, and new and improved cycleways. ‘We have been working towards getting cars out, and people in, for years and it is a main tenet of the Byron Town Centre Masterplan. ‘I feel that a car-free Sunday is a good way to get people acculturated to a town centre that is walkable. A Sunday does not interfere with people’s commute, and will have less of an impact on people’s daily lives.’ The meeting heard that the Council already had plans to permanently relocate the Byron Community Market into the centre of
town, including the partial closure of Jonson Street. ‘Ongoing investigations on Butler Street Reserve have delayed the market’s return to the Reserve, but the now operational bypass and upgrades to Railway Park, the rail corridor and the surrounding car parks, have presented an opportunity for the permanent relocation of the market into the centre of town,’ Council’s Place Manager, Claire McGarry said. However, Ms McGarry highlighted a number of potential issues with the car-free plan. These included the impact on local businesses, reduced parking and loss of the associated paid
www.echo.net.au
Local News Create the opportunity for everyone to follow their dreams
YOU DON’T PAY ME… THE LENDER DOES
Local dance group Sprung!! is an integrated dance theatre that has built a community program that creates space for people of all abilities and disabilities to express their creativity and love for the performing arts. They are seeking community support to raise money to support their creative and community programs. They have launched a fundraising campaign through Creative Partnerships Australia who are providing a matched funding opportunity to double the impact of all donations. For every $1 donated (up to $25,000) before May 28h, Creative Partnerships Australia will match it, dollar for dollar.
Janice Ryan Mortgage Broker Diploma of Financial Services
30 years’ lending experience E: janice@wpff.com.au
M: 0400 364 723 w: www.wpff.com.au
Life changing
A performance by Sprung!! that took place in Bangalow. Photo Jeff Dawson
‘This is giving us a seriously life changing opportunity to raise $50,000 to help us expand our community program so more people with disabilities will have the opportunity to express their creativity and their love
for the performing arts,’ say Sprung!! representatives. ‘If you value everyone’s desires and dreams, please join Sprung!! in its journey to make all things, for everyone, possible. Your donation – no matter
how big or small – is valued, appreciated, and most importantly doubled!’ To donate visit www.sprung.org.au/ double-your-impact. As a registered charity, donations over $2 are taxdeductible in Australia.
Byron’s car-free Sundays
Walk to school – be healthy, be safe
parking revenue, and the cost of traffic management such as providing waterfilled barriers, traffic controllers and signage. ‘Significant community consultation, planning and budget allocation will be required,’ she said. ‘Staff having commenced the investigation and
Next week, children across the country will be encouraged to participate in the 22nd anniversary of National Walk Safely to School Day on May 14. The annual event raises awareness of the health, road safety, transport and environmental benefits that regular walking can provide
Development Application [in relation to the market relocation] recommend that Council give this process priority, and not commence any conflicting projects.’ Councillors voted unanimously to proceed with the car-free Sundays plan. Q Read longer version online: www.echo.net.au.
TODAY’S WORLD IS CHALLENGING. We have more Clinical Psychologists ready to meet community needs.
for the long-term wellbeing of our children. Apart from the physical benefits, regular walking also has a favourable impact on their cognitive and academic performance. National Walk Safely to School Day also encourages parents and carers to walk, to reduce dangerous traffic congestion.
T H U R S 6 M AY
SARA GOLDIE
BEAU ROBERTSON
CASIE WALKER
SOPHIE LORD
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
|
5 -7 P M
SAE is all about getting you industry ready, sooner Whether you’re all about Audio & Music, Animation, Design, Film or Games Development, at SAE you’ll gain experience working on projects alongside the industry’s best from day one. Check out the cutting edge facilities, the courses available and most importantly - meet your people. Come and see for yourself at Info Night. Next classes start in May!
Byron Bay Campus - Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay Register Now. sae.edu.au 1800 723 338
www.echo.net.au
lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ The Byron Shire Echo 5
6 The Byron Shire Echo lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ
www.echo.net.au
Delivery Terms & Conditions Apply.
www.echo.net.au
lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ The Byron Shire Echo 7
Local News
North Coast news online
Rous Chair talks underground An operetta and children’s theatre for NORPA water and looks to the future News from across the North Coast online
www.echo.net.au Nannas putting the heat under Kevin Hogan Where would we be without our warrior women, Knitting Nannas Against Gas Lismore? The Knitting Nannas Against Gas Lismore were in action outside Kevin Hogan MP’s Lismore Office in Molesworth last Thursday.
19-yr-old charged after alleged Mercedes joy ride in Tweed Shire A 19-year-old Tweed Heads South man faces a string of charges related to car thefts in the Northern Rivers.
Lismore schools planting trees to save river banks Six schools in the Lismore area six will plant about 6,000 trees, creating links with the Wilsons River corridor in Lismore and Tucki Creek in Goonellabah.
Ballina Shire for the next 4 years: time to have your say Now is the time to have your say on projects planned for the Ballina Shire and how essential services will be delivered.
Oh how Margaret Olley loved to paint Born in Lismore, Margaret Olley’s work is known and loved all over the world, and though the artist died in 2011, she left a legacy of stunning artwork which will be the focus of a new exhibition in Murwillumbah.
Rous County Council Chair, Keith Williams. Photo David Lowe David Lowe Since the Dunoon Dam was shelved, Rous County Council has put a new draft of the Future Water Project 2060 (https://rous.nsw.gov.au/ future-water-for-our-region) on public exhibition. They are currently seeking feedback from people living in the four constituent councils of Richmond Valley, Byron, Ballina and Lismore. In part one of a two part series, The Echo sat down
with Rous Chair Keith Williams to dig into the detail, and address some of the controversy around the future of water in the Northern Rivers.
Head online Readers can discover the answers to questions around consultation, the Alstonville aquifer, recycled water use, and the place of politics. You can read all about it in The Echo online at: www.echo.net.au.
Northern Star dimming Mia Armitage As democracy advocates and journalists around the world did their best to acknowledge World Press Freedom Day on May 3, in regional Australia, The Northern Star was dimming. One of the country’s oldest newspapers, The Northern Star was in print for 144 years, until last year; now it doesn’t even have its own website. Instead, as of the first weekend in May, subscribers, and anyone else looking for The Northern Star or Tweed Daily News, were redirected to The Daily Telegraph (TDT). The old regional masthead logos appeared as tiny stamps on pages titled ‘Lismore News’ and ‘Tweed News’. Four years after buying up most Northern Rivers’ newspapers and practically all those published in regional
House? What house? Stolen car crashes into Terranora house
Queensland, NewsCorp stopped printing The Northern Star and most of its sister papers in the region last year. A former editor within the news group said, ‘this is rock bottom for the local papers in the Murdoch stable, from Lismore to the Tweed’. The former editor wished to remain anonymous and continued: ‘I thought the Star running Andrew Bolt’s column was the low point, but now subscribers have to submit themselves to the entire right-wing propaganda rag that is The Daily Telegraph’. The change comes less than six months after a report by journalist Wendy Bacon showed TDT was one of NewsCorp’s worst four outlets in terms of climate change denialism and scepticism. Q Read more online: www.echo.net.au
Joel Cooper, Melia Naughton, Anouska Gammon, and Valley Lipcer with the letterbox cowboy, Remy, celebrate their upcoming artists-in-residence projects. Photo Jeff Dawson NOPRA has announced recipients of the theatre company’s two artist residencies. Melia Naughton, with collaborators Joel Cooper and Anouska Gammon, will develop an operetta to be set in a small-town post office. Valley Lipcer of Roundabout Theatre will work with local artists, teachers and children to develop an outdoor, interactive theatre work for children 5–9 years exploring themes of bravery, transformation, journey and connection to nature.
Artistic Director and CEO of NORPA, Julian Louis, said Melia and Valley are both creative powerhouses in the region. ‘We’re thrilled to be able to provide them, and their creative teams, with the support to research and develop these exciting new works. Both projects share NORPA’s passion for new, bold and ambitious works that play with form and challenge the conventions of theatre. Valley says the residency provides an opportunity to
Lennox Community Garden celebrates Eve Jeffery It was on Sunday, April 14, 2019 that the Lennox Community Garden began growing life for the residents and visitors. The team recently had an early morning working bee and visit from Tamara Smith MP and they reflected on the two years that have passed. Garden committee president Jimi Gatland said the garden now boasts a wide selection of fruit trees, including native ‘bush tucker’ species and several critically endangered species. ‘For the year ahead, we are now turning our focus to the construction of raised garden beds to enable the growing of annual crops.’ Last year Tamara
Tamara Smith MP visited the gardens for a mini working bee, with helpers Jimi, Lina, Torsten and Helene. Photo Tree Faerie supported the garden through the Community Building Partnership Grants to see the garden shed get some solar panels. ‘In two years the gardens have grown so much! You would not know that we are a few short steps away from a town – such is the magic of
ELEC T R IC A L Residential and Commercial Electricians.
Police say a house in Terranora is significantly damaged thanks to a mystery thief in a stolen car crashing into it over the weekend.
Renovations • New Builds Service Calls • Maintenance
www.echo.net.au
www.parallelpower.com.au
8 The Byron Shire Echo lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ
develop a show in a totally new and exciting way. ‘I can take some creative risks, experiment with form, format and sites, to collaborate with diverse artists and to play-test ideas with young people.’ Melia says she and her collaborators want to create something immersive and engaging. ‘This opportunity provided by NORPA is thrilling as it offers us the space to do this. As makers and creators it is wonderfully affirming to have their support.’
Protect your family and your time! Electrical Safety check with every service call, no matter the job size, large or small! Reliable service. Call or SMS Robert on 0438 535 149 to Keep you Current!
urban community garden spaces.’ Fundraising has begun for the construction of the 15 raised garden beds, which will form the shape of a leaf. They are seeking 15 local individuals or businesses to sponsor the construction. Jimi told The Echo that the garden is open to anyone. There is no need to be a member or a volunteer to enjoy the produce, though it does help support the future of the project if people pay the nominal annual membership fee. For more info contact Jimi on 0410 174 050 or at lennoxcommunitygardens@gmail.com. Q Read more: www.echo.net.au.
www.echo.net.au
Local News Government fails to support dying with dignity in Northern Rivers
Changing spaces and places
Eve Jeffery
Are you interested in contributing to how the spaces and places of the Shire evolve and change? If you live in Bangalow, or work in the Byron Arts and Industry Estate, you have the opportunity to join Byron Shire Council’s Place Planning Collective. The Place Planning
Approaching the subject of dying is always tricky, often awkward, and never easy. But when you are faced with caring for someone at the end of their life, it helps if you can find support from people who have already navigated the path. For many years Silver Chain has provided wonderful local palliative nursing care for people choosing to die at home in the Northern Rivers. Unfortunately, Silver Chain has not had their NSW Health contract renewed, nor has any another third party, and palliative care services will cease in the Northern Rivers from June 30. Two of the nurses from Silver Chain, Lulu Shapiro and Megan Paul, are in the process of setting up Lotus Palliative Care, a nongovernment funded business that will continue providing palliative nursing care at home in the area. Lulu and Megan both feel that choosing palliative care at home is the precise moment when compassion, warmth, and kindness have never mattered more. ‘It’s a privilege and
Directors of Lotus Palliative Care, Lulu Shapiro and Megan Paul, with some of the nurses who will care for people during their last days. Photo Tree Faerie honour caring for people in their homes during their last days of life,’ says Lulu. ‘Fulfilling someone’s wish to die at home is the most meaningful gift I could give someone.’ Megan says that she understands she cannot change the fact a person is receiving palliative care, but she can make a positive difference to the quality of life they have remaining. ‘I fully respect an individual’s choice to die at home in a familiar environment. This is where memories and meanings have accumulated throughout their life and connections are most meaningful. I feel extremely privileged to assist and care for people in their own home
at this important time in their life.’ Lulu and Megan say that all of the palliative care nurses working with them are highly skilled and experienced in the facilitation of services and the provision of specialist care during the last days of life. Their ability to manage events as they progress provides a professional and stable service for clients and significant others. Evidence shows that 86 per cent of Australians would prefer to die at home but only 17 per cent achieve this goal. Lulu, Megan and their groups of nurses are committed to supporting people in making an informed decision about their care
and providing them with the opportunity to stay in their home, if that is their wish. ‘Working in palliative care is not a job, it is a vocational choice,’ says Lulu. ‘The palliative care specialists, be it the doctors, nurses or AINs that I have had the privilege to work with, are compassionate people who all share the belief that people should have a dignified and peaceful death.’ Lotus Palliative Care is available to everyone, whether you are deciding not to enter a clinical setting or choosing to transfer home. The service can be engaged at any stage of the journey and does not require a referral from a health professional. Megan says caring for people at the end of their lives has enabled her to recognise what is important. ‘I embrace each day of my own life.’ To help raise funds, Lotus Palliative Care are having an event at the Billinudgel Hotel on Saturday May 29 from 3pm with live music and a giant silent auction. Details can be found on the Lotus Palliative Care Facebook page.
Collective is a group that guides the implementation of actions in Bangalow, Mullumbimby and the Byron Arts and Industry Estate. An Expression of Interest (EOI) application and more information is on Council’s website; www.byron.nsw.gov.au. EOIs close on Friday 14 May.
We hope you’re all having a ball out there!
Byron Bay 6685 6899 myvetbyronbay.com.au
Zena Theta Healing Basic DNA 3-day course from 14–16 May Advance DNA course from 21–23 May in Suffolk Park Over 25 years experience For more details and to book Contact Zena: 0409 302 548 zenamagic@gmail.com Facebook: Zenathetahealing Instagram: zena.Gourevitch
CASINO NORTHERN RIVERS NSW | MAY 20-22 2021
AUSTRALIA’S SUSTAINABLE FARMING EXPO
Where Farmers & Foodies Meet Ņĵå ±ĬŅĹč ±ĹÚ åƻŞåųĜåĹÏå ƋĘĜŸ ĜÏŅĹĜÏ ĀåĬÚ Ú±Ƽ ŸĘŅƵϱŸĜĹč ŞųĜĵ±ųƼ ĜĹÚƚŸƋųĜåŸ ±ĹÚ ÏŅĹĹåÏƋĜĹč ü±ųĵåųŸ ±ĹÚ ŞųŅÚƚÏåųŸ ƵĜƋĘ ÏĘåüŸ ±ĹÚ üŅŅÚ ĬŅƴåųŸ üųŅĵ ƋĘå ƵååÚ ƋŅ Ĭ±ųåĹÏå ųåčĜŅĹŸţ
primex.net.au www.echo.net.au
lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ The Byron Shire Echo 9
Local News
North Coast news online
BIG THANKS To Trent, Michael and the fantastic crew @
ROCKandROLL Mullum For the last seven years of crazy, busy work and fun!
* Also big ups to Lenny @ SOCIETA Mullum RSL
I’m excited to announce my new position @
MULLUM LEAGUES CLUB Looking forward to great functions, dining, sports, parties and more at this amazing venue... See you there... TIMBO x timboj22@gmail.com
More than just fuel!
BULK OIL * FIREWOOD * BOTTLED GAS
Renew Fest goes deeper and broader Renew Fest is returning this weekend at the Mullumbimby Showground, with their most jam-packed program ever, full of conversations, activities and experiences related to a theme of ‘regenerate everything’. The festival will feature over 70 speakers, dozens of artists and musicians, along with dozens of ethical businesses and community organisations. There is a youth program, children’s nature crafts, a labyrinth walk, food stalls, info stalls and Indigenous Elders area.
Tiny homes feature 6am–6.30pm Mon–Fri, 7am–6pm Sat & Sun
44 Dalley St Mullum Ph 6684 2315
Op Shop Cnr Tweed St & Booyun St Brunswick Heads Next to IGA Supermarket Due to overwhelming demand we’d love to receive more summer clothes!
Mon to Fri 10am–4pm Sat 10am–2pm
ALL CLOTHES $2 byrondogrescue.org • Ph 0447 927 600
This year, the festival is also bringing a Tiny Home Village to life, which will complement the Ideas and Immersive Arts program within the Fig Tree Grove. ‘It is shaping up to be such a special year, and we are feeling all the goodness of so many people coming together in the name of regeneration. Our deep desire is to make a space for loving the earth and each other better, now and into the future,’ says festival director Ella Rose Goninan. Festival patrons join in
Damon Gameau, Jean Renouf, David Holmgren, Erin Young, Ivy Young, Su Dennet, Daryl Taylor, Melanie Bloor, Mitra Ardon, Rob Llewellyn and Arakwal representative, Delta Kay. Photo Jeff Dawson with the ‘zero waste’ goals by bringing their own eating utensils, with a wash station provided by Mullum Cares and Global Ripple. Santos Organics is continuing its connection with Renew Fest and Resilient Byron by sponsoring the Resilience Hub in the heart of the Tiny Home Village. ‘We love that Santos is passionate about zero waste, organic products, local economies and resilient communities,
and thrilled that they are once again a key partner of the festival,’ says Ella. Festival organisers said that the Friday opening night may sell out, so booking ahead online is essential. As with previous years, the festival is free for all Indigenous Australians, as well as children 16 years and under. Owing to some generous donors, the festival is offering a selected range of free tickets to single parents, to those
suffering from the housing crisis, frontline and youth activists. There is a simple process on their website to claim these special tickets.
Get tickets early The festival runs on the Mothers Day Weekend at Mullumbimby Showground 8–9 May. The opening night Friday 7 May is at Mullumbimby Civic Hall. Full program and tickets at www.renewfest.org.au.
Mullumbimby Scout Group are back Eve Jeffery Scouting is a great way to learn all sorts of new skills, but like many activities, COVID restrictions meant that some scout groups had to close. The great news is that dyb dyb, dob dob may never make a comeback but the 1st Mullumbimby Scout Group will. The Mullumbimby Scout Group are inviting local parents and community members to come to the Mullumbimby Scout Hall to discuss ways of reinvigorating this yuth resource Mullumbimby Scout Group Leader, Stephen Oliver, says that for over 85 years, Mullumbimby Scouts
Mullumbimby Scouts Group Leader Stephen Oliver. Photo Jeff Dawson has supported local youth to develop skills.
Fun way to learn ‘It’s fun, adventurous, and has challenging activities,’ says Stephen. ‘Members of
the Mullumbimby Scouts have been encouraged to develop as individuals and become more responsible adults. They have learned teamwork and leadership qualities.’ Stephen says they also learn about contemporary issues such as health, ‘responsible risk taking’, and issues pertinent to Indigenous Australians. The Mullumbimby Scout Group will be holding their information meeting on Friday May 7 at 7pm at the Scout Hall in Mullumbimby (behind the Mullumbimby Post Office) For more information, contact the Group Leader 6680 1237 or email: mullumscouts@gmail.com.
Arrest in relation to thefts in and around Mullum Aslan Shand During the floods in late March a local water truck that got stuck on a culvert in Main Arm was stripped, internally and externally, of approximately $17,000 worth of equipment, leaving the owner, Roman Guerra, devastated. The local community rose
10 The Byron Shire Echo lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ
to the challenge and much of Mr Guerra’s equipment was returned anonymously. However, this appears to have been part of a spate of property theft in the area and police arrested a 29-year-old man at Goonengerry on 14 April. ‘He has been bail refused,’ Matt Kehoe, Detective Chief Inspector of Tweed Byron
Police District told The Echo. ‘Investigations are ongoing in regards to his involvement in property theft matter in the Mullumbimby sector. Anyone with information about recent thefts is asked to contact Mullumbimby Police or Crime Stoppers (www.nsw.crimestoppers. com.au).’ www.echo.net.au
Local News
What’s your opinion on the COVID vax? Even though the Federal government refuses to take responsibility for the slow rollout of COIVID vaccines across the country you can still have your say on its rollout locally. Healthy North Coast, who delivers the North Coast Primary Health Network (PHN) program, has partnered with 89 Degrees East to develop a short survey that allows you to share your thoughts on the COVID-19 vaccines. ‘We want to support our communities to have access
to the best available advice and guidance about COVID19 vaccines,’ said Healthy North Coast CEO, Julie Sturgess. ‘This consultation is an important step in ensuring everyone living in Northern NSW and on the mid-north coast can share their thoughts and help us understand local needs. ‘Access to the right information is crucial.’
$2,000 prize If you participate you can
nominate a registered local community group, sports club or not-for-profit to receive a $2,000 prize. ‘We are excited to support registered local community groups, sports clubs and not-for-profits by making them eligible for the prize attached to the survey,’ Ms Sturgess said. To register, participants can complete the survey and then answer a simple question in 25 words or less: ‘what are you most looking forward to when the world gets
back to closer to normal?’ People also have the option of uploading a one-minute video as an answer. The survey takes less than ten minutes to complete, and all answers are anonymous. It is open until Friday, May 14. The survey can be found at www.covid19vaccinesurvey.questionpro.com. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines should speak to their GP or call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080.
Men’s health. Feeling burdened? As men we tend to hold the pressure, swallow the stress, hide the WMKRW ERH WYJJIV MR WMPIRGI ;I XIPP XLI [SVPH [I EVI ƤRI WOMQ XLI WYVJEGI [MXL SYV QEXIW Ʌ &YX XLI GEXLEVXMG EGXMSR SJ WMQTP] XEPOMRK XS ER MQTEVXMEP QEPI MR E WEJI GSRƤHIRXMEP WTEGI GER [SVO [SRHIVW XS PMKLXIR XLI PSEH ERH I\TPSVI your own truth as a man. Simple action is always the most profound.
GRANT GILES, CLINICAL HYPNOTHERAPIST & STRATEGIC PSYCHOTHERAPIST
INCONVENIENT
MINDS
9 Robin St, South Golden Beach NSW 0407 959 063 inconvenientminds.com.au
H E A R T . G U T . W I L L
Second Hand Saturday is back Missing that good old rummage in another person’s trash that just might be your next treasure? Or perhaps during COVID you’ve come to realise that now is the perfect time for a clean out? Either way, Second Hand Saturday, on 15 May is for you. ‘Although we missed last year, the event will now run for the 12th time since it began in 2005, giving residents the chance to once again be involved in a positive community movement that reduces waste sent to landfill,’ said coordinator Linda Tohver. ‘Many of us have had a lot of extra time at home over this past year to look at what we no longer use, so it’s a great prompt to put those items aside and get ready to turn them into cash.’ The event is taking place throughout the Northern Rivers, from the Richmond and Clarence Valleys through to the border, with Tweed,
Kyogle, Lismore, Byron and Ballina shires all coming on board. The councils have combined with NE Waste to coordinate the events. ‘The popular community event is a coordinated approach across seven north coast councils, with free advertising of registered garage sales,’ say orgainsers.
More to come There will be both a ‘leftovers’ sale the following Saturday, as well as a second, Second Hand Saturday, later in the year.
Get registered All registered garage sales will appear online and on the free Second Hand Saturday App. All you need to do is register online at www. secondhandsaturday.com.au before 8 May. For more information visit the Second Hand Saturday website www.secondhandsaturday.com.au, or call your local council.
CARE E
IT
DA
Y
R
Be part of a supported team delivering exceptional care.
TA
W
You and your colleagues at Crowley Care have Make a difference helping others to live their best life possible. been incredible this last year caring for our amazing residents and clients. Thrive on genuine connections You can join Mel because right now Crowley in a warm, caring environment. Care in Ballina is recruiting care workers. So if you’re a care worker or
STAR
Thank you Mel. H U S TO
would like to become a carer, go to www.crowley.org.au to find out more.
Winner Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) 2019 NSW Regional, Rural, Remote Provider of the Year Winner Ballina Chamber of Commerce 2019 Ballina Coast & Hinterland Business Excellence AwardsHealth, Care & Wellness Industries Winner Master Builders Association of NSW 2019 Excellence in Building Awards, Age Care & Independent Living Buildings, Bennett Constructions
www.echo.net.au
Independent Living Residential Care Home Care Veterans’ Care Meal Service
CRO212_310321_4
Great people, great culture, great future.
lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ The Byron Shire Echo 11
Comment
North Coast news online
The beef about meat Firstly, let me declare an interest: I have been a vegetarian for 49 years, so tasty cow parts are not high on my agenda. My vegetarianism stems from ethical concerns – a retired journalist with ethical concerns? Oh come now – that are now more pressing given cattle farming’s connection to the climate emergency. The move away from meat, particularly beef, has become more prominent in recent years. The latest convert has been Epicurious magazine, part of the Condé Nast publishing empire. The magazine announced last week it will not be publishing recipes or articles featuring beef. Its senior editor declared the change is ‘solely about sustainability, about not giving airtime to one of the world’s worst climate offenders. We think of this decision as not anti-beef but rather pro-planet.’ According to National Public Radio (npr.org, an excellent US info source), Epicurious’s concerns include ‘the considerable quantity of corn and soybeans… grown using pesticides and fertiliser to feed cattle; the amount of climate-polluting methane that cows release into the atmosphere; high rates of deforestation to make space for cows and the amount of water that is alternately needed to raise cattle and polluted as a result of runoff from their manure’. Of course there are other reasons not to eat bits off any once-living animals, as Byron’s PETA representative Desmond Bellamy has pointed out many times in The Echo’s letters pages. The move to the quaintly-named ‘meatless meat’ is growing, and it is an interesting psychological stop-gap to pretend to eat something you’ve decided not to eat. The big money is behind the move, too, including dodgy-software giant Bill Gates, the chap the folks in silver-foil hats think tried to inject 5G into our brains through a virus, a clever shortcut through all the laws of physics and chemistry. It’s about more than meat, though, and the larger issue of ‘synthetic biology’ is riddled with positives and negatives. ‘We’ll all be rooned,’ cry the beef producers in accents most forlorn, in the spirit of the great Hanrahan created by bush poet John O’Brien, but I suspect we’ll be ‘rooned’ by climate change first before the eating public changes its habits. My evidence for this is the number of KFC and McDonald’s wrappers thoughtfully disposed of each night on the roadway outside my property. However, if you do wish to cut down on eating cute hairy, furry, feathery and scaly beasts, there are plenty of sources of alternative dishes. SBS’s top 50 vegetarian recipes https://bit.ly/3sXdNZC and Animals Australia’s collection https://recipes.vegkit.com/ spring to mind. – guest editorial by Michael McDonald News tips are welcome: editor@echo.net.au
Miracles Left, Right and Centre? David Lowe Our Prime Minister appears to have slept through all the stuff about the separation of church and state when he was in civics class, but there were murmurings from the rest of Australia this week when it emerged Scott Morrison had used a taxpayer-funded VIP jet to attend a Pentecostal conference on the Gold Coast. Since then he’s confessed to getting up to a bit of ‘laying on of hands’ when he’s out and about hassling victims of natural disasters and attending football matches, apparently on a mission from God, as well as the Institute of Public Affairs. While there have been no shortage of God-botherers in the Lodge (or refusing the option of living in the Lodge because it’s too humble), never before has there been a Prime Minister so forward about his faith, or so hypocritical when it comes to the awkward details; such as the stuff about being nice to the poor and disabled, protecting God’s creation and evicting money changers from the temple. These days you pretty much need to be a banker (or on good terms with one), to get into ScoMo’s particular temple. In other ecclesiastical news from the PM, social media is in thrall to Beelzebub, while his own unlikely election is notched up to the Almighty. Miracles aside, former PM Kevin Rudd used his recent address to the National Press Club to point out that US citizen Rupert Murdoch, (who he described as a ‘cancer’ on Australian democracy, with no sign so far of a lawsuit to the contrary), has ‘viciously campaigned for the LNP’ in the last 19 out of 19 state and federal elections. ‘That’s not a statistical blip,’ he said. ‘That’s what we call a trend, that’s what we call a law.’
Women and climate This week the PM met with former staffer Brittany Higgins for the first time since she became a national
The Byron Shire Echo Volume 35 #47 May 5 Established 1986 • 24,000 copies every week 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. Disclaimer: The Echo is committed to providing a voice for our whole community. The views of advertisers, letter writers, and opinion writers are not necessarily those of the owners or staff of this publication.
www.echo.net.au Phone: 02 6684 1777 Editorial/news: editor@echo.net.au Advertising: adcopy@echo.net.au Office: Village Way, Stuart Street, Mullumbimby NSW 2482 General Manager Simon Haslam Editor (on leave) Hans Lovejoy Deputy Editor Aslan Shand 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
© 2021 Echo Publications Pty Ltd – ABN 86 004 000 239 Reg. by Aust. Post Pub. No. NBF9237
12 The Byron Shire Echo lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ
‘Another miracle this week was the announcement from Joe Biden that trickle-down economics will never work and never has.’ figure for blowing the whistle on rape culture inside Parliament House, leading to the emergence of many similarly awful stories, and a lack of meaningful action from the government. Little appears to have changed since the meeting, apart from vague assurances of reform from Scott Morrison. Queensland MP Andrew Laming has been disendorsed by his state party, but remains a protected species in federal parliament while the Morrison Government survives on a one-seat knife edge. This is despite Laming getting up to things that would have led to the ignominious departure of any similarly behaving backbencher in the past. Although this government appears to be equally immune to shame, reason and climate science, this is going to be increasingly awkward as US President Joe Biden attempts, against all odds and most expectations, to lead his country and the world back from the abyss. Who are we going to trade our carbon-heavy products with if the USA and UK punish us for our lack of climate action? China? Not looking promising, with a trade war threatening to turn into a real one if things get any worse. India? The sub-continent is reeling from an avoidable COVID catastrophe, caused in part by another leader who enjoys muddying the political and the religious. India is now also offended by Australia’s response to this crisis, which has so far consisted of minimal aid and a border firmly shut, even to Australians in India wishing to return.
The death of trickledown Another miracle this week was the announcement from Joe Biden that
trickle-down economics will never work, and never has, which perhaps was part of the inspiration for Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg to suggest he’s planning to prioritise workers over dealing with debt and deficit in the forthcoming budget. But ‘workers’ might still be Liberal idiom for tradies and people in high vis with hard hats. Meanwhile the National Disability Insurance Scheme is under threat from a new government taskforce established to stop so much money going to disabled people. Also, in an announcement that would have made Chairman Mao proud, the LNP have channelled their inner comrades and said that no matter what the free market has to say about the wisdom of using more fossil fuels for energy in the age of renewables, they will build a gas-fired power generator with taxpayer dollars if the industry doesn’t. This comes on the back of more announcements of unneeded coal expansion in NSW, particularly in the long-suffering Hunter Valley, and more federal money for unconventional gas in the Northern Territory, two pieces of news helpfully timed to distract the electorate from the massive Shenhua coal mine proposal being brought to a permanent halt on the Liverpool Plains, and Clive Palmer’s latest coal mine also being blocked by the Queensland State Government; the first time this has ever happened. Finally, news emerged this week that the process for choosing the Australian of the Year was under urgent review, with extra bankers and lawyers to be added to the selection panel (better reflecting the demographic of the current government, if not the country at large) and other changes also flagged, apparently from the Prime Minister’s own department. Of course it’s just a coincidence that the current winner of this award, sexual assault survivor Grace Tame, is using her position to make the men in power squirm at every opportunity. Stay tuned for the next Morrison miracle.
Lauren Archer + Caring for your pets + Keeping your livestock healthy and productive + Mobile service CLINIC: 233 Gulgan Rd Between Mullum and Bruns just down the road from Uncle Toms
info@northcoastvetservices.com.au
www.northcoastvetservices.com.au + 02 6684 0735 www.echo.net.au
Letters No air for Ben Stop giving Franklin air time. Mayor Richardson, in his usual fashion, joins up with his mate Franklin (Nationals) while excluding our elected member Tamara Smith (Greens). So much for being a Green councillor? This is a blatant strategy by Franklin to promote himself for the next election. Tamara Smith deserves better than this. Rhonda Ansiewicz Federal
Authentic Mid-Centur y Specialists
lëƷşſȜƆ żëſƐĶŕī īĶĪƐȞ The Mayor’s parting gift to the Bruns/Bayside Community was ushering through approval for the controversial Corso Boarding House on land zoned B1 for Retail, Business and Community use. The revised plan increased retail space from 2 to 4 shops adding an extra 29m2, or 246m2 of retail space overall, well below the required ratio. The adjoining public reserve has been ‘activated’ to improve integration with ground floor retail use and an EV charging space has been added. That’s all it took to convince Council to approve this project. There is no community space included in the plan, with two thirds of this commercial site consumed by residential use. At the heart of Bayside’s residential estate is not a community hub, but a boarding house. The boarding house includes 38 rooms, most are 24m2 with the shop-top units slightly bigger (34m2).
A new collaboration in Alstonville with Mark Tuckey
Cartoon – Craig Scanlan The rooms have windowless walls with a balcony at one end and the front door at the other. There’s an ensuite bathroom, but no cooking facilities beyond the microwave, toaster and an electric jug. There’s an onsite laundry (two wash/dryers only) but no community kitchen. Inmates will have to rely on the bounty of Brunswick and surrounds for survival (burgers, fish & chips, Chinese, Mexican, Indian and Thai, or the pub). With most kitchens closed by 8pm they’ll have the 24 hour Bruns servo for midnight snacks! They’ll all need cars to get around to work or study or shopping, owing to sporadic, poorly timed public transport – yet only half the car spaces required are provided. The bike and pedestrian tracks lead only to Bruns. There will be noise, smells and overcrowding
issues with so many in so small an area, with excess stuff spilling out into public spaces, providing ample opportunities for conflict and confrontation. Councillors argue that small communities can’t sustain commercial areas – pointing out Suffolk, New Brighton, and South Golden Beach survive with just one shop. Yet they all have community spaces, halls, parklands, sportsfields, or community hubs – and Bayside is now doomed to miss out. There are plenty of sites for a boarding house in the next stage of the Bayside subdivision, but this is the only site earmarked for retail and community use. It’s another missed opportunity, and the community is left astounded, after their plea to include or retain some community space fell on
Letters to the Editor and cartoons Send to Letters Editor Aslan Shand, fax: 6684 1719 email: editor@echo.net.au Deadline: Noon, Friday. Letters longer than 200 words may be cut. Letters already published in other papers will not be considered. Please include your full name, address and phone number for verification purposes.
DR ALEX PHOON IS A FULLY QUALIFIED PLASTIC, RECONSTRUCTIVE AND AESTHETIC SURGEON. Dr Alex Phoon is one of the founding directors of Sydney’s Clinic 423, a boutique specialist cosmetic surgical practice located in East Sydney dedicated to the very best in surgery.
deaf ears again. Another sad legacy – and precedent set – by this disappointing, departing Council. Michele Grant Ocean Shores
HUGE NEW SPACE – TOP END DESIGN Fridays and Saturdays 10.30 – 3.30 25 Owens Cres, Wollongbar Call Dave 0414 806 549
vamptvintagedesign.com
‘Natural’ cruelty While I agree with Desmond Bellamy’s concerns about animal cruelty, the issue of ‘natural’ cruelty if the kangaroo population explodes has to be remembered. Many people, especially overseas-based uneducated people, think that the cuddly kangaroo is threatened – far from it. Before we ‘developed’ the inland country areas, kangaroo population was limited by a lack of reachable watering points, so population was kept under control with mobs moving around following rainfall events and fresh grass. The sophisticated birth control processes that exist, with females able to hold an embryo in suspension until seasons
▶ Continued on next page
7UHDW 0XP IRU D 'D\ 2QH KRXU IDFLDO UHMXYHQDWLRQ YRXFKHU ZLWK DQWL DJHLQJ VNLQFDUH WUDYHO SDFN ZLWK ERRVWHU VHUXP YDOXH IRU MXVW $249 :KLOH VWRFNV ODVW
2U 7UHDW 0XP IRU 6L[ 0RQWKV RECEIVE 20% OFF $ORQJ ZLWK VSHFLDO RI RII +L)X DQG 2[\JHQ 5HMXYHQDWLRQ 3URJUDP RIIHULQJ [ 2[\JHQ )DFLDOV 'HOX[H 6NLQ &DUH 3URGXFWV DQG )XOO )DFH /LIWLQJ +LIX IRU MXVW $2999. 3URJUDP LQFOXGHV SURIHVVLRQDO +L)X FRQVXOWDWLRQ VNLQ DQDO\VLV 1RUPDOO\ Saving $750 /RRN <RXQJHU 1DWXUDOO\ 1R %RWR[ 1R 1HHGOHV 1R 'RZQWLPH It’s simple, my secret is HiFu with Kirsty. ~ Kerry Armstrong 2020 3/32 Mullumbimbi Street, Brunswick Heads BOOK NOW: 0490 721 644 & online: www.ozonebeautyspa.com.au info@ozonebeautyspa.com.au @ozonebeautyandmedispa
86 JONSON ST, BYRON BAY 6685 7662 therailsbyronbay.com
Dr Phoon covers the entire spectrum of procedures, from breast surgery (both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery), abdominoplasty and muscle repair after childbirth, post weight loss surgery, as well as many more.
Benny Whiskey
Dr Phoon and his team are known for giving the very best and most advanced surgical care available today and will be consulting in Byron Bay on a bi-monthly basis.
