The Byron Shire Echo Issue 40.50 – May 20, 2026

Bangalow’s gravity-powered billycarts flew across the finish line

Byron Bay Rail Master’s Cottage destroyed in fire

Mia Armitage

The historic Byron Bay Rail Master’s Cottage was all but destroyed in a fire over the weekend, with the cause still unknown.

Firefighters were on the scene at 88 Jonson Street around 10.30pm Friday, with crews working past midnight into the early hours of Saturday to get the flames under control. Crews were back on the scene around 6.30am Saturday when a member of the public called emergency services to report smoke coming from the site.

Acting Byron Bay Fire and Rescue NSW Captain Perry Bartholomew said it was ‘not unusual’ for residual heat to create smoke after a fire but that there were ‘not even really any flames’ to manage on Saturday morning.

The old timber cottage was ‘pretty much a total loss,’ he told ▶ Continued on page 7

Don Page stands up against developers pushing height limits in Byron

Aslan Shand

Former Nationals Party Deputy Leader and Member for Ballina from 1988 to 2015, Don Page, has told The Echo that it is vital to hold the line on height limits in Byron Bay to ensure it doesn’t become another Gold Coast.

‘I urge Byron Shire Councillors to hold the line and not approve an extra 37.5 per cent height on the amended development application (DA) for 2 Jonson Street, Byron Bay (Quicksilver site). We, as a

Mullum

community fought hard to bring in the NSW Coastal Policy in 1990 to protect Byron from becoming another Gold Coast,’ he told The Echo

The 2 Jonson Street site is just one of many DAs that have been progressively attempting to push up the height limits in Byron Bay over the years with another recent application for the modification of 42–44 Lawson Street, opposite Main Beach and Dening Park, seeking a 24 per cent exceedance of Byron’s height controls.

‘The Coastal Policy was launched in Byron Bay in 1990 by the then Lands and Tourism Minister Garry West, and myself as local state member,’ said Mr Page.

Stop incremental building height increases

‘Many people have said to me over the years that Byron Bay has a great vibe. This has a lot to do with there being no real high-rise above three storeys. If we want

to keep that current village feel in Byron Bay, we cannot allow incremental increases that set new precedents and will eventually lead to four storeys and beyond being permitted in the future.

‘No high-rise is an important part of Byron Bay’s character and distinguishes us from the Gold Coast in a very positive way. It is an important principle to protect.

‘This is what makes Byron Bay so attractive to locals and visitors alike,’ he said.

Local News

The end of an era in Mullumbimby as Bridglands closes

Aslan Shand

After 118 years the fourth generation member of the Bridgland family, Rob Bridgland, is closing up shop.

This is a great loss for the local community. Bridglands Betta Home Living (Electrical) in Mullumbimby will have closed its doors by the end of June or when it runs out of stock. The family legacy began with Rob’s great-grandfather Alex Robertson who opened a furniture factory and shop in Mullumbimby around 1908. They would ship furniture to Sydney on the Wollongbar and the family legend has it that they supplied furniture to the first Parliament House in Canberra.

Alex passed away in 1912 and Rob’s great-grandmother, Marion Bridgland, kept the business going before it was eventually taken over by her son Dudley Bridgland, her son from her first marriage, who bought the business in the 1920s after WWI. His three sons Hardey, Bill (Rob’s dad) and Bruce ran the business with him and they had extended the business to include floor coverings and electrical before their father’s death in 1974. After his father had retired and his uncle Bruce had passed on, Rob’s dad worked on Rob, who had moved to Sydney and married, to come back, buy and run the business. Rob and his wife and kids returned to

Mullumbimby and purchased the whole business in 1991.

Rob had Bridglands Furniture and Bedding in the Bridglands Building on Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby’s main drag with the bedding and bedroom furniture housed out the back. They moved the electrical arm of the business to the current purpose-built building on Stuart Street in 2000.

2022 flood impact

Then the 2022 floods caused significant damage to both the Bridglands Building on Stuart Street and the building behind it, ultimately leading to the closure of those stores and the reinvention of the Bridglands Building into a space for multiple shop fronts and The Food Pantry in the original factory space out the back.

Remembering his grandfather pottering around the original Bridglands store in his slippers at 80, Rob decided that instead of that future he’d like to spend more time with his wife, kids, and seven grandkids – and perhaps have a few more adventures.

‘Business has taken up a huge chunk of my life and I am looking forward to spending time with family, friends and I’m keen to see more of Australia, perhaps even visit old Parliament House to see if I can verify the legend.

‘It has been a great experience working in this colourful town,’ Rob told The Echo. ‘It is a melting pot of different people, creative ideas, and viewpoints. It expands your thinking and is really good for the community.’

He has assured The Echo that he and his kids are committed to keeping the building behind the Bridglands Building available to The Food Pantry run by the Mullumbimby and District Neighbourhood Centre at low cost.

‘I’m not sure what will happen to this building,’ he said of the current electrical store, ‘but my grandfather built the Bridglands Building and the one behind it. They hold so much history and heritage for my family and the town that I will never sell those,’ he told The Echo

‘I just want to thank all the friends and loyal customers I’ve had over the years. Keeping customers happy has been a key part of what we have done here at Bridglands and it has enriched my life no end.’

Local women take keeping Byron clean into their own hands

It is volunteer week this week, and it was great to see Natasha Cali and two friends decided they were getting out and doing their bit for their community.

Last Sunday, the three women picked up seven binliners of rubbish between the Byron Bay Cavanbah Centre and Mcgettigans Lane, despite Byron Shire Council (BSC) not supporting the effort.

Organiser Natasha had contacted BSC to seek assistance with providing the women with PPE for the clean up.

‘We got a response from the Litter and Illegal Dumping Prevention Officer saying, “After discussing your proposal internally, unfortunately, Council isn’t able to support a volunteer litter clean-up along Ewingsdale Road. Council cannot encourage or facilitate unregistered,

uninsured volunteers”.’

Not to be daunted the three women went and purchased their own PPE (it is important to be safe!) and got on with a job that obviously needed doing.

‘Council assured us that litter collection is already being managed by them but until we see evidence of this we are going to clean up a section of Ewingsdale Road and Mcgettigans Lane on a

L to R: Natasha Cali, Melissa Tysoe, and Dr Caryll O’Shaughnessy.

Photo Irina Tennant

monthly basis,’ Natasha told The Echo. If you want to join the cre email: tash.calipalmer@ gmail.com.

■ See volunteer feature on pages 20 to 23.

Parking, holiday park fee hikes Local bushfood nursery to support Indigenous programs

Paul Bibby

Higher paid-parking fees, increased holiday park charges, and new commercial income streams are among a range of measures being put forward by Byron Mayor Sarah Ndiaye as Council grapples with mounting financial pressure.

In a notice of motion to this week’s Council meeting, Cr Ndiaye has called for a report into alternative ways to improve Council’s longterm financial sustainability, as debate continues over a possible Special Rate Variation (SRV) that could push residential rates up by more than 30 per cent.

The motion asks staff to investigate a wide range of revenue raising and cost saving measures, including expanded paid-parking across the Shire, increased fees and charges, higher holiday park tourist rates, commercial opportunities at Tyagarah Airstrip, and greater use of leasing and licensing arrangements for Council assets.

The proposal comes as Council publicly exhibits draft budget documents warning of significant long-term financial sustainability problems, including what staff have described elsewhere as a potential ‘risk of insolvency’ if no action is taken.

‘The Long-Term Financial Plan identifies a potential SRV as one mechanism to improve financial sustainability,’ she wrote in supporting information attached to the motion.

‘While this is an important discussion, it is equally important that Council and the community are provided with a clear understanding

of all available options to strengthen Council’s financial position.’

The motion also seeks analysis of Council spending on external consultants and requests investigation into underutilised Council-owned land and assets, though it stresses that ‘maintaining public assets in public ownership remains an important principle for Council and the community’.

In comments attached to the notice of motion, Council’s Director of Corporate and Community Services, Esmeralda Davis, said the draft budget documents already ‘highlight significant and ongoing financial sustainability challenges’.

Ms Davis said Council was already undertaking an organisational improvement and an efficiency program looking at areas including governance, technology, assets, service delivery, and finance.

‘Improving financial sustainability requires either increasing revenue or reducing expenditure,’ she wrote.

‘Simply increasing revenue without achieving a return on associated expenditure will not improve Council’s financial position.’

The report also notes that some Council properties have historically been leased at rates that ‘do not reflect the true cost of asset provision’, suggesting a more commercial approach could improve revenue, although this may create affordability concerns for some community organisations.

Cr Ndiaye’s notice of motion will go before Council at its 21 May meeting.

Aslan Shand

The Returning, an Indigenous womenled not-for-profit organisation based in Mullumbimby, has taken on four Aboriginal programs after the closure of the Murwillumbah Community Centre.

In 2018, Bundjalung woman Ella Bancroft started a three-day women’s gathering that brought together Indigenous and nonIndigenous women to connect to Country, themselves, ancestral skills, and wellness.

‘The ticket prices aim to facilitate single mothers and Indigenous women being able to participate at no cost,’ said Ella, describing the event.

Creating connections

The Returning has grown out of that event and now runs a range of programs and events to meet the needs of Bundjalung people, as well as providing learning, and a bridge between First Nations and other cultures.

‘We have recently taken over four Indigenous-based programs that previously ran out of the Murwillumbah Community Centre. These include Guyahn Early Childhood Playgroup, Kids Caring For Country After School Program, Aboriginal Family Support Service and The Kinship Festival.

‘Other programs they are supporting are the Doobai Bundjalung Bush Food Youth Program that

empowers local Indigenous teenage girls by connecting to them Country, community, culture and learning skills related to weaving, gardening, beekeeping, skincare, and cooking with native foods.

‘Mothercare, a program that provides traditional bushfood dishes that have been cooked and are delivered to mothers after they have given birth, has recently been extended to ‘support Aunties and carers who have found themselves looking after extra children and babies,’ said Ella.

The Bulaan Dalang Galii Naa Gan Ngaa Leen Duu artists’ residency is a 12-month program for First Nations creatives on Bundjalung Country.

Bundjalung Bushfood Nursery

To help support these and other programs, The Returning is starting up the Bundjalung Bushfood Nursery in Myocum. This will help grow seedlings, provide employment and training, and connection to Country. To help get the nursery off the ground, The Returning is running a raffle and crowdfunder.

Get involved

The raffle is running from now until 1 June and has thousands of dollars worth of prizes such as Byron Writer’s Festival double passes, a range of amazing gift packs and vouchers, and a Rita Watson painting. They will also be

SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE

Byron Bay: 19/5 Easy St - 02 6694 3083 Mullumbimby: 60 Stuart St - 02 5671 1909 omearadental.com.au

launching a Chuffed Crowdfunding campaign on 1 June to help raise money for the new bushfood nursery. As one of the few Indigenousrun charities with DGR status, all donations to the crowdfunder are completely tax-deductible.

‘We are aiming to raise around $40,000, with all proceeds from the raffle and the crowdfunder going directly towards the establishment of our Bundjalung Bushfood Nursery,’ said Ella. You can buy raffle tickets here: https://www.raffletix. com.au?ref=5w5nx.

Or make an EOFY donation here: https://chuffed.org/ project/the-returning-bushfood-nursery from 1 June. Find out more about the range of programs run at: www.thereturning.com.au.

Mullumbimby Scout Hall faces demolition

Paul Bibby

Mullumbimby’s flood-damaged former Scout Hall could soon be demolished and replaced with open parkland under a proposal going before Byron Council this week.

Council staff are recommending the removal of the troubled building, now known as the Mullumbimby Community Hall, at the western end of Burringbar Street. The hall has been repeatedly damaged by flooding, with engineers identifying major structural problems following the 2022 floods, including cracking, subsidence, concrete cancer, and extensive water damage.

A May 2024 Council report estimated the building could be restored and raised above the one-in-100-year flood level for between $360,000 and $400,000, with Council’s executive team at the time supporting a modified singlestorey redesign.

But a later tender process came in well above budget, with the estimated cost of the project now blowing out to more than $1.15 million.

The latest report says the building has deteriorated while sitting vacant.

‘Since this time the building has been continuously vandalised,’ the report states.

‘Every window has been smashed and subsequently boarded over. Rough sleepers and youths are still managing to gain access to the building on a regular basis. There continues to remain a high risk of further damage and possible fire.’

Council staff have presented four options for the site, ranging from continuing to maintain the building while seeking grant funding, through to demolition and conversion to parkland.

Their preferred option is to demolish and return the site to open space.

Concept plans attached to the report show a landscaped ‘parklet’ featuring seating areas, gathering spaces, improved river access and potential shade structures.

The report notes that community feedback would be sought on future embellishments if demolition proceeds. Councillors will consider the proposal at their 21 May meeting.

Byron remembers the Nakba and calls for Gaza genocide to stop

Eve Jeffery

The clouds kindly stayed away for Byron Bay’s rally as part of the nationwide day of action to mark the 78th anniversary of the Nakba.

The catastrophe

Around 200 people from across the Northern Rivers gathered in Apex Park to listen to speakers and join in the march to commemorate the Nakba, a word that means ‘catastrophe’ in Arabic, an event held on, or near, 15 May each year.

The day remembers when 750,000 refugees from Palestine either fled or were expelled from their homes, many going to refugee camps or neighbouring countries.

Palestinian man, Waddah Ali, said he has inexhaustible energy when it comes to standing up for his countrymen, women, and children.

A child of the Nakba Convenor of Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine, Palestinian man, and child of the Nakba, Subhi Awad, said

the Nakba was not a stand alone moment in history.

‘It was the beginning of a deeply deliberate process that has continued unabated, sustained throughout by

Australians taken by Israeli navy in international

On Thursday, 14 May, 11 Australians departed Türkiye on a mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and break Israel’s illegal naval blockade as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF). They include Northern Rivers locals Surya McEwan, Isla Lamont, and Juliet Lamont and Melbourne academic, grandmother and member of Jews Against the

PLACES

Occupation, Anny Mokotow. They entered international waters on Friday night.

11 Australians taken ‘At 5.30pm on Monday, 18 May, Israeli forces began a naval interception operation against the GSF in international waters west of Crete. The interception is still ongoing,’ said

representatives of the GSF.

‘38 boats have so far been intercepted and almost 400 activists have been kidnapped by the Israeli navy. Their whereabouts are still unknown,’ say GSF representatives.

‘At this time, 13 boats continue sailing steadfastly for Gaza. Alongside them, a convoy has embarked on the

the military, financial, and political support of the international community.

‘Nearly 80 years on and that process has reached its most extreme manifestation in genocide. Conservative estimates put the Palestinian death toll in Gaza above 70,000 since October 2023,’ said Awad.

‘Recognition of Palestine as a state means nothing while our money funds genocide,’ said Mr Awad.

‘Australia’s Future Fund has invested hundreds of millions into companies linked to Israel’s weapons industry and the destruction of Palestinian lives.’

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

waters – again

same mission by land.’

Flotilla organisers said they, ‘demand the safe release of all Australian humanitarian volunteers detained by Israel; publicly condemn Israel’s kidnapping of Australian citizens; and demand a stop to arming and supporting Israel.’

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

Byron’s Sandhills Wetlands wins award

Byron’s Sandhills Wetlands restoration project has won the Landscape section of the 2026 NSW National Trust Heritage Awards.

The project has seen the area that was destroyed by sandmining in the 1960s and was subsequently left degraded and overgrown being restored.

