The Byron Shire Echo Issue 40.52 – June 3, 2026

40 years of Echo love!

Ready for a party are Echo stalwarts: editor Aslan Shand; electron wrangler Ewan Willis; Soapbox queen

Nolan who is MC;

who makes The Echo look so hot; the most amazing Anna Coelho who has brought this event together; Simon Haslam who keeps us all in line; and online editor Hans Lovejoy who loves to push the line and pluck the strings of the community. Of course as usual the headline act will be Jeff ‘Create Your Own Headline’ Dawson. Photo Mark Burkett

Come join a fun-filled night of community celebration

This Saturday The Echo is set to mark its 40th year in style with a ’30s swing-era style party and community awards night featuring the dynamic sounds of the Melbourne Ska Orchestra

The Shire’s quinquennial night of nights is back! This Saturday, 6 June, will see Club Byron, at the Byron Bowlo, transformed into a den of revelry as it hosts The Echo’s 40th birthday celebrations and community awards. It is a night of dance and cabaret with the Melbourne Ska Orchestra and Wild Women Burlesque as well as a chance for The Echo to recognise the many amazing members of our community who make it the special place it is to live, dream, party, and change the world.

Springing from the ‘wave of patchwork colour, an unwashed wave, a laughing wave, a wave of

love and confusion, a very hairy wave and very often a stark naked wave’ that was the alternative culture that washed across the region in the 1970s, as Echo founder Nicholas Shand described it. The Echo continues to have a strong voice for the community.

So come and join us, not naked

but dressed to the nines this time, and let’s celebrate the community we are, and where we are headed on the magical tour of existence.

As co-founder David Lovejoy said, ‘Change is the constant of all histories. Some changes may be vast and irresistible, but others are subject to our choices, to what we

consider important. It is within our collective will to ensure that the landscape of Byron Shire remains healthy and harmonious.’

■ Tickets are selling fast so head to https://events.humanitix.com/ the-echo-s-40th-anniversary-andawards-celebration to get yours.

Local family-owned Byron businesses asking for your support RA information sessions

The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) are providing a series of targeted information and industry sessions to help flood-impacted residents in the Northern Rivers move from the planning phase into active construction and relocation.

‘This immediate, face-toface support is designed to help Resilient Homes Program participants navigate the transition from gaining planning approvals to starting actual building works, strengthening community preparedness against future severe weather events,’ said an RA spokesperson.

Homeowners can find information on: retrofitting options and materials; builders, relocation contractors, house-lifters, and

managing consultants; advice on planning, zoning, and development approvals needed; presentations on the steps required for successful relocation and construction.

Homeowner information sessions: June 30, Broadwater Hall, 12pm-6pm; July 22,Murwillumbah Civic and Cultural Centre, 12pm to 6pm. Connecting with industry events: June 4, Mullumbimby Civic Hall, 4pm-6pm; June 11, Coraki Youth Hall, 4pm-6pm; June 16, Condong Bowling Club, 4pm-6pm; July 8, Mullumbimby Civic Hall, 4pm-6pm; and July 14, South Lismore Bowling Club, 4pm-6pm.

Homeowners and industry participants are encouraged to register at: www.nsw.gov. au/rhpevents.

Aslan Shand

Long-term, local Byron businesses are calling on the community for support as they struggle to remain afloat as the drainage works in Byron Bay continue.

‘Five months in and the roadworks have choked the central road so badly that people just can’t manage navigating around them. You can still park in the centre, but you have to work for it, and most don’t. They drive on by, or they skip the trip entirely,’ owners of Dr Moose T-Shirts Rachael and Dale Warburton told The Echo

Sam and Sandra Vickers who own the Hot Bread Kitchen next door agree telling The Echo that, ‘This is our third lot of laneway closures. They have a huge impact on us as a local business as we rely on the foot traffic for business. We were promised by Byron Shire Council (BSC) that the side laneway would be open prior to Easter, but of course that didn’t happen. They did open some parts over Easter, but not the laneway. They haven’t been working in the laneway for over three weeks.’

Both businesses say they are down on sales between 45-50 per cent in the same period last year and they are struggling to keep their doors open.

Open the laneway

‘They were supposed to start in May 2025, but didn’t start till October. What is really frustrating is that the goal posts keep moving. You try and plan for it but then they move them. And sometimes people appear careless, like the contractor that damaged a business sign in the laneway. I don’t think they realise that this incidental damage leads to delays in things like the

laneway opening which has such large ramifications on us as local businesses.’

‘We are not the only businesses struggling,’ said Rachael.

‘On top of years of rent hikes and the cost-of-living crunch, and now with the impact of the drainage works we have nothing left.’

Dr Moose did try to negotiate some rent relief with the landlord over this challenging time but it wasn’t achievable.

What is the future of small businesses in Byron?

‘Every shop owner I speak to is in the same hole. Some deeper,’ she said.

‘This isn’t just a Dr Moose story. It’s the story of the family businesses that built Byron’s character, and they’re being replaced one shop at a time by national chains who can afford to lose money here just for a Byron postcode. Things like Cotton On and Sports Girl, they are here for the optics, they can afford to run at a

$10m Booyong mansion on exhibition

loss as major companies, but we’re are family-owned businesses who work to feed our families.

The impact of losing Bluesfest, the drainage works, and a general economic downturn has made this year particularly difficult.

Council step up

‘The state of the town is dire, with three major construction sites impacting parking, and walkability aspects that encourage incidental purchases,’ People of Byron convenor, Brooke Mac, told The Echo

‘Despite a ten-year-old Masterplan, there’s been little investment in shade, seating, landscaping and public spaces to enhance the town for residents and small businesses. We hope to work with Council to prioritise initiatives like investing in a “Buy Local” campaign or replace “The Rain is for Drain” banners that have been hanging at the towns entrance for three years.

Small things that will benefit locals, visitors, and support independent businesses at

Six

Editorial/news: editor@echo.net.au

Advertising: adcopy@echo.net.au

Office: 64 McGoughans Lane, Mullumbimby NSW 2482

General Manager: Simon Haslam

Editor: Aslan Shand

Deputy Editor: Hans Lovejoy

Photographer: Jeff Dawson

Advertising Manager: Anna Coelho

Production Manager: Ziggi Browning Nicholas Shand 1948–1996 Founding Editor David Lovejoy 1944–2024 Co-founder

A large dual-occupancy (detached) five-bedroom mansion, swimming pool and three-bedroom caretaker’s dwelling is proposed for 501A Booyong Rd, Booyong. According to Byron Council’s website, DA 10.2025.603.1 will cost $10,083,715. A shed that has been approved under Development Consent No. 10.2025.149.1 has commenced construction within the central west of the allotment.

The proposed dwelling

contains five bedrooms, each with an ensuite, a central kitchen/living/dining area, a retreat, a gym and a laundry space.

Outdoor living and entertainment areas are proposed on the northern and southern sides of the dwelling. A courtyard is proposed on the dwelling’s eastern side.

For more visit https:// datracker.byron.nsw.gov. au/MasterViewUI-External/ Application/ApplicationDetails/010.2025.00000603.001/.

this challenging time.’ Dr Moose has been a Byron staple local business for over 30 years and the Hot Bread Kitchen has been a family-owned business in Byron for over 45 years.

‘We need people to look at whether they want local, family-owned businesses to remain in Byron?’ said Rachael.

‘We are asking locals to think about shopping local and supporting local businesses – spend a dollar locally – rather than spending it with large brands and corporations – especially at a time when it is hard to get people to come in because of the road and drainage works.’

Byron Business Chamber president agrees telling The Echo, ‘The best thing we can do for these businesses is to vote with our feet and our wallets. Shops like Dr Moose, the bakery, the Corner Store, the newsagent are all in a fight for their lives at the moment so please go down and spend some money and time, show them that they are more than a past memory.’

townhouses and pools proposed for West Byron

Six, two storey, three bedroom detached dwellings and six swimming pools are being proposed across 18, 20, and 22 Autumn Crt, in West Byron (DA 10.2026.142.1).

The engineering assessment says, ‘The site measures approximately 1,618m2 in plan and combines three lots within Stage 1B of the Harvest Estate Development’. While the area was recently flood prone, now that extensive filling of the site has taken place the

site is now considered ‘fully positioned above the flood planning level closest to the site’.

The proposed construction materials include a concrete floor, concrete block walls covered with stone and timber cladding, and a steel sheet roof. Earthworks are proposed to create a level building pad.

For more information visit Byron Shire Council’s DA Tracker at: https://datracker. byron.nsw.gov.au.

Mullumbimby house fire destroys locals’ home

Aslan Shand

Long-term residents of Mullumbimby, Jeff and Alma Jackson lost their home to fire last week.

Jeff and Alma were away, and their two grandchildren and nephew who were staying at the house, escaped thanks to smoke alarms. It is believed the fire started as a result of an electrical fault in the kitchen.

‘They have lost everything,’ their son Matt Jackson told The Echo

‘Now, it’s like every day we’re just thinking of moments and memories which we’ve had in the house. For mum and dad, they are in shock because they’ve just suddenly lost everything.’

Unfortunately the Jacksons didn’t have contents insurance and good friend and neighbour Frea BandiniAlefosio, who was there all night providing support during the fire, has set up a GoFundMePage to raise money to help them get set when they are able to move back in.

Jeff and Alma have lost everything in the house fire that destroyed their home in

‘My mum didn’t want to do it,’ said Matt. ‘She’s just one of those people who always looks after other people and doesn’t ask for help. I said to her ‘it is okay for people to give back to you’.

Community support

Matt said his parents, and the whole family, have had such incredible support from the community.

‘Mum went to the post office to change her address

to mine, and instead they gave her a post office box until she works it all out.

Then she was on her way to the optometrist and walked past Bridglands and Rob comes out and asks her how she is and gives her a hug. Mum started crying and Rob donated mum a new TV and air fryer. Then on her way home, going past Mullum InStyle Living they spotted mum and told her, “when you get back in the house just come in and we’ll look

after you”. That was just one trip to the optometrist and everyone was reaching out to her. I said, “see mum, it’s your turn to receive now”. It’s a beautiful reminder of what it means to be part of the local Mullumbimby community.’

You can support Jeff and Alma on their GoFundMe page at: https://www. gofundme.com/f/support-amullumbimby-family-aftertragic-house-fire.

Bay FM’s Karena Wynn-Moylan wins at Aus Audio Awards

Australia’s top radio and podcast talent were crowned at the inaugural Australian Audio Awards last Thursday night at Carriageworks in Sydney. Entries were judged on their technical expertise, audio quality, content and impact.

Bay FM’s ‘Narratives Library National Edition’, produced and presented by Karena Wynn-Moylan, was awarded ‘Best Specialist Program’ at the awards.

The Narratives Library is broadcast on Arts Canvass on Bay FM every Thursday morning, and syndicated to the Community Radio

Network and podcast destinations.

The Narratives Library On Demand Streaming website contains many hundreds

of authors reading for just five minutes together with revealing interviews and receives several million hits per year.

‘It’s wonderful that the contribution and importance of community radio is finally recognised in awards of this stature,’ said Karena.

Developed last year by Mumbrella, Radioinfo and RadioToday, the awards recognise achievement across all of Australia’s audio sectors. In the radio section, for the first time ever, ABC, SBS, commercial and community stations competed in 13 categories.

Chair of the judging panel Steve Ahern said, ‘Judges looked for work that successfully navigated the evolving media landscapes.’

BYRON BAY, NSW

After 26 years at the helm of the Byron Bay War Memorial Swimming Pool, Ralph Mamone is preparing to hand over the keys. Following Byron Shire Council’s recent tender process, management will transition to Belgravia Leisure, marking the conclusion of Ralph’s tenure as the facility’s manager which began in 2000.

Ralph’s final day as manager will be 30 June 2026, and he views this milestone as an opportunity to celebrate the collaborative spirit and the deep community roots that have defined the pool for over a quarter of a century.

“It has been a privilege to partner with Council to care for this facility for so long,” he said. “As this chapter closes, my main focus is saying thank you to the incredible people and organisations who made the pool a second home for so many of us.”

A significant part of the pool’s history is our staff. I would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the entire team, including my original business partner, Mark Simms, and I especially want to acknowledge a true local identity, Greg Daniels – better known to everyone as Baz.”

Ralph also wishes to acknowledge the local swim professionals whose programs have been synonymous with the pool’s success, including David and Teresa from Berbotto Water Academy, Chiara and Sydoni from Byron Bay Swimmers, and Andrea from Byron Bay Swim School and the many other swimming groups. “These coaches and their teams have provided an essential service to our town,” he noted. “I also want to thank the Byron Bay Swim Club and the Byron Water Polo Club for their passion, and the Byron Bay Surf Club for their ongoing connection to our waters.” Beyond the lanes, the pool has served as a platform for local community support through partnerships with the Liberation Larder, the Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce, and the Youth Activity Centre (YAC). Ralph also extends his gratitude to the many school teachers and students, as well as the “amazing Byron and beyond” swimming community.

I am also incredibly proud of my administration and restaurant team,” he added. “They treated the pool and Fishheads as one single business, serving our community with heart and dedication. I am so grateful for the way they embraced the pool family as their own.”

While Ralph’s formal management of the pool ends on 30 June, he will continue to welcome locals and visitors at Fishheads Restaurant & Takeaway, located directly next door.

I wish the new management every success and look forward to seeing the community continue to enjoy this beautiful facility. I’ll still be right here at Fishheads, ready to catch up with everyone after their swim.”

‘We live at a time, when particularly due to social media and big tech, we are running a very serious risk of losing the capacity for nuanced thinking and interpreting.’

– Yanis Varoufakis

Temporary home for Queer Family after heated debate

Paul Bibby

Byron Shire Council has voted to provide struggling local LGBTQIA+ support service Queer Family Inc with temporary access to a Council-owned property at peppercorn rent, following an impassioned plea from the organisation and a lengthy debate over governance and fairness.

The motion, put forward by Greens councillor Elia Hauge and Mayor Sarah Ndiaye at last week’s Council meeting, passed 5–4 after councillors spent more than an hour debating the merits of supporting the service versus concerns over due process.

