The Byron Shire Echo Issue 40.41 – March 18, 2026

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Just weeks out from Bluesfest the festival has been cancelled, with the company that runs the festival, Bluesfest Enterprises, going into liquidation leaving ticket holders, vendors, and potentially employees out of pocket and unlikely to see any refunds or entitlements fully paid.

In a media release, Bluesfest said, ‘After 36 years as Australia’s most awarded music festival, Byron Bay Bluesfest has made the difficult decision not to proceed with the

2026 event’ citing lack of ticket sales as one of the reasons for the festival not going ahead.

While the festival itself has gone into liquidation the site, owned and operated by a separate company, still has permission to run a variety of events and festivals in the future.

Long-term Bluesfest employee Scott Ferguson told The Echo that part of the problem was the lineup has been less than stellar recently.

‘The all-Australian lineup in 2022, that was a huge lineup of all Australian acts and that was a sellout event,’ he told The Echo.

‘What we all saw in 2012, ‘13, and ‘14 – they were amazing. I genuinely think that the lineups haven’t been as good since.’

No ticket refunds

The liquidator, Worrells, has made it clear in a statement that tickets are unlikely to be refunded. However, with flights and accommodation booked there are a lot of people who will still be coming to Byron over Easter weekend.

‘There’s a big Bluesfest family out there who will be deeply

hurting right now,’ said Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye.

‘I’m thinking of the people who have spent money on tickets and travel, as well as the many workers, suppliers, artists, and crew who were counting on the work and income that the festival brings. Byron is a community of creatives. There are many things we can all do together to make sure the Easter period still has a vibrant program of music, culture and local activity that supports our town, suppliers, industry workforce and artists.

‘Easter in Byron is still the perfect time to “cheer up, slow down and chill out” while enjoying everything that makes this place so special. Please keep an eye out for updates over the coming weeks –and please support our Shire.’ If you are a ticket holder, vendor, or have a potential claim against Bluesfest. then you can find out more information and lodge a claim online at www.worrells.net.au.

■ Read more in The Echo online: www.echo.net.au.

Aslan Shand

Byron Shire Council (BSC) staff have recommended approval of the Justin Hemme’s large, multi-site development application (DA) at 111–115 Jonson Street. However, concerns remain over parking, and the lack of public access to key reports.

Merivale CEO Hemmes has put in a retrospective DA to transform the multiple sites in Byron Bay opposite Mercato into his two restaurants Totti’s and Jimmy’s Falafel serving 545 customers, with 40 staff, running from 10am until 2am. The DA is ‘retrospective’ because Merrivale started work on the site without an approved DA for the changes they were making.

The DA has drawn significant backlash from locals and the Byron Public School P&C as well as objections from the Department of Education as the development is less the 60m from the primary school.

There were 68 submissions in relation to the DA with 65 against and three in favour. As a result BSC has recommended approval at the upcoming Council meeting with changes to the

DA including a reduction in patron numbers from 545 to 455; trading hours to finish at 10pm rather that 2am, with a 12-month trial of closing at midnight; no alcohol to be served without a booking for eating at the restaurant; and that ‘there are no bar areas for the service of alcohol in outside courtyard spaces’. Any bar areas ‘must be limited to the internal area of the building only’. A further condition is that ‘there is no amplification or music to be played in any outdoor areas/ courtyards associated with the premises including the public domain.’

A spokesperson for the Byron Public School P&C told The Echo they are ‘encouraged that Council has listened to the concerns of the school community and other local objections.’

‘The safety and wellbeing of the children at Byron Bay Public is, and always will be, our main concern and we remain concerned about the premise’s impact on parking in the area of a venue with maximum capacity of 455 patrons and only nine car spaces and a shuttle bus.’

Another local, who made a submission to the DA, told The Echo that, ‘the shuttle

bus to replace a shortfall of 15 car spaces is ridiculous and would set a precedent’. Other venues in the region that have previously put on shuttle buses have removed the service in recent times due to cost and other factors.

‘The appropriate thing to do would be to impose conditions within the DA to provide the 15-space shortfall as a bond that would be returnable if the trial shows it [the shuttle bus system] is successful. Otherwise the funds that go toward providing additional parking for the town will be lost, given the possibility that the trial doesn’t work.’

Some locals have said that the DA should be readvertised after an amended acoustic report and amended plan of management are submitted.

Other key issues of concern are around the use for footpaths for dining and planters as the DA doesn’t reference disability standards or leasing of the proposed footpath dining area.

Responding to the submissions from the community and school P&C, Mr Hemmes accused the community and media of ‘misinformation’ about the

development in a letter to BSC on 7 January, 2026.

In that letter to Council, Hemmes further stated that he had spoken to the principal of the Byron Bay Public School, Ms Morris. Hemmes said Morris had told him that she ‘was receptive to the clarification’ around the DA, that the P&C was misinformed and that the ‘Department of Education’s formal objection to our development application appears to be similarly misinformed’.

Responding to the accusations that the P&C and the media had misinformed Council, Dr Ray Moynihan, a former member of the P&C, and a senior researcher at the University of Sydney currently studying misinformation in social media told The Echo that, ‘While Mr Hemmes may choose to characterise the P&C’s concerns as misinformation, in his private letter to Council, it seems Council took a different view, reducing patron numbers,

ensuring drinking must be accompanied by dining, and winding back opening hours,’ said Moynihan.

‘While there’s still concern about so many extra cars so close to a school, and questions around parking, this episode underscores the value of communities making their voices heard, in a town facing ongoing pressures from overdevelopment.

■ Read full story in The Echo online: www.echo.net.au.

The community at the heart of the Byron Community Centre

Alsan Shand

Louisa McKay wants the Byron Community Centre (BCC)to be a ‘community centre for the people’. She will take over as chair of BCC board from current chair, Bruce Clarke in October.

Louisa started working at Liberation Larder, which provides meals to homeless people in Byron Bay out of the community centre, after she moved to the area around ten years ago and saw first-hand how tough it can be for people to keep a solid foothold in life with rents, food, families, etc.

‘I am very passionate about helping people who are sleeping rough but what also really surprised me was that there are some very well-dressed people who rock up to Liberation Larder. And you think, “that could be me”. It could be any of us, really, we’re just one rental payment away from homelessness.’

With lots of ideas on how to help people doing it tough in the community, it wasn’t long before Louisa was persuaded to join the BBCC board.

Now with current chair Bruce Clarke deciding to step down, Louisa has been asked to step up.

‘Louisa is going to be a fantastic chair – a woman who brings the energy and experience of a successful

businesswoman, while being very committed to our community,’ Bruce told The Echo ‘She is really looking to bring diversity back into the community centre, to really get the community behind us, with a focus on fundraising to support all the vital work the BBCC does in the community’.

Without dedicated, recurrent funding from the state or federal governments the BCC has to rely on the community to donate and support their programs that support people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, with food, counselling, showers, washing facilities and more.

Local flash flooding

Friday saw significant flash flooding across Byron Shire – in Byron Bay, Bangalow, and Suffolk Park. Bangalow saw cars up to their windows in flood water while images of personnel wading out of drainage work areas in Byron Bay were highlighted across social media. Locals told The Echo that Council must address the flooding in Suffolk Park they claimed was caused by water flowing from roofs following development ‘growth’ in Baywood Chase, because it had blocked the southern gateway to Byron Bay. Photo supplied

‘We’ve been left out in the cold from a government perspective,’ said Bruce.

‘We see governmentfunded projects in the Tweed and south of here, but we aren’t seeing those projects funded in Byron, where we have the highest rate of rough sleepers outside of Sydney.’

Community support

A key to the future of the BCC and its programs is regular donations that would help create a sustainable funding structure, says Louisa.

‘I feel like every month when we have our board meeting, we’re like, “Alright, how much do we need this month? Who do we call?

What do we do?” It’d be nice to not be hand-to-mouth and have a sustainable base of donations that keept us going.

‘What I would love to see at the BCC is us with our doors open and people coming in, you know, having a coffee and a chat and seeing how we can help them. I would love to see it as more of a community and cultural centre that is accessible to everyone from every walk of life.’

If you feel you can make a regular donation or have time to be a volunteer, find out more at: www.byroncentre.com.au.

Free Teddy Bears Picnic

Spaghetti Circus, Mullumbimby’s beloved community circus school, and the Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce are joining forces to bring a free, family-friendly community celebration to the heart of Mullumbimby.

The free Teddy Bears Picnic Community Day will be held at the Mullumbimby Showground on Saturday, 28 March from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, and everyone is welcome.

Lots of family fun

Families are encouraged to bring a picnic rug, pack a teddy, and come ready to play.

Kids can try their hand at circus activities led by experienced Spaghetti Circus coaches, embark on a showground-wide treasure hunt, get their faces painted, and enter a colouring-in competition.

With a cafe onsite serving hot coffee and cold drinks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The event also serves as a fundraiser to support Spaghetti Circus’s preschool program for children as young as two years old across the Byron Shire and beyond.

Come along and join in the fun.

Get ready for the Mullum Moth as short story finalists announced

Winning a short story competition can be the acknowledgement budding writers need to kick off their careers. Local author Sarah Armstrong won The Echo short story competition twice, she credits it with giving her the confidence to write her shortlisted Miles Franklin Award novel Salt Rain

Who knows what lies ahead for the finalists in The Echo Short Story Competition who are soon to share their work at the inaugural Mullum Moth at the newly named Top Pub in Mullumbimby on Monday, 30 March. This is the final, and the community is invited to be part of this exciting reimagining of a competition which had a long hiatus, perhaps one could say was in a tight cocoon – and is now revitalised thanks to a partnership with Creative Mullum. The Moth will fly free!

Over 250 stories were received from over 210 entrants in adult and under18 categories. The stories were brave, and funny, some were dramatic. There was murder and there were aliens. There were dogs stowing away in cars, crazed killers, soft exchanges with

empathetic ghosts, deep insights, beautiful moments, sad moments.

In a world where AI use is on the rise, our ability to tell human stories is like breathing! Seeing the occasional spelling mistake, a strange turn of phrase, or a crazy local reference told us our writers were real.

Echo General Manager Simon Haslam, writer Alan Close (and husband of Sarah Armstrong), and writer and comedian Mandy Nolan read the stories over two weeks, meeting late last week to choose the ten finalists (five over 18 and five under 18).

Adult finalists

Visitations of Ear Cig

Danny by Reece Gray; Coast Road by Edie Foxlove; Doli Incapax by Martin Killips; The Quarry Monster by Emily Davis; and The Hitchhiker by Tirza Abb

Under 18 finalists

Trapped Langour A Pink Kallopsia by Ella Maitland; Between Red Lights by Georgia Collins; Memory Loss in Physical Grey Scale by Mitsuki Burgener; What Lies Beneath by Scarlett Benhaim; and Story by Pearl Bannister.

Join in the Moth

The Mullum Moth will be hosted by Mandy Nolan and will fly free at The Top Pub in Mullum on Monday, 30 March. The first prize is $1,000, sponsored by The Top Pub, for the adult section and IGA have sponsored the under-18 prize of $500. It will be judged on the night by guest judges that include Byron Bay Writers Festival’s Jessica Alice, with encouragement from the audience. This show will sell out, so grab your tickets for $15/20 now on www.creativemullum.org.au.

Height increase allowed in beachfront apartments

Paul Bibby

The owners of a luxury apartment development overlooking Byron’s Main Beach have been granted permission to build above the height limit for the town after taking the matter to the Land and Environment Court (L&EC).

Eade Byron Bay, at 29 Shirley Street, is the first new beachfront residential offering in Byron Bay in nearly a decade and is currently under construction.

Replacing the former Backpackers Inn and two other bungalows, Eade is a collection of 25 luxury

boutique apartments set on a 6,000sqm site with approximately 75 metres of beach frontage overlooking the iconic ‘Wreck’ surf break. Apartments are expected to start at $4.75 million and go up to $12.3 million for those on the top floor.

Having initially been granted approval for the three-storey development in 2022, developers Vitale Group have sought multiple modifications to their plans, including two attempts to increase the building height.

The latest modification saw Vitale attempt to increase the maximum height of the buildings to

11.21m, a further extension of the building height which takes it above the limit for this part of Byron. It also sought to increase the size of the rooftop terrace.

With Byron Council not immediately approving the modified plans, the Vitale group took the matter to the L&EC, appealing against the Council’s ‘deemed refusal’ of its application.

Council was subsequently instructed by the Northern Regional Planning Panel (NRPP), which had ultimate carriage of the matter owing to the very high cost of the development, to settle the issue prior to a hearing.

Council dutifully followed this direction and agreed to the modification.

In a judgment following the agreement, L&EC Commissioner Danielle Dickson found that the increase in height did not fundamentally alter the development. In assessing the proposed changes, the commissioner noted that ‘the floor-to-floor height amendments will result in an amendment to the overall height of the building which in the context of this development is minor.’

■ Read full story in The Echo online: www.echo.net.au.

Community invited to support Lotus Palliative Care fundraiser

Lotus Palliative Care is inviting the Northern Rivers community to come together for an evening of music, laughter, and generosity at its bi-annual fundraiser this Saturday, 21 March at the iconic Billinudgel Hotel. The event promises to be a lively and memorable night, bringing the community together to celebrate life while supporting people facing some of life’s most difficult moments.

Lotus Palliative Care is a

local organisation dedicated to providing compassionate nursing care for people living with a progressive illness. Many of the people supported by Lotus choose to remain in the comfort of their own homes during the final stages of life. Importantly, the organisation maintains a strong and positive working relationship with the Northern NSW Health District, home care, and NDIS service providers with a

shared goal of helping more people remain safely and comfortably at home.

Some families require more intensive support at home than public services can provide, Lotus helps bridge that gap by offering extra nursing care if it is needed.

Organisers say the fundraiser is expected to sell out, with seven local DJs, great company, and great food creating a fantastic community atmosphere.

Funds raised on the night will go directly toward providing additional nursing support for people who wish to remain at home at the end of life but may face financial barriers to accessing this extra care.

Community members are warmly invited to attend, bring friends, and help make a meaningful difference for local families.

Get your ticket at: https:// events.humanitix.com/ lotus-at-the-nudge-2026.

Street Cruise Program under review

Paul Bibby

The future of a long-running youth outreach program in Byron Bay will be decided when Byron Shire Council meets on 19 March, following an independent review that recommends moving away from the current model.

A new Council report prepared by Community Project Officer Malcolm Foard places the Street Cruise Program at the centre of broader discussions about how community safety initiatives should operate across the Shire.

Street Cruise, delivered by Byron Youth Service (BYS), has operated since 2001, with youth workers providing outreach support to young people in Byron Bay’s town centre on Friday nights. The program was originally created in response to historical community safety concerns affecting young people.

Despite more than two decades of operation, and approximately $315,000 in Council funding, the report notes no formal review of outcomes or funding arrangements had previously been undertaken, making the independent assessment ‘timely’.

Strategic change

The consultants, Beacon Strategies, examined the program’s scope, stakeholder perceptions and future options, ultimately recommending Council consider alternatives rather than continuing the program unchanged. They advised Council to explore new approaches to youth safety.

Issues identified during the review included operational risk, workplace health and safety considerations, and legislative compliance requirements. Awareness of the program among some businesses and service providers was also found to be limited.

Staff recommended Council end the existing funding arrangement but provide transitional funding of up to $25,000 per year to BYS until June 2027 while a replacement youth safety initiative is developed.

Council officers will work collaboratively with the organisation to design an alternative program.

One proposal emerging from the review is the potential creation of a supervised ‘safe place’ where

young people could gather on weekend nights instead of relying solely on streetbased outreach.

While the Street Cruise review forms the report’s main focus, councillors will also receive an update on community safety initiatives across the Shire following the discontinuation of the NSW government’s Safer Communities Compact program.

‘There is no longer a requirement for councils to have a specific standalone plan or compact document to access relevant funding,’ the report states.

Community safety initiatives are now embedded within Council’s broader planning framework and include public health programs, homelessness outreach, lighting upgrades, and support for major events such as Schoolies Week, which was described as ‘a safe and positive week… with no major incidents recorded.’

Councillors will consider the recommendations at the March ordinary meeting.

■ Read full story in The Echo online: www.echo.net.au.

Ocean outlet for Billinudgel Nature Reserve?

Aslan Shand

Councillor David Warth has brought a controversial notice of motion (NOM) to the upcoming Byron Shire Council (BSC) meeting that seeks to investigate opening a channel from the Billinudgel Nature Reserve to the ocean.

This is based on the fact that during the development of Ocean Shores and South Golden Beach, a drainage channel was built through the dunes located to the north of Fern Beach. The developers were required to reinstate the dune system and the track to Wooyoung on completion of the development. The track remains a well-known and well-used walking and biking track for many locals.

The ocean outlet proposal has been put forward multiple times by Ocean Shores Community Association (OSCA), but is only one of several options to investigate that have been put forward by the Marshalls Creek Flood Forum (MCFF), which includes the South Golden Beach Community Association (SGBCA), the New Brighton Village Association (NBVA), as well as OSCA.

In early February, the MCFF agreed to list the idea of openings through coastal dunes as one of several ideas that should be examined as part of the next floodplain management process that is run jointly by state and local governments. The other ideas listed were: ‘diminish rock walls at Readings Bay to encourage lowering of the sandy bed of Marshalls Creek upstream; other dredging options (potentially with coastal beach nourishment); detention of flood water upstream of Billinudgel to lower peak flows downstream; adequate budgeting for effective ongoing maintenance of levees, drains, culverts and flapvalves.’

According to Matthew Lambourne, who has been on Council’s floodplain committee for 28 years, prior to development the area where the South Golden Beach drainage canal was built was a huge wetland with no direct opening to the ocean.

‘The area that they broke through into was described as having never been dry in history. It was an area where water had lain four feet deep,’ he explained.

‘That implies it was a wetland area that didn’t have a low-level drainage and held water in normal conditions, and only overflowed in the north or south in flood times.’

The BSC are not able to approve any ocean opening in a nature reserve because the area is managed by a number of state bodies, including National Parks.

‘There have been three or four previous rounds of investigations into an ocean opening under the state system,’ said local hydrologist and former BSC councillor Duncan Dey.

‘All of them examined the idea of removing dunes to let water pass through. All of them advised against cutting through the dunes. This is because (a) ocean water will sometimes flow inland; (b) the dune would have to be scraped down by excavator when rain fell and restored after the flood - no agency can ask a machine operator to put themselves at peril to do this; and (c) the agency that calls the shots then carries the liability for a bad call and no public servant will take that risk.’

■ Read full story in The Echo online: www.echo.net.au.

Help to retrofit, raise and relocate flood-impacted

Aslan Shand

Were you impacted by the 2022 floods? Perhaps you are looking at retrofitting or house-raising, or you’ve even gone ahead and done it? You might be eligible for assistance from the NSW governments Northern Rivers Resilient Homes Program (RHP).

