The Byron Shire Echo Issue 40.45 – April 15, 2026

Wilsons Creek post2022 flood roadworks completed

A stretch of Wilsons Creek Road, between Upper Wilsons Creek and Alidenes Road, has fully reopened, four years after serious damage from the 2022 floods.

In a joint media release by the state and federal governments, they say the $10.7 million project was funded by the CommonwealthState Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

‘As well as improving flood resilience, the works will minimise future repair costs associated with natural disasters’, they say.

‘The completed works include upgrades to culverts, landslip repairs, shoulder widening, drainage improvements, and strengthening the road pavement through pavement stabilisation and resurfacing at various locations.

‘Significant work started in mid-2025 and was finished in March 2026. Further flood repair work will be completed over the coming years’, they said.

Bedlam @ Bedlam

Claire Yerbury and Brendan Kelly take a break after the chaos of setting up ‘Fast ’n

Kas, Rohan Bagman, and Justine Tasker at last Saturday night’s event at

relevant satire guided attendees up through the forest via a somewhat

preparing punters for their immersion in Bedlam’. Photo Jeff ‘Bedlam Is My

a

also

Bed tax back on the agenda as Council eyes tourism ‘truth audit’

Paul Bibby

The ghost of Byron’s long-debated ‘bed tax’ is stirring again, with Council to consider a new plan to finally pin down what tourism really costs and who should be paying for it.

At this week’s Council meeting, Byron Shire Council will debate a Notice of Motion from Greens councillors Elia Hauge and Michelle Lowe calling for a deep-dive, independent study into the financial impacts of tourism on the Shire. If adopted, the proposal

would see Council partner with a university to conduct what’s being pitched as a ‘comprehensive study on the financial impacts of tourism on the Byron Shire’.

The study would attempt to balance the books between tourism’s upsides – jobs, bustling

businesses, big-ticket events – and its less postcard-friendly realities: clogged roads, over-stretched infrastructure, and mounting pressure on the Shire’s fragile natural environment. And it won’t just be an academic exercise.

The Greens want the findings to form the backbone of a renewed push for funding reform, explicitly flagging options like a tourism or ‘bed tax’, land tax redistribution, or developer contributions tied to visitor infrastructure.

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Support group urges younger men to get tested as prostate cancer rates remain high

Paul Bibby

A Northern Rivers prostate cancer support group is calling on men to rethink outdated assumptions about the disease, warning it is no longer confined to older age groups and highlighting the life-saving impact of early detection.

Bob Corney, convenor of the Northern Rivers Prostate Cancer Support Group, has led the Alstonville-based group for seven years after being nominated by his predecessor shortly before his passing.

‘When our group commenced, prostate cancer was seen as an old man’s disease, which has changed greatly,’ Mr Corney said.

He points to recent cases of men in their 30s being diagnosed, including one who died leaving behind a young family, and another whose cancer was detected early and successfully treated.

‘That’s our aim – to save lives,’ he said. ‘The only way we can do that is encourage people to have a test early.’

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, around 25,000

men are diagnosed with prostate cancer nationally each year, making it the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian men. Survival rates have improved significantly, with more than 95 per cent of men surviving at least five years when the disease is detected early.

In Northern NSW, incidence rates are slightly above the national average, reflecting the region’s older population profile. However, health experts say increasing awareness and earlier testing are improving outcomes across regional communities.

Mr Corney said attitudes around testing were shifting, with men now encouraged to begin screening earlier — from around age 35, or even 30 if there is a family history.

‘You want to stay out of that group of late diagnosis,’ he said. ‘Be early – early testing, early treatment.’

The support group, which meets monthly in Alstonville and Lismore, plays a dual role: raising awareness in the community and providing practical and emotional support for those diagnosed.

At meetings, members share their treatment experiences, offering insight

into a range of options that have evolved significantly in recent years.

‘There’s so many different types of treatment now,’ Mr Corney said. ‘People can listen to that and make up their own mind – we don’t force any recommendation.’

Beyond medical decisions, the group provides something equally important – connection.

‘The camaraderie is more than anything,’ he said. ‘If someone walks in and sees 15 blokes saying, ‘I’ve had treatment and I’m okay’, it gives them a sense of relief.’

Mr Corney said the emotional impact of a diagnosis can be profound, not only for patients but for their families, with the group also encouraging partners to attend.

‘The important message is: be tested younger,’ he said. ‘It’s not an old man’s disease.’

The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 10am to 12pm at the Plateau Sports Club, with an evening session on the first Wednesday of the month in Lismore. New members are welcome to attend or make contact for more information.

Volunteer for Byron Writers Festival

Byron Writers Festival organisers say that volunteer applications for the 2026 event are now open.

‘As a not-for-profit organisation, our festival is truly made possible by the generous support of our volunteers,’ said a festival spokesperson.

The Echo celebrates 40 years with a spectacular night of music, community awards and celebration

The Echo is marking an incredible milestone – 40 years of independent community journalism –with a vibrant anniversary celebration and awards night set to be one of the standout events of the year.

Held at Club Byron on Saturday, 6 June, this unforgettable evening will transport guests back in time with a glamorous 1930s-inspired theme, ‘Swinging Through the Decades’. Expect an atmosphere of vintage elegance, lively entertainment, and community spirit, all brought to life with a modern twist.

throughout the evening.

The celebration will shine a spotlight on the region’s most inspiring individuals and businesses, with The Echo’s Community Awards presented in the publication’s uniquely bold and entertaining style.

Celebrating 40 years – and looking ahead

future. The Echo has recently launched a supporter drive, inviting readers and local businesses to help ensure the paper remains strong for the next 40 years. Much like community radio, this initiative calls on those who value independent journalism to play a role in sustaining it (www.echo.net. au/support-us).

A night to come together

‘In 2026, Byron Writers Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary by returning to Byron Bay, marking an exciting new chapter for the festival. From Friday, 14 to Sunday, 16 August, the festival will be hosted across multiple venues in the heart of the Byron township.

Centre, Byron Bay Surf Club, Beach Hotel, Haven, the Cavanbah Centre, and others to be announced.

‘Over three days, Byron Bay will become a vibrant literary precinct filled with writers, readers, ideas, conversation and performance. Events will take place across two central hubs – one on the foreshore and one in town – with venues including the Byron Community

ANZAC DAY 2026

Byron Bay Sub-Branch

An invitation is given to one and all to attend the Dawn Memorial Service 5.30 AM Breakfast Served at the Services Club 6.15 AM

Main Service

Assembly for the March is at Apex Park at 10.15 AM March off 10.30 AM

10.45 AM Service Commences at the Memorial Gates

On completion free soft drinks will be served at Services Club

ANZAC Day Luncheon

‘Applications are now open to volunteer at the Byron Writers Festival in 2026. From poster distribution, to stage management, ticketing and media support, our volunteers fill a multitude of crucial roles.’

Apply via the festival website www. byronwritersfestival.com.

Saturday 25th April

There will be a special Luncheon at the Services Club Commencing 12.30 PM cost $30.00 pp For RSL Sub Branch Members & their Guests also for Serving and Ex Serving Members of the Armed Forces RSVP 18th April 2026

2026

Cabaret and the Melbourne Ska Orchestra

Headlining the night is the electrifying Melbourne Ska Orchestra, delivering their signature high-energy big brass band sound. Guests will also be treated to dazzling cabaret performances, delicious food, sparkling cocktails, and plenty of surprises, including exciting prizes

Bangalow Sub-Branch

Clunes Anzac Day Service

Will be held at 9AM in the Clunes Park opposite the shop. Afterwards, morning tea will be provided by the Clunes Fire Brigade. Bangalow Anzac Day Service

Will commence with a march from the top of the street, meeting at 10.30 AM for a 10.45 AM start, then marching to the Bangalow Sub-Branch Memorial Hall. All community members and friends are welcome to attend. The service will commence at the hall on completion of the march. The Bangalow Lions Club will be running a barbecue from 12.00 NOON in the vicinity of the hall, and the Lions Club will organise Two-Up and entertainment in the same location.

Brunswick Heads & Billinudgel RSL Dawn Service 5 AM at Memorial Park, Fawcett Street, followed by street march. Free BBQ in front of RSL by Rotary.

Reaching 40 years as an independent print publication is no small feat. At a time when media outlets around the world continue to face significant challenges, The Echo remains a vital voice for its community.

Over the past decade alone, more than 200 local and regional newspapers across Australia have closed, as traditional revenue streams have shifted in the digital age. Through it all, The Echo has continued to publish the stories that matter – stories that inform, challenge, and connect the community.

This milestone is not just a celebration of the past, but a commitment to the

While the mission is serious, the celebration is all about fun. This anniversary event is an opportunity for the community to come together, reflect on four decades of storytelling, and celebrate the people who have shaped the region along the way.

Guests are encouraged to dress to impress, bring their dancing shoes, and join in what promises to be a truly memorable night so get you tickets here: https://events. humanitix.com/the-echos-40th-anniversary-andawards-celebration.

Mullumbimby Sub-Branch

The Mullumbimby RSL Sub-Branch warmly invites the community to commemorate Anzac Day 2026 Dawn Service

Dawn Service will commence at 4.30 AM which will be followed by breakfast at the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club

Main Service

The Anzac Day March will commence at 10.40 AM from Apex Park to the Mullumbimby Cenotaph where the Main Service will commence at 11.00 AM

This will be followed by lunch and refreshments at the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club The Ex-Services Club is open to all

From little things big things grow

Aslan Shand

During Covid, Evie Wood was at home with her new baby Teddy (now Ted) on maternity leave, and as many new mothers do she had lots of baby clothes that were quickly outgrown, or in some cases grown-out of before they even got tried on!

‘There were a lot of high-quality items and I had a complete baby bundle for another new mum,’ said Evie.

‘I put it on Facebook Marketplace and it was quickly snapped up. During the process a social worker from Casino reached out telling me how much these types of baby bundles meant to Aboriginal mothers she worked with,’ Evie told The Echo

‘She also talked about how infants were still being removed from their mothers today. I was on maternity leave and I got talking to my mum whose family has a history of babies being removed from the family as infants and we decided to use our Covid supplements to create baby bundles. I had a new baby, so I had a good idea of what other young mothers would need and we’d put these bundles together to be given away to other young Aboriginal mums.’

Once the Covid supplement stopped they didn’t have the money to keep the project going.

‘I was telling everyone about this idea but I didn’t know how to get it off the ground,’ Evie said.

Evie had studied law and was also a member of the Byron Rural Fire Service (RFS) and it was the captain who suggested she go and talk to another member, Pam, who might be able to give her some advice. It was then that the idea of Coolamon Community was born.

‘Pam had the skills, connections, and facilities to get the project off the ground,’ explained Evie.

‘She was able to mentor me and we entered into an arrangement with Bullinah, the Aboriginal Health Service in Ballina.’

They went through a process of deep consultation with mothers, social workers, midwives, Aunties, and Elders asking ‘if you could give anything to your new mothers what would it be?’

‘They made a list of everything they wanted women to have that would set them up for success. Then the real work began.

‘We created a high quality gift that was no-strings-attached between mums and culturally-sensitive health workers. It is clearly evidenced that a positive, regular relationship between a mum and healthcare professional during pregnancy and postnatally leads to better health and wellbeing outcomes for the mum and the baby.’

Become a volunteer

From small beginnings in Ballina and Lismore the program has spread throughout the Northern Rivers and beyond.

‘We now provide baby packages to multiple locations in the Northern Territory, the whole of the Kimberley region in WA, and have many new requests coming in,’ said Evie.

With an estimated supply of 1,000 bundles in 2026 they are looking for more volunteers to come and help them prepare the baby packages. They get together on Monday and Friday mornings with volunteers coming when they can.

‘We have a great collection of grandmothers, Elders, mums, dads, midwives, and students who come along when they can to help,’ said Pam.

‘We get to create these really meaningful baby packages and also solve the worlds problems as we fold and sort baby clothes,’ she says with a laugh.

Everything they supply is new, is Sleep Space and ACCC compliant, they use First Nations designers and suppliers where they can, and adjust the baby packages to the needs of the people they are being sent to.

‘Volunteers are everything to us and make this all possible,’ said Pam.

‘Some people come every time, others come once a month or once every few months. It is all about coming and helping when you can.’

If you’d like to lend a hand and be part of something meaningful, contact Pam on 0417 393 168 or info@ coolamoncommunity.org.au.

Is it time for visitors to pay their way?

▶ Continued from page 1

If that sounds familiar, it should.

Byron has been batting around the idea of making visitors chip in for well over a decade – with varying degrees of enthusiasm, resistance, and political stalemate.

Back in 2018, the Shire flirted with what was billed as an Australian-first ‘voluntary tourism levy’, with local businesses invited to tack on a small contribution – ‘a dollar, or even potentially a couple of dollars’ – to help fund infrastructure strained by visitor numbers.

It was a good idea in theory: painless, optional, and locally controlled.

But like many of Byron’s bed tax conversations, it ultimately fizzled out, caught between industry caution and the absence of statelevel backing for anything more formal.

Fast forward to 2026, and the same underlying tension remains – only bigger.

According to the new motion, Byron Shire now attracts more than two million visitors a year, pumping hundreds of millions into the NSW economy.

Byron’s tourist bill

But while the economic benefits ripple outward to the state, the bill for keeping the place running lands much closer to home.

‘Peak tourism periods place extreme pressure on vital resources such as water supply, road networks, and public amenities,’ the motion notes, alongside the all-toovisible increases in litter and environmental degradation.

Council has previously estimated more than $5.3 million a year in unrecoverable costs linked to ‘cost shifting’ from other levels of government – a figure now considered outdated, but unlikely to have shrunk.

The Greens’ hope is that, with hard data, they can build a more compelling argument to state and federal governments that the current model – where millions visit but locals largely pay – simply doesn’t stack up.

Looming on the horizon is the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, expected to send even more visitors south, adding fresh pressure to an already stretched system.

Council staff have

signalled the proposal aligns with the Shire’s broader economic strategy, particularly its focus on partnerships and sustainable visitation.

If the motion passes, the next step would be to scope the research and report back on costs and logistics before any formal agreement is locked in.

Numbers on the Greens side

Politically, the numbers will be worth watching. With a replacement for recently ‘retired’ Asren Pugh (Labor) yet to be officially installed, The Greens hold four of the eight seats on Council, including Mayor Sarah Ndiaye – meaning the motion has a solid chance of getting up, but not without debate.

And debate there will be.

Because in Byron Shire, few ideas are as reliably combustible as the question of whether visitors should pay their way.

This time, though, the argument may come armed with something it has often lacked. Receipts.

Festival of the Stone lineup announced

The crew at Stone & Wood are thrilled to share the lineup for Festival of the Stone 2026, returning to the brewery on Saturday, 20 June for Byron Bay’s favourite winter gathering of live music, fresh brews and good company.

‘Now in its twelfth year, Festival of the Stone has become a beloved fixture on

the music festival calendar,’ say festival organisers.

Supporting the homeless

‘Each year, fans from near and far come together to celebrate music, enjoy amazing beer and share good times, all while supporting Byron’s

Fletcher Street Cottage. This year’s lineup is a beauty!’ This year the Festival of the Stone 2026 welcomes… Pacific Avenue, Ruby Fields, Dear Seattle, Eliza & The Delusionals And Liquid Zoo. For tickets visit Stone & Wood Brewery: www. stoneandwood.com.au/ pages/festival-of-the-stone.

Do you want the rail trail completed?

‘The campaign featuring real Northern Rivers locals to add their name in support of the rail trail in a bid to get NSW and federal governments to grant the funding needed to finish the last section, and “Link the Places we Love” is gaining momentum,’ said Pat Grier, President of Northern Rivers Rail Trail Supporters.

They are calling on the government to finish the last 74km of disused rail corridor between Crabbes Creek and Lismore, and complete the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

‘Anyone that was in the Northern Rivers this Easter weekend will see how closeknit and supportive our communities are. After Bluesfest was cancelled

at the last minute, venues across the region lit up, hosting some of the big name acts. Imagine being able to cycle from one event to the next!,’ enthused Pat.

Become a supporter

Since the campaign launched two weeks ago, they have collected over 2,000 names, and they’re aiming high!

‘I’m aiming for 100 times that, and if everyone that has used the trail in the last two years adds their name, there’ll be no ignoring the people of the Northern Rivers – we all want this trail finished,’ said Pat.

The trail has exceeded its original forecast of 25,000 visitors annually, attracting

more than 180,000 visitors over the past two years. Once completed, the 132km Northern Rivers Rail Trail will be one of the longest rail trails in Australia providing a safe, car-free path for walking, cycling and exploring the region. With Byron Shire Council recently reaffirming its support for the project, Northern Rivers Rail Trail Supporters are asking the community to demonstrate the strength of local backing for finishing the trail.

Pat says ‘The final piece in the puzzle is the funding, and the time is now’.

Show your support by adding your name at www. northernriversrailtrail.com. au/SUPPORT.

Chess with the best as grandmaster visits Byron

Jai Oden-Jenkins’ murder charge dropped

The NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has confirmed with The Echo that on 1 April 2026, the charge of murder against Jai Oden-Jenkins was withdrawn and dismissed at Lismore Local Court, ‘and there are no further proceedings on foot against Mr Oden-Jenkins’.

They confirmed the ABC report was correct. OdenJenkins was accused of murdering his girlfriend at Mullumbimby in September last year.

The ABC wrote on 1 April, ‘The Office of the [Director] of Public Prosecutions withdrew a charge of murder against 30-year-old Jai OdenJenkins in Lismore Local Court this morning’.

‘Outside the court, public defender Jason Watts confirmed a post-mortem examination found Mr

Oden-Jenkins’ 23-year-old girlfriend, Ashleigh Grice, died from a drug overdose.

‘The report stated the cause of death was “a mixed drug effect”, with methylamphetamine and Bromazolam detected in her system.

‘When the matter was mentioned in March, the court heard the postmortem report finalised in December led to prosecutors not opposing bail for Mr Oden-Jenkins.

‘At that time, prosecutors were still seeking instructions on how to proceed with the matter’.

‘Mr Oden-Jenkins has been on bail and living in Victoria, and did not appear in court today.

‘The murder charge and bail conditions are withdrawn and dismissed’, said the ABC report.

Last week saw chess Grandmaster David Smerdon play 20 opponents at once in a simultaneous game. This was an opportunity for amateurs to get a rare chance to play against a master.

‘Each player has as long as it takes me to complete a circuit to think about their move, with me moving pretty much instantly on each board,’ Grandmaster Smeardon told The Echo

‘With 20+ boards, that

seems like a big advantage, but it quickly gets tricky for the amateurs as I start winning some games and some of their co-competitors start dropping out of the race!’

The Echo asked, ‘how did you go? David modestly replied, ‘I didn’t lose any games. Both my boys had enjoyable and successful games.’

Great games

‘We had never visited the Byron Chess Club before and I found them all extremely

welcoming, and not just of me, but of my whole family. Pretty well everyone in the club played at least one game against each of my sons, and they were good sports, regardless of the results! I especially like how the club sets up at Apex Park every Saturday and invites all passersby to join. The club is really growing the game and opening the chess club experience to the average person’

David mentioned he had played, Echo founder,

David Lovejoy, a previous Queensland Chess Champion, of whom he said, ‘David was one of the most interesting chess players I’ve ever met. When I was a kid playing him in Queensland tournaments, I just knew David as this strong, slightly mysterious chess player. Then later I realised he was also a writer, activist, newspaper founder, and spiritual seeker, among other things. I read his memoir several times. What a life he had.’

Final stage for Mullumbimby Road project

There is just the final seal to go on the Mullumbimby Road project, according to Byron Council staff.

They said in a statement, ‘The work compound has been taken away and the former speed zones are in play once again’.

‘The only remaining work to be done is a final seal which will happen later in the year.

‘I know Council is certainly pleased to see this project all but finished and without hesitation I can say that the community is too,’ Phil Holloway, Director Infrastructure Services, said.

‘The upgrade of Mullumbimby Road was a challenging project, primarily because of the amount of traffic that uses the road on a daily basis,’ Mr Holloway said.

CLOSING DOWN SALE

Improved road

‘Mullumbimby Road is the second-busiest road in the Byron Shire and any work on the road is a major disruption to drivers.

‘On behalf of Council I thank the community, businesses and everyone who was inconvenienced by the project, for their patience and

understanding,’ he said.

‘The upgrade of the road means it is now more resilient to nuisance and flash flooding,’ Mr Holloway said.

‘The upgrade of Mullumbimby Road was a major project funded by the NSW and federal governments, and Council, to improve road safety and drainage and rebuild flood-damaged sections of the road’.

It was with lots of enthusiasm, and some confusion over the exact timeline, but the Uniting Church Op Shop celebrated its possibly 34th, or 41st year of running every Saturday 9am to 12.30pm out of the Uniting Church Hall on Dalley Street.

It was a great gathering of people who started the op shop, their families and friends who came together to celebrate the work they have done over the years. They have supported the

local high school, sold a boat hand-built by Allen Bartlett, supported people through floods and fires as well as sponsoring two eight-yearold girls through the Smith Family’s Learning for Life Program.

‘Thank you to everyone who donates, contributes, volunteers and supports the op shop,’ said convenor Marion Garvin.

‘Together, we are making a real and lasting difference in the lives of others.’

Mullum Hospital DCP still requires specific housing measures

Aslan Shand

The Mullumbimby Hospital site is one of the last publiclyowned, flood-free sites in the Byron Shire. It is a site that the community has fought to preserve for a mix of social, public, aged, worker, and Aboriginal housing for many years.

Currently the Mullumbimby Hospital site draft Development Control Plan (DCP) is on exhibition and open for comment. However, a range of community groups have identified concerns in relation to the DCP and want stronger commitments from Byron Shire Council (BSC) and the state government on what will be delivered to the community from the site that has the potential for over 200 lots.

A packed community meeting prior to the release of the draft DCP made clear that the community expects a range of social, public, and affordable housing with aged, Aboriginal, and worker

accommodation included. Yet when the draft DCP was released it only contained a provision for 20 per cent affordable housing. This was combined with significant redactions on consultant documents that accompanied the draft DCP.

‘We’d assert that this is inconsistent with open government principles and the GIPA Act 2009,’ Dale Emerson from the Mullumbimby Residents Association (MRA) told The Echo ‘The community cannot meaningfully respond to the draft DCP exhibition if the advice underpinning the proposed controls is withheld.’

Speaking to The Echo Chels Hood-Withey from House You pointed out that, ‘our core concern is that the draft DCP for the former Mullumbimby Hospital site contains no provision for public housing. It mandates a minimum of 20 per cent “affordable housing” as defined under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, but that

definition does not mean public housing. Rents only need to be set below market rate, with no requirement they be income-based or [the houses]publicly owned.’

