WITH 2,781 BILLIONAIRES ON THE PLANET WHY ISN’T ONE OF THEM BATMAN? The Byron Shire Echo • Volume 39 #41 • March 19, 2025 • www.echo.net.au
PƐȜƆ ë Ɩǔş St Martin’s celebrates century Yelgun festival site up for sale roundabout option now! Hans Lovejoy
Paul Bibby The plan to build traffic lights at the notorious Clifford Stret intersection in Suffolk Park has been consigned to the dustbin, with a majority of Byron councillors voting to formally abandon the idea last week. But with the government grant funding that Council had secured for the project now in doubt, it remains to be seen whether any works will be undertaken to improve the black spot in the near future. At last week’s Council meeting, seven of the Shire’s nine councillors voted to reverse the Council’s previous decision to install traffic lights, which was made in November last year.
!şƖŕĈĶōōşſ ſĕưĕſƆëō The reversal was driven by a loud and concerted community campaign against the traffic lights, with over 1,100 residents signing a petition demanding that this plan be abandoned in favour of building a roundabout. However, while traffic lights are off the table, there is now significant doubt over whether a roundabout will be built at the intersection any time soon. The meeting heard that Council staff do not have the capacity to deliver a roundabout, even a smaller, temporary one, within the very tight timeframe of the current road safety grant that Council was awarded. ‘After looking at the feedback from staff it seems clear that while the community would love to try ▶ Continued on page 2
Mark Thornton, banjo player with the Byron Anglican Musical All Stars at St Martin’s, Mullumbimby. Photo Jeff ‘Banjo In God’s House’ Dawson
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‘This anniversary is a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and service that has defined our church for a century.’ She says the church’s history, intertwined with that of Mullumbimby, reflects both the challenges and triumphs of the town.
‘Through its outreach programs, St. Martin’s has fostered a deep connection with the local community, providing support in times of need and celebrating life’s joys including weddings, baptisms and special events’. ‘The anniversary celebrations will offer a chance to reflect on the past while looking forward to a future of continued service. ‘Everyone, both long-time members and newcomers, are invited to join the festivities and share in the joy of this historic occasion’. For more information on upcoming events, visit the parish website www.byronanglicans.org.au or contact the parish office 6684 3552.
‘I fell in love with the area when I came to check out the Bluesfest (which I still love) way back in the ’90s and I think a lot of people out there have been drawn to the area for similar reasons. Culturally, I think festivals, all the way back to the Aquarius Festival, are a really important part of what has made this area so special and I think it’s unfortunate that we’ll be losing some of that’. When asked what will happen ▶ Continued on page 3
David Heilpern asks rusted on Labor supporters a question ▶ p8
Local biz who put Mullumbimby on the map ▶ p14
Health and healing for your wellbeing ▶ p18
n March 25, St Martin’s Anglican Church, Mullumbimby, will proudly celebrate its 100th anniversary. The parish says the anniversary ‘marks a century of spiritual service and community outreach in the heart of Mullumbimby’. Founded in 1925, St Martin’s has been a cornerstone of the town, providing a place of worship, fellowship, and support for generations of locals. The milestone will be celebrated with a series of events – a special service was held on Sunday, March 16, led by Bishop Murray Harvey. A ‘Centenary Celebration Concert’ will be held on Sunday, March 23
Law firm celebrates 100 years of serving the community ▶ p4
Vale Colin Davidson ▶ p7
North Byron Parklands, home of Splendour in the Grass and Falls festivals, is up for sale. News of the sale was first circulated by SMH (Nine). SMH reports that ‘expectations are around $35 million’ for the 229-hectare freehold Wooyung property. One of the shareholders, Brandon Saul, confirmed with The Echo the SMH report, saying, ‘Given the state of the festival industry, a sale was kind of inevitable’. When asked who the owners were, he replied there are 28 shareholders. He said, ‘The owners are a collection of friends, colleagues and music lovers that came together to secure the site when it became clear that we needed a permanent home for both Splendour in the Grass and the Falls Festival. Secret Sounds and Live Nation have never had an interest in the property’. ‘Personally, I think the loss to our festival industry is, on balance, a loss for the Shire, but ultimately the decision wasn’t up to us.
from 3pm. The concert will feature local artists who have a special connection to this beautiful church. ‘We are excited to commemorate this special occasion with our parishioners, the community, and all who have supported St. Martin’s over the years,’ said Anne Wareing, Parish Office Manager.
Enduring spirit of faith
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