Under the decision, Council will expand investigations into a potential permanent site for Queer Family Inc while offering the organisation temporary use of an unnamed Council-owned property from mid-August on a peppercorn rent and ‘other reasonable terms to meet Council’s legislative requirements’.

The debate followed an emotional address from Queer Family Inc’s Aiden Gentle, who described the service as ‘a lifeline’ for queer

people across the region.

‘Today, you have the privilege of making a decision that will profoundly affect whether some members of this community have a place where they feel safe and belong, or whether that place is lost,’ Aiden told councillors.

Aidan said the organisation had already been forced to cut programs amid an ongoing search to secure premises, arguing that Queer Family Inc provided an essential support network for vulnerable people.

Supporters of the motion argued Council had an obligation to step in.

Cr Hauge said Queer Family Inc supported ‘one of the most marginalized parts of our community’, including young people experiencing hardship at school or home.

Mayor Ndiaye said councillors had a responsibility to support vulnerable groups. She argued the proposed arrangement was a temporary measure while staff worked through planning and governance hurdles.

But opponents argued the move risked undermining governance processes and setting an unfair precedent.

Independent councillor Michael Lyon said he admired

the work of Queer Family Inc but believed Council was departing from proper procedure.

‘Council buildings are public assets that should be allocated through transparent, criteria-based processes,’ he said, referencing concerns raised in the staff report.

Independent councillor Jack Dods said he feared Council was ‘picking winners and losers’ by allocating a Council building to a specific organisation without a broader expression of interest process.

‘I really hope we can find a solution to Queer Family Inc’s ask,’ Cr Dods said.

‘Personally, I don’t think the motion on the screen is the answer.’

Councillor Janet Swain also opposed the proposal, saying Council should not bypass established processes, even for worthy causes.

Council staff had advised against the motion in its original form, warning that offering a Council-owned site at peppercorn rent outside a transparent process could create governance and probity concerns and potentially disadvantage other community groups seeking space.

Babette Weatherell

It’s been a landmark year for Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy (BSRC). After nearly a decade of research, collaboration, and planning, our Science Saving Rainforests program has reached a major milestone. The first of our ‘genetically optimal’ trees have been planted in the ground.

Developed in partnership with Botanic Gardens of Sydney and Firewheel Rainforest Nursery, the program is a world-first initiative using cutting-edge science to restore genetic diversity and resilience across 60 rainforest species within the Big Scrub. This is one of the first attempts to apply this approach across a landscape.

So why is genetic diversity so important?

Climate change is here and ecosystems are suffering. When BSRC began restoring rainforest in the 1990s, it quickly became clear that simply planting trees would not be enough to save the Big Scrub from extinction. More than 99 per cent of the original rainforest had

96-year-old founder Dr Tony Parkes AO planting the first tree of the Science Saving Rainforests program for Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy. Photo supplied

already been cleared, leaving small and isolated remnants scattered across the landscape like islands in a sea of farmland.

This isolation has consequences for the long-term survival of rainforest species. Many trees, including rare and threatened species, are now separated from other populations of their kind. Over time, this can lead to inbreeding, reducing genetic diversity within species, making populations weaker and less able to reproduce.

Genetic diversity allows for species to adapt to change and is essential for the longterm survival of rainforest ecosystems, especially as the impacts of climate change take hold. By increasing genetic diversity within each species, populations also build resilience to pests and diseases and reestablish their reproductive health.

In simple terms, the program is helping reconnect the flow of genes between rainforest plant populations that have become isolated from one another.

Using DNA analysis from more than 10,000 leaf samples, field teams have spent years collecting cuttings and seeds from populations representing the greatest possible genetic diversity. These plants have now been grown and planted to create a Living Seedbank Plantation. As the trees mature and cross-pollinate, they will produce genetically diverse seed that can be harvested for use in future restoration plantings across the region.

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

Norths desert Bangalow Bowlo… again

Anna Vinfield

Eight Bangalow community members attended Norths AGM on Monday, 25 May to seek answers about the future of Bangalow Bowlo, but received no meaningful engagement, with their concerns merely ‘noted’.

Bangalow Advisory Committee (BAC) members, Bangalow Community Association (BCA) president and two sporting group representatives attended the meeting (via video link) to address growing concern over the club’s closure and the ongoing delay in negotiations regarding its return to community control.

Long-time Bangalow resident and BCA president, Ian Holmes, addressed the board questioning why Norths Collective had failed to commence meaningful negotiations around returning the club to the community.

‘Beyond the devastation caused by losing a major community hub, the question is simple – why has Norths Collective not entered into a legally binding negotiation process along the lines already contemplated?’ Mr Holmes asked.

‘The pathway is clearly outlined within the constitutional framework

and previous discussions, yet meaningful talks along those lines have not been progressed by Norths.’

The BAC says the community remains frustrated that the club has now been closed for seven months while negotiations continue to stall.

‘Bangalow has a right to know if Norths Collective still stands by a proposal agreed in-principle with the Bangalow community in December 2025,’ said Mr Holmes.

‘The “Pathways to Community Ownership” model would return the club to the Bangalow community with Norths holding a $2 million mortgage over the property – interest free, with no repayments required, and the debt ultimately extinguished after 25 years.’

Byron Bay’s sub-culture of sexual violence investigated

An ABC investigation has found a sub-culture of sexual violence including child abuse existed in Byron Bay in the early 2000’s, with at least 15 survivor victims having spoken out.

The report comes with NSW Police understood to be investigating more complaints against a man accused of using his connection to a famous band to lure girls in their teens into sexual abuse.

Jed Daniel Gordon is the brother of a Parkway Drive member and was part of their merchandise team, carrying and handing out business cards shared in the ABC report that described him as the band’s tour manager/dude.

The band says they didn’t realise the extent of his predatory behaviour at the time and have extended sympathies to his victims.

Jed Gordon’s name is now on the state’s child protection register after he was sentenced in the Byron Bay Local Court last week to

a three-year community corrections order and 300 hours of community service for his assault of Rachel Kila.

The court heard he was 21 when he assaulted the then fifteen-year-old.

Ms Kila is now 38 and says she was motivated to report the abuse to police when her daughter turned fifteen.

She has waived her legal right to anonymity as a child victim of crime saying she hopes other victims come forward.

Ms Kila is one of 35 people to speak to the ABC about the experiences of young girls in Byron Bay in the early 2000s, with the abusive culture also referred to in a 2006 Byron Shire Echo article.

Fifteen girls allege rape, when they were as young as 12, at the hands of older boys and men, and seven say they were in relationships with older men when they were teenagers.

■ This report first aired on community radio station Bay FM.

‘It is unfair for those losses to now somehow be attributed back to the Bangalow community.’

During the meeting, Norths Collective Chairman Mark Holman acknowledged that taking over the Bangalow Bowling Club ‘was probably’ a bad business decision.

‘The Bangalow community has spent the past five months working through the detail of that proposal in good faith. And now Norths have backed away and left us stranded. Again!’

Norths were asked four times during the AGM whether the December agreement remained on the table. However, the question was never directly answered.

Norths Collective also claimed during the meeting that the Bangalow Bowling Club had lost approximately $900,000 over the three years it was operated under Norths management.

‘Our position is straightforward – the community did not run the club during that period. Norths did,’ said Mr Holmes.

‘It seems there is a renewed level of interest in the club with its prospects and assets attracting increasing attention from other clubs. Later in the discussion Norths said that the Bowlo was ‘probably not even worth a brass razoo,’ according to Mr Holmes.

The disparaging remark prompted a strong response from a Bangalow community member, ‘We have lost our sporting clubs, our venue, a major community asset – and all you talk about is money. If it’s not worth a brass razoo, then why not give it back?’

The BAC says the community remains committed to pursuing a constructive outcome based on deamalgamation that sees the club returned to local ownership.

This will involve setting up a new entity and board. Stay tuned for more updates and how you can get involved.

Bancks launches Raised By Wolves

Local author Tristan Bancks is launching his new book for readers 10+, Raised By Wolves, at Byron Book Room on Thursday, 4 June. A sequel to bestselling Two Wolves about two kids on the run with their parents who have committed a crime, the book was inspired by readers’ questions about what happens next.

What happened?

‘I would visit schools,’ says Bancks, ‘and kids would ask whether Ben becomes a cop, what happens to his little sister Olive and whether Dad ever gets justice for his crime. So, I thought I’d write a book to find out.’

Two Wolves has been staged as a play at Byron Theatre by Bang! and is Bancks’s biggest book to date, selling over 140,000 copies in Australia.

The Byron launch caps the end of a five-state tour for the book in schools, bookshops and festivals. At the launch, Bancks will take the audience behindthe-scenes on the journey from Two Wolves to Raised By Wolves, sharing the book soundtrack, vision board, book trailer and doing a giveaway.

Tickets are free but booking is essential. www. thebookroomcollective.com or phone 6685 8183.

Remembering the Peacekeepers

Last Friday a small group gathered at the Cenotaph in Mullumbimby to commemorate International UN Peacekeeper Day. The 2026 focus is Invest in Peace. To those at UN HQ in New York the day emphasises the need for future-focused peacekeeping operations capable of adapting to modern, complex threats. The gathering included a special guest, Mr Doug Baird, the father of the late Cameron Baird VC MG – Cameron served as a Peacekeeper in Timor L’Este. Read full story in The Echo online: www.echo.net.au.

Photo Tree Faerie

Volunteer program at Byron Central Hospital

Byron Central Hospital (BCH) is calling for community members to join a volunteer Healthcare Helper program at the hospital. The Healthcare Helper volunteer program, run by the Northern NSW Local Health District, enlists volunteers from the community to assist hospital staff and provide comfort and emotional support to patients and their families.

‘This volunteer program will support both patients and nursing staff alike. I believe our patients will really appreciate the companionship volunteers can offer,’ Tracey Sheehan, BCH Executive Officer and Director of Nursing said. The hospital is seeking volunteers to be patient companions in the Inpatient Unit, where they will enhance the experience of patients through support

Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Plan

and engagement activities. People from all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life are encouraged to apply and no previous experience is necessary. You can find more information on the NNSWLHD website: https://www.nnswlhd. health.nsw.gov.au/ volunteering, or contact Jade Dolling, Community Programs Coordinator on nnswlhd-volunteer@health. nsw.gov.au or 0459 953 520.

Help make a positive SHIFT

The SHIFT Project is asking the community to join them to turn $30,000 into $60,000.

‘We have $30,000 in matched funding ready and waiting. Every dollar you give before 30 June will be doubled – but only if we meet our target in time,’ said a spokesperson for SHIFT.

‘At Linen SHIFT, women are earning wages, building skills, and stepping into the dignity of meaningful work. But behind every shift they work is a foundation most

people never see – water, power, equipment, training, support workers. The things that make it possible to show up, day after day, and keep going.

‘This is one of those moments where the timing genuinely matters. As EOFY approaches, your donation to SHIFT, a Deductible Gift Recipient, can reduce your taxable income while doubling its impact for women right here in the Northern Rivers.’

SHIFT has operated for ten years without government funding, grants, or guarantees. It relies on the extraordinary generosity of people in this community who believe that real change is possible and is worth investing in.

‘This June, all month, your gift goes twice as far. Will you walk upstream with us?’ ask SHIFT.

■ You can donate at shiftproject.org.au/donate.

Gathering in the beauty of community

Arts creating dynamic climate conversations

There were five recipients of this years Climate Action Arts Grants Program that is supported by the Ingrained Foundation, with co-founder of the Climate Action Arts Grant Program, Vicki Brooke, and delivery partner Arts Northern Rivers (ANR).

Supporting artistic projects that catalyse climate action, Ingrained Foundation Executive Director Jasmin

Daly said they received applications from all seven local government areas in the Northern Rivers.

‘This is a terrific initiative! ANR is delighted to be working with the team at Ingrained and Vicki Wood to deliver this ambitious program for artists in the region,’ said ANR Director Rosie Dennis.

The successful recipients

are: Simon Jankelson The Human Sound Project; Nell Schofield Norma Gungbill; Liv Enquist Love Letters; Esk Studio Carbon, Creativity and Collapse; and Heather Matthew Dear World.

‘I am excited by the potential for the chosen arts projects to stimulate action on climate change in the Northern Rivers and beyond,’ said Vicki Brooke.

Shape your Disaster Adaptation Plan

The NSW Reconstruction Authority is developing the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Plan (DAP) — an action plan to reduce our risk from natural hazards, such as floods, storms and bush fires.

Share your ideas at a community drop-in session or online.

Community drop-in sessions

Mon 15 June | Murwillumbah

Wed 17 June | Ballina

Thu 18 June | Maclean

Fri 19 June | Casino

Tue 23 June | Kyogle

Wed 24 June | Lismore

Fri 26 June | Mullumbimby 3pm to 6pm. Free, all welcome.

Online engagement from 5 to 30 June 2026, or register for a drop-in session https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/northern-rivers-dap

Northern Rivers residents will have a direct say in local disaster preparedness and recovery when public consultations launch on Friday, 5 June.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority says it is partnering with local communities to develop the state’s first multi-hazard Disaster Adaptation Plan (DAP) – a vital step in reducing the impact of future natural disasters and adapting to a changing climate.

This feedback will directly inform the creation of the Northern Rivers Foundation

DAP – the first stage of the plan. This initial roadmap will be used to prioritise and analyse long-term risk reduction for the entire region.

Drop in sessions

Northern Rivers residents can learn more about the disaster risk in their region and share their ideas to reduce risk either online or in-person at free community drop-in sessions: Murwillumbah Civic and Cultural Centre Auditorium, Monday, 15 June, 3pm-6pm; Ballina Surf Club, Wednesday, 17 June, 3pm-6pm; Casino

Community and Cultural Centre, Friday, 19 June, 3pm-6pm; Kyogle Memorial Institute, Tuesday, 23 June, 3pm-6pm; Lismore Regional Gallery, Wednesday, 24 June, 3pm-6pm; Mullumbimby Civic Hall, Friday, 26 June 3pm-6pm.

For further details about the online engagement or to register to attend a drop-in session go to: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/ northern-rivers-dap.