‘The Sandhills Wetlands have enormous cultural and environmental significance, and this project was codesigned with Arakwal people and supported by Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council and Crown Lands,’ said Christopher Soulsby, Manager Major Projects.

‘The restoration of the wetlands was a priority for Arakwal people and was able to be developed to reduce

and Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council, whose knowledge and guidance shaped this project from the beginning.’

‘What was once a degraded site, destroyed by sandmining in the 1960s and left overgrown for decades, is now a living, breathing wetland where wallabies roam and birdlife is returning.’

the impact of flooding in the Byron Bay town centre. For the community it links Walgun Cape Byron with the town centre and it’s just a quiet place for people to sit, learn from and enjoy,’ Mr Soulsby said.

Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye told The Echo that, ‘This award belongs to everyone who made it possible, especially the Arakwal people

Phil Holloway, Director Infrastructure Services, said the award was recognition of what is one of the Council’s most important cultural, environmental and drainage projects.

‘The project restored the ecological function of the wetlands, reinstated the natural landscape and honoured cultural heritage’ he said.

Amani’s dreams are en pointe

help make that

The Echo on Monday. It was too dangerous for firefighters to enter the old building, which was ‘totally engulfed’ in flames when they arrived, the acting captain said, necessitating an external-only battle against the flames.

Just four walls left

The roof collapsed and all that was left were four walls.

The fire was extinguished in two-and-a-half hours.

Eve Jeffery

AKnowing the old building could not be saved, crews focused on protecting an empty commercial building on the fire’s eastern side. Byron bystanders watched the ‘abandoned’ building burn.

The blaze that destroyed the historic Byron Bay Rail Master’s Cottage on Friday, 15 May. Photo Fire and Rescue NSW

The historic building near the old Woolies carpark and disused train line had been fenced off from the main street with The Echo recently walking past and noting its apparent derelict condition. ▶ Continued from page 1

It’s understood nobody was inside either building at the time of the fire although locals on social media later described the old timber rail master’s cottage as a wellknown ‘squat’.

local woman has been invited by a world-renowned ballet school in New York to join their ranks as a student to attain an international qualification as a dancer and teacher.

Amani Wiriyanjara grew up on the stages of the Byron Shire and after a recent audition-workshop on the Gold Coast, she’s been accepted into the prestigious New York Joffrey Ballet School, but as you can imagine, tuition and accommodation don’t come cheap and Ms Wiriyanjara is hoping the community that has nurtured her thus far, can help her dreams come true.

Born in Mullumbimby and surrounded by the vibrant, creative community of the Byron Shire, Wiriyanjara

has been a constant fixture in dance and circus – you may have seen her on stage with Byron Ballet, Spaghetti Circus, Shearwater Wearable Arts and ensembles, and in musical theatre with Byron Bay Singing. Her performances are always a stand out.

Life changing

The invitation from Joffrey is a life-changing step – one that places Wiriyanjara on a global stage and opens the door to a professional career in the performing arts. But opportunities like this come with significant financial cost. Tuition and board are around US$55,000 a year for the four-year degree program.

Amani’s mother, Sapphire Rochelle says that as a community-raised artist, Amani’s journey has never been hers

alone. ‘It has been shaped by teachers, mentors, friends, and the wider village that has supported her along the way. Now, we’re asking for that village to come together once more.’

Wiriyanjara is very excited at the prospect of studying at Joffrey. ‘This is such a great opportunity because it takes me out into the world, away from this little Shire. New York is such a big place. It’s kind of like the hub of the world of all of the performing arts.’

‘This is an important step in my career. It’s my all-time dream to be able to perform on stages around the world, and get paid to travel the world performing. The stage is my happy place.’

You can support Amani’s dream by donating on her GoFundMe page: tinyurl.com/amanisdream.

57 Station Street car park DA in Mullum Ten-year-old hit by e-bike in Mullum

Mullumbimby locals who have been waiting for Landcom to withdraw the development application (DA) for the Byron Shire Council’s (BSC) carpark development at 57 Station Street will be disappointed to know that it will be coming back.

The DA had significant failures and pushback from the local community who have repeatedly said it was the right idea in the wrong place, with locals seeking to speak to the DA at the upcoming public access.

Responding to questions

from The Echo, BSC Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said, ‘Council is anticipating that the applicant will submit an amended DA. An amended DA will be notified in the same way as the original application before being reported to the NRPP.’

Connecting Bangalow village across generations

It is time to come together and connect the generations at the Connecting Generations Autumn Family Fun Day. People of all ages and stages of life are encouraged to come together for an afternoon of music, creativity, storytelling and community spirit in Bangalow.

Join this free fun on Saturday, 23 May from 4pm to 6.30pm at Bangalow

Heritage House & Museum. It includes bush dancing, a live band, cowboy and cowgirl dress-ups, damper making, arts and crafts, face-painting, and more.

‘Children thrive when they feel connected to a wider community, and every generation has something valuable to offer,’ said Nicole Voegeli, co-founder of GenConnect.

‘These gatherings create

natural opportunities for people to connect across ages. It’s about creating spaces where everyone feels seen, welcomed and included.’

Connecting Generations founder Ruth Winton-Brown said, ‘There’s something incredibly special about watching people of all generations laughing, dancing, creating and connecting.’

Support the MDNC and enjoy After Disaster film

The 2022 floods impacted everyone across the region.

Emily Lubitz, Harry Angus, Ash Grunwald, and Janet Swain responded by working with kids from two local schools in the Northern Rivers to create After Disaster, and local filmmaker Sharon Shostak made a great film of the whole experience, called After Disaster Documentary

The film is being shown on Thursday, 28 May at the Brunswick Picture House at 6pm to raise funds for the Mullumbimby and District Neighbourhood Centre (MDNC).

‘Emily, Harry and I will sing a couple of songs from the film, we’ll have a bit of a chat about it with Sharon, and then show the film,’

Janet told The Echo. ‘This screening is a fundraiser for MDNC, supporting their ongoing and largely unfunded work with our community. We’d love to see the community come together for what promises to be a moving and meaningful evening.’

Book a ticket at: https:// brunswickpicturehouse.com.

Aslan Shand

On Monday afternoon, 4 May, a ten-year-old was hit by a teenager on an e-bike on Jubilee Avenue, Mullumbimby near the Mullumbimby Pool.

The incident has once again highlighted the risks ‘of unlicensed kids riding minimotorbikes and e-bikes,’ said the parents of the child who was hit.

‘Everyone we’ve talked to seems to have the same belief, that it is only a matter of time before there is a much worse incident in Mullum due to the e-bike gangs and lack of general respect for road rules and self-responsibility.’

It is understood that police knew who the rider was and went straight to the teenager’s place and confiscated the bike.

‘This teenager had been riding around dangerously for at least a week on this bike. Surely the police should have taken action before the incident. They seem to be overlooking the dangerous behaviour of these teenagers and kids.

‘These kids are getting motorised bikes with no

training, there is a resulting lack of safety – they need training wheels and number plates!’

The parents said they recognised that there are sometimes ‘underlying issues’ with these young people and their families.

‘We believe that as a community we can address this in a way that creates a more supportive environment for local youth and the parents of these young people,’ they told The Echo

Community consultation

‘We need to build up our young people to have more opportunities and choices available to them. This is what will create a strong community moving forward. Where are the responsible men in our community stepping up to create positive role models like The Uncle Project? Why are programs like The Uncle Project not funded and valued as community services by our state and federal governments?

‘We need community consultation, feedback from youth, parents, and concerned community

members who want to voice their opinion and come up with ways to support our community.’

The parents have written to all their local councillors asking for action on this issue but were yet to hear back from any of them by the time The Echo went to print.

The parents highlighted the need for greater support in Mullumbimby for young people with a place like Byron’s Youth Activity Centre that could connect young people, provide workshops, have mental health outreach, as well as a venue for functions. They also raised the fact that there is limited access to affordable public transport in the region (see page 12 for further comment).

‘We’d love to see representatives from the local high schools, Byron Police, Mullum Neighbourhood Centre, Social Futures, The Byron YAC, and other groups who could contribute to this conversation at a meeting in Mullum, soon…’

The ten-year-old was not seriously hurt but is still dealing with their wounds and the shock of the incident.

Community panel proposed for Mullum hospital site: Cr Hauge

Paul Bibby

Concerns are being raised that the community could be sidelined in decisions about the future of the old Mullumbimby Hospital site, as Byron Shire Council (BSC) and Homes NSW negotiate the potential transfer of the land back to the state government.

At this week’s Council meeting, Greens councillor Elia Hauge will ask what opportunities there will be for community engagement on detailed proposals for the site, and whether there will be community representation on any assessment panel.

Cr Hauge says the community has played a major role in shaping the future vision for the site since the hospital closed in 2016.

‘Public land should serve the public vision,’ Cr Hauge said.

The Question With Notice comes as Council continues negotiations with Homes NSW over the possible sale of the site back to the state government, after councillors voted to support public, social, affordable, and Aboriginal

housing on the land.

As recently reported, there are significant concerns from some residents and housing advocates about the draft Development Control Plan (DCP) for the site, which is currently on public exhibition until 27 May.

Real affordable housing guarantee

The document refers to 20 per cent affordable housing across the proposed 250-plus lot development, but some community members have questioned whether this is enough and whether there are sufficient guarantees that the housing would remain as affordable housing in perpetuity.

The old hospital site has been the focus of community debate for years. Following the hospital’s closure, the former NSW government proposed selling the land to private developers, prompting a campaign to keep the site in public ownership.

Council later acquired the land for $1.

A community Project Reference Group and Enquiry by

Design process later helped develop a vision for the site that included affordable housing for older people, low income households, and vulnerable residents.

Cr Hauge is now proposing a community assessment panel involving representatives from the Mullumbimby Hospital Action Group (MHAG), housing advocates, and local residents to help assess future proposals for the site.

In a written response included in the meeting agenda, Council’s Acting Director Sustainable Environment and Economy said the project had already involved ‘multiple stages of community and stakeholder engagement’, including workshops, stakeholder sessions, public exhibitions, and formal submissions.

The director said future proposals would still be subject to the relevant planning and assessment processes, but noted that the planning framework does not generally provide for ‘ongoing community governance or participatory assessment mechanisms’.

North Coast News

Fingal snap tops photo comp

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

Farmers warn of costof-production shock

With global supplies still stalled owing to the invasion of Iran by Israel and the US, peak lobby group for farmers, NSW Farmers, is warning state and federal governments to urgently respond to an acute cost-of-production shock. They say, ‘new data showing spikes in fuel and fertiliser prices caused by global shortages have slashed confidence’.

Red tape cut on ‘low-rise, low-impact developments’ says govt

Two new pathways have been announced by the NSW state government, ‘which could halve assessment times for low-rise homes which account for 70 per cent of all development applications (DA)’. The government says it will make ‘it easier and faster to build homes’.

Northern Rivers Traveller guide launches

A new visitor publication designed to inspire travellers to experience the Northern Rivers of NSW has launched, with councils across the region joining forces with local publishers Adhere Marketing to produce the inaugural Northern Rivers Traveller guide.

Richmond Valley Council releases Draft Flood Risk Plan

Richmond Valley Council is exhibiting its Draft Richmond Valley Flood Risk Management Study & Plan, along with a draft amendment to the Richmond Valley Development Control Plan

Midwifery services expand in Lismore

An expanded midwifery service has launched at Lismore Base Hospital, says the NSW government.

Lismore precinct plans for floodaffected buyback lands move forward

A specialist consultant team has been appointed to begin work on four precinct plans for the future use of flood-affected buyback land across Lismore. Reconstruction Authority in partnership with Lismore City Council, say the team is led by REALMstudios, and ‘marks a major milestone in the collaborative effort between Council and the Reconstruction Authority to shape a sustainable and resilient future for land no longer suitable for residential use following the devastating 2022 flood’.

Renee Trezise was awarded first prize and $500 from Byron Photo Magic for her photo ‘The Other Giant’s Causeway’ of Fingal Head. The regional photography competition was held by Regional Development Australia Northern Rivers.

▶ To view some of the other great photos, visit: www.echo.net.au/2026/05/northern-rivers-celebratedthrough-the-lens

Boil water alert for Nimbin

While Nimbin’s Urban Boil Water Alert was lifted 25 February, 2026, it is now back, with Lismore Council advising that water treatment issues are ‘making tap water unsafe to drink’.

They say, ‘All water used for drinking, food preparation, brushing teeth, making ice, washing uncooked food, and pet drinking water must be brought to a rolling boil,

cooled, and stored safely, or replaced with bottled water’.

While the warning is clearly marked on Council’s homepage, there is no further information on their ‘latest news’ section. The last mention around the lifting of water restrictions in Nimbin was on 25 February.

For more info, contact Lismore City Council staff on 6625 0500.

EPA questioned over alleged effluent polluting national park

Hans Lovejoy

With Richmond Valley Council doubling the capacity of the Evans Head Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), a community group has raised concerns over effluent which they say is being released into a national park.

Dr Richard Gates from the Evans Head Residents for Sustainable Development Inc. told The Echo, ‘The existing 2007 facility is ageing, challenged by storm and ground water infiltration and extreme peak summer holiday visitor loads, and does not have capacity for the population growth Council is pursuing aggressively’.

‘The current STP not only serves Evans Head, but Broadwater and Woodburn, many kilometres away, generating an additional energy cost burden on sewage management because of the pumped distance it has to travel for processing.

‘A critical concern for the current STP is the fact that treated effluent is being

released into a waterway that runs into Salty Lagoon in Broadwater National Park.

‘The area is of major significance to the Bundjalung Nation as a women’s site.

‘Council took the radical and financially-expensive step of closing off the lake from an adjoining creek, which intermittently opened and closed to the ocean, in an attempt to keep the lake full of water to stop fish kills. This changed it to a freshwater lake, again a breach of National Parks’ legal obligations’.

Nanoplastics

Dr Gates says micro and nanoplastics in treated sewage can carry Antibiotic Resistant Genes (ARGs), which ‘can harbour pathogens, and can impair primary producers such as phytoplankton with potential effects on coastal carbon cycling’.

‘The Salty Lagoon saga reached national attention in 2006, following the December 2005 massive fish and bird kill and is destined to do the same again.

‘Here we are 20 years later, and local government, under pressure from the state, wants to double the amount of treated sewage being dumped into a once pristine lake in a national park.

‘And the EPA, the licensing authority, is not only going along with that, but is failing to monitor the effluent for substances known to cause harm to the environment and human health’.

He says while ‘community pressure forced Council to upgrade its STP in 2007 to reduce the pollutants being released into the lake system’, serious ecological problems were not resolved.

A Richmond Valley Council spokesperson told The Echo, ‘Richmond Valley Council operates the Evans Head Sewage Treatment Plant in accordance with the conditions and reporting requirements of its Environment Protection Authority

(EPA) Licence. Routine monitoring and reporting as required under that licence is undertaken, and Council liaises with the EPA as needed in relation to the operation of the plant’.

A National Parks media spokesperson told The Echo that matters around sewage are matters for the EPA and Council.

EPA replies

All claims were put to the EPA. A spokesperson said the EPA ‘regulates STPs through site-specific Environment Protection Licences (EPLs) to protect waterways, ecosystems and drinking water supplies’.

While acknowledging ‘community concerns regarding effluent discharges from the Evans Head STP’, a spokesperson said they have ‘been engaging with Richmond Valley Council in relation to both current operations and proposed upgrades to the facility’. Procedures and policy requirements were outlined, yet the question of whether Council and the EPA were fulfilling their legal oblations was not answered.

