The Byron Shire Echo Issue 40.42 – March 25, 2026

Aslan Shand

Predictions for the Tweed Rail Trail of 25,000 users a year have been blown out of the water, with the last two years seeing over 90,000 users a year, Pat Grier, President of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Supporters told The Echo

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail now has two sections open and the final section between Crabbes Creek at the northern edge of Byron Shire through to Lismore is the final section waiting to be funded and built.

Once completed, the 132km Northern Rivers Rail Trail will be one of the longest rail trails in Australia, linking a dynamic range of places across the Northern Rivers and providing a safe, car-free path for walking, cycling and exploring the region.

Sign up your support

‘A joint funding application from Byron and Lismore Councils to complete the missing section has now been awaiting a decision from the federal government for around 16 months,’ said Pat.

‘With Byron Shire Council recently reaffirming its support for the project, Northern Rivers Rail Trail Supporters are now turning to the community to help demonstrate the strength of local backing for finishing the trail. We need to create as much noise, and collect as many names in support as we can, to show state and federal politicians how important funding the missing link is.’

Throw your support behind the need to complete the rail trail at: www.northernriversrailtrail.com. au/SUPPORT.

More than a bike trail

Along with a range of business opportunities that came with the rail trail, it also gives people access to nature, cycling, walking, and connects communities.

‘What makes the rail trail so important is its accessibility and inclusiveness. It’s not just for cyclists – it’s used by walkers, families with prams, people in wheelchairs, older residents, runners. It’s one of the few spaces where people of all ages and abilities can safely share the same experience, which is incredibly rare,’ said Tracey McDonagh from Cycling Without Age in Burringbar, who give people an opportunity to get out in the

community again for free and experience these environments, particularly seniors and people with disabilities.

Gloria, who was a keen cyclist most of her life, but has lost the mobility required to continue riding, travelled by bus from Coffs Harbour to the Tweed Rail Trail where Cycling Without Age in Burringbar have given her the opportunity to experience cycling again.

‘I was thrilled when I heard about the volunteers who offer this exciting tour for free,’ she told The Echo

‘Completing the link between Crabbes Creek and Lismore would unlock the full 132km corridor,

creating a continuous trail that connects towns, supports local businesses, and strengthens regional tourism,’ said Tracey.

‘But beyond the economic benefits, it’s about social connection – giving people a safe, welcoming space to get outdoors, improve their health and wellbeing, and engage with their community.

‘Parents and kids use it to get to school. A local high school now has a fleet of bikes as a sports choice, and we regularly see them on the rail trail with their teachers. Burringbar Public School uses it for exercise and nature studies for their students. It has health benefits for everyone – to exercise and explore somewhere safe.’

Vale – revered Northern Rivers Elder Rhoda Roberts

Elder, storyteller, and Widjabul Wieybal woman from the Bundjalung Nation, Rhoda Roberts AO, who grew up in Lismore, passed away on Saturday, 21 March.

‘The Roberts-Field family are heartbroken to announce that our beautiful Rhoda Roberts has returned to The Dreaming on Saturday, 21 March at 1pm,’ her family said on Ms Roberts’ Instagram page.

‘She passed peacefully in hospital after a seven-month fight with a very rare type of ovarian cancer.’

Ms Robert started her career as a nurse, despite being refused the chance to study nursing locally. Her mother took her to Sydney to study, where she became a registered nurse in 1979.

Ms Roberts worked across the arts industry becoming a dynamic force across Australian cultural institutions and introduced the term ‘Welcome to Country’. She became the first Aboriginal person to host a prime-time current affairs program, SBS’s Vox Populi, in 1990, The Guardian has stated.

Ms Roberts is also credited with having co-founded the Aboriginal National Theatre Trust in 1988 and launching The Dreaming festival/ Garrabadu in 1995, to ‘sing the water alive’.

She went on to become an award-winning producer, artistic director, journalist, broadcaster, actor, curator and advisor, as acknowledged by SBS.

Warning for Indigenous readers that the article on page 18 and online shows an image of an Aboriginal person who has died.

Byron’s youth street cruise program to go – but what’s

Paul Bibby

A long-running street-level support service for young people in Byron Bay will be phased out after 25 years of operation, following a review by Byron Shire Council (BSC).

But Council has promised to work with the Byron Youth Service (BYS) to develop an alternative youth program and to fund this project into the future.

The Byron Street Cruise Program has been running since 2001, with youth workers from BYS providing outreach support to young people in Byron Bay’s town centre on Friday nights.

But late last year Council engaged consultants Beacon Strategies to evaluate the program’s impact, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.

The review recommended that Council move away from the current model, advising against maintaining or significantly expanding Street Cruise in its existing form.

With Council staff backing this recommendation, councillors voted last week to implement the proposed changes, which effectively puts an end to the Street Cruise Program.

Safe space for youth

However, the Council has agreed to work with BYS to develop a replacement youth safety initiative.

One option emerging from the review is a supervised ‘safe place’ where young people can gather on weekend nights rather than relying solely on street-based outreach.

Council has also agreed to fund this project into the future, rather than requiring BYS to reapply for funding as had been originally proposed.

Mayor Sarah Ndiaye told the meeting it was critical that Council maintain strong, stable support for local youth services.

‘I think it is high time that we revised our approach to how we support the Youth Activities Centre (YAC),’

Cr Ndiaye said.

‘I have spoken to staff at the YAC, and they’re happy to go through this process.’

The mayor said she backed a model that recognised the YAC as core youth infrastructure rather than leaving the service to continually compete for short-term grants.

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‘As someone who really values the work that is done by the youth service, and also considering that we have placed a major piece of infrastructure, the skate park, right next door to it, we have an ongoing obligation, really, to help support them,’ she said.

‘I don’t want them to have to spend a whole lot of energy every year, or every three years, having to make funding applications again. I’m happy for there to be funding requirements for them to report back, but I just didn’t feel comfortable with that.’

Street Cruise ‘rain, hail or shine’

Speaking via a statement read during public access, Christian Tancred from BYS said the Street Cruise initiative had played a unique role in the Shire.

‘The Street Cruise Program is unique and has filled a very specific need for young people and families in the Byron Shire for many years,’ he said.

He highlighted the contribution of volunteers and frontline workers who keep the program operating.

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‘I acknowledge the many volunteers, casual staff, and behind the scenes individuals who have made their own contributions to the Street Cruise Program.

Special mention

‘A very special mention goes to Deb Pearse, our most senior and experienced youth worker, and David Dalton, who is a specialist drug and alcohol worker, who have both been the mainstay of Street Cruise in my time at BYS.

‘This pair have supported countless young people, rain, hail or shine, through the Street Cruise Program.’

Mr Tancred said the service accepted the findings of Council’s review and would continue collaborating on solutions, while warning key risks remain.

‘We accept the findings of the tabled report, and we will continue to work with our colleagues at BSC to find ways of collective impact.’

‘Our concern about the level of alcohol and drug use and related problems for young people in our community remains.’

$50 hitches a ride from Main Arm

It was the hitchhiker, ‘a young bloke from Upper Main Arm’ who lost $50 from his back pocket in Sapoty Brook’s car. As he never collected his dosh Sapoty created an alternative to The Echo and Creative Mullum’s Short Story Competition – a 50-word opportunity to all Echo readers to write a letter to the editor to decide ‘what I should do with the $50’.

The heated competition led to Sapoty telling The Echo that, while ‘adoring the full moon, and considering jumping off 50 stories in expensive underwear, I decided to brave “Hell or Highwater”. The $50 will go to the weapons required to stop Roundup and it’s insidious green camouflage. But who is the zealous leader of the insurrection?’

When his ‘knight in shiny respirator’ ended up in hospital Sapoty told The Echo that, ‘after the difficulty I went through to get this going in the right direction I was left with only one option. I have teamed up with The Echo’s story comp containing the word hitchhiker and donated the $50 to the youth competition for a second prize.

‘I’m not putting my story in because I don’t like collecting the hitchhikers in shorts!’

Mullum Moth

Enjoy readings from finalists in the story comp on Monday, 30 March at the Top Pub in Mullum. It will be judged on the night by guest judges with encouragement from the audience. Grab your tickets for $15/20 now on www.creativemullum.org.au.

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Bruns Streets Alive cancelled – but shows are going on

Aslan Shand

The Streets Alive event planned for Brunswick Heads this weekend, 28–29 March, has been cancelled, a Bluesfest spokesperson told The Echo.

The event was linked to Bluesfest and was part of the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program, supported by Transport for NSW.

‘While this outcome is disappointing, we appreciate the support provided through the Open Streets Program, which aims to create vibrant, peoplefocused community experiences,’ said Bluesfest.

Events Agency organsiers have said, ‘any stallholder payments received as part of the application have been refunded’.

This has been followed by a Transport for NSW spokesperson who told The Echo that, ‘Transport is currently working through the implications of the unfortunate liquidation of Bluesfest Byron Bay and its planned Open Streets event. Transport is seeking legal advice on next steps and the potential recovery of funds paid to Bluesfest Byron Bay Pty Ltd to date. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time, as this matter is currently still subject to liquidation proceedings.’

Easter weekend fun

While Bluesfest and Streets Alive have been cancelled there are a range of events happening throughout the

shire with some musicians like Taj Farrant, who will be playing at the Byron Bowling Club on 4 April, choosing to play at alternative venues.

Mayor Sarah Ndiaye told The Echo that while Byron Shire Council ‘had genuinely hoped the festival could go ahead, ultimately the funding body made the decision not to proceed.’ The ‘Easter weekend line-up in Brunswick looks sensational, and there are other great line-ups throughout the Shire including Mullumbimby and Byron Bay so hopefully that will help ease the pain.’

■ Keep your eye out for next week’s Echo and online: www.echo.net.au to find out who’s playing where.

Holding Ground – our fragile landscapes

Rosebank resident Gavin Wilson has brought together 17 artists exploring the fragility of landscapes across NSW and the communities working to protect them for the exhibition Holding Ground at the S.H. Ervin Gallery on Gadigal Country in Sydney.

Multiple Northern Rivers artists are represented including photographers Mac Maderski and Mark Seiffert and artist Lae Oldmeadow.

Maderski and Seiffert are exhibiting works documenting the threatened Wallum landscape at Brunswick Heads, while artist Oldmeadow presents a striking series of works reflecting on nature and place.

‘We’re in the midst of a climate crisis,’ said curator Wilson.

‘The essence of Holding Ground is simply an affirmation of what matters – and what needs to be held close.’

The exhibition was officially opened by actor and Northern Rivers creative Nell

Schofield, who spoke about the power of art to reconnect people with the natural world.

‘Statistics haven’t made us wake up to our reality on planet Earth,’ Schofield said. ‘This is where art comes in, because art has this incredible ability to stir us on an emotional level and get us to think completely differently about the landscape.’

The exhibition runs at the S.H. Ervin Gallery at The Rocks until 3 May.

Fun at this week’s Pro Adaptive Surfing event

Adaptive surfers from around the world are in Byron for this week’s annual, Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships. Six times world champion, Byron local and International legend, Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart and his wife Debbie were honoured by participants and onlookers as he led the Adaptive Surfers as they paraded through the streets of Byron to the foreshore festival village. The competition is scheduled to happen all week. For daily schedules and precise locations along Clarkes Beach, Main Beach and the Pass, check out the event’s website www.adaptivesurfproaustralia.com.

Lennox Alive free launch this Thursday

Business Lennox Head, the town’s Chamber of Commerce, are looking forward to bringing a diverse monthly night-time program of hospitality, arts, music, comedy and cultural experiences to the town on the second Saturday of the month from August called Lennox Alive.

Launch event

They are hosting a free community event this Thursday, 26 March at the Lennox Hotel from 5.30pm to 7pm for people to come together, find out more about the program, and connect with the business collective and the wider community.

Alexander Sharkey, Vice

President of Business Lennox Head, said the initiative ‘reflects a collaborative effort from across the local business and community sector.’

‘Love Lennox showed us that people are eager to come together and celebrate what makes this town special, but businesses told us one great event a year isn’t enough to support shopfronts throughout the year.

‘The goal is simple: build a dependable monthly rhythm that strengthens local businesses, connects community organisations, and ensures Lennox offers a vibrant after-dark economy with something for everyone.

‘Local businesses, cultural

and community groups, sporting organisations and local organisations will come together to deliver this exciting, diverse program.

‘The program will also celebrate Indigenous culture, creating opportunities for Indigenous artists, performers and storytellers to share culture, art and knowledge.

‘Join us for the first networking event of the year this Thursday where we will officially unveil more details about Lennox Alive and how you can be a part of it. Grazing table and drinks will be provided.’

Find out more and get a free ticket here: www.businesslennoxhead.com.au.

Merivale

development approved as neighbours warn of noise, parking and ‘act first, ask later’ approach

Paul Bibby

Byron Shire councillors have signed off on hotel giant Merivale’s modified plan to turn the former Cheeky Monkeys site into a large restaurant and bar, despite ongoing concerns from nearby residents about noise, parking and school safety.

The development, a modified version of Merivale’s previous plans, will see a large-scale, late-night venue covering approximately 1,700 square metres built on the Jonson Street site.

It will accommodate up to 455 patrons, 40 staff, and feature two of Merivale’s chain venues – Totti’s and Jimmy’s Falafel.

Approved with conditions at last week’s Council meeting, the modified development application will see outdoor dining hours limited to 10pm and indoor trading limited to midnight under a 12-month trial.

Merivale will also be required to run a shuttle bus service to reduce parking demand, with detailed monitoring and quarterly reporting of the bus service included as a condition of consent.

However, residents speaking at the meeting questioned whether the town’s already strained streets and mixed-use neighbourhood could absorb the new venue, particularly given that Byron Bay Public School is just 70 metres away.

They warned that the development would push noise and traffic deeper into an area that already struggles with school drop-off and late-night crowds.

Parking and noise key issues

Speakers pointed to the narrow surrounding streets, existing congestion and the number of children walking and cycling to the nearby primary school, urging councillors not to ‘experiment’ with safety in a busy school precinct.

Those submissions fed into a lengthy debate later in the meeting, where councillors ultimately signed off on the amended conditions for the development.

Mayor Sarah Ndiaye (Greens) told the meeting that she had gone to see Merivale’s other sites in action before deciding how to vote.

‘I’ve gone to other suburbs and seen the Ivy Bar, seen how these other Totti’s are operating, and they look like well-oiled machines,’ Cr Ndiaye said.

‘They’re very well patronised, and they seem to be very well run. So hopefully it will be a good addition to that end of town that’s really sat dormant for pretty much a decade.’

However, the mayor also acknowledged that residents living behind and around the site would be affected.

‘People who live around there have gotten used to there not being that vibrancy there,’ she said.

‘People who’ve gotten used to waking up to no noise… will be affronted, no doubt, because people being around does create some level of noise.’

Much of the debate centred on parking and traffic.

The development will rely, at least in part, on a shuttle bus to offset a shortfall in on-site spaces, with councillors warning that enforcement would be crucial.

‘Long story short, we will [enforce] through compliance action… I’m pretty sure if the shuttle bus isn’t working, we are going to be able to control

Wearing it pink for community preschools

Community preschools across NSW participated in a ‘wear it pink’ campaign last Wednesday to raise awareness about the lack of funding from NSW government for not-for-profit community preschools. Educators pinked it up to highlight how much less educators in community preschools get paid than those in private childcare sector get. Nikki Farrell from Brunswick’s Lilly Pilly Community School said, ‘there is lot of inequity in the sector.’

that,’ Councillor Michael Lyon (Independent) said.

‘It is a consent condition. It must be complied with, and it must do what it’s required to do, which is to remove the need for those car parks.’

Councillors acknowledged the cumulative impact of more cars and ride-share traffic in streets already busy with school drop-off and pick-up, and several flagged that broader traffic and school-zone issues on Jonson, Middleton, and Kingsley streets would need

separate attention in future transport plans.

Noise from the proposed courtyard – which faces homes in the apartment building behind the site – was another key concern, highlighted both by public access speakers and councillors.

Residents told Council they feared ‘noise pollution spewing from the courtyard’ late into the evening.

Councillor Jack Dods (Independent) said the concerns were ‘really valid’, but argued the conditions

imposed – including a 10pm closure for the main outdoor area – were enough to ‘ameliorate’ the impact.