‘This site is publiclyowned land, one of the only flood-free, developable parcels in the township. If it goes ahead as currently drafted, that public asset will be transferred into private or community-managed development without a single guaranteed public housing tenancy.

‘Community support for public housing on this site has been consistent and documented, as you heard at the February forum. The Byron Shire mayor has also stated publicly that Council is in discussions with the NSW state government about delivering public housing on the site.’

This position is supported by Mullumbimby Hospital Action Group (MHAG) representative Caroline Bass who said it is vital to ‘keep the site in public

hands, with mechanisms in place to ensure it is kept in public hands for the benefit of the local community in perpetuity. Housing on the site should reflect housing need in the Shire including older single people, seniors, low income families, First Nations people, and key workers.’

The MRA has done a detailed response to the draft DCP. Local architect David Brown said, ‘the MRA’s analysis and report is one of the most professional and comprehensive analytical documents I have read in my 50-plus years of professional architectural and property development practice. Their committed and articulate response to a most amateurish set of Council reports and the draft DCP is a testament to how important it is to get this critical project right.’

Mr Brown points out that the way the DCP is written means, as pointed out in the MRA’s sections 4.2 and 4.3, that ‘they have correctly identified an underlying

concern, that Homes NSW or Landcom, as government bodies, can do whatever they like!’

Prescriptive measures needed in DCP

Mr Emerson told The Echo that the community needs to seek prescriptive measures in the DCP to ensure that what they envision for the site is delivered.

‘That is so it is not just a wish list of “maybes” and “coulds”, but contains “should” and “must”,’ he explained.

‘There must be clear, specific goals that are required to fulfil the community’s aspiration and currently the DCP has a lot of visions or aspirations – but they’re not specific goals.’

Drop-in sessions

BSC has set up some drop-in session for the public to get information on the draft DCP to be held on: 20 April from 1pm to 3:30pm

(Council Chambers) and 21 April from 9.30am to 12pm (Conference Room at the Council offices).

However, many in the community have said that BSC’s current approach to community consultation has been a ‘tell’ rather than ‘consult’ process.

‘As far as I’m concerned, because it requires deeper engagement with community, and the same thing with the clarification as to the en globo and the public, and social housing I don’t think they can meet their current deadline of 6 May for feedback if they want a DCP which is of merit,’ said Mr Emerson.

The detailed response by the MRA is available to the public and you can receive a copy by contacting the MRA at: mullumra@gmail.com or https://mullumhospitalsite. good.do/keepitpublic/ keepitpublic.

You can make a submission on the DCP at: https:// yoursay.byron.nsw.gov.au/ dcp-mullum-hospital.

Developer seeks to remove sewage, road safety, and environmental conditions from DA

Aslan Shand

In what appears to have become a common tactic for developers across Byron Shire, the developer for 53 McAuleys Lane, Myocum, is seeking to add an extra lot and water down the consent conditions for development application (DA) 10.2023.454.2.

The community title development consent was for 37 lots on the approximately 34.8ha site subject to a number of conditions that the developer is now seeking to change and remove. These include removing the restriction on keeping dogs and the ‘removal of the

requirements to construct a cycle path and turnaround in McAuleys Lane’.

In the original consent, proposed lot 37 was consolidated with lots 36 and 38 ‘to create two (2) separate lots’ as ‘proposed lots 36 and 38 are significantly restricted by effluent disposal area requirements, particularly as the proposed lots are located close to an off-site groundwater bore’.

Septic concerns

Neighbour Sharon McGrath told The Echo that the proposed introduction of an extra lot 38 is not a small modification to the DA. ‘The proposed introduction of

a newly configured lot 38, positioned between lots 10 and 11, cannot reasonably be characterised as a “minor” administrative adjustment or as having “relatively low-level environmental impacts”,’ she said.

‘Instead, the increase in lot yield, reduction in lot sizes, and resulting increase in development density represent a material change to the development outcome originally assessed and approved.’

According to HMC’s Onsite Sewage Management Capability Assessment (DA Appendix H) it identifies that lot 10 – one of the lots being compressed to create

the new lot 38 – does not demonstrate compliant wastewater disposal capacity. Nonetheless, the developer is seeking to delete Condition 9 that requires demonstration that all lots can accommodate compliant on-site sewage management systems.

No intersection upgrade

The developer is also asking to delete Condition 8 of the consent that required the upgrade of the McAuleys Lane and Mullumbimby Road intersection prior to the commencement of subdivision works and acquisition of

land required to ensure the intersection upgrade could be delivered prior to subdivision construction works.

The developer is saying that the recent Blackspotfunded works completed by Byron Shire Council (BSC) make the intersection safe and therefore the work they committed to is no longer required prior to the commencement of construction. However, the staff report to BSC on 12 June 2025 stated that the Blackspot funding for the upgrade of that section of road ‘is not sufficient to achieve a full safety upgrade to the McAuleys Lane / Mullumbimby Road intersection,’ contradicting

the developer’s assertion.

‘Removing the requirement to upgrade this intersection to AUSTROAD standards prior to subdivision works would therefore create an unsafe and avoidable situation,’ said Ms McGrath.

‘These changes materially alter the development that was originally approved and raise significant concerns regarding traffic safety, environmental protection and infrastructure adequacy. For these reasons, the modification should be refused or required to be lodged as a new development application.’

DA submissions close 24 April www.byron.nsw.gov.au.

Mixed response to Council’s playground overhaul

Paul Bibby

Byron Shire Council looks set to move ahead with a major rethink of its playground network, despite what it acknowledges is a ‘mixed’ response from the community – particularly around the proposed removal of some smaller local parks.

The Playspace Action Plan, recommended for adoption at Council’s 16 April meeting, will guide playground planning across the Shire for the next 15 years.

At its core is a major shift in approach: fewer small, local playgrounds and more larger ‘district’ and ‘neighbourhood’ spaces designed to cater to a wider range of ages and activities.

Council staff say the current network is ‘characterised by an oversupply of small, localised facilities’, many of which are ageing and no longer meet expectations for ‘modern, inclusive, shaded, and diverse play’.

Community consultation shows broad support for improving playgrounds – but less agreement on how to get there.

While 57 of 101 survey respondents supported the idea of larger play spaces

replacing smaller ones in some locations, that number dropped to 43 when people were asked specifically about removing existing playgrounds.

Council’s report notes that residents want better facilities, ‘however this appears to be not at the expense of any removal of smaller facilities.’

The consultation revealed a clear divide. People living close to small parks were more likely to oppose their removal, while young people consulted through Bangalow Public School showed a preference for ‘one large play space rather than lots of small ones.’

Parents, grandparents and carers made up the vast majority of respondents, with priorities focused on play equipment, shade, safety and proximity to home. Despite the mixed feedback, some playgrounds remain earmarked for removal.

Pepperbush Court in Suffolk Park is still proposed to be removed once it reaches the end of its life, with Council noting its proximity to the larger Linda Vidler Park, which is planned for future upgrades.

Nearby Bunya Court is also identified for removal,

although Council says there will be ‘further consultation with the community about future use’, including the possibility of a dog off-leash area.

Leopardwood Crescent in Bangalow, which attracted ‘several submissions and opposition’, will remain in place for now, with further consultation planned.

In Byron Bay, Gordon Street and Evans Street parks will also be retained, while Mackellar Court – described as having a ‘passionate community that cherishes the park’ – has been added to the upgrade program.

Under the proposed model, smaller local playgrounds located within 400 to 800 metres of larger facilities may be ‘scaled back… or removed once they reach the end of their life cycle’, with funding redirected into larger, more complex play spaces.

Council says this approach aligns with best practice and will deliver more diverse and inclusive play opportunities across the Shire.

But for some residents, the balance between improving facilities and retaining local access to play spaces is likely to remain an ongoing issue of contention.

Camphors damage waterways say BLRC

Bangalow Landcare have responded to accusations in a letter by Suzy Leigh (25 March) that they have killed ‘old growth’ camphors and are responsible for the creek being filled ‘with vast quantities of soil’ as they die and fall in and that this leads to the flooding of Deacon Street.

‘Deacon Street in Bangalow has always flooded as highlighted in photos dating back to 1913. This is largely due to the fact that Byron Creek curves around the back of Heritage House and when large volumes of water enter Byron Creek it simply cuts across from behind the Op Shop and through Deacon Street before the water rejoins the creek near the Men’s Shed,’ Noelene Plummer, President of Bangalow Land and Rivercare (BLRC) told The Echo

Ms Plummer made clear that BLRC are not responsible for the poisoning of the camphors in Piccabeen Park and that, in fact camphor laurel trees do not protect and conserve creek banks.

‘In fact it’s the exact opposite,’ she said.

‘Camphors have a shallow root system growing sideways when the roots hit the water. This destabilises

THE SHED

the stream bank due to the undercutting process of the creek. Over time, they fall into the creek taking out large portions of the creek bank. In addition, they create heavy shade which suppresses regeneration of native seedlings resulting in very little mid- or under- storey to protect the bare soil from heavy rain.

‘Native indigenous riparian trees on the other hand send their roots down under the water and stabilise the banks. Also, they create zones which assist in preventing nutrient and fertiliser run off into the creek enabling it to support a growing community of platypus, turtles, yabbies and fish,’ she said.

‘A key reason Bangalow looks so green and lush is because of the regeneration work starting 28 years ago with the formation of Bangalow Land and Rivercare. This was in response to a fish kill in Byron Creek at Bangalow. The creek was completely covered in aquatic weeds of cabomba and salvinia. We spent many working bees with grappling hooks cleaning out the weeds. Since then we have planted the steep banks with native grasses and trees.’

Ms Plummer has invited anyone with questions to please come and meet BLRC and that they work every Saturday from 8.30am with people welcome to come and join them, see social media.

At Salt & Stone Lawyers it’s about the whole relationship

Eve Jeffery

Growing up on a farm in a ‘teeny, tiny, little town’ called Coleambally, Lennox Head lawyer Lauren Donnellon knows the importance of the land and the family values that sustain it – she understood at an early age how legal, financial, and personal decisions are deeply intertwined.

After getting her law degree at Southern Cross University, Donnellon stayed in the area after being offered a job, and she has been here ever since.

‘I do conveyancing, wills and estates and the sort of legal matters that every person needs in their life, and if I am fortunate, sometimes assisting their next generation,’ she says. ‘I do a lot of farming transactions as well.’

Donnellon hung up her shingle in Lennox in January this year and has had a positive response from both locals and the community of lawyers. ‘It’s been really nice. I’ve had a lot of support from other lawyers referring work, and local real estate agents

as well. That’s been really nice.’

Donnellon says what she loves about her work is being involved in the milestones in people’s lives. ‘All the important decisions, where people need guidance and reassurance. There’s the black and white legal stuff, but then there’s also the relationship and the support. And I think that’s why people ultimately choose to go and see someone to work through a transaction, rather than trying to do it themselves, it’s that support.’

Core values

Donnellon says the firm’s core values are trust, warmth, efficiency, and expertise. ‘We strive to ensure our service and legal processes feel steady and supportive, never overwhelming or intimidating. Rather than rushing clients through, we guide them with clarity around risks, options, and outcomes. Internally, we favour a measured style of leadership that values communication, foresight, flexibility, and genuine connection, rather than rigid

hierarchies or high-pressure dynamics.’

Reduce risks

Donnellon works with a comprehensive checklist that she says, across property, business, and estate matters, time and again exposes the same core considerations and that taking the time to think through these early can significantly reduce risk and

stress later.

They include: clarity of intention – what are you really trying to achieve, now and long term? Ownership and structure and who should own or control the asset or business – and why? Risk identification – what could go wrong, even if it seems unlikely? Contingency planning – if circumstances change (illness, separation,

market shifts), what happens next? Financial exposure – what are the true costs — including hidden or future liabilities? Legal compliance – are there approvals, restrictions, or obligations that must be addressed? Documentation quality – are agreements clear, enforceable, and tailored — not just standard forms? Timing – are decisions being made

proactively, or under pressure? Communication – have expectations been clearly discussed with all relevant parties? Legacy and succession – how will this decision affect your loved ones, and the next generation?

Donnellon says farm life taught her that planning was essential, not optional. ‘I learned that land and businesses are more than assets – they represent history, livelihood, and sometimes legacy. This background instilled in me the importance of thinking ahead, rather than simply reacting to issues as they arise.’

‘You have to plan well in advance. You’ve got to look at a big picture and think of all the things that can go wrong. And it’s great to look at it critically, rather than just seeing every item in isolation.’

Donnellon says she aims to bring warmth, trust, and connection to her work rather than it being about the task at hand. ‘It’s not just the transaction. I want a relationship to be at the centre of things. That’s important to me.’

Suffolk Park Progress Association leadership reveal links with developer

Aslan Shand

The President and Secretary of the Suffolk Park Progress Association (SPPA) have revealed they both have ‘conflicts of interest’ in connection with a major development proposal in Suffolk Park.

The Sydney-based company Denwol, which owns the development site, previously had their residential and commercial development application (DA) for a large area in Clifford Street rejected by Byron Shire Council in 2022, and Land and Environment Court in 2023.

The company is now planning a new DA for the site and seeking feedback on plans in the pre-DA stage.

In an initial newsletter sent earlier this month to SPPA members by President Kelly Minahan, he noted SPPA would not ‘promote or oppose’ development, yet at the same time stated, ‘This marks the third DA in this area’ and described the development as ‘a genuine opportunity... to enhance and beautify our village’ which appeared ‘sensitive to both community sentiment and environmental concerns’. However, there was no mention of any conflict of interest related to the development.

Last Thursday The Echo sent a series of questions to Mr Minahan, about any connections he may have had with the proposed Clifford Street development.

Mr Minahan responded saying, ‘A conflict of interest register is maintained.

Conflicts are declared, registered, minuted, and resolved. Where those resolutions are adopted in meetings, a subcommittee is formed and that party is recused from deliberation and decision making.’

Conflic of interest

Two days later a new SPPA newsletter informed members, ‘the President and Secretary have declared conflicts of interest in relation to this matter’ and a new SPPA subcommittee had been created to ensure community consultation on the issue remained ‘independent’. No details were provided about whether the conflicts with the development involved financial or other arrangements, or how long-standing they were.

The current SPPA leadership was already under pressure after a majority of committee members resigned last month, and called for release of their resignation letter. The letter has not been released with Mr Minahan telling The Echo it is not a public document. Former committee members have been replaced with five new members according to the SPPA constitution.

One committee member who resigned, Tony Christie told The Echo, ‘The local SPPA needs to provide a voice that is beyond reproach, especially concerning perceived and actual conflicts of interest. I resigned because I was not satisfied these were being managed appropriately.’

Lynne Richardson, another SPPA committee member who resigned said, ‘In my opinion, the handling of community engagement processes connected with the latest development concept for Clifford Street is deeply alarming. Especially concerning conflicts of interest.’

Christie and Richardson were part of the campaign which saw the original Denwol development proposal rejected by the Land and Environment court.

Ms Richardson told The Echo this week that in her view the current proposal was an improvement on last time, as it preserves the coastal cypress pines, part of an endangered ecological community, and creates internal new asset-protection zones.

However, in her view there are similar concerns as raised previously including bulk, scale, density, traffic, a design incompatible with the character of Suffolk Park, the removal of 22 trees and loss of affordable housing currently on site.

The developers are currently holding ‘community information sessions’, as appointment-only private meetings, rather than public meetings.

‘Given the importance of this issue, and in response to requests, a public meeting will take place at the Park Hotel, on Saturday at 10am,’ says Mr Christie, ‘to provide the community with background, updated information and address concerns independently of the developer and SPPA.’

Teenager sustains injuries at Minyon Falls

Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew say that around 1.30pm, on Saturday, 11 April, their team was tasked by NSW Ambulance to a person injured after falling from a waterfall onto rocks at Minyon Falls, in the Whian

Whian State Forest, west of Byron Bay.

‘The NSW Ambulance critical care paramedic and the NSW Health doctor from the helicopter’s critical care medical team were winch inserted into the scene to treat the patient,’ said a spokesperson.

‘A female in her teens was treated for leg and hip injuries before being winched into the aircraft and airlifted to Lismore Base Hospital’.

Grassroots Mullum organic food hub gets new space

Mullum Organic Food Co-op are hosting a grand opening event to celebrate their new space, which they say will give ‘greater food and flood sustainable infrastructure’.

‘Come along on Friday, 24 April, from 4pm to 6pm for live music, stories, food and drinks at our gorgeous spot in the Community Garden at 156 Stuart Street, Mullumbimby,’ said the co-op’s Oriel Paterson.

‘This achievement has involved local businesses, tradespeople and the working hands of co-op members, who together have fulfilled a long-term dream. This is an opportunity to thank them all and invite the wider community to meet.

‘The food co-op offers a

Mullum Organic Food Co-op crew. Photo supplied

wide range of organic, bulk food at affordable prices, being volunteer-run and member-led. It’s a community experience, where all shoppers are members, recycled packaging comes from home and joining-in gives you further discounts.

Thursdays (11am to 2pm) are assisted shopping days for those in need – small children, pregnant, limited physicality – where we do your shopping for you. Get more for your money by joining this not-for-profit co-operative, rather than giving your dollars to a big multinational corporation.

‘The food co-op’s dreamy new space makes food shopping a pleasure, plus there’s heaps of parking! Come and see for yourself.’

This achievement has been part of the federal government’s Growing Regions Program, funding community infrastructure projects in regional and rural areas. It was secured by Seed Northern Rivers.

NSW govt to roll out EV infrastructure

The NSW Labor government has released the 2026 NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy ‘to help reduce emissions and make EVs and their cost-ofliving benefits accessible to more people, with a focus on closing charging gaps in regional, remote and suburban areas’.

In a media release, they say, ‘With global fuel prices under pressure and ongoing uncertainty in international markets, accelerating EV uptake has never been more important’.

‘Switching to an EV can cut fuel costs by up to $3,000 a year, or eliminate them entirely when paired with home solar, while reducing maintenance costs by around 40 per cent.

‘In NSW, there is growing interest in EV uptake with sales making up 15.6 per cent of new car sales.

‘Backed by $100 million in funding, the 2026 NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy sharpens the focus on five priority areas:

1. Fast chargers where they’re needed most Expanding the fast charging network with a focus on regional, remote and suburban blackspots, so EV drivers outside city centres are not left behind.

2. More kerbside chargers

Rolling out more kerbside charging infrastructure to help EV drivers who cannot charge at home, including apartment residents.

3. Electric trucks on the road sooner

Expanding the EV Fleets Incentive Program from small- to medium-size trucks, allowing organisations to electrify their delivery and service fleets.

4. A skilled EV workforce, especially regionally

Investing in training for around 2,000 mechanics in regional NSW, where access to courses is limited and travel distances longer, to safely service EVs and charging infrastructure.

5. Clear, reliable information

Strengthening central sources of information to help drivers, businesses, councils and owners’ corporations understand their options and access support.

‘To date, the NSW government has funded more than 3,300 EV chargers in more than 1,200 sites across metropolitan, regional and remote NSW.

‘Applications are now open for eligible councils to build capability and plan for further public charging rollout under a $3 million program, recognising their

key role in supporting local access to EV infrastructure.

‘Fleets and truck operators can also currently apply for grants to electrify vehicles and install charging infrastructure.

‘The government is also boosting the electrification of transport by:

• Transitioning more than 8,000 public transport buses to zero-emission technology.

• Powering rail, light rail and metro networks with 100 per cent renewable electricity since 2025.

• Installing EV chargers at commuter car parks at major transport hubs.

• Running a two-year trial to enable zero-emission heavy vehicles on state roads.

• Delivering EV skills training across 13 TAFE NSW micro-skills courses, and training emergency service workers to respond to EV incidents.

• Launching EV Road Trips across regional NSW.

‘More than 117,000 EVs are now registered in NSW, saving an estimated 141 million litres of petrol each year’, they said.

To view the updated NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/drivingboating-and-transport/ nsw-governments-electricvehicle-strategy.

North Coast News

Sydney to Grafton XPT returns

US drug policy leader to speak at MardiGrass

Public helping to keep service stations from price gouging, says govt

Reports submitted by motorists through FuelCheck about price mismatches between FuelCheck and the bowser are rapidly translating into enforcement outcomes, says the NSW government.

Police seek Jaran McDonald’s whereabouts

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man who was last seen earlier this year in Byron Bay. Jaran McDonald, aged 36, was last seen on Thursday, 19 February.

Ballina Croquet Club needs a home, says MP

Local NSW MP Tamara Smith (Greens) says she is working with the Ballina Croquet Club and has been advocating Ballina Council on their behalf for the last decade, ‘seeking use of a small parcel of Council land for the club to have their own facilities and a space and identity that is separate from a liquor and gaming premises’.

Concerns raised over Lennox Head growth

The rapid growth of Lennox Head has been flagged as a concern by Ballina Greens councillor, Kiri Dicker. She writes on her website, ‘Lennox Head has grown rapidly in the past 20 years, accounting for almost 70% of all development in the Ballina Shire’.

Ballina hit and run victim in critical condition

Financial support is being sought to assist the family of Ballina man Tyran Delaney, best known as Bluey, who is recovering after being involved in a devastating hit-and-run accident on 20 March. Chloe Delaney has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help her uncle.

Richmond Riverkeepers welcomes new appointment

The Richmond Riverkeeper Association say they are excited to announce Dr Adele Wessell as the new Richmond Riverkeeper, while paying tribute to outgoing Riverkeeper Zoe White for her dedication and service to the Richmond River.

The Sydney to Grafton XPT is returning to the tracks, says the NSW government, ‘restoring a vital rail link for regional communities as services return from 28 April’.

In a media release, they say, ‘Throughout the 12-month coach replacement of the Grafton train service, the North Coast, including Grafton, has continued to be serviced by two other daily return train services – the Casino and Brisbane XPTs’.

‘This transformation forms part of the Minns

Labor government’s $40.3 million XPT Life Extension

Project – necessitated by the Liberal-National privatisation and delays on the new regional rail fleet’.

Bookings can be made now for these train services at transportnsw.info/ regional-travel.

Local service stopped

The XPT ran from Sydney to Murwillumbah until NSW Labor took the trains off the tracks between Grafton and Murwillumbah in 2004.

Nimbin’s annual MardiGrass weekend, their 34th cannabis law reform protest and gathering, is on this coming full moon (1–3 May), and organisers say there is plenty of anticipation in the air.

‘I’m not sure why, but there is plenty of interest in MardiGrass this year’, said Michael Balderstone, speaking for the MardiGrass Organising Body (MOB).

Ethan Nadelmann

‘The special guest at MardiGrass this year is New Yorker, Ethan Nadelmann.

‘He was described in Rolling Stone as “the real drug czar” and is widely regarded as the outstanding proponent of drug policy reform both in the United States and abroad.

