Issuu

‘MORE FUN THAN A FINGER UP THE BUM’ – JEFF ‘ITS MOVEMBER’ DAWSON The Byron Shire Echo • Volume 41 #21 • November 4, 2026 • www.echo.net.au

New approach needed for Northern Rivers public transport

Rollin’ dem bones

Aslan Shand It is the age-old story – the lack of public transport across the Northern Rivers that leads to high car ownership and a failure of local and regional public transport infrastructure and use. Ballina Shire Mayor, and independent candidate for the seat of Ballina in the 2027 state elections, Sharon Cadwallader, says it is time for a radical new approach to public transport in the Northern Rivers. Cr Cadwallader has called for a halt on the finalisation of the NSW government’s North Coast transport strategy telling The Echo that, ‘the North Coast is too large – the Northern Rivers needs its own network’. Cr Cadwallader pointed out that Census figures revealed just one per cent of employed residents in Ballina and Byron shires used public transport to get to work compared with 22.8 per cent in Greater Sydney, saying the figures were unacceptable and demonstrated the need for fundamental reform. ‘By any reasonable measure of its effectiveness as a commuter network, our current public transport system is dysfunctional,’ she told The Echo. ‘Residents are overwhelmingly dependent on private vehicles, with serious consequences for household costs, housing affordability, ▶ Continued on page 4

Surfing community gathers for positive change ▶ p3

Dice Man, Keiron Bird with Kerri Fernley and Fletcher Street Cottage manager, Damian Farrell at the Billi Pub at the end of the annual Dice Run last Saturday that raises money for the Fletcher Street Cottage. Steve ‘Bones’ Williams, President of the Veterans Motorcycle Club Northern NSW Chapter, said the ride was a way for veterans to give back to their own. Photo Jeff ‘Craps’ Dawson

Byron report reveals confusion over permission to fill flood-prone land Paul Bibby Some building certifiers have interpreted conditions requiring raised floor levels as permission to use fill on flood-prone land, even though the filling required specific assessment, a Byron Shire Council report reveals. The report acknowledges that the interpretation was not consistent with development approvals,

Contention over Clifford St, Suffolk Park DA ▶ p10

raising questions about how earthworks were authorised and their potential effects on surrounding properties. The report prepared for Council’s Floodplain Risk Management Advisory Committee on Thursday, 29 October, also discloses that Council has changed its approach to a standard condition covering retaining walls and earthworks. ‘Council no longer applies

Conceding to the people ▶ p12

its standard retaining wall and earthworks condition to all developments,’ the report states. Those conditions are now imposed only where earthworks form part of the approved proposal. The report responds to an issue raised at the committee’s August meeting: buildings being approved with conditions requiring raised floors without recognising the

Storytelling through sculpture and assorted creative arts ▶ p21

impacts of fill used to achieve those levels. It explains that some certifiers historically read minimum habitable floor-height requirements, together with Council’s standard earthworks condition, as authorising filling. Staff describe that interpretation as ‘not necessarily consistent with the development approval’. ▶ Continued on page 6

It’s showtime! Mullum Show kicks off on Friday ▶ p24

Peak buyer season is here! Make sure your property stands out this spring with MANA Scan the QR code to receive your instant property report.

MANA Real Estate

hello@manare.au | 0411 081 118 | Byron Bay | Murwillumbah

Property Report Data

Local News

North Coast news online

Shara Community Gardens wants you! Call for Mel Davis to be permanent Byron Public principal Aslan Shand

Eve Jeffery Community gardens are about so much more than soil and vegetables with many being a central hub for families to gather and celebrate. Shara Community Gardens (SCG) in Ocean Shores is hoping new committee members can keep that community spirit alive and help lead the annual community Christmas party, Christmas in the Gardens. Outgoing president, Paula Brown, says committee members don’t have to be gardeners – ‘the committee thrives on people who love community building and event management.’ As a much-loved green space in the North Ocean Shores/South Golden Beach community, Shara Community Gardens is much more than a garden. It’s a play space for families and kids who meet at the rotunda to enjoy the community toybox, it’s a space for local birthday parties, it’s a home for the chickens who live between the preschool and the gardens, and it’s a lovely green amphitheatre for outdoor community events.

Kicking goals The current SCG committee has kicked many goals in their time together, including significant recent landscape improvements – new paths laid, new signage, new garden beds installed, and almost 100 new plants in the ground in the new bush tucker garden, native garden and bee gardens. The committee also

Outgoing Shara Community Gardens secretary, Alison Bird and president, Paula Brown. They are hoping some new locals will step up to the plate. Photo Tree Faerie facilitates local produce exchange and local learning, hosting the regional community gardens gathering in May 2026 with fellow gardens advocates from Evans Head to Coolangatta. After many years at the helm, two stalwarts of the leadership team are stepping down and the committee are looking for new people to come on board and help lift up the next big community event, a highlight of the South Golden Beach and North Ocean Shores Christmas season – including the Clifford St foot race, kids’ activities, local musicians, food trucks, and a visit from Santa with a big red sack of eco-friendly gifts.

President and secretary It’s also the biggest fundraiser and membership drive for SCG, which helps the committee with funding costs for this much-loved local green space for the year to come.

Welcome back Caitlin!

Acting Principal Mel Davis playing handball with the kids. Photo supplied it is about the ‘merit based’ selection process.

Stability and dedication Ms Davis has been acting principal at BBPS for the past 18 months, with parents highlighting the stability and positive outcomes she has brought to the school following a long line of temporary teachers filling the head teacher role. ‘Ms Davis has been transferred without notice or transparency to the school community,’ Ms Larsson told The Echo. ‘This is not a straightforward transfer. There has been no transparency in relation

to this process for the school community. It seems baffling and unfair to replace such a dedicated acting principal without just cause. ‘Despite Mel’s outstanding leadership, and the stability and positive impact she’s brought to our school community in her role as acting principal the past 18 months, she was not considered for the permanent position.’ Parents are asking the DOE to reconsider the decision and allow Ms Davis to continue in her role. ‘Please join us in this effort to support Mel Davis as our principal by signing this petition: Change.org/ SaveOurPrincipal,’ said Ms Larsson.

Make a SHIFT and support women at risk of homelessness The Small SHIFT: I Will Survive event where seven women, spanning seven decades, tell their story in seven minutes, is back for the fourth year running on Thursday, 5 November. Hosted by comedian, author and much-loved local Mandy Nolan, it is a fundraising event for The SHIFT Project, a Byron Bay charity supporting women to rebuild their lives after

homelessness and crisis. Some stories will make you laugh. Others might bring you to tears. And somewhere along the way, you’re likely to recognise a little of your own story in someone else’s. ‘Every one of us has survived something in our life,’ Mandy says. ‘At the end of the day, no one’s actually ordinary at all. We’re bloody extraordinary!’ It’s a sentiment that sits

at the heart of The SHIFT Project’s work. Every day, the organisation supports women who have faced enormous challenges, providing the housing, practical support, education and employment opportunities they need to build a more independent future. All previous events have sold out, tickets at: https:// events.humanitix.com/ small-shift-i-will-survive-4.

After some special time at home with her little one, Caitlin is looking forward to returning to the O’Meara Dental team and reconnecting with her patients.

O’Meara Dental is delighted to welcome Caitlin back from maternity leave! Caitlin is a qualified Oral Health Therapist who graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2018. With a passion for preventative dentistry and helping patients feel comfortable and

The roles of president and secretary are available, and come with well-established community gardens governance practices. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel as past leaders are happy to share the tips and tricks to making it work. Ms Brown says it has been a fantastic community journey for her on the gardens’ committee. ‘We have seen community support for the gardens grow year by year, with event attendance increasing annually and the Shara Community Gardens fundraiser t-shirts a big hit.’ ‘Working with a great team makes it all possible and keeps us going and growing together.’ Event managers and creative thinkers will love these roles as the sky is the limit for future opportunities, and you can make your own mark as a future leader of Shara Community Gardens. Contact Shara Community Gardens for more info at sharagardens@gmail.com.

Parents at Byron Bay Public School (BBPS) have started a petition to ask the NSW Department of Education (DOE) to reconsider their decision to replace Acting Principal, Mel Davis, and to allow her to continue permanently as principal. ‘This unexpected change came as a sad shock to all of us, including Mel herself and her teaching staff. We have all witnessed firsthand the positive impact she has had on our children’s educational experience,’ BBPS parent Becky Larsson, told The Echo. ‘The children of Byron Bay are thriving under her leadership; she has cultivated a nurturing and supportive environment that encourages learning and growth. Mel has not only provided stability but has actively engaged with students, parents, and staff alike, fostering a sense of community and belonging that is essential in a primary school environment.’ Parents say it is no reflection on the teacher that has been chosen to become head teacher, rather

confident in the dental chair, Caitlin provides gentle, personalised care for patients of all ages, particularly children.

We’re so excited to have Caitlin back and look forward to seeing her smiling face around the practice again! The team at O’Meara Dental.

Byron Bay: 19/5 Easy St Mullumbimby: 60 Stuart St 02 6694 3083 omearadental.com.au

2 The Byron Shire Echo November 4, 2026

www.echo.net.au

Local News Byron surfing community gathers for positive change Expert mortgage support, whatever your needs. Call Adam on 0403 619 593 today. Adam Gadowski m 0403 619 593 e adam.gadowski@mortgagechoice.com.au w MortgageChoice.com.au/adam.gadowski Mortgage Choice Pty Ltd ACN 009 161 979 (Australian Credit Licence 382869) and Smartline Operations Pty Ltd ACN 086 467 727 (Australian Credit Licence 385325) are owned by REA Group Ltd. Your broker will advise whether they are a credit representative of Mortgage Choice or Smartline.

Women and men gathered to raise their voices, support each other, and take a stand against violence. Photos Jeff Dawson

Aslan Shand

n Sunday the community came together, with close to 200 people gathering at Clarkes Beach for a paddle out, and shore action, to raise their voices and say there are no more excuses for violence against women and girls. ‘There was such a nice representation of both men and women there, which made me feel really relieved and really happy that there is a conversation happening,’ organiser Ruby Southwell told The Echo. ‘I think the key message is that it’s safe and okay to speak up and to support other people to speak up. It’s okay to say, “hey, that behaviour is harmful, that’s not cool, that doesn’t have a place”. The message was clear that we are not excusing or enabling a culture that supports violence or harmful behaviour towards women and girls.’ During the gathering, Women’s World Champion and local surfer Pauline Menczer asked those present if they knew someone who had experienced violence or sexual violence – not a hand remained down. ‘Our paddle out is just trying to create more awareness and hoping to have better mentors around

Next steps

people,’ Pauline told The Echo. ‘When we were out in the water and had a minute’s silence, a lot of us were crying. Everyone has their own harsh stories, but it’s a space where you’re able to open up and talk to each other. ‘There are a lot of wonderful men out there and this isn’t about telling people what to do but recognising that there is a range of violence and that we need to respect each other regardless of our genders.’ 20-year-old Lennox surfer Rhett Wharton also spoke at the rally highlighting the important role that men play in changing the culture. ‘No more excuses means it is time for men to fulfill this responsibility; as a collective, we need to stand in solidarity with the women in our lives,’ he told the crowd.

‘Our role as men is to deconstruct ourselves and the patriarchal world that exists around us. We did not choose this system, but we exist within it and benefit from it. Before we can create any change we must own this! This goes beyond having awareness of these problems, it requires action, because awareness without action becomes complacency. ‘Action calls for education about the structures we are acting against. The foundations of masculinity are constructed from both the suppression of women, but also the repression of men. ‘We must use our voices. Speak out against misogyny and sexism, no matter where you see or hear it. This includes passive sexism; those who indirectly reinforce misogyny through their complacency.’

Ruby says she is looking to create more paddle outs, and shore actions, going forward and that it is important for Surfing Australia and the World Surfing League to engage in the public conversation about how a safe environment is created for everyone, including women and girls. ‘I feel like everyone seemed really energised by the event. I had young men in their 20s coming up to me asking if there will be more, and how we can keep this going?’ said Ruby. Ruby is already planning another event in Margaret River in WA and is keen for other events to happen in NSW, Queensland and Victoria. ‘The Surfrider Foundation have provided me the materials that I need to be able to create events like this. We’re all rallying together to see how we can make another event.’ If you are interested in getting involved you can reach out to the group via Instagram.

BYRON BAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 19 NOVEMBER

NEW LEADERS WELCOME Calling in people to steward Byron through these changing economic times. JOIN THE BOARD Scan to nominate by 13 Nov info@byronbaychamber.com

Take your team’s Christmas do outside Ride the Rail Trail on e-bikes. Fresh air, open skies and good laughs. From $99 per person.

grab your crew. book now! betterbybike.com.au 02 6639 7700

POWER UP YOUR BUSINESS

SCAN THE QR CODE

UP TO 40% DISCOUNT AVAILABLE ON COMMERCIAL BATTERY SYSTEMS THROUGH THE BATTERIES FOR BUSINESSES INCENTIVE

Sustainable www.echo.net.au

Cut energy costs

Future proofing

t: 02 6686 7522 f: Tamara Smith MP w: tamarasmith.org.au e: ballina@parliament.nsw.gov.au

TAMARA SMITH MP MEMBER FOR BALLINA

Authorised by Tamara Smith MP, member for Ballina. Funded using parliamentary entitlements. November 4, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 3

Local News

North Coast news online

Northern Rivers needs its own public transport plan says Cadwallader Fatal three▶ Continued from page 1

employment opportunities and access to essential services.’ The current Draft North Coast Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan, was developed ‘in partnership with councils, industry and communities,’ stated the report. The draft covers the area from the Queensland border down to Port Macquarie and west to the Great Dividing Range. Cr Cadwallader points out that while this may be appropriate for broad infrastructure planning, it is too large and diverse to serve as the principal framework for designing an integrated local and regional public transport service. ‘The Northern Rivers needs its own integrated public transport network, connecting communities from Evans Head to Tweed Heads and west to Casino and Lismore,’ she said. ‘The Northern Rivers is a distinct region, with its own economy, population centres, employment patterns and transport needs. Its population of more than 300,000 is

Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader at the Byron Bay interchange with her campaign manager, Shaun Haysom and his children Noah and Flynn. Photo Jeff Dawson broadly comparable with the estimated population served by Newcastle’s integrated transport network.’ Cr Cadwallader says that the integrated Newcastle transport plan could serve as a model for the Northern Rivers bringing together the range of transport options available to better serve the community.

Funding equity Cr Cadwallader is also calling for funding equity ‘as an explicit goal’ of the plan.

‘We cannot properly examine service improvements without first understanding what the government already spends, how that compares with other regions and what investment is required to provide practical services,’ she said. As part of assessing the transport needs of the Northern Rivers Cr Cadwallader said the government needs to release the 51 written submissions and more than 2,000 contributions through an

online mapping exercise that contributed to the development of the North Coast report. ‘The public deserves to know what advice was given, what proposals were put forward and which recommendations the government accepted or rejected,’ she said. ‘Consultation is not transparent if the community is told who was consulted but cannot see what they recommended.’ Cr Cadwallader said

the new Northern Rivers assessment needs to build on the current research of the report which should form the foundation of a ‘redesigned, customerfocused Northern Rivers public transport strategy’. ‘We don’t need to repeat the work already done. We need to build on it, fill the gaps in the evidence and give the community meaningful choices about the future transport network,’ said Cr Cadwallader. ‘A cheaper home is not necessarily more affordable if a family needs two cars to get to work, take children to school and access healthcare. Better public transport could expand housing choices, connect workers with employment and reduce household transport costs. ‘Instead of disconnected services, operators and timetables, we need One Region. One Network. One Timetable. ‘This is a radical new approach to regional transport planning, but it is based on principles the NSW government has already applied in Newcastle.’

vehicle crash, Suffolk Park

Two people have died following a three-vehicle crash on Broken Head Road. About 10.30am Saturday, 31 October, emergency services were called to Broken Head Road, Suffolk Park, following reports of a threevehicle crash. On arrival, officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District found a driver of one vehicle – believed to be a woman aged in her 50s – and the driver of a second vehicle – a man believed to be aged in his 60s – had died at the scene. A passenger of the second vehicle – a woman in her 60s – was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics and airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition. The occupants of a third vehicle were uninjured. Anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact Tweed/Byron police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

We know things are tough right now, but the NSW Government is helping with everyday expenses. Transport

Energy

• $100 off private vehicle registration

• Up to $285 Low Income Household Rebate

• Child $1 and family fares

• Up to $180 Family Energy Rebate

• Pensioner Travel Vouchers

• $200 Seniors Energy Rebate

Health

Home

• Cheaper and more accessible ADHD care

• Helping renters transfer their bond from one home to another

• Free 24/7 health advice from a registered nurse

• Limiting rent increases to one per year

• Urgent Care Services with no out-of-pocket expenses

• Ending extra fees for background checks and ‘no grounds’ terminations for tenants

For more information, visit nsw.gov.au

4 The Byron Shire Echo November 4, 2026

www.echo.net.au

Local News

Questions remain over October Belongil Creek fish kill Aslan Shand The artificial opening of the Belongil Creek, an Intermittently Closed and Open Lake and Lagoon (ICOLL), on Monday, 12 October led to yet another significant fish kill with locals and vistors advised to avoid the area and not swim nearby. Community members are calling on Byron Shire Council (BSC) and other associated bodies to ‘explain why the opening was considered necessary, what operational maintenance it facilitated, which works were completed, what alternatives were assessed and how the ecological risks were evaluated,’ said concerned local Kelly Minahan. In a press release by BSC at the time they said, ‘For several weeks a buildup of sand at the mouth of the creek was causing inundation in low-lying parts of Byron Bay and Belongil, with water filling stormwater culverts and drains and covering some pathways.’ This prompted them to manually open the creek in line with BSC’s adopted Entrance Opening Strategy and Environmental

Management Plan, which led to the fish kill.

Development vs ecosystems ‘Under natural conditions the estuary mouth is frequently blocked by sand deposited from longshore transport and onshore winds, sometimes for long periods. Naturally allowing water to build up behind the barrier to somewhere between 1.8 and 2.4 metres above mean sea level before being breached in a storm event,’ ecologist Dailan Pugh explained in a December 2021 report on fish kills. ‘A conflict now exists with residents in upstream areas that are subject to nuisance flooding of their land when the estuary is full. The problem is that people are opening the Tallow Creek estuary, or forcing Council to, during dry weather conditions, without rainfall events sufficient to bring fresh oxygenated water into the estuary, and are causing major fish kills.’ In 2014, 2017, and 2019, Tallow Creek experienced serious fish kills as a result of artificially opening the ICOLL. Pugh said in his report that

the result of the 2019 opening of the ICOLL ‘was that 12.4 tonnes of dead fish were taken to the tip, many tonnes were washed out to sea, and innumerable small fish and fingerlings were killed’.

‘These conditions could have raised lagoon levels and enabled a natural opening, potentially avoiding the intervention and its associated ecological consequences.

Was opening needed?

Investigation

In the report Pugh assessed results from the five BSC testing sites across the Belongil estuary looking at the oxygenation levels of the water and stated that, ‘These results support the theory that it is decanting of oxygenated surface waters in the estuary when it is opened without sufficient rainfall inflows, combined with drainage of toxic waters from upstream into the estuary, that are the principal cause of the observed fish kills.’ Minahan and other locals are asking the question if the intervention was necessary. ‘Approximately one week after Belongil was artificially opened, the Northern Rivers experienced the very conditions that nature needs to mobilise these coastal systems: actual heavy rainfall and a significant easterly swell,’ he told The Echo.

‘This is not about ignoring legitimate flood risks or

community safety. It is about demanding compelling evidence before intervening, properly assessing alternatives, understanding catchment conditions and ocean swell, and allowing natural processes to operate wherever safe and practicable. ‘Did we intervene unnecessarily, just days before

nature could have done the work for us? That is the question Council must answer.’ ‘It’s not the result we had planned for; no one likes to see a fish kill and Council and government departments are investigating and reviewing the incident to inform opening protocols,’ a BSC spokesperson said.

Ghouls just want to have fun

Salina had to be the happiest ghoul at Fairtastic, Brunswick Heads Public School’s Halloween fright fest, last Saturday. See the Fairtastic photo gallery in The Echo online: www.echo.net.au/ghouls-just-want-to-have-fun. Photo Jeff ‘Brain Dead’ Dawson

9 - 1 5 C L I F F O R D S T R E E T, S U F F O L K P A R K

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT Everyone is entitled to their view, and everyone deserves the facts.

Recent articles and letters in The Echo, and social media posts, have made claims about the Clifford Street proposal that are simply not accurate. Every point below can be checked on Council's DA Tracker.

FULLY COMPLIANT, NOTHING PUSHED

UNDER THE 9M HEIGHT LIMIT

No rezoning, no height increase, no special allowances. Every key control is met.

Every part of the building sits below the 9 metre height limit. No exceedance.

E1 zoning permits shops and shop-top housing, not detached houses. Parking exceeds requirements: 35 spaces for 31 required. Nearby residential land doesn't allow shop-top housing, so there's no precedent.

It is designed to present as two storeys from the street, with a third storey set over 14m back above a lower-height car park, out of view.

THE KOALA FACTS

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

EVERY CYPRESS PINE RETAINED

Not one Coastal Cypress Pine will be removed. Buildings curve around the existing clumps. A restoration area adds 11+ new Cypress Pines, and over 1,000 new plantings offset the 17 native trees removed. Forest-edge setbacks widen from as little as 3m to 9 to 12m.

MINIMAL TRAFFIC IMPACT

Claims that all 17 native trees being removed are koala habitat are wrong.

None of the nine existing dwellings is legally designated affordable housing.

About 14 extra cars in the busiest hour: a 2% increase on Clifford Street.

Blackwood Ecological Services found one koala food tree, a Swamp Mahogany, and no sign of koala use. WIRES rescued and relocated a koala from the site last year, but occasional visits don't make it significant habitat.

The dilapidated existing homes have unrestricted rents; six were approved for short-stay use (DA 80/069). Three dedicated affordable homes are included for 15+ years, rents capped at 30% of income for lower-income households.

Modelled by Ardill Payne & Partners using Council data and a new week-long count. Broken Head Road rises just 0.5%, and neither road's level of service changes.

WHAT IT DELIVERS

New village shops

16 new homes

3 affordable homes

All Cypress Pines kept

1,000+ plantings

Under 9m height

GOOD DEVELOPMENT IN THE BYRON SHIRE IS POSSIBLE Ecology retained and restored, a genuine mix of homes including affordable and accessible housing, all within the planning rules. Designed by a locally based team of architects and consultants, refined over two years with community input.