‘They do live in a commercial zone in the middle of a busy, vibrant town centre, and so that’s a trade-off I think that people living in a situation like that are capable of stomaching,’ Cr Dods said.

Councillors backed the project with strengthened conditions on hours, noise, and transport, effectively green-lighting Merivale’s plans.

Pouches looking for forever homes

Welcome Mrs Annabelle Hemsworth, B Oral Health (Uni Melb)

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exploring the hinterland, visiting local farmers’ markets.

On Saturday, 14 March it was time to team up pouches with possible forever homes at the Stone & Wood Tasting Room at Byron’s Arts and Industry Estate. Getting to know one another were Jack with Callie and Tyson (with the loose face), and Raffie with Nash. Find out more at: https://willowtreesanctuary.com.au. Photo Jeff ‘Dog Gone’ Dawson

Byron Public’s forest of koalas exhibition

Aslan Shand

For Byron Public School kids learning about the world, the environment, koalas and how it all interacts has been lots of fun over the last 12 months.

As part of their school’s sustainability program geographer and artist Amanda Bromfield has been working with the children across the school looking at how to protect natural ecosystems and native species from deforestation and loss of habitat.

‘If I was working with the little kids, I’d dress in my koala suit, and I’d take my books in and my toy koalas and we would play and talk about the environment and what was going on. With the bigger kids I could get into meatier topics and talk about thylacines (Tasmanian tigers), and what’s happened in the world,’ explained Amanda.

‘I love teaching at all different levels and love to make learning interesting and fun.’ Koalas in action

From there they have gone on to make an exhibition of 500 clay koalas with almost every child and teacher at the school making one. It opens this Saturday, 28 March at the Lone Goat Gallery at the Byron Bay Library, 28 Lawson Street, Byron Bay, for five weeks.

‘They’re amazing because the kids have got so much talent. It’s a whole selfexpression. We had some Zorro koalas, skateboard koalas – the whole idea was they put themselves into it and make something that is them, and then they get to exhibit it at the gallery, which I think is just so amazing.’

Throughout the exhibition Amanda will be running clay koala workshops for children and young people as well as artists talks. Find out more at www.lonegoatgallery.com.

Two men survive hinterland hit-and-run

Mia Armitage

Two men have allegedly survived a hit-and-run in the Byron hinterland last Friday, one of them also surviving a strangling.

Both men were taken to hospital, police said, one with critical injuries and the other with serious head injuries, after the early morning violence in Coorabell.

A 41-year-old man, Shaun Leonard Leitch, is due to face court in May, accused of two counts of wounding someone with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Hit-and-run accused found in Mullum

Emergency services were reportedly called to a property on Fowlers Lane at Coorabell around 6.30am on Friday, 20 March. Officers were told two people had been run over by a car, leaving a 54-year-old man trapped underneath.

Mr Leitch is alleged to have been behind the wheel but then to have gotten out and strangled the other man, a 38-year-old, before driving off.

Police say a passerby rendered first aid to both alleged victims until

paramedics arrived, treating the 54-year old for significant facial and upper body injuries and the 38-year-old for head injuries.

The older man was taken to Gold Coast Hospital in a critical condition while the younger man was taken to Tweed Valley Hospital in a serious condition.

Police said they arrested Mr Leitch a short time later in Mullumbimby before taking him to Byron Bay Police Station and seizing the vehicle for forensic examination.

Bail was refused pending a court appearance in Lismore Local Court on 20 May.

Renewed call for Richmond River Commission

Paul Bibby

A renewed push to establish a Richmond River Commission has been backed by Rous County Council (RCC), with RCC councillors voting overwhelmingly to lobby the NSW government for stronger action to restore the health of the region’s major waterway.

At its 18 February meeting, the council resolved to reaffirm its support for the creation of a Richmond River Commission with a dedicated commissioner, ongoing funding, and statutory powers to improve the health of river, including its catchment, tributaries, and estuary.

The motion also calls on NSW ministers and MPs to support long-term funding for the Northern Rivers Watershed Initiative and to consider establishing a stateled revolving land acquisition fund and voluntary covenant program for the purchase of low-lying agricultural land, based on earlier work through the Council’s Operation Recovery project.

Strong action needed

Councillor Elia Hauge (Byron) who moved the motion said the river’s worsening condition showed stronger government commitment was needed.

‘The reality is that we are just not seeing the funding and the regulation needed to move the river health forward,’ Cr Hauge said.

Stakeholder collaboration

‘There is report after report after report that details, in scientific terms, the dire health of the river system.’

‘But there is something to be said for coming together, to be on the ground, and to be able to collaborate in place for the sake of the river,’ she said.

Krieg pushes back

All councillors supported the motion except Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg who voted against.

Cr Krieg said he was not convinced a new commission would solve the problem.

‘Our river is in desperate need of help, I just can’t see a commission, and we’ve all received the lobbying letters about having a commissioner and different things like that,’ he said.

‘We all know the problems. I don’t believe personally that a commissioner or another commission is the answer to this.’

Cr Krieg also questioned whether a new body was necessary when water authorities already had responsibilities for the river.

‘What’s our role as a water authority if our role is not to take the lead on things and to drive the funding and to get the work done?’ he asked.

The RCC will now write to relevant NSW ministers, MPs and members of the Richmond River Catchment Partnership Steering Committee inviting them to discuss the proposal and visit sites of river degradation and restoration.

Northern Rivers hemp field trip success

The hemp field trip began with visits to hemp shops in Mullumbimby before travelling to Eureka to tour two remarkable hemp homes, showcasing the benefits of hemp-based construction and sustainable building materials built by Permastructure. On day two they headed to Nimbin to visit Northern Rivers Hemp, followed by a Hempstone workshop exploring innovative hemp-based material. Find out more at www.ihempnsw.org.au.

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Man accused of axing ‘associate’ at Bruns

A man accused of using an axe to strike someone (described by police as his associate) in the head in Brunswick Heads last month is to face court again next month.

Free women’s clinic at Fletcher Street Cottage

Every Tuesday there is a safe women’s space provided from 1pm to 3pm at Fletcher Street Cottage, 18 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay that now includes a free women’s clinic for women and their children.

The confidential weekly drop-in clinic is run by a registered nurse providing care that is respectful, trauma-informed and built on trust.

The clinic

‘What makes this clinic so powerful is the environment. Women come here because they feel safe. Having a nurse embedded in the women’s

space means health conversations can happen naturally, with dignity and compassion, and at a pace that feels right for each woman,’ said Bec Robinson, Relationships Manager at Byron Community Centre. Confidential consultations

Women experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness are significantly less likely to receive early diagnosis or ongoing treatment for chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory illness and mental health conditions.

Older women are also one of the fastest-growing cohorts of people experiencing homelessness nationally, often experiencing ‘hidden homelessness’ such as couch surfing or living in cars.

‘For many women, healthcare has been something they’ve had to put last, often for years. This clinic is about meeting women where they are, with care that is respectful, trauma-informed and built on trust. Having a nurse onsite in the women’s space means women can take steps to look after their health without fear or judgement,’ said Manager of Fletcher Street Cottage, Damian Farrell.

Women in need can access preventative health care, chronic disease management, wound care, referrals to pathology and can get support navigating the health system.

The program is working in partnership through One Bridge and also includes robust data collection and evaluation to track service use, health outcomes and document women’s experiences, helping build evidence for long-term funding and sustainability.

Women are welcome to call in and have a chat or find out more online at: www.byroncentre.com.au.

Police charged 53-yearold Queensland man Robert Raymond Dennehy around midnight on 18 February after seizing an axe officers said they found in his parked car at Brunswick Heads.

Officers had carried out the search after speaking with Mr Dennehy at South Beach Road in Brunswick Heads when patrolling the area as part of investigations into another man’s injuries.

They reported a 25-yearold man coming to Brunswick Heads Police Station about half an hour earlier seeking help with an injury to his face believed to have been caused by an axe.

Officers said paramedics treated the alleged victim before taking him to Gold Coast University Hospital for

further treatment.

Meanwhile, detectives found Robert Raymond Dennehy at South Beach Road, accused him of striking the younger man in the head with an axe and arrested him.

Mr Dennehy was charged with reckless wounding and had bail refused.

The case was mentioned again in the Byron Bay Local Court on Monday, 16 March, with the defendant appearing via video link.

Magistrate Kathy Crittenden adjourned the matter until 20 April in the same court.

The court heard Mr Denney would stay on remand without bail and was to appear again next month via video link.

North Coast News

Jenny supporting the Cancer Council until the end

News from across the North Coast online www.echo.net.au

No more free hot showers for Tweed’s homeless

Operators of a frontline homelessness service, said to be the only one offering hot showers in the Tweed Shire, haven’t publicly responded to a Council request to stay open. A majority of Tweed Shire councillors voted in support of a mayoral motion last week calling on operators of Nullum House at the Murwillumbah Community Centre to reconsider their decision to close.

P-Plater accused of 198km/hr highway chase

A 25-year-old Sydneyside P-plater is to appear before Byron Bay Local Court next month accused of speeding at nearly 200 kilometres per hour near Brunswick Heads.

Overnight works on Summerland Way, Kyogle, from 23 March

Motorists are advised of changed overnight traffic conditions next week on Summerland Way, Kyogle to upgrade 500m of pavement between the showground and Amphitheatre Parklands.

Police officer charged following Casuarina crash

A police officer has been charged following a crash in Casuarina late last year. NSW police said in a statement, ‘A marked police vehicle was patrolling the Casuarina area about 4pm on Friday, 3 October 2025, when the officer attempted to stop a teenager bicycle rider on Grand Parade’.

Tugun Bypass Tunnel traffic diversion until 1 April

Motorists are advised of upcoming closures of the northbound lanes of the Tugun Bypass Tunnel on the Pacific Motorway at Tweed Heads West for essential maintenance. ‘Work will take place at night, Wednesday 18 March to Wednesday 1 April at 5am.

Photo & story Eve Jeffery

Bravery has many faces, as do generosity and fortitude – just three of the many wonderful attributes of former Lismore mayor, Jenny Dowell, but these three came to the fore on Saturday at her last ‘official’ public appearance.

Jenny has shuffled off this mortal coil – she made a public announcement via social media last Sunday.

‘Many of you know by now, but just to make it public, here’s my update.

‘I’m taking VAD (voluntary assisted dying) on Tuesday [24 March], and the funeral led by Dot Orchard is planned for Tuesday 31, at 10am, in the Lismore Quad, and it will be live-streamed for absent, interstate and overseas friends.’

‘I’m calm and content and surrounded by family.’

But, in true Jenny Dowell style, she had one more stop before her chosen departure.

It was important to Jenny to spend some time at an event very dear to her – the Lismore & Villages Relay for Life held at SCU – raising vital funds for the Cancer Council’s research, prevention and support services.

A busy last day out

From cutting the ribbon on the relay course, to attending the official afternoon tea for ‘survivors and carers’, Jenny was still supporting others – the survivors, the carers, those grieving a loss, and those, like Jenny herself, still living and possibly, dying, with cancer.

‘It’s an important event,’ she said.

‘I did the first one here. At that stage, I had a close friend my age who was diagnosed with cancer, so that was back in 2001.

‘I walked for her. I wasn’t part of the committee, or anything like that. And then the next year, we were doing it yearly, and then every

two years, and then Covid stepped in.

‘Every year I walked, there was a reason to walk.

‘A friend I’d lost, and then, of course, when I was diagnosed, it was very personal.

‘I joined the committee. Ron had been on the committee long before me. I joined the committee when I was mayor, and so I was heavily involved. I did this role, coordinating the afternoon team for survivors and carers.’

Living with cancer

Jenny says it was another woman with breast cancer who left a mark on her.

‘I met a woman called Anna, and she had metastatic cancer like me now, and she didn’t feel she would wear a

‘survivor’ sash, because she knew she was dying.

‘She didn’t feel that she was welcome at relay.

‘So I worked with her so we could come up with some words for a sash that she would be comfortable with. We came up with the words “living with cancer”.’

Jenny says that Covid stepped in, and they didn’t go ahead with that relay in 2020.

‘But now we have these [shows me her sash] printed locally. It’s a unique thing for Lismore, and I know that there are three people who are wearing them in the relay today, at least three.

‘And me too. I didn’t realise I’d be wearing one either.

‘So it’s a great sense of pride and belonging for me.

‘It is my last major public event that I wanted to make, if you like, before I planned it. And it’s wonderful to achieve it. I’m glad I made it here.’

‘I have had enough.’

‘It hasn’t been easy. I’ve felt easily in the last week or so that I have had enough.

‘I need to go, but this has been something I paced myself to achieve, and I feel a great deal of gratitude that I’ve been able to be here.’

Jenny says the relay is a great community event.

‘People are coming to support, usually someone in their team or the general cause of cancer.

‘I just feel that, you know, after all Lismore has gone through with the flood and other things, you wonder whether there’s a tiredness about disasters and whether people would come out, but they clearly have.

‘Our goal was $60,000 and we’re up to about $54,000 already, and that’s without the fundraising that people are doing today, and the raffle ticket money coming in, and all of it. So we’ll easily make our target. That’s fantastic. And people are having fun as well, while remembering those they’ve lost and those undergoing treatment now, it feels really good.’

Time to go

Jenny now feels it’s time for her to go. She has gathered her family and made plans for voluntary assisted dying this week.

‘I die on Tuesday, so the next few days are just for family.’

Goodbye, Jenny.

■ At the last count. Saturday’s event raised well and truly over the $60,000 target.

Domestic violence in nearly a third of Tweed Byron arrests

Domestic violence offences account for nearly a third of all charges filed in the latest Tweed Byron Police District report, continuing the region’s trend.

Police arrested 15 alleged DV offenders over the seven days up until, and including, 17 March.

A combined 28 domestic violence-related offences were recorded.

The figure accounts for nearly 32 per cent of the 88 criminal offences included in arrests over the same period.

Police filed seven domestic violence related charges for assault and also for stalking and/or intimidation,

making them the two most common DV related offences.

Choking charges

There were five charges listed for breaching apprehended violence orders, four for destroying property and one for intentionally choking someone.

Police highlighted the

case of a 27-year-old Tweed Heads man in jail over serious acts of domestic violence committed against his pregnant partner.

Pleaded guilty

Officers arrested and charged him on 14 March after he tried to hit the woman with a metal bar.

Truckload of lithium batteries catches fire near Woodburn

A truck containing lithium batteries became an inferno near Woodburn in the early hours of Wednesday, 18 March.

David Henry from the Byron Bay Rural Fire Brigade told The Echo, ‘It took seven hours to extinguish and closed the Pacific Motorway for many hours’.

‘Almost every brigade in the Far North Coast was involved, including Byron Bay’.

He added the response was limited to those firefighters using compressed air breathing apparatus.

‘Our responding crew were John Brierley (Captain) Axel Ojeda (Deputy Captain) and Lucas Eyre’.

Fire and Rescue Evans Head crew said in a public statement on social media, ‘[It was a] long night after an early morning start – Pump 288 were called to assist RFS to a truck alight on the

M1 Motorway, just south of Woodburn’.

‘Fire and rescue 288 assisted RFS 8 in an initial fast-attack, protecting local bushland and highway, owing to the load being

lithium batteries.

‘Additional resources were called for, including bulk water tankers.

‘Once all resources were in place, the offensive fire attack could commence, with the highway closed from the southbound direction.

‘We had fire fighting from both sides of the trailer, along with environmental and safety issues addressed’.

‘Firefighting ceased around 7am when the recovery started.

‘Thank you to all who helped police, ambulance, multiple RFS and FRNSW agents,’ said Fire and Rescue Evans Head crew.

He pleaded guilty in the Tweed Heads Local Court two days later to common assault (DV), intimidation (DV) and being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence.

Police said he was sentenced to 18 months jail with a non-parole period of six months.

Tweed/Byron

Police update

Over the week from 11 to 17 March, local police say 56 people were charged with a total of 88 criminal offences. (The DV charges are reported in the above story). They say there were 31 charges for traffic-related offences, six charges for property offences, and 11 charges for possessing and cultivating drugs. Among significant arrests, say police, was a 31-year-old male from Tweed Heads South being charged ‘with multiple counts of allegedly intentionally sexually touching a child under 10 years of age’. He remains in custody until court on 8 April.