‘He founded the Drug Policy Alliance, the world’s leading drug policy reform organisation which is working to end the war on drugs. We are extremely grateful Dr Alex Wodak is bringing him

to Nimbin this year. A special event at this year’s MardiGrass is a Women In Cannabis Morning Tea at the Bush Theatre, which has brought together an impressive list of activists, healers, growers, storytellers and educators.

‘There are dozens of sessions on cannabis and other entheogenic plants in this unique gathering of minds.

‘Aside from that, is all the MardiGrass traditional favourites like the Hemp Olympix, the Kombi Konvoy and 420 Blaze on the Saturday, the Big

Rally on Sunday, the Great Green Cabaret on Friday night and the very special High Vibes stage program.

‘There are six stages in all to accommodate the plethora of speakers and musicians and comedians. It’s a huge program, and we refuse to change the price. Come help us spread the word that drug use is really a health issue and the war is actually a relentless pursuit of profit by a few people that is causing massive suffering for many,’ Balderstone added.

Statewide Community Participation Plan on exhibition

An overhaul of how the community participates and has their say with large, impactful developments is before the public until 3 June.

In a media release, the NSW government says they are ‘making it easier to have your say on planning proposals and ending confusion by developing a single Community Participation Plan, that will give communities a clearer way to have their say on planning decisions, no matter where they live’.

‘The draft statewide Community Participation Plan is now on public exhibition and once in place will introduce a consistent approach across all of NSW.

‘Currently, there are more

than 100 different Community Participation Plans across the state – each with its own approach, timeframes and thresholds for consultation on planning matters.

‘This has led to inconsistent consultation practices and confusion for proponents, homeowners, community members and other stakeholders trying to engage with and navigate the planning system.

‘Consulting the community is a central part of the NSW planning system and the introduction of a single Community Participation Plan will simplify this and standardise public exhibition and consultation requirements across the state.

‘The draft plan reframes NSW’s approach to community consultation by putting the primary focus on strategic planning and major complex development applications instead of sweating the small stuff.

Longer timeframes

‘It proposes longer timeframes for the community to have their say on strategic planning proposals that set out where development should occur and where infrastructure is needed; while reducing the number of low-impact development application types required to be exhibited by councils, speeding up assessment and decision-making.

‘Key changes include: extending minimum consultation timeframes on significant state-level strategic planning initiatives, like the recent draft Sydney Plan and the State Plan from 45 days to 60 days; standardising the process for notification of complying development across the state, giving neighbours seven days’ notice before any works begin; making public exhibition requirements clear for different types of local development so that councils do not need to exhibit things like new single- or two-storey houses or sheds and pools that already meet with planning controls.

‘Importantly, councils will

still be able to tailor their own community engagement strategies to suit local needs and feed into other council plans and policies.

‘This is the next step in implementing the Minns Labor government’s landmark legislative planning reforms which passed through parliament in November 2025 with almost universal support’.

3 June deadline

The draft Community Participation Plan and discussion paper are on exhibition until Wednesday, 3 June. To have your say, visit www.planningportal. nsw.gov.au/proposedstatewide-cpp.

Lismore’s flood defence system boosted by submersible pumps

Two submersible flood pumps have been installed at a critical section of Lismore’s flood defence system, replacing stormwater removal units previously powered by tractors in the CBD.

Lismore Council said in a media release, ‘The new remotely operated pumps form part of a $29.8 million modernisation of Lismore’s flood pump station network, under the $150 million

Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program, administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority and funded by the Albanese government’.

‘Lismore City Council, which is delivering the project, completed an upgrade of the nearby Gasworks Creek flood pump station late last year.

‘The Magellan Street flood pump station previously

required a tractor to be driven into position to operate the pumps manually, with the tractor-driven pump removing around 600 litres of localised floodwater per second.

‘As part of the project, the two new submersible electric pumps will have a combined capacity of 1,000 litres per second, significantly increasing pumping capability and reliability’ says Council.

Working Together in Brunswick Heads

A message from Reflections Holidays

To the Brunswick Heads Community

Brunswick Heads is a place people feel strongly about, and we respect the care the community has for it.

Reflections operates three holiday parks here – Reflections Ferry Reserve, Reflections Massy Greene and Reflections Brunswick Heads (previously known as Reflections Terrace Reserve). Our team members and their families are locals - living and working in Brunswick Heads and contributing as part of the community.

We’ve seen a range of information shared publicly in recent months. Some of it reflects genuine concern. Some of it, however, is not accurate.

We are sharing the following information to clarify several points and to ensure the community has access to accurate facts.

Plan of Management

Reflections does not have the authority to change a Plan of Management. Plans of Management are legal documents governed by NSW legislation and approved by the Minister for Crown Lands. As a Category 1 Crown Land Manager, Reflections operates within this framework.

Southern precinct Reflections Brunswick Heads

The installation of ten low-impact camping tents in the southern precinct at Reflections Brunswick Heads has been approved by Byron Shire Council under Section 68 of the Local Government Act.

We have opted to utilise this approved camping area for ten fixed camping tents although our Licence to Operate allows for up to 26 camping sites in this area with cars and potentially up to five times more people than we are committing to.

We have worked extensively with ecologists, arborists, landscape architects, and planning specialists to design the future use of this space. All design decisions were based on protecting and preserving the Coastal Cypress Pines, which includes no vehicle access in the precinct.

Walking Trail Access

There will continue to be access for the community through the southern precinct at Reflections Brunswick Heads. Plans include a defined walking trail along the riverbank, connecting through the southern precinct while ensuring protection of the surrounding natural environment and the Coastal Cypress Pines.

This section will link up with the adjusted pathway that deviates from the riverbank through the holiday park for a section of around 75m going around the permanent residents then rejoins the riverbank trail.

We also have approval to repair the existing access to Simpsons Creek in the southern precinct of Reflections Brunswick Heads. This work will provide clear and safe pedestrian access to Simpsons Creek as has been asked for by the community.

War Memorial

Concerns

We understand there is a history that connects the Coastal Cypress Pines in or around the southern precinct of Reflections Brunswick Heads with WW1. If there are elements of local history that are important to recognise, we welcome respectful conversations with the community about how we can support that recognition.

Our local team members are proud to participate in the annual ANZAC Day service in Brunswick Heads and will continue to do so.

Environmental Responsibility

Protecting the endangered Coastal Cypress Pines has been central to every decision on the southern precinct at Reflections Brunswick Heads.

Over the past five years, our local team has worked closely with arborists and ecologists to implement a strict Vegetation Management Plan focused on regeneration and long-term protection.

Our local team diligently collected seeds from the area and worked with a local nursery to propagate these seeds. We now have thousands of seedlings for planting in a dedicated regeneration zone in the southern precinct and throughout the precinct. We are also working with Byron Shire Council to utilise these seedlings in other areas across Brunswick Heads.

This effort by our local team will significantly bolster the number of Coastal Cypress Pines in the area. And the work to protect the Coastal Cypress Pines will continue.

Massy Greene Foreshore

Reflections is moving through the design and approval process for major works along the foreshore at Massy Greene. This section of riverbank has been significantly impacted by erosion, flooding and ageing infrastructure, intensified by severe weather events in recent years. The work, once completed, will provide an upgraded retaining wall and a clear, more resilient pathway along this section of the river at a cost of around $800K.

Our Role in the Community

Reflections manages 40 holiday parks across NSW on Crown land, welcoming more than 2 million guests each year. We’re the only holiday park group in Australia that is a certified social enterprise, and we believe in doing business for good by partnering with others who share our values.

Importantly, our team members are locals. They are part of this community - raising families, supporting local businesses, and contributing to community life.

We are proud to play an active role in supporting the Brunswick Heads community. We support local community groups, local businesses and a range of local clubs and sporting associations, helping to strengthen participation, sporting facilities and community connection. Reflections is also an active member of Byron Shire Council’s Interagency Group, collaborating with other agencies on community actions and outcomes.

Tourism has long been a significant contributor to the local economy of Brunswick Heads and Reflections plays an important role attracting visitors to the area. Tourism is vital to the many small businesses, their families and staff who rely on the tourism trade to stay in business.

We take our responsibility as caretakers of Crown land seriously, and we are committed to ensuring Brunswick Heads remains a place that both locals and visitors can enjoy.

Looking Ahead

Our focus is on caring for the environment, supporting the local community, providing a positive experience for holiday guests, and working closely with stakeholders.

We remain open to respectful and constructive conversations with members of the community. We thank the many community members who continue to recognise and support the work we do in the Brunswick Heads community.

Balancing safety and individual rights

ASIO (the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation) plays a key role in keeping all Australians safe in a troubled world. But, according to their governments, so does ICE in the US, and the FSB and SVR in Russia. Probably the Germans thought the Gestapo kept them safe, well not Jews, the Sinti and Roma people, and homosexuals of course... The question is what is the fine line between power and accountability and how are transparency and coercive control managed to keep citizens safe rather than keep citizens controlled and silenced? What is it that keeps us a democracy rather than a fascist state?

Once again it was the independent Australian members of parliament that stepped up and questioned making the temporary, extraordinary powers of ASIO, introduced following 9/11 permanent. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025 that was passed by the House of Representatives on 12 February (106 in favour and 8 against) will make compulsory questioning powers permanent by removing the sunset clause that ensured the need for the laws to be reviewed by parliament regularly, if it passes through the Senate in the next few weeks.

The ASIO Bill also expanded the scope of ASIO’s powers to include compulsory questioning of children as young as 14, removed the right to silence, restricted legal representation, and expanded the powers of ASIO to include broadening the scope of questioning warrants to include sabotage, promotion of communal violence, attacks on defence systems, and threats to territorial/border integrity.

Speaking against the bill independent MP for Warringah Zali Steggall said, ‘sunset clauses are crucial democratic safeguards. They force the parliament to look at the evidence and to consider if laws remain fair and necessary, removing them strips parliament of oversight and undermines accountability.’

The Law Council of Australia also opposed the proposal to remove ‘the safeguard provided by periodic review and public scrutiny’.

The ASIO Bill also ‘expands the scope of those powers and most concerning, it allows powers to apply to minors as young as 14. Despite ASIO previously stating it does not need those powers in relation to children,’ said Ms Steggall on 11 February this year.

‘ASIO is on the record stating it does not [need] powers in relation to border

integrity, but they have been included in this bill regardless. Under this legislation, the scope of adult questioning warrants essentially covers ASIO’s entire security remit, a drift far from the original purpose of the legislation.’

On 12 February, independent MP for Curtin Kate Chaney told parliment that, ‘This bill engages some of the most extraordinary powers in our law, compulsory questioning by ASIO’.

‘These powers are intrusive and profoundly interfere with multiple rights, including the right to silence, freedom of movement, access to legal representation, and the privilege against self-incrimination, they must be paired with robust, routine oversight.

‘The organisation (ASIO) specifically recognised that for ASIO to fulfil its mission, it must maintain the confidence and trust of the Australian people, the parliament, and government.’

Neither Ms Chaney’s amendments, nor other similar amendments by Ms Steggall and others, were supported by the Australian Labor Party or the Liberal-National Coalition, who voted against them.

This bill is now with the Australian Senate for a final reading, debate, and vote in April or May 2026. If the Labor and the Liberal-National Coalition continue to vote as a block in favour of this bill then it will pass as they hold 56 seats together and the simple majority needed is 39 to pass the bill. If you object to the ASIO Bill you can contact your senators and let them know your concerns and suggested amendments. Currently

Liberal Senator Alex Antic is opposed and the Australian Greens, who hold ten seats in the Senate, have traditionally opposed expanding ASIO’s compulsory questioning powers, viewing them as dangerous and overreaching. One Nation has also traditionally been opposed to surveillance-expanding laws.

The electorate is changing, with around a third of the electorate voting for independents in the last federal election. Younger voters are not as tied to any particular party as previous generations, with minor parties and independent candidates in the federal election receiving 34 per cent of the vote compared to four per cent 50 years ago. This is because they want real representation, they want accountability, they want their representatives to think, consider, and be responsible for the decisions they make – not to walk lock step towards reducing freedoms that are essential to democracies and a fair society for all.

Aslan Shand, editor

Sentencing must reflect society’s values

Idon’t usually start my columns with a warning, but in this case I will. Not just a trigger caution for those, like me, who are traumatised by descriptions of sexual assault, but also a ‘how long do I have to keep protesting this shit?’ anger, frustration, disgust, and alarm as well.

A 20-year-old Canadian woman on holiday in Australia landed at Belongil Beach. She had too much to drink and became disoriented. Her phone was flat. She was distressed, lost, and vulnerable. She came upon some men camping, and asked for help. One of them, Roberts, aged 36, raped her, despite her pleas, her repeated protests, her pain, and her humiliation. A horrible act of selfishness and brutality that robbed the victim of her self-confidence, her trust, her ability to lead a normal life. Her complaint was immediate, but he was apprehended four years later through a DNA test for another matter. He pleaded not guilty, thus the victim had to go through a trial where the issue was consent. She had to endure cross examination where it was repeatedly put to her that she wanted oral and vaginal sex with this stranger. Sure. He was convicted by a jury of his peers.

The defendant had temporarily separated from his wife and three children, with another on the way. He was on a road trip with some mates, fuelled by alcohol and illicit drugs. He had no prior record.

The sentencing judge commented ambiguously regarding his background and the travel binge:

‘The situation really that the offender found himself in leading up to the offending could be categorised on the evidence as one of despair and of feeling powerless. It is perhaps an extreme reaction but nevertheless the reaction of a kind that might be expected when so much loss is suffered in a short period’.

Sentencing in NSW permits a maximum term, and a minimum term – also called a non-parole period. The vast majority of prisoners serve the minimum so that is the key number. A sentence is lessened by up to 25 per cent for an early plea of guilty, which of course in his case did not apply. His minimum sentence was two years and nine months

‘One

crime has a victim. A real living breathing person whose life has been, and will be forever adversely affected. The other involves the supply of an illicit drug at the request of another willing (police) participant.’

imprisonment, which was backdated to consider some time on remand. He gets out in February 2028.

The same week, another man named Edwards was sentenced. He also had four kids, also 36 years old, a long-term marriage and no prior record. Over Covid, his business suffered greatly, and he sold illicit drugs to an undercover officer. As is so usual with these offences, he started off selling a small amount, but when the police officer asked for larger deals he went back to his supplier and complied. Some people can resist everything but temptation. Over a period of three months he sold about $15,000 worth of MDMA and cocaine. He pleaded guilty at an early opportunity, and so the full discount of 25 per cent applied. His remorse was found to be genuine, he was supported by family, friends, and community, and he had spent time in custody and on restrictive bail awaiting court. He was sentenced to a minimum term of two years and one month imprisonment, to be released in August 2028.

So, accounting for the plea differential, the sentences for Edwards and Roberts were the same.

One crime has a victim. A real living breathing person whose life has been, and will be forever adversely affected. The other involves the supply of an illicit drug at the request of another willing (police) participant. Drugs which a significant number of Echo readers, politicians, journalists, police, and lawyers will have dabbled in at some time or other, probably with no ill effect. Of course, illicit drugs can and do cause harm when abused, but in the ACT and Portugal (for example) possession of these drugs has been decriminalised with no mass eruption of destruction at the very least.

Both sentencing courts applied the law as it stands. Neither judgment exhibited grounds for further

– David Heilpern

appeal. Indeed, I know of rape cases in NSW, where after a full defended trial, the perpetrator was not even sentenced to a term of imprisonment – and that penalty was not interfered with on appeal.

Here is my take. The sentence for the rape was grossly inadequate and does not represent my values, or community values. One of the fundamental functions of sentencing is denunciation – and two years and some months just does not work for me. You know, possession of a joint carries a maximum penalty of two years. We all know women who have been sexually assaulted, and the echoes of those episodes haunt them forever. Women have the right to get drunk, get lost in the dunes, and run their phone out without having to face the risk of men almost double their age taking advantage and raping them. Or any man for that matter. And if they do, the sentence must reflect our revulsion and horror at this crime, particularly where there is a plea of not guilty.

And for Mr Edwards. Sure, fine him or put him on a good behaviour bond. He is the victim of a criminal justice system stuck in some 1950s time warp of restricting substances that cause an altered state of consciousness.

In the case of Roberts’ victim, she bears the weight of sentencing laws that treat denied sexual violence as some sort of minimal breach of acceptable conduct warranting a similar sentence.

It is no small irony that the two offences are entangled. Trauma is the gateway drug to addiction, and how many of the customers of Edwards were the victims of people like Roberts?

How long do we need to keep protesting this shit?

■ Professor David Heilpern is SCU Dean of Law and Chair of Discipline, Faculty of Business, Law and Arts.

Phone: 02 6684 1777

Editorial/news:

Advertising: adcopy@echo.net.au

Office: 64 McGoughans Lane, Mullumbimby NSW 2482

General Manager: Simon Haslam

Editor: Aslan Shand

Deputy Editor: Hans Lovejoy

Photographer: Jeff Dawson

Advertising Manager: Anna Coelho

Manager: Ziggi Browning

Suffolk Park progress

Thank you for the recent article regarding the Suffolk Park Progress Association.

I would like to provide some clarification in response to the reporting and the request for publication of resignation correspondence.

The recent resignations were not the result of any single issue, but rather a natural inflection point as the association transitioned from a period of discussion into a phase of active delivery and high-tempo engagement.

Over recent months, the scope of work expanded significantly, particularly in relation to whole-of-community consultation, direct engagement with Council leadership, progressing longstanding infrastructure and planning priorities, and responding to time-sensitive grant funding opportunities.

This shift required a stepchange in pace, coordination, and accountability.

As a small group of volunteers with existing personal and professional commitments, the original structure of occasional monthly meetings was no longer sufficient to meet these demands.

While all committee members contributed in good faith, it became clear that not everyone was aligned on the speed, scale, or operational intensity required.

At that point, some members chose to step aside. Each of those decisions is respected.

As president, I take responsibility for this transition. In hindsight, the pace and volume of work created pressure that not everyone had the capacity for, and I acknowledge that more could have been done to distribute that load more evenly.

This was also a newlyformed group, emerging from a period of community division in 2025. Building cohesion while managing a significant and growing workload presented challenges.

For context, these resignations occurred over three weeks ago.

Since then, the association has stabilised and strengthened, with nine committee members now in place, including individuals with executive experience

across other Suffolk Park community organisations.

It is also worth noting that no formal requests have been received by the secretary to inspect committee minutes – a standard and appropriate mechanism available to members seeking transparency.

In relation to the request to publish resignation letters, the committee has considered this carefully. Such correspondence is not treated as a public document, and publishing it would not be consistent with privacy expectations or appropriate governance practice.

The association will continue to operate within its legal obligations and established processes.

More broadly, volunteer organisations will, at times experience differing views on governance style, pace of decision-making, and priorities.

Where individuals feel their expectations are not aligned with the direction of the committee, stepping aside is a legitimate and respected course of action.

The focus now is clear – to deliver outcomes, represent the community accurately, and maintain transparency without creating unnecessary administrative burden.

We thank former members for their contribution and remain firmly focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for Suffolk Park.

We welcome constructive engagement and encourage any community members interested in the internal workings of the Association to

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

Cartoon by Alain Raymond

consider joining the committee and contributing directly.

I would also appreciate the opportunity for this response to be published to ensure balanced representation of perspectives within the community.

Kelly Minahan President,

Suffolk Park Progress Association

What is a tent?

In July 2021, the Land and Environment Court approved the ‘southern precinct’ of Brunswick Heads Terrace Holiday Park for camping only.

This is on the Crown land along Simpsons Creek at the southern end of town.

The ten ‘camping tents’ that Reflections is currently constructing on that area are made by Eco Structures in Western Australia.

These ‘tents’ have a steel structure guaranteed for up to 50 years. The ‘tents’ are sited on 40 square metres in size and are to be connected to mains power.

We can have a tent in our backyard, but if were to construct one of these tents we would need a DA from Council with the necessary compliance and transparency.

Why not Reflections?

There is no definition of tent in the relevant legislation for camping grounds, but rather a reliance on the dictionary definition.

The Oxford Dictionary defines tent as a portable structure consisting of a

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sheet of canvas or similar, supported by poles and secured to the ground or established platform.

As witnessed, Reflections’ ‘tents’ are each taking three men several days to erect.

The framework for each ‘tent’ was brought to site by a front-end loader! How does this satisfy any notion of portability? Why is Reflections excused from scrutiny?

Reflections management complained to me and others that they had been working on this project for 18 months, yet there has been zero community connection. Have they forgotten that this is on Crown land, our land, your land? Yes shame on you, Reflections.

This could be done so much better for all. Was Council and its management aware of the specifications of these ‘tents’ and all the other issues concerning our community with the fencing-off of the southern precinct for Reflections interests?

Lorraine Reynolds Brunswick Heads

Mullum Hospital site

The Mullum Hospital site draft DCP is clearly one driven by funding, rather than planning practice excellence and real care for Mullumbimby, its community, heritage and environment. Sadly, it has taken a caring and very competent community organisation to

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‘So they arrested Ben Roberts-Smith. Good. Just a reminder that the whistleblower who exposed ADF warcrimes [Richard Boyle] still sits in prison at the behest of the Attorney-General.’ – Mat Morgan

clearly and comprehensively point out the woeful shortcomings of the draft.

Hip-v-hype appears to be a competent planning consultancy. But what does a Melbourne consultancy know, and deeply understand, about Mullumbimby, its environment and community?

Why didn’t Council engage local, or at least NSW-based, consultants?

And the draft document itself?

In my opinion, it is grossly inadequate.

A cynic might even question if senior, decisionmaking officers have ever walked the site! Or are they simply going through the motions to tick another box?

So, where to from here?

Do we trust Council’s planning officers to properly repair the damage?

Do we trust the mayor and councillors to call Council officers to account and demand a new, wellconsidered DCP is produced – one that meets community expectations and the highest standards of professional practice?

I for one have little faith this will occur.

Staff will claim there is no funding, there is no time and all the steps required by Planning NSW have been undertaken.

What they will fail to admit, or understand, is that over ten years of inaction and ineptitude has led to this point.

There has been a lack of attention to detail, and a failure to truly understand community expectations by Council officers and councillors.

The Byron Shire community must demand better.

Will we get it? Sadly no, given past performance. What the community ultimately gets from this torturous process remains to be seen.

My suspicion will be that developers, public or private, renege on any commitment to a substantial proportion of housing being permanently affordable to those in the lowest 30 per cent income levels.

Further, their response to climate change, best practice construction technologies, high-quality building and landscape design fundamentals, efficient energy use, and a raft of unmet community expectations, will be ignored on commercial viability grounds.

As always, the pressing needs of future generations will be blithely ignored.

Perhaps it’s time a hardnosed administrator was called in to get some tangible momentum, solve the Shire’s critical challenges and toss out underperforming staff.

It’s time to reinstate transparent communications between the community, councillors and senior Council staff.