The Echo asked further questions: ‘Can you please clarify whether the discharges from this STP is complying with the conditions of its EPL?’; and, ‘Whether the EPA is satisfied that Council’s regular monitoring of effluent quality is being performed, and poses no ecological issues for the national park?’

An EPA spokesperson replied they understand the Review of Environmental Factors (REF), ‘has recently been finalised and the EPA will review the document in due course’.

‘Under the conditions of their EPL, Richmond Valley Council is required to monitor a range of potential pollutants and report any non-compliances to the EPA.

‘The EPL is available at ViewPOEOLicence.aspx’, they added.

Free public transport needed

Victoria is side-stepping the rising cost of fuel by offering free public transport. If only public transport was an option in the Northern Rivers, let alone it being free!

As one parent has pointed out, ‘more youth-oriented support’ is needed in the Mullumbimby area as well as accessible public transport throughout the region.

Currently, the fastest bus trip from Mullumbimby to Kingscliff, where some young people can access TAFE, is 1 hour and 45 minutes at a cost of between $14 and $20, and there are only limited services to places such as Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads, and Ballina, especially over the weekends.

The Draft North Coast Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan, released by Transport for NSW (TfNSW) for public exhibition, paints a stark picture of a region heavily reliant on cars, with around ‘93 per cent of residents currently commuting by private vehicle’ as reported in last week’s Echo

The report identified young people, older residents, Aboriginal communities, and isolated rural towns as being disproportionately affected by poor public transport and limited travel options, warning that transport inequality is contributing to broader social and economic disadvantage across the region.

Local MP Tamara Smith also highlighted that it impacts lowincome residents and those struggling to obtain a driver’s licence under NSW’s mandatory supervised driving requirements.

This is not a new issue. As a teenager growing up in the area I was familiar with hitchhiking from Mullum to Byron, or other areas and back, or jumping into overloaded cars, because that was the only

option. I got to meet all sorts of interesting people, truck drivers, and more. Luckily, I managed this without serious incident. Not everyone else was so lucky.

The population has increased across the Northern Rivers by more than 100,000 since 1991 – yet the abysmal public transport remains the same issue today as it was then.

The TfNSW draft transport plan is looking at a range of possibilities to address these issues, including on-demand transport services, a service that has been trialled and is available from the suburbs of Alstonville/Wollongbar and Chilcotts Grass/Goonellabah to the transport hubs of Lismore and Ballina. It also suggests improving public transport linkages between smaller towns and major regional hubs for apprenticeships (think TAFE in Kingscliff and Woollongbar), higher education, and work.

The plan is also looking at active transport links such as footpaths and cycleways – imagine if we could cycle from Mullum to Byron Bay. And while e-bikes have significant issues to be addressed, they also represent a real option for younger people to get around independently if safe cycle routes can be established between key locations. Imagine if the rail trail actually got built?

What do you think would work to improve public transport across the region? What would support our young people to access fun and community, education, and jobs? What is it that would help older people get to their appointments, to the shops, and even to catch up with friends?

You can provide your feedback on the Draft North Coast Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/ sritp/north-coast.

Aslan Shand, editor

Backing winners on policy grounds

Ihave decided to join Pauline Hanson’s One Nation (PHON). I have tired of voting for losers, and can sense a wave of support. After all, if they can shamelessly publicly signpost a meeting at Mullumbimby’s Lulu’s Cafe, then they must be on the up. Yep, six per cent is not a great starting point, but that’s all they got in Farrer in 2025 as well.

And really, what attracts me most, apart from the eloquence of Pauline herself, the ethics of James Ashby her main advisor, the idolisation of Donald Trump, the funding of Gina, and the employment of a rapist, is the actual policies which align with my viewpoint on almost everything. The policies are all online!

On abortion, the policy deplores the passing of state laws and describes the current regime as ‘one of the most extreme in the western world’. I am so heartened that the policy is to ‘roll back brutal and extreme abortion laws’ so that ‘unborn babies and pregnant women have a level of legal protection once again’. Yes, let’s see those abortionists imprisoned again and repeal the latest round of legalisation. Let’s have the only option a return to backyard abortions, and lock up women who are raped, become pregnant, and seek help. Just like in Trump-land.

On logging, Pauline has so got her finger on the button with the claim that forestry supports 180,000 jobs, and I love that she encourages more native forest logging. She specifically and directly opposes locking up any more native forests. After all, we all know that human activity has nothing to do with climate change, and how encouraging that she imports this certainty into her forestry policy. Bugger the Koala National Park, stop locking up our resources for fury pests.

Pauline’s humanity just shines on immigration – deport 75,000 people immediately, presumably with an Aussie Aussie Aussie version of ICE. Currently, only about 1,000 people face this fate every year, so it would be a cinch to multiply that by 75 times. I particularly like the idea

‘What attracts me most, apart from the eloquence of Pauline herself, the ethics of James Ashby her main advisor, the idolisation of Donald Trump, the funding of Gina, and the employment of a rapist...’ – David Heilpern

of refusing entry to migrants from nations where there are ‘extreme ideologies’. Because let’s face it, there have been no decent migrants from say Nazi Germany, or Vietnam, or Cambodia, or Russia, or Sudan, or the USA. Oops, sorry, didn’t mean white countries like that. I don’t think. Anyway, let’s ‘take control of our borders’ and not be ‘dictated to by the United Nations’ any more. Because of sovereignty. Yay.

No namby-pamby

For me, nothing is as important as law and order, and PHON policy accords with my views completely. First, pass laws that impose zero tolerance, and then leave it entirely up to police discretion. That way, the power belongs where it should – with the police force, not with namby-pamby judges or social workers. Police are best placed to determine who should be apprehended for a crime, and we all know they are unbiased and reasonable in that choice – like throwing around Muslims at prayer. And on drugs, at last a political party with policies that will work – impose a mandatory death penalty on hard drug traffickers, and mandatory imprisonment for any other drug traffickers. That will make Lulu’s safe again. And passing a joint around a group will mean everyone is locked up. Next, at last, let’s name all those child offenders, rather than let them have anonymity and a chance to turn over a new leaf. Name and shame children for life I reckon. Even when they are ten years old.

And of course, there is that evil concept of multiculturalism. The policy reads that we should only support those migrants who will give Australia their ‘undivided loyalty’. Yep, I am all for that. Except for pure white people. Goes without saying. I don’t mean them because

they are, like, good divided-loyalty people. As opposed to Muslims or Gazans who are bad divided-loyalty people. You can tell really by looking at them.

On firearms, I ask you, has ever a truer word been written than these – ‘One Nation opposes firearm reclassification, ownership caps, and government-funded buyback schemes’. No ownership caps will make a difference for me with my 70 firearms I need on my suburban block for (um) pest control. And this – ‘Australia’s lawful firearms sector underpins food security, environmental management, community sport, and local jobs’. Without firearms we would be hungry. And unemployed. And fat and lazy. So, shoot more ask questions less. And if we elect a One Nation (even minority) government, as an added bonus, we can have nuclear power and solve all our energy problems in one swoop. As the policy document says, this is a question of sovereignty and security, and specifically mentions having a plant on Australia’s east coast. Mullumbimby needs this. You know we do. Maybe the hospital site? Or the hydro plant up the creek?

So, next time you are passing by Lulu’s and there is a One Nation meeting sign out the front, take note of who attends because each of these north coasters support these reasonable, mainstream policies of Pauline’s and has a poster of Ben Roberts-Smith in their closet. Treat them with respect. Don’t mock. Let’s be sure to congratulate them heartily on their choices. And make sure they feel welcome in our tolerant, hippy towns.

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

Promises promises

What is it with journalists and broken promises?

Considering the state of politics in Australia, is breaking a promise really so bad?  Is it such a failing to change your mind?

Let’s have backflips on: AUKUS nuclear submarines, allowing huge AI data centres with their hungry power and thirsty water needs, expanding the fossil fuel industries, excusing exporting gas companies from paying fair tax, destruction of natural ecosystems, appeasement of lobbyists, ignoring the need for adaption to climate change, turning a blind eye to the underbelly of gambling.

What’s the matter with politicians saying that they have listened to the people or that times have changed? Perhaps it’s a ray of sunshine.

Sandra Heilpern Ballina

Suffo cred

Dear Ms Nash, I am sure Echo readers are tired of this continuing tit for tat, and I’d otherwise leave it alone.

You seem; however, to insist on extolling the wondrous dynamism of the Suffolk Park Community Association (SPCA) executive by denigrating the work of their predecessors – people I have worked with, and whose skills and hard work I have admired.

When did this ‘collapse’, inducing inertia, begin? At the AGM last year, or further back?

Was it the inertia that meant that the Linda Vidler Park became a much-needed green space and vibrant community hub, instead of being sold to developers?

Not exactly ancient history, and just one obvious example among a myriad of hands-on and advocacy pursuits.

For your own dignity and credibility, I’d perhaps wait until you have some real runs on the board before belittling the efforts of others.

I don’t see an online survey, a couple of meetings at the pub and some photo ops with the mayor as warranting the breathless hype and Brave New World status you have bestowed.

Liz Levy Suffolk Park

Trainspot’n

Spot on, Judith Shelley (Letters, Echo, 14 May): ‘please write to your councillors now – please let them know you want to keep the train tracks’. Please, Byron residents, do as Judith suggested. Dual use is the answer!

Roger Seccombe M.I.E.Aust. Ballina

Cooked housing

The federal Budget promises to help 75,000 Australians into housing over four years*. Net migration is running at over 300,000 people per year.

The government’s own construction target requires 240,000 new homes annually. Last year we built 179,000.

The scheme allows firsthome buyers to purchase with a five per cent deposit –on properties up to $900,000. The median house price in Lennox Head is $1.47 million.

In Mullumbimby it is $1.03 million. A local buyer’s agent said recently it would be ‘an interesting brief’ to find a house in Byron Shire that qualifies.

The numbers don’t add up. They don’t add up nationally, and they especially don’t add up here.

Alison Vickery Lennox Head

■ *75,000 is the government’s projection of houses investors will sell to owner/ occupiers – Ed.

Money for nothing

Anyone that lives in the Shire who looks around at what is being forced on this community by this Byron Council

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

should be so disappointed.

This shire went through a development moratorium in the ’90s, because the infrastructure – mostly in wastewater treatment – had been identified as not fit for purpose. So we had steering committees appointed to represent the interest of their communities. Those committees raised some extremely valid issues that should have been taken seriously by Council engineers and directors.

One was the inflow infiltration issue with the sewer gravity mains in Mullumbimby.

So where are we now as to that? Nowhere, the same infiltration still seems to exist – nothing has changed.

Flooding and its impact on residents has actually worsened – houses that previously, during long rain events, were not affected now are.

Are the people who are employed by Council such as directors, hydraulic engineers, etc ever held to account for this worsening situation? No. But they are paid well, presumably to solve it.

Where are we now? We have a plethora of development being approved, will the current infrastructure in place be able to adequately support what this development generates as to stormwater and wastewater?

If the infrastructure cannot, then who pays the price? The environment and the current residents.

Money for nothing.

Alan Dickens  Byron Bay Bayside fix $300m

The Byron Shire Council budget meeting was very informative in the fact that Phil Holloway estimates the costs to fix up the failed stormwater system for Bayside Brunswick Heads to be close to $300million. Interesting, as this is a Shire-wide issue, so just where is this money coming from?

We have a suggestion: we all appeal to the federal government to ask for a percentage of one per cent of funds collected to help with the multiple millions, or maybe billions, of dollars needed to make this major infrastructure fit for purpose. How bad has this been allowed to get?

Our variations applied for by Byron Shire Council year in year out increased the rates we pay. Again, we are just shaking our heads at the variation in the extra rate base charge. This had been supposed to go straight towards infrastructure – as passed and supported back

▶ Continued on page 14

PACIFIC BITUMEN

KARATE

Mondays & Wednesdays

Juniors (8-13yrs) 4.30-5.30pm

Seniors (14+ yrs) 5.45-7pm

First term classes commence Wednesday 4th Feb. Register online for two free classes. jinwukoonkarate.com.au 0490 849 295 Ewingsdale Community Hall Bangalow 8 min, Brunswick 10 min, Mullumbimby 13 min.

in 2016. Sorry, but I am still questioning how upfront Council is with the budget outlined in the meeting. How on Earth is it not acceptable to ask for a moratorium on further development?

The only thing that can be said truly is ‘buyers beware’. Young families with outrageous mortgages.

Where is the support from local state and federal governments, prior to where we are today? It is not as if this has just happened. An ongoing issue over decades. Eight-plus years of trying to alert Council of just how serious the Bayside stormwater situation is.

Annie Radermacher Bayside, Brunswick Heads

Instagram flotilla

Despite there being established agencies to receive and distribute food into Gaza, and despite the fact that these agencies have encouraged Greta and her minions to engage with these agencies to distribute aid, the good folk of the Tik Tok flotilla, seeking social media relevance instead, continue to pretend their efforts to breach Israel’s naval blockade are somehow helping the people of Gaza.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is sadly not a genuine attempt to distribute aid to needy people. It was reported previously that these boats had little or no aid left for the Gazans after it was all consumed by the passengers. What was distributed were thousands of images on Instagram and TikTok videos. It would have been so much more productive to spend that time and those resources working with people on the ground who are in the business of giving aid. Instead, the crew of the Instagram flotilla have spent their time and finite resources, grandstanding, virtue signalling and gathering ‘likes’ and ‘sad face’ emojis. So much for helping the Gazans.

Simon Cadden Billinudgel

Not all Jews are Zionists

Zionism attempts to conflate race, religion and nationality into a political ideology that purports to represent all Jews, irrespective of their race, religion or nationality. To penetrate this paradox, we must examine the strategic ambiguity of Jewish identity as defined by Zionist ideology. According to Israel’s ‘Law

of Return’, a Jew is someone who’s converted to Judaism or has a Jewish mother.

So in theory, anyone who is sufficiently pro-Israel can convert to Judaism, acquire Israeli citizenship, make Aliyah and ‘return’ to the Jewish state, where they can live in large, modern Jewish-only settlements built on illegallyoccupied Palestinian land.

But the Palestinians, who are constantly being expelled from their land to make way for illegal Israeli settlements, are not allowed to return.

This is the situation that Zionist Israel seeks to normalise and legitimise. By claiming to represent all Jews, the Zionist regime unfairly implicates all Jews in its crimes against the Palestinians. The list of Jewish

luminaries who have opposed the Zionist agenda is a lengthy one and includes such eminent scholars and intellectuals as Albert Einstein, Hannah Arandt, Richard Falk, Ilan Pappe, Norman Finkelstein, John Mearsheimer and Jeffery Sachs to name just a few.

John Scrivener

Main Arm

Jews not ‘collectively responsible’

Bruce Porter (Echo, 13/5/26) raises the problem that is inciting anti-Jewish actions and bigotry here – holding all Jews collectively responsible for Israel’s actions.

Dear Bruce, how is it that the actions of no other world government, or the actions of the Catholic Church, are the collective

fault of each member of the country or religion?

While the present Israeli government’s actions are not without criticism, collective responsibility of all of the world’s Jews is a classic antisemitic tactic.

Alleging collective guilt, while shouting slogans about Israel or Gaza, is often invoked to justify attacks on Jews here, and is a fundamental building block of the violence, harassment, and of Jews ostracised from being an integral part of Australia’s cultural landscape.