Harry Nicholes Band
AND THE FAMOUS
RAILS kitchen
thursday 6 May friday 7 May
saturday 8 May
Southwall
Consultations will take place at First Light Healthcare, Level 2, 6 Marvell Street, Byron Bay.
sunday 9 May
If you would like more information about upcoming consultation dates, please contact 02 8069 8973 or email: lana@parkclinicsydney.com
Ooz
monday 10 May
SLIM PICKENS tuesday 11 May
THE BLACK STAR SHOW Scan this to contact me www.echo.net.au
Scan this for a video about me
wednesday 12 May
Guy Kachel
lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ The Byron Shire Echo 13
Letters
North Coast news online
▶ Continued from page 13
Suicide P PƌĞǀĞŶƟ ƌĞǀĞŶƟ ŽŶ TŚŽƵŐŚƚƐ͕ FĞĂƌƐ ĂŶĚ ad MĞŵŽƌŝĞƐ
*PICKUPURPHONE!*
2 RŽůĞƐ
Žf Fear
In Žur
LŝǀĞƐ͘
Many FĞĂƌƐ kĞĞƉ uƐ HĞĂůƚŚLJ and Alive! 'ƌŽǁŝŶŐ ƵƉ ǁĞ stay safe ďLJ ůĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ ŚŽƚ ƚŚŝŶŐƐ ďƵƌŶ͕ ƐŚĂƌƉ ƚŚŝŶŐƐ ĐƵƚ͕ ƐŶĂŬĞƐ͕ ƐŚĂƌŬƐ͕ ůŝŐŚƚĞŶŝŶŐ͕ ŵŽǀŝŶŐ ĐĂƌƐ ĞƚĐ ĐĂŶ ŚƵƌƚ Žƌ Ŭŝůů ƵƐ͙
Ƶƚ ƐŽŵĞ FEARS can cĂƵƐĞ DŝƐƚƌĞƐƐ! /Ŷ ŚŝƐ Ŭ *dŚĞ ,ĂƉƉŝŶĞƐƐ dƌĂƉ* ƌ ZƵƐƐ ,ĂƌƌŝƐ ƐĂLJƐ͕ Ɖ ϴϲ͘ *DŽƐƚ ŽĨ ƵƐ ŚĂǀĞ Ă ƚĞŶĚĞŶĐLJ ƚŽ ĐŽŶũƵƌĞ ƵƉ ŝŵĂŐĞƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĨƵƚƵƌĞ͘ ,Žǁ ŽŌ ĞŶ ŚĂǀĞ LJŽƵ seen yourself ĨĂŝůŝŶŐ͕ ďĞŝŶŐ ƌĞũĞĐƚĞĚ͕ ŵĂŬŝŶŐ Ă ĨŽŽů ŽĨ LJŽƵƌƐĞůĨ͕ ŐĞƫ ŶŐ ƐŝĐŬ͕ ŐƌŽǁŝŶŐ ŽůĚͬǁĞĂŬ Žƌ ŐĞƫ ŶŐ ŝŶƚŽ ƚƌŽƵďůĞ ŽĨ ƐŽŵĞ ŬŝŶĚ͘ /Ŷ Ă ƐƚĂƚĞ ŽĨ ĐŽŐŶŝƟ ǀĞ ĨƵƐŝŽŶ͕ ƚŚĞƐĞ ŵĞŶƚĂů ƉŝĐƚƵƌĞƐ ƐĞĞŵ ŝŶĐƌĞĚŝďůLJ ƌĞĂů ĂƐ ŝĨ ǁŚĂƚ ǁĞ͛ƌĞ ŝŵĂŐŝŶŝŶŐ ŝƐ ƚĂŬŝŶŐ ƉůĂĐĞ͕ ŚĞƌĞ ĂŶĚ ŶŽǁ͘ EĂƚƵƌĂůůLJ͕ ƚŚŝƐ ĐĂŶ ĐƌĞĂƚĞ Ă ůŽƚ ŽĨ ĨĞĂƌ! dŽ ƉĂƌĂƉŚƌĂƐĞ DĂƌŬ dǁĂŝŶ͕ ǁĞ ůŝǀĞ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ŵĂŶLJ ĨƌŝŐŚƚĞŶŝŶŐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞƐ ŝŶ ŽƵƌ ůŝĨĞƟ ŵĞƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ŵŽƐƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞŵ ŶĞǀĞƌ ŚĂƉƉĞŶ͘*
Ƶƚ E͘ ͘ ƚŚŝƐ /DWKZd Ed t ZE/E'͕ ŽŶ ƉĂŐĞ ϴϳ͘ *tŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ ƚĞĐŚŶŝƋƵĞƐ ŝŶ ƚŚŝƐ ĐŚĂƉƚĞƌ ĂƌĞ ŚĞůƉĨƵů ĨŽƌ ĐŽŵŝŶŐ ƚŽ ƚĞƌŵƐ ǁŝƚŚ ŵĂŶLJ ƵŶƉůĞĂƐĂŶƚ ŵĞŵŽƌŝĞƐ ƐƵĐŚ ĂƐ Ɵ ŵĞƐ LJŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ĨĂŝůĞĚ͕ ƐĐƌĞǁĞĚ ƵƉ͕ ďĞĞŶ ƌĞũĞĐƚĞĚ͕ ŚƵŵŝůŝĂƚĞĚ Žƌ ĞŵďĂƌƌĂƐƐĞĚ͕ ƚŚĞLJ ŵĂLJ ŶŽƚ ďĞ ĂƉƉƌŽƉƌŝĂƚĞ ĨŽƌ mŽƌĞ ΎƚƌĂƵŵĂƟ Đ ΎmĞŵŽƌŝĞƐ͘ /Ĩ LJŽƵ ĂƌĞ ĚĞĞƉůLJ ĚŝƐƚƌĞƐƐĞĚ ďLJ ƚƌĂƵŵĂƟ Đ mĞŵŽƌŝĞƐ ŽĨ rĂƉĞ͕ ƚŽƌƚƵƌĞ͕ cŚŝůĚ aďƵƐĞ͕ dŽŵĞƐƟ Đ vŝŽůĞŶĐĞ Žƌ ŽƚŚĞƌ ƐĞƌŝŽƵƐ iŶĐŝĚĞŶƚƐ͕ / ĚŽŶ͛ƚ ƌĞĐŽŵŵĞŶĚ LJŽƵ ƵƐŝŶŐ ƚŚĞƐĞ ŵĞƚŚŽĚƐ ďLJ LJŽƵƌƐĞůĨ͘ /ŶƐƚĞĂĚ͕ LJŽƵ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ůĞĂƌŶ ŚŽǁ ƚŽ ĚĞĨƵƐĞ ƐƵĐŚ ŵĞŵŽƌŝĞƐ ǁŝƚŚ ĂŶ aƉƉƌŽƉƌŝĂƚĞůLJ ƚrained TŚĞƌĂƉŝƐƚ͘*
,ĂƐ ΎƚŚŝƐ ŚĂƉƉĞŶĞĚ Ϯh?
*IFIN Kh dCHECKITOUT* GET*HELP*PRONTO!
*Emergency 000. * ŶLJ ŽĐƚŽƌ͘ *Lifeline 13 11 14. ƌĞĂƚĞĚ ďLJ ƐŚĞĞƉ ĨĂƌŵĞƌ dŝŵ ĂƌƌŝƩ ͘ ĂƌŽƐƐĂ sĂůůĞLJ͕ ^͘ ͘
The wombat is a joy, a triumph, a delight and a madness. – Dante Gabriel Rossetti
become favourable, allowed populations to bounce back quickly after major droughts. This is the challenge of droughts and flooding rains. Is that cruel to let them die in droughts in such a way? But we created a much bigger problem when we installed watering points to suit our ‘softy’ cattle, and kangaroo numbers were no longer limited by water availability, so their numbers have massively increased and tens of thousands now die in drought because they eat out the grasses. Graziers try to balance stock numbers to suit the feed situation, but it’s impossible to allow for all the overpopulated kangaroos. And consequently many starve – that’s cruelty – a slow horrible death, adult and joey alike. I think culling is less cruel. Richard Swinton Clunes
Upside down river Letter contributor Richard White (letters 21/4/21) quite correctly identifies the Richmond River as an ‘upside down river’ and nowhere is this more evident than the Pimlico area. Keith Duncan must have been fully immersed in that
section of the river when he delivered his ‘Decisive handling’ letter in the same issue. A quick reference to the COVID-19 deaths in Australia would have alerted the writer to the fact that Victoria had 820 deaths, a full 90 per cent of the Australian total. The blame for this disgraceful mess can be fully attributed to the gross mishandling of the hotel quarantine methods used by the Andrews Government. Had this been a building site, the Andrews Government would have been facing not industrial charges but industrial genocide charges. Tim Harrington Lennox Head
Creative carbon capture Last week, the Australian government pledged half a billion dollars for ‘clean’ energy projects, including 264 million dollars on ‘carbon capture and storage’ (CCS). This involves capturing emissions from power stations and factories, and then burying them. However, the Climate Council has stated that CCS is ‘extremely expensive and cannot deliver zero emissions.’ There are, of course, faster, simpler and cheaper
ways to capture and store carbon. Firstly, plant more trees, and secondly, stop cutting down existing ones. A recent study in Science magazine states that globally, a 25 per cent increase in forested area could store more than 200 gigatonnes of additional carbon at maturity. Such a change has the potential to store an equivalent of 25 per cent of the current atmospheric carbon pool. Sadly, we are doing the opposite – the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation reports that about 7.3 million hectares of forest are lost every year, and roughly half of Earth’s tropical forests have already been cleared. Australia is the worst offender at tree clearing and wiping out animals. According to the Government’s National Greenhouse Accounts, from 2010–18 almost two million hectares were cleared for grazing. The solution is crystal clear – stop eating grazing animals and the land can be revegetated. The once-abundant koalas and 1,700 other threatened or endangered species will have their habitats restored, carbon reduction targets will be easily achieved, and cows and sheep will not
face the terrifying journey to an agonising death in the slaughterhouse. Desmond Bellamy Special Projects Coordinator PETA Australia Byron Bay
The legal smoke While Labor stopped taking donations from the tobacco industry in 2004 and the Liberals followed suit a decade later, the Nationals continue to accept donations from the tobacco industry. Australian Electoral Commission data shows that since the 1998–99 financial year, tobacco giant Philip Morris has donated $613,608 to the Nationals. The company is also a top-tier member of the Nationals, paying a $55,000 membership fee last financial year, which entitled the company to a program of boardroom access and high level lobbying opportunities. Ben Franklin MLC disavows any connection with this arrangement, saying he is a member of the Nationals’ state branch that does not receive tobacco company largesse. But where does this leave Kevin Hogan, Federal Member for Page? Paul Rea Coorabell ▶ More letters on page 16
How do smart parents stay sane in the holidays? They shop with us!
www.mytoykingdom.com.au om.au
157 River Street Ballina 6686 4880
14 The Byron Shire Echo lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ
Byron Bay 2/103 Jonson St 6680 8811 Lismore 64 Woodlark St 6621 3473 insta @mytoykingdom
www.echo.net.au
Letters
Dam argument still rolling on
ALL ABOUT ENTERTAINMENT
Why do we destroy what we love? I have been an environmental activist for over 50 years (I started when I was a 15 y/o schoolgirl in Melbourne). Some would call me ‘driven’. Starting with Terania Creek, I have been involved in many campaigns to defend our rainforests, our old growth forests, and our beautiful rural landscapes from gas mining. Now I am fighting for the life of a rainforest that would be destroyed by a dam. In all these cases I have been propelled by a powerful love of place, and of natural beauty. I think most Australians are familiar with this feeling, wherever they live. The first Australians certainly knew about it, with depths of connection that the rest of us can probably never understand. When the land is your religion, your history, your food source, your home, your responsibility, your future and your reason for being alive – then its preciousness can’t be described. These two issues of heritage, natural and human, are central to the Dunoon dam debate. Heritage is something that is given to pass on intact, not to destroy in wilful ignorance. So much of our heritage has been damaged in our region. Most of our original landscape has been transformed, and only a few original, or semi-original, remnants are left to tell us of what we have lost. Our Aboriginal heritage, now the heritage of all Australians, has been whittled away, over and over, while the traditional custodians are repeatedly ‘consulted’ then comprehensively ignored. How insulting is the Welcome to Country ritual when there is not a shred of willingness to act on their stated wishes? I despair when I see that the new campaign to push the Dunoon Dam shows no interest in values that we all claim to hold dear – our love for our remarkable natural landscapes, forests, ecosystems and species that are found nowhere else on Earth, and our supposed respect for our First Nations peoples. The natural places of our region have been maintained and preserved for thousands of years by people whose desire to protect them is now swept aside by uninformed www.echo.net.au
DAN WOOLLEY
WHISKYRUMOURS MASTERCLASS 1 THE FLEETWOOD MAC EXPERIENCE Thursday 22 April - Doors: 7pm Dinner: 7.30pm Saturday 8 May Doors: 7.30pm Show: 8pm 5 Courses with Whisky Tasting $81 - 18+ Tickets: $26 - 18+ Site of the proposed Dunnon Dam. Photo David Lowe. claims that ‘the studies are incomplete’. Detailed ecological and heritage assessments have already established why the Dunoon Dam site is extremely important, both to scientists and to our first people. Surely we can, just once, let the natural environment, and the people who have loved it the longest, prevail. We know that extremes of drought are coming. Knowledge about droughts from the past can no longer be relied on. One big flood can fill the dam quickly, for sure, but five years of drought and low runoff would give us 253 ha of bare dirt with not a trace of the natural beauty and the millennia of human history that it destroyed with so little need. Nan Nicholson The Channon
Respect for Country It is the night of the full moon, I have just watched it rise. On the other side of my hilled horizon the Rocky Creek carves its path toward the places where the three creeks meet – Rocky, Tuntable and Terania. I wonder how many moon cycles Rocky Creek has been witness to? There is a special place along its path – a hidden gorge where the creek has cut its way through time and sandstone. I am imagining the thriving rainforest community in the hidden gorge and how alive it must be tonight. This place so special, especially because there is so little left. A continuous stretch of rainforest once covered an area here of 75,000 ha. Now, less than one per cent is left, the hills bare and soils eroding into rivers across an ancient landscape is a common sight. The
campaign to build a dam in Dunoon would destroy this place forever. The role of rainforests in the water cycle – rain pours down from the sky and makes its way to the ground, where trees inhale water from Earth and exhale it into a river of water in the sky, and so the cycle continues. Looking to a future that is going to be drier for longer than we can remember, it seems insanity to replace this vital rainforest component of the water cycle with dead storage that has a high surface evaporation. These small fragmented patches of biodiverse forest are our last buffers against climate change. If constructed, the Dunoon Dam would be three times the size of the existing Rocky Creek Dam, relying on a catchment area half the size, and overflow from the existing dam to fill it. Not only is the infrastructure extremely destructive, the logic that drives it is flawed. Destroying this pristine rainforest patch will only perpetuate the problem. The Widjabul Wia-bal have been caring for this country since time immemorial, and in turn it has cared for them. Their message is clear – ‘NO!’ to the irreversible destruction of their remaining cultural heritage, the flooding of the graves of the Ancestors. This Country here cares for us all – it nourishes us with soil to grow food, and water to sustain us and she gives us shelter, safety, joy, support – home. We have a responsibility to care for this place as it cares for us. Will you pay your respects and step up and protect it? Respect for Country, respect for each other. Léandra Martiniello Whian Whian
BECCY COLE THE FERAMONES Doors:7.45pm 7.45pmShow: Show:8.30pm 8.30pm Friday Friday30 21 April May - -Doors: Tickets: 18+ Tickets: $21 $36 - 18+
RUMOURS THE NAKED MAGICIANS Saturday May – Doors: MAC 7.45pm – Show: 8.30pm THE29 FLEETWOOD EXPERIENCE Tickets:8$60 of 87.30pm or more:Show: $51pp8pm Saturday MayGroup - Doors: 18+Tickets: (Full frontal nudity) $26 - 18+
BECCY QUEEN COLE KILLER Friday 21 May - Doors: 7.45pm Show: 8.30pm
Saturday 5 June Tickets: – Doors:$36 7.45pm - 18+– Show: 8.30pm Tickets: $40 18+
P. 02 6681 9500 ballinarsl.com.au
ballinarsl
lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ The Byron Shire Echo 15
Letters
North Coast news online
Cringe worthy PM After cringing at the spectacle of Scott Morrison blatantly lying to President Biden during that virtual climate summit of world leaders, we must be left thinking, is this evangelical Pentecostal marketeer even capable of telling the truth? And smugly sitting beside him was ‘Emissions Reduction’ Minister Angus Taylor, the true architect of this ‘gasled transition to renewables’ scam. What we are currently experiencing is one of the biggest cons conservative forces have ever perpetrated
on Australians. The Coalition is desperate to convince us voters that they are taking action on climate change; but spinning this crap to world leaders who are taking real action against the climate emergency is a whole different proposition. To claim that the Coalition has already reduced our emissions from 2005 levels is a bald-faced lie, the only time our carbon emissions were reduced was during the Gillard Labor Government’s carbon pricing scheme (that Abbott scrapped); since 2014 our emissions have been increasing, to record levels
in 2019. Morrison can’t fix the climate problem, he is the climate problem. And what another disgusting display by Morrison of smug, contemptuous, cheap, lazy politics when he attacked inner-city dwellers by claiming, ‘We won’t achieve net-zero in cafes, dinner parties and wine bars of our inner-cities’; rather than attempt an honest speech on climate policy. Hopefully, those chardonnay-sipping inner-city voters may show Morrison how they will achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, at the next election. Keith Duncan Pimlico
A grubby business Among the reasons Simon Richardson gave for his retirement from the mayoralty was the mental health pressure that the role engenders. I sympathise with him on this. Politics is a grubby business and local government is no exception – councillors are perhaps more accessible here than in large urban electorates, and the harassers, bullies and critics are people you see in the street. Added to that are the social media cowards (and the letter writers to The Echo) who say things in print
that they would never say in person. Simon achieved a great deal for this Shire and I hope he can retire to a less stressful post-Council life. A new group of people are stepping up to the plate this September and I am disheartened, but not entirely surprised, to be hearing falsehoods spread about one of the candidates, Matthew O’Reilly. It is not the first time this has happened – lies about him and his family circulated when he stood up against a very unsuitable development. The lies were easily disproven, but mud sticks. I consider Matthew a friend and a person of integrity and I believe he will make an exceptional councillor. If he, or anyone else, were to baulk at running for Council I would not be surprised. Councillors get paid around $20,000 per year (before tax) – we don’t do the job for the money because it certainly doesn’t cover the hours involved or the personal cost. The campaigning for Council hasn’t even begun yet; I ask that people don’t believe everything you hear and remember to be kind to those who might represent them in the next Council. Cr Cate Coorey Byron Shire Council
Global predicament Phillip Frazer’s article, (Echo 6 January) is an excellent summary of our global predicament, and a powerful call for action. He writes of the ‘lots of smart and imaginative people’ in this Shire and asks, ‘How about we gather all our Shire’s assets and turn this place into the Save our Species Shire?’. Many of us have, for years, seen the possibility of this region becoming a living model, an outstandingly successful example of 21st century responsible living. This is something that is achievable today as never before, with the rapid rate of technological innovation and the new sciences, along with the growing understanding that it is Nature that can best guide the purpose and design of life-regenerating technologies. There are already a number of initiatives being undertaken, but there is a long way to go if we are to move and guide others; we must do much more than just respond to growing threats to humanity’s wellbeing as we need to reassure the majority of the world’s suffering population that a just new world is yet possible.
Letting monetisation control human ingenuity’s technological productivity is taking us towards a runaway entropic extinction process. We must tackle this life-threatening commercial/ money-controlling culture and demonstrate a better way. We daren’t wait for that obsolete, but still dominant culture, to completely implode on itself. As Frazer admonishes, it’s time for our extraordinary community to rise to the occasion, for our own and our children’s sake. Few places on Earth are so able to make a difference. I for one, am up for having a go, let’s set up a ‘think tank’ to formulate a viable strategy. Dudley Leggett Director of Sustainability Research Institute Suffolk Park
False impressions I was under the impression that, upon the mayor resigning, the deputy mayor would automatically get the job. Instead we find now that the sitting councillors will decide on a replacement on Thursday 13 May at 9am, public welcome of course. (Watch out for whoever Councillor Hunter supports). ▶ Continued on page 18
Ballina Greens presents
A powerful and inspiring documentary that chronicles 365 days of front-line environmental activism across Australia. Directed and produced by Sally Inglewood, Wild Things combines archival and camera phone footage with stunning aerial photography and beautiful in-forest images to record the courage and determination of ordinary people, young and old, putting themselves on the line to protect the natural world. %KEMRWX E FEGOHVST SJ HVSYKLX ƤVI ERH ƥSSHW [I [MXRIWW LS[ XSHE]ŭW environmentalists are making a difference.
6PM – 7PM
Drinks, nibbles, panel chat
7PM – 9PM Film screening
BALLINA FAIR CINEMAS
$25
8LI WGVIIRMRK [MPP FI TVIGIHIH F] E HMWGYWWMSR TERIP SJ PSGEP Ŭ;MPH 8LMRKWŭ ũ Aidan Ricketts EYXLSV SJ 8LI %GXMZMWXWŭ Handbook), Mandy Nolan (journalist, comedian), Kate Coxall (Stop Adani and Strike4Climate activist) and Tamara Smith MP, Greens Member for Ballina, who will talk about the wildest things they have seen defending our planet.
includes drink ERH VEJƥI XMGOIX QR to buy your ticket in advance or QR purchase on the night
Aidan Ricketts
Mandy Nolan
Kate Coxall
Tamara Smith MP
www.greens.org.au/ nsw/wildthings
Authorised by Sylvia Hale for The Greens NSW. Suite D, 263-279 Broadway, Glebe NSW 2037.
16 The Byron Shire Echo lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ
www.echo.net.au
www.echo.net.au
lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ The Byron Shire Echo 17
Letters
North Coast news online
▶ Continued from page 16
LACTATION CONSULTANT & BABY SLEEP CONSULTANT hello@zenbub.com zenbub.com 0405 481 138
Natural, drug-free headache and migraine approach
Ph: 0475
75 75 10
+ Advanced head, neck and jaw assessment, treatment and management.
Phone for an immediate, obligation-free phone consultation. Let us help you gain a better quality of life...
t Headache and Migraine t Jaw pain – locking – clicking – grinding t Vestibular – dizziness – vertigo
72 Byron Street, Bangalow – opposite the Public School
www.bangalowheadacheclinic.com.au
This puts a new light on Simon Richardson’s rash mayoral minute kicking me out of the last meeting. The wording he used is malicious and self-serving but I see now that his aim was to engender sympathy for Sarah Ndiaye by painting her as a person who I just pick on because I’m a bully, ratbag, sexist or whatever. On the contrary I have only ever mocked Sarah in terms of her performance as a councillor. And once again I have the goods on her – recently she spoke as though Council had formally decided that it was ‘too expensive’ to prosecute holiday letters. In reality it was only Sarah and Simon who had decided this among themselves. Council’s formal response to my question reveals itself to be the usual masterpiece of evasion. Never in a hundred years would you get an honest answer along the lines of ‘Councillor Ndiaye spoke out of turn and without authority’. Especially if she did. There’s currently a lot of feeling out there that ‘patriarchal males’ like myself should cut ‘the girls’ a bit of slack no matter how woeful their performance. There are
Byron Shire Council Bus Stop Project We are looking at the condition and location of bus stops in the Byron Shire. Do you, your children or someone you know catch a bus regularly? We want to hear about: • Bus stops you use • Unused bus stops • Safety and accessibility concerns • Suggestions on improvements
Go to our Your Say Byron Shire website and give us your feedback. Submissions close 19 May 2021. https://www.yoursaybyronshire. com.au/upgrading-our-busstops kahughes@byron.nsw.gov.au 02 6626 7000
Byron Shire Council, 70 Station Street Mullumbimby NSW 2482
18 The Byron Shire Echo lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ
plenty of successful women out there who haven’t had to play that card, and it’s not a game in which I’m prepared to indulge. Shape up or ship out does it for me, especially when there’s attitude involved. Fast Buck$ Coorabell
Comparissons Trade Minister Dan Tehan wants to refer China to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) because he deems its imposition of tariffs on Australian exports unfair. He extolled the virtues of a rules-based international system and said the alternative is the law of the jungle. Compare this with Australia’s record on human rights. During the dispute over Timor Sea oil and gas reserves, Australia withdrew from the International Court of Justice to stymie Timor Leste’s appeal to it. When Palestine referred apartheid Israel to the International Criminal Court, Australia intervened claiming that Palestine was not a state and therefore its case was invalid. Our treatment of Aborigines, asylum seekers and whistleblowers like Julian Assange, Bernard Collaery, David McBride and Richard Boyle is an affront to all those who support the rule of law and not the law of the jungle. The Australian government’s squealing to the WTO, while blatantly trampling human rights, is a class act in hypocrisy! Gareth Smith Byron Bay
Co-op meeting As a Mullumbimby Rural Co-op shareholder of 42 years and a past employee of over 13 years, I left last Wednesday’s meeting very sad and disappointed in the board and chairman. There were a lot of half-truths and untruths on the night. Love him or hate him, Tony has been there almost 30 years. The meeting descended into a list of his shortcomings. Some respect, please. At every AGM the board has praised Tony for his endless planning, unpaid overtime and midnight security callouts, and Maddy in the office for 15 years for doing an amazing job. Talk about throwing people under a bus. To hear the board and chairman say they didn’t know about certain things was very disappointing and, in fact, unbelievable. MRC has always been run by a board, not by one or two people.
It’s time the board started listening to staff, shareholders, customers and indeed their auditor. Why didn’t the board act on any irregularities or lack of written reports from the manager years ago? The board pushed on with the new computer software system even though staff pointed out major problems at installation, and on a regular basis. It is now finally being replaced. MRC has now sadly lost ten long-term employees with over 75 years of combined experience in the last three years. Very sad. Annette Snow Myocum
Humans suck I heard on the local news, like, this afternoon (April 20), that 370+ kilos of tuna had been pulled from the sea on the east coast. It is now at some fish market – it should’ve instantly gone back into the ocean – ancestor of the sea. Humans (the ones who don’t understand how bad this is) suck. Hannah Grace Ocean Shores
Water strategy The people of Mullumbimby would be aware that Byron Shire Council (BSC) intends to hand over the supply of Mullumbimby’s water to Rous County Council (Rous). The agenda supplied to the Water, Waste & Sewer Advisory Committee (WWSAC) for the meeting held on 29/04/2021 is available for reading on the BSC website. It reads: Mullumbimby Future Water Strategy, Report 4.2. Recommendation 2. ‘Allow Council to consider the preferred strategic direction of staff to facilitate the start of detailed works’. Again someone needs to ask what strategy this is, as none is mentioned. The handing over of the supply of the Mullumbimby town water to Rous has been mentioned of late, is this the strategy? Laverty’s Water Treatment Plant (LGWTP) raises around $500,000 per annum, which goes to BSC. Why would you even consider giving this dividend away? And what amount of money will BSC be required to spend to enable Rous to take over the town water supply, and what becomes of LGWTP? We have consultants advising BSC’s supposedly highly experienced and qualified staff on this issue and others. One firm,
EDS, a consulting firm, is advising W&R on the inflow infiltration problem. You would actually think BSC’s senior management would be asking why, when the contractor advised the WWSAC in February 2021 that they had completed the work in Mullumbimby and were moving to Byron Bay to begin work there. The problem being that in the first serious rain event Mullumbimby received after this date the inflow to Brunswick Valley went from 1.4 megalitres per day to 11,000 megalitres per day, also available on the BSC’s website. This is becoming a very expensive never ending story that, under this current W&R management, seems to be unsolvable. Next will be the closure of Ocean Shores Waste Water Treatment Plant at a substantial cost – the problem being that the plant is working fine. Alan Dickens Brunswick Heads
Thanks for Bob I wish to thank The Echo for printing the article by Bob Morgan, First Nations academic. This article articulated the plight of Indigenous peoples; linking also the appalling rise of Deaths in Custody in Australia, now climbing to 479 with seven more deaths reported over the last two months. Bob Morgan writes of ‘spiritual fatigue’, also noting that we are all ‘spirit’. We must remind ourselves of the repressive technologies that have aided the colonisation of Australia. ‘Spiritual fatigue’ in very broad terms is a debilitating consequence of having to struggle for Human Rights and Freedom, or being forced to defend them. Dealing with the destruction of Aboriginal languages, the contamination of Aboriginal lands, cultural values and traditions, the forced removal of children, the wilful desecration of Ancestral lands, the disproportionate incarceration rates, and the destruction of age-old lore, are all determinants giving rise to ‘spiritual fatigue’. Indigenous people are holistic ecologists, incorporating also-meaning systems from the cosmology of the skies and stars. Settlers in colonial Australia were dominated by the Anthropocene ideology. Today this is aided by the vacuous ‘Neoliberal Market’, a socially constructed ▶ Continued on page 20 www.echo.net.au
Articles
Storylines – the education gap Eli Cook Access to a good quality education can ensure that an individual will be successful in life. Unfortunately for Indigenous Australians, equal access to educational opportunities have not always existed. Whilst some might argue that this problem is rooted in the past, such limitations continue to have a resounding impact on the quality of life for Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders. Australian school systems have existed in this country for over 200 years. Initially established to educate the children of free settlers, there has always been an education gap between the haves and have nots. Our education system, as we know it today, with its Government funded public school sector, came about much later and it was not until the 1880’s that we saw an expansion into secondary education. Throughout this time, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were not considered to be a part of Australia’s future. Initially, they tried to get rid of us through massacres, germ warfare, and attempted genocide. When that failed, we were marginalised and placed into small, easily controlled communities. Our gene pool was expected to wither and die out. After some time, it was realised that Indigenous Australians were here to stay. Only then was it established by those in power that English language education was important for First Australians. But this realisation was not achieved with the best interests of Indigenous people in mind. Instead, it was brought about in the sense that our people could prove useful as a cheap source of labor. Cabbage Tree Island Public School was established on the small island community on the
www.echo.net.au
Richmond River in 1893. This was the same year that the island was gazetted by the government as an Aboriginal Reserve. Prior to this point, as our oral history tells us, the community of Cabbage Tree Island was self-sufficient and comprised of hard-working farmers, boat builders, and graziers. Such self-sufficiency came to a crashing halt with the establishment of the NSW Aborigines Protection/ Welfare Board which brought
and Torres Strait Islanders continued for decades. My people were never expected to be anything more than farm hands or domestic servants. The purpose of educating them to any degree was to merely ensure that they would be hard working and courteous to their white bosses. During the 1960s and ‘70s my father also attended Cabbage Tree Island Public School. His education took place in a period of transition
Equal access to educational opportunities has not always existed for Indigenous Australians. Photo Wallula – Pixabay
began to drop and eventually they pulled out completely. The historical implications of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences have a direct impact on the educational gaps we see in today’s schools. The government has earmarked school attendance, year 12 attainment, and English literacy and numeracy as their key target areas. However, is this enough considering the deep rooted and far-reaching impacts of policies gone by? Remote communities are even more deeply affected with the results of targeted outcomes up to 20 per cent lower than for those along the East Coast of NSW. Whilst I agree it is important to have targets, the agenda must transform into how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children access education from their earliest days. It also comes down to how we teach our children and whether our system of education is set up for success or failure. Only when we fully understand and accept the past will we be able to progress forward into the future. Q Eli Cook is from the
about sweeping changes to the community. Self-sufficiency became government dependency. My Grandfather attended school at Cabbage Tree Island during the 1940s. He remembers going to school up until he was around 10 years of age when he was then expected to work as a farm hand on one of the numerous white-owned cane farms situated along the banks of the Richmond River. His education was provided simply as a means of preparing him to work for these farm owners. The skills he learnt whilst at school were all focused on this end goal, with no further opportunities expected for him. Such a system of education for Aboriginals
in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy making; from segregation to assimilation. He vividly remembers that he and his siblings were never allowed to attend school at the nearby Wardell Public School because the white families did not want their children mixing with the blacks. By the time he reached High School, the assimilation policy was in full effect. He attended Ballina High School during this period, making many friends of all races. However, the hangover of times-gone-by ensured that there was still a deep rift between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students and teachers at the school. For some, school became too difficult. Their attendance
Nyangbal clan of the Bundjalung nation. His family are descendants of the South Ballina tribe. As a local school teacher from the Ballina area he has worked closely with the Aboriginal community for the past eight years. ‘I hold a great interest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advancement and seek to create stronger communities through truth sharing and shared cultural experiences,’ says Eli. Bugalbee. This article was first published by The Echo online. www. echo.net. This article is made possible by the support of Ninbella Gallery.
Residential and commercial cleaners, for eĜųÆĹÆŸØ ŞųĜƴ±ƋåƤĘŅĵåŸ ±ĹÚ ųåŸƋ±ƚų±ĹƋŸ Call or email for a quote ljĊljŏ Ɓŀlj îŀƗ Î clean@inthebayservices.com.au
www.inthebayservices.com.au
&RORXU \RXU ZRUOG ZLWK D IXQ ILOOHG IDPLO\ RXWLQJ «
Lismore¶s 30th Annual
2 Days:1 15th h Mayy 9am-5pm m
16th h Mayy 9am-3pm m
Venue:: Lismoree Showground d
Entry: Adultss $5,, Children n $1 1 ATM Available
Featuring g Gold,, Sapphires
Jewelry,, Opals,, Fossils, Crystals,, Meteorites,, Raffles,, Kidss Activities, Food d Stalls,, Gatee Prizess Kidss Activities,, Gatee Prizess
ZZZ JHPFOXEOLVPRUH RUJ DX
CARPETS RUGS & VINYLS Ray Towers
Towers Drive, Mullumbimby PH 6684 2467 raytowerscarpets.com.au
lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ The Byron Shire Echo 19
Articles/Letters
North Coast news online
!şŕưĕſƆĶŕī Ķŕ ëŕ ëīĕ şĪ ưĕſćëō ǖ ëƐƖōĕŕĈĕ Richard Hil The other day I bumped into an old acquaintance of mine in the centre of Brisbane. For twenty-five breathless minutes he regaled me with a microscopically detailed account of his secondhand electric car. After ten minutes or so I fell into a soporific stupor from which I barely recovered, until that is, he uttered the immortal words: ‘See ya later, mate’.
And off he strode. I felt like I’d been verbally mugged, dragged over a lexical hedge, and left for dead. The encounter reminded me of a scene in Fawlty Towers where a monotoned spoon salesman (Bernard Cribbens) overwhelms Basil Fawlty (John Cleese) with a volley of hyperbolic requests, to which Basil looks left and right and asks: ‘Are you talking to me?’ ‘Indeed I am,
SUNDAY MAY 23
3$''/(
kind sir,’ says the salesman, only for Basil to inquire, ‘Why don’t you speak properly?’ The problem with my acquaintance’s extended homily was not his obsession with an inanimate object – a disorder that surely warrants a mention in the Statistical and Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders – but the fact that he made no effort whatsoever to check whether or not I was even remotely interested. This insistent offloading of topics one might find excruciatingly dull is something that social commentator Hugh MacKay complained of years ago in the aptly titled book, Why Don’t People Listen? Mackay had been similarly accosted, this time by a renovation obsessive at a dinner party. He was mystified by the encounter so decided to devote over 200 pages of a bestselling book to explain what was going on. Let’s just say that the reasons for this phenomenon are complicated. Like Mackay, I’ve discovered that some
Paddle fun and challenges down the Bruns River Festival fun at The Terrace in Brunswick
A fundraiser for Brunswick Marine Rescue, Surf Lifesaving Club & Visitor Centre
PADDLE FUN & CHALLENGES FOR ALL AGES – REGISTER ONLINE NOW! Register at Heritage Park 30 mins prior to start on the day. Free shuttle buses back to Mullum. 7.30-9am 9am 9am 9.30am 10am 10.10am
Echo Fun Paddle The Sails Motel Best Decorated Craft The Surfboard Warehouse Stand Up Paddle Challenge Ocean Village Shopping Centre Dragon Boat Paddle (Ramp 2) Hotel Brunswick Open Paddle Challenge Suzuki Marine Double Paddle Challenge – Heritage Park
BRUNS TERRACE PARK FUN 9-2.30 Free SUP clinics • Live music • Fitness activities • Sand art • Jumping castle Dragon boat flotilla • Duck race • Community group BBQs • Raffle • Participants’ draw
AWARDS, PARTICIPANTS’ DRAW, RAFFLE & DUCK RACE – GREAT PRIZES! 12pm Official opening and presentation of challenge awards 12.20pm Tweed Coast Marine Participants’ Draw – win inflatable SUP, pontoon or holiday 2pm Mona Apartments Raffle Draw – win a week’s luxury holiday, outboard motor, Balloon Aloft experience or $400 shopping spree 2pm Mullumbimby Comprehensive Health Centre Duck Race – win a holiday & more Get your raffle & duck tickets from the 3 fundraising groups before & on the day. PRINCIPAL SPONSORS:
GOLD SPONSORS:
Information and registration (cheaper online than on the day!)
www.mullum2brunspaddle.com 20 The Byron Shire Echo lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ
folk are, for a host of social, cultural, genetic, and idiosyncratic reasons, predisposed to talk at, through, and over you. If cornered, you might stand there for what feels like hours, melt like butter in a heatwave, have a stroke, start frothing at the mouth, and it wouldn’t make a bit of difference. Your presence, for as long as it lasts, is the point. You might as well be a cardboard cut-out. During some of the more protracted stream-ofconsciousness encounters, I have found myself slipping into the world of daydreams, or I try to think of what’s for dinner tonight; did I switch off the iron; or should I become a vegetarian; should I get a haircut; why did that grevillea keel over and die; should I buy boxer shorts or budgie smugglers at my age; how can I fix my mobile phone… anything to avoid this turgid parade of unrelenting tedium. Trying to conceal one’s displeasure at such times is difficult. I tend to nod, smile, and squawk, ‘Oh really’, ‘wow’, ‘uh huh’, ‘that’s interesting’, ‘amazing’, etc. I also rely on the wonders of peripheral vision, focusing my attention on passers-by, flying insects, shopfronts, and cars. How to make sense of all this? Someone recently said,
‘Oh Richard, you’re such a good listener,’ to which I felt like saying, ‘well, I’ve got no choice, mate’. On the rare occasions I do summon the energy to intervene in such cases, these word warblers are suddenly distracted, their eyes glaze over, or the mobile phone goes off, or they remember they have a dentist’s appointment. So frequent have these encounters become that I’m led to enquire whether we have forgotten how to converse. You know – I say something, you listen, then respond, then you say something… and so it goes. It can be a joyous, sometimes exhilarating experience – rather than murderously annoying. Here’s a half-baked thought, and it certainly doesn’t explain everything. Over the past 40 years or so we’ve lived under a system that celebrates individualism. One of the spin-offs has been growing social disconnection, loneliness, and anxiety. It has been suggested that we’re one of the loneliest generations ever, which doesn’t really provide the right social conditions for dialogue, does it? After all, the art of conversation is something you have to practise, and if there isn’t anyone to practise with, then… It’s a situation that has
been exacerbated by social media which, according to social researchers, has reduced our capacity to empathise, to share, to reciprocate. Inwardness and self-involvement seem to have triumphed over sociability. Journalist Anne Manne argues that a ‘new narcissism’ has taken hold, graphically illustrated in such mind-numbing phenomena like the ‘influencers’ in Byron Bay who are about to invade our Shire via ‘reality’ TV screens. There are influencers and influencers of course, but it appears, and I may be wrong here, that the purpose of this particular concentration of digital grandstanders is to promote brands and products via self-beautification, personal promotion, and the regurgitation of banal insights. But I digress. Can I finish with a plea? Can we see meaningful dialogue, otherwise referred to as conversation, as the beginning of a counterrevolution aimed at the rediscovery of reciprocity and mutuality? It might also help change the world. As Aidan Ricketts points out: ‘Real change is often achieved through millions of interpersonal conversations where people are encouraged to learn and self-reflect’.