It’s time important projects were properly funded.

Some will claim such action undemocratic.

But something has to happen… and happen now.

David Brown Mullumbimby

‘Clock-change’ is DS I reply to the letter: Daylight savings by Bronwyn Sindel Mullumbimby.

I have researched indepth for many years the issues that ‘daylight saving’ have caused but actually, I did vote for the darn thing. After the actual results, as time marched on, I realised I had voted wrongly.

The vital point that people have started saying – ‘savings’, but of course this then infers that the clock-change is the most wonderful thing since sliced bread. Wrong.

As the years rolled on and more people became aware of the negative change in

their lives, the time-change was fought to be stopped and never to be extended into the winter.

I have researched the clock-change in USA, Canada etc. The results… very negative from massive numbers of citizens.

Yes, I have read and commented on so many of the statements, views, opinions, numerous articles of the ‘daylight saving’ time change when scrolling the topic of how people are accepting, and/or said, ‘No way, don’t change the clocks, it was hated’. Been there, done that.

Even in the last year I have seen articles stating the medical evidence against the clock-change that has been named ‘daylight saving’.

Especially so, is the issue of sleep. Currently, yes, I have seen many medical articles explaining the sleep problem and ‘DS’ the culprit.  May the truth finally be revealed extensively as to what the clock-change actually does, and to all the people who have also said, ‘They’ve had enough’!

The four-year trial of no ‘DS’ has been advocated for, to really give people the opportunity to be able to experience life ‘back to normal’ and no clock-change.

Jillian Spring Billinudgel

Uninsurable housing

Thanking you Aslan Shand for the editorial around uninsurable housing consistently being approved on floodplains.

It’s the truth for most of Byron Shire, and is puzzling to hear time and again the Land & so-called Environment Court allowing such developments to be passed.

The next very puzzling question is how can the government ignore legislation as we continue to construct more housing, when Council are unable to fulfil the law around the maintenance of necessary infrastructure?

The neglect Shire-wide of unfit infrastructure is unlawful, according to state and federal legislation.

It clearly states that any development has to have the fit-for-purpose infrastructure prior to any additional development.

It is only natural for insurance companies to look at why damage is caused to properties and look at the history of lack of upgrades and maintenance to existing infrastructure.

I had written a letter to Byron Shire Council general manager regarding these very questionable decisions.

Of course the only response is that the letter had been received, but again, no reply.

How can we continue

with this nonsense especially when we are continually told no funding to fix, upgrade, or maintain?

It’s not good enough to not comply with legislation and continue to put at-risk existing homes. This is exactly what is happening Shire-wide.

We need legal representation, but with the continued lack of representation by Tamara Smith MP, we have no hope of getting the best possible solution for us all.

Households are being hit with extreme higher insurance premiums, and many can’t afford to insure against flooding. Insurers refuse coverage for flood.

The rate base and extra costs of living is beyond many homeowners. We desperately need a voice –enough is enough.

Byron Shire Council is not doing the right thing by us all. Councillors and the mayor are not able to act.

This is not a democratic process but a ‘dictatorship of can’t help’.

Annie Radermacher

Bayside Brunswick Heads

Kudos and typos!

Thanks to The Echo for publishing Jo Immig’s article on Trump [Echo page 10, 8/4/26].

Using the model of coercive control to describe the ageing, dementia-ridden, abusive, lying traits of America’s leader hit the nail on the head.

Putting the spotlight on Byron’s people and community assets gave an insight into a way forward.

And, oh dear, last time it was ‘Pouches’ for ‘Pooches’, this time it’s ‘Teady bear’ for ‘Teddy bear’ [Local News, P4]. Maybe next week we’ll see the headline, ‘Kats with their Kute Cittens at Bryon Primery Scool?’

I look forward to it!

Raphael Cass Byron Bay

Bluesfest revival

The demise of Bluesfest reminds me of the felling of a big tree in the forest.

When a tree that’s nurtured a whole forest community eventually falls, it seems like the end of the world. But alas, the open canopy presents opportunities for life to renew.

Such is the case for music during the Easter long weekend.

In the absence of Bluesfest, live music sprang up everywhere across Byron Shire and beyond from Lennox, Eltham to Kingscliff. Visitors and locals all spoke of a very successful weekend.

Some people told me it was the best Bluesfest ever as they’ve been coming for decades but never really experienced Byron Bay, eaten at local restaurants or visited local pubs.

But just like the fallen tree in the forest, there’s only a small window of opportunity to fill the void.

For this long weekend of music to become an annual success (especially as Easter doesn’t always coincide with the school holidays) it will need some backing from government.

This could be in the form of a festival hub for volunteers (much like the red frogs during schoolies), employing a coordinator or maybe even a stage or two on Council land at Main Beach, Red Devils Park, Bangalow and/ or Mullum Showground?

Our big weekend of music may continue despite Council, but wouldn’t it be great if everyone got behind making Easter blues in Byron an annual event?

This weekend showed that a blues and roots renewal is possible.

Simon

PACIFIC AVENUE RUBY FIELDS DEAR

Doli Incapax – the adult winner of the Mullum-Moth short story comp

Martin Killips

This is a true story.

On Sunday, 8 October, 1967, four days before my tenth birthday, I sneaked up behind my father as he stole an afternoon nap by the living room fire and calmly pointed a loaded single-barrel .410 shotgun close to the back of his head, fully intending to shoot him.

However, at the very last moment I changed my mind.

It wasn’t a lack of courage that stopped me pulling the trigger.

The gun was old; dad acquired it a few years earlier from an unkempt hitchhiker who was thumbing a lift with the weapon hanging loosely over one his shoulders.

Unsurprisingly, no-one would stop for him.

But Dad, who was in the market for a firearm – specifically to shoot our neighbours’ cats – slammed his brakes on and offered to take the wanderer to his destination in exchange for the gun.

I watched as they negotiated for what seemed an age before agreeing a mutually acceptable fee.

The shotgun proved to be

unreliable, because the firing pin was extremely worn.

Roughly once in every three times fired, the pin failed to strike the primer with sufficient depth to ignite it.

Unreliable gun

This shortcoming mattered little if your target was a domestic cat; it still meant that two times out of every three, when he poked the shotgun through the open living room window and fired at someone’s much loved fluffy pussycat, he succeeded.

Furthermore, if the gun failed to go off – if it clicked rather than went BANG – the cat’s curiosity usually usurped caution. Instead of

scurrying to safety, it would freeze and stare intently at the source of the unfamiliar sound, allowing dad time enough to pull back the hammer and try again.

On that Sunday afternoon, as I steadied the barrel inches from his sleeping head, I was fully aware that despite the gun’s unreliability, the odds were weighted in my favour.

But I also knew there was still a one-in-three chance of it failing to go off, and this troubled me.

The sudden click of a misfire in a living room devoid of sound (apart from the ticking of the mantel clock and the occasional resettling of glowing coals) might startle Dad from his siesta.

Least favourite child

If he suddenly awoke and saw his least favourite child pointing a shotgun at him, he would likely wrestle the weapon from my grasp and turn it upon me!

Later, I had no doubts, he would declare to the world I’d been playing with the gun and shot myself in error. They would have believed him too, for Dad was very

convincing to outsiders.  Consequently, concerned more for my own life rather than his, I chose to postpone my immediate plan to murder him.

My window of opportunity was running short – I had less than four days left to kill him without consequence.

A week earlier, I’d listened to a BBC radio broadcast called ‘The Law in Action.’

Incapable of evil

Among the matters discussed was the Latin term, doli incapax – meaning incapable of evil. In its legal context, it accepts a child is regarded as naïve and incapable of doing wrong until he or she reaches the age of ten.

Instantly, I realised I might be able to take advantage of this quirk in the law, for I was still nine years old – but only just.

If I killed my father before my tenth birthday, just a few days away, doli incapax ensured I would get off scotfree – apart from penalties imposed by my mother, and I was confident that any punishments she dealt would be light, because I

knew my mum loved me.

Indeed, I thought she’d be pleased I’d saved the family from further harm – for besides me and my three siblings, dad occasionally also beat her. Importantly, she knew what we had endured daily for almost ten years and would surely tell the police how much we’d suffered at his hands.

Change of mind

Having acquiesced to caution and changed my mind, I crept past him and very carefully slid open the cupboard and returned the cartridge to its box and, with my heart pounding so furiously I could feel my hands and fingers pulsating, gently leaned the gun back into place then cautiously and smoothly closed the cabinet door.

Gradually, as my racing heartbeat slowed and the clarity of my thoughts returned, I became aware of a warm confidence, a feeling of being centred with purpose and ambition – although it wasn’t until later I recognised these were symptoms of pride.

It triggered in me, a maturation; a sense of triumph;

a superiority over him; something I could fall back on and draw strength from in the future when he next punched, clouted, kicked or beat me with a broom handle or whatever was close to hand, as I lay cowering on the floor in the foetal position, attempting to protect myself and minimise the magnitude of the blows.

On Sunday, 8 October 1967, four days before my tenth birthday, I gave up praying to a silent, unresponsive God.

Owing destiny

Instead, I chose to become the architect of my own destiny; a survivor, capable of bearing any pain my father heaped upon me.  All that mattered was I was still alive and dad remained completely unaware his least favourite child had pointed a loaded shotgun at him, whilst he slept, and come within a proverbial cat’s whisker of blowing off the back of his head.

■ This is an abridged version. The full version is at www.echo.net.au, or by emailing martinkillips@ gmail.com.

Northern Rivers Football surge past Robina as promotion push starts well

Ross Kendall

The senior men’s Northern Rivers Football team delivered a statement performance on the weekend, powering to an emphatic 8-1 win over Robina and building even more excitement around a season with big ambitions.

With a few changes to the starting 11, the side came out sharp and dominated the opening 20 minutes.

The work from Wednesday night’s training session was clear to see, with the group creating quality chances and showing strong links to the team’s principals in possession. That control translated onto the scoreboard, with the side taking a 3-1 lead into halftime.

The goals were shared across an outstanding

attacking display. Rufus Scott found the net, Basile Delfgrange scored twice, Ezra Frost added one, John Stambolieff struck two, and Jack Tuakanangaro also bagged a brace. Angus Linn was named player of the match after an influential all-round performance.

First-class response

At the break, the focus was on managing the game better without the ball, particularly through the press, and the traps being set for Robina. There was also a push to improve connection in wide areas in the final third to create stronger attacking opportunities against the visitors’ back four. The response was first-class, with the team taking another step forward

The Echo wants to support you.

Please send stories, pics, match reports, upcoming events, tall tales (not too tall mind you), results and anecdotes to sport@echo.net.au.

Nail biting penalty shoot out for U15s

Thursday, 26 March,

The girls team played a nail-biting match that went to penalty shots, showing grit and courage under pressure.

After seven rounds of penalties, they secured a well-earned victory. The girls team will now go on to compete against Shearwater in Round 2 early next term.

Round 1 Mullum Giants v Cudgen

in the second half and dominating both in and out of possession.

While the group knows nothing has been achieved yet, the performance reinforced the belief building around the squad. The goal this season is clear: promotion, and to chase it with an unbeaten campaign.

If this latest display is any indication, the senior men are creating a platform that supporters can genuinely get excited about.

Fans are encouraged to get behind the team at the next home game on 9 May against Southport and to follow the journey for the rest of the season. For updates, match highlights and club news, follow the team on Instagram at @ nothernriversfootball.

Culinary Spotlight Good Taste

M E X I C A N

Rosefina’s Mexican

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

Roca Byron Bay

Open:

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

Forest Byron Bay

Open 7 days

Breakfast: 7.30 to 10.30am

Lunch on Verandah from 12 to 3pm Dinner: 5.30 to 9pm crystalbrookcollection.com/ byron/forest

Main Street

Open for takeaway daily, 12 midday until dinner.

Menu, more details –@mainstreet_burgerbar 18 Jonson Street (02) 6680 8832

Celebrations Cakes by Liz Jackson CELEBRATIONS BY LIZ JACKSON

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

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

Rainforest views, farm-to-table dining, and a menu showcasing the best of Northern Rivers produce.

Forest Byron Bay offers fresh, seasonal dishes and crafted cocktails. Join the Crystalbrook Crowd (it’s free) and save 10% on all food and drinks. From Tuesday to Saturday, indulge in Golden Hour from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Welcome to No Bones, where good vibes, bold flavours and unforgettable nights come together in the heart of Byron Bay.

We’re all about creative food, standout cocktails and making everyone feel welcome - locals, travelers, food lovers and friends.

Open for takeaway daily, 12 midday until dinner.

Menu and more details

@mainstreet_burgerbar

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

lizzijjackson@gmail.com 0414 895 441

Gluten free and special dietary needs catered for.

Foxy Luu’s is making a vibrant return to the Byron Shire, bringing its much-loved Asian street food experience back after a three-year hiatus. Every Thursday, Coorabell Hall transforms into a lively hub of flavour, community, and creativity, as Foxy Luu’s takes over with a menu that is as exciting as it is accessible.

Known for its bold, nourishing, and flavour-packed dishes, Foxy Luu’s delivers a street food experience that caters to all ages and appetites. Signature Korean bao sliders headline the menu—soft, pillowy buns filled with punchy, satisfying flavours. Fresh and vibrant Gado Gado salads are generously drizzled with house-made satay sauce, offering a perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and spice. For those seeking comfort and nourishment, the immune-boosting bone broth noodle soups provide a deeply satisfying option, while the dan dan dumplings—drenched in a warm, spicy tahini sauce—bring a rich and memorable twist to a classic favourite.

To finish, a silky passionfruit and lime pannacotta delivers a refreshing and tangy end to the meal. With a focus on wholesome ingredients and

bold tastes, the menu also offers plenty of healthy and delicious options for kids, making it an easy choice for families looking for a relaxed night out.

But Foxy Luu’s is more than just food—it’s about creating an atmosphere. The team is on a mission to turn Thursdays into the Byron Shire’s favourite evening of the week. Each event is designed to be immersive, social, and ever-changing. Guests can expect a rotating lineup of local DJs, live music, art exhibitions, creative collaborations, and even vintage stalls, ensuring that no two Thursdays are ever the same.

Importantly, Foxy Luu’s is committed to keeping these experiences affordable, offering a night out that doesn’t strain the wallet while still delivering highquality food and entertainment. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike can gather, connect, and enjoy a dynamic cultural experience in a relaxed, community-focused setting.

With its return, Foxy Luu’s is set to bring fresh energy to Coorabell Hall— serving up not just incredible food, but a weekly celebration of flavour, creativity, and community spirit.

Dr Chill

Dr Chill has strain-specific hemp oil products that act differently, to support individual needs in a thoughtful, tailored way.

Allie Godfrey

As we reach the middle of the school holidays, some of you might need a bit of calm, or maybe invigoration. Whatever you need, the Dr Chill hemp oil stall has the solution.

When you step up to the Dr Chill stall and see the full range laid out, it can feel like a lot at first – different colours, different names, different intentions. But the philosophy behind it is simple.

Each certified-organic hemp oil product is crafted from a distinct hemp strain, each with its own unique cannabinoid profile. This allows for more personalised support, whether you’re looking to improve sleep, aid recovery, lift your mood, or find a sense of calm or focus throughout the day.

Wellbeing isn’t one-sizefits-all, and these strainspecific products are designed to support individual needs in a thoughtful, tailored way.

Relief – Sleep & Recovery: commonly used in the evening to support restful sleep and post-day recovery.

Uplift – Mood Support: a mood-enhancing option suitable for both day and night use.

Focus – Clarity & Cognitive Support: often used during the day to support concentration, clarity, and overall cognitive performance.

Calm – Nervous System

Support: deeply relaxing and suitable for day or night, commonly chosen for stress, tension, pain, and general nervous system support.

Dr Chill also offers a pet oil suitable for animals, including dogs and cats. It can support anxiety, hyperactivity, inflammation, and joint issues, particularly in older pets. For more targeted relief, the high-strength balms provide a stronger option for sore muscles and joints.

If you’re unsure which product is right for you, the best place to start is a conversation with Ziggy or Rachel at the stall about how you’re feeling and what kind of support you’re looking for.

■ Find Dr Chill every Tuesday from 7am to 11am at New Brighton Farmers Market, and every Friday from 7am to 11am at Mullum Farmers Market.

BYRON BAY PORK & MEATS BUTCHERY

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

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

Chef David Lisken’s simple philosophy

Chef David Lisken’s journey into the culinary world is shaped by curiosity, travel, and a growing commitment to nourishing, intentional food. With over a decade of experience across Europe and Australia, he has developed a broad foundation in diverse kitchens and food cultures.

But his connection to food began much earlier – around the table at his grandmother’s Sunday lunches. Surrounded by family and friends with a deep appreciation for cooking, and with several chefs in his extended family, it felt almost inevitable. ‘It must be in the genes,’ he says.

While his early career included time in high-end hospitality environments, a pivotal moment came in 2014 while working at Oktoberfest in Munich. Preparing vast quantities of meat each day became confronting. ‘The scale of it was overwhelming – it really opened my eyes.’ What began as a short break from meat turned into a lasting change, and he never looked back.

This shift deepened during his time at wellknown health retreats in Sydney and Byron Bay, where he became immersed in the connection between food, wellbeing, and lifestyle. There, he refined his

approach to nutrition and developed a focus on plantbased, whole foods, mainly gluten-free, and refined sugar-free cooking.

Now based in the Byron Bay region, Lisken works as a private chef and retreat caterer, creating food that is both nourishing and full of flavour. His approach centres on fresh, seasonal ingredients, often sourced

locally, with an emphasis on layered flavours, generosity, and creating abundant, memorable dining experiences.

For Lisken, plant-based eating is about a broad variety of foods that leave you feeling light, clear, and well-nourished. It has also opened up a new level of creativity in the kitchen – encouraging

experimentation and putting vegetables firmly in the spotlight. Through his work, he shares a simple philosophy: food should not only taste good, but support how we feel and live. Ultimately, his story is one of evolution – moving toward a more conscious, balanced, and connected way of cooking and living.

Mungo from the Bardo

Crossword by

Mungo MacCallum #13

How to Live Car Free

Mandy Nolan

Iam in Melbourne, and as I write this, public transport is free for April. That’s statewide. It’s a small but powerful way to make an impact on the cost-of-living pressures on a community now also facing high fuel prices. The same happened in the Byron Shire over Easter – with free buses running to take the pressure off the roads.

Quick Clues

ACROSS

1. Upright? Right, hang surrounded by peculiar characters (13)

8. Stake back mount (4)

9. Rear ham for game (10)

10. Composer reverses part of A Single Man (8)

11. Thin Charles grabs the judge (6)

13. Some spectacles: the cape, confined within borders! (10)

16. Belt the croweaters and shut up (4)

17. Half times head off back (4)

18. Greatly exaggerated nature of branched conic section (10)

20. Edges forward in endless board game (6)

22. Furtive laughter loses initial gravity for normal nagging (8)

24. Deprive of all conscience, or simply frighten? (10)

26. Literary work about alumnus brings the crowds (4)

27. Knight reported with Latin to put the queen in an enclosure – a circular boundary! (13) DOWN

1. Pagan theory about number triplets like 5, 12, and 13 (11)

2. Stretch right over everyone (5)

3. Decorate our Bob taking minor British honour – hot! (9)

4. Good behaviour of French firm shows spirit (7)

5. Smoke 101 fish (5)

6. Roam clubs in search of drink (9)

7. Express regret for the animal … (3)

12. … in story about Fraxinus overcharge (11)

14. One nearby sounds like a negative, tiresome person (9)

15. We hear diurnal dogman is strictly correct (2,7)

19. The pope feels pressure over a 22 across quarrel (7)

21. A Chinaman comes under two directions – what an old-fashioned mess! (5)

23. Rotten melon is a dud fruit (5)

25. European community takes time, and so on and on (3)

Seven planets in the sign of personal, social and global reset,continues the transition of our currently chaotic, combative world towards more positive outcomes…

1. Upright, vertical (13)

8. Volcano in Sicily (4)

9. Board game (10)

10. Unmarried man (8)

11. Thin out, especially of gas (6)

13. Characteristic of some spectacles (10)

16. Belt, ribbon (4)

17. Half (prefix) (4)

18. Wildly exaggerated (10)

20. Imperial units of length (6)

22. Quarrelling over trifles, annoying (8)

24. Undermine, deprive of courage (10)

26. Unruly crowds (4)

27. The perimeter of a circle (13)

DOWN

1. Relating to an ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician (11)

2. Attain, arrive at (5)

3. Decorate, adorn (9)

4. Appropriate behaviour, etiquette (7)

5. Big smoke (5)

6. Type of sweet Italian red wine (9)

7. Australian marsupial (abbrev) (3)

12. Trendy, up-to-date (11)

14. The man next door (9)

15. French phrase meaning essential, strictly necessary (2,7)

19. Pope (7)

21. Army slang for bungle (5)

23. Citrus fruit (5)

25. And so forth (abbrev) (3)

Last week’s solution #12

For a moment it was like living in a dream. A magic fantasy land where one no longer had ‘where do I park?’ angst. How many times do I drive around the block before I score a spot? How much do I have to pay? How long can I stay there before I get a parking fine? Who will yell at me? Sometimes I avoid going places just because I can’t bear the parking anxiety. I once joked about moving to Mullumbimby because I couldn’t get a park in Byron. Now you can’t get a park in Mullum.

Being able to jump on and off a tram, or a train, or a bus, without tapping-on or -off is a reminder of what it might be like to live in a more egalitarian society where the government takes social responsibility for citizens, and for the planet. Want to cut down our dependence on fossil fuels? Want to make public spaces more accessible? Stop road rage? Easy – get people out of their cars and onto a bus. Or a train. Or a tram. And make it electric. It’s communal. It’s efficient. It makes sense.

Australia has some of the highest car ownership rates in the world – with roughly 0.75 vehicles per inhabitant. Having a car is seen as necessary as having shoes. Especially living in a regional area like ours where public transport is almost non-existent. Yes, there are bus services – but they are few and far between. Some of the runs are school buses.

Years ago when I lost my licence for speeding (not hooning – just successive camera fines), I had the pleasure of getting the school bus. It feels weirdly inappropriate to be an adult on the school run. And embarrassing. Clearly things weren’t going well for me.

ARIES: When annual Aries new moon on 17 April joins Mercury, Mars, Neptune, Saturn, Chiron and the sun for the grand finale of Aries season, your energetic potential is at peak ignition. Any cautions? In this week’s fiery climate, tempers run hot, so it’s definitely worth editing before uttering.

TAURUS: With your prima planet Venus in Taurus egged on by this week’s impulsive planetary push, too much of a good thing could feel tempting. But bingeing or overdoing it on any level is likely to have consequences that require damage control, and do you really need that right now?