And similarly, why is not the entire Gazan population, or all Palestinians globally, not held responsible for Hamas’s actions, in the similar way that you claim that it is the Israeli government’s actions are causing this global antagonism to Jews?

John Lazarus Byron Bay

Izzy-Ozzies not ‘comparable to ISIS’

Mr Murray’s letter (Echo, 13/5/26) is a deeply offensive attempt to cast suspicion on an entire community of Australians because they are Israeli/Jewish.

To compare IsraeliAustralian dual citizens who have undertaken compulsory military service in Israel, with

ISIS brides linked to a genocidal terrorist organisation in whose name 15 Australians were murdered at Bondi Beach, is morally grotesque. ISIS carried out mass murder, rape, slavery and terrorism across the world, including against Australians. These so-called ‘brides’ enslaved Yazidi girls for daily rape by any man who decided to violently have his way. Israel, by contrast, is a democratic nation defending itself against such monsters – Hamas, Hezbollah and Iranian-backed terrorist groups responsible for massacres, sodomy, rapes, kidnappings and attacks targeting civilians.

No Israeli-Australian dual citizens have committed terrorist attacks, murders or extremist violence in Australia. None.

Instead, Israeli Australians have contributed enormously to this country especially here in the Byron Shire, through business, medicine, education, environmental work, farming, the arts, philanthropy and community service.

The suggestion that Jewish Australians should be treated with suspicion because some fulfilled compulsory military service overseas is precisely

Articles/Letters

A not-for-profit jewel in Mullum’s crown

Sally Law

It’s just after 11am and I walk up the front steps and into the warm and welcoming Mullumbimby & District Neighbourhood Centre (MDNC).

The sound of a piano being played fills the place with a beautiful and enchanting sound of music.

I am arriving unannounced, but still hoping to say hello to someone who has been there for me countless times, and in many different ways.

Bria was my case worker assigned to me shortly after the flood in 2022. She stood by me as I negotiated and navigated the unpleasant rigmarole of the recovery and repair process of the flood.

She assisted me emotionally, and also in a very nuts and bolts sense, to deal with insurance companies and all that was involved in accessing services, facilities, and grants.

Rebuilding lives

It was such a dark and gruelling time having to totally rebuild our home and our lives, I really don’t know what I would have done had these people not been there.

I lost my partner after the flood in the most tragic and harrowing of circumstances, and Bria and the other women at the centre rallied around me once more, and stepped up and did all that they possibly could to help me through.

Today, on my approach, I am pleased to see that the place was still looking bright, vibrant and humming with a golden glow.

I am cheerfully greeted by the lady at the front reception, but I am told that my chances of seeing Bria today and in such a short notice would be slim.

She is currently with a client and has been for almost an hour. Just as Bria’s

▶ From previous page

the kind of racism that fuels antisemitism.

Australians are free to criticise governments. But publicly implying that Israeli Australians are comparable to ISIS affiliates is repugnant.

At a time of rising antisemitism, when Jewish schools, synagogues and community organisations are under attack, rhetoric like this does not advance peace or justice. It normalises hostility toward Jewish and Israeli Australians and undermines the values of fairness, decency and social

infinite supply of goodness, kindness and help was abundant for me back during that time, she is now sharing all that with her other clients.

All that Bria did for me came at no cost. Her services, and the centre’s services, were available to me owing to funding and grants, and also the support and donations from the wider community.

For me, the community centre and the people there, with their genuine love and care, has been a life saver.

Funding ends

I am devastated to hear now that their funding has ended, and so too, with it will end this critically vital service of support, networking and grounding facilities available to the community at large.

The community centre runs several other fantastic and simply essential services that assist and support many different parts of the community.

One being the amazing Pantry. A grocery store that runs without adding profit onto the costs of items.

The staff are all voluntary and The Pantry provides many people everyday with vital fruit, veggies, bread, milk, coffee and many other donated foods that the ‘food recovery van’ collects on its runs to the local supermarkets and other suppliers.

I see Bria’s lovely warm face as she greets me, but

cohesion that Australia should stand for.

Marianne McCormack Billinudgel

New dawn

It’s a new dawn, a new day yet there is still the attempt to persuade thinking, feeling humanity that it is okay or there is justification in the killing, maiming or starving of thousands of innocent children, who have had the misfortune of being born on land that is coveted by a brutish force under the guise of self-defence.    Yet food, water, shelter

in her next breath she lets me know that she is totally booked up with helping clients for the next two days.

Bria still manages to make time to see me as she always does, squeezing me in for a few minutes before her next client arrives.

The need for her services is ever present, and will continue, despite the fact that after 30 July, the program that she is part of will cease to exit, owing to funding running out.

Bria and the other staff have taken on important roles and assisted with vital human services as various as providing food, assistance with housing short- and long-term, providing household items, assisting those in need to gain access and suppling them with counselling, facilitating and assisting with grant writing applications, even assisting with legal services and needs for people who just don’t have the networking or the support otherwise.

This place is a safe, nonjudgmental facility accessible to all. I believe we as a community need to ensure its survival and more than that facilitate its path to thriving.

■ National Volunteer Week is the country’s largest annual celebration of volunteering, and runs from 18 to 24 May. For more info on MDNC, visit www.mdnc.org.au.

and medical care is available to the invading military.

There is no justification in denying food or medical care or naming the continual targeted death of children collateral damage of war.  None. At the very least they are war crimes and crimes against humanity. International protests are not to be viewed as antisemitism, but as a publicrelations designed antidote to racial genocide by an invading military determined on expansionism.

Vee Hunt Mullumbimby

Pickleball for young and older

Top: Legend players at the back (youngest is 40 and the oldest is 77) with lightning players at the front (youngest is 15 and the oldest is 52). Right: Local para player, Robbie Sultas, 36 and Willow, 8. Photos supplied

Pickleball has been taking the Northern Rivers by storm and the latest are the Positively Pickleball games at Goonellabah Tennis and Pickleball Club.

They have launched a new intergenerational event called ‘Legends & Lightning’ where doubles partners must have at least a 25-year age gap.

‘The sessions have quickly grown, with families, teenagers, parents, and players in their 70s all participating

together,’ said Lisa Fletcher from Positively Pickleball.

‘The program was designed to create connection across generations through social sport, and we’ve received wonderful feedback from parents saying they’re cherishing the quality time spent with their kids.

‘We also run inclusive community programs including sessions for para-athletes and beginner women’s events.’

For more information on games and activities you can email: info@positivelypickleball.com.au.

Blues legend marks State of Origin in Kingscliff

Former NSW Blues and Manly Sea Eagles prop Brent Kite will be joining the local community this Sunday evening for a free, familyfriendly event marking the countdown to NRL State of Origin Game 1, as the iconic Norfolk pine at Rowan Robinson Park is switched to NSW Blues blue.

Kite will perform the switch-on ceremony at 5.45pm on Sunday, 24 May, just days before the Blues take the field for Game 1 at Accor Stadium, Sydney on Wednesday, 27 May.

The event has been organised by Business Kingscliff in partnership with Tweed Shire Council, will bring together the Tweed Shire community, with players, juniors, and families all welcome to cheer on the Blues.

‘The Norfolk pine has become a genuine focal point for our community since the lights were installed in April, and this is exactly the kind of moment

we imagined when we set out on that project,’ said James Owen, President of Business Kingscliff and Tweed Shire Councillor.

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

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.

Wollongbar long jumper selected for Commonwealth Games

The North Coast Academy of Sport (NCAS) is proud to celebrate the selection of Ayla Kowalczyk for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Ayla from Wollongbar has

earned her first Australian team selection in the T38 long jump following a determined return from injury last year.

She progressed through the NCAS Future Stars pathway.

‘Her selection is an incredible

achievement and a proud moment for the entire NCAS community. We wish Ayla the very best as they prepare to represent Australia on the international stage,’ said a spokesperson for the NCAS.

Seas The Day surf fest returns to Kingscliff

Seas The Day women’s surf comp returns to the beautiful Kingscliff Beach, on Saturday and Sunday, 20 and 21 June.

Now in its fourth year, organisers say the event ‘promises to be a vibrant, empowering, and uplifting experience for women of all abilities’.

‘The festival space will be buzzing with entertainment and dynamic HUBS, where keynote speakers dive into everything from the ins and outs of successful careers, training regimes, film and photography, mental wellbeing, and much more.’ $110,000 in support

The NSW Labor government said they have contributed $110,000 in support of the event.

‘The women’s surf competition focuses on creating a pressure-free, fun and

inclusive environment while parents can also get involved to assist under-14s to catch waves,’ said a spokesperson.

‘The free festival will see family-friendly surf film screenings, live music and entertainment running across the weekend, alongside talks from female professional surfers, leaders

in wellness, sustainability and photography.

‘A crowd favourite, the Celebrity Surf Challenge also returns in 2026, with world champions, media personalities, and Olympians hitting the water.’

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

Valuing Queer Family

Mandy Nolan

Everyone needs their ‘people’. They are the people who get you. They might share your values, or have shared experiences. They don’t judge you. These are the people you can ‘unmask’ for. When you sit with your community, you have a sense of belonging. That belonging is what you use to navigate the other parts of your life where you often don’t belong. Belonging is your compass. And we all need a compass.

For queer community, and that’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex or questioning – living in a regional or rural area can be isolating. Queer people are more than two times more likely to experience depression or anxiety, and one in two will report suicidality. Mental Health Australia tells us that same-gender-attracted Australians are estimated to experience up to 14 times higher rates of attempted suicide than their heterosexual peers.

For the last seven years Queer Family have created a safe space for LGBTIA+ people in the Northern Rivers. They have supported thousands of adults with their programs and outreach, and hundreds of young people. I have attended a few of their gatherings and was impressed by the maturity and scope of the conversation of young people attending their groups. And how much fun everyone was having!

Some had travelled with their parents from as far as Grafton. Many had come from over an hour away. Some two. Why? Because this was the ONLY program like it. For one afternoon these young people got to meet other young people just like them. They heard stories of being bullied at school repeated by nearly everyone. It is hard to hear en masse what young people experience daily. Those messages about unworthiness or being unacceptable land deeply inside us as adolescents. Those bigoted narratives feed the dark voices of self-loathing. The self-loathing – that’s lethal.

The group laughed at some of the dumb stuff that people said to them. It was a kind of ‘outing’ – other school students, teachers. They talked deeply about how they felt. About what it felt

STARS BY LILITH

Mercury and the weekend Sun joining Uranus in the zodiac’s most social sign levers us off the Taurus comfort couch to connect and engage with the mind of Gemini…

It is hard to hear en masse what young people experience daily.

Those messages about unworthiness or being unacceptable land deeply inside us as adolescents.

like to not be heteronormative. They were at ease. They were accepting. In this space, once a week, or once a month when they met, they got to experience what it felt like to be normative. Because they were with their ‘people’. Their community. Their queer family. That is the work of an organisation like Queer Family. You may not even know it exists. It’s not something you will see on social media. They aren’t constantly posting images of people engaging, asking for support. The work they do is quiet. They safeguard the privacy of the people in their programs.

So you probably haven’t really noticed the important work they do. But if you are a mother or father of a queer adolescent – then yes, you will know. And you would be hugely grateful for the love and support your young person has received.

Queer Family however is struggling to survive. They lost their home base in the floods, they’ve since rented various locations, but their Managing Director

ARIES: Your speedy driving planet Mars moving to a pace more deliberate than hectic will help make this week’s contradictory signals and profusion of options a little easier to navigate. Best operating mode? Get someone else on board and ask for advice: two heads will be better than one.

TAURUS: Energetic Mars marches into Taurus with mucho motivation to push ahead with getting stuff done, which for your earthy sign makes networking profitable, schmoozing useful and introductions productive this week. That taken care of, your planet guide Venus supports gently but firmly addressing home and/or family matters.

GEMINI: With quicksilver Mercury, your ruling planet, zipping into Gemini, one of its home signs, this week, novel ideas and interesting possibilities fly as this chatty, curious cycle revs up your social life and stimulates short-term collaborations that could pave the way for longer partnerships later in the year.

Aiden Gentle believes that money should be going into programs, not rent. They’re running out of time, and come 1 July they’ll be without a home. Queer Family need a home base to continue their important work. They need core funding. They’re hoping, that maybe out there is a donor who is passionate about inclusion – maybe someone who knows what it feels like to live on the margins in a country town.

Queer Family works. It keeps people out of the health system. It keeps young people in school. It builds community cohesion and understanding. It tells people they belong.

Let’s find a way to keep our family strong.

If you have something to offer, contact team@queerfamily.com.au.

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

CANCER: As this week presses the start button on the celestial cycle of overthinking, be aware that the midweek moon in your instinctive, intuitive sign could be an emotional hotspot. Best news? Venus in her most security-conscious mode cruising into Cancer to balance, nourish and fortify your nervous system.

LEO: The zodiac season of busy, busy, busy stretches our antennae to consider wider possibilities. This is a period when pairing up can really work, so think doubles, couples, one-on-one teamwork. Just be aware that late week Leo moon could stimulate some emotional inflammation, so best to keep cool.

VIRGO: Virgo’s ruling planet, fastmoving Mercury, influences our mental processes, the ways in which we think and communicate. As Mercury moves into its favourite playground this week, some missing puzzle pieces start falling into place. Expect meandering conversations, fresh thoughts, and an increased ability to finesse your message.

Cryptic Clues

ACROSS

1. Mad at animal after door opening for dog (9)

6. Mixed wires can become comparatively reasonable (5)

9. Loving a workout video star (5)

10. Plant businesses or rooms for new additions (9)

11. Round of applause for charity worker (5)

12. Before opportunity, fatigued sound makes place for suits (9)

13. Shielded components around Tesla, for example, to get disorderly (10)

15. Hunk made of jewellery (4)

17. Young lizard following delta with great skill (4)

18. Hold up water container to collar (10)

23. Rip around nasty American conglomerate to find advantage (9)

24. Small break down for scope (5)

25. Spanish pair follow the tavern, turn and dash for indirect references (9)

26. Organs infection around hospital department (5)

27. State aloud effort to accomplish (5)

28. Sunbed in disarray with graffiti logo becomes lower house of Germany (9) DOWN

1. Disarmed, fed back and exploited (7)

2. Drama series and sit-com followed ache for estranged classmates (4,4,7)

3. One inside a slab stirred seafood (8)

4. I belong around base (7)

5. Ran back to meet cost and give an account (7)

6. How German Mormon exercises (6)

7. Posh thief muddled and desolate in camel (4,2,3,6)

8. Presumed no park and took back (7)

14. Short English course is awesome! (3)

16. Tangled antenna certain to restore confidence (8)

17. Withhold and cut short Johnny coming to endless river (7)

19. Recording layer finished with label (7)

20. Model intellect leads to violation of allegiance (7)

21. Little rest, then fish for Nobel prize winner (7)

22. Detail from time with controversial enforcement agency in the Big Apple (6)

LIBRA: Welcome to Libra’s Venus season for playing domestic goddess. For cosying in the home zone, inviting friends for dinners and entertaining chez vous. But be aware that this week’s Venus transit thrives on warmth and nurturing but not speed, so allow things to evolve at their own natural pace.

SCORPIO: Even though Mars is currently in inflexible mode, try not to resist this novelty-seeking week’s invitations to change. Could life run more smoothly with the help of support staff to reduce stress? Tie off loose ends and open up more time to get out and do more of what you enjoy.