North Coast News

Free Suffolk screening for Ochsner’s latest film Wave Medicine

Paul Bibby

Local filmmaker, surfer and educator, Karin Ochsner, will host a free community screening of her documentary Wave Medicine, an updated format of the Surviving to Thriving film, at Suffolk Community Hall on 1 April, offering audiences both a cinematic experience and a personal gesture of thanks.

The film explores Ms Ochsner’s health journey and her deep connection to the coastline she now calls home.

Although the films of the Surfing to Survive project have screened internationally, she said the most meaningful showings have been local.

‘Even though the film has been screened in well-known locations around the world, the most special screenings for me were the ones here at home,’ she said, recalling a packed screening at her childhood high school where she later worked as a teacher.

Thank-you to the beach community

The upcoming event is intended as a thank-you to

the beach community that supported her through a challenging period of illness.

‘It was such a tough time, not knowing how to get through this health challenge, but the beach community here has helped me through,’ Ms Ochsner said.

‘Organising this free screening is a gesture of gratitude.’

She credits simple moments by the ocean – along with everyday kindness from strangers – as playing an important role in her recovery.

‘We have something very special here with the opportunity to go to the beach, meet other beach lovers and exchange smiles or conversations,’ she said, adding that

encouragement she received while riding her e-bike and surfing helped her persevere.

The documentary has also allowed Ms Ochsner to share her adopted coastal lifestyle with family and friends in Switzerland, many of whom were struck by both the dramatic lifestyle change and the beauty of the region.

International audiences have responded strongly to the film’s cinematography and depiction of the local landscape.

‘It makes me realise how stunning every day here is,’ she said.

The Suffolk screening marks a new phase for the project. Drawing on her background in education and

coaching, Ms Ochsner plans to expand the Surfing to Survive project beyond film screenings through guided naturebased sessions focused on resilience and wellbeing.

She hopes to collaborate with local schools and organisations to tailor presentations to their needs.

After seven years of work, Ms Ochsner describes the project as deeply personal.

Next chapter

‘This next chapter of the project draws on my background as a teacher and coach to create presentations that go beyond the screen,’ she says.

‘After watching my film, I guide audiences through a short, immersive experience in nature, where I share simple, practical tools for building resilience.

‘I will work with local schools and organisations individually to come up with a meaningful presentation most relevant for them.’

The free community screening of Wave Medicine will take place at the Suffolk Community Hall from 6.15pm to 8pm on 1 April. For more information, visit www.surfingtosurvive.com.

Lismore marches for forests

Mia Armitage

Spirits and voices were nearly as high as Sunday’s rain clouds over Lismore when people took to the streets calling for greater forest protection.

Annual ‘March 4 Forests’ marches and rallies were held around the country, but Lismore’s event holds significance as the broader region continues to attract both loggers and activists.

It’s unclear how many participated in the 2026 Lismore march, but attendees have suggested at least a couple of hundred.

Plenty of colourful umbrellas featured in this year’s event owing to inclement weather, adding to a

spectacle of Northern Rivers protesters putting passion to the pavement and singing in the rain.

It was a family affair, with people small and tall bearing handmade placards.

The march started outside Lismore’s Quad area, before the crowd filed past the offices of both elected representative members of parliament: Janelle Saffin from the NSW Labor government and federal Nationals MP, Kevin Hogan.

‘Tree protectors’, as the activists are often called, also gathered together to hear speeches, with Echo contributor and wellknown local comedian and political candidate Mandy Nolan as MC.

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.

The Byron Shire Echo

Volume 40 #42 • March 25, 2026

Electrify and tax gas profits

While Trump may deny climate change and be pushing for greater fossil fuel extraction, the result of his actions of attacking Iran with Israel, without consulting the UN or any other countries he has since called on for help, is that he is creating the conditions for Australia to take decisive aciton on electrification, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and the call for greater tax on gas corporations.

While Trump continues to spit the dummy over countries standing up and saying ‘no’ (for now) to his demands for help to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the spiralling oil prices, fuel shortages, and risks to the food supply are driving the Albanese government to finally consider some long-overdue action.

Australia has some of the lowest taxes on gas in the world and last Friday saw the Treasury modelling a 25 per cent levy on gas exports high profits as a result of the current war in the Middle East. It seems that the people of Australia are finally waking up to the fact they are being royally ripped off by foreign companies who are making billions off our gas and not paying their fair share to the Australian people for the privilege.

‘Australia missed out on $63 billion in revenue by failing to tax gas exports after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. That’s enough for free childcare or free university – but instead it lined the gas industry’s pockets,’ according to The Australia Institute.

‘As multinational gas corporations stand to make windfall profits from global crises once again, we can’t afford to make the same mistake twice. ’

It is time for the Australian government to take action, not only to tax windfall profits as a result of the war, but to tax gas profits overall in a way that provides for Australia, the impacts of climate change, cost-of-living relief, lowers the domestic gas price, and stops the many multinational gas companies using loopholes to pay zero royalties.

Gas is nonetheless a fossil fuel and creating a wealth fund or something similar, like Norway has built from its tax on oil and gas, from the tax revenues would allow the government to drive forward the move away from fossil fuels towards electrification and developing solar and wind generation supported by a range of storage solutions.

Reducing reliance on gas and the push towards electrification is being supported in NSW by a broad coalition of unions, health experts, community and environmental groups, which is calling on the NSW government to create a plan to drive down gas use across the state and increase electrification.

New research (www.lockthegate. org.au/gas_demand) commissioned by Lock the Gate Alliance, found that, ‘74 per cent of gas demand in NSW could be replaced today with commercially available technology, such as electrification and heat pumps, and that a 52 per cent gas reduction target by 2035 is achievable’.

The alliance is urging Climate Change, Energy, Heritage and the Environment Minister Penny Sharpe to include an economy-wide gas demand reduction strategy in the state’s 2026 Net Zero Plan.

‘We have the tools to power our homes and industries with clean energy right now. By fast-tracking electrification, NSW can secure lower bills and a safer climate at the same time,’ explained Climate Councillor Greg Bourne.

According to Rod Sims in The Guardian, ‘Other major fossil fuel exporting countries typically share between 75 per cent and 90 per cent of fossil fuel profits. Australia shares only 27 per cent, through a combination of the corporate tax, royalties, and the petroleum resource rent tax (PRRT). With profit defined in cashflow terms, as in Norway, Australia shares even less: just 18 per cent.’

It is for the Albanese government to act on gas tax reform. Allowing multinational companies to continue to profit at the cost of the Australian people, their livelihoods, and future generations, is unacceptable. Take the time to sign the Australia Institute’s ‘Tax the gas industry its fair share’ petition at: https://australiainstitute.org.au/initiatives/type/ petitions, and the Tax Justice Network’s ‘It’s time to fix the failed petroleum tax’ petition at: https://www.taxjustice.org. au/prrt. Otherwise, contact your local politicians to let them know you are demanding change.

Aslan Shand, editor News tips are welcome: editor@echo.net.au

How to manage in the coming crisis

As the Middle East tragedy unfolded, I asked several friends how this was impacting them emotionally. Each one was seriously affected, with a range of emotions from rage to despair, sadness, grief, and helplessness.

They were outraged that all they could do was sit and watch the carnage and destruction and no one was stepping in to stop it.

This mayhem was triggered by a demented narcissist, led by the nose, like a prize bull, by Benjamin Netanyahu.

Trump is enabled by uniquely unqualified sycophants who will cover for him regardless of what he does and the lies he tells.

Perhaps the most dangerous is Pete Hegseth, US Secretary of War and former Fox News host. He doesn’t believe in the rules of the Geneva Convention that limit the barbarity of war and talks gleefully of giving ‘no quarter’ to the enemy, that is taking no prisoners, which is a war crime.

He has Deus Vult (God wills it) tattooed on his right arm – the Catholic battle cry of the First Crusade of 1096.

He seriously imagines he is on a mission from God to liberate the Holy Land and prepare for the Second Coming of Christ.

Trump and Hegseth amassed the largest force since the Iraq war to join Israel in pummelling Iran, killing their leaders and well over a hundred school children. Thousands of innocent people are being killed in Iran and Lebanon and civilian infrastructure and ancient heritage sites destroyed.

There seems to be no plan, no process for regime change, no exit strategy, just one giant mess.

The rest of the world is just starting to suffer the fallout from this growing catastrophe.

We haven’t seen anything yet. Petrol and diesel prices have risen sharply but there’s so much more to come. The UK Financial Times says this is ‘metastasising into a global calamity’.

We are already seeing farmers unable to sow and harvest crops and feed stock.

The Byron Shire Echo

Volume 40 #42 March 25, 2026

Established 1986 • 22,000 copies every week

‘Perhaps the most dangerous [unqualified sycophant] is Pete Hegseth, US Secretary of War and former Fox News host. He doesn’t believe in the rules of the Geneva Convention that limit the barbarity of war.’ – Richard Jones

The Strait of Hormuz may or may not be opened soon, but the damage already done to infrastructure and refining capacity will take years to repair. The disruption already in the pipeline will most likely cause a serious global recession, a period of painful stagflation, stagnant growth, rising unemployment and significantly higher prices.

The Reserve Bank added to our pain by increasing interest rates. This, in my view, was a serious error. There is no possibility of curbing inflation caused by cost pressures such as higher oil prices. This inflation has not been caused by an overheated economy or increasing demand for goods and services. Interest rate increases at such a time merely hurt average people and further enrich those with cash deposits.

So, the question is: how are we all going to manage during these coming difficult times?

One thing we can be sure of, imported food travelling great distances will be a lot more expensive, not only because of transportation costs but growing, processing, and packaging costs will also skyrocket.

It’s estimated around 97 per cent of every product we buy contains oil in one form or another. This includes fertilisers, pesticides, plastics, clothes. The list is almost endless.

We can manage without some products, but not food.

We bumped into Helena NorbergHodge of Local Futures at the Byron Farmers’ Market on Thursday. She has spent decades working to get these farmers’ markets established. Our community benefits in many ways and it would be hard to manage without them.

It’s so good meeting the farmers who grow our food and knowing the food miles are so short. It’s a great community gathering every week.

Apart from our farmers’ markets there are food swap events popping up where people gather to swap surplus produce, cuttings, and seeds for no cost.

Locally-owned stores such as Fundies and Santos Organics stock fresh unpackaged organic produce.

In a sense we need to rediscover how people coped during the World Wars when everything was scarce, and every resource was precious.

In the UK families were allocated allotments of land, known as ‘Victory Gardens’, to grow their own food. Forty percent of all vegetables consumed were grown on these allotments.

We need our Council to assist families to grow their own food, both in community gardens and allotments. Vacant Council land can be used, even if only temporarily. Sharefarmers also need to be assisted to grow food on land that is now grazed by cattle working with landholders.

We need more initiatives and Helena Norberg-Hodge and Professor Michael Shuman, visionary of community economics, are hosting ‘Investing in Byron’s Food Economy’ at the Mullum Civic Hall on Saturday, 28 March from 2pm to 4.30pm to discuss how we can accelerate our local food growing.

Our community is incredible at coming together at times of crisis and natural disasters. We will see this community spirit in action again.

■ Richard Jones is a former NSW MLC, and is now a ceramist.

Phone: 02

Net worth

What’s a Hemsworth?

Not as much as a Hemmes, apparently.

Don Blake Federal

Where’s the Bluesfest moolah?

While totally agreeing with Mandy Nolan’s sentiments in her rage at the NSW government’s lack of investment in music and the arts (Echo, March 18), she fails to ask the fundamental question regarding the cancellation of Bluesfest.

Mandy tells us $23m in ticket sales were received to date by Bluesfest for this year’s festival, but the liquidators inform us there is no cash to refund ticket holders.

So, where’s the $23m?

It seems festival organisers only got a measly $500,000 from taxpayers via Destination NSW this year, but were knocked back on a $3m grant from the NSW government in 2024, which Mandy suggests would have ensured the festival’s future.

How would $3m in 2024 save an organisation that seemed to have lost the $23m which was handed over by true music and festival fans, before they have to shell out for all that key infrastructure and associated costs required to run the festival, alluded to by Mandy? Again, where’s the moolah?

Sure, they employ staff to put together the event, and have marketing and other back office costs, but no way do they have a $23m annual payroll and cost base.

Maybe the $23m has gone to pay off historical debt, and not the costs associated with this year’s event.

If that’s the case, then the organisers knew they were in deep trouble before launching into this year’s ticket sales.

If they took cash from honest punters who will never recover their hardearned in the knowledge that they might not make it to the finish line, then we can only hope that someone in authority makes them accountable.

On the face of it, the NSW government have done taxpayers a favour by not giving this enterprise more money.

Mandy says don’t point the finger at Bluesfest. I love Bluesfest and I’d love to love the Bluesfest organisers and heap shit on Macquarie Street.

But… where’s the dosh?

Jim Watts Mullumbimby

Festival costs

Mandy’s article on pointing the finger at the NSW government for not helping to keep Bluesfest alive was to me spot on! (Echo, March 18).

I read an article where Live Nation gets tons of grant money for events, and it is a major corporation from the US. Yet, Bluesfest gets crumbs and it is a locallyproduced world-class event!

Makes no sense to me.

Having worked in ticket sales and front gate operations at the first ten Bluesfests, I can tell you that it has never been cheap to run this festival. I can remember the big marquees in those days that were not anywhere near the size of the ones these days, costing tens of thousands of dollars to erect.

Overseas artists had four-star accommodation on the Gold Coast for them, and their entourages.

Drivers took them back and forth, plus performing fees, airfares, and everything else you could possibly think of made it already too expensive.

And you must remember the directors and their families had to live off anything left over for a whole year! So thinking that they made heaps of money needs to be looked at in a different light.

Letters to the Editor

■ Send your letters to the Editor: editor@echo.net.au

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

So thanks Mandy for redirecting the blame for this year’s cancellation. All the local people, and especially the directors, who have ever worked for this festival deserve thanks for bringing such a wonderful event to our Shire for so many years.

RIP Bluesfest you will be sadly missed.

Nancy Jo Falcone Tallebudgera Valley

Smaller festivals?

In relation to Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox article (Echo, March 18) about the disappointing Bluesfest cancellation – yes, it’s indeed a terrible truth the NSW government simply doesn’t understand our culture up here, or wants to invest more in keeping these events going.

Yes, sport and mainly our footy cultures do attract the masses. Premier Minns and co must be adopting Caesar’s ‘bread and circuses’ tactic to keep the (big city) people entertained and distracted from any political upheaval.

For any government, this very ancient (Caesar) policy is a key strategy down in our old, sacred Sydney town.

Meanwhile, over the last 30 years up here in these colourful, cultural lands, festivals grew large, and along with it the set-up costs. This drove the original roots away, by commercialising festivals into ‘brand names’.

Whether or not Bluesfest made any such megaprofits, like some once did, it still takes more and

more infrastructure (and its associated impacts) to keep these events alive. Yet it’s not always sustainable.

Why not take the real (blue) pill here, and go back to the original/small roots Bluesfest? There could be smaller, mini events, held throughout the year.

Despite losing the renown and beloved international artists, it would be a welcome return to where it all began, a small, and localstyle Bluesfest, where all the great artists originated from.

Chad Butler Goonengerry

Bangalow’s clogged creek

When Bangalow gets more than 60mm of rain in 24 hours, water goes on that small section of Deacon Street. After the recent isolated freak downpour, locals knew water would go over that little street.

I went down on Friday at 12pm to photograph it, because I knew it would be flooded.

If Council’s flood study is so accurate, then why the heck did services not evacuate that tiny little area of Bangalow before cars ended up floating in floodwaters?

Bangalow residents knew damn well heavy rain was imminent. So why didn’t the authorities?

How can we trust Council’s flood study, which was apparently conducted over years, when locals know that ▶ Continued on page 12

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Letters/Local News

the flooding is because of the masses of soil clogging Byron Creek!

Byron Creek in Bangalow is full of mud/soil – mountains of it!

It is largely because our appointed ‘environmental caregivers’ have killed the old growth camphor trees by poisoning them.

They have destroyed the root systems that had been securely holding the riverbank in place for decades.

