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‘THE SUSPENSE IS TERRIBLE. I HOPE IT’LL LAST’ – WILLY WONKER The Byron Shire Echo • Volume 40 #32 • January 14, 2026 • www.echo.net.au

When too much burlesque is never enough!

With more sequins and sparkles than a Broadway musical, the Brunswick Picture House is glamour central in the month of January. It’s hard to beat the magic of being up close to the amazing, sometimes deathdefying, often sexy, always cheeky, cabaret of the wild, weird, and wonderful. Photo Jeff ‘Sparkle Pony’ Dawson

Big development proposed for heart of Brunswick Heads Paul Bibby A $12 million mixed-use development that significantly breaches both height and floor space limits is being proposed for the centre of Brunswick Heads. Proposed by the former Channel 9 CEO-turned developer, David Gyngell, the development would

The future of the Brunswick River ▶ p6

span two lots at 3-5 Fingal Street, currently home to the town’s Centrelink office and a residential property.

High-end apartments These buildings would be demolished and replaced by a threestorey mixed-use development with a total floor area of 2,044 metres.

It’s decision time for the Bangalow Bowlo ▶ p9

This would include five commercial tenancies on the ground floor, topped by 13 high-end apartments, each with two or three bedrooms spread across the second and third levels. ‘The primary objective of this proposal is to create a mixed commercial and shop-top housing development with a high level of

In a world gone mad, what’s next? ▶ p10

design excellence that contributes to the Brunswick Heads town centre,’ the developer’s statement of environment effects says. ‘The proposal will provide for a range of uses to serve the needs of the people who live in, work, and visit Brunswick Heads. ‘The proposal will contribute to employment opportunities

Help dedicated local carers save wildlife ▶ p14

and economic growth… [and] contribute to a vibrant and active local centre.’

Significant breaches However, at 10.3 metres, the proposed development exceeds the height limit for this part of Brunswick Heads by 14 per cent. ▶ Continued on page 4

Great local biz by the scoopful ▶ p17

Thoughtful tiny homes designed and built in Murwillumbah with you and your site in mind.

Filter Off: beauty, fashion and style ▶ p20

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Have your say on the proposed 50-unit housing development in Mullum 1

Paul Bibby

40,335 40,334 3,481

27,270

9,584

3,352

27,400

9,583

A B

3,100 3,220

STORAGE ROBE F

S2 D2

Single Double Type 2

STORAGE ROBE F

20.27m m22 20.27

GATE

5,208

CMNL ALFRESCO [C4] 22.42 COM M mU N A L CO-WORK

13.23 m2 110

2,512 2,752

O P E NO PCEI NR CCUI LRACT I O N

1,000

10,957 7,787

1,000

ISSUE NAME

850

THE NEST HGA416 CADRE STUART & WHIAN ST, MULLUMBIMBY

PROJECT: JOB No#: CLIENT: ADDRESS:

PT - NB HG 1:50 A3

DRAWN BY: CHECKED BY: SCALE PAPER

13/11/2025

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION

ROBE

530

REVISION ID

850

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION

530

A VOID

ISSUE DATE

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110

1,000

6/11/2025

1,540

13/11/2025

STATUS :

REVISION NO.

UNIT TYPE 1

A2.05

FLOOR PLANS

DRAWING TITLE :

DRAWING NO.

ROBE

1,450

ROBE

DDA GFA 28.30m2

The Builder shall check all dimensions and levels on site prior to construction. Notify any errors, discrepancies or omissions to the architect. Refer to written dimensions only. Do not scale drawings. Drawings shall not be used for construction purposes until issued for construction. This drawing reflects a design by HGA and is to be used only for work when authorised in writing by HGA.

12.00m2

1,000

STORE

All boundaries and contours are subject to survey drawing W-01. All levels to Australian Height Data. It is the contractors responsibility to confirm all measurements on site and locations of any services prior to work on site.

GFA 18.68m2

All documents here within are subject to Australian Copyright Laws.

STORAGE

Single Type 1

1,540

LVL 1/144 JONSON STREET BYRON BAY | PO BOX 1285 NSW 2481

1,450

T: 02 66809690 | ABN: 85158246003 | E: OFFICE@HARLEYGRAHAM.COM

SAUNA

12.00m2

ROBE

DDA GFA 28.30m2

GFA 18.68m2

NOMINATED ARCHITECT: HARLEY GRAHAM NSW REGISTRATION No#: 7892

Single Type 1

GSPublisherVersion 147.0.4.56

STORE

STORAGE

Q F F

STORAGE

12.00m2

COURTYARD GBAERL DOEWN

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40,235

Single Type 1

GFA 18.68m2

LIFT VOID

12.00m2

D F F

D1 S1 STORAGE

Single Type 1

STORAGE STORAGE

23.09m2 GFA 18.68m

Double Single Type 1

16.00m2 12.00m Q

GFA 18.68m2

ROBE ROBE

23,770 26,660

VOID

GFA 18.68m2

ROBE

TRELLIS AWNING

STORAGE

Single Type 1

3,600

12.00m2

D1 S1

23.09m2 GFA 18.68m

D1 S1

23.09m2 GFA 18.68m

Double Single Type 1

16.00m2 12.00m Q

11,900 ROBE ROBE

ROBE ROBE

3,712 1,358 2,095

H 8,670 8,378

4,315 4,585

Artist’s impression of the three-storey structure. Far left: architectural plans for the building. Left: floor plan of the smallest single apartments. Images DA/HGA Studio

1,000

site, the co-living apartments will be built off-site, transported to the property and craned into position. 1

ROBE

Single 12.00m2

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GFA 17.99m2

ROBE

Type 2

F ROBE

Single 12.00m2

GFA 17.99m2

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Type 2

ROBE

F ROBE

Single 12.00m2

Q S

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Type 2

Single 12.00m2

ROBE ROBE

GFA 17.99m2 S2

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1,600 1,630

40,335

14,875

F ROBE

Single 12.00m2

Q S

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Single 12.00m2

ROBE

GFA 17.99m2 S2

ROBE

ROBE ROBE

MSB

Type 2

14,28012,643

100

1,630

SECOND FLOOR

REVISION ID

6/11/2025

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION

13/11/2025

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION

ISSUE NAME

DRAWN BY: CHECKED BY: SCALE PAPER

PT - NB HG 1:200 A3

DRAWING TITLE :

PROJECT: JOB No#: CLIENT: ADDRESS:

THE NEST HGA416 CADRE STUART & WHIAN ST, MULLUMBIMBY

STATUS :

DRAWING NO. FLOOR PLANS

A2.03

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION

B 13/11/2025

SECOND FLOOR

3,060

ISSUE DATE

170

500

REVISION NO.

3,320

6,550

about a number of aspects of the development, including the building height, number of parking spaces, number of units, and the impact on the character of the street. However, the developer’s community consultation report also asserts that key community groups such as the Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce (MCC) and the Mullumbimby Residents Association (MRA) are on their side. DUAL COOKTOP

600

OVEN

1,000 100

2,960

FRIDGE F FREEZER COMBO

Double Type 1

2,700

1,000

1,630

170

3,290

STORAGE STORAGE

DESK

16.00m2

GFA 23.09m2

DOUBLE BED Q

ROBE ROBE

100

4,410

7,969

170

REFER TO A2.01 AND A2.02 FOR TERRACE EXTEND

Detailed architectural drawings provide the first clear sense of the proposed development, which would be unlike anything Mullum has seen before. The rooms, including 34 singles and 12 doubles, are tightly packed in a style similar to a boarding house or backpackers’ hostel and each has a floor area of 18 or 19 square metres.

This would be large enough to swing a very small marsupial (if one was inclined to do so) but not a cat. The developer says the small apartments, with shared facilities, are designed to lower rental costs compared to traditional selfcontained apartments. According to the developer’s community consultation report, locals have expressed concern

UNIT TYPE D1

Tightly packed

1:50

170

T: 02 66809690 | ABN: 85158246003 | E: OFFICE@HARLEYGRAHAM.COM

NOMINATED ARCHITECT: HARLEY GRAHAM NSW REGISTRATION No#: 7892

500

GSPublisherVersion 147.0.4.56

1,630

1:200

ROBE

1,023

TRELLIS AWNING

7,220

2,960

4,250

16.00m2

2,700

STORAGE

GFA 23.09m2

1,000

4,023

G F

Double Type 1

12.00m2

DOUBLE D BED

NBN / COMMS

12.00m2

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REFER TO A2.01 AND A2.02 FOR TERRACE EXTEND

STORAGE

Single Type 1

VOID

STORAGE STORAGE

23.09m2 GFA 18.68m

GFA 18.68m2

F F

D1 S1

Double Single Type 1

5.71 m2

600

[C5] SERVICES CMNL L AROOM UNDRY

12.00m2

Single Type 1

6.53 m2

12.00m2

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DESK

STORAGE

Single Type 1

16.00m2 12.00m

STORAGE STORAGE

Single Type 1

Double Single Type 1

[C7] CMNL LAUNDRY

GFA 18.68m2

FRIDGE F FREEZER COMBO

STORAGE

STORAGE STORAGE

TRELLIS AWNING

ROBE

F F

ROBE ROBE

12.00m2

OVEN

GFA 18.68m2

DUAL COOKTOP

Single Type 1 D

UNIT TYPE S1

STORAGE

STORAGE STORAGE

1:50

F F

ROBE

LVL 1/144 JONSON STREET BYRON BAY | PO BOX 1285 NSW 2481

8,709

6,671 12.00m 16.00m2 ROBE

GFA 17.99m 22.23m2

16.00m2 12.00m ROBE

[C6] [C3] CMN COM U LN A L NR GK C DO I- NWI O

ROBE

12.00m 16.00m2

GFA 17.99m 22.23m2

S2 D2

Double Single Type 2

Single Double Type 2

STORAGE ROBE

ROBE

16.00m2 12.00m

GFA 17.99m 22.23m2 Q

STORAGE ROBE

S2 D2

Double Single Type 2

D2 S2

Double Single Type 2

STORAGE ROBE

ROBE

16.00m2 12.00m

22.23m2 GFA 17.99m

12.00m 16.00m2 F

S2 D2

Single Double Type 2

STORAGE ROBE

ROBE

12.00m 16.00m2 ROBE

GFA 17.99m 22.23m2

S2 D2

Single Double Type 2

STORAGE ROBE

6,830 6,580

GFA 17.99m 22.23m2

TRELLIS AWNING

VOID

32.21 m2

COMMUNAL YOGA DECK

ROBE ROBE

Detailed plans for a 50-unit boarding-house-style development in central Mullumbimby have been released for the first time. The development application (DA) for ‘The Nest’ at 115–119 Stuart Street was submitted on 5 December 2025 and is now on public exhibition until 7 February. Billed as a direct response to the housing crisis facing the Byron Shire, the $8.2 million development would see two old cottages replaced with a nine-metre-high, three-storey building and a 41-space carpark. On the second and third floors of the building would be 50 tightly 01. packed, one-room units, each with its own micro bathroom and kitchenette. These would be accompanied by communal living areas, including co-work spaces, communal laundry areas and a yoga deck. On the ground floor would be a communal kitchen, a 30-seat cafe, an artist-in-residence office, and 76 square metres of communal space. The DA indicates that construction of the development will be largely modular in nature. While the ground floor will be constructed on

TRELLIS AWNING

The community as a whole now has its chance to have a say on the proposal, which is open for public exhibition on Council’s website (www.byron.nsw.gov.au). To have your say go to the Your Say section of Byron Council’s website, click on ‘Development Applications on Exhibition’ and scroll through the list until you find the development at 115–119 Stuart Street.

A very late night for two children and dad rescued from rainforest Mia Armitage Two young children and their father were rescued from Mt Nardi in the early hours of Sunday morning after a planned bushwalk ‘took longer than expected,’ police reported later. The trio reportedly became stranded on the mountain’s walking track Saturday evening after setting out in the late afternoon. Grandmother to the two boys, Ela Foster, said she was with their mother, Kiah [last name withheld on request] when they received a phone call from dad, Rod, around 7.15pm.

Rod told them he was standing on a ridge and his phone was running low on battery charge. He later told his motherin-law he wasn’t lost, rather, the fading light and mist meant visibility was low and he knew he and the boys wouldn’t make it home before dark.

An anxious wait The moon didn’t rise until very late that evening, Ms Foster recalled, and she was worried it would rain and get cold in the high rainforest. ‘I was very concerned and told him to call Triple Zero,’ Ms Foster told The Echo on

Richmond Police District officers involved in a rescue mission. Photo Ela Foster Monday morning. ‘We also rang Triple Zero because we were unsure if he would call but he did,’ she said, adding the exact location of Rod and the boys was indiscernible.

Ms Foster and Kiah spent the next several hours anxiously awaiting news. At around 1.15am Sunday they received a call from police to say a search mission had been successful.

Richmond police braved steep terrain in the dark to find the family. Five officers from the Richmond Police had stayed out well past the last of the day’s light in difficult terrain and conditions to continue looking for Rod, eleven-yearold Sebastian and nine-yearold Saxon. Two officers representing Nimbin Police Station, Steve Buchannan and Ryan Laver, refused to give up looking and eventually found the trio in the dark in a steep part of the rainforest away from the national park’s shorter walk. ‘They went all the way and they found them,’ Ms Foster

said of officers Buchanan and Laver, ‘the three others went part of the way as support crew’.

Emergency whistle Rod was glad to have Kiah’s emergency whistle from her car keys with them on the walk as he was able to use it to signal to the officers when he realised they were nearby. Sebastian, meanwhile, called out ‘come and save us!’, Ms Foster relayed. ‘Rod said the boys handled it really well. We didn’t get home until after 4am’. ■ Read full story in The Echo online: www.echo.net.au.

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Local News Locals frustrated as betterment funding for road denied Aslan Shand Coopers Lane residents have expressed concern at the fact that the state and federal governments have failed to provide the funding needed to ‘build back better’ the sole road access for hundreds of residents following the 2022 floods. During the 2022 flood the existing 40-year-old three-pipe configuration was significantly damaged with residents being the ones to reinstate a narrow road access once the floodwaters had receded. ‘It is our sole road access when Maori Creek cuts the road, as it did for a week in March 2022. We had to wade through its flood waters then hitch a ride seven kilometres to town for supplies. The wading is due to the three pipes inevitably getting blocked when flood debris plugs the pipe entrances,’ explained spokesperson for the Coopers Lane Residents Association and civil engineer and flood hydrologist, Duncan Dey. ‘Until the flood recedes a few days after rain stops, water cannot enter the pipes, the culvert forms a dam and water overflows onto the road. In 2022 this washed the road away and left many of the dozen or so eight-footlong concrete pipes strewn around in the creek bed. The “destroyed” roadway was put back by locals in March 2022 and has served us for four years to date, with occasional resurfacing by Council.’

Only 10% more Byron Shire Council spent significant time and energy lobbying the state government for a ‘build back better’ grant to build a box culvert over Maori Creek that Mr Dey says would have cost around ten per cent more than reinstating the existing structure which is estimated to cost $506,357. ‘For the state government not to go the extra ten cent of budget required to change the configuration to one that won’t block is a slap in the face,’ Mr Dey told The Echo. ‘Why would you waste half

Local residents working to clear the pipes as the 2022 flood receded. Photo Aslan Shand a million dollars to put back a structure that has an inherent fault? When we get cut off, it’s us locals that have to clear the blocked pipes to restore the road’s function. And it’s dangerous work.’ One person has already been sucked into the pipes while trying to clear debris to stop the pipes blocking – they fortunately survived. Byron Shire Council have said that, ‘The only change to the Essential Public Asset Restoration (EPAR) approved scope is that Council has funded the concrete pavement over the top of the culvert to increase resilience in a major event.’ Local resident Alex Polo told The Echo that it is ‘a real shame that the root cause of the problem is not being addressed as part of the rebuild, as the causeway was completely blocked just after Christmas with the flash storm that passed and

Council were out to clear it as it required an excavator to pull out the large debris items.’ Frustration at the state and federal governments shortterm approach to rebuilding back after the flood has also been expressed by local Ballina MP, Tamara Smith, who told The Echo that, ‘one of the most frustrating and completely ludicrous phenomenon we see in the rebuild of infrastructure after natural disasters is funding that expressly prohibits any component of “building back better”.’ ‘The repair of Coopers Lane crossing is a case in point. Despite intense community lobbying and my relentless and ongoing lobbying of relevant state and federal ministers and the NSW Reconstruction Authority for more betterment funding after the 2022 floods, the bottom line is that Commonwealth funding

for disaster recovery has very little set aside for betterment when it comes to repairing infrastructure. Replacing like with like is the norm and building back better is the exception,’ she said. ‘The near-sightedness of it is so obvious – spend the money now to future-proof against further disasters and save money, and potentially lives, down the track.’ Works on reattaching the old pipes is expected to finish in six weeks. But as Mr Dey points out, as the new bedding for the pipes settles this means that the pipes will soon be misaligned, creating a worse long-term outcome than the original construction. ‘Bureaucrats in places far from the site have decided that we can keep clearing the pipes year after year until the next washout. Their answer is, rather than stop the pipes from being plugged up, we’ll just add a concrete top over the pipes to reinforce the roadway above them. As a person with decades of training and experience in water flow, I predict the impact of this reinforcement will be that the creek downstream of the pipes will scour out along with the roadway east of the crossing. The latter already serves as a creek bed in flood times.’

New brochure out in this weeks Echo!

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■ Aslan Shand is a resident

of Coopers Lane.

Crank Fest coming to Coorabell

On the couch, Janet Hogan, Ally Kirkpatrick, Joan Ebeki, with Mandy Nolan behind, will be using cranky comedy to fundraise for Coorabell Hall. Read more on page 28. Photo Jeff Dawson

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January 14, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 3

Local News

North Coast news online

Big development proposed for Bruns Bangalow trees poisoned by vandals

Artist’s impression of proposed Brunswick Heads development. Image CHROFI architects

▶ Continued from page 1

The density of the development is also well over the limit, exceeding the current permissible floor space ratio for this part of town by over 30 per cent. The developer says the height exceedance is justified because it is ‘consistent with adjacent development and the setting back of the upper level reduces the perception of the building height from the street level and surrounds.’ The floor space ratio breach has been justified on the grounds that, ‘the provision of residential accommodation within the existing

town centre in the form and scale proposed warrants support for the requested variation’.

Your say on DA Whether the residents of Brunswick Heads agree with these arguments remains to be seen. The development application (DA) for the project is currently on public exhibition with Byron Shire Council until 7 February. To view the full application and have your say use the DA tracker tool on the Byron Council website (www.byron.nsw.gov.au) and search for DA 487 under

4 The Byron Shire Echo January 14, 2026

submissions lodged in 2025.

Centrelink stays in Brunswick Heads A spokesperson from Services Australia said that there were no plans to close the Centrelink office at Brunswick Heads. The spokesperson said that, should the DA for the new development be approved, they would then begin the process of looking for new premises in the immediate vicinity. It was also possible that they would look to take on a lease in the new development, if it were to be approved.

Two large camphor laurel trees in Bangalow’s Piccabeen Park, near the children’s playground, will be removed after they were purposely poisoned by tree vandals. The trees are believed to be at least 40 years old and are around 25 to 35 metres high. Malcolm Robertson, Manager Community Facilities and Open Spaces, said it is a blatant act of vandalism that will have a massive visual impact on the park. ‘Piccabeen Park is a peaceful, green space in Bangalow, and it has been a gathering place for the community across generations because of the local weir,’ Mr Robertson said. ‘The deliberate poisoning of these large trees is extremely upsetting, and illegal. It’s a big blow for the volunteers in the Piccabeen Parklands community group, who work so hard to make the park the special place that it is.

Provided shade ‘While Council acknowledges the camphor laurels are an exotic species, they were also highly regarded

The two poisoned tree will be removed. Inset: holes drilled to poison the trees. Photos Jeff Dawson for creating the shade and atmosphere in the park,’ Mr Robertson said. Members of the community contacted Council this week to say they had noticed the trees had lost their leaves. An inspection found holes had been drilled at the base of each tree. The trees are dying and will be cut down in the next

two to three weeks. People who have information about the poisoning of the trees should report it to Council either via the Report It tab on the website (www. byron.nsw.gov.au), or by emailing council@byron. nsw.gov.au. The fine for someone found guilty of killing trees is $3,000 per tree.

www.echo.net.au

Local News The Byron Creek Bridge, on the outskirts of Bangalow, will be closed until at least the end of the week, say Byron Council, ‘while Council reviews a report from specialist structural engineers after a fire underneath the bridge on 9 January’. In a media release they say, ‘Staff are now working with structural engineers to determine what short-term solutions may be available to get the bridge on Bangalow Road reopened. The road is currently closed between Coopers Shoot Road and Arrow Head Lane’. ‘Engineers were on site late Friday afternoon with preliminary advice about the structural integrity of the bridge given to Council on Monday afternoon (12 January). ‘Visual inspections on Friday afternoon showed the potential for structural damage and we are hoping we can reopen the bridge to light traffic while we figure out what repairs are needed,’ Phil Holloway, Director Infrastructure Services, said. ‘We know the closure of the Byron Creek Bridge will be very disruptive to our community, but we cannot

Have you experienced trauma from a flood, landslide or bushfire? You may be eligible to participate in our arts and nature-based compassion trial. Construction of the Byron Creek Bridge in 2020. Photo Byron Shire Council open the bridge until we know it is safe,’ he said. The media release continues, ‘Bangalow Road is an alternative access from Bangalow to the southern part of Byron Bay, carrying some 5,000 vehicles a day’. ‘The Byron Creek Bridge is a relatively new structure, built by Council five years ago at a cost of $2.5 million. ‘Police and the NSW Fire Service are investigating the cause of the fire.

Rough sleepers ‘Council is aware some people had been sleeping

rough under the bridge for several months. ‘Council staff are aware of the location of many rough sleepers in the Byron Shire, a problem which is well documented by the NSW Government in its annual Rough Sleeping Count. ‘Claims that Council “delivered” rough sleepers there after the closure of Red Devil Park to long-term camping are incorrect. ‘The closure of Red Devil Park for long-term camping was not a Council matter’, say Council staff.

Researchers at SCU are seeking adults living in the Northern Rivers who have experienced trauma because of a flood, landslide or bushfire between 2017 and 2022. The HEART clinical trial will test whether arts-based or nature-based compassion programs can reduce the severity of climate-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

For further information and to see if you’re eligible, please scan the QR code or complete the survey here https://redcap.link/HEARTtrial Contact: The HEART team via email heart@scu.edu.au

These programs build and strengthen selfcompassion skills through enjoyable, guided activities. The programs run for 5 weeks. Each group meets once a week for a 3-hour session. CRICOS Provider: 01241G

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This study has been approved by the Bellberry (2025-03-472) and AH&MRC (2386/25) ethics committees

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January 14, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 5

Local News

North Coast news online

New rugby grandstand for Byron

O’M E A R A D E N T A L WELCOME DR CARA FITT

Paul Bibby

Dr Cara Fitt completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Melbourne, graduating with academic and clinical excellence awards. As a holistic and patient-focused dentist, Dr Cara delivers a high standard of personalised care to patients of all ages. She has a special interest in aesthetic, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry and also has a strong commitment to preventive dentistry and periodontal health. Known for her warm, empathetic nature, Dr Cara enjoys getting to know her patients and building long-term relationships founded on trust and comfort. Dr Cara is committed to ongoing learning in her quest to stay up to date with advancements in modern and holistic dentistry. She is a very welcome addition to the team.

The rugby field at the Byron Bay Recreation Grounds looks set to finally get a new grandstand, with plans being lodged with Byron Council this month. The existing wooden structure located on the

Tennyson Street side of the field has served locals well, but is now ready for retirement. In its place will be two shiny, new six-metre high grandstands, each with four tiers of corrosion-resistant aluminium seating that is designed for long-term use

with minimal upkeep. The total cost of the project is $99,000 which will be paid for by Byron Council, which is the applicant in the development. The proposal is currently on public exhibition and can be viewed on Council’s website (byron.nsw.gov.au).

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Over the last decade, women from around the region have shared their stories as part of The Vagina Conversations, a collaborative show featuring women, and people with vaginas. Inspired by Eve Ensler’s Vagina Monologues, Director Zenith Virago felt that our local community had their own stories to tell. And so she pulled together a contemporary re-imagining, and this wasn’t a monologue. No, this was a conversation. With vaginas! Hence, The Vagina Conversations. Women young and old, from 17 to 83, have stepped into the spotlight. These aren’t ‘performers’ – these are women and people from all walks of life, who find the courage to share. For many this is the first time they’ve been on stage. The Vagina Conversations series has continued to sell

Women gathered at Main Beach, Byron on 14 February 2025 to raise awareness and end violence. Photo supplied out year after year with tellers presenting personal, professional, or political stories to inform, educate, support and entertain. Sometimes funny, other times sad, occasionally challenging and always celebratory, The Vagina Conversations is a powerful collaborative feminist project with creator and MC Zenith Virago, and regular contributor Mandy Nolan.