SAGITTARIUS: Communicator Mercury traversing the zodiac’s other talkative sign promises a very vocal week, so remember that the best conversations are a two-way street. With distractions ramping up, maintaining focus is your biggest ask, so park multitasking in favour of not scattering your energy in too many different directions.

Quick Clues

1. Native of

(5)

(5)

Creches (9) 11. Simultaneous discharge of guns (5)

CAPRICORN: This week’s astral emphasis suggests assessing what’s working in Team Cap and what might benefit from a revamp. You’re a force of nature, but everyone needs backup. Do you have enough support, and is it the right kind? Might it be worth trading a little control for a wider reach?

AQUARIUS: The recent relocation of your planetary guide Uranus, the innovating changemaker, into the sign of adaptability kickstarts an era of rapid reinvention that will shape the global community for the next seven years. Personally, it asks Aquarians to reconsider the most effective way of contributing your gifts to the world.

PISCES: As your guiding planet Neptune in the sign of spiritual warriors continues your vision quest for what you want to accomplish, communication is what gets this week’s ball rolling. So make that call, discuss that research, get together with someone else on the same page to further your plans.

The Good Life

Dining Guide Good Taste

Check the vital details of some of the region’s finest foodies. www.echo.net.au/good-taste

BILLINUDGEL

ROSEFINA’S MEXICAN

Funkin’ space. Real Mexican.

Open: Thurs and Fri 4pm to late

Sat 12 noon to 2.30pm, 5pm to late Sun 12.30pm to 8pm

Address: 8/10 Wilfred Street, Billinudgel www.rosefinas.place

BAY

MAIN STREET BURGER BAR

Best burgers in Byron Bay. Proudly local and independent.

Open: for takeaway daily, 12 midday until dinner

Address: 18 Jonson Street, Byron Bay @mainstreetburgerbar

THREE BLUE DUCKS

At The Farm enjoy a wander in the fields, meet the animals, and picnic in the sun… there really is something for everyone.

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

Address: The Farm, 11 Ewingsdale Rd, Ewingsdale www.threeblueducks.com/byron

NO BONES BYRON BAY

Vegan kitchen and bar – where good vibes, bold flavours and unforgettable nights come together in the heart of Byron.

Open: Sun – Thurs 5pm – 9pm; Fri & Sat 5pm – 10pm

Address: 11 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay nobones.co

ROCA BYRON BAY

Latin fusion restaurant blending deeply rooted Latin American traditions, with innovative techniques and a flair for presentation.

Open: every day except Wednesday 6.30am to late Address: 14 Lawson Street, Byron Bay www.rocabyronbay.com.au

FOREST BYRON BAY

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

Open: 7 days: Breakfast 7.30 – 10.30am

Lunch on verandah from 12 – 3pm Dinner 5.30 – 9pm

Address: 77-97 Broken Head Road, Byron Bay crystalbrookcollection.com/byron/forest

BOMBAY TO BYRON

AUTHENTIC INDIAN FOOD

Serving Indian food to Byron Bay for last 12 years.

Open: Monday 4:30pm – 9:30pm

Tuesday to Sunday 12 noon – 3pm and 4:30pm – 9:30pm

Address : 3/93 Jonson Street Byron Bay  Contact: 02 6680 7437 | bombaytobyron@gmail.com

CATERING

CELEBRATIONS

CAKES BY LIZ JACKSON

Cakes for any celebration.

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

Ballina RSL initiative cuts cost of meeting up socially

Ballina RSL has launched its Connecting Our Community dining campaign for May, introducing a suite of additional food and beverage offers designed to help locals continue to connect, socialise and celebrate everyday moments during ongoing cost-of-living pressure.

The campaign is part of Ballina RSL’s practical response to the financial pressures being felt across the community, including recent spikes in fuel prices and the rising cost of everyday essentials. While household budgets are under pressure, the Club recognises that people still need affordable places to gather, share a meal, mark special occasions and spend time with family and friends.

Throughout May, Ballina RSL will offer a range of additional value options across its cafes, dining areas and bars. These include increased daily

$22 Members Meal specials and $16

Seniors Meal specials, a $10 coffee and cake offer in both cafes, $50 Family Meal Nights, $6 kids meals on the Boardwalk, meal and beverage combo specials in Level One Cafe and Bar, and extended Happy Hour across lunch and dinner service times.

Ballina RSL CEO, Guy Diven, said the campaign reflects the Club’s broader role as a place of connection and support for the local community.

‘Cost-of-living pressure is being felt by many families, retirees, workers and local households, and recent fuel price spikes have added even more pressure for many people,’ Mr Diven said.

‘We know we can’t solve every challenge, but we can look at what we can do within our own club to help.

Connecting Our Community is our way of offering practical value, keeping people connected and making those

everyday moments feel a little more achievable.

‘People still want to meet a friend for coffee, take the kids out for dinner, celebrate a birthday, or enjoy a simple meal with people they care about. At times like this, those moments matter. We are all in this together, and this campaign is one small way we can support our community.’

Mr Diven said the campaign was not just about price, but about recognising the important social role clubs play in regional communities.

‘Cost-of-living pressure have made it harder to meet a friend for coffee, take the kids out for dinner or enjoy a meal out with others you care about,’. Ballina RSL CEO, Guy Diven, says the club’s practical response recognises the social role it plays in the community. Photo supplied

The Good Life

Elements of Byron celebrates first decade with live music

Byron Bay’s beachfront resort Elements of Byron continues its tenth birthday celebrations with live music and woodfired pizza overlooking the lagoon infinity pool at Fire Pit Fridays. End the working week in style, with free parking and walk-ins welcome. From 5:00pm to 7:30pm weekly.

2016 saw Elements of Byron opened to the public with a festive pool party. Tommy Franklin was MC and the energy was electric. At that time the resort had only one bar and now there are three, including a swim up bar in the adults-only pool.

Resort owners Peggy and Brian Flannery commenced the journey with this property and with the community much earlier however, in 2010. Many years later, following the completion of all construction, the final building footprint covers just 3.8% of the resort’s 20.2 hectares.

The land operates as a habitat sanctuary and tourism product simultaneously. ‘In a way the cocktails fund the conservation,’ outlined Peggy. ‘People come to Byron for nature and healing. So we have dedicated most of the overall property to conservation zonings and we still have a business model that works’. Recent works include

feral animal and weed control and further revegetation of degraded areas surrounding the critically endangered coastal rainforest, salt marsh and other wetland environments.

Elements of Byron has collected 35 national and international awards and has hosted more than 335,000 overnight

guests with an average stay of three nights. With over 200 staff they are one of the largest non-government employers in Northern NSW.

Peggy and Brian are also behind the not-for-profit Byron Solar Train, the world’s first full-sized fully solar powered train. And in addition to their in-kind

contributions, through the

‘Brian and I are immensely grateful to our team,’ said Peggy. ‘To all our wonderful staff and our local suppliers who enable us to operate every single day’.

Epic Coffee, because coffee’s more than just a drink

At the New Brighton Farmers Market, coffee is more than just a drink – it’s a daily ritual that brings people together. For Tony, owner of Epic Coffee, that sense of connection is just as important as what’s in the cup. After years of running small businesses, he found his place behind the machine, learning that a truly good coffee always starts with the beans.

Tony uses Nat’s Coffee Beans, a local roaster known for freshness and quality. Roasted weekly, these beans deliver a rich aroma and full flavour that set them apart from massproduced alternatives. Like fresh produce at the market, locally roasted

beans make a noticeable difference – they’re vibrant, consistent, and support local growers and businesses.

But great beans are only part of the story. Making a good coffee requires precision and care. The grind must be adjusted regularly, as temperature and humidity can affect extraction. A well-made espresso should pour in about 30 seconds – too fast and it tastes weak, too slow and it becomes bitter. Getting that balance right is key to unlocking the full flavour of the beans.

Milk is just as important. Rather than simply frothing, Tony ‘stretches’ the milk to create a smooth, silky

texture that blends seamlessly with the coffee. The result is a balanced cup where neither the coffee nor the milk overpowers the other.

At its heart, the market offers more than great coffee – it offers connection. Familiar faces, friendly conversations, and a shared appreciation for quality make each visit special. For Tony, coffee isn’t just about taste – it’s about creating a moment people look forward to each week.

■ Find Epic Coffee every Tuesday at New Brighton Farmers Market 7am to 11am.

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.

Get involved and make a difference

Aslan

Shand

Creating the threads that hold our communities together don’t just come from working and living in a place – they come from getting involved, and being active members of our communities. From 18 to 24 May it is Volunteer Week and it is important to recognise why being a volunteer brings so much to individuals, groups, and communities.

This years theme ‘Your Year to Volunteer’ reminds people how important it is to create the time, even in our busy lives, to volunteer.

For some people volunteering is a way to meet people in their communities if they are new to an area. For some it has been a lifelong commitment to giving back, for others it is how they come together to help look after their local communities in times of need like fires or floods through the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and State Emergency Service (SES). It can be helping to keep the local netball or football clubs going, or organising teddy bears’ picnics. For others it is a way to help people in need through our local community centres, op shops, and food hubs that help people when they are in family, financial, or housing stress. It can be giving time to dedicated projects that aim to assist particular groups in our society. It can just be a few hours here and there helping out at the school uniform shop, or tuckshop. Volunteering not only helps get

things happening in our communities, it is an amazing way to learn skills, connect with people, and build our communities into the places we want to be, live, and have fun – it helps make all our lives better.

‘National Volunteer Week 2026 celebrates the commitment of current volunteers and invites everyone to discover how giving their time and talents can spark joy, and a deep sense of purpose,’ say National Volunteers organisers.

2026 is also the UN International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development which is highlighting the vital role volunteers have, and continue to play, in advancing a sustainable future.

‘Let’s acknowledge the vital role of volunteers as change-makers,’ said Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed.

‘Their commitment shapes a world where sustainable development is not merely a goal but a shared reality we create together.’

Whether you just have an hour or two every few months, or you have more time to give, take the opportunity to find out what it is you are interested in supporting. It could be something close to home, or on the world stage – give it your time to make it work for you, your friends, and your communities.

Brunswick Mullum Lions Club

Are you interested in making your local community a better place to live? Are you interested in helping to support research aimed at preventing cervical cancer, prostate cancer and a whole range of apparently curable childhood cancers? Would you like to assist young people from around the Pacific and Australia with severe facial deformities be operated on so they can lead normal lives? Are you interested in helping to bring down our road toll?

Can you cook a sausage on a BBQ? If you answered ‘YES’ to any of these questions, then the Brunswick Mullumbimby Lions Club is looking for you.

If you would like to be a part of an organisation that makes a difference locally and globally, every day, call now on 0400 484 419, and come along to a meeting.

Thanking the volunteers of The Community Transport Company

National Volunteers Week is a chance to celebrate the extraordinary people who quietly keep our communities connected every single day. At The Community Transport Company our volunteers are much more than drivers and bus attendants, they are friendly faces, trusted companions and helping hands for people who may otherwise feel isolated or unable to access essential services.

Whether it’s a trip to a medical appointment, the supermarket or a social outing, our volunteers make a real difference in the lives of our passengers every day. We thank each and every one of them for their kindness, generosity and community spirit. If you see one of our volunteers out and about this week, say thank you, they deserve it.

To join our volunteer team, call 1300 875 895 or visit communitytransport.net.au.

A fun, busy Not-For-Profit Club with all funds raised going to worthy causes in 2479 and beyond.

All welcomemen and women, boys and girls.

Contact President John Singh on 0418 662781 or punjab@byronbaypork.com.au

Bangalownians

please come forward and volunteer – 2479 needs you!

During Volunteer Week 2026, Bangalow Lions Club is asking locals to please come forward and volunteer to assist at the many community events, fundraisers and charity functions. Did you know that Bangalow Lions Club hosts, or is involved in, the following community events:

• Bangalow BillyCart Derby

• Bangalow Jazz Festival

• Bangalow Show

• Bangalow Xmas Eve Carnival

• Many other smaller events at the A&I Hall or Showgrounds in 2479

Please consider volunteering to help bump-in, bump-out, serve on the bar or BBQ, act as a team member supporting an events or perhaps even consider joining the Bangalow Lions Club. They’re a fun, busy not-for-profit club with all funds raised going to worthy causes in 2479 and beyond. All welcome - men and women, boys and girls.

Contact President John Singh on 0418 662 781 or email punjab@byronbaypork.com.au

Mullumbimby & District Neighbourhood Centre – an opportunity to help

If you enjoy engaging with people, have a yearning to connect with others, are interested in learning, building skills, experience, or an opportunity to improve employability. We just might be the place for you! Perhaps work experience in our minisupermarket, or a taste of working in community could lead to a whole new possibility pathway.

Everyone has something valuable to contribute: cooking, driving, admin, data collection, teaching others digital skills, barista, gardening, fundraising, technology, an expert hugger and making someone’s day a little brighter. Social activitiesyou may want to join a group or run a group. A place to share your wonderful skills and bring people together.

You might even want to contribute a tax-deductible donation.

Registered tax-free donations for 2025-26 financial year, if paid before 30 June 2026. www.mdnc.org.au @mullumbimbyneighbourhoodcentre

Community is stronger when we work together – volunteers are the backbone

The Mullumbimby & District Neighbourhood Centre was founded by volunteers. They created a place of connection and support. Volunteers are now more important than ever.

The MDNC offers so much the Byron Shire community but much of our work is not funded, including what it costs to simply open the doors. While funding goes to big organisations, we keep doing the ‘big’ things without the budget. It’s hard, really hard, but we celebrate and are so grateful to those in our community who volunteer their time and their resources including donations of money, food, gift cards and goodwill.

The heart of our work cannot beat without the generosity and commitment of our volunteers.

Our unfunded work includes:

Food Security

• Gulganii Community Pantry - affordable pantry items and the dignity of choice when finances are stretched.

• Food Recovery -harvesting excess food from local supermarkets, cafes and restaurants. 40,000+ kgs of food that went into people’s bellies, not landfill.

• Farmers’ Market – donated produce and any $$$ donated at the markets. We purchase from the stall-holder because they’re trying to make a living too. A circular economy of receiving and giving.

• Local farmers – donations of excess produce.

Meal Program

• Community Meals – home-cooked meal. A place of sharing and connection.

• Frozen Meals – sometimes people just need a meal not a parcel. People living under financial stress, not able to cook, people who are homeless, some of our older community members, or those who are going through health challenges where cooking is just too hard.

Listening Space - Free counselling with skilled volunteer counsellors.

Supporting others to support others

Auspicing and supporting community groups to secure small grants and donations. They’re volunteering too!

Christmas Hampers

300-400 hampers of joy each year.

Supporting people

With electricity vouchers, Work Development Orders (fines), showers, information and referrals.

Byron Community Centre

This National Volunteer Week (18–24 May), Byron Community Centre is celebrating the 275 volunteers who help power Byron Theatre, Byron Markets and Fletcher Street Cottage. As the organisation marks 45 years in 2026, volunteers continue to play a vital role across community services, events, reception, marketing, gardens, maintenance and behind-the-scenes operations. ‘Our volunteers are the heart of Byron Community Centre,’ said Volunteer Coordinator Cathy Levins-Byres. ‘Their care, energy and generosity make everything we do possible.’ Interested in getting involved?

Email: secretary@nras.org.au for details

Helping young people develop skills for life.

1st Byron Bay Scout Group

Volunteers!