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

Push to slow traffic outside Coorabell Hall

Paul Bibby

The campaign to slow traffic on the short stretch of Coolamon Scenic Drive outside Coorabell Hall is gradually gathering momentum, with Byron Council supporting a lower speed limit despite advice the road may not meet state criteria.

The matter came up for discussion at the 21 May meeting of Byron Shire Council (BSC), where councillors debated safety concerns along the section of Coolamon Scenic Drive between Possum Shoot Road and Coorabell Road.

Deputy Mayor (Independent) Jack Dods said the issue had become more pressing as the area had grown, pointing to the nearby primary school, hall activities and increasing traffic movements.

‘You’ve got Mango Lane that has a primary school on it, you’ve got the hall, which is right on the edge of the road reserve, that often has hundreds of people spilling out, crossing the road to look at the view,’ Cr Dods said.

‘It’s definitely the highest and most active portion of Coolamon Scenic Drive.’

Cr Dods said parking around Coorabell Hall sat ‘at the core’ of the issue, with large events sometimes leading to overflow parking and compliance problems along the roadside.

He said councillors were working with the hall association and neighbouring landowners on options to ease parking pressures before seeking further traffic safety measures.

At the same time, councillors backed in-principle support for a 60km/h speed zone along the stretch, although

council staff warned a preliminary Transport for NSW (TfNSW) assessment found the road did not currently meet state standards.

‘It’s not saying there’s not issues on that road,’ BSC Director of Infrastructure Services Phil Holloway said.

‘It does not meet the requirements for a 60km/h speed limit.’

Speed and parking separate issues

Speaking during public access, Coorabell Hall secretary Adele Smout said the hall supported efforts to improve safety, but argued road improvements should not depend on the volunteerrun organisation resolving parking issues first.

Ms Smout said a recent meeting with BSC staff and TfNSW had shifted focus from speeding concerns to hall parking, with recommendations put forward for the hall to address.

‘We think it’s inappropriate that the safety of residents, visitors, road users, dog walkers [and] cyclists… is put on hold and is contingent upon us, a non-profit organisation, fulfilling these conditions,’ Ms Smout said.

Greens councillor Elia Hauge said safety concerns extended beyond the hall precinct.

‘The speed issues along that stretch are about more than just the hall,’ she said.

Council ultimately voted unanimously to support seeking funding for an independent road safety audit of Coolamon Scenic Drive north, and backed in-principle support for a 60km/h speed zone from Possum Shoot Road past Coorabell Hall.

Labor outvoted on reforms

The NSW Labor government have accused the Liberals, Nationals, Greens, and Mark Latham of ‘reactivating the ability for NSW councils to hold secretive private briefing sessions, undoing measures the Minns Labor Government introduced to increase transparency and public confidence in local government’ on Tuesday, 26 May.

The NSW government’s rewrite of the council Model Meeting Code, came into effect in January 2026. It banned private briefings, required all councils to livestream and record council

Motorbikes, e-bikes, and police pursuits

A 15-year-old is to face court later this month accused of a crash in Mullumbimby that police say left another child injured and having to go to hospital while the offender fled the scene.

Officers last week said they charged the teenager with five related offences including a failure to stop and assist after an impact causing injury.

He was also accused of

negligent driving, being unlicensed and riding an uninsured and unregistered motorcycle. Investigations are continuing.

Stolen e-bikes and police pursuit

On Thursday, 28 May two men faced court after an alleged pursuit near Byron Bay on Wednesday morning.

‘About 11.30am

(Wednesday, 27 May), police were called to a primary school in Byron Bay following reports two e-bikes had been allegedly stolen,’ said a NSW Police spokesperson.

When police attempted to stop a van that had allegedly been stolen in Queensland the driver allegedly failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated.

‘Police alleged in court that the occupants of the van

threw projectiles – including a fuel drum and power tools – at a police vehicle during the pursuit.’

Two men were arrested at Tyagarah and taken to Byron Bay Police Station.

‘The

to the two students at the school’, say police.

meetings, and provided clearer powers and processes for mayors, according to the government.

However, Greens Member of the NSW Legislative Council Sue Higginson, told The Echo, that the changes would dilute the democratic processes of Council by excluding communities from decision-making meetings. This includes the community not being able to address council meetings, and requiring councillors to attend meetings in person.

Council tightens ‘affordable housing’ rules

Paul Bibby

Byron Council has tightened its definition of ‘affordable housing’ in a bid to make access to housing more equitable on major projects like the former Mullumbimby Hospital site and 57 Station Street.

But whether any developer or Community Housing Provider (CHP) will actually sign up for a project under the new terms remains to be seen.

At the 21 May Council meeting, councillors voted to clarify what affordable housing should mean on council-owned land, formally adopting a definition that housing should cost no more than 30 per cent of a household’s gross income or 80 per cent of market rent, whichever is lower.

The decision also seeks to ensure affordable housing remains affordable ‘in perpetuity’, rather than reverting to market rates after a fixed period (currently after 15 years).

Greens councillor Elia Hauge, who brought forward the motion, said the change was needed to ensure housing described as affordable was genuinely within reach of local people in one of the country’s most expensive rental markets.

‘In our market, 80 per cent of market rent is not affordable,’ Cr Hauge told councillors.

‘Affordable would be $1,200 a week if we’re applying 80 per cent of market rent. I don’t think that’s affordable.’

Cr Hauge said the motion aimed to remove confusion in Council planning documents

and provide certainty for future affordable housing projects, including the proposed developments at the former Mullumbimby Hospital site and 57 Station Street.

The motion was strengthened following public access comments from Mullumbimby Residents Association (MRA) spokesperson Peter Brennan, who urged Council to ensure affordable housing on public land remained affordable permanently.

In perpetuity

‘If we allow affordable housing on that site to lapse to market in 15 years, we will have given away a community asset without a lasting return,’ Mr Brennan said.

Council staff broadly supported the intent of the motion, saying it would enable further work to clarify affordability definitions, how housing could be retained in perpetuity, and how the new definition would operate with CHPs.

Planning staff told Councillors that while Council’s existing affordable housing documents referenced both the income-based definition and discounted market rent, there was a need for greater clarity around how the two standards should be applied.

But not all councillors were convinced.

Independent councillor Michael Lyon unsuccessfully attempted to amend the motion, arguing affordable housing should be based solely on a household paying no more than 30 per cent of gross income.

‘We’re talking about workers,’ Cr Lyon said,

arguing Council should focus on helping essential workers rather than attempting to solve broader social housing challenges.

Deputy Mayor Jack Dods (Independent) said he supported the principle of genuinely affordable housing, but feared Council risked making future projects financially unviable by imposing a standard that CHPs or partners such as Landcom may struggle to make work.

Cr Dods said affordable housing projects still had to stack up financially, particularly given construction costs and the need for long-term maintenance.

‘We may be shooting ourselves in the foot here,’ Cr Dods said.

‘If there’s funding available and money on the table for someone to build a project that is maximum 30 per cent household gross income, great – that should be the gold standard. But I’m under no illusions that there are probably instances where maybe a portion of a development may need to be 80 per cent of market rate because we’re talking about building multi-million-dollar projects that need to be managed and maintained and funded in perpetuity.’

Cr Dods warned Council risked ‘putting the cart before the horse’ and said he would rather see affordable housing delivered than create a standard so ambitious that projects failed to proceed.

Cr Hauge’s motion was ultimately passed after Cr Lyon’s amendment failed to win support.

A fire exit is not a front door

Minimum requirements were never meant to be aspirations

Dale Emmerson

The Echo’s recent report (2 May) on Cr Elia Hauge’s proposal for a community assessment panel for the old Mullumbimby Hospital site contained a sentence that deserves more than a passing read.

Council’s Acting Director responded in writing that the planning framework does not generally provide for ‘ongoing community governance or participatory assessment mechanisms.’

It is a technically accurate statement. And it is, in the same breath, a reason to do exactly what Cr Hauge is proposing.

The NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment (EPAA) Act sets the minimum for community participation – mandatory exhibition periods, notification requirements, and the obligation to receive submissions. It tells consent authorities how far they must go. It says nothing about how far they can go. The absence of a statutory mechanism for ongoing

community governance is not a prohibition. It is a gap. And gaps in legislation are precisely where leadership lives.

Community panel

This land has belonged to the community since 1901. They managed it, handed it to the NSW Department of Health, then fought to reclaim it when the hospital closed.

Now, 125 years on, a Council officer cites the EP&A Act as the reason a community panel isn’t warranted for this four-and-a-half flood-free hectares at the heart of Mullumbimby. Planning instruments are designed for private land assessed against public interest. This land is in the public interest. It always has been.

The director conflates two different questions. Does the planning framework require ongoing community governance? It does not. Does it permit it? Absolutely. Nothing prevents the Council from establishing an advisory panel, encoding community governance obligations into

the DCP, or formalising what this community has been doing informally for a decade.

Cr Hauge’s proposal is not a radical departure. It is a sensible extension. A community panel doesn’t replace the consent authority’s legal function – it informs it. It holds the community’s vision in the room at precisely the stages when that vision risks being quietly renegotiated away, as already experienced with a DCP that more than one commentator described as reading like a developer’s dream.

The director is right that the law doesn’t require it. The community is right that the situation demands it. There is a word for doing more than the law requires because the circumstances call for it. That word is leadership.

The planning framework gives communities a fire exit. Mullumbimby deserves a front door – and a say in designing it.

■ Dale Emerson is Convenor of the Mullumbimby Residents Association.

Byron Shire beaches hammered by big swells

Recent big swells have severely eroded dunes across the region with the most impacted being New Brighton and Suffolk Park stated Byron Shire Council (BSC).

Beach access paths have also been damaged, and in places there is now a very steep drop to get onto the beach and some access paths are closed because of the steep drop.

‘These beaches can be quite dangerous if the tide is high and waves are rushing up to the foot of the eroded dune face,’ said Malcolm Robertson, BSC Acting Manager Works.

‘People should also not sit, walk or play near eroded dunes because there is always the risk of collapse,’ he said.

Over the years property

owners have been using the tyres on the dunes in front of their homes to make steps for private beach access or for landscaping. These tyres are an environmental problem.

‘Staff have been busy picking up old car tyres from the beach at Suffolk Park. This comes at a cost to ratepayers,’ Mr Robertson said. Report tyres on Council’s website or call 6626 7000.

North Coast News

World Environment Day celebrated in M’bah

News from across the

Emergency beach access a priority, say Tweed Council

Tweed Shire Council say they are focused on maintaining emergency vehicle access along the Tweed’s 36 kilometres of coastline, ‘after powerful swells stripped sand from beaches and washed debris into access tracks’.

As National Sorry Day recognised, stolen generations continue

NSW Child, Family and Community Peak Aboriginal Corporation AbSec said they had marked National Sorry Day on 26 May and the start of National Reconciliation Week on 27 May with a message that is both reflection and call to action: the separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families did not end with the Stolen Generations. It continues every day.

Lismore mayor boasts Council’s ‘largest infrastructure and flood recovery program in history’

Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg has boasted the ‘largest infrastructure and flood recovery program in Council’s history’ and says they will ‘enter a decisive new phase in the 2026–27 financial year, marking a significant turning point in the city’s journey from disaster recovery to long-term renewal and resilience’.

Grafton-based Landcare group receives funding

North Coast Regional Landcare Network (NSW), based in Grafton, has received $1,277,801 over a four year period, thanks to a NSW government grant. In total, 18 applications for the grant were received for the North Coast, according to www.nsw.gov.au.

Confidence in courts, police in decline

Public confidence in the NSW criminal justice system has declined over time, with a pronounced fall since 2019, according to new research released by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). BOCSAR say, ‘Based on a representative survey of 2,000 NSW adults, the study found that public confidence fell across all key measures from 2012 to 2025. The decline accelerated in recent years, such that current confidence levels are now the lowest level

Afree family-friendly community celebration for World Environment Day will be held on Sunday, 7 June, at the Murwillumbah Showground from 10am till 3pm.

Organised by Tweed Landcare Inc. and the Caldera Environment Centre, they describe the event as a climate-focused festival, which ‘aligns with the United Nations 2026 theme: climate action and seeking solutions for a safer, resilient, and sustainable future’.

Organisers say, ‘This year’s free festival includes solar-powered festival entertainment – supported by Southern Cross University’s Sunflower Solar Trailer – and brings together many local environmental organisations, cultural leaders, scientists, and artists to inspire community-led climate resilience’.

‘The Sunflower Speakers & Performers Stage will host an engaging program throughout the day, guided by MC Sam Refshauge, Managing Director of Northern Rivers community resilience organisation Plan C.

Keynote Q&A

‘There will be a headline exchange between awardwinning climate scientist and author Dr. Joëlle Gergis (Humanity’s Moment: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope) and prominent comedian and activist Mandy Nolan. They will reflect on the path forward in the face of climate change.

‘Cultural educator, Uncle Franc Krasna, an Elder of the Goodjinburra clan, will present on the generational knowledge and traditional uses of native plants in the Tweed Shire.

‘Renowned percussive acoustic guitarist and Bluesfest standout, Jerome Williams, will perform, and local Minjungbal Elder and acoustic musician, Uncle Garry Kafoa, will share stories and songs connecting listeners to Country.

‘Beyond the main stage, attendees can participate in practical sustainability demonstrations and cultural workshops, alongside dedicated kids’ creative arts and crafts stalls’.

For more info visit calderaenvironmentcentre. org/world-environment-dayfestival-2026.

Lismore music venue Blah Bar appeals for help

A Lismore music venue is appealing for financial help to keep music and arts alive in the city.

Blah Bar is located at 25 Eggins Lane, Lismore.

In a GoFundMe campaign, Pat Stanton says, ‘We are Blah Bar, a small bar and music venue in Lismore that has been operating for the last six months as a space for artists both young and old, emerging or established,

local and not so local, to come and perform’.

‘Recently we’ve encountered some issues with our development application (DA), which have the potential to force us to cease trading as a music venue, and in order to remain operating and continue to provide a creative space for artists to perform and grow we are required to make some upgrades to the venue, and are asking for

Ballina Shire biz encouraged to be informed on Council’s plans

Business owners across Ballina Shire are being encouraged to take the time to read through Ballina Shire Council’s draft plans, which are currently on exhibition.