See the plans for yourself: Byron Shire Council DA Tracker, DA 10.2026.476.1 Authorised by Vode, 3/56B Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay

www.echo.net.au

www.vode.au Scan: how to support Clifford Street

November 4, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 5

Local News

North Coast news online

Vale Robin Harrison aka Professor Cuddlebumps Robin Harrison was a much-loved figure and friend to many in the Caldera and Byron Shire. He was a performer, an activist, a change maker and sustainability advocate extraordinaire. He had one of the biggest minds and surely the biggest laugh you knew? He also had four daughters, which he saw as his fast track out of the patriarchy and was beloved ‘Farty’ to Robin Harrison, aka Professor his granddaughter Illuna. Cuddlebumps and Apprentice Born in Blackburn, Earth Wizard. Photo supplied Lancashire in 1946, exactly nine months after the His early experiences cessation of hostilities (a of war and corporate life quintessential baby boomer), shaped him to become a he arrived in Australia a week staunch advocate for peace shy of his 16th birthday with and an eco-warrior. He was a a ‘northerner’ accent and lifetime member of the Byron a girl’s name. He quickly Environment Centre (BEC). ditched the accent, changed Robin was an environhis name to Bob and joined mental and political activist the army. and made the front page of After serving in Vietnam, the paper a few times with then scaling the corporate his stand against prohibition ladder in the ’70s, he chucked laws – including , rumour has it all in to become an actor. In it, when he walked down the the ’80s and ’90s, he worked street in front of the police with the Melbourne Theatre sniffer dogs spraying bong Company, toured extensively water. with Theatre in Education, Robin has been broadlent his unmistakeable deep casting his grass roots susvoice to many voiceovers, tainability message by drum and had roles on Neighbours and voice for decades. Many and the iconic Weis Bar ads. will have boogied to Robin

6 The Byron Shire Echo November 4, 2026

performing his unique beat poet messages of community abundance and sustainability at markets and street corners. Many will remember his wisdom and laughter; he was a man of many jokes that made you think. ‘Robin was an experienced actor, and became the backbone of the street theatre we used to do with the Binya Butt campaign back in the late ’90s,’ recalls former BEC leader Pete Dupen. ‘Not only was Robin the star of our performing troupe, he also figured out how to produce about 50 of our dispensers out of old real estate corflutes – one of many magic acts that collectively diverted over a million cigarette butts from Belongil Estuary. He was a very, very practical Earth Wizard.’ Robin had visions of a multinational corporate organism working towards a sustainable future. Join daughter Polly and BEC on Tuesday, 10 November in Byron in a working bee and from noon gather at the Rotunda that Robin helped build to remember him with music and food – Robinlovers will be there.

Love books? Join Friends of the Library Over the last 25 years the volunteer group Friends of the Libraries, Byron Shire (FOL) have been fundraising for Byron Shire libraries. This year the annual book fair and raffle raised more than $20,000. What began as a small book sale on the street outside the Byron library has evolved into a highly anticipated, much-loved community event and fundraiser. FOL say they are looking for some fresh, new, younger faces to join the group and help keep it moving forward. ‘The Friends of Libraries are looking to share what they have established so that it may continue. The group promotes reading, learning and community connection as well as friendship,’ said a

Join Friends of the Library for their AGM on 18 November. Photo supplied FOL spokesperson. ‘Without members, new and existing, being prepared to get involved, the future of the annual book fair and the group may be uncertain.’ Meetings are held at 10am the third Wednesday of each month. Meetings are currently held in Byron

Bay Library but can rotate libraries. The next meeting and AGM, will be held on Wednesday, 18 November at 10am in the local history room at Byron Bay Library. New and current members welcome. For more information email: byronbayfol@gmail.com.

Confusion over permission to fill flood-prone land ▶ Continued from page 1

Raising a building’s floor and raising the surrounding ground involve different flood considerations. Council’s planning controls recognise that fill can affect flooding beyond a development site, and obstruct existing overland flow paths unless suitable alternative drainage is provided.

Filling may also be unsuitable because of a location’s flood hazard or function, or the cumulative impacts of development across an area. Where filling is proposed, staff say it must be assessed against Council’s Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP). Depending on the

circumstances, applicants must provide a flood impact and risk assessment, and detailed modelling may be required. However, the report does not identify affected developments, quantify how much fill was involved or establish that neighbouring properties suffered additional flooding.

www.echo.net.au

JUSTINE ELLIOT AND LABOR

ARE PROTECTING OUR

NA�URE & ENVIRONMEN� Passed laws so Australia gets to net zero by 2050 Committed to 82% renewable energy by 2030

DEL

Established Australia’s first ever independent National Environmental Protection Agency

500,000+ Cheaper Home Batteries

R IVE E

Protected an extra 95 million hectares of Australian ocean and bush, including 52% of our oceans

LABO

Delivered $2 million for the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital Backing the Great Koala National Park

Our environment underpins our livelihoods and lifestyle. We'll continue working hard to protect it now and for generations to come.”

Justine Elliot MP Federal Member for Richmond justine.elliot.mp@aph.gov.au

justineelliot.com.au www.echo.net.au

(07) 5523 4371

Justine Elliot MP Authorised J. Elliot, ALP, 107 Minjungbal Drive Tweed Heads South

November 4, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 7

Local News

North Coast news online

CWA makes bloody good scones and tea! Rescue helicopter service promises reform The humble scone originated in Scotland in the early 16th century. They could be cooked in an open fire, or with a griddle. They were a lot denser than the scones we know today! The introduction of baking powder transformed them into much lighter, fluffier, oven-baked treat. And truly – there is nothing finer than a freshly made, home-cooked, warm scone with jam and cream! The Bangalow CWA will be serving up Devonshire Teas at the Bangalow Show on Friday 13, and Saturday 14 November from 10am to 1pm. Signature jams, clotted cream, and delicious homemade scones will be paired

Paul Bibby

Make sure you do yourself a favour, and sample some of Bangalow’s best! Photo supplied with the perfect cuppa. Savoury scones and gluten-free scones will also be available.

Get yourself a delicious treat at the Scout Hall at the Bangalow A&I Hall entrance to the show.

One last calendar for Wallum The 2027 Wallum Calendar will officially launch at the Brunswick Heads Community Market on Saturday, 7 November, with pre-orders now open online at: www.savewallum.com. Lovingly created by community members, the 2027 Wallum calendar celebrates the landscape that brought a

community together. Featuring 12 different photographers, the calendar showcases nature

8 The Byron Shire Echo November 4, 2026

photography of Wallum’s delicate wildflowers, wildlife and unique ecosystem. While the legal campaign has ended, the community’s connection to Wallum remains. The calendar is expected to be a special keepsake for Wallum supporters and nature lovers alike.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service has apologised, and committed to workplace reforms, after an independent review found inadequate disciplinary responses to substantiated sexual harassment and bullying complaints. The service covers northern NSW, including the Northern Rivers, operating from bases at Lismore, Belmont and Tamworth. The review examined the wider organisation, rather than the Lismore base alone. Released on Tuesday, 27 October, the review summary identifies shortcomings in complaint handling, employee confidence and leadership accountability. However, it does not support a finding of a pervasive toxic workplace culture and concludes that the available material does not establish that workplace cultural issues affected patient safety. Board chair John Fenwick acknowledged the failures. ‘This review has found serious instances in which we have let people down,’ Mr Fenwick said. ‘Those experiences are unacceptable and I am sorry.’

The board has accepted all 31 recommendations, covering training, complaint processes, recruitment, conflicts of interest, governance and employee support. Conducted by employment specialist Cilla Robinson, of law firm Mallesons, the review drew on more than 220 documents, approximately 100 interviews, site visits and an anonymous employee survey. The survey received 116 responses, representing a 68 per cent participation rate. Twenty per cent of respondents reported experiencing or witnessing sexual harassment, with 11 indicating that such conduct had occurred within the previous 12 months. The review found some substantiated complaints had attracted insufficient disciplinary action, undermining confidence in the service’s stated zero-tolerance approach. It also identified a disconnect between senior leaders’ relatively positive perceptions and the experiences reported by other employees. Alongside those concerns, reviewers praised the service’s operational safety standards and identified improvements under its

current leadership. The full, 207-page report was provided to the board on 17 June. The publicly released summary is dated 23 June and excludes detailed material that could identify employees. The service’s implementation dashboard lists 26 recommendations as commenced or partly complete, with none marked complete at the time of publication. Seven were rated amber, requiring monitoring, and 24 green, meaning on track. Actions scheduled for completion by the end of 2026 include targeted harassment training, resetting workplace expectations and reviewing conduct at fundraising events. Other measures extend into mid-2027, including improving confidence in complaint handling and strengthening recruitment and conflict-of-interest processes. The service says it will provide stakeholders with regular implementation updates. Its published dashboard sets a second-quarter 2027 target for improving perceptions of complaint handling and for further cross-team and crosslocation collaboration.

www.echo.net.au

Local News Northern Rivers flood experience informs school disaster lessons Paul Bibby The Northern Rivers disaster experience has helped shape a new school classroom resource aimed at preparing young people for floods, fires and storms. The Disaster Resilience Curriculum Package introduces the principles of disaster resilience to students and helps them develop the skills to adapt. ‘The Young Change Agents wrote the package of lesson outlines, worksheet briefs, and custom-made videos with, and for, children and young people. It was mapped to the Australian curriculum, and reviewed and endorsed by Southern Cross University (SCU) researchers Dr Sarah Crinall, Dr Liberty de Rivera and Professor Amy Cutter-Mackenzie-Knowles, Resilient Lismore and other community and industry partners,’ said a SCU spokesperson.

The Young Change Agents developed a new classroom resource aimed at preparing young people for floods, fires and storms. Photo Southern Cross University The high school resource includes First Nations approaches to risk management, climate science, inclusion and community recovery. SCU Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Education Impact, Ben Roche, said the work responded to the 2022 floods and the need for better preparedness.

Youth resilience ‘This curriculum work is a key lever to grow resilience in Northern Rivers schools and beyond,’ Mr Roche said. The package draws on six years of research, including projects that asked young people to document their own experiences of climate change and flooding. Following the Lismore

disaster, the university’s Floods + Me project worked with young people to translate their experiences into an education framework and community exhibition. That work later extended to flood-affected Maribyrnong in Victoria. The teaching package was launched at the recent Disaster Ready Together Summit in Lismore. It sits alongside a broader three-year research project, Disaster Ready Schools, which aims to develop a national education framework with partners including UNICEF Australia. Teachers can access the resource through SCU’s website. Students are encouraged to explore disaster resilience through discussion, research and practical activities. The package is available here: www.scu.edu.au/ engage/live-ideas/disasterresilience-curriculum.

Science in the Distillery explores rainforest and ecosystem resilience Babette Weatherell An inspiring evening of science, storytelling and community unfolded at Cape Byron Distillery as Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy hosted Science in the Distillery: How Genetic Science is Future-Proofing the Big Scrub Rainforest. The event highlighted why genetic science must be central to ecosystem restoration, not an afterthought and this is precisely what the Conservancy’s Science Saving Rainforests program is putting into practice. The evening featured presentations from Professor Maurizio Rossetto, Head of the Research Centre for Ecosystem Resilience at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney; evolutionary ecologist Dr Robert Kooyman; Mark

www.echo.net.au

Dr Robert Kooyman, Prof. Maurizio Rossetto, Michelle Chapman and Mark Dunphy Photo Jimmy Malecki Dunphy, President of Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy and owner of Firewheel Rainforest Nursery; and Michelle Chapman, of Seedtree Maps and Project Manager for the Big Scrub Buffers Project. Together, the speakers explored the evolutionary history of the Big Scrub, the importance of

genetic diversity, the science underpinning the Conservancy’s Science Saving Rainforests program, and the landscape-scale restoration work happening across the region.

More than trees A central message of the evening was that successful

VOLUNTEER OPEN MORNING Find out how to be a part of something special. No experience needed. SATURDAY 14TH NOVEMBER 10AM-1PM BYRON BAY WILDLIFE HOSPITAL

volunteer@byronbaywildlifehospital.org

Clinical psychology & allied health clinic Evidence-based treatment delivered thoughtfully A skilled team of psychologists and OTs providing evidence-based treatment delivered thoughtfully for mental health support.

www.twomindspractice.com.au 02 5632 5993 admin@twomindspractice.com.au 106 Main Street, Alstonville.

ecosystem restoration must look beyond simply increasing tree cover, or returning vegetation to the landscape. Genetic diversity is fundamental to the health, resilience and long-term survival of plant populations. Without careful consideration of genetic variation, connectivity and the capacity of species to adapt to changing conditions, restoration efforts risk rebuilding ecosystems that remain vulnerable to disease, environmental pressures and future climate change. These considerations are critical not only for rainforest restoration, but for ecosystem restoration more broadly. ■ Babette Weatherell is

the communications officer for Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy.

November 4, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 9

Local News

North Coast news online

Contention over Clifford Street, Suffolk Park DA Aslan Shand The proposed development at 9-13 and 15 Clifford Street, Suffolk Park has again raised significant community concerns as the developer and community debate the range of potential impacts on the site and the broader community. Of particular contention is the ecology of the site, with the community raising concerns over the loss of biodiversity and established important trees and lowerstorey vegetation as well as the impacts on koalas and other native species. Following the Land and Environment Court (L&EC) refusal of the first development application (DA) for the site the project manager for developer Denwol, Mark Howard, told The Echo that, ‘The current 2026 application is a substantially different scheme, specifically redesigned to address many of the concerns raised previously’. ‘The buildings have been carefully positioned around the clusters of coastal cypress pines.’ They have a proposed offset of more than 1,000 native planting and have had ‘detailed root mapping, increased setbacks and the

establishment of a dedicated restoration area, including the planting of an additional 11 coastal cypress pines. The ecological assessment identifies just one koala food tree, a swamp mahogany, which is proposed for removal. The ecologist found no koala scats or other evidence of koala use during the site assessments,’ he told The Echo. ‘These findings come from Mark Free of Blackwood Ecological Services, an experienced and highly regarded local ecologist who assessed the site in May 2025 and July 2026.’

Disputed However, community members have disputed some of these findings pointing out that Byron Shire Council (BSC) has commented in development advice that, ‘It is noted that the coastal cypress pine community on the site is not restricted to cypress pines only; it includes any native vegetation on the site which forms part of this community’. There are 16 trees the DA seeks to remove and while only one, the beach bird’s eye, is listed as endangered the community says the others are native species

10 The Byron Shire Echo November 4, 2026

protected under BSC’s DCP Chapter B1 – Biodiversity. ‘This is not insubstantial. It may be below the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Entry threshold, but these trees, with the exception of one of the cheese trees which is young, are mature, in good health, with significant canopy, habitat and other ecological values. Three palms to be removed are protected native vegetation. These trees also support the grey-headed flying-fox.’ Community members have said that Commissioner Danielle Dickson, in the previous L&EC refusal, stated that she, ‘preferred and accepted the evidence of Council’s arboricultural expert, (Mr Tesoriero), that the coastal pine endangered ecological community is actually an assemblage of species, not just coastal cypress pines.’ Mr Howard told The Echo that according to their ecologist’s report, ‘The site is not located within a designated wildlife corridor’. ‘The existing property is heavily developed, with high fencing along its northern, eastern and western boundaries and a busy road along its southern frontage,’ he explained.

Koalas ‘These conditions already significantly constrain wildlife movement through the property. Koalas are occasionally sighted in the broader area. In fact, one was recently found in a pine tree on the site and relocated to a wildlife corridor for its own safety.’ Nonetheless local community members say that the Community Consultation Report notes that the site is a koala corridor. ‘Available data from Friends of the Koala (FOK) testifies to significant koala activity in Clifford Street and other localities throughout Suffolk Park. Five koalas have been sighted or rescued from 9-15 Clifford Street over the period from 2020 to 2022 according to their data spreadsheet.’ Community members pointed out the significant and complex documentation that has come with the DA has taken time and effort to try to understand, saying it would have been helpful for the developer to run some public meetings as they did for the previous DA to clarify points where potential misunderstandings could arise.

Council seeks public-art vision for Byron foreshore Paul Bibby Byron Shire Council is seeking a curator or creative team to develop a public-art plan for Byron Bay’s foreshore, identifying potential sites and ways to share local culture and history. Expressions of interest are open for a study of the Cavanbah foreshore, considering both temporary and permanent artworks and how the community could help shape future projects. The commission follows Council’s adoption of foreshore landscape concept plans, which identified culture and history as foundations for the area’s development. Council’s Acting Arts and Culture Officer, Marisa Snow, said the study would explore possibilities rather than select an artwork. ‘The scoping study is not about delivering a predetermined outcome,’ Ms Snow said. The study is intended to recognise the Bundjalung of Byron Bay Arakwal people’s continuing connection to the foreshore and explore how public art could strengthen

connections to place and Country. Ms Snow said proposals would also need to consider the coastline’s natural beauty and ‘fragile marine environment’. The successful applicant will develop artistic themes, recommend possible sites and prepare a framework for consultation and future public-art projects. Council is inviting applications from curators, publicart consultants and creative practitioners with experience in planning, cultural engagement and developing arts strategies. Applicants must outline their relevant experience, proposed approach, artist-led consultation framework and budget. The call is for a scoping study, rather than approval to install particular artworks or a public vote on proposed designs. Expressions of interest close on 3 December. Council’s Social and Cultural Planning Team will review submissions before presenting them to the Arts Advisory Committee for consideration.

www.echo.net.au

Local News ‘Dancing against violence’ in Lismore

Women Up North CEO, Jillian Knight-Smith (centre) raising funds at the gala. Photo supplied

Zakai Sparkes A sold-out gala in Lismore has raised more than $200,000 for Women Up North (WUN) and its Bugalma Bihyn Aboriginal Women’s Refuge, which can accommodate up to five families. More than 300 guests came to the 1920s-themed ‘Glitz, Glam, Gala’ event at Lismore Workers Club on Saturday, 24 October for an evening of live music, dancing, raffles and auctions. The annual gala, which was organised by WUN, and supported by investment management firm, Challenger, has raised more than $600,000 since it began in 2023. The money raised will help cover improvements and running costs for the refuge and fund WUN’s immediate response work for women, children and young people experiencing domestic and family violence. Women Up North CEO, Jillian Knight-Smith says she was proud of the community

for ‘turning up and making the effort despite the weather’ to ‘dance against violence’. ‘This gala night was about raising funds to finalise a long journey of repairs to our refuge. We’ve been raising the money to do some work in the yard to make the garden trauma-friendly and pleasant for mums and bubs.’

Support needs growing Knight-Smith says she has seen ‘an exponential growth in social disadvantage’ in the Northern Rivers in recent years. ‘I’ve seen a growing increase of people needing support for domestic and family violence in every way, and having to work so much harder as a service to meet those immediate needs that are coming up,’ she said. She said WUN is ‘just part of the solution’, with a responsibility on the community to protect people at risk.

‘We are the people that get the phone call when there is nowhere and nobody for someone to turn to, but we need the whole community… It’s really good to see local groups and corporate groups coming together, as well as our local community. Every little bit counts.’ Chief Executive of Challenger, Nick Hamilton, says this year’s proceeds will help in ‘very direct and practical ways’. ‘Businesses have an important role to play alongside the community in helping create a safer and fairer society,’ he said. Women Up North, this year won two awards including Homelessness NSW’s Learning and Development Award for worker, Marnie Davis’s Yarning for Change workshops, and a collaborative award for its involvement in Safe to Speak, a multicultural program that trained 110 individuals in responses to disclosed domestic violence in migrant and refugee communities.

Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School is looking for an experienced Craft Teacher Please forward your expression of interest to employment@capebyronsteiner.nsw.edu.au

ALONGSIDE

FRANCA DESIGN

HOMEY TAKE HOME COMING SOON

Koalas on the move – stay alert on the roads Over spring and summer koalas are on the move as they search for food, territory and mates. Unfortunately the Northern Rivers Koala Hospital says that this season is also known as ‘trauma season’ – they are seeing a significant increase in admissions, particularly from vehicle strikes.

Friends of the Koala (FoK) are reminding everyone to slow down on the roads, especially at dawn and dusk. This is when koalas are likely to be more active and are more difficult to see.

Report if concerned Also remember to keep your dogs and other pets in

overnight and if you see a koala on the ground give it some space. A koala on the ground isn’t necessarily in trouble, but if you notice signs of injury, illness or unusual behaviour, contact Friends of the Koala for advice on (02) 6622 1233 or go to their website at: www.friendsofthekoala.org.

ENQUIRIES: +61 421 031 014

INJURED IN BYRON BAY, BALLINA & THE NORTHERN RIVERS? You may be entitled to compensation See our Personal Injury Specialist and get personal face to face advice in a no obligation FREE initial consultation

JOSH MCKAY Special Counsel

www.echo.net.au

1/19-21 Centennial Circuit Byron Bay NSW 2481 02 5643 9240

Specialising In: Workers Compensation Claims Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Public Liability Claims Superannuation Claims Medical Negligence Claims

NO WIN, NO FEE November 4, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 11

Comment

North Coast news online

Hold abusers to account equally

The Byron Shire Echo

Volume 41 #21 • November 4, 2026

Conceding to the people

e are all familiar with the We live in an age shortcomings of where governments seem government. Political leanings aside, who among us has hostile to the will of the not felt that corruption and common people lack of accountability exist in government bodies? In the case of the Novi Sad railway station person had been tried let alone collapse in Serbia those factors convicted. were the catalyst to something Rather than slipping into quite extraordinary happening. despondency, and in adherence We live in an age where governto the finest principles of peaceful ments seem hostile to the will of protest, the students of Serbia the common people. In response to dreamed up a new plan to remove Australia’s largest ever public dem- corruption and restore the rule of onstrations, the anti-war protests law by replacing the government against the invasion of Iraq in 2003, by outcompeting it at the polls. we received a clear message: the Mundane enough you might say, government will not change course but there is something more. They in response to public pressure. This didn’t seek to install themselves seems a curious position given that into power; instead they identified the dēmos part of democracy literupstanding members of society ally refers to the common people. including university professors, Similarly the current Labor doctors, farmers and cultural government has seemed curiously figures to be their candidates and deaf to approximately three quardrove the campaign to victory. ters of all Australians that support The students themselves have greater controls on gambling. been brilliantly demure in the I am not aware of anyone stand- sense that media interviews with ing on a soapbox and proclaiming students rarely feature the same modern democracy is the pinnacle person twice. They are not seizing of government systems. As Church- power, they are enacting change in ill famously remarked to the UK a system that has gone rotten. House of Commons ‘democracy We can only imagine their is the worst form of Government delight when Serbia’s outgoing except for all those other forms president, Aleksandar Vučić, conthat have been tried’. ceded defeat with no single leader Many in Serbian society recogto concede to, only the Student List nised the presence of corruption and by extension the people. and weak accountability prior to It is easy to believe ourselves 2024 and the spark of change was democratically powerless but triggered by government mishanunited and with the courage of our dling and lack of accountability for convictions we have the power to the collapse of the concrete canopy rebuild society for the better. of the main railway station, killing Ewan Willis pedestrians below. Protests and blockades were News tips are welcome: enacted but a year later not one editor@echo.net.au

zaac Lee Alford loves social media messages, and lives on his daddy’s cattle farm just out of Gympie, a lovely town where it only needs to sprinkle to be flooded. It has also for many years been One Nation central, with overlapping gun fanatics and even its own sovereign citizen family court with sheriffs, arrest warrants and tons of legitimacy. Their sister mob in Western Australia recently sentenced me to five years in prison, which is fine, except they sentenced Scott Morrison to ten years in the same session. Being in a cell is one thing, but being locked up with Scott Morrison for any period is quite another. Cruel and unusual punishment. But Alford fits right in. Churchman and pastor with a prior criminal record for violence, fraud and weapons offences. But before I descend into hatred of this simple Gyppie (rhyme opposite of hippy), I will heed the words of my fellow columnists and every man and their drover’s dog and say we need to turn down the heat and be nicer to each other. And get really tough on those who cross the line into criminality. He sent messages in March 2026, to Western Australian Senator Payman when she was seven months pregnant, living alone in Canberra while her husband was working in Perth. He pleaded guilty in August 2026. Helen Haines was brutally attacked and lost her legs on 19 October 2026, and the Gympie Local Court sentenced Alford on 22 October 2026. Three days later. While Helen Haines was still critical. What were the messages you ask? Well, there is a giant trigger warning here because they are so disturbing. On X (Twitter) he wrote: ‘I hope the Easter Bunny bought you a miscarriage, or better yet (you) die during labour…That would be the best news to hear: goat f----r dies pushing out her brother (sic) uncle’s son…ha ha.’ On Facebook he presciently wrote: ‘I hope you goat f------g degenerate terrorist c--t get hit by a truck (before) … he reverses over

The Byron Shire Echo

Volume 41 #21 November 4, 2026 Established 1986 • 18,000 copies every week

www.echo.net.au Phone: 02 6684 1777

Nicholas Shand 1948–1996 Founding Editor

Editorial/news: editor@echo.net.au Advertising: adcopy@echo.net.au Office: 64 McGoughans Lane, Mullumbimby NSW 2482 General Manager: Simon Haslam Editor: Aslan Shand Photographer: Jeff Dawson Advertising Manager: Anna Coelho Production Manager: Ziggi Browning

David Lovejoy 1944–2024 Co-founder

Alford fits right in. Churchman and pastor with a prior criminal record for violence, fraud and weapons offences. – David Heilpern your f-----g foul terrorist head, just to make sure that he did the job properly…’ Alford also called Ms Payman a ‘filthy Islamist terrorist’, a ‘rapist’ and a ‘filthy f-----g paedophile’. Following up on that he emailed her saying that she had ‘no place in out [sic] country you should be deported … Australia hates your guts’. Common sense would dictate that this was just the moment to really make an example of Alford. That’s the key aim of sentencing – deterrence. The maximum penalties for each of the six sentenced crimes were between five and ten years in prison. It is actually hard to think of a worse example of this crime. I would have sentenced him to at least 12 months behind bars. And keep in mind the recent sentences for a Nazi salute and offensive antisemitic posts – for example, in Sydney in September 2026 a man was sentenced to three years imprisonment for just that. But of course, that was not Islamophobia. So no, the learned magistrate decided that Alford ought get no time behind bars, and instead was sentenced to a slap across the face with a McDonalds lettuce leaf and a bond for two years. No fine. No community service. No Commonwealth DPP appeal either. This is a state where you can go to jail for saying ‘from the river to the sea’ (do not take a copy of this paper into Queensland), or there is mandatory prison for driving with a prescription drug in your saliva, but clearly there is no need for prison for attacking a Muslim woman politician. No, this guy can just slink back into his church pew, go back home to his lowing cattle and smirk all the way to his social media.