We need your help to keep the adventures going

CONTACT SAM AT GL.1stByronBay@nsw.scouts.com.au www.1st-byron-bay.group.scoutsnsw.com.au

Brunswick Valley Landcare

Become a Brunswick Valley Landcare volunteer:

• join a locality group working bee in your area.

• plant trees with us at our community plantings.

• get involved by helping with events, field days and citizen science programs. Caring for Country, Caring for ourselves at Brunswick Valley Landcare.

Visit byronvolunteers.com.

Northern Rivers Animal Services

Make a real difference – volunteer with Northern Rivers Animal Services. Whether at the op shop, shelter, office, or as a foster carer, your time helps save lives and support vulnerable cats and dogs. Join a passionate team creating lasting impact in your community.

Visit www.nras.org.au, call 6681 1860 weekdays, or email shelter@nras.org.au to get involved today.

Ready to make an impact – 1st Byron Scout Group

Byron Bay Scout Group is buzzing with energy and they need awesome volunteers of any age, any background, and with any skills, to keep the adventure going. Whether you’re great with tools, creative with crafts, love the outdoors, cooking, mentoring, or simply bringing positive energy, there’s a place for you. No experience needed, just enthusiasm.

If you can spare around three hours a week, you can help young people grow, explore, and discover their potential. Join them and be part of something fun and meaningful. Contact Sam at GL.1stByronBay@nsw.scouts.com.au. https://1st-byron-bay.group.scoutsnsw.com.au

Give back to the Byron Shire and volunteer with

Brunswick Valley Landcare

For more information and to register as a volunteer, visit brunswickvalleylandcare.org.au or call 0421 244 640

Our small catchment sits within the third most biodiverse region in Australia, and it needs your help. Brunswick Valley Landcare is a grassroots, membership-based organisation dedicated to protecting and restoring this phenomenal natural heritage. Get involved as a volunteer through locality group working bees, tree plantings, events or citizen science. Gain skills in bush regeneration and sustainable land management, meet passionate locals, and make a real difference for threatened wildlife and ecosystems.

Register at brunswickvalleylandcare.org.au or call 0421 244 640 and get in touch today.

(02) 6685 6807 volunteers@byroncentre.com.au www.byronvolunteers.com

Reforest Now

At Reforest Now their goal is restoring the Big Scrub. With local landholders, councils and landcare groups they specialise in repairing and maintaining riparian areas and planting excess farming land back into rainforest.

If you are a landowner who needs help regenerating or restoring your land, or if you want to get stuck in and help volunteer, please contact them!

Luke@reforestnow.org.au

0491 164 911

Support your local wildlife hospital

For over five years, Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital has been giving Northern Rivers wildlife a second chance. Now we need caring volunteers to help us continue.

Become part of our vital volunteer team:

• Hospital Support

• Reception Support

• Raptor Centre

• Ambulance Drivers

• Event Volunteers

Based in Lennox Head.

Call Annette: 1300 WILDLIFE or apply online: www.byronbaywildlifehospital.org.

Behind the scenes, changing lives –a message from Women Up North

May is Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Month, and at Women Up North we pause to reflect, acknowledge and thank our community. Women Up North is a Northern Rivers-based domestic and family violence specialist service, proudly established in the 1980s by volunteers. From the head office in Lismore, they supported more than 900 women and children last year. While frontline services are often visible, much of this life-saving work is made possible by people working quietly behind the scenes.

‘We acknowledge the 58 people who have lost their lives to domestic and family violence, and we honour the strength of those who have survived. We extend our deepest thanks to volunteers, students, donors, community members, workers and people with lived experience who give their time, skills and care. Through administration, fundraising, transport, governance, outreach, advocacy and community events –and by supporting friends and loved ones – you help ensure safety, dignity and support when it’s needed most. Your work may not always be seen, but it is deeply felt. Thank you for being part of care that changes lives.’ Jillian Knight-Smith, CEO.

www.wunh.org.au

In an emergency call 000 24/7 DV Line 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732

Marine Rescue now recruiting

Marine Rescue Cape Byron is a marine radio base located within the beautiful Cape Byron lighthouse precinct, in Byron Bay.

A long-serving team of dedicated volunteers maintain a radio safety watch over all boaters within the Byron waters region, working closely with their Marine Rescue colleagues in Ballina and Brunswick Heads to ensure that when the call goes out from a vessel in distress, they provide the rescue boat with all the detail they need to ensure a safe result.

Training and uniforms are provided cost-free, with the added opportunity to develop your skills in the marine and emergency response service spheres.

If you are interested in joining as a volunteer, follow the link mrnsw.com.au/join.

Lismore Workers Club, 231 Keen Street, Lismore, NSW

health & healing

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.

Gleam Dental

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

Dental implants can replace individual teeth or stabilise dentures, helping patients regain comfort, confidence and normal function. Dr Sherlock has undertaken advanced implant training, including postgraduate study at UCLA, and Gleam Dental offers modern diagnostic technology such as 3D CBCT imaging to assist with precise treatment planning. In many cases, implants can be placed at the time of tooth extraction, reducing treatment time and helping preserve bone and gum health.

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

Gleam Dental 10 Grant Street, Ballina 02 6686 6619

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

Bangalow and Ballina Remedial Massage

Remedial massage is safe and effective for everybody and has many benefits for the body, mind and emotional states. It promotes health and physical wellbeing; relieves stress and tension; strengthens immune system and circulation; manages muscular pain; improves flexibility, range of movement and rehabilitation after injury; improves emotional states; relieves neck and back pain and other musculoskeletal dysfunctions; and much more!

Bangalow and Ballina Remedial Massage therapists are committed to the highest standard of care in all of their treatments. Treatments are reasonably priced as they believe massage should be part of everyone’s lifestyle.

Book online, gift vouchers available 0499 490 088

bbrmassage.com.au @bbr_massage

Dr Sam Gartland

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

Kate Messenger Kinesiology

Pain is not ‘normal’. Some wear and tear is natural as we age, however that plantar fasciitis, sore shoulder or gut ache is actually your body trying to bring to your attention that something is out of balance.

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

During a session, Kate uses gentle muscle monitoring to reveal what’s out of alignment – whether the root is emotional, structural, biochemical, energetic or subconscious. She then works with gentle, targeted techniques to shift the imbalance and help the body recalibrate itself so healing and repair become more accessible.

www.katemessengerkinesiology.com.au 0413 003 301 @katemessenger_kinesiology

Elizabeth Huxtable, Sound Therapist, Biofield Tuner

Elizabeth Huxtable is a pioneer in sound and vibrational healing, with over 40 years of experience in complementary therapies, across four continents. Her work is grounded in deep listening – to the body, the nervous system, and the subtle energetic fields.

She specialises in treating trauma through Biofield Tuning, workshops, group sound journeys, and private healing sessions for individuals seeking real, lasting change. After the loss of her daughter with disabilities, she has a passion for supporting special children and their families. Drawing from her own journey, she understands that healing is not one-size-fits-all. At the core of her work is empowerment – supporting clients to release what no longer serves them, restore balance, and reconnect with themselves.

www.elizabethhuxtable.com 0477 526 955

The Sanctuary Elizabeth Huxtable elizabethhuxtable.soundhealer

byronhealing.com.au

Byron healing is a go-to website featuring informative and entertaining articles on health and wellbeing. It features a host of practitioners and businesses in the industry, offering a range of modalities and services across the Northern Rivers.

Upcoming byron healing client events

Santos Sessions – Launch Event

Held by: Santos Organics

Date: Thursday 4 June

Time: Food service from 2pm

Live music from 4pm to 8pm

Address: 51/53 Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby www.santosorganics.com.au

Sangsurya Retreat Centre, Byron Bay

Krishna Village, 525 Tyalgum Rd, Eungella NSW 2484

Advanced Yoga Teacher Training (RYT-300)

Held by: Lila Kirtana & Michael ‘Laxmivan’ Kubitzky

Date: 8 to 19 June (Immersion 1 of 3)

Time: 6am to 5pm

Address: Krishna Village, 525 Tyalgum Rd, Eungella NSW 2484

Booking contact: www.krishnavillage-retreat.com/ courses/advanced-yoga-teacher-training-course

Krishna Cuisine Vegetarian Cooking CourseMoroccan Edition

Held by: Radha Ickrath

Date: 12 to 14 June

Time: 9am to 3pm

Address: Krishna Village, 525 Tyalgum Rd, Eungella NSW 2484

Booking contact: www.krishnavillage-retreat.com/courses/ krishna-cuisine-full-day-cooking-workshop/ Ganesha Yagna (Sacred Fire Ceremony)

Held by: Narahari Moncrieff

Date: 13 June

Time: 4pm to 5.45pm

Address: Krishna Village, 525 Tyalgum Rd, Eungella NSW 2484

Booking contact: www.krishnavillage-retreat.com/courses/yagna Advanced Pranayama

– Breathwork Teacher Training

Held By: Lila Kirtana and Michael ‘Laxmivan’ Kubitzky

Date: 22 to 26 June

Time: 6.15am to 5.45pm

Krishna Village, 525 Tyalgum Rd, Eungella NSW 2484

www.krishnavillage-retreat.com/courses/

Address: Krishna Village, 525 Tyalgum Rd, Eungella NSW 2484

Booking contact: www.krishnavillage-retreat.com/courses/ breathwork-training

Transforming Grief Retreat

Held by: Sharni Hudson and Rambhoru Brinkmann

Date: 25 to 28 June

Time: 7am to 8.30pm

Address: Krishna Village, 525 Tyalgum Rd, Eungella NSW 2484

Booking contact: www.krishnavillage-retreat.com/courses/ transforming-grief-retreat/ Nourish & Nurture Womens Retreat

Held by: Chloe Lyons

Date: 26 to 28 June

Time: 7am to 8pm

Address: Krishna Village, 525 Tyalgum Rd, Eungella NSW 2484

Booking contact: www.nourishnurtureretreat.shinepages.com

Yoga Course for Beginners

Held by: Lila Kirtana and Michael ‘Laxmivan’ Kubitzky

Date: 29 June to 3 July

Time: 6.15am to 5.45pm

Address: Krishna Village, 525 Tyalgum Rd, Eungella NSW 2484 www.krishnavillage-retreat.com/courses/

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

A night that changes lives

The night that changes lives is coming back when Rafiki Royale returns to Lennox Head –and the stakes have never been higher. Some events leave you with a hangover. Others leave you with something harder to shake – the feeling that you were part of something that actually mattered.

That’s what happened last year when Rafiki Royale made its debut in the Northern Rivers. More than 250 locals dressed up, showed up, and showed out for a Las Vegas-themed night that raised over $50,000 – funds that travelled all the way to Kenya, through Lennox-based charity Rafiki Mwema, which provides trauma recovery support for children who have experienced abuse. Now Rafiki Royale is back – the Lennox Head Cultural Centre will once again be transformed into a glittering Vegas-style playground.

What you are supporting is Rafiki Mwema – a charity founded in Lennox Head, that runs therapeutic programs, safe housing, and community reintegration for children who have often been failed by every other system available to them in Kenya. Its work is built on the belief that recovery is not a quick fix, and

Seven seven daysofentertainment

Izzy is indie soul

Gold Coast-based artist, Izzy Day is an alternative indie soul vocalist, producer and songwriter.

that every child deserves the chance to heal at their own pace, with grownups who will not give up on them.

Rafiki Royale isn’t just a fundraiser dressed up in sequins (although sequins are highly recommended!). It’s a genuine, community-built event that has proved something important: people in the Northern Rivers don’t just want a good time, they want a good time with purpose.

This year there’s a Premier Poker Tournament led by the Australian Poker League, limited VIP High Roller tickets with personal food and beverage service, Vegas-style casino tables, a red carpet arrival, live entertainment, special guests (Elvis will be in the building, naturally), Sideshow Alley games, and Sam’s Burgers feeding the crowd all night long.

Behind every spin of the roulette wheel and every poker hand dealt, there’s a child in Kenya whose life is being changed – because of you.

Rafiki Royale will run from 6pm at Lennox Head Cultural Centre and Early Bird tickets are $129, use locals code LOCAL for $10 off – find out more and pick up a ticket at rafikimwema.com

Within dynamic live music productions, Izzy and her band, weave rich, distinctive vocals with soulful textures, harmonically layered guitars, and crisp percussion, transporting her listeners into an endless dreamscape. The five-piece Gold Coast-based band are breaking the boundaries of indie music by weaving elements of alternative soul, contemporary R&B and nuage jazz. An Izzy Day live show is an experience not to be missed.

The songstress’ endearing and honest nature echoes throughout, with lyrics that reflect life in all its complexities against a backdrop of ambient indie soul.

Izzy’s captivating sound has earned global acclaim, with widespread praise from top-tier media outlets and industry leaders. Her music has been featured on major platforms such as MTV, Triple J, NME, FBi Radio, PBS, Scenestr, and Australian Music Scene. Internationally, she has also garnered attention from A&R Factory (UK), RGM (UK), Ones To Watch (US), and EARMILK (USA).

Izzy has been performing as a live singer-songwriter and bandleader since 2013, steadily building a dedicated fan base with her shows across the East Coast. She has performed at renowned Australian festivals and venues including Byron Bay Blues Festival, Bleach Festival, Island Vibes Festival, Celebrate GC, Festival 18, Sofar Sounds, and the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Following the release of her single, ‘Silence’, Izzy garnered an abundance of global praise, press and airplay, while also selling out headline shows in South East Queensland and Melbourne.

Catch Izzy this weekend on Sunday from 5pm at The Northern, Byron Bay. This is a free event.

Eclectic Selection

A Midsummer Night’s Queen is a vibrant reimagining of Shakespeare through an LGBTIQ+ lens – It brings together an enormously talented cast and crew combined with big hair, stratospheric wigs and gowns to die for.

Shows at 7.30pm

Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 5pm

Sunday. The Drill Hall Theatre, Mullumbimby. Tickets from $21 at drillhalltheatre.org.au.

Welcome artists and curious voyeurs to Kinky Drawers: Angels and Devils – where creativity runs wild and art comes alive – a gathering of lively souls, a kaleidoscope of artists and aficionados, voyeurs and explorers! An evening that delivers an eclectic combination of art, music, performance, and life drawing – with a theatrical kink!

Friday 7pm at the Brunswick Picture House. Tickets from $51 at brunswickpicturehouse.com.

Cloud Ice 9 emerged from the strange, slow-burn creative fallout of Melbourne’s long lockdowns. Formed in the barns and attic share houses where hours of tinkering on toy keyboards evolved into a fully-fledged ‘hive mind’. The result is a truly adventurous sound that has been bewildering live audiences for half a decade.

Saturday 5pm at the Clunes Coronation Hall. Tickets $25 + bf at humantix.com.

Ino Pio warms the sounds of acoustic excellence, with his one-man-band show, looping up all your favourites. From top-40 to new renditions of old, Ino will get you grooving!

Saturday from 4pm at the Bangalow Hotel. Free show.

Phantom Limbz is singer/ songwriter/guitarist Liz Newman who has been playing guitar since she was nine years old – she’s inspired by artists recording at the studio she was working at in the ‘90s, she started writing her own songs, and has had over 70 works registered with APRA.

Saturday from 5.30pm at the Williams St Cafe, Lennox Head. Free show.

This Sunday Blues Club Session features the Lez Karski band – Karski’s long association with the blues has yielded a shed-load of classic original material. With Karski’s unique guitar and vocal style, waggish lyrics, and compelling rhythms, his brand of music is good dancing fun.