Raising money for DV programs ‘This show is activism in action’ says Ms Nolan. ‘Every year we tell stories about our sexuality, about what has happened to us because of our gender, and in doing that we raise money for muchneeded womens’ support services for their domestic

violence (DV) programs.’ Why are they talking about vaginas? Zenith Virago says vaginas are the most powerful body part on the planet. ‘They give pleasure, they give life – experiencing pain, and are desired and exploited every day.’ The Vagina Conversations are also part of the ‘One Billion Rising’ V-Day global revolution to end violence. All proceeds go to the Women’s Resource Service; Byron Escape Fund; and the Tweed DVIRC Impact Fund, supporting local women escaping intimate partner and family violence, financing women in crisis to pay for emergency needs, and keeping women and children safe. The Vagina Conversations have raised over $158,000. You can get tickets at www. brunswickpicturehouse.com.

Looking at the future of the Brunswick River The health of the Brunswick River is fairly poor, and Positive Change for Marine Life (PCFML), a local marine conservation organisation, is pushing for its improvement. PCFML is asking locals, landholders, fishers, and river users to take part in short surveys (http:// community.pcfml.org.au/ surveys) to help understand the threats and protect the much-loved river, and the life it supports, via the Brunswick River Community Hub. ‘Your feedback gives us direct, on-the-ground information about current behaviours, challenges and ideas – and this is exactly the kind of evidence we take to funders, councils, and decision-makers to advocate for better protection of the river,’ said PCFML. ‘Every response helps

Brunswick River May, 2018. Photo Charles Boyle shape future education, funding, and practical actions for our beautiful Bruns River. ‘The Brunswick River (known as Durrumbil) is the principal estuary within the Cape Byron Marine Park and holds immense ecological, cultural, and heritage value.’ ‘Pressure from a wide range of threats including development, and the

changing climate, presents a significant management challenge for the Byron Shire community. Left unchecked, a number of cumulative human impacts have the potential to cause irreversible damage to complex ecological systems.’ Q Read full story in The Echo online: www.echo.net.au.

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Local News

New Captain Juliet Lamont heads to Sicily to coordinate Australian contingent of the 2026 Global Sumud Flotilla Aslan Shand

to approximately 20 nautical miles (37km) from the coast of Gaza before being seized.

ntrepid local sailor, now Captain, Juliet Lamont, is heading back to Sicily to run Australia’s contingent of the next Global Sumud Flotilla. The stated aim of the flotilla is ‘to break the illegal siege on Gaza by sea and open a humanitarian corridor to Gaza ‘to deliver medical aid and baby formula to Gaza, as well as take skilled engineers, doctors, care workers, and teachers to Gaza to help rebuild following Israel’s destruction of the country’. Juliet says she has decided to participate in the flotilla again ‘despite the trauma of abuse in an Israeli prison’ following her arrest as part of the flotilla last year, and ‘the inevitable fallout of the Bondi mass shooting’.

Action for peace Juliet told The Echo that the Bondi attack was pivotal in her decision to participate in the flotilla again, saying she

Getting involved

Captain Hamish Paterson and First Mate Juliet Lamont in the lead up to the 2025 Global Sumud Flotilla. Juliet has since become a Captain and will Captain her own vessel in the 2026 flotilla. Photo supplied realised that everyone, from Jews and Arabs to all Australians, deserves to live in peace, and taking direct action is a way to achieve this. ‘I’m always saying that I am anti-genocide and antideaths and that’s whether it’s Jewish or Muslim people,’ she said. ‘The so-called “ceasefire” has not stopped the killing of more than 400 Palestinians, including children. Civilians in Palestine are living in a

bombed-out wasteland without functioning utilities, fresh water, or adequate food. Israel has now blocked desperately-needed doctors and healthcare workers (as part of its ban on 37 aid organisations). ‘We always go in peace. Everyone in the flotilla is non-violent. We’re trained for weeks in non-violent action before we get on the boats.’ Juliet says that the flotilla is an ‘act of love’ with

Surya McEwen during the 2025 Global Sumud Flotilla. Photo supplied

representatives from 46 countries participating in the next flotilla that is due to set off from multiple ports on 30 March. ‘If all that happens is it’s symbolic, it shows that particularly people with white privilege are prepared to, and have historically, put their bodies on the line for social change and for a better world for everybody. From civil rights to gay marriage, to the suffragettes, to

the slave trade, people have put themselves on the line to create change. This flotilla is a mission of peace. So it’s very powerful to be part of that.’ Juliet says she will be joined in the action by both her daughters Isla, 24 and Luca, 26 as well as locals Captain Hamish Paterson and Surya McEwen who both participated in last year’s flotilla. During the 2025 flotilla, the closest ships got

At a recent fundraiser for the Australian contingent, Juliet said she was approached by many Jewish people who were looking at ways to support ending the war in Gaza. ‘There are many Jewish people who want to speak up and are asking, “what do we say? How do we get the message out there?” They are telling me that there are a lot of conversations about the genocide in Gaza and they say “there’s a lot of us in the wings, and we want to say something”.’ Juliet has just started raising funds for her trip which you can donate to at: chuffed.org/ project/164590-fundraiserfor-flotilla-participants-taking-life-saving-aid-to-gaza. If you are interested in getting involved or registering to be part of the flotilla you can find out more at: globalsumudflotilla.org.

Help people like Lynette stay safe. Slow down, stop and wait until school crossing supervisors have left the crossing before continuing your journey. Learn more

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North Coast News

North Coast news online

East Lismore suburb unveiled by NSW Labor

News from across the North Coast online

www.echo.net.au Comment: With friends like these… David Lowe writes: ‘Is it better to be friends with the biggest bully in the schoolyard, regardless of how he behaves? So far, Australia has always answered yes. But what if the bully’s trappings of democracy, order, science and reason fall away?’

Police allege illegal U-turn in deadly Tyalgum crash An 87-year-old man is to face court next month, charged over a crash in Tyalgum last October that left a 69-yearold motorbike rider dead. Police say the older driver performed an illegal U-turn across double lines.

Teen trio denied bail over Ballina breakins and car thefts Another two teenagers have had bail denied after alleged break and enters, as well as thefts of a Porsche and BMW, near Ballina leading up to New Year’s Eve.

Trespass, larceny and pursuits: Lismore Police wrap Lismore police attempted to stop a car after observing suspicious behaviour, the driver allegedly fled at high speed through the Lismore CBD and surrounding streets, sparking a pursuit that was terminated for safety reasons. A short time later, the vehicle was found abandoned in Invercauld Drive, Goonellabah, where the 18-year-old driver, who was unlicensed and hiding nearby, was arrested.

Blue Knob Road roadworks planned Road restoration works are planned at Lillian Rock Road, Salkeld Road, and Blue Knob Road between January 2026 and April 2027, says Lismore City Council.

Lismore tip upgrade Lismore City Council say it will soon begin essential upgrades at the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre. In a media release Council staff say, ‘The initial project involves full pavement rehabilitation of the road between the front gate and weighbridge, including kerb reinstatement and drainage, and will repair damage caused by the 2022 natural disasters and subsequent heavy vehicle usage’.

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lans have been released for stage 1 of a 400-home future community at Crawford Road, East Lismore. In a media release, the Minns Labor government say they are inviting the community to have a say. ‘Stage 1 will be delivered under a partnership between Landcom and the NSW Reconstruction Authority, and will deliver around 100 smaller and more affordable housing options, including terraces and low-rise apartments’, the media release reads.

type and configuration. ‘Early master planning is underway for the full 72ha site, with the goal of creating a sustainable, resilient community of at least 400 dwellings that meets post-2022 flood housing needs. ‘Landcom will invest at least $75 million to develop the site, with the NSW Reconstruction Authority contributing $15 million for the land and enabling infrastructure including new roads, power, water and sewerage connections.

Indicative price

‘At least 20 per cent of homes will be set aside as affordable housing for very low- to moderate-income households’. The Echo has asked which affordable housing metric will apply, and also whether there will be a social housing component. The media release

‘As an indicative guide (subject to change at the time of sale): • Stage 1 land (only) could range from $300,000 to $350,000, • Stage 1 homes could range from $425,000 to $950,000 depending on the

ǔşſĎëćōĕ ĲşƖƆĶŕī

Image NSW Labor government continues, ‘Resilient Homes Program participants who have accepted a buyback offer will have at least 30 business days to purchase new land and homes before the open market is given access’. ‘After the 2022 floods, the Australian and NSW governments invested $880 million in the Resilient Homes Program, and the NSW government committed a further $100 million to the Resilient Lands Program to

support long-term community recovery. ‘Together, these programs aim to reduce exposure to future flood risk by offering safer housing options and guiding development to more suitable land. Both programs are delivered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

Priority locations ‘The East Lismore site is one of three priority locations under the Resilient

Lands Program that will help accelerate land and housing supply for flood-impacted residents. ‘In November 2025, Landcom commenced construction of 50 build-to-rent apartments on the corner of Crawford Road and Military Road, west of the Stage 1 development. ‘Landcom is inviting feedback until 9am, Monday 16 February 2026, to help finalise the plans for Stage 1 and inform site masterplanning. The development application for the Stage 1 is expected to be lodged by mid-2026 with Lismore City Council. ‘Subject to approvals, sales are expected to begin in mid-2026, with major works starting later that year,’ the media release says. To learn more about the project and share feedback, visit www.joinin.landcom. nsw.gov.au/eastlismore.

DĶſƆƐ bĶŕīƆ DşſĕƆƐ ƆëōĕƆ ſĕīĶƆƐĕſĕĎ ëĪƐĕſ Ǡǝ ƷĕëſƆ şĪ żōëŕŕĶŕī Land approved for development of thousands of new homes in Tweed Shire decades ago has sold, with around 150 dwellings registered as sold. Tweed Shire Council says bringing properties to market at the Kings Forest estate near Kingscliff has taken

more than 30 years of planning and collaboration. The estate is approved for 4,500 new dwellings of mixed size and design, with the council describing Kings Forest as playing a crucial role in helping address an ongoing shortage of housing in the Tweed.

Leda Holdings sold the 869-hectare approved development site to Stockland in August last year in one of the largest land transactions recorded for Northern NSW. Kings Forest is two kilometres from Casuarina Beach, and is to feature detached

homes, duplexes, terrace row housing and small-scale apartments. An already developed park was open to the public over the holiday period. The estate is to include parks, schools, a town centre, sports fields and retail.

Green space Council staff say more than 300 hectares of conservation and 22 hectares of green space is included in the design and that the area is expected to provide employment for 1,500 people.

Serendipiti short-listed Lismore City Council development for Triple J Hottest 100 ĈĕſƐĶǕĈëƐĶşŕ ƆĕſưĶĈĕƆ ĎſşżżĕĎ A young woman from Alstonville has been short-listed in the Triple J Hottest 100. Her father Simon Chate posted on the Alstonville Wollongbar Community Info Notice Board, ‘She needs your vote!’ ‘We’ve got [two] more days to help Serendipiti – with her song “Ajar” – to get over the line and into that final hottest 100! ‘Let’s get behind this awesome singer-songwriter and help her over the line! ‘Thanks so much! (Proud dad alert!)’.

Serendipiti. Photo supplied To vote, visit https://hottest100.abc.net.au/browse/ artist/s.

Private certifiers will now be employed by the public for development certifications at Lismore City Council, after staff say they recently undertook a comprehensive review of building certification services, ‘and determined that development certification can be effectively provided by private certifiers’. They say, ‘This change aligns with industry practices and ensures that resources are focused on core responsibilities while enabling applicants to

access certification through accredited private providers’. ‘As a result, Council will no longer offer the following development certification services: Complying Development Certificates; Construction Certificates; Occupation Certificates; Critical Stage Inspections and Swimming Pool Compliance Certificates. ‘For your building certification needs, people will now need to engage a qualified private certifier and/or an accredited E1 Pool Certifier’, they say.

‘If you currently have a construction certificate and/ or an occupation certificate application with Council, we will contact you as soon as possible to advise of the next steps. Please note Council will continue to assess building information certificate applications and Council will continue to undertake external plumbing inspections for developments’, they say. For more info contact the Council on 02 6625 0500 or visit www.lismore.nsw.gov.au.

Dĕſëō Ďĕĕſ ŔşưĶŕī ĈōşƆĕſ Ɛş ¨ƱĕĕĎ ĲĶſĕ Feral deer are an emerging threat in the Northern Rivers, says Tweed Council. In a statement Tweed Council staff said, ‘They damage crops, erode soils, destroy habitats and put livelihoods at risk’.

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‘Through co-funding from the NSW Environmental Trust for our project, Tweed and Kyogle Communities on Feral Deer Alert, we have surveyed approximately 10,000 hectares of land across the Tweed using a combination

of drone and helicopter. ‘By combining drones and helicopters, we can target both high-priority localised areas and large tracts of difficult terrain. ‘While the Tweed doesn’t have an established feral

deer population yet, large groups are moving closer to our borders.

Public support ‘That’s why we need you to report any sightings before these pests gain a foothold.

‘Spot a deer? Report it! Your sightings help stop feral deer before they spread’. Report online at https:// brnw.ch/21wYQX9 or to your local Deer Project Officer: 02 6670 2400. www.echo.net.au

Articles / Local News

P ëŔ ĲëưĶŕī ëŕ ëǔëĶſǾ Alison Drover

am having an affair. We sit together most nights in the bath usually around 9pm. Sometimes he comes later than me. There is silence, yet the conversation runs deep. He has jewel black eyes like the seeds of a papaya and lustrous skin. He is rather cute. Our affair has been going for a few years. I don’t see him for some months usually in winter. He likes to surprise me, yet we always meet in the bath. It’s a hands-off affair. We don’t have any ‘love’ accessories, no ‘made in China’ rubber balls or plastic toys, or synthetic accoutrements to end up in landfill and certainly no bath bubbles!

Our lives depend on nature’s success Naked I marvel at him and he at I. This relationship is free, no cooking extravagant meals to accommodate his every whim, no expense bills, he takes care of all his medical needs. As I lie in the bath submerged toes pointed high like a corpse waiting to leave earthly realms I hear the cicadas hymn, then the birds silence the night. I wonder whilst staring into the eyes of my lover ‘Fred’ why humanity struggles to protect nature yet our joy and life depends on it. I have laid with lizards, eyed up echidnas, and had a fleeting love affair with a willie wagtail that, to this day, I can’t explain – yet it was wild. My sweety tweety would greet me each day as I stepped out of the car shaking her tail feather until I paid attention and she followed me around the yard vying

‘I feel it’s time for humanity to reassess and consider how we can forge relations between humans and nature, consciously creating ŔşſĕȝƆżëĈĕ Īşſ ƱĶōĎōĶĪĕ Ɛş ƐĲſĶưĕȁț for my attention. I had a red parrot arrive on my car door detaining me from what I will never know, yet this bird left its imprint on my heart. These connections have a frequency. Timeframes are fluid and once tapped in, I understand the interconnection the rain brings the cockatoos, and the dry the echidna. Forest pigeons forage early. I am never alone. I dated a moth for months. I feel the patterns of how the jigsaw puzzle of nature works and marvel at how the ancient masters have learnt to live with, rather than at the expense of, nature. Indigenous people have totems when they are born. Each First Nation person has a least four totems. A personal totem recognises an individual’s strengths and weaknesses and creates an link for that person to the land, air, and geographical characteristics. They also define people’s roles and responsibilities and their relationship with each other and creation. Totems are not owned; they are accounted for. Each person has a responsibility in ensuring the protection of their totem and passing it on from one generation to the next. Imagine if at birth we were assigned a totem?

More than one animal to worship Ironically as we witness wildlife’s demise of dwindling ecosystems, and robbing plants and animals, we are not worshipping wildlife but instead the dog. The number of dogs rises in leaps and

bounds. Half the population owns one or more. Community boards are awash with lost dogs, pet sitters needed, and our phones are saturated with paws and ‘fur babies’. People are seduced into more with doggy day care and pet resorts to outsource their dogs’ care. Beaches, planes, and parks are being given over to make room for the dog. Dogs are ‘decaninesed’, put in trolleys, and parked at cafes in prams. Parks are pungent dominating the seasons with wee or the stench of hot plastic and poo bags. Our lives, and those of others are increasingly dominated by the needs of dogs. I love them too, yet it feels out of balance. I feel it’s time for humanity to reassess and consider how we can forge relations between humans and nature, consciously creating more space for wildlife to thrive. That morning I had to shout to the man wearing headphones, with the dachshund on Byron’s Main Beach. The sea running past him in silence. ‘No dogs allowed’ please. He ignored my words oblivious to the fact that a family of oystercatchers are training their chicks to catch pipis and left traumatised by his dog. The moon is up, I look into the eyes of my lover Fred, who is of course a handsome green tree frog, and dream of people and totems. Q Alison Drover is an envi-

ronmental business strategist and nature spokesperson.

Decisions on future of Bangalow Bowlo Aslan Shand The Moller Pavilion was full last Sunday afternoon as the Bangalow community gathered to discuss the future options of how to bring the Bangalow Bowlo back into community hands and get it opened again for community use. Four options were presented on how to approach regaining community access and control of the bowling club with a survey (https:// forms.gle/PnfvbUzZg2vq55NV9) now open for the community to fill out that will give the organising group an indication of the way the community wants to move forward. The survey also provides a place for comments and questions. The Bangalow Bowlo was handed to Norths Collective after a majority of the club members voted to amalgamate with Norths Collective in November 2022 with an existing debt of $700 to $800,000. Expectations were that by late 2023 or early 2024, they [Norths] would, ‘lodge a development application (DA) for major master planning work and renovations’ as reported in The Echo. As part of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) Norths had committed to spend $3.5 million on renovations and upgrades for the Bowlo over ten years. On Friday, 24 October, 2025 Norths closed the Bowlo, less than three years after they had taken it over. At Sunday’s meeting, it was clearly stated that Norths had breached, and had admitted to having breached, the MOU on multiple grounds.

Way forward The first option presented to progress reclaiming the club was that the community come together to

Use QR Code to access the Bangalow Bowlow survey. buy Norths out, however, it is not clear what price Norths would ask for that option. The Bangalow Advisory Committee (BAC) who have been speaking to Norths on the community’s behalf say Norths have said it has cost them $2 million to run the facility since they took it over, including the original debt. This option would return the title of the land and assets to the community and the club would continue to trade independently. However, this option requires either a philanthropist stepping in with a no-interest loan or a low-interest loan which the club would have to repay. The second option is to continue BAC negotiations with Norths where Norths would hand over the assets to community ownership but would retain a $2 million mortgage over the property for 25 years. While there would be no repayments and the asset would be handed to the community after 25 years, there are risks to this approach. If the club closed for any period of time, which it has done in the past, the ownership would return to Norths at which point they could sell the land. There are also issues around what would happen if Norths collapsed. As one presenter said, ‘the devil is in the detail’. The third option is to

look for another club to take over and run the Bangalow Bowlo. This would initiate an expressions of interest (EOIs) for amalgamation process and involve the club that takes over paying some money to Norths. The fourth and final option presented was to reject current proposals and start legal action against Norths for breach of the MOU and restart the public campaign to put pressure on Norths to return the asset to the community. Norths have made it clear that they will stop further negotiations in relation to other options if this line is pursued.

Community driven Meeting chair, Sally Schofield, made it clear that the afternoon was about informing everyone of the options, asking questions, and then via the survey get a consensus on how the community wanted to move forward, and what the community really wants to happen for the future of the club. Organiser and Byron Shire Councillor, Asren Pugh, was clear that they didn’t have all the answers yet and that it was possible to move forward with multiple options at once. ‘We are trying to be as transparent as we possibly can with the community,’ he told the meeting. The online survey provides a range of information on the four options that have been proposed and is a place to ‘share your feedback on the options presented, as well as to ask questions and make additional comments about the options, the process and/or the future of the club,’ Cr Pugh told The Echo. The survey will be open for two weeks at: https://forms.gle/ PnfvbUzZg2vq55NV9.

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The Byron Shire Echo Volume 40 #32 • January 14, 2026

Inspired by Brazen Hussies

sat down with my kids and watched Brazen Hussies recently. It is a 2020 film documentary that left them slightly amused and seriously bemused by ‘ye olde’ behaviour – like women not being allowed in pubs and having to chain themselves to the bar in protest; that equal pay wasn’t something you just expected (even if we aren’t quite there yet); that there wasn’t free healthcare or access to legal terminations; or that there were men actually saying that a women’s place was in the home. For them, these were bizarre and strange ideas that were somewhat fantastical from a world they couldn’t really relate to (the world of their grandparents’ youth). It reminds us how much the world has changed in a relatively short period of time. While the film focused on how a daring and diverse group of Australian women reignited the feminist movement in Australia between the 1960s and ’70s it highlighted how in many ways the Northern Rivers Rainbow Region (and The Echo) is a product of that time of change when people were on the streets protesting the Vietnam War, challenging the norms that they had been brought up with, and moving to places like Byron Bay, Mullumbimby, and Nimbin to create new communities, new politics, and new ways of living. By the 1980s the hippies were beginning to venture out of the hills (even occasionally putting on some pants!) and were creating their own political parties like United Shire, getting active in local organisations like the local fire brigades, starting up local community centres, domestic violence (DV) services and refuges, and working hard, often in volunteer capacities, to create better communities. Sometimes it feels like we are watching the world unravel with Roe v. Wade overturned, Nazis marching in the streets, the Bondi attack, clampdowns on protests, and all levels of government reducing transparency. As Rosemary West sums up in Brazen Hussies about the rights of women and the importance of recognising what we have achieved, she says, ‘I think it’s important for young women today, because things don’t necessarily keep on improving, and they might find themselves in exactly the same position as we were in if they don’t understand and defend the progress that we’ve made.’ Sitting there listening to this with my children I realised that advances in the rights of everyone from race, gender, and sexuality, to healthcare, and access to resources, can’t be taken for granted. We all need to take action so that we don’t go backwards, as recent events have demonstrated how easily these hard won improvements can be lost. Aslan Shand, editor News tips are welcome: editor@echo.net.au

What will happen next? M any were happy to say goodbye to 2025, hoping this year would be less troublesome, but alas it started with an explosion, not a bang. Who could have imagined that the Trump regime would invade Venezuela and kidnap President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores? Maduro was a tyrant, and many Venezuelans fled his despotism, but invading Caracas clearly violated international law. Trump gleefully claimed he now had control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves and was going to sell them but hit an impassable roadblock when the CEO of ExxonMobil, Darren Wood, told him in a meeting of oil executives that Venezuela is ‘uninvestable’. His mad plan collapsed instantly. America’s illegal attack on Venezuela effectively gives permission for China to take Taiwan and strengthened Putin’s hand in claiming Ukrainian territory and perhaps moving deeper into Europe. There was barely a whisper of criticism from the Albanese government, not daring to offend our number one ally. If we criticised Trump, he might decide he needs to add Australia to the American Empire to bolster America’s defences against China. That may sound ridiculous, but anything is possible with this crazy bunch. This rogue administration is now determined to seize Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and part of NATO – by negotiation or force, ‘whatever it takes’. If the USA invades Greenland, it is declaring war on NATO and all members would automatically come to its defence. Some are warning this would be the beginning of World War III. Republican members of Congress have spoken on Fox News claiming America has a right to Greenland. One said more American blood was shed defending Denmark in WWII than Danish blood and that gave them the right to take possession of it. Excuses given for taking Greenland are concerns that Russia or China might occupy it and threaten the USA.

‘If this out-of-control madness is also designed to be a distraction ĪſşŔ ƐĲĕ 0żƆƐĕĶŕ ǔōĕƆǼ ĶƐ ƱĶōō şŕōƷ ƱşſŊȝƐĕŔżşſëſĶōƷȁț Richard Jones

Perhaps the key reason is the island has some of the richest stores of natural resources in the world, including rare earths and huge amounts of oil and gas. When Greenland becomes green again, as is happening right now with global heating, accelerated by Trump’s anti-climate policies, more resources will be uncovered. Not just Greenland is under threat. A few days ago, Trump said ‘Cuba is ready to fall’. He is also planning to bomb Mexico to hit ‘drug cartels’ and threatening Colombia. He wants to rule the entire western hemisphere. If this out-of-control madness is also designed to be a distraction from the Epstein files, it will only work temporarily. To add to the craziness, Trump announced he was withdrawing the USA from 66 international groups, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the International Renewable Energy Association, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, and dozens of others. He is cancelling renewable energy developments, such as wind farms, plunging America back into the coal age. America is now officially a climate pariah. Trump is also at war with his own people with attacks by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) on American citizens. The execution of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis sent shock waves around America and brought protesters onto the streets. Others have been shot since. The president, vice-president, and secretary of homeland security rushed to lie about what happened when there was clear video evidence from multiple sources to show it was a

cold-blooded execution. Whilst the Albanese government has been very quiet on these contentious issues, the Murdoch media and the opposition have been cheering Trump on. Anthony Albanese has been losing support in the polls since the Bondi tragedy and dithering on holding a royal commission. In the new DemosAU poll, he still leads Sussan Ley as preferred prime minister 42 per cent to 29 per cent but is rated positively by only 29 per cent of the electorate and negatively by 42 per cent. One Nation has drawn level with the Coalition at 23 per cent, mirroring what is happening in the UK, with right-wing Reform UK ahead in the polls. Now that Albanese has finally caved in to demands for a royal commission, he risks looking like a weak leader. Meanwhile, it is highly probable that Sussan Ley will face a leadership challenge in the not-too-distant future, with Angus Taylor fighting off Andrew Hastie to claim the prize. The Albanese government urgently needs to create a circuit breaker. They must get back on the front foot and talk with unions about their demands to address inequities in the tax system, particularly capital gains tax that was crippled by John Howard. AUKUS needs reconsidering; it’s a massive waste of money paid to a bunch of lunatics. Albo needs to use his huge majority, while he still has it, to ram through reforms, with the support of Greens and independents. It’s time to show real strength and compassion, otherwise he risks leaving a very deficient legacy. Q Richard Jones is a former NSW MLC, and is now a ceramist.