▶ Continued from page 18
demanding an Empathy Zone for First Nations people to practise lore and keep people out of prisons. There is great heart in Byron. Feed it with Empathy. We must all hold onto hope and be activists. We are Spirit. Jo Faith Newtown
his ‘bulldoze-the-bush’ Greens, and former Greens, councillors faction) have sent a request to the State Government to rezone the Belongil Spit’s former golf course area for a housing development. Councillors have asked the State Government to allow Byron Council to amend the LEP to allow houses on two hectare blocks (one house per block… to start with?) under an E4 Environmental Living Zone. E4 Environmental Living zones are for land with special environmental or scenic values where residential development can be accommodated, but where development is to cede priority to preservation of the particular environmental qualities of the land. The proposed housing development is over the former golf course site, which is purely exotic grasslands. John Lazarus Byron Bay
theory, and a cruel socioeconomic force that is stripped of empathy, wellbeing for all and sociological understanding of its deep theoretical and operative flaws. Man is not the centre of the universe. Devouring the planet for profit, creating the conditions for dire climate change, greater social/ ecological alienation, species dispossession, homelessness – on every level we are daily witnessing this destructive attitude. Even ‘Brand Byron’ has mortal sins on its soul, like a total ignoramous it blindly knelt before Profit, resulting in alienation and suffering for its disintegrating humanity/community. We can create remedy by harnessing our own power. A mere suggestion is creating Empathy Zones. This can be done by claiming spaces, parks, beachfronts, get togethers in homes etc. And by
Belongil Spit An update on proposed development of the Belongil Spit site, for the information particularly of those that were involved in the successful Club Med battle, and the subsequent community campaign, which drove down the same site’s Becton proposal to 140 tourist cabins with compensatory planting up on the golf course with Becton’s alleged one million trees. The outgoing mayor’s last pro-development finger up at you, is that councillors (including
www.echo.net.au
Articles
Regenerating respect for life and Country Aletha Zylstra Regenerative agriculture (RA), also called agroecology, is a broad term for an array of farming practices encompassing everything from the relationships of indigenous ‘subsistence’ farmers with the land, to permaculture, to organic farming, to biodynamic farming, to agroforestry, to regenerative grazing. As a movement, RA has been influenced by an array of ideas from Rudolf Steiner, David Holmgren, and Bill Mollison to Allan Savoury, and Dark Emu’s Bruce Pascoe, to Dr Vandana Shiva, and Lorraine Gordon (designer of SCU’s world-first Regenerative Agriculture degree), who are significant for their ‘radical’ perspectives, for their staying power over the decades, and for their (excuse the pun) growing influence in Australia (and globally) on farming practices. The movement has been built on the work of scientists, historians, visionaries, activists, and also, less often acknowledged, but critically, on the knowledge
and perspectives of Indigenous peoples. While approaches vary, what unites practitioners of RA is respect for life; for the soil; for the air and water; for the fundamental need for diversity; and for the wisdom of working with natural cycles. All recognise that animals are a part of a healthy ecology, whether or not you eat them. And all approaches aim to improve the health of the environment, including human community. Better than ‘sustainable farming’, agroecology rebuilds the vitality of depleted environments, from the ground up. RA builds resilience to pests and diseases in plants and animals, it improves the water retention of the soil, it prevents soil erosion by wind and water, it can improve crop yields, it sequesters carbon, it improves and supports biodiversity, and it builds food security by encouraging localisation of food production. In this way RA is also united by what it rejects, including: reliance on petrochemical inputs (the link between these and the
debt cycle affecting so many ‘conventional’ farmers), and the ‘neo-capitalist logic’ of monocultures, feedlots, and industrial farming practices.
argument that a mass shift to a plant-based diet would be an environmental panacea). Issues around the exploitation of farm labour to make
And all approaches aim to improve the health of the environment, including human community The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) 2019 Special Report on Climate Change and Land addresses the work of the RA/Agroecology movement, stating that it is exactly what is needed to redress the damage done by the world’s 35 largest meat and dairy producers. The report also cools the argument for a broad-scale shift to an exclusively plant-based diet, pointing out the beneficial role played by livestock in RA practices. It also highlights the global inequalities in access to protein, the enormous damage done by monoculture crops that are reliant on petrochemical fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides (undermining any
crops ‘economical’, and/or that the farmers are often forced to sell their produce for less than the cost of production are also raised in relation to crop farming dominated by multinational corporations.
Recognition of traditional owners An exciting thread within the RA movement in Australia (also in the US and Brazil) is the increasing understanding, among proponents and practitioners, of the link between RA and reconciliation. In Australia, Charles Massey advocates to audiences of largely white male farmers for a return of Indigenous custodianship and for the
role of fire-stick farming in a healthy Australian ecology; pointing out that many of the challenges of farming in Australia (drought, flood and fire) are actually the result of poor land management, and are not the ‘fault’ of the land itself. And his audiences are growing, as the positive results of his approach are undeniable with year-round ground cover on his farm enduring droughts that have reduced neighbouring conventional farms to denuded dust bowls. Nguuruu Farm, run by Michelle and Murray Prior, is a biodynamic regenerative farm on Ngunnawal country (near Yass River in NSW). They have entered into a landsharing agreement with traditional custodians, publicly acknowledging the uncomfortable truth of generations of profit made from stolen land, and the damage done to Country by European concepts of land ownership. Non-Indigenous farmers/ growers and graziers are connecting the dots. They are listening more deeply, and more sincerely, to Indigenous
voices that haven’t ever stopped speaking of the bigger picture of our place within the whole – not above it, or outside of it. There is an increasing willingness to walk the healing path, which begins by acknowledging Indigenous dispossession, the harms done to Indigenous peoples and to their cultures by colonisation, and how western disregard and disrespect of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives has been enmeshed with the harms done by ‘conventional’ western agricultural practices. RA as a movement is not reductionist, it’s not about having one definitive solution. Above all it embraces complexity as a fact of life. At present it is very much in the hands of ordinary people, which is exactly where it needs to be. The multi-stranded vision of agroecology has the potential for dramatic system-wide change. Its threads offer a range of effective responses to the climate crisis by reawakening, at every level, respect for our relationship with the Earth.
15 SHOWS OVER 3 DAYS
TiCKETS SOLD iNDiViDUALLY TO EACH SHOW
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
AM
SELLiNG FAST
GREAT SELECTiON OF FOOD & DRiNKS AVAiL ALL WEEKEND
www.echo.net.au
lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ The Byron Shire Echo 21
News/Community at work/Sport
North Coast news online
Transforming lives, empowering individuals and uniting communities
On The Horizon
A Sound Life, Australia’s first charity to transform the lives of people in need through free music, yoga and meditation programs is having an event this Sunday as a fundraiser for the COVID crisis in India. Co-founder/CEO, Edo Kahn, is a musician, social entrepreneur and yogi, and he is passionate about transforming lives, empowering individuals and uniting communities. In 2017 over 200 ASL volunteers delivered 560 free sessions across 39 facilities in Sydney, Illawarra and Northern Rivers NSW. Since ASL’s inception in 2014, thousands of people facing hardships
Edo will be performing at a charity event for the COVID crisis in India on Mothers Day. in healthcare facilities and underserved communities have experienced renewed
wellbeing, personal empowerment and joy. An internationally
acclaimed singer-songwriter and sound healing specialist, Edo will be performing at the Mothers Day event. Bring your mum, she will love it! The Mothers Day Chant for Mother India event is on this Sunday, from 2pm to 6pm at the Mullumbimby Civic Hall. Tickets are vailable on a tiered pricing system, so you can pay what you can, between $30-$500 – visit: www.trybooking.com/BRAQT ASL is also asking for donations of valuable items from India and South Asia, for a pop-up shop and auction on May 22. Visit: www. asoundlife.org for more information.
Byron Bay wins season opener against Mullum Giants Ross Kendall The local league derby is always and the Byron Bay Red Devils have won the first game of the NRRRL season with a hardfought 20-16 win over Mullumbimby last Saturday night at the Les Donnelly Field. The Red Devils had all the running in the first half, scoring two unanswered tries, as the Giants reorganised themselves after early injuries. After the break the Byron side led by captain Todd Carney scored again to put the lead out to 14-0. In the 60th minute the home side found their legs and scored their first try. Just two minutes later they scored again and were right back in the game at 14-10. The Red Devils maintained their composure and intensity and scored a six pointer with ten minutes to go. Mullum came at them hard and scored their own converted try right on the 80 minute final whistle, leaving the visitors with the 20-16 win. The Red Devils were also too strong in reserve grade, winning that encounter 38-8.
CHESS by Ian Rogers Ian Nepomniachtchi will be Magnus Carlsen’s next challenger after the Russian won the Candidates tournament in Ekaterinburg with a round to spare. Nepomniachtchi’s success, which earned him $150,000 plus a million dollar payday in Dubai in November, was widely feted. However, the other big news from the tournament was the retirement of Chinese star Wang Hao. Wang had been reluctant to come to Ekaterinburg in March 2020 when the event began (and the Covid crisis in Russia was already well underway) and even more reluctant to return when the aborted tournament resumed just over a fortnight ago. Wang said he never wanted to return to Russia, but strong political pressure was placed on the two Chinese Candidates to return last month. Wang succumbed, but the stress (and jetlag) proved too much. From his play, sprinkled with atypical calculation errors, it was clear that he would rather be anywhere but Ekaterinburg. Indeed, after the blunder given below Wang, 31, announced his
DEADLINE NOON FRIDAY Email copy marked ‘On The Horizon’ to editor@echo.net.au.
Byron Book Fair The annual Byron Shire Book Fair needs your secondhand or new books to sell and raise funds for the Libraries of Byron Shire. Books need to be in good condition, and all genres, such as fiction, non fiction, art, children’s, history, DVDs and games, are needed. Call Beryl 6685 3030 or Janene 0407 855 022, who can arrange collection points. The Book Fair will take place between 2 and 5 July.
My Life as a Dog Drill Hall Film Society screens My Life as a Dog on Saturday 24 April at 2pm, doors open at 1.30pm. To attend email: drillhallfilms@gmail.com or ring Sonia 6684 2112 to book.
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse Heartfelt House runs programs for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. We are running Pathways to Healing, an eight-week program for female survivors of childhood sexual abuse. It is being run at Heartfelt House on Tuesdays, 4 May until 22 June, and Thursdays 6 May until 24 June. All sessions run 10am till 12.30pm. Registrations essential, email: beth.cronin@norwacs.org.au or call 0432 889 665 or 6628 8960.
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.
Evening VIEW
The Red Devils celebrate after winning the first game of the season. Photo supplied
retirement from chess. He might have retired earlier, had he not qualified for the Candidates tournament from the Isle of Man Open – a victory which ultimately caused him more than a year of suffering. (From the opening of the Candidates to the closing ceremony was 406 days, the longest tournament in history.) In announcing his retirement Wang confessed to a long-term health problem, which had been exacerbated in the past two years.
REGULAR ONLINE COLUMN FROM
THE INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVE
Storylines Budgeram
at the Brunswick Heads CWA Hall on the corner of Booyun and Park Streets. Cards are $5 each. Special guest Kit Bray will be performing live acoustic music at this COVID Safe event.
Friends of Libraries Friends of Libraries Byron Shire are holding a book event for Jed Hart, a local Byron Bay resident, discussing his first novel Without Warning in conversation with Mick O’Regan, at Marvell Hall 37 Marvell Street Byron Bay on Friday 28 May from 5.30pm. Entry $10, light refreshments and drinks are provided. Bookings are essential at www.byronbayfol.com.
Mullumbimby CWA Mullumbimby Country Women’s Association next branch meeting is at 10am on Wednesday 12 May at the CWA rooms (on the corner of Tincogan and Gordon Streets). New members are very welcome. For more information call 0427 847 282.
BV VIEW Club Brunswick Valley VIEW Club will meet on Thursday, 13 May at 10.30am for luncheon at Brunswick Heads Bowling Club. Book in with Wenda on 0449 563 580 or email wjhunt@ yahoo.com.au. To find out more about VIEW, visit www.view.org.au or call 1800 805 366.
Uniting Church Op Shop The Op Shop crn Dalley & Whian Streets Mullumbimby is holding a fundraiser on Saturday 15 May from 9am until 12.30pm reaching out to support and mentor youth at our local High School. A special feature will be a silent auction for a chance for someone to purchase an original painting by Bessie Liddle a Luritja/Pertame woman formally from Alice Springs. The painting and supporting information will be on display in the op shop.
Lennox Head Evening VIEW Club is holding their May Dinner Meeting on Tuesday 11 May 2021 at the Beef and Beach (Lennox Hotel) from 6.30pm. Cost $30. Guests are welcome! Guest speaker will be Dr Sharon Parry, Associate Professor of Higher Education in the School of Education at Southern Cross University and Ballina Shire Councillor. If you wish to attend please ensure you advise Sue Brennan no later than Friday 7 May. Phone 0409 728 814 to book your place.
Chemical Free Landcare
Wildlife Recovery
Probus Hastings Point
Gisela and Georgia Conechado have artworks for sale to support three of our local wildlife rescue charities – Friends of the Koala Lismore, WIRES Northern Rivers and the Australian Seabird Rescue Ballina. The artworks and cards will be available at the Bushfire Wildlife Recovery Project launch on Saturday 8 May from 6pm
The Probus Club of Hastings Point Tweed Coast meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 10am, at Tricare, Tweed Coast Road, Hastings Point. Visit: www.hastingsptprobus.org and enquiries to Tony 0409 872 773. May speaker is Susi Muddiman, Director of Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre.
Byron Shire Chemical Free Landcare’s next fortnightly working bee will be on Saturday, 8 May, from 8am to 12 noon. Help is needed to finish laying cardboard and mulch around 500 trees planted in January last year. The event will be held at Saltwater Creek, adjacent to the Mullumbimby Community Garden. To find us, walk into the garden, pass the main office building and you will spot the mulch and tools.
Come and try basketball in Byron
– always was, always will be
echo.net.au/storylines
In this position Wang, playing Black against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, has a passive but solid position. Had Black played 26…Rab8, intending …c5 and …b4, he would be close to equal but instead Wang came up with a disastrous manoeuvre: 26…Ng7?! 27.Rd2 Ne8 28.Red1 Nc7?? 29.Nxb5! Since 29… Rxd2 loses to 30.Nxc7+, Wang had no choice but to resign.
22 The Byron Shire Echo lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ
*Budgeram means story in Bundjalung language.
Thank you to Ninbella Gallery for supporting this monthly column.
The next generation of female basketball players, with coordinator Karen Irwin, turned up to a ‘come and try day’ last Sunday organised by Basketball NSW at the Cavanbah Centre. The half-day session was
designed to give 7 to 16-yearold girls a taste of all the different aspects of basketball. No matter the skill level of participants the session created a safe environment to support the next generation of female players. www.echo.net.au
HINTS FOR LIVING A SUSTAINABLE LIFE
VOLUME 12 MAY 2021
in the international year of fruit and vegetables
Another great publication
62/$5 )5(('20
,Žǁ ƚŽ ůŝŵŝŶĂƚĞ ůĞĐƚƌŝĐŝƚLJ Θ &ƵĞů ŽƐƚƐ ŽŵƉůĞƚĞůLJ tŝƚŚŽƵƚ ,ĂǀŝŶŐ ƚŽ WĂLJ ĨŽƌ ^ŽůĂƌ Žƌ ůĞĐƚƌŝĐ sĞŚŝĐůĞƐ /ŵĂŐŝŶĞ ďĞŝŶŐ ĐŽŵƉůĞƚĞůLJ ĨƌĞĞ͕ ƉƌŽĚƵĐŝŶŐ Ăůů ƚŚĞ ƉŽǁĞƌ LJŽƵƌ ŶĞĞĚ ĨŽƌ LJŽƵƌ ŚŽŵĞ͕ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ĂŶĚ ĐĂƌ ĨƌŽŵ ƐŽůĂƌ ŽŶ LJŽƵƌ ƌŽŽĨ͘ EŽ ĞůĞĐƚƌŝĐŝƚLJ ďŝůůƐ͘ EŽ ŶĞĞĚ ƚŽ ďƵLJ ƉĞƚƌŽů͕ ŐĂƐ Žƌ Žŝů ĞǀĞƌ ĂŐĂŝŶ͘
dŚŝƐ ŝƐ ƉŽƐƐŝďůĞ ŶŽǁ ĂŶĚ ŝƚ ŝƐ ĐŚĞĂƉĞƌ ƚŽ ƵƐĞ ƚŚĞ ƐƵŶ ƚŽ ƐĞƚ LJŽƵƌƐĞůĨ ĨƌĞĞ ƚŚĂŶ ƐƚĂLJ ĐŚĂŝŶĞĚ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƐŵŽŬĞ ĂŶĚ ĨƵŵĞƐ ŽĨ Ă ĚLJŝŶŐ ƉĞƚƌŽĐŚĞŵŝĐĂů ĂŐĞ͘ zŽƵ ĐĂŶ ĐŚŽŽƐĞ Ă ĐĞƌƚĂŝŶ ĨƵƚƵƌĞ ǁŚĞƌĞ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ƚŚĞŝƌ ŽǁŶ ĞŶĞƌŐLJ ĂŶĚ ĂƌĞ ƌŝĐŚĞƌ ĨŽƌ ŝƚ ŝŶ ĞǀĞƌLJ ǁĂLJ͘
www.echo.net.au
dŚĞ ůĞĐƚƌŝĐ Ăƌ tĂǀĞ ŝƐ ,ĞƌĞ͊ ZŽůůŝŶŐ ŽŶ ^ƵŶƐŚŝŶĞ ĨŽƌ &ƌĞĞ͊ ůĞĐƚƌŝĐŝƚLJ ĐŽŵƉĂŶŝĞƐ ĂƌĞ ŵĂŬŝŶŐ Ă ĨŽƌƚƵŶĞ Ăƚ ŽƵƌ ĞdžƉĞŶƐĞ͕ ĂŶĚ LJĞƚ ƚŚĞLJ ƉĂLJ ƵƐ Ă ƉŝƚƚĂŶĐĞ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ƐŽůĂƌ ƉŽǁĞƌ ǁĞ ƐĞŶĚ ďĂĐŬ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŐƌŝĚ͘ LJ ƌĞƉůĂĐŝŶŐ ƉĞƚƌŽů ǁŝƚŚ ƐŽůĂƌ ƉŽǁĞƌ ŝŶ ĂŶ Ăůů ĞůĞĐƚƌŝĐ EŝƐƐĂŶ >ĞĂĨ͕ ĞǀĞƌLJ Ŭt, ŽĨ LJŽƵƌ ƐŽůĂƌ ƉŽǁĞƌ ǁŝůů ĞĂƌŶ LJŽƵ ϲϳ ĐĞŶƚƐ͘ dŚŝƐ ŵĞĂŶƐ ƚŚĂƚ LJŽƵ ĐĂŶ ƉĂLJ ĨŽƌ LJŽƵƌ ĂƐ ŶĞǁ EŝƐƐĂŶ >ĞĂĨ ĂŶĚ ƐŽůĂƌ ŝŶ ĂƐ ůŝƚƚůĞ ĂƐ ĨŝǀĞ LJĞĂƌƐ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ƐĂǀŝŶŐƐ LJŽƵ ǁŝůů ŵĂŬĞ ĨƌŽŵ ŶŽƚ ďƵLJŝŶŐ ŐƌŝĚͲ ƉŽǁĞƌ Žƌ ƉĞƚƌŽů͘
KĨĨ 'ƌŝĚ WŽǁĞƌ &Žƌ ǀĞƌLJŽŶĞ͊ EĞǁ KĨĨ 'ƌŝĚ dĞĐŚŶŽůŽŐLJ ZĞůĞĂƐĞ WƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ ŚĞĂƉĞƌ͕ ĞƚƚĞƌ ^ŽůĂƌ WŽǁĞƌ dŚĂŶ ǀĞƌ ĞĨŽƌĞ
ZĞďĂƚĞƐ ǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ĨŽƌ KĨĨ 'ƌŝĚ EŽǁ͊
dŚĞ ŐŽŽĚ ŶĞǁƐ ŝƐ ƚŚĂƚ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŝĐĞƐ ŽĨ ŽĨĨ ŐƌŝĚ ƉŽǁĞƌ ƐLJƐƚĞŵƐ ŚĂǀĞ ĐŽŵĞ ĚŽǁŶ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ ƋƵĂůŝƚLJ ĂŶĚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŚĂƐ ŐŽŶĞ ƵƉ͘ /ƚ ŝƐ ϴϴϴ ^ŽůĂƌ dĞŬ ŚĂƐ Ă ĐŽŶƚŝŶƵŽƵƐ ƐƵƉƉůLJ ŽĨ ŶĞĂƌ ŶĞǁ͕ :ĂƉĂŶĞƐĞ ďƵŝůƚ EŝƐƐĂŶ ŶŽǁ ƋƵŝƚĞ ĂĨĨŽƌĚĂďůĞ ƚŽ ŐŽ ŽĨĨ ŐƌŝĚ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƚ LJŽƵ ĂŶĚ LJŽƵƌ >ĞĂĨƐ Ăƚ ŽƵƌ ^ŽůĂƌ WŽǁĞƌĞĚ ŽĨĨŝĐĞ ŝŶ &ĞĚĞƌĂů͕ ƐŽ ďŽŽŬ Ă ƚĞƐƚ ĚƌŝǀĞ ƚŽĚĂLJ͘ tĞ ĨĂŵŝůLJ ĨƌŽŵ ƌŝƐŬ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĞŶĞƌŐLJ ƐĞĐƚŽƌ͘ ĂůƐŽ ƐƵƉƉůLJ ŽĨĨ ŐƌŝĚ Žƌ ŽŶ ŐƌŝĚ ƐŽůĂƌ ĐŚĂƌŐŝŶŐ ƐŽůƵƚŝŽŶƐ ƐŽ LJŽƵ ŶĞǀĞƌ ŚĂǀĞ ƚŽ ϴϴϴ ^ŽůĂƌ dĞŬ ĂƌĞ ŽĨĨ ŐƌŝĚ ƐƉĞĐŝĂůŝƐƚƐ ǁŝƚŚ ŽǀĞƌ ϲϬϬ ƐŽůĂƌ ďĂƚƚĞƌLJ ƵƐĞ ĨŽƐƐŝů ĨƵĞůƐ ĂŐĂŝŶ͘ ƐLJƐƚĞŵƐ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ EŽƌƚŚĞƌŶ ZŝǀĞƌƐ ŽǀĞƌ ƚŚĞ ůĂƐƚ ϳ LJĞĂƌƐ͘ dŚĞ EŝƐƐĂŶ >ĞĂĨ ŝƐ ƚŚĞ ůĞĂĚŝŶŐ ĞůĞĐƚƌŝĐ ĐĂƌ ŝŶ dŚĞ ĞƐƚ dĞĐŚŶŽůŽŐLJ ŝŶ ^ŽůĂƌ WŽǁĞƌ͕ ƵƐƚƌĂůŝĂ ĂŶĚ ǁĞ ŚĂǀĞ Ă ŐƌĞĂƚ ƐƵƉƉůLJ ŽĨ ůĂƚĞ ŵŽĚĞů EŝƐƐĂŶ >ĞĂĨΖƐ ǁŝƚŚ Ϯϰ͕ ϯϬ Žƌ ϰϬ ŬtŚ KĨĨ 'ƌŝĚ͕ ZĞƐŝĚĞŶƚŝĂů Θ ƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ďĂƚƚĞƌŝĞƐ ŝŶ ŐƌĞĂƚ ĐŽŶĚŝƚŝŽŶ ĨƌŽŵ ΨϮϭ͕ϴϴϴ͘ Ăůů sŝŶĐĞŶƚ ^ĞůůĞĐŬ ŚĞĐŬ ŽƵƚ ŽƵƌ ǀŝĚĞŽ Ăƚ͗ ĨŽƌ Ă &ƌĞĞ ŽŶƐƵůƚĂƚŝŽŶ ŚƚƚƉƐ͗ͬͬLJŽƵƚƵ͘ďĞͬũϬƵŝZ:KŶĚhz tĞ ĂůƐŽ ^ƵƉƉůLJ ĂŶĚ &ŝƚ ƚŚĞ ůĂƚĞƐƚ s ĐŚĂƌŐŝŶŐ dĞĐŚŶŽůŽŐLJ͘ Ăůů sŝŶĐĞŶƚ ƚŽ ĂƌƌĂŶŐĞ Ă ƚĞƐƚ ĚƌŝǀĞ ƚŽĚĂLJ͘
dĞƐƚ ƌŝǀĞ dŽĚĂLJ
ǁǁǁ͘ϴϴϴƐŽůĂƌƚĞŬ͘ĐŽŵ͘ĂƵ
/LF 1R &
WŚ ϬϮ ϲϲϴϴ ϰϰϴϬ lëƷ ǩǧǩǨ The Echo
2
Sustainability
2021 – Hints for living a sustainable life
Sustainability 2021 – an Echo supplement
www.echo.net.au Supplement editor: Aslan Shand Advertising manager: Angela Cornell Design & production: Ziggi Browning, Tirza Abb Front cover: Photo by Tree Faerie, design by Tirza Abb © 2021 Echo Publications Pty Ltd ABN 86 004 000 239 Village Way, Stuart Street, Mullumbimby Phone 02 6684 1777 Fax 02 6684 1719 Printed on recycled paper
Some Sustainability 2021 highlights: ▶ What can I do on climate? ▶ Time to care for country
page 26 page 27
▶ Take a look at ethical investing page 31 page 32 ▶ On track to three degrees page 37 ▶ Moving forward with solar ▶ Councils on climate action page 38–39 ▶ A sustainable farming future
page 40
The time to take action is now Aslan Shand There are signs that governments around the world might actually start to get serious on addressing climate change. But it has taken a long fight by generations of scientists, activists and, ultimately, children who had no vote, just their voices and actions, to finally get any real action on addressing the impacts of a heating planet. The big question is why? Why have governments refused to listen to scientists? Why have the likes of the Australian politicians spent decades supporting fossil-fuel industries and the lies of climate change denialists? Why are they still supporting industries that they know will make the climate crisis worse? Partly it is to do with the enormity of the issue, partly it is to do with the inability of our politicians to move beyond their own ideas, experiences and upbringing, and partly it is to do with corruption. Many people feel overwhelmed by the issues and the fact that the impacts
Rural Fire Service firefighters battling out of control fires during the Black Summer fires of 2019-20. Photo Ewan Willis of climate change have often felt so conceptual and futuristic. But recent experiences of flooding, drought and the Black Summer bushfires have begun to bring the issue home to many Australians. Similar events around the world are making it real for more people every day. We still have the likes of Australian PM ScoMo trying to pander to climate advocates at the recent climate summit with empty promises but more people are now saying that is not enough. From the School Strike 4 Climate, to young people getting political and
registered to vote in the US, it has been made clear that action on climate change from the US president Jo Biden was required. The pressure young people have brought to bear on the EU to drive the EU Green Deal shows now is the time to keep up that pressure for action at all levels. That action also needs to include transparent governance, not just from corporations but also from governments. People have to move on from the idea that they are powerless to make change because they are, individually, such a small part of the world.
Everyone needs to demand that governments work for a better the future, that they do it with integrity, that they take real action, that they move fast. Because if we don’t all own our role in creating the future, if we expect someone else to do it, then we have failed, not only ourselves but our children and their future. Throughout the last few years The Echo, with other supporters, has been addressing these issues through both our annual Sustainability Supplement and our Planet Watch columns (www.echo.net.au/ planet-watch). In the Planet Watch column we have updated readers on the latest debates around hydrogen and the disturbing concept of the ‘gas-led recovery’. In the coming pages we explore what the issues are facing us as both a country and a world with no planet B. We look from the macro impacts of what our children and grandchildren will experience as the world warms, to the everyday actions you and others are taking to address climate change in our daily lives.
Call Now, Go Solar!
Published June 2020
“Very impressed with Hardy Electrical & Solar team from quotation to installation, the boys worked brilliantly as a team, displaying professionalism, great communication with quality workmanship! I will certainly recommend these guys in the future.” Wally, Feb 2021 24 ÈşōƖŔĕ Ǩǩǽ lëƷ ǩǧǩǨ Sustainability
www.echo.net.au
Sustainability
3
2021 – Hints for living a sustainable life
The fast fashion detox diet – make a difference Mandy Nolan I stand in my wardrobe and I look at my clothes. I probably have 100 dresses, maybe 50 T-shirts, ten pairs of jeans, 50 or more shirts, 30 skirts, I have ten cardigans, ten jumpers, and 20 or more coats. I have 37 bras and 75 knickers. I have drawers of leisure wear. I have too much. But most mornings I stand in my towel looking into my excessive array of clothing and I say the words that every marketer wants a consumer like me to say: ‘I have nothing to wear’. It’s bullshit. I have too much to wear. So I do a cull and I take stuff to Vinnies. And then, slowly, I buy more stuff. That has been the cycle for me, and a lot of us, who mindlessly consume. It’s something I am committed to changing. Clothing waste is a massive environmental issue. Fifty-seven per cent of discarded clothes – yep the ones you think you are recycling or ‘donating’ by dropping at a local charity – end up in landfill. Here in Australia we are throwing
www.echo.net.au
away 6,000kg of clothing every 10 minutes. That’s more than 500 million kilos of unwanted clothing that ends up in landfill every year. And did you know 75 per cent of Australian shoppers throw away whatever they’ve bought within the year they bought it? So, if the average Australian woman buys 27kg of new clothes each year, then throws away 23kg of clothing, and wears 33 per cent – then what the F are we actually doing? We are technically only wearing 1.32kg of what we’ve bought. Even if we only wear 4kg of what we purchase each year we are still throwing away more than we keep.
Road to happiness? The culprit is rampant consumerism. The culprit is the sense of longing that capitalism and marketing seeds within us: that we can attain happiness, acceptance, and meaning through expenditure. Through buying stuff we don’t need. The culprit is fast fashion. You know when you buy a T-shirt for $3 that something is wrong. That’s not actually
ȚÏşƖſ ȧǩ ¨ȑƆIJĶſƐ ŇƖƆƐ ŊĶōōĕĎ ƷşƖſ īſëŕĎĈIJĶōĎȁț
‘Your $3 T-shirt just killed your grandchild’ so it is time to do your fast fashion detox. Photo credit possible. That T-shirt only costs $3 because a kid made it. Probably a kid from one of the poorest countries in the world like Bangladesh or India. Made in a rural area, in a poorly ventilated factory. A kid who doesn’t go to school because they were making your $3 T-shirt. Or maybe it’s someone like Seak Hong, a 36-year-old woman from Cambodia who works 13 hours a day, six days a week, and earns about $230 a month to support her father, sister, brother (who has a disability), and her 12-year-old
son. Every $3 T-shirt should have the story on the tag of the person who made it. It would make it very hard to buy $3 T-shirts – or anything that had been made in such appalling and exploitative conditions.
Dressed in blood We don’t see the blood on our clothing. We don’t see the tears. We just see a bargain. We need to start asking for the stories of our clothes. Then we’d start looking for tags that told the story of well-paid happy people who worked in good conditions.
These would probably cost upwards of $50, not $3. Ethical and sustainable fashion is more expensive because ethical brands are transparent about their practices. Their workers don’t burn to death, like the workers in the 2012 Dhaka Tazreen fashion factory in Bangladesh where 112 people were killed. That’s the cost of a $3 shirt. People died. And then we threw it away. When I think about the human cost combined with the environmental and climate cost I am appalled – at myself for ever having bought a $3 T-shirt and at governments that sanction this as an okay practice. We are complicit in the deaths of those factory workers. But we are removed from the true cost of our choice. It is the graceful distance between the true cost of our clothing and what we choose to wear. The social and environmental
cost of a $3 clothing item is immeasurable. It’s our children’s children’s future. Here’s a marketing slogan for you: ‘Your $3 T-shirt just killed your grandchild’. Every person can radically change their relationship with textiles and the fashion industry right now. So here is the challenge that I have set myself. No more purchases of unethical brands. I will buy less, and when I do buy something, it needs to be from a supplier that is committed to equity for their workers and sustainability for the planet. I will mend what is ripped and broken. I will reimagine what is outdated. I will not throw away even 1kg of clothing for the next 12 months. I challenge you all. You want to do something about the planet? You want to hurt capitalism? Start your Fast Fashion Detox now.
Sustainability ÈşōƖŔĕ Ǩǩǽ lëƷ ǩǧǩǨ 25
4
Sustainability
2021 – Hints for living a sustainable life
What on Earth can I do about climate change? Christobel Munson Australia has the highest greenhouse gas emissions per person of any OECD country. Yes, we need governments and corporations to do more, but none of us are off the hook. At Zero Emissions Byron (ZEB) our focus is to find activities each of us can do that can actually make a difference to reducing emissions. How? Well, we bring public awareness to practical actions we can take. To inspire more action, we love to share and celebrate local stories of people pioneering the low-carbon life. And we monitor and track carbon emissions for our Shire. To get the word out, we hold talks, expos, and forums, webinars, street stalls, and film nights, and put out regular e-newsletters, and post to social media. So in the past year, these are the sorts of activities we’ve organised:
‘Fight for Planet A’ Our Community Engagement coordinator is Sasha
Mainsbridge. Inspired by the ABC TV series Fight for Planet A’, she created a competition called Fight for Planet A & Win! Entrants are invited to share whatever it is they’re doing that reduces their personal emissions. Winners happily choose from the exceptional prize bank donated from local sustainable businesses, then their stories are featured on the ‘FFPA & WIN’ social media page, and in the ZEB e-newsletter.
The EV revolution ZEB promotes the uptake of electric vehicles. In 2019, we held the Northern Rivers EV Expo & Forum, displaying electric vehicles, e-bikes, electric-outboard motors, plus numerous relevant talks. In 2020–21, we went online and held eight onehour webinars, featuring Australia’s key players in the EV industry. All now up on YouTube, and available at www.zerobyron.org/ webinars. This year, come and find us live again – for our second Northern Rivers EV Expo & Forum being held at Habitat
coordinator at replant@ zerobyron.org.
12-step action plan
Sasha and Sebastian out on the street helping people understand the actions they can take to reduce emissions. on Sunday 22 August. (This year, we’ll be offering test drives!) Details at www. zerobyron.org.
Replant Byron Alliance Lowering greenhouse gas emissions is vital – but so is drawing down and sequestering in plants and soil the excess carbon dioxide in the air. ZEB’s Replant Byron Alliance connects revegetation organisations, landholders, and professionals, aiming to amplify carbon sequestration through tree planting.
In essence, the Alliance: tallies tree planting across Byron Shire; calculates the carbon drawdown figures to find out their collective impact; shares success stories, to increase demand for native revegetation and regenerative agriculture; and supports and promotes the work of local regenerators, who are playing a key role in our transition to net zero while also increasing biodiversity, water quality, and soil stability. Can you play a role in this too? Find out more from Wren McLean, our Alliance
We’ve put together a guide illustrating what anyone can do to reduce their emissions. It covers both changes you can make as well as ways to promote broader climate action and support the change makers. 1. Reduce your electricity use. 2. Go solar and save more than money. 3. Switch to ethical electricity. 4. Plant trees for our future. 5. Change how you eat and shop. 6. Consider switching to an electric vehicle and flying less. 7. Consume less and reduce waste. 8. Divest from fossil-fuel lenders. 9. Help stop more fossil-fuel projects. 10. Engage politically. 11. Talk about it more. 12. Stay informed. Each step is detailed on our website on a downloadable flyer at www.zerobyron. org/what-can-I-do.
new build can either ‘cost the Earth’ and/or cost you a heap in the running costs over the life of the building. We support sustainable building design and energy efficiency for a lighter carbon footprint. On our new website, check out our Sustainable House Design Checklist. Also listed are useful building resources. Zero Emissions Byron is an unfunded volunteer group registered as a charity, finding ways to deliver emissions-reduction strategies and projects for Byron Shire. As a not-for-profit community organisation with DGR status, we receive no regular funding and few grants, so we rely heavily on community goodwill and support. Find out more at: www.zerobyron.org.
Build sustainably There is a lot of new building and renovating going on in Byron Shire. The materials you choose in your reno or
Ethical Coffee. A Better Future. &KRRVH IURP HWKLFDOO\ VRXUFHG &HUWLƟHG 2UJDQLF Rainforest Alliance, Fair Trade, Australian Save JURZQ EOHQGV RU FRPSRVWDEOH FRIIHH SRGV RQ SDFNDJLQJ DOO WUDFHDEOH WR RULJLQ
DQG %<2 \RXU RZQ vessel to our Roastery Door.
Australian Pork Limited
2015 Best Australian Pork Spring Awards Punjab Piggery 15 September 2015
Come in and see our friendly staff for a choice of local, grass-fed, organic and free-range meats – all antibiotic and hormone free. Our smallgoods range includes locally produced smoked leg ham, salami and a variety of gluten-free sausages.
26 ÈşōƖŔĕ Ǩǩǽ lëƷ ǩǧǩǨ Sustainability
Unit 15-17, 1A Banksia Drive, Byron Bay • Tel: (02) 6680 9798 sales@buncoffee.com.au • www.buncoffee.com.au
www.echo.net.au
Sustainability
5
2021 – Hints for living a sustainable life
Time to care for country with thoughts and actions Belle Budden Sustainability is a tricky yarn, though a critical discussion. The three principles of sustainability are often described as economic viability; environmental protection and social equity or profit; and people and planet. We need to recognise that humans have excessively consumed the planet for profit. We now struggle for solutions to problems human over-consumption has created. Many companies continue to produce often unnecessary products with little or no accountability for their damage to the planet. Our old people, our ancestors, knew how to live sustainably on the land and did for tens of thousands of years. First Nations people knew that we are not separate from country and that we are part of country. Country is who we are and takes care of us, so it is our responsibility to care for country. Country is not ours to profit from, it is our responsibility to protect country. Sustainability was the
balance of all life: elements, seasons, all species, and the interconnected relationships between them. Our old people understood these relationships and worked to keep these balances. Our way of life has been destroyed and we have fought as we have watched country be pillaged for profit with no thought of the consequences for this country, planet, the plants, people and other animals that depend on it. First Nations peoples are resilient, dedicated, and innovative in applying cultural knowledge to innovate sustainable solutions. We continue to generously share cultural knowledge and work tirelessly to fulfil cultural responsibilities to care for country. Locally, many First Nations organisations, including the Bundjalung of Byron Bay Arakwal Corporation, Arakwal NPWS Rangers, Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council, other Aboriginal corporations and companies, and local Aboriginal landcare groups are working with cultural
Celebrating the strength and beauty of country with this native plant sculpture. Photo Belle Budden knowledge and practice to restore the health and vitality of country. Projects, programs, and initiatives developed with cultural knowledge and practice to care for country are diverse and innovative.
Cultural knowledge Firesticks Alliance Indigenous Corporation and Zion Engagement and Planning are two locally-based Aboriginal-led organisations applying cultural knowledge and frameworks to help manage country sustainably. Rachael Cavanagh, a Minyungbal Jalgany
(woman), is the Community Programs and Stakeholder Engagement manager at Firesticks Alliance. Firesticks is an Indigenous-led network and aims to re-invigorate the use of cultural burning by facilitating cultural learning pathways to fire and land management. Rachael points out that ‘culturally we never had a word that described “sustainability” as it was a practice that was entwined in everything we did. For example we only ever used what we needed and there was a use for everything. We cared for country in every aspect.
‘To achieve true sustainability, we need to look at ourselves as individuals and the actions we take daily, from our consumption, to how we treat the environment. As a nation we need to invest in fewer industrial resources and look at more ethically resourced products. ‘I teach my daughters to tread softly and be more conscious. We exercise our cultural right and look after country, as it’s our obligation. Bringing back traditional land-management practices and passing on that knowledge to the younger generations is paramount for the future,’ Rachael explained.
Building bridges Elle Davidson is a Balangarra woman who is the director, Zion Engagement and Planning, and Aboriginal Planning lecturer, University of Sydney. Describing the vision of her company Zion Engagement she says its key focus is to ‘empower Aboriginal people to care for country, restore community, and revive culture’. ‘I’m grateful that I now help to build bridges
between the two cultures and systems to help us achieve mutually beneficial outcomes that contribute to sustainability beyond environmental sustainability, but thinking also about cultural and social sustainability and the future as a nation.’ Elle believes that ‘if we care for country, she will care for us. ‘I think about our old people and how in tune they were with country, allowing country to lead and us to respond. We are seeing catastrophic events, mental health challenges, and environmental crises. I believe that culture teaches us all we need for living in harmony with country and each other, if we would just listen.’ Sustainability for First Nations people is caring for country. It’s a holistic framework of interconnectedness that is our responsibility. First Nations people have cultural knowledge and practice tested for thousands of years. We all need to take the learning of First Nations people and make it an integral part of how we move forward into a sustainable future.