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

In the vibrant world of music, where genres are often narrowly defined, Poly & Co stands as a testament to the power of eclecticism and creative exploration. This group of three musical gypsies are on a sonic journey to break down boundaries and redefine the very essence of music.

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

INTERVIEW NICKY BOMBA

MSO MAKING THE ECHO PARTY

A BLAST

Here at The Echo we are celebrating our big 4-0 and to make the party bigger than Ben Hur, we have invited the ultimate fun band to help us swing the night away – the electrifying Melbourne Ska Orchestra –delivering their signature high-energy big brass band sound. They are travelling north in June, and Seven caught up with band leader Nicky Bomba in the studio prepping for their next album.

What’s new with MSO?

Well, we’re about to do a national tour. We’re playing at The Echo party on 6 June, and we’re releasing a new album. Our last album was called The Ballad Of Monte Loco, and this one is called Monty Loco Returns, which is a live recording of the tour. And we also filmed the last show, so there’s a bit of a, like a mini doco coming out. So lots of different trips and working on a short film.

There are so many people on stage –how big does MSO grow?

When we play in Melbourne, because we don’t have flight issues, it’s been up to 26 or 27 – one show we hit 31. But that was kind of, a bit of mayhem on stage. You know, people were jumping over each other. We tour overseas with about 18 or 19.

I think when we’re doing the show for The Echo, that’s kind of, like a bit of a smaller version, so it’ll be like a 15-piece – something like that, which is still great. You can imagine with 30, as much mayhem as it looks from the audience, it’s twice as much on stage, but it’s fun. The bottom line with this band is it’s fun and good energy, and that always comes through.

As the ringmaster, is there a lot of difference for you leading the small group of 10 to 15, to a group of 30? Here’s the thing with performance – whenever you’re performing, it doesn’t matter what capacity you have. You’re a conduit for the energy that’s happening at the time.

Theatre under the stars, returning for one unforgettable season.

So what happens with an orchestra that’s got 18 or 30, you just have to watch you don’t trip over everybody. But as far as the energy is concerned, what we do – which is excitement and joy and elevation – and the vibrations of the moment with the songs that we love, it doesn’t really matter how many people are on stage, because it’s a bit like a circus. Sometimes there’s 15 people in there but everyone knows what their act is.

I like it when there’s a bit more room on stage, because I get to dance around more.

Has the reality of creating the orchestra matched the vision?

It’s beyond, way beyond. I mean, our first idea of putting things together was just to celebrate the 40th anniversary of ska in 2003. So 40 years later, we did a tribute at the Gershwin Room, and we just put the word out, just to see whether anyone might come, and we were inundated with people who wanted to be involved when we started rehearsing. That’s how the kind of, band came together, and that first gig was going to be a one-off, but the energy and the vibe and what we were doing, and what we were celebrating, was so good. It was too big to just let it go. So what in you life right now is inspiring you?

I love creating music – that’s kind of my number one. I could sit in the studio and just make music all day. I also like making things happen. You know, you can create music and everything, but unless it’s packaged, and put together, and mixed and mastered, and put out there, it kind of means nothing. It just gathers dust.

Melbourne Ska Orchestra are playing at The Echo’s 40th Birthday and Awards night, June 6 at Club Byron. Tickets from events.humanitix.com/the-echo-s-40thanniversary-and-awards-celebration.

BayFM and SAE University College Byron Bay have joined forces for the 3rd annual BaySounds. It’s the only songwriting comp in the Northern Rivers for unsigned independent artists. Your original song will be judged by industry professionals Ash Grunwald, Emily Lubitz and Mr Rhodes.

Prizes - thanks to our sponsors:

• Professional recording at SAE Byron Bay studios

• A playing spot at BaySounds Live Outside Broadcast or Howl and Moan Records Youth Showcase

• Music NSW mentorship

• Home recording kit from Broadcast Components

• Guitar from Son of Drum.

Two categories, youth and adult. Entries close Sunday 12 July. Snap the QR code or go to sae.edu.au/baysounds

Seven GIG GUIDE

seven days of entertainment

A love letter for Wallum

This weekend there will be a special screening of Love Letter to the Unseen in a special Save Wallum film night. Join the community for a special night of film that combines powerful storytelling with urgent conservation action.

From the fragile beauty of the Wallum lands cape to the fight to protect endangered species in Tasmania, this special screening connects communities, scientists and conservationists working to defend what remains.

The evening features the acclaimed documentary Love Letter to the Unseen, following youth conservationist Spencer Hitchen and his journey to understand the threats facing the endangered Maugean skate – and the deeper meaning of protecting species that many will never see.

The screening will be followed by a live panel discussion featuring Spencer Hitchen. Proceeds support Save Wallum’s legal fight to defend this irreplaceable ecosystem.

WEDNESDAY 20

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, TIM STOKES

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM TAHLIA MATHESON

■ PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, 6PM SCREENING: THE TOAD THE WHALE AND THE SUN

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM INO PIO + DUELING PIANO BAR

■ THE PADDOCK PROJECT, MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM CURRY JAM

■ OTTILIES, MULLUMBIMBY, 6PM MONDO JAZZ CATS

THURSDAY 21

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, JASON DELPHIN

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 8PM KURILPA REACH

■ BYRON BAY SERVICES CLUB 1PM TRAINS ARE CLIMATE ACTION W/ LUCY GALLANT, CATE COOREY, RICHARD STAPLES, BETH SHELLEY & LYDIA KINDRED

■ NORTH BYRON HOTEL 5.30PM OPEN MIC

■ GARDEN BAR, BYRON BAY, 8PM TEMPLE OF FIRE

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 8PM DAN HANNAFORD + QUENDO + DUELING PIANO BAR

■ FOXY LUU’S @ COORABELL HALL 5PM AUDIOSHRINE

■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM ADAM JAMES

■ SAINT MARIES, BRUNSWICK HEADS, 6PM MONDO JAZZ CATS

■ DRILL HALL THEATRE, MULLUMBIMBY, 7.30PM A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S QUEEN

■ LISMORE CITY BOWLO 7PM THE SUPPER CLUB SOUL BAND

■ MO’S DESERT CLUBHOUSE, GOLD COAST, 7PM MERMAID WATERS, SHIRE, SIERRA + MILK BEFORE BED

FRIDAY 22

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, PINK ZINC

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 5PM JEROME WILLIAMS + Z-STAR

■ ELEMENTS OF BYRON 5PM ADAM HARPAZ

■ NORTH BYRON HOTEL 5PM DJ SCOTT WOLFE

■ BYRON BAY SPIRITS CO 6PM BARRY MCLAY

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM ALLY PALMER & THE BLOSSOMS + DJ DAVI BANGMA + DUELING PIANO BAR

■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM DJ WHO’S WHO

■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM KINKY DRAWERS

■ OCEAN SHORES TAVERN 5.30PM OPEN MIC NIGHT

■ WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM RECYCLED SOUNDSYSTEM

■ MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 5.30PM BALCONY BEATS + KRAPPYOKEE WITH JESS

■ MULLUMBIMBY CIVIC HALL 6PM SACRED EARTH

■ DRILL HALL THEATRE, MULLUMBIMBY, 7.30PM A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S QUEEN

■ DURRUMBUL HALL 7.30PM ECSTATIC DANCE MULLUM WITH DJ DAKINI

■ CLUB LENNOX 7PM GUY & NCCI

■ LENNOX HOTEL 9PM SONIC FX

■ ELTHAM HOTEL 7PM MAPLE GLIDER + HANNAH MCKITTRICK

■ PEARCES CREEK HALL 6.30PM ELIAS BARTHOLOMEO AND CAM HANGER

■ HOTEL LISMORE 5.30PM ADAM HOURIGAN

■ M ARTS PRECINCT, MURWILLUMBAH, 4PM DAN INGRAM

■ REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH, 4PM DJ AFRODISEA

■ MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6.30PM DAVE CAVANAGH

■ SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 5.30PM JASON MCGREGOR

■ SALT & STONE, FINGAL HEAD, 5PM JOE CONROY

■ CLUB TWEED 7.30PM SMOOTH ODYSSEY

■ COOLANGATTA HOTEL 7PM THE GOOD KIDS, OFF JUDY, THE LIPSTICKS, DREEM WEEVER, BIG IN JAPAN & THE BLEEDING LIZARDS

SATURDAY

23

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, PAPER LANE

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM HENRY WEST DUO

■ BYRON THEATRE 7.30PM GALAPAGOS DUCK

■ NORTH BYRON HOTEL 1.30PM DANI QUAYLE MUSIC + DJ MONSIEUR DIOP

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM JB BLUES BREAKERS + DJ JAMIE LOWE + DUELING PIANO BAR

■ ARTS FACTORY GARDEN BAR, BYRON BAY, 7PM DISUN FUTURE, ZAGA OBIMBA, KATTIMONI, GABRIEL OTU

■ BANGALOW HOTEL 4PM INO PIO

■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4.30PM TAY OSKEE – W/ FINOJET, JORDY QUINN & BOATKEEPER

■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 6PM LOVE LETTER TO THE UNSEEN: A FILM NIGHT FOR WALLUM

■ WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 3PM 420 SOUND

■ MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 6PM PIANO BAR W/ JOHN

■ DRILL HALL THEATRE, MULLUMBIMBY, 7.30PM A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S QUEEN

■ BILLINUDGEL HOTEL 6PM MARSHALL & THE FRO

■ WILLIAMS STREET KITCHEN & BAR, LENNOX HEAD, 5.30PM PHANTOM LIMBZ

■ CORONATION HALL, CLUNES, 6PM CLOUD ICE 9 + SPEEDING VEHICLE + MERCY PLEASE + SUPER CARRY + SOLAR MUDRA

■ CLUB LENNOX 7PM TURF WAR + SPANGLED DRONGO

■ CHERRY STREET SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, 8PM BEN WHITING DUO

■ BLAH BAR, LISMORE, 7PM PLAGUE DWELLER + TORMENT + STENCH PIT + ACCELERATED SUFFERING

■ HOTEL LISMORE 9.30PM TUBED RADIO

■ ALSTONVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOL 6PM SCREENING: MY BROTHER’S BAND + THE SAX MANIACS

■ MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6.30PM PHIL & TILLEY

■ SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 5.30PM DAN HANNAFORD

■ SALT & STONE, FINGAL HEAD, 5PM GEORGE SMILOVICI

■ CLUB TWEED 7.30PM LIVING IN THE 70S

■ TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, THE SHOWROOM 8PM THE KILLER QUEEN EXPERIENCE

■ MO’S DESERT CLUBHOUSE, GOLD COAST, 12PM IXARAS, FRANK AND LOUIS AND MYLES

SUNDAY 24

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, MOEBIUS

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 4.30PM DON ROGERS BAND + JAMIE LOWE

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 5PM IZZY DAY + VINYL SUNDAY FT HOMBRE DEL SACC + DUELING PIANO BAR

■ BANGALOW HOTEL 3PM EVAN & DION

■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4PM CHAPERONE

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

■ DRILL HALL THEATRE, MULLUMBIMBY, 5PM A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S QUEEN

■ BILLINUDGEL HOTEL 1PM MATTHEW ARMITAGE

■ CLUB LENNOX 7PM BILL JACOBI

■ LENNOX HOTEL 4PM NATHAN KAYE

■ WHARF BAR, BALLINA, 2.30PM LUKE YEAMAN

■ BALLINA RSL LEVEL ONE 2.30PM TOM BURLINSON, BOARDWALK 2.30PM BALLINA BLUES CLUB FEAT LES KARSKI BAND

■ SHAWS

MONDAY 25

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY 27

3:50PM, 8:40PM PROJECT HAIL MARY (M) Daily except Thurs, Mon: 1:15PM STAR WARS: THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU (M) NFT Daily: 10:30AM, 1:00PM, 4:00PM, 6:00PM, 7:00PM THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 (M) Daily except Thurs, Mon: 11:10AM, 1:50PM, 4:30PM, 7:10PM, 8:10PM. Thurs: 11:10AM, 1:50PM, 4:30PM, 7:10PM, 8:40PM. Mon: 11:10AM, 1:50PM, 4:30PM, 7:10PM THE RICHEST WOMAN IN THE WORLD (M) NFT Daily: 10:30AM, 1:00PM, 3:30PM, 6:10PM

Classifieds

ECHO CLASSIFIEDS – 6684 1777

CLASSIFIED AD BOOKINGS

PHONE ADS

Ads may be taken by phone on 6684 1777

AT THE ECHO HEAD OFFICE

Ads can be lodged in person at the Mullum Echo 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.

PUBLIC NOTICES

BARB VON

Friends of the late Barb Von, who had a popular BayFM radio show called ‘Bareback Barbie’ in the 1990s, are having a small ‘celebration of life’ on the Saturday May 23rd in Byron on the anniversay of her death in Melbourne May 23rd 2025. For details email Abbe at abbeholmes3@gmail.com

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

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR TERMINATION OF STRATA SCHEME – SP92340

Take notice that Caroline Louise Magick of 43 Alcorn St, Suffolk Park 2481. email:seemagick@gmail.com the owner of the lots 1 and 2 in Strata Plan SP92340 known as 1 & 2 13 Rayner Lane, Lennox Head, NSW 2478 intends to apply to NSW Land Registry Services for the termination of the Strata Scheme SP92340. Any submission can be made to the applicant or her solicitors Tim Tetley Solicitors email: advice@timtetley.com

TIM TETLEY SOLICITORS

2/25 Brandon St. SUFFOLK PARK NSW 2481 Ph (02) 6685 3444

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.

HEALTH FREEDOM FROM ANXIETY

A proven framework to feel safe, steady and okay in yourself again. 0434558187 www.sarabrowntherapies.com.au

HAWAIIAN MASSAGE Ocean Shores, Michaela, 0416332886

KINESIOLOGY

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

HYPNOSIS & EFT

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

HYPNOSIS & NLP

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

COBRA

Cobra is our Dog of the week: Cobra is a 5 year old, Smithfield/Staffy X. He is a loyal and intelligent dog looking for a strong, confident owner who can provide leadership and structure. Due to his strong personality, Cobra would do best in a home without children.

M/C #953010005610499

For more information contact Yvette on 0421 831 128. Please complete our online adoption expression of interest. https://friendsofthepound.com/adoptionexpression-of-interest/

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

Robyn...

On The Horizon

kittens

KITTENS!!! Coming soon to a lap near you! The shelter is seeing an influx of cute floof balls & we are on the hunt for the very best of homes for them. A sweet reminder that from little things, big cats grow & adopters should consider that they should be prepared to provide love & care for up to 2 decades & maybe beyond! To meet our precious babies, please visit the Cat Adoption Centre at 124 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby.

OPEN:Tues 2.30-4.30pm Thurs 3-5pm / Sat 10am-12 noon Call AWL on 0436 845 542

Like us on Facebook! AWL NSW Rehoming Organisation Number: R251000222

ARCHIE

Meet Archie, Heeler x Staffy x Greyhound / Male2 years / Desexed Archie is a sweet soul who adores humans and is looking for a buddy that will look after him forever. He’s a cuddler and happy to chill alongside you. He gets on well with other dogs and knows all the obedience basics.Archie needs a secure fenced area, ok with older kids, no cats or livestock Call Julia on 0458 461 935 or apply via byrondogrescue.org MC: 991003002588255

DEADLINE NOON FRIDAY

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

Free connect at Belongil

A free community (connect) event will run for the following four Mondays, starting 11 May from 8am at Belongil Beach. Led by mental health worker/ yoga, breath, meditation facilitator Kali Jade, the morning includes a short meditation and mantra, then a walk to The Wreck and back, with the option to have a cuppa at the Treehouse Cafe. Aimed for peeps who are alone/dysregulated/or wanting sober events to connect at. Email hello@kriyamethod.au.