After they die, they fall into the creek, along with vast quantities of soil!

It’s also important to mention the freshly cleared acre of soil on the southern hill from Piccabeen Park.

If we really care about our community and town, surely we would address the desperate issue of removing the vast quantities of soil deposited in Byron Creek, as it is direct result of so called ‘landcare’ activities.

Byron Creek, Bangalow, desperately needs to be dredged!

We could dredge out the soil with a little portable pump like we use at muddy festivals, we could even get the community to remove ‘a bucket a day’ incentive to remove this flood causing sediment.

The creek is choked to the gills with soil!

Our latest Council seem to be on a rampage – they are transforming our naturally beautiful and easy to visit public areas, and turning them into ugly, cleared, flat, boring spaces that are blazing with glaring sun, and consequently rendering our parks ‘user unfriendly’.

Can Council please be transparent?

Why won’t they show us their grand, finished plan for Bangalow already?

Perhaps its the fear of public reaction, should we see the absolute mess they’re about to make of our beautiful little town.

Please, don’t let our air-conditioned jewel of the Shire be over-developed in this under-handed way.

Just dredge.

Tip fees

Suzy Leigh Bangalow

Can someone explain why depositing a cubic metre of soft foam costs $18 at the tip?

That’s the price of a good meal at a cafe.

Dig a hole and drop it in?

Less than $10 seems more reasonable.

Sapoty Brook Main Arm

Complicit in war

Trump: ‘We may hit it (Iran’s Kharg Island) a few more times, just for fun’.

This is the psychopath nutjob Australia and Labor voters have aligned themselves with.

War is not some game, or a real estates transaction; every action risks innocent lives and unknowable repercussions.

It’s common knowledge that Australia has been supplying weapons parts for years to Israel, and now has a surveillance aircraft and Australian personnel in the Middle East, yet the PM gets up and straight to camera declares, ‘We are not participants’. Does he think we are all stupid?

Vote Green for any sort of  humane, intelligent future.

Rod Murray Ocean Shores

Stagflation and warflation

This new crisis, emerging on the horizon, appears to be more inconvenient than the pandemic crisis.

The type of global economic suffering now emerging, is called stagflation: inflation and stagnation. The degree of stagflation this time next year, will be greater than it currently is.

Food price and availability become issues, when one reduces availability of nitrogen fertiliser, which is made from natural gas, while also reducing fuel supplies needed to harvest and transport the food.

Oops, and by the way, Trump did not believe Iran would close the straits, even though advisors told him they would.

When the energy index rises in price, all the  components of the energy index rise, meaning electricity also rises in price.

When everything rises in price, the Reserve Bank raises the interest rates, thinking that is helpful to dampen demand.

But these price rises are not demand driven and therefore, it’s not appropriate to raise interest rates, as they do, when prices go up. That simply maximises consumer’s suffering.

Today every thing is fine, but for how long?

Peter Olson Goonengerry

Algae bloom

I am challenged. I am full of questions. I face my ignorance, but I seek dialogue, feedback and clarity. Sociologically and ecologically, the phrase, ‘it’s not “either/ or” that is the argument, but “also”.’

The ‘also’ has always knocked on the door of my psyche. I am eternally fascinated by the thrust of questions that whirl in my childlike ignorant world. I was raised in SA. I lived on the beaches that appeared

on ABC TVs Four Corners’ program. So folks, bear with me as I share.

I watched Four Corners this past Monday. The subject was the ongoing algae bloom in South Australia, which continues on its lethal journey along the South Australian coast.

It leaves in its wake thousands of dead ocean creatures along the coast.

Many businesses and fishing industries face uncertain future survival, as industries are affected by the dangers inherit in eating poisoned food.

We learned that many humans have inherited dire effects stemming from the algae bloom.

We are assured that it is the result of climate change. This I do not challenge.

Humans and other sentient beings have developed Brevatoxins that impact upon the brain, respiratory system, guts, eyes and skin.

The poison is so lethal that it lives in the actual air.

But I was bought to tears by the sight of kangaroos dying on the seashore. They gather to eat the grasses that grow on the shoreline.

These grasses are washed by the ocean.

Questions arose: ‘Are we witnessing generational horrors, such that future generations of sentient life will have to face?’

Are Brevatoxins capable of creating DNA mutations? Is there an actual poison that thrives and lives within this total dynamic?

As my mind wandered, the great River Murray seemed to speak to me.

Coming from a very large black Irish family, I spent much of my youth with relatives who had orchards in Renmark, SA. The River Murray watered these orchards.

There were channels and rivers that we kids swam in. l learned that river water was not like ocean water.

I was fearful of drowning as the sea-water offered buoyancy.

Never during the 1950s until now (2026) had I heard of any  historical lethal poisonous bloom.

As we know, the River Murray flows into the sea. I rang my cousin. ‘Harri’, I asked, ‘Do you think that the River Murray is emptying huge accumulations of farmland poisonous pesticides into the ocean?’

She then explained to me that she was on a Facebook group.

Many minds involved in the phenomenon.

‘Research from satellites reveal that this water is powerful and it is thrust a huge distance from shore-lines’.

‘In pipes?’ I queried. ‘No, satellites reveal the force of the water’, Harri stated. ‘But it is water… and water spreads’. I continued with insistence. Lost in a world of ‘but also’ logic!

I now ask: Has corporate power maintained the control of dialogues pertaining to lethal pesticides in the current situation?

First Nation minds and scientists please share. Let us not pass this poisonous chalice to future sentient beings.

Jo Faith   Newtown

Hans Lovejoy

NSW government-run holiday park company, Reflections, say a ‘regeneration zone for an endangered pine species’ at the Terrace Holiday Park in Brunswick Heads, ‘will be expanded as a part of a raft of measures designed to improve the park for guests and protect the land for the community and future generations of holidayers’.

Their media release from 20/2/2026 did not mention the WW1 Memorial (see letter, page 13), but claimed ‘key measures of the investment’ include, ‘the expansion of a dedicated regeneration zone for the coastal cypress pines forest in the southern precinct’.

They say, ‘Reflections staff have been working for the past 18 months to collect seeds from the precinct which have been propagated at a local nursery resulting in a stock of over 1,000 seedlings’.

Access to Simpsons Creek will be upgraded, they claim, ‘to provide a safe and clear pathway using erosion control matting, with measures to further protect the surrounding mangroves’.

‘The 2014 Plan of Management (PoM) states a 3m setback from the top of the riverbank is required.

As reported recently, Reflections refuse to provide The Echo or the public with its Vegetation Management Plan (VMP), which they say is part of a five-year audit of the area.

They also said they plan to put ten tents on sites previously used for camping around the protected pines.

‘Reflections will endeavour to achieve the 3m setback however the width of the walking trail through the southern precinct will vary owing to the established trees along the walking trail and riverbank erosion in some sections’. The Echo understands there was an agreed amendment between Council and the community to the 2014 PoM, which requires much more public access, yet the 2021 court case outcome, where Reflections took Council to court, enabled those commitments to be ignored.

▶ Continued on page 13

Vandalism of a WW1 memorial

The area labelled by Reflections as the ‘southern precinct’ in The Terrace Holiday Park was only part of what was planted out in coastal cyprus pines (CCP) to form a ‘forest sanctuary’ in memory of locals who died or served in WW1.

The project started in 1918, and was headed by Byron Shire engineer, Mr H M Boyd.

A grid pattern was laid out to symbolise a company of soldiers with trees planted 4m to 5m apart.

It has been estimated that well over 200 pines were planted extending through what is now called the central and southern precincts.

Given the age of some of these CCP, Boyd would have incorporated some of the existing pines in what was then the Brunswick Terrace Flora Reserve into the grid.

The WW1 Memorial is one of two ‘living memorials’ in NSW. It is listed on the National Heritage Register, as a war memorial in Mitchell Library and on Treenet as a memorial.

The coastal cyprus pines are listed as an Endangered Ecological Community (EEC) under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016

In 2006, Byron Shire Council was dismissed on highly surreptitious grounds as the manager of the Crown Reserves, which included The Terrace Caravan Park.

Lower branches of the pines were subsequently subjected to damaging pruning to make way for caravans, and high roofed vehicles.

Trees were lopped on safety issues or perceived risk, campers and vehicles encroached on root systems compacting soil and damaging tree roots. Drainage was changed, seedlings were trampled or mowed, exotic grasses introduced, guy ropes and tent pegs caused further damage.

In 2015, The Echo reported Reflections contractors in the Brunswick Heads Terrace Reserve had trimmed historic memorial pines, which led to them further degrading. Reflections now say they will expand the dedicated regeneration zone for the protected coastal cypress pines (see page 12). Photo supplied

Management was one of vandalism and at stake was the gradual removal of the WW1 Memorial.

In 2019, in response to Reflections poor management, Council refused a s68 Licence to Operate in the southern precinct. Reflections retaliated by taking Council to the Land and Environment Court.

A decision was handed down in May 2021 to reduce the number of camp sites from 45 in the 2014 Plan of Management to 26 together with direction on protection of the coastal cyprus pines.

Reflections is now installing ten ‘camping tents’ in the southern precinct, arguing it is only taking up ten of the court permissible 25.

The problem is they couldn’t get more than the ten camp sites in and abide by the protection of the existing pines!

Worse, they do not reference the rehabilitation/restoration of the WW1 Memorial that had been destroyed in large part by unconscionable management practises.

A temporary toilet block was brought in for the high season in 2007, during a Clause 45 Sewerage Moratorium, and without Council’s approval to provide for more camp sites. The pines were highly stressed, and regrowth deliberately suppressed.

▶ Continued from page 12

Reflections say, ‘While licensed to have 27 camp sites, we have reduced the camping footprint to minimise impact, including restricting vehicles.’

‘The tents are installed on a timber deck using an “eco-anchor foundation system”, meaning there are no tent pegs or concrete footings, reducing impact on the ground and existing tree root systems.

‘In addition, Reflections is moving ahead with its plans for a new playground in nearby Terrace Reserve, where it is actively consulting with the local community and school children to inform a final design for the new playground’.

Carefully considered

Reflections CEO, Nick Baker, said the design was ‘carefully considered’, and that they have worked with

Instead, we have Reflections promoting their 20/2/2026 ‘Pines Regeneration Project’ [See page 12], wherein they state: ‘…existing native coastal cypress pine forest will be regenerated with new plantings and natural regrowth’ and a ‘dedicated regeneration zone at the southern end of the precinct to expand the existing forest’.

There is no transparency, only meaningless words.

Had Reflections had any decency and consulted, then they would have been advised to put a grid over the southern precinct, in the same manner that Boyd had done, replace missing pines and prioritise the WW1 Memorial!

Delete from that grid, the sites of the ten camping tents pending a cost-benefit analysis of their yield.

This needed to be on a map, to scale and made public, clearly identifying, marking, and labelling what would be done, and within a time frame.

If the returns on the ‘camping tents are not there, then there should be an undertaking to restore what is left of the original WW1 Memorial in the southern precinct.

Patricia Warren Brunswick Heads

ecologists, landscape architects and arborists.

‘While we could have theoretically almost tripled the camping sites in this beautiful pocket of the park, we have chosen to have a far smaller number established in a way that removes the need for any set-up of equipment, or cars, to protect the existing environment, while providing a guest experience which will include education about the unique nature of the location’.

Joel Taylor wins third Aussie title at the Australian Para Surfing Titles

Aslan Shand

Monday, 23 March, saw 45-year-old paraplegic surfer from Lennox Head, Joel Taylor, win his third Aussie title at the Australian Para Surfing Titles.

Joel is the current ISA World Para Surfing Champion, Australian Para Surfer of the Year and took out the 2026 Buildcare Australian Para Surfing Titles at Main Beach, Byron Bay in fun, clean 2-3ft surf.

Local winner

‘So stoked to claim my third para surfing title and qualify for the 2026 ISA World Para Surfing Championship to defend my world title from last year! To share the win with my family and friends on the beach, where I grew up, makes it even better,’ Joel told The Echo Pushing him throughout the event was four times world champion, Kai Colless, who finished runner-up. Colless remains one of the most progressive and dynamic surfers on the circuit, with his performances continuing to attract attention following his viral 10-point ride at the

2025 ISA World Championships, where he placed second. The rivalry between Taylor and Colless reflects the increasing depth at the top level of the sport, with both athletes playing key roles in Australia’s international success as members of The Irukandjis.

‘I grew up and live just down the coast at Lennox Head so to have the Aussie titles locally is really special.

Mono wins Thermos

Local, event visionary, and competitor in Byron’s ProAdaptive Surfing Championships Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart delivered a perfect 10-point ride for a long-running barrel in the closing seconds of the Thermos Para Surfing Kneel Men’s Final, earning himself the win and the Thermos Wave of the Day Award.

‘It’s my home break, so I already had the wave in mind. There wasn’t long left, and when the right one

Para

came, I went. I was deep in the barrel for a while, maybe got a little greedy, but I knew I had to come out of it, so I quickly made an exit!’ he said.

Showing the world

‘I look forward to this event every year. It brings everyone together. Having the international para event alongside the Australian Para Surfing Titles gives local athletes a chance to show

I take a lot of pride in the chance to show off our beautiful region, our mindblowing waves and amazing community to adaptive surfers from around Australia,’ Joel told The Echo Surfing for the Paralympics

The Australian titles are a key component of the official selection pathway for athletes aiming to qualify for

The Irukandjis ahead of the 2026 ISA World Para Surfing Championships.

‘Para surfing is in an exciting place right now,’ said Joel.

‘The sport as a whole is growing fast and the level of surfing is progressing just as quickly. The goal is to harness this growth and build on it for the inclusion of surfing in the Paralympics for the very first time at the Brisbane 2032 games.’

Surfing Kneel Men’s Final

the world what they’ve got before the international competition begins.’

Mono continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of adaptive surfing in Australia. His campaign in 2026 added another chapter to an already decorated career, securing his eighth Australian Para Surfing Title.

Among the emerging talents is Annie Goldsmith (SA); Finn Banks (NSW) claimed

beer, spirits & tobacco

50 RIVER STREET, NEW BRIGHTON 02 6680 1102 • @newystore

Coastal League Minor and Major Premier wins for Byron Bay Cricket Club

Byron Bay won two grand finals in the Coastal League Minor and Major Premiers last Saturday with secondand third-grade beating Terranora and Bangalow, respectively.

Second-grade wins

In the second-grade final Teranorra batted first and were all out for 123 with Byron’s best bowler being Sebastian Campbell who took four for 18.

victory with a commanding 13.67 heat total in the Para Surfing Visual Impairment 2 division; and and World Para Surfing Champion, best-selling author, and motivational speaker, Sam Bloom (NSW), once again showcased her class, claiming her fourth Australian Para Surfing Title.

Find out what’s on for the rest of the week at: www.adaptivesurfproaustralia.com.

‘In reply we started batting and got none for 30 when a big rail squall came through,’ Byron Club President, Baz Daniels, told The Echo

‘Then we had a reduced target after the rain and needed 82 to win. Our opening batters, Stephen and Cameron Daniels, went back out onto the pitch and knocked off the 82 runs, winning the game without us losing a wicket. Cameron was 43 not out and Stephen was 33 not out.

‘We were minor premiers, We’d led the competition all

year. Terranorra are a very good team and they actually beat us during the regular rounds in the competition, but we were just too strong on the day,’ he said.

Third-grade winners

The third-grade also won the grand final against Bangalow with Byron being bowled out for 150 runs. Greg Trevena 37, Adrian Simpkins 36, and Mark Williams 15. Bangalow followed with 56 but was unable to meet Byron’s score in the end with Ryder Coles 14, Heath Chiggwidden and Adrian taking three wickets and captain Shaun Greening two. Heath also had two catches and one run out.

Send us your sport stories!

We would love to run all kinds of local sport on these pages so please send your photos and stories to sport@echo.net.au.

Good Taste

Culinary Spotlight

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

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

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.

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 Rd. (02) 6190 8966

Open Monday – Thursday: 7am – 4pm Friday – Sunday: 7am – 8:30pm

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

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

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

Good Life

Shedding a new light on farming and family

Jake Shedden was literally born into farming. His mother gave birth to him on the family farm at Barkers Vale, which he now runs with his wife, Lani, who grew up not far away, and also had her hands in the earth from a very young age. So, it’s not surprising the couple have pursued a life in agriculture.