They are the Delivery Program 2026 to 2030 and Operational Plan 2026/27

Both the AlstonvilleWollongbar and Ballina Chamber of Commerce say this is the opportunity to understand what is being proposed, before decisions are finalised, ‘and to have

your say while community feedback is still open.’

Ballina Shire Council staff say major projects include the Alstonville Cultural Centre upgrade and flood resilience works on Ross Lane.

A $87.4m budget is pegged for roads and bridges, while $14.5m is earmarked on wastewater.

To see the documents, visit www.yoursayballina. com.au/delivery-programand-operationalplan-2026-27.

Tweed truck crash claims life

A man died after a singlevehicle crash in Tweed Heads West, say police.

They say, ‘About 2.25am on Friday 29 May, emergency services were called to the Pacific Highway, Tweed Heads West, following reports of a truck crash’.

‘Officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District attended and found a truck had crashed into a barrier, trapping the male driver.

‘He was freed by Fire

assistance from the amazing community that has welcomed us so warmly.

‘Funds would go directly to upgrading the fire safety systems in the venue, and towards some fairly prohibitive Council fees involved in the DA application’.

So far over $20,000 has been raised. To help, visit www.gofundme.com/f/blahbar-stay-in-business?cdncache=0.

and Rescue NSW crews before being treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for serious injuries and was taken to hospital in a stable condition.

‘The passenger – a man –died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified.

‘A crime scene was established, and the Crash Investigation Unit have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Locals invited to shape Disaster Adaptation Plan

Northern Rivers residents will have a direct say in local disaster preparedness and recovery when public consultations launch on Friday, 5 June.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority says it is partnering with local communities to develop the state’s first multihazard Disaster Adaptation Plan (DAP) – a vital step in reducing the impact of future natural disasters and adapting to a changing climate.

This feedback will directly inform the creation of the Northern Rivers Foundation DAP – the first stage of the plan. This initial roadmap will be used to prioritise and analyse long-term risk reduction for the entire region.

Local knowledge invaluable

Minister for Recovery

Janelle Saffin said, ‘As someone who lives here and has stood alongside our community through our toughest days, I know that the best ideas for our protection come from the people who know this place best.

‘This is about our homes, our businesses, and our future. We’ve all seen the impact of natural hazards

firsthand, and your lived experience is the most valuable tool we have to build a stronger Northern Rivers.

‘For too long, the focus across Australia has been on picking up the pieces after a disaster. We are changing that right here in our own backyard. By working together on this Disaster Adaptation Plan, we are switching the dial to better preparation and genuine risk reduction.

‘I encourage everyone to drop into a session or jump online. This is our chance to ensure the unique needs of our communities are at the very heart of how we adapt and thrive.’

Drop-in sessions

Northern Rivers residents can learn more about the disaster risk in their region and share their ideas to reduce risk, either online or in-person at seven free community drop-in sessions:

Locally, the Mullumbimby session will be held Friday 26 June from 3pm–6pm: at the Mullumbimby Civic Hall.

For further details about the online engagement, or to register to attend a drop-in session go to www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov. au/northern-rivers-dap.

The Byron Shire Echo Volume 40 #52 • June 3, 2026

Drugs: a health problem needing law reform

The 2024 Penington Institute’s Annual Overdose Report stated that, ‘in 2022 there were 2,356 drug-induced deaths in Australia, equating to approximately six lives needlessly lost each day’.

Drug law reform, including safe injecting rooms, saves lives. The Kings Cross Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC), NSW’s only safe injecting room, opened its doors 25 years ago.

Throughout its 25 years of existence it has assisted over 12,000 people who have experienced an overdose without a single death.

The centre does not supply drugs to users but provides a safe space for them to take them with supervision and intervention if things go wrong.

MSIC opened as a result of the 1999 NSW Drug Summit when there was a heroin epidemic and as a result the NSW Labor Carr government were able to implement a trial of a supervised injecting facility.

25 years later it has been proven a success. Not only has it seen no deaths on its premises during that time it has seen over 27,000 referrals to ongoing care and support.

However, getting to Kings Cross from Northern NSW is quite a trip, and certainly not an easy one just to have a safe space to inject.

Yet according to NSW Health Needs Assessment 2025-2028, in Northern NSW ‘more people are hospitalised due to opioid-related misuse in both Northern NSW LHD (142 per 100,000 residents) and Mid North Coast LHD (150 per 100,000)... than in NSW (121 per 100,000) (NSW government, 2023).’

The 2024 NSW Drug Summit recommended removing the legislative limitation that means only one medically supervised injecting centre, the one in Kings Cross, can operate in NSW.

‘This would open the door to the community consultations for more centres,’ explained former magistrate David Heilpern on www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au.

‘The recommendation states unequivocally, “there were multiple calls across all consultations to expand

the number and location”. According to government, they know better, and a need for more has not been established.’

The illegality of drugs artificially causes very high street prices, making drug dealing very profitable due to its risk, and the prevalence of drug use throughout the population makes it a big business. The Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) estimates that in Australia illicit drugs account for $19bn within the Australian economy every year.

The illegality of drug use is routinely ignored by almost half the Australian population. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) ‘an estimated 10.2 million (47 per cent) people aged 14 and over in Australia had illicitly used a drug at some point in their lifetime’ and since 2007 illicit drug use has continued to climb in the Australian population.

Drug use reform has been taking place around the world and Australia has historically been a world leader with the implementation of options, like the safe injecting room in Kings Cross, that ensures a reduced cost to the taxpayer compared to alternative healthcare costs. It is time to recognise this success and the lives it saves, not just directly by assisting with drug overdoses, but indirectly by connecting people to services that change their lives, their families’ lives, and their friends’ lives, and reduce the health care costs to the Australian people.

‘We again repeat our calls for the NSW government to finally respond to the report from the Drug Summit in 2024 with a detailed plan, and the required funding to implement the report’s recommendations,’ Uniting NSW. ACT’s Director Advocacy and External Relations, Emma Maiden, said.

‘We also call on the NSW government to send everyone some birthday cheer by removing that single sentence in an outdated piece of legislation that prevents any other injecting service in NSW besides ours at Kings Cross.’

Aslan Shand, editor

Was the NACC designed to fail?

The sudden resignation of controversy-plagued National Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Paul Brereton, has served to further highlight the failings of an organisation which began with such high hopes, having been one of the key demands of the first teal representatives and a core promise of the incoming Albanese Labor government.

Coming two years before his term was supposed to end, Brereton’s resignation announcement didn’t save him from an already-organised grilling in Senate Estimates last week, in which Senator David Shoebridge and others tried to get him to take some responsibility for his own failures, and those of the organisation he has led for the past three years.

After multiple questions, the commissioner said, ‘I think everyone contributes to their own downfall, if you like, in some ways, and I’m sure I have contributed to this in some ways.’

What brought Brereton down, in the end, was his tendency to simultaneously serve two masters, or perhaps mistresses – Defence and the NACC. Beyond wearing his old military uniforms to public functions, Brereton continued to act as a consultant for the Inspector-General of the ADF, even while the NACC was investigating Australian war crimes.

Another issue for the boss of the federal corruption watchdog was that he failed to properly recuse himself when his organisation was looking at referrals from the Robodebt Royal Commission, even though he had a pre-existing professional relationship with one of the people referred.

Drawing attention

In Paul Brereton’s own words, ‘The ongoing focus on matters relating to me personally rather than the Commission’s work is drawing attention away from the Commission’s core purpose of strengthening integrity in the Commonwealth public sector.’

The problem is that the Brereton saga looks very like a personal microcosm of the issues plaguing

‘The Brereton saga looks very like a personal microcosm of the issues plaguing the wider NACC, including lack of accountability, secrecy, hypocrisy and an inability to do what it was set up to do, namely put a stop to corruption.’

– David Lowe

the wider NACC, including lack of accountability, secrecy, hypocrisy and an inability to do what it was set up to do, namely put a stop to corruption at a federal level, without fear or favour, in a way that makes sense to people who aren’t lawyers.

The central problem remains, namely the lack of an independent, merit-based appointment process to find the best NACC commissioners and deputies.

A highly legalistic definition of corrupt conduct underpinning the work of the NACC has led to a situation where 7,624 referrals have led to less than 100 investigations, with only 34 of those still underway, and the details remaining mostly secret.

Scott Morrison escaped any form of censure for his well-documented role in Robodebt. The other big case of recent years, namely the monetisation of confidential information by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), has so far resulted in no visible progress.

Senator Barbara Pocock took Paul Brereton to task over this, as someone with a personal interest in the issue, who had referred evidence to the NACC.

She said she felt like she was on the set of Catch-22 as she tried to establish what, if anything was happening about PwC. ‘I am expressing my frustration here,’ she said.

What did Mr Brereton have to say about the thousands of Australians who ‘want to know how this has evolved and how it’s been treated by our premier corruption agency? What do you say to them about a three-year delay in seeing progress?’

Brereton responded by saying, ‘We should not be prejudicing investigations by talking about them, and the individuals subject to them, in public.’

Oppression

Pocock was similarly stymied in her attempt to get some clarification about the NACC’s investigation into Robodebt, which she described as the worst failure of public administration in our history, as revealed by the royal commission. ‘You were concerned about the “oppression” of repeated investigations for officials,’ she said. ‘Contrast that with the suffering inflicted on hundreds of thousands of Robodebt victims.’

In his defence, Brereton noted that the NACC had found two senior public officials associated with Robodebt had engaged in serious corrupt conduct.

But Senator Pocock pressed on, saying, ‘No government minister has been held accountable and the political and bureaucratic architects of the scheme have walked away scot-free. Australians are rightly outraged, disappointed and frustrated by this lack of accountability…

‘It is incredibly disappointing that we have not seen justice. Many people feel that across our country. We expected more from a newly established, robust, well-resourced integrity body and I hope we can do better in the future.’

Alas, there’s no sign that things will improve any time soon at the NACC, notwithstanding the imminent early departure of Commissioner Brereton and one of his deputies. As far as the government and opposition are concerned, it looks increasingly like the NACC’s failings are a feature, not a bug.

■ David Lowe is an award-winning filmmaker and writer. You can read David every Monday in The Echo online: www.echo.net.au.

Loss of amenity with new pool owners?

Byron Shire councillors recently decided – by a close margin – to hand over our two public swimming baths (Mullumbimby and Byron Bay) to a large Melbournebased company.

This tender decision is about money, and not the health and welfare of local ratepayers.

This out of touch classic neo-con decision will lead to the following: The corporation will enter into a concerted advertising campaign to offer entrepreneurial groups leases, which will basically lead to our pools being used for private gain at various times. In practice, this means that at all usage times, ratepayers will be excluded from these areas in part, or in whole.

So if you are a ratepaying, entry paying lap swimmer, you will be corralled into fewer swimming lanes, while profit takers lease the bulk of the pool.

This is not what these pools were created for.

They were created for the health and welfare and leisure of our local community.

This has happened in numerous other towns and cities in Australia.

Surely this is privatisation gone mad, when a public-funded community facility is handed over to a large corporation which then proceeds to sublease components of our community-owned pools to smaller for-profit businesses to the exclusion of Byron ratepayers, who are the actual collective owners of these facilities.

Letters to the Editor

Send 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.

I have no doubt that Council administration received a pitch, and were schmoozed by the corporation chosen to take over our community-owned pools.

The senior Council administrators then pitched it to our elected councillors on the basis of financial advantages, the less intellectually capable councillors then voted for it more in alignment with their political ambition than their concern for the welfare of our community.

Make a note of the councillors who voted for this change, lobby them against this move  and don’t vote for them at the next Council election.

Ian Clements

Byron Bay

■ The councillors who voted to award the pool tenders to Belgravia Leisure were Michael Lyon, Jack Dods, David Warth, Janet Swain and Peter Dougherty (replacing Asren Pugh). The company appears to have contrasting reviews online. – Letter Ed

Sandhills Wetlands

I am fortunate to live near the new Sandhills Wetlands, and really appreciate going for walks in a protected area for wildlife, as do others of all ages, whom I see there walking, biking and sometimes practising their roller skating skills.

I’ve noticed that some dog owners take their pets

through the precinct, despite clear signage that dogs are not allowed! They may be on a lead, but this is not okay according to Council’s website, and also advice from Byron Bird Buddies.

Council’s document Local Orders for the Keeping of Animals, including prohibited areas, was updated on 19/02/26, ‘to include the Sandhills Wildlife Protection Area (map 5)’.

This is akin to taking your dog on a leash on a dog-free beach!

Byron Bird Buddies advised me that studies have shown that dogs are a disturbing presence for most ground-dwelling species. Even leashed dogs in conservation areas can reduce bird’s abundance and diversity compared to people walking alone or in pairs.

Perhaps the signage needs to be upgraded to indicate dogs on lead are not allowed? And closer monitoring by the rangers at doggie walking time?

Phoebe Havyatt

Byron Bay

Rail trail funding I

The Echo reports ‘fury’ over the federal government’s failure to fund the rail trail.

I recall fury when government refusal to fund maintenance closed rail services in 2004.

The argument by Mike Ackrell (from Lismore Chamber of Commerce) that

‘the economic benefits are greater than what they have to pay’ also apply to rail.

It seems the argument that rail is not coming back because it can’t pay for itself also applies to the trail.

Alistair Bell

Byron Bay

Rail trail funding II

No rail trail funding. As usual, the local federal Labor member for Richmond, Justine Elliot and the local state Labor member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, have been useless. Labor is only interested in city voters; forget the bush.

Ron Priestley Main Arm

Roadworks an upgrade?

I hope that Council kept their receipt for the Mullum bimby Road upgrade. Not even a year old and falling apart. Hopefully it’s still under warranty!

In all seriousness, to be swerving around deep, sharp-edged potholes on a crest where oncoming head lights challenge visibility on a near brand-new stretch of road is very disappointing.

I’d be curious what the engineers and construction managers of the recent roadworks have to say for themselves about the quality of their work.

Ziggi Browning Brunswick Heads

Potholes

As a relatively regular visitor to this area I was astounded, on trips to Byron Bay, at the number of huge potholes in the CBD.