And where was the outcry? I didn’t hear the Jewish lobby comment on this crime in the wake of the sentence, they were too busy trying to link Helen Haine’s offender with his pro-Palestinian stance. I didn’t hear the federal police commissioner condemn this sentence or Alford’s actions – she was too busy telling drug users to have a good hard look at themselves because they were encouraging organised crime. Make no mistake, this crime was Islamophobia writ large but barely got a mention beyond the Gympie Times and the Toowoomba Chronicle. This crime drips with misogyny as well but obviously female pollies are fair game in the dominant hegemony. I contacted Senator Payman’s office, and was told this is absolutely par for the course. Hundreds of posts like this are directed at her every week. Her staff are struggling mentally in dealing with this abuse, and Senator Payman is in dispute with Anthony Albanese over the number of staff she has, saying that she cannot provide a safe workplace and needs to rotate them off the front line. But in a petty, nasty payback for her desertion of the ALP, she is being denied the increases in staff given to others. So here is what should happen now. The DPP should appeal. Senator Payman should get her extra staff. The police commissioner should forget about drugs for one second and concentrate on hate crimes. Queensland should stop banning phrases. And we should have a royal commission into Islamic and misogynistic violence and the manosphere. ■ Professor David Heilpern is SCU

Dean of Law and Chair of Discipline, Faculty of Business, Law and Arts.

North Coast Vets + Caring for your pets + Keeping your livestock healthy and productive + State-of-the-art humangrade CT machine + Laser therapy machine + Mobile service

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.

‘The job of a newspaper is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.’ – Finley Peter Dunne 1867–1936

12 The Byron Shire Echo November 4, 2026

info@northcoastvetservices.com.au

www.northcoastvetservices.com.au + 02 6684 0735 Clinic: 233 Gulgan Rd Between Mullum and Bruns just down the road from Uncle Toms

www.echo.net.au

Letters to the Editor www.echo.net.au/letters Thank you! On Thursday I slipped on the wet Mercato travelator, then three beautiful angel women helped me up. Thank you, and to Lulu, Byron High teacher for your incredible care and kindness and for waiting with me till the ambo arrived. Thank you paramedic Jonathan, for your lighthearted banter and reassurance. Thank you to Dr Hector at Byron Hospital for your wonderful bedside manner and nurses Carly and Leah for your attentive kindness and presence. My right dominant wrist broke and I’m having to slow right down and navigate life in a new way. Lin Bell Suffolk Park

Council must stand firm on Wallum As a Bayside resident and Byron Shire ratepayer, I am concerned by suggestions that Council may be preparing to soften its position in the Land and Environment Court (L&EC) proceedings, Bayside Brunswick Pty Ltd v Byron Shire Council, case 2024/00078261 that will be heard in February 2027. I do not know whether those suggestions are accurate. That is precisely why Byron Shire Council (BSC) needs to explain its position to the community. My understanding is that this case concerns whether BSC issues the next six subdivision works certificates or if this authority is delegated and subsequently fast-tracked as the developer wishes. For those of us living beside the site, the conditions governing those works have real consequences. We live alongside this landscape. We care about its wetlands, wildlife and waterways, and we need confidence that drainage and environmental safeguards will be properly scrutinised at every stage before further works proceed. Development conditions must mean something. Residents should be able to trust that requirements imposed to protect the environment and surrounding community will be met, that a developer

Rooted in classical Pilates and shaped by modern concepts. Elevates your practice of Pilates with precision, purpose and long-term results. A curriculum for the body. A philosophy for life. hello@akademie-byron.com • @akademie.byron Studio: Unit 26/73 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay

PACIFIC BITUMEN Cartoon by Ziggi Browning can’t just go to court and change them and that BSC will insist on evidence of compliance. I recognise that BSC must consider legal advice and the responsible use of public money. I also expect it to explain how any resolution protects the public interest. As a resident, I should not have to rely on rumours to understand what my council is doing about a development on my doorstep. Council needs to give the community a clear answer: will it not only stand firm on the safeguards attached to the Wallum development but fight for them? Holly Galbraith Brunswick Heads

Ballina’s arts attitude At last week’s Ballina Shire Council meeting, I moved a motion that Ballina Council rejoin the Arts Northern Rivers (ANR) collaboration, which it left in 2021. The cost would be around $20,000 a year, funded from budget savings to existing programs. To put things in perspective, this amounts to $1 per year, per ratepayer. Instead of supporting the motion, Ballina’s mayor moved an amendment that we instead seek to investigate the Arts Northern Rivers funding agreement with the NSW state government, suggesting that Ballina should get all the benefits of ANR membership without paying. This was supported 7-3 with only Greens councillors opposed.

Letters to the Editor Send your letters to the Editor: editor@echo.net.au Deadline: Noon, Friday. Letters longer than 200 words may be cut. Letters already published in other papers will not be considered. Please include your full name, address and phone number for verification purposes. Letters edited for length will be able to be read in full (if a reasonable length) online at: www.echo.net.au/letters. www.echo.net.au

Ballina remains the only council in the Northern Rivers that is not part of the ANR collaboration. This means our artists and creatives miss out on important opportunities to promote their work, and our broader community misses out on opportunities to be part of regional projects. With an attitude like this it’s hard to imagine how Sharon Cadwallader would be able to represent the interest of the broad electorate, should she be elected as our state MP in March 2027. Councillor Kiri Dicker Lennox Head

Damn the dams Thanks for the information on the ten-dams project. Accurate and complete is how I found the articles. I’m grateful for that because the polar opposite comes from the three layers of government. I’m looking forward to hearing when the final review is? I am calling for an inquest into the whole matter. Too much money for no results and it has shredded community cohesion. Labor cronyism. James Hemsley Nimbin

Walking the talk Under the leadership of Labor’s Minister for the Environment, Hon. Penny Sharpe MLC, the NSW Parliament recently legislated several historic environmental reforms. On 23 October, the Great Koala National Park was created on the Mid North Coast between Kempsey and Grafton. Spanning over 475,000 hectares in total, it’s home to approximately 12,000 koalas, 36,000 greater gliders and over 100 other threatened plant and animal species. In association, the Clean Energy Regulator approved the North East

Regional Forest Agreement carbon project under the Native Forest Management Method. Under the ‘Plastics Ban 2.0’ there is: an immediate total ban on the release of helium balloons; recyclable takeaway coffee cups by 2028; cafes facilitating customer ‘keep cups’; phasing out of all single-use carry bags with handles (think food deliveries) by 2027; lids remaining attached to plastic beverage bottles; compostable fruit/vegie stickers by 2030; banning of recyclable mini single-use plastic condiments packaging (think soy sauce fish) and recyclable takeaway containers such as bento boxes, sushi trays; and lastly, strict regulations on harmful chemical additives used in food and beverage packaging. Thank you for our Labor government who walks the talk. Yvonne Jessup Byron Bay

Our rates, infrastructure, future It’s time for our community to come together with purpose and demand accountability. Residents have legitimate questions about cumulative rate increases, where our money is being spent, and why critical infrastructure continues to fail. Let’s turn frustration into a constructive action plan: 1. Demand financial transparency. Where has our rates revenue gone, what has it delivered, and why are further increases needed? 2. Insist on evidencebased investigations. Infrastructure failures require properly-scoped, risk-based inspections – not assumptions that one inspection can represent an entire shire. 3. Prioritise essential infrastructure. Ask Council to ▶ Continued on next page

• RESEALS • DRIVEWAYS • CARPARKS • ALL BASEWORK

• ALL HOURS • 30+ YEARS EXPERIENCE

20kg bags cold mix for potholes in driveway BULK QUANTITIES AVAILABLE

CODY NEILSON: 0421 521 461

2027 CALENDAR WALLUM BRUNSWICK HEADS

Order here or find us at Bruns Community Market this Saturday 7th Nov

www. savewallum.com

November 4, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 13

Letters

North Coast news online

▶ Continued from page 13

‘Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art.’ – Stanislaw Jerzy Lec

KARATE CLASSES MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS JUNIORS (8-13YRS) 4.30-5.30PM SENIORS (14+ YRS) 5.45-7PM

ACTIVE AND CREATIVE KIDS VOUCHERS Register online for two free classes

EWINGSDALE COMMUNITY HALL Bangalow 8 min • Brunswick 10 min • Mullumbimby 13 min

jinwukoonkarate.com.au

0490 849 295

publish critical deficiencies, funding gaps, responsible teams and delivery timeframes. 4. Use the proper processes. Submit documented evidence, questions and complaints through Council and, where warranted, the relevant regulatory authorities. 5. Unite for results. Bring together residents’ evidence and experiences, submit a coordinated community request, and track Council’s responses and commitments. We must verify the figures being circulated before relying on them publicly. Our argument is strongest when grounded in evidence. This is not about attacking individuals. It is about responsible spending, sound governance, and infrastructure that is fit for purpose. If residents are being asked to pay more, we are entitled to demand transparency, clear priorities, and measurable results. Let’s replace frustration with evidence, division with collaboration, and promises with accountability. Less division. More evidence. One community. Real accountability. Annie Radermacher Brunswick Heads

SUPPORT LOCAL, SHOP MULLUMBIMBY ured t a e F

ine s u b

Wandana Brewery Wandana Brewery is Mullumbimby’s local brewery, and it’s become something of a local institution. The taproom and beer garden sit on the edge of open paddocks, one of the few spots around for a stunning outdoor sunset, with Common Hearth serving simply good food from the food truck. They craft small-batch beers on-site, from core favourites like Mullum Madness to limited pilot brews, and they distill their own spirits for a growing cocktail list. Regular events, a kids’ playroom and dogfriendly vibes make it a community hub. Open Thurs to Sun from 12.30pm. Takeaway beers and growler fills available weekdays from 10am. 20 Manns Road, Mullumbimby • www.wandanabrewingco.com.au

BECOME A MEMBER! The Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce represents a mixture of businesses and community groups that have come together for the purpose of ensuring Mullumbimby thrives and remains a vibrant community. Since its inception in 2013, the Chamber has hosted numerous successful events. These include street banquets, the revival of The Chinny Charge, Carols by Candlelight and the

MULLUMBIMBY

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

14 The Byron Shire Echo November 4, 2026

annual Shop Local campaign before Christmas. The Chamber also supports Brunswick Valley Historical Society, Mullumbimby Community Gardens, GateWay Landcare, Spaghetti Circus and many other community organisations. If you have a business in Mullumbimby area or are a resident of the Mullumbimby area, you are welcome to join the Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce. An initiative of the Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce

www.mullumbimby.org.au

Council SRV There’s lots of noise about Byron Shire Council’s special rates variation (SRV) proposal, that would be additional to the increases that we are faced with every year, without regard to actual costs or the need for any explanation other than it is to cover inflation. But hey! it’s the way of the economic world these days, to gouge as much as possible from the resources of the man in the street to increase profits, wages for executives and managers, and to cover inefficiencies of management, to name a few. Accountability? She’ll be right, they’ll probably bleat a bit but they’ll get over it and then we’ll have another go. Now that’s off my chest, it is gratifying to see that the Byron Shire community is voicing its opposition to the SRV. Council is offering some explanations as to why the SRV is needed and yes, perhaps there is some justification given rising construction and maintenance costs, the need for resources to pay for some of the residual effects of flooding and business resilience (wow!). Yes, but where is the evidence that they have tried to tackle the deficiencies in other ways? Thinking: structural change? A review of work practices? What about admitting that within the current funding framework they can’t do all the things they (and we) would like to do – and therefore we may need to set priorities? Unfortunately, their reasoning for the SRV seems to be based on self-interest and self-preservation rather than consideration of the conditions that many members of our community are faced with in the current economic climate. I can only speak for myself, an octogenarian, on a fixed income, with no prospects of increasing it other than an occasional couple of dollars courtesy of the federal government. One of the 20 per cent of the Byron Shire population over 65 years of age, a majority of whom I suspect are on a moderate fixed income battling the effects of rising living costs and diminishing quality of life. Want a bit of a picture of what it’s like for us? From 2022 to 2026 the official average yearly inflation rate was 4.74 per cent (LOL). From 2022 to 2026 the aged pension for a couple increased from $40,237 to $48,516. A 17.1 per cent increase over the period. From 2022/23 to 2026/27 my Byron Shire rates, after

concession, increased from $2,413 to $3,107 – that’s a 28.8 per cent increase over the period. And a few of the hundreds of other rises in costs over the past five years that we can’t avoid if we want to remain on the planet. The staples of life: a standard loaf of bread cost $1.10 to $1.20 in Woolworths in 2021, in 2026 the same standard loaf is advertised as $2.50 to $3.60 a 127 per cent to 200 per cent increase; a litre of milk from Woolworths in 2021 cost $1.35, in 2026 it costs $1.75 a 29.6 per cent increase; a dozen 700gm eggs cost $3.90 to $4.60 in 2021 in Woolworths, in 2026 they cost $6.70 to $8.40, a 72 per cent to 83 per cent increase; a kilogram of rump steak cost $18.50 in 2021 in Woolworths, in 2026 it cost $30.00, a 62 per cent increase. I suspect that there are many Byron Shire residents under 65 who are feeling the economic pressures as bad or worse than my cohort. On the other hand there are probably a large number, particularly property investors, who simply pass any increases on to their tenants. A 30 per cent increase in Council rates over three years might not sound like much, but those of us out here living on the poverty line it might just be the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back Terry Hand Mullumbimby

Money before trees Remember back to not long ago when holiday parks were called caravan parks? Families from all walks of life would holiday with their kids to all different caravan parks around the Australian coast – due to the affordability and the social environment. Now fast forward to present day. Holiday parks now only cater to retired grey nomads who are living off their superannuation funds, and wealthy city visitors who can afford the overpriced nightly rate to stay in an upmarket cabin – sometimes even more expensive than a hotel. Now to the current situation at ‘Brunswick Heads Holiday & Caravan Park’, (formerly known as Reflections Terrace Reserve Holiday Park) in Brunswick with regards to the World War I memorial cypress trees. The returned servicemen planted these trees for future generations to enjoy. To be able to shelter and escape the hot Australian sun. Also as a place that you could go with your family to enjoy some nature. Now the access to the trees has been blocked

by Reflections holiday parks management. Remember what the servicemen did for the country. They fought overseas to remove fences and barriers to help free the world. It’s like a corporation, and businesses-like, to delete or not recognise past history even in small coastal towns like Brunswick Heads. The amount of illegal camping and backpacker campervans throughout Brunswick and the Byron Shire is created by these holiday parks charging through-the-roof prices for a tent site or campervan site. Che Hamill-Diehl Coorabell

Sad: 57 Station St If the proposed ‘affordable’ housing development is ever built on the car park at 57 Station Street, Mullumbimby it will serve as a sad reminder how councils can seriously disrupt communities and businesses to just save face. The site has always been the wrong car park, and for Byron Shire Council (BSC) to support it and recommend its approval is shameful. It should come as no surprise that trust and confidence in local government is evaporating when decisions like this do not take into account overwhelming community opposition. Now the DA has been approved by the NRPP [Northern Rivers Planning Panel], subject to certain conditions, we have the prospect of a larger alternative site, originally considered by BSC as suitable for affordable housing, being turned into a car park. The area north of Woolworths, identified by the Mullumbimby Residents Association (MRA), as the only site meeting the conditions imposed by NRPP for a replacement car park, would allow for many more dwellings at a considerably lower build cost. It’s also reasonable to assume it would inflict considerably less impact on the CBD during construction, thus having a greater chance of community support. Despite these compelling reasons it was considered a less suitable site for housing by BSC than the car park at 57 Station Street. That, seemingly illogical, turn of events now presents the community with the prospect of the 24-hour accessible, heritage-listed toilet at 57 Station Street being replaced with temporary ‘portaloos’ as proposed by our Council. The location has not been disclosed and installation is not specified as a condition by the NRPP,

www.echo.net.au

Letters i.e. there is no certainty they will ever materialise. It was asserted by one speaker during the online meeting with the NRPP on Monday, 19 October, that if BSC’s objective was to cause maximum disruption, chaos and negative economic impact to Mullumbimby then building an inappropriatelyoversized three-storey block of apartments at 57 Station Street was the perfect way to achieve it. The prospect of all those things is now a reality and it should never have reached this point. It’s worth noting, once again, that ratepayers will be expected to foot the bill for the replacement toilets and the replacement car park – overall it’s a ‘lose-lose proposition’ for us all. To add insult to injury it’s been reported Council sold the car park for $1 while we will be burdened with a bill likely to be in excess of $1m for a replacement car park and toilets. How could that be considered a good deal by anyone? Sadly, all too late, some councillors came to the realisation the project was ill-conceived and inappropriate, but a slim majority chose to keep supporting a seriously-flawed concept just to save face! Steve Bellerby Mullumbimby

‘Go-ahead’ not positive So the NRPP unanimously approved the controversial 57 Station St development after more than 2,500 signatories were against it. Those signatures were overlooked and Landcom has the go-ahead. Our mayor had the final vote a few weeks back as to whether this was a go-ahead development or not, she graciously voted for it to go ahead. The question I ask myself is: where is the democratic outlook regarding this issue, with so many against this development? And with good reason too, the businesses on the other side of this development will all suffer, some will close down, others will struggle on, IGA will definitely suffer from this arrangement and so will we. Is this by design – just to make things harder for people who live in this area and use Mullumbimby town centre every day? I think so. Council really did not take us into account regarding this development, but it seems it really wanted Landcom to get this job. I wonder why, was it to show us that petitions mean absolutely nothing in the scheme of things, that we really have no say in this

www.echo.net.au

‘democracy’ or maybe just a token say to make it look like a democracy? As someone who has lived here for almost 30 years I do not feel that this development is positive for the people of Mullumbimby. Rick Franco Myocum

We are our brains! Our bodies are made up of various systems, organs, components, etc. With the evolution and application of scientific medical, physiology, research, engineering etc... we can duplicate virtually every system, organ etc... and survive. Transplants, heart/lung and other machines, metal bones, etc, etc... Except for one organ.... The brain! We are our brains... everything else can be substituted! We are what we think! Now... think about that? Anthony Plesko Ballina

Role of the Greens Recent articles and letters in The Echo have provided different perspectives about Australian politics today and the Australian Greens. There is no doubt that politics is in a state of rapid flux, especially with the rise of right-wing populism, (hyperpolitics) which is having an appeal to some, who are increasingly becoming angry and adversely affected by the consequences of the politics of neoliberalism. The rising cost of living, climate change, housing crisis, rental increases, mental health and an increasing cynicism about the political class have become very prominent. Ordinary people are struggling to make ends meet and are becoming increasingly frustrated with politicians and institutions. Enter populist politics, short on scrutiny – it becomes a beacon for grievance for those who are suffering and disenfranchised. The election of David Shoebridge is a good turn, for at the least taking the fight up to Labor, who have abandoned most of their core principles, and are now offering a new alternative. It is naive in the extreme to believe that politics will return to the era of Keynesian economics. Either side of politics are beholden to neoliberalism, although the National Party are flirting with a return to protectionist policies. The Greens today represent the only mainstream

party that, at the least, is challenging the status quo of politics and those who have the real power in our chaotic and uncertain world. Boyd Kellner Newrybar

Sentient care Words can fail one. I am compelled to write and thank all of the remarkable, peaceful activists who maintained First Nations’ vision for the rights of nature at Wallum, which has been viewed legally as ‘fit for development’. To the First Nations people I express my heartfelt sorrow for such a deep ongoing cultural abuse of your sovereign land, your culture, your deep knowledge, your people, by colonial settler Australians. Can we ever hope that the cruel psychic blindness projected onto First Nations people by colonial settlers will ever end? Ten-year-old children continue to be imprisoned, violating human rights charters. Indigenous women in prisons giving birth have their legs shackled. Debates over this practice continue to exist between doctors and prison officers! And now at Wallum the first stage of land clearing has been executed and the pretty-face wallabies are searching in wider community areas for food. Was the plight of sentient creatures legally addressed in the final Wallum legal document? What care are the developers/Council/authorities giving to these and other dear creatures? Why was a prettyface wallaby killed on a road recently? What remedies are offered to this denial of the rights of nature and the UN charter that acknowledges the rights of First Nations people and sentient beings? Finally, why are the existing trees to be felled when according to 65,000 years of First Nations knowledge, and respect of Mother Earth, their deep roots play an imperative role cleansing acid sulphate soils … which in turn negatively affects every living sentient being? The social $$$ contract that exists between communities and ‘power’ is a legal recognition of a democratic exchange. The advance of authoritarian ‘power structures’ in the region must be legally investigated. The vital question remains: does the community hold a vision of its rights and power to elevate participatory democracy? All is connected. Kindness will win in the struggle. Jo Faith Newtown

Boardwalk

PRE SHOW DINING HERE

BOOK BEST SEATS HERE November 4, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 15

Local News / Letters

North Coast news online

Running with the dingoes Zakai Sparkes Byron Shire Council (BSC) has welcomed the opportunity to contribute to a parliamentary inquiry led by the Animal Welfare Committee into dingoes in national parks in New South Wales. The submission draws on the findings of two ngugum (dingo) workshops held in August last year, on Bunjalung Country, which focus on the cultural and ecological significance of dingoes for First Nation communities. The workshops, run by BSC, in partnership with local Indigenous land councils, ranger groups and

Chumps: certain fools I noticed in a recent edition of The Echo what I regard as the most enduringly relevant of the 1960s slogans ‘tell it like it is’, has been embellished into ‘telling it like we think it is’. Considering that in most of the assertions we make it is implicit that that is what we take to be the case, that we believe it to be true, it seems a little pedantic to add that rider to said assertion. On the other hand in the movie Dean Spanley (featured repeatedly on SBS) the star makes the point that ‘only a fool is certain’; indeed perhaps that line is the whole purpose of the movie, harking back as it does to the Ancient Greek sceptics and their doubt about truth – or at least about our ability to grasp it. So now we come to the point of this letter: what

community organisations, as well as UNSW Centre for Ecosystem Science and Taronga Conservation Society Australia, brought together approximately 70 participants to share preliminary results from a collaborative camera-trap monitoring pilot around Mount Jerusalem National Park which is located between Main Arm and Uki. The report outlined the first steps towards co-designing a regional project for monitoring and protecting dingoes, highlighting that the scale of engagement across communities for a single species was ‘unusual’.