The Byron Shire Echo Volume 40 #32 January 14, 2026 Established 1986 • 22,000 copies every week

www.echo.net.au Phone: 02 6684 1777 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 Deputy Editor: Hans Lovejoy Photographer: Jeff Dawson Advertising Manager: Anna Coelho Production Manager: Ziggi Browning

Nicholas Shand 1948–1996 Founding Editor

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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

10 The Byron Shire Echo `ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ

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Letters to the Editor www.echo.net.au/letters Ɩǔ żƖǔ

I am sad to see The Echo giving space to the article by Paul Bibby about the rail trail. In my opinion it was a ‘puff piece’ and should have been a letter. The gradual return of local rail services to the Northern Rivers is a very live possibility (see Facebook posts under Northern Rivers Railway Ltd, and make contact to get newsletter updates and give support). Rail services are a muchneeded addition to local amenities for both locals and tourists. It’s ironic that the same Echo issue contains [a letter to the editor from A Stante demanding that Council fix the dangerous traffic queue on the M1 at the Byron exit and slow traffic speeds along Ewingsdale Rd] – a great expenditure forthcoming on roads and infrastructure. The need for that is partly driven by the current lack of rail services, which will take a lot of pressure off the local road network. I believe there is ample evidence that the forecast numbers of users of the rail trail, as it exists, have not materialised*. The trail will be infinitely more attractive to all sorts of users when the return journey can be made by train. Daniel Berg Lismore Q *According to Tweed Rail Trail stats, the number of users far exceeded projections – Ed

¨ſëǔĶĈ ưƆ ƐſëĶŕƆ Every week there are letters in The Echo about traffic congestion, terrible roads and parking problems in Byron Shire. At the same time, Byron

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1/53 Tam

increased use of public transport since reducing fares to 50 cents. That saves an awful lot of money on roads. The reduction in emissions and the pain and suffering saved from less deaths and injuries from road accidents is not to be ignored. Louise Doran Ocean Shores

dëƆƐ ƐſĶż Ɛş lƖōōƖŔ This Christmas may have been my last trip to Mullumbimby; I’m getting too old. But it was nice to visit Kohinur Hall on NYE, to feel the beginning of my 83rd year on this insignificant speck in space. I didn’t go in because it was well past my bedtime and there were very few familiar faces. Sitting in the sun in front of the Middle Pub brought some highlights and some food for thought, though I would have forgotten that thought between there and home. I did catch up with a few cherished friends among the endless rubbernecks. The best was catching up with my last litter, all three boys in the same place at the

same time, and seeing the gum trees I planted 50 years ago. It was well worth the 15,000-kilometre journey. Mullum is still different in a good way. There are many vibrant, attractive, and healthy people about. Some lovely smiles. Car horns are a new attraction, same as when the doofs arrived. All in all, it’s a lovely place with soul. The only thing I missed out on was a Browny’s pie, they were closed for Christmas. Boo hoo, poor me. Then the bad part happened. Why did they remove the ‘railway bus’ sign from the railway station? With my eyes, the cardboard sign on the ground looked like a garage sale sign. The bus now stops behind the post office. Lucky for me that Shannon hadn’t gone fishing, otherwise I’d still be waiting there, homeless. Now I’m home, sipping a turmeric and black pepper smoothie. Cheers. Len Hend China ▶ Continued on next page

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Ye Olde Stone School returns to The Farm in Ewingsdale, Byron Bay, where willing participants of all skill levels will learn to split, chisel and build stone for a traditional style cottage. Suitable for owner-builders, tradies and teenagers of all ages. COURSES WILL RUN FROM JANUARY 16 TO FEBRUARY 28

MER 2025 ISSUE #9 ~ SUM

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After serving up Orgasmic §¾Ł ~òŁ8~¾ Ł ÄÒŁģĪŁò ~ÒÖŅŁÜ¥ Falafel invites you to ShakShuka ŁÜ ~½Ł Ü¥ §ÒŁ¾ ìŁ~ ë ¾ÜàÒ Ł¾ ñÜ Bar, Ł ÄÄÒń Their signature dish, the Shakshuka, looks and tastes amazing – two poached eggs nestled in a rich slow-simmered tomato sauce made with onions and fragrant spices, served ¥ÄÜŁÖ§øø·§¾¡ŁÖµ§·· ÜŁì§Ü¥Ł¥Ä in a ÜŁ Ò ~ ńŁ Add your favourite toppings like chorizo, bacon, feta or or choose the white lamb, creamy base with smoked salmon or ½àÖ¥ÒÄÄ½ÖńŁEÜ¥ ÒŁÄ Ò§¾¡ÖŁ include pancakes, eggs your way ~¾ ŁÜ~ÖÜòŁìÒ~ÏŁÜÄŁ¾~½ Ł~ Ł ìńŁ From November the ShakShuka evening bar will be open for ~½~ø§¾¡Ł Ä µÜ~§·ÖŁ~¾ ŁÜ~Ï Live music and community~ÖńŁ ë ¾ÜÖŁÖÄÄ¾ŁÜÄŁ Ä··ÄìńŁ#§¾ ŁÜ¥ ½Ł behind the Beach Hotel in Bay 8~¾ Ł¾ ñÜŁÜÄŁEÒ¡~Ö½§ Ł#~ ·~ ·ń EÏ ¾ŁÖ ë ¾Ł ~òÖŁ ÒÄ½ŁĩńĥĢ~½ń Bay Lane, Byron Bay 0438 247 791 @shakshuka_bar

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ISSUE #9 ~ SUMMER 2025

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Cartoon by Raoul Council and governments will spend as much on destroying a multi-billiondollar rail line, which runs through the centre of Byron, Mullum and Bangalow, which could take millions of monster gas guzzlers off our roads, for a little-used bike track, which has not taken a single car off the roads! Or delivered the economic benefits promised. Businesses say cyclists spend little. Apart from one bike shop, no new businesses have opened along the rail trail and no new jobs have been created. The bike track is empty in the heat and pouring rain. We know it cost just $660,000 per kilometre to restore the Byron section of line for the solar train, but the one kilometre of Byron bypass cost $24m. The upgrade of a short section of Mullumbimby Road is costing $5m. Even if train services were free, it would cost taxpayers less than the billions needed to upgrade and maintain roads, and build multi-storey car parks. Queensland has reported an almost one-third

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A celebration of the amazing food, drinks, and delights of the Northern Rivers Find your FREE copy at the EchoŁÄ ĝ ŅŁ~ÜŁÖ · ÜŁÖÏÄÜÖŁ~ÒÄà¾ Ł the Shire, or read it online at www.echo.net.au/eat-drink

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Within any community that has the right to freedom of expression there are rules governing that freedom and limits on what can be said. So, if the speaker wants to be taken seriously, their argument has to be balanced, plausible and, most importantly, accurate. In recent weeks in The Echo, there have been letters that have breached these rules and while it’s apparent that The Echo’s laudatory editorial policy is to ‘give voice to the people’, there have been particularly inflammatory letters bordering on the obscene along with the letter-writer’s cheer squad pitching in. I’m not about to claim that I too have Jewish heritage, as though only then could I truly empathise with what some would class as the precarious situation of the Jewish people in the Middle East… or Australia. Worse, such a claim would be dismissive of Palestinians’ right to peaceful existence in what is also their homeland. I’m particularly aghast at any generalisations, which to my mind, because of their inflammatory nature, further divide us as citizens. Yet we have to be able to ‘speak our minds’ within the confines of the normal rules of the public discussion. The principles are well established: accuracy, ‘play the ball not the man’ arguments, respectful, considerate of the sensitivities of all readers not just those that have a particular racial/ religious alignment. Frank Lynch Mullumbimby

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More power to Greens Councillor Michelle Lowe for taking a position against the harm caused by poker machines in our community. In addition to advocating for regulatory power for local councils, let’s urge politicians at all levels to implement a full ban on gambling advertising and, while we are at it, rename the Gaming

North Coast news online Machines Act as the Gambling Machines Act. Poker machines are designed to take your money, gambling is not a game. Alison Allcock Brunswick Heads

What is ‘antisemitism’? One can only hope that the terms of any royal commission [into the Bondi massacre] focus explicitly on, among other relevant things, the enlivenment of antisemitism in our community and the various forms that is taking. As we all know, antisemitism is an ancient hatred with many different expressions: the Roman renaming of Judea around 135CE; Russian pogroms in the 19th century; the Nazi-inspired Holocaust during WWII. And there are many others. Today, across the world, I think that a new form is finding broad acceptance: anti-Zionism – which simply means that any secure geographic place for Jewish people be delegitimised and then eradicated. I can’t see how this would not entail yet another catastrophe for Jewish people in the Middle East, and wherever else they may live. One of the characteristic features of antisemitism is the way it shape-shifts across different times and places, and appears to resist enduring definition. For anyone interested in deepening their understanding of antisemitism, can I suggest reading Eichmann in Jerusalem by Hannah Arendt, and If Auschwitz is Nothing, by Donatella di Cesare. Both these books are by substantial female philosophers, and have profoundly changed my views on this vital issue. Damian Byers Byron Bay

Council’s parking blitz The letter to the editor on January 7 by Max DeBoos entitled ‘Council’s parking blitz’ is an example of how unaccountable this Council is. It seems to me that their compliance officers simply strike when they can, no

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12 The Byron Shire Echo `ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ

commonsense applied, just revenue-raising. A Qld-registered car has been parked illegally for numerous hours a day, plus slept in, when Council’s signage states no camping. This car was reported to Council months ago, but no action taken – it is still there to this day. Our mayor came down for the opening of the wetlands project, the mayor is aware of this vehicle. Mayor, on your way out of Byron did you actually have a look at this vehicle in Cowper Street? People are being fined for illegal parking every day but this car remains. Alan Dickens Byron Bay

Mandy’s ‘rant’ I What a great letter by Sarah Brinkhege from Suffolk Park on the Mandy Nolan rant. You would have thought we were past the ‘locals’ tag, but it appears not. Mandy tips anything on Byron, then wants our vote, and amazingly people in Byron vote for her. She is the classic local – comes from Queensland and lives in Mullumbimby and raves about being a local. Almost no one in this town was born here! As for tourists, it should not be ‘us against them’; we need the tourists. Without them, the Beach Hotel would still be a brick outhouse, a big night out would chicken nuggets and chips at the bowlo and Rockmans would be the premier store for the ladies. If you want the old days, I believe Boulia is great at the moment . Thank you Sarah, and I hope to see you late arvo down the beach one day with my $10 cask and we can share. Jeff Rake Byron Bay

Mandy’s ‘rant’ II In her rant about Byron Bay, (Echo, Dec 31), Ms Nolan may have been aiming for provocative, but she hit nasty and embarrassing instead. Embarrassing because Ms Nolan’s divisive stereotyping of visitors and Byron residents alike served no purpose other than to affirm the misguided position of the chronically disgruntled minority in our community. The dark clouds that find the negative in just about everything. Unfortunately, by failing to provide an accompanying counterpoint, The Echo appears complicit in offering only a single-sided view of an issue affecting its entire readership.

Adding nasty to the embarrassment of Ms Nolan’s piece is the distasteful display of provincialism in fabricating a scenario in which most Byron residents hold deep-rooted disdain towards tourists to our town. As if calling Byron home automatically instills empathy and understanding of social issues far beyond that of the rest of Australia. I would wager tourists are no more or less oblivious to the plight of the homeless in society, the high cost of living, overcrowding etc. than those living in Byron. Not every holidaymaker works in ‘shit jobs that are killing them with people they hate,’ as Nolan would have us believe. Lots of people like what they do for a living. Maybe, just maybe, most visitors are simply looking for a pleasant break and change of scenery from home. Where is the crime in walking the lighthouse, surfing mellow summertime waves with the kids, buying overpriced t-shirts from local store clerks and enjoying some meals out served by working locals? Contrary to Ms Nolan’s broad assumptions, not every visitor is overloaded with cash and ready to drop thousands of dollars on accommodation. In fact, I’d argue the opposite. Good luck finding a spot in one of our caravan parks or hostels between December and February. Nolan shamefully misrepresented the vast majority of our visitors (many fellow Australians, by the way) as a selfish demographic hellbent on having a good time at the expense of residents. Moreover, she falsely portrayed Byron residents as overwhelmingly fed up and unhappy. Nothing could be further from the truth. James Regan Myocum

Roundup dangers I sincerely thank Sally Law, from Mullumbimby, for her letter last week, informing the community of the dangers of spraying Roundup, and the heartbreaking effects upon the environment and species health, notably the development of cancers in humans. Sally must be supported with her activism and her petition to Council to cease this practice. We learn the bees are now dying off as a result of the effect of Roundup and other poisons. At the same time, it has been noted that www.echo.net.au

Letters to the Editor www.echo.net.au/letters trees are dying and not responding to replanting and growth. Our waterways no doubt carry the residue of these fatal poisons. Every such product must be banned despite clever corporations finding ways to ‘set consumer agendas’ to attract marketing. Combined with climate change these products are lethal to all life. Approximately three decades ago, the Byron Environment Centre was approached by several farmers in the area to share imperative information about the hazards of Roundup, culminating with a community meeting addressing the dangers. At the meeting, three decades ago, we learnt that the US had stockpiled Roundup. Australia was targeted as a consumer outlet. A slick US salesman was targeted to ‘really sell the safety of the product’. Instantly, environmentalists labelled him Dr Death. A shady character was he. His sales pitch was that Roundup was perfectly safe, indeed one could even drink it. He raved about the product. Many farmers were convinced and started using Roundup. After using Roundup, as one farmer told his story, his health rapidly declined, as did the health of other farmers. He was bleeding from all human orifices. He visited many doctors and was labelled ‘the most poisonous man in Australia’. This farmer was also concerned about the Roundup spray had drifted into his water tanks. No doctor in Australia could help him, but he was informed that a doctor in the US could. He went to the US, and the poison in his body alarmed the specialist… but after time, and treatment, his health was restored. Tragically, Dr Death’s lies, convinced members of the public, and profit grew and grew for corporations. Beware Dr Death, folks. Be alert to consumer schtick and support the hard work of Sally Law. Jo Faith Newtown

Putin apologist Simon Alderton was clearly triggered by a few irrefutable facts that don’t conform to his opinion about the war in Ukraine, his opinion no doubt informed solely by mainstream media. He called me a ‘Putin apologist’, a childish insult at best, and his claim that I blame Ukraine is simply www.echo.net.au

untrue, obviously I blame the US, not Ukraine. His letter (Echo, Dec 31) betrays a lack of knowledge about the conflict and its causes, which go back to the end of the Cold War, and entail US efforts to provoke conflict between the two neighbours. Simon would do well to watch Oliver Stone’s 2016 documentary, Ukraine on Fire, about the US-sponsored coup d’état that brought the far-right ultra-nationalist regime to power in 2014. He should also read Scott Horton’s book, Provoked: How Washington started the new Cold War with Russia and the catastrophe in Ukraine, which exposes the history of US intervention in Ukraine. Simon asks what I would do if Australia was invaded by a vastly superior foreign power. I would point out that China is our largest and most important trading partner, and they have never threatened us. If we get into a war with China, it will be due to the incompetence of our leaders and their abject subservience to Washington. John Scrivener Main Arm

Death before action Last Thursday night, around 9pm, I was helmeted, pedalling my 25 km/h, one-person, no-accelerator, electricmotor-assisted bicycle, with front lights on and a flashing rear light along Sunrise Boulevard, Byron Bay, when an unhelmeted person on a black, unregistered, electric motor bike with a rear passenger overtook me at approximately 35 km/h. Also overtaking me was a police van which followed the electric motorbike briefly before overtaking it and speeding off. That Thursday night, I came across a Facebook post from Brisbane police. The post described how they were targeting ‘non-compliant e-mobility devices.’ The article talked about, ‘… local police engagement with riders and parents, safety education sessions run by police at schools, and enforcement action when devices are not compliant or are being driven dangerously.’ Also, ‘in November, police issued 150 traffic infringement notices. The fines were for failing to stop at red lights, driving an unregistered electric motorcycle.’ An example was ‘fines for use of unregistered motorbike ($267), driving uninsured motor vehicle on a road ($333), and rider

holds driver licence but not authorised to learn to ride class of motorbike ($556). The man received a warning for his helmet.’ Brisbane police urged, ‘riders or parents who have already bought their child a device to check whether it is compliant. Don’t just assume. It is the responsibility of riders and parents to know the rules surrounding these devices. Ignorance is not an excuse when public safety is put at risk. Riders and parents are being put on notice that non-compliant use will result in fines, charges, and in some cases the devices being seized.’ Meanwhile, back in Byron, for free entertainment, go to Jonson Street at 8pm on a Saturday night and watch the 14-year-olds riding their motorbikes on rear wheels in the middle of the road. Byron police have told me they don’t have enough staff to do more than the occasional helmet check. Do we have to wait until a toddler is run over, an elderly person killed, and a mother and her pram destroyed before Byron police have ‘enough staff’ to get these electric motorcycles off footpaths and bike paths? Raphael Cass Byron Bay

Civilisation ŕĕĕĎƆȞōëƱƆ Obeying the law is what separates civilisation from anarchy. Countries and individuals must obey the law for the good of everyone, we all agree on that. The kidnapping of a head of state by another country breaks all international laws and is strongly condemned by the United Nations. Oil tankers on the high seas are now being illegally stolen, in contradiction of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, that says no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered and travelling on the open ocean. We would expect such actions by a rogue nation, in fact, only a rogue nation would do these sorts of things. If a rogue nation can do these things and get away with it, then any nation can do these things and get away with it. If they do these things to one country, they could do these things to any country, or even our country. Maybe that’s what happened to Whitlam, he was simply dismissed, instead of kidnapped, because of his opposition to Pine Gap military spy base. Peter Olson Goonengerry

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Articles

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How to help dedicated local carers save wildlife David Lowe

ith more injured wildlife coming into care across our region than ever before, The Echo caught up with Kerry-anne Manning, who is a carer and training officer with Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers, to find out what we can all do to help. Experienced as a nurse, Kerry-anne has been looking after native animals for nearly 20 years, with Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers being in operation since 1992. The notfor-profit network of trained volunteers is active across a very large and biodiverse territory, stretching from Ocean Shores in the north right down to New Italy, and west as far as Tabulam. ‘I started mostly with birds, then I went on to possums,’ she explained. ‘I do flying foxes and micro bats. I’ve done macropod joeys. I do overnight care for echidnas. I don’t really do reptiles, but again, I’ll look after them overnight if they’re going on to the hospital the next day, or to another carer. But these

Kerry-anne Manning is a carer and training officer with Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers Inc. Photo David Lowe days, it’s mostly possums.’ Have you seen many changes over your time working with wildlife? ‘We’re seeing a lot more animals coming into care now, I think mainly because people are becoming more aware of the fact that you can get an animal successfully rehabilitated and back out into the wild again.’ She said most Northern Rivers residents understood the importance of doing pouch checks, and then calling for help. ‘That awareness has been a huge thing, and that’s helped us greatly.’

Game-changer Kerry-anne says another great transformation has come with the establishment of local wildlife hospitals, a great improvement on the days when the nearest facility was at Currumbin. ‘When Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital opened, that was a game-changer. ‘It changed everything for us because now we weren’t guessing at things. They were able to do x-rays, they were able to give us medications. They were able to give us advice on the phone, if it was out of hours. Then

',6&2817 322/ 6833/,(6 !RGYLE 3TREET -ULLUMBIMBY .37 14 The Byron Shire Echo `ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ

the second wildlife hospital came into being – the Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital. ‘From the carer’s point of view, the best thing is to get the animal into care quickest, so we’ll go to whichever wildlife hospital is closest.’ For animals that need additional care before they can be released, Kerry-anne has warm cribs as well as internal and external cages. She’s currently looking after a number of brushtail and ringtail possums at various stages of recovery. Kerry-anne Manning works with Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers’ possum coordinator Cheryl Cochrane, and also helps with the mentoring of other possum carers across the region, who share their resources and knowledge to give wildlife in need the best care possible.

Practical help At the moment, there is a continual need for fresh leaves, buds and flowers for possums in care, as Kerryanne explains. ‘Ringtails have a gut like a koala. That’s their digestive system – they eat solely leaf.

So when I’ve got so many of them in care, I’m out every day looking for leaf. ‘Brushtails we can supplement, feed them with other stuff as well, so it’s not so crucial for them, but the ringtails, definitely, that’s all they get.’ What species of leaf are you particularly looking for? ‘Anything that’s native – lilly pilly with the pink leaf at the moment, they love those. The little pink berries. Any type of lilly pilly is good. If they’ve got little tiny budding flowers, that’s a bit of a delicacy for them as well. Eucalypts, cadaghi... So what should people do if they want to help? ‘They can ring our hotline, which is (02) 6628 1866, then the hotline will give me a call. People can also contact us via our website, at www.wildlifecarers.com/, or through our Facebook site. She says she’s extremely grateful for any assistance, but asks that prospective helpers please get in touch and find out what’s needed before going out and foraging for leaf, to minimise waste.

Volunteers needed Kerry-anne said there will be new training sessions coming up in March for introductory carers, and there are also voluntary roles for people who don’t have the time or inclination to be so hands-on, including shifts on the 24/7 hotline, social media updates, preparing food, transporting animals between carers and wildlife hospitals, and administrative assistance. With a footprint covering the largest area for wildlife carers in NSW, Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers currently has about 200 members, and around 100 active carers. Yet more volunteers are always needed, and there are educational opportunities happening throughout the year. Kerry-anne says grants are their ‘biggest thing’. ‘We are solely not-forprofit, and so we rely on generous donations. To donate, ring 6628 1866, or click the donation button on the Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers website. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

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Volume 8 ~ 2025-2026 Your free guide to the flourishing health and wellbeing industry of Byron and the Northern Rivers

Are you in need of a massage, yoga class or nourishing treatment these holidays? Visit the Byron Healing website to view a host of wonderful spas, wellness centres, practitioners, classes and health-based retailers in the region.

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Sport

North Coast news online

Cudgen Hornets dominate the local T20 cricket competition Ross Kendall The Cudgen Hornets won the Far North Coast Cricket first grade T20 competition after winning the final against the Casino Cavaliers last Sunday afternoon at Fripp Oval in Ballina.

Undefeated Going into the finals weekend Cudgen looked to be the in form team of the competition after going through six preliminary rounds undefeated. In the final Casino batted first and posted 119, but Cudgen were able to reach the total with 15 balls to

Jacob Wood on his way to blasting seven boundaries in 18 balls in the preliminary rounds of the FNCCC T20 comp. spare and finished on 3/122. Cudgen captain Alec Williams made an unbeaten 61 to steer his side home.

ĕŔĶȒǕŕëōƆ Casino made it through to the final after beating

Cudgen Hornets with the T20 champions trophy in Ballina last Sunday. Photos supplied Alstonville in the semi-final earlier in the day. In that game Casino won

the toss and elected to bat and went on to score 3/140 off their 20 overs. In reply

Alstonville were bowled out for 123 in their final over. Joshua Harris was the pick of the Casino bowlers picking up 5/29 off just four overs. Cudgen won their semifinal against Tintenbar East Ballina after electing to bat and scoring 5/169 with opener Caleb Ziebel doing a fair bit of the damage after he scored 73 off 43 balls. In reply Tintenbar East Ballina couldn’t get any traction in the middle order and were bowled out for 101 in 18 overs. Casino’s Jimmy Rosser took 4/25 off four overs.

Local dads launch Ballina 6s football Laverty Charity raises $22,000 Three lifelong football lovers, and proud dads, are bringing all-year-round 6-a-side social soccer to Ballina with a shared goal of keeping the community active, connected, and having fun. Ballina 6s offers a lowcost, low-commitment, mid-week soccer option for players of all ages and skill levels. From kids and parents to seasoned players and retirees, the competition is designed for participation, enjoyment, and connection. The founding team includes: mechanic Mitch Oke, high school teacher Jared Smeal and Tintenbar East Ballina Football Club member Quentin Leturgie.

Active and fun ‘We’re all dads, we’ve all grown up here, and we love football,’ the founders said. ‘Ballina 6s is about keeping people moving, meeting friends, and enjoying football all year round – and it’s affordable for everyone.’ Games are held at Saunders Oval, Ballina, creating

for local rescue squad Ross Kendall

Dads Quentin Leturgie, Mitch Oke, and Jared Smeal are launching the Ballina 6s. Photo supplied a consistent, local hub for football and community connection. Ballina 6s runs on Monday nights, deliberately avoiding clashes with other local sports. The competition prioritises fitness, fun, social connection, and affordability, allowing players to enjoy football without compromising family, work, or other commitments. ‘If we can help people stay active, connected, and smiling – all while keeping it affordable – then we’ve achieved our goal,’ the founders said. First term kicks off

Monday, 2 February. Team registrations are now open and are filling fast. Players of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to get involved. Visit www.ballina6s. com.au or follow @Ballina6s on Facebook for details. Ballina 6s also celebrates and supports local businesses, with sponsorship and involvement from European Automotive, Presto’s Brick and Blocklaying, O’Grady’s Transport and Removals, BM Kitchens and Joinery, Bondies at the Bay, Cafe Boker, Barden Constructions and Green Valley Electrical.