SAVE OUR SOIL
TE R M 2 COURSES IN SU STAINA BILIT Y ST ART SOON (1 5 2 / 1 2 : 72 6 ( &85( <285 6 327 GET IN TOUCH
02 6686 7522 tamarasmith.org.au ballina@parliament.nsw.gov.au &EPPMRE )PIGXSVEXI 3JƤGI 7LST 1SSR 7X &EPPMRE 27; Authorised by Tamara 7QMXL 1IQFIV JSV &EPPMRE 4VSHYGIH YWMRK TEVPMEQIRXEV] IRXMXPIQIRXW
www.echo.net.au
E\URQFROOHJH RUJ DX Sustainability ÈşōƖŔĕ Ǩǩǽ lëƷ ǩǧǩǨ 27
6
Sustainability
2021 – Hints for living a sustainable life
Sustainable classics – electric Kombis! David Lowe
Alexander Bosin from car conversion company EV Classic started in Germany with a degree in physics, then designed solar systems, then did custom engineering work for Lufthansa, then escaped the corporate world and came to Byron Bay, where he now has a family, and a life revolving around VW Kombis. Although VW first had the idea of electrifying their iconic vehicles in 1974, it’s only really been since the advent of cheap solar power and relatively lightweight batteries that electric Kombis have been a realistic proposition. Alex Bosin did one of the first successful conversions in Australia, which has become well known around Byron Bay with its 00 FUEL number plate. ‘That’s my daily driver,’ he said. ‘It’s such a nice car, easy and functional and I trust it. I just jump in, not like the old ones, where something, would always break down! Alex says he’s always had a passion for Kombis. ‘I loved the freedom. My first camper
van was when I was twenty, and I always went out on the weekend and stayed in my Kombi, having open sliding doors to see the ocean, with a small solar system to run the fridge and have a cold beer.’ ‘I still love the style and the unique design, as well as the space. Now I’ve got surfboards and a family, and everything is combined in this car. When I come home, I charge from the solar – what a perfect idea! It’s really how it should be.’
ten years. Then we can put a better battery in. That’s the secret of going with the flow of technology.’
Sharing knowledge
Recycled classics
Alexander Bosin from EV Classic (www.evclassic.com.au) shares his passion for electric Kombis. Photo David Lowe
Alex Bosin says converting an old car is far more sustainable than buying a new one. ‘We’ve got so many ICE [internal combustion engine] cars and we cannot replace them straight away with electric cars; there has to be a transition,’ he said. ‘Also, quite a few people are attached to their old cars, like me. I hate this idea of having a car for five years and then throwing it away. If 40-year-old cars like these are in good condition with no rust, then with conversion you can get another 40 years out of them.
‘That’s proper recycling, not buying a cheap car from somewhere and then throwing it away. Yes it’s a bit more investment at the beginning, but in the long run you get more out of it. With the electric motor it’s so much better to drive, with constant torque and plenty of acceleration.’
Batteries What about the sustainability of lithium batteries? ‘You hear a lot about this,’ said Alex, ‘and it’s true we often don’t quite know where the battery
components come from, not yet, but everything we use at the moment, like mobiles, has the same batteries. ‘Also we’ve got all the resources here, including lithium. That’s what the government needs to push. We are on an island here, and we can build up our own sustainable system. We’ve also got plenty of sun.’ ‘It comes down to electrifying the car. Once you have an electric motor in there, that can always be used. What will change will be the batteries. In the designs I do, the batteries will last about
While Alex Bosin specialises in VWs, he’s also part of a network of electric-conversion enthusiasts called EV Alliance who are able to tackle pretty much any type of classic-car conversion, provided the body structure is sound. ‘We try to help out each other, and share IP to bring solutions together,’ he said. ‘We started with safety courses, which is a pretty important part of all this, because some backyard people are now buying wrecked Teslas and thinking they can put parts into Kombis, but they forget they are working with highvoltage batteries, which might be 350 volts or more. ‘If you touch this and you don’t know what you’re doing it will kill you.’ Alex says most of his customers are looking to charge their cars from solar arrays, rather than the grid.
More than EVs ‘What I see more and more is people who have a sentimental attachment to a car and they want to do something for their kids.’ While the nostalgia value remains, converted electric Kombis require far less maintenance than their predecessors, and have newfangled features such as power steering, regenerative braking, quality suspension, and air-conditioning. ‘The technology of the ICE engine is at its end,’ explained Alex. ‘There’s not much more that can be improved, no way to get much cleaner energy out of it.’ Looking to the future, Alex Bosin sees a time when electric-vehicle fleets will help buffer the electricity grid at peak times, by being connected in networks, and controlled by apps. He can see the potential for whole new jobs-rich industries in depressed areas of the Northern Rivers revolving around converting all kinds of machines to run on renewable electric power, not just Kombis.
BEER AS A FORCE FOR GOOD. Our role as an independent, community brewer is something we take to heart. Not only are we working hard at creating incredible tasting beers, but we’re also striving towards a better future with our Green Feet sustainability program, maintaining our B Corp status and supporting a number of environmental causes via our inGrained Foundation. Last year we donated over $240,000 supporting groups such as Brunswick Valley Landcare, Clean Coast Collective, Oz Harvest and the Northern Rivers Fire Brigades. Our donations programs are ongoing, and we hope to better our efforts each year. As a Stone & Wood drinker, you also play a part in this story. For every litre of beer sold over the bar at our tasting rooms, $1 goes back into the inGrained foundation helping to make all of this possible. To learn more about our conscious approach to business, visit stoneandwood.com.au
28 ÈşōƖŔĕ Ǩǩǽ lëƷ ǩǧǩǨ Sustainability
www.echo.net.au
THINK TANK!
Looking for ways to save water? Think rainwater tank! You may also be eligible for a rebate of up to $2,170*. Join the thousands of people locally who have installed a rainwater tank through Rous County Council’s Rainwater Tank Rebate Program. If you are connected to the town water supply across Ballina, Byron, Lismore and Richmond Valley local government areas, rebates are available for installing a rainwater tank, as well as connecting your rainwater tank to internal fixtures like your toilet and washing machine. Local Lismore resident Andrew L. says, “It is a fantastic way of looking after our environment by reducing pressure on our limited water sources.” “Connecting our toilets and washing machine to our rainwater tank has helped our household to make better use of water free from the sky!” Says local Lennox Head resident, Anthony. This year has seen record rainfall across our region. It is a perfect time to install a tank and harvest rainwater to reduce your footprint on our precious drinking water supply. For more information visit rous.nsw.gov.au/rainwatertankrebates *Eligibility criteria apply.
Residential Rainwater Tank Rebate Program Rebates of up to $2,170*
Rous County Council, the bulk water supplier to our region, offers rainwater tank rebates in partnership with Ballina Shire Council, Byron Shire Council, Lismore City Council and Richmond Valley Council to assist residents to save water.
Purchase and installation – for at least one outdoor use
2,000 litres to 4,499 litre capacity tank
$200
4,500 litres to 8,999 litres capacity tank
$800
9,000 litres and above capacity tank
$1,000
Additional rebates available to connect tank internally
Rebate amount*
Rebate amount*
Toilets
$620
Washing machine
$550
* Terms and conditions apply. Visit rous.nsw.gov.au
LOCAL BUSINESSES STRIVE TO BE SUSTAINABLE WATER PARTNERS Local businesses in the Northern Rivers are taking direct action to reduce water use by teaming up with regional water supply authority, Rous County Council through their Sustainable Water Partner Program. Locally, there are many businesses from a variety of industries, including tourism, hospitality, education, retail, and manufacturing, who are partnering with Rous to implement projects that have co-benefits for business operations and water sustainability by reducing demand on our limited drinking water supply. Southern Cross University (SCU) and Summit Sports and Fitness Centre in Goonellabah have been recognised for their commitment to water efficiency and sustainability, achieving significant water savings through equipment upgrades for their public pools. This work, led by SCU and Summit Sports and Fitness Centre, deliver water savings in perpetuity, with a potential water saving per year of more than seven Olympic swimming pools. Ms Danika Head, Director of Property Services at Southern Cross University said, “Our team is ecstatic with the results, and as well as water savings, we have also reduced our risk and maintenance costs.” “This project has not only resulted in significant water savings but has reduced chemical handling for our staff and improved the health and safety of our operations.” Matthew George, owner of Summit Sports and Fitness Centre, Goonellabah agrees with the operational and environmental wins of this work. “We can all play a part to save water. Water is a precious natural resource, every drop counts!” Mr George says. Other projects locally, include the installation of automated smart-metering across various tourism operators including Reflections Holiday Parks and irrigation upgrades at a local high school. Water saving projects continue to be identified through water saving investigations in commercial, manufacturing and industrial settings with Norco, Byron Beach Hotel and many others. Rous County Council General Manager, Phillip Rudd, said, “These projects are positive examples of identifying water saving projects that are financially viable with a strong return on investment for local businesses.” www.echo.net.au
Kirralee Donovan (Rous County Council) and Matthew George (Summit Sports and Fitness Centre) discussing water saving projects. “The Sustainable Water Partner Program is designed to support businesses with the highest water consumption, to investigate their water use and implement sustainable water savings projects,” Mr Rudd explains. The aim of the Sustainable Water Partner Program is to support businesses to make changes that will have lasting benefits for the business and broader community – not only saving water but increasing business profitability through lower water and sewer costs. As part of the program, Rous County Council can offer businesses with an annual water consumption more than 5ML a fully funded Water Saving Plan, as well as rebates of up to $25,000 annually to implement water saving projects. For more information contact council@rous.nsw.gov.au In partnership with
Sustainability ÈşōƖŔĕ Ǩǩǽ lëƷ ǩǧǩǨ 29
8
Sustainability
2021 – Hints for living a sustainable life
Eating vegan is no longer like Mac Vs PC Eve Jeffery
Who loves tofu?
Remember back in the bad old days when you used either a PC or Mac? Those were your choices, and never the twain could meet. They were so many miles apart in operations that they were like different countries with different languages and appearances, and if you were a person who could operate both it was as if you were a bilingual magician. So it was too with vegan food – first of all, the ONLY vegan food you could get was something you prepared in your own kitchen or something you ate at an Indian restaurant.
It used to be difficult to be a vegan, but now you can have your veganism and eat ‘meat’ too. Even for hardcore vegans who don’t like tofu or tempeh (yes, I know it’s hard to believe, but they do exist), these days the aisles and fridges of most supermarkets are as tantalising and tempting for vegans as they are for omnivores. So what has this got to do with sustainability? Many people who have exhausted their reasons why meat is a must (a healthy diet can be plant-based, and the dairy industry fallacy has been proven), fall back on the only argument left: but what about the poor farmers? And this is where things get very interesting.
‘Faux’ meat farmers Many of the ‘faux’ meat options are made from pea protein derived and extracted in powder from the yellow and green split peas, and or mycoprotein, also known as fungal protein (people, it’s mushrooms),
ȚPƐ ƖƆĕĎ Ɛş ćĕ ĎĶǓ ĶĈƖōƐ Ɛş ćĕ ë ưĕīëŕ ćƖƐ ŕşƱ ƷşƖ Ĉëŕ have your veganism and eat ‘meat’ too.’
Planet love
This delicious food franchise burger contains a 100 per cent plant-based patty with vegan mayo and cheese, and for many omnivores, if they weren’t told, they wouldn’t know the difference. Photo Tree Faerie and funnily enough, peas and mushies are grown on farms. And here’s where it gets even MORE interesting. You can still be a successful farmer and not deal in death, AND, you can save the planet at the same time. The Our World in Data* website did a carbon footprint comparison for growing one kilo of beef, one kilo of chicken, and one kilo of some plant proteins. The greenhouse gas emissions per kilo of protein for beef:
498.9kg; chicken: 57kg; soy: 19.8kg; and peas: 4.4kg. Yes folks,to grow peas it costs only one per cent of the emissions of growing cows, and no-one gets to die!
Water savers... If the greenhouse stats don’t curl your toes, maybe water is something you can understand a bit better. The water footprint per kilogram to grow similar food products are as follows: beef: 1,451 litres; chicken: 660 litres; peas: 397 litres; tofu:
149 litres; and potatoes: 59 litres. Gotta love them spuds! But it’s the land use value that really brings home the tofu in the footprint stakes – it takes 369 square metres (sqm) to grow a kilo of lamb or mutton; beef: 326sqm; chocolate 68sqm; pork 17sqm (you have to feel sorry for pigs who get squashed into such small spaces); poultry 12.22sqm; fish farms: 8.41sqm; tofu 3.52sqm; and rice: a tiny 2.8sqm.
For many omnivores, these are hard starts to swallow, but I would challenge meat and dairy consumers to, just for a moment, put aside their often unreasonable annoyance at plant-based eaters, and take a minute to ponder the fact that you might not love vegans, but do you love the planet? If, for no other reason, going vegan – even for a few days a week, even one day a week, would make a huge impact in the fight to save the planet. ‘Flesh’ foods made from pea, mushrooms and other plant protein ase on the pathway to a healthier Earth – so, you can have your meat (alive) and eat it too! Who knew? * Our World in Data: www.ourworldindata.org/ environmental-impacts-offood#carbon-footprint-offood-products.
Australia's largest range of modern eco friendly, non-toxic paints & finishes for homes & business. *
zero VOC paints & washes wood oils and stains clay & lime plaster *
Visit our shop and displays 1 Brigantine St Byron A&I Estate 7.30 - 4pm M-F 10-2 Sat or www.painted-earth.com.au 30 ÈşōƖŔĕ Ǩǩǽ lëƷ ǩǧǩǨ Sustainability
www.echo.net.au
Sustainability
9
2021 – Hints for living a sustainable life
Ethical investing goes prudential David Lisle Ethical investing is the idea of using your money to make the world a better place rather than simply chasing the greatest financial return. It seeks to account for people and planet, not just profit. Applying your money to ethical endeavours hints at the possibility of accepting lower returns. But ethical investment vehicles now outperform benchmarks. Ethical investing is mainstream and has become thoroughly embedded in investment markets. According to Responsible Investment Association Australia, which advocates for capital to pursue socially and environmentally just ends, over a trillion dollars, 37 per cent of all professionally managed money in Australia today, is classed as responsible investment. This is a meteoric rise for what was, until very recently, a niche industry.
Key approaches The mainstreaming of ethical investment has given rise to a small universe of
specialist ethical funds, investor ranking initiatives, new market indices, research firms, shareholder advocacy groups, and much jargon besides. Ethical investing has many aliases: responsible investment, socially responsible investing, sustainable investing, impact investing, gender lens investing, sustainable finance... Whatever you call it though, there are three main approaches. Firstly, negative screening excludes investments inconsistent with investor values. Avoiding, or divesting from, such industries as tobacco, munitions, or fossil-fuel extraction is the new normal. 350.org, founded by environmentalist Bill McKibben, has been leading the charge for fossil-fuel divestment, which has seen $US14 trillion divested in the last decade. Positive screening of companies or investments, on the other hand, tries to direct money into beneficial projects. Supporting green technologies is a classic example. Targeting specific social goods like affordable housing is less common.
Threatened woodland in the Upper Hunter Valley, where many new coal projects (the equivalent of 10 Adani Carmichael mines) are proposed. Photo David Lisle And engagement such as shareholder activism uses ownership rights to agitate for change, and responsible business practices.
Stranded assets for a liveable world Last year, in response to concern about climate exposure among its clients, the world’s largest fund manager, Blackrock, announced it would place climate change at the centre of its investment strategy and dump its holdings in thermal-coal companies.
This was one in a flurry of such announcements, at once ethical and prudential. Fossil-fuel reserves worth trillions must become worthless, or ‘stranded’, if our planet is to remain habitable. The reckoning with climate exposure, as a financial threat, is beginning.
Consumer choice Most Australians are invested in companies via their superannuation accounts, and in recent times there’s been a push for people to be less passive about how their money is
invested. This dynamic, together with the sudden acknowledgement by Australia’s key financial regulators of climate-related financial risk, has led to surging demand for sustainable and ethical investment options. Yet, there is pushback. The Business Council of Australia is very wary of union influence over industry super funds. It supports ethical investment but warns that members’ money should not be used for ‘political activism’. This translates roughly as ‘don’t bash big business’. And last year, when the ANZ bank announced its decision to not accept new thermal-coal customers, and to reduce its climate exposure more generally, David Littleproud, minster for Agriculture, Drought, and Emergency Management was furious. ‘We do not need banks in this country trying to become our society’s moral compass and arbiter’ he thundered. Other cabinet ministers opined that ANZ was playing ‘environmental activist’ and ‘virtue signalling’, and called for a boycott of its business.
SYSTEM OFFERS
$
3999 *
In reality, ANZ, who has lent billions for fossil-fuel projects in recent years, was taking climate policy baby steps in response to real financial risk. Moreover, these steps were driven by shareholders and customers, aka the free market. A close associate of ethical investment is ethical consumption. Often associated with fair-trade coffee, dolphin-safe tuna, or shopping locally. It also encompasses activities such as choosing a bank or a super fund Some financial institutions such as Bank Australia, credit unions, and a raft of ethical funds have built brands by using their customers’ money for good, and avoiding using it for bad. Being ethical is a tradable commodity and intangible assets like brands are vital for many businesses. Transforming ecological and social concerns into profit opportunities is an accumulation strategy in these days of late capitalism. The ethical-investing universe keeps expanding as it tries to coax the free market into saving the world.
6.66kW
9.99kW
SHOP LOCAL
18 x 370W panels 5kW SUNGROW single phase inverter
27 x 370W panels 8kW SUNGROW single phase inverter
At budget prices.
Fully installed $3999
Fully installed $5499
Hundreds of happy customers in the Northern Rivers.
N: 36 x 370W panels 2 x 5kW 1P or 1 x 10kW 3P SUNGROW inverter Fully installed $6999
7RS TXDOLW\ 7LHU SDQHOV We also install
FREE AUSTRALIA HOLIDAY with first 10 purchases
valued apx $1200 PAYMENT PLANS ALSO AVAILABLE
WE ALSO DO LARGE SYSTEMS 83 72 kW 1800 88 68 77 www.echo.net.au
GET YOUR SOLAR
FOR FREE !!!
GRZQ ¿ QDQFH« DQG FDVK À RZ SRVLWLYH IURP GD\ TURN YOUR ROOF INTO A MONEY MAKER
www.firstsunsolar.com.au Sustainability ÈşōƖŔĕ Ǩǩǽ lëƷ ǩǧǩǨ 31
10
Sustainability
2021 – Hints for living a sustainable life
‘On track to three degrees of warming’ What sort of world will our children have to adapt to in their retirement? Dr Willow Hallgren Our planet has warmed by 1.1 degrees, on average, since the Industrial Revolution, and Australia has warmed by 1.4 degrees since 1910 when records of temperature measurements began. The predictions that scientists made about climate change 30 years ago are now our lived reality. Our climate has become harsher, and we are experiencing more extreme climatic events, which are having unprecedented impacts on the natural world and human society.
Just the beginning Longer, hotter droughts, more extreme heatwaves, an increase in diseases and problem insects, and catastrophic bushfires have already begun. Ancient forests – from tropical and subtropical rainforests in Queensland and northern NSW to ‘Gondwana’ forests in Tasmania – have burned in
mega-bushfires with almost incomprehensible losses to biodiversity. Over three billion vertebrate animals died as a result of the Black Summer bushfires in 2019/20 that burnt an area more than three times the size of Tasmania. Severe marine heatwaves have caused three major coral bleaching events in the Great Barrier Reef in the last five years, killing 50 per cent of hard corals in shallow waters.
In your lifetime Unfortunately, we have only just begun to experience the severe impacts from climate change; a recent Australian Academy of Science report states that even if all countries that have signed on to the Paris Agreement actually fulfil their current commitments to greenhouse gas reductions, our planet will still warm by three degrees, or more, by the end of this century. That’s only 79 years away. The report also states that ‘limiting climate change to 1.5°C is now virtually impossible’.
How will our children have to live, as senior citizens, with three degrees of global heating?
Retreat, retreat Even with 1.5 degrees of warming, 70–90 per cent of the world’s tropical coral reefs are projected to disappear – and become all but non-existent with only two degrees of warming – along with billions of tourism dollars. At 3°C of global warming, many of Australia’s ecosystems would become unrecognisable. With one metre of sealevel rise predicted by the end of the century, up to 250,000 Australian properties are at risk of coastal flooding. Within their lifetime, our kids will have to make tough decisions about adapting to the sea-level rise that can no longer be prevented. Should public money be spent on coastal defences to protect development in low-lying areas, given what we know is coming?
Future planning Ultimately, retreat away from the coastline is likely
to be the only feasible longterm strategy. The eventual relocation of people and infrastructure from the most threatened areas must be factored into current and future planning. Meanwhile, on the other side of the Great Dividing Range, populations may have to retreat eastwards from inland heat and desiccation. Large swathes of the already water-stressed interior of Australia could become too hot and dry for human habitation, according to prominent Pennsylvania State University climate scientist Michael Mann. Many inland towns face dwindling water supplies owing to declining rainfall trends, and many have already spent huge amounts of money to truck in drinking water during the most recent drought. However, faced with the prospect of 50-degree-plus summers, some experts say highly urbanised parts of Australia may become unliveable within decades, and in the north of Australia a deadly combination of heat and humidity could
The future effects of climate change include more frequent wildfires, longer periods of drought, and an increase in the number, duration and intensity of tropical storms. Photo NASA, L: Mellimage, center: Montree Hanlue; R: NASA make cities like Darwin uninhabitable for much of the year. To counteract this supercharged ‘Urban Heat Island effect’, suburban car parks may have to be relocated underground and replaced with trees and greenery, and roads painted to reflect heat, not absorb it. All housing will inevitably be retrofitted with insulation. In particularly vulnerable areas a more substantial retreat from the surface may be necessary, with supermarkets and possibly entire suburbs built underground. Behavioural and cultural adaptation to the extreme daytime heat could see us retreating indoors and sleeping during the day, and
moving outdoors at night to socialise and exercise, similar to some Mediterranean countries.
Political willpower In their report Aim High, Go Fast: Why Emissions Need To Plummet This Decade the Climate Council proposes a target of a 75 per cent cut in greenhouse gas emissions (from 2005 levels) by 2030, and for net zero emissions by 2035. Professor Michael Mann says that the published science indicates that ‘keeping global heating to 1.5°C would require global emissions to be cut in half over the next decade’ and that this is achievable, and is ‘simply a matter of political willpower’.
Care Check Ingredients Check
We only procure products that support the health of our community and Mother Earth.
Our promise to you, everything on our shelves has been rigorously checked through our Santos Organics Care Check.
Social Impact Alignment We partner with businesses and organisations that share our values and aspiration to be a catalyst for a better tomorrow.
Eco-friendly Packaging We reduce waste by choosing environmentally friendly packaging and ask our suppliers to do the same.
Conscious Shopping Made Easy
Farming Methods We partner with farmers who adopt organic, biodynamic, regenerative, syntropic, and other sustainable farming practices.
Product Origin We prioritise localisation and the cultivation of a circular economy.
BYRON BAY
MULLUMBIMBY
BYRON A&I
SHOP ONLINE
02 6685 7071
02 6684 3773
02 6685 5685
santosorganics.com.au
105 Jonson St, Byron Bay
32 ÈşōƖŔĕ Ǩǩǽ lëƷ ǩǧǩǨ Sustainability
51 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby
3/7 Brigantine St, Byron A&I Estate
ŧ www.echo.net.au
Renew Fest 7-9 May Full system change involves all of us and all layers of our life on earth: environmental, economic and social. Join us for a special Mother’s Day weekend featuring over 100 presenters, artist, musicians and dozens of organisations. Free Entry to all Indigenous Australians and children 16 years & under. Tickets online and at the gate. All profits go back to the community through the Renew Community Grant Fund to support local regenerative projects.
BRING YOUR OWN plate, cup bowl and cutlery
FRIDAY opening night 7 May Mullumbimby Civic Hall 6:00
Dinner available for purchase
Welcome to country by Delta Kay Arakwal Bundjalung Woman and Uncle Magpie Yerrubilgin Minyungbal Yugambeh song man
until 9PM
Headliner conversation with Judy Atkinson in dialogue with Miriam Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann (via zoom)
SATURDAY program 8 May Mullumbimby Showground 2hr Round Panels (with Sharing Circles)
9:00 10:30
1hr Workshops and Presentations
Resilience Hub
Festival Awakening including immersive music-scape, body movement grounding with WeMove, and Gamelan workshop Festival opening with Delta Kay, Uncle Magpie and dancers
The Courage to Face Reality
Holding Hands With Fire
Good Economics: Community Energy Bec Talbot, Enova How on Earth? Kristy Walters, CPA
4x4 Regen All-Ages Action Game
Carol Perry Judy Atkinson Zenith Virago
Rachael Cavanagh Daryl Taylor Terri Nicholson / Ivy Young
Helena Norberg-Hodge Danny Almagor Erfan Daliri
Carbon Drawdown
12:30
Q&A with David Holmgren and Su Dennett
The Joyality Team
Creek Ecology Tour
Dave Rawlins, LandCare
Doing Democracy: A Frontline Struggle Bunya Halasz, Wren McLean, Dave Rawliins, Kevin Glencross Aidan Ricketts
Fig Tree soundscape Hourly 1min silences Vegan/Vegetarian Food Stalls Info Stalls
The
Water Hour
Little Children’s Nature Crafts
The
Resilient Byron Update
Lunchtime music Laura Targett with Steve Berry
Headliner conversation with Mehreen Faruqi
2:00
Neighbourhoods from Ground Up
Race & Privilege: Women of Colour
Growing a Different Story
Doing Dying and Ceremony Well
Elly Bird Jean Renouf Carmen Stewart
Delta Kay Swarna Taylor Malaika Okoth
Richard Jones Cheryl Smith Skye Thomas-Hall
Elder+Youth Dialogue Vital Water Literacy Sleeping Under the Judy Atkinson with Annie Kia Fig Trees
4:00
Zenith Virago
SoapBox Sessions
Ahri Tallon, Sophie Wilksch, Barry Hill, Christina Renger
Mia Thom (School Strikes) Terri Nicholson
Money For Good Liz Elliott
Spinning Renewal Joss Lewis Labyrinth Walk
The
Energy
Multicultural Presenters Group BayFM
Hour
e-Bikes and electric cars Tiny Home Village
Headliner music by Nattali Rize and The Black Sistaz
Evening reside music & poetry (til 9PM)
Immersive music-scape by Peter Hunt and Luke Jaaniste (HHAARRPP) Dance performance “Burnt O ering” by MaKom Collective Spoken word by Vashti Eastern, Erfan Daliri, Thomas Keily, Jenni Cargill-Strong and others
until 9PM
SUNDAY program 9 May Mullumbimby Showground
1hr Workshops and Presentations
2hr Round Panels (with Sharing Circles)
9:00
Resilience Hub
Festival Grounding including immersive music-scape, body mind centring with Noa Rotem,
The Community That Owns Itself
Healing the Housing Crisis
The Resilient Dinner Plate
Beyond Polarisation: Coming Together
Scaling Up Your Projects
Active Hope Circle (2hr process)
The
Bec Talbot Kristy Walters Rachael Cavanagh
Shane Sylvanspring Sama Balson Elle Davidson
Blaire Beattie Sally Mathrick Vanessa Vardi
Ethical Enterprise
Apocalypse Wow!
Low Impact Living
The
12:30
Mason Taylor SuperFeast
Mitra Ardron Robin Grille
Alice Howard Vyse Jo Nemeth
Neighbourhood Hour
Hour
Lunchtime music Batala Percussion Group
Techno-trust and Communities
Nurturing the Warrior Spirit
Weaponisation of Confusion
Racial Justice: The basics
Collaborative Action Bush Tucker Delta Kay for social change
The
Mitra Ardron Rolf von Behrens Pospi
Zara Noruzi Mason Taylor Jo Nemeth
Damon Gameau Craig Mason Robin Grille
Bush re Prep: The Hard Truth
The Seabin Story
The
4:00 5:00
ends 6PM
Erfan Daliri
Daryl Taylor
Health & Wellbeing Hour
Pete Cuming
Pete Ceglinski Mahi Paquette
Reparative Justice Rachael Cavanagh & Megan Edwards
Vegan/Vegetarian Food Stalls Info Stalls Little Children’s Nature Crafts Youth Connection zine making zone
Emergency
Headliner conversation with David Holmgren
2:00
All day Fig Tree soundscape Hourly 1min silences
story-telling with Paul Crebar and Gamelan workshop
Helena Norberg-Hodge
Youth Connection zine making zone Weaving Connections space Chandelier of the Lost and Broken Hung Out To Dry installation How on Earth Performance Byron Youth Theatre
Housing
Headliner conversation with Rachael Cavanagh
5:00
10:30
The
Hour
Pete Cuming
All day
Weaving Connections space Chandelier of the Lost and Broken Hung Out To Dry installation How on Earth Performance Byron Youth Theatre Spinning Renewal Joss Lewis Labyrinth Walk Multicultural Presenters Group BayFM
Food Hour
Closing conversation with Ella Rose Goninan (Renew Fest director) and Helen McCosker (National Regen Agriculture Day director)
e-Bikes and electric cars Tiny Home Village
Indigenous-led closing ceremony led by Uncle Lewis Walker with Uncle Magpie and dancers
Closing (ends 6PM)
Headliners
Miriam Rose Judy Atkinson Ungunmerr-Baumann Emeritus Professor, trauma Senior Australian of the Year, expert, founder We Al-li Dadirri teacher (Fri via zoom)
David Holmgren
Co-founder of permaculture bush re regen designer
Mehreen Faruqi
Rachael Cavanagh
Australia’s first Muslim senator Cultural Burning, Firesticks environmental engineer educator
Nattali Rize
Frontwoman Blue King Brown Singing with The Black Sistaz
Uncle Lewis Walker
Bundjalung Elder musician, artist, at Closing Ceremony
Biodiversity | Food | Energy | Housing | Economics | Humanity renewal Speakers | Panels | Workshops | Tiny home village | Market stalls | Music Indigenous wisdom | Little people’s nature crafts | Youth Space | Eco arts Zero waste | Powered by renewables | No alcohol | Vegan & vegetarian
www.renewfest.org.au www.echo.net.au
Visionary Partners:
Key Partners:
Resilient Byron
Sustainability ÈşōƖŔĕ Ǩǩǽ lëƷ ǩǧǩǨ 33
12
Sustainability
2021 – Hints for living a sustainable life
‘Wai’ on Earth are we polluting? Kerry Sunderland When I moved from Byron to ‘100% Pure New Zealand’ eight years ago, I naively thought I was leaving behind polluted freshwater rivers. I’d grown up swimming in the Murray in the ’70s and ’80s, before salinity, erosion, blue-green algal blooms, and invasive species began to take their toll. But I never drank it. So when my partner and I started roaming the South Island, I was startled when he filled his drink bottle with river water and gulped it down. No boiling. No filtering. ‘As long as we’re upstream from cows,’ he told me, ‘the water is fine to drink’. This is still true – Aotearoa has the cleanest rivers in the world in its many conservation estates, which equate to roughly a third of all land here – but downstream waterways are now some of the most polluted in the developed world. Today, roughly 60 per cent of the country’s rivers have unacceptable levels of contamination. While the possible solutions to New Zealand’s
freshwater crisis are complex, the causes are relatively simple and it’s easy to draw parallels with the Murray Darling Basin, where dairy farmers are one of the biggest consumers of its water. According to one of NZ’s leading freshwater ecologists, Mike Joy, our $15 billion a year dairy industry, which provides a third of the world’s dairy exports, is literally ‘milking the environment for all it’s worth’. The industry’s intensive farming practices, which depend on huge volumes of irrigation, have resulted in the pollution of an astonishing 95–97 per cent of all rivers running through farmland, urban catchments, and non-native forests. Scientists have praised the NZ government for listening to health experts in its COVID-19 response, but when it comes to setting limits to manage the health of waterways, Joy believes scientific advice seems to be considered ‘negotiable’. He points to numerous occasions of political interference over the past few decades. On all occasions, this has meant a
weakening of limits in favour of polluters. There is disagreement about what constitutes acceptable levels of nitrates in our waterways. When the current Labour government announced in its National Policy Statement (NPS) for Freshwater Management a new nitrate limit of 2.4mg/L, there was an outcry from dairy farmers. Yet ecologists and environmentalists say it doesn’t go far enough; Joy says the limit needs to be 1mg/L. When he and Canterbury councillor Lan Pham tested water in the Selwyn River for a recent ABC Foreign Correspondent episode, they found 9.66mg/L. In the Selwyn, this translates into oozy black mats of toxic algae. People can’t swim in it, let alone drink the water.
Water sovereignty And, while the NPS became operative in September last year, regional councils have until 2025 to rewrite their existing water regulations. In the meantime, the only glimmer of hope for many is the prospect that Māori will
succeed in regaining sovereignty of waterways by forcing the government and local councils to fulfil their Treaty of Waitangi obligations. Just as the Inuit languages have 50 words for snow and hundreds of other ways to describe it, the relationship between Māori and ‘wai’ (water) is as linguistically complex. In Mountains to the Sea: Solving New Zealand’s Freshwater Crisis, Tina Ngata, who advocates for environmental, indigenous and human rights, gives these examples: ‘waiunu’ refers to drinking water; ‘waipukepuke’ is water that has been whipped by the wind to form peaks; ‘waihuka’ is frothy water; ‘manowai’ is water that has deep, strong undercurrents; ‘waiwhakaika’ refers to the specific ceremonial waters for the embedding of knowledge; ‘waiariki’ refers to healing or curative waters, such as hot springs. Wai plays a central rol, not only in sustaining life and wellbeing, but also in Māori identity. There’s a saying – ‘Ko wai mātou’ – which means both ‘we are water’
Rakaia River, Canterbury, NZ. Photo Matt-Crawford and ‘who we are’. Sharing the name of their ‘moana’ (ocean) or ‘awa’ (river) is a key component of a person’s ‘pepeha’ (introduction). Wai is also a prefix in many words referring to balance and the interconnectedness of all living things. For example, ‘wairua’ means spirit or soul. In February, a collective of five Māori groups announced they would be engaging with the NZ Government on reform of the Resource Management Act and other legislation addressing climate change. Iwi (Māori tribes) have already entered co-government and co-managment arrangements to manage the Waikato River, Lake Taupō, and the Waiapu catchment. And late last year, Ngai Tahu, Aotearoa’s fourth largest iwi, announced it was
taking legal action against the NZ Government to assert their rights over fresh water in the South Island. Ngai Tahu says it has tried to engage with successive governments on the issue but has been ignored. They’re not the only ones feeling ignored. While Joy might have felt hopeful when the Labour Party teamed up with the Green Party to form a coalition government in 2017, today he is feeling pretty cynical. He says there have been multiple attempts to get the Ardern government to do something about regulating water, but nothing has come close to solving the problem. Joy believes giving Māori more involvement in, and control over, fresh water would be a positive move in the right direction.
Stay local for
Towards zero with Juno Energy
• access to the Sustainable Living YouTube playlist, featuring videos from over a dozen local experts who share their passion, knowledge and practical tips for sustainable homes and living
Since 2010 we’ve been on a journey with you to reduce bills, reduce grid consumption, & most importantly build energy independence one panel at a time. This year the panels are more powerful, the batteries bigger, & electric vehicles are here. More than ever your roof space is important real estate. So give us a call if you want a solar system that looks to the future and produces more energy for you every day.
• quarterly e-newsletters to keep you in touch with sustainability news and events from across the Tweed.
Our Habitat, Office 26, 20-1 Porter St, Byron Bay
Visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/sustainableliving for: • a local marketplace of suppliers with environmentally-friendly solutions that strengthen our community and economy • a go-to guide for trusted sources of sustainable homes and living guidance
www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/sustainableliving 34 ÈşōƖŔĕ Ǩǩǽ lëƷ ǩǧǩǨ Sustainability
www.junoenergy.com.au
0425 256 802 sales@junoenergy.com.au electrical licence no. 255292C CEC member since 2010 www.echo.net.au
We’re all screwed So don’t tell us that We can imagine a healthy future Because the reality is It’s too late to fix the climate crisis And we don’t trust anyone who says We need to demand a livable planet Because we don’t have a choice (Now read this bottom up)
Since 1973, we’ve built clothes to endure. We make high-quality clothing that is more durable, so you don’t have to buy new as often. We make gear with recycled materials. We promote safe and fair labour conditions for workers. We grow food and fibre the way nature intended.
There are things you can do, too. When you want something new, ask yourself, Do I really need it? Look for one product you can use in multiple ways. Repair what you wear out and hand things down. Demand recycled. Demand organic. Demand Fair Trade. You have the power to change the way clothes are made.
Answer with Action © 2020 Patagonia, Inc.
www.echo.net.au PAT-BLDM-PrintAd-ByronEcho-260x378.indd
1
Sustainability ÈşōƖŔĕ Ǩǩǽ lëƷ ǩǧǩǨ 35 22/4/21 2:50 pm
Sustainability
14
2021 – Hints for living a sustainable life
Community-owned, social enterprise the obvious energy choice Enova Team Established in 2016 to do something practical about climate change, Enova Community Energy is a social enterprise making an impact. Enova is approaching its fifth year of operation and the signing on if its 10,000th customer. In 2020, their customers saved 18,425 tonnes of carbon just by being with Enova. Each customer that switches to Enova saves 1.99 tonnes of CO2-emissions every year! This is because 60 per cent of Enova’s customers already have rooftop solar installed and excess solar forms 50 per cent of Enova’s energy sources. Enova then offsets all of its customers’ energy purchases. Enova’s community owned profit-for-purpose model is renewables focused. It does not invest in fossil fuels and ensures that 50 per cent of profits are reinvested back into community projects. It also invites new customers to choose from a welcoming credit on their bill or to have that amount donated to a
current charity partner. This model has already donated over $85,000 to Australian not-for-profit organisations. As a social enterprise, locally operated and Australian owned by 1,600 community shareholders (the majority are based in the Byron Shire), Enova is mandated to innovate projects like solar gardens, community solar, micro-grids and community batteries. These projects ensure the benefits of renewable energy are locally generated and distributed fairly to those who do not have the funds or a suitable location to invest in their own solar panels and batteries.
COREM partnership Enova Community has partnered with COREM (Community Owned Renewable Energy Mullumbimby) to support other local community organisations to place solar panels on their rooftops via a $1,000 revolving solar fund. Local community halls that have benefited are the Federal Community Hall, Coorabell Hall, and the Mullumbimby Commons.
Microgrid pilot
The Enova Team enjoying their green success. By installing community solar in collaboration with partners, Enova is building the capacity of these organisations for energy independence and reducing carbon emissions. The company has also played a pioneering role in the establishment of solar gardens in Australia. It partnered with North Coast Community Housing (NCCH) to install the first solar garden, that benefits social housing tenants and community organisations; and is the chosen retail partner for the first community-owned solar garden in partnership with Pingala, called Haystacks Solar Garden.
Enova is also innovating the technical side and customer-facing structures of its first microgrid and shared community battery. This will inform how it moves forward and continues to generate real change with community energy that distributes (or shares) locally generated and stored renewable energy. These projects take energy generation and storage off the one-way grid line and circulate it locally. While not only being good for our environment they also build local community energy resilience and economic capacity.
waste free
events WITH MULLUM CARES
Organising an event, whether a small party or a large festival is challenging. Patrons and guests not only want a good time, these days they also expect it to be sustainable. Mullum Cares works with you to make sure your event is not a wastefest, leaving you to focus on creating an unforgettable experience for your patrons or guests. 36 ÈşōƖŔĕ Ǩǩǽ lëƷ ǩǧǩǨ Sustainability
In partnership with Essential Energy, Enova’s first microgrid is currently being trialled in the Arts and Industry Estate of Byron Bay. More than 20 local businesses have signed up and have had energy monitors installed to assess energy use and needs of the participating businesses.