‘It is people’s last chance to get an application in by 31 March to receive financial assistance from the RHP,’ Kristie Clarke, Authority Executive Director, Northern Rivers Adaptation Division, NSW Reconstruction Authority, told The Echo. Grants are available to assist people impacted by the floods with homeraising, rebuilding and relocation of home grants of up to $100,000. There are also home retrofit grants up to $50,000 for flood-resilient materials and modifications. On top of these there are cocontribution opportunities where the RHP will match homeowner contributions dollar-for-dollar, potentially doubling total project value of up to $200,000 for raising/

homes

rebuilds or $100,000 for retrofits.

Design and DA support

There are also grants available to assist homeowners access $20,000 grants specifically for planning, design, and development application (DA) costs.

Ms Clarke also highlighted that that there are co-contribution waivers for people who are not in a financial position to co-contribute.

‘In these circumstances the NSW RA would pay those values of up to $200,000 or more, where the homeowner is able to demonstrate that they meet the requirements for the waiver.’

While applications for assistance, which can be as simple as getting you details on record to start the process, have to be in by the end of March work does not have to be completed until 31 March 2027 so there is plenty of time to get projects up and completed. Find out more at NSW RA: https://tinyurl. com/3yzu59b3.

Support SHIFT fundraiser

The SHIFT Project that helps women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness is a project that is close to many locals’ hearts and each year people come together to give to, and support, the much-anticipated secondhand clothing sale that raises money for the SHIFT Project. This year it will be taking place on 23 May in the Byron Bay Surf Club.

‘Last year we raised $47,000,’ said one of the organisers Leslie Ford.

‘In a time when the pressures of housing and the cost of living are being felt across our region, community initiatives that offer real, practical support are more important than ever. What makes this event remarkable is the way the community rallies behind it. Volunteers collect, sort and prepare high-quality donated clothing, transforming what

might otherwise sit unused in wardrobes into a powerful force for change. Shoppers, in turn, know that every purchase carries a deeper purpose.’

You can get involved by donating good quality secondhand clothing that can be can be dropped to Red Ginger in Byron and to Bell and Ford in Bangalow.

‘Events like this remind us that solutions to complex social issues often begin at the community level. A simple act – donating a garment, volunteering a few hours, or buying a pre-loved jacket – can become part of a much larger effort to support women working to rebuild their lives,’ said Leslie.

‘As May approaches, the message is simple: clean out the wardrobe, come along, and be part of something that really matters.’

Catalano faces court in Melbourne

Anthony Catalano, co-owner, and chair of the Australian Community Media (ACM) newspaper group, and who is developing a controversial site at Wategos in Byron, is facing charges involving alleged violence against a woman.

Catelano said he was ‘deeply ashamed and humiliated’ by his actions and acknowledged the hurt he had caused, and is taking a six-month leave of absence to focus on ‘treatement and recovery,’ according to the ABC.

Flowers, flowers everywhere at Coorabell

Bella and Remi with one of Steve Wedd’s giant dahlias and the wonderful flower tiaras they fashioned themselves.

Coorabell Hall was a wash of vibrant flowerescent colour largely down to the Wedd brothers’ horticultural genius, for The Flower Show, that contributes to the upkeep and maintenance of the community hall. Organisers thanked John Singh and the Bangalow Lions Club for their generous assistance.

Photo Jeff ‘Floral Dahliances’ Dawson

Funding art and creative expression in the West Bank

Working together, Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine and Jews for Palestine Northern Rivers are raising funds to support young people’s creative expression living under occupation in the West Bank, Palestine, at an exhibition in Bangalow on Friday, 20 March.

The Artists4Humankind fundraiser will feature photography exhibitions by

Herberto Smith and Dr Annie Pfingst, a Rhythmic Roots Song Circle with Julie Hayes, and live music from Julie Hayes, Hannah Pearl, and The Seeding.

‘Art can create sanctuary and connection across borders. This event brings community together to support young people to reclaim their agency and tell their own stories,’ said organisers.

A local humanitarian volunteer will soon be travelling to the occupied West Bank to help roll-out the pilot program in partnership with UCPiP – Unarmed Civilian Protection in Palestine.

Come along

Doors to the exhibition open at 5.30pm at the Moller Pavillion at Bangalow Showgrounds where you

can feast on authentic Palestinian food, chai and sweets from the kitchen and enjoy a fully licensed bar and elixirs.

Hosted by Mandy Nolan, the evening invites guests to eat, drink, dance and contribute to a project supporting creative expression for young people facing life under illegal occupation.

Are you looking for a new experience? If so, consider becoming a professional firefighter with the Mullumbimby Fire Brigade!

Recruitment is now open at FRNSW Mullumbimby Fire Station for on-call (retained) firefighters.

Station Commander, Captain Josh Rushton highlighted the important role that on-call firefighters play in protecting the Mullumbimby community.

He told The Echo, ‘An oncall firefighter is a part-time, paid position with a selfmanaged and flexible roster.

‘No prior experience is required, as full on-the-job training is provided. In fact, we pay you while you learn valuable skills and gain nationally-recognised qualifications that you can use throughout your life.’

On-call firefighters respond to a wide range of emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The professional crews are made up of people from diverse backgrounds, and Mullumbimby Station is seeking women and men who are available to respond to emergency incidents during the day, including weekdays, and weekends.

The organisation fosters strong teamwork, teaches practical skills and qualifications, and offers the opportunity to give back to the community while being rewarded both financially and personally.

Captain Rushton encourages established locals to apply who are reliable, community-minded, team-oriented, and able to respond when needed.

Don’t be put off by age, it’s about ability and suitability. Candidates will be assessed by health and fitness, not age.

An information night will be held at Mullumbimby Fire Station on Wednesday, 18 March at 5pm. Everyone is invited to attend, meet some of the crew, and see whether this opportunity may suit them.

In the meantime, visit the website below to learn more and apply if it feels like the right fit for your lifestyle.

‘You are also welcome to drop by the station for a chat with the crew if the station doors are open,’ said Captain Rushton.

For more information, please visit: https://tinyurl. com/2hsy9knn

When there are bushfires, floods or storms, Emergency Services issue simple warnings to help you make faster, safer decisions. There are three warning levels:

When there are bushfires, floods or storms, Emergency Services issue simple warnings to help you make faster, safer decisions. There are three warning levels:

When there are bushfires, floods or storms, Emergency Services issue simple warnings to help you make faster, safer decisions. There are three warning levels:

Yellow Advice level means you’re not in danger yet but stay alert.

Yellow Advice level means you’re not in danger yet but stay alert.

Yellow Advice level means you’re not in danger yet but stay alert.

Orange Watch and Act level means start taking action now. Conditions are changing.

Orange Watch and Act level means start taking action now. Conditions are changing.

Orange Watch and Act level means start taking action now. Conditions are changing.

Red Emergency Warning level means take action immediately. Any delay puts your life at risk.

Red Emergency Warning level means take action immediately. Any delay puts your life at risk.

Red Emergency Warning level means take action immediately. Any delay puts your life at risk.

Emergencies can escalate quickly, so staying alert is important.

Emergencies can escalate quickly, so staying alert is important.

Emergencies can escalate quickly, so staying alert is important.

Learn more at nsw.gov.au/GetReadyNSW

Learn more at nsw.gov.au/GetReadyNSW

Learn more at nsw.gov.au/GetReadyNSW

Local News

Indigenous rights advocate Thomas Mayo

Richard Hil

Indigenous rights advocate, author, and one of the key architects of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, Thomas Mayo will speak at the Regent Cinema, Murwillumbah on 26 March as part of The Politics of Life series, Democracy Matters. His talk will examine the continuing struggle for genuine reconciliation, self-determination, and the lessons emerging from the 2023 referendum.

Mayo travelled widely across the continent during the referendum campaign, working alongside many Indigenous and nonIndigenous supporters to promote the Uluru Statement as an invitation to address longstanding injustices and imagine a more inclusive future.

His most recent book, Always Was, Always Will Be, reflects on the grief felt after the referendum loss, while reaffirming the determination among First Nations communities to continue the work of truth telling, justice, and national healing.

Despite decades of government programs aimed at improving the lives of First

Nations peoples, the annual Closing the Gap reports continue to show a stark divide between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Mayo argues that meaningful progress requires a clear understanding of the harms inflicted through invasion and colonisation, and a willingness by all Australians to confront that history honestly. He remains committed to the principle of a constitutionally-enshrined Voice to Parliament, noting that outcomes consistently improve when Indigenous communities set their own priorities and shape the policies that affect them.

Drawing on years of activism and several books – including Finding the Heart of the Nation and The Voice to Parliament

Handbook (co-authored with Kerry O’Brien) – Mayo will outline why the campaign for Indigenous justice and recognition remains central to the health of Australian democracy.

Murwillumbah

Thomas Mayo will speak at the Regent Cinema on 26 March. Doors open at 5pm, with drinks and refreshments available.

The evening will start with music by Zemzemeh (Siyavash Doostkhah and Greta Kelly), whose blend of traditional Iranian music and contemporary influences offers a timely reminder of the cultural richness of the Middle East.

Tickets from: https:// events.humanitix.com/ why-the-campaign-forindigenous-justice-andrecognition-is-vital-toaustralian-democracy.

Science supports it, but will government?

Australia has committed to protecting and conserving 30 per cent of its landmass and 30 per cent of its marine areas by 2030 as part of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The recently released national roadmap was developed in collaboration between the Commonwealth, states and territories and agreed to by all environment ministers.

It says that the state forests in north-east NSW are recognised as amongst the very highest priorities under recently released NSW and Commonwealth mapping.

‘The question is will they now heed their science and protect these forests,’ asked North East Forest Alliance (NEFA) spokesperson Dailan Pugh.

‘Now that governments have identified these state forests as the highest national

Join the Green Day Out

Get your sleeves rolled up this Sunday, 22 March at Cromwell Farms in Goonengerry and help plant 1,600 native trees and help rebuild sections of the

region’s once-vast subtropical rainforest.

The Northern Rivers was once covered by extensive rainforest, but today only small fragments remain.

priorities for protection, the question is whether they are going to heed the science and comply with their own criteria by protecting these forests, or instead continue to degrade one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots?’ He asked.

The Commonwealth is currently relying upon desert areas with relatively low biodiversity values to satisfy most of the 30 by 30 targets, though they still need to protect an additional 39 million hectares. As noted by the Commonwealth, ‘The task is not only to protect more, it’s about making sure that we protect the right places’.

‘It is clear that protecting state forests in north-east NSW is an achievable outcome that would best satisfy the criteria to prioritise protection of areas of high biodiversity, adequately sample the range

By planting native species along waterways and former farmland, projects like this help stabilise creek banks, improve water quality and create habitat for wildlife.

of ecosystems, and create well-connected reserve networks,’ said Pugh.

‘As well as the promised Great Koala National Park, there are an additional 580,000ha of native state forests in north-east NSW identified for protection, this will increase overall reservation of north-east NSW to 29.1 per cent.

‘Importantly, protecting state forests is an achievable outcome that will not require purchasing the land, though will require structural adjustment packages for affected workers.

‘What the governments do now is a test of whether they intend to honour their commitments under the Global Biodiversity Framework, or rort the process by adding more deserts with low biodiversity values,’ he said.

The event is open to individuals, families, and groups, and no tree planting experience is required. The morning is an accessible way for the community to get involved in conservation. More information and volunteer register at: www.rainforestrangers. org/gondwana-green-dayout-2026

You can have it all at Banyan Hill. Feel connected to the water always with an epic ocean view. The region’s best beaches just a short drive away. The magic of the hinterland on your doorstep. And the charming Ballina and Lennox townships offering everything you expect from contemporary coastal towns just down the hill. With strong buyer momentum and limited lots remaining, now is the time to secure your future at Banyan Hill. Visit the website to learn more.

North Coast News

Record marine rescues for Northern Rivers

Body found in search for helicopter crash pilot

The body of a man believed to have been piloting a Robinson R44 helicopter that crashed near Tenterfield was found on Sunday, police said. A multi-agency search operation for the helicopter happened over the weekend, with police receiving reports of the missing aircraft nearly 12 hours after it left the Gold Coast around 9am on Friday, 13 March, heading for Mudgee.

Cherry

Tree State Forest logging disrupted

Environmental activists say they’ve temporarily stopped logging in Cherry Tree State Forest near Casino today by locking onto machinery.

A media release on the protesters behalf this morning said Lismore resident, Daisy Nutty was physically attached to a log-harvesting machine, calling for an end to native forest logging.

Tweed Tourism launches business events push

A new Tweed Tourism organisation, which was established in partnership with Tweed Shire Council, has launched an events planner and a business events campaign ‘to attract coveted corporate event spend’. In a media release, Tweed Tourism say, ‘The Tweed is sharpening its focus on the business events market this month as two new event venues are announced for the region.

Earmarked to open in the year ahead, the new spaces range from beachside to hinterland settings, providing even more diversity for event planners and signalling an exciting new chapter for business events in The Tweed’.

www.echo.net.au

Demand remains high for assistance on the state’s waterways, says Marine Rescue NSW, with their latest report for February claiming almost 850 people needed emergency responses for the month.

A record was also set in the Northern Rivers region, says Marine Rescue NSW, with 40 search and rescue missions, including 22 emergency responses with 94 people safely returned to shore across all seven Northern Rivers units.

The seven Northern Rivers units are Point Danger, Brunswick Heads, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka, Yamba, and Wooli.

‘Locations of highest demand were Point Danger 20, Ballina 7, and Brunswick 6’, they say.

‘It was the region’s strongest February performance, surpassing the 34 missions conducted in 2023’ say Marine Rescue NSW.

Preparation is key

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner, Todd Andrews, said while statewide volunteers stand ready to respond around the clock, many incidents could have been avoided with better preparation.

‘February was another busy month for our volunteers, who responded to

Lismore build-to-rent homes update

Construction has progressed rapidly on 50 build-to-rent homes in Lismore since breaking ground last November, says the NSW Labor government.

In a media release, Labor say the focus has shifted to the main building structures after foundations were laid.

‘The project is the first of its kind in the region and is being delivered by the NSW government’s developer, Landcom. Importantly, more than 20 percent of the homes will be dedicated to affordable housing for residents on low-to-moderate incomes.

‘The development will boost Lismore’s housing diversity by offering a range of floorplans – from studios to three-bedroom apartments – to suit different lifestyle needs. Residents will be close to shops, schools, Southern Cross University, and local parklands.

‘Under the build-to-rent model, the NSW government will retain ownership of the property, to ensure longterm rental security, with the site managed by a specialist operator’. For more info visit: https://landcom.com.au/ eastlismore

404 incidents across NSW, including life-threatening emergencies,’ Commissioner Andrews said.

‘Sixty per cent of responses were for engine, battery and fuel issues. These are largely preventable problems. Boaters must ensure their vessel is properly maintained, carry sufficient clean fuel including a reserve, and check their battery before heading out.

‘There is a fine line between a great day on the water and a dangerous situation. Preparation and planning are critical,’ he said.

Logging on

Commissioner Andrews said Marine Rescue NSW radio operators also played a vital role in keeping boaters safe.

‘In February, our radio operators managed 18,864 calls, including nine MAYDAYs and five PAN PANs, and kept watch over 24,241 people on board 7,322 vessels that had Logged On.

‘Logging On is quick, simple and could save your life. Boaters can Log On 24 hours a day via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or on VHF Channel 16. When you Log On, our volunteers monitor your safe return. If you become overdue, a search can be initiated without delay.

‘It only takes a minute to Log On, but it can save precious time in an emergency.’

Commissioner Andrews urged boaters not to become complacent with just under seven weeks still to run in the boating season.

‘Whether you are fishing offshore, crossing a bar, or enjoying time on enclosed waters, always wear a lifejacket, check the weather forecast and conditions, ensure you have the required safety equipment on board and make preparation part of every trip.

‘Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are ready to respond at any hour, but we would much rather see everyone return home safely without needing our assistance,’ he said.

■ For more information visit www.marinerescuensw.com. au.

E-bikes seized, infringements issued

Infringement notices have been issued, and e-bikes were seized last Sunday following Operation Cyclesafe, which police say was focused on the illegal use of e-bikes.

Police say, ‘As part of the operation, 15 people received warnings for failing to wear an approved and properly fastened bicycle helmet, while 14 others were issued infringement notices for failing to wear an approved bicycle helmet’.

‘One person received an infringement notice for riding a bicycle on a footpath (16 years or older) and another person received a caution for using a mobile phone while riding a bicycle.

‘Police also spoke to a number of young people educating them on e-bike laws.

‘Of note, around 6pm, a 15-year-old boy was observed travelling at excessive speed on a modified bicycle in Tweed Heads South. Following inquiries, the bicycle was found to have been altered so that it no longer had pedals, making it non-compliant with current legislation.

‘A short time later, police observed a 23-year-old man driving a go-cart-style

vehicle before allegedly preforming a burnout. The man was arrested and will be issued a Court Attendance Notice.

‘About 7pm, another 15-year-old boy was seen to be riding an electric motorbike at an excessive speed on Kennedy Drive. The boy was arrested and will face action for using an unregistered registrable vehicle, being unlicensed, and not paying road tax.

‘All three bikes were seized and impounded. Inquiries under Operation Cyclesafe continue’, police say.

Articles/North Coast News

Riding the silver tsunami against dementia

Diana Ewing

Bravo to Michael Balson’s letter [4/3/26], outrunning old age in his tracksuit pants.

It really doesn’t matter what we are wearing, as long as we are being proactive in addressing the silent and steady decline of ageing.

Why does it take us so long to join the dots when these significant changes are taking place?

There are very accessible services available for us.

Glasses and hearing aids have obviously made a big impact towards greater strength and connectedness with nature for Michael. More importantly, it’s what we have between our ears and behind our eyes that is worthy of our attention – our brain.

Ageing population

Turning 70 myself, I can see within my cohort of friends of a similar age that we talk about our fragility more these days. We ‘boomers’ have turned into the silver tsunami that our government is bracing itself for. Our population is ageing.

Currently, there are more

than 50 million people on this planet living with dementia and this number is growing fast.

We cannot change our gender, age or genetics but there are many modifiable actions which lower our risk of dementia.

The Wicking Dementia Centre, University of Tasmania (www.mooc.utas.edu. au/course/20282) has free online courses for preventing dementia. I highly recommend doing this course. The four modules give up-to-date information on preventative actions we can take. It’s really worth filling in the questionnaire and doing the quizzes, although they

are not compulsory.

I found the course very stimulating for my mind, and very inspiring to make necessary changes – like Michael – to bring our mental acuity back into sharp focus.

We live in such a beautiful place, and it’s such a loss to not be able to get out and enjoy it.

But equally valid is the wonderful community that we have here in the Shire. We are here for each other.

