IT WAS A BRIGHT COLD DAY IN MAY, AND THE CLOCKS WERE STRIKING THIRTEEN
The Byron Shire Echo • Volume 37 #48 • May 10, 2023 • www.echo.net.au
Inquests into kambo, ayahuascarelated deaths Hans Lovejoy Investigations are underway into two deaths in the Northern Rivers following ceremonies using the ‘natural therapies’ kambo and ayahuasca. NSW State Coroner, Teresa O’Sullivan, is presiding over hearings into the death of Natasha Lechner, 39, who died at a home in Mullumbimby on March 8, 2019 following a kambo ceremony. Additionally, evidence has been tabled at the Lismore courthouse around the the death of Jarrad Antonovich, 46, near Kyogle (see page 15). Kambo and ayahuasca are South American traditional medicines used in purging or cleansing rituals. Ayahuasca is commonly made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, and when drunk, produces psychoactive states of consciousness. During a kambo ceremony, secretions are obtained under duress from the frog Phyllomedusa bicolor, and are applied via burns into the skin. According to www.betterhealth. vic.gov.au, ‘There is a risk of serious adverse reactions, especially if kambo enters the bloodstream’. Pathologist, Dr Lorraine du ToitPrinsloo, prepared Natasha’s report and attended court online from Newcastle, and told the court it was the first case she had encountered. The court heard that Natasha, who was an experienced kambo practitioner, went into cardiac arrest during the ceremony. There was ‘No evidence of preexisting heart conditions for Natasha’, ▶ Continued on page 3
Sex, science and songbirds ▶ p6
Side hustle in a side street The community came out in droves for Saturday’s Blue on Burringbar Street event, which saw Mullum’s streets closed for live entertainment, art installations and picnics. The day also celebrated resilience, and remembered the 2022 floods. Pictured are Shearwater wearable arts models – the Steiner school is now inviting all design artists and fashion innovators to enter the Wearable Arts performance event, to be held in November. Visit www.shearwaterperformingarts.com for more info. Photo Jeff ‘Side Street Bustles’ Dawson
Access granted to inspect Shire’s rail corridor Armidale based railway consultation and infrastructure management company, Northern Regional Railway Company (NRRC), has been granted a licence to access the Byron Shire section of rail corridor track, to ‘Undertake costing analysis and develop a business plan to return trains’. In a press release by Northern Rivers Rail Ltd (NRRL), they say the
North Coast news ▶ p10, 11
12-month ‘Minor Activities Licence’ will allow NRRC access between Bangalow and Yelgun. ‘This is a monumental achievement’, said Lydia Kindred from NRRL. ‘The licence will enable us to accurately cost the repair of the railway throughout the Byron Shire, and pave the way for the return of railway services’. ‘We understand that this may be
Floodplain DAs remain a risk ▶ p21
a controversial issue, but NRRL and NRRC want to make it clear that we are not against rail trails. We are, however, against the removal of railway lines, especially when they can create significant financial and social benefits for regional and rural communities, like the Byron Shire. ‘With over 2.21 million visitors in 2019, Byron Bay is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most sought-after
Great local biz by the scoopful ▶ p22
destinations. However, the lack of transport services has limited the community’s integration and productivity. ‘The revival of the railway corridor can be a game-changer for Byron Bay, as it can connect the town with other parts of the region, making it easier for visitors to explore and for locals to commute. ▶ Continued on page 3
Tasty treats in The Good Life ▶ p24
The OG North Coast Gig Guide ▶ p31