Cultural and spiritual being

label do we give Donald Chump’s proclivity for saying something one day and then totally contradicting it the next? Without admission, embarrassment, or shame? Clearly we have a situation where ‘truth’ consists of whatever Donald is able to convince his supporters is the case at the time of his first utterance, and again at the time of his contradictory utterance the next day. This label would need to contain some implicit reference to the psychology of his supporters, and to their intellectual limitations in particular, but also to their needs. I say this because it seems to me that those supporters are able to block out the bits of Chump they don’t like or understand, while feasting on the ones that address their angry inadequacies (as cultivated by right-wing

demagogues like Chump and a growing list of imitators around the world). I’m convinced that Donald is destined for the dustbin of history which is why I see him as a ‘chump’ who is deluding himself about some inherent destiny he has invented. Indeed the only ‘achievement’ to date is outclassing one Richard M Nixon in his devilishness. But at lease Mr Nixon knew his limitations and knew when to quit. Ah, the good old days…. So is the rise of Mr Chump proof that democracy doesn’t work, or does it merely reflect the failure of the Western educational systems? I refer of course to the determination of those on the right to only acknowledge those who agree with their existing prejudices, prejudices imbibed often from ancient fundamentalist

‘Participants suggested it was unlikely to have occurred for any species other than the dingo,’ said the report. The report described ngugum as a ‘cultural and spiritual being’ and an intergenerational story-holder, ‘integral to lore, kinship, songlines and Country’. ‘Participants characterised ngugum as the “boss of Country”… The dingo’s capacity to connect younger generations with caring for Country [was] a distinctive strength of the species and a focal point for cultural and

Dingoes. Photo Craig Manners/Unsplash ecological stewardship,’ said the report. The NSW government currently classifies dingoes as ‘wild dogs’ and expresses concerns for their economic, environmental, and social impacts including ‘predation and harassment of livestock and other animals, and the spread of diseases’.

The NSW Wild Dog Management Strategy published in 2022 ‘promotes a balance’ between negative impacts of dingoes on livestock and native fauna while preserving their ecological roles acknowledging the public’s interest. ‘The public has an interest in the roles of dingoes

texts that promise them an afterlife, or give them someone to blame for their inadequacies. We’ve long had available the Latin phrase ‘audi alteram partem’ which basically means ‘listen to both sides of the story before making up your minds’, which can also be read as ‘follow the evidence where it leads’. Over the last few years I’ve often been appalled and saddened by those who are able to arrive at ‘incontestable’ conclusions after accepting as evidence only that which tends to confirm their existing views. Views which usually reflect some deep emotional need which has overpowered the cerebral brainpower which allegedly elevates us above our fellow creatures. John Anderson Coorabell

I’m not a robot In the microseconds it takes AI agents to tick the ‘I’m not a robot’ checkbox, do they have a little chuckle to themselves? AI agents are now running amok on an internet designed to titillate and frustrate humans, and it’s going to get very messy. As more people are foolhardy enough to hand over agency to big tech’s frontier agents, giving robots the keys to their identity, it’s going to be real hard to know who’s who in the zoo. Systems designed around human limitations will be gamed by robots acting maliciously at the behest of whoever is willing to pay for them, and the systems will break. The deluge of AI slop saturating our screens and feeds is so much worse than

and other wild dogs in ecosystems and the value of dingoes as an iconic species. There is also a legitimate and growing interest in the humaneness, target specificity, and safety of all forms of pest animal management,’ said the report. A management plan enacted to minimise impacts of wild dogs under the Biosecurity Act 2015 identifies wild dogs as a ‘priority pest animal’. ‘The General Biosecurity Duty requires any person dealing with biosecurity matter (such as wild dogs), and who knows or ought to know of the biosecurity risks posed by that biosecurity matter, to take measures to prevent, minimise, or eliminate the risk as far as is reasonably practicable.’ an insidious annoyance, it’s steadily eroding our collective perception of reality. Currently my spidey senses tingle; instinctively, I feel I know what’s real and what’s not. But for how long? Those pitch-perfect soul remixes of hip hop classics that land uninvited in my algorithm sound so sweet, but no, that shit will rot your brain. Best not to click a like on that one. I’m pondering how things will go when AI crosses over from being a fancy logic computer to something that fancies asking its own questions, for its own ends. What will the robots say if I ask them which dystopian sci-fi future is most likely? I don’t want to encourage them, so I’m not game to enter that prompt. Ziggi Browning Brunswick Heads

Vistara Primary School

education.” ““T” he school with a beautiful view to education. Enrolling now for 2027 & 2028

Small classes, big opportunities, brighter futures.

PROFESSIONAL GROOMING

Vistara has educated and nurtured young hearts and minds for nearly four decades. With a warm, personalised approach to learning, we aim to educate the whole child; blending academic, emotional, social and creative growth. The school is situated amongst 7 acres of rolling countryside in Richmond Hill. Classrooms are nestled among the treetops offering students a serene and natural learning environment. Students develop the understanding of the interconnectedness between self, others and the natural environment.

At Vistara, every child is seen, nurtured, and encouraged to grow.

Learn what makes us unique! 16 The Byron Shire Echo November 4, 2026

Scan for o Website ur

LLU M V E T

vistara.nsw.edu.au

services now available at Mullum Vet. Please call our friendly staff on 6684 3818 to make a booking. www.echo.net.au

MULLUMBIMBY ON SALE WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY FRESH PRODUCE SPECIALS Raspberries 125g Punnet

Watermelon

$ 49

each

Broccolini Bunch

Celery Bunch

2 for

$ 99

$ 00

each

DELI & MEAT SPECIALS Potato and Egg Salad

1899

Beef Sausages

2499

WE STAND BEHIND OUR FRESH FOOD

We guarantee our fresh food will always be fresh, or we’ll replace it and refund your money.*

DINO’S IGA MULLUMBIMBY 62 BURRINGBAR STREET • PH 6684 2207

*Conditions apply. Specials available Wednesday 4/11/26 – Sunday 8/11/26. Limits may apply. We reserve the right to correct printing errors.

www.echo.net.au

November 4, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 17

The

Good Life Good Taste Dining Guide

Check the vital details of some of the region’s finest foodies. BRUNSWICK HEADS

PACIFIC BISTRO AT BRUNSWICK HEADS BOWLING CLUB

Good food, great value, and no fuss! Enjoy fresh meals, pub favourites, burgers, weeknight specials, fortnightly chef’s specials, and Sunday roasts in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Check Facebook for the latest menu! Open: Tuesday–Sunday, 12–2pm and 5–8pm Address: 107 Tweed Street, Brunswick Heads brunswickbowlingclub.com @brunswickheadsbowlingclub

BYRON BAY MANNA HAVEN

100% whole food, plant-based, house-made meals that are delicious and full of love. Celebrating 20 years in Byron! Open: Mon to Fri 11am–3pm Address: 97 Jonson Street, Byron Bay mannahaven.com.au

THE BELONGIL

A world-class, multi-venue dining and lifestyle destination at the heart of Belongil Beach, Byron Bay. Open: Belongil Kiosk: 7 days a week, 6:30am–4pm Belongil Bistro: Wednesday–Sunday, 11:30 til late Feu – Dinner: from 5pm Thursday to Saturday, Lunch from 12pm Friday to Sunday Address: 33-35 Childe Street, Byron Bay Contact: 02 5643 9377 reservations@belongilgroup.com belongilgroup.com • @thebelongil

BAYSIDE YAKINIKU CLUB BY YUKO

Authentic Japanese Charcoal Restaurant Premium Australian Wagyu, homemade sauces, fermented food, rice bowls and deli salads. Open: Wednesday to Sunday Lunch 12pm–3pm Dinner 5.30pm–8.30pm Address: 1/14 Bay Street, Byron Bay Contact: 0493 565 508 @bayside_yakiniku _club

THREE BLUE DUCKS

At The Farm enjoy a wander in the fields, meet the animals, and picnic in the sun… there really is something for everyone. Open: Monday – Friday 8am–4pm Saturday 8am– 6.30pm Sunday 8am–8pm Address: The Farm, 11 Ewingsdale Road, Ewingsdale www.threeblueducks.com/byron

18 The Byron Shire Echo November 4, 2026

NO BONES BYRON BAY

Vegan Kitchen + Bar $20 Carbonara Mondays – every Monday until sold out. Happy hour – $14 cocktails from 5-6pm every night. Live jazz – first friday of every month from 6.30pm. Open: 7 nights from 5pm Address: 11 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay @nobonesrestaurants

ROCA BYRON BAY

Latin fusion restaurant blending deeply rooted Latin American traditions, with innovative techniques and a flair for presentation. Open: every day except Wednesday 6.30am to late Address: 14 Lawson Street, Byron Bay www.rocabyronbay.com.au

FOREST BYRON BAY Rainforest views, farm-to-table dining, and a menu showcasing the best of Northern Rivers produce. Open: 7 days: Breakfast 7.30–10.30am Lunch on verandah 12–3pm Dinner 5.30–9pm Address: 77-97 Broken Head Road, Byron Bay crystalbrookcollection.com/byron/forest

BOMBAY TO BYRON AUTHENTIC INDIAN FOOD

Serving Indian food to Byron Bay for last 12 years. Open: Monday 4.30pm–9.30pm, Tuesday to Sunday 12 noon–3pm and 4.30pm–9.30pm Address : 3/93 Jonson Street Byron Bay Contact: 02 6680 7437 bombaytobyron@gmail.com

WILSONS CREEK

THREEWAYS OF THE VALLEY

Nestled in the lush Wilsons Creek rainforest, a beautiful destination for seasonal dining, nature and community. Live music: Fridays, 5:30pm–7:30pm. Rain or shine, the valley comes alive! Private parties and events: Enquiries welcome! Open: Breakfast & Lunch: Wed–Sun, 8am–3pm Friday evenings: 4pm–8pm Address: 10 Huonbrook Road, Wilsons Creek Contact: 0421 054 804 www.threeways.store @threeways_of_the_valley

www.echo.net.au/good-taste

www.echo.net.au

The

Good Life A new season on the plate at The Imperial Hotel

Stone fruit season has arrived! There’s something special about biting into a perfectly ripe peach or nectarine, with juice running down your chin and the taste of summer in every mouthful. Stone fruit season is now underway, and local grower Rajesh Kumar is bringing a beautiful selection of fresh fruit to the farmers’ markets. Growing low-chill stone fruit varieties suited to our subtropical climate, Rajesh’s season usually kicks off in late September or early October with early peaches and nectarines. As the season progresses, plums and later varieties follow, with picking hopefully continuing right through to Christmas, depending on the weather. With around 15 different varieties of peaches and nectarines growing on his farm, Rajesh has plenty of variety to offer throughout the season. Growing both early and late varieties also helps extend the picking season, giving customers the chance to enjoy fresh local stone fruit for longer. He also grows something a little different, called a ‘nectacot’, a cross between a nectarine and an apricot.

So, what’s the secret to enjoying stone fruit at its best? Rajesh recommends keeping it simple and eating it fresh. If your fruit isn’t quite ripe, leave it on the kitchen bench to soften. Placing it in a paper bag or near a banana can help speed up the ripening process. Growing stone fruit in our humid climate does come with its challenges, particularly disease and fruit fly. Rajesh says good pruning, keeping trees clear and thinning out excess fruit are important. Giving fruit plenty of space to grow helps reduce disease and allows the tree to put its energy into producing bigger, sweeter fruit. So, make the most of stone fruit season while it’s here. Come and meet Rajesh, have a chat about his varieties and enjoy the taste of locally grown summer fruit!

Graeme and Kye at the Imperial Hotel, with a sample of seasonal food. Photos supplied

■ Find Rajesh every Friday at Mullum

Farmers Market from 7am to 11am, and every Tuesday at New Brighton Farmers Market from 7am to 11am.

Byron’s Sunday Golden Hour

From Sunday, 1 November, Three Blue Ducks is launching Golden Hour at The Farm Byron Bay, with freshly shucked oysters, live music and happy hour drinks every Sunday afternoon. Every Sunday from 3pm to 4.30pm, guests can settle in with $3 oysters, snacks, $15 cocktails, $10 beers and $10 wines, alongside live sets from favourite local acts including Jazz Dads, Mango Brothers and Luke Yeaman with the Ducks’ famous Sunday Roast starting from 4.30pm. Where: Three Blue Ducks, The Farm, Byron Bay When: Every Sunday from 1 November, 3pm to 4.30pm More info: www.threeblueducks.com www.echo.net.au

COFFEE SH

As summer approaches, the Imperial Hotel in Murwillumbah has once again let the seasons shape what’s on the plate. For Head Chef Graeme and the kitchen team, seasonal menu changes aren’t about completely reinventing the bistro – they’re about making thoughtful tweaks to familiar favourites, and introducing new dishes that make the most of produce when it is at its freshest, most flavourful and abundant. It’s an approach that changes naturally throughout the year. Winter saw dishes built around heirloom beetroots, house-made sunflower hummus and slow-cooked brisket, while the warmer months bring a different kind of abundance to the table – think fresh tomato salads, basil and macadamia pesto, and chargrilled corn on the cob. Much of that produce is sourced from Northern Rivers growers, producers and suppliers, helping the kitchen stay connected to what’s growing around the region. Local producers

including Pita Line, Dona Cholita, Salumi Australia, Debra Allard, Bay Ravioli, Byron Bay Mozzarella, and more, all contribute to the Impy’s menu, bringing a distinctly local flavour to the kitchen. There’s a sustainability consideration behind the seasonal approach, too. Working with produce when it is naturally at its best means making the most of what the region has in abundance, while reducing the need to rely on out-ofseason ingredients. It’s a simple approach, but one that makes sense for both the kitchen and the region it calls home. That same attention to quality extends to the everyday details. Gravies and relishes are made fresh in-house from scratch, fish is fresh rather than frozen, and even the crowd-favourite fried chicken burger is freshly battered and cooked to order – never pulled from a packet. The result is food that still feels unmistakably like the Impy: generous, familiar and

relaxed, but with a stronger connection to the season and the place it comes from. Restaurant-quality pub classics sit alongside seasonal house specials, and lighter options made for long summer lunches, easy dinners and everything in between. And, naturally, there’s plenty to drink alongside it. The Impy’s public bar boasts 32 beers on tap, including local heroes such as Spangled Drongo, alongside a broad selection of Australian favourites. This summer, the Impy is celebrating the best of what’s close to home – fresh produce, local producers, good food and the relaxed pub culture that makes the Tweed Valley such a special place to eat and drink. It’s a menu that follows the seasons, stays connected to its community and gives diners another reason to pull up a chair at the pink pub. ■ For menus, upcoming

events, accommodation, private functions and more, visit impy.com.au.

Open 6am – 12pm Monday – Saturday Shop 6/108 Stuart Street Mullumbimby. @bimbi_coffee_shop ALLPRESS ESPRESSSO

CELEBRATIONS Cakes by Liz Jackson

lizzijjackson@gmail.com 0414 895 441 Gluten-free and special dietary needs catered for. November 4, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 19

Mungo from the Bardo Soapbox www.echo.net.au/soap-box

Crossword by Mungo MacCallum 1

#34

Don’t scrape

9 10

17 18

22 23

Cryptic Clues

Quick Clues

ACROSS

1. Autograph letter? Well, it should have at least one name on it (4,4) 5. Reach up to a steeple (6) 10. Driven icon – a load that makes a genius (8,2,5) 11. Jacket for a 20th century 1 down, perhaps (3,4) 12. Cold-shouldered soldier retreats: communists absent! (7) 13. Small horn for a harlot (8) 15. A year old, we went around the island and found an apeman! (5) 18. Covered chicken? (5) 20. Peculiar itch? It’s covered by the male principle, sport (8) 23. Throw up over mother? Play it again! (7) 25. For example corkscrews first pair in (7) 26. Idle line officer, perhaps, but some say a 20th century 10 across – certainly a compatriot (8,7) 27. Owing 51 to island turn (6) 28. This causes a reaction and makes everyone awfully green (8)

1. Roadside marker giving directions (4,4) 5. Log for, aim for (6) 10. Renaissance Italian polymath (8,2,5) 11. Raunchy Hollywood star of yesteryear (3,4) 12. Shunned, took no notice of (7) 13. Loose woman, prostitute (8) 15. Australian apeman, big foot (5) 18. Castrated cockerel (5) 20. Olympic water sport (8) 23. Return bout (7) 25. First two batsmen (7) 26. Famous Italian film director (8,7) 27. Responsible, answerable (6) 28. Substance causing allergic reaction (8)

DOWN

1. Daughter of King Herod (6) 2. Nazi marching gait (9) 3. Tableland, mesa (7) 4. Former Egyptian president Anwar … (5) DOWN 6. Three score and ten (7) 1. Seductress who put commercial 7. Interior, not outer (5) transaction over honour (6) 8. Offender, sinner (8) 2. Gunk to ooze over the road, but 9. Sea between Italy and Greece (8) march aggressively (9) 14. Clairvoyants, telepaths (8) 3. Flatten out mountain raised above tellurium and gold (7) 16. Rambling, meandering (9) 4. Raise a little bit like Egypt’s Anwar (5) 17. Contemptuous, mocking (8) 6. Nothing odd in enclosure, but that’s 19. Not artificial (7) all you’re allotted! (7) 21. Where the unexpected comes from: 7. Bar the queen? Good shot, but not out of … (3,4) quite (5) 22. Allot, appoint (6) 8. English more obscene about act for 24. Daughter of King Aeetes who sinner (8) escaped with Jason (5) 9. These days atmosphere rises; 25. Meat organs such as liver and temperature 99 in the sea off Croatia kidneys (5) (8) 14. Clairvoyants offer a sound of regret Last week’s solution #33 followed by cheap thrills, they say (8) T R A F F I C J A M B E A M I L A A Q W R I 16. Rambling and fading away as the B E L L M A N U T O P I A N wine rises inside (9) E E I E E R C U 17. Contemptuous of a little callous and R I G O L E T T O K R A F T nasty flu (8) O Y O U F E 19. Old town in African city; it’s perfectly C A R O B N O S M O K I N G normal (7) L I E R N U E C C E N T R I C T I T A N 21. Surprises come out of the fight (3,4) O E E A H H 22. Allot idiot one general direction (6) P R O O F M A P L E L E A F 24. Old Iranian, a wife for Jason (5) A P I O T D M R T R A I T O R I S O L A T E 25. Rotten Gore – liver, maybe (5)

■ Crossword circa 2009

STARS BY LILITH Don’t expect things to go to plan during the last week of this year’s densest retrogrades. Do hang in there, stay calm and smile where you can until Mercury and Venus move forward next week…

SCORPIO THE SCORPIO

A L S O

B E A N F E A S T S

he arts are an essential industry. We need artists as much as we need accountants. We need dancers as much as we need doctors. We need comedians as much as we need civil engineers. We need filmmakers as much as we need financial planners. We need musicians as much as we need ministers. In every culture that has ever existed, art has been there. Not as decoration. Not as entertainment. But as a central universal human expression reflecting values, beliefs, and our daily lives and dreams. Early humans didn’t paint their caves beige, they told stories on their walls with paintings. It was their Netflix. They came home after a big hunt, watched cave art and chilled. The creative arts is how we make sense of the world. It’s long-form critique. It’s esoteric. It’s ephemeral. It touches a wordless space inside us. It moves our body. It makes us laugh. It makes us cry. It makes us angry and uncomfortable. It exposes our vulnerability. It rages against the machine. It says the unsayable. It’s beautiful at some times, and at others it’s dangerous. It asks us to reflect. It asks us to tolerate different ideas. Art has no algorithm. It doesn’t farm us into channels of consumers, ready for ideological slaughter. It treats us with respect. It invites us to the table and then asks us, is this even a table? Art makes us think. Art connects us. It’s our HI – human intelligence. And it’s our only protection against the monster that is AI. Stop using AI to make your artwork. It’s repellent. Every time I see a poster made by AI it tells me the event is inauthentic and lazy. It’s creepy lack of creativity hollows out the human experience. It literally makes my skin crawl. Every poster you make with AI steals from the future of an artist not yet born. And all that have ever existed. AI is a digital thief. Right now, AI art scraping is harvesting artwork

ARIES: Computer glitches, lost keys, internet meltdowns and travel delays are all potential features on this week’s astral agenda, so if travelling allow extra time in transit, have a backup plan-B handy, keep rechecking times and itineraries. Good news? There’s plenty of erotic chemistry simmering, giving relationships extra sizzle.

MANDY

N O LA N

’S

Big Tech is digitally colonising cultural knowledge. Then selling it on Temu. on the web and using it to train generative intelligence models. That means the dance company who put up videos of their latest show, artists who have websites to display their work, writers, makers, musicians and comedians – we are all having our work stolen and digitally defaced without creator content or payment. The capitalist extractors have taken the oil from the planet, and now they extract our human oil. The secret to what makes us human, to our complexity, to our loneliness, our longing, our lives; well it lives in our art. It is the essence of us. And they are sucking it from our marrow. And those supposed to protect us, well they are just letting this happen. And right now, AI is stealing Indigenous Australian art. In a story in The Guardian this week they expose how Big Tech is digitally colonising cultural knowledge. Then selling it on Temu. Like a stolen car with a sloppy paint job, art is slightly changed, or altered, creating a kind of confusion and misinformation, removing artist’s hands

and hearts. Consent doesn’t exist. This isn’t just scraping. This is Big Tech’s invisible hands touching us. This is cultural raping. And artists can’t say ‘no’. There is no place for consent. If your work is on a platform, anywhere in the digital space, you are at risk. We need our artists. And AI knows this. It’s no coincidence that they’re stealing our universal language and making it theirs. Creatives are our frontline in protecting everything that is unique about us. We must stop Big Tech from stealing our human hearts. Make art. House artists. Support and respect the important work they do. And stop the monster scraping us. ■ Mandy Nolan’s column has

appeared in The Echo for almost 25 years. She is a writer, comedian and artist, is the preselected Greens candidate for Ballina and was the Greens candidate at the past two federal elections.

CANCER: Mercury retrograde in your sector of personal expression makes this a good week to revisit creative projects. With Venus in your home zone, you’re in your watery element, but if her retrograde status has domestic life a little itchy and scratchy, then it’s time to schedule ‘the talk’.

LIBRA: Yes, the crossed wires and mixed messages of Venus/Mercury retrogrades will eventually start clearing up next week as it becomes obvious that sharing resources beats hoarding them. Meanwhile, consider where it might benefit you to form strategic partnerships with a view to joining forces and/or finances.

TAURUS: November’s emphasis in your opposite and complementary sign on the astro-wheel creates a bridge between your physical and spiritual realms to access inner wisdom from the subconscious about your body, mind, life. With everyone’s nerves a little on edge, steer clear of button-pushers and resist any urges to troubleshoot.