Recently, I was saddened when I said hello to someone I knew and she didn’t remember me. Although we haven’t seen each other for several months, our

dogs played together on many occasions at Mullum Showground over the years. We went to the same hairdresser and acknowledged each other often walking in town. The long goodbye has started.

My doctor always reminds me about the birthday candles on my cake, this takes the wind out of my sails.

Fortunately, The Preventing Dementia Course confirms a host of actions such as continuing education; staying socially connected; eating protein and nutrient rich foods; learning a musical instrument or language. Don’t smoke, drink alcohol or take drugs; exercise to build muscle; address high blood pressure and cholesterol issues; and more.

I would recommend that you don’t wait until you are 70. The slow decline happens way earlier, but we are distracted by life and seem to jokingly push it aside as we lose our car keys and forget things.

The problem is that there is a delayed reward and we don’t get that instant gratification we are used to these days. But it’s worth the time.

Bruns local completes remarkable swim for Make-A-Wish charity

David Lowe

runswick Heads local

BEdward Mason has recently completed his 27 km swim across New Zealand’s Lake Tekapo, becoming the fourth person in the world to manage the crossing, and raising funds for critically ill children via Make-A-Wish Australia.

Ed said he chose Lake Tekapo because, ‘I knew it would be a massive challenge, but with the right training possibly achievable’.

‘After swimming across Lake Taupo in January last year (40 km swim on the North Island), I was keen to swim on the South Island.

‘I knew that there are a lot of incredible lakes on the South Island and Tekapo provided a very good challenge, 23 kms in cold water.

‘This is colder than Taupo so it was a level up in terms of difficulty. There are bigger and colder lakes which I may attempt in the future, but Tekapo was perfect for now,’ he said.

What was it like?

‘Swimming across Tekapo was like spending eight hours in a giant ice bath surrounded by huge mountains.

‘Floating in the middle of the lake was incredible.

‘All I could see around me was the mountains and as I swam I was looking straight down into the blue depths.

‘The hardest moment was hopping in the water and the first two to three hours of the swim because of the cold,’ Ed remembers.

■ Full story online at www.echo.net.au

The Byron Shire Echo

Volume 40 #41 • March 18, 2026

Marching to save our future

This Sunday is the national March in March for Forests day where thousands of people come together across Australia to demand an end to native forest logging and forest mining.

Marches are taking place across the country including in Lismore, Bellingen, and Brisbane.

This comes as the NSW Land and Environment Court has imposed a $450,000 penalty on the Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW) after it was found to have unlawfully destroyed old growth forest and hollow-bearing trees in Wild Cattle Creek State Forest on the Dorrigo Plateau. The illegal logging concerned six giant, and three hollow-bearing, trees that were over 300 years old and were within forest that now forms part of the footprint of the Great Koala National Park (GKNP).

This new criminal fine against the Forestry Corporation will add to the more than $1.1 million in fines received by the FCNSW for separate offences since June 2022, when these crimes were committed.

‘The community is again paying the bill for the criminal destruction of public forests carried out by a government logging agency. Because the FCNSW is a state-owned corporation, this $450,000 penalty will ultimately be paid by the people of NSW,’ said Greens MP, spokesperson for the environment and solicitor, Sue Higginson.

On Monday forest defenders stopped logging destruction in Cherry Tree State Forest near Casino, by locking onto machinery in the forest.

‘This important forest exemplifies the reason people are marching to protect forests right across Australia,’ said Ms Valerie Thompson, Lismore March in March for Forests organiser for Bob Brown Foundation.

‘Right on our doorstep, the very forests that koalas and endangered greater gliders need to survive is being destroyed. As a

climate-impacted region, we need to future-proof our forests as well as our economy by getting away from this destructive industry. The best way to do this is to end native forest logging’.

President of the North East Forest Alliance (NEFA), Dailan Pugh, has expressed concern about the impact of logging on the koala populations in the forest, which was one of very few that escaped the 2019-20 bush fires.

‘From my surveys in Cherry Tree State Forest I found koalas to be widespread due to a density of 18 preferred feed trees per hectare,’ Mr Pugh said.

‘These are trees over 30cm diameter and 90 years old of smallfruited grey gum, tallowwood, and forest red gum. The FCNSW are allowed to log some 80 per cent of these preferred feed trees, which across the 737ha proposed for logging totals over 10,000 mature feed trees, the loss of which will have a massive impact on this koala population for the next century,’ Mr Pugh said.

The Commonwealth and state governments have also recentlyreleased maps of national priorities for protection to honour their commitment under the Global Biodiversity Framework to protect 30 per cent of Australia’s land, freshwater, and marine environments by 2030. The state forests in north-east NSW are noted as being amongst the very highest priorities for preservation.

You can make your voice heard and march to save our forests this Sunday at the Lismore Quad from 10am. There will be community stalls, kids activities, and flashmob dancing classes will start from 9am. Or find out about your nearest march at: https://marchforforests.org/

Aslan Shand, editor

News tips are welcome: editor@echo.net.au

The future with Matt Canavan

Last Tuesday, AusPoll released their survey of Farrer voters showing voter intention: One Nation (28.7 per cent); Independent (23.3 per cent); Libs (19.1 per cent); ALP (9 per cent); Undecided (8.6 per cent); Nationals (5.2 per cent); Greens (3.9 per cent); Other (2.2 per cent).

The same evening, Nationals leader David Littleproud suddenly called a press conference to announce his resignation. Why? Because he feels ‘buggered’; he ‘has no energy’. He is proud of his legacy and wants to preserve it by resigning. (Huh?) Did he have any regrets? ‘Nah’.

‘I don’t think there has been a leader since Black Jack that’s achieved what I have done’.

Barnaby Joyce remarked, ‘When I heard he said he was proud... and compared himself to Black Jack [John] McEwen, I didn’t know whether that was pathos or AI interfering with my news.’

Mr Joyce has a point. Mr Littleproud himself admits presiding over ‘the worst Coalition loss in modern history’; the loss of three Nationals MPs – Andrew Gee (Ind); Jacinta Price (Lib); Barnaby Joyce (ON); splitting the Coalition twice and tearing down the Liberals’ first female leader. But all this was because he was a victim of other people’s mistakes.

He portrayed himself as the most courageous and accomplished leader since ‘Black Jack’ McEwen retired 57 years ago.

In other words, greater than say, Doug Anthony (Nationals leader 13 years, deputy prime minister ten years), and Tim Fisher (leader nine years, deputy prime minister three years, and crucially delivered postPort Arthur gun law reform).

Even I loved and admired those legendary Nats. They never traded humility for such hubris. Mr Littleproud’s five per cent of the vote in Farrer is nothing to brag about. Farrer is the electorate Mr Fisher held strongly for 17 years.

David Littleproud’s destructive Coalition splits and interference in Liberal leadership would have been unimaginable by any of his predecessors.

The Byron Shire Echo

Volume 40 #41 March 18, 2026

Established 1986 • 22,000 copies every week

‘But Mr Canavan wasn’t chosen for the fight against Labor. His immediate priority is to take on the ‘existential threat’ of One Nation, whose leader Pauline Hanson is also in the Senate.’ – Catherine Cusack

Mr Littleproud’s Tuesday evening press conference blindsided even his own party colleagues who had to meet the next morning to elect a new leader.

Apparently, he hoped the element of surprise would help install Kevin Hogan as his replacement. The plan faceplanted when Senator Matt Canavan was elected instead.

Mr Canavan’s elevation seems remarkable given he is in the wrong chamber of parliament and cannot face the prime minister or Treasurer Jim Chalmers in Question Time or the looming Budget debate.

But Mr Canavan wasn’t chosen for the fight against Labor. His immediate priority is to take on the ‘existential threat’ of One Nation, whose leader Pauline Hanson is also in the Senate.

It is said there are two types of contributors in politics – ‘wholesalers’ (who are heavy lifters in policy) and ‘retailers’ (who are excellent communicators).

Most pollies can be categorised as one or the other. Bob Carr and Bob Hawke were famously charismatic, articulate communicators but left the deep policy reform work to others. Nick Greiner and John Hewson were policy wonks who both attributed their losses to being ‘no good at (retail) politics’. To be successful a political party needs both wholesale and retail MPs.

Two examples of rare leaders who managed both were Paul Keating, who pioneered and sold superannuation reform, and John Howard who introduced GST.

It is however possible that Matt Canavan, with a strong background in economics, could be another combined ‘wholesaler’ and ‘retailer’. This helps us understand why he has been sprung from the backbench to lead the Nationals – because under Littleproud they were sorely lacking in both.

Matt Canavan offers genuine hope for his team but also presents new hurdles for the Coalition.

At some point he will need to move to the Lower House. This is always a delicate operation.

It helps that Mr Canavan was born on the Gold Coast and grew up in Brisbane. The Queensland LNP is one party so he will not be blocked from running in any seat. Even so, federal electorates are tightly held and fiercely defended. Capricornia (between MacKay and Rockhampton) has a retiring LNP member and may be an option.

Mr Canavan is often criticised as ‘erratic’. I disagree, because he is extremely consistent on policy. I would say he has a Tony Abbottlike ‘impulsiveness’ and that’s the real risk. So it is timing and pugnaciousness that he needs to work on.

The third challenge is a vexed one for the Liberals. To recover National Party votes from One Nation Mr Canavan will fully deploy his populist persona and unplugged policy positions opposing climate action, and pushing tax reforms (like income splitting that reinforce traditional roles for women). An ‘Australia First’ campaign perceived as anti-multiculturalism will also seriously undermine Liberal moderates in metropolitan ‘must win’ seats.

If saving the Nationals means collateral destruction of the Liberals, then I am sure Matt Canavan is fully capable of doing that. He wants to remodel conservative politics with hardright policies and is in a hurry to get there. It’s going to be interesting.

■ Lennox Head-based Catherine Cusack is a former NSW Liberal member of the New South Wales Legislative Council (Upper House).

Phone: 02 6684 1777

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Merivale ‘chaos’

Thank you to Council staff for pulling back the outrageous proposal from Merivale.

As submitted, it would have created chaos for all those who live, work and study in the vicinity.

There is more work to be done, however, before Council grants an approval. Residents need to be able to provide feedback on an accurate and compliant acoustic assessment, and an updated plan of management.

Please don’t rush this through. If it were anybody else they would have been sent back to the drawing board.

Rowena Gorman Byron Bay

Merivale too noisy

We live on Kingsley Street close to the old Cheeky Monkeys site.

Council staff have recommended approval for Justin Hemmes’ Merivale venue, despite 65 objections from concerned community members.

I’m sure they are terrified of his legal clout. Council staff have recommended some important and sensible conditions be placed on any approval and we applaud them for that.

But it’s not enough.

They need to defer this process until Merivale has submitted their updated acoustic management plan and plan of management.

The community needs to see the details and have the opportunity to respond.

They need to address all of the mistakes in their original acoustic report, which neighbours made Council aware of last year. They need to move all outdoor patrons inside at 10pm, not just those in the rear courtyards.

Please hold your ground Council. Your community needs you to be strong on this.

Mike and Tilly Hale Byron Bay

Wallum: did Council obey law?

With so many in the community overwhelmingly wanting to save the rare, and stunning, natural habitat of Wallum, it is inappropriate that Byron Shire Council (BSC) withhold important information from the public on the grounds of ‘public interest’.

I strongly suggest that ‘public interest’ may mean

‘in the interest of Council’.

The issue is whether BSC followed correct procedure regarding a buffer zone around a watercourse. Save Wallum raised the issue, BSC obtained legal advice and that advice is being withheld.

The question that needs answering is simple: ‘Does the advice confirm whether the B4 consent requirement has been properly satisfied?’

The question can be answered with a simple yes or no. Anything else contained in the response can be interpreted by Save Wallum’s lawyers, rather than by lawyers acting for Council who may possibly be covering butts. Has Council obeyed the law in regard to buffer zones? Many of us are waiting for an answer. Surely the community has a right to know. Come on Council, keep the community informed.

Amanda Midlam Mullumbimby

Mungo’s crosswords

Many thanks for bringing back Mungo’s crosswords.

Kathleen Barrett Sunrise Beach

Unstalked Mandy

Maybe Mandy could ‘get forgotten’ if she used another search engine [Soapbox, March 11]. When I initially used the internet about 1992, Google was just one search engine amongst many.

I never used it until it took over the world.

Recently, I got sick of Google giving me AI answers before the real info. After I’d asked it to tell me how they put the statue on top of Mont Saint Michel’s spire in 1897, it told me a helicopter put it there. It conflated the refurb

in 2016 with the 1897 installation. Artificial Stupid. I tried to get rid of Google AI and found out it is difficult. So I googled [ironically] how to get another search engine and came up with DuckDuckGo (DDG).

At the moment, DDG says it doesn’t store my data; no ads pop up, and it seems to work. Some sites on DDG that I have used for years in Google require usernames and passwords, so I go back to Google for ease. Maybe Mandy, you could get away from Google too, and just be wonderful you!

Raphael Cass Byron Bay

Diesel-free?

When petrol and diesel are wildly expensive or unavailable, are Northern Rivers residents without EVs going to wish they had a bike, or trains, or both?

Param Berg Lismore

Reflections on the riverbank

Reflections Holiday Park management claim they have no power to relocate permanent sites that block the legally required buffer zone along Simpsons Creek in Terrace Park.

Reflections are required to protect and rehabilitate Simpsons Creek and provide the buffer zone along all the riverbank as specified in the 2014 plan of management (PoM) and the 2021 Land and Environment Court (L&EC) order. Moving residents off an eroding river bank is also an essential safety precaution.

No one is seeking to remove people from their homes merely to relocate permanent dwellings back

Compliance is Council’s responsibility and Reflections is legally required to act on their directions.

Many permanent residences have already been relocated within Terrace Park by previous manager, Steve Edmonds. The Residential (Land Lease) Communities Act 2013 (updated in 2024) offers multiple options for relocating sites and dwellings to undertake rehabilitation works.

Park management has the power to act.

The song was reportedly inspired by John Lennon, with Jagger attempting to write a working-class anthem. The lyrics lament the fate of us average people.

Written almost 60 years ago, these two stanzas foretold where we’d be today.

Our leaders (state, federal, and that big bad buddy) are just gambling for their own gain or that of their sad kind.

Arguments around morality have vanished:

Raise your glass to the hard working people,

from the riverbank so they can retain their waterfront sites.

Since 2007, Council licence conditions have required a 10m setback from the riverfront for all permanent cabins and dwellings in the holiday parks.

Setbacks are required from park boundaries including the buffer zone boundary.

All dwellings in Crown Reserve caravan parks are required to meet building standards and be mobile.

If the dwellings are too old and dilapidated to move, as claimed by Reflections, they are non-compliant and must be repaired or replaced.

The existing fenced buffer zone is not the minimum 3m wide in many areas and is currently obstructed by barricades and overflowing camp sites (which is not permitted, yet it continues to occur).

Surely it is Council’s responsibility to ensure Reflections comply with park regulations, licence conditions and the L&EC orders.

Why is Reflections allowed to operate while refusing to comply with court orders, and without a revised PoM that includes their proposed new works?

Michele Grant Ocean Shores

Lost morality

The Rolling Stones recorded ‘Salt of the Earth’ in May 1968, according to Wikipedia.

Let’s drink to the uncounted heads,

Let’s think of the wavering millions,

Who need leaders but get gamblers instead.

Spare a thought for the stay-at-home voter, His empty eyes gaze at strange beauty shows,

And a parade of the graysuited grafters, A choice of cancer or polio.

Duncan Dey  Main Arm

Moral outrage

David Heilpern informs us that jail sentences for youth crime are being lengthened in three states and the Northern Territory. He states that this does not, and will not, reduce

▶ Continued on page 14

crime. However it is undeniable that it will prevent the youthful offender from committing more crimes against the law-abiding community while he/she is in the longer term of imprisonment.

Most crimes by Aboriginal youth are committed against other Aboriginals, often women and the aged.

Mr Heilpern and I can be quite confident that we will not suffer from Aboriginal youth crimes. He is very selective in his moral outrage.

Tom Gubler Murwillumbah

Loving the lighthouse

Most of us have had that moment when the GPS suddenly feels a bit dodgy.

The blue dot says you’re right on track, but your gut says, ‘really?’ I had that feeling the other day up at the Byron Bay lighthouse.

I was watching the beam swing out over the ocean and thinking that, long before phones and apps, sailors relied on that simple idea: find the light, and you know where you are.

The Cape Byron Lighthouse is full of little ‘did-you-know’ details that make you see it differently, and they set it apart from other lighthouses around the

country. It sits on the most easterly point of mainland Australia, so its light is one of the very first on the continent to see each new day.

It also has one of the most powerful beams of any lighthouse in Australia.

The tower itself is more than 100 years old, and originally ran on kerosene before being converted to electricity. Lighthouse keepers and their families once lived in the cottages up there. Today, it’s all automated, and the cottages are part of the National Park.

Australia now has hundreds of old lighthouses and navigation lights, and most ships use GPS and digital charts to find their way.

Even so, the Byron light

still turns on every evening.

On a clear night its beam can be seen many kilometres out, a white flash cutting across the dark.

Sailors say that’s still reassuring. Electronics can freeze, batteries can die, and screens can be misread, but a lighthouse is simple: a solid tower on a headland that you can see with your own eyes.

For those of us who live here, it’s easy to think of the lighthouse as just a nice walk, a whale-spotting platform or a backdrop for photos.

But it’s also a living piece of working history that still quietly does what it was built to do – and unlike most, it does so from the edge of the continent with a beam

▶ Continued on page 16

Heilpern’s ‘sinister’ claims

David Heilpern’s claim [Echo, March 11] that only ‘Jews’ are preferentially protected against hate speech in Australia is disingenuous.

[Letters ed: Mr Heilpern’s column said: ‘And to answer a question I am being asked at least 460 times per day – can Pauline Hanson be prosecuted under the NSW rushed hate laws for saying there are no good Muslims? No. Because that legislation protects Jews as intended. But not Muslims, as intended. Surprised?]

This sinister claim, only citing only new laws against antisemitism, promotes suspicion of Jewish Australians.

I am shocked to read this in The Echo

The facts are: The Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (s18C) makes it unlawful to publicly offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate a person or group because of race, colour, or national or ethnic origin. Courts have recognised that this protection applies to many groups, including Jews, Muslims, Arabs and others.

In NSW, the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (Part 4C)

specifically prohibits vilification of ethno-religious groups, which explicitly includes both Jewish and Muslim communities.

The suggestion that the law was designed to protect only Jews while allowing attacks on Muslims is not supported by legislation or by case law. (Supreme Court: Mehreen Faruqi v Pauline Hanson 2022–2024).

Mr Heilpern negatively focuses on the introduction of stronger measures addressing antisemitism, deemed necessary after the Bondi terrorist murders, that were preceded by a 500 per cent rise in antisemitic attacks.

These targeted laws were introduced because the persistence of antisemitic attacks required clearer enforcement.

They do not diminish legal protection of other groups.