The annual Laverty Charity Golf Day, now in its 17th year, raised $22,000 and attracted a record number of entrants to the Mullumbimby Golf Course. The event was held early in the new year and all the money raised was donated to the Brunswick Valley Rescue Squad (BVRS). Mathew Laverty has helped to organise the event since its inception in memory of his brother.

BVRS helped so many people

Locals gathered to raise money at the Laverty Charity Golf Day at Mullumbimby Golf Club. Photo supplied

‘My brother was in a bike accident 17 years ago, and needed the help of the rescue squad, so we decided along with our father, Sandy, to start this charity day,’ Mathew said. ‘There aren’t many people in the area who haven’t been helped by the rescue squad,

or don’t know someone who has been helped. It’s just a really good cause, and they always need a bit of extra money. ‘A very generous donor gave $10,000 to the cause, a charity group I work with also donated, with the rest raised on the day,’ he said.

Well over 200 were in attendance and both the early morning and afternoon sessions were fully booked. ‘It was great to have fine weather and to get the event moving without any delays or postponing it,’ Mathew said.

CALLING ALL

SPORTS The Echo wants to support you.

Please send stories, pics, match reports, upcoming events, tall tales (not too tall mind you), results and anecdotes to sport@echo.net.au. 16 The Byron Shire Echo `ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ

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PALM LAKE RESORT COVE, YAMBA For thousands of Australians over-50, Palm Lake Resort has become more than just a home. It’s where luxury meets a relaxed lifestyle, with beautifully designed homes, award-winning amenities, and communities that foster connections with likeminded individuals, giving you the freedom to live your way, with ease, comfort, and connection at the heart of every day. Resort Yamba Cove where luxury meets practicality. Palm Lake Resort Yamba Cove homes aren’t just beautiful, they’re designed to make life easier. Each home has been meticulously planned to provide a luxurious living experience without compromising on style or character – from spacious living areas and gourmet kitchens to high-end fixtures and contemporary colour schemes. Single and double-storey homes at Palm Lake.

DISCOVER THE VALUE OF FINANCIAL ADVICE

RICHARDSON MURRAY FAMILY LAWYERS

With global interest rates falling and banks cutting returns on savings and term deposits, many Australians face reduced income. Now is the time to consider other options to meet your needs.

Richardson Murray Family Lawyers is a leading family law firm based in Byron Bay, renowned for its exceptional legal services and commitment to supporting clients through challenging family matters.

Sit down with Ord Minnett’s trusted advisers and explore strategies to protect and grow your wealth. As one of Australia’s most established financial advice firms, we bring decades of experience to every conversation. Whether you’re planning as a couple, preparing for retirement, or navigating a new chapter, our advice is tailored to your needs. Our advisers, Jake Blumberg and Sam La Cava, specialise in fixedincome solutions that preserve capital while delivering consistent returns. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation and discover the right strategy for your future. Contact your local Private Wealth Advisers Jake Blumberg (02) 8216 6359, jblumberg@ords.com.au or Sam La Cava 0413 717 528, slacava@ords.com.au Ord Minnett Limited ABN 86 002 733 048, AFS Licence Number 237121. Terms and conditions are here: ords.com.au/legal/ terms-and-conditions

Contact Palm Lake Resort Yamba Cove on 1800 960 946.

With extensive experience in divorce, child custody, property settlements, and domestic violence cases, the firm’s team of dedicated professionals ensures clients receive personalised and empathetic legal advice. Known for their expertise, integrity, and results-driven approach, Richardson Murray offers tailored solutions to resolve disputes efficiently, whether through negotiation or litigation. Their deep understanding of the complexities of family law, combined with a compassionate approach, has earned them a stellar reputation in the region. Richardson Murray Family Lawyers is the go-to choice for those seeking trusted legal counsel in Northern NSW. 42 Parkes Avenue, Byron Bay info@richardson-murray.law www.richardson-murray.law

STUDY LOCAL, STUDY ACCREDITED AT BYRON COMMUNITY COLLEGE Ready to take the next step? Byron Community College’s nationally-recognised certificate courses are starting at the end of January 2026 and spots are filling fast! Applications are closing soon, so get in quick to secure your place. Choose from Certificate IV in Community Services, Certificate IV in Massage Therapy, Certificate III in Individual Support, Certificate IV in Mental Health, Certificate III in Permaculture, or Certificate III in Visual Arts. Learn hands-on from experienced industry trainers in a supportive adult learning environment, with a focus on practical skills, wellbeing, and sustainability. Limited NSW Government-subsidised places are available, now is the perfect time to jump in and start your journey! Apply today at www.byroncollege.org.au or call 6684 3374. Subsidised places available for eligible students. This training is subsidised by the NSW Government. RTO 90013

READY TO TAKE YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL? The Macro Group Chartered Accountants has supported Northern Rivers businesses for over nine years with tailored, values-driven advice. Our expert teams in Byron Bay and Brisbane transform numbers into strategies for sustainable growth. Business owners and their finance teams are invited to join The Macro Group on 12 February 2026 at Elements of Byron for Master Your Metrics, an interactive workshop hosted by Nicole Bryant.

ETHICAL WHITENING, AGELESS SMILES Byron Bright, founded and operated by Registered Oral Health Therapist, Chris Considine. Chris brings professionalism, safety, and a genuine passion for oral health to Byron Bay. Trusted by Australian brand PureSmile to care for their local clientele, Chris continues to build a reputation for expert, ethical tooth whitening. Every treatment includes a complimentary basic check-up to ensure safe and personalised care.

GLOBAL RIPPLE CHARITY

Byron Bright uses premium gels that are mineral-based, vegan, kosher-certified, and cruelty-free ingredients. Treatments are pain free, with clients reporting minimal to no sensitivity. From 16 to 50+ there are options for every stage of the whitening journey.

Thrift your heart out at the Global Ripple Charity! With eclectic treasures for everyone, a great atmosphere, and a huge space full of treasures galore, it’s the perfect place to spend a few hours and find some amazing bargains while supporting local charity. You can shop knowing that every penny spent is directly supporting people in need.

Early Bird Discount Code: ECHO25.

Based in a relaxing home whitening studio near central Byron Bay, Chris guides every client toward a fresher, confident smile.

If you would like to support Global Ripple, drop off your preloved items, donate furniture, and spread the word.

(02) 6699 8000 admin@macrogroup.com.au | macrogroup.com.au events.humanitix.com/master-your-metrics-workshop

Book now via www.byronbright.com.au Contact Chris on 0403 263 626 or chris@byronbright.com.au with any questions

268 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay FB: Global Ripple Insta:theglobalripple

Learn how to decode your profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow reports. Discover the key metrics that drive business performance. The team will share practical strategies to help you make informed decisions and accelerate growth. Seats are limited—secure your spot and take the first step toward Mastering your Metrics.

www.echo.net.au

`ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ The Byron Shire Echo 17

Good Taste

Eateries Guide LENNOX HEAD

BILLINUDGEL Rosefina’s Mexican MEXICAN

Thursday/Friday open from 4pm to late Happy Hour 4pm to 5.30pm Saturday 12 to 2.30pm, 5pm to late Sunday 12.30 to 8pm 8/10 Wilfred St, Billinudgel www.rosefinas.place

Lennox Pizza

Rosefina’s is going street-style with BBQ tacos for Sunday lunch

BANGALOW

4/74 Ballina St, Lennox Head Open Mon–Thurs from 3pm Fri–Sun from 12pm Online pick up orders available daily 12pm HAPPY HOUR: 3pm–5pm daily

Views, Brews, Cocktails, Beats, and Eats! Live Music Friday, Sunday. Bookings essential. Head to lennoxpizza.com Follow on Insta: @lennoxpizza

MULLUMBIMBY Bangalow Tuckshop Open: Tue for dinner Wed to Sat for lunch and dinner 43 Byron Street, Bangalow bangalowtuckshop.com hello@bangalowtuckshop.com.au @Bangalowtuckshop

Where good food and good times bump into each other and decide to stay for a drink. They’ve taken modern Aussie cuisine, given it a cheeky spin, and packed it with the best locally sourced produce the Northern Rivers has to offer. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Tuckshop offers a dining experience that feels both special and familiar at the same time.

Bacco Wine Bar Opening Hours: Wednesday – Sunday Opening times: 3pm – late Happy Hour: 3 – 5pm Email: bacco.mullumbimby@gmail.com Phone: 0434 450 415 Instagram: @bacco.mullumbimby

BYRON BAY

Bar Henri

NO BONES Kitchen + Bar. 11 Fletcher Street, BYRON BAY 0481 148 007

Opening Hours: Wednesday to Friday & Monday: 3pm – late. Tuesday: closed. Saturday & Sunday: 8am – late 20 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby (02) 6684 2306

Welcome to No Bones, where good vibes, bold flavours and unforgettable nights come together in the heart of Byron Bay. We’re all about creative food, standout cocktails and making everyone feel welcome - locals, travelers, food lovers and friends.

Lord Byron Distillery

Open for takeaway daily, 12 midday until dinner. Menu, more details – @mainstreet_burgerbar 18 Jonson Street (02) 6680 8832

Three Blue Ducks

Open for takeaway daily, 12 midday until dinner.

Enjoy live music and entertainment in the heart of Mullumbimby.

Olivewood Bistro Located at Murwillumbah Golf Club Open Lunch Monday – Sunday

Dinner Tuesday – Sunday Call: (02) 6672 1799 www.murwillumbahgolfclub.com.au

We warmly welcome Olivewood Bistro to Murwillumbah Golf Club. Locals know Le Ping and Simone from their time running ’White Olive’ where they built a strong reputation for excellent food and warm hospitality.

CATERING

Menu and more details @mainstreet_burgerbar ‘Make a meal of it’ Add chips and a drink, just $5.

Located at The Farm 11 Ewingsdale Rd. (02) 6190 8966

Exciting and seasonal food, live music every Sunday arvo, happy hour 3–5pm Friday to Sunday & our famous Sunday roast.

Open every day from 7am. Mon-Thurs: breakfast & lunch Fri-Sun: breakfast, lunch & dinner

Enjoy a wander in the fields, meet the pigs, and picnic in the sun… there really is something for everyone.

Latin fusion all-day dining Come and try our new summer menu. Savour our Open: chargrilled anticuchos, indulge in fresh ceviche & Every day (except Wednesday) oysters, or elevate your night with the Roca dining from 6:30am to late experience. Pair it all with a classic Pisco Sour or our best-selling Hot Like Papi cocktail. 14 Lawson St, Byron Bay JUST OPENED: Roca Cabana – our brand new (02) 5642 0149 pool bar in the heart of Byron Bay. @rocabyronbay Follow us to find out more: @roca.cabana www.rocabyronbay.com.au

Roca Byron Bay

Forest Byron Bay Open 7 days Breakfast: 7.30 to 10.30am Lunch on Verandah from 12 to 3pm Dinner: 5.30 to 9pm crystalbrookcollection.com/ byron/forest

18 The Byron Shire Echo `ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ

About Us: Family-owned and Frenchinspired menu, we serve locally-sourced produce alongside a selection of natural, minimal-intervention wines and carefully curated cocktails.

MURWILLUMBAH

We have something for everyone... • Distillery Tour and Tasting • Gin Distilling Class • Cocktail Classes Book Online

Distillery & Tiki Bar Open 10am- 5pm Tuesday to Saturday. 4 Banksia Drive, Byron Bay lordbyrondistillery.com.au (02) 8646 4901

Main Street

PXOOXPELPE\ HVW

Your favourite new wine and charcuterie board bar in Mullumbimby. Italian aperitivo in true enoteca style. Buon cibo. Buon vino. Buon amici.

Rainforest views, farm-to-table dining, and a menu showcasing the best of Northern Rivers produce. Forest Byron Bay offers fresh, seasonal dishes and crafted cocktails. Join the Crystalbrook Crowd (it’s free) and save 10% on all food and drinks. From Tuesday to Saturday, indulge in Golden Hour from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

CELEBRATIONS BY LIZ JACKSON

Celebrations Cakes by Liz Jackson

lizzijjackson@gmail.com 0414 895 441 Gluten free and special dietary needs catered for.

FEATURE YOUR CAFE OR RESTAURANT HERE IN THE ECHO’S GOOD TASTE DINING GUIDE If you’re serious about advertising and want your business served hot to a loyal, local audience of 50,000+ readers every week, The Echo is the only publication cooking up this level of reach in the Northern Rivers. Targeting the Byron Shire and beyond? We hand-deliver 22,000 copies weekly to homes and businesses and run our restaurant guide online at echo.net.au – so your ad gets gobbled up, not left to go stale in a stand or buried under yesterday’s memes. Get in touch with The Echo sales team to list your restaurant or cafe in GOOD TASTE, print and online. Contact: 6684 1777 or adcopy@echo.net.au

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The

Good Life

Slow food meets fast events: handcrafted pizza catering Planning a memorable wedding party or corporate event starts with one thing everyone remembers… the food. And nothing brings people together quite like the aroma of freshly-baked pizza. Byron Homemade Pizza Catering’s mobile service in Byron Bay combines live cooking, local ingredients, and authentic Argentine flavours to create a dining experience that’s interactive, fun and unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a relaxed celebration, or a more formal corporate event, they offer catering solutions that meet dietary needs, stay budgetfriendly and deliver a joyful atmosphere. From handmade pizzas cooked right in front of your guests, to carefully crafted grazing tables, and indulgent dessert pizzas, all with Byron Homemade Pizza Catering’s superb service. Every detail is designed to make your event effortless and delicious. Pizza catering is one of the most flexible and

Live cooking, local ingredients, and authentic Argentine flavours creates a dining experience that’s interactive, fun and unforgettable.

cost-effective ways to feed a crowd. It works beautifully for weddings, birthday parties, and business events. You can easily set the menu to suit your preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Guests love watching pizzas

being prepared from scratch and cooked over an open grill, turning mealtime into part of the entertainment. Every event is an opportunity to delight the senses. Their classic pizzas are timeless crowd-pleasers: a margarita with melted

mozzarella and fragrant tomato base, a pepperoni with a perfect savoury kick, or a Hawaiian where juicy pineapple meets smoky ham in a playful mix. For those seeking something adventurous, their gourmet pizzas take

taste buds on a journey: creamy Brie with tender artichokes; anchovies paired with fresh herbs; rich prosciutto on rustic dough; or hearty creations like meat-lovers and zesty Mexican-style pizzas. Their finger foods are also perfect

for sharing and mingling. Guests can enjoy: juicy chicken skewers with tangy chimichurri; bite-size, full of flavour Spanish tortillas; or golden empanadas with flaky pastry and savoury fillings. Fresh salads and smoked meats add depth and variety, from chimichurri pasta salad bursting with herbs, to fluffy, tender lamb steaks, and slow-cooked pork that practically melts in your mouth. For dessert the crew make every event feel like a celebration: warm Nutella pizzas oozing with chocolate and hazelnut; desert pizzas topped with seasonal fruits; and home-made cakes like fudgy chocolate brownies or decadent New York-style strawberry cheesecake. Every bite is made on site using local ingredients and is carefully prepared to accommodate all dietary needs. Q Contact Byron Home-

made Pizza Catering on 0272 017 525 or go to byronhomemadepizza.com.

All natural seasonal ferments daily

Support your gut health by feeding beneficial gut bacteria while providing sustained energy.

www.echo.net.au

Following on from last week’s ‘Happy New Year’ article on fresh starts, gut health, and new products, this week we spoke with Katerina Lazareva, from Byron Fermentary, a master fermenter whose work continues to evolve through seasonality, innovation, and a commitment to closedwaste systems. For Katerina, health is not something to focus on for a single month of the year. It’s a daily practice. ‘Everything in our body is connected to the gut, including the mind,’ she explains. Rather than extreme resets, she encourages people to begin with simple, enjoyable fermented foods that support the body gently and consistently. One of the products she often recommends as a starting point is amazake, an ancient Japanese

fermented drink made from koji rice. Naturally sweet and easy to digest, amazake is both probiotic and prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria while providing sustained energy. It changes with the seasons – recent batches featured native Davidson plum, with turmeric and chai variations now emerging. Amazake can be enjoyed as a morning shot or served with fruit and granola as a nourishing breakfast. Alongside amazake, Katerina produces a rotating range of seasonal vegetable ferments. Any vegetable can be fermented depending on availability, meaning flavours and nutrients shift throughout the year. These savoury ferments contain different bacterial strains that complement amazake, supporting digestion and

nutrient absorption. Beyond these, Katerina continues to develop an expanding range of misos from mushroom stalks, vegetables, macadamias, and even used coffee grounds – ingredients often considered waste or surplus. All products are vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and legume-free. She is also developing a no-soy sauce: a longfermented seasoning

COFFEE SH

designed to taste like soy sauce without using soy, made entirely from surplus ingredients. Q Katerina runs hands-on fermentation workshops throughout the year for both beginners and advanced fermenters, and can be found every Friday at Mullum Farmers Market which is held at Mullumbimby Showground from 7am to 11am.

Open 6am – 12pm Monday – Saturday Shop 6/108 Stuart Street Mullumbimby. #ELPELBFRσHHBVKRS ALLPRESS ESPRESSSO `ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ The Byron Shire Echo 19

Filter Off

beauty style fashion grooming Be at peace in your body Born in the heart of Bundjalung Country, Byron Bay, Bodypeace welcomes you into their world of sustainability, inclusivity, and freedom. Discover their buttery blends of bamboo. Breathable, moisture-wicking, UV-protectant, thermo-regulating, antibacterial, sustainably-sourced natural fibres. Better for your health and the planet. Join them in revolution, spreading love and ethical consumption. The goddesses who grace their seven boutiques across Australia can’t wait to meet you and support you in embracing your fullest expression of self. Alternatively, find peace in shopping on their online portal. bodypeacebamboo.com HEAD OFFICE Byron Bay • 2/1 Boronia Place, Banksia Drive • 02 6685 5616 BOUTIQUES Byron Bay • 21 Fletcher Street • 02 6680 8885 Mullumbimby • 49 Burringbar Street • 02 6684 4006 Brunswick Heads • 12 The Terrace • 02 6685 1081 Burleigh Heads • 26 James Street • 07 5535 6945

Bell & Ford Summer Collection Summer dressing, beautifully considered. Bell and Ford’s new Summer Collection brings together lightweight linens, breathable cottons and effortless silhouettes, designed for warm days and long evenings. Each piece is produced in small quantities and thoughtfully hand-finished, reflecting our commitment to quality, sustainability and timeless style. Inspired by coastal living and an easy Byron summer, the collection offers relaxed elegance you’ll wear season after season. Natural textures, soft tones and versatile shapes make these pieces ideal for everyday wear or special occasions. Discover the Bell and Ford Summer Collection now in store. Visit us in Bangalow, or explore online. 34 Byron Street, Bangalow 02 6687 2425 www.bellandford.com.au @bellandford

Organic Rosehip Skincare Indulge in luxury skincare with the Organic Rosehip Collection, including the Ageless Facelift Pack, a sixstep ritual that elevates everyday beauty into a sensorial experience. Created by Nancy Evans, the Founder of Organic Rosehip Skincare and pioneer of the movement for over three decades, this range, harnesses the concentrated power of Rosehip Seed Oil prized for its naturally high vitamin C and essential fatty acids. This luxurious line helps firm, tone and

revive, supporting skin elasticity while visibly softening fine lines and wrinkles. Each formula layers harmoniously to refine texture, restore radiance and leave skin beautifully hydrated and velvety soft. Suitable for all skin types,including sensitive and acne-prone, this iconic collection embodies clean, natural luxury without compromise, honouring a legacy of innovation in botanical beauty. 2/23 Enterprise Avenue,Tweed Heads South 07 5523 9100 www.rosehipskincare.com

Earth Child Essentials Earth Child Essentials was born from personal frustration, with sensitive skin pushed to its limits and too many promises broken by products filled with harsh chemicals. What began as a search for relief, grew into a small, local business grounded in simplicity, transparency, and results. At the heart of the range are traditional tallow products, including deeply nourishing moisturisers, beard care, body oils, lip balms, and cooking tallow, crafted to honour time-tested ingredients that genuinely support the skin. Alongside this, they create non-toxic deodorant and magnesium spray, offering gentle, effective alternatives.

Stewart’s Menswear

Every product is made with intention, free from unnecessary additives, and designed to work with the body, not against it. Earth Child Essentials is skincare with purpose. Shop online and follow them on Instagram. www.earthchildessentials.com.au 0478 037 530 @earthchildessentials.au

20 The Byron Shire Echo `ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ

January is a natural time to reset, and Stewart’s Menswear is encouraging local tradies to start fresh for the months ahead. This month’s focus is on back-tobasics essentials that feel comfortable, fit properly, and stand up to daily wear on the job. The family-owned Mullumbimby store will be expanding its workwear offering in the coming weeks, introducing selected styles from Hard Yakka and King Gee into its core range. Stewart’s Menswear is also now stocking Redback Boots,

adding a trusted Australian-made option for those who spend long days on their feet. Whether you’re on the tools (or shopping for someone who is), the store aims to make choosing workwear simple. Established in 1929, Stewart’s continues to combine experience, trusted brands, and personal service, helping customers feel ready for the year ahead. stewartsmenswear.com.au 52 Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby 02 6684 2148

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summer New year, new skills at Byron Community College Make this year count with exciting learning opportunities at Byron Community College. Courses begin early 2026, with limited subsidised places available for nationally-recognised certiﬁcate courses including Community Services, Individual Support, Mental Health, Massage Therapy, Permaculture and Visual Arts. This training is subsidised by the Nsw Government, and applications are closing soon.

Jerrapark Hideaway Welcome to Jerrapark Hideaway, a tranquil rainforest retreat nestled in the Northern Rivers hinterland. Perfect for wellness weekends, quiet escapes, and small group retreats, their unique, eco-accommodation and wholistic spa pavilion are designed for deep rest and rejuvenation. Guests enjoy full access to the private wellness facilities, including a woodﬁred sauna, outdoor spa, hot tub, and magnesium swimming pool, all surrounded by subtropical forest and birdsong. Make yourself at ease on Jerrapark’s sleeper train that will take you away for a unique experience.

Explore the 2026 brochure online now, and ﬁnd both nationally-recognised and short courses to suit you. Creative courses starting this year include Art Therapy, Introduction to Floristry, Spirits and Cocktails, Piano/Keyboard for Beginners, Excel Essentials, and Introduction to Swedish Massage. Do something for yourself and embrace the opportunity!

The couchette carriages provide 2 single beds each, which can be converted into a double bed, There are 2 shared toilets, 2 shared showers, and a fully functioning kitchen with a common ﬁreplace for the cold winter evenings.

www.byroncollege.org.au or call 02 6684 3374 for more details. RTO 90013

1049 Williams Rd, Bakers Value 02 6689 7579 www.jerrapark.com

2026 Certificate courses

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Apply now!

CHC33021- Certificate III in Individual Support

CHC43315 - Certificate IV in Mental Health

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AHC33882 - Certificate III in Permaculture

CHC42021 - Certificate IV in Community Services

RELAX / RENEW / RECONNECT

CUA31125 - Certificate III in Visual Arts

HLT42021 - Certificate IV in Massage Therapy

byroncollege.org.au #% .@>?:80=.,=0#-D=:9.:77020 :=2 ,@

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Luxury Farmstay - Small Groups

Jerrapark can host up to 40 persons for wellness events & provides tranquil accommodation for 8 persons onsite. Intimate rainforest setting the ideal environment to support wellness, creativity, and deep rest. 1049 Williams Rd Barkers Vale, NSW 2474 (02) 6689 7579 www.jerrapark.com

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summer (QURO QRZ IRU DW WKH 1RUWKHUQ 5LYHUV &RQVHUYDWRULXP The Northern Rivers Conservatorium invites new and returning students to be part of a creative, inclusive learning community grounded in excellence, connection and joy. Music education plays a vital role in childhood development, supporting language, memory, coordination and conﬁdence, while also offering lifelong beneﬁts for wellbeing, creativity and social connection. At the Conservatorium, students are nurtured not only as musicians, but as listeners, collaborators and community members. Alongside individual and ensemble programs, the Conservatorium delivers a strong Music in Schools Program, as well as a growing First Nations music program that celebrates culture, story and connection through music. Programs are available for early childhood, school-aged students, young people and adults. Enrolments for 2026 are now open. Find out more at https://nrcac.edu.au/

%HƔHU %\ %LNH Making family adventures easy and fun! Located right at Murwillumbah Railway Station, it’s the perfect spot to start your rail trail ride. Recently awarded GOLD at the NSW Tourism Awards for Best Retail, Hire and Service, you’re in great hands! The ﬂeet includes premium e-bikes, fat-tyre e-bikes, and awesome family options with tow-behind bikes, child seats, and chariots. Every hire comes with comfy gel seats, puncture-proof tyres, helmets, tunnel lights, locks, and waterproof panniers, everything you need to soak up the scenery and enjoy. With full trail support if you need to call us, plus genuine local insider tips, your rides will be safe, fun, and completely stress-free! Families have left hundreds of glowing 5-star reviews. Murwillumbah Railway Station Bikes can even be delivered to Byron Bay or the Tweed Coast. Open 7 days

RAIL TRAIL E-BIKE adventure! E Two convenient start points: Murwillumbah or Mooball Family & pet friendly: E-bikes, kids bikes & attachments Award Winning: Gold in NSW Tourism Awards 2025! :)

BOOK NOW!

betterbybike.com.au

0408 444 858 22 The Byron Shire Echo `ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ

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Hello summer Mullumbimby Pools in Mullum and Bangalow Looking for an unforgettable adventure this school holiday break? Welcome to Mullumbimby Pools, a family-owned-andoperated business led by the dynamic duo, Jake and Natalie O’Brien. With over three decades of combined experience in the industry, they take pride in being a local establishment that has successfully delivered some of the largest and most intricate pool projects across the region. At Mullumbimby Pools they are not only award-winning pool builders and technicians, they are your partners in creating aquatic havens.