‘We’ve always been gardeners in some form,’ Lani says. ‘Both of us have parents who instilled that love within us, and Jake has formal training in permaculture. And when we were young, we used fruit and veggie picking as a way to travel for many years all over Australia, so we experienced many types of farm operations.’

Lani says working on a wide variety of farms solidified the couple’s commitment to organic farming. Today they grow a broad range of vegetables, which you can find at Byron Farmers Market every Thursday morning. But as well as farming, Lani and Jake are also raising four children, ranging in age from 10 to 17 years, so they have their hands full. However, their passion for farming and farmers’ markets is strong.

‘Farmers’ markets still only make up a small percentage of market share compared to supermarkets, so we really want to push that to change because supermarkets are middle-men who profit from both the grower and

the consumer,’ Lani says. ‘And they remove the social, environmental and heart connection between the two.

‘Buying direct from farmers is a powerful tool for fighting the disconnect of modern life. It’s an act of rebellion and connection. It’s a power that everyone has and I love to encourage people to use it.’

Lani says that farming on a smaller scale and selling their produce direct to customers through the local farmers’ markets brings many other benefits.

‘Being small scale means I can stay connected to my farm and the earth, to my plants and flowers, to my customers and community, to my kids and parents,’ she says. ‘We work from home and live close to nature and I have no desire to be consumed by the need for growth.’

‘The most rewarding thing about farming for me is the connection to the earth. Hands in the dirt, farming under the sun, moon and the stars. Early starts, hot and cold days, evening dinner-gathering walks, birdsong, wind, flowers, and the food itself. Our family shows love by sharing food. Now I get to share that love with others.’

■ You can find Hanging Rock Farm at

every Thursday morning from 7am to 11am.

Irresistable, soft, rich, handmade pasta

Allie Godfrey

We all love Woodland Valley’s fresh pasta. Its softness, richness, and handmade appeal make it hard to resist. But there’s a strong case for giving their dried pasta just as much attention, especially when it’s made with the same level of care and intention.

The difference starts with the flour.

Woodland Valley uses highquality durum wheat semolina grown through regenerative farming practices. That means no chemical inputs, a focus on building healthy soil, and a reduced reliance on fossil fuels often used in conventional farming. The result is a cleaner, more sustainable grain that delivers real, noticeable flavour.

Freshness is another key part of the story. The semolina is milled

to order and used within a short timeframe, so the pasta is made from flour at its peak. Unlike mass-produced dried pasta that can sit for months, this immediacy creates a depth of flavour that truly stands out.

The ingredients are beautifully simple: just durum wheat semolina and water. No eggs, no additives – just the essentials. From there, the pasta is slowly dried overnight. This gentle process allows the structure and flavour to develop naturally. It may take a little longer to cook, but the result is a firm, satisfying texture, and that perfect al dente bite.

What really sets it apart is how it performs on the plate. The texture holds beautifully, the sauce clings effortlessly, and the flavour comes through in a way that’s often missing from standard

dried pasta. It’s a reminder that when the fundamentals are done well – good grain, careful milling, and a slow process – even the simplest ingredients can deliver something exceptional. It’s no surprise that even Italians often reach for quality dried pasta.

And with Woodland Valley’s range of ready-made sauces, it becomes an easy, quick, and genuinely delicious meal –perfect for busy nights without compromising on quality.

■ Find Woodland Valley Farm every Tuesday at New Brighton Farmers Market from 7am to 11am and every Friday at Mullumbimby Farmers Market from 7am to 11am.

Woodland Valley Farm’s Jody Viccars holding some of their soft, rich, handmade pasta.

Maria’s Byron Bay home-cooked catering

Maria’s Byron Bay is a local catering business, launched by sisters Maya and Chelsea, where food is always at the heart of creating lasting memories and shared experiences.

Showcasing the best local and seasonal ingredients, Maria’s celebrates the joy of authentic cuisine that is to be shared among friends and family.

Some of the best memories are made around the table – the smell of something roasting, everyone talking over each other and that familiar mix of laughter, love, and too much food.

This year, let Maria’s bring a little of that home-cooked magic to your celebration. Catering is made the way they cook for family – with care, tradition, and a love of sharing good food.

From slow-roasted mains to hearty autumn sides and sweet treats, every dish is made with care, seasonal produce, and has Maria’s touch. Perfect for families, a girls’ lunch, or anyone who’d rather be sipping bubbles than be in the kitchen.

Whatever you are planning; be it a product launch, birthday,

or hosting a wedding, Maya and Chelsea will work with you to curate a package specific to your event.

■ 0433 969 981 www.mariasbyronbay.com feedme@mariasfood.com @mariasbyronbay

Mungo from the Bardo

MacCallum

Rhoda

Mandy Nolan

TCryptic Clues

1. Ancient city one fifty one, er … (5)

4. The Australian Winger, a cheap read! (9)

9. Frank Italian, a saint in the city (9)

10. Arrive near the foyer (5)

11. Remember the back net in a winter sport (6)

12. Start to Peep, alright? Nothing is hidden (4,4)

14. For instance, one in the partnership shows loyalty (10)

16. Metal unknown in carbon (4)

19. Grave order in consumption (4)

20. Debauched Australian festival? (10)

22. See saws, they say – horrible sights (8)

23. Reassemble meeting around a symbol (6)

26. One, fifty, one … present! The story of one across (5)

27. Overcharge, hide – that’s a very thin cover! (5,4)

28. Attacker exhibits gross rage (9)

29. Superior loses one to Spanish man (5) DOWN

1. Dog performing very well with worker (9)

2. Newton is a current (5)

3. Gum up copper in imperial distance (8)

4. Step first to what has gone by (4)

5. Company brochure provides spin to turn scouts around over exercise (10)

6. Concerning fishing tackle: again, reinforce it (6)

7. Labor aims hopefully at an outcome fit for the gods! (9)

8. Boat going both ways (5)

13. Deathly rogue to promise nothing to you and me (10)

15. Clumsy while harvesting timber? (9)

17. Reportedly the younger brother of Nat King is an underground worker (9)

18. No seamen disturb these marine creatures (8)

21. The Spanish party on returned pasta (6)

22. Heath from a continent without morning (5)

24. Compare the sound of Thallophyta (5)

25. Dock irrational queen (4)

STARS

BY LILITH

Saturn represents material reality’s rules, constructs and consequences. Neptune is the invisible realm of movement, frequencies, connection. Their linkup in Aries potentially introduces a new sense of spiritual responsibility to our ever-evolving world…

Quick Clues

ACROSS

1. Poetic name for Troy (5)

4. Soft covered book (9)

9. Frank (Spanish) (9)

10. Entrance hall (5)

11. Remember; summon back (6)

12. Nothing to hide, what you see is what you get (4,4)

14. Fidelity, duty to sovereign (10)

16. Silver metal element (4)

19. Grave, place of burial (4)

20. Midsummer Roman festival (10)

22. Horrible sights (8)

23. Badge, usually of honour (6)

26. Epic poem about the fall of Troy (5)

27. Very thin paper (5,4)

28. Attacker, one who starts the fight (9)

29. Mister (Spanish) (5)

DOWN

1. Whistleblower, one who lays a complaint (9)

2. Son of Abraham (5)

3. Gum, used in glue (8)

4. Over, not present or future (4)

5. Company document inviting investment (10)

6. Replace interior protective coating (6)

7. Like the food of the gods (9)

8. Eskimo canoe (5)

13. Very gaunt, like a corpse (10)

15. Clumsy style of walking, large and ungainly (9)

17. Collier, excavator of fossil fuel (9)

18. Flowers or creatures found in rockpools (8)

21. Strand of pasta (6)

22. Girls name, heath bush (5)

24. Compare, find similarity (5)

25. Dock, jetty (4)

oday I write to honour Rhoda Roberts. Widjabul Wieybal woman of the Bundjalung Nation, cultural powerhouse, storyteller, knowledge holder, activist, arts executive, performer, advocate, and SBS Elder in Residence. Words are inadequate, and culturally incapable of capturing who Rhoda was. How she lived. What she achieved. Who she touched. She was fierce, and funny, and humble, and inspired, and thoughtful, and inclusive, and unforgettable.

Rhoda never stuck to one lane – she occupied them all. I have never met another person who could do so much but still be so relaxed. Still have time for a conversation, or a cup of tea. Her light shone so brightly it was impossible not to be in awe. Rhoda centred culture in everything she did. And she did a lot. She died on Saturday after a short battle with cancer. I was sitting in my car when I scrolled across the post on Facebook. I had to read it three times for it to sink in. I was about to host a conversation show, at the last one, Rhoda had been my guest. She had shared part of her enormous, important story, and her powerful vision for culture and Country. What a woman. What a loss.

I remember the first time I met Rhoda. It would have been around 2004, at Woodford Folk Festival. She was onsite in a caravan, programming the Indigenous component of the festival and working towards The Dreaming Festival which would kick-off in 2005 on site. This was one of Rhoda’s many projects. She had this knack for having a vision, then making it happen, all while doing 1,000 other things at a high level of excellence, at the same time. She multi-tasked multi tasking.

I remember sitting in her caravan, watching her cook for her family, drinking a cup of tea and chatting. Kids would come and go, artists and performers drifted through. She held this grounded centre, in the midst of chaos and action, she had this pervasive calm, this deep laugh, and this powerful cut through. This was

ARIES: The celestial supercharge of two inner, and three outer, planets in your birthday sign brings this month to a beautiful conclusion with the news you want to hear as you start your new astro year: that the cosmic force is with you for this momentous life cycle in more ways than you can possibly imagine.

TAURUS: It’s natural to resist the uncertainty of territory where we don’t know what to expect. To want to stay with comforting familiarity. Which means we don’t get to grow, so this week’s astral energetics ask: where might you step into the new and unknown, with all its risks and opportunities?

GEMINI: Now your planet guide Mercury’s back on track, communication glitches ease, but it would be wise to keep in mind the lessons of recent retrogrades regarding the pitfalls of making hasty decisions. Make progress this week with a renewed resolve not to jump ahead of yourself and/or act on assumptions.

She was fierce, and funny, and humble, and inspired, and thoughtful, and inclusive, and unforgettable.

a woman who made things happen. This woman was a leader.

She was the first Aboriginal host on mainstream TV, the inaugural head of Indigenous programming at the Sydney Opera House, co-founder of the Aboriginal National Theatre Trust, and it was she who introduced the term ‘Welcome to Country’. She stood fiercely in the public space as a truth-teller. Up until last year she was touring My Cousin Frank, the one-woman show written and told by Rhoda about her trailblazing first cousin who became Australia’s first Aboriginal Olympian.

I remember the first Dreaming Festival at Woodford back in 2005. Rhoda had asked me to come and teach comedy in the week before the festival opened to the public, so that we could present a show of Aboriginal stand-up comedy. At that time there were few Aboriginal stand-up comics, which seems hard to believe considering how central humour is to surviving

CANCER: Dramas subside and recriminations give way to reconciliation with Mercury on the move again. And as this week blasts full steam ahead on implementing those brilliant ideas and strategic plans, remember to keep taking personal time out, even gear-down to a less hectic, more manageable pace.

LEO: In physical astrology, Leo is believed to rule the heart, considered the source of courage. Lions are also the zodiac’s entertainers, and since it takes courage to share yourself, you might try encouraging someone to share a song, dance, joke, story, idea or just how they’re feeling this week.

VIRGO: With Mercury’s recent retrograde wrapping up unfinished business, a welcome measure of clarity returns as its forward progress says pay attention to what physical signals are trying to tell you. If you’re feeling fired and inspired, and that’s likely, don’t forget to make those appointments you’ve been putting off.

LIBRA: This week invites your practical talents to the fore, though letting the messy, meaningful conversations happen mightn’t be all easy going. If things start going haywire, don’t stress. Just take quiet time out to check your inner compass for the courage and elegant solutions which are Libra’s forte after all.

SCORPIO: This week’s planetary ignition integrates what has already been set in motion and fuels ongoing engagement in working towards personal and professional goals. It advises recognising the support and fresh opportunities that come with connection and collaboration, while resisting the temptation of shortcuts and instant wins.

SAGITTARIUS: If you’ve been feeling a bit stuck in the same old patterns and wanting to make a change, wondering what to release and what to commit to, this fiery week advises that the real resolution isn’t about doing more. It’s about letting go to free-up energetic space for something new.

colonisation – so it was more indicative of an industry that was very very white. Rhoda never missed anything. She knew how to plant a seed and grow it. There are few people I truly admire. Few people who continue to inspire and educate. Who challenge the way I think. Who make me aware of my privilege but also make me feel included. Few people who have such powerful integrity. Vale Rhoda Roberts. This country has lost one of its greatest cultural leaders. In my heart, in the country I want to live in. It would not have been led by a white man. It would have been led by you.

Thank you.

■ 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.

CAPRICORN: Capricorn’s an earth sign, and as farmers know, fields need to lie fallow so nutrients can be replenished. Humans also need to let our energetic field reset and recover its natural rhythm. What areas of your life might benefit from a revamp, a renovation, a rebuild … or just some rest and relaxation?

AQUARIUS: Despite unprecedented access to information and technology, many people feel overwhelmed, disconnected, unsure how to move forward. This week’s assertive energy supports you in forging a meaningful path through attention-fracturing distractions and pseudo infotainment, and sticking to it. Not easy, but necessary.

PISCES: Exhausted by things that used to excite you? Then don’t bring those old stories into the new astrological year. Persuasive Mercury and finger-in-thesocket Mars in Pisces are amping your determination to see old things with new eyes. Although conditions do apply: test the waters before diving in.

BEARS, CIRCUS AND TREASURE: YOUR GUIDE TO THE TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC COMMUNITY DAY

Welcome to the magical day your kids and their teddy bears have been waiting for. We’ve packed this event with so much fun you won’t want to miss a moment – so arrive at 1:30pm and stay for every bit of it.

CHECK-IN AND GET SET UP

Your first stop is the Spaghetti Circus check-in table, where you’ll grab your name tags and get registered for the afternoon. This is where the adventure begins - come ready to play.

GATHER ON THE MAT

We’ll bring the whole community together for a welcome on the mat. This is your chance to meet the Spaghetti Circus family, find out what’s in store, and soak up the buzz of a showground full of excited kids, happy parents and very important teddy bears.

PERFORMANCE BY THE SPAGHETTI CIRCUS EMERGING ARTISTS

Before you get your turn, watch our talented Performance Troupe take the floor. These are Spaghetti’s young circus stars, trained right here in Mullumbimby - and they are absolutely worth seeing.

WARM UP

Now it’s your turn. We’ll get everybody moving with a wholegroup warm-up before the real action begins.

CIRCUS CIRCUIT

Kids rotate through a series of circus skill stations led by

Spaghetti Circus coaches. Juggling, balancing, tumbling – hands-on, high-energy and completely beginner-friendly.

TEDDY BEAR CLASS

Your child’s teddy bear has been waiting patiently for this moment. In our special Teddy Bear Class, kids and their bears learn circus moves together –because every great performer needs a great partner.

BIG GROUP BEAR ACRO BALANCE

The showstopper. The whole group comes together for a spectacular acro balance sequence, kids and teddies working as one. This is the photo moment of the day – have your camera ready.

TEDDY BEAR PARADE

Bears and their people take a victory lap in the Teddy Bear Parade. Pure joy – and one of those moments you’ll talk about for years.

TREASURE HUNT

Now for the moment the kids have been waiting for. We’ve hidden treasure around the Mullumbimby Showground – search carefully and you might just walk away with something special.

PICNIC UNDER THE TREES

Spread out your rug, unwrap your snacks and take a wellearned rest under the trees. The cafe is on site with coffee and cold drinks, so grown-ups can breathe and chat while the kids come down from their circus high.

RAFFLE DRAW AND COLOURING-IN PRIZE ANNOUNCEMENT

We’ll close out the afternoon by drawing the community raffle – with prizes donated by local businesses – and announcing the winner of our colouring-in competition. Raffle tickets in hand, fingers crossed.

TEDDY BEAR DISPLAY AT THE MUSEUM

Following the event, the Brunswick Valley Historical Society will host a teddy bear display at the Mullumbimby Museum for a few weeks. If your bear would like to be part of it, get in touch with them directly.