Repeating that claim is not just inaccurate; it weaponises misinformation about Jews, which itself reflects a prejudiced motive and contributes to the very kind of hatred these laws exist to prevent.

Marianne McCormack Billinudgel

■ Professor David Heilpern did not refer to The Racial Discrimination Act 1975, or the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977, but the recent, rushed hate laws, the NSW Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

Under that legislation, that amended the Crimes Act 1900 and other criminal legislation, it is an offence to publicly incite hatred on the grounds of race.

The definition of ‘race’ under this law includes a person’s ethno-religious background, which has been interpreted in Australian state and federal jurisdictions to include Jews and Sikhs, but not people who are merely followers of religions (such as Muslims and Christians).

For hate speech against Muslims to fall within the laws, as ‘ethno-religious’, the speaker would need to specify a country of origin or ethnicity e.g. hate speech against ‘Palestinian Muslims’ would be covered by the new hate speech laws.

Letters ed.

Local News/Letters

When businesses benefit everyone, with purpose and profit

Anne Stuart, PhD

Never one to miss an opportunity to meet over coffee, I eagerly accepted an invitation to celebrate B Corp Month in March. Eagerly.

Then I realised I should do a little homework first –slightly less eagerly.

First things first: the ‘B’ in B Corp stands for ‘benefit for all.’ The idea is that businesses balance purpose and profit, considering the impacts of their decisions on workers, customers, communities and the environment.

B Corp certification

To achieve certification, companies go through a rigorous process overseen by the global non-profit B Lab. Businesses must assess, and publicly report on how they operate – from governance and worker wellbeing to environmental practices and community impact. It is not a once-off exercise either. To keep the certification, companies must repeat the process every three years.

It was a bit of an eyeopener to see this level of

▶ Continued from page 14

strong enough to reach deep into the night sea.

In a world run by tiny screens, there’s something comforting about knowing our Byron lighthouse is still out there each evening, sweeping its light across the water and keeping watch over this corner of the coast.

Sharyn Jones Main Arm

Best thing we have Oh, Sharon (Sharon Kelly, Letters, March 6). As you know, we live in a democracy.

Our model is good – but not perfect. In my youth, I worked for the state government and was involved in ‘flooding six houses’.

The owners could not get to talk to me – or get a satisfactory answer from their state MP. Local government is not perfect – particularly

scrutiny applied voluntarily by private companies.

Accredited Byron Shire businesses

Several businesses in the Byron Shire have already taken the step.

Cape Byron Distillery, best known for Brookie’s Gin, became a certified B Corp in 2022.

Stone & Wood Brewing was one of the early Australian breweries to gain certification.

Sienna Byron Bay, a sustainable nail-polish brand, has been certified since 2019. Summerland Bank is another well-known regional example.

Local biz among highest per

capita

At first glance, it might seem like there are only a handful of B Corps locally. But in fact, towns such as Byron Bay, Mullumbimby and Ballina have one of the highest concentrations of B Corps per capita in Australia.

That raises an interesting question: why here?

in a non-viable council like Byron Shire, but it is ‘the best form’ of democracy in Australia. If you can’t get to talk to people in Council, go to the Ombudsman …

Most stormwater, drainage and sewerage issues are Councils’ problems, not state government problems.

Most of us know that Council has been ignoring technical recommendations for decades – just ask Alan Dickens. If councillors don’t represent ‘you’, vote ‘em out – democracy at work. Most importantly, don’t ‘go silent’. Roger Seccombe

Retired L.G. Engineer Ballina

Keeping safe

Keeping Australians safe, says our prime minister, is the Albanese government’s first priority.

I question, what am I being kept safe from? Is it the

Part of the answer lies in the Northern Rivers’ long tradition of community enterprise, environmental awareness and locally-driven initiatives. Long before ‘purpose-driven business’ became fashionable, people here were already experimenting with new ways of balancing economic activity with environmental responsibility.

In many ways, B Corp certification simply formalises something that has been happening organically in this region for decades.

But the movement has not been without criticism.

Last year, some commentators argued that the B Corp assessment was too vague and insufficiently regulated, and that the standards were not high enough. In response, B Lab has strengthened its framework and introduced more robust requirements. That is probably healthy. If the idea is to hold companies to higher standards, the framework itself needs to keep evolving.

As Australia moves through the energy transition – shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy, electrification and decentralised energy systems – regional communities will play an increasingly

UN, WHO and NATO’s plan for one world government? That our government is proceeding with, with the compulsory voter’s consent. Most Australians think Australia is an independent nation.

How can we be independent when our government follows the directives of foreign entities, foreign powers. In which the voter has no say, in the decisions

that have been made and continue to be made.

Am I being kept safe from the dangers of toxic chemicals that they, the TGA, are allowing to be used? I wasn’t kept safe during Covid, I was shocked to the core by the government’s (federal and state) directives, of the violence against Australians.

The threats, intimidation, punishments, coercion, the

important role. Rooftop solar, community batteries, local micro-grids and new forms of energy sharing are already reshaping how energy is produced and used.

These changes are not just technological. They are economic and social as well.

The transition creates opportunities for local ownership, new business models and community participation in the energy system.

Regional economies like the Northern Rivers can become places where innovation happens – where businesses, households and community organisations work together to build resilient local systems.

In that context, the values behind B Corp; transparency, accountability, and balancing profit with wider community benefit, feel particularly relevant.

Certification itself may not be the end goal. But the conversation it encourages about what businesses are for, who they serve, and how they contribute to their communities is an important one.

And in a region already thinking seriously about

demise of small business, inflation, immigration etc.

We pay the price of the costs incurred, because they are obedient to the foreign powers.

Robert Podhajsky Ocean Shores

US/Israeli ‘axis of evil’

Australia needs to recognise and appreciate the framework of international law that regulates relations between nations and defines acceptable conduct on the world stage.

It’s an uncontroversial fact that threats and acts of aggression violate international law, in particular Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits member nations from threatening or using force against any other state.

Most nations are happy to abide by these rules, but

climate action, community resilience and the future economy, that conversation is likely to keep growing.

So perhaps the real question is not whether every business should become a B Corp. It is whether more businesses, certified or not – are willing to operate as if community benefit matters just as much as profit.

Better Business Monthly Coffee Catch-up

The Better Business Monthly Coffee Catch-up for the Northern Rivers community organised by the B Local Northern Rivers team (northernrivers@ bcorp.community), brings together B Corps and B-curious businesses, and anyone interested in making business better for people and planet. You’ll find great people like Willem Overbosch from SDG Align, who helps organisations turn sustainability into practical action.

■ Anne Stuart, PhD is Adjunct Research Fellow, Griffith University.

unfortunately a handful of rogue regimes routinely flout all norms and show contempt for the fundamental tenets of civilised conduct by constantly violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other nations.

Chief among these rogue regimes are Israel and the US, with a phalanx of Western vassals in tow.

The sudden unprovoked attacks on Iran’s schools, hospitals and head of state are all war crimes. Iran’s response has been lawful, necessary and proportionate, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, which recognises the inherent right to self-defence.

PM Albo and Foreign Minister Wong have betrayed Australia’s national interest with their shameful support. John Scrivener  Main Arm

* Or bring to the Mr Mac

Call Dave 0418 408 869

Pro Adaptive Surfing gets underway with a street parade

Mark Stewart

Next week the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships will fire up for the first leg of the AASP World Tour, bringing elite adaptive surfers from around the world and across Australia to Byron Bay shores for a week of competition, celebration and community.

A key focus of this year’s event is athlete classification. Returning from the United States is renowned adaptive sports classifier Dr Mo Johnson, who will once again oversee the classification process for competing athletes.

Training options

In an important step for the future of adaptive sport in Australia, Dr Johnson will also train Australian physiotherapists and occupational

therapists to become certified classifiers.

The initiative is designed to strengthen Australia’s capacity in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games bid, helping support

the growing push for adaptive surfing on the global stage.

Fun begins

Festivities begin this Sunday, March 22, with the

Mullum juniors selected for National Development Squad

Two rising stars from Mullumbimby Tennis Club are making waves on the state and national stage, with 11-year-olds Bowen Board and Frankie Smith both selected for the Queensland National Development Squad after finishing in the top eight of their birth year in the state.

Coached over the past two years by Olivia, Director of Tennis at ORTENNIS, the pair have built impressive competitive resumes.

Bowen recently placed third at the NSW JDs Champions of Champions, won the Sawtell Clay Court Championships and finished runner-up at the North East RMS Champions of Champions in Grafton.

Frankie’s achievements include two J125 singles titles, multiple doubles wins, a semi-final finish at the NSW Closed Country

Smith (L), and Bowen Board (R), pictured with their coach Olivia Rich (C), are 11-year-old stars from the Mullumbimby Tennis Club who are rising on the national stage. They are at the top of their age cohort in the state, and have been selected for the Queensland National Development Squad. Photo supplied

Championships, and selection into the Tennis Australia Super 10’s National Development Program. She has also represented North East Tennis and competed as the No.1 seed for Polding at the NSW PSSA Championships. Both players are competing in the interclub adult NetLeague competition,

Advertise in our

proudly representing Mullumbimby as one of their senior players.

With strong work ethics and elite development pathways now in place, Bowen and Frankie are two young athletes from the Northern Rivers who are on the rise nationally, and players to watch.

much-anticipated Parade of Nations, a vibrant street procession celebrating the event coming to Byron Bay, the international surfing athletes and the community behind the event.

Starting at 3.30pm, the parade will be led by a local Japanese drumming group and feature athletes from competing nations alongside their assistants and event volunteers.

The procession will begin at the Jonson Street roundabout, travel around the corner past the Beach Hotel, then continue east along Bay Street to the main event site.

Upon arrival, athletes and spectators will be welcomed by the local Bundjalung people with a traditional smoking ceremony and didgeridoo performance, marking a powerful cultural opening to the week’s celebrations.

Join the fun

Families are encouraged to come along, bring the kids and enjoy the afternoon spectacle while celebrating the athletes and community that make the event possible. The competitive action begins early Monday morning when the Buildcare Australian Parasurfing Titles kicks off the first division of competition at 8am. The championships will run throughout the week, culminating in the finals on Sunday, March 29, when the world’s best adaptive surfers will battle it out for the first major titles of the tour.

Following the welcome speeches, entertainment will continue with a performance from Australia’s only blind DJ, known as Galleon, beginning at 5.30pm. Galleon is one of the country’s most exciting DJs, a Brisbane-based house and disco specialist known for his encyclopaedic music knowledge, technical skill and ability to read a crowd.

Senior cricket grand finals this weekend

Goonellabah Workers Cricket Club will take on Cudgen in the LJ Hooker League first-grade grand final this weekend at Pottsville.

For the Goonellabah side it is their third grand final appearance in five years, while Cudgen are the defending premiers.

Goonellabah won through to the grand final after a strong showing against the minor premiers Tintenbar East Ballina (TEB).

In their game last weekend playing at home TEB won the toss and sent Goonellabah in to bat where they put on a winning score of 8/191 off their 40 overs. Opener Blake Perkins top scored with 66 and was supported by Kevin Warid’s 37.

In reply TEB were bowled out for 114. The best of the visiting bowlers was Kale Hare who ripped through the

middle order claiming 3/9 off three overs.

In the second-grade north competition Byron Bay will meet Terranora Lakes in the grand final this weekend at the Cavanabah Centre.

Byron are coming off a good win against the Mullumbimby/Brunswick team at the Cavanbah Centre last Sunday. Mullumbimby/ Brunswick were bowled out for 128 before Byron chased down the total with nine wickets in hand.

Terranora were able to get on top of Murwillumbah Panthers after amassing 8/230 after 40 overs. In reply the Panthers were rolled for 125. the damage was done by Terranora’s vice captain Javinda Singh who, after hitting his team’s top score of 68 runs, then bowled 5/23 off eight overs. He did the most damage in the 11th over when

he took three wickets and removed the first and second for ducks.

In the second-grade south competition Ballina Bears will host Lismore Workers in the grand final.

The Bears came into their game as minor premiers and made short work of Evans Head after winning the toss and batting to a total of 8/195. Evans were bowled out for 70, their innings included five ducks.

Good Taste

Culinary Spotlight

8/10 Wilfred St, Billinudgel www.rosefinas.place

Roca Byron Bay

Open:

Every day (except Wednesday) from 6:30am to late 14 Lawson St, Byron Bay (02) 5642 0149 @rocabyronbay www.rocabyronbay.com.au

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

NO BONES

Kitchen + Bar.

11 Fletcher Street, BYRON BAY

0481 148 007

Main Street

Open for takeaway daily, 12 midday until dinner.

Menu, more details –@mainstreet_burgerbar

18 Jonson Street (02) 6680 8832

Three Blue Ducks

Located at The Farm 11 Ewingsdale

Latin fusion all-day dining

Come and try our new summer menu. Savour our chargrilled anticuchos, indulge in fresh ceviche & oysters, or elevate your night with the Roca dining experience. Pair it all with a classic Pisco Sour or our best-selling Hot Like Papi cocktail.

JUST OPENED: Roca Cabana – our brand new pool bar in the heart of Byron Bay. Follow us to find out more: @roca.cabana

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.

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.

Open for takeaway daily, 12 midday until dinner. Menu and more details @mainstreet_burgerbar

‘Make a meal of it’ Add chips and a drink, just $5.

Exciting seasonal food – live music every Sunday between 1-4pm & 5-8pm All day dining Friday to Sunday 11:30am – 8:30pm

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

Good Life

Roadhouse: Byron’s new direction

Just outside the centre of Byron Bay, the Roadhouse has long been woven into the town’s daily rhythm – early coffee runs, long brunches and afternoons that drift easily into evening drinks beneath the palms.

Since mid-2024, the venue has entered a new chapter under owner Pedro Vargas, with a focus on bringing fresh energy to a place many locals already know well.

The aim hasn’t been to reinvent the Roadhouse, but to refine it – building on what people loved while giving the space a renewed sense of warmth and direction.

One of the biggest shifts has been the return of nights. The Roadhouse is now open Wednesday through Saturday evenings, with a menu centred around the hibachi grill and wood-fired oven. While the venue is still loved for its pizzas, the kitchen has increasingly moved toward share plates designed for the table.

Dishes coming off the hibachi – like Bangalow pork with sweet mustard and pork jus, or koji-aged sirloin finished with brown butter – sit alongside plates such as tuna crudo with fermented cherry and cucumber, and squid rings dusted with fermented chilli and charcoal aioli. It’s food built around smoke, char and seasonal ingredients, made for passing around with friends.

Behind the bar, margaritas seem to find their way onto most tables – always made with freshly-squeezed lime. Those in the know tend to order the coconut chilli version.

Daytime still holds onto the things that made the venue a local fixture in the first place. Allpress coffee flows through the mornings, seasonal plates move steadily from the kitchen, and the outdoor terrace – shaded by palms, grapevines and bougainvillea – remains one of Byron’s easiest places to linger.

Alongside the coffee, there’s a growing lineup of pressed tonics and functional blends, including the muchloved Magic Mushy with lion’s mane, plus turmeric tonics and other bright, restorative drinks that have found their own following.

The wider Roadhouse precinct has also had a subtle glow-up, with neighbours like Peaches Pilates, Joia Hair and Sol Method Studio contributing to the easy sense of community that already defines the space.

As evening settles in, the atmosphere shifts naturally – shared plates arrive, cocktails circulate, and local musicians provide an easy soundtrack. With a welcoming front-of-house team and multiple spaces to gather, it feels less like a restaurant and more like the kind of place Byron has always done well: somewhere relaxed, social and unhurried.

For locals who haven’t wandered in for a while, it might be time for another look. The Roadhouse might feel both familiar and refreshed. The bones are the same, but the energy has returned.

■ Upcoming music and events can be found at roadhousebyronbay.com.

Community connected pretzels

Founded in March 2024, Byron Bay Pretzels Pty. Ltd. brings traditional German soft pretzels and Black Forest specialties to the Northern Rivers with a simple goal: share good food while giving back to the local community.

Founder Torsten Krause grew up in southern Germany, where pretzels are part of everyday life. From pretzel buns for breakfast at home, to bakery visits on weekend mornings, soft pretzels were an important staple. After moving to Australia, that familiar taste was something he rarely came across, and the idea slowly formed to recreate those flavours locally using traditional techniques and fresh ingredients.

Today, Byron Bay Pretzels Pty. Ltd. produces signature soft pretzels baked fresh from scratch and supplied across the Northern Rivers. They can be found at Bay Grocer, Byron Bay IGA, Suffolk Park Spar, Mullumbimby IGA, and

Lennox Good Food Market, as well as Shell Tyagarah. Another way to enjoy them fresh from the oven is at local markets, such as Bangalow Community Market, or through private orders placed via their website, with kitchen pick-up or home delivery available across the region.

Beyond their classic pretzels, the business caters for private celebrations, corporate events, and community gatherings, offering choices such as pretzel finger-food platters, Black Forest pasta, chocolate nut corners, and custom requests.

Their range further includes a variety of traditional pretzel shapes and flavours, both savory and sweet. Options include, but are not limited to, classic pretzels with salt or sesame, cheesy pretzels, pretzel buns, pretzel baguettes, cinnamon sugar pretzel balls, chocolate macadamia or hazelnut pretzel balls, large braided

festival pretzels, and crunchy pretzel sticks.

Community impact is at the center of the business model. Byron Bay Pretzels Pty. Ltd. operates as a certified social enterprise connected to Fletcher Street Cottage, meaning every sale contributes to supporting Byron Bay’s rough sleepers and important work being done locally.

For Byron Bay Pretzels

Pty. Ltd., the goal is simple: to keep the business growing in a way that stays connected to community, they support local partnerships, offer work opportunities and continue sharing a small taste of the Black Forest with the Northern Rivers.

Dried olives – a big flavour in a small bite

By Allie Godfrey

Dried olives are a delicious twist on the traditional olive, offering a more intense flavour and a slightly chewy texture that makes them perfect for snacking or cooking. Made from pitted Kalamata olives, they are semi-dried over 24–30 hours, allowing the natural flavour of the olives to concentrate while still keeping them soft and juicy. Once dried, they are tossed with a variety of herbs and spices, creating a range of unique flavour profiles.

One standout blend is the Aussie Bush variety. This flavour celebrates native Australian ingredients, combining native thyme, saltbush, pepperberries, lemon aspen, and Tasmanian mountain pepper. The olives are finished with a touch of wood-smoked olive oil, giving them a subtle smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the earthy bush spices.

Another popular option is the Moroccan or Middle Eastern–inspired blend. This variety uses a tajine-style spice mix, often including warming spices, a hint of paprika, and aromatic herbs. The result is a rich, fragrant olive with a gentle warmth that works wonderfully in Mediterranean-style dishes.