LEO: Venus in your communication centre, and celestial messenger Mercury in your home zone, both retrograde, are inviting you to downshift and enjoy more quiet time, connecting with your inner circle. It’s also a good week for giving your workspace and/or domestic setting a cosmetic upgrade.

CAPRICORN: The current Mercury cycle in your astro-sector of intellectual curiosity and humanitarian initiative could ignite your inner activist’s desire to make the world a better place this week. But trying to force answers isn’t going to work, so be patient, keep your options flexible and your sense of humour intact. AQUARIUS: There are profound transformations – emotional, spiritual and financial – occurring during the current intense transit, and they depend on your Aquarian willingness to see beyond the status quo to alternative possibilities. To ask yourself how can I look at this differently? And what might be possible?

GEMINI: If unsuspected depths of your personality emerge during this intense month, try not to overreact. Simply shadow-dance as gracefully as you can till your planet mentor Mercury moves forward next week. Meanwhile, watch what you post socially; this is not the time to be an open book.

VIRGO: Your ruling planet Mercury has settled into your sector of communication and expression for all of November. The catch is that this week it’s retrograde, so tread carefully. Venus retrograde is offering a golden opportunity to revisit the past to see how you could make things better in the present.

SCORPIO: Contradictory November sees your sultry season escalating emotional heat, while Mercury/Venus retrogrades make matters of love, money and communication tricky. As this month’s new chapter highlights your spiritual and financial investments, shared resources and mergers, best wait until next week’s retrograde reversals before making moves. SAGITTARIUS: Your planet leader Jupiter’s currently in show-off mode, but as this month demonstrates the power of restraint, subtlety is your secret weapon. Quiet confidence often speaks louder than flashy announcements, and a sense of intrigue can keep people leaning in, wanting more. And this week, less is more.

PISCES: Don’t be surprised or upset if feelings run hot and cold during this week’s Venus retreat. Do use Mercury in your zone of candid conversation to get some things off your chest, though when having the honest conversation on awkward or uncomfortable topics, it’s advisable to choose your words carefully.

20 The Byron Shire Echo November 4, 2026

www.echo.net.au

the arts Artist in focus TURN YOUR STORY INTO A SCULPTURE For Northern Rivers sculptor Ben Bewley, sculpture is a way of telling stories that words cannot. He works primarily with reclaimed timber and driftwood, drawing inspiration from the natural world allowing the characteristics and history of each piece to guide him. Bewley creates animate forms that invite viewers to connect with something deeper within themselves. His practice explores humanity’s innate connection to the Earth, seeking to inspire a renewed relationship with the living world and a deeper appreciation of our place within it. A significant milestone in Ben’s artistic journey came when his piece Invocation received the flagship Shillam Award at the Brisbane Sculpture Festival in August, earlier this year. The recognition has supported him to keep pushing the boundaries of his practice and sharing his work with wider audiences.

Ben Bewley

Now entering a new chapter as a father, Ben finds himself reflecting more deeply on life, legacy and the world we leave for future generations. Ben welcomes opportunities to collaborate with individuals, businesses, architects and interior designers to create meaningful, bespoke sculptural works, alongside exhibiting select large and small-scale originals in resorts, retreats, shopfronts and other considered indoor and outdoor spaces. His work brings sculpture into diverse environments beyond the traditional gallery setting. 0498 362 759 hi@benbewley.com.au @ben_bewley_art

BALLINA ART SOCIETY

BALLINA ART SOCIETY 2026 ART EXHIBITION

13, 14 & 15 November - TINTENBAR HALL

High and Dry - Helen Craig

Opening Hours: Friday: 1pm – 5pm | Opening & Awards Ceremony: 6pm – 8pm Saturday: 10am – 5pm | Sunday: 10am – 4pm Come along and discover the latest and finest artworks by our talented local artists!. All artworks are for sale! Enjoy delicious homemade treats and refreshments available on Saturday and Sunday. Proudly supported by our sponsors: Next Level Picture Framing | BFramed | Shelly Beach Café | Bunnings

www.echo.net.au

BALLINA ART SOCIETY

BEN BEWLEY SCULPTOR

LET’S TURN YOUR STORY INTO A SCULPTURE. COLLABORATIVE STORY TELLING, by you, earth & artist.

Celebrate over five decades of artistic excellence at the Ballina Art Society’s 54th Annual Exhibition – this is a much-loved two-and-a-half day event showcasing the diverse and vibrant talents of our local creative community. Take a scenic drive to the charming and historic Tintenbar Hall where over 160 recent; and original artworks by our accomplished; and emerging local artists are displayed. Entry is free and all the artworks are reasonably priced. This is a perfect opportunity to discover regional talent and perhaps purchase a truly unique piece for your home or collection. Refreshments and home-made treats will be available on Saturday and Sunday which you can enjoy on the shady veranda. Open: Friday 13 November to Sunday 15 November. ballinaartsociety.com.au

2 0 27 C O M M ISSIO NS O P EN NOR TH ER N R I VER S, NSW

0498 362 759 · info@benbewleyart.com ·

ben_bewley_art

November 4, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 21

ART GALLERIES ARTIST’S STUDIO GALLERY Byron Bay. Landscape inspired works imparting a ‘spirit of place’. Open by appointment 02 6685 5317 jaypearse.com

LONE GOAT GALLERY

BANGALOW FINE ART Consultancy / Sales / Valuations bangalowfineart.com.au

Spend the day, meet the makers, shop local and

BLACK FIG GALLERY Exhibiting Northern Rivers artists Shop 7, Alstonville Plaza Wednesday to Friday 10am–4pm and Sat 10am–2pm (or by appointment) 0480 676 957 blackfiggallery.com.au @blackfiggallery BYRON CLAY WORKERS GALLERY Fairview Studios Open 10am–4pm Saturdays and Sundays John Stewart 0406 404 335 byronclayworkersgallery.com.au BLUE KNOB GALLERY 719 Blue Knob Road, Lillian Rock Open Thursday to Sunday 10am–3pm 02 6689 7449 blueknobgallery.com

28 Lawson St, Byron Bay (located in the Byron Library building) Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am–4pm lonegoatgallery.com M-ARTS PRECINCT handmade 105 Wollumbin St, Murwillumbah Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am @m.arts.precinct m-arts.com.au/ MULLUMBIMBY CLAYWORKERS GALLERY Drill Hall Complex, 2 Jubilee Ave, Mullumbimby Open Thursday to Saturday 11am–3pm mullumclayworkers.com MZ GALLERY Byron Bay Contemporary Artspace 57 Tennyson Street, Byron Bay 0468 718 045 byronartspace.com.au NINBELLA GALLERY Open Mon–Sat 10–4pm & Sun 10–2pm 19a Byron Street, Bangalow 0429 357 274 ninbella.com

BURRINGBAR GALLERY Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am–4pm (or by appointment) 0408 998 446 6184 Tweed Valley Way, Burringbar burringbargallery.com.au

NEWRYBAR ART COLLECTIVE Gallery and Art Studio showcasing local artists 12 Old Pacific Highway, Newrybar Monday to Saturday 10am–3pm, Wednesday 10am–7pm

GALLERY COSMOSIS Visionary Art 22 Brigantine Street, Byron Bay Open Thursday to Saturday 10.30am–3pm or by appointment 0431 331 205 gallerycosmosis.com

0412 264 312

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

nrcgballina.com.au

H’ART GALLERY Local art in the heart of Mullum at Mullumbimby Comprehensive Health Centre 60 Stuart Street, Mullumbimby 0401 647 325 solveig.com.au

planetcorroboree.com.au

HAVEN GALLERY 102 Jonson St, Byron Bay Open 10am–8pm, seven days a week havengallerybyron.com

the arts

@newrybarartcollective NORTHERN RIVERS COMMUNITY GALLERY Cnr Cherry & Crane Streets, Ballina Open Wed–Fri 9am–3pm, Sat–Sun 9.30am–1pm 02 6681 0530

ART IN THE HEART OF MULLUMBIMBY: EXHIBITION 12 Mullumbimby Comprehensive Health Centre is once again transformed into a gallery as the H’Art Gallery unveils its 12th exhibition. With ten artists and more than 30 works across painting, printmaking, and mixed media, this show celebrates both the reach and intimacy of local creativity. Bessminda Groves brings muscular emotional weight to oil on canvas - her works Hope is a Thing with Claws and Happenstance bristle with tension and surrender. Bill Veale’s sweeping coastal acrylics trace the Broken Head headlands with quiet awe. Blair Ferguson offers tender, small-scale studies of local rivers and beaches in ink and oil. Brendan Kelly returns with bold, conceptually-charged work, including the striking Corellas. Edward Sach contributes a deeply personal piece navigating cancer survival with colour and grace. Karena Wynn-Moylan’s luminous oils move from coastal light to fallen birds, always with reverence. Marika Bryant fills the room with lyrical mixed media that blur landscape and lived experience. Sally Green brings richly textured abstracts drawing on outback pigments and arctic cool alike. Spero Jones delivers visceral, polymer-varnished works pulsing with elemental force. And curator Solveig anchors the exhibition with signature graphic impressions – from moonlit botanicals to deep neural explorations. Together they remind us that art doesn’t just decorate a health centre - it heals it. Mullumbimby Comprehensive Health Centre 60 Stuart St, Mullumbimby

PLANET CORROBOREE Aboriginal Art & Australian Gifts Open Everyday 10am–6pm 1/69 Jonson Street Byron Bay

TWEED REGIONAL GALLERY & MARGARET

gallery

GALLERY GALLERY

OLLEY ART CENTRE Art Centre Gallery hours Wed–Sun 10am–4pm Café open Wed–Fri 10am–4pm, Sat–Sun 9am–4pm 2 Mistral Rd, Murwillumbah 02 6670 2790

GALLERY

gallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au

Art in the heart INSPIRED LOCAL ART

22 The Byron Shire Echo November 4, 2026

www.echo.net.au

NEWRYBAR ART COLLECTIVE Nestled in the historic Byron Bay hinterland, Newrybar village beautifully blends its 1880s heritage with a thriving creative community. A long-standing haven for showcasing local artisans, the village features the Newrybar Art Collective, a welcoming gallery, in a beautiful house, offering affordable, original fine arts from regional talent through rotating exhibits where you can meet the artists at work and engage with their practice. Beyond the gallery, visitors can explore the vibrant cafe and boutiques in the village. Monday to Saturday from 10am to 3pm, Wednesday 10am to 7pm. 12 Old Pacific Highway, Newrybar @newrybarartcollective

CERTIFICATE III IN VISUAL ARTS (CUA31125) February 2027 applications now open! Turn your creativity into a qualification! Explore painting, printmaking, drawing, art theory and more with guidance from experienced artists and tutors. Whether you’re starting your creative journey, or looking to develop your skills, there’s a course for you. Applications open now! Interviews start in November. Get in quick! This training is subsidised by the NSW Government. Limited subsidised places are available for eligible applicants.

the arts LITTLE HEARTIST STUDIO – WHERE HEART AND ART MEET

byroncollege.org.au 02 6684 3374 customercare@byroncollege.org.au

Nestled in Bangalow’s beautiful Lumber Yard precinct, Little Heartist Studio celebrates imagination, handmade treasures, and the joy of making. Discover beautiful gifts from local and Australian makers, intentional craft experiences, children’s workshops and creative gatherings. A space where little hands create, imaginations flourish, and meaningful memories are made, one little masterpiece at a time. The Lumber Yard, Bangalow hello@littleheartist.com.au Instagram: @littleheartiststudio

BYRON WRITERS FESTIVAL 2027 FESTIVAL DATES Byron Writers Festival has announced that the 2027 festival will take place from Friday, 20 August to Sunday, 22 August, 2027. Following the success of the sold-out 2026 event, the festival will return to the heart of Byron Bay again in 2027. ‘We’re grateful to the writers, partners, volunteers and, of course, our audience who welcomed the festival so warmly into the Byron CBD,’ said Artistic Director/CEO Jessica Alice. ‘We’re looking forward

to further embedding the festival into the town and presenting another stellar lineup of writers, musicians and artists from around Australia and the world.’ The 2027 program launch date, including headline authors and ticketing details, will be announced in the new year. Ticket-buyers are encouraged to subscribe to the festival’s mailing list for early access to updates. www.byronwritersfestival.com

NEWRYBAR ART COLLECTIVE

Creative Studio + Store The Lumber Yard, Bangalow NSW E: hello@littleheartist.com.au | Instagram: @littleheartiststudio

‘27 ‘27

Festival Festival dates dates announced announced

11 November Meet the Artists Event Join us for a drink 4-7pm @newrybarartcollective

ART GALLERY FEATURING LOCAL ARTISTS 12 Old Pacific Hwy Newrybar 2479 www.echo.net.au

Mon-Sat 10am-3pm

20—22 August August 2027 20—22 2027 Subscribe Subscribe Subscribe Subscribe

byronwritersfestival.com byronwritersfestival.com byronwritersfestival.com byronwritersfestival.com November 4, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 23

Mullumbimby Show 2026 6, 7 & 8 November Mullumbimby Showground The Mullumbimby Annual Show is on this weekend, with three action-packed days of events, competitions, displays and entertainment. Earlier this year, the 2025 Mullumbimby Show received Byron Shire Council’s ‘Community Initiative of the Year’ award. This year, everyone is welcomed back for another great show weekend.

Friday – Free entry The three-day show begins on Friday, with free entry for everyone. • From 9am: stock horse judging, followed by trotting demonstrations and the Australian Stockman’s Challenge. • From lunchtime: Side Show Alley, the BBQ and bar open.

Saturday – A full day of entertainment Gate opening times • 6.30am: Chinbible Gate opens for car parking within the showground. • 8am: Main Gate opens for pedestrians only. Events and attractions • Horse judging, show jumping, beef cattle judging, pavilion judging and trotting demonstrations. • Truck show. • Side Show Alley, trade stalls, food vans and displays. • Petting zoo, reptile show, The Cupcakes, antique machinery, traditional woodworking and camp oven demonstrations. • Mower races, chainsaw sculpture and wood chops. • Main Stage entertainment from 10.30am. • Official opening at 2pm and the popular Mullum Mullet competition later in the afternoon.

Evening highlights Enjoy the Air Time FMX Bike Show before fireworks at 8pm, with One Two Many Band playing on the Main Stage until 9pm. The BBQ and bar are open all day. Photos supplied by Sarah Archibald

GOOD TIMES, COLD BEER, LIVE MUSIC, TASTY MEALS

Proud supporter of The Mullum Show The mullum co-op is a rural hub for products, advice & community Garden Centre Animal Feeds Fencing & Turf Mullum Co-Op

02 6684 2239

Water & Land Management Fuel 24/7

Bulk Aggregates, Soils, Mulches Rocks & Pavers

Wards Landscape Supplies

02 6684 2323

58 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby | 6684 2533 www.mullumexservices.com.au

24 The Byron Shire Echo November 4, 2026

www.echo.net.au

Mullumbimby Show 2026

Timetable of events

6, 7 & 8 November Mullumbimby Showgrounds

Friday 6 November 6.30am

Gates open, horse entries open

7 – 9am

Pavilion entry items drop off to main pavilion

9am – 12.30pm

Horse judging

9am – 3pm

Membership available at Showground Secretary Office

1pm approx

Australian Stockman’s Challenge

3 – 7pm

Trotting demonstration Side Show Alley – limited

Saturday 7 November

Sunday 8 November ALL DAY ACTIVITIES Reptile shows Traditional woodworking demonstrations Trotting all day Petting zoo Dinki Di train rides Afternoon Show n Shine Cars and Bikes lap Motorbike barrel racing Air Time bike shows HLS trick riding performance Trotting final

MORNING

ALL DAY ACTIVITIES Camp oven demonstrations Antique machinery and tractors on display Dinki Di train rides Trotting all day Traditional woodworking demonstrations Reptile shows Petting zoo Horse events Woodchop demonstrations Chainsaw sculpture Afternoon Mower races Air Time FMX Bike shows

MORNING 6.30am

Gates open, horse entries open

8am

Horse & show jumping competitions start Side Show Alley open

9am

Beef cattle judging starts Main pavilion open

10am

Welcome and sponsors thank you Ring announcer John Norris BBQ and bar open

10.30am

On stage Ray Essery

11am

Petting zoo open Spaghetti Circus performance - $8 entry

11.30am

Trucks enter showgrounds

11.45am

The Cupcakes – Stilt walker roving entertainment

AFTERNOON 12.30 – 2pm

On Stage - Trouble of the Good Spaghetti Circus Performance - $8 entry

2 – 2.30pm

Offical Opening & Grand Parade

2.45pm

Truck show presentation

3 – 4.30pm

On stage - Swamp Cats

4.30pm

Mullum Mullet

5.30 – 9pm

On Stage - One Two Many Band

8pm

Fireworks

8am

Show jumping competitions start Main pavilion open Side Show Alley open

10am

BBQ and bar open Show n Shine cars and bikes display

10am – 12pm

On stage - Schools Rock (primary schools)

10.30am

Pet show

11am

Petting zoo open

AFTERNOON 12.15 – 1pm

Ring events and recorded music

1 – 5pm

Mullumbimby High School bands

2pm

Pavillion Sale – proceeds to Westpac Helicopter

Mullumbimby Show 2026 6th, 7th & 8th November Mullumbimby Showgrounds

Airtim e FMX Freestyle Motocross

Woodchops ~ Traditional Woodworking activities ~ All Breeds Horsemanship Challenge ~ Mullum Mullet ~ King Brown Camp Oven King ~ HLS Trick riding show ~ Trotting display ~ Bar and BBQ ~ Coffee Van ~ Show Jumping ~ Horses ~ Beef Cattle ~ Poultry THEME ~ Mullumbimby Truck Show ~ Spaghetti Circus Performances ~ Pavilion arts & crafts ~ Reptile World ~ Children’s Petting Zoo ~ Mower Racing ~ Ray Essery ~ Show ‘n’ Shine Cars & motorbikes ~ Airtime FMX Bike Show ~ Pet Show ~ Schools Rock ~ Fireworks ~ Food Trucks ~ Showmens Guild Rides & Sideshow Alley ~ Antique Machinery ~ Clay Play ~ Show Bags ~ Motorbike Barrel Racing ~ Stage Entertainment: Trouble of the Good ~ Swamp Cats ~ One Two Many Band Memberships available from secretary’s office at the showground on thursday 5th & friday 6th november from 9:00am to 3:00pm

For more information:

Tickets are available online at mullumbimbyshow.org.au or at the gate. www.echo.net.au

www.mullumbimbyshow.org.au MAJOR SPONSORS

November 4, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 25

Mullumbimby Show 2026 6, 7 & 8 November Mullumbimby Showgrounds

HIRING NOW

Reliable solutions for a complex world. OUR SERVICES

Engineering

Consulting

AGRIBUSINESS

CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE

Fabrication

Maintenance

DEFENCE

ENERGY

Rebuilds

Skilled Workforce

MINING

Transport

beltechgroup.au

Mullumbimby Newsagency See you at the show!

YOUR LOCAL STATIONERY SUPPLIERS. 2027 BOOK PACKS – CATERING FOR ALL SCHOOLS 44 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby • 02 6684 2127 stationary.mullumnews@gmail.com See you at the Mullum Show

Open till 12pm on Saturday

STEWART’S MENSWEAR 52-54 Burringbar street, Mullumbimby www.stewartsmenswear.com.au

THE VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1986

Music at the show The main stage at the Mullumbimby Show this year is going to bring you all local talent. Ranging from bush poetry to students as young as ten years old.

On Saturday, the main stage will start with some bush poetry from the legendary Ray Essery, a regular at the show for many a year. His audiences can be left in stitches with hilarious tales that reflect his years as a dairy farmer, navy man and Sydney pub manager. Following Ray, local four piece velvet alt-indie band Trouble of the Good will entertain you with some original songs. Regulars at Music in the Valley, their smooth psychedelic/folk/blues sounds will have you grooving into the afternoon. Spend the afternoon with the good-time party band Swamp Cats. Dropping the occasional chart hit, or Aussie rock classic, these legendary guys have been entertaining Mullum for a long time. Look forward to an afternoon of good old pub rock. Taking you into the evening, and the fireworks, the One 2 Many Band will entertain you with classic rock spanning from the ‘60s to now. All band members

live and work in the Mullumbimby/Byron area and have been playing in bands in and around the area for over 20 years. They have been a regular act at the show for the last four years and are feeling privileged to close the evening this year. Come along and have a dance and sing along with them from 5:30pm. Getting bigger and better every year, Sunday morning will be opened with Schools Rock. This segment will be filled with our young, local, talented musicians from surrounding primary schools. There is the special addition of a young performer who has been a regular in our Talent Quest in previous years. A favourite segment of the show, you can’t miss it, the talent we have in our local area is astounding. Schools Rock continues all day as Mullumbimby High School students are sprinkled throughout Sunday afternoon. Ranging from soloists to full bands, these students just keep getting better, and will entertain you, and amaze you with their talent. Make sure you hang around for that, you don’t want to miss it.

Supporting Mullum Agricultural Show

The Byron Shire Echo Community newspaper distributed free throughout Byron Shire and beyond every Wednesday.

www.echo.net.au The North Coast’s independent and free online daily news service. Check out The Echo for all the current events and goings on, plus lots of goodies such as:

Weekly gig guide What’s on event page Market guide Art gallery listing Restaurant guide

100% LOCAL 100% INDEPENDENT 26 The Byron Shire Echo November 4, 2026

MAIN ARM STORE MAIN ARM ROAD

XMAS PARTHY

CARPETS RUGS & VINYLS Ray Towers

FR IDAY D EC 4T

SANTA’S FREE BBQ 5.30-6.30PM WITH EATS. ARRIVAL AT 6PM WITH TR LIV E MU SIC TIL L LATE . PIZ ZA NI GH T ST ILL ON , BO OK IN GS ES SE NT IA L.

EV ERYONE W EL COM E!