GEMINI: This rip-roaring week of bold conversations and invitations takes off when your mentor planet Mercury joins a gang of planets in the zodiac’s most fearlessly frank sign. Though when you’re finally saying what you’ve wanted to for a long time, decide beforehand what you‘re really looking to achieve.

Imagine living in a community with state-of-the-art public transport infrastructure! Trains. Trams. Big buses. Small electric buses.

Someone leant over and enquired, ‘Mandy Nolan, what are you doing on the school bus?’ I said: ‘I am here by the grace of St Helena.’ It turned out later the camera was broken and that the fines I’d paid were probably their error. I’ll never forget my six months on the buses, with five kids, one of them a newborn. It was humbling. And a reminder of how inadequate regional public transport is. And that it shouldn’t take 90 minutes to get from Mullum to Ballina. It costs a lot to own a car. The average driver spends up to $12,000 pa on fuel and insurance, servicing and maintenance. If you have a car loan it could be up to, or even over, $20,000 pa. EVs obviously have no fuel and less servicing costs, but there’s still insurance and repayments. And new cars depreciate. Cars are our freedom, but they are a massive financial burden. And there’s just too many of them. Ask any urban planner.

CANCER: Friday, 17 April’s new moon is this year’s cosmic invitation to blaze your own trail and try doing things a different way. As you connect to your instinctive truth with heightened confidence, take the initiative to open up that discussion with people and activities that matter to you.

LEO: If your majesties are unable to steer this week’s heated conversations towards some kind of consensus, don’t waste this high octane, propulsive energy on trying to talk people around. Better to use the significant firepower available from this current celestial concentration for your own and the general good.

VIRGO: Virgo’s mentor Mercury joining this week’s sextet of planets operating at peak velocity revs up personal and world events a notch, ready or not. Rather than arguing with an avalanche of enraged rants and apocalyptic predictions, be super vigilant about the information and emotional energy you engage with.

LIBRA: This week’s assertive people are likely to be voicing their vivid opinions whether anyone’s interested or not, so why add to the cacophony? Use its fuel to do what you need to, and save your Libran pearls of wisdom for the quieter cycle with less frenetic energy coming up next week.

SCORPIO: This week’s clarifying focus on what kind of groups and activities match your frequency, spiritual aims, and intellectual range could illuminate the circle you’ve been searching for. But before deepening connections, keep the Scorpionic X-ray assessments in place long enough for people to really reveal themselves.

SAGITTARIUS: As a fire sign, it’s important for Sagittarians to know this is the year’s most incendiary week. Buttons are likely to be pushed and you won’t be doing anyone a favour, yourself included, by exploding with impatience or frustration. Best take your chill pills, keep calm and stay hydrated.

Imagine being able to live car free?

Imagine living in a community with state-of-the-art public transport infrastructure! Trains. Trams. Big buses. Small electric buses. Not ones that just leave you at a generic designated stop – but ones that take you to your street, or your door. Like the courtesy bus for drunk patrons at clubs. And imagine if those buses were free. And available throughout the day.

Well, the government have just shown us that they can do it. The free part at least.

Now build the infrastructure and invest. Let’s make cars history.

■ 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: Everyone – not just Capricorns – thinking they know best this week could be challenging, but it will pass. Meanwhile, tremendous astral assistance is available in your domestic sector for repairs, upgrades and shifting stuck energy on physical, emotional and environmental levels in your base of operations or with family issues.

AQUARIUS: Lean into new-start new moon on 17 April’s spectacular planetary support to assist you in writing the new chapter in the ‘Life Of Aquarius’ which is set to arrive when your partner planet Uranus jets into fellow air sign Gemini for the next seven years at the end of this month.

PISCES: This week’s cosmic climate is confident, assured, independent and unabashed, so take advantage of this where it might be useful to you. The downside, however, is likely to be rash, brash and pushy, so don’t be slow to take the space you need if conditions become too forceful.

Finance & Property Outlook

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK: GLOBALLY, NATIONALLY, AND LOCALLY

David Lowe

The world economy in 2026 is navigating a landscape defined less by the post-pandemic recovery and more by a new set of structural tensions, personified by the erratic current resident of the White House. The impacts of climate change are also increasingly being felt, particularly by the insurance industry.

Globally, GDP growth is projected at around 3.3 per cent in 2026. This is supported by robust tech investment, fiscal and monetary policies, and the private sector’s ability to adjust despite evolving trade policies, but the headline number masks deep unevenness.

Much of the heavy lifting is currently being done by big tech and AI, which faces an uncertain future. The decline of the United States and the rise of China seem likely to change the shape, size, and rules of the global economic playing field.

Right now, the dominant risk facing the world economy is trade policy uncertainty. About six in ten business leaders point to changes in trade policy, including tariffs, as one of the greatest risks to global growth, with geopolitical instability or conflicts cited second most often.

US tariff escalation, which accelerated sharply through 2025, has rippled through supply chains, dampened investment confidence, and added inflationary pressure across major economies. Frequent policy shifts may be benefitting traders with inside information, but for everyone else they are increasing uncertainty, discouraging investment, and disrupting supply chains. Smaller and less

and trade volatility.

China, Australia’s largest trading partner, remains a key variable. Growth in China is expected to moderate a little in 2026 and 2027, with year-average GDP growth forecast at 4.5 per cent in 2026 and perhaps 4.4 per cent in 2027, as the Chinese economy contends with weak household demand, real estate scandals, declining investment, and the ongoing fallout from trade and geopolitical tensions.

For Australia, a slowing China means softer demand for key exports including iron ore, coal, and gas – a pressure point that will be felt well into the medium term.

The national picture

Until the US and Israel invaded Iran, Australia appeared to be experiencing a genuine but carefully qualified recovery. Earlier this year the International Monetary Fund (IMF) suggested real GDP was forecast to grow by 2.1 per cent in 2026, with the lagged impact of monetary easing and improving consumer sentiment supporting wage growth and new investment. Rate rises and skyrocketing fuel prices have since dented such optimism.

The challenge now is managing inflation’s persistence. The RBA raised its cash rate target by 25 basis points to 4.1 per cent in March 2026, based on its judgement of a material risk that inflation will remain above its 2-3 per cent target range.

This caught some forecasters off guard and signals that while the recovery is real, it’s not unencumbered. Productivity growth remains weak – a structural concern that limits how fast the economy can expand without reigniting price pressures.

As Sally Auld, Chief Economist at NAB has pointed out, bringing inflation back within target will likely require below-trend growth, higher unemployment, and interest rates remaining elevated for longer.

On the labour market, conditions remain resilient but are beginning to ease at the margins. Demand for labour is softening, job vacancies have come down from peak levels, and federal Treasury forecasts suggest unemployment will edge up to around 4.5 per cent by the end of 2026, with the number of part-timers seeking more work also rising. Participation rates remain high.

Obvious risks to Australia’s economic outlook include

slower growth and higher inflation. External threats such as global trade tensions, financial instability, and volatile commodity prices will potentially dampen demand and employment, along with more workers being displaced by AI. Australia’s terms of trade (the ratio of export to import prices) are expected to deteriorate as commodity prices soften, with export earnings from resources likely to have already peaked. Terms of trade are forecast to fall as much as 6 per cent in 2026-27.

New South Wales

Under the stewardship of Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, NSW is making measured progress after inheriting a deeply challenged fiscal position. The current budget forecasts a deficit of $3.4 billion for 2025-26, down from $5.7 billion the year before, with a pathway to a surplus of $1.1 billion projected by 2027-28. This is underpinned by a sharp reduction in expense growth, now averaging just 2.4 per cent per year, down from 8 per cent over the previous four years.

The Minns government’s economic strategy is centred heavily on housing, arguably the most acute pressure point for NSW residents. The government has committed $1 billion to a pre-sale finance guarantee, becoming the guarantor of new housing projects on a rolling basis, aiming to bring forward up to 15,000 extra market homes over five years and create 1,500 jobs.

In Sydney, consumer price inflation declined to 2.3 per cent in 2024-25 (below the national average) with wage growth expected to outpace inflation by at least 0.5 per cent across the forecast period.

Beyond housing, the state government is investing in industries which it hopes will define its next growth phase. A new Investment Delivery Authority has been created to fast-track non-residential investments over $1 billion, with the potential to bring over $50 billion of investment per year into the state.

Innovation, clean energy transition, and digital infrastructure are highlighted as priority areas, but it should

Finance & Property

Northern Rivers

The big structural challenge for NSW remains productivity. Investment in skills, infrastructure, and technology is yet to translate into genuine output gains. As global headwinds persist and the commodity-driven tailwinds of recent years fade, NSW’s future prosperity will depend increasingly on how well it builds the economic foundations beyond the resources boom.

be noted that the centralisation of planning functions in Sydney is likely to come at the cost of regional local government control, along with environmental oversight.

The big structural challenge for NSW remains productivity. Investment in skills, infrastructure, and technology is yet to translate into genuine output gains. As global headwinds persist and the commodity-driven tailwinds of recent years fade, NSW’s will depend increasingly on how well it builds the economic foundations beyond the resources boom.

The Northern Rivers is better placed than most parts of regional Australia to weather whatever economic storms may be on the way, due to its diverse economic base and high concentration of innovative, forward-looking business owners. That said, there’s no room for complacency, with the latest local business survey data suggesting that confidence is down and costs are up.

Business NSW economist and public policy specialist Nathan Wallwork says businesses across the region are navigating ongoing pressure from insurance, energy, taxes and regulatory burden, while continuing to manage workforce challenges.

How do you find necessary workers when housing prices are so high? How do you balance the competing desires of residents, tourists, and property investors?

There is a clear role for government in improving transport, health, and infrastructure to support both workers and business owners, but the Northern Rivers is a long way from Sydney, and can sometimes feel left out of crucial discussions.

Member for Lismore and Minister for Small Business, Recovery and the North Coast, Janelle Saffin, recently described the Northern Rivers as one of the state’s most dynamic regional economies, showing unmatched resilience through multiple disasters, and Premier Chris Minns has lauded the confidence and optimism of local businesses in a ‘difficult economic environment’, but it’s yet to be seen whether changes at the state government level will deliver promised improvements locally.

In a big picture sense, there are many reasons to be positive about the economic outlook of Australia, in spite of the challenges, with population growth, natural resources, and proximity to the markets of Asia among the obvious drivers. As in the microcosm of the Northern Rivers though, the challenge remains to protect what makes this place special, while offering economic opportunities to those who live here, and not delivering all the wealth beyond the region.

Finance & Property Outlook

CONSTRUCTION MILESTONES DRIVE STRONG FIRST QUARTER SALES AT BANYAN HILL

Stage 10 and 11 completion and Hilltop Park delivery by mid-year underpin buyer confidence at Ballina’s emerging lifestyle address.

Momentum continues to build at Banyan Hill as major construction milestones across the estate align with a strong first quarter of sales, reinforcing buyer confidence in one of the Northern Rivers most anticipated new residential communities.

Construction of Stages 10 and 11 is now well advanced and on track for completion by mid year, marking a significant step forward in the delivery of the masterplanned community. At the same time, works are progressing on Banyan Hill’s landmark Hilltop Park, which is also scheduled for completion mid year and will form the elevated green heart of the estate.

Positioned at one of the highest points within the community, Hilltop Park has been designed to offer landscaped recreation spaces, sweeping outlooks and a strong sense of arrival – cementing its role as a defining feature of Banyan Hill’s premium positioning.

This visible on site progress has translated directly into market momentum. Across the first quarter, Banyan Hill has recorded 23 homesite sales, generating approximately $13.2 million in revenue, signalling a clear uplift in buyer activity and renewed confidence in the new home market.

Sarah Cobb, Sales Manager, said the pace of construction and certainty around delivery timelines are playing a key role in buyer decision making.

‘As buyers see stages nearing completion and Hilltop Park really taking shape, confidence in the project accelerates,’ Ms Cobb said. ‘We’re seeing a decisive shift back toward the off the plan house-and-land market. In many cases, buyers are securing brand new homesites at a discount of more than $100,000 compared with established homes in comparable catchments.’

“That value gap, combined with price certainty, contemporary design and future amenity, has become too compelling to ignore. The strength of first quarter sales reflects buyers acting decisively as construction progress makes the opportunity increasingly tangible.’

To further support buyers entering the market, Banyan Hill is currently offering the opportunity to secure a homesite with a $10,000 deposit, providing an accessible pathway into the market as construction continues to advance across the estate.

With elevated homesites, coastal proximity and amenity now visibly emerging on site, Banyan Hill continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the Northern Rivers’ most compelling lifestyle communities – well positioned to benefit from sustained population growth and ongoing housing demand across the region

For enquiries or to secure remaining homesites visit banyanhill.com.au,or contact Sarah Cobb on 1300 326 197.

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.

EIGHT OUT OF TEN AUSTRALIAN COMPANIES HAVE AN ATO TAX DEBT

In an increasingly tough economic climate, many business owners across Australia are feeling the pressure. Higher petrol and diesel prices,  two recent interest rate rises, inflation, tighter lending conditions and growing regulatory demands are making it harder for companies to stay afloat. For directors, the stakes are even higher, with legal responsibilities adding another layer of stress when finances begin to falter.

It’s in this environment that firms like BDK Risk Management are helping directors navigate financial distress, stepping in to support local businesses before problems spiral out of control.

Based in the Northern Rivers, with additional offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, BDK Risk Management works with directors and business owners facing financial difficulty. Their focus is on helping businesses stabilise, manage debt and find a path forward – whether that means recovery, restructuring, or, in some cases, an orderly exit.

Financial distress can happen quickly. A downturn in trade, unexpected expenses, tax debts or pressure from creditors can all place a business under strain. For directors, these challenges are often compounded by their obligation to act in the best interests of the company, even as options narrow.

According to BDK Risk Management, one of the most important steps is seeking advice early. The firm begins by conducting a detailed review of a company’s financial position, looking at debts, risks and overall viability. From there, they work with directors to develop practical, tailored strategies.

A key part of this work is debt resolution. Businesses under pressure often face multiple creditors demanding payment at once. Through negotiation, it’s sometimes possible to reach agreements that reduce the overall debt or restructure repayments into something more manageable. This can give businesses the breathing space they need to continue operating.

Access to funding is another critical piece of the puzzle. For some companies, securing the right financial support at the right time can mean the difference between survival and closure. BDK Risk Management connects clients with lenders and funding partners who understand turnaround situations, helping to support recovery efforts.

In other cases, more significant changes are needed. Business restructuring can involve reorganising finances, adjusting operations or developing a new strategy to restore viability. While this can be a difficult process, it can also provide a fresh start for businesses willing to adapt. Not every situation can be resolved, however. When insolvency or liquidation becomes unavoidable, directors still need guidance to navigate complex legal and financial processes. Professional support can help ensure compliance while reducing personal risk as much as possible.

One area that often catches directors by surprise is tax debt. Many are unaware that company tax liabilities can, in certain circumstances, become a personal responsibility. Complicating matters further, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) generally will not negotiate directly with directors or their accountants in these situations. Instead, regulated restructuring firms must be engaged.

BDK Risk Management works alongside these regulated specialists to manage negotiations with the ATO and the corporate regulator, ASIC, helping directors understand their position and options.

A recent case highlights what can be achieved with early intervention. The firm assisted a Melbourne-based director facing a $1 million company tax debt. By working with a regulated restructuring partner, they were able to negotiate a settlement of just 14 cents in the dollar. The outcome not only prevented bankruptcy but also allowed the business to continue operating – all within a three-month period.

Contact: Ben Kirkpatrick Director, BDK Risk Management info@bdkriskmanagement.com

M    :  0410 330 500

PH  : 1300 012 714 www.bdkriskmanagement.com

YOUR GUIDE TO REFINANCING YOUR HOME LOAN – WITH A LOCAL EXPERT

With interest rates and lending policies constantly changing, many local homeowners may be paying more on their mortgage than they need to. According to local mortgage broker Sam Iaconessi, reviewing your home loan regularly can make a significant difference over time.

‘Many people think once their loan is set up, that’s it – but lenders are always competing for new customers,’ Sam says.

‘That means there are often better deals available, even just a year or two after taking out a loan.’

Refinancing isn’t just about chasing a lower rate. It can also help homeowners access equity, consolidate debt, or move to a loan with features that better suit their lifestyle – such as an offset account or flexible repayments.

Step 1: Start with a simple home loan review

Sam offers a quick, no-obligation review to help homeowners understand where they stand. By looking at a few key details – such as the current loan, interest rate, and general financial position – he can compare it against a wide range of lenders.

‘We’re able to show people what’s available in the current market and whether switching could actually save them money,’ he explains. ‘Sometimes the savings are substantial, sometimes the current loan is still competitive – but either way, it’s worth knowing.’

Step 2: Explore your options with expert guidance

If there’s a better option available, Sam works closely with clients to understand what they want from their loan –whether that’s a lower rate, more flexibility, or access to additional funds.

As part of Mortgage Choice, he has access to a panel of more than 35 lenders, including major banks and specialist lenders. This means he can match clients with a loan that suits their individual circumstances – even if their situation has changed since they first took out their mortgage.

Understanding

the costs

Refinancing can involve some costs, such as discharge fees from the existing lender or application and settlement fees with a new one. In some cases, lender’s mortgage insurance may also apply.

Sam ensures clients have a clear breakdown of all costs upfront, so they can make an informed decision about whether refinancing is worthwhile.

Step 3: A smooth application process

If a client decides to proceed, Sam manages the process from start to finish. This includes helping gather the necessary documents, submitting the application, and coordinating the transition between lenders.

‘We aim to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible,’ he says. ‘From application through to settlement, we handle the details so our clients don’t have to.’

How long does it take?

While timeframes can vary, loan approvals can happen within days, and most refinances are completed within a few weeks.

Thinking about refinancing?

For local homeowners curious about whether they could be doing better on their current loan, Sam offers a straightforward place to start.

Sam can be contacted on 0400 435 833 or via email at sam.iaconessi@mortgagechoice.com.au for a noobligation chat.

Sam helps local homeowners refinance, reduce repayments, and find smarter loan options. With access to over 35 lenders, Sam compares the market to find a loan that suits your needs—whether it’s a better rate, more flexibility, or accessing equity.

AS SAFE AS HOUSES

Are there alternative investment options other than bricks and mortar?

Ian Elderman

Australian investors have traditionally favoured bricks and mortar for a safe, reliable investment. This is partly due to the tangible and emotional satisfaction of ownership – often associated with wealth and success – but also, impressive returns. According to Propertyology, median house values in Byron Bay have risen 845 per cent over the past 25 years (above Brisbane 760 per cent and only below Cessnock 880 per cent). This preference is deeply embedded in the Australian psyche, but things have changed since the days of chatting on Nokia mobiles, sending faxes, and posting letters with a 34-cent stamp. In today’s world of advancing technology, where a substantial stake is now needed to enter the property market, intergenerational property transfer is a given, and a housing crisis distorts supply and demand, are there alternative investment options other than bricks and mortar?

Alternatives to bricks and mortar but still real estate

There are alternative real estate investments other than buying a house in a desirable area, waiting, and watching its value rise, including: Commercial Real Estate Debt (CRED) which involves financing the purchase, development, or refinancing of commercial properties, allowing investors to earn interest payments while managing risks through secured loans. This market is growing due to increasing demand for property and a shift away from traditional bank lending, offering stable income and low risk; Real Estate Private Credit where investors provide loans secured by real estate assets, offering consistent returns through interest payments. This investment strategy has gained popularity as it fills the funding gap left by traditional lenders, and provides a safer option for capital preservation, offering diversification and potential for higher returns; Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) which allow investment in real estate without directly purchasing property. Instead, shares are purchased in a company that owns, operates or finances a portfolio of income-producing real estate

assets; Build to Rent Developments which are large-scale, purpose-built rental housing projects that are professionally managed and held under single ownership to provide long-term rental income. These developments aim to provide more rental housing choices and often include amenities like on-site management and communal spaces; and, for those that don’t have initial capital for a house deposit, Rent to Own Agreements allow a property to be rented with the option to purchase it later – a portion of the rent payments contributes to the down payment, thus building equity while living in the home, making it easier to transition to ownership.

Traditional alternatives to bricks and mortar

Shares – investing in the share market has traditionally been a way to build wealth over time. Shares are historically considered a long-term strategy because they typically appreciate in value, allowing investors to benefit from compounding returns and the growth of the underlying companies. This approach helps investors ride out shortterm market volatility and achieve higher returns compared to short-term trading. But the London School of Economics and Political Science warns of an uncertain future for the share market due to unpredictable world politics, climate change, erratic weather events, fossil-fuel transition, and especially the unknown implications of the rapid growth of AI and its associated energy demands. This may affect investor confidence and stability in the future, both for capital growth and dividends, even over the longer term.

Exchange-Traded Funds – ETFs have become a popular choice for investors who want to build portfolios without the complexities of managing individual stocks, also EFTs often have lower fees and are more tax efficient. When you invest in an ETF, you don’t own the underlying investments, you own units in the ETF, and the ETF provider owns the shares or assets. Funds are traded on stock exchanges, allowing for diversification of investments over a wide

The returns of ethical investing may never match those of bricks and mortar, but maybe that’s acceptable if alignment with personal values, peace of mind, and building a positive future for the next generation is more important than building more bricks and mortar investment properties.

range of assets, including index funds and bonds, and can focus on sectors of the share market, for example, new technologies.

Using an advisor to structure an investment portfolio based on appetite for risk – for those who lack time or financial literacy, an investment adviser can provide expert guidance and personalised strategies (for a fee or percentage of earnings) tailored to personal financial goals, helping to manage a bespoke investment portfolio effectively. They can also assist holistically and align investments with retirement-planning, tax-efficient strategies, and navigating more complex financial situations, including constructing family trusts.

Peer-to-peer lending – P2P, ‘crowd lending’ or ‘social lending’ connects individual borrowers with individual investors. This is a relatively new concept in Australia, although it is well established in the US and the UK. Popular online P2Ps include Society One, Plenti, Our MoneyMarket, and ThinCats Australia. Investing in P2P lending offers the potential for higher returns compared to traditional savings (around 6-7 per cent per year) for those willing to accept the risks such as borrower default and economic vulnerability.

Trending alternatives to bricks and mortar

Ethical investing – An ethical investment strategy involves selecting investments that focus on companies that

prioritise environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. The returns of ethical investing may never match those of bricks and mortar, but maybe that’s acceptable if alignment with personal values, peace of mind, and building a positive future for the next generation is more important than building more bricks and mortar investment properties. According to the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA), 88 per cent of Australians expect their investments to be responsible and ethical. This has increased from 83 per cent in 2022, showing a growing trend towards ethical investing. Australian Ethical is a good place to start – they consider negative screening (weapons, fossil fuels, gambling) and positive screening (sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, cruelty-free), high-impact investing, managed funds, EFTs and shares.