For those who enjoy classic Italian flavours, the Tuscan variety features garlic, oregano, chilli, and thyme. These olives deliver a savoury, herbaceous flavour with a mild sweetness at the start and a slight chilli warmth at the finish. The balance of sweet, savoury, and spicy notes makes them incredibly versatile.

BYRON BAY PORK & MEATS BUTCHERY

Come in and see our friendly staff for a choice of local, grass fed, organic & free-range meats. All antibiotic and hormone free.

Mon–Fri 6am to 5pm / Sat 6am to midday 70 Dalley St, Mullumbimby | 6684 2137

Dried olives can be enjoyed in many ways. They are fantastic on a cheese platter, where their concentrated flavour pairs perfectly with cheeses and cured meats. They also work beautifully tossed through salads, adding bursts of flavour and texture. In cooking, they can be stirred through pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, or rice, or

Simple, natural, and packed with flavour, dried olives bring something different to the table. With a variety of herb and spice combinations, they offer a delicious way to explore bold flavours while enjoying the richness of quality olives.

Find Grumpy Grandma every Tuesday at New Brighton Farmers Market from 8am to 11 am and every Friday at Mullumbimby

Pet Shop & Mullum Grooming Pet Salon

Mullum Pet Shop has operating in the community for 23 years. They’ve moved to bigger premises and now offer pet grooming services with Mullum Grooming. They offer quality products and advice. In store you’ll find premium pet foods, both fresh and frozen, all cat and dog restraints and fun toys. If you’re looking for a pet they specialise in live animals ranging from rabbits to chickens and. Have large tanks with a wide array of fish.

99 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby 02 6684 3288 Mullum Pet Shop 0433 404 580 Mullum Grooming

Pets are more than companions — they are family. Across households everywhere, dogs, cats, birds, and countless other animals bring comfort, laughter, and routine to daily life. They greet us at the door after long days, sit quietly beside us when we need calm, and often become central to family memories and milestones. As our relationships with pets have deepened, so too has the way we care for them. Today’s pet owners are looking beyond the basics, seeking high-quality nutrition, reliable veterinary care, enrichment, training,

Petcare Byron Bay –Your local pet specialists

At Petcare Byron Bay, pets are family. Proudly family-owned and locally–operated, they’re passionate about helping the pets of the Northern Rivers live happy, healthy lives. Their friendly and knowledgeable team is always ready to help, whether you’re choosing the right food, finding the perfect toy, or getting advice on pet care. With years of experience and a genuine love for animals, they pride themselves on providing service you simply won’t find in big chain stores.

Inside the store you’ll discover an extensive range of premium products for dogs, cats and small animals, including quality nutrition, enrichment toys, natural treats, grooming supplies and everyday essentials. They carefully select trusted brands so you can feel confident about what you’re giving your pet.

There are also convenient services like a DIY Dog Wash, making bath time easy and fun. Come in, say hello, and see why locals and their pets love shopping at Petcare Byron Bay.

4/55 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay 02 6680 8121

grooming, and services that support their animals’ wellbeing at every stage of life. This feature explores the local world of pet care — from essential products and trusted services to innovative ideas helping pets live healthier, happier lives. Whether you’re a first-time owner or a lifelong animal lover, the growing ecosystem around our pets reflects a simple truth: when we invest in their wellbeing, they give back far more than we could ever measure.

Through the Eyes of Cows

This book explores the life, emotions, and consciousness of cows. It challenges human perceptions of animals and promotes a deeper understanding of the relationship between animals, humans, and the earth.  Written by local vet and author Jodi Ruckley, Through the Eyes of Cows is about how animals can play the role of teacher/healer in our lives, and how their qualities can have a positive effect on us.

Available at The Bookshop Mullumbimby and www.ourplaceonearth.com

Price: $20

Vitality Vetcare Bangalow

At Vitality Vetcare, thoughtful veterinary care considers the whole patient. The newly refreshed clinic in Bangalow offers a calm and welcoming environment for animals and their people. Vitality Vetcare is transitioning to an integrated veterinary practice, offering general veterinary medicine and surgery alongside well-established complementary therapies, including acupuncture, Chinese and Western herbal medicine, and homeopathy. With the addition of a second veterinarian, the clinic is also pleased to offer veterinary osteopathy. The growing team is committed to providing compassionate, personalised care for every patient. By combining conventional and holistic approaches, Vitality Vetcare aims to support longterm health, comfort and wellbeing.

Vitality Vetcare is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

4a Ballina Road, Bangalow 02 6687 0675 info@vitalityvetcare.com.au

Kaia’s Pet Portraits

Kaia, is a lifelong painter and weekly regular at the Byron Twilight markets with her ‘Quick Pet Sketches’. Every weekend, she love drawing gorgeous pets and hearing your stories about what makes them so special. Kaia offers detailed acrylic painted commissions, and now her popular pet sketches are available to order outside of the market too.

0403 632 022

@kaia0403632022

@kaias_petportraits  Kaiaspetportriats@gmail.com

North Coast Veterinary Services

Keeping

Regular visits to North Coast Veterinary Services are one of the best ways to keep your pet healthy and happy. A routine veterinary check allows your vet to detect early changes in your pet’s health, from dental disease and joint problems to heart conditions and weight changes. Preventative care such as vaccinations, parasite protection, and tailored nutrition advice also helps avoid many common health problems. Just as importantly, regular visits give pet owners the opportunity to ask questions about behaviour, diet, and lifestyle. By building a relationship with your local veterinary clinic, you’re helping ensure your pet receives the care they need to live a long and healthy life. As well as offering consultations, North Coast Veterinary Services has advanced diagnostics such as CT, radiography, ultrasound, laboratory, and dental and surgical facilities to help keep your pets healthy so you can love

233 Gulgan Road, Brunswick Heads www.northcoastvetservices.com.au

Bangalow Vets and Animal Emergency Service North Coast

Bangalow Vets and Animal Emergency Service North Coast offers comprehensive care under one roof, bringing together a general practice, emergency clinic, and internal medicine specialist to support pets at every stage of life, located in Bangalow.

This March, we’re helping pets stay healthy with $30 off vaccinations. Book an appointment with our friendly team and take advantage of this limited-time offer.

02 5555 6990

0424054056 (AES)

1/1 Dudgeon Lane, Bangalow

Byron Dog Rescue

Byron Dog Rescue is a registered charity dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming unwanted or surrendered dogs. Through their Brunswick Heads Op Shop and community support, they fund a shelter, vet care, foster placements, and promote responsible pet ownership.  Help them make a difference. There are so many ways you can help: adopt, foster, volunteer at our Op Shop, donate or leave a legacy in your will.

https://www.byrondogrescue.org

Mullum Vet

Mullum Vet is a family–owned local business with more than 40 years experience. They pride themselves on genuine vet care and client relationships. Looking after both small and large animals. The Mullum Vet team enjoy being part of the community and helping people and their animals.

124 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby Ph: 02 6684 3818

MEET ARKIE

Adopt, Shop & VolunteerHelp Arkie find a home!

Border Collie X Kelpie Female 5 years old. This gorgeous girl is looking for a new family, loves children!

Join our CAWI Op Shop volunteer team in Brunswick Heads (3 hours) - every bit of help supports rescues like Arkie! | M/C: 953010004919947

Julia 0458 461 935 | Astro (Op Shop) 0492 861 905 www.byrondogrescue.org

Animal Emergency Service North Coast 0424 054 056

24 hours a day, 365 Days a year. No appointment required.

Unit 1, Bangalow Business Centre, 1 Dudgeons Ln, Bangalow.

MyVet Byron Bay

Dental care is vital to pets health and comfort. Regular brushing and veterinary check-ups help prevent plaque and tartar buildup, which otherwise can lead to painful infections and health issues. Consistent dental care supports overall wellbeing, helping pets live happier, healthy lives.

For a limited time we are offering FREE dental checks AND $50 OFF dental cleans. Call now to book.

Book online or call 02 6685 6899 1/70 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay myvetbyronbay.com.au

Katelyn The Petsitter

Katelyn is a trusted, full-time pet sitter who cares for animals in their own homes. With seven years of experience and hundreds of happy clients, she keeps pets relaxed in familiar surroundings while ensuring homes remain secure, plants are watered, and mail is brought in, providing peace of mind for owners while they are away.

Info@katelynrew.com.au www.katelynthepetsitter.com @katelynthepetsitter 0412 858 866

Save the date: Furry Friends Festival is on again, Saturday, 30 May

Get ready to wag, woof and wander –the Furry Friends Festival is back! Join us on Saturday, 30 May, from 8am to 1pm at the Bangalow Showgrounds for a tail-wagging good time at this free community celebration , proudly hosted by Byron Shire Council. Bring your doggos (on lead, please!) for the Doggy Arena, packed with trainer demos, fun games and friendly competitions. Meander the Paws and Claws Market, boasting 40 pet-loving stalls filled with giveaways, treats and expert tips. Enjoy live tunes, tasty food stalls, free kids’ facepainting and a playful photo booth for pooch snaps of you and your pets.

Canine Howlistic Health & Hydrotherapy

As part of the fun, we’re championing responsible pet ownership – from keeping pets safe and under control, to making sure they’re microchipped, registered and well-socialised. Our friendly team and stallholders can help with practical advice to ensure all pets in the Shire are healthy, happy and cared for.

www.byron.nsw.gov.au/furryfriends

Canine Howlistic Health & Hydrotherapy offers a balanced blend of science and soul to support your dog’s recovery and wellbeing. Therapies include hydrotherapy (underwater treadmill), massage, acupuncture, laser therapy, and therapeutic exercise. These help manage injuries, arthritis, neurological disease, and mobility concerns with care and precision. They collaborate closely with your vet to design effective treatment plans that nurture your dog’s comfort and vitality. In the tranquil, spacious setting, dogs rediscover balance and strength, with an added range of highquality supplements, enrichment, treats, and mobility aids.

4/1 Dudgeons Lane, Bangalow caninehowlistichealth.com.au

Happy Dogs

Happy Dogs is an award-winning, force-free, positive reinforcement, science-based dog training business servicing the Northern Rivers. Run by Michelle Vecsei, a multicertified dog trainer, with 8 years university education in animal behaviour science, she is also a qualified and experienced zookeeper. Happy Dogs’ methods are focused on rewarding desired behaviours while using management and other ethical techniques for undesirable behaviours. Rest assured that when you hire Happy Dogs you and your dog’s emotional and physical wellbeing is prioritised, even when addressing complex behaviour issues like reactivity, fear and aggression.

Michelle 0431 022 949 happydogsbyronbay.com

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Adopt a pet into a loving home

Northern Rivers Animal Services, Ballina https://nras.org.au

Animal Rights & Rescue Group, Lismore https://animalrights.org.au/

Animal Welfare League NSW, Mullumbimby www.awlnsw.com.au/

Byron Dog Rescue https://www.byrondogrescue.org/

Pets for Life, Billinudgel https://www.petsforlifeanimalshelter.net/

Friends of the Pound, Tweed Head friendsofthepound.com

Who Gives A Cluck Whogiveacluck.org

health & healing

Gleam Dental

For more than 37 years, Ballina dentist Dr Geoffrey Sherlock has been helping Northern Rivers patients restore their smiles and oral health. At Gleam Dental, he provides comprehensive dental care with a special focus on dental implant treatment for missing or failing teeth.

Dental implants can replace individual teeth or stabilise dentures, helping patients regain comfort, confidence and normal function. Dr Sherlock has undertaken advanced implant training, including postgraduate study at UCLA, and Gleam Dental offers modern diagnostic technology such as 3D CBCT imaging to assist with precise treatment planning.

In many cases, implants can be placed at the time of tooth extraction, reducing treatment time and helping preserve bone and gum health.

Gleam Dental provides full service family dentistry from toddlers to grandparents.

Gleam Dental 10 Grant Street, Ballina (02) 6686 6619 www.gleamdental.com.au

Kate Messenger Kinesiology

Kinesiology is a gentle, holistic modality that helps reveal and release stress held in the body. At its heart is the understanding that your body’s innate intelligence is always communicating, trying to guide you toward balance.

During a session, gentle muscle monitoring (a light, non invasive form of biofeedback) is used to identify the underlying energetic and emotional patterns influencing your wellbeing, and to reveal what’s not in alignment; whether the root is emotional, structural, biochemical, energetic or subconscious.

Once the body has communicated what it needs, Kate uses gentle, targeted techniques to shift the imbalance and help the body recalibrate itself so healing becomes more accessible.

As the body continues integrating after the session, you may receive simple tools to support the process at home.

katemessengerkinesiology.com.au 0413 003 301 @katemessenger_kinesiology

Releaf Integrative Clinic & Dispensary

Releaf Integrative Clinic & Dispensary brings a fresh, modern approach to traditional healthcare in Byron Bay. Located at 91 Jonson Street, Releaf specialises in alternative medicine, offering natural, evidence‑informed therapies for those seeking a more holistic path to wellbeing. Our clinicians blend integrative care with a personalised approach, supporting patients who want options beyond conventional treatments. With Medicare‑rebated consultations and an onsite dispensary, Releaf makes accessing alternative care simple, streamlined, and supportive. Whether you’re exploring natural therapies for chronic health concerns or looking for a new way to approach your wellness, Releaf provides compassionate guidance and modern solutions. Want to learn more? Book in for a free discovery call today. Visit releaf.com.au and discover a more natural way forward.

91 Jonson Street, Byron Bay releaf.com.au

Billinudgel Psychology: When Therapy Hasn’t Worked

Many people come to therapy hoping for change, yet some leave feeling stuck, even after months or years of talking through their experiences. This can be discouraging and may lead people to believe therapy simply ‘doesn’t work’ for them. In reality, different therapeutic approaches work in different ways. Traditional talk therapy can build insight and understanding. But some difficulties, particularly those linked to trauma or deeply stored emotional experiences, may require a different approach.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence based therapy that focuses on how distressing memories are stored in the brain. Rather than analysing the past, EMDR helps the brain process unresolved experiences so they no longer carry the same emotional charge.

Byron Community College

Byron Community College is getting ready to launch its Term 2 Live Better courses, bringing an exciting new mix of classes focused on wellbeing, creativity, and connection. The upcoming program includes Astrology Introduction with Yuko Medcraft, where you can explore birth charts and discover the symbolic language of the planets.

Also coming up is Tarot Reading, introducing the meanings and intuitive practice of tarot; Art Therapy as a Self Help Tool, where creativity becomes a tool for reflection and wellbeing; and Regenerative Agriculture and Small Scale Farming at The Farm, offering hands on learning about growing food and caring for the land. The full program will be released soon on the Byron Community College website and in the upcoming Echo brochure—keep an eye out and be ready to book for Term 2. byroncollege.org.au

Upcoming byron healing client events

Astrology Introduction with Yuko Medcraft

Held by: Byron College

Date: 7 x Monday, 4 May 22 June

Time: 10 – 11.30am

Price: $250

Address: Byron Campus (10 Shirley Street, Byron Bay)

Booking contact: (02) 6684 3374 customercare@byroncollege.org.au www.byroncollege.org.au

Tarot Reading

Held by: Byron College

Date: 6 x Thursday, 30 April 4 June

Time: 6pm – 8pm

Price: $235

Address: Mullum campus (6/8 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby)

Booking contact: (02) 6684 3374  customercare@byroncollege.org.au  www.byroncollege.org.au

Art Therapy as a Self-Help Tool

Held by: Byron College

Date: 8 x Thursday, 30 April 18 June

Time: 10am – 12.30pm

Price: $395

Address: Mullum campus (6/8 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby)

Booking contact: (02) 6684 3374  customercare@byroncollege.org.au  www.byroncollege.org.au

Articles

Regenerative Agriculture and Small-Scale Farming at The Farm

Held by: Byron College

Date: 6 x Monday, 4 May 8 June

Time: 9am – 3pm

Address: The Farm

Booking contact: (02) 6684 3374  customercare@byroncollege.org.au  www.byroncollege.org.au

Dr Bessel van der Kolk Live in Brisbane

The Body Keeps the Score Workshop

Held by: Activate Media Events

Date: Thursday, 16 April

Time: 6pm – 10.30pm AEST (Doors open 5pm)

Address: Brisbane City Hall (64 Adelaide St, Brisbane)

Booking contact: https://events.humanitix.com/dr

bessel van der kolk live the body keeps the score full day workshop brisbane

Thrive Workshop – Year of the Horse

Held by: Sugar Beach Ranch

Date: Thursday, 16 April 2026

Time: 9am – 4pm

Address: Sugar Beach Ranch (259 Keith Hall Lane, Keith Hall)

Booking contact: www.sugarbeachranch.com/thrive

Signature Sweet Retreat

Women’s Horse Wellness Immersion

Held by: Sugar Beach Ranch

Date: 1–3 May 2026

Time: Friday 3pm – Sunday 11am

Address: Sugar Beach Ranch (259 Keith Hall Lane, Keith Hall)

Booking contact: www.sugarbeachranch.com/thrive

Mother’s Day Special – Thrive & Restore

Held by: Sugar Beach Ranch

Date: Saturday, 9 May 2026

Time: 9am – 4pm

Address: Sugar Beach Ranch (259 Keith Hall Lane, Keith Hall)

Booking contact: www.sugarbeachranch.com/thrive

Nervous System Reset with Horses

Held by: Sugar Beach Ranch

Date: Sunday, 29 May 2026

Time: 9am – 12pm

Address: Sugar Beach Ranch (259 Keith Hall Lane, Keith Hall)  www.sugarbeachranch.com/thrive

Why being ‘squeezed’ helps cancer cells to thrive

Anew study led by researchers at Adelaide University has revealed why some cancers can grow and survive in the body, while others cannot.

It turns out that intense mechanical pressure experienced by early cancer cells as they grow cramped in a restricted space can benefit some cancer cells, rather than impede growth, as might be expected.

Scientists found that early breast cancer cells used this ‘squeeze’ to their advantage.

Lead researcher Professor Michael Samuel from Adelaide University’s Centre for Cancer Biology and the Basil Hetzel Institute said these breast cancer cells hijack a specific sensor – one that our bodies normally use to perceive touch – and use it to multiply rapidly and help them migrate away from the primary tumour.

‘This process leaves a lasting “mechanical memory” in breast cancer

cells, continuing to promote aggressive behaviour long after the pressure itself has been relieved,’ Professor Samuel said.

‘Solid tumours experience intense physical pressure at early stages of the disease, as cancer cells multiply within space-restricted tissues, such as the milk ducts of the breast. Until now, it has been unclear how cancer cells sense this pressure and whether it influences how the disease progresses.

‘We tend to think about cancer as a genetic disease, but this work shows that physical forces inside tumours are just as important as cancer-causing genetic changes.’

Under pressure

The researchers found that cancer cells detect pressure through a molecule called PIEZO1, a channel that connects the inside of a cell with the outside environment. When activated by pressure, PIEZO1 allows calcium ions to flow into the cell, triggering a series

of signals including the Rho-ROCK pathway – a key regulator of cell movement, shape and growth.