Happy summer se season Enjoy your holiday, or ssplash plas pl ash out on the greatest gift of all, a as wholesome experience w with your loved ones. A hot air balloon flight with friends, family, or staff is not only a magical moment but also healthy, outdoors, and educational. Learning the physics of flight whilst floating in the air across the Northern Rivers at sunrise is a special occasion not to be missed. Included is a delicious breakfast at the iconic Three Blue Ducks restaurant, the cherry on top of a great morning out!

Their pool technicians are ready to visit your property throughout the Byron Shire. Whether it’s maintenance, leak detection, repairs, or renovations, our skilled team is dedicated to ensuring the longevity and vitality of your pool. Or, you can visit their shops in Mullumbimby and Bangalow, providing convenient destinations for supplies and parts. MULLUMBIMBY 12 Smith St 02 6684 4846 Mon to Fri: 8.30am to 5pm Saturday: 8:30am to 12pm

BANGALOW Shop 1, 5 Lismore Road 02 6683 4494 Mon to Fri: 8.30am to 5pm Saturday: 8.30am to 12pm

info@mullumpools.com

Book your journey at www.balloonaloft.com

We build exquisite award-winning swimming pools

Mullumbimby 12 Smith St, Mullum Industrial Estate (02) 6684 4846

Bangalow Shop 1, 5 Lismore Road (02) 6683 4494 www.balloonaloft.com | @balloonaloftbyronbay www.balloonaloft.com @balloonaloftbyronbay

www.echo.net.au

M-F: 8:30am–5pm, Sat: 8:30am–12pm info@mullumpools.com

mullumbimbypools.com.au

`ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ The Byron Shire Echo 23

o l l e H

summer Beyond Byron E Bikes

Vae Medical Aesthetics This summer season get event-ready with Vae Medical Aesthetics in Newrybar. Vae offers Broad-Band Light and Moxi Laser, cosmetic injectables, bioremodelling/biostimulating treatments, Rejuran (salmon facial), SkinPen Microneedling, PRP treatments, and Healite LED packages. Vae is a doctor-led-and-owned clinic offering considered and evidence-based skin treatments and rejuvenation in the beautiful Byron Bay hinterland. Book in today with one of their lovely female GPs; Dr Jemma Buultjens, Dr Kate Allan and RN Emma Walker. www.vaemedicalaesthetics.com @vaemedicalaesthetics 16 Old Paciﬁc Highway, Newrybar 0422 639 013

Looking for an unforgettable adventure this school holiday break? Beyond Byron E Bikes, located in Mooball - closest to the Byron Bay end of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, offers a fantastic way to explore, with rides designed for ultimate comfort and fun. Their German-made e-bikes feature gel seats and puncture-proof tyres, ensuring a smooth journey as you take in stunning natural scenery. Families are well catered for with kids’ e-bikes, tag-a-longs, baby seats, and even dog trailers for furry companions. Riders can enjoy leisurely breaks and plenty of delicious options along the way. Easy online booking at www.beyondbyronebikes.com.au

Be inspired this summer The Sperry Tents team are passionate about delivering luxury, creative and sustainable events. They are able to turn these values into reality and offer a unique and visionary style of event planning. They bring a holistic approach to event hire by personally assisting you with all areas of event design and delivery to ensure your experience is smooth and enjoyable from the ﬁrst conversation to the last. Call 1300 773 779 or email hello@sperrytents.com.au @sperrytentsaustralia | @styleandhire

RAIL TRAIL E BIKE HIRE COME RIDE WITH THE BEST! • Starting from Mooball (onsite parking) • Puncture proof tyres & gel seats • Most 5-star reviews • $99 for up to 6 hrs hire

beyondbyronebikes.com.au 24 The Byron Shire Echo `ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ

www.echo.net.au

0XVLFDO WKHDWUH URFNV Byron Bay Singing literally can’t wait to get back into the school year, so they’re not going to! From January 19 to 23 they are running a Musical Theatre Junior Intensive for students aged 7 to 12. Participants will learn, stagecraft, theatre craft, song and dance components, and will see the week end with a short performance. Then, starting Tuesday, January 27, they are hosting a Musical Theatre Beginners Intensive for adults for term 1 and into term 2. This will be 2.5 hours a week culminating in a performance in May. All other group classes for term 1 will focus on musical theatre with a view to participating in the May show. Enrolling now for group classes and private tuition, visit byronbaysinging.com.

)UHVK ƊDYRXUV JRRG YLEHV DQG D VSODVK RI VXQVKLQH ORYH HYHU\ GD\ Enjoy the holidays or any day with everyone’s favourite… Yoflo! Byron Bay’s iconic frozen yoghurt and dessert bar. Their self-serve experience is all about creativity, quality ingredients and celebrating our vibrant local community. Independently-created-and-operated in Byron Bay since 2011, Yoflo starts with 100% real natural yoghurt. Treat yourself to local toppings like Brookfarm granola and muesli, honey-roasted locally-grown macadamias, and delicious gluten-free Byron Brownies. Choose from a great selection of fresh cut fruit and finish with a wide range of hot sauces, including local Byron Bay Peanut Butter and macadamia cream. Build your perfect treat, sip on something refreshing or settle in and enjoy a moment that feels as good as it tastes. Lawson Street, Byron Bay Holiday trading hours: Open every day 8am to 9.30pm

Hello summer

l a c i s u M Theatre

! " "! #$ %$ "!& ' ( ) *$" $ "!& ( ) *$" $ "!& ) ( ) *$" $ "!&

WE ARE ENROLLING FOR 2026 PRIVATE & GROUP CLASSES WWW.BYRONBAYSINGING.COM

Byron Brownies...

A doctor led and owned skin, laser and cosmetic clinic Get your skin summer ready with our team We offer Broad Band Light and Moxi Laser, cosmetic injectables including volume, bio-remodelling / bio-stimulating, anti-wrinkle, PRP treatments, hydrafacial, chemical peels and Healite LED packages. We are offering complimentary skin consultations for the month of December! Book in today with one of our lovely female practitioners; Dr Jemma Buultjens, Dr Kate Allan and Emma Walker RN.

0422 639 013 • info@vaemedicalaesthetics.com vaemedicalaesthetics www.vaemedicalaesthetics.com The Harvest Precinct, 16 Old Pacific Highway, Newrybar. www.echo.net.au

the perfect addition Yoflo, Byron’s iconic frozen yoghurt and dessert bar, since 2011. Located in Lawson Street, just moments from the beach. `ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ The Byron Shire Echo 25

Crossword by Stephen Clarke

#90

Soapbox www.echo.net.au/soap-box

Cryptic Clues

Quick Clues

ACROSS

1. Plague ship comes in in good shape (6) 4. Part of keyboard found in room at hotel (5,3) 10. Perhaps shrink article by predator (9) 11. Take on adult work in empty department (5) 12. Car race, in fact, boycotted by Echo (5) 13. Twitchy men duel over excessive drug-taking – one can barely sit (4,5) 14. Bottle originally corked at the Holocene (7) 16. Said to be most important part of a horse (4) 19. Back-to-front raincoats are a fiddle (4) 21. Foolishly ran into lock-up, revealing massacre (7) 24. Clown in unfinished part of New York, one of five (9) 25. Hit small – really small! – thing (5) 26. Creep uses doll, maybe, to secure a date (5) 27. Kill destructive pest, injecting sodium (9) 28. Serving permitted in cell (8) 29. Dump is what you’ve earned (6)

1. Irritating inconvenience (6) 4. Long key at bottom of keyboard (5,3) 10. Professional counsellor (9) 11. Take on as one’s own (5) 12. Large public gathering (5) 13. Person who poses unclothed for artists (4,5) 14. Bravery in face of danger (7) 16. Long coarse hair growing from the crest of the neck of some mammals (4) 19. Fraudulent scheme (4) 21. Widespread slaughter (7) 24. Character of Commedia dell’Arte wearing diamond-patterned tights (9) 25. Struck heavily (archaic) (5) 26. Obsequious flatterer (5) 27. Bring to an end (9) 28. Blood clotting cell (8) 29. Arid sandy region (6)

DOWN 1. Bowler possibly gets credit when suppressing runs – a rare achievement in their game! (3-5) 2. Explain charm to leaderless hooligan (5,3) 3. Rich start to lunch, with a variety of mayo (5) 5. Banks check German city (7) 6. Commanding officer, a lancecorporal originally, sounding insignificant to digger (4,5) 7. Fictional spy, Ludlum’s first, captured before closing of the fair (6) 8. Upset by toy (6) 9. Future partner gets funding quarter cut (6) 15. Model teacher arranged to hide young principal’s origins (9) 17. Boats destroyed over a long time by Special Ops action? (8) 18. Eastern crew lodged in temporary accommodation, then flat (8) 20. Get on with extremely idle copper (7) 21. Knave is one who embraces almost any hoax (6) 22. Quiet and restrained (4,2) 23. A drama played out with warships (6) 25. Pig sties finally located at Burgundy? (5)

STARS BY LILITH This week’s emphasis of planetary energies in determined Capricorn offers continuing celestial support for drawing up a design template to get the new year into gear…

DOWN 1. Three wickets in three balls (3-5) 2. Explain in detail (5,3) 3. Rich in organic soil (5) 5. German city near Berlin (7) 6. Underground fossil fuel worker (4,5) 7. Fair-haired person (6) 8. Baby’s shaking toy (6) 9. Engaged man (6) 15. Perfect example or model (9) 17. Deliberate destruction (8) 18. Multi-occupancy building (8) 20. Canadian police officer (7) 21. False rumour (6) 22. Be quiet! (colloquially) (4,2) 23. Fleet of warships (6) 25. Pig or contemptible person (5) Last week’s solution #89 G U N D O G B I R D C A G E M A R A A O O A B S T R A C T S I M P L E R E P T H M D H A R D C H E E S E I T E M I R R S N M O N A R C H Y S M I L E Y R P O Y K A R P O V D E R A N G E D N E I E A A G I N E V A N G E L I S M E D W D T E H I M P A L E S T I N G R A Y A G R E M I D U N D E R S E A E S T H E R

■ If you would like to provide any feedback to Stephen Clarke about his crosswords please email: crosswordfeedback@echo.net.au

Erasurehead: A South Australian Horror

have never been so proud to call myself a writer. To belong to a group of people who support a targeted colleague, who mobilise quietly with integrity and solidarity. Without selfinterest. A group that has moral courage when our elected leaders and our decision-makers seem to have none. Last week the board for the Adelaide Writers Week told Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah that her attendance at the annual event would not be ‘culturally sensitive’ in the wake of the Bondi massacre that happened on December 15. So they withdrew her attendance. This act infers she is somehow linked to an act of mass murder. This toxic narrative endorsed by SA Premier Peter Malinauskus has been a call to action for our brightest minds. Did the board not realise that by erasing Randa they would erase their festival? Did they not realise that writers are not products stocked neatly on supermarket shelves? That writers have this thing called ethics. Something bigger than money or influence. That they will not be complicit to the silencing of authorial voice? That’s why they are writers. How can you be on a board of a writers’ festival and not actually understand what writers’ festivals are for, and who writers actually are? It’s a growing figure, but as I pen this, over 100 authors have left the Adelaide Writers Festival. The board chair has resigned, along with three board members. 11 former leaders of the festival also condemned the decision, sending a letter to the board and the SA premier that said, ‘wickedness thrives in darkness, and prejudice thrives in ignorance born of silence.’ Ouch. There’s currently less than 24 writers left on the bill. I won’t be buying their books. Writers more than anyone, understand the consequence of cancelling a Palestinian-Australian author. They understand the political and social implications of the silencing. The message it sends to the community and the message it sends to the world about who we are, and what kind of conversations we are prepared to permit in our public space.

MANDY

N O LA N

’S

Writers understand that the atrocity and mass murder that happened in Bondi on December 15 does not erase the existence of the genocide in Gaza, and the experience of Palestinians who continue to be killed.

In a mainstream media landscape where journalism across many channels has become thinly disguised propaganda funded by political interests, writers are our beacons of hope. It’s a simple yet complex craft. They use the written language to inform, entertain, persuade or inspire. Their work is about building knowledge and culture, reflecting society, engaging our empathy by exposing us to the human experience in long form. They help us see who we are and why we do what we do. And cancelling Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah is, as she has said, ‘a blatant and shameless act of anti-Palestinian racism and censorship.’ Once again, it’s the writers who have shown us who we are, and the narratives we are prepared to erase. The human experience is nuanced. It is never one thing. Writers understand that the atrocity and mass murder that happened in Bondi on December

15 does not erase the existence of the genocide in Gaza, and the experience of Palestinians who continue to be killed. We do not lose permission to have both conversations. We can hold both. It is not antisemitism, it is antifascist. Buy the books of the many authors who have shown courage. Most importantly, buy Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah’s novel Discipline. Let this attempt at silencing, amplify her voice. Genocide is cultural erasure. And cancelling a Palestinian-Australian author is cultural erasure. Show the world who we are. That we are not complicit.

Q The Echo’s coverage of political issues will remain as comprehensive and fair as it has ever been, outside this opinion column which, as always, contains Mandy’s personal opinions only.

ARIES: If past issues rear their head this week, healing planet Chiron now headed direct in Aries helps you promptly put them to rest and move on. And if the current Saturnian seriousness starts feeling a bit heavy, an attitude of gratitude and sense of humour are your finest allies.

CANCER: We all become accustomed to playing familial and social roles – caretaker, fixer, captain reliable – habitual patterns which can be curiously hard to shake. This week’s end-of-cycle energetics ask you perennial care-givers to check how well are you nurturing yourself with nourishment, hydration, rest and recreation?

CAPRICORN: This is the final week of your annual birthday season, so unapologetically factor in a dose of the fine dining, upmarket company, posh shopping, high-end pleasures and deluxe downtime Capricorns adore. Only caution? This week’s assertive determination could be received as bossy, so temper it with sensitivity.

TAURUS: Venus is currently a material girl in a material world, quite a comfortable mode for Taurians. This long-term planning week exercises your leadership skills in choosing what projects and people are likely to go the distance. During which, patience and understanding are paramount; assertiveness, not so much.

LIBRA: Outgrown your current role and ready for a reset, Libran? Even retrograde, Jupiter is still a fortuitous force in your career and professional network sector, helping you fine-tune long-term plans. With retrogrades, ‘re’ words apply, as in reflect, revise, recalibrate, rework and refine your blueprint for this year’s moves.

LEO: If back to business as usual unleashes an outpouring of grievances, the current star scenario says be generous with understanding, and firm with boundaries. Consider the concept of emotional contagion, where someone’s mood affects those around them. Avoid career complainers or serial whingers, and also check what quality of vibes you’re spreading.

SCORPIO: This week’s no nonsense, takingcare-of-business planetary patterning isn’t lacking in confident self-reliance. Though with Mars, your biggest celestial influence, currently in ambitious full forward mode, best be aware that an I-know-best attitude (even if you do) is likely to meet with resistance.

AQUARIUS: This week strongly suggests, and astrologically encourages, drawing up an overall plan and infrastructure for the year ahead. Deciding which obligations and expectations need revamping takes commitment and discipline, during which assumptions could make unnecessary problems. Hearsay isn’t fact, so check before acting on it.

VIRGO: Your planetary captain Mercury is at its best address for organisation and concentration: in sensible, strategic, goal-oriented, methodical mode. Excellent for attacking the to-do list with military precision, but a bit driven, so focus more on enjoying the process. Adopt the attitude that all the way to heaven is heaven.

SAGITTARIUS: You’re keen to charge ahead into the new year, but in a world that feels increasingly uncertain it’s easy to lose touch with the calm centre that steadies us. Jupiter’s current retrograde encourages strengthening your sense of inner security and stability before moving forward towards outward expansion.

PISCES: Neptune’s final weeks in your sign could highlight where your idealistic nature may attract scammers, while smart master Saturn cues you to update the latest security settings. Set yourself up for the coming year by avoiding urgency tactics along with schemes or products that sound too good to be true.

GEMINI: Planetary feng shui advises that the comforting clutter of familiar knickknacks can give our brains the suggestion of congestion. So free up some mental real estate by removing everything from a selected area, then resetting it with a ‘less is more’ mindset that creates breathing space for your brain to expand.

26 The Byron Shire Echo `ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ

www.echo.net.au

Seven days of entertainment

Volume 40 #32 14–20 January, 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

Eclectic Selection

What’s on this week An enigmatic singersongwriter Li Laurent is a critically-acclaimed, awardwinning British music artist known for her powerful vocals, unique writing style and hilarious commentary throughout her live shows.

Tommy Little has a gift for turning life’s mishaps into riotous comedy gold. With his mischievous grin and irreverent charm, Tommy delivers laughs with a bold and irrepressible sense of fun.

Hailing from Bundjalung Country, Byron Bay, Flukes of Sendington are finally out with their debut self-titled album fusing nostalgic sounds of psych, garage and indie rock into the modern realm.

Saturday at The Rails, Byron Bay. Free show.

Friday from 8pm at The Rails, Byron Bay. Free show. Cairns-based roots/reggae/ hip-hop band, Cinnamon Sun, ooze a comforting conscious vibe that will have you transported to a Tahitian bar under the orange setting sun, with all worries lost.

Wednesday to Saturday 6pm at the Brunswick Picture House, Brunswick Heads. Tickets from $31 via brunswickpicturehouse.com.

Sunday from 1pm at the Billinudgel Hotel. Free show.

Steve and the Sidemen are back for another summer show with a new face this time, Alex McLeod on second guitar, joining his two mates (and regular Sidemen) Mike Mills and Grant Gerathy from local power trio The Sea Benz. This will be fun!

Get ready to dust off your flares, platform shoes, and sequins as Sydney’s six-piece sensation Alive In The 70s brings their spectacular live show to Byron for a night of pure nostalgia, infectious grooves, and feel-good fun. Saturday at 7.30pm at the Byron Theatre. Tickets $56.40 via byroncentre.com.au.

Friday, 7.30 at the Byron Theatre. Tickets $55 via byroncentre.com.au.

Known for his confessional lyrics, sun-drenched vocals, and genre-blurring sound that sits somewhere between Radiohead and Tame Impala, Billy Otto crafts an ethereal musical experience that draws audiences into a trance of connection and joy. Sunday from 4pm at the Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads. Free show.

www.echo.net.au

Nooriyah has also produced work for BBC 4 and continues to build upon her deep musical knowledge with other audio-visual projects, including work on soundtracks for film and television. It is no surprise that Nooriyah has built a following that not only celebrates what she is trying to create, but wishes to build it with her. Catch this great show at The Northern on Friday from 8pm. Tickets $29 from oztix.com.au.

Front Bar: Izzy Day 6pm DJ Quendo 9pm Duelling Piano Bar 8pm BACKROOM: MARSHALL OKELL ALBUM LAUNCH

FRI

Front Bar: Lachy Dwyer Duo 7pm + Donny Shades Band 10pm Duelling Piano Bar 8pm BACKROOM: NOORIYAH W LIZA & MISH KELLY

SAT

Front Bar: Sarah Grant Trio 7pm + DJ Oren Selectra 10pm Duelling Piano Bar 8pm BACKROOM: BANANA JAM

SUN

Front Bar: Dan Hannaford 6pm + Vinyl Sundays, ft Wax Addicts 9pm $15 MARGIS & SPRITZERS ALL DAY Duelling Piano Bar 6pm

MON

BACKPACKER MONDAYS Front Bar: Jerome Williams 6pm + DJ Alice Quidington 9pm Duelling Piano Bar 8pm

10 JAN

@thenorthernbyronbay

Since her emergence into dance music, Nooriyah has gained international acclaim and performed at venues and festivals globally such as Glastonbury, Nitsa and sold out her headline shows in London at KOKO, EartH, Jazz Cafe and Colour Factory. As well as her debut European headline tour Middle of Everywhere. Nooriyah was also the only Arab woman to perform at the Coachella festival in 2025.

THUR 9 JAN

THENORTHERN.COM.AU

Nooriyah, unmistakably, has paved her own lane when it comes to dance music. Connecting dots between diverse global music cultures; Nooriyah has made it her focus to blur those same lines, focusing on creating vivid musical diversity in her work without being told she can’t merge those vast musical communities. Raised between Saudi Arabia, Japan and the UK where she is now based, Nooriyah, known for her work as a DJ, audio producer and presenter, has spent the past decade championing sounds of the diaspora. Founding a SWANAfocused collaborative in London ‘Middle of Nowhere’, Nooriyah went on to host her debut Boiler Room – achieving over 6,000,000 views/streams.

8 JAN

35–43 JONSON ST BYRON BAY 6685 6454

Paving aving her own av w lane

11 JAN 12 JAN

TUES 13 JAN

Front Bar: Marshall OKell 6pm DJ Davi Bangma 9pm Duelling Piano Bar 8pm

WED

14 JAN

Front Bar: Stephen Lovelight 6pm DJ Cupid 9pm Duelling Piano Bar 8pm

BACKPACKER MONDAYS

`ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ The Byron Shire Echo 27

Seven days of entertainment

This is your slow-cooked Mutton Gather your coven for irreverent, feminist punk cabaret: Mutton – dressed as Mutton! Honing 60+ years of global stagetrotting, spun through a funnel of bass, drums, adult puppetry and risqué anti-patriarchy tales, they bring you a sizzling hot, hot flush. Drawing on decades with the likes of Circus Oz, Club Swing, Vitalstatistix, and Roundabout Theatre, Mutton sprinkles witty banter between storytelling, circus and satire. These old dogs disrupt the glorious mess of the post-menopausal experience with some fabulous new tricks. Distraught at global affairs, Simone O’Brien and Gabrielle Griffin, (two sassy, honest, funny- as-f*ck women aged 59 and 60) decided to start a postmenopausal, post-post-punk band – Mutton – turning up the queer cabaret aesthetics, Mutton pre-loads with satire, quips and comedy to offer a salve to the slow-burn of the apocalypse. Low sex drive or looking for love after divorce? Mutton hears you: their original hit songs ‘CBF2BF’ and ‘Ode to Online Dating’ offer an IRL antidote to ongoing misogyny, homogenised social media, and the fetishisation of youth and beauty. Alongside originals, Mutton bastardise covers with plenty of raunchy attitude. Sing along with their

Older women are cranky irresistible menopausal rallying call and get on board the ‘no-bullshit-life-can-truly-begin-after-50’ train. They say out loud what most women think – you are in safe, yet smutty, hands. Proudly supported by Create NSW Regional Arts Touring Fund. Mutton is supported by Lismore’s very own Queer Spinster Aunt, AKA Emma Jukes from Fisted Sister infamy. Emma creates dark and quirky tales with her ukulele, disgracing stages from house gigs to Splendour in the Grass: you’ll be delighted and shocked by her unique brand of musical comedy. Shows are on Friday, January 23 at 7.20pm (Auslan embedded interpreters) and Saturday, January 24 with a matinee at 4pm and another show at 7.30pm, all at the Rochdale Theatre, 603 Ballina Road, Goonellabah. Tickets are $30/25 from humantix. 18+ audience – contains strong language and mature themes.