Investing in start-ups – smart, exciting business opportunities (often new technologies) can offer lucrative returns and tax incentives. Some ways to invest in innovative start-up companies include: Angel investors who are individuals providing capital to early-stage startups in exchange for equity or part ownership. (https://www. angelcheck.ai/blog/how-to-start-angel-investing); Venture capital funds which pool money from multiple investors to invest in financing startup, early-stage, and emerging companies that have high growth potential. The Australian government offers several programs to encourage venture capital investment including tax offsets, exemption from capital gains tax, Pooled Development Funds (PDF) and

Australian Venture Capital Fund of Funds (AFOF) – this fund supports venture capital fund managers and investors with further tax incentives. (https://www.venturecrowd.com. au/s/); and also crowd-sourced funding where startups raise capital from a large number of investors through online platforms which are strictly regulated by ASIC and the Australian government. (https://www.pilotpartners. com.au/insights/crowd-sourced-funding/).

The future of investing is likely to be shaped by the rise of digital assets and innovative payment systems, which may change how money is perceived and utilised. Developments such as sustainable investing and the integration of technologies with AI are expected to play significant roles in shaping investment strategies. The Future of Investing: 2024/25 Edition by Franklin Templeton gives a good overview of current global trends.

Generally, the investment landscape is becoming more complex, with a shift towards high-probability outcomes rather than speculative trading; investors are likely to focus on robust portfolio construction that can withstand market volatility, therefore bricks and mortar will remain a viable strategy in Australia, especially while tax breaks like negative gearing and depreciation deductions exist. There are certainly other alternatives to consider – but where you decide to invest will first mean a considerable investment of time doing research, so you can be sure that, if you don’t put your money into bricks and mortar, it is at least ‘as safe as houses’.

A CALMER WAY TO NAVIGATE PROPERTY –FROM MELBOURNE TO BYRON BAY AND BEYOND

Independent advocacy. Strategic clarity. Calm transaction leadership.

Property decisions do not just require timing – they require judgement. In a market shaped by speed, pressure and competing interests, that judgement can be difficult to access.

That is why a quieter, more strategic approach is gaining traction across the East Coast, particularly in lifestyle markets such as Byron Bay and the Northern Rivers, where relocation, investment and emotion often intersect.

At the centre of that shift is growing demand for independent buyer’s and vendor’s advocacy – professionals who sit on the client’s side of the table, not the transaction.

That is the model behind the collaboration between Byron Property Search and Master Advocates.

Mark and Michelle Errichiello, co-founders of Master Advocates, have recently relocated their family to Byron Bay after more than two decades operating across Melbourne and Victorian property markets. They now join forces with Michael Murray, Founder of Byron Property Search, one of Byron Bay’s first and most established buyer’s agents, bringing more than 25 years of advocacy experience and four decades of local insight.

Together, they offer something increasingly rare: a single point of personalised service and accountability, grounded in experience, local knowledge and independent judgement.

For clients, that means clarity in moments that often feel uncertain. Whether buying, selling, negotiating, bidding

at auction, or planning an investment property for leasing, their role is not to push a transaction forward, but to help clients assess position, understand value and make informed decisions with confidence.

Mark Errichiello is a second-generation real estate professional with more than 25 years of experience across agency, auctioneering, property management, and independent buyer’s and vendor’s advocacy. He has held leadership roles within national franchise networks, worked across residential and commercial transactions, and built a strong reputation in due diligence, negotiation and bidding strategy. His profile also includes public association with The Block (Phillip Island 2024), representing Australian billionaire Adrian Portelli/LMCT+. Beyond transactions, Mark has served in governance and board roles across state and national peak real estate bodies, industry committees, advocacy groups and traders’ associations, reflecting a broad and strategic perspective on property, people and place.

Michelle Errichiello brings more than 23 years of real estate operational strength, property and trust account management, buyer’s advocacy and discipline to the client experience as a licensed estate agent and officer in effective control, underpinned by a strong foundation in high-level customer service developed while working at one of the leading five-star hotels of the world. Her professional capability is matched by an extraordinary personal story of resilience. Following a life-changing workplace accident in 2007 that resulted in the traumatic amputation of her right leg, Michelle rebuilt, redefined and rose to represent Australia as a Paralympian. A gold medallist, multiple 100m and 200m sprint world-record holder, and Australian Institute of Sport scholarship holder, she competed in the T42 100m final at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, bringing resilience, preparation and disciplined execution to every client engagement.

Michael Murray brings deep Byron Bay and Northern Rivers expertise, with insight into local planning, zoning and best use, coastal and hinterland lifestyle drivers, key decision factors and long-term value. With more than 25 years as a buyer’s and vendor’s advocate and 40 years living and working in the region, he offers seasoned local knowledge that strengthens due diligence, feasibility and strategic acquisition and divestment advice. Together, the team offers two service pathways: full comprehensive advocacy across the entire transaction, and hybrid co-pilot services for clients who need expert support only at key stages.

A clearer process. A calmer voice. A stronger strategy.

BYRON PROPERTY SEARCH + MASTER ADVOCATES

Your property co-pilot across Byron Bay, Melbourne and key East

Buy well. Sell well. Bid well. With the right advocate beside you. Byron Property Search + Master Advocates is a collaborative independent property advocacy service supporting clients across Byron Bay, the Northern Rivers, Hinterland, Far North Coast NSW, Melbourne and key East Coast markets.

WHO WE ARE

Led by Mark and Michelle Errichiello of Master Advocates, in collaboration with Michael Murray of Byron Property Search, we provide a premium alternative to traditional real estate engagement – focused on strategy, independence and client-first outcomes.

WHAT WE DO

We help clients make better property decisions with confidence - whether buying, selling, investing or negotiating.

COMPREHENSIVE

ADVOCACY SERVICES

• Buyers Advocacy

• Vendors Advocacy and sale campaign oversight

• Due diligence, strategy, negotiation and auction or private sale bidding

• Residential and commercial property support

HYBRID CO-PILOT SERVICES

• Pre-purchase inspection and independent appraisal

• Comparable market analysis and due diligence

• Auction and private sale negotiation and bidding support

• Pre-settlement consultation and final inspection guidance

• Post-settlement consultation and project management

• Investor rental-ready planning

• Property management appointment and advisory support

Mark Errichiello: 0408 988 118 or mark@masteradvocates.com.au Consultation booking: calendly.com/masteradvocates

Coast markets

WHY CLIENTS ENGAGE US

• Independent advice, not sales-driven

• Decades of real-world property experience

• Strong Byron Bay, Northern Rivers and Melbourne market knowledge

• Priority access to on-market and off-market trusted property network acquisition opportunities

• Calm execution under pressure

• Personalised service and accountability

• Risk mitigation management

• Unlock value-add opportunities

• Align every acquisition or divestment with each client’s long-term personalised brief

WHERE WE SERVE

• New South Wales: Byron Bay, Byron Shire, Northern Rivers, hinterland and Far North Coast

• Queensland: Brisbane, Gold Coast and South East Queensland (extended partner network)

• Victoria: Melbourne (northern and western specialists), metro, coastal and regional - Victoria-wide

NORTHERN RIVERS PROPERTY MARKET HOLDS FIRM AS LIFESTYLE DEMAND DRIVES 2026 OUTLOOK

The Northern Rivers region of New South Wales continues to attract strong buyer interest in early 2026, with coastal communities in Byron Bay and surrounds maintaining robust property values despite broader economic headwinds. According to MANA Real Estate, the region’s unique lifestyle appeal is proving a powerful insulator against softening conditions seen in many metropolitan markets.

Recent market data reflects a high-value, low-volume market. Days on market across Northern Rivers region suburbs sat between 80 and 90 – steady, not stagnant. The broader Northern Rivers story is one of sustained demand meeting constrained supply. Ongoing migration from capital cities, particularly Sydney, continues to underpin buyer enquiry, with many purchasers viewing a Northern Rivers property not merely as a financial investment, but as an investment in quality of life. Wide beaches, leafy hinterland, a relaxed coastal pace, and a strong sense of community remain powerful drawcards.

House price growth has moderated from its pandemicera peak, and February’s interest rate movement has placed further pressure on borrowing capacity. However, historically low unemployment across the region is providing a meaningful stabilising force. MANA Real Estate anticipates that housing values will continue on a modest upward trajectory through the remainder of 2026, with growth increasingly concentrated at more accessible price points.

Fluctuating consumer sentiment, global economic conditions, and the evolving interest rate environment mean that timing the market is key. This is where the quality of a property’s marketing campaign can make the difference between a good result and a great one. MANA Real Estate’s exclusive ELEVATE campaigns are designed to do exactly that – using advanced technology and data-driven strategies to ensure a property reaches every qualified buyer and commands attention in a crowded field. It’s an approach that goes well beyond a listing and a signboard, combining digital reach, professional

presentation, and proven negotiation expertise to deliver the best possible outcome for sellers, regardless of market conditions.

For homeowners curious about their property’s current value, MANA Real Estate offers complimentary appraisals across the Northern Rivers. Contact the team today to find out what your most significant asset is worth in today’s market.

For enquiries, visit manare.au or call MANA Head Office 02 6680 5000.

Finance & Property Outlook

INTEREST RATES/MORTGAGE CHANGES AHEAD

Aslan Shand

There were two interest rate hikes, in February and March 2026 due to increasing inflation, which has remained high. This followed three cuts to the interest rates in 2025 that saw some relief for mortgage holders, however, the Australian mortgage landscape looks to remain challenging with further interest rates being predicted throughout 2026.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) uses monetary policy to try and keep inflation, a measure of how fast prices are rising, between 2 and 3 per cent. With inflation continuing above the target band the RBA will likely look at raising the cash rate.

This is likely to see interest rates rising for mortgage holders as the interest rates change relative to the RBA cash rate which currently sits at 4.10 per cent. Some banks and analysts are predicting a cash rate increase to 4.35 per cent at the next RBA Board meeting (www.asx.com.au) particularly with the uncertainty of the war in the Middle East. They are also predicting that the multiple hikes to the cash rate could push it as high as 4.85 per cent later this year.

Banks, credit unions and brokers are clear that the earlier you contact them, if you feel you might be entering mortgage stress, the better able they are to respond and assist you with managing your financial situation.

High energy costs, rising wages, and global supply constraints, particularly the impact of the conflict in the Middle East are acting as drivers of continued inflationary pressure here in Australia. The RBA has projected that the cash rate could stay elevated throughout 2027 with inflation not coming down to the target band until mid2027 which will see mortgage rates rising throughout 2026 and possibly into 2027.

For mortgage borrowers this means there will be a flow-on effect to how much they are paying on their mortgage. For a $500,000 mortgage (assuming a 30-year term), each 0.25 per cent interest rate rise adds roughly $75 to $105 per month to repayments.

The immediate impacts will be felt by people holding a variable rate home loan as the mortgage rate increases as the banks are currently passing the rate increases on fairly quickly.

People with a split mortgage will experience less impact immediately as only part of their loan is variable while those with a fixed rate are secure in their repayments until their fixed rate period ends. Fixed rate mortgages are normally set from between one to five years and when either a portion or the entire fixed rate mortgage deal expires then transitioning to the higher rate can be a refinancing shock to mortgage holders.

With the banks passing on the RBA interest rate rises relatively quickly, it is reducing the maximum borrowing capacity for new home buyers, though there is some help for first time home buyers from the government.

While the mortgage rate appears set to keep rising in the near future, due to market demand as a result of a shortage of housing and population growth, property prices have so far remained resilient.

Sydney and Melbourne have seen a slowing in their property market values while Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and the Northern Rivers remain relatively strong markets due to strong demand and limited supply.

On the Northern Rivers the housing supply shortage means there is a sustained demand for housing, as many people seek a lifestyle change. This is apparent in the coastal areas including Lennox Head, Byron Bay, Ballina and the Tweed Coast which are all areas of high demand.

The increase in interest rates has seen the portion of Australian homeowners considered ‘at risk’ of mortgage stress (when repayments are 25 to 20 per cent of household income) rise to 24.9 per cent of mortgage holders (approximately 1,317,000 people) in February with it predicted to rise to 28.8 to 28.9 per cent in April 2026.

With the predicted continued rate rises it is important to

take a look at your home loan and determine how you will manage future rate rises.

Banks, credit unions and brokers are clear that the earlier you contact them, if you feel you might be entering mortgage stress, the better able they are to respond and assist you with managing your financial situation.

Review your loan and make sure it is the best fit for you at this time. It might be time to look for better rates to reduce the impact of interest rate hikes.

Looking at your household budget is also important where small adjustments can help make ends meet during tough times. There are a range of tools online and provided by banks, credit unions and brokers to help you look at your budgets and where you can save.

There is also the option to look at paying down the principal of the mortgage sooner that will assist in reducing the interest-bearing balance. Another option is to utilise an offset account which can potentially help reduce the amount of interest you pay over time.

The next 12 to 24 months will see a challenging mortgage environment as the RBA looks to increase the cash rate as it attempts to bring inflation back into the 2 to 3 per cent band. There is unlikely to be any significant mortgage relief until 2027.

Finance & Property Outlook

CLARITY AND CONFIDENCE IN PROPERTY SETTLEMENT

When relationships come to an end, the legal and financial decisions that follow can be complex and emotionally taxing. Byron Family Law recognises that these matters have a direct impact not only on individuals, but also on their families and the wider community.

The firm’s philosophy is grounded in a commitment to compassionate, solution-focused and cost-efficient legal advice. By prioritising respect and dignity, Byron Family Law supports clients in moving forward with clarity and confidence during what is often a challenging period.

Attention to detail is central to the firm’s approach. Every matter is handled with care, ensuring that outcomes are tailored to the unique circumstances of each client. Rather than applying generic solutions, the team works closely with clients to develop practical strategies that reflect their individual needs and goals.

A resolution-focused approach

Understanding the stress and financial strain often associated with separation and divorce, Byron Family Law is committed to resolving matters in an amicable and efficient manner wherever possible.

The firm offers free initial consultations, ensuring that individuals can explore their options without financial pressure. Transparency is also a priority, with clear and upfront communication about legal costs.

Byron Family Law’s solicitors are trained in Collaborative Practice, an alternative dispute resolution process that enables separating couples to resolve their matters outside of court. This approach places control in the

Jordyn Jones Senior Associate Jordyn@byronfamilylaw.com.au

hands of the parties, encouraging open and constructive communication. Clients are supported by a network of professionals, including psychologists, social workers, valuers, accountants and financial planners, to achieve balanced and sustainable outcomes.

Navigating property settlement

One of the most significant aspects of separation is the division of assets and liabilities, commonly referred to as property settlement. This can be achieved either through mutual agreement or, where necessary, by application to the court.

Where parties are able to reach agreement, it can be formalised through a financial agreement or by consent orders approved by the court. If agreement cannot be reached, the court may determine the outcome.

Each property settlement is unique, reflecting the individual circumstances of the parties involved. Outcomes can vary significantly, making tailored legal advice essential.

Strict time limits apply. For married couples, applications

for property settlement must generally be made within 12 months of a divorce becoming final. For de facto relationships, the timeframe is two years from the date of separation. Extensions require special permission from the court and are not guaranteed.

A structured framework

Australian family law provides a structured framework for determining property division. Key considerations include:

• The identification and valuation of all assets and debts

Financial contributions made by each party

Non-financial contributions, such as homemaking and caring for children

Future needs, including health, age, earning capacity and parenting responsibilities

• Additional considerations may include spousal maintenance and child support, depending on the circumstances.

Supporting the path forward

Byron Family Law understands that property and financial matters are deeply personal. Through a combination of technical expertise and a commitment to respectful, practical outcomes, the firm assists clients in navigating the legal process with confidence.

With a focus on resolution and a dedication to client care, Byron Family Law provides guidance at every stage, helping individuals move forward with certainty and peace of mind. www.byronfamilylaw.com.au

Finance & Property Outlook

SUPERANNUATION

Aslan Shand

Compulsory superannuation was introduced in Australia on 1 July 1992 in response to concerns over Australia’s future ageing population and how that would be supported.

The Labor Keating government introduced the superannuation guarantee which mandated employer contributions to a superannuation on behalf of employees so that in the future more people would be set up to become selffunded retirees and reduce the reliance of the population the governmentfunded age pension.

What is super?

Superannuation, also known as ‘super’, started out as a 3 per cent contribution by employers into a nominated super fund. This has increased over the years according to the Super Guarantee Rate Schedule, and on 1 July 2025 it reached its final level of 12 per cent contribution to your super fund of your ordinary earnings.

For the average Australian to retire comfortably at the age of 67 couples generally need a combined super balance of approximately $730,000, while singles need around $630,000 assuming that they own their own home, according to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia, a non-profit peak body providing industry research, advocacy, and retirement standards.

Who gets super?

If you are a full-time, part-time, or casual employee you will receive super payments.

However, not everyone gets super and this can leave a range of people disadvantaged and, in some cases, entrench existing disadvantage.

For example, women who are often the ones who stay at home to care for children and family members won’t receive superannuation for the period of time that they take out from formal employment. This means that they may never receive super contributions or will have a break in their super contributions which leaves them poorer than their equivalent male counterparts by the time they retire. However, the lower income earner in a household is entitled to part of the higher income earner’s superannuation if they separate.

Who doesn’t get super?

If you are under 18 and working under 30 hours a week, employed as a domestic worker such as a nanny, housekeeper, or carer your employer doesn’t have to pay super contributions. The other big category of people who don’t automatically get super are people who are selfemployed as a sole trader or in a partnership, as they are not required to pay super to themselves. However, this can leave these people at a long-term disadvantage as they may not set themselves up for retirement effectively. While they are not legally required to make super contributions, they can make personal super contributions. If you chose to make personal contributions then most people can claim a tax deduction for personal super contributions until they turn 75 years old, and they may be eligible for the super co-contribution, which helps eligible low-to-middle-income earners save for their retirement.

If you chose to make personal contributions then most people can claim a tax deduction for personal super contributions until they turn 75 years old, and they may be eligible for the super co-contribution, which helps eligible low-tomiddle-income earners save for their retirement.

What to look for in managing your super risks/rewards

Today you can nominate your own super fund that your employer pays into and this is managed on your behalf by the superannuation fund.

For many people over their working lives they have ended up with a number of super funds that have been paid into over the years. It is important to consolidate them together to receive the best long-term advantage and growth. It is easy to do through your MyGov account and will save you money on fees and allow you to clearly identify and track your savings for retirement.

How to choose a super fund

It is worth taking the time, or speaking to a professional financial advisor, to find out how to choose the best super fund for you. There are a range of super funds including industry, retail, corporate, public sector and self-managed super funds (SMSF). The public sector super fund is restricted to state and federal government employees. When you are assessing where you will place your super you need to consider the performance of the fund, how its risk profile suits you and your stage of superannuation saving timeline, their fees and other benefits.

You can also look at what the different super funds invest in and make choices for ethical super funds that ensure that your funds are not contributing to the negative impacts in the world. For example, you might decide you don’t want to invest in cigarette or vaping businesses or fossil fuel

USEFUL ONLINE RESOURCES

https://www.ato.gov.au

https://moneysmart.gov.au

https://www.superannuation.asn.au

companies or other environmentally damaging industries. When you are in your early super accumulation phase (under 50) people are often seeking higher growth and are prepared to have higher risks as they have a longer timeline to recover if there is market volatility. As they progress towards retirement (50 to 60) it is considered prudent to begin to transfer from a higher risk to lower risk, balanced, strategy to protect your retirement funds before you enter your retirement where investments are usually put into a more conservative and stable portfolio.

Co-contributions

Employees are able to make additional contributions to their superannuation funds. However, this is strictly managed with caps on the amounts you can contribute as before and after-tax contributions.

Paying in super contributions before tax (salary sacrifice) are called concessional contributions and you pay 15 per cent tax on these contributions, however, for many people that is a lower rate of tax than they would pay on their salary. However, if you go over the yearly limit of $30,000, you may be subject to pay extra tax which can be high.

You can contribute up to $120,000 per year in after-tax super contributions, called non-concessional contributions. You can also pay three years’ worth on contributions in one year as part of the ‘bring-forward’ rule and there are potential tax deductions available but you must meet specific rules and regulations in relation to these types of financial actions.

Early triggers

You cannot access you super before you retire or reach your preservation age (which depends on the year you were born) or 65. However there are a number of triggers that can mean you get early access to your superannuation. Early access can be triggered on the basis of compassionate grounds which includes terminal illness, life threatening medical treatment or transport for you or a dependent, modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate your or your dependant’s special needs arising from a severe disability, palliative care for you or your dependant, death, funeral or burial expenses of your dependant, and preventing foreclosure or forced sale of your home. Other grounds include severe financial hardship, First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSS), if you are leaving the country permanently, or you have a very low balance.

The key to making your super work for you is to look carefully at the range of super funds that are available, get good advice, and don’t be pressured into joining or switching to a super fund until you are confident it will meet your needs.

A LOCAL BUILDER AND ARCHITECT’S ANSWER TO COMPACT LIVING

When Chris King started prototyping a small structure on his own land in Byron's hinterland, he wasn't trying to start a company. He was trying to solve a problem he'd watched go unsolved for years.

King has been building in the Northern Rivers for over 20 years. Over that time he noticed a consistent gap: people wanted to build something smaller, more intentional, more connected to where they lived – but the options were either cheap and poorly made, or expensive and over-engineered. Mass-produced kit homes on one end. Bespoke construction on the other. Nothing in between that was genuinely well-made, suited to our sub-tropical climate and able to be moved.

So he built one. On his own ridge. And lived in it.

That prototype became The Oculus – the first and current model from Retreat House, the Bangalow-based company King founded to bring architect-designed, transportable spaces to landholders and commercial operators across the region and beyond.

The Oculus is 21 square metres, built on a registered trailer, and designed in collaboration with Byron-based architect Hayley Pryor. Pryor's background is in high-end residential architecture. Each Oculus is built in the same Bangalow workshop, by the same team, to the same standard.

The build time is 14 weeks from deposit. The Oculus arrives complete – no site works required beyond placement and service connections. It's road-registered, DA-exempt (similar to caravan under NSW legislation), and priced from $199,000 inc. GST.

The Oculus

The Oculus is built on a trailer, ready to place on your land. Designed by Hayley Pryor Architects and built by Chris King Constructions in our Bangalow workshop.

The Oculus by Retreat House is a 21sqm transportable space that responds to climate and place.

That combination – architect-resolved design, fixed price, no DA – is deliberate. King and Pryor spent considerable time working through what landholders and commercial operators actually needed, and the regulatory complexity of the Northern Rivers planning environment shaped the product as much as any aesthetic consideration. A unit that can be placed without development approval, relocated if circumstances change, and used for either residential or commercial purposes covers a lot of ground.