Shared Community Battery – NSW New South Wales state and federal funding has enabled Enova’s mission to embark upon an initiative to commission and install a 2MWh Tesla battery in a regional NSW location. This project will allow households, whether they have solar or not, to share and trade rooftop solar between themselves. The shared community battery is a project partnership with Enosi Australia and the University of Newcastle. Enova will buy and manage the battery, Enosi will provide the platform that will allow Enova’s solar
and non-solar customers involved in the pilot to share with and purchase energy from the battery. The University of Newcastle will be collecting and analysing data from the project. There’s no other electricity company like Enova in Australia. It was set up to support local communities to generate, store, and share their own energy and to have a community impact by strengthening local economies and taking climate action. So really, Enova can only achieve what it set out to do in the Australian energy transition to renewable energy, with the help of you, customers, shareholders and supporters. As Enova grows in customer numbers, so can its community impact. The alternative can be to select an energy company that ticks one or two boxes, but that still invests in fossil fuels.
Zero waste events made easy COMPOST WASTE MANAGEMENT Compostable cups, plates and cutlery are great, as long as they get composted and not sent to landfill. Mullum Cares will make sure your event waste gets composted locally.
CHOOSE TO REUSE
Reusable is always better than single use. We can organise everything from reusable cups, to cable ties, to serviettes.
MAXIMUM DIVERSION 90 percent of event waste is recyclable or compostable. Make sure those bottles and cans live to party another day. Mullum Cares will minimise waste to landfill for your event.
CUSTOM MADE SOLUTIONS Every event is different, Mullum Cares can meet you wherever you are on your zero waste journey. Get in touch early and make zero waste part of your event plan from the very beginning.
MORE INFORMATION Call Sasha today
0422 641 474 mullumcares.com.au
www.echo.net.au
Sustainability
15
2021 – Hints for living a sustainable life
Time to be part of the people’s rooftop revolution! It’s official – the International Energy Agency (IEA) has confirmed that Australia has the highest installed solar PV (photovoltaic) capacity per capita in the world: 2.6 million Australian homes now have rooftop solar, up from just 26,000 in 2007. Small-scale solar electricity production is the quiet revolution happening on Australia’s rooftops, but if you’re one of the 80 per cent of households yet to install a PV system, here’s a quick guide to the basics. A solar photovoltaic system needs panels, an inverter, and (optional) batteries.
silicon, while the most efficient and durable panels are monocrystalline – the most expensive but the best long-term option. Second-generation Thin Film Solar Cells are the least expensive; but while cheap and flexible they suffer in high temperatures and have a shorter lifespan of around 20 years. On the horizon are biohybrid solar cells, aka photo-bioelectrochemical cells, harnessing the power of photosynthesis to generate electricity. Still in development, biohybrid panels are predicted to be 1,000 times more efficient than traditional silicon panels.
Panels
Batteries
First-generation silicon solar panels – basically silicon semi-conductors in glass in a metal frame – have a functional life of 25–30 years, deteriorating at around one per cent per year. A panel twenty-five years old will still produce at 75 per cent of its original output. The world’s most popular panels are polycrystalline
Solar electricity needs to be stored for use at night, and there are many battery storage systems on the market. With a lifespan of about ten years, solar batteries are expensive and notoriously unreliable. An independent test of eighteen solar battery systems reviewed by consumer group Choice found only 30
Charles Boyle
Solar panel cells. Photo Charles Boyle per cent of batteries to be reliable and fault-free. Solar battery storage is a rapidly evolving industry and many companies have already left the industry leaving consumers without warranty. Going off-grid with a battery system is still not cost-effective, but will change as technology evolves and prices fall.
Inverters The inverter turns the DC power from panels into AC for household use and export to the grid. The most sophisticated element of the solar PV system, it is the
most likely to fail. Expect an inverter to last ten years, but prices vary depending on requirements. The standard inverter for a grid-connected residential solar PV system is a string inverter. Grid-connected panels and a battery require a hybrid inverter and an off-grid system needs a specialised battery inverter. When buying an inverter look for a ten-year warranty.
wǔ ȒīſĶĎ şſ ĈşŕŕĕĈƐĕĎȃ The grid is a community resource, and every kilowatt
of exported renewable energy reduces our reliance on coal-fired power stations. However, successive governments have failed to predict the phenomenal uptake of solar PV and our electricity grid wasn’t designed for solar feed-in. The grid was designed to send electricity in one direction – from the power station to the consumers. While electricity can easily move backwards through the grid, net reverse (upstream) power flows cause voltage spikes that damage infrastructure and consumer equipment and thermal overloading of substation transformers. To maintain grid stability, infrastructure needs to be modified to cope with increasing solar PV – but who should pay for adapting the old technology? Those who don’t have rooftop solar PV shouldn’t subsidise those who do. In an effort to control customer-generated exports, governments are reducing feed-in tariffs, imposing export quotas and even proposing to charge customers to export to the grid.
An elegant solution to grid overload is the emergence of the Virtual Power Plant (VPP). A VPP is sophisticated cloud-based software system that taps into the existing grid collecting residential PV for sale and distribution, ensuring grid stability. VPPs are dynamic, responsive, and deliver in real time. Tesla and AGL Energy both operate VPPs in South Australia, encouraging consumers to join their network by offering free or subsidised hybrid PV systems.
¨IJĕ ƐĶŔĕ ĶƆ ŕşƱ When buying a solar PV system, look for established companies that are likely to be around to honour your warranty when things go wrong. Remember, the better quality your equipment, the longer it will generate renewable energy. Solar PV has come of age; it’s now efficient, reliable and cost effective. Don’t hesitate. There’s never been a better time to be part of the solution.
Taking on the climate challenge together. BUILDING THE SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE THAT DRIVES CHANGE ˀ˨˟˟˨ˠ ˆʸʸʷ ˜˦ ˔ ˖ˢˠˠ˨ˡ˜˧ˬ ˥˨ˡ ˡˢ˧ʠ˙ˢ˥ʠˣ˥ˢЁ˧ ˪˜˧˛ ˔ ˠ˜˦˦˜ˢˡ ˧ˢ ˘ˠˣˢ˪˘˥ Change Makers ˪ˢ˥˞˜ˡ˚ ˪˜˧˛ ˢ˨˥ Natural Environment ˔ˡ˗ ˖˥˘˔˧˜ˡ˚ ˠˢ˥˘ Sustainable Ways to live. Our projects and partners include: • BeardsOn for Conservation
• Mullumbimbees
• Rainforest 4 Foundation
• Mullum Food Coop
• ʵˬ˥ˢˡ ˆ˛˜˥˘ ʶ˛˘ˠ˜˖˔˟ ʹ˥˘˘ ʿ˔ˡ˗˖˔˥˘
• ˀ˨˟˟˨ˠ˕˜ˠ˕ˬ ˀ˘ˡϞ˦ ˆ˛˘˗
• ʵˬ˥ˢˡ ʶˢˠˠ˨ˡ˜˧ˬ ʶˢ˟˟˘˚˘
• ˅˘ˡ˘˪ ʹ˘˦˧
• Mullumbimby Community Gardens
• ʹ˜˥˘˦˧˜˖˞˦ ʴ˟˟˜˔ˡ˖˘
• ˆ˛˔˥˔ ʶˢˠˠ˨ˡ˜˧ˬ ʺ˔˥˗˘ˡ˦
• COREM
• ʿ˘ˡˡˢ˫ ʶˢˠˠ˨ˡ˜˧ˬ ʺ˔˥˗˘ˡ˦
• Mullum Cares
• ˅˘˙ˢ˥˘˦˧ ˁˢ˪ʔ
Subscribe to our newsletter. Follow our story. Get involved.
Download our latest Impact report here: mullumseed.org.au/about Meet us this weekend at RENEW FEST!
To support our work please visit zerobyron.org/donate www.echo.net.au
We will be sharing some of our projects and looking to connect with you!
Sustainability ÈşōƖŔĕ Ǩǩǽ lëƷ ǩǧǩǨ 37
16
Sustainability
2021 – Hints for living a sustainable life
Where state and federal governments are failing, Eve Jeffery Local government areas are where we take our cues as to how we can be sustainable. A council that makes it easy to live a sustainable life is worth its weight in compost (see what I did there?). We are lucky on the Far North Coast that we have local governments who are willing to do their best to keep us on track. We asked five LGAs – Ballina, Byron, Lismore, Richmond Valley, and Tweed – what they were up to in terms of sustainability, and the answers we got are awesome!
Ballina Keith Williams is on Ballina Council and he is also chair of Rous County Council, the governing body for much of our water. Cr Williams says Ballina has a lot going on. In November 2020 Ballina adopted a climate-emergency declaration and recently adopted a draft climate-change policy, committing to net zero carbon emissions by Ballina Council by 2030. The policy is currently on public
exhibition (https://ballina. nsw.gov.au). In the past year, more solar has been added to Council buildings and the street lights converted to LEDs. ‘Our first solarpowered street light was installed, and an electric vehicle purchased,’ said Cr Williams. At the waste management centre new recyclables handling facilities decreased contamination rates and increased volumes of materials being recycled. Cr Williams says that Council’s Healthy Waterways Program has funded the development and implementation of Coastal Management Plans for Lake Ainsworth, Shaws Bay, and North Creek. ‘The program has also supported strategic land purchases and riparian revegetation projects that have transformed kilometres of creek banks in the shire.’
Our water use The Rous County Council (RCC) areas – Ballina (excluding Wardell); Byron (excluding Mullumbimby); Lismore (excluding Nimbin); and
Brunswick Heads Public School students River and Alankar join in BSC’s Waste Wise Schools program. The fun and interactive learning activities are designed to teach students about the importance of sustainable waste management practices at school and at home. Richmond Valley (excluding land to the west of Coraki) have a proud history of proactive water-conservation measures. Currently RCC uses less water for a population of 100,000 users than it did 25 years ago for 60,000 users. In December last year RCC committed further significant resources to waterloss prevention and will roll out smart water meters to their network. Earlier this year RCC adopted a draft Future Water Plan that rejected both a proposed dam in the Channon
CERTIFIED ORGANIC FREE RANGE EGGS
Gorge near Dunoon and a total reliance on groundwater, in favour of an approach that uses groundwater in the short term. The strategy commits RCC to build a pilot plant for developing a purifiedrecycled-water strategy that could be implemented from 2040.
Byron Byron Shire Council recognises the impact its operations have on the environment. Council has reduced our net CO2 emissions by 9,776 tonnes
over the last four years by changing the way they work, switching to renewable energy sources, and through offset arrangements. Byron is constantly looking into new ways to reduce the carbon footprint through solar and other renewable-energy projects such as bioenergy. By 2025 the Council aspires to be officially ‘carbon neutral’. This year, Council is supporting the local community to reduce their emissions with the aid of Zero Emissions Byron (ZEB). There are some exciting new, not-for-profit programs now available for all Byron Shire residents. SunSPoT (www.byron.nsw.gov.au/ Community/Sustainableliving/SunSPoT) is a free online tool that has mapped the rooftops of the Shire. The program will help you understand everything you need to know about solar. The other project is Climate Clever, an app to help households calculate and reduce their carbon footprint. Byron Shire Council is considering bioenergy as an innovative solution to
our region’s organic-wastemanagement problem. If successful, the Byron Shire Bioenergy Facility will be the first of its kind in Australia. Bioenergy can be used to convert local organic green waste into renewable energy and a compost product. T The Re-think Tank is a new networking and collaborative event BSC is supporting, to be held regularly throughout the year. The idea is for it to be an open conversation about local solutions to waste problems. It is also a place for community groups and businesses to showcase the work they do.
Lismore Lismore City Council (LCC) Mayor, Vanessa Ekins, believes that on the whole we are not doing enough to be resilient in the face of the changing climate. ‘Our housing needs to be independent of centralised electricity and water systems and within walking distance of the services we need,’ she told The Echo. ‘Only a quarter of homes have water tanks, this needs
WE INVEST 50%
OF PROFITS INTO
CARBON REDUCTION Our carbon neutral granola & porridge are available online now! We value the welfare of our feathered friends and that’s why we give them an idyllic habitat with plenty of space to roam.
Happy hens lay ! sensational eggs
Real pastured open range rich in natural Omega 3’s. Idyllic chook friendly habitat on carbon positive farm. No debeaking (we’re one of the few who don’t). )HG FHUWL¿ HG RUJDQLF JUDLQ and rich pasture. Maximum stocking density of 600 hens per hectare.
Great for your health. Great for the planet wethemany.com.au
@wethemany
…can make a difference together 38 ÈşōƖŔĕ Ǩǩǽ lëƷ ǩǧǩǨ Sustainability
www.echo.net.au
Sustainability
17
2021 – Hints for living a sustainable life
our local councils are taking the lead to increase. Most households’ water is used in the toilet and laundry. If people offset this use with rain water instead of drinking water we can delay construction of new water infrastructure.’ Cr Ekins says that LCC has identified that over 60 per cent of the Lismore area houses are lived in by one or two people, and that future demand is for smaller homes. ‘Council consulted with the community about where new homes can go and we decided to intensify our villages and urban areas. We have tried to encourage medium density (units) by reducing water and sewer contributions, but have not had much uptake.’ Cr Ekins says that apart from housing and water, waste is the next big issue. ‘Lismore is attempting to cope with all the waste we generate locally. We have a lot of experience with recycling and our community are well educated on what goes into which bin, but we need to invest more into sorting our waste and processing it into a useable form so other businesses can reuse our paper and plastic. This is a
very exciting opportunity and we are talking with regional councils about a regional approach to waste management, so it isn’t waste but a useful resource.’
Richmond Valley Richmond Valley Council (RVC) has several plates in the air – Council is installing four contactless water drinking stations to help reduce single-use plastics. Council’s FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) garden at the Casino Library is a great educational tool for re-using household organic waste to create nutritious fresh food and Council has also recently introduced modern recycling bins across Evans Head. The ongoing Coraki Riparian Project hopes to improve the health of this vital riverbank, which sits at the confluence of the Wilsons and Richmond Rivers and was identified as a high priority for restoration. Council has successfully applied for up to $140,000 for the regeneration and replanting of riparian areas badly affected by 2019/20 Black Summer fires. There
RVC Ranger Eddie Brown and a local Evans Head dog, Tucka. is a focus on the upper waterways of the Richmond catchment around bushfire affected areas. The Council also has also facilitated a range of grants. The Our Country Our Knowledge: Bringing Back the Good Fire for the Ngullingah Jugun (Our Country) Aboriginal Corporation grant will support the work to collect, share and apply knowledge of traditional burning practices in Western Bundjalung country. Other grants include Bungwalbin Reserves Bushfire Recovery for Wildlife and Habitat, Habitat Recovery in Rappville surrounds; Busby’s
Flat Corridor Restoration, and Natural Resource Management immediate response projects (across the entire North Coast) to assist the recovery of seventeen nationally significant threatened species through priority pest animal and weed control; nest box installation; fire management and animal surveys.
Tweed In August 2020, Tweed Shire Council (TSC) adopted its Towards Zero Waste Policy (TZWP), which sets out its commitment to working towards eliminating waste. Council’s TZWP also aligns
Battery powered lawnmowers
Battery powered hand tools
Save on petrol and maintenance.
Complete range to replace fossil fuel. STIHL Battery power from only $199
MASPORT 500 M TECH
with its Climate Change Policy target of net zero council emissions by 2030. A new two-year program of renewable energy and energy-efficiency works across its facilities is one of many sustainability initiatives being undertaken by the Council. As part of phase two of its Renewable Energy Action Plan, Council will carry out 10 solar projects worth more than $1 million with the aim of achieving net zero emissions. There are already solar arrays installed at more than 20 Council facilities, saving 1,185 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. Phase two will almost triple Council’s current solar capacity to more than 2,200kWp (kilowatts peak). Looking to the future, Council is securing the Tweed’s water supply by raising the Clarrie Hall Dam wall. Council is undertaking a number of related projects to secure a long-term water supply and adapt to the impacts of climate change. A $7 million Organics Processing Facility will transform Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO)
from Council’s kerbside green bin collection into useful compost, reducing the waste going to landfill. A unique facility on the Tweed Coast will play a key role in the battle against one of the biggest threats posed to koalas – chlamydia. The Tweed Coast Koala Research Hub, located in Pottsville, will become a temporary home for koalas selected for a chlamydia vaccine research program initiated by the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital and Queensland University of Technology. The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) has recognised the concerted efforts of TSC to address climate change. They have awarded them all its climate-change mitigation badges, as well as its climate-change adaptation goal and plan badges, recognising the Council’s efforts to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change on its community. This makes it one of only seven councils in Australia to have been awarded all mitigation badges from the GCoM.
and Variable speed pumps deliver only the water you need. Saving YOU money.
2QO\
Y OU R S U S TA INA B LE O UT DO O R PR OD U C T SH OP Battery Power Everything • 6XSHU (τFLHQW 9DULDEOH 6SHHG 3XPSV • 6RODU 3XPSV DQG ,UULJDWLRQ • &KHPLFDO )UHH )LOWUDWLRQ • &KHPLFDO IUHH IHUWLOLVHUV
Solar Pump Technology ZERO running costs. For creeks, dams and bores.
PURE TEC Hybrid System
NUTRITECH Nutritional Farming
Perfect water without chemicals. Design, Sales and Installation.
Without chemicals. A complete range of Sustainable organic fertilisers.
101-103 DALLEY STREET, MULLUMBIMBY 02 6684 2022 www.farmcare.com.au enquiries: sales@farmcare.com.au www.echo.net.au
Sustainability ÈşōƖŔĕ Ǩǩǽ lëƷ ǩǧǩǨ 39
18
Sustainability
2021 – Hints for living a sustainable life
Creating a sustainable future for farming in the Northern Rivers Young Farmers Connect With the age of the average Australian farmer nudging 60, local group Young Farmers Connect (YFC) has formed a network that facilitates opportunities, land sharing, collaboration, education, mentorship and industry support to new, young and aspiring farmers throughout Australia. The group says ‘It is apparent to young people just how important a healthy, sustainable food culture is to society. We are a generation that has grown up with the challenges of climate change, globalisation and inequality and for many of us agriculture represents an inherently positive response to these challenges’. Having sprouted and grown in the Northern Rivers in 2015, YFC has inspired a growing national network of chapters with a definitive focus on supporting new entrants into local food economies, sustainable food systems and ecological agriculture. The not-for-profit organisation is committed to cultivating peer-support
networks, building resources and providing educational platforms that encourage a new generation of agrarians to engage in the critically important work of community food security, biodiversity preservation and mitigation against climate change.
Understanding the challenges Within an incredibly challenging economic environment, and with so many additional challenges for young people to access land throughout a rapidly gentrifying Northern Rivers, YFC has set out to ‘understand the barriers and challenges for new farmers and advocate for resources and supportive pathways to mobilise young people into the agricultural sector. When we support our next generation of farmers, we support our environment and the health of our communities’. YFC Northern Rivers chapter coordinators Venetia Scott and Dani Wolff-Chambers have been working in partnership with
Young people have realised that farming is key to combatting climate change and shaping a liveable world. the Department of Primary Industries, Young Farmer Business Program and the Tweed Shire Council to develop and deliver a program of free and heavily subsidised workshops aimed at providing relevant and accessible programs to support the region’s small-scale farming sector. With a specially designed program of workshops titled ‘The Business of Regeneration’ the group held a booked-out field day in the Clarence Valley in early April, focusing on ‘value adding’, hosted at The Peach Farm and Solum Farm, to discuss
creating profitability through vertical integration and onfarm partnerships.
Looking forward Upcoming events being run by the group include Holistic Management for Small Scale Farming workshop in Myocum on 11–12 June; Sustainability for Successful Farming in the Tweed on 22 June; and a Small Farms for Success field day in Newrybar on 29 May. The events are open to anyone in the community interested in being involved in the sector. The group also runs a number of successful
programs including an Education Fund that supports ‘new and young farmers to overcome the financial barriers associated with attending workshops, seminars and conferences that will help our next generation of farmers access information, resources and support to develop best practice in regenerative farming systems and sustainable farm enterprise’. They have also started the Farm Links program which aims to support land-sharing and share-farming opportunities. The pilot program has been designed to support young farmers to connect with offers from landholders who are interested in developing farming opportunities, in partnership, on their land. Young Farmers Connect says the success of the local agricultural sector will depend on wide support from a range of local industry and government stakeholders. ‘Land access is not the only issue – it’s a complex problem of housing shortage, affordability, marketplace access and challenges with the capital expense of new
Clifford’s
farming start-ups’ that are creating big hurdles for the region’s new farmers, says Joel Orchard, Principal Coordinator of YFC who has been researching the challenges for new farmers in Australia for the last five years. ‘We will need substantial investment from the public and private sector in alleviating these roadblocks and developing effective pathways into the sector if we want to see a revival and the survival of our local food economies’. YFC is calling on the Northern Rivers local councils and local food system stakeholders to address what YFC sees as critical systemic challenges ‘to provide effective development of the sector and unlock huge potential for growth in the sustainable farming industries’. To get involved, or register for their upcoming events, head to www.youngfarmersconnect.com
METAL RECYCLING Cliffords shop has 3 purposes • We upcycle all our gloves into a product used to make kids playground equipment. • We are a collection site for all used oral care products, which we recycle • We are paperless • We use technology to lessen our negative impact on the environment • We use low or no VOC, locally sourced, sustainable materials on our fit out • We have no carbon footprint • We are the only carbon positive dental practice in the world.
You’ll find: Old homewares that have been given a new life. Bathtubs converted into couches, old pots turned into beautiful lights, forks, and taps that are now knobs to hang your coat on at the door!
2
1 d urpose Buy rep ycled c and up like old goods s, antique wares, t. r a and
ed ycl rec the d Fin tals in the me d for man. yar handy e hom
The yard is the home handyman’s dream! We’re always happy to take or buy your metals.
3
Drop off your metals for coin.
It’s not just a shop or a yard. It’s an experience. Come on in, take your time and enjoy finding your unique pieces!
Upcycled_steampunk_interiors www.cliffordsmetalrecycling.com.au
Dr Marcus O’Meara B.D.S | Dr Louise Barr, B.D.S Ms Caitlin Wilkie, B Oral H (OHT) | Mrs Rachel Andersson, B Oral H (OHT)
59/1 Porter Street, Byron Bay, NSW 2481 This is a carbon positive practice.
40 ÈşōƖŔĕ Ǩǩǽ lëƷ ǩǧǩǨ Sustainability
02 6694 3083
Mon to Fri 7am–4pm | Sat, 8am–12 noon | Sun – Closed 60–64 Quarry Road, South Murwillumbah www.echo.net.au
THE ALL NEW
ELECTRIC FOR EVERYONE
990 43
from
$
#
DRIVE AWAY
& ROADSIDE ASSIST
#From $43,990 is the driveaway price for the MG ZS EV Essence MY21 without any options. $43,990 is the total driveaway price for the MG ZS EV Essence MY21 as shown including Clipper Blue paint surcharge of $0. Offers available at participating MG Dealers for new stock vehicles only, WSPH ERH HIPMZIVIH FIX[IIR ERH ;LMPI WXSGO PEWXW 3JJIVW RSX EZEMPEFPI XS ¾IIX KSZIVRQIRX SV VIRXEP FY]IVW SV [MXL ER] SXLIV SJJIVW B ;EVVERX] VSEHWMHI EWWMWXERGI 8 'W EX [[[ QKQSXSV GSQ EY [EVVERX] 2SX EZEMPEFPI XS ¾IIX KSZ´X VIRXEP LMVI GEV SV GLEYJJIYV FY]IVW
www.echo.net.au
Sustainability ÈşōƖŔĕ Ǩǩǽ lëƷ ǩǧǩǨ 41
42 ÈşōƖŔĕ Ǩǩǽ lëƷ ǩǧǩǨ Sustainability
www.echo.net.au
The
Good Life On-farm restaurant’s sustainable vision
Ʒſşŕ ëƷȜƆ Ǖ ſƆƐ ĕưĕſ ŔëƐƖſĕĎ ƆżĶſĶƐ ƱĶŕƆ īşōĎ ŔĕĎëō ëƐ dşŕĎşŕ żĶſĶƐ !şŔżĕƐĶƐĶşŕ While the Northern Rivers region is well known for its environment and lifestyle, it is also becoming known for the quality of its spirits too, with Byron Bay’s first ever matured spirit recently recognised as amongst the best spirits in the world. Lord Byron Distillery’s Pure Single Rum was awarded a gold medal in the London Spirits Competition in April this year, obtaining a score of 92 out of 100. This score was the highest score for any rum entered from Australia with Lord Byron Distillery being one of only six distilleries in Australia to
achieve a gold medal for any spirit type at this prestigious and highly competitive contest. For more than three years the Restall family have been making spirits at their distillery, located at 4 Banksia Drive in the Byron Arts & Industry Estate. They make a range of spirits, including gin, vodka, rum and liquors that can be tasted in the cellar door between 10am and 5pm Tuesday to Saturday. While enjoying a drink you can also go on a complimentary tour of the distillery to see how spirits are made naturally and free from the added artificial flavours
and colours present in many mass-produced industrial drinks. Each day there are also gin making and cocktail making masterclasses. ‘We are absolutely thrilled with the news,’ Lord Byron Distillery’s co-founder Brian Restall told The Echo. ‘To be recognised as one of the best rums in the world, amongst a sea of competitors is amazing for our very first barrel ever released. We believe people deserve to know where their drinks come from, and how they are made, and this is recognition that dedication to following artisan food and drink methods can produce a higher quality product than mass-produced industrially made products.’ The cellar door is being extended and converted into a tiki bar, which will open very soon. All locals get a 10 per cent discount on bottle and drink sales at the cellar door if they show their drivers licence with a postcode of 2470 to 2490 inclusive. Lord Byron Distillery 4 Banksia Drive, Byron Bay lordbyrondistillery.com.au
Frida’s Field is an on-farm restaurant based in Nashua, just ten minutes from Bangalow. Hosting three long lunches per week on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays – the lunches are a communal feast with a set menu (either omnivore or vegetarian) of multiple dishes shared amongst the members of each booked party. Generally taking around three hours, they commence with sourdough, cultured butter and confit garlic, followed by three starters, then a main dish with three sides, plus dessert. The ‘contemporary country’ menu is carefully curated by Chef Alastair Waddell – threetime winner of The Australian Good Food Guide’s One Hat Award. A Byron Bay resident since 2017, Ally has forged strong connections with many local growers and producers who help him deliver delicious, produce-driven cuisine. The beautiful hinterland views are as much of a drawcard as the delicious food. The restaurant is housed in a modern interpretation of a classic Australian shed, which was architecturally designed to
The on-farm restaurant has beautiful hinterland views. Photos K Holmes. bring the idyllic pastoral views inside – with large openings on three sides of the building so guests feel surrounded by nature while enjoying their meal. Guests often spill out onto the expansive lawn terrace between courses and sit under the towering trees. Opened in September last year, Frida’s Field is the keystone of husband-and-wife team Jeanie Wylie and Edward Rawlings’ goal to create a viable small farm enterprise that can sustain them and their three young children over the long term while transforming the 120-acre property from a blank canvas into a productive, diversified ecological farm. They have a small herd of
Angus-Wagyu cattle, which they manage with holistic principles; a small diversified agroforestry orchard, which they plan to extend; plus the beginnings of a market garden. After seven months of the restaurant operating successfully with amazing support from their customers and team members, the Rawlings are excited to keep pushing their vision forward. As a small family-run enterprise, it is a slow process, but one that they feel grateful to be working on. Frida’s Field restaurant, Nashua. Bookings: fridasfield.com Long lunches every Fri, Sat and Sun.
LOFT BYRON BAY The perfect spot to enjoy a night out in Byron. Relax on the Terrace sipping cocktails, sharing a deli board and oysters. Settle in, graze through the night with an incredible menu by Head Chef Craig Mcfarland. Loft signatures include the Local Sirloin, Market Fish and the Loft Cheeseburger. Open every day from 4pm - Late
Happy Hour - 4PM - 6PM EVERY DAY -
$6
$6
$10
$14
@loftbyronbay
www.echo.net.au
lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ The Byron Shire Echo 43
GoodTaste Taste Good BALLINA
Eateries Guide BYRON BAY
Wharf Bar & Restaurant
EVERY DAY
HAPPY HOUR
Ballina
4–6PM Dine in and takeaway Great summer menu www.wharfbarballina.com.au
FB/Insta: wharfbarballina 12–24 Fawcett St, Ballina 6686 5259
BANGALOW
Bowlo Kitchen
Family friendly, tradies’ local, restaurant quality. Wednesday to Friday happy hour, midweek specials, excellent wines, foodies delight, creative cocktails, local produce, massive kids’ space, welcoming staff, Open Wed–Fri 12–2.30pm & 5–8.30pm; and COVID Safe. Sat 12–8.30pm; Sun 12–7pm.
The Bowlo, Bangalow 6687 2741
Club open Wed–Sun from 12 noon www.bangalowbowlo.com.au bangalowbowlo @thebowlo
Come along to the Bangalow Bowlo and find out.
BYRON BAY
Kiki On Byron
Good Vibes. Live Music. Beach Views. Cocktails. Mexican Cuisine.
Byron Bay
Come and join us for some yummy cocktails by the beach, delicious Mexican food and groovy tunes. Open Tues -Sunday Happy Hour 3–5pm
14 Bay St ( opposite Main Beach Surf Club) www.kikionbyron.com @KIKIONBYRON
The Italian Byron Bay The Italian, Byron Bay, provides a bustling 21, 108 Jonson St, atmospheric restaurant, dishing up contemporary Byron Bay inspired Italian cuisine and some of Byron’s Open 7 days from 5.30pm finest cocktails and wines. 5633 1216 www.theitalianbyronbay.com
MVP 7/7 Lawson St, Byron Bay Booking via our website mvpbyronbay.com.au
Lord Byron Distillery
Open Tuesday–Saturday 12 noon – 5pm 7, 4 Banksia Drive, Byron Bay 8646 4901
Loft Byron Bay 4 Jonson Street, Byron Bay 6680 9183
Book online: www.loftbyronbay.com.au
Fishheads Byron Bay
1 Jonson Street, Byron Bay 6680 7632 FISHHEADSBYRON
St Elmo Dining Room & Bar
Open Thursday–Sunday 5–10pm Cnr Fletcher St and Lawson Lane, Byron Bay 6680 7426 www.stelmodining.com
Chupacabra
Probably the world’s best pasta* Open for Dine in + takeaway + delivery Thursday – Friday – Saturday – Sunday – Monday To book, order takeaway or free pasta puns visit mvpbyronbay.com.au Or dm slide@mvp_byron_bay *Internal staff poll
CELLAR DOOR – TASTINGS & TOURS
Handcrafted spirits using locally sourced ingredients.
continued
Forest Byron Bay 77-97 Broken Head Rd, Suffolk Park 6685 4969
www.crystalbrookcollection. com/byron/forest
@forestbyronbay
Oma Food and Wine 6 Lawson Street, Byron Bay 8960 7478 www.omafoodandwine.com
Legend Pizza
Open 7 days 9am till after midnight Shop 1 Woolworths Plaza 90-96 Jonson Street 6685 5700 www.legendpizza.com.au
Main Street Open 7 days 11.30am until late Call to make a reservation or for takeaway orders 18 Jonson Street 6680 8832
The Rocks @ Aquarius
Brunch 7am–12 noon Mon–Fri 7am–1pm Sat & Sun 16 Lawson St, Byron Bay 6685 7663 – Menus at therocksbyronbay.com.au
Success Thai
Mon-Fri lunch & dinner closed Sundays Lunch 12 noon–3pm Dinner from 5–8.30pm 3/31 Lawson St, Byron Bay
Naturally Better!
www.facebook.com/ pages/Success-ThaiFood/237359826303469
MAKE YOUR OWN BOTTLE OF GIN
Barrio
Free from added artificial flavours and colours. - book online. Gin Making Gift Vouchers available. LORDBYRON.COM.AU LordByronDistillery Incredible cocktails, locals beers & all-day snacks and food to share, with ocean views. Happy Hour | Every day 4–6pm $6 Loft lager or wine, $10 Aperol Spritz, $14 Margarita Espresso Martini Nights | Every day 9–11pm 2 for $25 Classic Espresso Martini Open every day from 4pm till late.
GREAT SUMMER MENU
Indulge in one of our new creations! We are proud to say, that for over 20 years, we have been serving the Byron community fresh, local seafood and ingredients. To improve your dining experience, we have developed a smaller plate menu, designed to be shared, and enabling you to try a greater variety of dishes. Enjoy! The Fishheads Family
St Elmo is a place where you can enjoy great company, first-class food, sophisticated cocktails and an extensive wine list. St Elmo is plating up modern Spanish cuisine to be enjoyed amongst friends and family. Our menus change regularly and feature daily specials.
Fresh authentic Mexican in a relaxed atmosphere. This is food made with love, all produce sourced locally. Eat in or take out. Margaritas and tacos all night long! Shop 12A, 3 Clifford St, Family friendly, totally GF menu. Suffolk Park DINNER 5pm–9pm 6685 3059 WED–SAT www.chupacabra.com.au Book via Resy @chupabyron
7am–3pm Mon, Tues, Sat 7am–8.30pm Wed, Thurs, Fri 1 Porter St, North Byron Booking via our website barriobyronbay.com.au
Saltwater Social Club
A gathering place for all 32 Jonson St, Byron Bay saltwatersocialclub.com.au
No Bones Vegan Bar and Kitchen. 11 Fletcher Street 6680 7418
Oma & Co is back this Sunday 18 April with Melbournes’ much loved chef, Casey Wall, taking over the kitchen. He’ll be serving up some dishes from his epic venues, Bar Liberty, Falco Bakery, & Capitano. Oma’s head chef, Mark Hannel, trained under Casey many moons ago so they dance a very special and magical dance in the kitchen which is not to be missed! Book now.
FRESH PIZZA BYRON STYLE Check us out on
facebook.com/byron.legendpizza Scan code for our menu! BYO Home delivery 7 days Established 1992
Gourmet burgers created by chefs Cocktails, wine and beers served all damn day. Group bookings available, please email mainstreetburgerbar@gmail.com for reservations. Our Rocking New Brunch Menu Come and join us at the Rocks for some light brunch options or hearty breakfasts. We offer a range of home-made, locally sourced produce at affordable prices, including our delicious new loaded halloumi or chorizo tacos, vegan nasi goreng and our signature Rocks Big Brekky which will keep you going for hours! Fresh juices, Byron Bay coffees and healthy smoothies available too. The Rocks is registered as COVID Safe, and is practicing all NSW health guidelines.
All your favourites, every lunch and dinner. Experienced Thai chefs cooking fresh, delicious Thai food for you. BYO only Welcome for lunch, dinner and takeaway. Menus available on Facebook. Barrio’s canteen takes its inspiration from locally sourced produce with moorish cuisine. Offering daily bakes, breakfast cakes, classic sandwiches, vibrant salads, smoked fish and grilled meats. Book via our website for lunch and dinner in the restaurant at www.barriobyronbay.com.au Walk-in tables available. Open 4pm until late Monday through Sunday for sundowners, dinner, and late-night drinks. Lazy weekend lunches with sandy feet, rowdy dinners with family and friends, and late night drinks and DJs are the standard. Laid back vintage vibes and classic coastal style create an eclectic feel, complemented by our menu of shareable snacks, locally-sourced salads and hand-stretched sourdough pizzas, as well as beers on tap, organic wines and hand-crafted cocktails. GOOD TIMES ~ HIGH VIBES ~ LATE NIGHTS ~ HIGH TIDES
Join us on our expedition to save the Earth one Brussels sprout at a time. HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY 5–6PM $6 BEERS / $12 COCKTAILS / $7 WINES Open every day from 5pm till late
Book online: www.nobonesbyronbay.com.au
For any events of up to 30 people please email nobonesbyronbay@gmail.com
Karkalla Byron Bay
Breakfast Thursday – Monday 8.00am–11.30am Lunch Thursday –Monday 12.00pm–2.30pm Dinner Thursday – Monday 5.30pm–Late
Café, Bar & Restaurant
Corner of Bay Lane and Fletcher St, Byron Bay
5614 8656 www.karkalla.com.au @karkallabyronbay
OCA Organic Cuisine 1/6 Tasman Way, Byron Bay
6680 8228 @ocacuisine www.ocacuisine.com
44 The Byron Shire Echo lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ
Set next to a lush rainforest oasis, Forest celebrates sustainability working hand-in-hand with local farmers, growers and artisans. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and just-drinks… the perfect place to feed your soul. Stay awhile. As a Byron Bay Crystalbrook Local you get to enjoy 15% off food and drinks when you sign up online.
We LOVE LOCALS! Every Thursday is locals night! Curry, roti & glass of wine $36 + LIVE MUSIC performance from 6.30pm Bookings via website www.karkalla.com.au
A collaboration between local chefs and regenerative farmers, OCA is all about vegetarian organic food and the power of community, not to mention some seriously amazing flavours. The artisan wood–fired pizzas are the best in town. The place comes alive for dinners and special events, with some unique local performances. A real cultural experience! Open from 9am to 2pm Mon–Fri and from 5pm to 8.30pm on Tuesdays and Fridays.
www.echo.net.au
The
Good Life
dşưĕ ǖ şƱĕſƆ ëƐ ƐIJĕ ŔëſŊĕƐ As mothers across Australia look forward to (slightly burnt) toast in bed, the local farmers and producers in our beautiful Byron Shire and Northern Rivers are also gearing up to share the love. Mullumbimby Farmers Market will be open as usual on Friday 7 May, two days before Mothers Day on Sunday 9 May. A treat from the market, such as flowers, chocolate and fresh products of the highest quality, can show your mum that you notice, and love, all the little things that she does. Jumping Red Ant will have its usual colourful blooms to put a smile on mum’s face. John’s famous homegrown roses are a regular sight in the arms of lucky punters as they make their way through the market with the weekly shopping. Puremelt Chocolate also has some decadent options to spoil mum for all her hard work and good advice. Pop in to see them for raw organic handmade chocolates, chai, hot chocolate and ice chocolate. Puremelt owner Sarah Wheeler says that her handmade, small batch chocolate is not only guilt free, it’s actually good for you. So good, in fact, she describes it as ‘therapeutic grade’. If flowers and chocolates aren’t mum’s thing, making a hamper of fresh, local produce is a great way to show your appreciation. We are living in one of the most fertile and fruitful pockets of the country after all – with so many
artisanal small businesses offering products to create the perfect gourmet hamper. And if you want to have your flowers and eat them too… the good news is that you can! Call by the Mullum Farmers Market on Friday morning and visit Kenrick and Ismerie at Wiccawood Organics for a bunch of their edible flowers! Mullumbimby Farmers Market 7–11am every Friday at Mullumbimby Showgrounds.