Join the choir revolution Byron Bay * Brunswick Heads Kingscliff * Murwillumbah Directed by Janet Swain

They’re tired. They’re tired of Christmas. They’re tired of making everyone food. They’re tired of cleaning up. They’re tired of making tea. They’re tired of being responsible for making sure food is in the fridge. Or that there’s a meal on the table. Or that someone fed the dog. They’re tired of putting money in their kids’ accounts. They’re tired of being told they’re too fat, or too thin, or too wrinkly or too old. They’re tired of being judged. They’re tired of not being listened to. And according to 60-something newbie to comedy Adele, they’re tired of turning up to a comedy room, full of under-30 blokes, performing their life stories to a bunch of people who aren’t interested and don’t care. Cranky women have so much to say. They’ve survived growing up in a patriarchy. They’ve survived childbirth and motherhood and marriage. They’ve also survived being judged for choosing none of those things! Mandy Nolan is a cranky woman. She’s made a living out of it. So when another cranky woman complained that none of her cranky friends would come see her cranky show because it was in a room full of young blokes talking about their penis, it just made her… well cranky! So she came up with a solution. Gather the cranky women. Teach them comedy. Then send them into the world as a kind of cranky women’s army. Tell other people who love listening to cranky women, to come to the show and hear stories relevant and reflective of their life experience.

radical wholesome choirs.community.connection sdynastymusic@gmail.com 28 The Byron Shire Echo `ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ

The show is also a fundraiser for the fabulous Coorabell Hall – so that cranky women will always have a safe space to gather! Cranky Woman’s Comedy Club is on Friday, January 30 from 7.30pm at Coorabell Hall. Tickets are $25 at trybooking or mandynolan.com.au. www.echo.net.au

Read full interview on www.echo.net.au/ente line rtainment

Released in 1985, The Pogues’ album Rum Sodomy & the Lash is a cornerstone of punk and alternative rock, renowned for its raw energy, poetic lyrics, and infectious melodies. In just under three months the band are set to play the legendary album in full, including B-sides, extended version tracks, plus a special selection of their most beloved material, at Bluesfest. Seven spoke to James Fearnley just before Christmas from his home in LA.

RUM SODOMY & THE LASH TURNS 40 You’re playing a set of the songs from the album – is that something you’ve done before in Australia? No, not at all. I mean, we did the first time that we went there in 1988, but it was new music then.

Clearly, it cannot sound like it did 40 years ago, impossible – but is it going to be like it, or is there going to be a totally new twist, or both? I don’t know. It’s like, I’m going to hesitate at the word ‘twist’, because it sounds that the twist sounds like, oh, we need to do this a different way to make it attractive. I think what happened conceptually with this, there wasn’t even any conceptualness about it, really. This came about, this sort of iteration of the music players of this music, through Spider – the whistle player – who is a total, sort of folk enthusiast. But, like the modern folk that’s going on in Dublin, it’s progressive. It’s like progressive folk with a lot of drones, and it’s really uncompromising – stark sometimes, but very romantic treatments of old songs and new ones as well. I saw the lineup, and it’s huge…? Yeah, I counted 34 people on stage last year in Dublin, amazing, and Lankum – it is humbling that these guys and women should love what we do so much – it’s basically the people who turn up around Spider and his wife’s dinner table who he loves as people, and as musicians. Do you think this record could be made today and would it be entirely different? Or is that too hard a question?

Yeah, it is a little bit. That’s hard to say. I mean, the way that we played music, is the way the music is played. Maybe there is a place for that kind of playing nowadays, I think it’d be a bit of a struggle somehow. But nonetheless, when you’re talking about the songs themselves and the material, whether the traditional or Shane’s, because they have lasted so long – yeah, absolutely. I do think the material would stand a chance of taking its place – is there a place for these songs? I think, yeah. Are you scared? I’m scared, on behalf of a lot of people that I know, yes, I’m a citizen here now [US], I have been since the Bush administration, in 2003 – but that seems like it’s less and less meaningful nowadays. You know that anybody can be picked up? I’m just lucky not to have brown skin. I’m white enough, and that’s the sad thing about it – I’m saying that with a sort of sneer in my voice, but I am privileged and very, very lucky to be the person I am, and the age that I am, and the economic status, which isn’t lofty or anything, yeah, but it’s away from the danger zone.

Do you know if Shane’s family are loving the work? It’s hard for them. Yes. It’s hard. Yes, his wife in particular, and his sister – because they’re still grieving. It hurts they’ve lost their brother and husband, yes, and to see his associates going out, seemingly having a great time… However, I do think that Shane would have rather enjoyed the way that his songs are being done by the

people that are doing them, yes, and in the manner that we do them, and the attitude that we bring with it as well, which is inclusive and celebratory and, you know, empowering a collection of people in a room listening to stuff that’s still, very relevant. But, I acknowledge it hurts. It hurts the sister and his wife, yeah.

Are you having enough fun? Yeah, I am. Because my youngest daughter came back home from the East Coast. She and her wife came home last night late, so they’re in the house, and it’s fun to have them around. My eldest daughter has been living with us for a while now. She’s just got a new apartment, so she’s going to be moving out after Christmas. That’s going to be difficult, but it’s fun to have her with us. It’s just fun to have other family around right now. I get great joy out of playing with whatever iteration the Pogues happens to be at the minute, and it’s difficult without Shane – obviously we’re missing him terribly – not talking about him, it’s like a bit of an ‘elephant in the room’ thing. In a sense, he’s there in the room with us. We’re singing all his songs. Most of the material is his words and his tunes, you know, it’s great to give his songs an airing. You can read this interview in its entirety at www.echo.net.au You can see the Pogues on Thursday, April 2 and Friday 3, at the 2026 Bluesfest – go to bluesfest.com.au.

THE ROCHDALE THEATRE, 603 Ballina Rd, Goonellabah

FRI 23 JAN 2026: 7.30pm – 9pm

Auslan interpreted show

SAT 24 JAN 2026: 4pm (matinee) & 7.30pm – 9pm

muttontheduo.com BOOK TIX HERE:

events.humanitix.com/ slow-cooked-mutton-in-g-bah

www.echo.net.au

`ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ The Byron Shire Echo 29

CINEMA

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

WEDNESDAY 14

Q ELEMENTS OF BYRON 5PM ADAM HARPAZ

Q RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, HARRY NICHOLS Q BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM SARAH GRANT Q THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, FROM 6PM MARSHALL OKELL + DJ CUPID + DUELLING PIANO BAR Q BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 6PM TOMMY LITTLE Q THE PADDOCK PROJECT, MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM CURRY JAM Q ELTHAM HOTEL 6.30PM IRISH FOLK JAM

Q NORTH BYRON HOTEL 5PM DJ MONSIEUR DIOP

THURSDAY 15

Who doesn’t love a good musical! The original queens are back and hitting the big screen with SIX The Musical Live. Winner of over 35 awards, experience the best of British musical hers-story in a live capture of the must-see musical sensation, SIX The Musical Live. The original West End cast reunite at London’s Vaudeville Theatre in front of a sold-out audience to strut their stuff and re-write their Tudor traumas in an unmissable cinematic recording of the show packed full of style, sass, and sensational songs. Watched by audiences of over 3.5 million, SIX The Musical, has become a global theatre phenomenon since it’s 2017 debut at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it has redefined the boundaries of musical theatre. The show tells the extraordinary story of the six wives of King Henry VIII, who step out of the shadow of their infamous husband and reclaim their own narratives. Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, the pop-inspired musical brings the queens – Catherine of Aragon (Jarnéia Richard-Noel), Anne Boleyn (Millie O’Connell), Jane Seymour (Natalie Paris), Anne of Cleves (Alexia McIntosh), Katherine Howard (Aimie Atkinson), and Catherine Parr (Maiya Quansah-Breed) – right into the 21st century with infectious, empowering performances, accompanied by the on-stage band, the Ladies in Waiting. Screening at Palace Cinemas. palacecinemas.com.au.

Q RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, JOCK BARNES DUO Q BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM DÉVU BAND Q NORTH BYRON HOTEL 5.30PM OPEN MIC Q THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, FROM 6PM IZZY DAY + DJ QUENDO, DUELLING PIANO BAR, 8PM MARSHALL OKELL ALBUM LAUNCH Q HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM JOCK BARNES Q BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 6PM TOMMY LITTLE, 8PM BRUNS DOES BURLESQUE Q SAINT MARIES, BRUNSWICK HEADS, 6PM MONDO HUM Q LENNOX HOTEL 8PM THURSDAY JAM NIGHT Q KELP, BALLINA, 6PM INO PIO Q PEARCES CREEK HALL, 6.30PM THE OCELOTS Q LISMORE CITY BOWLO 7PM THE SUPPER CLUB SOUL BAND

FRIDAY 16 Q RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, FLUKES OF SENDINGTON Q BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 5PM DAVE MCCREDIE + THE TERRYS Q BYRON THEATRE 7.30PM STEVE BANKS AND THE SIDEMEN

PALACE BYRON BAY

SESSION TIMES THURSDAY JANUARY 15 TO WEDNESDAY JANUARY 21

ALL FILMS

BLUE MOON (M)

28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE (MA15+) NFT Daily: 2:30PM, 4:00PM, 6:15PM, 8:30PM

Sun: 2:00PM IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT (M) MOVIE CLUB PREVIEW

Tues: 6:30PM THE SECRET AGENT

(MA15+)

SNEAK PREVIEWS

Sat, Sun: 12:45PM COMING SOON

FAMILY FILMS DAVID Daily: 10:10AM, 12:00PM (PG) NFT

GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE (G) Daily: 10:10AM NOW SHOWING

SCAN TO BOOK ONLINE

ANACONDA (M) Daily: 12:20PM, 1:10PM, 5:40PM AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH (2D) (M) Daily except Sat, Sun: 12:15PM, 3:30PM, 7:15PM. Sat, Sun: 3:30PM, 7:15PM HAMNET (M) NFT Daily: 10:30AM, 12:45PM, 3:20PM, 6:00PM, 8:30PM

Q COORABELL HALL 7PM FUN FRIDAY – AN EVENING WITH DR BAZ, MUSIC AND FILM Q HOTEL BRUNSWICK 7.30PM THE SWAMP CATS Q BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 6PM TOMMY LITTLE, 8PM BRUNS DOES BURLESQUE Q MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 8PM KRAPPYOKEE WITH JESS Q BILLINUDGEL HOTEL 1PM TIAGO FREITAS Q CLUB LENNOX 7PM BEN WHITING Q BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK 6PM JESSE WHITNEY Q CHERRY STREET SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, 7PM TIM STOKES

FOR BOOKINGS AND SESSION TIMES PALACECINEMAS.COM.AU

Q CLUB LENNOX 7PM MATTHEW ARMITAGE

Q SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 5PM JEROME WILLIAMS Q CLUB TWEED 7.30PM FLOORBURNERS

SATURDAY 17 Q RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, LI LAURENT & JUNO Q BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 3PM MICKA SCENE + ERIN SHAY DUO +LATIFA TEE Q BYRON THEATRE 7.30PM ALIVE IN THE 70S Q NORTH BYRON HOTEL 1.30PM DANI QUAYLE MUSIC + DJ DAVI BANGMA

Q SHAWS BAY HOTEL, BALLINA, 3PM PRETTY VACANT Q ELTHAM HOTEL 4PM THE LONESOME BOATMAN Q UKI MARKET 8AM EMPRESS KATIA AND SKY EATER Q KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 1PM MR TROY Q KINGSCLIFF SURF CLUB 3.30PM JON J BRADLEY Q CLUB TWEED 1PM RAVIE + RIKI

Q LENNOX HOTEL 8PM FUNKY FREQUENCIES VOL 3

MONDAY 19

Q BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK 6PM JOE CONROY

Q RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, LOKI HOUGH

Q CHERRY STREET SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, 8PM KAFFINE

Q BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM ALLY PALMER

Q HOTEL LISMORE 9.30PM SABOTAGE Q KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 5PM KIERAN LARKEY Q SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 5PM JASON DELPHIN Q CLUB TWEED 7.30PM THE HITMEN Q TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 8PM PHILOSOPHY

SUNDAY 18 Q BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 4.30PM THE FILTHY ANIMALS

ANACONDA (M) Daily: 1:45PM, 6:20PM

SOMEBODY TO LOVE (M) Fri, Sat, Sun: 3:45PM

Q BILLINUDGEL HOTEL 1PM IMPERIAL BLUES REVIEW

Q KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 5PM ADAM BROWN

RENTAL FAMILY (M) Thurs, Mon, Wed: 3:30PM, 8:30PM. Fri, Sat: 8:30PM. Sun: 7:00PM. Tues: 3:30PM, 8:40PM

SIX THE MUSICAL LIVE (PG) Daily: 10:15AM

Q BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 2PM LIL’ CHEEKY, 6PM TOMMY LITTLE, 8PM BRUNS DOES BURLESQUE

Q RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, BEN PURNELL

28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE (MA15+) NFT Daily: 3:30PM, 8:20PM

SENTIMENTAL VALUE (M) Daily except Sun, Tues: 3:00PM, 8:00PM. Sun: 8:00PM. Tues: 3:30PM, 8:00PM

Q THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, FROM 7PM SARAH GRANT TRIO + DJ OREN SELECTRA, DUELLING PIANO BAR, BANANA JAM

Q HOTEL LISMORE 5.30PM ADAM HOURIGAN + DJ LAZY DOM

NUREMBERG (M) Daily except Sun: 12:30PM, 7:45PM. Sun: 10:30AM, 7:45PM

Q THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, FROM 6PM DAN HANNAFORD + VINYL SUNDAYS FT WAX ADDICTS, DUELLING PIANO BAR Q BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 5PM CELIA PACQUOLA, 7PM BRUNS DOES BURLESQUE Q BILLINUDGEL HOTEL 1PM CINNAMON SUN Q LENNOX HOTEL 4PM ADAM HARPAZ Q BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK 2.30PM BALLINA BLUES CLUB FEAT BLIND WILLIE WAGTAIL

Q THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, FROM 6PM JEROME WILLIAMS +DJ ALICE QUIDINGTON, DUELLING PIANO BAR Q BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 6PM CELIA PACQUOLA

TUESDAY 20 Q RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, RESONANT HAND Q THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, FROM 6PM DJ DAVI BANGMA, DUELLING PIANO BAR Q BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 6PM CELIA PACQUOLA

WEDNESDAY 21 Q RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, THE LONESOME BOATMAN Q THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, FROM 6PM STEPHEN LOVELIGHT + DJ CUPID, DUELLING PIANO BAR Q THE ROADHOUSE, BYRON BAY, 6.30PM THE NEIGHBOURS FROM HELL Q BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 6PM CELIA PACQUOLA Q THE PADDOCK PROJECT, MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM CURRY JAM

to post your gig in the Echo Gig Guide

AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH (2D) (M) Daily: 11:50AM, 7:45PM SONG SUNG BLUE (M) Daily: 9:50AM, 2:50PM, 8:20PM THE CHORAL (M) Daily: 9:30AM THE HOUSEMAID (MA15+) Daily: 3:45PM, 5:45PM

MY BROTHER'S BAND (M) Daily except Sun, Tues: 10:00AM, SONG SUNG BLUE (M) Daily: 12:30PM, 4:45PM, 7:30PM 5:50PM. Sun: 5:50PM. Tues: 10:20AM, 5:50PM THE CHORAL (M) THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: Daily: 10:00AM SEARCH FOR SQUAREPANTS (PG) NO OTHER CHOICE (M) NFT Daily except Sun, Tues: 12:10PM, Daily: 10:10AM, 3:30PM THE HOUSEMAID (MA15+) 5:00PM, 7:50PM. Sun: 12:45PM, ZOOTOPIA 2 (PG) 5:00PM, 7:50PM. Tues: 12:30PM, Daily: 2:20PM, 5:00PM, 7:40PM Daily: 10:20AM, 12:30PM, 2:45PM 5:00PM, 7:50PM WICKED: FOR GOOD (PG) Daily except Sun, Tues: 5:45PM. Sun: 4:10PM THE POUT-POUT FISH (G) Daily: 10:00AM

30 The Byron Shire Echo `ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ

Q THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, FROM 7PM LACHY DWYER DUO + DONNY SHADES BAND, DUELLING PIANO BAR, NOORIYAH W LIZA & MISH KELLY

BALLINA FAIR CINEMAS

SPECIAL SCREENINGS SPARKLING MATINEE

Seven days of entertainment

GIG GUIDE

THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SEARCH FOR SQUAREPANTS (PG) Daily: 11:45AM ZOOTOPIA 2 (PG) Daily: 9:30AM, 12:30PM, 5:30PM

6686 9600 BALLINA FAIR • 6680 8555 BYRON BAY

It will appear in the paper, the online gig guide and on Bay FM

email gigs@echo.net.au with the details www.echo.net.au

Classifieds

ECHO CLASSIFIEDS – 6684 1777 CLASSIFIED AD BOOKINGS

PHONE ADS

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

DEADLINE TUES 12PM Publication day is Wednesday, booking deadlines are the day before publication.

RATES & PAYMENT

classifieds@echo.net.au 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.

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

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

HYPNOSIS & EFT Simple and effective solutions.

Maureen Bracken 0402205352 NIMBUS AT-HOME SAUNAS

WANTED

BASING, KEITH

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

3 May 1925 – 7 January 2026

100 years

Cherished husband of Eileen (dec.)

Adored father and father-in-law of Margaret and Harry, Jennifer and Richard, and Robyn and Bruce.

EPIC STREET SALE

Earn 20 hours of logbook credit if you are under 25 and have completed 50 logbook hours.

Designed for recovery + longevity. 0452 460 933 or nimbusco.com.au

HYPNOSIS & NLP

A true gentleman and treasured friend to all he knew.

Over 30 years of experience

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Keith’s remarkable life on Monday, January 19 at 10.30am at Mullumbimby Lawn Cemetery.

WendyPurdey.com. Ph 0497 090 233

BUY 1 RIDE GET 1 FREE

TIME FOR A NEW YEAR RESET? Restore your body and nervous system with professional massage therapy in a peaceful Upper Main Arm forest sanctuary. Trusted local practitioner. Private, safe and professional space. Justin 0490 132 697

FIRST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH • Sausage sizzle • Hot dogs • Sandwiches • Coffee & tea • Fruit Salad

EVERYONE WELCOME Come one come all and join us in a meal or just a chat. Takeaway most welcome: COVID safe rules apply. Frozen takeaway meals now available.

10am to 12pm

In the Ballina Presbyterian Hall Corner of Cherry & Crane. Just behind the Presbyterian Church.

Much loved grandfather, greatgrandfather and great-greatgrandfather.

HAWAIIAN MASSAGE Ocean Shores, Michaela, 0416332886

Brunswick Valley

Mindfulness @ Work

FUNERALS 6684 6232

Bring greater focus, clarity and calm into your workplace.

TRADEWORK

Certified Mindfulness Educator Paul Bibby 0401 926 090

3EPTIC 7ASTE 2EMOVAL

3UMMERLAND %NVIRONMENTAL

4HE ,IQUID 7ASTE 3PECIALISTS s 3EPTIC TANK CLEANING s 'REASE TRAP SERVICING s /ILY ,IQUIDS s 0ORTABLE TOILET HIRE s HOUR SERVICE

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Å Ù¤û SÝû ©Ë¾Ë¤û V ¬»¬ ĔĘĕė ĔĔė ėĔĕ

TREE SERVICES LEAF IT TO US - Tree Care Specialists Local, qualiﬁed, insured, free quotes. Big to small we enjoy it all 0402487213

Sunday 18 January 8am RUSH COURT MULLUMBIMBY Adults, kids, tools, building materials, sports equipment, plants, free stuff etc Lemonade, sausage sizzle, face painting and tarot readings

Tip Runs & Rubbish Removal 0408 210 772 CARAVANS CARAVANS We buy, sell & consign. All makes & models. 0408 758 688

BUSINESS FOR SALE PRODUCTIVE home-based ethical micro business: local produce, frozen confectionery, wholesale distributor, stable overheads, established clients, potential for growth $40K - 0431284741

HOUSES FOR SALE

Body Based

2 FREE STANDING HOUSES ON ONE BLOCK IN GOONELLABAH. https://www. domain.com.au/8a-8b-jennifer-placegoonellabah-nsw-2480-2019800564 OR mobile 0429023402

Somatic Practice

TO LET

õõõƣ» ä Ä ÝÝ Å¤ Ù»¬Å Ý¬Ë¾Ë¤ûƣ ËÄƣ é

Psychotherapy Julie Wells Anne Goslett (nee Mannix)

Dip.Som.Psych, Clinical PACFA Reg.

Individual and Couple Therapy Supervision and Coaching (02) 6685 5185 9 Fletcher St, Byron Bay

• Arborist • 15” Wood Chipper • Stump Grinder • Fully Insured Byron Bay & Surrounding Areas

6681 3140 Mobile 0417 698 227

OFFICE/WORKSPACE 42sqm $350pw Billinudgel. Ph Lifestyle Group 66851206

POSITIONS VACANT DISABILITY SUPPORT WORKERS, Must have minimum Cert 3 in Disability, Aged or Home Care, ﬁrst aid and WWCC. Licence and reliable car essential. Must be available weekday mornings. Send resume to info@byronbaycare.com.au SCT LOGISTICS TRUCK WASHERS Temporary opportunity. We’re looking for truck washers at our SCT Logistics depot, 117 Baraang Drive Broadwater NSW 2472 (sugar mill site). Mon to Fri, 38-hour week, weather dependant. Starts in December and runs through to the end of January. Full training provided..Please send brief resume to Wendy.Keel@sctlogistics.com.au or during ofﬁce hours call 0409568795 LADIES WANTED, MUST BE 18+ Work available in busy adult parlour. Travellers welcome. 66816038 for details. TAXI DRIVERS WANTED Flexible work hours – perfect 2nd income Email operations@byronbaytaxis.com

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

or custom builds.

‘Wellness, built into your space’

MEN’S STYLIST - BYRON BAY NEZ THE CURATOR Wardrobe edits * Personal styling Conﬁdence building * Wellbeing Look good - feel good - do good 0452 460 933

0427 347 380

GARAGE SALES

Safer Drivers Courses for Learners

HEALTH

Fully insured • Free quotes

Passed away at Coolamon Villa surrounded by love.

Infrared - traditional, ﬂatpack

Bookings: bys.org.au/safer-driverscourse-for-learners

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

FUNERAL NOTICES

Designed for your home or ofﬁce.

COMMUNITY FREE HOT BRUNCH

www.echo.net.au

Anxiety, Cravings, Fears & Trauma.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Any Sunday until 25th Jan 2026 from 6.30pm

www.echo.net.au/classified-ads

DISPLAY ADS (with a border): $14 per column centimetre

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.

BRUNSWICK HEADS CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL BANNER PARK

CLASSIFIEDS THAT WORK ALL WEEK! Echo Classies also appear online:

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

DISCLAIMER

LOCALS SPECIAL!

MULLUM UNIT 2, 12 Smith St 100 sqm ﬂoor + 45 sqm mezzanine. 0474729272

$17 for two lines is the minimum charge.

Display (box ads) and line classifieds, email:

WHERE TO GET THE ECHO If you live in Newrybar, Lennox Head or Ballina, but outside our current home delivery area, you can pick up an Echo from many locations, including: Newrybar Providore Newrybar; Richies IGA Ballina, Ballina RSL, One Stop Shop Ballina, Ballina Golf Club East Ballina, Brighton St Takeaway near the Shawsy, Seagrass Lennox, Lennox pub drivethrough, Station St Grocer Lennox

TO LEASE

LOCAL REMOVAL

& backloads to Brisbane. Friendly, with 10 years local exp. 0409917646 BALLINA SELF-STORAGE UNITS Secure. From $22p/w. Ranging from 10–44 m3. Across 3 locations. 66867011

Nurse Practitioner Grafton, Coffs Harbour & North Coast NSW Nursing - General Medical & Surgical (Healthcare & Medical) Full time $100,000 – $150,000 per year Apply now with : kelly.onley@t1recruitment.com.au 0411 641 919 And take the next step in your career as a Nurse Practitioner with Tier One Recruitment

Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School has the following exciting opportunity:

Maintenance Worker L1 General Hand or L2 Qualifed Trade Part Time (4 days per week) Applications will be considered as received. For the Position Description and details on how to apply, visit our website shearwater.nsw.edu.au/ work-at-shearwater/

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

NOW RECRUITING Volunteer with Marine Rescue Cape Byron and help save lives on the water Find out more: mrnsw.com.au/join

`ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ The Byron Shire Echo 31

Classifieds / Community at Work

volunteer@owlandpussycat.org.au

www.owlandpussycat.org.au

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

TUITION

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

Furniture and rubbish removals Over 15 years exp. Jarrod 0415 139 308

BIRTHDAYS

Happy 80th Helena!

Local Futures founder/director – and ‘matriarch of the localisation movement’, Helena NorbergHodge, has just turned 80! For fifty years, she has been leading and inspiring people to stand up to the entrenched power of global corporations and banks. Lots of love from The Echo XX

Crumpet is 1 of 4 kittens with names beginning with ‘C’. They were all initially quite reserved in nature but are now coming into their own. Crumpet & her siblings are all light grey tabbies & are so sweet! Remember, all good things come in C’s! To meet Crumpet & our other cats & kittens, please visit the Cat Adoption Centre at 124 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby. OPEN:Tues 2.30-4.30pm Thurs 3-5pm | Sat 10am-12 noon Call AWL on 0436 845 542 Like us on Facebook!