With the large amount of traffic in this zone, I cannot understand how Council would find this acceptable. It displays a certain disdain for shoppers and workers alike.

I would have thought that attention to this hazard be actioned urgently rather than to expect motorists to zigzag their way through this minefield.

Dennis Petruszka Sale, Vic

No thanks, Greens

Yes Duncan Dey (Letters, 27 May), Australia could deliver a full-throated verbal shirtfront that might appease the algorithmically outraged (though I doubt it). But government is not just about warm, fuzzy, feelings and can involve a delicate tightrope of diplomacy, the art of the possible and the fallout for us all in mind. So easy to dismiss from the bleachers!

You may be interested to know that the ADF does have a presence in Gaza to assist UN peacekeeping operations, and liaison officers overseeing civil-military planning, humanitarian aid

distribution, and security. But sure – send in the troops! They could hitch a ride with those shiploads of weapons we’re sending over.

Well may you thank the PM for not being Dutton, because it is certainly no thanks to the Greens, who took every opportunity to stifle Labor’s agenda, blocking , endlessly delaying, or watering down progress across housing, aged care, social media influence, the scourge of vapes and dealing with the CFMEU.

Speaking of ‘mute’, how astounding that in all the opinion and analysis of last week’s pages – apart from one backhander – was not one nod to the most significant taxation reform this century, clawing  back the disastrously directed largesse of the Howard government. These things can be achieved from government, and hopefully the current Greens will swiftly pass this tax reform legislation.

Liz Levy Suffolk Park

Keating quotes

Kinda tripping on former PM Paul Keating for the moment, here are a few historical quotes: On the dismantling of protectionist tariff system for Australian

industry: ‘The package or measures announced today ends forever Australia’s sorry association with tariffs as a device for industrial development. It puts an end to the high tariff culture, which did so much to diminish Australia’s potential in the post-war period’ – March 1991.

On introducing pay for higher education (HECS) scheme: ‘There is no such thing of course as a “free” education – somebody has to pay’ – 1995. ‘Under Labor, wealth will never determine one’s chance to get a decent education’ – 1993.

On redirecting policy on housing away from government-built social housing to subsidising the private rental market: ‘Keating and his Housing

Minister, Brian Howe, have turned 45 years of federal policy on its head with their plan to switch from funding public housing construction to subsidising rents of lowincome earners… a private sector, market-driven, taxpayer-funded model that will see Canberra direct the $1.4 billion that it already pays in social security rental assistance each year, and much of the $1.5 billion it distributes to the states for building public housing, into rental subsidies’ – Australian Financial Review 1995.

On the removal of royalties on the exploitation of non-renewable Australian Resources: ‘Paul Keating’s early vision was to eliminate state-based mineral production royalties entirely,

substituting them with a streamlined, nationwide profit-based resource rent tax (RRT). Keating asserted that removing royalties in favour of an RRT would guarantee ‘that the community receives an adequate financial return from the exploitation of its mineral resources’ – The West Australian in the 1980s.

Do I hear the unintended consequences of a cavalier Aussie spirit? Treasurer Jim Chalmers – move on!

Paul Jones

Byron Bay

Lennox development

The proposed Saltwood development at Ross Lane raises serious concerns for local residents.

You cannot engineer away local knowledge.

Residents with decades of lived experience of Ross Lane – many of whom have stopped me in the street to share flooding history and access concerns – understand these risks better than consultant modelling on paper.

Ballina Shire Council has now requested further information on unresolved matters, including flooding, stormwater and ecology. However, Council has not yet committed to a further

public consultation period once this updated information is submitted. Community consultation only works if residents are commenting on the full picture – not half the facts.

Alison Vickery Lennox Head

ISIS vs Australian Israelis

Dear Rod Murray (Letters, 27 May) In reply to your very long letter, far exceeding 250 words, (in itself telling), it was never my intention to respond to your spurious assertions about the Israeli government’s response to the Hamas genocidal attack on the Jewish nation on 7 October, 2023.

Nor did I intend to legitimise your factless, baseless and racist claims by engaging with them. You appear to have entirely missed my point: to reiterate, your comparison between ISIS and Australian Israelis is utterly repugnant. Your suggestion is offensive and disgraceful.

You say you made no such claim. To quote your opening remarks directly: ‘With all the concern about re-radicalising the children returning to Australia whose parents had connections with ISIS, an

▶ Continued from page 14

estimated 1,000 Australian dual citizens serve or are active reservists in the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), with some serving in Gaza…’

You clearly compare Australian Israelis to ISIS returnees, and then go on to suggest that these Australian dual citizens should be investigated. What a shocking comparison, and never mind that military service is compulsory for all Israelis of military age.

You are equating Israeli Australians, people who enthusiastically, and gratefully contribute to our nation, and in particular our Byron Shire, with ISIS rapists and murderers. Not with people who ‘had connections with ISIS’, but people who willingly undertook to serve with ISIS and enslaved other women for daily use by ISIS rapists.

That was my point. Shame on you.

Marianne McCormack Billinudgel

Israel’s rehabilitation

Israel’s genocide of the Palestinians has not ended and it will not end before Israel officially renounces its intention to exterminate or expel the Palestinians, and annihilate any possibility of a Palestinian state. It’s precisely this intention, repeatedly expressed by Israeli leaders, that has led to criminal indictments against Israel’s prime minister and senior cabinet ministers by the ICC, as well as the ongoing proceedings against Israel under the Genocide Convention at the ICJ.

The abduction, humiliation and abuse of civilians from all over the world who joined the Sumud Flotilla to deliver aid to the besieged inhabitants of Gaza, demonstrates the Zionist regime’s hatred and contempt for the rest of the world and the sort of crimes it’s willing to commit to maintain its illegal occupation of Palestine and erase a nation of people who have lived on that land for countless generations, since long before the arrival of European Jews.

These Zionist zealots have trashed their brand and if Israel wants to restore its standing on the world stage, it will have to reform itself in line with international laws and the norms that normal nations respect. It needs to remove the indicted war criminals and violent extremists that currently occupy its government and replace them with civil, rational and humane individuals capable

of reforming the Israeli state so it can live in peace with the people of the region and the world.

John Scrivener  Main Arm

Return Mullum hospital to Bundjalung

‘Public land should serve the public vision,’ Greens councillor Elia Hauge is quoted as saying in The Echo (May 20) under the headline ‘Community panel proposed for Mullum hospital site’.

Byron Shire proudly declares ‘Welcome to Bundjalung Country’ and acknowledges that the Bundjalung people lived here for thousands of years, and are recognised native title owners. What it does not acknowledge is that many Indigenous people were murdered, their land was stolen, and those injustices were entrenched for more than a century.

In 1891, the NSW government created an Aborigine Reserve on the Brunswick River.

Twenty-four years later, in 1915, it was revoked. By contrast, in 2021 Lismore City Council returned 37 hectares on the North Lismore Plateau to the Bundjalung people – a decision described as ‘profound’ and ‘powerful’ by NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson. Bundjalung Elders Council chairman, Uncle Mickey Ryan, said the handback was a strong reminder of the great injustice, dispossession and cultural genocide that is still at large (The Guardian, 21/02/2022).

When asked whether Byron Shire Council has ever returned land to the Bundjalung people, the answer is simple: it has not. The old Mullumbimby Hospital site is now vacant. Instead of handing this stolen land to the NSW government for future development and profit, Council has the opportunity – and responsibility – to return it to its rightful owners. If Byron Shire truly wishes to ‘welcome’ the Bundjalung people, it must begin by returning their unceded land and ensuring the old hospital site is used solely for Bundjalung culture and community purposes.

Gary Opit and Carmel Daoud Wooyung

Financial woes

Byron Shire’s financial woes are not the result of a lack of money, but rather the waste of it. While it might be tempting to suggest Byron Council spends like drunken sailors, drunken

sailors actually spend their own money. Byron Council displays no obvious regard for the fact that they actually spend the money of local ratepayers. This attitude problem, coupled with the demographic influx of numerous novel runaways and rebels against reality, seems to have resulted in a Council that is viewed by both residents and incumbents alike as a hobby horse for pet projects and political causes. It appears almost impossible to get a solid consensus in Byron Shire on the basic essentials councils are supposed to administer.

While people that live in the Shire trash talk Council, Council is a reflection of the local people; the people get the council they demand.

The bed tax is a great cover story for the hijacking of a local council by an unbroken stream of cultural revolutionaries which need to take their agenda somewhere else, so that Byron Council might once again serve the local people as per its statesanctioned mandate.

Edward Kent Suffolk Park

Kingscliff insurance

Recently, many Kingscliff locals have been hit by massive increases in their home insurance. Some properties are located in flood zones but have never flooded; many others sit completely outside flood zones.

Yet, insurance companies continue to blame the generic ‘risk of flooding’ for these soaring premiums. Some residents have even had their policies cancelled entirely, creating a financial disaster for local homeowners.

With this in mind, what will happen to people who buy land in the Gales development, build a home, and then try to secure coverage? While the developer plans to raise the land, local experience shows that insurance companies rarely listen to reason or respond to logical arguments.

The Gales land has flooded multiple times and is formally classified as a flood zone. Rather than waiting until people have already bought and built, this development should be halted until the uninsurability problem is solved.

Until insurers provide ironclad guarantees to offer reasonable premiums, the government must step in and stop the project.

Jeff James Kingscliff

Byron Shire mens Rebels suffer first defeat at the hands of Wollongbar

Hywel David

It was a mixed day out at Pioneer Park in WollongbarAlstonville on a sunny Saturday, with the Rebels colts and women’s rugby union sides delivering strong victories before the men’s XV endured a bruising second half that saw the Pioneers run away with a commanding win.

A good start

The Colts got the day off to a bright start, running out 27-12 winners. Tucker Groves, Tully Radburn, George Morgan, and Benjamin Morgan all bagged tries, with Aiden Broadhurst reliable with the boot via two conversions and a penalty. Groves took home Man of the Match honours for a tireless display. The women’s side went one better, putting on a 37-14 clinic with Kari Massey the undisputed star – scoring twice, converting twice and slotting a penalty to claim Player of the Match in a dominant team performance. Rosalie Tranier, Evie Eastwell and Lora-Jean Damen also crossed for the Rebels women.

Turn of the tide

The men’s XV began the afternoon at Pioneer Park and early signs were promising, though the Pioneers made their intentions clear from the outset.

A well-worked Wollongbar try at ten minutes, the product of sustained pressure and a jackal, put the Rebels on the back foot. Three minutes later, misfortune struck when a loose kick wasn’t gathered by fullback Valpy, and in the scramble an opposition player’s boot connected with Valpy’s head, leaving him concussed and unable to continue.

The referee played on, and Wollongbar converted the chaos into points. Jamie Bell came on at wing, with Finnian Reynolds shifting to fullback.

Further pressure followed. Luke Cleaver copped a shoulder to the head and was replaced at nine by Logan McLellan, and the Pioneers’ aerial game continued to pin the Rebels deep.

A third try conceded out wide at 25 minutes made it 19-0 before the Rebels

responded. Luc Lévêque offloaded to Michael Robinson, who grounded it at 31 minutes. Hawkins converted, and the Rebels went to the break trailing 19-7 with their defence holding firm despite the pressure.

The second half, unravelled quickly. Lévêque departed with concussion and David Flynn went off with a leg injury, with Hywel David and Huw Kramer introduced.

The Pioneers’ number 11 broke through the line for a try, followed by Wollongbar going wide in open play to score again. A kick into the Rebels’ 22 produced a turnover and another five points, the Pioneers sliced through again – four unanswered tries that turned a contest into a rout. Michael Robinson came off for Dylan Turner Cory Stocks received a red card for a shoulder to the head in a ruck, leaving the Rebels a man down for the remainder of the game. Wollongbar punished the Rebels, adding a penalty and two further tries in open play to complete a 62-7 final scoreline.

Return of Ford NSW Open Regional Qualifier at Teven Golf Club

Teven Golf Club will again host the opening event of the 2026 Ford NSW Open Regional Qualifying Series, with elite players from across Australia set to descend on the Northern Rivers from Wednesday, 29 July to Friday, 31 July.

This year’s qualifier will feature a field of 72 professionals and elite amateurs competing for a share of a $50,000 prize purse, along

with coveted positions in the prestigious Ford NSW Open Championship later in the year.

Craig Parry

Adding further significance to the event, renowned course architect and Australian golfing legend Craig Parry will attend tournament week at Teven.

‘To host this tournament

for a third consecutive year is a fantastic result for both Teven Golf Club and the Northern Rivers,’ Teven Golf Club General Manager Luke Cannon said.

The 2026 tournament marks the third consecutive year Teven Golf Club has hosted the event, further cementing the club’s growing reputation on the Australian golfing calendar.

Mullum Giants celebrate Old Boys Day

The Giants vs Cudgen

KARATE CLASSES

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.