Byron Bay Library in

May

Mullumbimby CWA

June 17 is the Soup Day at the CWA rooms. This is a fundraiser for the Cancer Council, in place of last year’s Biggest Morning Tea. Delicious home-made soups with crusty bread will be on offer. For information on Mullumbimby CWA, call secretary Jenny Barlow on 66 847 282.

BEC fundraiser

ROBYN

Meet Robyn. This independent character is fully house-trained and generously natured. Smart, loyal and with an industrious personality, Robyn is not a traditional ‘cuddly’ lap pet. If you understand that love sometimes comes with a little attitude, then you won’t find a better companion than Robyn Happy Birthday dear Robyn! Thanks for being such an incredible mum, nana, great-nana, aunty & friend. xxx

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

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

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

ONLY ADULTS

For Law Week, a free seniors information session will be held Thursday, 21 May from 3 to 5pm. Come along and be informed about planning ahead with wills, power of attorney, guardianship and advance care directories. Afternoon tea provided, followed by a Q&A. The Author Event on Thursday 28 May 3pm will feature Maggie Walters with Alan Close. Join award-winning author Maggie Walters in conversation about her new book Fractured Motherhood: when love, trauma and parenting intertwine. This is a powerful and deeply personal memoir exploring trauma, adoption and the enduring possibility of healing. Afternoon tea provided. Bookings call 6685 8540 or online www.rtrl.nsw.gov.au.

Drill Hall screens The Runner

On Wednesday 20 May from 7pm on, the Drill Hall Film Society presents the 1984 film The Runner. Childhood takes on mythic dimensions in one of the defining works of post 1979 revolutionary Iranian cinema, going on to gain significant international acclaim, helping to introduce the Iranian new wave to a global audience. Inspired by director Amir Naderi’s own childhood, The Runner centres around a young orphan, fending for himself on the streets of the port city of Bandar Abbas on the Strait of Hormuz. Shot during the Iraq-Iran war, Naderi’s technique is noteworthy as the film is admirably lean and remarkably well-constructed. Guests are always welcome ($10 ) and Society memberships will be renewed at the end of June. All bookings and enquiries to drillhallfilmsociety@gmail.com.

SOCIAL ESCORTS

Lismore rainforest walk

Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens open day, Sunday, 24 May, 9.30am to 1pm. Taking place on Bundjalung Country. 313 Wyrallah Road, East Lismore. Meet at the Visitors Centre – native plant stall open from 9.30am with great advice and sales of healthy local rainforest plants. Guided walks, cake and coffee stall, card and book sales. Educational displays. Children’s activities – spotto, floral art, craft, yoga. Bookings essential by emailing membership@friendslrbg.com.au.

(Please give a contact number and say which walk and time you’d like). Numbers limited, cost $5 per person, children free. Meet at Visitor’s Centre, 10 mins before walk please. Wear sturdy shoes and hats.

Trains are climate action

You are invited to a cuppa and chat about ‘Trains Are Climate Action’ with a great panel of speakers including so far: ex-councillors Cate Coorey and Richard Staples, and community activists Beth Shelley and Lydia Kindred. Live music by international bohemian songstress Lucy Gallant, and refreshments provided.

At Byron Services Club 1-3pm, Thursday, 21 May. Rsvp: judybyronbay@yahoo.com.

The Byron Environment Centre is holding a World Environment Day movie fundraising event at the Brunswick Picture House on Sunday, June 7 at 4pm. Funds raised will go towards reopening the Cumbebin Wetlands and boardwalk. This special place was damaged by floods and vandals, but it is almost ready to be accessible for everyone to enjoy once more. Earth’s Greatest Enemy is a powerful new featurelength documentary, exposing the environmental and climate cost of the world’s largest military. It traces the link between war, empire, and ecological destruction. Drawing on powerful testimonies from veterans, scientists, and frontline communities, it uncovers how US military operations poison ecosystems, accelerate global warming, and sacrifice the future for endless expansion.

Digital skills workshops for seniors

A new series of free digital skills for seniors workshops through the Byron Seniors Club is helping older residents in the Byron Shire build confidence online, recognise scams and protect their personal information. The sessions are designed specifically for seniors and focus on real-world skills, from spotting phishing emails and suspicious messages to safely using smartphones, apps and online services. The workshops are friendly, accessible and paced for all experience levels, with a strong emphasis on building confidence, independence and connection. The workshops are held Mondays and Fridays, until 12 June from 2.30pm to 4.30pm at the Byron Community Centre, 69 Jonson Street, Byron Bay. Open to people aged 50+ (no experience required). For bookings, visit https://collections.humanitix. com/digital-skills-for-seniors.

Free fitness classes

Open week (Sat May 16 – Thursday 21 May). Free community functional fitness classes all week at Social Remedy’s garage gym. No membership required – just show up, move, meet people.

Free pilates classes

Social Remedy is opening its sculpt division reformer pilates studio to the community, with free community reformer classes across the weekend (22-24 May); Goodie bags for attendees; Live DJ on-site; Food trucks, and more. Running alongside the weekend event is the Nagnata Warehouse sale (22-23 May).

Convict family history

Anyone interested in their convict family history from any of the many fleets who journeyed to Australia are very welcome to come along to our group. This includes spouses and friends of any descendants interested in history. We meet every two months and our next meeting will be held on Sunday, 24 May.

If you are interested please contact Jacqui on 0404 072 195, or via email fff1788@outlook.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

Property Insider

Why your agent’s database is your most powerful sales tool

When most people think about selling a home, they picture open inspections, online listings, and signboards out front. But the most effective real estate agents know that some of the best deals happen before a property ever hits the market – and it all starts with understanding buyers at a deeper level.

Here’s a truth that surprises many vendors: buyers are far more flexible than they appear.

A couple might walk into our office convinced they want a three-bedroom brick home in Suffolk Park. Six weeks later, they are signing contracts on a two-bedroom weatherboard in Coorabell. It happens constantly. Buyers think they know exactly what they want - until they see something that feels right, and the original brief goes out the window.

We see these examples every day, and we are constantly reminded why a well-managed buyer database is the most valuable asset in real estate. Rather than waiting passively for the

right buyer to stumble across a listing, a proactive agent is constantly cross-referencing their database – matching buyers not just to what they’ve asked for, but to what they might actually love.

Buyers rarely confine themselves to a single suburb. They shop across a price point. A buyer

AUCTION

with a $2,000,000 budget might begin focusing on a specific region but gradually open up to inspecting homes in other locations that look appealing with their own character, energy, and lifestyle proposition. An agent who understands this casts a wider net – and introduces more

buyers throughout the campaign, directly influencing the outcome.

The real skill lies in the relationship. When agents take the time to genuinely understand a buyer’s lifestyle, motivations, and non-negotiables (versus their ‘nice to haves’), they build the trust needed to say: ‘I know

this isn’t what you described, but I think you should see it.’ And buyers listen – because they feel known, not just managed.

For vendors, this approach is enormously valuable. Instead of relying solely on passive enquiry from new listings, your agent should be actively working their buyer pool. Instead of asking the agent ‘how big is your database?’, vendors should be asking - ‘how do you work your database?’.

At the end of the day, real estate is a relationship business. The agents who invest in knowing their buyers – really knowing them – consistently achieve stronger results for their sellers, faster sales, and happier clients on both sides of the contract.

If you’d like to know how many active buyers we have matched to your property right now, get in touch today.

■ Sotheby’s International Realty Byron Bay 02 6610 9892 office@sirbyronbay.com.au

37-38/1 Porter Street, Byron Bay

Iconic Murwillumbah Landmark - Dual Living Period Residence with DA Commanding the premier elevated position in Murwillumbah’s revered Hospital Hill enclave, “Glenelg” is a beautifully restored circa 1902 Queenslander offering heritage elegance, breathtaking views and remarkable flexibility.

Currently operating as an iconic short-term holiday rental with strong brand, business infrastructure and forward bookings, Glenelg offers immediate income potential or an exceptional multigenerational living opportunity for an owner occupier. “A rare opportunity to transition from admirer to custodian. This is not just a residence for today, but a 1902 masterpiece preserved for the centuries to follow.”

We bring the whole team Ray White Rural Murwillumbah 02 6672 3737

Embrace

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Mr Property Services

Open For Inspection

DJ Stringer Property Services

18 Seaview Dr, Banora Point. Sat 9–9:30am

6/2 Surf St, Bilinga. Sat 9:30–10am

6/241 Golden Four Dr, Bilinga. Sat 9:30–10am 7/20 Dutton St, Coolangatta. Sat 10–10:30am 2/21 Caloola Dr, Tweed Heads. Sat 10:30–11am 1/13 Parkland Pl, Banora Point. Sat 10:30–11am

2/38 Garrick St, Coolangatta. Sat 11am–12pm 236/1 Mariners Drive West, Tweed Heads. Sat 11:30am–12pm 33/5 Island Dr, Tweed Heads. Sat 11:30am–12pm First National Byron

6A Kumbellin Glen, Ocean Shores. Wed 12–12.30pm 5/124 Lighthouse Road. Thurs 10–11.30am 5 Koala Close, Ewingsdale. Thurs 10.30–11am 160 Reardons Lane, Swan Bay. Thurs 11–11.30am 12/12 Browning Street, Byron Bay. Thurs 12.30–1pm 103 Paterson Street, Byron Bay. Fri 11–11.30am 134 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby. Fri 2–2.30pm 23 Ann Street, Mullumbimby. Fri 3–3.30pm 2/122 Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay. Sat 9–9.30am 73 Alcorn Street, Suffolk Park. Sat 9–9.30am 20 Oakland Court, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

50 Sunrise Boulevard, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am 305/3–7 Grandview Street, East Ballina. Sat 10–10.30am

3 Hayter Street, Suffolk Park. Sat 10–10.30am

3/40 Ruskin Street, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

12/12 Browning Street, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

32 Julian Rocks Drive, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

6A Kumbellin Glen, Ocean Shores. Sat 10.30–11am

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

5 Botanic Court, Mullumbimby. Sat 11–11.30am

10 Glasgow Street, Suffolk Park. Sat 11–11.30am

6 Muli Place, Suffolk Park. Sat 11–11.30am

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

892 Main Arm Road, Main Arm. Sat 11.30am–12pm

61 Bentwing Place, Tintenbar. Sat 11.30am–12pm

3 Blue Water Place, Byron Bay. Sat 12–12.30pm

23 Ann Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 12–12.30pm

18 Heritage Court, Suffolk Park. Sat 12–12.30pm

2 Whian Road, Eureka. Sat 12.30–1pm

134 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 12.45–1.15pm

3 Cudgerie Court, Mullumbimby. Sat 1–1.30pm

119 Hunters Hill Road, Corndale. Sat 1.15–1.45pm

195 North Teven Road, Teven. Sat 2–2.30pm

Harcourts Northern Rivers

1/6–8 Norlyn Avenue, Ballina. Sat 9–9.30am

213 Skyline Road South, Wyrallah. Sat 9.30–10.00am

2/21 Rifle Range Road, Wollongbar. Sat 10–10.30am

18 Brunswick Street, Ballina. Sat 10–10.30am

14 Forestoak Way, Goonellabah. Sat 10:15–10:45am

936 Pimlico Road, Pimlico. Sat 11–11.30am

74 Dolphin Drive, West Ballina. Sat 11.15–11.45am

4/61–63 Crane Street, Ballina. Sat 11.30am– 12.00pm

23 Fern Street, Lennox Head. Sat 12.15–12.45pm

4 Seaward Street, Lennox Head. Sat 1–1.30pm

MANA RE

10 Gin Gin Crescent, Ocean Shores. Sat 9–9.30am

9/33 Redford Drive, Skennars Head. Sat 10–10.30am

16 Berrimbillah Court, Ocean Shores. Sat 10–10.30am

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

7 Bulgoon Crescent, Ocean Shores. Sat 11.30am–12pm

16 Gloria Street, South Golden Beach.12.30–1pm

59 Crabbes Creek Road, Crabbes Creek. 1.30–2pm

North Coast Lifestyle Properties Mullumbimby

2/12 Condon Drive, East Ballina. Sat 12–12.45pm

519 Cross Road, Numulgi. Sun 2–2.30pm

www.echo.net.au/ofi

Raine & Horne

837 Nobbys Creek Road, Nobbys Creek. Sat 9–10am

Panorama Estate: 2981 Kyogle Road, Kunghur. Sat 9am–12.30pm

1243 Kyogle Road, Uki. Sat 11am–12pm

629 Tumbulgum Road, Tygalgah. Sat 12.30–1pm

3221 Kyogle Road, Mount Burrell. Sat 1–1.30pm

8404 Tweed Valley Way, Eviron. Sat 1.30–2pm

Real Estate of Distinction

6439 Tweed Valley Way, Burringbar. Sat 10–10.30am

3/23 Poinciana Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 11.30am–12pm

6 Angus Kennedy Close, Lennox Head. Sat 1.30–2.00pm

Tim Miller Real Estate

31 Charlotte Street, Bangalow. Sat 9.30–10am

40 Booyun Street, Brunswick Heads. Sat 10.30–11am

186 Repentance Creek Road, Goonengerry. Sat 11.45am–12.15pm

23 Sheaffes Road, Goonengerry. Sat 1.15–1.45pm

New Listings

First National Byron

3 Cudgerie Court, Mullumbimby

61 Bentwing Place, Tintenbar

MANA RE

25 Barlee Drive, Fernvale

59 Crabbes Creek Road, Crabbes Creek

146 Shara Boulevard, Ocean Shores

Property Business Directory

Backlash

Triextra

Wyuna 1 was still beached at Belongil, Byron Bay on Tuesday at 2pm, past the Monday, 18 May deadline for skipper Jeff Sutton to remove the yacht or face its destruction and $220,000 in fines. A retired salvage operator was to help and a crowdfund had raised $11K by Tuesday. Captain Sutton didn’t reply by deadline to confirm his next steps.

Plastic eating kimchi?

According to a report in Science Daily (sciencedaily.com) ‘a probiotic bacterium found in kimchi may help the body flush out tiny plastic particles before they can build up in organs. In lab tests, the kimchi-derived microbe clung tightly to nanoplastics even under conditions designed to mimic the human intestine, where other bacteria quickly lost their grip.’

When the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) announced they were presenting a talk ‘Big Blue Ideas’ as part of Vivid Sydney’s 2026 program it wasn’t following in Trump’s footsteps and painting pools blue. Instead, they are looking at the future of the Great Barrier Reef and how to protect our oceans. Perhaps the Trump camp could take a page out of the ANMM booklet and take action on climate change? We can all dream!

Billie Eilish has recently highlighted the contradiction of claiming to love animals while continuing to support industries that profit from their suffering through food production. At the same time, the EU Parliament has voted to cut support for organisations promoting

plant-based foods, especially in schools – a move many critics see as the result of powerful meat and dairy industry lobbying to protect profits. It’s hard not to compare it to the influence of the gas lobby here – where protecting industry profits often seems to matter more than compassion, health, sustainability, or meaningful progress.

Following the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, Byron Shire Council has received funding to commence rebuilding the eroded sand dunes at New Brighton. Beachgoers will see machines working on the beach between Park Street and North Head Road for two to four weeks, moving sand further up to where the dunes have eroded.