SUN, MOON & TIDES

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

LOW TIDES, height (m)

6:01 1:46 06:31 1.45 13:09 0.64 14 W 19:48 16:10 18:12 1.02 6:02 2:27 07:17 1.53 00:02 0.43 15 TH 19:48 17:06 19:10 1.04 13:59 0.56

16 F

6:03 3:13 08:00 1.60 00:49 0.40 19:47 18:00 19:57 1.07 14:39 0.49

17 SA

6:03 4:06 08:40 1.66 01:32 0.35 19:47 18:50 20:37 1.12 15:15 0.44

6:04 5:03 09:18 1.71 02:12 0.31 18 SU 19:47 19:35 21:15 1.16 15:49 0.40 6:05 6:02 09:55 1.75 02:49 0.27 19 M 19:47 20:15 21:54 1.19 16:22 0.36 6:06 7:02 10:30 1.77 03:28 0.25 20 TU 19:47 20:51 22:32 1.23 16:55 0.34 6:07 8:02 11:05 1.76 04:07 0.25 21 W 19:46 21:24 23:13 1.26 17:29 0.32 6:08 9:02 11:40 1.72 04:47 0.28 22 TH 19:46 21:54 23:56 1.29 18:02 0.31

23 F

6:08 10:01 05:31 0.34 12:15 1.66 19:46 22:24 18:38 0.31

6:09 11:01 00:42 1.31 06:19 0.43 24 SA 19:45 22:55 12:51 1.55 19:15 0.33 6:10 12:02 01:33 1.34 07:15 0.53 25 SU 19:45 23:28 13:31 1.42 19:58 0.35 6:11 13:07 02:35 1.37 08:27 0.62 26 M 19:45 14:23 1.28 20:47 0.37

27 TU

6:12 14:15 03:47 1.43 09:58 0.66 19:44 0:05 15:31 1.15 21:49 0.39

28 W

6:13 15:24 05:05 1.52 11:38 0.63 19:44 0:49 16:56 1.07 22:58 0.38

Data sourced from Bureau of Meteorology. Times adjusted for Daylight Savings when applicable.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS AMBULANCE, FIRE, POLICE .............................................000

AMBULANCE Mullumbimby & Byron Bay................................131 233 POLICE Brunswick Heads.......................................................... 6629 7510 Mullumbimby ................................................................ 6629 7570 Byron Bay......................................................................... 6685 9499 Bangalow ......................................................................... 6629 7500 STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE Storm & tempest damage, flooding...132 500 BRUNSWICK VALLEY RESCUE Primary rescue........................... 6685 1999 BRUNSWICK MARINE RADIO TOWER.................................... 6685 0148 BYRON CENTRAL HOSPITAL...................................................... 6639 9400 BYRON COUNCIL: EMERGENCY AFTER HOURS............. 6622 7022 NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE (Mullumbimby) ........................... 6684 1286 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 24 hour crisis line.................................1800 656 463 LIFELINE...................................................................................................131 114 MENSLINE....................................................................................1300 789 978 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS 24 hours .................................1800 423 431 AL-ANON Help for family and friends of alcoholics .......................1300 252 666 NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS Meets daily ...................................... 6680 7280 NORTHERN RIVERS GAMBLING SERVICE............................ 6687 2520 HIV/AIDS – ACON Confidential testing & information ..................... 6622 1555 ANIMAL RESCUE (DOGS & CATS)............................................ 6622 1881 NORTHERN RIVERS WILDLIFE CARERS.............................. 6628 1866 KOALA HOTLINE ............................................................................. 6622 1233 WIRES – NSW Wildlife Information & Rescue Service... 6628 1898

32 The Byron Shire Echo `ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ

Email copy marked ‘On The Horizon’ to editor@echo.net.au.

Dunecare Day Jan 18

Meet Lucky, a friendly three-month-old mixedbreed pup with a big personality and bigger heart. Active and spirited, he loves engaging with the world, enjoying walks, playtime, and relaxing beside his people. Affectionate and eager to learn, Lucky thrives on companionship and family life, responding well to training. He’s ready to grow into a loyal, loving lifelong friend and is waiting to meet you. Rehoming # is : R251000060

T: 6681 1860 E: shelter@nras.org.au W: www.nras.org.au

AWL NSW Rehoming Organisation Number: R251000222

Nimby

Volunteer to make a real difference to neglected, abused & unwanted farmed animals. Regularly or occasionally. Help with animal care, building, admin, grant writing, transport.

1 or 2 MEN + UTE

CRUMPET

ANIMAL LOVERS!!

DEADLINE NOON FRIDAY

PET SITTER AVAILABLE Kind, conﬁdent animal carer available for your four-legged fur baby. References available. Call Pawla on 0415340744

LUCKY

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

On The Horizon

PETS

WORK WANTED

indi

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

North Coast news online

Indi is a 2 year old, Bloodhound/Bull Arab/Mastiff X. She’s outgoing, intelligent, and always ready for an adventure. Perfect for an active family with older kids. Microchip: 991003002444239 Location: Murwillumbah Like to meet Indi? Please call Yvette, on 0421 831 128 Please complete our online Expression of Interest friendsofthepound.com/ adoption-expression-of-interest Visit friendsofthepound.com to view other dogs and cats looking for a home.

ABN 83 126 970 338

ONLY ADULTS

KRYSTAL ADULT SHOP Large variety of toys and lingerie 6/6 Tasman Way, A&I Est, Byron Bay 66856330

3rd SUNDAY: Federal Village Market – 8am–2pm Uki Buttery Bazaar Market – 8am–2pm Pottsville Beach Markets – 7am–1pm Lismore City Bowlo Markets – 9am–1pm 4th SATURDAY: Kyogle Bazaar – 9am–2pm Last SATURDAY: Evans Head Rotary Market – 8am–1pm 4th SUNDAY: Bangalow Market – 8am–2.30pm Nimbin Markets – 9am–3pm Murwillumbah Showground Market – 8am–1pm 4th SUNDAY (in a 5-Sunday month): Coolangatta Arts & Crafts Markets – 8am–2pm 5th SUNDAY: Nimbin Markets – 8.30am–3pm

Tuesday, 20 January 9.30am to11am Make and take home a jar of sauerkraut /kimchi. Mullumbimby free tea-tree lake swim, coffee and connect – Contact 0427 026 935 or visit togethershethrives.org.au/ womens-events.

Regular As Clockwork

The Bruns Backgammon Club meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at the CWA Hall in Brunswick Heads, from 5.30pm till 7pm. It’s a relaxed, social evening open to all skill levels – newcomers are always welcome!

Couples p 3 Wayy Play

Bruns backgammon

Sing and play along

Safe fe Consensual Erotica

0480 779 325

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

1st SATURDAY: Brunswick Heads Markets – 8am–2pm

3 SATURDAY: Mullumbimby Community Market – 8am–2pm Murwillumbah Makers & Finders – 9am–2pm Salt Beach Markets, Sth Kingscliff/Casuarina – 8am–1pm

Free women’s sauerkraut & kimchi workshop

To make an appointment 0403 533 589 • Billinudgel petsforlifeanimalshelter.net

MONTHLY MARKETS:

Lismore University of the Third Age (U3A) are holding an open day on Wednesday, 21 January from 10am to 12pm at the Goonellabah Sports Club, 202 Oliver Ave, Goonellabah. Organisers say more than 30 courses are available each week across four terms, which are ‘designed to keep both your mind and body active and engaged’. For more information, visit www.u3alismore.com.au or contact Pat McLaren-Smith on 0490 483 049.

Please note that, owing to space restrictions, not all entries may be included each week. Email copy u. u. marked ‘Regular As Clockwork’ to editor@echo.net.au.

The Echo’s Market Guide

2nd SUNDAY: The Channon Craft Market – 9am–3pm Chillingham Markets – 8am–1pm Coolangatta Arts & Craft Markets – 8am–2pm Tabulam Community Market – 9am–1pm

Step into a vibrant world of colour, texture, and imagination at Byron Bay Library’s Spice Splash Collage Creations Workshop! Inspired by the beautiful artwork of acclaimed author and artist Jeannie Baker, this hands-on school holiday workshop invites children to explore the textures, bold colours, and exotic scents of the kitchen. With the generous support of creative partner, The Source Bulk Foods Byron Bay, young artists will use everyday ingredients such as herbs, spices, and pantry treasures to create their own eye-catching abstract collages,

Lismore U3A event

DEADLINE NOON FRIDAY

Find it online: www.echo.net.au/market-guide

1st SUNDAY: Byron Community Market – 8am–3pm Pottsville Beach Markets – 7am–1pm

Free Byron Library kids workshop, Jan 15

bursting with rich hues and aromatic surprises. Join us for a playful, sensory-filled art adventure! Starts at 3pm on Thursday, January 15. Ages eight to 13 years.

Nimbie is about 3 years old and absolutely loves people and a good brush! He is big and a beautiful smoozer. A great cat! Microchip 9910039028276652. See more on our fb page!

CURIOUS ABOUT PEGGING? ivso.me/venus-knox BALLINA EXCLUSIVE 34 Piper Dr. Open 7 days 10am till late. In & Out Calls. 66816038 Ladies wanted Find us on Facebook and Twitter!

The Green and Clean Awareness Team’s monthly Dunecare Day is on Sunday, 18 January from 9am to 12 noon, meeting in front of the Beach Cafe at Clarkes Beach. We plant in the sand dunes from Clarkes Beach to Main Beach. From 12pm to 1pm, enjoy a delicious free barbecue and be in the draw to win one of four excellent prizes. It’s good fun. Inquiries to Veda 6685 7991 or Peter 0488 715 565.

SEASONAL MARKETS: Quarterly: Byron Beachside Market – Jan, Easter, July and Sept

FARMERS/WEEKLY MARKETS: Each TUESDAY: New Brighton Farmers Market – 8am–11am Lismore Organic Market – 7.30am–10.30am Each WEDNESDAY: Murwillumbah Farmers Market – 7am–11am Nimbin Farmers Market – 3pm–6pm Newrybar Hall Twilight Market – 3pm–7.30pm Each THURSDAY: Byron Bay Farmers Market – 7am–11am Lismore Produce Market – 3pm–6pm Each FRIDAY: Mullumbimby Farmers Market – 7am–11am Evans Head Farmers Market – 2.30pm–6.30pm Each SATURDAY: Bangalow Farmers Market – 7am–11am Duranbah Rd Farmers Mkt (Tropical Fruit World) 8am–11am Uki Farmers Market – 8am–1pm Lismore Farmers Market – 7.30am–11.30am Byron Twilight Market (Oct to Apr) 4pm–9pm Each SUNDAY: Ballina Farmers & Producers Mkt – 7am–11am Markets may change their routine without letting us know. Please get in touch to advise us of any changes.

Free weekly sing along sessions for over 70s in Mullumbimby, on Wednesdays from 10.30 to 11.30am. Feel free to bring your ukulele and/or guitar and enjoy singing the songs of your youth. Limited spaces. Contact Magenta on 0447 844 215.

Free baby clothes Free baby clothes are available each Friday morning (during school terms) from 10-12am at Mullumbimby CWA Hall, corner of Tincogan and Gordon streets. And if you like hanging out with mums and bubs and have a penchant for folding tiny clothes, we’re always keen for more volunteers to join our happy team! More info: www.pbbmedia.org/outreachhub. Contact: hello@pbbmedia.org.

Mullumbimby & District Neighbourhood Centre Mullumbimby & District Neighbourhood Centre is open Monday–Friday 9am–4pm (closed 12.30–1.30pm for lunch). We offer a variety of services. Everyone is welcome. Call reception on 6684 1286. Some of our services include: Flood recovery support service: personalised, long-term support for those impacted by the floods. Community support: food parcels, meals, showers, assistance with electricity bills. Work Development Orders. Listening Space: free counselling. More Than A Meal: free community lunch Tuesday–Thursday 12.30–1.30pm. Financial counselling Staying Home, Leaving Violence program: Information, referral, and advocacy. Gulganii affordable pantry shop: located at 3 Bridgeland Lane.

Orange Sky: free laundry service Mon morning & Wed afternoon. To enquire about accessing any of these services call reception 6684 1286, check our website www.mdnc.org.au, or follow us on Facebook or Instagram. @ mullumbimbyneighbourhoodcentre.

Byron Community The Byron Community Centre provides community services and programs including meals, advocacy and counselling for locals in need. Fletcher Street Cottage: A welcoming, safe and respectful space where people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness can come to enjoy practical relief opportunities, find connections and access broader support. Fletcher Street Cottage services are open Tuesday–Friday; breakfast 7am–9am; showers and laundry 7am–12pm; office support 9am–12pm. Individual support appointments with community workers and specialist services available please book on (02) 6685 7830. Fletcher Street Cottage, 18 Fletcher St, Byron Bay. More info: www.fletcherstreetcottage.com. au. Byron Seniors Club: www. byronseniors.com.au. More info on Community Services: www.byroncentre.com.au Phone: (02) 6685 6807.

Low-cost or free food Food Box Thursdays 9.30–11.30am at Uniting Church, Mullumbimby. You may purchase cheap food, obtain free veges, and enjoy a cuppa. We will be closed from December 18 and re-open on February 5, 2026. For all enquiries please phone Gill 0428 846 328. The Hub Baptist Church in Ocean Shores has food relief available for anyone doing it tough, please contact us on 0434 677747 if you find yourself doing it tough. No ID or Concession Card required. NILs referral service also available. Check Facebook page The Hub Baptist Ocean Shores for details. Liberation Larder Takeaway lunches and groceries Monday and Thursday 12 till 1pm. Fletcher Street end of the Byron Community Centre.

www.echo.net.au

Service Directory ECHO SERVICE DIRECTORY RATES, PAYMENT & DEADLINE 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

AUTOMOTIVE

CLEANING

WE PAY FOR

Services List Locally owned and Operated (Low Pressure Softwashing) Residential and Commercial Houses, Gutters, Roofs, Awnings, No job too big or small Solar panels, Retaining walls Obligation free quote Driveways, Paths, Pavers, Fully insured Fences, Decks, Patios, AQUA PRESSURE CLEANING Pool areas.

UNWANTED CARS $50–$1500

Free metal drop off Locally ally owned

6684 5296

0426 119 550 info@nraquapressurecleaning.com.au

ABSOLUTELY FREE CAR BODY REMOVAL AL CASH ON THE SPOT GUARANTEE

$50 – $1000

SERVICE DIRECTORY INDEX

WE BUY UNWANTED CARS, UTES & VANS

PHONE 0466 113 333 24/7

Byron Bay

ABN: 47576013867

5 Stars

CLEANING SERVICE CLEANS: Holiday, Residential, Bond, Commercial, Spring.

Phone Mick 0409 009 024 Email: mickbhl@gmail.com

EMAIL: enquires@adrians.com.au

Accountants & Bookkeepers 33 Handypersons.................... 34 Acupuncture ...................... 33 Health ............................... 34 BARBER SHOPS BETTY’S CLEANING & HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES.............................................. Text 0476 984649 Hire ................................... 34 Air Conditioning & PENSIONERS/KIDS FROM $25 – ADULTS FROM $30: 6 Brunswick Tce Mullum.....0421 679015 PRESSURE WASH IT WASHING !!! ................................................... Text YOKO 0475040733 Refrigeration ..................... 33 Hypnotherapy.................... 34 BLINDS, AWNINGS, CURTAINS, SHUTTERS COMPUTER SERVICES Architects .......................... 33 Landscaping ...................... 34 Automotive........................ 33 Locksmith .......................... 34 One-on-one, patient, experienced Barber Shops ..................... 33 Pest Control ....................... 34 [LHJOLY VɈLYPUN KPNP[HS Z\WWVY[ MVY Photography...................... 34 Blinds, Awnings, Curtains, ZLUPVYZ ULLKPUN OLSW ^P[O WOVULZ Shutters............................. 33 Physiotherapy.................... 34 BLINDS SHUTTERS AWNINGS CURTAINS SHW[VWZ HUK JVTW\[LYZ Bricklaying......................... 33 Picture Framing ................. 34 SUNSCREENS Building Trades .................. 33 Plastering .......................... 34 LOCAL Phone or email: 0420 235 624 Bush Regeneration & Weed Plumbers ........................... 34 SHOWCASE DEALER SHOWROOM contact@thinkblinkdesign.com Control............................... 33 Removalists ....................... 35 Carpentry & Joinery ........... 33 Rendering.......................... 35 FLASH COMPUTERS Mac & PC. Affordable & helpful. 77 Stuart Street, Mullumbimby..02 66844124 CURTAINS FREE E MEASURE E QUOTE E Chimney Sweeping............. 33 Roofing.............................. 35 ˘˗ ˘˞˛MEASURE ˌ˘˖˙˕ˎ˝ˎ ˛ˊ˗ːˎ ˘ˏ FREE QUOTE CONCRETING & PAVING ˒˗˝ˎ˛˒˘˛ ϻ ˎˡ˝ˎ˛˒˘˛ Cleaning ............................ 33 Rubbish Removal ............... 35 ˘˗ FREE ˘˞˛ ˌ˘˖˙˕ˎ˝ˎ ˛ˊ˗ːˎ ˘ˏ MEASURE QUOTE ˠ˒˗ˍ˘ˠ ˝˛ˎˊ˝˖ˎ˗˝˜ PLANTATION SHUTTERS ˒˗˝ˎ˛˒˘˛ ϻ ˎˡ˝ˎ˛˒˘˛ Computer Services ............. 33 Self Storage ....................... 35 ˘˗ ˘˞˛ ˌ˘˖˙˕ˎ˝ˎ ˛ˊ˗ːˎ ˘ˏ ˒˗˝ˎ˛˒˘˛ ϻ ˎˡ˝ˎ˛˒˘˛ ˝˛ˎˊ˝˖ˎ˗˝˜ 1/84 ˠ˒˗ˍ˘ˠ Centennial Circuit Byron Bay Concreting & Paving........... 33 Septic Systems ................... 35 ˠ˒˗ˍ˘ˠ ˝˛ˎˊ˝˖ˎ˗˝˜ SPECIALISTS IN HOME AUTOMATION AWNINGS Decks, Patios & Extensions.. 33 Solar Installation ............... 35 ZZZ EOLQGGHVLJQE\URQED\ FRP DX Television Services ............. 35 FREE MEASURE QUOTEROLL BLINDS Design & Drafting .............. 33 FREE MEASURE QUOTE DARYL 0418 234 302 ˘˗ ˘˞˛ ˌ˘˖˙˕ˎ˝ˎ ˛ˊ˗ːˎ ˘ˏ ˘˗ ˘˞˛ ˌ˘˖˙˕ˎ˝ˎ ˛ˊ˗ːˎ ˘ˏ 35 MEASURE FREE QUOTE Driveway Maintenance....... 33 Tiling................................. ˒˗˝ˎ˛˒˘˛ ϻ ˎˡ˝ˎ˛˒˘˛ BRICKLAYING Over 30 yrs’ local experience. ˒˗˝ˎ˛˒˘˛ ˘˗ ˘˞˛ ˘ˏ ϻ ˎˡ˝ˎ˛˒˘˛ 35 ˌ˘˖˙˕ˎ˝ˎ Earthmoving & Excavation.. 34 Tree Services ...................... ˠ˒˗ˍ˘ˠ ˛ˊ˗ːˎ ˝˛ˎˊ˝˖ˎ˗˝˜ All forms of concreting. BRICK/BLOCK Contractors. Lic 291958C. Phone Mark ........................................0409 444268 ˠ˒˗ˍ˘ˠ ˝˛ˎˊ˝˖ˎ˗˝˜ ˒˗˝ˎ˛˒˘˛ ϻLAYING ˎˡ˝ˎ˛˒˘˛ Residential • Civil • Industrial Electricians ........................ 34 Transportation Services...... 35 ˠ˒˗ˍ˘ˠ ˝˛ˎˊ˝˖ˎ˗˝˜ BUILDING TRADES Fencing.............................. 34 Upholstery......................... 35 SHAKA CONCRETING Driveways, sheds, slabs, p/ways, patios. Insured & Lic#391742C....0402 728207 Valuers .............................. 35 • DEPT OF FAIR TRADING:A licence is required for all residential building work where the reasonable Floor Sanding & Polishing... 34 MIRO HALFORD BUILDING DESIGN mirohalforddesign.com ......................................0402 613638 Veterinary Surgeons........... 35 market cost of the work to be done (labour and materials) exceeds $5000 (including GST). Garden & Property Maintenance...................... 34 Water Filters ...................... 35 DECKS, PATIOS & EXTENSIONS Welding............................. 35 Gas Fitters, Suppliers & Servicing............................ 34 Window Cleaning & Repairs 35 easily sand over nail/screw heads! 110 Teven Road, Ballina Guttering........................... 34 Window Tinting ................. 35 New logo - Same quality & service

66 680 0 8862 6680 8862 6680 8862

CONCRETING

Lic.136717c

6680 8862 6680 8862 6680 8862

SALISBURY

B&B Timbers 66867911

ACCOUNTANTS & BOOKKEEPERS BYRON BOOKKEEPING BAS, Payroll, AR/AP, Xero, QB, MYOB......................................0415 639548

Structural – Landscaping Fencing – Composite Decking Hardwood – Pine – Hardware sales@bbtimbers.com.au

www.bbtimbers.com.au

BOOKKEEPER Reg BAS provider, payroll, A/P, A/R. Xero & MYOB. Local, reliable. ........0410 206627 BLOOMING BOOKKEEPING and BAS Agent.................................................. Ph Leah 0434 121077

ACUPUNCTURE

BUILDER – JOHN MCGAURAN Personalised Service. 20 yrs exp. Lic 170208C .......... 0415 793242 HAVEN BUILDING All aspects of building. Lic 326616C...............................................0432 565060

QUALITY DECK RestoratioN free quote: 0455 573 554

FULLCIRCLEREFINISHING.COM

FABRICA JOINERY Quality kitchens/timber doors/windows. Lic 244652C .........................66808162 BYRON BAY FLOOR SANDING by Chris Wallace. Quality assured. Best prices...............0408 536565

ACUPUNCTURE CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE M Collis.............................................0490 022183 CARPENTER / JOINER 30 years experience. Prompt efficient service. Fully insured. Other licensed trades DECK REFINISHING EVANS HEAD Customer satisfaction guaranteed .........................0413 786879 avail, incl plastering/painting etc. 24/7 Emergency 4WD call-out avail. Lic 43794C ........0423 500693

AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION

BUILDER Extensions, maintenance, new homes, insurance, landscaping Lic19953Q....... 0403 458177 SEA LION BUILDERS: All Building Works / Maintenance Lic #243734C ....................Ph 0407 351720

Mullumbimby Refrigeration & Airconditioning Services

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

– Sales – Installation – Repairs – All Commercial Refrigeration – Residential & Commercial Airconditioning – Coolroom Design & Construction – Freezer Rooms

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

6684 2783

LOCAL CARPENTER small, medium or large jobs. Lic 207899c...............................Ph 0431 048856

BUSH REGENERATION & WEED CONTROL

DESIGN & DRAFTING

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

DRIVEWAY MAINTENANCE

THE GREEN WAVE: native reforestation and weed management....................... (John) 0491 117656

CARPENTRY & JOINERY

oast Asph alt st C Ea

6677 1859

ALL CARPENTRY Doors & stairs, all repairs. Reliable. 20 years exp. .............................0437 202050

COOLMAN AIR CONDITIONING 23 yrs exp. Lic. 178464C AU30147............................0422 291433 BENNETT CARPENTRY Construction & maintenance. bennettcarpentry.com.au .......0448 031221 ARTISAN AIR Airconditioning and refrigeration. ..............................................................66809394 BYRON BAY CARPENTRY & CONSTR. Decks, kitchen, bath, laundry. Lic 337421c.......0432 549082

ARCHITECTS

CHIMNEY SWEEPING

ALL ASPECTS OF ASPHALT & BITUMEN SERVICES

admin@ecasphalt.com.au

SERVICING THE EAST COAST OF THE NSW NORTHERN RIVERS Burringbar

OCEANARC ARCHITECTS Reg. 6042 www.oceanarc.com.au.........................................0412 251392 BLACKS CHIMNEY SWEEPING & REPAIRS AHHA member, insured. 3rd generation .....66771905 MC2 RURAL Earthmoving, mulching, camphor/weeds, property maintenance ........... 0427 900701

www.echo.net.au

`ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ The Byron Shire Echo 33

Service Directory

North Coast news online

EARTHMOVING & EXCAVATION

GARDEN & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

TINY EARTHWOR

All aspects of gardening and mowing Enhancive garden makeovers

Philip Toovey

0409 799 909

Est. 2010

various implements available for limited access projects

0430 297 101

livingearthgardens.com.au

HEALTH ACUPUNCTURE & COSMETIC MEDICINE Dr Adam Osborne ...........................................66857366 MULLUMBIMBY HERBALS Naturopathic and herbal dispensary, consultations..............66843002 AYURVEDA, NATUROPATH, Herbs, Jacinta McEwen – Om Healing..............................0422 387370 THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE. Sports, remedial, Swedish. Discount rates. ................Mark 0448 441194

HIRE MULLUM HIRE Marquees & all event equipment. Tools & machinery. Pool supplies & service 66843003

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

LANDSCAPING

CONSCIOUS EARTHWORKS

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

Swim Ponds, Landscaping, Water Features, Earth Moving

Phone Zac: 0468 344 939 www.360earth.com.au 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

A-Z Garden maintenance, acreage, gutters, rubbish removal, tip runs, top jobs ..................0405 625697

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

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TIP RUNS & RUBBISH REMOVALS 4m3 trailer..............................................................0408 210772 RICK’S PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Mowing, brushcutting, gardening, hedging.........0424 805660 GREEN DINGO for all your mowing and gardening needs. Ph Michael .........................0497 842442 BLADE RUNNER ACREAGE MOWING Local, reliable....................................................0428 856687

0448 401 638

BRUSH–CUTTING Whipersnip, clearing saw, light chain saw................................Rob 0455 587425 NORTHERN RIVERS SLASHING & LANDCARE......................................... Call Keni on 0417 509299

Landscaping, Vegetation Control & Earthworks

• General Landscaping • Vegetation Control • Excavations & Civil Residential

Call Paul 0403 316 711 gracewoodlandscapes.com.au Lic 474317C

NORTHERN RIVERS TRENCHING 65hp chain trencher, excavator, cable locating & tpr.0402 716857 GW MOWING Ride-on /acreage. Tip runs..............................................Call George on 0408 244820 LEMONTREELANDSCAPES.COM.AU Liam. Lic 277154C ..............................................0423 700853 GROWING WELL gardens residential lawns, hedging and design. 20 years experience .0413 459545

ELECTRICIANS

THE GREEN WAVE: Eco property and garden care .............................................. (John) 0491 117656

LOCKSMITH

COAST & COUNTRY Acreage mowing, prop. maintenance, prof. reliable service... Mike 0413 812582 Brendan Duggan Locksmith. Automotive car keys and lock installation/repair .......0412 764148

GAS FITTERS, SUPPLIERS & SERVICING 0439 624 945 AH 02 6680 4173 DOMESTIC ALL JOBS: SMALL COMMERCIAL OR LARGE 24 HOUR SERVICE Lic: 154293c

LEVEL 2 ASP ELECTRICIAN

PEST CONTROL

Free Delivery No Rental Reliable Book our Termite Inspection & Pest Control package this winter and receive 10% off. Protect your home and save money with this limitedtime offer! Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

www.brunswickvalleygas.com • 0408 760 609

Phone 02 6685 4490 • Email: service@sanctuarypest.com.au

DOMESTIC • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

BRUNSWICK BYRON PEST CONTROL................................................................................66842018

SERVICING: • Tweed • Byron • Lismore • Kyogle

PHOTOGRAPHY

• Mains installs / alterations • Switchboard upgrades • Meter queries • Tree maintenance near services Matthew Rutland matt.positivelectrical@gmail.com

0439 733 703 NSW Lic# 312117 ASP Lic# 5547 AUTHORISATION# 503808

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 ATLEE ELECTRICAL Lennox/Ballina/Byron. All jobs Lic125138C.......................................0499 456558 TOPAZ ELECTRICAL. All electrical work. Reliable. Lic No. 461605C............................ Ph 0421 707380

Locally Owned wneed No Rental Fees FFeeess Servicing your aarea rea re ea Free Call: 1300 7277 013 013 13 Email: swapabottle@bigpond.com co om m

Professional • Commercial • Personal 30+ years experience in commercial photography and photojournalism

www.treefaeriefotos.com • 0417 427 518

GUTTERING Gutter guard Gutter cleaning Locally owned Fully insured Free quotes

PHYSIOTHERAPY OCEAN SHORES PHYSIOTHERAPY Manual therapies, dry needling, custom orthotics, shock wave therapy, real time ultrasound. Nigel Pitman.....................................................66803499 EWINGSDALE PHYSIO Matrix Therapy, all ages, massage, home visit. Renata.............0437 647137 PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPY Bangalow Mon & Wed. Lisa Fitzpatrick ...................0422 993141

Call Junior for friendly, genuine advice and service.