PACIFIC

Saying Goodbye to a Very Handsome Man

LCryptic Clues

ACROSS

1. Thanks doll, it’s off the market (5)

4. Robin found by young guy with disorderly drone (3,6)

9. Errors from small maths device in random simulations (15)

10. Diminish crazy rant somewhat (7)

11. Reunited in operating a profit (2,5)

12. Forced-labour institution stops freedom of speech around university lake (5)

14. One scatters pell-mell about musical comedy (6,3)

17. Five boats follow dry little road to find insectivores (9)

22. Part of flashy peddling, plugged with drama (5)

24. Close measure in charge and confined to a particular place (7)

25. Creeps tie tops loosely (7)

27. Small bank with deformed coil inside celestial body forms synthetic hormone (8,7)

28. Tidy promotion reverted to attempt keyboard job (4,5)

29. She edges away from Gene to get Martin (5) DOWN

1. Entice sub model (5)

2. Falcon reverses vegetable over short way to right (7)

3. New stud advancing (7)

4. Wild god reported to support you and me (7)

5. Discolours slowly, corrupted about drug (7)

6. Found on cutting room floor, unconscious with profits (7)

7. Display scene from radio adaptation with parent (7)

8. Appraised with snoop back inside to produce a positive response (9)

12. Tame country for Tennessee estate (9)

13. Support machine learning brief with daughter (3)

15. Start off silk class (3)

16. Charles initially raved about youth (3)

18. Brilliant diatribe about day in Valencia (7)

19. Hightail out of Virginia low. Safety first, sweetheart! (7)

20. Drunk, crept around centre, seeing acknowledgment of payment (7)

21. Rested, then is to start for you and make content (7)

22. Unfortunate novice amidst messy shapes (7)

23. Ask for artificial stance (7)

26. Dean’s bizarre, but is not convertible (5)

Quick Clues

ACROSS

1. Snatched (5)

4. One member of the Dynamic Duo (3,6)

9. Inaccurate valuations (15)

10. Corrupt (7)

11. Back together (2,5)

12. Russian prison (5)

14. Whoopi Goldberg movie (6,3)

17. African mammals (9)

22. Promoted intensely (5)

24. Indigenous (7)

25. Walks very quietly (7)

27. Certain abused substance (8,7)

28. Inputting information (4,5)

29. Lustre (5) DOWN

1. Lure (5)

2. Hovering raptor (7)

3. Approaching (7)

4. Wine deity (7)

5. Plant disease causing lack of chlorophyll (7)

6. Unused footage (7)

7. Three dimensional model (7)

8. Echoed (9)

12. Paul Simon album (9)

13. Assist (3)

15. Type (3)

16. Light shaft (3)

18. Glowing (7)

19. Flee (7)

20. Statement of sale (7)

21. Fulfil (7)

22. Woeful (7)

23. Suggest (7)

26. Saloon (5)

This week’s Mercury joining Venus and Jupiter in Cancer draw terrestrial energy inwards to our home zone, base of operations, and those closest…

ast week an old friend of mine died. His name was Gary Cook. We met here in Byron Bay, when I was 23. He would have been in his early 30s. He was handsome. And funny. And weird. And self-involved. He used to come to Ringos, where I worked as a waitress. He’d sing to himself, bludge cigarettes, and shine up the serviette holder. He loved looking at himself. He’d laugh and say, ‘God, I’m a handsome man,’ and then he’d laugh this really infectious laugh. It was a joke and it wasn’t a joke at the same time. We dated for about two weeks. Then we became friends. I like to think I decided that, but I think he did. I remember him telling me he was broken. That he had nothing really to offer me. That we would be better as friends. He was right. We were better as friends.

He’d been an actor, a fairly successful one. He looked familiar because he was. But the trauma in his childhood had overwhelmed him and he’d lost his way. An orphan poet with his hands deep in his trench coat and his head in the clouds. He sang fragments of lyrics in a beautiful lilting voice. Like an Irish folk song, halfremembered, half-improvised. He walked off halfway through conversations. Was often a terrible listener. But was kind. Really really kind.

We shared a house in Shirley Street for 12 months or more. We cooked dinners, watched movies, wrote jokes, dressed up and made stupid plays, he voiced a role in a radio series called Van Park, I co-wrote with my then comedy partner Stella (I have the reels but no way of playing them!) We had long conversations into the night. He smoked all my cigarettes, and paid me back with profound wisdoms. He seemed to channel insight from a higher source. So able to reflect and see all that was around him with deep kindness and compassion. So unable to enact that compassion on himself.

I asked him to move out so my new boyfriend and his son could move in. He told me once that he understood but felt hurt that he could be moved on so easily. I apologised, but years later I did it again. He was a forgiving friend. And after all, we were just friends.

Gary turned up for me when few people did. I trusted him with my worst self. On my darkest days, when I was a mother of a small baby, trying to leave a relationship. I would turn up at his door, he would make me tea, smoke my

ARIES: Saturn in your straightforward, tell it like it is, sign butting up against Mercury in super-sensitive mode may activate some defensive reactions this week. So choose your words carefully and don’t jump to conclusions about people’s motives, because there’s usually a lot more operating backstage than we know.

TAURUS: Mars in Taurus likes getting stuff done, while your prima planet Venus aligned with Jupiter is currently asking what do you really want to experience more of –or alternatively, a whole lot less? While this transit fosters soulful connections, it also needs you keeping those discernment filters in peak working order.

GEMINI: The Sun in your lively, socialising sign is all about connection and conversation. As Uranus in Gemini brings rapid changes in communicating, you’ll be challenged to maintain human, organic, non-tech ways of interacting: to look up from your phone and make eye contact with what’s hiding in plain sight.

I didn’t accept that you could deeply love and respect someone for who they were in your past, while understanding that they don’t really belong in your day to day.

cigarettes, and say wisely, ‘darling you will leave when the pain of staying becomes greater than the pain of leaving.’ Or his favourite: ‘It’s not the reality that will kill you, it’s the fantasy.’ I hated that he was right. I loved that he was there. Gaz. With a sausage curry and kindness. When I did leave, and I was a single mum to a toddler and a new baby, he came to live with me again. When he saw me struggle to cope, he got up in the night to my baby Sophia and sang to her. He’d sing Molly Malone, and Frère Jacques, and he’d patiently pat her back to sleep. He stepped in. That kindness saved me. I met someone else, they moved in, and I asked Gary to leave. Again. This time he wasn’t hurt, he told me he was happy for me. We stayed friends but drifted, as friends do when your lives no longer intersect. When one moves on and one stays behind. Gary always stayed behind. The brokenness in me had started to heal. We would have coffee occasionally, then not at all. I ran into him a few years back and I said, ‘Gary you should come visit!’ He said, ‘Why? We have nothing in common.’ It wasn’t in a nasty way. He just acknowledged that our lives had moved on. He said, ‘I am so proud of you, and

CANCER: The celestial trifecta of vivacious Venus, flirty Mercury and generous Jupiter in Cancer sees this week hosting a scintillating assortment of fun folk and interesting new connections in your social scene, either at Crab Casa or other people’s places, with you doing lots of what you love with the ones you love.

LEO: June is always a busy, buzzy month, and since Leos are often the event planners for their friends, it’s worth knowing that this week’s stellar trends could incline people towards over-sensitive and easily offended. So best read the room, and also curb unnecessary expenditure by resisting impulse buying.

VIRGO: As your mentor planet Mercury heads into the sign of home base and domestic dealings, this week asks is there any possibility you’re being a little too critical of those closest to you? In which case it’s time to update your love language – see Troy Hawke, suave online compliment professional for pro tips.

LIBRA: The electric energy of Uranus, great planetary rearranger, currently has us getting accustomed to unfamiliar rhythms, and acclimatised to new ways of operating. Expect some ruffled feathers as habitual patterns are updated, and if some friendships fade into the background that isn’t such a bad thing.

SCORPIO: Scorpio is a depth sign which – spoiler alert – might find this week’s incessant chitchat a tad exasperating. But while there’s no question there’ll be too much information, one of your superpowers is listening, and the current astral transit will definitely have interesting info which could be of use to you.

SAGITTARIUS: Velvety Venus cosying up to generous Jupiter, your boss planet, in your partnership zone, gives relationships a warm, heart-expanding boost, offering ideal conditions to make that caring gesture or voice call to plan a catchup, offer an unexpected gift or let someone know they’re appreciated and cherished.

the woman you have become Mandy. But we don’t need to reconnect. I love you.’ I couldn’t leave it there.

I did get him for dinner, but I could see he was uncomfortable. I didn’t have the insight to accept the life cycle of our closeness. To accept that you could deeply love and respect someone for who they were in your past, while understanding that they don’t really belong in your day to day.

So here, on Gary’s passing, I want to acknowledge his kind heart. He was one of the people in my life whose belief in me, saved me. And I know that Gary did that for a lot of people. On their dark days, Gary had a way of bringing hope.

It might seem to some that he didn’t achieve much. He never wrote his opera. He lived it instead.

Gary Cook was a good man. Close Curtain. Applause. We who had small roles stand in gratitude.

Thank Gaz.

■ 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.

CAPRICORN: This week’s planetary trio in your opposite and complementary sign on the astrowheel directs your busy Capricorn energy home to rest. So take some time away from digital demands to examine your inner landscape, and how it’s coping with the current tsunami of rapid change and evolution.

AQUARIUS: The chatty season of the celestial twins, a mentally-oriented air sign like yourself, usually has your wild mind vibrating with interesting propositions. But while this planetary mix stimulates all kinds of possibilities, before launching any new collaborative projects, take time to check who actually walks their talk.

PISCES: June’s astral energetics in the zodiac’s sign of multiple choice poses many head-versus-heart questions. Rational Mercury wants to stick with a plan, while your ruler Neptune is ready to follow a hunch. Don’t ask AI. Just unplug for a few hours and tune into what you see, hear, feel and learn in real life.

PRINCIPAL

SPONSORS

OLD&GOLD

6 JUNE 8AM TO 3PM

GARAGE SALES SO FAR

/ bric a brac / small furnishings + clothing

3. 15 Teven St.

4. 21 Short St: Grab a Coffee PLUS Camper Trailor and more for sale

5. 33 Booyung St.

6. 10 Newberry Parade: Jewellery, clothes, sports gear, bedding/ sheets, kitchenware, camping gear

7. 14 Park St: Vintage and secondhand

8. 66 Fingal St: Together She Thrives

9. 2/2 Park St: Clothes, shoes, trinkets etc

10. 27 Nana St: Clothing & accessories, homewares, records

11. 13 Booyun St: Second-hand goods

12. 1/22 Pandanus Ct: Plants and clothes

13. 46 Fingal St: Array of beautiful amazing clothes

14. 42 Mullumbimbi St: Vintage homewares, recipe & craft books, costume jewellery, clothes and more

15. 5/1 Fingal St: Men and women’s clothing, pictures etc

16. 53 Fingal St: Clothes, Kids toys and books, jewellery

17. 18 Byron St: clothes, books, floorboards, sports, household

18. 10 Newberry Prd: Designer and baby clothes, toys, kitchen, books

19. 71 Fingal St: Ladies clothes, shoes, homewares

20. 41 Mullumbimbi St: Clothes, homewares and bric a brac

21. 39 Slessor Lane: Second-hand furniture, collectables

22. 42 Mullumbimbi St: Outdoor camping and golf equipment, nursing and other health books

23. 4 Bower St: Kids clothes, toys, books women’s clothes, plants and household items

24. 1 Fingal St: Tools, boat bits, books, misc goods

25. 2/2 Mona Lane: Glassware, china, cookware, misc

26. 45 Fingal St: Household, bric a brac, clothing, jigsaws, books, pet items

27. 24 Tweed St: Antiquities, tools, boat stuff, indigenous artifacts

28. 10 Bower St: Vintage, new, women’s, men’s, teenage clothes

29. 21 Mullumbimbi St: Clothing, shoes, belts, coats

30. 21 Shapcott Lane: Old tools, shed and estate clearance

31. 2 Teven St: Moving our sale, household, shed items

32. 4/32 Mullumbimbi St: Mats and nick nacks (Whatever Shop)

33. 56 Mullumbimbi St: Antiques and bric a brac

34. 3 Mona Lane: Camping, beachwear, bric a brac

35. Rear 17 Fingal St: BBQ

36. 21 Fingal St: Bric a brac

37. 71 Fingal St: Clothes, shoes

38. 39 Fingal St: Second-hand artifacts/obects of intrigue

39. 63 Fingal St: Clothes, kitchen, tools, misc fun!

40. 69 Fingal St: Oldest junk in town!

41. 34 Fingal St: Clothing

42. 4 Mona Lane: Luxe label fashion, antique furniture, china

43. 40 Fingal St: Furniture, clothes

44. 18a Nana St: Mimi and Flo clearance and other treasures

45. 2/22 Fingal St: Ceramics

46. 6 Byron St: Bric a brac

47. 16 Short St: Outdoor furniture clothes, kids items

SILVER SPONSORS

Tom Tom Thai, Tursa, Print Rescue, Better by Bike, Footbridge Café, Ocean Shores Tavern, M.V. Jasmine, Out of the Blue Adventures

BRONZE SPONSORS

Ocean Shores Country Club, Brunswick Picture House, Pink Lotus, River Restaurant, Brunswick Heads Fish and Chippery SUPPORTERS

Fresh Vintage, Violettas Shoes, Swan, Sunshine Trader, Brunswick Wholesale Plants, Silver Dragon, St Sushi, Electric Mermaid, Ocean Shores Tavern, Thursdays Child, Art by Sharni, Rosefina’s Mexican, Yamis, Atmosea, Bodypeace Bamboo, Wild Octave, In the Pink, Vintage Interior Pieces, Brunz Indian, Bruns Takeaway, I’m a Catch, Sticky Fingers Pizzeria

ALL TOWN GARAGE SALES 8AM

SECOND-HAND AND OTHER BARGAINS

Town trail of second-hand shops & op shops & clearance sales

Vintage and Collectables Fair – Memorial Hall

Banner Park Flea Market – Banner Park Housie Shed

Treasure Trove – Brunswick Heads Primary School

CWA Crafts, Cakes, Jams, and Devonshire Teas – CWA Hall

OUR HISTORY

Self-guided historical one-hour town walk – free maps at the Visitor Centre

From 9am: The Big Blue at the Memorial Hall 11am: Broadfoot – Banner Park

11.30am: Ray Essery and Terry Brogan – Memorial Hall

12.30pm: Hub Cap Stan and Sidewalk Stompers – Memorial Hall

9am to 1pm: Visitor Centre, bacon and egg rolls – Memorial Hall

10am to 2pm: Rotary sausage sizzle – Park Street

9am to 3pm: Brunswick Heads Public School, curries 9am to 3pm: CWA Devonshire teas – CWA Hall

BRUNSWICK HEADS

The Good Life

Dining Guide Good Taste

Check the vital details of some of the region’s finest foodies.

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

BYRON 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

The Good Life

Greens from The Farm are flourshing

Allie Godfrey

At the heart of a thriving market garden is timing, soil health, and a deep connection to the seasons – something Josh Dooley from Greens from The Farm knows well. Over the past month, he, his wife Lynette and their team have planted close to 10,000 seedlings, focusing heavily on winter crops. Rows of kale, spinach, rocket, broccoli, broccolini, cauliflower and cabbages now fill the beds, alongside mustard greens, coriander and shallots. With recent rainfall, these brassicas are flourishing, producing vibrant, healthy growth.