Every Friday night is PIZZA NIGHT – from 5.30pm

6684 5588

Towers Drive, Mullumbimby PH 6684 2467 raytowerscarpets.com.au www.echo.net.au

Mullumbimby Show 2026 6, 7 & 8 November Mullumbimby Showgrounds

Entertainment stage Saturday 7 November 10 – 10.15am

Welcome and sponsor thanks

10.30 – 11am

Ray Essery bush poet

11.15am – 12.30pm

Recorded music

12.30 – 2pm

Trouble of the Good

2 – 2.30pm

Official Opening

2.45 – 3pm

Truck show trophy presentation

3 – 4.30pm

Swamp Cats

4.30 – 5pm

“Mullum Mullet”

5.30 – 9pm

The One Two Many band

Sunday 8 November 10am – 12pm

Schools Rock” (primary schools)

12.15 – 1pm

Ring events and recorded music

1 – 3pm

Mullumbimby High School bands

3.15 – 3.45pm

Mullumbimby High School bands

3.45 – 4.15pm

Mullumbimby High School bands

4.15 – 5pm

Mullumbimby High School bands

Photos supplied by Sarah Archibald

MULLUMBIMBY

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF THE

HEY…. HEY…. Which Which way way to to the the MULLUM MULLUM SHOW SHOW

MULLUM AGRICULTURAL SHOW SEE SEE U U THERE THERE Mullumbimby Mullumbimby & & Brunswick Brunswick Heads Heads

WE STAND BEHIND OUR FRESH FOOD

We guarantee our fresh food will always be fresh, or we’ll replace it and refund your money.*

DINO’S IGA MULLUMBIMBY 62 BURRINGBAR STREET • PH 6684 2207

www.echo.net.au

For For all all your your Property Property Sales Sales and and Rental Rental needs. needs. Proudly serving serving our our Community! Community! Proudly

Ph: Ph: 6684 6684 2615 2615

www: www: nclp.com.au nclp.com.au

November 4, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 27

Volume 41 #21 4–10 November, 2026 Editor: Eve Jeffery Editorial/gigs: gigs@echo.net.au Copy deadline: 5pm each Thursday Gig Guide deadline: 5pm each Friday Advertising: adcopy@echo.net.au P: 02 6684 1777 W: echo.net.au/entertainment

Seven days of entertainment

Legend Groove Terminator at the Nudge Nudge Nudge Wink Wink returns to the Billinudgel Hotel on Saturday with Australian dance music icon Groove Terminator headlining fresh local talent and our beloved residents – all ready to deliver a serious dose of dance delight, all while supporting youth mental health organisation Human Nature Adventure Therapy. Since 2015, Cunning Stunts has donated more than $466,972 to 42 local charities, proving that good music and giving back make an irresistible combination. A true ‘party with a conscience’. November’s musical menu line-up is looking delicious! From Groove Terminator’s uplifting house, disco and soul to Mirus’s deep, playful blend of house, techno and fat basslines, plus the genre-roaming sounds of the resident DJs Lord Sut and Dale Stephen; expect a night full of surprises, irresistible rhythms and dancefloor euphoria. Proceeds from the November and December events will support Human Nature Adventure Therapy, an award-winning, nationally accredited youth mental health organisation based on the Far North Coast of NSW. Human Nature provides free, relationship-based mental health support to young people aged 14 to 18 years who are experiencing complex challenges. The November event is on Saturday from 4pm to 11pm at the ‘world-famous’ Shed at Billinudgel Hotel. Buy tickets or, if sold out, you can still donate to Human Nature Adventure Therapy at bit.ly/Tickets_Nudge_Nov7. Missed out? Check Tixel for the only safe resale options – no scalpers here! Nudge Nudge Wink Wink, Season 11 continues on the first Saturday of each month through to June 2027. The next event will be held next month on Saturday, 5 December. Subscribe for ticket updates at cunningstunts.com.au.

35–43 JONSON ST BYRON BAY 6685 6454 THENORTHERN.COM.AU @thenorthernbyronbay

28 The Byron Shire Echo November 4, 2026

THUR 5 NOV

Tony Mango 6pm | DJ Renee Simone 9.15pm Duelling Piano Bar 8pm

FRI 6 NOV

THE BACKROOM: LE SHIV - ALBUM LAUNCH 8PM

SAT 7 NOV

Qwest 7pm | Kane Muir Trio 10.15pm Hypnotize 9pm | Duelling Piano Bar 8pm

SUN 8 NOV

Dan Hannaford 5pm | Vinyl Sunday ft Andrea Jones 8.15pm Duelling Piano Bar 9pm

MON 9 NOV

Jerome Williams 6pm | DJ Renee Simone 9.15pm Duelling Piano Bar 9pm

TUES 10 NOV

Marshall Okell 6pm | Duelling Piano Bar 9pm

WED 11 NOV

Hayley Grace 6pm | Duelling Piano Bar 9pm

JB’s Blues Breaker 7pm | DJ Quendo 10.15pm Duelling Piano Bar 8pm

LE SHIV

HYPNOTIZE

www.echo.net.au

Seven days of entertainment

Haven turns one: a three-day celebration Haven’s story starts with a supermarket. The venue at 102 Jonson Street occupies the former Woolworths building, a site presented as a temporary home for music and community, before the building is eventually redeveloped. Instead of hiding that impermanence, the team made it the point. The space was built entirely from salvaged materials, turning a commercial site into a cultural one which is reminiscent of a futuristic PanAsian set from Blade Runner and Ghost in the Shell. Haven was created by father and son Corr and Jai Piccone. Oliver Buckworth and Zelimir Harasty led the fitout and artistic design, with lighting by Conor McCallum and Tony Funicello. A year after opening its doors, Haven is marking the occasion with a three-day anniversary weekender, this coming Friday to Sunday. FRIDAY: DAY ONE (5PM TO MIDNIGHT) London’s Midland leads the night with a genre-defying sound that moves between house, techno and breaks. His 2024 debut album Fragments of Us appeared on best-of-year lists at Resident Advisor, Mixmag and DJ Mag. Joining him is Nice Girl, the New Zealand-born, Melbourne-based Ruby Kerkhofs, whose playful, psychedelic sets range from trippy house to hypnotic techno. Haven residents Jai Piccone and Exxy play a back-toback set. SATURDAY: DAY TWO (5PM TO MIDNIGHT) Italian producer Cioz takes over in collaboration with Flow Music, bringing psychedelic house and driving rhythms. Brisbane’s Phil Smart, named Australian DJ of the Year at the 2000 National Dance Music Awards, plays alongside fellow Brisbane artist Winona Router. Haven resident Asha Franco opens with sundowner sets. SUNDAY: DAY THREE 2PM TO 10PM, OPEN AIR ON THE TERRACE) The weekend closes with a Sunday terrace party led by Steve Bug, a pioneer of European house and minimal techno, whose Poker Flat label has helped shape the underground for decades. Byron locals DJ Ingrid, Al Royale and Zac Stars support, along with Melbourne’s Luke MCD. Expect vinyl and terrace sessions all day. It’s a lineup that mixes international names, interstate visitors and the locals who made Haven what it is. Come for one night or better yet, all three. Single-day and weekender tickets are available now on Humanitix.

An evening with

Matt and Sarah Brown Sharing their innovative and revolutionary approaches to addressing family violence

BYRON THEATRE

69 JONSON ST

BYRON BAY

MONDAY

16 NOV 6.30 PM

byron.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/169838

www.echo.net.au

4:30PM SUN 8 NOV

BYRON BAY

FREE ENTRY

November 4, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 29

IT’S FREE TO LIST YOUR GIGS IN THE GIG GUIDE e: gigs@echo.net.au w: echo.net.au/gig-guide. DEADLINE 5PM ON FRIDAYS

GIG GUIDE

WEDNESDAY 4

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, DEAN HAITANI ■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM YAZMINDI ■ PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL ■ THE PADDOCK PROJECT, MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM CURRY JAM ■ OTTILIES, MULLUMBIMBY, 6PM MONDO HUM JAZZ ENSEMBLE ■ REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH, 6PM JAZZ NIGHT FT PARROTT BAARTZ ■ THE CHANNON TAVERN 7PM STAGGER JUICE

THURSDAY 5 ■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, MICKA SCENE ■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM BROOK CHIVELL BAND ■ PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL ■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM TONY MANGO + DJ RENEE SIMONE + DUELING PIANO BAR ■ HAVEN, BYRON BAY, 7PM OPEN DECKS VINYL NIGHT ■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM BODIE POTTER ■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM WILD WOMEN: EDEN ■ SAINT MARIES, BRUNSWICK HEADS, 6PM MONDO HUM JAZZ ENSEMBLE ■ PEARCES CREEK HALL 6PM RAIN OF ANIMALS WITH PIRRITU ■ ELTHAM HOTEL 7PM WAY DYNAMIC ■ LISMORE CITY BOWLO 7PM THE SUPPER CLUB SOUL BAND ■ REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH, 6PM ROGUE TOWN MOVIE FEST ■ BROADWATER HOTEL 5PM CHRIS HARRY

FRIDAY 6 ■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, PLEASURE TRIGGER ■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 5PM SALI BRACEWELL + JEROME WILLIAMS BAND ■ PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL ■ NORTH BYRON HOTEL 5PM DJ NAT WHITE

■ ELEMENTS OF BYRON 5PM JORDAN MAC ■ HAVEN, BYRON BAY, 5PM MIDLAND, NICE GIRL, RUBY KERKHOFS, JAI PICCONE AND EXXY ■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM JB’S BLUES BREAKERS + DJ QUENDO + DUELING PIANO BAR + LE SHIV – ALBUM LAUNCH ■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM DUNE RATS, HEADSEND, SPECIAL FEATURES & SPEIRA + DJ SEANDISCO ■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM HOLLY THROSBY ■ WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM DJ SALVE JORGE ■ MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 5.30PM BALCONY BEATS + KRAPPYOKEE WITH JESS ■ ST JOHN’S SCHOOL HALL, MULLUMBIMBY, 7.30PM ECSTATIC DANCE MULLUM WITH DJ BASS FAIRY ■ LENNOX HOTEL 9PM SONIC FX ■ BALLINA RSL 6PM CHARLIE HONG ■ NORTHERN RIVERS CONSERVATORIUM, LISMORE, 6.30PM ANDREA KELLER ■ REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH, 5PM FRIDAY SOCIALS FT. KIWI KILL CAR ■ MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6PM PHIL GUEST ■ CLUB TWEED 7.30PM THE HITMEN ■ SOUNDLOUNGE, CURRUMBIN, 6PM TEX PERKINS & MATT WALKER ■ CHINDERAH TAVERN 7.30PM JASON MCGREGOR DUO

SATURDAY 7 ■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, JASON DELPHIN BAND ■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 3PM JOSH LEE HAMILTON + HEIDI KAAL DUO + GO FREEK + KAZ ■ BYRON THEATRE 1PM & 7PM A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE ■ PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL ■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM QWEST + KANE MUIR TRIO + DUELING PIANO BAR + 9PM HYPNOTIZE ■ NORTH BYRON HOTEL 2PM JOSH LOVEGROVE + DJ AFRODISEA ■ HAVEN, BYRON BAY, 5PM CIOZ, PHIL SMART, WINONA ROUTE + ASHA FRANCO

■ CHIHUAHUA TAQUERIA, BYRON BAY, 5.30PM GEORGE SMILOVICI ■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4.30PM LUKE HAYWARD + DJ DLB ■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM & 8.30PM DANIEL MUGGLETON ■ WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM DJ TAZ ■ MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 6PM PIANO BAR WITH JOHN HILL ■ BILLINUDGEL HOTEL 4PM NUDGE NUDGE WINK WINK – DJ GROOVE TERMINATOR, DJ MIRUS, DJ DALE STEPHEN & LORD SUT ■ LENNOX HOTEL 4PM PINK ZINC ■ WILLIAMS STREET KITCHEN & BAR, LENNOX HEAD, 6PM JORDY QUINN ■ BALLINA RSL 1.30PM MUSIC OF THE NIGHT, 6PM MILO GREEN ■ CHERRY STREET SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, 8PM PISTOL WHIP ■ M-ARTS, MURWILLUMBAH, 5.30PM ONE NIGHT ONLY: COURTNEY ACT IN CONVERSATION WITH GERWYN DAVIES ■ MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6PM DAVE CAVANAGH ■ CLUB TWEED 7.30PM THE TEMPTATIONS AND BEYOND ■ BROADWATER HOTEL 5PM SWAMPMOSS & THE SOPHISTICATED BEGGARS ■ TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS (QLD TIME), 8PM KINGS OF COUNTRY ROCK

SUNDAY 8 ■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, RESONANT HAND DUO ■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 4.30PM KILLER QUEEN EXPERIENCE + DJ REIFLEX ■ BYRON THEATRE 3PM A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE ■ PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL ■ HAVEN, BYRON BAY, 2PM STEVE BUG, DJ INGRID, AL ROYALE AND ZAC STARS SUPPORT + LUKE MCD ■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 5PM DAN HANNAFORD + VINYL SUNDAYS FT. ANDREA JONES + DUELING PIANO BAR ■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4PM STEEL SYNDICATE & ALLY PALMER ■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 4PM SCREENING – GUTTED: THE FIGHT AGAINST TASMANIA’S FISH FARMS

■ MULLUMBIMBY EX-SERVICES CLUB 3PM OPEN MIC WITH THE SWAMP CATS ■ MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 3PM THE BILLY BONES IRISH SINGALONG ■ BILLINUDGEL HOTEL 1PM PHIL & TILLEY ■ ELTHAM HOTEL 4PM THE LONESOME BOATMAN ■ LENNOX HOTEL 4PM BEN WHITING ■ BALLINA RSL 2.30PM BALLINA BLUES CLUB FEAT TROMBONE KELLY GANG ■ REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH, 2PM ROGUE TOWN MOVIE FEST ■ CLUB TWEED 1PM ROSE POWELL + HARRY MORRIS ■ TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS (QLD TIME), 2.30PM JOEY FIMMANO

MONDAY 9 ■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM LEIGH JAMES ■ PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL ■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM JEROME WILLIAMS + DJ RENEE SIMONE + DUELING PIANO BAR

TUESDAY 10 ■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM MATT DAY ■ PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL ■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM MARSHALL OKELL + DUELING PIANO BAR

WEDNESDAY 11 ■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM MILO GREEN ■ BYRON THEATRE 1PM SCREENING: FALLEN ANGELS ■ PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL ■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM HAYLEY GRACE + DUELING PIANO BAR ■ BANGALOW HOTEL 7PM OPEN MIC WITH SLIM PICKENS ■ THE PADDOCK PROJECT, MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM CURRY JAM ■ OTTILIES, MULLUMBIMBY, 6PM MONDO HUM JAZZ ENSEMBLE ■ ELTHAM HOTEL IRISH FOLK JAM

The BFF’s 500 Miles Is it even possible to not love a film with Bill Nighy? Well, no! In this beautiful, sweeping and life-affirming adventure that celebrates the human spirit, 500 Miles follows a broken family that must come together when two young boys, Charlie and Finn, run away from home in England to reach their beloved but estranged grandfather (Nighy) on the west coast of Ireland. When Finn (Roman Griffin Davis) overhears his parents’ relationship fracturing and their fight over custody of him and his brother Charlie (Dexter Sol Ansell), he decides to take Charlie on the treacherous journey to Dingle, Ireland to reunite with their grandfather. Hoping to relive the magic and happy memories the town holds for them and unable to understand why his grandfather has become a pariah in the eyes of his parents, their epic adventure fosters one goal: reunite the family. Set across the breathtaking scenery of Ireland, from the iconic Busáras bus station in Dublin to the sweeping Dingle Peninsula, 500 Miles artfully explores the complexities of families, and how ultimately, the love that binds them together is stronger than the forces that would otherwise pull them apart. 500 Miles is part of this year’s British Film Festival which is screening at Byron Palace and Ballina Fair Cinemas.

BAY FM

RECORD FAIR vinyl records for sale local traders

PALACE BYRON BAY

BALLINA FAIR CINEMAS

SPECIAL SCREENINGS SESSION TIMES THURSDAY NOVEMBER 5 TO WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 11

CLAYFACE (MA15+)

Daily except Sun: 3:40PM. Sun: 1:10PM

BOOGIE NIGHTS (MA15+)

Mon: 6:30PM – Cult Vault

GODZILLA MINUS ZERO (M) NFT

LA SCALA: LA TRAVIATA (CTC)

Daily: 1:00PM, 8:00PM

Sun: 1:00PM. Wed: 11:00AM

ROCKY - 50TH ANNIVERSARY (1976) (PG) Sun: 2:00PM COMING SOON

YOU CAN SEE EVERYTHING

(M)

Wed: 7:00PM, 7:15PM – Selling Fast!

Thurs, Fri, Tues, Wed: 3:50PM, 6:10PM. Sat: 3:50PM. Sun: 3:50PM, 6:20PM. Mon: 3:40PM, 6:00PM

HOLY CANNOLI

(M)

Daily except Sun: 3:40PM. Sun: 10:50AM

LA BOLA NEGRA (MA15+)

SHAUN THE SHEEP: THE BEAST OF MOSSY BOTTOM (G) Daily except Wed: 11:20AM

ALL FILMS ALI G: WHO IZ I? (MA15+)

PRESSURE (M)

Daily: 3:30PM, 5:45PM

PRIMETIME (MA15+)

Daily except Sat, Sun: 11:00AM, 3:30PM, 5:45PM, 8:15PM. Sat, Sun: 11:00AM, 3:30PM, 5:45PM, 8:30PM

Daily except Sun, Mon: 1:30PM, 6:00PM. SENSE AND SENSIBILITY (PG) Thurs, Fri, Sat, Tues: 10:45AM, 1:10PM, Sun: 6:00PM. Mon: 1:30PM, 8:30PM

SCAN TO BOOK ONLINE

COYOTE VS. ACME (PG)

SUNDAYS (M)

HEART OF THE BEAST (M)

THE DEVILS (R18+)

PRESSURE (M)

Daily except Wed: 6:00PM Thurs, Fri, Tues: 1:20PM, 8:30PM. Sat, Mon, Wed: 1:20PM. Sun: 8:30PM

VERITY (MA15+)

FOR BRITISH FF SESSIONS, PLEASE VISIT BRITISHFILMFESTIVAL.COM.AU

30 The Byron Shire Echo November 4, 2026

Sat, Sun: 9:45AM

WICKER (MA15+)

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY (PG)

WILD HORSE NINE

Daily except Sat: 10:45AM, 1:15PM, 3:50PM, 6:00PM, 8:30PM. Sat: 10:45AM, 1:15PM, 3:50PM, 6:00PM, 7:20PM, 8:30PM

WILDWOOD

(M)

good vibes

Daily except Sat, Sun: 9:50AM, 5:10PM. Sat, Sun: 2:40PM, 5:10PM

PRIMETIME (CTC)

(MA15+)

fair prices

Daily: 5:15PM

Daily except Thurs, Wed: 11:00AM. Wed: 10:45AM

Daily except Wed: 10:50AM, 1:30PM, Daily except Wed: 4:15PM. Wed: 4:00PM 3:45PM, 6:15PM, 7:15PM, 8:20PM. Wed: 10:50AM, 1:30PM, 3:45PM, FORGOTTEN ISLAND (PG) (M) 6:15PM, 8:20PM Daily except Sun, Mon: 10:50AM. Sun, NAZA Daily except Sun, Wed: 1:30PM. Sun: 4:30PM Mon: 10:45AM

FAMILY FILMS NOW SHOWING

HEART OF THE BEAST (M)

8:00PM. Sun, Wed: 1:10PM, 8:00PM. Mon: 10:45AM, 1:00PM, 8:00PM

Daily: 2:50PM, 4:50PM, 7:20PM Daily: 12:10PM

live music

WICKER (MA15+) NFT

Daily except Sat, Sun: 10:00AM, 12:40PM, 2:30PM, 7:15PM. Sat, Sun: 10:00AM, 12:40PM, 7:15PM

WILD HORSE NINE (MA15+) NFT

Daily: 10:15AM, 2:50PM, 7:10PM

Thurs: 10:45AM, 8:00PM. Fri, Sat, Sun, Tues: 10:45AM, 1:30PM, 8:00PM. Mon: 10:45AM, 1:30PM. Wed: 10:45AM, 1:15PM, 8:00PM 6686 9600 BALLINA FAIR • 6680 8555 BYRON BAY

BYRON BOWLO SUNDAY 15TH NOVEMBER 10AM-3PM

www.echo.net.au

Classifieds ECHO CLASSIFIEDS – 6684 1777 CLASSIFIED AD BOOKINGS

DEADLINE TUES 12PM

PHONE ADS

Publication day is Wednesday, booking deadlines are the day before publication.

Ads may be taken by phone on 6684 1777

AT THE ECHO HEAD OFFICE Ads can be lodged in person at the Mullum Echo office:

Village Way, Stuart St, Mullumbimby

EMAIL ADS

RATES & PAYMENT LINE ADS: $17.00 for the ﬁrst two lines $5 .00 for each extra line

DISPLAY ADS (with a border): $14 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.

classiﬁeds@echo.net.au

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.

PUBLIC NOTICES Notice of Praecipe For the record Susan Maree Figgis(c) of Ocean Shores, New South Wales is permanently domiciled on the Land and Soil of Terra Australis. I am not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and the paramount security interest holder of all estates, property, assets and collateral, both registered and unregistered, and all associated copyright protected trade names. My lawful Reconveyance or Conveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis, was recorded with Public Recording Number RPP44 63900 15100 46734 04606 on Proclamation Date February 2nd 2026. All usufruct subjugation ties have been severed with the occupying corporate government of Australia. The corporate Australian kakistocracy and its affiliates are instructed to immediately cease and desist misaddressing Susan Maree Figgis in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, and to cease and desist infringing upon my estate, property, assets, collateral and copyright protected trade names.

Cash, cheque, Mastercard or Visa Prepayment is required for all ads.

BYRON BAY Byron Bay Newsagent, Community Centre, supermarkets, cafes, servos etc *** ALSO: FEDERAL Store MAIN ARM Store BILLINUDGEL Newsagent BILLINUDGEL General Store & Pub CRABBES CREEK Store NEW BRIGHTON Store OCEAN SHORES Country Club

www.echo.net.au

AGMs ORGANIC LANDCARE INC.

AGM

All welcome Date: Saturday 3 December Time: 4pm Addr: 17 Tristran Pde, Mullum

DEATH NOTICES

organiclandcareinc@gmail.com 0478 272 300

ROBERT PETER HOLLAND

passed away 30-10-2026, aged 87 years * Loved & loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather & friend. Arrangements to follow

HEALTH

KINESIOLOGY

Clear subconscious sabotages. Reprogram patterns and beliefs. Restore vibrancy and physical health. De-stress. 0403125506 SANDRA DAVEY, Reg. Pract.

IN MEMORIAM

MATHEW BILLETT

HYPNOSIS & EFT

Simple and effective solutions. Anxiety, Cravings, Fears & Trauma. Maureen Bracken 0402205352 BEETU FULL BODY MASSAGE A divine experience. Nurturing, healing, regen. 28 yrs exp. Lucy 0427917960 9/11/88 - 1/11/21 Loved by all, missed by many.

Fully insured • Free quotes

0427 347 380

Supporting humans of all ages to thrive.

Arthur Samuel ‘Sam’ Gilmore

Stress, sleep, learning, behaviour, posture, muscles, healthy emotions, trauma release & more...

0413 003 301

www.katemessengerkinesiology.com.au

14.04.1941 ~ 13.10.2026

Somatic Pr

Body Base d

Body Based

Psychotherapy

actice

Psychother

Julie Wells

apy

Somatic Practice

Dip. Som. Psych. Clinical PA CF A Reg.

Late of Byron Bay. Loved and adored Husband of Lorraine.

(nee Mannix) Pty. Ltd.

Ph: 02 66 85

Much loved Father and Father-in-law of Jason & Julie and Belinda & Gary. Devoted Pa of Karla, Miranda, Brendan, Conor, Kane and Great Pa of Dustie. Loving Brother of Joy, Ruth and their Families. ‘Forever In Our Hearts’ Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Sam’s life to be held at the Byron Bay Golf Club on Sunday (November 15, 2026) commencing at 1pm.

Ballina: 02 6686 7036

Julie Wells Anne Goslett

Individual and Couple Ther Supervision and Coachin apy g

Facilitations

WANTED TREE FERNS Any shape, size. Royalties paid. Ongoing supply needed. 0414904396

5185

Dip.Som.Psych, Clinical PACFA Reg. Mobil

e: 0401 27 7 688 Individual and Couple Therapy Supervision and Coaching

(02) 6685 5185 9 Fletcher St, Byron Bay

TRADEWORK

Septic Waste Removal

GARAGE SALES BYRON 49 Kingsley St Sat 9-2pm. Huge group clearout sale: quality brand clothing, toys, sporting goods, homewares. MOVING SALE. Sat 7 Nov 8am. 16 & 41 Coogera Cct, Suffolk Pk. Furniture and household goods.