The team showed that brief exposure to mechanical pressure, applied by compressing cancer tissue, was enough to significantly increase tumour growth. In laboratory models of breast cancer, tumours that had been mechanically compressed grew larger and the cancer cells within them divided more rapidly than uncompressed tumours.

Beyond stimulating growth, compression was also found to push cancer cells towards a more aggressive, invasive state through a process known as epithelialmesenchymal transition. However, when PIEZO1 or the Rho-ROCK pathway had been blocked using appropriate drugs, compression failed to drive cancer aggressiveness, clearly establishing their importance to this process.

Co-lead author of the study, Dr Sarah Boyle, said that one of the most

striking findings was that the effects of compression on cancer aggressiveness persisted long after the force itself was removed. ‘These modifications, referred to as epigenetic changes, alter how the DNA code is interpreted by the cell, allowing certain genes that drive tumour growth and aggressiveness to be switched on’, Dr Boyle said.

The study found that PIEZO1 is more abundant in human breast cancers than in normal breast tissue, and that the amount of PIEZO1 varies between patients. High levels of PIEZO1 are associated with poor patient survival, suggesting that the same pressure-sensing mechanism identified in experimental models is likely to be relevant in human cancers.

Therapeutic targets

The findings highlight mechanical pressure as an underappreciated driver of cancer aggressiveness and suggest the PIEZO1 -RhoROCK pathway is a potential new therapeutic target for use in early intervention.

By disrupting how cancer cells sense and respond to mechanical pressure, future treatments may be able to limit tumour growth and reduce invasiveness, according to the researchers. These findings may also be useful in identifying patients at risk of aggressive breast cancers because of high levels of PIEZO1. ‘As cancers are increasingly recognised as mechanically responsive diseases, this work opens the door to a new area of “mechanotherapy” – treatments designed to interfere with the mechanical signals that tumours rely on to grow and spread,’ said Professor Samuel.

Published in Science Advances, this study was co-funded by The Hospital Research Foundation Group and their charity Australian Breast Cancer Research, Worldwide Cancer Research (UK) and the federal government.

■ First published on www.healing.echo.net.au.

Cryptic Clues

ACROSS

1. You are, we hear, covered by your employer, Shylock (6)

5. Straddle gives you the top trip (8)

9. Find fault that a dollar, perhaps, covers minute party turn (8)

10. Actually, dying tissue loses resistance (2,4)

11. Trading around naked French – a traditional English bird count! (4,6)

13. Season for the sailor (4)

14. Dust off the boss (4)

15. Disarmed, you and I take father back to a difficult lesson (10)

18. Arrangement of oil charter is purely for effect. (11)

20. More cross (4)

21. Ring, ring back for a jewel (4)

23. Year 12, perhaps – very U (5,5)

25. Soldier Bismarck, a great artist (6)

26. 51 in the vicinity have faith (8)

28. Measure heedless messengers for greens! (8)

29. X worker becomes lodger (6) DOWN

2. Halt and look at the timekeeper (9)

3. Was discontented, embarrassed overlong (7)

4. Ran over a polymer of nucleotides (1,1,1)

5. If I followed this child star, it could be prickly (5)

6. Lee, for instance, has playground equipment and a hat! (5,6)

7. Denial – its genuine about French over America (7)

8. Tied up transfer (5)

12. Strength, almost drunk over depression; what a bird! (8,3)

16. Indefinite papist curve (3)

17. As stated, out of bed and get soppy on the diner’s right (4,5)

19. Turned back, traitors rent satellite (7)

20. Plane figure reports: parrot has left! (7)

22. I am caught by pusher, father of 24 down (5) …

24 … is after regulation capital! (5)

27. Chance of plenty (3)

Quick Clues

ACROSS

1. Loan shark (6)

5. Straddle, cover with a foot on each side (8)

9. Lodge an objection (8)

10. Really, the truth is … (2,4)

11. Traditional census of large white birds on the river Thames (4,6)

13. NaCl, commonly (4)

14. Male used for breeding (4)

15. Unarmed (10)

18. Style of speech used for effect in debate (10)

20. In addition to (4)

21. Jewel found at Lightning Ridge (4)

23. Ranked high socially; aristocratic (5,5)

25. Painter of the Italian renaissance (6)

26. Organised belief in the supernatural (8)

28. Green gem stones (8)

29. Lodger, renter (6) DOWN

2. Timer used in competitions (9)

3. Moped, mourned (7)

2. Ribonucleic acid (abbrev) (1,1,1)

5. Steve and Terri Irwin’s daughter (5)

6. Cricketer who makes the ball move in the air (5,6)

7. Saying no (7)

8. Transfer (5)

12. Ninox strenua, a large predatory bird (8,3)

16. Curve, part of a circle (3)

17. Implement for consuming gazpacho (4,5)

19. Communications satellite (7)

20. Straight-sided figure (7)

22. King of Troy (5)

24. Capital of France (5)

27. Fate, chance (3)

Last week’s solution #8

Bluesfest Has Died

And the grief is big. Anger. Sadness. Blame. Finger-pointing. Before you start pointing the finger at Bluesfest maybe it’s time to point the finger at the NSW government. They have failed not just the event, but the local community, the artists and the affiliated workers and support staff, the stallholders, the local businesses, the accommodation providers.

This is the arts. It’s music. It’s not football. So it just doesn’t get the support. There’s no gambling. We know how much our government loves gambling revenue.

After 36 years, Australia’s most awarded festival has gone into liquidation just three weeks before the 2026 event, owing ticket holders an estimated $23 million. Yep that’s got to hurt. Full disclosure, I am one of those ticket holders. I bought a double pass for my daughter for her birthday. So I’m out of pocket, my daughter got a shit present and she’s disappointed. Which means I’m disappointed. But I’m not angry at Bluesfest. I’m angry at Minns. And successive governments who refuse to recognise the importance of the music and culture sector.

Post Covid closures, post flood, and in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, and now a war that is pushing fuel costs through the roof, how can one of the last Australian-owned and fiercely independent events be expected to survive? Yes, they said last year was the last one, then the people rallied, and saved the event. I don’t understand the rage at a much-loved event being saved from the brink? Isn’t that the best outcome?

Bluesfest, founded by Dan Doeppel and Kevin Oxford in 1990, is now run by Peter Noble, who joined Oxford for the 1994 festival. The event has remained one of the few not run by the big global corporate machine. Shouldn’t we protect and cherish our homegrown events?

While Bluesfest received $500,000 from Destination NSW this year (which they will be attempting to recoup) they were knocked back for a $3 million grant from the NSW government in 2024 that would have ensured the festival’s future. That’s money denied in the same year the festival generated approximately $65 million in indirect tourism spending in Byron Bay, $130 million across the Northern Rivers region and $230 million of economic activity across NSW.

The costs of producing a festival are phenomenal. Imagine if football clubs had to finance the building of their key

After 36 years, Australia’s most awarded festival has gone into liquidation just three weeks before the 2026 event, owing ticket holders an estimated $23 million.

infrastructure ahead of every season, or every game? This is a burden of cost worn by festivals, which has increased at a rate that can’t be transferred to ticket holders. When you pay top dollar for an event it’s for the lineup not the fencing. But this is what music event producers face. Massively increasing infrastructure costs that send them to the wall.

Let’s look at sporting infrastructure. The government pays. The MCG has cost the Victorian government an estimated $725 million and the proposed overhaul by 2030 is expected to cost $2 billion. In NSW, Penrith’s Helloworld Stadium is undergoing a $309 million development, Allianz Stadium in Sydney cost the NSW government $828 million. This kind of support for our worldclass music events would have made the difference. Shame.

The Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund in 2024 was shared between five events. Bluesfest was one. Pathetic. It

was a lousy $2.5 million. Compared to the expenditure on sport, this is a joke. Lack of government support has killed our festival scene. Point the finger at them. They’re in there trying to get their money back, ahead of ticket holders!

Bluesfest is just one of many events that have died due to government failure.

The company behind Australia’s R&B-focused travelling festival Souled Out entered liquidation, following the sudden cancellation of its 2025 events just days before they were set to take place.

Australian Festival Association managing director Mitch Wilson said the 2024 cancellation of Splendour in the Grass was due to rising costs and insufficient ticket sales.

Two years of Covid cancellations, followed in 2022 by a complete disaster due to being held during peak flood periods.

I’d like to see our governments invest in music and the arts comparable to sport.

Bluesfest was hands down my favourite festival. It was all my kids’ favourite too. I’ve seen the most incredible shows of my life just ten minutes from my home. I’ll be eternally grateful to all those who made that happen.

They say here ‘magic happens’. Well, sadly this year it didn’t.

We’ve lost something bigger than we realise.

And we’re all going to hurt.

So when you stand up to point the finger, make sure it’s at Macquarie Street.

■ Mandy Nolan’s column has appeared in The Echo for almost 25 years. She is a writer, comedian and artist, and was the Greens cadidate at the past two elections.

As this week winds up the annual zodiac cycle, Piscean tending and friending morphs into the flash, dash, and occasional crash of Aries entering the astro stage …

ARIES: So far, this month’s Mars may have seemed energetically something like a bullet fired underwater, but March 20 sees a quintet of planetary potency featuring the sun, Venus, Saturn, Neptune and Chiron all blazing into Aries, supercharging your entry into a vivid new astro year – game on rams!

TAURUS: With this week pressing the start button on a fresh celestial cycle, anything can change, and eventually will, potentially for the better. So rather than alarm, re-arrange your mindset into being alert for the opportunities, growth and new possibilities starting to emerge as Uranus the re-arranger begins its move.

GEMINI: As the zodiac calendar embarks on a new chapter, this is Gemini’s time to take the unexplored route: the path less travelled, at least by you up until now, as Neptune in your personal sector of friends, social groups and community carries your life current to new situations and connections.

CANCER: With so many planets in the high point of your chart, which represents public and professional status, life work and legacy, it’s an excellent time to review the way you offer your contribution to the world. And recognise that tailoring yourself to make others comfortable isn’t your job.

LEO: As celestial emphasis in Leo’s sector of ethics, and the quest for meaning broadens your global understanding and worldview, this week asks you to consider extending your reach from being a lion in the spotlight, towards becoming a human lighthouse reaching a wider audience. Yes, a stretch, but it’s your destiny.

VIRGO: Virgos are the sign most likely to have organised zen spaces, streamlined systems and healthy lifestyles, since you’re the zodiac’s master planners. And while the newly emerging astro cycle does require prepping, your stars suggest having a go at improvising, being more spontaneous, letting the moment guide you.

LIBRA: Some people are assets, while others who nudge you to splurge beyond your budget are more expensive than they’re worth. As this week transitions into a new astrological cycle, it’s worth taking a closer look at the company you keep. And for Librans, the more artistic your alliances the better.

SCORPIO: The current astral emphasis in your zone of health, work, service and selfcare supports focusing on wellness maintenance, professional relationships and all the small tasks that keep life running. The secret to elevating daily routines from humdrum, dull, repetitive necessities? Upgrading them to enjoyable rituals.

SAGITTARIUS: The escalating planetary congregation in your personal sector of fun, creativity and self-expression, the zodiac’s house of pleasure, makes Sagittarians this week’s happy travellers, so put time aside for hobbies and whatever makes you smile. Your mantra for this week? Do less, enjoy more.

CAPRICORN: When the new moon on 19 March supports putting an old story to rest, finalising a draining obligation, or unhooking a lingering attachment, initiate a gentle letting go process by vision-boarding or mind-mapping a contemporary, updated replacement for whatever has completed its service and is leaving your life story.

AQUARIUS: Aquarians are born wanting to improve the world, but if you’re overcommitted, spreading yourself too thin or stressed by the process, then tune in at the 19 March new moon lunar checkpoint to think about some possible ways to start with your small corner of it.

PISCES: As the annual new moon in Pisces zips up your month in the sun, and a new astro year begins in the sign of big picture dreaming, your key word is simplify. Nothing complicated, just some manageable streamlining to synch with the huge planetary movements currently under way.

Volume 40 #41

18–24 March, 2026

Editor: Eve Jeffery

Editorial/gigs: gigs@echo.net.au

Copy deadline: 5pm each Thursday

Gig Guide deadline: 5pm each Friday

Advertising: adcopy@echo.net.au

P: 02 6684 1777

W: echo.net.au/entertainment

Seven

Eclectic Selection What’s on this week

The Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine are inviting you to join them for Afterglow, a curated evening of live music, visual art, dance, and community.

Friday, from 5.30pm at the Moller Pavilion, Bangalow. Tickets from $25 at ti.to/ afterglow/afterglow.

Back by popular demand –the Lotus Palliative Care Fundraiser is on this weekend, featuring DJs Leshi, She J, Pob, Ria Listic, Rob Sydney, GI Jode and JaxxFae.

Saturday from 4pm at the Billinudgel Hotel. Tickets $47.50 at humanitix.com.

outfit Mobeius, musician/ singer/songwriter Sarah Grant is always entertaining and giving her everything for the performance.

Saturday from 5pm at Salt Bar & Bistro, Kingscliff. Free show.

In true Shakespearean style, the Murwillumbah Theatre Company presents The Tempest – everything from the exiled magician Prospero, who uses magic to conjure a storm, shipwrecking his treacherous brother Antonio, King Alonso, and others on his island, seeking revenge and restoration.

Saturday 7.30pm and Sunday 2pm at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre. Tickets from $10 at www.trybooking.com.

The ultimate party band to get you up and dancing! The Cath Simes Band play to capacity audiences wherever they go, playing your

favourite hits from the ‘60s right through to the current chart toppers.

Saturday from 8pm at the Cherry Street Sports Club, Ballina. Free show.

Known for their killer live shows, Hussy Hicks captivate audiences with their infectious energy, tight harmonies, and musical versatility, creating an unforgettable performance that leaves fans wanting more every time.

Sunday from 3pm at the Shaws Bay Hotel. Free show.

Created to boldly go where other cover bands dare not, EPIC’s repertoire has hits on a grand scale, reproducing each song with accurate respect to the original, representing all critical parts with class and flair.

Sunday from 4.30pm at the Beach Hotel, Byron Bay. Free show.

The Picture House and the Perfect musical

As we transition into autumn, the Brunswick Picture House has something very special in store for March. Thursday, March 19 marks the opening of the hilarious, biting and outrageous Vivid White written by Australian theatre royalty Eddie Perfect and produced by the Bangalow Theatre Company and the Picture House. After its debut with Melbourne Theatre Company in 2017, Perfect has completely reworked, reshaped, and reenergised this unforgettable ‘post-apocalyptic real estate musical’. With an extraordinary cast and ten sessions, this promises to be one of the most exciting theatrical events the Northern Rivers has ever seen – the run ends on March 28 – get in quickly as many of the weekend sessions are already sold out.

Easter is just around the corner, and besides celebrating its tenth birthday, the Picture House brings back another run of ‘the one that started it all’ on Good Friday 2016: The Cheeky Cabaret which helped launch the venue as a cultural destination for visitors Australia-wide and beyond. Cheeky is an irreverent, saucy and highly mischievous mashup of circus, vaudeville, comedy, new burlesque and everything in between, with its tongue placed firmly in cheek. Running from Thursday, April 2 until 19 , it’s the perfect show to bring a gang for a big night out, with group discounts and posh table seating available.

Looking ahead, April is packed with gems ranging from Swamplesque , on Sunday, April 26 a Shrek-inspired comedy burlesque to mind-blowing magic for all ages with Aiden Schofield on Wednesday, April 15 ; a conversation with the philosopher A.C. Grayling on Wednesday, April 22 ; the return of the riveting, ribald Amelia Jane Hunter on Thursday, April 23 ; and good old fashioned, all-ages circus fun with Lil’ Cheeky on Sunday, April 1 . Tickets for all shows at brunswickpicturehouse.com

The goose is on the loose

Distinctly raw, energetic and genuine, Loose Goose’s fast-paced alt-rock sound has grabbed audiences by the scruff of the neck and dragged them into a world of sweaty moshes and driving guitars.

Priding themselves on a crowd-first mentality and deep, genuine connection with their audience, affectionately labeled ‘goslings’, Loose Goose has established a one-ofa-kind live show.

From crowd surfing and lamingtons to rowing pits and triangles, they’ve maintained a relentless drive towards making gigs much more than music, highlighted by a 500 capacity sell out at Miami Marketta in August, 2025.

Coming into their third year, Loose Goose have begun a new chapter, leaning into a new aggressive and raw side, led by their first single ‘Sneezy’, a dark and gritty departure from their surf rock sound sure to cause chaos in mosh pits right across the country.

Loose Goose will play alongside Laurel Hill and Cherry Nova at The Northern on Saturday from 8pm – this is a free show.

AMPLIFY

YOUR VOLUNTEER IMPACT

BayFM local radio is vollies helping vollies. Every day we serve our community with messages from other not-for-profit services, many of which are also volunteer-run.

Whether you can help us with some admin, fundraising, production or design we’d love you to join us. Tech know-how and tradie skills most welcome!

Seven

If you can spare a couple of hours a week, email frontdesk@bayfm.org bayfm.org Listen like a local

What is Byron Live?

Well, it’s simple. It’s The Tonight Show live. But it’s about us. It’s about the stories, and people that make this place we love to love, and sometimes love to hate, so special. Host Mandy Nolan moved here with nothing but a suitcase to her name. She left an abusive relationship and wheeled it to a house in Fletcher Street that’s now a real estate agency. She asked to live in the garage for $20 a week. The rest is herstory!

US surfing champ and star of the greatest surfing film of all time, Morning of the Earth, Rusty Miller chose this place as home in the 1970s; punk rocker turned cowboy Jimmy Willing used to travel to Byron in a horse and cart to put on marionette shows, and perform at The Rails; Aria Award-winning musician Gyan left LA to make her music and her life here; mum of seven, Madeleine West, who starred in Australia’s longest-running TV drama, uses her powerful national platform to raise awareness of child abuse and lobby for change – she does that from here, in Byron Bay; and the Versace Boys? Well in old Byron terms they’re blow ins, talented musos who straddle genres, they’re the next generation of what makes this place great. Host and creator Mandy Nolan says, ‘Yes we have a housing crisis. Yes the traffic is shit. Yes things aren’t the same as they once were – but we need to value our stories – of the people who stay here or come here, who continue to make Byron Bay unique.’

There’s a live houseband led by Katrina Harris, and the show opens with a special number by Old Men Dancing.

This isn’t TV. This isn’t AI. This is us.

This Saturday 8pm at the Byron Theatre. Tickets from byroncentre.com.au.

It’s Dr Baz!

Coming to Coorabell Hall on Friday is the third in a series of music and film screening evenings, presenting the acclaimed work of local musician Barry Ferrier, aka Dr Baz

Barry has been a well-known face on the local music scene for many years, having moved here in the early ‘80s on holiday from a hectic career in Sydney during which he appeared in Jesus Christ Superstar, played guitar with iconic rock vocalist Jeff St John, and bass with chart toppers The Ferrets, recorded for RCA, and appeared on the ABC’s legendary Countdown

Like so many, Dr Baz fell in love with the NSW North Coast and made it his home.