Teddy Bears’ Picnic Community Day entry is free. No bookings required. Arrive at 1:30pm and enjoy every moment – this is an afternoon you won’t want to miss!

Jeff Dawson

1. BISQUE TRADERS

BYRON ARTS & INDUSTRY ESTATE

Creative, small-batch, handmade, state-of-the-art, artisan, innovative, ethical, imaginative, hyper-local, leading-edge, quality, EXPLORE premium, master, handcrafted, accomplished, cutting edge, organic, designer, eclectic DISCOVER ingenious, beautiful, unique, sensational, avantgarde, original, visionary, inspirational, expert, brilliant, gifted, ahead of the curve. YOU wonderful, compelling, THERE experiencing, witnessing, engaging. NOW.

Established in 2000, Bisque Traders is a destination for considered interiors, offering a curated collection of furniture, lighting, homewares, tiles, art, and textiles, all designed in-house and crafted by skilled artisans. The Byron Bay showroom showcases soft, sculptural furniture, handcrafted lighting, and richly textured décor. Bisque Traders also provides bespoke interior design services for residential, hospitality, and commercial projects. 3/21 Brigantine Street (dual access via Bayshore Drive) bisquetraders.com.au | @bisque

2. BODHI LIVING

Bodhi Living showcases a carefully-curated collection of furniture, homewares, rugs and lighting, sourced both locally and globally. They have introduced a range of collections designed in-house, including sofas, dining tables and seating using natural and sustainable materials such as rattan and wood.

The brand encapsulates the freedom of spirit, and the soul of the individual, as represented through their home.

Shop 1/18 Centennial Circuit bodhiliving.com.au @bodhi.living

3. HEAT PILATES & YOGA

Byron Bay’s home for dynamic, music-driven movement. They blend hot pilates, strength training, reformer and grounding yoga to build power, mobility and confidence. The warm, welcoming studio and expert instructors create an uplifting atmosphere for every level. Feel energised, challenged and fully reset - every class, every time, in a space designed to make you feel amazing.

8 Grevillea Street heatbyronbay.com.au

HABITAT PRECINCT

4. OUR PLACE BYRON

Our Place is Byron Bay’s retail, events and creative hub. They stock brands including Salty Dagger jewellery and garments, Jim Banks surfboards, and partners with growing labels through its 3PL fulfilment services. Built for connection and community, Our Place blends retail and culture, offering a space to shop, create, collaborate and simply hang out in the heart of Byron.

4/4 Banksia Drive ourplacebyron.com

5. SOCIAL REMEDY

A considered approach to strength, mobility, and longevity. Social Remedy offers reformer pilates, personal training, intelligent group classes, and a world-class recovery centre including massage, sauna, infrared, and hyperbaric. Designed for efficiency and your long-term health: get everything you need in one place, so your routine stays consistent and your health goals stick.

23/1A Banksia Drive hello@socialremedy.com.au Insta: @socialremedy.byronbay

6. STONE KIN

Discover the full collection of organic cotton underwear. Try on the pieces, feel the fabrics, and explore the fits that have shaped the Stonekin brand. The space reflects their ethos: thoughtful design, natural materials, and comfort without compromise.

The team at Stonekin looks forward to welcoming you in-store soon.

2/97 Centennial Circuit

02 6680 7667 Mon - Fri / 10am to 4pm

7. BYRON BAY SALVOS STORE

Packed with quality pre-loved clothing, homewares, furniture, books and more at great prices. Discover great deals on well-known brands and make sustainable shopping even sweeter.

Now Accepting Donations

The Salvos welcome clean, good-quality items. Your donations help support programs making a real difference locally. Shop sustainably. Support local. Give back. Discover something special today. Great brands. Great prices. Great cause.

5 Banksia Drive

8. THE LARDER

Catering made simple, events made memorable

The Larder Byron Bay caters for life’s moments. Casual backyard BBQs and intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, The Larder lets you relax and savour the fun. Let them handle the heat so you get the most out of your event.

Be a guest at your own party. Enjoy every moment while establishing unforgettable memories.

02 6680 8644

catering@thelarder.com.au

1/12 Bayshore Dr

HABITAT

Get out of town! Visit Habitat where you can shop, eat, drink and recharge, all in one place. Think standout wellness, beauty and fitness studios, seriously good food, and a unique mix of flagship stores. Made for slow mornings, postwork resets, and long, lingering lunches in the sunny courtyard.

1 Porter Street habitatbyronbay.com @habitat_byronbay”

9. FLUIDE BYRON

Fluide is a lymphatic body roll studio & sauna where you can reset your body, reduce cellulite, drain, detox, de-puff. You are invited to the official opening of Fluide this Thursday, March 26th, from 5pm. Go along and find out what the buzz is all about. There will be food, tunes, beverages and the chance for one lucky person to win the membership giveaway.

56/1 Porter Street, Byron Bay  @fluidebyron www.fluidebyron.com

10. BYRON FAMILY LAW

Byron Family Law is a boutique family law firm established in Byron Bay. Through collaborative and resolutionfocused practices, they support clients to separate more kindly and to rebuild following divorce or separation. They work in collaboration with local counsellors, conveyancers, accountants, mediators, and health and wellness professionals to support you and your family to not only survive, but thrive following a separation.

18 Parkes Avenue 02 6687 2774 byronfamilylaw.com.au

Habitat is a cleverly designed village in Byron Bay, where you can live, work and play, all in one place. Over 20 years in the making, Habitat combines the best of old-school Byron (community, creativity, respect for the environment) with the latest in design and thinking (renewable energy, car sharing, hybrid live + work spaces) along with plenty of shops, cafés, and good times, it is a little oasis within one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

11. RICHARDSON MURRAY LAW

Practicing exclusively in family law, Richardson Murray offers legal advice and guidance in matters of separation, divorce, parenting arrangements and property settlements. With considerable experience in all matters of relationship breakdown, including domestic and family violence, Richardson Murray are known for their compassionate approach and commitment. Their dedicated team aims to deliver the best possible outcomes for clients.

42 Parkes Avenue www.richardson-murray.law

Leaf It To Us – quality arborists in Byron Shire

Making SPACES

Keeping cool in a warming Northern Rivers

As Northern Rivers summers grow longer and more intense, staying cool is becoming less of a luxury and more of a necessity. But rising temperatures don’t have to mean rising energy bills. The shift toward smarter, energyefficient air conditioning is helping households stay comfortable while reducing costs and environmental impact.

Modern systems are designed to work with our coastal climate – delivering powerful cooling without the heavy energy use of older units. Choosing the right system, installed correctly, can make all the difference.

That’s where local expertise matters. Skip Air is helping Northern Rivers homes and businesses stay cool, efficiently and reliably.

Looking to upgrade or install? Reach out to Skip Air for tailored advice and a seamless solution. 0406 485 187 brock@skipair.com.au Skipair.com.au @skipair_

TradeTools where old school values make the difference

TradeTools is unlike any other company. After ten years of loyal service, staff are often rewarded with valuable shares, meaning many employees are also part-owners. This unique model helps drive the exceptional customer service and product knowledge experienced across its 22 stores.

TradeTools offers a vast range of tools and equipment, much of which can’t be found elsewhere. Beyond retail, the company is also an importer, manufacturer and repairer of many of the products it sells, ensuring quality and expertise at every level.

Founded in 1987, TradeTools has outlasted many of its early competitors. Its longevity reflects a commitment to honest, ‘old school’ values, where customers, suppliers and staff are treated with equal respect, proving this approach still thrives in today’s fastpaced world.

www.tradetools.com

Healthy

homes for coastal living (without the damp drama)

Waking up to foggy windows or that musty smell? Not quite the coastal dream.

In the Northern Rivers, humidity is part of life – but a well constructed home makes all the difference.

Metsa Building Co. builds homes that work with the climate – cooler in summer, warmer in winter, and designed to limit mould. Guided by Passive House principles, they prioritise performance, comfort and clean indoor air.

The result? Fresh, filtered air and a home that feels right in every season.

With mould-resistant construction, low-toxin materials and eco-conscious practices, Metsa delivers homes that are durable and built for longterm wellbeing.

Curious about mould-resistant design? Explore Metsa’s Passive House guide from their website. Hendrik 0426 894 565 hendo@metsabuilding.com.au www.metsabuilding.com.au@ MetsaBuildingCo.

Windows and doors not working properly?

110+ five-star Google reviews

Leaf It To Us is a specialist arborist company servicing Byron Shire and surrounding areas.

They are qualified arborists — not tree loppers. Their work is guided by industry best practice, structural tree science and a strong commitment to proper tree care.

Established in 2008, Leaf It To Us has built a reputation for quality workmanship, honest advice and reliable service. From precision pruning and canopy reduction to complex removals, every job is carried out with care, safety and attention to detail.

They understand Byron Shire’s coastal conditions, native species and Council requirements — ensuring compliant, responsible and professional tree management.

If you’re looking for experienced, quality arborists in Byron Shire, Leaf It To Us is the trusted choice.

Kascha Wood 0402 487 213 www.leafittous.com.au

Cactus Hill

Fret no more! Don’t replace… REPAIR and SAVE with Working Windows.

Jake and Toby are local experts specialising in the repair and, if necessary, replacement of windows, doors, flyscreens and security screens.

With 10+ years experience in timber, aluminium and uPVC products, they pride themselves on always delivering top-quality, eco-friendly results that best benefit you and your environment.

Contact them today via phone or email, or check out their website for more information

Jake 0435 506 465 | Toby 0405 793 994 workingwindows1@gmail.com F: Workingwindows

Freshen your air conditioner this autumn

After a summer of constant cooling, many homeowners notice unpleasant odours from their air conditioner.

Artisan Air knows that moisture created in the coils during hot, humid weather provides the perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew. When systems operate, these contaminants blow through the home, potentially exacerbating allergies and respiratory issues.

Autumn presents the ideal opportunity for air conditioning maintenance. For units showing signs of mould or mildew, Artisan Air recommends their

professional hygiene clean to thoroughly remove these harmful organisms.

The company now offers another innovative solution: a 100% natural, food-safe product that’s safe for pets and families. Installed directly into the unit, it prevents mould and mildew growth for up to 12 weeks, ensuring cleaner air and healthier indoor environments year-round.

02 6680 9394 hello@artisanair.com.au www.artisanair.com.au

Under new ownership, Ann and Martin bring more than 25 years of global furniture expertise to Cactus Hill, redefining the local homewares experience with a fresh and inspired vision. Their exclusive in-house furniture brand, available only at Cactus Hill, showcases beautifully crafted hardwood furniture designed to stand the test of time. Each piece sits alongside a carefully curated selection of distinctive homewares, sourced through trusted Australian supply partnerships. Cactus Hill also offers a personalised in-home styling service, helping clients create spaces that feel both functional and uniquely their own. With a strong focus on quality, craftsmanship and community, Ann and Martin are dedicated to making Cactus Hill a destination that truly serves and inspires the homes around it.

You can visit Cactus Hill at the new location of 69 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby 02 5643 9333 www.cactushillproject.com.au @cactushillproject

Eden at Byron - It’s bulb time!

Daffodils, freesias, jonquils, irises, and ranunculus are all easy to grow in our beautiful part of the world. They flower in late winter or early spring, and you need to plant them any time from now until the end of May. It’s a good idea to buy the bulbs a few weeks before you intend to plant and give them a week or two in the fridge to simulate a longer, colder winter. Plant them in garden beds or cram them into pots for an irresistible spring display. You can add cool season flowers like pansies and violas for colour while waiting for the bulbs to emerge.

Now’s also the time to plant garlic bulbs and sweet peas.

02 6685 6874

140 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay shop@edenatbyron.com

Volume 40 #42

25–31 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

Eclectic Selection

Shai Rose is a singer and songwriter who brings a mixture of folk and soul to the stage, combining originals from her latest album, some new material, and covers.

Saturday from 4pm at the Bangalow Hotel. Free show

Since taking to the stage and commencing his successful recording career, Australia’s favourite son, Shannon Noll –‘Nollsie’, has gone on to receive acclaim with certified triple-platinum sales, number one hits, five top-ten albums, 17 platinum, and three gold accreditations.

Saturday from 7pm at Kingscliff Beach Hotel. Tickets $49 at oxtix.com.au.

Eternal Sunshine delivers a high-energy performance packed with crowd favourites,

timeless classics, and dancefloor hits that keep everyone moving. From feel-good singalongs to irresistible grooves, their music spans genres and decades.

Saturday from 7.30pm at Club Tweed. Free show.

Bringing blues, rock and crowd-favourite classics, the Harry Nichols Blues Band is a three-piece powerhouse of drums, bass, and blazing lead guitar and vocals. They are this weekend’s special guests on the Ballina Blues Club stage.

Sunday from 2.30pm at the Ballina RSL, Boardwalk. Free show.

If you ask Bobby Alu what his show is like, he’ll tell you how he hopes it makes you feel: ‘like you have your favourite drink in hand, sipping as the sun sets on a balmy evening that’s laden with the promise of adventure’. In an ideal world, he’d follow summer around the earth in his endless quest to nail that feeling in his songs. From 4pm at the Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads. Free show.

Soul’D, is a dynamic presence in the Northern NSW music scene – renowned as one of the region’s most prominent live music rock bands, this ten-piece ensemble boasts an impressive lineup of musicians.

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

Ginger Lane is a soul-folk musician, writer, and storyteller whose work is deeply personal, reflecting her life experiences, emotional journey, and connection to the natural world – characterised by themes of introspection, independence, and the exploration of life’s patterns.

Sunday from 5.30pm at the Park Hotel, Suffolk Park. Free show.

They’re Mystic-al

Holiday Mystics are a four-piece from Tasmania/London – the charming combination of female and male lead vocals land the band in the realm of ‘a modern-day Fleetwood Mac with the indie grit of Wolf Alice’.

The band continues to build a growing fanbase both in Australia and the UK, via a compelling live show full of vintage outfits, roses, and rock ‘n’ roll flair. Recently supporting Neil Young at BST Hyde Park, alongside other UK festival performances at Isle of Wight Festival, Rowachella, and Australian festivals Beyond The Valley, Party In The Paddock, Gum Ball Festival, Wave Rock Weekender, and back-to-back tours in both regions – for what has been a massive 12 months for the band.

Currently working alongside Nashville-based producer Caleb M. Harris and Grammy-nominated and ARIA award-winning producer Adrian Breakspear (Pharrell, Coldplay, Gang Of Youths, Amy Shark) they’re focusing on defining their sound via their debut album set for release in May 2026. Recent singles ‘Long Game’, ‘WOA’, and ‘Deliberance’ received airplay in the UK being picked up by several stations including BBC Introducing and Radio X.

Holiday Mystics are for fans of Florence + The Machine, Fleetwood Mac, Wolf Alice, Sam Fender, The Last Dinner Party, Hozier, Warpaint, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and other alt-rock gems that came before them.

You can catch them live in Byron Bay at 8pm on Friday at The Northern. This is a free show.

Seven

Seven days of entertainment

Mullum Roots secret headliners – Mental As Anything

Following the recent announcement of its first artist line-up, Mullum Roots Festival has officially revealed its muchanticipated secret headliner, with iconic Australian band Mental As Anything set to top the bill when the festival returns to Mullumbimby in July.

The announcement comes at a significant moment for the Northern Rivers music scene, following news that Byron Bay Bluesfest will not take place this year.

Mullum Roots Festival’s growing program highlights the continued strength of regional festivals supporting Australian artists and live music audiences.

holding their own when it comes to supporting Australian music.’