'ſĕëŔĶŕī ëćşƖƐ ë ćƖĈŊĕƐȒōĶƆƐ ƆƖſǕ ŕī ëŕĎ ƱĕōōŕĕƆƆ IJşōĶĎëƷȃ Have you always dreamt about traveling to exotic ‘bucket-list’ beach destinations like Bali or Vanuatu… or are your dreams a little closer to home? With the prospect of being able to travel the globe again tantalisingly close, reports are showing that people are starting to do more than just dream about that longed-for trip, they’re starting to plan and book. Surf Getaways is a travel and learn-to-surf company run by women, for women that aims to make travel and learning to surf accessible for women of any age. Their experiences range from introducing women to surfing and the ocean for the first time, through to clinics where teens and kids can learn to surf in their local area, as well as coaching advanced surfers to their next milestone. Surf Getaways’ vision is to inspire and empower women to reach their full potential through travelling and surfing, building strong communities of like-minded women along the way. Surf Getaways allow you to not only improve your surf skills, fitness and confidence, but also to enjoy unique travel experiences to some of the most pristine ocean environments on Earth. Their three-night getaways will take you to some of the best destinations Australia has to offer, such as the Sunshine Coast, Margaret River, Mollymook and new destinations soon
to be announced. A seven-night Surf Getaways experience will see you packing your bags for classic overseas surfing destinations and adventures. Surf Getaways say that they deliver a complete 360-degree general vitality reboot, during which you’ll improve your confidence, fitness and overall wellbeing, all while staying in fivestar accommodation, eating healthy gourmet food in amazing local restaurants, and enjoying unique local experiences. A Surf Getaways experience will empower and inspire you to feel fit, healthy and strong. ‘What a fabulous way to spend a week of your life. I did the seven-night tour and was totally invigorated, revitalised and rejuvenated. At the end I was so healthy, happy and beaming with vitality. I will come back for more’, said Luci, a happy Surf Getaways customer. To start planning your dream adventure today, visit surfgetaways.com.au or call (02) 6685 4546 for details.
Good Taste LENNOX HEAD
NEWRYBAR
Krill Bar
Lennox Head 47 Ballina St, Lennox Head www.krillbar.com.au 6685 5538 KRILLBARANDRESTAURANT
Open Thursday 5pm–10pm; Friday 3pm–11pm; Saturday 12pm–3pm, 5pm–11pm; Sunday 4pm–9pm
Harvest
Amazing cocktails, fabulous local food, a la carte and bar menus all with super friendly service. Head Chef Minh Le was a finalist for Australian Chef of the Year in 2016 and has owned multiple hatted restaurants. Come in and experience his fine food in the stylish decor. Happy Hour Thursday–Saturday 5–6pm Online booking preferred
MULLUMBIMBY
18-22 Old Pacific Highway Newrybar NSW 2479 02 6687 2644 www.harvestnewrybar.com.au @harvestnewrybar
Lunch: Wed–Sun 12–3pm Dinner: Wed–Sat from 6pm Baked goods at Sourdough Weekends : Sat + Sun 8am until sold out Deli 7am–3pm daily
POSSUM CREEK
Yaman Mullumbimby
62 Stuart St, Mullumbimby 6684 3778
www.yamanmullumbimby.com.au
Open 7 days from 9am–8pm Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
The Empire 20 Burringbar St, Mullum
6684 2306
Tues–Fri 8.30am–2.30pm Sat, Sun 9am–2pm FB/Insta: EmpireMullum empiremullum.com.au
Paséyo Corner of Stuart and Tincogan Streets Mullumbimby
0498 010 881 Monday–Friday 7.30am–3pm Saturday 8am–2pm
Coffee, Malawach Rolls, Pita Pockets, Falafel, Traditional Yemenite spices and all your favourites always freshly made.
The Hut 471 Friday Hut Road, Possum Creek
Drop in for an authentic atmosphere, dine-in or takeaway. The Empire is where it’s at! Something for all tastes from epic burgers to vegan delights. Enjoy delectable treats and good vibes at this Mullum icon.
Sun Bistro Bottleshop and Home Delivery
Takeaways and lots of grab-and-go goodies available. Phone orders welcome – call ahead and avoid the queue. Healthy, fresh, balanced and nutrient dense meals that create a sensory delight for our customers. Buddha bowls, smoothies, coffee, cold-pressed juices, and so much more.
Frida’s Field 76 Booyong Road, Nashua Open 12–4pm Fri, Sat, Sun Bookings via our website www.fridasfield.com
Long Lunches Contemporary country dining from award-winning chef. Seasonal produce-driven set menus with multiple dishes shared amongst your booking. Beautiful eco-farm location, just 10 minutes from Bangalow. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL.
Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12pm À la carte Mediterranean menu Book online www.thehutbyronbay.com.au Info@thehutbyronbay.com.au
ALCOHOL SUPPLIERS
61 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay
02 6685 6500 www.thesunbistro.com/ deliveries deliver@thesunbistro.com
At the Sun Bistro Bottle Shop you will find a hand curated range of quality wines, spirits and beers. RARE AND NATURAL WINE • CRAFT BEER • HANDCRAFTED SPIRITS • TEQUILA AND MEZCAL • HOME DELIVERY Open 7 Days 10am–8pm Monday to Sunday
CATERING
CELEBRATIONS Celebrations Catering By Liz Jackson
NASHUA
BY LIZ JACKSON
Celebration cakes Personal catering services Event co-ordination and management
E: lizzijjackson@gmail.com P: 0414 895 441
FOOD DELIVERY BYRON BAY – CUSTOMER
Delivery Byron Bay DELIVERYBYRONBAY@ GMAIL.COM 0421 414 664 0481 259 296 www.deliverybyronbay.com
www.echo.net.au
HARVEST RESTAURANT, DELI + BAKERY Culinary creativity that harnesses the connection between food and nature.
Your favourite Byron restaurants delivered to your door. We’re your number one local food delivery company covering Suffolk Park to Ewingsdale. Check out our website for the full list of participating Byron restaurants and takeaways. Contact-free delivery available.
lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ The Byron Shire Echo 45
Property
North Coast news online
coastal & hinterland sales
K E E R R O N G Lot 11, 564 Keerrong Road A Fresh Start + Generous block in the heart of the Keerrong valley with a level building site ready for your dream home + Beautiful northern views overlooking your dam. Power is approx 800 metres away. NBN is available + School buses to Blakebrook Primary and Lismore from the property’s gate. Easy 15 minute drive to CBD + Ideal for a few cows, horses or a market garden. You’ll love living in the friendly community of Keerrong
$490,000 Inspections By Appointment 2 Ha
Christopher Plim 0467 000 222 or Katrina Beohm 0467 001 122
“
Katrina & Chris worked together on selling our family property at Broken Head, they are a great team. During our campaign they gave us regular feedback on the changing market which put
“
our property goals in perspective allowing us to make the right decision each time we met. Their advice on the market price was spot on. We appreciated the immediate feedback after each
inspection, consistent marketing & excellent negotiation skills, which achieved our asking price!! Thank you Chris & Katrina for an excellent job. We highly recommend you both.
Katrina Beohm Director
Christopher Plim
Rachael Jenkins
Gail Beohm
Lily Hewitt
Sales Agent
Sales Manager
Sales Support
Sales Admin
0459 066 087
46 The Byron Shire Echo lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ
8 P O R T E R S T R E E T B Y R O N B AY
- Gail & Bill
kbrealestate.com.au
www.echo.net.au
Ocean Shores / Brunswick Heads / Murwillumbah Just Listed
Expressions of Interest
20 Natan Court, Ocean Shores
22 River Street, New Brighton
Launch Your Kayak Or Feed The Ducks From Your Backyard What a fantastic location! This generously sized brick and tile home with an Easterly aspect is set in a peaceful cul-de-sac on a roomy 719 square metre block. Enjoy picturesque water views from the spacious open plan living and dining areas and the master bedroom. Why not relax with a cuppa or entertain guests on the private rear deck overlooking the water? Budding chefs will love the freshly renovated kitchen with smooth granite benchtops, plenty of storage and quality appliances.
Adrian Howe Sales Consultant 0477 222 457
3
2
2
• Spacious master bedroom with ensuite and access to rear deck • Newly renovated kitchen with granite benchtops • Large open plan living and dining areas • Alfresco entertaining deck overlooking water • Double garage + carport for extra car or caravan • Established gardens
View
True Beachfront, Two Titles, Prime Location In The Byron Shire Absolute beachfront properties with stunning ocean views are a rare find, and this one offers the unique added bonus of a second block to build another dwelling for additional income or family accommodation (STCA). Situated in a prime location within the relaxing, peaceful and highly sought-after beachside haven of New Brighton, this elevated property is nestled beside the emerging coastal hot spots of Brunswick Heads and South Golden Beach and is just minutes’ north of world-famous Byron Bay.
Adrian Howe Sales Consultant 0477 222 457
Saturday 9.00am - 9.30am
adrian.howe@oceanshores.rh.com.au
View
By Appointment
Just Listed
9 Flinders Way, Ocean Shores
Laidback North Coast Lifestyle in North Ocean Shores
tania.sheppard@oceanshores.rh.com.au
2
adrian.howe@oceanshores.rh.com.au
1 Eloura Court, Ocean Shores
Tania Sheppard Sales Consultant 0436 033 636
2
The irreplaceable property is sure to please the savvy buyer, with coveted ocean frontage including your own private access to the stunning white sand beaches and crystal clear waters of pristine New Brighton beach. Award-winning Troppo Architects designed the beautiful, coastal chic beachfront home around the notion of a surfer’s ‘paradise’ for the young and young-at-heart. Residents can easily survey the conditions, grab a board and stroll over the dune to paddle out.
Auction– Unless Sold Prior
This inviting property is located in a quiet cul-desac in Ocean Shores has a spacious rear yard, with the potential to install a studio or granny flat (STCA), as well as a fantastic outdoor entertaining space. Inside, there is plenty of room to move and groove, with three bedrooms, rumpus room and two-way bathroom with separate toilet. There is an additional toilet in the converted garage and a hot outdoor shower for sandy beach goers.
1
3
1
2
The Ocean Shores Public School is a short walk, while buses on nearby Shara Boulevard take students to secondary schools in Mullumbimby and Byron Bay – including Steiner schools, Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School and Mount St Patrick’s and the Ocean Shores Shopping Centre is 4.6kms away. • Fantastic location in a quiet cul-de-sac. • Open plan kitchen and dining area. • Generous block 744sqm with the potential to install a granny flat or studio STCA.
View
Saturday 10.00am - 10.30am
Fabulous Family Home in Great Location with Ocean Views Have you been searching for a spacious family home with a great layout in a fantastic coastal location? Want a large 1847 square metre block? Potential for extra accommodation? This is the one for you! This is a true family home, complete lofty ceilings, a saltwater inground pool and a sense of space and privacy thanks to the huge 1847 square metre block. You also have a large timber kitchen including stainless steel appliances, dishwasher and gas cooktop.
Adrian Howe Sales Consultant 0477 222 457
4
2
2
• Spacious open plan living and dining areas • Solid timber floorboards throughout • Sliding doors opening to decks on the East and North sides • Stacks of potential to add a granny flat for additional income/accommodation (STCA) • Solar power and hot water system • Huge 1847 sq.m. block + garden shed
View
Saturday 12.00pm - 1.00pm
adrian.howe@oceanshores.rh.com.au
(02) 6680 5000 rh.com.au/oceanshores www.echo.net.au
lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ The Byron Shire Echo 47
‘Halekulani’, Mullumbimby’s Best Kept Secret • Fully renovated historic Queenslander plus studio nestled in 40 hectares of breathtaking native
4
40 HA
2
3
landscape including rainforest with waterfalls and Koala colonies • The original home was built circa 1940s and the recent renovations, designed by architect
Address:
2033 Coolamon Scenic Drive, Mullumbimby
Price:
Contact Agent
Open:
By Appointment
Enquiries:
Su Reynolds 0428 888 660, Katie Teague 0417 006 667
Sharon Frazer, has retained original character features whilst adding modern conveniences • Open plan living area with hardwood floors, wood burning fireplace, wraparound balcony and modern kitchen with stone benchtops • 5-minute drive to vibrant Mullumbimby town centre and 15-minute drive to Brunswick Heads and its beautiful beaches
N IO d T n C AU y 22 Ma
N IO d T n C AU y 22 Ma
10 Acres with Panoramic Views at the top of Tandys Lane
Beautiful Family Home in a Prime Bangalow Position
3
2
2
4.05 HA
3
3
2
778M 2
• Supremely private and elevated position with ideal north facing aspect and breathtaking views to the ancient volcanic twin peaks • The floorplan takes full advantage of the magical vistas with the 2 living spaces both opening out to the balcony - a perfect platform to take in the beautiful sunsets • Lush tropical gardens encompassing 2 pools which are connected by a charming waterfall, plus a Japanese style walk bridge and gazebo • Short drive to beautiful beaches in Brunswick Heads and vibrant Mullumbimby
• The open plan living is a dynamic space offering polished timber floorboards that lead to the large covered verandah with countryside backdrop • The huge main bedroom has a walk-in robe, ensuite, separate WC and private access to gorgeous timber deck • The lower level is a wonderfully versatile space that can be re-imagined or transformed to fit any family’s needs • 10-minute stroll to vibrant Bangalow town centre
Address:
163 Tandys Lane, Brunswick Heads
Address:
6 Barby Crescent, Bangalow
Auction:
Saturday, 22nd May at 11.30am. Guide $3m
Auction:
Saturday, 22nd May at 10.00am
Open:
Saturday, 8th May 10.00am – 10.30am
Open:
Saturday, 8th May 10.00am – 10.30am
Enquiries:
Tara Torkkola 0423 519 698
Enquiries:
Oliver Aldridge 0421 171 499, Lee Grimes 0400 462 312
35 FLETCHER ST, BYRON BAY NSW 2481 PH: O2 6685 8466
48 The Byron Shire Echo lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ
SALES@BYRONBAYFN.COM WWW.BYRONBAYFN.COM.AU
www.echo.net.au
N IO T C th AU ay 8 M
Original Timber Cottage in the Heart of Federal • This is an investment opportunity unlike anything currently on the market
5
• Zoned RU5: Village, which allows for a mix of residential (including higher or lower density), retail, business and other suitable land uses (STCA)
753M2
1
Address:
451 Federal Drive, Federal
Price Guide:
$970k – $1.065m
• Large block, centrally positioned next to famous Doma Cafe
Auction:
Auction Saturday, 8th May at 11.30am
• Original 1890s, 5-bedroom, timber cottage offers the discerning buyer the bones to create
Open:
Thursday, 6th May 4.00pm – 4.30pm
their dream hinterland home, a business or both!
Saturday, 8th May 10.30am – 11.30am Enquiries:
• 25 mins from Byron and 15 mins from Bangalow
Realise your Dream Coastal Lifestyle in Lennox Head 3
2
2
Denzil Lloyd 0481 864 049
Luxury, Location and Lifestyle
835M 2
4
2
3
639M 2
• With ocean and hinterland views this perfectly positioned home is only a short 12-minute walk to vibrant Lennox Head village and beaches • The yard is open, level and ready for someone to add a pool, studio and/or extension of the home, with ample side access to allow easy development (STCA) • The elevated position ensures a sunny outlook and an abundance of natural light and cooling breezes in the summer • The coveted location is an easy walk to surf breaks and headland walking trails
• ”Golden Beach House” offers an incredible lifestyle with amazing surf, swimming, beach walks and fishing all within 150m of your doorstep • Contemporary architectural home with Tallowood timber floors and high ceilings opening onto an expansive north facing covered deck • The living room has custom joinery and a combustion wood fireplace • The level yard offers plenty of room for gardens and play space with outdoor hot and cold shower and surfboard storage
Address:
25 Survey Street, Lennox Head
Address:
28 Beach Avenue, South Golden Beach
Price:
Contact Agent
Price:
Contact Agent
Open:
By Appointment
Open:
Saturday, 8th May 10.00am – 10.30am
Enquiries:
Helen Huntly-Barratt 0412 332 232
Enquiries:
Su Reynolds 0428 888 660, Luke Elwin 0421 375 635
35 FLETCHER ST, BYRON BAY NSW 2481 PH: O2 6685 8466
www.echo.net.au
SALES@BYRONBAYFN.COM WWW.BYRONBAYFN.COM.AU
lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ The Byron Shire Echo 49
Property
North Coast news online
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
OPEN HOUSE THURSDAY 6 MAY 1:00PM - 1:30PM SATURDAY 8 MAY 10:00AM - 10:30AM AUCTION SATURDAY 8 MAY ONSITE 10:30AM
OPEN HOUSE THURSDAY 6 MAY 11.45AM - 12.15PM SATURDAY 8 MAY 12.30PM - 1.00PM AUCTION SATURDAY 22 MAY ONSITE 1.00PM
2 GRANUAILLE ROAD, BANGALOW
16 JARVIS ST, CLUNES
A large home set on over half an acre in picturesque Clunes village
A beautiful historic property with a second dwelling
4
3
2
887m2
4
2
2
2,500m2
0411 757 425 tim@millerrealestate.com.au millerrealestate.com.au
.3 11
N –1 PE M O 0A
T SA
TH A IS UC SA T TU ION R D AY
0411 757 425 tim@millerrealestate.com.au millerrealestate.com.au
Modern contemporary home Banksia Waters – Tweed Heads. Site 272
M 2P
2
1
1+1
$295,000
Open for inspection Atlas by LJ Hooker
• 47 Tuckombil Road, Tuckombil. Sat 10–10.30am
• 70 Foxs Lane, Tyagarah. Sat 11.30am–12.30pm
Elders Real Estate Brunswick Valley
• 180–194 Ophir Glen Road, Burringbar. Sat 11.30am–12pm
First National Byron Bay
• 2 Dobie Place, East Ballina. Wed 2–2.30pm; Sat 10–10.30am
• 1/16 Marattia Place, Suffolk Park. Thu 11.30am–12pm
• 17 Blue Horizon Drive, Lennox
LOCATION, VIEWS & CHARM
3
1
1+1
1 Ann St, Mullumbimby Nestled on the edge of town with a beautiful rural backdrop is this charming Mullum home. Original weatherboard always in style with all the character and charm you will be delighted to come home to and enjoy. Relax on your front covered patio and enjoy the sweet quiet serenity that this perfect location has to offer. • Beautifully renovated combined dining and kitchen with stone tops and s/s appliances. • 9ft ceilings with decorative cornices. Original timber floors under floor coverings. • Good sized backyard with side carport and single garage/workshop. • Beautiful and peaceful rural vista with just a short walk to the town centre. This classic home with its unique charm is waiting to be enjoyed or ready for you to take to the next level with polished timber floors, a big rear verandah or possibly a studio STCA. View: Saturday 11.30AM – 12PM Auction: Saturday 8th May @ 12.00PM Contact: Paul Eatwell 0414 466 111 paul@nclp.com.au
Mullumbimby Office: 6684 2615
50 The Byron Shire Echo lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ
81–83 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby
Rare opportunity to purchase an affordable spacious home located on the village perimeter with extensive parkland views from all living areas and patio. Nestled in this peaceful location is a charming home with two bedrooms and a study that would be ideal as a craft room or a home office. Open plan lounge dining area that leads, via a glass sliding door, to your outdoor entertainment area. Original kitchen is in good condition with resurfaced bench tops, updated Fisher & Paykel gas hotplates and electric fan-forced oven. Two generous sized carpeted bedrooms, master with an extensive walk-in robe and large built-in robe in 2nd bedroom. Modern recently renovated bathroom features a large walk-in fully tiled shower and updated fixtures including a stylish vanity. This energy efficient home features a near new 5kw solar system and a solar hot water service. The village is perfect for the over 50s who prefer to live in a secure, peaceful and relaxing environment and is positioned less than 10 minutes from the centre of Tweed Heads/ Coolangatta. Retirement living at its best without the associated costs of exit fees and no stamp duty. Sorry, no pets permitted. Inspect: By appointment Contact: Kelvin Price 0423 028 468. Mr Property Services
• • • • • • • • • • •
Head. Thu 12–12.30pm; Sat 10–10.30am 451 Federal Drive, Federal. Thu 4–4.30pm; Sat 10.30–11.30am 8/140 Jonson Street, Byron Bay. Fri 1.30–2pm 5 Phillip Street, South Golden Beach. Sat 10–10.30am 28 Beach Avenue, South Golden Beach. Sat 10–10.30am 163 Tandys Lane, Brunswick Heads. Sat 10–10.30am 6 Barby Crescent, Bangalow. Sat 10–10.30am 6 Killarney Crescent, Skennars Head. Sat 11–11.30am 7/26 Beech Drive, Suffolk Park. Sat 12–12.30pm 80 Huonbrook Road, Huonbrook. Sat 2–2.30pm 336 The Channon Road, The Channon. By Appointment 62 Tickles Road, Upper Coopers Creek. By Appointment
Harcourts Norther Rivers
• 14 Lawrence Rise, Cumbalum. Sat 10–10.30am
• 25 The Serpentine, East Ballina. Sat 11–11.30am
• 2/6 Jarrett Street, Ballina. Sat 12–12.30pm
www.echo.net.au
CONVEYANCING – continued
Property Business Directory AGENTS
*DU\ %UD]HQRU 1HJRWLDWLQJ VWURQJ UHVXOWV IRU P\ VHOOHUV IRU RYHU \HDUV
byronbaypropertylawyer.com 02 6680 7370
JDU\#E\URQVKLUHUHDOHVWDWH FRP DX
We could W co not recommend Tara and her team enough. All our expectations for the sale were exceeded. The whole process was executed professionally, y, with ease & with great communication. The best in the business. sine ess. VENDOR - BYRON BAY
REAL SERVICE REAL SOLUTIONS REAL ESTATE
TARA TORKKOLA
Byron Bay Property Lawyer (Vickers Lawyers) has relocated to 42 Bilin Road, Myocum. Same phone number and same friendly professional service but we only handle property related matters. • We are experienced, approachable and friendly lawyers. • Advice on buying and selling real estate. • Residential/Strata conveyancing. • Contract review/advice and strata reports. • Registered for PEXA (electronic lodgement). • Business sales and commercial leases. PHILIP VICKERS
SALES MANAGER / SALES
0423 519 698 | TARA@BYRONBAYFN.COM Contact Tara to discuss your property or career at First National Byron WWW.BYRONBAYFN.COM.AU
PAUL PRIOR SALES
0418 324 297 paulprior@byronbayfn.com
CALL REZ TODAY
0405 350 682
Professional and results driven with extensive knowledge. Servicing the Byron Shire and beyond.
rez@byronproperty.com.au
Call Paul for an appointment today.
Property transactions with us are easy. We offer you a competitive price for both New South Wales and Queensland conveyancing, making us a great first choice when you are looking to buy or sell in either state. We use an innovative approach to communicating with our clients, often without the need to visit our office.
Call us on 6687 1167 for more info or enquiry@castrikumlegal.com.au
FINANCE
WWW.BYRONBAYFN.COM.AU
0411 757 425 tim@millerrealestate.com.au millerrealestate.com.au @timmiller_realestate
LJ Hooker Brunswick Heads
9 ǒH 5 ɝǷ8 Ʋ ødžǴî± ̂8 Mƿˍ GC Mƿ »Ƌ ʼ ń ą˾ˌ
• 36B Waranga Crescent, Burringbar. Sat 11–11.30am • 3/12 Fawcett Street, Brunswick Heads. Sat 1–1.30pm North Coast Lifestyle Properties
• 1 Ann Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 11.30am–12pm • 9 Moffatts Road, Billinudgel. Sat 10–10.45am Raine & Horne Ocean Shores/Brunswick Heads/ Murwillumbah
• Panorama Estate, 2981 Kyogle Road, Kunghur. Wed 9–11am; Tue • • • • • • • •
9–10am; Sat 11am–1pm 751 Commissioners Creek Road, Commissioners Creek. Wed 12–1pm; Sat 11am–12pm 1 Eloura Ave, Ocean Shores. Wed 4–4.30pm; Sat 10–10.30am 9 Flinders Way, Ocean Shores. Wed 4–4.30pm; Sat 12–1pm 20 Natan Court, Ocean Shores. Sat 9–9.30am 35 Terania Street, North Lismore. Sat 10–10.30am 85 Crane Street, Ballina. Sat 12–12.30pm 8 Mimosa Ave, Cabarita Beach. Sat 12–12.30pm 19 McCallum Place, Dum Dum. Sat 1–2pm
Ray White Rural Bangalow
• 3/9 Colin Street, Bangalow. Wed 4–4.30pm; Sat 12–12.30pm Tim Miller Real Estate
• 2 Granuaille Road, Bangalow. Thu 1–1.30pm; Sat 10–10.30am • 16 Jarvis Street, Clunes. Thu 11.45am–12.15pm; Sat 12.30–1pm
Vanessa Coles 0433 836 755
vanessa.coles@atlas.com.au
Atlas by LJ Hooker
North Coast Lifestyle Properties
• 1 Ann Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 8 May, 12pm onsite Tim Miller Real Estate
• 2 Granuaille Road, Bangalow. Sat 8 May, 10.30am
www.echo.net.au
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Alyce Field
Property Management
P: 0417 439 230 E: alyce@byronpropertyhub.com.au
Melissa Phillips 02 6685 0177 rentals@ljhbrunswickheads.com
Your experienced local agent
6Ɉ LYPUN PUKP]PK\HS WLYZVUHSPZLK WYVMLZZPVUHS :HSLZ 7YVWLY[` 4HUHNLTLU[ :LY]PJLZ ^P[O H MYLZO TVKLYU HWWYVHJO
CONVEYANCING
First National Byron Bay 451 Federal Drive, Federal. Sat 8 May, 11.30am 81 Myocum Road, Ewingsdale. Sat 15 May, 11am 2 Dobie Place, East Ballina. Sat 15 May, 12pm 6 Barby Crescent, Bangalow. Sat 22 May, 10am 163 Tandys Lane, Brunswick Heads. Sat 22 May, 11.30am 6 Killarney Crescent, Skennars Head. Forthcoming Auction
0412 139 807
helene.adams@atlas.com.au
atlas.com.au
Auction • • • • • •
Helene Adams
BUYING and SELLING REAL ESTATE You need an alternative legal specialist
NP CONVEYANCING We are here to help AND we’ll save you money
NPC
Save yourself thousands, call the expert property management team.
Investment Management Team LJ Hooker Brunswick Headsª
ljhooker.com.au
PROPERTY STYLING
PHONE 6685 7436 FOR A QUOTE 2/75 Jonson Street Byron Bay 2481 Fax: (02) 6685 7221 Lic No 1041865
!
lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ The Byron Shire Echo 51
ENTERTAINMENT
Issue# 35.47 May 5–11, 2021 Editor: Mandy Nolan Editorial/gigs: gigs@echo.net.au Copy deadline: 5pm each Friday Advertising: adcopy@echo.net.au P: 02 6684 1777 W: echo.net.au/entertainment
SOAPBOX
MANDY NOLAN’S
www.echo.net.au/soap-box
KILLER CROCS! When I was 18, to rebel against the world my parents had created, I shaved a half Mohawk, encouraged my hair to stand on end, grew my armpit hairs, wore torn black rags, too much eyeliner and wore 18-hole Dr. Marten’s boots. These days, to give their parents the shits, the kids are wearing Crocs. With socks. They’re going for comfort. It’s called normcore – wearing normal stuff. Unbenownst to a good majority of the middle-of-the-road population who have been buttoning up their cardigans and tucking in their shirts, including public servants and old blokes at bowling clubs, who’ve been doing normcore for years – they are currently style icons. Kids have co-opted their look. How else would ‘Mum jeans’ make a come back? Mum jeans were named ‘Mum jeans’ because certain mums managed to take a pair of jeans and make them as unattractive as they possibly could. The jeans yelled to your partner: ‘whatever you were thinking, just stop.’ Crocs and Socks were the gold standard in a non-pharmaceutical based contraception. You could virtually guarantee that any bloke wearing Crocs and socks hadn’t had a root since the ‘80s. But now it’s cool. You know when Justin Bieber is rocking Crocs with socks that something has changed in the world. I say saw a photo of him in a bright yellow outfit with matching Crocs – he looked like a giant toddler. I was like ‘Baby Baby Baby No!’ Biebs makes anything look good. Biebs loves the Crocs so much his design house has teamed up for a collaboration. That means the not rubber, not plastic, resin-based gardening shoe can now retail for as much as $468. If money’s an issue, you can break into the market at around $100 or nick down to Kmart and get some $5 fake crocks: Focks. Bieber sent a pair of his lavender fashion Ccrocs to Victoria Beckham. I have a new respect for the former Spice Girl who said very politely to Juzzie, ‘I’d rather die than wear them’. That’s pretty well my stance on Crocs as well. I guess now that dates me. My kids are wearing Crocs. That hurts. That’s not how
I brought them up. I didn’t carry them in my body for nine months, tear my vagina apart in the delivery, give up 18 years to packing lunchboxes and tending their needs to end up with them trying to be normal. When I got news they’d been wearing Crocs I cried myself to sleep. ‘What did I do wrong?’ I screamed at the moon as I buried the ugly shoes in the back garden while they slept. Why are my kids wearing therapeutic shoes that help with footpain? What’s next? Corn pads? Arch supports? Crocs are not only not kind on the eye, they are not good for the environment. Sensible sustainability ratings say ‘Avoid’. Good call. They are not plastic, nor are they rubber. So what the fuck are they? Croslite – a weird chemical infusion that is lightweight, and water-and-odour resistant. It also won’t break down in landfill. They don’t decompose on your foot, or when buried. In thousands of years, when all our fabulous footwear is gone, some future civilisation will dig up a pair of Crocs and declare that this was the chosen footwear of humanity. This was the footwear, they will say, that was the harbinger of the end of the Anthropocene. There’s one thing Crocs with socks scream, and that’s ‘End of days!’.
TAURUS: Venus in Taurus sends you sensible sensualists on a pleasure cruise. Not happening? Then make it happen. Lavish yourself with something beautiful and indulgent to delight your body, heart and spirit. And don’t forget to prep your wish list so 12 May 12 Taurus new moon’s practical magic can magnetizze it into your orbit GEMINI: x While flirty Mercury has you eloquent and articulate, this week issues an oversharing alert, which recommends keeping the best of those clever concepts and bright ideas under wraps. And why waste time discussing things you don’t like? Since whatever you energisze naturally expands, clever Geminis will talk about what they love and want more of.
52 The Byron Shire Echo lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ
The evil love child of Liza Minnelli and Jim Carrey is back in Brunswick Heads and no one is safe! After ten years abroad touring Europe and the UK, he’s back and wants you to come out and play! After all, who doesn’t need a bit of filth, a lot of camp, and an opportunity to get downright dirty? It’s exactly what they do best at the Picture House. So what better tonic for these times than to present the incredible Reuben Kaye and his new show, The Butch is Back! Obscenely intelligent, beautifully filthy, and rib-crackingly funny, cabaret superstar Reuben Kaye is what happens when you tell your children they can be anything they want to be. Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Brunswick Picture House at 7pm.
MOTHERS DAY TREES
To put a Croc on with a sock is to betray your favourite socks. This is not a victimless crime. Socks are screaming. It’s a co-ercive relationship where socks have lost any sense of self- determinism or any hope to meet another shoe. Remember when we went out with Nike? Gold Crocs were worn to the Oscars. It was the tipping point I tell you! We haven’t reached peak Croc resurgence yet. The only way to fight back is for old people, daggy people, and really uncool people to start wearing them. Scott Morrison needs to wear them. Perhaps, like Bieber, he could do a Croc/Sco Mo collaboration. The beige, white male privilege Crock. Crocs of Shit. In the meantime, if it’s ugly shit the kids are after, I still have a stash of Legionnaire’s hats they wouldn’t wear the first time round...
STARS BY LILITH ARIES: Mercury and Venus bringing this week’s wakeup call about values, prompt essential questions like: Are you happy with your life, with what you’ve created, with your choices? Do they make the world a better place? What do you do for your community? What inspires you, and how do you share this?
REUBEN KAYE: THE BUTCH IS BACK
CANCER: May is the month of indulgence. With Mars in your sign wanting everything NOW and yes, more please. So, explore simple, natural, everyday pleasures in new ways. When walking anywhere, try noticing and recording ten things you never saw before. Give routine activities like cooking, dressing and driving a different, more interesting twist. LEO: With May’s stellar emphasis for Leos on community, technology, online studies and Zzoom rooms, it’s well worth glamming up your web presence with the latest lighting and techno accessories. As messenger, Mercury delivers a barrage of conflicting opinions and media input, this week’s astral mandate for your majesties is KISS: Keep It Simple, Sweethearts. VIRGO: If you’re fixating on flaws this week, try making a gratitude list. Write down the qualities you appreciate in your partner or, if you’re single, the things in your life that you’re thankful for right now. Which generally tends to make irritations less annoying, blessings more obvious and perspectives more balanced.
The 10th annual Mullum Music Festival & Brunswick Valley Landcare Mothers Day Tree Planting returns on Sunday at Dingo Lane in beautiful Myocum, just outside Mullumbimby. With a mission to plant another 1000 trees, join the crew from 9am onward to celebrate all mums; with live music by Smokey Fields, Mykaela Jay and James Kent. Wear GUMBOOTS, hat, sunscreen, drinking water, gloves. BYO coffee cup. As this is a COVID Safe event, REGISTERING is compulsory. Visit mothersdayplanting2021.eventbrite.com.au
TAURUS THE BULL As communicator Mercury flits into the sign of the talkative Twins, the hills are alive with the sound of chitchatting tongues… LIBRA: May’s successful progress hinges on how ready you are to adapt to shifting conditions. Although willingness to change doesn’’t make the process any less mysterious, the blueprint of evolution is already written in your cells and this practical, down- to- earth week supports all things natural, rhythmic, seasonal and cyclic.
CAPRICORN: Pluto retrogrades are rigorous, especially when they’re in your sign – , which is what’s currently happening. But don’t get so caught up with survival and security you miss May’s splendid menu of robust enjoyment;: take your pick from any or all of music, massage, movement, gardening, wining, dining, carousing and amorous hanky panky.
SCORPIO: With May’s celestial energetics favoring economic reality checks, an eyes-wide-open review of financials is recommended this week to remove any rose-colored specs. And if you find yourself in the position of adult in the room mediating between teammates or family members, no need to be rigid, just realistic.
AQUARIUS: Retrograde cycles are helpful pauses to check our rearview mirror for past mistakes so we don’t keep repeating them. Personal work on lingering issues could be hugely rewarding this week, and if you want to be ahead of the game when Mercury retrogrades in late May, start backing up data and organiszing files now.
SAGITTARIUS: While you’ll love this month’s chatty Mercury/Venus buzz, it’s also worth giving some serious thought to what areas of your life might benefit from deeper listening. When your ruling planet Jupiter sky-divesskydives from airy intellectual mode to watery emotional realms next week the reason for this query becomes clearer.
PISCES: May’s most pressing task is managing news consumption. If doomscrolling (yes it’s a thing) of alarming headlines tips you into overwhelm, shift your attention to a feel-good, spirit-lifting activity;: something relaxing, physical or calling a friend. This simple micro-exercise restores a positive balance to reconnect you with your ever-available, personal good news channels.
www.echo.net.au
ENTERTAINMENT HE’S THE BOMBA! Enigmatic performer, producer and lifelong troubadour Nicky Bomba returns to the scene with his first solo release in ten years with ‘Malibu’ the first single off his new album Food and Shelter.