For landholders, the applications are practical: a secondary dwelling, a home office, a guest space, an Airbnb. For commercial operators — wineries, eco-retreats, boutique accommodation providers, wedding venues – the Oculus offers a deployable accommodation product that can generate revenue within weeks of delivery.

Retreat House has been featured in Dezeen, Houses Magazine, Architecture Australia, The Design Files, Green Magazine and PIP Magazine. The unit is currently available to stay in through Airbnb in Wooyung – what the company calls a ‘Stay Before You Own’ arrangement – giving prospective buyers a way to experience the space before committing.

For those who have land and have been waiting for an option that doesn't ask them to compromise on quality, or spend years in the planning system, it may be worth a conversation.

The Oculus is priced from $199,000 inc. GST. Enquiries: Ross Bird, 0407 661 649, hello@retreathouse. com.au, retreathouse.com.au.

Since 1987, the Morgans team have been proudly serving the local community with personalised stockbroking, wealth management and financial advice. We're delighted to welcome Investment Adviser, Litsa Makrangelos to the team, helping us to further provide quality advice to the Northern Rivers region.

health & healing

Bangalow Headache Clinic

At Bangalow Headache Clinic they treat headaches and migraines, jaw pain, clicking, grinding and locking, as well as vestibular disorders and dizziness.

Physiotherapist Michael Hayward has done extensive studies and exams, in both Australia and Europe, involving the head, neck and jaw. He has completed advanced vestibular competency training with the Northern American leaders in this area.

At Bangalow Headache Clinic they quite often find an overlap between headache and dizziness and/or headache and jaw problems. If you experience jaw pain, locking or clicking, headaches, migraines or vertigo, call them.

0475 757 510

72 Byron Street, Bangalow bangalowheadacheclinic.com. au

Dr Sam Gartland

Hemp Culture

Bringing together sustainability, beauty, and conscious living. The team offers hemp based clothing, botanical products, and ritual friendly items crafted with natural materials and mindful care. Many pieces are locally made, supporting earth aligned practices. From journals to candles, each item encourages reflection and intention. Choosing Hemp Culture means embracing thoughtful, sustainable living for yourself, community, and planet.

40 Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby hempculture_au

Byron College

Why we get stuck (even when we know better)

Many people enter therapy with a clear understanding of their patterns. They know why they react the way they do, yet still find themselves repeating the same cycles. It can be frustrating and disheartening, often leading people to question why they ‘self sabotage’ their growth.

The reason is that insight alone doesn’t always lead to change. When difficulties are rooted in past experiences, they are often held in the body and nervous system, not just in conscious thought. This means that even when something makes sense logically, responses can still feel automatic or out of conscious control.

Billinudgel Psychology offers approaches such as EMDR that work directly with how these patterns are stored, supporting change at a deeper level beyond insight, toward a lasting shift.

0493 579 052

hello@billipsychology.com

www.billipsychology.com

Nurture your wellbeing and explore new ways of living with a range of enriching courses at Byron Community College. Young women aged 15–18 can find connection and support through the Her Space Wellbeing Program, designed to foster resilience, self awareness and a sense of belonging. Connect with your intuition through Tarot Reading and Intro to Astrology, or ground yourself in nature with Regenerative Agriculture and Small Scale Farming at The Farm. Build confidence and practical skills with Last Aid – Care for the Dying at Home, offering compassionate guidance for end of life care. Each course offers a thoughtful pathway to deeper understanding, personal growth, holistic health, and meaningful community connection.

Byron Community College @byroncollege www.byroncollege.org.au (02) 6684 3374

Dr Sam Gartland is a UK trained doctor, whose practice of medicine has been profoundly influenced by his own recovery from multiple sclerosis (MS). His area of interest is Lifestyle Medicine, a lifestyle approach centering on plant based nutrition. Sam’s new practice, Life Medical Mullumbimby, offers Lifestyle Medicine consultations that address the causes of disease alongside GP services, skin checks and natural therapies.

Sam also holds a Masters in Sports Medicine. He has worked with Premier League and ‘A’ League football clubs and has been published in Sports Medicine literature. He has been a retreat facilitator for Overcoming MS and is a co author of the Overcoming MS Handbook. Sam is committed to empowering others with the skills and knowledge to optimise their health.

Life Medical Mullumbimby 02 6680 2486 113 Stuart St, Mullumbimby www.lifemedicalmullumbimby.com.au

Releaf Integrative Clinic & Dispensary

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

Want to learn more? Book in for a free discovery call today.

Visit releaf.com.au and discover a more natural way forward.

91 Jonson Street, Byron Bay releaf.com.au

Art Journaling Workshop

Nyesha is a registered psychologist with over 20 years of experience, and a certified sound healing practitioner. She works with adults experiencing stress, anxiety and depression, and those navigating life transitions, self esteem and personal growth.

Her approach is collaborative and tailored, supporting clients to identify goals, build insight and create meaningful change. Based in Ballina, she welcomes clients from across the Northern Rivers region.

She will also be offering an Art Journaling Workshop on Sunday, 3 May from 10am to 4pm at Ignite Studios, Ballina. Participants are invited to explore their inner voice through creative expression, finishing with a relaxing sound healing session. Cost $150; all materials provided, no experience necessary. For more information or to register phone Nyesha on 0419 565 980 or email nyeshaellis11@gmail.com

Upcoming byron healing client events

Dr Bessel van der Kolk Live in Brisbane

The Body Keeps the Score Workshop

Held by: Activate Media Events

Date: Thursday, 16 April

Time: 6pm – 10.30pm (Doors open 5pm)

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

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

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

Thrive Workshop – Year of the Horse

Held by: Sugar Beach Ranch

Date: Thursday, 16 April

Time: 9am – 4pm

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

Booking contact: www.sugarbeachranch.com/thrive

Signature Sweet Retreat

Women’s Horse Wellness Immersion

Held by: Sugar Beach Ranch

Date: 1–3 May 2026

Time: Friday 3pm – Sunday 11am

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

Booking contact: www.sugarbeachranch.com/thrive

Mother’s Day Special – Thrive & Restore

Held by: Sugar Beach Ranch

Date: Saturday, 9 May

Time: 9am – 4pm

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

Booking contact: www.sugarbeachranch.com/thrive

Nervous System Reset with Horses

Held by: Sugar Beach Ranch

Date: Sunday, 29 May

Time: 9am – 12pm

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

Booking contact: www.sugarbeachranch.com/thrive

ALCHEMY: The CAAHM Wellbeing Conference

Held by: CAAHM Method™

Date: Saturday, 30 May

Time: 10am – 8pm

Address: Byron Bay Surf Club, 1 Bay Street, Byron Bay

Booking contact: www.caahmkinesiologyacademy.com/ alchemy the caahm wellbeing conference 1 or DM @corinnahancock_ on Instagram)

Change your Life in your Lunch Break!

Held by: Kate Messenger Kinesiology

Date: Thursdays, 23 & 30 April, 7 & 14 May

Time:12pm 1pm

Address: Mullumbimby. address provided on booking Booking contact: 0413 003 301, kate@ crystalsanddreaming.com.au www. katemessengerkinesiology.com.au

Qigong & Insight Meditation Weeknd workshop

Held by: Shirsha Marie

Date:13 & 14 June 2026

Time: 9am to 5pm

Address: Byron Bay

Booking contact: heartmindcentre.com.au/workshops/   Astrology Introduction with Yuko Medcraft

Held by: Byron College

Date: 7 x Monday, 4 May 22 June

Time: 10am – 11.30am

Price: $250

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

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

Tarot Reading

Held by: Byron College

Date: 6 x Thursday, 30 April 4 June

Time: 6pm – 8pm

Price: $235

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

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

Art Therapy as a Self-Help Tool

Held by: Byron College

Date: 8 x Thursday, 30 April 18 June

Time: 10am – 12.30pm

Price: $395

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

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

Mothers Day Golden Hour Facial

Held by: Osprey Spa

Dates: 4 11 May 2026

Time: 10am 6pm

Address: 144 Bayshore Dr, Byron Bay

Booking contact: 02 6639 1555

15–21 April, 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

Stone & Wood ready to fire up June

The crew at Stone & Wood are thrilled to share the lineup for Festival of the Stone 2026, returning to the brewery on Saturday, 20 June for Byron Bay’s favourite winter gathering of live music, fresh brews and good company. As the cooler months roll into Northern NSW, Stone & Wood will once again set the stage for an evening of great Aussie music, community spirit and the annual tapping of the much-loved Stone Beer, a limited winterrelease brewed the old-school way with stones heated over a wood fire.

Now in its 12th year, Festival of the Stone has become a beloved fixture on the music festival calendar. Each year, fans from near and far come together to celebrate music, enjoy amazing beer and share good times, all while supporting Byron’s Fletcher Street Cottage. This year’s lineup is a beauty! Festival of the Stone 2026 welcomes… Pacific Avenue, Ruby Fields, Dear Seattle, Eliza & The Delusionals and Liquid Zoo

South Coast rockers Pacific Avenue cemented their place in the Aussie music landscape with their breakout 2023 debut album Flowers. The record debuted at #1 on the ARIA Australian Albums Chart and earned multiple ARIA and AIR award nominations, while its sun-soaked

blend of classic rock and heartfelt ballads captured a wide audience. Fronted by Harry O’Brien’s unmistakable vocals and songwriting, the band have continued to gather fans with extensive touring across Australia, and internationally – they’ll hit the stage at Festival Of The Stone with a set that includes new tracks alongside all the faves.

Sydney’s South Coast singer-songwriter Ruby Fields has built a devoted following through her sharp, relatable storytelling and unmistakable indie-rock sound. Blending indie-rock chords with punk-edged delivery and deceptively simple but poignant lyrics, Fields first caught national attention in 2017 on Triple J.

Fresh from topping the ARIA Albums Chart with their third studio release,Toy, Sydney indie-rockers Dear Seattle are heading to Byron Bay for Festival of the Stone. The four-piece have reached new creative heights with Toy blending soaring riffs, melodic hooks and thoughtful reflections on growth and relationships.

Northern NSW and Brisbane indie-rock trio Eliza & The Delusionals have continued to build momentum with their shimmering blend of indie pop and guitar-driven rock. Their debut album Now & Then (2022) received a

4.5-star review from Rolling Stone Australia and a Triple J ‘J’ award nomination for album of the year.

Sydney five-piece Liquid Zoo deliver the kind of indie rock built for late nights and sweaty rooms, blending sharp guitars, driving rhythms and hook-heavy vocals with plenty of chaotic edge.

As always, Festival of the Stone marks the unveiling of Stone & Wood’s 2026 Stone Beer, a rich, limited-edition winter brew crafted using heated stones in homage to traditional brewing methods. Alongside great music and fresh pours, the festival will once again raise funds for Fletcher Street Cottage, Byron Shire’s community hub supporting people experiencing homelessness and hardship.

Message your crew and get ready for another unforgettable night of music, beer and community at Festival of the Stone 2026!

Saturday, 20 June at Stone & Wood Brewery, Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay (Cavanbah).

Find tickets at stoneandwood.com.au – early birds on sale now $65 + BF (18+), $30 + BF (12-17). After 1 June, $70 + BF (18+). Under-12s free entry.

seven days of entertainment

Eclectic Selection

What’s on this week

With a sincere passion for music and truth, Alex McLeod exudes a luminance of pure joy and gratitude for his deep connection to his guitar, and the autobiographical stories that have sprung from its strings, whilst inspiring him on countless journeys that have crossed the globe.

Friday from 6pm at the Park Hotel, Suffolk Park. Free show.

Broadfoot call on a wide variety of their own songs, many with thoughtprovoking lyrics, grooves to keep you moving, and plenty of wondrous guitar playing – music for all ages.

Saturday from 9:30am at the Mullumbimby Community Market. Free show.

Dusty Boots (Jonny Dustow) has an indiecoastal folk/soul sound, sharing songs and stories about life and adventures road tripping the world –each song is a snapshot and memory from his life – the highs and lows. Songwriting helps him make sense of it all.

Saturday from 6pm at the Williams St Cafe, Lennox Head. Free show.

Loose Content are staking their claim as one of Australia’s most exciting and urgent bands. The three-piece indie/altrock outfit was formed in the hinterlands of Byron Bay during high school, blending alt-rock grit with power pop, indie and punk rock spirit.

Saturday from 7pm at Howl & Moan Records, Byron Bay. Free show.

The award-winning Murbah Youth Fest is back for its fourth year – bigger, busier, and with more young people involved than ever, providing a space where young people can build confidence, learn new skills, connect with others and contribute to their community. It’s a day that celebrates the energy, creativity and voice of young people across the Northern Rivers.

Sunday from 10am in Knox Park, Murwillumbah. Entry and all activities are free.

International front man Rhydian Lewis leads his amazing eight-piece big band, The Residuals, to bring you The Best of Bublé Tribute Experience, one of the finest tributes to Michael Bublé, singing his biggest hits.

Sunday at 1.30pm at the Ballina RSL Auditorium. Tickets from $42 at ballinarsl.com.au.

Nathan Beretta has made his mark in the Australian blues scene with multiple award-winning blues band Blue Eyes Cry. Growing up with blues, jazz and soul in the household, Nathan has brought his own unique style to the table, playing from the soul with an ‘all killer no filler’ approach.

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

Put on your Helmet for some noise

NYC noise-rock instigators, Helmet , return to Australia in 2026 and you can catch them at The Northern on the weekend.

Born at the dawn of the rage-filled ‘90s, Helmet fiercely hold space for multiple generations of alternative fans seeking the vital energy of hostile riffs and inventive metronomic groove.

With bountiful visits over the last three decades, Helmet share a lovingly long and loyal relationship with Australian fans. In 2026 Helmet delivers inspired and essential moments from across their extensive back catalogue, satiating once again the Australian hunger for a night of drenched intensity.

Formed in New York by Page Hamilton , Helmet rewired heavy music guiding peers like Deftones, Korn, through to Pantera and later Mastodon, to heel to the power of the brutal riff.

Helmet’s 1992 landmark Meantime album went gold and cemented them as trailblazers of the heavy music scene. From the genre-bending Betty (1994) which included the alt version ‘Milktoast’ featured in cult ‘90s film The Crow , and Aftertaste (1997) to their return with Size Matters (2004) and a string of uncompromising releases through to Dead to the World (2016), and Left (2023) they remain a critical force.

See them Sunday from 7pm at The Northern, Byron Bay. Tickets from oztix.com.au are $89.90 including BF.

KURAMANUNYA

seven days of entertainment

One night only Iron Winter screening

Some films stay with you long after the credits roll. Iron Winter, the extraordinary new documentary, is one of them. Local filmmaker Darius Devas has organised a one-off screening on Friday at the Drill Hall, Mullumbimby. ‘I specifically requested to bring this film here because it’s one of my favourite documentaries of the last few years and this was the only way locals could experience it on the big screen,’ says Devas. ‘It unfolds somewhere between a poem and a fable for me, it is truly singular.’

The film follows two young Mongolian herders, Batbold and his companion Tsagaanaa; as they undertake a gruelling four-month journey, moving 2,000 horses across the frozen steppe in temperatures plunging to -50°C. For generations, the herders of the Tsakhir Valley have protected their horses from ferocious Arctic storms by amassing a giant winter herd; a tradition that, under increasing environmental pressure, abruptly ended. The film documents their attempt to revive it. surviving as their people have for centuries, in the face of huge political and environmental change.

What Kasimir Burgess, the director, has made is visually unlike almost anything in recent documentary cinema. What many audiences don’t realise is that the story behind the making of Iron Winter is almost as extraordinary as the film itself. Burgess and his team lived alongside the herders in some of the most punishing conditions on earth, and the result is filmmaking of rare courage and intimacy.

Audiences will get to hear the full story of that remarkable journey first-hand; Devas will host a live satellite Q&A with Burgess on the night. Friday at the Drill Hall, Mullumbimby, expect it to sell out. Tickets from events.humanitix.com/iron-winter.

It’s not at all trivial

Magician Aiden Schofield is bringing his high-energy show

Trivial Trickery to the Brunswick Picture House this April. Bring the whole family together for an extraordinary live experience where you will be treated to stunning visual magic and unbelievable surprises.

Trivial Trickery is a 90-minute spectacle featuring jawdropping magic, manipulation, objects that defy gravity, and more! Blending incredible sleight of hand, illusions, and never-before-seen routines, join Aiden for a night that promises to leave you astonished and amazed.

Don’t miss the chance to witness the magic for yourself! Wednesday at the Brunswick Picture House. Tickets from $39.90 + BF at brunswickpicturehouse.com.

CINEMA

Act natural!

Pixar hops into its triumphant return with Hoppers

In a world where scientists have discovered how to ‘hop’ human consciousness, Mabel, an avid animal lover, seizes the opportunity to uncover the mysteries within the animal world herself.

In the city of Beaverton, Mabel Tanaka spends her childhood with her grandmother, nearby is a forest glade teeming with wild animals. Inspired by her grandmother, Mabel grows up with a deep appreciation for nature and continues watching over the glade after her estranged parents leave town following her grandmother’s death. When Beaverton’s mayor, Jerry Generazzo, announces plans to replace the glade with a freeway –claiming that all the animals have left – Mabel campaigns against the project but receives no support. Her activism causes her to neglect her college studies, drawing the disapproval of her biology professor, Dr. Sam Fairfax. While attempting to lure the animals back to the glade, Mabel discovers that Sam and her colleagues, Nisha and Conner, have secretly developed a new technology designed to enhance wildlife research. Known as the Hoppers program, it allows a human consciousness to ‘hop’ into a robotic animal and experience life as that species. Despite Sam’s warnings that interfering with the animals’ natural lifestyles could have disastrous consequences, Mabel – seeing an opportunity to save the glade – hops into a robotic beaver and flees the lab.

Featuring the voices of Jon Hamm, Bobby Moynihan and Piper Curda, this inventive and charming crowd-pleaser is already being hailed as one of Pixar’s best in years. A wildly entertaining ride that’s, quite simply, un-beaver-lievable. Hoppers is screening over the holiday at Palace Byron. Palacecinemas.com.au.

GIG GUIDE

WEDNESDAY 15

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, THOR PHILLIPS

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM INO PIO

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM JR HIGGINS + DUELING PIANOS

■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM AIDEN SCHOFIELD

■ THE PADDOCK PROJECT, MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM CURRY JAM

■ OTTILIES, MULLUMBIMBY, 6PM MONDO JAZZ CATS

■ HOTEL LISMORE 5.30PM LILLI SHEEN + DJ SPEX

THURSDAY 16

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, DONNY SHADES DUO

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 5PM PABLO LAVERDE + CINNAMON SUN

■ BYRON THEATRE 6PM BRIGHT LIGHTS HOLIDAY WORKSHOP

■ NORTH BYRON HOTEL 5.30PM OPEN MIC

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM KANE MUIR + DJ QUENDO + DUELING PIANOS

■ GARDEN BAR, BYRON BAY, 8PM TEMPLE OF FIRE

■ COORABELL HALL 5.30PM REGGAE AND ROOTS WITH DJ TWAN

■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM THE RIONS

■ SAINT MARIES, BRUNSWICK HEADS, 6PM MONDO JAZZ CATS

■ LISMORE CITY BOWLO 7PM THE SUPPER CLUB SOUL BAND

FRIDAY 17

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, PINK ZINC

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 5PM HEIDI KAIRL

■ BYRON THEATRE 7.30PM THE SOUNDS OF SIMON & GARFUNKEL

■ HAVEN, BYRON BAY, 10AM POPPY GALACTIC

■ ELEMENTS OF BYRON 5PM MANOA

■ NORTH BYRON HOTEL 5PM DJ NAT WHITE

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM MILO GREEN + DJ OREN SELECTA + DUELING PIANOS

■ THE PARK HOTEL, SUFFOLK PARK, 6PM ALEX MCLEOD

■ CLUB LENNOX 7PM THE FUNNY GOATS BAND

■ LENNOX HOTEL 9PM THE DETECTIVES

■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4PM SHORTY BROWN + DUELLING PIANOS

■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM TEN YEARS BOLD –CHEEKY CABARET

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

■ MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 8PM KRAPPYOKEE WITH JESS

■ ELTHAM HOTEL 7PM DANA GERMAN & DANNY WIDDICOMBE

■ UKI MARKET 8AM ROGUE ELEMENTS + SPHINX ROCK STRING BAND

■ M-ARTS, MURWILLUMBAH, 5PM PABLO LAVERDE

■ REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH, 5PM DJ XUJA

■ MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6.30PM PHIL & TILLEY

■ CLUB TWEED 7.30PM LIVING IN THE 80S

■ TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 8PM SABRINA LIVE

■ COOLANGATTA HOTEL 7PM SEX MASK + HORSE + BLUE DINER

SATURDAY 18

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, FAT ALBERT

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 3PM TITI + JASON MCGREGOR + LILY STEEL

■ NORTH BYRON HOTEL 2PM DJ SCOTT WOLFE + DJ DEEP PEPA

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM BREDDA BOTHERS + DJ JAMIE LOWE + DUELING PIANOS, 8PM SALTY SEASON, RUN RAY RUN, YOURS TO KEEP

■ ARTS FACTORY BAR, BYRON BAY, 7PM BARE FOOT BEAT

■ HOWL & MOAN, BYRON BAY, 7PM LOOSE CONTENT WITH SERAPH HRUBOS & LYRIK MOSES

■ THE PARK HOTEL, SUFFOLK PARK, 6PM GUY KACHEL

■ BANGALOW HOTEL 4PM LEIGH JAMES

■ CHERRY STREET SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, 8PM SUPERCHEEZE

■ BALLINA RSL BOARDWALK 6PM ISAAC FRANKHAM

■ WILLIAMS STREET KITCHEN & BAR, LENNOX HEAD, 6PM DUSTY BOOTS

■ CLUB LENNOX 7PM CATH SIMES

■ LENNOX HOTEL 8PM BEATDUSTA

■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4.30PM NANA’S PIE

■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 4PM TEN YEARS BOLD

– CHEEKY CABARET, 7PM TEN YEARS BOLD – CHEEKY CABARET

■ MULLUM COMMUNITY MARKET, MULLUMBIMBY, 9.30AM BROADFOOT

■ WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM CHALKFEST

■ BILLINUDGEL HOTEL 6.30PM JB’S BLUES BREAKERS

■ BLAH BAR, LISMORE, 7PM HAMMERS

■ HOTEL LISMORE 9.30PM ROCHELLE LEES

■ MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6PM MARTIN WAY

■ KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 5PM GREGG PETERSON

■ SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 5.30PM ALEX MCLEOD

■ SALT & STONE, FINGAL HEAD, 2PM JOSH LEE HAMILTON + ALEX BOWEN

■ CLUB TWEED 7.30PM COUNTRY LEGENDS

■ TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 8PM THE ITALIAN TENORS

SUNDAY 19

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, TRILLA

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 4.30PM THE FERAMONES

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 5PM DAN HANNAFORD + DUELING PIANOS

■ THE PARK HOTEL, SUFFOLK PARK, 5.30PM BYRON YACHT CLUB

■ BANGALOW HOTEL 3PM CINNAMON SUN

■ LENNOX HOTEL 4PM LILLI SHEEN

■ BALLINA RSL LEVEL ONE 1PM RHYDIAN LEWIS WITH THE RESIDUALS BIG BAND, BOARDWALK 2.30PM BALLINA BLUES CLUB FEAT NATHAN BERETTA BAND

■ SHAWS BAY HOTEL, BALLINA, 3PM MOSSY ROCKS

■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4PM SURF TRASH

■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 6PM TEN YEARS BOLD –CHEEKY CABARET

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

■ BILLINUDGEL HOTEL 1PM OLE FALCOR

■ ELTHAM HOTEL 3PM MOSSY ROCKS

■ LISMORE WORKERS CLUB 3PM THE ITALIAN TENORS

■ KNOX PARK, MURWILLUMBAH, 10AM MURBAH YOUTH FESTIVAL

■ SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 1PM SHORTY BROWN

■ SALT & STONE, FINGAL HEAD, 2PM ALBY PITMAN

■ CLUB TWEED 1PM RAVIE + RIKI

MONDAY 20

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, ALEX TILLEY

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM JASON DELPHIN

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM ERIN SHAY BAND + DJ JAMIE LOWE + DUELING PIANOS

TUESDAY 21

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, GUY KACHEL

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM LEIGH JAMES

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM MARSHALL O’KELL + DUELING PIANOS

■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM RAFA

■ TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 11AM BACK TO THE TIVOLI

WEDNESDAY 22

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, GUY KACHEL

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM TRILLA

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM KATIE WHITE + DJ ALICE Q + DUELING PIANOS

■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 6.30PM A.C. GRAYLING

■ THE PADDOCK PROJECT, MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM CURRY JAM

■ OTTILIES, MULLUMBIMBY, 6PM MONDO JAZZ CATS

■ THE CITADEL, MURWILLUMBAH, 6PM SCREENING: ‘EATING OUR WAY TO EXTINCTION’

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.