2026 11-12

mental as anything

Busby Marou | Alex Lloyd

Dave Graney & Clare Moore | The Fauves

Rob Snarski & Lindy Morrison | Bill Chambers

Marcia Howard & Damian Howard | Jo Jo Smith | The Pinks

Youth Battle Of The Bands | Lucie Thorne

Abbie cardwell | FINOJET | Rogue Elements | The Hoochers

Kristina Olsen | Wild Rocket | Lou Bradley

Kangaroos With Machine Guns | Wanita Queen of Honky Tonk

Minnie Marks | Mandy Hawkes | Women Of Country

Brodie Buttons | Zen Cowboys | Joey’s Coop

Velcro Bully | Orthentix | Yazmindi

Peter O’Doherty from Mental As Anything said the band was thrilled to be joining the festival, and urges live music fans to continue to support Australian music. ‘It’s a shame that Bluesfest has been cancelled this year, but great that others such as the fantastic Mullum Roots Festival are

Formed in 1976, Mental As Anything have remained one of Australia’s most enduring and beloved bands. Known for timeless hits including Live It Up’, ‘The Nips Are Getting Bigger’ and ‘If You Leave Me, Can I Come Too?’, their Mullum Roots Festival performance will form part of a national tour celebrating 50 years since the band first formed, bringing their catalogue of classics to audiences across the country. Mental As Anything joins a line-up featuring Alex Lloyd, Busby Marou, Dave Graney & Clare Moore, The Fauves, Lucie Thorne, Bill Chambers, Jo Jo Smith, The Pinks, Joey’s Coop, Lucie Thorne, Abbey Cardwell, Rogue Elements, The Hoochers, Kristina Olsen, Wild Rocket, Lou Bradley, Kangaroos With Machine Guns, and Wanita Queen of Honky Tonk, and many many more, as well as a Youth Battle of the Bands

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!

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

Listen like a local

Following its successful inaugural year, Mullum Roots Festival will once again transform Mullumbimby village into a walkable, multivenue festival experience, with performances staged across a collection of intimate local venues.

The 2026 edition will also expand to include an additional space, increasing seating capacity while maintaining the warm, community atmosphere the festival has quickly become known for.

Tickets are on sale now, with limited availability.

A 20 per cent discount on weekend passes is available for Bluesfest ticket holders wishing to attend Mullum Roots Festival. To access the offer, punters can email a copy of their Bluesfest ticket receipt by Monday, April 6. Mullum Roots Festival will run the weekend of July 11 and 12. Tickets and information at mullumrootsfest.com.

No, not the soft, brown, winged insect, but a live, themed storytelling gathering modelled on the popular New York version, founded in 1997 by poet and novelist George Dawes Green.

So why is it called the Moth? Well the writer wanted to recreate the feeling of sultry summer evenings in his native Georgia when moths were attracted to the light on the porch where he and his friends would gather to spin spellbinding tales. Green and his original group of storytellers called themselves ‘The Moths’, and that name took flight as a movement of storytelling in New York City with over 600 different storytelling events a year across the US.

Storytelling is a powerful tool of connection. When Mandy Nolan from The Echo, and Creative Mullum reignited The Echo’s short story competition, the view was always to have the stories shared in a Moth. ‘I love storytelling,’ says Mandy, a comedian and author of five books. ‘I have been running writing workshops over the last few years, so I know how many talented and budding writers we have here. Finding an ignition to get them writing was stage one! Stage two was to get those stories on stage!’ Hence the final of The Echo Short Story Competition which garnered almost 250 stories that were all required to theme with ‘hitchhiker’. ‘I was just blown away by the quality of the stories,’ said Mandy, ‘I loved how many were locally-themed. It’s so powerful when writers tell stories about things and places they know. It certainly layers what you are reading with a sense of place that we can relate to. The stories were excellent, I was

CINEMA

particularly impressed with the work of the under-18s. We even have a 12-yearold storyteller, Pearl Bannister, reading her story on the night!’

Ten stories were chosen. Five of them were from adults, and five from under18s. Each of the writers has been invited to read their story at Mullumbimby’s Top Pub on Monday, 30 March at 7pm, with the winners taking home prize money of $1,000 from the Top Pub for adults, and the youth section first prize of $500 from IGA.

The judges on the night will have already read the stories, but it’s important to see how those stories sit in the public space. How they affect an audience, or readership. Judges are: Jessica Alice, the Festival Director of the Byron Writers Centre; Alan Close, author and writing coach; Merryn Morrison, a curator from the arts sector representing Creative Mullum; and The Echo General Manager Simon Haslam

‘I will be hosting the evening,’ says Mandy Nolan, who welcomes the community to come and be part of this auspicious occasion. ‘Telling stories is what makes us human. In a world where AI is on the rise, our insights, our wisdom, our heartbreak, our suffering, our joy, our loves, our failures … that’s our creative strength!’

The first Mullum Moth is next Monday, 30 March at the Top Pub in Mullumbimby at 7pm. Come early for dinner! This show will sell out, so grab your tickets for $15/20 from https://events.humanitix.com/ mullum-moth/tickets.

I Swear

Bold, poignant, and infused with unexpected humor, I Swear tells the extraordinary story of John Davidson, a young man whose life takes a sharp turn when he begins to experience the sudden onset of Tourette syndrome.

1983: 12-year-old Davidson lives with his working-class family in Galashiels in the Scottish Borders. With aspirations to become a football player, John starts his high school term at Galashiels Academy. Hearing that a scout will assess his skills as a goalie, John begins experiencing episodes of tics and uncontrollable coprolalia – a Tourette syndrome tic with involuntary swearing and the utterance of obscene words or socially inappropriate and derogatory remarks. The head teacher responds by whipping John’s hand with a belt. This injury and his tics result in his performing poorly at football, to the disappointment of his father. John is banished from the dining table by his mother after spitting – he and his siblings are told that their father has left. John, distraught, attempts suicide by walking into a river, but is rescued and wakes up in hospital.

At a time when the condition was largely unrecognised and misunderstood, John’s world expands in ways that few could imagine. His unfiltered voice, once seen as disruptive, becomes a rallying point for understanding and change, carving out a space where honesty, individuality, and courage shine through.

Robert Aramayo embodies John with remarkable energy and depth, capturing the raw humanity of a figure who insists on being heard. Maxine Peake, Shirley Henderson, and Peter Mullan deliver performances that illuminate the warmth, wit, and resilience that surround him. Kirk Jones directs with a balance of compassion and sharp observation, weaving together moments of laughter and heartbreak into a resonant cinematic experience.

I Swear is more than a portrait of one man’s journey, it is a powerful affirmation of identity and the transformative power of voice. Screening at Palace Cinemas Ballina and Byron Bay from Thursday.

Spirit of the blues lives on

In the wake of the unexpected cancellation of Bluesfest 2026 just weeks before Easter, local tourism operator and charter vessel, M.V. Jasmine is stepping up to keep the music alive and support the community with a heartfelt gesture.

On Saturday, April 4 from 11.30am to 2.30pm, M.V. Jasmine will host a complimentary charter departing from Brunswick Heads for all 2026 ticket holders to Bluesfest. This intimate on-water experience is being offered at no cost to those who had purchased Bluesfest tickets and were left out of pocket following the cancellation.

With a capacity of 64 seats, the event will be a unique and personal celebration of blues music, the Byron Bay spirit, and community resilience, in an intimate setting. If you miss out and would like to jump on the M.V. Jasmine anyway, they do have cruises available over Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Sunday for brunch, lunch and sunset all Easter long weekend.

M.V. Jasmine’s Helen Caruana said: ‘We were just as sad as everyone when Bluesfest was cancelled so close to Easter. We know how many people were affected. This is our way of giving something back to those out of pocket, and keeping the spirit of the Shire alive.’

‘We are hoping the free cruise will feature live blues performances, stunning scenic cruising, and a shared sense of connection during what is usually one of the region’s most vibrant weekends.’

Callout for artists: Local and touring blues musicians are invited to be part of this special event. Artists who are available over the Easter long weekend and would like to contribute their talent to this community-driven initiative are encouraged to get in touch at cincin@mvjasmine.com This initiative reflects the resilience and generosity that Byron Bay and the Northern Rivers are known for – proving that even in the face of disappointment, the music doesn’t stop.

Tickets must be reserved via https://mvjasmine.rezdy.com – first in, best dressed.

GIG GUIDE

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

■ THE PADDOCK PROJECT, MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM CURRY JAM

■ OTTILIES, MULLUMBIMBY, 6PM MONDO HUM JAZZ QUINTET

■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM VIVID WHITE

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

THURSDAY 26

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, RESONANT HAND

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM HEIDI KAIRL BAND

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM JAZZ DADS, DJ DAVE QUENDO, DUELLING PIANO BAR

■ BANGALOW HOTEL 7PM SHIRE CHOIR

■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM BEN WHITING

■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM VIVID WHITE

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

■ LENNOX HOTEL 8PM THURSDAY JAM NIGHT

■ BALLINA RSL LEVEL ONE 7PM THE BIG GIG COMEDY NIGHT

■ ELTHAM HOTEL 6PM BLUEGRASS JAM, 7PM TIM ROGERS

■ LISMORE CITY BOWLO 7PM THE SUPPER CLUB SOUL BAND

FRIDAY 27

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, PINK ZINC

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 5PM JOSH LOVEGROVE + THE VYBEZ BAND

■ BYRON THEATRE 7PM BANJO

■ ELEMENTS OF BYRON 5PM JORDAN MAC

■ BYRON BAY GOLF CLUB 5PM ROO DUO

3:50PM, 6:10PM THE MAGIC FARAWAY TREE (G) NFT Daily except Wed: 11:15AM, 1:30PM, 3:45PM, 6:00PM. Wed: 11:15AM, 1:30PM, 4:10PM, 8:20PM THE SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIE (PG) NFT BEGINS FROM WEDNESDAY Wed: 11:00AM, 2:30PM, 3:45PM, 4:20PM, 6:00PM, 7:00PM ALL FILMS

EPIC: ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT (PG) Daily except Sun, Wed: 11:00AM. Sun: 11:00AM, 8:20PM I SWEAR (MA15+) NFT Daily: 11:30AM, 2:00PM, 7:10PM

PROJECTHAILMARY (M) NFT Daily except Sat, Wed: 11:30AM, 1:10PM, 2:45PM, 4:20PM, 6:30PM, 7:30PM. Sat: 11:30AM, 1:10PM, 4:20PM, 6:30PM, 7:30PM. Wed: 11:30AM, 1:10PM, 2:45PM, 6:30PM READY OR NOT 2: HERE I COME (MA15+) Daily except Sat, Wed: 8:15PM REMINDERS OF HIM (M) Daily except Mon, Wed: 4:40PM, 8:20PM. Mon: 8:20PM. Wed: 4:40PM THEY WILL KILL YOU (MA15+) NFT Daily: 2:00PM, 4:50PM, 8:30PM WUTHERINGHEIGHTS (M) Daily except Mon, Wed: 11:40AM, 7:00PM. Mon, Wed: 11:40AM

■ NORTH BYRON HOTEL 5.30PM DJ JR.DYNAMITE

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM ISAAC FRANKHAM TRIO, DJ OREN SELECTA, DUELLING PIANO BAR, HOLIDAY MYSTICS

■ HOWL & MOAN, BYRON BAY, 7PM HEADSEND + SWIVELHEAD

■ OCEAN SHORES TAVERN 5.30PM OPEN MIC NIGHT

■ WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM DJ JAX FAE

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

■ MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 8PM KRAPPYOKEE WITH JESS

■ CLUB LENNOX 7PM INO PIO

■ LENNOX HOTEL 9PM MATT DAY TRIO

■ CHERRY STREET SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, 7PM HAYLEY GRACE

■ HOTEL LISMORE 5.30PM ADAM HOURIGAN + DJ LAZY DOM

■ MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6.30PM CLASSIC GOLD

■ MURWILLUMBAH CIVIC CENTRE 7.30PM THE TEMPEST

■ CONDONG BOWLS CLUB 6.30PM ACID BLEED

■ KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 5PM BEN PURNELL

■ SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 5.30PM NATHAN LINDSAY

■ CLUB TWEED 7.30PM THE TARTAN TERRORS

■ TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 8PM LONDON CALLING

■ SOUNDLOUNGE, CURRUMBIN, 7PM HARRY MANX

■ COOLANGATTA HOTEL 5PM CHEV WILSON + REMEDY

■ CHINDERAH TAVERN 7.30PM FAT ALBERT

SATURDAY 28

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, THE SWAMPS

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 8PM FELIX DA HOUSECAT + DIGITALISM

■ BYRON THEATRE 6.30PM THE ROAD TO PATAGONIA

■ NORTH BYRON HOTEL 1.30PM DJ QUENDO + DANI QUAYLE MUSIC

FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL

COLOURS OF TIME (M) Sat: 2:10PM COUTURE (M) Sun: 12:40PM. Wed: 10:00AM CYCLE OF TIME (M) Thurs: 10:00AM. Mon: 12:30PM JEAN VALJEAN (M) Thurs: 12:15PM. Wed: 12:20PM LITTLE AMÉLIE OR THE CHARACTER OF RAIN (PG) Sat: 10:00AM MAIGRET AND THE DEAD LOVER (PG) Fri: 12:20PM REDRESS (M) Tues: 10:00AM THE ICE TOWER (M) Mon: 10:00AM THE MUSICIANS (PG) Sat: 11:50AM THERICHESTWOMAN INTHEWORLD (M) Sun: 10:00AM THE SON OF (M) Fri: 10:00AM THE STRANGER (MA15+) Tues: 12:20PM ALL FILMS GOAT (PG) Daily except Sat, Wed: 12:10PM, 5:00PM. Sat: 5:00PM. Wed: 4:30PM HOPPERS (PG) NFT Thurs, Fri: 10:20AM, 2:30PM, 5:00PM. Sat: 10:20AM, 12:10PM, 5:00PM. Sun, Mon, Tues: 10:20AM, 2:50PM, 5:00PM. Wed: 12:10PM, 2:30PM, 5:00PM PROJECT HAIL MARY (M) NFT

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM KANE MUIR BAND, JEROME WILLIAMS, DUELLING PIANO BAR, DJ MY HAPPY PLACE

■ BANGALOW HOTEL 4PM SHAI ROSE

■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4.30PM FULL MOON REGGAE PARTY FT SKYEATER

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

■ OCEAN SHORES TAVERN 8PM DJ BEATDUSTA & DJ WALLOPALOOZA

■ WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM DJ DARIAN

■ DRILL HALL THEATRE, MULLUMBIMBY, 7PM JESSE WHITNEY

■ BILLINUDGEL HOTEL 6.30PM THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINDERAH

■ CLUB LENNOX 7PM SONIC FX

■ LENNOX HOTEL 8PM THE BANCROFTS

■ WILLIAMS STREET KITCHEN & BAR, LENNOX HEAD, 6PM JOSE & GUY

■ SHAWS BAY HOTEL, BALLINA, 3PM THE DEADLY GOOD

■ BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK 6PM JOCK BARNES

■ CHERRY STREET SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, 8PM WEAR THE FOX HAT

■ HOTEL ILLAWONG, EVANS HEAD, 8PM MOSSY ROCKS

■ ELTHAM HOTEL BEN SALTER, 7PM BEN SALTER

■ HOTEL LISMORE 9.30PM TUBED RADIO

■ MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6PM MERLIN

■ MURWILLUMBAH CIVIC CENTRE 7.30PM THE TEMPEST

■ SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 5PM MARSHALL OKELL

■ KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 5PM MR TROY

■ KINGSCLIFF BEACH HOTEL 7PM SHANNON NOLL

■ CLUB TWEED 7.30PM ETERNAL SUNSHINE

■ TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 7.30PM SHAKE RATTLE ‘N’ ROLL

■ COOLANGATTA HOTEL 5PM SENSATIONAL 70S + PINK ZINC

SUNDAY 29

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, THE HILLBILLY SKANK

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 4.30PM SOUL’D

■ BYRON THEATRE 5PM BOBBY SINGH AND FRIENDS

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 5PM JR HIGGINS, VINYL SUNDAY FT ANDREA, DUELLING PIANO BAR

■ BANGALOW HOTEL 3PM THE HILLBILLY SKANK

■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4PM BOBBY ALU

■ OCEAN SHORES COUNTRY CLUB 3PM OPEN MIC

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

■ BILLINUDGEL HOTEL 1PM ALBY DAMN

■ BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK 2.30PM BALLINA BLUES CLUB FEAT HARRY NICHOLS BLUES BAND

■ HOTEL ILLAWONG, EVANS HEAD, 2PM GUY KACHEL TRIO

■ FEDERAL HOTEL, ALSTONVILLE, 5PM ROD MURRAY

■ MURWILLUMBAH CIVIC CENTRE 2PM THE TEMPEST

■ CLUB TWEED 1PM ROSE POWELL + ANGUS HOLMES

■ TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 2.30PM SHAKE RATTLE ‘N’ ROLL

■ COOLANGATTA HOTEL 5PM LISA HUNT + PHOENIX RISING

MONDAY 30

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM HARRY NICHOLS

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM ERIN SHAY, DJ DAVI BANGMA, DUELLING PIANO BAR

■ THE TOP PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 6.30PM THE MULLUM MOTH

■ KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 12PM LAURA DOOLAN

TUESDAY 31

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM HAYLEY GRACE

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM MARSHAL OKELL, DJ JAMIE LOWE, DUELLING PIANO BAR

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

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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.