CREEDENCE REVIVAL AND FRIENDS Creedence Clearwater Revival & Friends is the best tribute show to John Fogerty and CCR in the world today. This performance takes the audience on a journey through their massive hits from 1968 to 1972. Known as the Kings of ‘Swamp Music’, John Fogerty, Tom Fogerty, Doung Clifford and Stu Cook, captured the essence of the era that saw the Vietnam War, Woodstock and so much more influencing generations to come. Creedence made 28 million record sales in a short period of time, comprised of hits such as ‘Bad Moon Rising’, ‘Born on the Bayou’, ‘Proud Mary’, ‘Fortunate Son’ and so many more. After a 25-year hiatus, John Fogerty re-emerged as a successful solo artist, with the hit ‘Rockin’ Roll Girls’, and in 1993 John Fogerty, along with CCR, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing them as one of the most influential bands of their time. The CCR & Friends show captures the essence that was Creedence, with special renditions of other popular songs of the era this show is not to be missed. Including four international cast members it will be an unforgettable night of entertainment. Swamp Music at its best –you will think that Creedence Clearwater Revival are truly in front of your eyes live. Friday at the Byron Theatre – don’t forget you can use your NSW Dine and Discover vouchers. Friday 7 May at 8pm. Tix and info at byroncentre.com
His reputation as a world-class performer has seen him grace stages from Istanbul to Tokyo, Hong Kong to Detroit and has garnered him a weighty trove of accolades including four ARIA awards. Whether at the helm of the titanic Melbourne Ska Orchestra or slamming skins on the drum kit with John Butler, Nicky’s magnetic connection with the audience is a testament to his spectacular creativity and joyously bon vivant attitude. With new material and a whole new live show, Nicky is hitting the road in May to bring his electrified energy to the stage. Stopping to play Mullumbimby Civic Hall on May 15. Tix https://bit.ly/May15Malibu
Nicky Bomba brings the Malibu vibes to Mullumbimby Civic Hall on May 15
More events online at echo.net.au/entertainment
BE COMFORTABLE IN YOUR SKIN Do you want to be able to stand in front of a crowd, deliver your message and be comfortable in your skin? Being a powerful speaker isn’t about being technically perfect. It’s about using your natural voice and being your authentic self. In a world full of fake news and social media hype, realness cuts through. Comedian and Authentic You Masterclass facilitator, Mandy Nolan, taught Emmy Award winning Hannah Gadsby, who she knew had the goods the minute she turned up. Authentic You is also taught by academic and performer Dr George Catsi. It is a unique and intense face-to-face two day masterclass in public speaking and communication that is tailored specifically to each participant’s particular needs. Over the past 18 months they have facilitated 14 deliveries of their class to professional speakers, authors, academics, doctors, educators, team leaders, and basically anyone with a story to tell. The positive feedback has been overwhelming, with attendees loving the solid, nurturing environment they provide in a small class setting (12 max), the personalised attention, the home cooked food, and the filmed final performance. Mandy and George guarantee that you can turn up empty handed and by day two you’ll have a five to seven minute talk! This Saturday and Sunday at Barefoot Bungalows, 38 Lawson St,Byron Bay. authenticyoumasterclasses.com
WHAT’S ON CCR + FRIENDS CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL SHOW Friday 7 May, 8pm Single $44.50 | Family of 4 $89
MAD MAX FURY ROAD: BLACK & CHROME WITH LIVE ORIGINAL SCORE Saturday 8 May, 8pm Adult $54.50 | Conc $49.50 | Rated MA15+
WIDE OF THE MARK PRESENTED BY GARAGE ENTERTAINMENT Thursday 13 May, 7pm $25.50
BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR 2021 Friday 14 & Saturday 15 May, 7pm Adult $35 | Child U15 $25 | Group of 15+ $30 ea
BOTICELLI, FLORENCE & THE MEDICI ART ON SCREEN
Arrive early and enjoy a drink at the Theatre Bar
MAY
Wednesday 19 May, 3pm Full $24 | Conc $22 | Student U18 $18
Byron Theatre & Community Centre 69 Jonson Street, Byron Bay byroncentre.com.au @byrontheatre
www.echo.net.au
lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ The Byron Shire Echo 53
GIG GUIDE WEDNESDAY 5 Q RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, SUNSTONE Q PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, SPANISH FILM FESTIVAL Q KIKI ON BYRON 4PM JUAN SALVADOR Q SALTWATER SOCIAL CLUB, BYRON BAY, 8.30PM MARK CHAPMAN Q MULLUMBIMBY EX-SERVICES CLUB 7PM UKE NIGHT, THE LETTER C Q THE QUAD, LISMORE, FLOOD STORIES
THURSDAY 6 Q RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, BENNY WHISKEY Q BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 5PM PHIL & TILLEY, 8PM BEN WALSH DUO Q PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, SPANISH FILM FESTIVAL Q KIKI ON BYRON 6PM LATIN NIGHT Q KARKALLA, BYRON BAY, 6.30PM RENEE SIMONE Q SALTWATER SOCIAL CLUB, BYRON BAY, 8.30PM MATT BUGGY Q BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM REUBEN KAY – THE BUTCH IS BACK Q WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 5.30PM OPEN MIC Q SLIPWAY TAVERN, BALLINA, 7PM SASS AND THE DUDE Q THE SAND BAR, EVANS HEAD, 8PM THE COMEDY COMMUNE FEATURING STEVEN J WHITELY Q THE QUAD, LISMORE, FLOOD STORIES Q KINGSCLIFF BEACH HOTEL 7PM JEFF MARTIN
FRIDAY 7 Q RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, HARRY NICHOLS BAND Q BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 3PM KARUAH, 6PM MATTY ROGERS, 9PM ANIMAL VENTURA Q BYRON THEATRE, 8PM, CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL TRIBUTE Q PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, SPANISH FILM FESTIVAL Q KIKI ON BYRON 7PM WILL HENDERSON Q SALTWATER SOCIAL CLUB, BYRON BAY, 8.30PM BRETT GANNON Q BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM REUBEN KAY – THE BUTCH IS BACK Q WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4.30PM DJ JUNI ROSS Q ST JOHN’S SCHOOL HALL, MULLUMBIMBY, 7.30PM ECSTATIC DANCE – DJ WILD HONEY Q BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK 6PM JESS BALFOUR Q REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH, 6PM BALCONY SESSIONS WITH SALI BRACEWELL Q RIVERVIEW HOTEL, MURWILLUMBAH, 8PM TIN PARLOUR Q KINGSCLIFF BEACH HOTEL 7PM TIM STOKES Q SEAGULLS, TWEED HEADS, 9PM KILLER QUEEN EXPERIENCE Q TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE STAGE 9PM JOHNY LAYTEX Q SOUNDLOUNGE, CURRUMBIN, 7.30PM DUSTY RICH – WTFIGO
ENTERTAINMENT SATURDAY 8
Q RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, SOUTHWALL Q BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 1PM BEN WHITING, 4PM SUNDAY LEMONADE, 6.30PM JESSE MORRIS DUO, 9PM RAGGA JUMP Q BYRON THEATRE, 8PM, MAD MAX FURY ROAD: BLACK & CHROME- ORIGINAL LIVE SCORE PERFORMANCE Q PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, SPANISH FILM FESTIVAL Q FOXY LUU’S, BYRON BAY, 4.30PM GROOVE & BAO – DAVID HELGI JOHAN Q SALTWATER SOCIAL CLUB, BYRON BAY, 8.30PM HARRY NICHOLS Q BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM REUBEN KAY – THE BUTCH IS BACK Q BANGALOW FLEA MARKET 9AM LOOSE CHANGE COLLECTIVE Q BRUNSWICK HEADS CWA HALL 6PM SUPPORT BUSHFIRE RECOVERY PROJECT – KIT BRAY Q WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 3PM DJ LIPPO, 5.15PM DJ AL ROYALE Q BALLINA RSL 6PM SEBASTIAAN, 8PM, RUMOURS, THE FLEETWOOD MAC EXPERIENCE Q MARY G’S, LISMORE, 9.30PM PINK ZINC Q THE MURWILLUMBAH CITADEL 8PM JEFF LANG Q KINGSCLIFF BEACH HOTEL 7PM OOZ Q TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 7PM MIRUSIA, THE STAGE 9PM ANTHEMS
SUNDAY 9 Q RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, OOZ Q BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 1PM HAYLEY GRACE, 5PM MOSES PARKER JAZZ TRIO, 9PM DU EAST Q PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, SPANISH FILM FESTIVAL Q SALTWATER SOCIAL CLUB, BYRON BAY, 8.30PM JAMES SCOTT Q OCEAN SHORES COUNTRY CLUB 12PM JOHN DIXON Q WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 3PM PHIL HOWLER Q BALLINA RSL LEVEL ONE 2PM PIANO LOUNGE Q RIVERVIEW HOTEL, MURWILLUMBAH, 2.30PM JOCK BARNES Q CHILLINGHAM MARKET 8AM LYRICA BLUE
WILD THINGS Ballina Greens are hosting a screening of the documentary Wild Things on 27 May at Ballina Fair Cinemas It is a powerful and inspiring documentary that chronicles 365 days of frontline environmental activism across Australia. Directed and produced by Sally Inglewood, Wild Things combines archival and camera phone footage with stunning aerial photography and beautiful in-forest images to record the courage and determination of ordinary people, young and old, putting themselves on the line to protect the natural world. Against a backdrop of drought, fire and floods, we witness how today’s envoironmental activists are making a difference. The screening will be preceded by a discussion panel of local ‘Wild Things’, Aidan Ricketts (author of The Activists’ Handbook), Mandy Nolan (journalist, comedian), Kate Coxall (Stop Adani and Strike4Climate activist) and Tamara Smith MP, Greens Member for Ballina, who will each talk about the wildest things they have seen while defending the planet. May 27 6–7pm: drinks, nibbles, panel chat. 7–9pm: Film Screening. Ballina Fair Cinema $25 includes drink and raffle ticket. www.greens.org.au/nsw/wildthings
MONDAY 10 Q RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, SLIM PICKENS Q BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 5PM LEIGH JAMES, 8PM JASON DELPHIN Q PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, SPANISH FILM FESTIVAL Q SALTWATER SOCIAL CLUB, BYRON BAY, 8.30PM JESSE WITNEY
TUESDAY 11 Q RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, THE BLACK STAR SHOW Q BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 5PM KRISTIE LEE, 8PM JESSE WITNEY Q PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, SPANISH FILM FESTIVAL Q SALTWATER SOCIAL CLUB, BYRON BAY, 8.30PM BRETT GANNON Q EWINGSDALE HALL 8PM ECSTATIC DANCE – DJ LOQI
WEDNESDAY 12 Q RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, GUY KACHEL Q BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 8PM SARAH GRANT Q PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, SPANISH FILM FESTIVAL Q SALTWATER SOCIAL CLUB, BYRON BAY, 8.30PM MARK CHAPMAN
Sponsered by Byron Music The Gig Guide is supported by Byron Music
54 The Byron Shire Echo lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ
www.echo.net.au
KIDS’ THEATRESPORTS AT BYRON COMEDY FEST Madeleine West is a nationally acclaimed actress who is one of the many talents who lives in our region. Not just a soap star (some might know her as Dee Bliss from Neighbours), Madeleine has an extensive performance training background and she’s going to be sharing her Theatresports expertise with kids at the Byron Comedy Fest. Tell me a little about your performing background and how you got involved with Theatresports? This year marks my 36th year on stage or screen in some form or other! Throughout my career I’ve trained across multiple disciplines and I’m now teaching my own acting method The ReActor Technique. Somewhere along the line I discovered I quite liked (attempts at) making people laugh, so whilst pursuing a stand up comedy career (frequently greeted by calls to ‘sit down!’) I started training at Second City in LA, the home of Saturday Night Live, Tina Fey, Dan Akroyd, Wil Ferrell and Steve Carr. Second City focuses on improvisation as the key to all and any performance, Theatresports being the perfect demonstration. Fast, furious, funny and off-the-cuff, Theatresoprts had me hooked from day one. I went on to compete professionally in Theatresports at LA Improv and LA Live, to perform regularly in troupes on the comedy circuit and at numerous festivals, and now employ it as a pivotal component of my own acting syllabus. How does Theatresports help people who are interested in performing, or in other areas? Without getting too David Attenborough on you, the ability to tell stories is what distinguishes us sapiens from the rest of the animal kingdom. FACT! And Theatresports is storytelling at its purest. With nothing more than their wits, their teammates, hopefully a willing audience and the odd silly prop, performers will strive to create live stories that entertain – and achieve that seemingly most elusive of feats in our ever more cynical world: to make people laugh! The rewards are many: Theatresports sharpens your thinking skills, your ability to think on your feet, teaches teamwork, cohesion, vocal expression, confidence, and relies entirely on what is quite an underrated quality in this age of cyber-connectivity and the information superhighway – your imagination. What are you presenting for Byron Comedy Fest? With the comedy fest rolling into town, I wanted to see Byron kids get up on the stage and tell their stories, hopefully in the process discovering the joy that is making
www.echo.net.au
‘Theatresports is so much fun, purely because it’s the perfect antidote to taking yourself too seriously.’ ~ Madeleine West people laugh, so this year I am offering a Saturday Theatresports Masterclass followed by a live performance on Sunday. I will teach you several classic improvised games and a heap of useful tricks, before letting you loose on a fully interactive audience of friends, family, and anyone brave enough to come along! No scripts, no sets, no egos, just raw performance, fully improvised, on the spot. What is it about Theatresports do you think that is the most fun? Theatresports is so much fun purely because it’s the perfect antidote to taking yourself too seriously. It encourages you to do all the stuff the world tells you not to do: Be loud! Be silly! Be outrageous! Be brave! Make a fool of yourself! Theatresports lets kids talk about and create stories about what concerns and entertains them, without the filter of curriculum or adult intervention, and to present these stories with the aim to educate, entertain and to make people laugh! What is your favourite game/exercise? The ‘One minute Fairytale’. The team performs a classic fairytale in one minute, then in 30 seconds, 15 seconds, seven seconds and finally three seconds. You’ve never seen Cinderella told like this before! How can kids get involved for the upcoming workshop? What ages can join in? Simply go to byroncomedyfest.com. Kids 8–14, but the more the merrier (or crazier). The stage is set, so come on kids, show us what you’ve got! Enrol your kids for the $100 Theatresports workshop on Saturday 15 May kids aged 8 years and up at 9.30am and aged 12-16 at 1pm with a $15 performance open to the public on Sunday 16 May. Enrolments and more info at byroncomedyfest.com.
lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ The Byron Shire Echo 55 BBFM_Echo Ads_85x148mm_17122020-v4-outlines.indd 2
22/12/20 8:22 pm
ENTERTAINMENT
21–23 MAY 2021 THE QUAD : 110 MAGELLAN STREET LISMORE
OUTDOOR CINEMA AT THE QUAD Presented over three nights in May, The Quad is bringing you its first ever outdoor cinema program! The program has been put together by highly regarded film critic, Peter Castaldi, with a mix of cult classics to enjoy as you kick back, under the stars. The films are presented with headsets delivering crisp and perfect sound in a truly immersive experience. Friday 21 May is a double bill of Paul Currie’s One Perfect Day (6pm) followed by Baz Lurhman’s Romeo and Juliet (8.15pm). Saturday 22 May at 6pm it’s the screening of the original Storm Boy and Sunday 23 May at 6pm The American Astronaut, plus some shorts. Tickets: www.lismorequad.org.au Prices: Adult $15, Conc $10. Double bill and group discounts available.
FRI 21 MAY – DOUBLE BILL
SAT 22 MAY
SUN 23 MAY
Romeo & Juliet + One Perfect Day
Storm Boy
The American Astronaut
Tickets & full program:
lismorequad.org.au LismoreQuadrangle
LismoreQuad
FESTIVAL OF 20 - 30 MAY
: ) Truth to
POWERCafé >
COLOURS
QUEER ASF ux
9 QUEENS QUEERLit
D %-1 * CABARET THEATRE MUSIC ART TALKS + MORE 56 The Byron Shire Echo lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ
" % 6 (" MELT PORTRAIT> -
SHOW
Guys
MELTFESTIVAL.COM.AU www.echo.net.au
ENTERTAINMENT
Session Times: Thu 6 May - Wed 12 May For all Spanish Film Festival sessions please head to: SPANISHFILMFESTIVAL.COM
Stills from Smashed and This River – showing at Flickerfest at The Regent Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 May.
FAMILY FILMS PETER RABBIT 2 (G) Daily: 11:15AM RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON (PG) Daily: 1:50PM TOM & JERRY: THE MOVIE (G) Daily: 12:00PM
NEW FILMS DE GAULLE (M) NFT Daily except Wed: 11:30AM, 4:00, 6:20PM Wed: 11:45AM, 4:00, 6:20PM FATALE (MA15+) NFT Daily except Thu: 11:30AM, 2:15, 6:15PM Thu: 11:30AM, 2:15, 4:20, 6:15 JUNE AGAIN (M) NFT Daily except Wed: 11:45AM, 4:15, 6:30PM Wed: 11:00AM Babes In Arms, 4:15, 6:30PM LOCKED DOWN (M) NFT Daily: 4:15, 6:45PM THE UNITED WAY (PG) NFT Mon-Wed: 2:45, 7:00PM
ALL FILMS ANTOINETTE IN THE CÉVENNES (M) Daily: 2:00PM FIRST COW (PG) Daily: 11:15AM GIRLS CAN'T SURF (M) Daily except Thu: 4:20PM JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH (MA15+) Daily: 1:45PM NOMADLAND (M) Thu-Sun: 2:30, 4:15, 7:00PM Mon-Wed: 4:15, 7:00PM
NFT = No Free Tickets
MORTAL KOMBAT (R18+) Thu, Sun: 1:45, 7:00PM Fri, Sat: 1:45, 7:00, 8:30PM Mon-Wed: 1:45PM PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN (MA15+) Daily: 4:30PM SIX MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT (M) Daily: 4:45PM SUPERNOVA (M) Daily: 1:40PM THE COURIER (M) Daily: 11:50AM, 6:45PM THE FATHER (M) Daily: 11:30AM WRATH OF MAN (MA15+) Daily except Fri, Sat: 1:30, 3:50, 6:45PM Fri, Sat: 1:30, 3:50, 6:45, 8:40PM
Session times are subject to change. Please check online for all live session times
108 Jonson St, Byron Bay
Admission Prices: Adults: Stud/Conc: Senior: Child:
$14 $12 $11 $10
Wednesday All tickets
$10
BALLINA FAIR CINEMAS Thursday May 6th to Wednesday May 12th
MAY
JUNE AGAIN M 99 MIN LOCKED DOWN M 118 MIN MORTAL KOMBAT R18+ PHOTO ID REQUIRED 110 MIN NOMADLAND M 108 MIN PETER RABBIT 2 G 93 MIN SIX MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT M 100 MIN THE FATHER M 97 MIN TOM & JERRY THE MOVIE G 101 MIN WRATH OF MAN MA15+ 119 MIN
FLICKERFEST AT THE REGENT
Book online now at PalaceCinemas.com.au
Tel: (02) 6686 9600 ballinafaircinemas.com.au We accept the Dine and Discover $25 vouchers
THU 6TH
FRI 7TH
SAT 8TH
SUN 9TH
MON 10TH
TUE 11TH
WED 12TH
10:00 AM 2:10 PM 5:20 PM 10:20 AM 4:10 PM 6:30 PM 2:40 PM 7:10 PM 12:05 PM
10:00 AM 2:10 PM 5:20 PM 10:20 AM 4:10 PM 6:30 PM 2:40 PM 7:10 PM 12:05 PM
10:00 AM 2:10 PM 5:20 PM 10:20 AM 4:10 PM 6:30 PM 2:40 PM 7:10 PM 12:05 PM 11:50 AM
10:00 AM 2:10 PM 5:20 PM
10:00 AM 2:10 PM 5:20 PM
10:00 AM 2:10 PM 5:20 PM
10:20 AM 4:10 PM
10:20 AM 4:10 PM
10:20 AM 4:10 PM
2:40 PM
2:40 PM
2:40 PM
12:05 PM 11:50 AM
12:05 PM
12:05 PM
10:00 AM 2:10 PM 5:20 PM 10:20 AM 4:10 PM 6:30 PM 2:40 PM 7:10 PM 12:05 PM
11:50 AM 3:30 PM 10:10 AM 1:40 PM
11:50 AM 3:30 PM 10:10 AM 1:40 PM
3:30 PM
3:30 PM
1:40 PM
1:40 PM
11:50 AM 3:30 PM 10:10 AM 1:40 PM
11:50 AM 3:30 PM 10:10 AM 1:40 PM
11:50 AM 3:30 PM 10:10 AM 1:40 PM
12:30 PM 4:40 PM 6:50 PM
10:10 AM 12:30 PM 4:40 PM 6:50 PM
10:10 AM
12:30 PM 4:40 PM 6:50 PM
12:30 PM 4:40 PM
12:30 PM 4:40 PM
12:30 PM 4:40 PM 6:50 PM
12:30 PM 4:40 PM
Flickerfest returns to the Northern Rivers 15–16 May, with screenings at the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in Murwillumbah. Celebrating 30 years in 2021, Flickerfest, Australia’s largest and only Academy and BAFTA Qualifying Short Film Festival, presents the best in shorts over one big film-packed weekend showcasing its much awarded and applauded FlickerKids, Short Laughs Comedy, Best of Australian Shorts and Best of International Shorts programmes. The 40+ films screening in Murwillumbah are handpicked from Flickerfest’s 2700 entries; they include Academy® Nominees and award winners from across the world, hilarious comedies, moving and inspiring Australian shorts and award winning Northern Rivers filmmakers lighting up the big screen. The Regent is giving Northern Rivers’ audiences a final chance to catch these spectacular shorts in our region. Highlights from the Best of Australian Shorts include the fabulous intimate and moving drama This River shot in Lismore by locally grown director Naomi Fryer and awarded Best Direction at Flickerfest Bondi. This River stars Murwillumbah born-and-raised actress Madeleine Magee Carr. She was living in London when her mum saw the call-out for local Northern Rivers’ actors for the short film, so Madeleine auditioned virtually and the producers were so impressed they hired her on the spot to star in the film. This award winning short will screen alongside the beautiful Bama, shot locally and directed by emerging Indigenous filmmaker Jahvis Loveday, from Ocean Shores, who won the Jury Award for Best Short Film, and the audience award, at the recent Flickerfest Mullumbimby Byron All Shorts screening. Jahvis’s Nan and Great Nana lived in Murwillumbah and he forged a strong connection to the area growing up. His strong family connection is the inspiration for Bama and Jahvis will be at the screening to introduce his film and also to participate in a Q&A. Regent Cinema in Murwillumbah, 15–16 May Info & tickets: flickerfest.com.au/tour/murwillumbah-nsw
www.echo.net.au
lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ The Byron Shire Echo 57
Service Directory
North Coast news online
SERVICE DIRECTORY RATES, PAYMENT & DEADLINE
ACUPUNCTURE
BLINDS, AWNINGS, CURTAINS, SHUTTERS
DEADLINE: For additions and changes to the Service Directory is 12pm Friday. ACUPUNCTURE CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE M Collis.............................................0490 022183 LINE ADS: $99 for 3 months or $340 for 1 year prepaid. MARLENE FARRY Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine marlenefarry.com .........0416 599507 For line Service Directory ads email classifieds@echo.net.au. ACUPUNCTURE & acupressure massage. Ph Dr. Derek Doran .......................................0414 478787 DISPLAY ADS: $68 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. For display Service Directory ads email adcopy@echo.net.au. The Echo Service Directory is online in Echonetdaily – www.echo.net.au/service-directory
LOCAL
SHOWCASE DEALER SHOWROOM
SUNSCREENS
AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION
ACCOUNTS & BOOKINGS: 6684 1777
66 680 0 88 862
INDEX
ACCOUNTANTS & BOOKKEEPERS ACCOUNTANT Paul Mayberry..............................................................................................66847415
FREE E MEASURE E QUOTE E
CURTAINS
PLANTATION SHUTTERS
˘˗ ˘˞˛ ˌ˘˖˙˕ˎ˝ˎ ˛ˊ˗ːˎ ˘ˏ ˒˗˝ˎ˛˒˘˛ ϻ ˎˡ˝ˎ˛˒˘˛ ˠ˒˗ˍ˘ˠ ˝˛ˎˊ˝˖ˎ˗˝˜
AWNINGS
SPECIALISTS IN HOM E AUTOM ATION
AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION
PLEASE CALL 6680 9394 artisanair.com.au AU 37088
Mullumbimby Refrigeration & Airconditioning Services
Lic 246545C
– Sales – Installation – Repairs – All Commercial Refrigeration – Residential & Commercial Airconditioning – Coolroom Design & Construction – Freezer Rooms
45 Manns Road, Mullumbimby
ZZZ EOLQGGHVLJQE\URQED\ FRP DX
BRICK/BLOCK LAYING Contractors. Lic 291958C. Phone Mark ........................................0409 444268 BRICK & BLOCK LAYING 15 years exp. Reliable & competitive. Call Andrew for a quote ..0423 151092
BUILDING TRADES • DEPT OF FAIR TRADING: A licence is required for all residential building work where the reasonable market cost of the work to be done (labour and materials) exceeds $5000 (including GST).
• RELIABLE TRADESMAN • DECKS & PERGOLAS • TIMBER SCREENS & DOORS • GARAGE CONVERSIONS
COOLMAN AIR CONDITIONING 23 years experience. Lic 178464C AU30147 ..............0412 641753 RAINBOW REGION AIR CONDITIONING ARC AU36141. Lic No. 264313C.....................0487 264137
LICENCE NUMBER 344531C
SERVICING THE BYRON SHIRE
CLIMATE CONTROL AUSTRALIA Lic 362019C AU 27106... JARREAU.............................0421 485217
CALL BRETT 0414 542 019
ANTENNAS & INSTALLATION
0439 624 945
AH
ROLL BLINDS
BRICKLAYING
6684 2783
Lic: 299433C ARC: AU40492
02 66 804 173 Friendly Reliable Prompt Local
Digital TV ALL Antenna Installations & Repairs ALL Electrical Work
JP DIGITAL ANTENNAS Reception problems, new antennas, extra TV points, all areas .....0432 289705
Lic: 317362C
Licensed builder, specialising in Bathroom renovations.
ANTIQUES/RESTORATION FURNITURE RESTORATION Old/antique. 40+ yrs exp. erwinfurniturerestoration.com 0412 528454
APPLIANCE REPAIR
0417 654 888
Quality workmanship, and reliable and personalised service.
www.stoneysbuildingcreations.com
ARCHITECTS
Complete Home Maintenance Solutions
OCEANARC ARCHITECTS Reg. 6042 www.oceanarc.com.au ..............................................66855001
Bathroom and Kitchen Renovations • General Carpentry • Timber Decks • Home Maintenance RAY GOUGH 0477 005 144 completehome_1@bigpond.com
AUTOMOTIVE
• Tyres • Batteries • Wheel Alignments MULLUMBIMBY TYRE SERVICE Dalley Street, Mullumbimby 6684 2016
LEGENDARY OFFROAD TYRES
Mobile Panel, Paint & Bumper Repairs FREE QUOTES • Scratch & Dent Repairs • Rust Repairs • Pre Sales Tidy Ups • Car Park Dents • Accident Damage
We come to you. Fully qualified, fully insured and all work is guaranteed.
Bumper to Bumper Repairs | Cory 0403 918 831
CASH PAID FOR UNWANTED CARS
6684 5296
Lic. 266174C
COFFEE MACHINE SERVICE & REPAIR coffeetechbyron.com.au Phone Stuart ............0407 395263
Lic No: MVTC157416
Accountants & Bookkeepers.............................. 58 Acupuncture ....................................................... 58 Air Conditioning & Refrigeration ...................... 58 Antennas & Installation ..................................... 58 Antiques/Restoration ......................................... 58 Appliance Repair ................................................ 58 Architects ............................................................ 58 Automotive ......................................................... 58 Blinds, Awnings, Curtains, Shutters .................. 58 Bricklaying .......................................................... 58 Building Trades ................................................... 58 Bush Regen & Weed Control .............................. 58 Carpet Cleaning .................................................. 59 Chimney Sweeping ............................................. 59 Chiropractic......................................................... 59 Cleaning .............................................................. 59 Computer Services ............................................. 59 Concreting & Paving ........................................... 59 Counselling ......................................................... 59 Decks, Patios & Extensions ................................ 59 Dentists ............................................................... 59 Design & Drafting ............................................... 59 Driveway Maintenance ...................................... 59 Earthmoving & Excavation ................................ 59 Electricians .......................................................... 59 Fencing ................................................................ 59 Floor Sanding & Polishing ................................. 59 Flooring ............................................................... 59 Funeral Services.................................................. 59 Garden & Property Maintenance ...................... 59 Garden Design .................................................... 59 Gas Suppliers ...................................................... 59 Graphic Design ................................................... 59 Guttering ............................................................. 59 Handypersons ..................................................... 60 Health .................................................................. 60 Hire ...................................................................... 60 Insurance ............................................................. 60 Kitchens ............................................................... 60 Landscape Design .............................................. 60 Landscape Supplies ............................................ 60 Landscaping ....................................................... 60 Locksmith ............................................................ 60 Osteopathy.......................................................... 60 Painting ............................................................... 60 Pest Control ......................................................... 60 Photography ....................................................... 60 Physiotherapy ..................................................... 60 Picture Framing .................................................. 60 Plastering ............................................................ 60 Plumbers ............................................................. 60 Removalists ......................................................... 60 Roofing ................................................................ 61 Rubbish Removal ................................................ 61 Self Storage ......................................................... 61 Septic Systems .................................................... 61 Snake Catchers.................................................... 61 Solar Installation ................................................ 61 Television Services ............................................. 61 Tiling .................................................................... 61 Transport ............................................................. 61 Tree Services ....................................................... 61 Tuition ................................................................. 61 Upholstery .......................................................... 61 Valuers ................................................................. 61 Veterinary Surgeons .......................................... 61 Water Filters ........................................................ 61 Water Supplies .................................................... 61 Welding ............................................................... 61 Window Cleaning ............................................... 61 Window Tinting................................................... 61
1/84 Centennial Circuit Byron Bay
ALL CARPENTRY WORK FULLY INSURED
NSW Lic. 83568c Qld BSA 1238105
• Floor installations • Door & Window installations • Decks & Pergolas 0488 950 638 matt.rowan.wardle@gmail.com • Alterations Builder / Plumber Residential & Commerical Landscaping Earthworks - 12 Tonne Excavator Sandstone Retaining Walls
Luke Davidson 0413 626 117
www.downtoearthbyronbay.com.au
DINGO DEMOLITIONS & ASBESTOS REMOVAL ................................. 66834008 or 0407 728998 BUILDER – JOHN McGAURAN Personalised Service. 20 yrs exp. Lic 170208C .............0415 793242 BUILDER Renovations, maintenance, 30yrs exp. mchughdesign.com.au Lic 29792C....0408 663420 HAVEN BUILDING All aspects of building. Lic 326616C ...............................................0432 565060
A B S O L U T E LY F R E E
FABRICA JOINERY Quality kitchens/timber doors/windows. Lic 244652C .........................66808162
CASH ON THE SPOT GUARANTEE
LELAND CARPENTRY All carpentry – small renovation specialist (under $5K) Jesse ...0458 968290
CAR BODY REMOVAL $50 - $1000
WE BUY UNWANTED CARS, UTES & VANS
PHONE 0466 113 333 24/7
EMAIL: enquires@adrians.com.au
CARPENTRY, TILING, DECKING ...................................................................................0498 064825
CARPENTER Insured & qualified. Renos, decks, small jobs, free quotes. Lic 231104C ...0431 674377
BUSH REGENERATION & WEED CONTROL
BAS * TAXATION * ACCOUNTING saltwateraccountancy.com.au ...............................02 66874746 BAYSIDE RADIATORS Windscreens & air-con. Billinudgel. AU29498 .................................66802444 WEED CONTROL SPECIALIST Lawns – bindii weeds – Army worms – grass grubs .....0418 110714
58 The Byron Shire Echo lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ
www.echo.net.au
Service Directory CARPET CLEANING FRANCHISE OF THE YEAR!
0408 232 066
ELECTRIC CITY ELECTRICAL Domestic, Commercial Byron/Ballina. Fully licensed. Pete0404 426499
LITTLE LANE DENTAL, MULLUMBIMBY ...........................................................................66842816
Green & Clean Carpet and upholstery cleaning, urine extraction, rust removal, heavy traffic areas, deodorising and sanitation.
Far North Coast NSW John & Teresa
E4 ELECTRICAL SERVICES Lic 116621c. Solutions made E4 EASY! Phone Jamie ..........0410 502060
DENTISTS
FENCING
BRUNSWICK HOLISTIC DENTAL CENTRE .......................................................................66851264
DESIGN & DRAFTING
BYRON & BEYOND FENCING Any fence, any time, prompt quotes....... 66804766 or 0439 078549
Cleans deeply, dries in 1-2 hours
BAREFOOT BUILDING DESIGN www.barefootbuildingdesign.com..........Bob Acton 0407 787993
Commercial / Domestic / Insurance
DAVID ROBINSON DESIGN DRAFTING All Council & construction requirements ......0419 880048
EDL FENCING Installations & repairs. Prompt service. ..................................................0432 107262 FLOW FENCING Pool fencing, timber/colourbond, local, professional and reliable.......0416 424256
FLOOR SANDING & POLISHING
BYRON ENERGY EFFICIENT DESIGN & DRAFTING www.beedad.com.au ...............0423 531448
CHIMNEY SWEEPING
FENG SHUI DESIGN CONSULTANT Lizzie Bodenham .......................livingbalancedesigns.com.au THE FLOOR SANDER New & old floors, decks, non-toxic finishes, special effects, free quotes..0407 821690
BLACKS CHIMNEY SWEEPING & REPAIRS AHHA member, insured. 3rd generation .....66771905 BORRELL DESIGN Drafting & design. Commercial, retail, residential, shop fit-outs .....0412 043463
CHIROPRACTIC
NORTHFACE DESIGNS www.northfacedesigns.com.au..............................Cody Greer 0434 272353
BAY FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC Peter Wuehr 17 Bangalow Rd Byron Bay ..............................66855282
DRIVEWAY MAINTENANCE
WAVE OF LIFE NETWORK CHIRO (lowforce) 8/9 Fletcher St, Byron Bay. Andrew Badman...66858553
CLEANING
ACTION WINDOW & PRESSURE CLEANING
NORTHERN RIVERS DIRECT CREMATIONS Personal service, female-led exceptional care 24 hours. All-inclusive and local. $2100 .........................................................................1300 585778
Coast to Country Asphalt Specialising in
GARDEN & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
• Asphalt Driveways • Sub-divisions • Earthworks • Carparks • and all Maintenance! For a Free Quote Call Now
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
0467 482 948
oast Asph alt st C a E
ALL ASPECTS OF ASPHALT & BITUMEN SERVICES
6677 1859
5 Stars
Byron Bay
FUNERAL SERVICES
&
CLEANING SERVICE
CLEANS: Holiday, Residential, Bond, Commercial, Spring
CON
C RET E ED G IN
All aspects gardening & mowing Enhancive garden makeovers
SERVICING THE EAST COAST OF THE NSW NORTHERN RIVERS
G
0430 297 101 / 6684 5437 livingearthgardens.com.au
Burringbar
EARTHMOVING & EXCAVATION
Phone Mick 0409 009 024
Est. 2010
Email: mickbhl@gmail.com
DETAILED CLEANER/GUEST HOUSE MANAGER All natural products 4.8 Stayz rated ..0410 723601 BEYOND CLEANING GROUP Quality focused. Brunswick to Ballina from $39.60ph .....0451 102239
TINY EARTHWOR
GUTTERS CLEANED Solar panel cleaning, all areas, free quotes, fully insured ... 66841778 or 0405 922839
Philip Toovey
PROFESSIONAL LOCAL CLEANER excellent references, good rates. Shire wide. Ph Krissy ..0410 860330
COMPUTER SERVICES
MULLUM.MOWING@gmail.com. Ride-on, large lawns & acreage. Ph Peter................0423 756394
A-Z Lawns & acreage, trees & hedges, clean ups & tip runs, all gutters ..........................0405 625697
0409 799 909
ACES LANDSCAPED GARDENS Renovations & maintenance. Ph Sam..........................0477 851493
various implements available for limited access projects
LEAF IT TO US Specialists in acreage mowing, garden, tree maintenance .....................0402 487213
RENT-A-GEEK Mobile PC Repair (Byron Shire) ....................................................................66844335
PAUL’S MOWING Local & reliable. Mullum, Bruns, O. Shores, Byron & Bangalow.........0422 958791
BETTER CALL SAUL The Mac Doctor. Repairs. Upgrades. Used Macs.............................0411 562111
A GREEN EARTH Garden restoration, maintenance, tree & rubbish removal ................0405 716552
MINI DIGGER!
CONCRETING & PAVING
SALISBURY
LOCAL, QUALIFIED & RELIABLE Lic.136717c
GREEN DINGO for all your mowing and gardening needs. Ph Michael .........................0497 842442
NORTHERN RIVERS TRENCHING 65hp chain trencher, excavator, cable locating & tpr.0402 716857 GRADER HIRE All road construction, driveways, pads, horse arenas. Adrian ................0428 845091
ALL AROUND
GARDEN DESIGN www.simplybeautifulspaces.com.au FENG SHUI / GARDEN DESIGN .........................Lyn 0428 884329
0439 624 945
Call Daniel
0424 876 155
AH
All Jobs Small or Large
Domestic Commercial
ELECTRICAL Steve Nicholls ph: 0455 445 343 lic: EC28753
COUNSELLING & LIFE COACHING Get unstuck & reclaim life purpose. TracieAnne.com .. 0437 174804
DECKS, PATIOS & EXTENSIONS
0419 789 600
Call Mark 0498 115 182
SECURITY, DATA, TV Tim Nicholls ph: 0468 384 203 lic: 000102498
Locally Owned Est 18 years
No Rental
www.brunswickvalleygas.com
0408 760 609 GRAPHIC DESIGN
nichollselectrical@outlook.com
• Deck restoration, sanding and oiling • Special sanding machine removes old coatings, not timber • Fantastic over raised nails and screw heads • Timber oils & coatings that dry in minutes and last years Call Oliver for a free quote and assessment.
Residential & Commercial Electrician Renovations, New builds, Service calls & Maintenance
Robert Moore Call or SMS
Lic No 142383C
FREE QUOTES
Free Delivery Reliable
COUNSELLING
DECKS
GAS SUPPLIERS
02 66 804 173
PLATINUM CRETE CONCRETING Lic 225874C. 20 years exp. Free quotes. Justin .........0458 773788
•
POLLEN GARDENS Lawn & garden maint’. Professional & reliable. Dip. Hort. Dave ......0438 783645
24 HOUR SERVICE
CONCRETING
www.fullcirclerefinishing.com
GW GARDEN MAINTENANCE Mowing, brushcutting, trees & hedges, trailer ..............0408 244820
ELECTRICIANS
Lic: 154293c
DARYL 0418 234 302
Over 25 yrs local experience. All forms of concreting. Residential • Civil • Industrial
Lic No. 337066C
BRUSHCUTTING Rubbish, Property Maintenance, Lawns.............................................0412 469109 RICK’S PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Mowing, brushcutting, gardening, hedging.........0424 805660
CONCRETING
Free Quotes
TIP RUNS & RUBBISH REMOVALS 4m3 trailer..............................................................0408 210772
0438 535149
Lic: 228999C parallelpower.com.au
Graphic Design Print Branding Websites Tutoring
www.thinkblinkdesign.com
GUTTERING
COUGHRAN ELECTRICAL 24 hour service, Lic 154293C .......................... 0439 624945 or 66804173 RONNIE SPINKS Everything electrical. Lic 27673 .........................................................0429 802355 JP ELECTRICAL All electrical. Level 2 ASP. Solar, data + TV. Lic 133082C .......................0432 289705 JIM LABELLE ELECTRICAL O.Shores, Mullum, Byron, Brunswick. Lic 176417C..............0415 126028 SPINKS ELECTRICAL Lic 284939C..................................................................Call Mitch 0421 843477
AAA GUTTER GUARD Over 17 years of gutter protection in the region.
Ph 0427 648 981 www.aaagutterguard.com
LOCALLY PROVEN QUALITY PRODUCTS
THE DECK DOCTOR Sanding & refinishing, cable balustrading. Free quotes. Richard ...0407 821690 BLUE BEE ELECTRICAL 25 years experience. Lic 189508C. Call Dave ............................0429 033801 SPECIALIST DECK SANDER (raised nail heads no prob), deck oiling, etc by FCR ..........0419 789600 BEN FORSYTH, Electrician. Lic:240691C. Ocean Shores & surrounds. No job too small ...0422 136408 SPOTLESS GUTTERS. Gutter Guard Specialists. Ph........................................................0405 922839
www.echo.net.au
lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ The Byron Shire Echo 59
Service Directory
North Coast news online
HANDYPERSONS
OSTEOPATHY
PICTURE FRAMING
NORTH COAST OSTEOPATHY Jodie Jacobs. Tues/Thurs/Fri .............................................66857517 MULLUM PICTURE FRAMERS Stuart St rear lane behind Mitre 10 ............................0403 734791
24 hr response time guaranteed
0414 210 222
Fully Insured
paul.munten@bigpond.com.au
A.S.A.P. All renos, carpentry, plastering, painting, studios & bathrooms .......................0405 625697 HANDY ANDY Carpentry, plastering, welding ......................................... 66884324 or 0476 600956
PLASTERING CONTRACTOR
• DEPARTMENT OF FAIR TRADING INFO: When dealing with home owners, painters are required
DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL
to quote a licence number only for external work valued over $5000.
C. A. Warwick Lic. No. 114578C )UHH TXRWHV *\SURFN À [LQJ VHWWLQJ
ALL-WAYS PAINTING BYRON BAY
AWESOME REPAIRS Professional, commercial & domestic. Wayne...............................0423 218417
• Domestic & Commercial • Servicing all areas • Workmanship guaranteed • Attention to detail
ABSOLUTE HANDYMAN. Repairs, renovation, maintenance, painting. Call Mark ........0402 281638
0438 784 226 • 6685 4154
Lic No 189144C
R E S I D E N T I A L | C O M M E R C I A L | I N D U S T R I A L | S T R AT A | M A I N T E N A N C E S E R V I C E S
HANDY MAN SERVICES
PLASTERING
PAINTING
BUILDING SERVICES
&UDLJ 0413
451 186
DQQH P ZDUZLFN#JPDLO FRP SUNRISE PLASTERING. No job too small. Renovations + patchworks. Gtd sat. Free quote ....0418 992001 J. RAY PLASTERING 30 years experience. Quality workmanship. Ph John ....................0467 598038
PLUMBERS
HIGHPOINT Repairs & handyman services. Painting, plastering & tiling. Michael ........0421 896796 KEEN HANDYMAN SERVICES Repairs, maintenance, gardening, odd jobs ..................0428 679704
HEALTH
Chay 0429 805 081
• OTHER HEALTH RELATED SECTIONS IN THIS SERVICE DIRECTORY: Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Counselling, Dentists, Osteopathy, Physiotherapy
Licence No. 207479C
NEED A PLUMBER? DRAINER? GASFITTER?