Barry has also had some other interesting adventures while living the life of a local Byron musician – after such an action-packed career, rather than fade into retirement, in the last three years Dr Baz has emerged as a lateblooming filmmaker and has chalked up 27 awards at international film festivals in the US, Europe, UK and Asia. Following two recent screenings of his award-winning short films and music videos, he’s following up this month with a science fiction special.

The program will include the world premiere of the halfhour, existential sci-fi thriller Entombed written by local writer Des Collins, which was one of the first AI-generated films to achieve international film recognition, winning Best Experimental Film at the 2024 New York Arthouse Film Awards.

The screening will also include Project Sentinal, a short film about the dangers of AI; some award-winning sci-fi music videos; and the premiere of a zany new experimental short Didn’t Sign Up For This! – described by a local film producer (who got a sneak preview) as ‘a mini sci-fi Pulp Fiction.’

Traditional Indian curries and a bar are available, and it’s only $10 on the door – Friday from 7pm at Coorabell Hall.

A journey to Ireland

Filmmaker Darius Devas is hosting an Irish culture night, fundraising for a documentary series he’s making later this year about a journey to Ireland. The night will feature an incredible array of talent from the community, weaving together song, story, poetry, mythology, and teaser footage Darius filmed last year in Ireland.

The series will follow the journey of Darius and three friends, Purdie Wood, Thomas Kiely, and Megan Edwards traveling to Ireland to explore their cultural heritage together. Over the past year, the four have been gathering to deepen their relationship to their Irish ancestry. They will share songs, stories, and the powerful experience of coming together in this way. The night will also feature Irish singer-songwriter Julie Hayes, Alice Night, and violinist Cye Wood – with more to be announced.

Darius says, ‘I want to bring a feeling to the night, of the magic that I’ve been experiencing with my friends as we’ve been doing a deepdive together into our cultural connections. Then the plan is to make this a series to share with the world. I want to inspire people to build connections with whatever culture they come from.’

Dinner and drinks will be available on the night.

Sunday from 5pm at The Drill Hall Theatre, Mullumbimby.

Tickets: humanitix.com.

IRISH CULTURE NIGHT

Something to sing about

In a world where there doesn’t seem to be much to sing about, Shire Choir is the perfect musical medicine.

The long-running popup choir at the pub returns to the Bangalow Hotel on Thursday, March 26 for another uplifting night of community singing, where everyone is welcome and no experience is required.

Led by Melia Naughton, the evening invites the audience to learn and perform a gorgeous pop-rock vocal arrangement in three parts, accompanied by multiinstrumentalist Jamie Birrell

There are no auditions or rehearsals. Just a sheet of lyrics and a sense of wild abandon. Just turn up, grab a drink and join the room as it transforms into a choir.

Since starting in the Northern Rivers, Shire Choir has built a loyal following, with many locals returning each month for the joy, laughter, and sense of connection that comes from singing side by side. First-timers are equally welcome, whether they sing regularly or find themselves belting it out in the car or shower.

Doors open at 7pm with the singing starting soon after. Expect a feel-good night of music, community, and the powerful sound of voices raised together. Tickets $25/$20 via shirechoir.eventbrite.com and limited tickets at the door.

CINEMA

Six Seven

GIG GUIDE

WEDNESDAY 18

RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, JAMIE ASHFORTH DUO

BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM KATIE WHITE

THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM INO PIO, DJ OREN SELECTA, DUELLING PIANO BAR

The French Film Festival cycles through time

The Alliance Française French Film Festival continues this week with so many great films, including two screenings of Cycle of Time – a sharp, funny, and delightfully subversive leap through time. This film is the new social comedy from director Vinciane Millereau, starring Elsa Zylberstein and Didier Bourdon

In a quiet 1950s French town, Hélène (Elsa Zylberstein, At the End of the Day), Michel (Didier Bourdon, The Scammers) and their two children live simple, happy days. Michel works at the bank while Hélène dedicates herself entirely to the home and family … until a sudden twist catapults them straight into 2025, in a time jump worthy of Back to the Future

Suddenly, everything familiar has vanished: technology, social codes, and the pace of life itself. The world they knew has been replaced by something faster, louder, and far less predictable. But as they encounter new ways of thinking, loving, and living, the question becomes not just how they will adapt – but whether they even want to.

With humour, charm, and an eye for social detail, Cycle Of Time invites viewers to rediscover the present through the eyes of two people from another time. This inventive time travel tale asks: when the future arrives without warning, what do we hold onto and what do we let go?

Screening at Palace Cinemas, Byron Bay –palacecinemas.com.au.

SPECIAL SCREENINGS BRING ME THE HORIZON - L.I.V.E. IN SÃO PAULO (M) Wed: 8:30PM HOPPERS (PG) PREVIEWS Fri: 11:20AM, 6:30PM. Sat, Sun: 11:20AM, 4:10PM, 6:30PM I SWEAR (MA15+) PREVIEWS Fri, Sat: 3:40PM. Sun: 4:00PM

MIAMI VICE (MA15+)

CULT VAULT Mon: 6:30PM TEATRO DI SAN CARLO: MEDEA (CTC) Sun: 1:00PM. Wed: 11:00AM FAMILY FILMS

■ THE PADDOCK PROJECT, MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM CURRY JAM

■ OTTILIES, MULLUMBIMBY, 6PM MONDO HUM JAZZ QUINTET

■ BALLINA RSL LEVEL ONE 7.30PM ARJ BARKER

THURSDAY 19

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, NATHAN KAYE

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM THE BREDDA BROTHERS

■ NORTH BYRON HOTEL 5.30PM OPEN MIC

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM KANE MUIR DUO, DJ QUENDO, DUELLING PIANO BAR

■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM MICKA SCENE

■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM VIVID WHITE

■ SAINT MARIES, BRUNSWICK HEADS, 6PM MONDO HUM JAZZ QUINTET

■ LENNOX HOTEL 8PM THURSDAY JAM NIGHT

■ LISMORE CITY BOWLO 7PM THE SUPPER CLUB SOUL BAND

■ TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 7PM THE JANE BARNES BAND

FRIDAY 20

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, HUXGOLD

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 5PM IZZY DAY + JEROME WILLIAMS BAND

■ BYRON THEATRE 7PM SCREENING: BEYOND BORDERS – PATAGONIA

■ NORTH BYRON HOTEL 5PM DJ NAT WHITE

■ ELEMENTS OF BYRON 5PM ADAM HARPAZ

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM PUREVELOUR, DJ RENEE SIMONE, DUELLING PIANO BAR, BILLY GUDGEON

■ SUFFOLK PARK HOTEL 6PM ADAM BROWN

■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM NO NEWS

■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM VIVID WHITE

■ WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM DJ LAINIE GODIVA

■ ST JOHN’S SCHOOL HALL, MULLUMBIMBY, 7.30PM ECSTATIC DANCE MULLUM WITH DJ DAKINI

■ MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 8PM KRAPPYOKEE WITH JESS

■ CLUB LENNOX 7PM BEN WHITING

■ LENNOX HOTEL 9PM LEMON CHICKEN

■ CHERRY STREET SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, 7PM JOCK BARNES

■ PEARCES CREEK HALL 6PM MIMI GILBERT & RUBY GILL + MYLEE GRACE & MARIA STRATTON

■ ELTHAM HOTEL 7PM EMILY LUBITZ

■ HOTEL LISMORE 5.30PM YOLAN + DJ SPEX

■ MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6.30PM LEIGH JAMES

■ KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 5PM JON J BRADLEY

■ SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 5.30PM HENRY WEST

■ CLUB TWEED 7.30PM MIRRORBALL EXPRESS

■ TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 8PM INXSIVE & GOLD CHISEL

■ COOLANGATTA HOTEL 5PM SURVEY STREET + DON ROGERS BAND

SATURDAY 21

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, TANDIA JAY & THE SHENANIGATORS

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 3PM JOCK BARNES + NANA’S PIE + MAD.DAY & LILY STEEL

■ BYRON THEATRE KATRINA AND THE GREENIES, 8PM BYRON LIVE: ICONIC

■ NORTH BYRON HOTEL 1.30PM DJ QUENDO + MONSIEUR DIOP

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 8PM LOOSE GOOSE ’SNEEZY’ TOUR + LAUREL HILL AND CHERRY NOVA

■ SUFFOLK PARK HOTEL 6PM AMIE STUART DUO

■ BANGALOW HOTEL 4PM ALBY PITMAN, 7.30PM KATRINA AND THE GREENIES

■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 12PM FELIPE BALDOMIR + DUSTY BOOTS, JORDY QUINN, JORDAN MAC, BEN WHITING, BEN CAMDEN, HAYLEY GRACE, SARAH GRANT, YAZMINDI & BENNY O’DWYER

■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 2PM & 7PM VIVID WHITE

■ WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM DJ OREN SELECTA

■ BILLINUDGEL HOTEL 4PM LOTUS AT THE NUDGE

■ CRABBES CREEK HALL 5PM CRABBES CREEK FILM SOCIETY – A COMPLETE UNKNOWN

■ WILLIAMS STREET KITCHEN & BAR, LENNOX HEAD, 6PM LUKE YEAMAN

■ CLUB LENNOX 7PM PISTOL WHIP

■ LENNOX HOTEL 8PM DJ BEATDUSTA

■ BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK 6PM ADAM GARDINER

■ CHERRY STREET SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, 8PM CATH SIMES

■ EVANS HEAD RSL 8PM MATT DAY BAND

■ LISMORE WORKERS CLUB 8PM INXSIVE & GOLD CHISEL

■ HOTEL LISMORE 9.30PM SABOTAGE

■ MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6PM STEPHEN LOVELIGHT

■ MURWILLUMBAH CIVIC CENTRE 7.30PM THE TEMPEST

■ THE CITADEL, MURWILLUMBAH, 7.30PM MIMI GILBERT AND RUBY GILL

■ SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 5PM SARAH GRANT

■ KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 5PM ROCKIN’ RON

■ KINGSCLIFF BEACH HOTEL 6PM BEN GERRANS

■ CLUB TWEED 7.30PM DISCO V ROCK

■ MO’S DESERT CLUBHOUSE, GOLD COAST, 12PM ANCIENT GATES 2 + THESE NEW SOUTH WHALES

■ COOLANGATTA HOTEL 5PM CAPTAIN THUNDEBOLT + GOT IT COVERED BAND

SUNDAY 22

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 4.30PM EPIC

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 5PM MARSHALL OKELL, VINYL SUNDAY FT RE:VRB, DUELLING PIANO BAR

■ SUFFOLK PARK HOTEL 5.30PM GINGER LANE

■ BANGALOW HOTEL 2PM EVAN AND DION

■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4PM KWASI BRUNI

■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 6PM VIVID WHITE

■ MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 3PM OPEN MIC WITH THE SWAMP CATS

■ BILLINUDGEL HOTEL 1PM AMBER ROSE WITH JACK REEVES

■ BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK 2.30PM BALLINA BLUES CLUB FEAT BASIX

■ SHAWS BAY HOTEL, BALLINA, 3PM HUSSY HICKS

■ MURWILLUMBAH CIVIC CENTRE 2PM THE TEMPEST

■ CLUB TWEED 1PM PAULLY + WHITEY

■ TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 2.30PM MURPHY’S PIGS

■ COOLANGATTA HOTEL 4PM BARNES STORM

MONDAY 23

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, LEIGH JAMES

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM ALLY PALMER

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM JEROME WILLIAMS, DJ RENEE SIMONE, DUELLING PIANO BAR

TUESDAY 24

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, TIM STOKES

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM ALISHA TODD

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM MARSHALL OKELL, DJ DAVI BANGMA, DUELLING PIANO BAR

■ TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 11AM DESPERADO

WEDNESDAY 25

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, JESSE WHITNEY

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM INO PIO

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM IZZY DAY, DJ JAMIE LOWE, DUELLING PIANO BAR

■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM VIVID WHITE

■ THE PADDOCK PROJECT, MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM CURRY JAM

■ OTTILIES, MULLUMBIMBY, 6PM MONDO HUM JAZZ QUINTET

■ KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 6.30PM KINGY COMEDY – FEAT ANDREW ROPER, JACQUES BARRETT, ELLEN BRIGGS

EPIC: ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT (PG) Thurs, Fri, Sat, Tues: 11:10AM, 8:30PM. Sun: 10:50AM. Mon: 11:10AM. Wed: 8:30PM LA GRAZIA (M) NFT Thurs, Mon, Tues: 11:00AM, 6:40PM. Fri, Sat, Sun, Wed: 11:00AM, 1:50PM PEAKING BLINDERS: THE IMMORTAL MAN (MA15+) Daily except Sat, Sun: 1:40PM, 4:10PM, 8:30PM. Sat, Sun: 1:40PM, 8:30PM

ARCO (PG) Thurs, Mon, Tues: 11:15AM, 1:50PM. Fri, Sat, Sun: 11:15AM. Wed: 11:15AM, 6:30PM GOAT (PG) NFT Daily: 11:30AM, 1:50PM, 4:10PM, 6:15PM ALL FILMS

PROJECT HAIL MARY (M) NFT Daily: 11:00AM, 1:15PM, 2:15PM, 4:20PM, 5:20PM, 6:30PM, 7:30PM READY OR NOT 2: HERE I COME (MA15+) NFT Daily: 1:45PM, 4:00PM, 8:20PM REMINDERS OF HIM (M) Thurs, Tues: 11:20AM, 1:15PM, 6:10PM. Fri, Sat: 1:15PM, 6:10PM. Sun: 6:40PM. Mon: 11:20AM, 1:15PM. Wed: 11:20AM, 6:10PM SCREAM 7 (MA15+) Thurs, Mon, Tues, Wed: 3:45PM WUTHERING HEIGHTS (M) Thurs, Mon, Tues: 11:00AM, 3:50PM, 6:40PM. Fri, Sat, Sun, Wed: 11:00AM, 4:30PM, 7:15PM

FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL 13 DAYS, 13 NIGHTS (CTC) Wed: 10:00AM A DASH OF LOVE (M) Wed: 12:30PM A PRIVATE LIFE (M) Sat: 11:50AM CASE 137 (M) Fri: 10:00AM COLOURS OF TIME (M) Thurs: 12:10PM ENZO (M) Mon: 12:10PM JEAN VALJEAN (M) Fri: 12:30PM LITTLE AMÉLIE OR THE CHARACTER OF RAIN (PG) Sat: 10:00AM RIDE AWAY (M) Tues: 10:00AM SIX DAYS IN SPRING (M) Thurs: 10:00AM THE FRENCH JOB (M) Mon: 0:00AM THE MUSICIANS (PG) Sun: 12:40PM THE RICHEST WOMAN IN THE WORLD (M) Sat: 2:10PM THE STRANGER (MA15+) Sun: 10:00AM. Tues: 12:10PM ALL FILMS EPIC: ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT (PG) Daily except Sat, Sun: 2:45PM GOAT (PG) Daily except Sat: 10:00AM, 12:15PM, 5:10PM. Sat: 9:45AM, 12:00PM HOPPERS (M) Fri: 2:45PM, 4:45PM. Sat: 10:15AM, 1:50PM, 4:45PM. Sun: 10:15AM, 2:45PM, 4:45PM PEAKY BLINDERS: THE IMMORTAL MAN (MA15+) Thurs, Mon, Tues,

7:20PM WUTHERING HEIGHTS (MA15+) Thurs, Mon, Tues, Wed: 2:20PM, 7:15PM. Fri, Sat, Sun: 7:15PM

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 o ce: Village Way, Stuart St, Mullumbimby

EMAIL ADS

Display (box ads) and line classi eds, email: 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.

DEADLINE TUES 12PM

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

RATES & PAYMENT

LINE ADS:

$17.00 for the first two lines

$5 .00 for each extra line

$17 for two lines is the minimum charge.

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

These prices include GST. Cash, cheque, Mastercard or Visa

Prepayment is required for all ads.

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

DEATH NOTICES

MICHAEL WEATHERHEAD

With sadness, the Weatherhead family in Melbourne share with you the suddden passing of our much-loved brother, Michael, on 9 March. He will be greatly missed.

AGMs

PUBLIC NOTICES

Supporting mums, building confidence together. Make a difference in a mum’s life. 0490 409 039 supportfornewmums.com.au

PUBLIC NOTICE TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

Streets Alive Brunswick Heads 2026

To facilitate the installation of the event stage and associated activities for Streets Alive Brunswick Heads, the following temporary road closure will be in place: Mullumbimbi Street, Brunswick Heads, 2483 (between Park Street and Brunswick Terrace).

Closure Period: 6am on Saturday, 28 March to 11:59pm on Sunday 29 March 2026.

To ensure the entertainment zone remains clear of vehicles, all on-street parking spaces within the road closure area will be reserved from 5am on Saturday 28 March 2026.

A signed detour route will be in place around the closure area.

For more information, please visit:  streetsalivebrunswickheads.com.au

Event Delivery Management

The Events Agency events@theeventsagency.com.au • 1300 855 270

ROAD NAMING

NOTICE OF PROPOSED NAMING OF LANES IN BILLINUDGEL

Council is naming the following laneways within Byron Shire and invites written submissions.

Council is seeking submissions regarding the naming of two unnamed lanes in Billinudgel. These lanes, located off Brunswick Street and Gerald Street, are being officially named to address local addressing issues.

Council has proposed “Gilbert & Gould Lane,” in honour of the renowned Australian poets.

Once the submission period is completed, Byron Shire Council will consider all duly made submissions before deciding whether to continue with the road naming and preferred names.

Council Ref: #E2026/21830

Enquiries: Tracy Armstrong

Telephone: 02 6626 7000

This document will be available on Council’s website at www.byron.nsw.gov.au/Public-Notice.

Submissions Close: Friday, March 20, 2026

HEALTH

COUNSELLING

karinluciagisler.com.au | 0415886113

Supporting youth, adults and families. ‘Navigate Life with Clarity’

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. Anxiety, Cravings, Fears & Trauma. Maureen Bracken 0402205352

Over 30 years of experience WendyPurdey.com. Ph 0497 090 233

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

VIVIEN

M/C # 991003002920306. Location: Murwillumbah For more information contact Yvette on 0421 831 128. Please complete our online adoption expression of interest. friendsofthepound.com/adoptionexpression-of-interest/

Ella is bursting with love and affection. Her friendly demeanour will immediately capture your heart, and her sweet nature will ensure she fits right in with any family dynamic. Her love for belly rubs is legendary, and she’s always ready to nuzzle up to receive her new favourite pastime. She thrives in a social environment, great with children and enjoys their vibrant energy. If you’re thinking about welcoming a lively, affectionate dog into your home, Ella could be the perfect addition to your family.