Garlic has also been a

major focus, with hundreds of kilos planted right on cue around Anzac Day – a traditional planting time many Australian growers swear by. The saying goes, ‘plant on Anzac Day, harvest by Christmas,’ and Josh follows this seasonal rhythm closely. With good rain and cooling soil, the timing sets the crop up perfectly for strong development through winter.

For home gardeners looking to grow brassicas, Josh emphasises one key principle: healthy soil. These crops can be surprisingly demanding, so enriching soil with compost and green manures before planting is essential. In regions

Nestled among the rolling green hills of Cudgen, just minutes from Kingscliff on the Tweed Coast, Earth Beer Company has become one of the Northern Rivers’ most loved independent breweries. Equal parts laid-back local watering hole and creative brewing hub, the brewery has built a loyal following through its inventive small-batch beers, welcoming atmosphere and

with red soil, silica can be lacking – something that can be improved naturally with amendments like sand.

Pest management is another consideration. Josh recommends using diatomaceous earth, a natural powder that coats leaves and helps deter caterpillars while also contributing trace minerals. It’s important to use food-grade diatomaceous earth, especially in edible gardens, to ensure it’s safe and suitable for organic growing. Applied a few times throughout the season, it offers gentle but effective protection.

Harvesting times vary widely. Leafy greens can be

picked continuously, while crops like cabbage can take up to five months to mature. For smaller gardens, compact varieties are a smart choice.

For Josh, the real highlight of the week is heading to the Mullum Farmers Market – bringing along fresh, seasonal produce and connecting with the local community. He says it’s that weekly rhythm of sharing food, conversation and genuine connection that makes all the hard work in the paddock truly worthwhile.

■ Find Greens from The Farm every Friday from 7am to 11am at Mullum Farmers Market.

Stout Blackout Blowout at Earth Beer

strong focus on sustainability, community and local produce.

Operating from an old rustic tin shed surrounded by 25 acres of avocado orchards – home to more than 400 avocado trees – Earth Beer Company offers a brewery experience unlike almost anywhere else in the region. Mangoes, mulberries, Flow Hive honey, and even sweet potatoes grown on the property, have all been used in the brewery’s rotating beer releases over the years.

That paddock-to-pint philosophy sits at the heart of the brewery’s identity, with Earth Beer Company producing fully solar-powered beer while continuing to explore creative ways to reduce waste and brew more sustainably.

As winter approaches, the brewery is preparing for one of its most anticipated annual celebrations – the

Bonfire Stout Blackout Blowout.

Returning on Saturday, 6 June, the day has become a cult favourite among dark beer lovers across the Tweed and Byron regions. The brewery transforms into a warm, fire-lit haven filled with rich stouts, hearty food, live music and flannel-clad locals embracing the cooler months.

This year’s Blackout Blowout will feature six dark beers alongside special releases brewed exclusively for the occasion, including a decadent Choc Bourbon Stout, a bold barrel-aged limited release, and a mystery vanilla dark ale.

Fan favourites are also making a return – including the brewery’s much-loved ‘Violet Crumble,’ a half honeycomb pale ale and half chocolate stout blend that has developed a near-mythical reputation among patrons.

Beyond the beers, the celebration promises a full winter experience. The Rustic Food Truck will be serving up burgers, stews and hot chips throughout the evening, while live music from local acts X-port and Payday DJ will keep the atmosphere buzzing into the sunset.

For co-founder Richie, gatherings like this capture what Earth Beer Company is all about.

‘We’ve always wanted the brewery to feel like a

gathering place,’ he says. ‘The Blackout Blowout has become one of those days where everyone comes together – locals, visitors, beer lovers and music lovers – and just settles in around good beer and good people.’ So chuck on a beanie, don your favourite jacket, and come get cosy with the Earth Beer crew on 6 June between 11am and 8pm for a few dark delights.

■ earthbeercompany.com.au

ART GALLERIES

BLACK FIG GALLERY

ARTIST STUDIO GALLERY

Belongil Beach

Open by appointment 0409 604 405 janrae7.weebly.com

ARTIST’S STUDIO GALLERY

Byron Bay

Landscape inspired works imparting a ‘spirit of place’ Open by appointment Monthly specials 02 6685 5317 jaypearse.com

BANGALOW FINE ART

Consultancy / Sales / Valuations bangalowfineart.com.au

BLACK FIG GALLERY

Exhibiting Northern Rivers artists

Shop 7, Alstonville Plaza

Wednesday to Friday 10am–4pm and Saturday 10am–2pm (or by appointment) 0480 676 957 blackfiggallery.com.au  @blackfiggallery

BYRON CLAY WORKERS GALLERY

Fairview Studios

Open 10am–4pm Saturdays and Sundays John Stewart 0406 404 335 byronclayworkersgallery.com.au

BLUE KNOB

719 Blue Knob Road, Lillian Rock

Open Thursday to Sunday 10am–3pm 02 6689 7449 blueknobgallery.com

BURRINGBAR GALLERY

Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am–4pm (or by appointment) 0408 998 446 6184 Tweed Valley Way, Burringbar www.burringbargallery.com.au

GALLERY COSMOSIS

Visionary Art

22 Brigantine Street, Byron Bay

Open Thursday to Saturday 10.30am–3pm or by appointment 0431 331 205 gallerycosmosis.com

GARAGE GALLERY

‘Community Arts Hub’ (Byron Community College) Cnr Gordon & Burringbar Streets, Mullumbimby 02 6684 3374 @mullum.garage.gallery

H’ART GALLERY

Local art in the heart of Mullum at Mullumbimby Comprehensive Health Centre 60 Stuart Street, Mullumbimby 0401 647 325

HAVEN GALLERY

102 Jonson St, Byron Bay

Open 10am-8pm - seven days a week

KARENA WYNN-MOYLAN, FINE ART

World award-winning contemporary realism art direct from the artist at her Bangalow Studio Phone or text 0414 822 196

LISMORE REGIONAL GALLERY

11 Rural St, Lismore, Bundjalung Country

Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am–4pm Thursdays until 6pm lismoregallery.org @lismoreregionalgallery

LONE GOAT GALLERY

28 Lawson St, Byron Bay (located in the Byron Library building) Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am–4pm lonegoatgallery.com

M-ARTS PRECINCT

Spend the day, meet the makers, shop local and handmade 105 Wollumbin St, Murwillumbah Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am @m.arts.precinct m-arts.com.au/

MULLUMBIMBY

CLAYWORKERS GALLERY

Drill Hall Complex, 2 Jubilee Ave, Mullumbimby Open Thursday to Saturday 11am–3pm mullumclayworkers.com

MZ GALLERY

Byron Bay Contemporary Artspace 57 Tennyson Street, Byron Bay 0468 718 045 www.byronartspace.com

NINBELLA GALLERY

Open Mon-Sat 10-4pm & Sun 10-2pm 19a Byron Street Bangalow 0429 357 274 ninbella.com

NORTHERN RIVERS COMMUNITY GALLERY

Cnr Cherry & Crane Streets, Ballina

Open Wed–Fri 9am–3pm, Sat–Sun 9.30am–1pm 02 6681 0530 nrcgballina.com.au

TWEED REGIONAL GALLERY & MARGARET OLLEY ART CENTRE

Gallery hours Wed–Sun 10am–4pm Café open Wed-Fri 10am–4 pm, Sat-Sun 9am–4pm 2 Mistral Rd, Murwillumbah 02 6670 2790 gallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au

Black Fig Gallery has an exquisite treat in store for you in their upcoming show The Civilising Skirt, opening on 5 June. Omie tapa, or beaten bark cloth, was there at the very beginning of time when the first woman on earth - Saja, created the very first wrap-around tapa skirt. After the Omie people of remote PNG ceased holding the very detailed tattooing sessions for initiating teenage boys into manhood, their tattoo motifs were transferred onto tapa. All of nature is on display in this exhibition from our nearest neighbour PNG. Marvel at this rare and unusual offering, or book a private champagne floor–talk with Joan Winter from 4pm on Friday 5 June.

0480 676 957

www.blackfiggallery.com.au

@blackfiggallery

Shop 7 Alstonville Plaza, Alstonville

THE CALDERA

Regional artist Luke Close (Githabal) is passionate about his arts practice and sources information from people, places and most importantly the land. His latest series of paintings feature regions of the Caldera he visits often, and honours his connection to place and Aboriginal culture.

A Tweed Regional Gallery initiative and outcome of the PLATFORM program.

10am to 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday 2 Mistral Road (corner Tweed Valley Way), Murwillumbah South.

BYRON WRITERS FESTIVAL

Byron Writers Festival celebrates 30 years, and is set to take over Byron Bay from Friday, 14 to Sunday, 16 August, unfolding across several iconic venues to create a bustling festival precinct.

Featuring over 110 sessions across three days, the world-class event will bring together the best local, national and international writers on Bundjalung Country.

Headline authors include internationally bestselling author of Boy Swallows Universe, Trent Dalton, who returns with his latest novel Gravity Let Me Go, and International Booker Prize-winner Geetanjali Shree, whose groundbreaking novel Tomb of Sand became the first book written in Hindi to win the prestigious prize.

Expect a highly immersive festival experience, with three-day, single-day, and feature event passes available, plus free events all weekend. Tickets are on sale at www. byronwritersfestival.com

SOLVEIG

ARTIST IN FOCUS

For Solveig, art has never been about fitting neatly inside categories. A lifelong painter, psychologist, curator, and creative force based in Mullumbimby, her work fuses the emotional resonance of Impressionism with a distinctly graphic sensibility she calls ‘graphic impressionism.’ Colour, movement, and light become tools not just of representation, but of feeling.

Born in Sydney in 1952, Solveig studied painting and sculpture at the National Art School during the height of Australia’s psychedelic era, absorbing the influence of artists such as Martin Sharp and John Olsen. Over decades of practice, motherhood, study, and self-reflection, her work evolved into a deeply intuitive exploration of nature, consciousness, and healing.

That belief in art as a healing force now extends beyond her own practice through the H’Art Gallery at Mullumbimby Comprehensive Health Centre, which she curates as a space showcasing Northern Rivers artists across painting, printmaking, and mixed media. Under Solveig’s guidance, the gallery has become an unexpected cultural hub — bringing contemporary local art into a public health setting where creativity, conversation, and wellbeing intersect.

Her own works in Exhibition 12 range from

luminous botanicals to abstract neural landscapes, all carrying her signature interplay of colour vibration and layered form.

‘Art doesn’t just decorate a health centre,’ Solveig says, ‘It heals it.’ solveig.com.au

MAGIC MURWILLUMBAH

Murwillumbah, is a town that radiates character, creativity, and an inviting sense of community. Its shopping scene blends the charm of independent retailers with the vibrancy of contemporary design, offering visitors and locals a refreshing alternative.

Wandering its streets reveals an eclectic mix of boutiques, markets, and artisan spaces that reflect the region’s artistic soul.

Entertainment here feels effortless and authentic. From live performances and cultural events to casual gatherings along the river, Murwillumbah provides experiences that encourage connection and celebrate the town’s heritage. There’s a relaxed rhythm to the place, yet it never feels quiet - just comfortably alive.

Dining is equally memorable, with eateries showcasing fresh regional produce and inventive menus. Whether it’s a slow weekend brunch or an evening meal with views of the surrounding ranges, the town offers a variety of flavours to suit every mood.

Murwillumbah remains a lively, welcoming destination that rewards curiosity and invites return visits.

Get your gas from locals

In this changing landscape, Swap a Bottle want you to know you can rely on them.

They are a local, small family-business based in Murwillumbah and delivering in your area. Swap a Bottle are here to offer you their dependable and reliable deliveries and wonderful customer service. If you are ready to change your gas supplier – Swap a Bottle make it super easy and hassle-free to welcome you to be a part of their amazing customer base!

Head online to place your order, send an email, or give us a free call on 1300 727 013. Don’t forget you can also bring your BBQ bottle in to be refilled at our depot in Murwillumbah!

The Swap a Bottle team look forward to helping you and your family with your LP gas needs!

10 Kite Crescent, South Murwillumbah Free Call: 1300 727 013 swapabottlegas.com

MAGIC MURWILLUMBAH

Empire Revival

Empire Revival is a dynamic retail collective in the heart of Murwillumbah! We are your one-stopshop for jewellery, furniture, art, antiques, fashion and much much more! Interior designers, artisans and collectors, both local and from further afield, have been brought together in a carefully curated space offering quality and variety, and promoting sustainable shopping. New stock is arriving every week – sometimes every day!

Housed in the newly refurbished Grand Hall of The Regent, Empire Revival forms part of the vibrant M-Arts Precinct. With a neighbouring patisserie, cheese shop, bar, cinema and individual artist studios, you can spend a whole day exploring this creative corner less than an hour’s drive from Byron Bay.

The Regent Grand Hall & Foyer

3-5 Brisbane St

M-Arts Precinct, Murwillumbah 0455 444 432 @empirerevival.murbah www.empirerevival.com.au

Oracle Advisory

New location, same friendly local team

Oracle Advisory Group is excited to welcome clients to their new Murwillumbah office, located at Suite 2, 13-9 Church Lane, Murwillumbah. This local team has proudly supported individuals, families, and businesses with accounting, taxation, and financial services for more than 30 years.

With tax time approaching, now is the perfect time to book your appointment. Whether you need assistance with your individual tax return, business accounting, compliance, or financial planning, our experienced and friendly team is here to help.

At Oracle Advisory Group, we combine professional expertise with a personalised local service to help you achieve your financial goals.

Book your tax appointment today Call the office on 02 6672 4044 Suite 2, 13-19 Church Lane, Murwillumbah

Save the date: Street Party 2026!

Vibes and beats will once again take over the streets at Murwillumbah’s biggest party on Saturday, 5 September 2026! Get ready for an unforgettable FREE afternoon bursting with colour, creativity and community spirit.

Explore exciting exhibitions, dive into hands-on activities, and enjoy an awesome lineup of live music and entertainment for all ages. Whether you’re dancing in the streets or soaking up the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone at this must-attend celebration!