SPECIAL SCREENINGS BLUE VELVET (R18+) CULT VAULT Mon: 6:30PM

MICHAEL (CTC)

OPENING NIGHT EVENT Wed: 7:00PM

OPÉRA DE PARIS: UN BALLO IN MASCHERA (CTC) Sun: 1:00PM. Wed: 11:00AM

FAMILY FILMS

DANCE FOR YOUR LIFE (PG) *NO SCREENING FRIDAY & WEDNESDAY Daily except Fri, Wed: 10:45AM GOAT (PG) Daily except Fri: 10:45AM, 12:45PM, 3:00PM. Fri: 10:45AM, 3:00PM HOPPERS (PG) Daily except Fri, Wed: 10:30AM, 1:20PM, 5:45PM. Fri: 10:40AM, 1:20PM, 5:45PM. Wed: 10:30AM, 5:45PM THE MAGIC FARAWAY TREE (G) Daily: 10:45AM, 1:00PM, 3:45PM, 5:15PM, 6:00PM THE SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIE (PG) Daily except Wed: 10:30AM, 12:40PM, 2:50PM, 5:00PM, 6:20PM. Wed: 11:10AM, 1:30PM, 3:00PM, 5:10PM, 6:20PM ALL FILMS FATHER MOTHER SISTER BROTHER (M) *NO SCREENING WEDNESDAY Daily except Sun, Wed: 11:00AM. Sun: 10:40AM FUZE (M) NFT Daily: 1:30PM, 3:40PM, 8:15PM I SWEAR (MA15+) Daily: 11:10AM LEE CRONIN'S THE MUMMY (MA15+) NFT Daily: 1:45PM, 4:30PM, 7:15PM, 8:00PM MICHAEL (CTC) NFT *BEGINS FROM WEDNESDAY Wed: 10:50AM, 1:30PM, 4:20PM, 7:45PM PROJECT HAIL

MARY (M) Daily except Mon, Wed: 12:40PM, 3:15PM, 6:10PM, 7:10PM. Mon: 12:40PM, 3:15PM, 7:10PM. Wed: 12:40PM, 3:15PM, 7:30PM THE DEB (M) *NO SCREENING SUNDAY & WEDNESDAY Daily except Sun, Wed: 3:40PM THE DRAMA (MA15+) Daily: 10:30AM, 3:45PM, 6:00PM, 8:30PM THE STRANGER (M) NFT Daily: 10:50AM, 12:50PM, 3:20PM, 6:00PM UNDERTONE (M) Daily: 8:30PM WUTHERING HEIGHTS (M) *NO SCREENING WEDNESDAY Daily except Sun, Wed: 1:00PM, 7:30PM. Sun: 7:30PM YOU, ME & TUSCANY (PG) Daily: 8:15PM

GOAT (PG) Daily: 2:00PM HOPPERS (PG) Daily: 9:30AM MICHAEL (CTC) Wed: 11:50AM, 1:40PM, 4:20PM, 7:00PM PROJECT HAIL MARY (M) Daily except Wed: 11:40AM, 2:00PM, 6:30PM. Wed: 10:30AM, 6:30PM THE DRAMA (MA15+) Daily except Wed: 5:00PM, 7:10PM. Wed: 4:45PM THE MAGIC FARAWAY TREE (G) Daily except Wed: 9:40AM, 11:45AM, 4:15PM. Wed: 9:40AM, 2:30PM THE SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIE (PG) Daily except Wed: 9:30AM, 11:50AM, 2:45PM, 4:50PM, 7:00PM. Wed: 11:50AM, 4:15PM, 7:00PM

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

ECHO CLASSIFIEDS – 6684 1777

CLASSIFIED AD BOOKINGS

PHONE ADS

Ads may be taken by phone on 6684 1777 AT THE ECHO HEAD OFFICE

Ads can be lodged in person at the Mullum Echo o ce: Village Way, Stuart St, Mullumbimby EMAIL ADS

Display (box ads) and line classi eds, email: classifieds@echo.net.au

Ad bookings only taken during business hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm. Ads can’t be taken on the weekend. Account enquiries phone 6684 1777.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

DEADLINE TUES 12PM

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

RATES & PAYMENT

LINE ADS:

$17.00 for the first two lines

$5 .00 for each extra line

$17 for two lines is the minimum charge.

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

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

Prepayment is required for all ads.

PUBLIC NOTICES

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

5-YEAR MARKET LICENCES

Byron Shire Council invites applications of 5-year market licences. Register with Vendor Panel to view proposed market licences and assessment criteria.

Expression of Interest closes 2pm, 11 May 2026 For more info visit https://www.byron. nsw.gov.au/EOI or contact Lyndal Brennan, Leasing Coordinator 02 6626 7300

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

Aboriginal Stakeholder Consultation – 148-158 Jonson Street (Lot 1 DP 1267388, Lot 9 DP 818197, Lot 51 DP 844054 and Lot 1 DP 1289363), Byron Bay NSW 2481, Byron Bay Shire Council Local Government Area (LGA)

Public Notice and Registration of Interest, National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974, and Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979.

Kayandel has been commissioned by The Avanti Group (the Project Manager) on behalf of JD 156 Jonson Street Pty Ltd (the Proponent) to prepare an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report (ACHAR) for the Mixed Used Development with Concurrent Rezoning of 148-158 Jonson Street (Lot 1 DP 1267388, Lot 9 DP 818197, Lot 51 DP 844054 and Lot 1 DP 1289363), Byron Bay NSW 2481.

The report will be included as part of a State Significant Development (SSD) application under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2020.

Should an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit be required, the Applicant will be JD 156 Jonson Street Pty Ltd.

The contact details for the Proponent are JD 156 Jonson Street Pty Ltd c/o The Avanti Group, PO Box 815, Byron Bay, NSW, 2481.

In accordance with Heritage NSW’s Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Consultation Requirements for Proponents, we are seeking to identify Aboriginal groups and/or people who may have interest and/or cultural knowledge relevant to determining cultural significance of any Aboriginal objects and/or places within the Subject Area.

The consultation process is to assist in the cultural heritage assessment that will be utilised to assess the project’s potential impact upon Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Registrations should include the name of a contact person, address and other relevant contact details.

The names of registered Aboriginal parties will be passed on to Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council and Heritage NSW unless a request to the contrary is made.

To register your interest, please contact:

The Avanti Group c/- Kayandel PO Box 440, Picton, NSW 2571

Ph: (02) 4627 8622, info@kayandel.com.au

The closing date for registrations is COB 30/04/2026. Registrations received after this date may not be included in the consultation process.

Note: registering for consultation does not guarantee employment.

CLASSIFIEDS THAT WORK ALL WEEK!

Echo

Road Impacts

Byron Bay Triathlon

Sunday, 26 April 2026

Impacted between 4am and 12pm Bay St, between Fletcher Street; Middleton St, between Lawson Street and Kingsley Street; Middleton Street, between Kingsley Street and Ruskin Street; Middleton Lane, Lawson Street, between Fletcher Street and Massinger Street, Middleton Street, between Bay Street and Lawson Street.

Impacted between 5am and 11am Marvell Street, between Middleton Street and Tennyson Street; Tennyson Street, between Marvell Street and Browning Street; Ruskin Street, between Middleton Lane and Tennyson Street; Gilmore Terrace, between Lawson St and Tennyson St; Kingsley Street, between Cowper Street and Middleton Street; Browning Street, between Tennyson Street and Cowper Street; Browning Street, between Jonson Street and Tennyson Street.

Impacted between 6am and 10am Bangalow Road, between Browning Street.

Classifieds

FRAZER

need ongoing socialisation. Frazer will grow into an energetic dog needing exercise and stimulation. Best suited to a patient owner, without young children or other animals, he’ll become a loyal companion. Rehoming Number R251000060

Club with all funds raised going to worthy causes. All welcome!

Contact President John Singh 0418 662781 or punjab@byronbaypork.com.au

Meet Jack Jack Russell x maltese Desexed male 8 year young Affectionate, lively and playful pup. Jack loves his humans, good with children.

Prefers humans to dogs, no needs to be only pet.

Suits retiree or WFH owner as Jack does not like to be alone for more than a few hours.

Call Julia on 0458 461 935 or apply via byrondogrescue.org MC: 941000021469254

Huey is a 11 month old, Blue English Staffy. He would love a family home with someone who is home most of the time.

Huey is great with school age children and other pets. A good size, secure backyard is required. M/C # 941000031115155

Please fill in an expression of interest: www.friendsofthepound.com/adoptionexpression-of-interest/ For more information on Huey, please email Tracy: johnsontracy832@gmail.com

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

STEFFIE

The Echo’s Market Guide

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 Friday, Sat 11th July and Sat 26th Sept

Community at Work

Byron Anzac Day Parade Anzac

Parade in

will form up from 10am at

Park at the top of Fletcher Street this year, and proceed along Fletcher Street into Marvell Street, to the ceremony at the Cenotaph at 11am. This is owing to roadworks in Jonson Street. Lunch at Services Club after. Dawn Service at 5am as usual.

Dunecare Day, 19 April

The

Mullumbimby CWA

Homemade Anzac biscuits will be on sale at

Sweet, gentle little Steffie was found lost and wandering until a kind soul saved her, and handed her in. Poor luv was suffering from teeth issues, but she’s been treated by the vet now and so much happier. Steffie’s a sensitive soul, who would like a quiet home, where she can share lots of love.

With a long tabby coat, white bib, paws and socks on her back legs, and big green eyes... she’s a real beauty!

Approx age 2. Microchip 94100031343132. Desexed and vaccinated. See our socials for more!

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

Adopt a Rooster.

FARMERS/WEEKLY MARKETS:

Each TUE: New Brighton Farmers Market – 7am–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

is on the

of each month at 10am. Come and join us. For more information, call secretary Jenny on 66847 282 or contact her on cwamullum@gmail.com. Gods Must Be Crazy screens

On Wednesday, 15 April, the 1980 (original) film, The Gods Must Be Crazy, will be shown from 7pm at the The Mullumbimby Drill Hall Theatre. Most of us have seen the film when it was first released, and perhaps since, but this is a classic that is timeless and very funny. It also introduced us all to the hunter/ gatherers , the roving bushmen of the Kalahari Desert and this little known region and way of life. For further information please contact drillhallfilmsociety@gmail.com Guests are always welcome and the doors, bar, and kitchen are open from 6.30pm.

Friends of Libraries

Here’s the link to adopt him (#59). www.whogivesacluck.org/shop/ roosters-to-adopt/ whogivesacluck.org @whogivesacluck Who gives

We’ve called him Lugh (#59). He was rescued in early Feb after being dumped at Stotts Island nature reserve with 3 other little mates. They all get along so well & are so small, so adopt 2 or 4! Every rooboy is health & temperament checked. We want you and the rooboy to be happy so please give a rooboy a home and we help you every step of the way!

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

AMBULANCE, FIRE, POLICE 000

AMBULANCE Mullumbimby & Byron Bay

BRUNSWICK MARINE RADIO TOWER 6685 0148 BYRON CENTRAL HOSPITAL 6639 9400

BYRON COUNCIL: EMERGENCY AFTER HOURS ............. 6622 7022 NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE (Mullumbimby) 6684 1286

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.

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. Contact charweeks036@gmail.com.

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

A-Z

Property Insider

Hamptons-Inspired Sanctuary with Poolside Entertaining and Beach Track Access

Set within a tightly held gated enclave in Suffolk Park, 7/27 Kalemajere Drive is a considered coastal home that balances design, functionality and location without overstatement. With private access to the beach track between Crystalbrook and Tallow Beach, the property sits in a position that’s both connected and quietly removed.

Designed and built by Byron Design & Construction, the home takes cues from Hamptons architecture but adapts them to suit the local climate. High ceilings, generous openings and a split-level layout allow for consistent airflow and natural light, while maintaining a sense of separation between living and accommodation zones. The result is a home that feels open without being exposed.

The main living area is straightforward and well designed. Open-plan in layout, it connects directly to timber decks via bi-fold doors, creating a practical indoor-outdoor flow that suits both everyday living and entertaining. Finishes are clean and durable, with plantation shutters and timber floors throughout, chosen as much for longevity as for style.

The kitchen is equipped with an Ilve oven, teppanyaki plate, and an adjoining outdoor BBQ area, it anchors the entertaining zone without dominating it. From here, the home extends naturally to the pool area, where a 12-metre lap pool runs alongside a wall of established jasmine, offering privacy without feeling enclosed.

Upstairs, the main bedroom is positioned for separation and

outlook, with its own balcony and ensuite featuring a freestanding bath. Additional bedrooms are flexible in use, including one that opens directly to the garden and another with a balcony overlooking the adjacent reserve, equally suited to guest accommodation, a workspace, or secondary living.

A key strength of the property is its lower level, which has been

designed as a versatile extension of the home. Comprising two bedrooms, a living area and bathroom, it can operate as part of the main residence or independently accessed. This adds a level of flexibility to suit a variety of lifestyles and income.

With an emphasis on liveability, 7/27 Kalemajere Drive delivers a functional layout, quality

construction and a location that speaks for itself. In a market where proximity to the beach often comes at the expense of privacy, this property manages to achieve both.

■ Address: 7/27 Kalemajere Drive, Suffolk Park ■ Price Guide: $2.95 to

■ Agent: Su Reynolds 0428 888 660 and Anna Gilham 0402 128 355

Sunrise to Sunset

The Beach House.

10-12 Kanandah Court, Ocean Shores

For Sale

Perched high above the coastline on a magnificent north-facing 1,912m² parcel, this exceptional residence captures sweeping sunrise-to-sunset views across the Pacific Ocean, championship golf course and hinterland, delivering one of the most compelling lifestyle positions in Ocean Shores. Surrounded by beautifully established gardens and mature greenery, the home enjoys a rare sense of privacy and elevation while remaining moments from beaches, cafés and village amenities.

Open Saturdays 11:30 am–12:00 pm until the 12:00 pm auction on Saturday, 14th June.

found in this tightly held coastal enclave. Perfectly positioned beside the Ocean Shores Championship Golf Course, and only minutes to Brunswick Heads, pristine beaches and village conveniences, this is a home that effortlessly combines scale, outlook and lifestyle.

Opportunities of this calibre in Ocean Shores are exceptionally rare.

Key Features

Designed to embrace its spectacular setting, the home opens effortlessly to an expansive outdoor entertaining area where a stunning pool overlooks the ocean, creating an extraordinary backdrop for everyday living. Inside, the residence offers generous proportions and character throughout, highlighted by parquetry timber floors, light-filled living spaces and a unique fully timber cigar sitting room, adding warmth and personality to the home. Accommodation is equally impressive, with five bedrooms and three bathrooms, including a spectacular upstairs master retreat that captures panoramic north-facing views across the ocean, coastline, golf course and hinterland.

Welcome to The Beach House — a beautifully maintained five-bedroom, three-bathroom coastal retreat blending spacious living with relaxed beachside elegance. Once a Luxico holiday home, it features an open-plan layout with a central chef’s kitchen and north-facing decks off every upstairs room, perfect for indoor-outdoor entertaining. Enjoy a sparkling in-ground pool, ample storage for beach gear, and a double lock-up garage. With separate access to each level, the home offers flexible dual living ideal for extended families or rental potential. Coastal luxury and functionality meet at The Beach House.

Large windows throughout the home ensure many rooms share the same breathtaking outlook, filling the interiors with natural light and coastal breezes throughout the day. Set amongst beautifully landscaped gardens and expansive lawns, the grounds offer space, privacy and flexibility rarely

Jordan Byrnes

0475 309 530

• North-facing 2,000m² block

• Sunrise to sunset views across ocean, golf course and hinterland

• 5 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms

• Elevated position overlooking championship golf course

• Stunning pool with ocean views

• Expansive outdoor entertaining terrace

• Beautifully established landscaped gardens

• Parquetry timber flooring in living spaces

• Unique fully timber cigar sitting room

• Spectacular upstairs master retreat with panoramic views

• Private, elevated coastal setting

• Minutes to beaches, Brunswick Heads and village amenities

Expressions Of Interest Closing 13th April 2026

Open For Inspection

DJ Stringer Property Services

• 39/329 Golden Four Dr, Tugun. Sat 9–9.30am

• 2/38 Garrick St, Coolangatta.  Sat 9.30–10.30am

• 9/277 Golden Four Dr, Bilinga.  Sat 10–10.30am

• 4/241 Golden Four Dr, Bilinga.  Sat 10–10.30am

• 7/20 Dutton St, Coolangatta.  Sat 10:45–11.15am

• 236/1 Mariners Drive West, Tweed Heads.  Sat 11–11.30am

First National Byron

• 484 Coorabell Road, Coorabell. Wed 1–1.30pm

• 7 Orchid Place, Mullumbimby. Wed 1–1.30pm

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

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

• 2/122 Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay. Sat 9–9.30am

• 1/6 Hazelwood Close, Suffolk Park. Sat 9–9.30am

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

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

• 305/3-7 Grandview Street, East Ballina. Sat 9–9.30am

• 3 Blue Water Place, Byron Bay. Sat 9–9.30am

• 7/37 Childe Street, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

• 16 Bryce Street, Suffolk Park. Sat 10–10.30am

• 10 Glasgow Street, Suffolk Park. Sat

10–10.30am

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

• 3/40 Ruskin Street, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

• 6 Roses Road, Federal. Sat 10.30–11am

• 93 Station Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 11–11.30am

• 93 Paterson Street, Byron Bay. Sat 11–11.30am

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

• 42 Rankin Drive, Bangalow. Sat 11–11.30am

• 2 Whian Road, Eureka. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 892 Main Arm Road, Main Arm. Sat 11.30am–12pm

• 134 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 11.45am–12.15pm

• 10 Mayfield Street, Eltham. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 29a Stoneyhurst Drive, Lennox Head. Sat 12–12.30pm

• 56 Ruskin Lane, Byron Bay. Sat 12.30–1pm

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

Mana

• 1/21A Balemo Drive, Ocean Shores. Wed 11-11.30am

• 10 Gin Gin Crescent, Ocean Shores. Wed 12-12.30pm

• 1/16 Helen Street, South Golden Beach. Sat 9-9.30am

• 33 Robin Street, South Golden Beach. Sat 10-10.30am

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

• 7 Bulgoon Crescent, Ocean Shores. Sat 10.30–11.30am

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

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

Real Estate of Distinction

• 6 Angus Kennedy Close, Lennox Head. Sat. 10–10.30am

• 11 Bian Court, Ocean Shores. Sat. 11.30–12pm

• 6439 Tweed Valley Way, Burringbar. Sat. 12.30–1pm

Tim Miller Real Estate

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

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

• 23 Sheaffes Road, Goonengerry. Sat 11.30am –12pm

• 129 Mafeking Road, Goonengerry. Sat 12.30 –1pm

• 21 Midgen Flat Road, Newrybar. Sat 1.45 –2.15pm

NEW LISTINGS:

First National Byron

• 7 Orchid Place, Mullumbimby

• 469 Friday Hit Road, Possum Creek

Property Business Directory

Backlash

HELP US FINISH THE RAIL TRAIL

100 distant planets have been discovered by amateur astronomers including a giant ring that shouldn’t be, found around Quaoar on the outskirts of the solar system giving us all good reason to value our dark skies and remember the scourge of light pollution.

Matilda, the 22-wheel mobile wildlife hospital that normally resides at the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (previously Knockrow Castle) has made it to WA. It is now on Australia’s Coral Coast to assist wildlife devastated by ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle. Reports and visions of washed-up baby dolphins, sea turtle hatchlings, sea snakes, seabirds and terrestrial reptiles prompted the owners of the non-profit Wildlife Recovery Australia Hospital (WRAH) to divert their journey across Australia on a national advocacy tour, to the disaster zone.

The approval of a new coal mine extension in New South Wales will test the state’s climate laws, after legal analysis from former Court of Appeal Justice John Basten KC revealed any new coal approvals risk being struck down by courts due to their inconsistency with the state’s binding 2050 emissions reduction target.

Told my wife to have dinner ready by six or I’ll obliterate her entire civilisation. So anyway, she now charges me a fee to use the bathroom that used to be free, and I didn’t get any dinner, but I am pretty sure

I won that exchange.

For those who love a Clydesdale maybe it is time to head to Beaudesert this June. The Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular will feature a Clydesdale race day, two days of Clydesdale spectaculars – and my favourite is wondering how they are going to sort the golf course after the Clydesdales have enjoyed their Golf Day. Find out more at www.clydesdalespectacular. com.au.

The Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye is asking local venue operators, chambers of commerce, and police about how to build on the momentum of the successful Easter weekend events following the cancellation of Bluesfest. She’s asking, ‘Did you experience an increase or decrease in trade compared to previous years?

and how did live music and visitor

influence your operations? Send