GOOD NEWS HANDYMAN Carpentry, home repairs/renovations etc. Jesse..................0458 968290
20 YEARS LOCAL SERVICE YVES DE WILDE
QUALITY PAINTING SERVICES
X FINALIST OF THE MASTER PAINTERS OF AUSTRALIA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE X ENVIRO FRIENDLY PAINTING www.duluxaccredited.com.au
X 6680 7573 0415 952 494 X www.yvesdewilde.com.au LIC 114372C
MULLUMBIMBY HERBALS Naturopathy, Ayurveda, Massage, Herbs. .............................66843002
ZZZ JMJSDLQWLQJ FRP DX JDU\#JMJSDLQWLQJ FRP DX
REMEDIAL MASSAGE: Deep tissue, sports, relaxation. HICAPS avail. Aaron Ovens ......0408 707304 MOVE TO NURTURE PILATES STUDIO & mat classes. Lennox Head ............................0404 459605
4XDOL¿ HG ± ,QVXUHG ± /RFDO 4XDOLILHG ± ,QVXUHG /RFDO Free Quotes – 33 years \HDUV ([SHULHQFH experience )UHH 4XRWHV
0400 852 141
HIRE MULLUM HIRE Builders, party and much more ........................www.mullumhire.com.au 66843003
INSURANCE AUSURE BYRON BAY General insurance. Phone Mick Urquhart .................................. 0428 200310
KNIGHTSBRIDGE PAINT & DECORATE
INTERIOR & EXTERIOR
• Restoration • Free Quotes • Commercial/Domestic • Fully Licenced • Clean & Reliable • Fully Insured
Lic. 213034C
EAST COAST PILATES STUDIO Brunswick Heads Ph Judy .............................................0408 110006
LLOYD SHERLOCK
BYRONBAYPAINTINGSERVICES.COM.AU – Reliable. Quality work. Lic#309278C. Ph 1300 255 724
PEST CONTROL
LANDSCAPE DESIGN BEAU JARDIN Landscape plans & horticultural consultations. beaujardin.com.au .................0417 054443 LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Garden Design & Property Planning. Andrew Pawsey ..........0478 519804
LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES
Professional Property Protection you can Trust • Targeted treatments for all pests with “no spray” 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
energyplumbing@gmail.com WWW.ENERGYJETTING.COM.AU WWW.ENERGYPLUMBING.COM.AU
JARRAH DAVIDSON Plumbing, draining, gas fitting & roofing. Lic 187712C................0438 668025 BILL CONNORS All plumbing/draining. Lic #1051 .................................. 66801403 or 0414 801403 MARK STRATTON All plumbing & emergency. Sewer drain camera/locator. Lic 57803C ....0419 019035 ADM PLUMBING SERVICES… (NO JOB TOO SMALL)… Lic 234528C. ....... Call Adam 0466 992483
0411 784 926
KITCHENS D HINGED Kitchens & Joinery. Lic 283553C. www.hinged.com.au .......................Dave 0409 843689
Blocked drain specialists Everything plumbing, drainage & gasfitting SHANE
AYURVEDA, NATUROPATH, Herbs, Jacinta McEwen – Om Healing ...................................66849422 THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE Swedish/deep tissue. Paul Daniel ........................................0402 302897
30 years experience
Lic 167371C
ACUPUNCTURE & COSMETIC MEDICINE Dr Adam Osborne ...........................................66857366
REMOVALISTS
Andy’s Move & More
Small & Medium Moves, Pianos, Artworks, Tip Runs, 1 or 2 Men at Low Prices to Most Areas Based from Byron Bay & Mullumbimby Calls always returned
0429149 533 Est 2006
SHIRE REMOVALS & FREIGHT CO
From Middle Pocket to Middle Earth – just give us a ring
• Freight services to Brisbane weekly • Carriers of fine art • Furniture removal • E-bay pick up & delivery
0409 917646
Free quotes on active termites Environmentally safe
YOUR PEST & TERMITE SPECIALISTS www.allpestsolutions.com.au
• Sand • Soils • Gravels • Pots & statues • Lots, lots more
1176 Myocum Rd, Mullumbimby (just past golf course)
6684 2323 / 0418 663 983
LANDSCAPING
THE PEST MAN EXTRAORDINAIRE Second opinion / alternative views. 50 yrs exp .....0418 110714
BYRON BAY’S LOCAL REMOVALIST MOVING THE SHIRE FOR OVER 10 YEARS
BRUNSWICK BYRON PEST CONTROL................................................................................66842018
0432 334 200 02 6680 8170
PHOTOGRAPHY
Tree Faerie Fotos Professional • Commercial • Personal 30+ years experience in commercial photography and photojournalism
www.treefaeriefotos.com • 0417 427 518
PHYSIOTHERAPY LEMONTREELANDSCAPES.COM.AU Liam. Lic No 277154C .........................................0423 700853 NICK EDMOND Physiotherapy & Acupuncture. Open Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday EXCAVATION & TIPPER HIRE Concreting & landscaping. Phil or Steve ........................0499 359702 466 Main Arm Road, Mullumbimby.....................................................................................66845288
LOCKSMITH
LEAPFROG REMOVALS leapfrogremovals@yahoo.com.au /RFDO &RXQWU\ ,QWHUVWDWH /2&$/ 6<'1(< *2/' &2$67 %5,6%$1( 0(/%2851(
02 6684 2198
TXHULHV#PXOOXPELPE\UHPRYDOV FRP DX
Byron Coast Removals SERVICING THE NORTHERN RIVERS AND BEYOND.
Competitive rates and packing supplies available. 0432 552 067 | 6684 5481 | byroncoastremovals@gmail.com
ANTHONY D’ORSOGNA Physiotherapy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy Suffolk Park 1 Bryce St ... 66853511 OCEAN SHORES PHYSIOTHERAPY Manual therapies, dry needling, custom orthotics,
MAN WITH A VAN/TRUCK Reasonable rates. Phone Don ............................................0414 282813
Brendan Duggan Locksmith. Automotive car keys and lock installation/repair .......0412 764148 shock wave therapy, real time ultrasound. Nigel Pitman, Ilse V Oostenbrugge....................66803499 BENNY CAN MOVE IT! .................................................................................................0402 199999
60 The Byron Shire Echo lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ
www.echo.net.au
Service Directory ROOFING
0412 026 441
DOMESTIC • INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL Metal Roofing Installations • Guttering Downpipes • Fascia • Skylights • Whirlybird Patios • Repairs • Leaf Guard
MONTYS METAL
ROOFING
Craig Montgomery – 0418 870 362
Leaky showers sealed at a fraction of the cost of re tiling.
TRIDENT WATER Remote access delivery, 4WD water truck. Northern Rivers & surrounds ..0412 580 564
WELDING WELDING & FABRICATION Structural, General, Repairs: Steel, Aluminium & Stainless ..0408 410545
WINDOW CLEANING
TILER / STONEMASON / WATERPROOFER. Lic 24418C. Ph Karl................................0439 232434 TILER. Small jobs, repairs. Lic R75915............................................................................0468 465344 CLEAN VIEW Prompt, professional, insured. Phone David .............................................0421 906460 TILING AND BATHROOM RENOVATIONS.....................................................................0498 064825
Email: montysmetalroofing@gmail.com www.montysmetalroofing.com.au
Licence NSW: 30715C Licence QLD: 1227049
WATER SUPPLIES
info@theshowersealer.com.au
RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL NEW ROOFS / RE-ROOFS INSULATED ROOF PANELS FASCIA & GUTTERS REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE 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
ALL ROOF CLEANING & PAINTING by Full Circle Refinishing. Ph Oliver .......................0419 789600 I PAINT ROOFS 30 years experience ......................................................................Paul 0499 373117
TRANSPORT
BYRON BUS Co
arrive@byronbuscompany.com.au
Door to Door Charter Services Call 0490 183 424
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
Find The Echo
Service Directory
Airpor t Transfers | Tours | Nights Out | Beach Walks Events | Par ties | Weddings | Corporate | Festivals
RUBBISH REMOVAL
TREE SERVICES
OCEAN SHORES SKIPS Mini skip specialists ......................................... 0412 161564 or 66841232
CHOPPY CHOP TREE SERVICES
TIP RUNS & RUBBISH REMOVAL 4m3 trailer................................................................0408 210772
WINDOW TINTING
The Fully Insured Professionals
online anytime at
echo.net.au/service-directory
Mungo’s Crossword 1
THIS IS RUBBISH Tipper truck for hire. Call or text Jono ...............................................0412 871438
• Stump Grinding • Bobcat • Cherrypicker • Crane Truck • 18” Chipper
SELF STORAGE
Mark Linder Qualified Arborist 0408 202 184 choppychoptrees@bigpond.com
9
MAN WITH UTE. RETHINK REUSE RECYCLE. Ph Mark ................................................0411 113300
BBSS
Mon to Fri 9am–5pm
BYRON BAY SELF STORAGE
Self storage with security. Largest choice of sizes.
14
Lic 312643C
19
• 20 years local knowledge and experience • Fully insured / free quotes • 19 inch chipper • Bobcat • Cherry picker • Crane truck
www.harttreeservices.com.au
• plumbing.td@bigpond.com
0418 754 149 • 07 5523 9930 • 1300 Taylex • www.taylex.com.au ALL AREAS OF THE NORTHERN RIVERS & SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND
0401 208 797
0427 347 380
• Professional Tree Removal, Surgery & Maintenance • Stump Grinding • Weed Control • Arborist Reporting & Consultancy • EWP Cherry Picker Hire • Mulching of Green Waste • 24 Hour Emergency Call-Out • Professional, Reliable Service
JACK HOGAN
0411 039 373 SOLAR INSTALLATION Pioneers of the solar industry
Serving Northern NSW since 1998
Call us on 6679 7228
Your local, qualified team. m 0428 320 262 Specialists in standalone & e sunbeamsolar@bigpond.com grid interact system designs.
Electric Lic 124600c
&ŝŶĚ ŽƵƚ ŚŽǁ LJŽƵ ĐĂŶ ĞƌŽ LJŽƵƌ ƉŽǁĞƌ ŝůů ǁŝƚŚ &ƌĞĞ ƐŽůĂƌ ĞŶĞƌŐLJ
ǀĞƌLJƚŚŝŶŐ 'ŽŽĚ ŝŶ ^ŽůĂƌ͕ ĂƚƚĞƌŝĞƐ Θ ^ŽůĂƌ ,Žƚ tĂƚĞƌ Ăůů sŝŶĐĞŶƚ ^ĞůůĞĐŬ ĨŽƌ Ă &ƌĞĞ ŽŶƐƵůƚĂƚŝŽŶ
WŚ ϬϮ ϲϲϴϴ ϰϰϴϬ
ǁǁǁ͘ϴϴϴƐŽůĂƌƚĞŬ͘ĐŽŵ͘ĂƵ
TELEVISION SERVICES
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 + crane truck. Local, qualified, insured. Free quotes .......0402 487213 PROBLEM CAMPHORS and woody weeds removed. No fuss-green waste, lantana too! ..0478 779650
UPHOLSTERY BANGALOW UPHOLSTERY Now at Billinudgel. Re-covering specialists.............................66805255 UPHOLSTERY & CURTAIN MAKING Free quotes. Phone Rebecca .....................................66840427
VALUERS BYRON BAY VALUERS NSW & QLD reg’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 – After hours avail ...66843818 DIGITAL ELECTRONICS REPAIR & SERVICE TV. Audio. Antennas .......... 66843575 or 0414 922786 NORTH COAST VETERINARY SERVICES Dr Lauren Archer .................................................66840735
WATER FILTERS
TILING FRANCHISE OF THE YEAR!
Far North Coast NSW John & Teresa
0408 232 066
www.echo.net.au
TILE & GROUT CLEANING Servicing the Far North Coast for 20 years. Free quotes. Experienced local technicians. ChemDry’s patented cleaning systems.
WINTER SPECIAL:
Every 5th m2 FREE
6
7
15
16
8
18
20
21
22
23
PRUNING ~ REMOVALS ~ STUMP GRINDING
Sales Installation Service
SNAKE CATCHERS
5
10
13
SEPTIC SYSTEMS
TRINE SOLUTIONS Local sewerage specialists. Plumbers, drainers & gas fitters. Lic 138031C. 0407 439805
4
12
17
Northern Rivers Pty Ltd
3
11
8-10 Tasman Way, Byron Arts & Industrial Estate www.byronbayselfstorage.com.au | 6685 8349 | bbss@westnet.com.au
Home sewage solutions Commercial wastewater treatment Rainwater tanks concrete and plastic
2
N385
The Water Filter Experts for home, commercial and rural properties
6680 8200 or 0418 108 181
24
26
25
27
Cryptic Clues
Quick Clues
ACROSS
ACROSS
1. One nation? One’s in another nation (9) 6. Report of less smart hairs (5) 9. Pink service – a rash decision (7) 10. Is Turnbull back? I see, I hear he has become a Muslim (7) 11. Gloss over that woman with directions (5) 12. Happy rock for the old bag (9) 13. Greek character with directions to French river (5) 14. Send back irrational Englishman – and his church clock! (9) 17. Ugh – her rat is decaying on the mat (9) 18. Four, alternative unknown banned import (5) 19. Rodeo mare provides a landing place (9) 22. 150 fat English nearby (5) 24. Sydney’s perimeter restrains organisations (7) 25. Impression 999 – advertising for individual territory (7) 26. Transmits aim on board (5) 27. Lost pen? I’m distrait – an idiot (9)
1. Nearby country (9) 6. Filaments (5) 9. Skin inflammation (7) 10. Muslim (7) 11. Lustre (5) 12. 19th Century UK Prime Minister (9) 13. French river (5) 14. Chronometer (9) 17. Fireplace carpet (9) 18. Off-white (5) 19. Runway (9) 22. Adjacent (5) 24. Processes (7) 25. Stamp (7) 26. Transmits (5) 27. Dunce (9)
DOWN
1. Second Islamic prophet (5) 2. Othello’s wife (9) 3. Offering no defence (2,7) 4. Butcheries (15) 5. Hypnotic attraction (6,9) 6. Small compartments (5) 7. Nothingness (5) 8. Nemesis (9) DOWN 13. Goes over (9) 1. Knight and princess raise 15. Capital sum (9) Legendary Welsh giant (5) 16. Financial expert (9) 2. Hasler – a fiend with a misunderstood wife (9) 20. Viscous material produced by trees (5) 3. Midday around cold trial – but I won’t fight (2,7) 21. Weight loss regimes (5) 4. Footwear around America includes 23. Consumed (5) mirth in abattoirs (15) 5. Wild, steaming mailman with raw sex appeal! (6,9) Last week’s solution N384 6. Reportedly trades in biological D E P O S I T O R Y H A units (5) O E T H A N B I 7. Maybe an arm ring for a Caribbean P L A T O N I S T S E S R R H A M dance (5) Y O U M U S T B E C R A 8. Embattled Yemen follows cunning R U W T O E T principal adversary (9) A P P E A R A N T I H E R A E N 13. Practises concerning funeral vehicles (9) T I S T A N B U L A T E A 15. Headmaster with integrity, we hear (9) O I I T G H T 16. Bean counter comes into hot water (9) N O T O N Y O U R N E L L A A G B E H A 20. Rinse out gum (5) L O N E R A C E C O U R 21. Badly edits food programs (5) L I H C L G 23. Fed up with posh school audience (5) Y M C A A N T E C E D E
J J O L L L Z Y R R O G S E R Y B S E N N T
lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ The Byron Shire Echo 61
Classifieds
North Coast news online
MOTOR VEHICLES
ECHO CLASSIFIEDS – 6684 1777 CLASSIFIED AD BOOKINGS
DEADLINE TUES 12PM
PHONE ADS
Publication day is Wednesday, booking deadlines are the day before publication.
6684 1777 AT THE ECHO HEAD OFFICE
Ads may be taken by phone on
Ads can be lodged in person at the Mullum Echo office:
Village Way, Stuart St, Mullumbimby
EMAIL ADS
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 classies (box ads): adcopy@echo.net.au Line classies: classifieds@echo.net.au
DISPLAY ADS (with a border): $12.85 per column centimetre
Ad bookings only taken during business hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm. Ads can’t be taken on the weekend. Account enquiries phone 6684 1777.
These prices include GST.
DISCLAIMER Advertisements placed in The Byron Shire Echo do not reflect 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.
Cash, cheque, Mastercard or Visa Prepayment is required for all ads.
BYRON TWILIGHT MARKET Every Saturday 4 – 9 pm RAILWAY PARK, BYRON BAY
SUFFOLK PARK
HYPNOSIS & EFT
Mon 10–11.30am Yogalates Wed 6–7pm Yin Yang Yoga Sun 6.30–7.30pm Hatha Fuse Yin Rejuv
Simple and effective solutions Anxiety, Cravings, Fears & Trauma. Maureen Bracken 0402205352
Calling budding aerialists! Personal training for adults on silks, lyra, trapeze and rope. Beg-Adv. Learn amazing skills, get strong and create your own act. 20% discount mentioning this ad.
0437 341 921
ascensionbyronbay.com.au
Gods and Heroes
SPECIAL: Book in for a month @ $95, try as many classes as you like. See website for additional classes. 0432 047 221 yogalates.com.au
KINESIOLOGY Clear subconscious sabotages. Reprogram patterns and beliefs. Restore vibrancy and physical health. De-stress. Ph 0403125506 SANDRA DAVEY, Reg. Pract.
HALLS FOR HIRE COORABELL HALL WEDDINGS, GIGS, CLASSES 66871307 www.coorabellhall.net
PURA VIDA WELLNESS CENTRE Brunswick Heads COLON HYDROTHERAPY HYPERBARIC OXYGEN FAR INFRARED SAUNA REMEDIAL MASSAGE + more 66850498
HYPNOSIS & NLP DAVID LOVEJOY Did Daedalus murder his nephew? Was it Arion who invented the stage musical? How did Icarus really die? Did Zeus impregnate Danaë with a shower of gold? And what did Midas do when he lost his golden touch? From the Mullum Echo office $10
Mon 6–7pm Hatha slow flow Sat 8.15–9.30am Yogalates Wed 6–7.15pm Yin Rejuv Yoga
HEALTH
PUBLIC NOTICES
30 years exp. Helping you to create positive changes. Call Wendy today!
0497 090 233
www.wendypurdey.com.au
TRADEWORK
3EPTIC 7ASTE 2EMOVAL
3UMMERLAND %NVIRONMENTAL
4HE ,IQUID 7ASTE 3PECIALISTS
MIELE WASHERS
s 3EPTIC TANK CLEANING s 'REASE TRAP SERVICING s /ILY ,IQUIDS s 0ORTABLE TOILET HIRE s HOUR SERVICE
LEAF IT TO US 4x4 truck/chipper, crane truck, stump grinding. Local, qualified, insured, free quotes. 0402487213
ROAD CLOSURES – BYRON BAY TRIATHLON Byron Bay Triathlon, Sunday 9 May 2021 Race Starts 6.20am and finishes 12.30pm Roads closed: Bay St from Surf Club and Fletcher St south (4am to 12pm), Middleton St from Bay St to Lawson St (4am to 12pm), Lawson St from Fletcher St to Massinger St (4am to 12pm), Middleton St from Lawson St and Marvell St (4am to 10:30am), Marvell St from Middleton St to Tennyson St (5am to 10:30am), Tennyson St from Marvell St to Browning St (5am to 10:30am), Bangalow Rd from Browning St to Old Bangalow Rd (6am to 10am), Broken Head Rd from Old Bangalow Rd to Suffolk Park BP (6am to 10am). For more information visit byrontri.org/roads or call Mike 0402 226 333.
62 The Byron Shire Echo lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ
• 19 inch chipper • Stump grinding • Cherry picker • Crane truck • Bob Cat
Fully insured • Free quotes
0427 347 380
6686 5586 / 0418 676 274
Road base, gravel, blue metal and metal dust. ALL SIZE DELIVERIES. Phone 66845517, 0418481617
SALESPERSON/DELIVERY DRIVER required 3 days per week. Sales experience preferred. Must have a manual car licence and be able to drive a small delivery truck. Heavy lifting required. More details on au.jora.com. Contact Anna at Beds R Us Byron Bay on 66855212 or forward your resume to byronbay@bedsrus.com.au.
HAMBLY’S FIREWOOD Delivery available
Mark 0427 490 038
BYRON BAY FIREWOOD
Byron Bay & Surrounding Areas
6681 3140 Mobile 0417 698 227
Ballina Car Centre
DLN 19950
CARAVANS CARAVANS We buy, sell & consign. All makes & models. 0408 758 688
BUSINESS FOR SALE MARKET FOOD VAN with excellent sites. 0432402120 FOOD VAN with weekly permanent market sites. Phone Sarah 0407248181
TO LET
LOCAL REMOVAL
& backloads to Brisbane. Friendly, with 10 years local exp. 0409917646 Summerland Storage Bangalow From $105 to $290 per month Call GNF Bangalow 66872833
RESIDENTIAL South Golden Beach 5 bed 2 bath $850 Brunswick Heads 1 bed 1 bath $550 3 bed 1 bath $750 Ocean Shores 3 bed 1 bath $750
FACE-TO-FACE FUNDRAISER Rainforest conservation Training provided, call David 0405852481 WARNING The Department of Fair Trading has warned people to be very careful about responding to advertisements offering work at home. Readers should be wary if asked to pay money upfront for employment opportunities and never send money to a post office box LADIES WANTED, MUST BE 18+ Casual or permanent work available in busy adult parlour. 66816038 for details. EROTIC MASSAGE STAFF reliable and friendly for Gentlemen’s Relaxation Centre 18+. Tweed. Grace 0418185791 TA X I DRIVERS WA N T E D COMMISION BASED Please send enquiries to operations@ byronbaytaxis.com FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST for Glen Villa Resort, 86 Butler St, Byron Bay. Must be a hands on, passionate person with very pleasant and professional attitude with excellent customer service skills. Only apply in person. DANCE TEACHERS Ballet, jazz/musical theatre, contemporary. 0439681217 CARER. Reliable, strong, caring, female, 20–45 years old to assist quadriplegic man with personal care and household duties. No experience necessary. Mornings 8–11.30am, &/or evenings 5–7pm. $34p/h, $44p/h Sat, $54p/h Sun. Must have Tax File No. Ocean Shores. Please provide a detailed message at wheelgoodservice@hotmail.com
OCEAN SHORES
The Echo has a contract position to insert, fold, bag (wet weather) & deliver The Echo to the following areas: OCEAN SHORES 850 papers STARTING ASAP
byronbayfirewood.com.au
WANTED TO LEASE
WANTED
ACCESS TO ACREAGE, dwelling or not. Prefer 2x2 or 3x3 or similar. Substantial security deposit OK. Pls call 0423218417
This can easily be done by a single person. The successful applicant(s) will have an ABN, a covered area in which to work, and a reliable vehicle and, to make it more profitable, live in the distribution area. They will receive the papers early on Wednesday mornings eg 6-6.30am and have delivered all the papers by 5pm on Wednesday. Suit mature or stable persons/couples with a strong throwing arm for throwing the papers to residential premises. Some delivery to OS shops requiring walking around with the paper. Email simon@ echo.net.au or phone 0409324724
LP RECORDS: good condition, no op shop crap! Ph Matt 0401955052
POSITIONS VACANT
Apprentice Mechanic
GARAGE SALES
STEINER TEACHER We are looking for a retired or T.A., Steiner Teacher to assist with home-schooling our 2 children (Leo (7) in Class 1, Isla (5) in Kindy for Terms 3 & 4, 2021. Based in Suffolk Park and with a studio classroom set up. Paula 0435465504.
The position of Apprentice Mechanic is open at Farmcare Mullumbimby. The successful applicant will be trained in the servicing and repair of all outdoor power products.
Pickup / Delivery Seasoned Firewood Kindling, bags, trailer, tonnage. Residential / Commercial / Wholesale Prompt and reliable service.
0401 739 656
53 JACARANDA DRV, SUNRISE H/hold, antiques, single bed. Saturday 8am. BANGALOW FLEA MARKETS & HUGE GARAGE SALE. This Saturday, Bangalow Primary School, 8am–2pm. bangalowfleamarkets.com
Tip Runs & Rubbish Removal 0408 210 772
• Arborist • 15” Wood Chipper • Stump Grinder • Fully Insured
ballinacarcentre.com.au
ARCHIBALD’S CHEAP QUARRY PRODUCTS
MOVING HOUSE V.G. quality. Decor, linen, caneware, plants, h/wares. 50 Belemo Drive, Ocean Shores. Sat 8am.
20 years local experience
GOOD, CLEAN CARS FOR $$ CASH $$ BARGAINS
16 ENDEAVOUR CLOSE, BALLINA
TREE SERVICES
WANTED!
Dryers and dishwashers available at Bridglands Mullumbimby. 66842511
Unlocking the soul’s code. Adults and Children.
BANGALOW
LOOK GOOD FEEL GOOD Free consultation. SANDRO 66805002
FOR SALE
EXQUISITE ONE BEDROOM home in east Tyagarah overlooking the ocean. Very private, tranquil, with easy walk to the beach. Will suit single or couple, and ideal for long-term locals. 0266847099
Yoga Yogalates Pilates
DENTURES
0402 364 852
BAMBOO PLANTS: clumping, screening, hedging, flowering gingers, bromeliads. Close to Mullum. 0458535760
Beginners Courses
PROF. SERVICES
6684 4421
HOLISTIC S A N D P L AY
thinkingwithheart.com O432 140204
byroncentre.com.au
• FULLY INSURED • PROFESSIONAL SERVICE • FREE QUOTES
SANTOS ORGANICS We are looking to fill the following positions: Mullumbimby store Assistant Store Manager Byron Arts & Industry Estate Store Manager Warehouse Assist/Driver Barista Ecommerce Manager More information and to apply go to santosorganics.com.au/employment-2/
SALE DESIGNER SWIMWEAR & ATTIRE This Saturday 8th May, from 8 am. 146 Alcorn St, Suffolk Park
L.J. Hooker Brunswick Heads 6685 0177 5/16 The Terrace, Brunswick Heads
EAST BALLINA
The Echo has contract positions to insert, fold, bag (wet weather) & deliver The Echo to the following areas: EAST BALLINA 1850 papers STARTING 20 MAY 2021 Due to the quantity of papers, this position suits 2 people working together, although it can be done by one hardworking individual. The successful applicant(s) will have an ABN, a covered area in which to work, and a reliable vehicle and, to make it more profitable, live in the distribution area. They will receive the papers early on Wednesday mornings and have delivered all the papers by dark on Wednesday. In some cases delivery may extend to early Thursday morning. Suit mature or stable persons/couples with a strong throwing arm for throwing the papers to residential premises. Email simon@echo.net.au or phone 0409324724 CLEANERS WANTED for 5 star cleans. Must have an eye for detail & pride in your work. Reliable, punctual & well presented, own car, living locally. Wanted for local cleaning company. mickbhl@gmail.com
Applications to the Manager, Farmcare Australia PTY LTD admin@farmcare.com.au 66842022
The Italian Byron Bay is looking for an
ASSISTANT MANAGER AND FLOOR STAFF Good pay and good conditions. Please email to hello@theitalianbyronbay.com
The Lotus Cafe at the Crystal Castle is looking for a casual experienced FOH Cafe Team Member. Please see our website - Work With Us for more information and how to apply. www.crystalcastle.com.au/ workwithus
www.echo.net.au
Classifieds Many tracks,one road,sustaining community. Northern Rivers Community Gateway
WORK WANTED
Rainbow
region
kids
INDEPENDENT NDIS SUPPORT WORKER & THERAPY ASSISTANT for children under 7 years, available to work. Qualified, experienced, safe and respectful. Please ph Sarah 0406268124
Want to work in outside school hours childcare? Community Gateway is a not-for-profit community organisation providing welfare and community capacity building services. Our Rainbow Region Kids service provides accredited before and after school care and vacation care in Alstonville, Casino,
Kyogle, Lismore, Ocean Shores and Wollongbar. We are now recruiting for Casual Childcare Educators, Casual Assistant Coordinators and a Part Time Assistant Coordinator. Applications close at 5pm on Friday 7 May 2021.
To read more details about these roles and how to apply, visit nrcg.org.au/work-with-us/
! "" #
$ !
( ) %
( *
& $ + ! '
$ , - + %%
. . - ( * &
$ ' % % .
גובב גזהה אƫɵȸȒȇƬȒǼǼƺǕƺِȒȸǕِƏɖ
WORDPRESS SETUP/TRAIN/MAINT Reas rates info@wordpressit.com.au
Paint Shop Assistant for Painted Earth, a retail paint shop in Byron Ind. Estate selling a large range of sustainable SDLQWV DQG ZRRG ¿QLVKHV
Casual Housekeeper for luxury Byron Bay accommodation
• Casual position approx. 15 to 20 hours per week, 930am start, 3 to 5 days per week • Weekends and school holidays apply • Award conditions apply • Not suitable for travellers Please forward a one page resume with listed references to reception@beachsuites.com.au
Experienced Legal Secretary/Paralegal We are seeking an experienced legal secretary/ paralegal for our firm. Our practice areas are broad but focused on conveyancing/property and estate planning. We thrive in a cooperative and supportive working environment and all pitch in to assist each other when required. The position could be full or part time, depending upon the candidate.
Peter A Smith Law Practice
Ocean Shores Please forward your resume to office@byronbaylawyers.com
Position entails tinting paint, processing and packing orders, unpacking incoming stock, cleaning, and maintaining order of stock and equipment. Applicant needs to be physically ¿W KDYH JRRG DWWHQWLRQ WR detail and strong maths, good communication & professional manner. Initially casual 20hrs/wk 10am– 2pm Mon – Fri with VRPH ÀH[LELOLW\ SRVVLEOH Email resume to deb@painted-earth.com.au
The role
MUSICAL NOTES QUALITY PIANOS for sale, and expert piano tuning. Ph Fred Cole 0412216019 G U I TA R S , RECORDS, WE BUY AND SELL 66851005
HI-FI
DEATH NOTICES WILSON, MICHAEL GRANT CARDEW Aged 76 years, late of Bundaberg (Baffle Creek). Passed away on Friday, 23 April 2021. Husband to Betty. Father to Michelle, Leon & Kim. Resting peacefully. The family wish to advise a memorial gathering will take place in the near future at Ocean Shores.
Taken suddenly from her family. Cherished daughter of Lyn and Frank (dec). Adored mother of Kyiah and Zak. Survived by Russell Young, father of their children. Di will be greatly missed by her family, friends and all who were lucky enough to know her. Family and friends are invited to attend a Farewell Service to be held at Mullumbimby Lawn Cemetery on WEDNESDAY (12 May, 2021) commencing at 1.30pm. Michael Currie Funerals 6684 6232
25.06.1925 ~ 01.05.2021
Conscious Connection Circles These circle events are a chance for men and women to connect in a safe, fun space in order to better understand each other and themselves. May 9: Youth connection circle – Embracing your Voice. 5-7.30pm; Coorabel Hall. Tickets: https://bit.ly/33b2rXI
May 12: All ages connection circle – The Art of Attraction II. 6.15 - 9.30pm; Coorabel Hall. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3tdlriK
JAMES (JIM)
DONNELLY
15/03/1948 – 17/03/2021 Son of Les (dec.) and Mary Donnelly and a beloved brother to Elaine, Leslie, Ray, Michael and Maree. Husband of Barbara. Father and father-in-law to David & Tracey, Ken & Jenny and Pop to his 12 grandchildren. Will be sadly missed by his loving family.
IN MEMORIAM
Email applications only to
The role of School Crossing Supervisor is held in very high esteem in our communities. In taking on this role, you’ll become vital to the safety of our kids, parents, teachers and local motorists.
DIANNE LEE
12-09-1977 ~ 18-04-2021
BETTY MARGARET.
Boutique accommodation requires energetic, reliable housekeepers to join our friendly small team. Weekday and weekend shifts available - typically 9am to 1pm. Award wages and penalty rates and all eco friendly products and equipment provided. Would suit local school aged carer(s) or tertiary students. References required.
• School Crossing Supervisor • Permanent Part-Time – Bangalow Public School – Byron Street – 11532
FRENCH • ITALIAN • GERMAN Eva 0403224842 www.languagetuitionbyron.com.au
ROWLANDS
O’DONNELL,
CASUAL HOUSEKEEPERS WANTED - MOTEL BRUNSWICK HEADS
Work to protect our school communities
TUITION
hello@thebrunswickbrunswickheads. com.au
Passed away peacefully with family at her side. Late of Coolamon Villa, Mullumbimby. Much loved Mother and Mother-in-law of Rosemarie & David (dec) Bryant. Adored Nan to Craig, Chris (dec), Kylie and Mark. Loved by her six Great Grandchildren. Betty will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Aged 95 years Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service to be held at the Melaleuca Station Crematorium Chapel, Chinderah, NSW on FRIDAY (May 7, 2021) commencing at 11.30am. Michael Currie Funerals 6684 6232
FUNERAL NOTICES ELSIE MONA COSTIGAN 21/02/1926–01/05/2021 Late of Byron Bay. Loved wife of Ernest (dec.) Dearly loved Mother and Mother-in-law of Ray & Margaret (dec.), Fae & Colin Wilson, Caralyne & Jim Latimore, Dawn & Darryl Sten. Treasured Nan of 12 Grandchildren, 24 Great-Grandchildren & 2 Great-Great-Grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Elsie’s service to be held Friday 7 May, 2.30pm at Parkview Funeral Home, 43 Holland Street, Goonellabah.
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 BALLINA EXCLUSIVE 34 Piper Dr. Open 7 days 10am till late. In & Out Calls. 66816038. Ladies wanted Find us on Facebook and Twitter! COVID SAFE
School Crossings require 20 hours of supervising per fortnight. Morning shifts fall between 8.30am to 9.30am and Afternoon shifts fall between 2.45pm to 3.45pm, Monday to Friday during the school term.
What we’re looking for We need people we can rely on - in good or bad weather. If you’re someone with good communication skills, community spirit and a positive energy, we’d love to hear from you.
We can help you through the process.
Applications close 11.59pm on Sunday, 16 May 2021 For more information and to apply, please visit jobs.transport.nsw.gov.au to apply today!
BLZ_LP2402
All training and equipment will be provided to allow you to work independently. Willingness to obtain a Working with Children Check, Police Check, and a health assessment is vital.
Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School has the following exciting opportunity available:
Devoted to Pleasure
HR Advisor
Ɔ
Applications close on on Sunday, 16 May 2021 For position description and details on how to apply please refer to our website www.shearwater.nsw.edu.au/ working-at-shearwater.html
0407 013 347 FOREVER LOVING MILAREPA 20/07/67–10/05/09 People leave strange little memories of themselves behind when they die, you left many. From mama and family xx
www.echo.net.au
Couples, Men & Women Ɔ
touchofjustine.com
(One Year Term – maternity leave)
SOCIAL ESCORTS LOTS OF GORGEOUS LADIES available for your pleasure nearby. Spoil yourself. In & out. 7 days. Ladies always wanted. 0266816038. COVID SAFE
lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ The Byron Shire Echo 63
Backlash
3/5 Clark Street, Ballina 6686 3855
Reset Australia is demanding greater data protections for teenagers. This comes after it uncovered a Facebook loophole that allows teenagers to be profiled and targeted with advertising based on a range of age-inappropriate interests, such as alcohol, smoking, gambling, and extreme weight loss. Analysis by the UNSW Indigenous Law Centre shows that 87% of public submissions published to date, in response to the Indigenous Voice Interim Report, support a referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, as called for in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Unprecedented wet weather and worldwide shipping delays have meant your Echo regrettably may occasionally be delivered in our emergency bag supply. Rest assured we will return to our normal compostable bags the minute they arrive!
This week the warrior women of the Bangalow CWA travelled to Bega for the CWA’s annual conference to raise a motion for a declaration of a climate emergency in recognition of the need for urgent action on climate change. Alas, the rest of the CWA didn’t see it the same way, and in a frustrating result on Monday afternoon, the motion wasn’t passed.
Palm oil bad, yes? Half of the palm oil bought by the EU is turned into biofuel, resulting in three times the carbon emissions of just using diesel – and fucking up the oranguntans survival in the process. Arrrgh! ‘The way a government treats refugees is very instructive, because it shows you how they would treat the rest of us if they thought they could get away with it.’ – Tony Benn.
Apparently there is a dearth of veterinarian nurses in the wake of the COVID pet demand boom, with Australia’s pet population now being higher than its human population at an epic 29 million.
New York Post reporter Laura Italiano claims she was forced to write a report about migrant children being given a copy of the US VP Kamala Harris’s book. Italiano said the story was an incorrect story that she was ‘ordered to write’. Italiano
Now that most overseas trips are off the cards, road trips have skyrocketed. This has resulted in many more furry roadside victims.
iPhone 8 12 MONTH WARRANTY
9 8 2 $ m Fro In Store Or
le g Availab Shippin e e r F h t i Online W Renewed
DEVICE TRADER
1/ 130 Jonson Street Byron Bay
02 6685 5585
devicetrader.com.au
30%#)!,)34 ,%'!,,¬ ADVICE DURING A RELATIONSHIP BREAKDOWN
Family Law Solutions provides TQFDJBMJTU legal advice and assistance for people during times of marital or relationship crisis. Christopher McDevitt Christopher McDevitt Accredited Specialist Accredited Specialist in Family Law in Family Law cmcdevitt@familylawsolutions.com.au
Suite 2, Level 1 ‘Seamark’ 26-54 River Street, Ballina 6686 6899
6881084ap
Great range, expert advice, professional installation. New Quantum NextGEN Flooring. Loose lay vinyl plank manufactured specifically to endure the harsh Australian climate. During scientific testing, Quantum outperformed all of the current loose lay planks on the market.
say it was her breaking point and she quit. Aaaaaaaaand You’ll never guess who owns the New York Post…
Residents of the Rainbow Region: rejoice! The age of spiritual enlightenment has finally touched our almighty leader, Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Why, just last week he was proudly displaying his new Reiki skills. Doctors, psychologists and social workers have breathed a collective sigh of ‘ommmmm’ upon learning the glowing lover of island culture (ref: Hawaii, Black Summer) has performed ‘laying-on of’ his soft, white hands on all the meek to have been disinherited of land and livelihood owing to climate change.
www.familylawsolutions.com.au
OPEN BY APPOINTMENT
HUGE RANGE OF QUALITY PLANTS
Nursery now open
Tues, Wed, Thurs 9am–3pm and by appointment
COME CHECK OUT OUR DISPLAY AT 20 BANGALOW RD, BYRON BAY
CHOOSE double queen
super king
0448 974 421
420 Rosebank Rd, Rosebank NSW 2480 Stephanie Medew | Horticulturalist | stephanie@misstree.com.au
64 The Byron Shire Echo lëƷ Ǭǽ ǩǧǩǨ
OPEN BY APPOINTMENT AUTHORISED DEALER
Type store name here Type store address here T 0000 0000
misstree.com.au
NATIVE PLANT SPECIALISTS
CORNER OF BANGALOW ROAD AND CONSTELLATION CLOSE
king
BYRON BAY
Cnr Brigantine & Wollongbar St Byron Arts & Industry Estate 6685 5212 • hotelandhome.com.au
WWW.BYRONBUILT.COM
(02) 56 24 50 20 ږ³Ȓ ȅɖƬǝ ȅȒȸƺ ɎǝƏȇ ǴɖɀɎ Ə ǕȸƏȇȇɵ ˿ƏɎ٫ڗ
B Y R O N B U I LT
design + construction
www.echo.net.au