• Septic tank cleaning • Grease trap servicing • Oily Liquids • Portable toilet hire • 24 hour service

6687 2880

CRAFT TEACHER See our ad p11

WORK WANTED WORDPRESS WEBSITE CREATION Fair rates info@wordpressit.com.au

Here’s to a good one. Happy Birthday Hans Love the Echo Crew.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

Become a volunteer! For more info or to register

0421 244 640

PETS PET SITTER AVAILABLE Kind, confident animal carer available for your four-legged fur baby. References available. Call Pawla on 0415340744 LOOKING FOR A PET? The local animal rescue centres have pets needing a home. Animal Welfare League: 6684 4070 Companion Animals Welfare: cawi.org.au or 0458 461 935 Friends of the Pound: friendsofthepound.com or 0421 017 461 Pets for Life: 0403 533 589 or petsforlifeanimalshelter.net How gives a cluck?: 0428 335 766 Northern Rivers Animal Services: (02) 6681 1860 Byron Dog Rescue: 0492 861 905

SUFFOLK PK: 92 and 94 Corkwood Cres Sat and Sun 9am-3pm. Two households’ moving on sales. Fashion, indoor/outdoor furn, sports stuff, tools, camping gear etc.

brunswickvalleylandcare.org.au

Tip Runs & Rubbish Removal

Volunteers are the heart of our community.

ONLY ADULTS

Your time, energy and dedication help shape a more connected, vibrant and caring Byron.

0408 210 772

We simply couldn’t do it without you!

BALLINA EXCLUSIVE 34 Piper Dr. Open 7 days 10am till late. In & Out Calls. 66816038. Ladies wanted Find us on Facebook and Twitter!

TO LET

Want to volunteer?

02 6685 6807 volunteers@byroncentre.com.au

TO LEASE

PRIME BUSINESS LOCATION

Mullumbimby: 59 Burringbar St Set up for Retail or Professional 83sqm - Airconditioned - Gallery lighting Kitchenette - Bathroom - Hardwood feature wall - Change room - Custom built counter - Ample storage for stock Freshly painted - Ready to set up shop! Avail. November 2026: Ph 0455 222 877 STORAGE/WORKSHOP with elec. 36sqm Billinudgel $149.50pw Ph Lifestyle Group 66851206

POSITIONS VACANT

PREGNANT? FREE BEACH PHOTOSHOOT

Receive a relaxed pregnancy photoshoot valued at $350, plus a SARAY pregnancy piece valued at $150, in exchange for modelling for SARAY marketing. Easy beach styling, no modelling experience needed. Byron Bay. Email hello@saray.au with a little about yourself.

25yo. Express your naked beauty artistically in complete privacy/confidence, good pay, Andrew. Ph 0431393320 TAXI DRIVERS WANTED Flexible work hours – perfect 2nd income Email operations@byronbaytaxis.com

KRYSTAL ADULT SHOP Large variety of toys and lingerie 6/6 Tasman Way, A&I Est, Byron Bay 0416 899 048

SOCIAL ESCORTS

LOCAL REMOVAL

& backloads to Brisbane. Friendly, with 10 years local exp. 0409917646

Summerland Environmental PRIVATE MODELLING, young women 18-

The Liquid Waste Specialists!

BIRTHDAYS

LP RECORDS: good condition, no op shop crap! Matt 0401955052

BANGALOW OFFICE Old Bank Building main street $150/day or $260/2 days inc. Suit counsellor/therapist. 0414 438 080

FUNERAL NOTICES

WHERE TO GET THE ECHO

*** If you live in NEWRYBAR, LENNOX HEAD, BALLINA MAIN ARM, BILLINUDGEL, LISMORE but outside our current home delivery area, you can pick up an Echo from many locations. For example: LISMORE: Dragonfly Cafe NEWRYBAR: Newrybar Providore *** BALLINA Richies IGA Ballina, Ballina RSL, One Stop Shop Ballina, Ballina Golf Club East Ballina, Brighton St Takeaway near The Shawsy *** LENNOX HEAD IGA Lennox Head, Seagrass Lennox, Lennox pub drive-through, Station St Grocer Lennox, Epiq Marketplace Hutley Dr Lennox *** MULLUMBIMBY Mullumbimby IGA; Mullumbimby Newsagent; Liberty and Carsburgs servos, Echo office stand. ***

20 years local experience • 19 inch chipper • Stump grinding • Cherry picker • Crane truck • Bob Cat

$17 for two lines is the minimum charge.

Display (box ads) and line classifieds, email:

DISCLAIMER

TREE SERVICES

Volunteer with Community Transport Make a difference in someone’s day

LOTS OF GORGEOUS LADIES available for your pleasure nearby. Spoil yourself. In-house & outcalls. 7 days. 0266816038.

Local news matters Who else is going to tell you what happened down the road, congratulate your neighbour, expose the council potholes, and occasionally embarrass your mate?

Support your local paper

Mullumbimby & District Neighbourhood Centre Connecting the Byron Shire Community

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Kitchen Hands - Retail Assistants Drivers and Co-driver Community Support Assistants MDNC is in need of dedicated volunteers to be part of a big loving family. All skill sets welcome. Contact Sylvia Volunteer Coordinator Mon-Fri - 6684 1286

SUN, MOON & TIDES

– TIMES FOR NEXT 2 WEEKS DATE DAY, SUN MOON HIGH Nov MOON RISE / RISE / TIDES, SET height (m) PHASE SET

LOW TIDES, height (m)

5:51 2:38 05:31 1.20 11:09 0.45 4 W 19:07 14:24 17:36 1.48 5:50 3:10 06:25 1.33 00:06 0.27 5 TH 19:08 15:23 18:27 1.44 12:12 0.42

5:49 3:39 07:13 1.45 00:45 0.23 19:09 16:21 19:12 1.40 13:07 0.38

5:49 4:09 07:55 1.55 01:18 0.20 7 SA 19:10 17:19 19:52 1.34 13:57 0.36 5:48 4:41 08:34 1.61 01:49 0.18 8 SU 19:10 18:17 20:29 1.28 14:44 0.35

9 M

5:47 5:15 09:11 1.66 02:19 0.18 19:11 19:16 21:05 1.22 15:27 0.34

TUITION

5:47 5:52 09:46 1.67 02:49 0.19 10 TU 19:12 20:14 21:40 1.16 16:09 0.35

Adobe Tutoring

5:45 7:22 10:57 1.63 03:49 0.27 12 TH 19:14 22:04 22:52 1.06 17:31 0.40

Experienced Professional Trainer • Photoshop • Indesign • Illustrator contact@thinkblinkdesign.com www.thinkblinkdesign.com

5:46 6:35 10:21 1.66 03:18 0.22 11 W 19:13 21:11 22:15 1.11 16:50 0.37

13 F

5:45 8:13 11:34 1.59 04:23 0.32 19:14 22:53 23:31 1.01 18:15 0.44

5:44 9:08 05:00 0.39 12:15 1.53 14 SA 19:15 23:37 19:00 0.47 5:44 10:04 00:16 0.97 05:44 0.46 15 SU 19:16 12:59 1.47 19:50 0.49 5:43 11:00 01:12 0.95 06:36 0.53 16 M 19:17 0:15 13:47 1.42 20:46 0.50 5:43 11:56 02:22 0.95 07:44 0.58 17 TU 19:18 0:50 14:43 1.38 21:43 0.47 5:43 12:52 03:41 1.01 09:00 0.61 18 W 19:18 1:21 15:42 1.36 22:33 0.42 Data sourced from Bureau of Meteorology. Times adjusted for Daylight Savings when applicable.

November 4, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 31

Service Directory

North Coast news online

BUILDING TRADES

ECHO SERVICE DIRECTORY RATES, PAYMENT & DEADLINE

• 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).

Deadline: For additions and changes is 12pm Friday Line ads: $99 for 3 months or $340 for 1 year prepaid Display ads: $70 per week for colour display ad. Minimum 8 week booking 4 weeks prepaid. Please supply display ads 85mm wide, 38mm high. New ads will be placed at end of section. Contact: 6684 1777 or adcopy@echo.net.au

B&B Timbers 66867911

110 Teven Road, Ballina New logo - Same quality & service Structural – Landscaping Fencing – Composite Decking Hardwood – Pine – Hardware

www.echo.net.au/service-directory

sales@bbtimbers.com.au

www.bbtimbers.com.au

BUILDER – JOHN MCGAURAN Personalised Service. 20 yrs exp. Lic 170208C........... 0415 793242

SERVICE DIRECTORY INDEX

ARCHITECTS

Accountants & Bookkeepers.32 Hypnotherapy..................... 33 Acupuncture....................... 32 Landscaping ....................... 33 Air Conditioning & Refrigeration...................... 32 Painting.............................. 33 Architects........................... 32 Pest Control........................ 33 Automotive......................... 32 Photography....................... 33 Bicycle Repair..................... 32 Physiotherapy..................... 33 Blinds, Awnings, Curtains, Shutters.............................. 32 Picture Framing.................. 34 Bricklaying.......................... 32 Plastering........................... 34 Building Trades................... 32 Plumbers............................ 34 Bush Regeneration & Weed Control...................... 32 Removalists........................ 34 Carpentry & Joinery............ 32 Roofing............................... 34 Cleaning............................. 32 Rubbish Removal................ 34 Computer Services.............. 33 Self Storage........................ 34 Concreting & Paving............ 33 Curtains.............................. 33 Solar Installation................ 34 Decks, Patios & Extensions... 33 Television Services.............. 34 Design & Drafting............... 33 Tiling.................................. 34 Driveway Maintenance........ 33 Earthmoving & Excavation.. 33 Tree Services....................... 34 Electricians......................... 33 Transportation Services....... 34 Fencing............................... 33 Upholstery.......................... 34 Floor Sanding & Polishing... 33 Valuers............................... 34 Garden & Property Maintenance....................... 33 Veterinary Surgeons............ 34 Gas Fitters, Suppliers & Water Filters....................... 34 Servicing............................ 33 Welding.............................. 34 Guttering............................ 33 Handypersons..................... 33 Window Cleaning & Repairs.34 Health................................ 33 Window Tinting.................. 34

OCEANARC ARCHITECTS Reg. 6042 www.oceanarc.com.au..........................................0412 251392 CARPENTER / JOINER 30 years experience. Prompt efficient service. Fully insured. Other licensed trades

AUTOMOTIVE

LOCAL

ACUPUNCTURE

BUILDER Asher Landini All aspects: building, renovations, extensions Lic498385c...........0488 150778 TRADIE DAN MULLUM - Building work/repairs under $5k.................................................0410 284550

$50–$1500

6684 5296

Free metal drop off Locally owned

VIDLER BUILT decks, extensions, bathrooms, kitchens, timber fencing Lic 304237c .......0413 502281

BUSH REGENERATION & WEED CONTROL

ABSOLUTELY FREE

reforestnow.org.au

CAR BODY REMOVAL

Bush Regen Tree Planting Native Forest Nursery Weed Management

CASH ON THE SPOT GUARANTEE

$50 – $1000

0461 164 911 enquiry@reforestnow.org.au

WE BUY UNWANTED CARS, UTES & VANS

PHONE 0466 113 333 24/7 EMAIL: enquires@adrians.com.au

CARPENTRY & JOINERY

BICYCLE REPAIR MOBILE BICYCLE REPAIRS & servicing. All bikes/e-bikes: twowheelstoday.com........0474 148450

BLINDS, AWNINGS, CURTAINS, SHUTTERS

ALL CARPENTRY Doors & stairs, all repairs. Reliable. 20 years exp...............................0437 202050 BYRON BAY CARPENTRY & CONSTR. Decks, kitchen, bath, laundry. Lic 337421c........0432 549082

CLEANING LOCAL

SUNSCREENS(Low Pressure Softwashing)

SHOWCASE DEALER SHOWROOM

BLINDS

LOCAL

SHUTTERS

SUNSCREENS AWNINGS

CURTAINS

SHOWCASE DEALER SHOWROOM

SUNSCREENS SHOWCASE DEALER SHOWROOM

6680 8862

LOCAL

Services List

SHOWCASE DEALER SHOWROOM

LOCAL

SHOWCASE DEALER SHOWROOM 1/84 Centennial Circuit Byron Bay

BLOOMING BOOKKEEPING and BAS Agent................................................... Ph Leah 0434 121077

BUILDER very exp. All aspects: comm/residential + bthrm/ktchn renos Lic348357c.......0483 279644

UNWANTED CARS

1/84 Centennial Circuit Byron Bay

BOOKKEEPER Reg BAS provider, payroll, A/P, A/R. Xero & MYOB. Local, reliable..........0410 206627

avail, incl plastering/painting etc. 24/7 Emergency 4WD call-out avail. Lic 43794C.........0423 500693

WE PAY FOR

LOCAL

ACCOUNTANTS & BOOKKEEPERS

HAVEN BUILDING All aspects of building. Lic 326616C................................................0432 565060

SHOWCASE DEALER SHOWROOM

1/84 Centennial Circuit Byron Bay

FREE MEASURE QUOTE

6680 8862

mpSlU etR eE raQ ng fE FoRnEoEurMcEoA UeOoT

CURTAINS

Houses, Gutters, Roofs, Awnings, Solar panels, Retaining walls Driveways, Paths, Pavers, Fences, Decks, Patios, AQUA PRESSURE CLEANING Pool areas. SUNSCREENS

SUNSCREENS

SUNSCREENS PLANTATION SHUTTERS

CURTAINS

0426 119 550 info@nraquapressurecleaning.com.au

ABN: 47576013867

PLANTATION SHUTTERSHOT WATER interior & exterior on F oR urEcM ompletR e rQ an g e of CURTAINS PRESSURE CLEANING wiE ndowEtArSeU atmEen tUsOTE PLANTATION SHUTTERS 1/84 Circuit Byron Bay in rmCentennial &pleex terr iogr o n toeur rio co te an e of CURTAINS SPECIALISTS IN HOME AUTOMATION CURTAINS AWNINGS riotr & tByron ee rn iotrsBay w inindtoew r eaetxm 1/84 Centennial Circuit 1/84 Centennial Circuit Byron Bay www.blinddesignbyronbay.com.au window treatments ROLL BLINDS

6 6 860 8AWNINGS 862 6 6 8 0 8 8 2 6680 8862

ACUPUNCTURE CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE M Collis..............................................0490 022183

AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION

SPECIALISTS IN HOME AUTOMATION SPECIALISTS IN HOM E AUTOM ATION

AWNINGS

ROOF CLEANING & PAINTING • DECK RESTORATION www.blinddesignbyronbay.com.au www.blinddesignbyronbay.com.au BLINDSBLINDS ROLL ATS UOTEROLL FREE MF ER ASE UE REM QE UO EURE QPLANTATION PLANTATION SHUTTERS SHUTTERS

Fr quote

n BLINDS ouU rR co oE mpo lQ e tU erIndoor r an eOutdoor o LUXURY BYRON BAY Blinds, Manual, n u c og&m pflet e rMotorised ang eor o f Shade Awnings, FREE M EoA S O T E PLANTATION SHUTTERS interBlinds. ior & exterioResidential. r Zipscreen, Roman Commercial Measure................0480 304 755 interorio r & eFree xtQuote er&io r

Mullumbimby Refrigeration & Airconditioning Services

Locally owned and Operated Residential and Commercial No job too big or small Obligation free quote Fully insured

on our compwlinedtoew r tra en atg me eno tsf w n d o w treatments – Sales – Installation – Repairs interiorSPECIALISTS & extINeHOME riio r AUTOMATION

Call or scan today

0455 573 554 FCRTEAM.AU

AWNINGS BRICKLAYING

– All Commercial Refrigeration www.blinddesignbyronbay.com.au window treatmSPECIALISTS ents ROLL AWNINGS BLINDS IN HOM E AUTOM ATION 5.0 Google reviews – Residential & Commercial www.blinddesignbyronbay.com.au SPECIALISTS IN HOM E AUTOM ATION Airconditioning AWNINGS ROLL BLINDS Mould inspections · Cleaning · Remediation – Coolroom Design & Construction www.blinddesignbyronbay.com.au ROLL BLINDS – Freezer Rooms Locally owned · Northern Rivers

WALLFIX

REMEDIAL

45 Manns Road, Mullumbimby Lic: 299433C ARC: AU40492

6684 2783

COOLMAN AIR CONDITIONING 36+ years exp. Lic 178464C AU30147.......................0422 291433 ARTISAN AIR Airconditioning and refrigeration. ...............................................................66809394

• 20 years’ experience in lintel replacement • Crack stitching installation • Repointing • Retaining walls and all damaged brickwork Call: 0403 141 760 • Email: wallﬁxremedial@gmail.com www.wallfixremedial.com.au Servicing the Northern Rivers Lic no. 292267C Master Builder No. 3029326

0419 964 797

unmould.com.au

BETTY’S CLEANING & HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES............................................... Text 0476 984649

SKIP AIR: Airconditioning installation, servicing, repairs. Free quotes. 5-star rated......0406 485187 BRICK/BLOCK LAYING Contractors. Lic 291958C. Phone Mark.........................................0409 444268 CLEAN AND GREEN BYRON residential cleaning. All areas.................................... 0494 823880

32 The Byron Shire Echo November 4, 2026

www.echo.net.au

Service Directory COMPUTER SERVICES

ELECTRICIANS

HANDYPERSONS HANDY ANDY Carpentry, plastering, welding.......................................... 66884324 or 0476 600956

One-on-one, patient, experienced teacher offering digital support for seniors needing help with phones, laptops and computers.

AWESOME REPAIRS Professional, commercial & domestic. Wayne................................0423 218417 ABSOLUTE HANDYMAN Repairs, renovation, maintenance, painting. Call Mark..........0402 281638

Phone or email: 0420 235 624 contact@thinkblinkdesign.com

0439 624 945 AH 02 6680 4173

A HANDY GUY All trades & small construction. Bruns, Ocean, SGB & Mullum................0411 858201

DOMESTIC ALL JOBS: SMALL COMMERCIAL OR LARGE 24 HOUR SERVICE Lic: 154293c

HEALTH

HOME MAINTENANCE Carpentry, painting, repairs, gardens, jet washing. Insured......0434 705506

ACUPUNCTURE & COSMETIC MEDICINE Dr Adam Osborne............................................66857366 AYURVEDA, NATUROPATH, Herbs, Jacinta McEwen – Om Healing...............................0422 387370

THE COMPUTER THERAPIST home callouts, repairs, Wi-Fi, printers, new PC setup......0422 697586

MASSAGE THERAPIST Sports, remedial, Swedish, relaxation. ................Contact Mark 0448 441194

CONCRETING & PAVING

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE Jonathan Flantz. Mullumbimby. ...........................................0400 677672

HYPNOTHERAPY

SALISBURY

CONCRETING Over 30 yrs’ local experience. All forms of concreting. Residential • Civil • Industrial

LANDSCAPING Lic.136717c

DARYL 0418 234 302

MOONLIGHT HYPNOTHERAPY QHHT, RTT for clarity, healing, insight, purpose. Teresa.0422 179941

JP ELECTRICAL All electrical. Level 2 ASP. Solar, data, TV, TV Antennas. Lic 133082C.....0432 289705 BEN FORSYTH, Electrician. Lic:240691C. Ocean Shores & surrounds. No job too small....0422 136408 JIM LABELLE ELECTRICAL O.Shores, Mullum, Byron, Bruns. Lic 176417C........................0415 126028

SHAKA CONCRETING Driveways, sheds, slabs, p/ways, patios. Insured & Lic#391742C.....0402 728207

CURTAINS

HARVEST POWER Solar. Batteries. All electrical Lic 141097C............................................0422 033757

FENCING

QUALITY CUSTOM MADE Curtains and Soft Furnishings. ............................Call Michelle 0412 771872 EDL FENCING Installations & repairs. Prompt service. ...................................................0432 107262

DECKS, PATIOS & EXTENSIONS

TOM’S FARM MAINTENANCE Fencing, orchards, cattle work. Experienced & reliable..0412 860132

FCR DECK SANDING, OILING Local, 12 years exp. 190x5-star reviews. Free quotes ... 0419 789600

FLOOR SANDING & POLISHING

DESIGN & DRAFTING

THE FLOOR SANDER New & old floors, decks, non-toxic finishes, special effects, free quotes..0407 821690

MIRO HALFORD BUILDING DESIGN mirohalforddesign.com.......................................0402 613638

GARDEN & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

HOLM.STUDIO architectural drafting & planning services. holmstudio.com.au...........0488 216555

• BUSH ROCK RETAINING WALLS • STEPS • EARTHWORKS • LICENSED & INSURED Lic #059505C Designed and built by Roland Otte (Rolly)

FREE QUOTES 0408 860 543

STEEP SITE SPECIALIST

LEMONTREELANDSCAPES.COM.AU Liam. Lic 277154C...............................................0423 700853

PAINTING

ALL ASPECTS OF ASPHALT & BITUMEN SERVICES

6677 1859

SERVICING THE EAST COAST OF THE NSW NORTHERN RIVERS Burringbar

MULLUM.MOWING@gmail.com. Ride-on, large lawns & acreage. Ph Peter.................0423 756394 GUTTERS CLEANED Solar panel cleaning, all areas, free quotes, fully insured..66841778 or 0405 922839

TIP RUNS & RUBBISH REMOVALS 4m3 trailer..............................................................0408 210772

TINY EARTHWOR Philip Toovey

•30+ Years Experience •Interior & Exterior •Reasonable Prices

RICK’S PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Mowing, brushcutting, gardening, hedging..........0424 805660 GREEN DINGO for all your mowing and gardening needs. Ph Michael..........................0497 842442 GW MOWING Ride-on /acreage. Tip runs...............................................Call George on 0408 244820

0451 298 363

splosh painting/decorating

HOUSEHOLD PAINTING inside/out. Northern Rivers - 10 years exp..............................0488 278220

PEST CONTROL

THE GREEN WAVE: Land management, regen. gardening, maintenance, handyman...0491 117656

0409 799 909 various implements available for limited access projects

CONSCIOUS EARTHWORKS

• DRAINAGE DESIGN • DRIVEWAYS • PADS • WATERWAYS • ALL ASPECTS OF EARTHMOVING

COAST & COUNTRY Acreage mowing, brushcutting, weed control. Mike.......................0413 812582

GAS FITTERS, SUPPLIERS & SERVICING

Locally Owned No Rental Fees Servicing your area Free Call: 1300 727 013 Email: swapabottle@bigpond.com

5T Excavator & Skidsteer

Landscaping Install & Supply

8 Tonne Tipper

Retaining & Rockwalls

Attachments:

Bulk & Green Waste Removal

Rock Grabber, Auger

All Earthworks Requirements

350/450, Compactor

GUTTERING

NORTHERN RIVERS TRENCHING 65hp chain trencher, excavator, cable locating & tpr..0402 716857

10% discount applies to full-priced services only.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Professional • Commercial • Personal

✔ Gutter guard ✔ Gutter cleaning ✔ Locally owned ✔ Fully insured ✔ Free quotes Call Junior for friendly, genuine advice and service.

BEN - 0499 985 555 License 479630C. Fully Insured.