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COMMUNITY HOT BRUNCH FREE

PUBLIC NOTICES

The Echo ran an incorrect ad last week for the Byron Shire Council’s notice to advise of lane name changes in Billinudgel.

Please see the correct notice below.

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

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 in response to local addressing issues.

Council has proposed “Gilbert Lane & 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, April 24, 2026

THAT WORK ALL WEEK!

appear online: www.echo.net.au/classified-ads

FUNERAL NOTICES

AUBREY JAMES ROLFE

12.09.1938 - 12.03.2026 [insert pic Aubrey_Rolfe.jpg]

* Aub was the beloved husband of Robyn (dec.), and proud father of Marion and Nathan, father-in-law of Troy and Kelly and Poppy of Damon, Emerson, Finley and Jasper.

* Please join the family to celebrate the life of Aub on Friday 27th March at 1.00pm at Ballina Golf & Sports Club, Jameson Ave Ballina. All who knew Aub are warmly invited to attend.

HEALTH

COUNSELLING

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.

HYPNOSIS & EFT

DEATH NOTICES RAY WINTER

Master guitarist and songwriter. Died in peace on 20th March 2026 After a long life of joy and happiness. He left us a great example of how to be. ‘Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of god’ He is forever in my heart. Sarah

Please join us as we celebrate the life and legacy of

Simple and effective solutions. Anxiety, Cravings, Fears & Trauma. Maureen Bracken 0402205352

HYPNOSIS & NLP

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

ARCHIE

SOCIAL ESCORTS

ONLY ADULTS

On The Horizon

DEADLINE NOON FRIDAY

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

BV VIEW Club

935 or apply via byrondogrescue.org MC: 991003002588255

TAZZIE

Tazzie is a 8 month old, Border Collie/Kelpie X . He is a very smart, energetic young dog who will thrive in an active home. Tazzie would be best suited to a family living on property or someone looking for a dog who enjoys having a job to do.  M/C # 991003002442498 Location: Murwillumbah For more information contact Yvette on 0421 831 128. Please complete our online adoption expression of interest. friendsofthepound.com/adoptionexpression-of-interest/

Visit friendsofthepound.com to view other dogs and cats looking for a home. ABN 83 126 970 338

Koko is a gentle, quiet six-year-old female Ridgeback cross who forms strong bonds with her people. She thrives in a calm, patient home where she feels safe. Initially shy, especially around men, she becomes affectionate and loyal once she trusts you. Toilet trained, she needs a secure yard and indoor settling time. She requires kindness, consistency and understanding to build confidence and blossom. Re-homing #R251 00 00 60

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

TU 6:55 18:45 17:38 4:52 08:15 1.69 20:43 1.51 01:46 0.38 14:30 0.33 1 W 6:55 18:43 18:06 5:49 08:51 1.65 21:19 1.58 02:30 0.36 14:59 0.31

2 TH 6:56 18:42 18:35 6:46 09:25 1.58 21:55

5

6

Adopt a Rooster. Mr Percival. He’s a tiny gorgeous boy, smaller than a bantam, quarter the size of ISA brown hen. He sides up to Ann Maree (his foster carer) like he wants her to be his girlfriend. All he can do right now is look at from his enclosure 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

Brunswick Valley VIEW Club has author Sally Warriner as guest speaker at its luncheon on 9, April. She is the author of Not Just the Wife of the General Manager. The venue is Brunswick Heads Bowling Club. All are welcome to attend. Numbers are needed for catering purposes. Phone 0412 246 310 before 2, April. Our club supports eight disadvantaged students in The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. VIEW stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women. For more information call Rita on 0424 852 679.

CWA Brunswick Heads

She Thrives is excited to welcome Peter for a powerful womens-only BoxAtion workshop – a unique blend of boxing, movement and meditation designed to help you release stress, build confidence and reconnect. No experience needed, just come as you are. After we’ve fired up our bodies, we’ll slow things down with a calming meditation session, allowing you to ground, reset and leave feeling balanced and refreshed.

Lismore rainforest walk

Meet Mitzi an all round lovely cat! She’s very friendly, affectionate and playful, and despite her age is still very young at heart! She’s in great condition, with a sleek, luscious black coat and huge big green eyes. She’s just adorable. Microchip 900079000099366 DOB 1/1/15

To view Mitzi or any other cat’s give us a call. See our FB and Instagram!

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

Couples 3 Way Play

MONTHLY MARKETS:

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

Evans Head Farmers Market – 2.30pm–6.30pm

Each SAT: Bangalow Farmers Market – 7am–11am

Duranbah Road Farmers Market (Tropical Fruit World) 8am–11am

Uki Farmers Market – 8am–1pm

Lismore Farmers Market – 7.30am–11.30am

Byron Twilight Market (October to April) 4pm–9pm

Each SUN: Ballina Farmers & Producers Market – 7am–11am The Echo updates

without letting us know. Please get in touch if you want to advise us of a change.

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

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 & Industry 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.

Women’s only BoxAtion

You are warmly invited to join us for an energising morning of movement, empowerment and connection at our free women’s only BoxAtion session. Tuesday, 31 March, from 9am to 10am at the Civic Memorial Hall, 55 Dalley Street Mullumbimby. Together

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

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. Contactcharweeks036@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 10am to 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

Seniors activities at the Byron Community Cabin, Carlyle St, Byron Bay:  Seniors Chair Yoga Tuesday and Fridays, 10am to 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.

Cake can save the world!

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 to 1pm at the CWA Rooms in Bangalow, 31 Byron Street, Bangalow. While you are there, why not find out about becoming a member?

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.

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

SANDING &

Where Design Detail, Elevated Living and Breathtaking Outlook Collide

Architecturally designed and set within beautifully landscaped, established gardens, this elevated residence delivers a refined balance of craftsmanship, natural materials and flexible living, positioned in one of the quietest streets in Suffolk Park. Whitewashed Australian hardwood floors, custom Blackbutt cabinetry and solid timber detailing create warmth and texture throughout, while high ceilings and louvred windows invite abundant natural light and cooling cross-breezes. Open-plan living flows seamlessly to an elevated entertaining deck overlooking tranquil garden surrounds.

At the heart of the home, the designer kitchen is a true centrepiece, featuring Caesarstone benchtops, Bosch induction cooking, a fully appointed butler’s pantry and a striking Eco Outdoor sandstone feature wall, adding both architectural presence and organic character. Three well-proportioned bedrooms offer privacy and comfort, including a master retreat with ensuite and peaceful garden outlooks. Enhancing the home’s versatility is a separate studio with private entry – ideal for guests, creative pursuits or working from home.

Outdoors, professionally landscaped gardens form a tropical sanctuary, complete with feature cobblestone pathways, a fire-pit entertaining area, and multiple spaces to relax or gather. Thoughtful material choices, quality finishes and solar power combine

to deliver a home of timeless design and exceptional lifestyle appeal.

Key features:

• Architecturally-designed residence on approximately 608m²

• Whitewashed Australian hardwood floors and custom Blackbutt cabinetry throughout

• Designer kitchen with Bosch appliances, Caesarstone bench-tops and Eco Outdoor sandstone feature wall

• Butler’s pantry with integrated storage and built-in breakfast nook

• Elevated entertaining deck overlooking landscaped gardens

• Three-bedroom, two-bathroom main residence plus versatile studio with private entry

• Sandstone and limestone materials thoughtfully carried through the home and garden for seamless design continuity

• Professionally landscaped grounds with fire pit and feature cobblestone pathways, solar power, air conditioning and outdoor shower

• Close to local cafes, schools and Suffolk Park amenities.

■ Agent: Bryce Cameron, Cape Byron Property, 0412 057 672

■ 1/58 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay, NSW, 2481

Property / Business Directory

Property Business Directory

Open For Inspection

Tim Miller Real Estate

• 1041 Bangalow Road, Bexhill. Sat 9–9.30am

• 31 Charlotte Street, Bangalow. Sat 10.15–10.45am

• 63 Lizray Road, Federal. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 23 Sheaffes Road, Goonengerry. Sat 12.30–1pm

• 40 Booyun Street, Brunswick Heads. Sat 1.45–2.15pm Ruth Russell Realty

• 19 Yamble Drive, Ocean Shores. Sat 11–11.45am

Real Estate of Distinction

• 98 Greenvale Court, Burringbar. Sat 11–11.45am Mana Re

• 1/16 Helen Street, South Golden Beach. Sat 10–10.30am

• 1/21A Balemo Drive, Ocean Shores. Sat 10–10.30am

• 10 Gin Gin Crescent, Ocean Shores. Sat 11–11.30am

• 33 Robin Street, South Golden Beach. Sat 11–11.30am

• 32 Gloria Street, South Golden Beach. Sat 11–11.30am Harcourts Northern Rivers

• 4 Seaward Street, Lennox Head. Sat 9.30–10am

• 16 Sand Street, Skenners Head. Sat 10–10.30am

• 19 Dalmacia Drive, Wollongbar. Sat 10–10.30am

• 275 Signata Road, Pimlico. Sat 10.30–11am

• 18 Brunswick Street, Ballina. Sat 11–11.30am

• 936 Pimlico Road, Pimlico. Sat 11.15–11.45am

• 507 Ballina Road, Goonellabah. Sat 11.15–11.45am

• 15 Killarney Crescent, Skenners Head. Sat 12.15–12.45pm First National

• 484 Coorabell Road, Coorabell. Wed 10–10.30am

• 43 Beech Drive, Suffolk Park. Wed 12–12.30pm

• 4/6 Julian Rocks Drive, Byron Bay. Wed 3.30–4pm

• 160 Reardons Lane, Swan Bay. Thurs 11–11.30am

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

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

• 24 Clover Hill Circuit, Bangalow. Thurs 2–2.30pm

• 10 Glasgow Street, Suffolk Park. Thurs 2–2.30pm

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

• 2 Whian Road, Eureka. Thurs 5–5.30pm

• 22 Main Arm Road, Mullumbimby. Fri 11–11.30am

• 103 Paterson Street, Byron Bay. Fri 12–12.30pm

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

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

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

• 7/11 Constellation Close, Byron Bay. Sat 9–9.30am

• 7/27 Kalemajere Drive, Suffolk Park. Sat 9.30–10am

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

• 305/3–7 Grandview Street, East Ballina. Sat 10–10.30am

• 134 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 10–10.30am

• 8 Cassia Court, Mullumbimby. Sat 10–10.30am

• 24 Clover Hill Circuit, Bangalow. Sat 10–10.30am

• 29/6–8 Browning Street, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

• 1410 Main Arm Road, Upper Main Arm. Sat 10–10.30am

• 1/6 Hazelwood Close, Suffolk Park. Sat 10.30–11am

• 19 Armstrong Street, Suffolk Park. Sat 10.30–11am

• 7/37 Childe Street, Byron Bay. Sat 11–11.30am

• 5 Botanic Court, Mullumbimby. Sat 11–11.30am

• 16 Bryce Street, Suffolk Park. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 35A Belongil Crescent, Byron Bay. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 6 Roses Road, Federal. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 2/113 Paterson Street, Byron Bay. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 234A Bangalow Road, Byron Bay. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 2 Palm Place, Byron Bay. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 2 Whian Road, Eureka. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 1675 Dunoon Road, Dunoon. Sat 12.15–12.45pm

• 20 Oakland Court, Byron Bay. Sat 12.30–1pm

• 93 Paterson Street, Byron Bay. Sat 12.30–1pm

• 10/47–49 Shirley Street, Byron Bay. Sat 12.30–1pm

• 119 Hunters Hill Road, Corndale. Sat 1–1.30pm

• 93 Station Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 1–1.30pm

• 56 Ruskin Lane, Byron Bay. Sat 1.30–2pm

• 43 Beech Drive, Suffolk Park. Sat 2–2.30pm

• 29 Queen Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 2–2.30pm DJ Stringer Property Services

• 10 Bolton St, Kirra. Sat 8–8:30am (QLD)

• 4/241 Golden Four Dr, Bilinga. Sat 9–9.30am (QLD)

• 1/42–44 Thomson St, Tweed Heads. Sat 10–10.30am

• 6/88 Pacific Pde, Bilinga. Sat 11–11.30am (QLD)

• 9/277 Golden Four Dr, Bilinga. Sat 11–11.30am (QLD)

• 2/38 Garrick St, Coolangatta. Sat 11.15–11.45am (QLD)

• 2046/20 Stuart St, Tweed Heads. Sat 10.45–11.15am

• 33 Inlet Dr, Tweed Heads West. Sat 11–11.30am

• 14 Tyrone Terrace, Banora Point. Sat 11–11.30am

• 2104/20 Stuart St, Tweed Heads. Sat 11.15–11.45am

• 7/20 Dutton St, Coolangatta. Sat 12.15–12.45pm (QLD)

NEW LISTINGS:

First National

• 6 Roses Road, Federal

• 16 Bryce Street, Suffolk Park

• 29 Queen Street, Mullumbimby

• 24 Clover Hill Circuit, Bangalow

• 44/11–19 Cooper Street, Byron Bay

• 7/11 Constellation Close, Byron Bay

Backlash

Want to save Owls and Dogs? From 30 June SGAR poisons are banned – they are the rodenticides that kill the rat and whatever eats it next. Susan Fell and Mandy Nolan have raised $170 and bought out some of the remaining stock at Mullumbimby Mitre 10 – they have another $250 to go to clear the lot! It’s a simple action that saves lives of wildlife and our pets. Every little bit helps. To donate email mandy@mandynolan.com.au for bank details.

Local Mitch Taylor, who cofounded Koala, is a direct-toconsumer bed and furniture maker that sees sustainability as the foundation of the business. They will list on the ASX at the end of the month – Koala has ‘donated over $23 million in cash and product donations to support a number of causes (including over $4.9m to koala and wildlife conservation)’.

Looks like an e-motorbike, acts like an e-motorbike –then likely to be seized and crushed. The Labor government’s new Road Transport Amendment (Non-registrable Motor Vehicles) Bill 2026 – that targets the growing number of throttle-only, high-powered e-motorbikes – aims to crackdown on dangerous and anti-social e-bike use.

Time for a little peek-a-loo?

The Great Dunny Hunt is back on and they are looking for any ‘secret’ public toilets you might know of around the country. Visit the National Public Toilet Map website (www.toiletmap. gov.au) upload hither-tounknown dunny details

Eddie Perfect, creator of Vivid White, was in town on Saturday to catch The Bangalow Theatre company’s interpretation of his much lauded play at The Brunswick Picture House. Pictured is Eddie Perfect with Director Anouska Gammon and the cast. After the show Anouska asked him if it was what he’d expected? ‘It was better, the casting was absolutely perfect (sic). This is the first time I’ve seen this new iteration of the work, I couldn’t be happier,’ he said. Described as a very funny, post apocalyptic, musical dramady about real estate(!?) Vivid White is currently running a largely sold out season till the end of this month. Check www.brunswickpicturehouse.com for tickets. Photo Jeff ‘Far From Perfect’ Dawson

and you could go into the the draw to win a $1,000 voucher from Discovery Holiday Parks.

‘Day 21 of Operation Epstein Fury: Russian oil unsanctioned; Iranian oil sanctioned; ships paying Iran $2m for Hormuz passage; $1t gone from US stock market; F-35 proven useless; American bases under constant attack; replaced Khamenei with Khamenei’ – Ethan Levins.

Local band Parkway Drive have distanced themselves from former associate Jed Daniel Gordon after he pleaded guilty to an underage sex offence between 2002 and 2003 in Byron Bay Court this month. Parkway Drive said in a statement, ‘This is appalling and we condemn it. We’re gutted, and we support the victim’.