PICTURE FRAMING

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

MULLUM PICTURE FRAMERS Studio located in Ocean Shores ..................................0403 734791

www.spotlessgutters.com.au

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

FENCING

Tree Faerie Fotos

AWESOME REPAIRS Professional, commercial & domestic. Wayne...............................0423 218417

PLASTERING PLASTERER, TRADE QUALIFIED repairs, renovations, cornices, quality assured. Kurt 0431 015414 CAPE BYRON PLASTERING. Gyprock/Venetian. 27 yrs exp, free quotes, lic + insured.0402 538155

PLUMBERS

ABSOLUTE HANDYMAN Repairs, renovation, maintenance, painting. Call Mark..........0402 281638 BYRON & BEYOND FENCING. Any fence, any time, prompt quotes .....0439 162 069 or 66802393 A HANDY GUY All trades & small construction. Bruns, Ocean, SGB & Mullum...............0411 858201 EDL FENCING Installations & repairs. Prompt service. ..................................................0432 107262 PFM HANDYWORKS Repairs, pressure cleaning, maintenance ......................Call Aari 0484 729139 FLOW FENCING Pool fencing, timber/colourbond, local, professional and reliable.......0416 424256

HOME MAINTENANCE Carpentry, painting, repairs, gardens, jet washing. Insured .....0434 705506 HIGHPOINT Repairs & handyman services. Painting, plastering & tiling ........ Michael 0421 896796

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

FLOOR SANDING & POLISHING

ALL CARPENTRY Doors & stairs, all repairs. Friendly, reliable. 20 years exp..................0437 202050 AW WOODWORK Furniture, kitchens, carpentry, handyman services. Call Adam........0455 813965 HANDYMAN 40 years experience in the building game. Call Paul.................................0422 017072

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

THE FLOOR SANDER New & old floors, decks, non-toxic finishes, special effects, free quotes..0407 821690 THF SERVICES home maintenance, repairs, garden work.............................................0402 019625

34 The Byron Shire Echo `ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ

www.echo.net.au

Service Directory TIP RUNS & RUBBISH REMOVAL 7m3 trailer. Prompt, reliable service........................0413 289443 ࠠ CCTV camera and locators ࠠ High pressure jet rodder

BYRON SHIRE Rubbish and furniture removals. ................................................ 0415 139308

SELF STORAGE

ࠠ Electric eel Drain clearing, inspections and repairs. Reliable family owned and operated local business with 30 years plumbing experience and the latest technology.

Phone James 0429 888 683

ࠠ 1.7t and 3m tipper truck

PRUNING ~ REMOVALS ~ STUMP GRINDING

ࠠ Blocked drain specialist

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

ࠠ 12 month guarantee on most jobs

SEPTIC SYSTEMS

ࠠ Fully insured

Lic 378040C

Plumbing Service Scotty’sPro Reliable and experienced p d 2NWODKPI s &TCKPCIG s .2 )CU ƂVVKPI 4QQƂPI TGRCKTU tile and metal

Working in Byron Shire for over 20 years Phone Scotty anytime 0419 443 196 scottypro27@gmail.com – NSW Licence Number L13549 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

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

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

Servicing the Byron Shire & Surrounds Phone James 0429 888 683

ࠠ Servicing and repairs ࠠ New installations ࠠ Pre-purchase inspections ࠠ Free quotes and honest advice ࠠ Quality products ࠠ Highly experienced local plumbers ࠠ Fully insured

APPROVED COMPOST TOILETS, council reports, septics etc. www.poohsolutions.com..........0427 897496

SOLAR INSTALLATION

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

Martino TREE SERVICES Byron Bay & Beyond

0435 019 524 TREE CCARE SPECIALISTS

leafittous.com.au kascha@leafittous.com.au

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0402 487 213

17 Years Experience as an Arborist Experienced crew ready to go.

TELEVISION SERVICES

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Elec Lic 353963C

INSTALL SERVICE: TV, Wi-Fi, AV, special pensioner/concession rate. ........... Damian 0414 741233

TILING

Call Sam 0456 044602 BYRON TREE SERVICES AQF Level 5 consulting arborist, insured...................... Call Alex 0402 364852

• Sydney • Gold Coast • Brisbane • Melbourne • North Qld • Country • Interstate • LOCAL

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

02 6684 2198 queries@mullumbimbyremovals.com.au

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

LEAF IT TO US 4x4 truck/chipper + crane truck. Local, qualified, insured. Free quotes .......0402 487213 AJ’s TILING all aspects. Bathrooms, kitchens, walls, floors, waterproofing. Lic 239988C..0416 345202 LOCAL TREE GUYS 15m crane truck. 18 inch chipper. Bobcat..............................Jason 0488 489159

BYRON BUS Co arrive@byronbuscompany.com.au

Call Dan for a quote

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DIGITAL ELECTRONICS REPAIR & SERVICE TV. Audio. Antennas .......... 66843575 or 0414 922786

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TRINE SOLUTIONS Local sewerage specialists. Plumbers, drainers & gas fitters. Lic 138031C. 0407 439805

0409 917 646

Born & Bred Locals Qualified Plumbers Fully Insured FREE septic evaluation with EVERY pump-out

Contact Daniel and the Team 24/7 for ALL your Septic System needs 02 6672 1644 or 0418 751 765

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

REMOVALISTS

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OUT ON A LIMB TREE SERVICES Lucas Holland qualified arborist .........................Luc 0402 191316

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

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RENDERING RENDERING / SOLID PLASTERING 25 years experience. Free quotes............ Ph John 0406 673176

ROOFING FRC ROOF PAINTING – Local, 10 years in biz, 150 x 5-star reviews. Free quotes ..........0419 789600

Metal Roofing & Guttering ering Experts Serving from Ballina to Gold Coast. ast. - A Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship ship - Double Satisfaction Checks - Spotless Work Sites, Every Time admin@oceanbluepr.com.au

0429 909 433 www.oceanbluepr.com.au License # QBCC: 15327621 NSW: 381929C

TREE SERVICES

CHOPPY CHOP TREE SERVICES The Fully Insured Professionals

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

Mark Linder Qualiﬁed Arborist

0408 202 184

WATER FILTERS

The Water Filter Experts for home, commercial and rural properties

6680 8200 or 0418 108 181

choppychoptrees@bigpond.com

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

WINDOW CLEANING AND REPAIRS CLEAN VIEW Prompt, professional, insured. Phone David.............................................0421 906460

RUBBISH REMOVAL

WINDOW TINTING

OCEAN SHORES SKIPS Mini skip specialists ......................................... 0412 161564 or 66841232

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

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

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

www.echo.net.au

`ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ The Byron Shire Echo 35

Property Insider

www.echo.net.au/echo–property

A Regenerated Riverfront Sanctuary in the Byron Bay Hinterland Tucked away along a quiet stretch of the Wilsons River, Rockinghorse Estate at 36 Keys Road, Coorabell is one of those rare hinterland holdings where scale, privacy and a sense of permanence come together effortlessly. Spanning 28 acres of regenerated riverfront land just 20 minutes from Byron Bay, this is a property that feels settled, established and deeply connected to its environment. The land itself is the true hero. Over more than a decade, the current custodians have undertaken extensive regeneration works, planting thousands of endemic native species that are now mature and thriving. What was once a project has evolved into a balanced, resilient landscape of rolling lawns, established rainforest

Rockinghorse Estate: 36 Keys Road, Coorabell planting and gently undulating hinterland contours. Today, it offers a sense of calm and completeness that is increasingly difficult to find. Bordered by tranquil river frontage, the estate unfolds with a feeling of both openness and total seclusion. Despite its scale, the land feels intimate and carefully considered, with internal roads and clearings that reveal different pockets of the property without ever

compromising privacy. From almost anywhere on the estate, there is a sense of space, greenery and quiet. At the heart of the property are two fullyapproved dwellings, positioned a significant distance from one another to ensure complete independence and privacy. The main residence is a substantial timber home, warm and welcoming in tone, with soaring raked

ceilings, expansive decks and outlooks across manicured lawns and tropical gardens. A resortstyle saltwater pool with beach-style entry enhances the relaxed, family-friendly feel. Set well away from the main house is a charming secondary cottage, ideal for extended family, guests or to generate rental income. The separation between the dwellings makes the estate particularly well suited to

multi-generational living, allowing family members to live together while maintaining their own space and autonomy. Adding further depth to the property are multiple large industrial-style sheds and outbuildings, offering flexibility for storage, creative pursuits or future adaptation. Among these sits one of the estate’s most distinctive features: a state-of-the-art recording studio. Long regarded as one of Australia’s

Byron Coastal Property Management Owned and run by locals for over 14 years, we are Byron Shire’s residential property management specialists. Call us today for a free appraisal.

finest, the studio has been meticulously designed and acoustically treated, with a drum room celebrated for its exceptional sound quality. While its legacy is deeply rooted in music history, today it stands as a remarkable asset for creatives or as a unique point of difference within the estate. Importantly, Rockinghorse Estate also holds approval to host up to 20 events per year, with a capacity of

Tweed Broadwater – Tweed Heads South

Call us on 0403 713 658

ǱŤŦǲ ŪŪŬŤ Ŭťťť ǻ ťīŦū 36 The Byron Shire Echo `ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ

0423 519 698

Palms Village - Tweed Heads South

$549,000

Call us on 0403 713 658

Banksia Waters - Tweed Heads West

Ĝ Ĝ

Q Agent: Tara Torkkola

Mr Property Services

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150 guests. For those seeking an occasional income stream without compromising lifestyle or privacy, this offers a valuable bonus rather than a core focus. Despite its secluded setting, the location is exceptionally convenient. Byron Bay’s beaches, restaurants and cultural life are just a short drive away, while Ballina and Gold Coast airports provide easy national and international access. Rockinghorse Estate is not simply a property to be acquired, but one to be inherited, enjoyed and protected. A rare riverfront holding of scale and integrity, it offers a lifestyle defined by privacy, nature and quiet confidence, ready for its next chapter.

$530,000

Tweed Shores - Chinderah

1+1

$540,000

Call us on 0403 713 658

$229,000

View over 50 homes at www.mrpropertyservices.com.au Email: enquiries@mrpropertyservices.com.au Phone: 07 5523 3431 Mobile: Heike Wilson 0403 713 658 Kelvin Price 0423 028 468 www.echo.net.au

43 LYCHEE DRIVE, ROSEBANK

77 Acre Macca Farm with Modern Home, Pool and Views 4

77AC • Elevated hinterland estate with sweeping valley views and a modern family homestead • Productive macadamia farm with 4,200 mature trees, large dam and 64ML irrigation licence • *HQHURXV LQGRRU VSDFHV ͇RZ HIIRUWOHVVO\ WR ZLGH verandas and an expansive entertaining terrace

Helen Huntly-Barratt 0412 332 232

• Sparkling 12-metre pool

PRICE | Contact Agent OPEN | Sat 17 th Januar y 12 - 12:30pm

22 BURNS STREET, BYRON BAY

Classic Byron Bay Cottage with Outstanding Potential 2 392M

• Circa 1930 character cottage in a tightly held, walkable Byron Bay location • Private setting at the end of a no-through road, moments from town and beach • Exceptional scope to renovate or rebuild (STCA) in a premium position

Luke Elwin 0421 375 635

• Unrestricted 365-day holiday letting zone with strong future potential

ON SITE AUCTION | Sat 14th February 12pm OPEN | Sat 17th January 11 - 11:30am

7 HAYTER STREET, SUFFOLK PARK

AUCTION Unless Sold Prior 4

636M 2 • 6LQJOH OHYHO OLJKW ͆OOHG KRPH RSHQ SODQ OLYLQJ ZLWK SROLVKHG FRQFUHWH ͇RRUV DQG VHDPOHVV LQGRRUȎ RXWGRRU ͇RZ • Versatile accommodation, 3 bedrooms plus a guest studio with private ensuite, ideal for family, YLVLWRUV RU KRPH RI͆FH • Low-maintenance garden, sparkling pool, cabana, ͆UH SLW DQG RXWGRRU VKRZHU

Oliver Aldridge 0421 171 499

• Prime Suffolk Park location, short stroll to Tallow Beach and the village hub

ON SITE AUCTION | Sat 31 st Januar y 10am OPEN | Sat 17th January 10 - 10:30am

18 LEFT BANK ROAD, MULLUMBIMBY

A Rare Blank Canvas Elevated Acreage Offering Future Development Potential 4814M 2 • 2YHU DFUH RI HOHYDWHG ͇RRG IUHH ODQG ZLWK SULYDF\ and rural outlook

Sally Green 0488 030 116

• Dual occupancy potential and scope for future development (STCA) • Prime location: 20-minute walk to Mullumbimby CBD, 15 mins to Brunswick Heads, 20 mins to Byron Bay • Rare opportunity in a tightly held area, ideal for your dream build

Jasmin McClymont 0434 029 668

PRICE | Contact Agent OPEN | By Appointment

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

www.echo.net.au

`ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ The Byron Shire Echo 37

Property Business Directory

North Coast news online

AGENTS

ARCHITECTS

Kaldera

TARA TORKKOLA SALES

0423 519 698 tara@byronbayfn.com @taratorkkolafirstnational

kaldera.au

Kaldera Architects

@taratorkkola_realestate

Bangalow ˙ Passive House ĐěƌƙĽǔěĖ ˙ DBP Class 2 registered

www.byronbayfn.com.au

hello@kaldera.au 0479051742 Katharine Turner NSW 11419

PAUL PRIOR SALES

0418 324 297 paulprior@byronbayfn.com Professional and results driven with extensive knowledge. Servicing the Byron Shire and beyond.

SALES & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Call Paul for an appointment today. WWW.BYRONBAYFN.COM.AU

Contact the team today on 0412 057 672

SHARON McINNES SALES

0408 659 649 sharon@byronbayfn.com

Boutique, family-owned and proudly serving Byron Bay & beyond. Where personalised service isn’t just a promise - it’s our way of life.

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

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

Open For Inspection DJ Stringer Property Services • 2/311 Golden Four Dr, Bilinga. Sat 9–9.30am QLD Time • 9/277 Golden Four Dr, Bilinga. Sat 10–10.30am QLD Time • 1/42-44 Thomson St, Tweed Heads. Sat 10–10.30am • 1444/6-8 Stuart St, Tweed Heads. Sat 11–11.30am • 1091/14-22 Stuart St, Tweed Heads. Sat 11.45am–12.15pm • 1/39 Wyuna Rd, Tweed Heads West. Sat 12.45–1.15pm • 5/2 Surf St, Bilinga. Sat 1–1.30pm QLD Time • 4/27 Dutton St, Coolangatta. Sat 1–1.30pm QLD Time • 7/38 Bay St, Tweed Heads. Sat 1–1.30pm • 5/5-10 Quayside Ct, Tweed Heads. Sat 1–1.30pm • 175 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah. Sat 2–2.30pm First National Byron Bay • 22 Burns Street, Byron Bay. Wed 1–1.30pm • 23/22 Bay Street, Byron Bay. Wed 1.30–2pm • 5/22 Bay Street, Byron Bay. Wed 1.30–2pm • 2/6 Keats Street, Byron Bay. Thurs 11–11.30am • 35 Shelley Drive, Byron Bay. Thurs 1–1.30pm • 8 Banksia Place, Mullumbimby. Fri 10–10.30am • 103 Paterson Street, Byron Bay. Fri 12–12.30pm • 10/47-49 Shirley Street, Byron Bay. Fri 12.30–1pm • 134 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby. Fri 3–3.30pm • 2/122 Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay. Sat 9–9.30am • 4 Wright Place, Bangalow. Sat 9–9.30am • 56 Ruskin Lane, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am • 4 Ryces Drive, Clunes. Sat 10–10.30am 38 The Byron Shire Echo `ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ

www.echo.net.au/ofi • 39 Balemo Drive, Ocean Shores. Sat 10–10.30am • 8 Banksia Place, Mullumbimby. Sat 10–10.30am • 2/113 Paterson Street, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am • 7 Hayter Street, Suffolk Park. Sat 10–10.30am • 35 Shelley Drive, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am • 43 McKenzie Road, Eltham. Sat 11–11.30am • 47 Bulgoon Crescent, Ocean Shores. Sat 11–11.30am • 93 Paterson Street, Byron Bay. Sat 11–11.30am • 7/37 Childe Street, Byron Bay. Sat 11–11.30am • 22 Burns Street, Byron Bay. Sat 11–11.30am • 2/6 Keats Street, Byron Bay. Sat 11–11.30am • 5 Botanic Court, Mullumbimby. Sat 11–11.30am • 134 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 12–12.30pm • 43 Lychee Drive, Rosebank. Sat 12–12.30pm • 1452 Kyogle Road, Uki. Sat 1–1.30pm • 103 Federal Drive, Eureka. Sat 2–2.30pm

Harcourts Northern Rivers • 1/16 Hackett Lane, Ballina. Sat 9–9.30am • 16 Dolphin Drive, West Ballina. Sat 9.30–10am • 16 Sand Street, Skenners Head. Sat 10–10.30am • 412 Bagotville Road, Meerschaum Vale. Sat 10.30–11am • 428 Old Bagotville Road, Bagotville. Sat 11.15–11.45am • 2 Fitzroy Street, Wardell. Sat 11–11.45am • 936 Pimlico Road, Pimlico. Sat 12–12.30pm • 35 Webster Street, South Lismore. Sat 12–12.30pm • 275 Signata Road, Pimlico. Sat 12.45–1.15pm

Mana Re • 237 Tweed Valley Way, Murwillumbah. Thurs 9–9.30am • 4/19 Oceanside Place, Suffolk Park. Thurs 9.30–10am • 6 Orion Street, Lismore. Fri 10–11am • 15 Kallaroo Circuit, Ocean Shores. Fri 3.30–4pm • 25 Flinders Way, Ocean Shores. Sat 9–9.30am • 1/21A Balemo Drive, Ocean Shores. Sat 9–9.30am • 33 Robin Street, South Golden Beach. Sat 10–10.30am • 10 Gin Gin Crescent, Ocean Shores. Sat 10–10.30am • 32 Gloria Street, South Golden Beach. Sat 11–11.30am • 16 Berrimbillah Court, Ocean Shores. Sat 11–11.30am Real Estate of Distinction • 21 Mcleish Road, Kinvara. Sat. 11–11.45am • 11 Bian Court, Ocean Shores. Sat. 12.30–1pm • 98 Greenvale Court, Burringbar. Sat. 1.30–2.15pm • 876 Tamarind Drive, Tintenbar. Sat. 3–3.30pm Ruth Russell Realty • 148 Stuart Street Mullumbimby. Sat 11–11.45am

New listings First National Byron Bay • 35 Shelley Drive, Byron Bay

www.echo.net.au

Property Business Directory CONVEYANCING

FINANCE

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

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`ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ The Byron Shire Echo 39

Backlash

PREMIUM LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION IN BYRON BAY AND SURROUNDS. • Landscape Construction • Landscape Design • Earthworks • Stonemasonry 0447 216 116 gondwanalandscapingandstone.com.au mark@gondwanalandscapingandstone.com.au

Are you due a breakthrough?

Sandra Davey

Do you love to SING?

As Victoria burns, and North Queensland drowns, it is comforting to hear the continued lullaby by the likes of Trump that climate change is a hoax. Trump has now withdrawn the US (again) from a number of key international climate organisations and agreements. In total he has withdrawn from 66 organisations including the UN Democracy Fund, the UN Conference on Trade and Development, and the Framework Convention on Climate Change – a treaty that underpins international efforts to combat global warming – that leads to rising temperatures, greater fire and flood risks among other issues. In the meantime Southern Cross University is taking a more proactive approach and have demonstrated that trees do more that just absorb CO2. Australian researchers have discovered a hidden climate superpower of trees. Their bark harbours trillions of microbes that help scrub the air of greenhouse and toxic gases. A new study (conducted primarily by Dr Bob Leung at Monash University’s Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and Dr Luke Jeffrey at Southern Cross University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering) published in Science shows their microbial partners take up vast amounts of other climate-active gases too. Find out more at: https:// youtu.be/y5eVssCX89A. The Jewish Council of Australia say they are committed to working with the royal commission into the Bondi massacre, stressing that the inquiry must

Billi nudges it!

This couple lit up the dance floor as Nudge Nudge Wink Wink kicked off 2026 at the Billinudgel Hotel. Many familiar faces, long-timers, and fresh young things definitely enjoyed giving it a nudge. Photo Jeff ‘Another Bump’ Dawson prioritise accountability, and understand antisemitism as an issue deeply intertwined with all forms of racism – rather than being derailed into a political battle that encourages more racism and division. A new dating app, Chyrpe, that ‘puts women in the lead’ was launched in May 2024 and has now had nearly 1 million downloads. Chyrpe is built specifically for femaleled and femdom relationships ‘by giving women the tools to lead connections on their own terms’ according to the promotional material. The app ‘allows women to shape their entire experience, setting conversational boundaries, blocking explicit messages by default, controlling access, and creating custom rules,’ promoters say. Sapoty Brook has asked Backlash to contact the young bloke from Upper

40 The Byron Shire Echo `ëŕƖëſƷ Ǩǫǽ ǩǧǩǭ

in his car. Leave your phone number at Main Arm shop to claim.

Are your windows and doors working?

Are you prepared for the imminent arrival of winged friends carried by the summer breeze? Working Windows specialise in the repair and replacement of windows, doors, fly screens and security screens. With 10+ years experience in timber, aluminium and uPVC products, we deliver top-quality, eco-friendly results.

Contact Toby or Jake today! Toby: 0405 793 994 Jake: 0435 506 465 workingwindows1@gmail.com workingwindows.com.au

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www.byronbaysinging.com

Main Arm who hitched a ride into Mullum before Xmas and lost $50 from his back pocket

Friday Night Slash Market Flowing bodywork rooted in Zenthai Shiatsu. Pre-book or drop by. 4 to 9pm, 156 Jonson St, Byron Bay. Bookings 0421 921 538