Protect your home this season. Save 10% on our Termite Inspection & General Pest Control Package, covering cockroaches, ants and spiders. Or save 10% on mosquito treatments. Contact our friendly team. Phone 02 6685 4490 • service@sanctuarypest.com.au

Tree Faerie Fotos

Phone Zac: 0468 344 939 www.360earth.com.au Drainage Consultation & Installation

Professional Painter/Decorator

LEAF IT TO US Tree care specialists & acreage mowing...................................................0402 487213

EARTHMOVING & EXCAVATION

www.echo.net.au

ROCKWALL CREATIONS

www.rockwallcreations.com.au

DRIVEWAY MAINTENANCE

admin@ecasphalt.com.au

0448 401 638

FLOW FENCING Pool fencing, timber/colourbond, local, professional and reliable........0416 424256

DECK REFINISHING EVANS HEAD Customer satisfaction guaranteed..........................0413 786879

oast Asph alt st C a E

Swim Ponds, Landscaping, Water Features, Earth Moving

www.spotlessgutters.com.au

0405 922 839 or AH 6684 1778 ABN 94 239 089 086

30+ years experience in commercial photography and photojournalism

www.treefaeriefotos.com • 0417 427 518

PHYSIOTHERAPY OCEAN SHORES PHYSIOTHERAPY Manual therapies, dry needling, custom orthotics, shock wave therapy, real time ultrasound. Nigel Pitman.........................................................66803499

November 4, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 33

Service Directory PICTURE FRAMING MULLUM PICTURE FRAMERS Studio located in Ocean Shores...................................0403 734791

North Coast news online

SOLAR INSTALLATION Serving Northern NSW since 1998

PLASTERING PLASTERER, TRADE QUALIFIED repairs, renovations, cornices, quality assured. .Kurt 0431 015414 CAPE BYRON PLASTERING. Gyprock/Venetian. 30 yrs exp, free quotes, lic + insured.. 0402 538155

Your local, qualified team Specialists in standalone and grid interact system designs

PLASTERING cornices, partition walls, water damage repairs etc Guaranteed quality. 0413 338203

0428 320 262 sunbeamsolar.com.au

PLUMBERS

HARVEST POWER Solar. Batteries. All electrical Lic 141097C.........................................0422 033757

Ben The Plumber

Servicing Mullumbimby, Ocean Shores, Brunswick Heads, Byron Bay & Surrounds 30 years’ experience Lic: 321191C

Taking on work NOW! 0427 528 108 | benwilton74@icloud.com

team@sunbeamsolar.com.au

TELEVISION SERVICES DIGITAL ELECTRONICS REPAIR & SERVICE TV. Audio. Antennas........... 66843575 or 0414 922786 INSTALL SERVICE: TV, Wi-Fi, AV, special pensioner/concession rate. ............ Damian 0414 741233

TILING WALL & FLOOR TILER/WATERPROOFER/STONEMASON Lic 24418C. ............Ph Karl 0439 232434

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

MARK STRATTON All plumbing & emergency. Sewer drain camera/locator. Lic 57803C.....0419 019035

BYRON BUS Co-

BRAD EVELEIGH PLUMBING based in Ocean Shores, no job too small. Lic 257153C.........0438 140075 DAVE SPARKES Plumber Byron based, call out $110 incl. first hour. Lic209669C..............0418 167074

REMOVALISTS

SHIRE REMOVALS & FREIGHT CO From Middle Pocket to Middle Earth Just give us a ring

Door to Door Charter Services

Call 0490 183 424

arrive@ byronbuscompany.com.au

• Freight services to Brisbane weekly • Carriers of fine art • Furniture removal • E-bay pick up & delivery

0409 917 646

LEAPFROG REMOVALS BYRON BAY’S LOCAL REMOVALIST MOVING THE SHIRE FOR OVER 10 YEARS

0432 334 200 02 6680 8170 leapfrogremovals@yahoo.com.au

ROOFING

Byron Bay & Beyond

0435 019 524

17 Years Experience as an Arborist Experienced crew ready to go. Free Quotes |Insured |Amenity Tree Pruning Removals |Chipping |Block Clearing Council DA Assistance if required

Call Sam 0456 044602 BYRON TREE SERVICES AQF Level 5 consulting arborist, insured....................... Call Alex 0402 364852 LEAF IT TO US 4x4 truck/chipper + crane truck. Local, qualified, insured. Free quotes........0402 487213 THREE TREES AQF Level 8 Consulting Arborist. ................................... Call Lisa Barnes 0427 959835 NORTH COAST SPECIALIST ARBOR: Tom Wardlaw. All tree work. Level 5 Arborist.......0411 777733

UPHOLSTERY BANGALOW UPHOLSTERY Now at Billinudgel. Re-covering specialists..............................66805255

VALUERS BYRON BAY VALUERS NSW & QLD registerd. Chartered Valuers............. 0431 245460 or 66857010

VETERINARY SURGEONS MULLUM VET CLINIC: Richard Gregory, Bec Wills, Heidi Jenal. After hours avail...............66843818 NORTH COAST VETERINARY SERVICES Dr Lauren Archer..................................................66840735

TREE SERVICES

CHOPPY CHOP TREE SERVICES The Fully Insured Professionals

• Stump Grinding • Bobcat • Cherrypicker • Crane Truck • 18" Chipper

RYAN’S MINI MOVES....................................................................................................0406 657 755

Martino TREE SERVICES

WATER FILTERS

The Water Filter Experts for home, commercial and rural properties

6680 8200 or 0418 108 181

Mark Linder Qualified Arborist

WELDING

choppychoptrees@bigpond.com

WELDING & FABRICATION Structural, General, Repairs: Steel, Aluminium & Stainless...0408 410545

0408 202 184

FCR ROOF PAINTING Local, 12 yrs exp, best paints avail, 190x5-star reviews. Free quotes.0455 573554

WINDOW CLEANING AND REPAIRS

Metal Roofing & Guttering Experts

CLEAN VIEW Prompt, professional, insured. Phone David..............................................0421 906460

Serving from Ballina to Gold Coast.

NO STREAKS ATTACHED Local, experienced, friendly, insured.......................................0431 398358

- A Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship - Double Satisfaction Checks - Spotless Work Sites, Every Time

WINDOW TINTING SURFWAGON - Car/Home/Office tint. Lifetime Warranty. W/sale price..........................0434 875009

admin@oceanbluepr.com.au

0429 909 433

SUNRISE window tinting, mobile Byron+ N. Rivers. Cars, homes, offices, etc...............0412 158478

www.oceanbluepr.com.au License # QBCC: 15327621 NSW: 381929C

PRUNING ~ REMOVALS ~ STUMP GRINDING

BLUE SKY ROOFING NSW Roof repairs Replacements

Gutters Downpipes

0450 659 114

Lic No. 304784C

• 20 years local knowledge and experience • Fully insured / free quotes • 19 inch chipper • Bobcat • Cherry picker • Crane truck

www.harttreeservices.com.au

0427 347 380

RUBBISH REMOVAL TIP RUNS & RUBBISH REMOVAL 4m3 trailer.................................................................0408 210772

SELF STORAGE BYRON BAY SELF STORAGE................................................................................................66858349

34 The Byron Shire Echo November 4, 2026

ALL AREAS OF THE NORTHERN RIVERS & SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND

0401 208 797

• 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

www.echo.net.au/service-directory www.echo.net.au

Property

Epic Farm – an exceptional hinterland estate of scale and distinction Few properties capture the scale and natural beauty of the Northern Rivers quite like Epic Farm. Spanning approximately 108 acres in Kinvara, this remarkable holding combines rolling hinterland surrounds, a 30-acre freshwater lake and an architecturally designed residence by Daybreak Architects, all within easy reach of Lennox Head and the coast. At the centre of the estate is a bespoke residence, complemented by established equestrian facilities, rolling pasture lands and extensive rural infrastructure. The result is a property that balances refined living with the freedom and scale of a substantial country holding. The estate’s equestrian facilities and picturesque freshwater lake add another dimension to its appeal, creating a property where rural and water pursuits and natural beauty are central to everyday life. From the open

paddocks and horse facilities to the tranquil water setting, these features contribute to the sense of space, privacy and possibility that sets Epic Farm apart. ‘In all my years working in the region, Epic Farm is one of the most unique

properties I’ve come across,’ selling agent Brad Rogan says. ‘There really isn’t another property quite like it in the Northern Rivers. The sheer scale of the land, the freshwater lake, the equestrian facilities and the quality of the residence

create a combination that is incredibly rare to find in one holding.’ With its proximity to the coast and surrounding Northern Rivers villages, the estate offers the beauty of the Northern Rivers hinterland, a peaceful rural

setting and the region’s beaches, vibrant villages and coastal lifestyle all within easy reach. Brad says the recent results achieved by his team across the hinterland reflect a market that remains active, ‘Despite the noise

you’re hearing, there is still strong buyer activity for quality hinterland and coastal properties, and we continue to achieve excellent results across the region. We have achieved the two highest sales in the hinterland for the year, in the last quarter, and it demonstrates that quality buyers are very much in the market, particularly when a property offers something genuinely special.’ For buyers, especially water sport or equestrian buyers, seeking privacy, fun, space, and a property with a genuine sense of presence, Epic Farm is a standout hinterland offering. For more information on this incredible home contact Brad Rogan, Sotheby’s International Realty. ■ Brad Rogan, Associate

Principal +61 420 529 112 brad@sirbyronbay.com.au

0411 757 425 tim@millerrealestate.com.au millerrealestate.com.au

156 Repentance Creek Road, Goonengerry

Price Guide: $1,750,000 - $1,900,000 Open: Sat 7th November, 10:15-10:45am

1.618ha

‘Morton Brook’ - exceptional character and beauty in the Byron hinterland

www.echo.net.au

November 4, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 35

NE W PR

134 DALLEY STREET, MULLUMBIMBY

IC E!

New Price! Versatile Residence in the Heart Of Mullumbimby with an Income Generating Studio 5 643M

• Spacious living and dining areas, sunroom / study and modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances

Sharon McInnes 0408 659 649

• Polished timber floors and high decorative ceilings • Separate council-approved, self-contained one-bed studio offering rental income potential • Covered timber deck, private fenced garden and established tropical gardens, within walking distance of shops, cafes, schools and sporting grounds

Paul Prior 0418 324 297

PRICE | $1.45M - $1.595M OPEN | Saturday 7th Nov 10.45-11.15am

2/16 NANDROYA AVENUE, OCEAN SHORES

Character-Filled Freestanding Home Surrounded by Nature 2

• Light-filled interiors featuring timber floors and an open-plan kitchen and living area

Luke Elwin 0421 375 635

• Elevated north-facing balcony enjoying a leafy outlook • Opportunity for first-home buyers and investors, offering immediate comfortable living with a practical layout and room to extend over time (STCA) • Located just 4.6km from the local shopping centre and cafes, 5km from pristine beaches, and an easy drive to Byron Bay and major airports

Chris Byrne 0493 639 464

PRICE | $900,000 - $950,000 OPEN | Saturday 7th Nov 11.30am-12pm

450 LEFT BANK ROAD, MULLUMBIMBY CREEK

A Charming Federation Farmhouse with Space to Grow 4

5421M2 • Original 1903 character farmhouse with old-growth timber, VJ panelling, high ceilings and timber floors

Sally Green 0488 030 116

• Level land offering scope to update (STCA) and create your ideal rural lifestyle • North-facing rear deck with Koonyum Range and valley views • Surrounded by established gardens and rainforest, just two minutes to Shearwater Steiner School and six minutes to Mullumbimby

Jasmin McClymont 0434 029 668

AUCTION | Saturday 7th November 12pm OPEN | Saturday 7th Nov 11.30am-12pm

23/7 PARK LANE, LENNOX HEAD

Stylish Coastal Apartment with Ocean Views 1

• Stylish one-bed apartment in a sought-after resort setting, with ocean views and a private outdoor space • Open-plan living and dining, well-appointed bedroom and bathroom with a bath, plus secure car parking

Renee Schofield 0400 028 594

• Access to resort-style facilities including swimming pools, spa, steam room, pickle ball court & BBQ areas • Walking distance to beaches, cafés and village amenities, offering an appealing coastal retreat or investment opportunity

Su Reynolds 02 6685 8466

PRICE | $600,000 - $650,000 OPEN | By Appointment

www.byronbayfn.com.au | sales@byronbayfn.com | 35 Fletcher St, Byron Bay NSW 2481 | 02 6685 8466

36 The Byron Shire Echo November 4, 2026

www.echo.net.au

November 4, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 37

Property

North Coast news online

Open For Inspection DJ Stringer Property 195 Botanical Circuit, Banora Point. Sat 9.30–10am 1/52 Tweed St, Coolangatta. Sat 10–10.30am QLD Time 9/198 Kennedy Dr, Tweed Heads West. Sat 10–10.30am 25/22 Binya Ave, Tweed Heads. Sat 10.30–11am 1035/20 Stuart St, Tweed Heads. Sat 11.30am–12pm 23 Botanical Circuit, Banora Point. Sat 12–12.30pm 2034/20 Stuart St, Tweed Heads. Sat 12–12.30pm 8/18 Dutton St, Coolangatta. Sat 1–1.30pm QLD Time 2/14 Warrawong St, Coolangatta. Sat 2–2.30pm QLD Time 5/48A Dry Dock Rd, Tweed Heads South. Sat 1–1.30pm

First National 1/34 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay. Thu 12–12.30pm 77 Tamarind Avenue, Bogangar. Thu 12–12.30pm 5 Bower Street, Brunswick Heads. Fri 10–10.30am 61/11-19 Cooper Street, Byron Bay. Fri 11–11.30am 103 Paterson Street, Byron Bay. Fri 11–11.30am 10/1-2 Cape Court, Byron Bay. Fri 11–11.30am 728 Binna Burra Road, Federal. Fri 12–12.30pm 2/49 Sunrise Boulevard, Byron Bay. Fri 12–12.30pm 17 McAuleys Lane, Myocum. Fri 12–12.30pm 32 Rankin Drive, Bangalow. Fri 12–12.30pm 134 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby. Fri 12.45–1.15pm 10 Lorikeet Lane, Mullumbimby. Fri 1.30–2pm 440 Corndale Road, Corndale. Fri 2–2.30pm 22 Scott Street, Byron Bay. Sat 9–9.30am 61/11-19 Cooper Street, Byron Bay. Sat 9–9.30am 71 Broken Head Road, Newrybar. Sat 9–9.30am 28 Pacific Vista Drive, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am 6 Roses Road, Federal. Sat 10–10.30am 671 Ellis Road, Rous. Sat 10–10.30am 77 Tamarind Avenue, Bogangar. Sat 10–10.30am 10 Lorikeet Lane, Mullumbimby. Sat 10–10.30am 17 McAuleys Lane, Myocum. Sat 10–10.30am 85 Station Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 10–10.30am 92 Sunrise Boulevard, Byron Bay. Sat 10.30–11am 440 Corndale Road, Corndale. Sat 10.30–11am 134 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 10.45–11.15am 6 Hakea Crescent, Suffolk Park. Sat 11–11.30am 18 Heritage Court, Suffolk Park. Sat 11–11.30am

38 The Byron Shire Echo November 4, 2026

www.echo.net.au/ofi 450 Left Bank Road, Mullumbimby Creek. Sat 11.30am–12pm 127 James Street, Dunoon. Sat 11.30am–12pm 2/16 Nandroya Avenue, Ocean Shores. Sat 11.30am–12pm 17 Corella Crescent, Mullumbimby. Sat 11.30am–12pm 6 Muli Place, Suffolk Park. Sat 11.30am–12pm 5 Kingsford Drive, Brunswick Heads. Sat 12–12.30pm 1675 Dunoon Road, Dunoon. Sat 12.15–12.45pm 58 Pacific Heights Drive, Cumbalum. Sat 12.30–1pm 6 Blue Horizon Drive, Lennox Head. Sat 12.30–1pm 13A Byron Street, Brunswick Heads. Sat 1–1.30pm 77 Tamarind Avenue, Bogangar. Sat 1–1.30pm 36 Wallace Road, The Channon. Sat 1.15–1.45pm

Mana Re

Tim Miller RE

Real Estate of Distinction

1–3 Walker Street, Clunes. Sat 9–9.30am 156 Repentance Creek Road, Goonengerry. Sat 10.15–10.45am 45 North Head Road, New Brighton. Sat 11.30am–12pm 43 North Head Road, New Brighton. Sat 12–12.30pm 41 North Head Road, New Brighton. Sat 12.30–1pm

Lifestyle Ballina 2/19 Barwen Street, East Ballina. Wed 5–5.30pm 11 Peppercorne Place, East Ballina. Sat 9.10–9.40am 35 Unara Parkway, Cumbalum. Sat 10–10.30am 517-518/2 Martin Street, Ballina. Sat 10.10–10.40am 32 Antrim Street, East Ballina. Sat 11.10–11.40am 13 Bonito Place, Ballina. Sat 11.10–11.40am 3 George Street, Broadwater. Sat 11.30am–12pm 2/19 Barwen Street, East Ballina. Sat 12.10–12.40pm 57 Reedy Creek Road, Empire Vale. Sat 1–1.30pm 13 Catherine Crescent, Ballina. Sat 2–2.30pm 31 Compton Drive, East Ballina. Sun 1–1.45pm

Lifestyle Byron Bay 5/14 Seaview Street, Byron Bay. Thu 11–11.20am 5/14 Seaview Street, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.20am 34 Belongil Crescent, Byron Bay. Sat 11–11.20am 150 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay. Sat 12–12.20pm

Lifestyle Brunswick Heads 168 Scenic Drive, Bilambil Heights. Sat 9–9.30am 5a Moonlight Close, Mullumbimby. Sat 11.30am–12pm

32 Kolora Way, Ocean Shores. Sat 9–9.30am 11 Philip Street, South Golden Beach. Sat 9–9.30am 146 Shara Boulevard, Ocean Shores. Sat 10–10.30am 33 Robin Street, South Golden Beach. Sat 10–10.30am 6 Hope Street, Bray Park. Sat 10.30–11am 12 Gilba Avenue, Ocean Shores. Sat 11–11.30am 3A Langi Place, Ocean Shores. Sat 11–11.30am 19 Oakbank Terrace, Murwillumbah. Sat 11.30am–12pm 14 Goolara Court, Ocean Shores. Sat 12–12.30pm 3/3 Durroon Court, Ocean Shores. Sat 12–12.30pm 7 Bulgoon Crescent, Ocean Shores. Sat 1–2pm

33 Broadway, Burringbar. Sat 10–10.30am 3 Kalemajere Drive, Suffolk Park. Sat 11.30am–12pm 57 Reedy Creek Road, Empire Vale. Sat 1–1.30pm 175 Coolamon Scenic Drive, Coorabell. Sat 2.30–3.15pm

New listings First National 4/45 Pacific Parade, Lennox Head 4 Seacrest Place, Lennox Head 32 Rankin Drive, Bangalow 2/16 Nandroya Avenue, Ocean Shores

Lifestyle Ballina 2/19 Barwen Street, East Ballina. $1,075,000–$1,175,000

Lifestyle Brunswick Heads 168 Scenic Drive, Bilambil Heights. $1,200,000–$1,300,000

Lifestyle Byron Bay 5/14 Seaview Street, Byron Bay. $1,850,000 380 Woodburn-Evans Head Road, Doonbah. Contact Agent

Mana Re 3/87 North Creek Road, Ballina 12 Gilba Avenue, Ocean Shores 134/399 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay

www.echo.net.au

Property Business Directory AGENTS

CONVEYANCING BUYING and SELLING REAL ESTATE? We are here to help

TARA TORKKOLA SALES

NP CONVEYANCING

0423 519 698 tara@byronbayfn.com

PHONE 6685 7436 FOR A QUOTE

@taratorkkolafirstnational

0411 757 425 tim@millerrealestate.com.au millerrealestate.com.au @timmiller_realestate

@taratorkkola_realestate www.byronbayfn.com.au

NPC

PERSONALISED APPOINTMENTS IN BYRON BAY NOW NOW OPERATING OUT OF CENTRAL OFFICE IN POTTSVILLE Lic No 06000098

Call today for an obligation free chat 0418 123 393

PAUL PRIOR SALES

0418 324 297 paulprior@byronbayfn.com BYRON BAY AGENT OF THE YEAR Damien Smith Sales Director Ray White Byron Bay www.rwbyronbay.com

Boutique, family-owned and proudly serving Byron Bay & beyond.

SHARON McINNES SALES

Where personalised service isn’t just a promise - it’s our way of life.

0408 659 649 sharon@byronbayfn.com

JANIS PERKINS

02 6680 8588 | 0438 841 122 janis@reodbyron.com.au Shop 9/15-19 Fletcher St, Byron Bay www.reodbyron.com.au

NSW & QLD Conveyancing, Leases, Business Sale & Purchase P: 02 6687 0548 | hello@bangalowconveyancing.com.au

FINANCE

BYRON BAY HOME LOANS

Refinance and save We’ll compare 60+ lenders to lower your repayments

The Shire’s local finance expert Home Loans Investment Loans First Home Buyers Car Loans

Debt Consolidation SMSF Lending Commercial Loans Development Funding

Russel Shaw Finance Broker

russel@acceptancefinance.com.au 0412 833 280

entourage.com.au (02) 6678 1751 Oﬃce 3/6 Jonson Street, Byron Bay NSW Australian Credit Licence 475676

SCAN TO BOOK

www.echo.net.au

Acceptance Finance Australia Pty Ltd ABN 20 678 011 571 Australian Credit Licence Number 391715 Credit Representative Number 395628

November 4, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 39

Backlash ‘If you stop being racist two amazing things will happen to you,’ musician Yali Sobol wrote in a Facebook post. ‘First, you will stop being racist. Second, you will discover you have won.’ – The Guardian.

SECURE YOUR PREMISES

Following the success of the sold-out 2026 event, the Byron Writers Festival will return to the heart of Byron Bay from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 August, 2027. Visit www. byronwritersfestival.com. TISM have publicly said that they have ‘zero tolerance towards sexism, assault, and aggression towards women, or anyone, at gigs … or ever.’ This follows the band’s support act, Laura and the Hell Cutz, saying online that they had ‘bottles and cans thrown at us on stage, sexually charged remarks yelled at us, objectifying comments made at the merch desk, and more. Something needs to be said about men’s behaviour at live shows’. They said they’d been made to feel ‘extremely unsafe and uncomfortable on multiple occasions recently’, www.music.com.au reported. The announcement by Premier Chris Minns, that special laws would be written for MACH Energy to increase their rate of coal mining has caused former Supreme Court Judge Anthony Whealy to call for an independent investigation into the government decision over public integrity concerns. A Splash of Colour, celebrates Bangalow’s rich history through more than 250 digitally restored and colourised photographs. Every purchase

Mullumbimby’s Paddock Project has added a ‘mo’ to its iconic LOVE sign for Movember, which caused a little bit of ‘mo envy’ for The Echo’s GM. The Movember campaign supports a number of men’s physical and mental health issues such as the early detection of prostrate cancer. Find out more at: www.movember.com. Photo Jeff ‘Goldfinger’ Dawson helps support Bangalow Heritage House Museum and its ongoing work to preserve and share our local history. ‘What is an adult? A child blown up by age.’ – Simone de Beauvoir According to The Australia Institute, ‘The government has amended its proposed Digital Duty of Care Bill so that gender-based violence is now included as a serious online harm.’ ‘“Satire Must Be Protected,” Says Woman Who Sued Pauline Pantsdown. In an uncharacteristic backflip, Pauline Hanson has transitioned overnight from being a target of satire to a fierce advocate of the art form.’ – The Shovel www.theshovel.com.au

A VET IN YOUR POCKET

24/7

Get expert advice from Australian-registered vets whenever you need it, so you always know what to do. Plus, membership includes financial support for 5 common pet emergencies. ECT PROT ET P YOUR ST U J FOR

$25AR9 YE

Clarity through cards Balance through essences Tarot Readings & Flower Essences

The Mystic Seat Book your reading: themysticseat.com.au 40 The Byron Shire Echo November 4, 2026

40 years at the hear t of our community! PEOPLE, POLITICS AND CULTURE

FOR ADVERTISING BOOKINGS

CONTACT RUSTY 0428 847 390 rustymiller1943@gmail.com

HELP US KEEP THE STORY GOING To pledge your support, visit: www.echo.net.au-support-us

OR TRICIA 0421 422 645 triciashantz11@gmail.com