Re-homing #R251 00 00 60

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

On The Horizon

DEADLINE NOON FRIDAY

Who gives a Cluck? #49

Adopt a Rooster. Mr

STATE

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

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

CWA Brunswick Heads

CWA Brunswick Heads will be holding their Easter Market day on Saturday, 28 March from 8am to 1pm at our hall, located at 2A Booyun Street, Brunswick Heads. All your favourites cakes, jams, pickles craft work, plants and flowers will be there. Come early to avoid disappointment. Contact brunscwa@gmail.com for further info.

Friends of Libraries

and wish he had some girls to care for. Please help us find him a good home. Here’s the link to adopt him (#49). www.whogivesacluck.org/shop/ roosters-to-adopt/ whogivesacluck.org | @whogivesacluck

Meet Archie, Heeler x Staffy x Greyhound / Male2 years / Desexed Archie is a sweet soul who adores humans and is looking for a buddy that will look after him forever. He’s a cuddler and happy to chill alongside you. He gets on well with other dogs and knows all the obedience basics.Archie needs a

fenced area, ok with older kids, no cats or livestock Call Julia on 0458 461 935 or apply via byrondogrescue.org MC: 991003002588255

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

Mullumbimby Drill Hall

Film Society film

Our next screening is The Guard, on Wednesday, 18 March at 7pm (tonight).

Made in 2011 and filmed in County Galway, Dublin and other locations in West Island, the film has won many awards. For all bookings and enquiries please email drillhallfilmsociety@gmail.com.

Friends of Libraries (FOL) are now collecting books for next year’s Book Fair. Any books both clean and in good condition will be gratefully accepted, highlighting the need for children’s books, young adults, art, fiction, non-fiction, history, and sport, to name a few. Book drop-off will take place on the first Monday of each month between 9 and 10am, until the Book Fair in July, 2026 at the Byron Bay Self Storage Shed, 8-10 Tasman Way, Byron Arts & Industryl Estate. Donated books will be collected by a FOL member at the storage shed gate. Contact: Janene Jarvis 0407 855 022 if unable to deliver books or for any other queries.

Byron Lapidary Club

Guests are always welcome and the doors bar and kitchen open at 6.30pm. On Wednesday 15 April, the 1980 (original) film, The Gods Must Be Crazy, will screen at 7pm.

Cake can save the world!

SOCIAL ESCORTS

Meet Mushroom aka Mushy, a very handsome tabby boy with a beautiful bushy

Every month, the good women of the Bangalow CWA pick up their weapons of choice. A cake tin, some eggs, some flour, some sugar and a whole lot of love. As a grassroots organisation dedicated to improving the welfare of women, children and the vulnerable, the making and baking of cakes for the monthly cake stall is how they raise the much needed funds to support the good work of Liberation Larder, Fletcher Street Cottage, The Winsome Hotel, The SHIFT Project Byron Bay and the Bangalow Community Pantry. The next cake stall is on Saturday, 28 March from 8am–1pm at the CWA Rooms in Bangalow, 31 Byron Street, Bangalow. While you are there, why not find out about becoming a member?

Friday, 20 March, Byron Lapidary Club are having a street stall, located near the taxi rank, between 9am and 2pm. There will be wonderful mineral specimens and locally-made jewellery available.

Lismore rainforest walk

Sunday, 29 March from 10am there will be a guided walk with Tim at Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens. Tim will walk you through the Wilson’s Park Species Garden, dedicated to the plants which were growing in Lismore at the time of the Big Scrub. Walk is easy and unpaved, for one hour. Wear sturdy shoes. Adults $5, children free. Bookings email publicity@friendslrbg.com. au. Join the Friends for morning tea after the walk. Gold coin donation appreciated. Meet Tim at the Environmental Education Centre 9.45am, gates open 9am.

Voluntary assisted dying book

14:07 0.43 17 TU 6:47 19:01 4:36 17:53 08:19 1.71 20:35 1.40 01:36 0.39 14:37 0.35

18 W 6:48 19:00 5:37 18:25 08:56 1.74 21:15 1.51 02:17 0.32 15:08 0.28 19 TH 6:48 18:58 6:39 18:56 09:32 1.73 21:55 1.61 03:00 0.28 15:39 0.23

20 F 6:49 18:57 7:42 19:29 10:08 1.68 22:35 1.69 03:43 0.27 16:12 0.21

21 SA 6:49 18:56 8:47 20:05 10:45 1.59 23:18 1.73 04:29 0.30 16:45 0.22

22 SU 6:50 18:55 9:56 20:45 11:25 1.46 05:19 0.37 17:21 0.27

23 M 6:50 18:54 11:06 21:33 00:03 1.74 12:08 1.31 06:16 0.46 18:00 0.35

24 TU 6:51 18:53 12:16 22:28 00:55 1.70 12:59 1.17 07:26 0.55 18:45 0.44

25 W 6:52 18:51 13:23 23:30 01:56 1.64 14:08 1.05 08:50 0.61 19:47 0.53

26 TH 6:52 18:50 14:23 03:14 1.60 15:46 1.01 10:20 0.61

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

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

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

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

3rd SUN: Federal Village Market – 8am–2pm Uki Buttery Bazaar Market – 8am–2pm Pottsville Beach Markets – 7am–1pm Lismore City Bowlo Markets – 9am–1pm

3rd SUN (Dec & Jan): Byron Community Market – 8am–3pm

4th SAT: Kyogle Bazaar – 9am–2pm

Last SAT: Evans Head Rotary Market – 8am–1pm

4th SUN: Bangalow Market – 8am–2.30pm Nimbin Markets – 9am–3pm Murwillumbah Showground Market – 8am–1pm

4th SUN (in a 5-Sunday month): Coolangatta Arts & Crafts – 8am–2pm

5th SUN: Nimbin Markets – 8.30am–3pm

Seasonal: Byron Beachside Market – four times a year: Wed 7th Jan 2026, Easter, July and Sept

FARMERS/WEEKLY MARKETS:

Each TUE: New Brighton Farmers Market – 8am–11am Lismore Organic Market – 7.30am–10.30am

Each WED: Murwillumbah Farmers Market – 7am–11am

Nimbin Farmers Market – 3pm–6pm Newrybar Hall Twilight Market – 3pm–7.30pm

Each THU: Byron Bay Farmers Market – 7am–11am

Lismore Produce Market – 3pm–6pm

Each FRI: Mullumbimby Farmers Market – 7am–11am

Sexy Menopause

In celebration of International Women’s Day, join us at Byron Bay Library for the event, Sexy Menopause, with author Lisa Fitzpatrick. A powerful and enlightening women’s health talk focused on menopause. Ahead of her new book Sexy Menopause, Lisa reframes aging as an awakening and a time to step into your sensual, soulful and sovereign power. Thursday, 19 March at 3.30pm. Bookings online www.rtrl.nsw.gov or 6685 8540.

Writer Char Weeks, a regular visitor to Byron Bay for more than 36 years, is seeking to speak with local people who have experienced the loss of a loved one through voluntary assisted dying. She is currently writing a book tentatively titled When Someone You Love Chooses Voluntary Assisted Dying, which explores the experiences of families and friends who find themselves living alongside that decision. The book takes a careful, balanced approach and focuses on the lived experiences of those close to the person at the centre of the decision. Conversations can take place in person or via Zoom. Anyone interested in reading the book synopsis, or willing to speak confidentially about their experience, is warmly invited to get in touch. Contact charweeks036@gmail.com.

Regular As Clockwork

DEADLINE NOON FRIDAY

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

Byron Seniors

Join our friendly group for cards. We play 500 at a local venue. No charge.

For enquiries, message Nancy on 0498 480 373.

Soul song

Community-led singing, devotional uplifting songs, short meditation, inspiring readings, non-denominal.

Held first and third Sundays from 10-11.30am at the Scout Hall, Bangalow Showgrounds. All welcome.

For more info call Sue 0402 052 457.

Seniors activities at the

Byron Community Cabin

Bruns U3A

Lifelong learning for retired folk in their third age. Our 2026 groups are up and running. Tuesday forum, garden group, foodies, movie/lunch group, men’s shed, French revisited, Scottish folk dance, mahjong, walkers and talkers, shabashi, table tennis, chess, debating group and ukelele group. Contact Denise 0423 778 573 or info@bru3a.org.

Seniors activities at the Byron Community Cabin, Carlyle St, Byron Bay:  Seniors Chair Yoga Tuesday and Fridays, 10-11am – Contact Pippy 0421 926 785, by donation. Free Tai Chi with Baz – Tuesdays 11.15am till 12.15pm, Thursdays 2pm till 3pm. Still Here Theatre – Senior’s theatre group. All ages welcome to our fun drama and theatre workshops. Thursdays 10am to 12pm at the cabin. By donation. Contact Brin on 0423 120 280.

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

Property Insider

This is Your Dream Property

Astute purchasers will instantly recognise the exceptional opportunity this productive working farm presents. Set across an expansive flood-free 23 hectares, the property offers the perfect combination of rural tranquillity, business potential, and lifestyle appeal. With convenient access to the highway whilst still maintaining a quiet and serene setting, this unique property delivers the best of both worlds, peaceful country living with excellent connectivity to surrounding centres and services.

Lovingly maintained and tightly held by one owner for more than 40 years, this property carries a rich story of care, dedication, and success. For over four decades it has been nurtured and developed into a thriving small-scale agricultural enterprise.

At the heart of the property is a charming three-bedroom cottage nestled among an abundance of beautiful frangipani trees. The home provides a comfortable and welcoming retreat surrounded by the natural beauty of the farm. Inside, the timber kitchen offers warmth and practicality, creating a homely space for everyday living. A wood heater adds cosy charm during cooler months, while a

split system ensures comfort throughout the year. The cottage blends rustic character with simple functionality, making it an ideal residence for those seeking a relaxed rural lifestyle.

The farm itself is exceptionally well equipped with infrastructure designed to support ongoing productivity and convenience. A huge machinery shed provides ample space for equipment, tools, and storage, ensuring the property is well prepared for farming operations. Attached to the shed is an additional shower and powder room, adding practicality for those working on the land. A large dam further enhances the property’s functionality, offering a valuable water source and contributing to the overall sustainability of the farm.

Additional enclosed workers’ accommodation is also located on the property, providing flexible space for staff, visitors, or extra storage depending on the needs of the new owner. These practical features combine to make the property highly functional for a range of agricultural or horticultural pursuits.

■ Contact Jay Williams 0411 196 580 or Anastasia Howard 0407 838 097

Ocean Reserve Front Lot - First Time Offered in 37 Years

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Positioned on the tightly held Headlands Estate, this is arguably the finest ocean view land available. A truly rare offering, where every day feels like paradise. Beautiful one day, perfect the next this exceptional parcel of land captures breathtaking ocean and beach views across the sparkling Pacific. Wake each morning to the soothing sound of rolling surf, stroll across the reserve to miles of golden sand, and finish your day with a refreshing dip in the blue pacific.

• Five minutes to Lennox Head and Ballina

• Walking distance to St Anne’s Long Day Care Centre, Holy Family Primary School and Xavier Catholic College

• Close to the proposed Aureus Village Centre adding even further lifestyle appeal

Opportunities like this are exceptionally rare. Embrace the chance to secure a premium coastal address and build your dream home at 4 Bradman Court a location where a lifetime of memories awaits.

5 3 4 2.87 acres* CONTACT AGENT

Set in the highly sought-after ridgeline enclave of Richmond Hill, this beautifully renovated residence captures breathtaking panoramic views across rolling farmland to the Nightcap Ranges. Perfectly oriented to the north-east, the home enjoys cooling coastal breezes, warm morning sun and year-round natural comfort. Built by a respected local master builder and recently updated throughout, it features Blackbutt timber floors, generous living spaces and an open kitchen, dining and lounge flowing to an elevated alfresco entertaining area. A private master wing with ensuite and balcony, additional bedrooms, a separate living space, office or studio with private entrance, and a downstairs games room provide flexible living in a spectacular rural setting just minutes from local amenities.

amirprestige.com.au FOR SALE

OLIVER HALLOCK 0419 789 600 oliver @amirprestige.com.au

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This private executive residence, beautifully positioned to capture spectacular views over the lush Wardrop Valley. Set on approximately 3.04 hectares (7.5 acres), this solidly built, fully renovated home has been designed with lifestyle, comfort, and functionality in mind. From tranquil water ponds at the entrance to expansive recreational facilities, this property delivers an enviable balance of acreage privacy and resort-style living.

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Across the past four decades, the current owners have carefully regenerated the landscape through extensive reforestation projects, planting hardwoods, rare timbers and native species. In 2020, the property was officially accepted into the Land for Wildlife program, recognised by Tweed Shire Council for its ecological value. The land features multiple natural first-order watercourses and two impressive spring-fed dams-one set directly behind the homestead and a second featuring a marina-grade ramp leading to your own private swimming hole.

Property / Business Directory

STREET, BRUNSWICK HEADS

63 LIZRAY ROAD, FEDERAL

Property Business Directory

Open For Inspection

First National Byron Bay

• 2 Whian Road, Eureka. Wed 5-5.30pm

• 8 Cassia Court, Mullumbimby. Thurs 12-12.30pm

• 2 Palm Place, Byron Bay. Thurs 12-12.30pm

• 5/124 Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay. Thurs 12.30-1pm

• 4/6 Julian Rocks Drive, Byron Bay. Thurs 3.30-4pm

• 35A Belongil Crescent, Byron Bay. Thurs 4-4.30pm

• 10/47-49 Shirley Street, Byron Bay. Fri 12.30-1pm

• 10 Glasgow Street, Suffolk Park. Fri 2.30-3pm

• 134 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby. Fri 3-3.30pm

• 109 Motts Street, Upper Main Arm. Fri 4-4.30pm

• 142 Phoenix Drive, Tintenbar. Sat 9-9.30am

• 50 Sunrise Boulevard, Byron Bay. Sat 9-9.30am

• 7/27 Kalemajere Drive, Suffolk Park. Sat 9-9.30am

• 93 Paterson Street, Byron Bay. Sat 9.30-10am

• 20 Oakland Court, Byron Bay. Sat 10-10.30am

• 20 Taylors Lane, Ewingsdale. Sat 10-10.30am

• 22 Main Arm Road, Mullumbimby. Sat 10-10.30am

• 1/7 Cooper Street, Byron Bay. Sat 10-10.30am

• 29/6-8 Browning Street, Byron Bay. Sat 10-10.30am

• 517 Friday Hut Road, Brooklet. Sat 10-10.30am

• 2/122 Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay. Sat 10-10.30am

• 8 Cassia Court, Mullumbimby. Sat 10.30-11am

• 5 Botanic Court, Mullumbimby. Sat 11-11.30am

• 7/37 Childe Street, Byron Bay. Sat 11-11.30am

• 2/113 Paterson Street, Byron Bay. Sat 11-11.30am

• 134 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 11-11.30am

• 234A Bangalow Road, Byron Bay. Sat 11-11.30am

• 6 Roses Road, Federal. Sat 11.30am-12pm

• 35A Belongil Crescent, Byron Bay. Sat 11.30am-12pm

• 1/6 Hazelwood Close, Suffolk Park. Sat 11.30am-12pm

• 1/113A Paterson Street, Byron Bay. Sat 12-12.30pm

• 2 Whian Road, Eureka. Sat 12-12.30pm

• 56 Ruskin Lane, Byron Bay. Sat 12-12.30pm

• 1675 Dunoon Road, Dunoon. Sat 12.15-12.45pm

• 93 Station Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 12.30-1pm

• 19 Armstrong Street, Suffolk Park. Sat 12.30-1pm

• 119 Hunters Hill Road, Corndale. Sat 1-1.30pm

• 2 Palm Place, Byron Bay. Sat 1-1.30pm

• 109 Motts Road, Upper Main Arm. Sat 2.30-3pm

Harcourts Northern Rivers 6686 1100

• 4 Seaward Street, Lennox Head. Sat 9.30-10am

• 16 Sand Street, Skenners Head. Sat 10-10.30am

• 12 Clare Street, Alstonville. Sat 10-10.30am

• 3/20 The Terrace, East Ballina. Sat 10.15-10.45am

• 83 Tanamera Drive, Alstonville. Sat 10.45-11.15am

• 428 Old Bagotville Road, Bagotville. Sat 11.15-11.45am

• 19 Dalmacia Drive, Wollongbar. Sat 11.45am-12.15pm

Tim Miller Real Estate

• 3 Rifle Range Road, Wollongbar. Sat 9–9.30am

• 40 Booyun Street, Brunswick Heads. Sat 10.15–10.45am

• 63 Lizray Road, Federal. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 23 Sheaffes Road, Goonengerry. Sat 12.30–1pm

• 31 Charlotte Street, Bangalow. Sat 1.45–2.15pm

• 1041 Bangalow Road, Bexhill. Sat 3–3.30pm

Ruth Russell Realty

• 19 Yamble Drive Ocean Shores Sat. 11–11:45 am

NEW LISTINGS:

First National Byron Bay

• 109 Motts Road, Upper Main Arm

• 43 Beech Drive, Suffolk Park

• 5/124 Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay

• 2 Whian Road, Eureka

Backlash

After locals alerted The Echo to confusing parking signage in Brunswick Heads that had ‘angled parking’ lines drawn on the road and ‘parallel parking’ signs, Byron Shire Council has responded to questions on the issue saying it, ‘acknowledges that some parking signage near the post office at Brunswick Heads was confusing and staff are updating the signs to make sure they are clear and easy to understand. We apologise for any confusion.’

Karoline Leavitt has finally admitted what opponents of the SAVE America Act have said all along, that it ‘would require married women and anyone else who has changed their name to re-register before they vote’ essentially de-registering approximately 69 million American women(https:// www.americanprogress. org/article/the-save-actoverview-and-facts/). Of course it also includes a federal law to stop transgender women competing in women’s sports – though no one has yet worked out why this is included in a bill apparently about voting legislation!

Why the hell are Australian’s expected to pay a possible $1 million for the expenses of Harry and Meghan to visit Australia? They stepped down from royal duties in 2020. That money can be far better spent supporting actual Australians who are currently struggling to find housing, or are impacted by domestic violence, or in a million other worthy ways. You can sign the change.org petition ‘No Taxpayer Funding or Official Support for

Harry & Meghan’s Private Visit to Australia’ at: www.change.org/p/notaxpayer-funding-or-officialsupport-for-harry-meghans-private-visit-to-australia. Kids, it’s time to pay your own way.

Correction: Jennifer St George was the first female chair of the Byron Writers Festival Board from 2017 to 2018. Courtney Miller is the current, and second, female chair of the board.

As Trump bombs for ‘fun’ in the Middle East and calls on other countries to reopen the Strait of Hormuz it has been reported that a senior Israeli official told Axios ‘We are going to do what we did in Gaza’ in southern Lebanon.