Save the date in your diary and follow Tweed Regional Museum on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date with event information. This is a free event, no ticket bookings required.

Tweed Regional Museum

Street Party | Tweed Regional Museum https://museum.tweed.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/ street-party 2 Queensland Road, Murwillumbah

We have supported individuals, families, and businesses across the Northern Rivers with trusted accounting, taxation, and financial services.

With 3 convenient offices in Murwillumbah, Byron Bay, and Tweed Heads. Our experienced local team is here to help with individual tax returns, business accounting, compliance, bookkeeping, and financial guidance. With tax time approaching, now is the perfect time to secure your appointment and get expert support from a team that understands the local community.

Seven days of entertainment

Wandana Brewing Co turns six

Six years ago, Wandana Brewing Co set up on the outskirts of Mullumbimby with a simple ambition: to make great beer and build something the community could genuinely call their own.

This Saturday the Wandana Brewing crew are marking the occasion with a free, all-day birthday celebration, and everyone is invited! What started as a brewery has grown into something more. Wandana now distils its own spirits on-site, and a cocktail list has quietly taken shape.

The birthday event is a reflection of everything Wandana has come to stand for. Live music from Felicity Lawless and her band sets the scene, with DJ Xuja keeping things going from lunchtime. For the kids there’s a disco room, face-painting, and a rescue boat courtesy of the Brunswick Heads Surf Life Saving Club – who will also be running

a fundraiser sausage sizzle on the day, featuring Divine Meats’ famous Mullum Madness sausages and a raffle in support of the club.

Sunset Eats will be on the grill with gourmet burgers, nachos and more, and the TapRoom will be pouring cold beers and cocktails made with Wandana’s own house-distilled spirits.

To mark the milestone, Wandana is launching a birthday promotion – buy a carton of the beloved Mullum Madness Hazy IPA and receive a free Mullum Madness t-shirt.

It’s a free event, open to all – families, dogs and everyone in between. Wandana Brewing Co is located at 20 Manns Road, Mullumbimby.

Their birthday event in on Saturday from 12.30pm. The TapRoom is open Thursday to Sunday from 12.30pm.

A double dingo film screening

Following a sold-out screening at the Brunswick Picture House, Defend the Wild and Dingo Culture are proud to host a double screening event on Saturday, 13 June in Evans Head, on Minyumai Country, whose rangers feature in the film.

The event will showcase a screening of Moort Calling Dingo Back to Country, followed by a special second screening of Landholders for Dingoes film Wooleen: Utilising Dingoes as a Management Tool, followed by a discussion panel and audience Q&A.

Moort Calling Dingo Back to Country is a powerful short film that highlights the deep cultural, spiritual, and familial connection between First Nations people and

the dingo. Across south-west Western Australia, moort means family – and that is what dingo is: kin.

The film illuminates the enduring relationship between Cultural Custodians and Australia’s only wild canid, while also revealing the profound loss felt in places where dingoes have been eradicated through widespread killing programs. Even where they are physically absent, the dingo remains present in Songlines, stories, and spirit – and the call for his return grows stronger.

Screening on Saturday, 13 June at 5pm at Club Evans RSL. Tickets and more info at www.defendthewild.org.

Eclectic Selection

What’s on this week

Josh Lee Hamilton is an indie folk and roots singer-songwriter, with a smooth, warm sound. He captivates listeners through honest and heartfelt songs that explore themes of love, struggle, and faith. His music carries an overall sense of optimism, while authentically addressing the challenges and experiences from his own life.

Friday from 5pm at Elements of Byron, Byron Bay. Free show.

Raised on brown snake venom and moonshine, Burning Hands perform traditional Delta and Chicago influenced roots and dance music from a forgotten time – featuring raw harmonica, virtuoso guitar, and a cooking rhythm section with double bass and drums.

Saturday from 5pm at The Burrow, Cabarita Beach. Free show.

Singer-songwriter Joe Conroy crafts rich roots-infused, folk rock music layered with soul, storytelling and psychedelia –he’s played everywhere from city streets to festival stages captivating audiences across the country.

Saturday from 5.30pm at the Williams Street cafe, Lennox Head. Free show.

This month’s Ballina Country Music Club features Ann, Bill, John & Jim, one of the popular regular bands, with Peter Hulme as the featured guest artist, as well as the Paradise Pluckers There are many regular and some visiting walk-up artists and don’t forget the line dancers Enjoy the company and the music.

Sunday from 10am at the Ballina RSL. Free show.

Step into a night of pure rock ’n’ roll magic at the Elvis Spectacular – the ultimate live tribute to the King, starring award-winning Elvis tribute artist Paul Fenech. His powerful, authentic portrayal captures the true spirit of the King, delivering a performance that’s both electrifying and unforgettable.

LIRRA

Sunday 7.30pm at the Ocean Shores Country Club. Tickets $45 + bf at https:// oceanshorescc.com.au.

The Byron Environment Centre will celebrate World Environment Day this year by screening Earth’s Greatest Enemy– funds raised will go towards reopening the boardwalk in the Cumbebin Wetland Sanctuary, so locals and visitors can once again enjoy this beautiful and diverse ecosystem in the heart of Byron Bay.

Sunday at 4pm at the Brunswick Picture House, Brunswick Heads. Tickets from $16 at brunswickpicturehouse.com.

Benny O’Dwyer loves playing music that creates a vibe, and he loves to experiment with new styles and fusions – he takes pleasure in seeing listeners smile, sing and dance, knowing he’s contributed to making everything more enjoyable and memorable.

Monday from 2pm at the Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads. Free show.

Seven days of entertainment

Before The Shed falls silent…

…until September! Join the Nudge crew this Saturday for the season ten finale of Nudge Nudge Wink Wink (NNWW) in The Shed at the Billinudgel Hotel –bringing another unforgettable night of music, connection and community spirit to the Northern Rivers.

As the afternoon rolls into evening, the room transforms, friends reconnect, new faces find each other on the dance floor, and the energy builds track by track into the kind of atmosphere Nudge has become known for. At its heart, NNWW is more than just a party.

June’s musical journey moves effortlessly between deep grooves, uplifting rhythms and moments of pure release, with a lineup designed to keep the dance floor moving from beginning to end.

Opening the night, DJ High Hat returns to The Shed bringing her eclectic style and instinctive ability to read a room, as she blends disco, downtempo, soulful house and unexpected classics into her amazing sets. DJ Afrodisea, blends Afro house, Latin grooves, tribal percussion and earthy world rhythms into deeply immersive dancefloor journeys that

move both body and spirit. This will be her first time in The Shed and you will be thrilled to have her take you on a journey as the evening continues.

Cunning Stunts resident DJs Lord Sut and Dale Stephen remain at the heart of Nudge Nudge Wink Wink, as longtime custodians of the dance floor, they instinctively shape the energy of the night, creating the thread that connects the entire musical journey.

The Hoodlum Ballet returns to tantalise and entertain as they weave movement throughout the evening.

Dancing to make a difference: proceeds from both the May and June 2026 events will support Fletcher Street Cottage. Based in the heart of Byron Bay, Fletcher Street Cottage provides essential, day-to-day support for people experiencing hardship.

Saturday, from 4pm to 11pm in The Shed at the Billinudgel Hotel. Tickets: This event is SOLD OUT! You can still support Fletcher Street Cottage by making a donation via the ticket link: bit.ly/Tickets_ Nudge_June6.

Australian classic comes to Byron Theatre

A major new stage adaptation of Jessica Anderson’s Miles Franklin Award-winning novel Tirra Lirra by the River will come to Byron Theatre in a limited season from 5 to 13 June.

Presented by Fairbairn + Wild Productions and Byron Theatre Company, the production brings one of Australia’s best-known literary works to the stage with a locally-based cast, and a design language shaped specifically for the Byron Theatre space.

First published in 1978, Anderson’s novel follows Nora Porteous, an older woman who returns to her childhood home in Queensland after decades away, including years spent in London. As Nora recovers from illness, memory begins to open around her: marriage, escape, art, love, exile and the complicated question of what it means to return home.

The stage production stars Toni Scanlan, familiar to many from Water Rats, The Newsreader and Packed to the Rafters, alongside Murwillumbah-based performer Pirie Outridge, and Tom Anderson. The work is written and co-directed by Heather Fairbairn and Kate Wild, with a creative team including production designer Savanna Wegman, lighting and video designer Aron Murray, and composer and sound designer Julian Starr

Using live cinema, projection mapping and sound, the production moves across 70 years, from jazz-age Sydney to post-war London, creating what the company describes as a fluid, memory-driven theatrical world.

For Byron Bay-based Fairbairn, the project is also a chance to make ambitious work close to home. ‘It’s rare to be able to make work at this level in your own community,’ she said. Tirra Lirra by the River is the second major production from Byron Theatre Company, following its 2025 debut Displace I Call Home, and continues its push to develop locally-made theatre with national ambition. Performances run at Byron Theatre from 5 to 13 June, with evening shows at 7.30pm and Saturday matinees at 2pm.

PACIFIC AVENUE WILL HEADLINE STONE & WOOD’S FESTIVAL IN JUNE

South Coast rockers, Pacific Avenue, have left an indelible mark on the music industry, their debut studio album Flowers secured a spot as a number one Australian album earning two ARIA nominations. Now, their recently released second studio album, Lovesick Sentimental, looks to be heading in the same direction.

Since their beginnings Pacific Avenue’s trajectory has been steep, including an impressive streaming count exceeding ten million on Spotify.

Headlining Stone & Wood’s Festival of the Stone in June, Seven had the chance to chat with singer HARRY O’BRIEN over the weekend from his home near Stanwell Tops.

Is there anything coming up new for the band?

We’ve just released a record. Yes, we’ve released our second album, Lovesick Sentimental – and we have just done a national tour, and we’re actually about to get back into studio to start recording the next stuff. We’re at the very start of the cycle again, and we’re heading over to Europe in September as well.

Has the reality of what you thought was going to happen with the band matched the vision?

I’m not sure. Honestly, when we started, we were just so excited. The other guys were in another band already, and I was just playing solo kind of folky stuff. Then I met the guitarist (Ben Fryer) in a busking competition, and then he was like, ‘oh, you know, we gotta, like get together and have a jam one day,’ and then we end up doing that, and we wrote our first couple of songs, and then met the boys and jammed, and it just felt so amazing, because I’d never heard myself amped up with a band. We were just so excited to get out and start playing!

I think when we started we never really knew how far we wanted to take it, and then it’s like, things eventually like, got a bit lucky and kept rolling on, and, kind of kept leading us to where we are, and it’s like, we always dreamed of doing this full time.

You’ve been musical since you were a kid?

My family’s like super musical, so whenever we get together for Christmas parties, you know, there’s two people on the piano, and three people have guitars, and everyone’s singing old Beatles and Stones songs – we kind of grew up with that, and it was nice to see when I

was so young – regardless of what’s happening in family, everyone’s always got family things happening, but everyone would come together and be so happy when they were singing together. It’s a really nice thing to bring people together and forget about what’s happening and just share a nice moment.

What is your current ear worm?

We’re actually just about to do a Triple J Like A Version again. So that’s in my head a bit.

[I can’t tell you what it is, but I can tell you, you will love it – stay tuned.]

What’s inspiring you to get out of bed every day?

Getting back in and writing, honestly. And, in my spare time, aside from the band, I’m going up to the city and just writing with up-and-coming acts and just like, meeting people and then seeing what they’re experiencing, and then getting in rooms and creating songs, that’s the funnest part of the process – it’s cool to see. You get a demo in a day, and then six months to a year later you’re playing it in a room and having people sing the words, and somehow connecting to them already and them giving back to you, so just seeing that whole process of making something, and then it not being yours anymore.

What have you got for fans for the Stone & Wood show?

We’ve got a new cover in the set, which we’ve just been playing on this last tour, which is a lot of fun. And high energy, we like to get people dancing. Looking at all the bands on the lineup, it looks like it’s going to be such a fun day.

Sounds great. Harry, are you having enough fun?

Yeah, I think so. Always. Now that we’re kind of home again after the tour, I’m already ready to get back out playing shows, because I feel like that’s when we’re most ourselves, when we’re out and playing in rooms, so definitely missing playing shows, and can’t wait to get back up to Byron.

Do you want to know something really spooky? My grandfather was called Harry O’Brien. You’re not him, are you?

Hmmm – maybe.

The Stone & Wood Festival of the Stone is on Saturday, 20 June – you can find out more and access tickets at stoneandwood.com.au.

CINEMA

A love letter to nature

A very special film will screen as part of the Bangalow Film Festival, preceded by a fascinating Q&A (avec moi) looking at old-school filmmaking.

Super Nature, created entirely on Super 8 film, shows a global community capturing intimate moments of nature using shared cameras, weaving their personal observations into story that celebrates Earth’s creatures.

Filmmaker Ed Sayers narrates the story (Super 8 has itself no sound), ultimately the by-product of a Super 8 film festival. The opening scene shows a colony of Norfolk Beach harbour seals, being, well, harbour seals, as Sayers explains he was inspired by a film about flamingos entered by a French man called Roger (Batteault). He was ‘enchanted’.

Sayers explains how the film was made with cameras shooting footage in dozens of locations across the planet, but it’s just as much what is not seen that makes this film so exciting. The film explores the finite nature of Super 8 – no instant reviewing, the limitations of the length of a Super 8 cartridge, and the importance of being absolutely aware of the seconds counting down as you shoot. You really don’t know what you have until it’s been processed – in a lab far away. Old-school.

A lot of the film literally looks and feels like a ‘70s home movie, but a really good one where the people are not people but animals, and the filmmakers really knew what they were doing – it is not at all quaint, and the insights of the shooters themselves are fascinating and often endearing – one cinematographer saying that the medium’s limitations gave them a sense of feeling closer to their subjects.

More harbour seals – and fade to black.

If you are a filmmaker, film student or film buff, Super Nature is a must, and for everyone else, this film is thoroughly entertaining and will send you away thinking and talking. Super Nature screens at the Bangalow Film Festival on Sunday, 14 June from 5pm.

Information and tickets can be found at: bangalowfilmfestival.com.au.

GIG GUIDE

WEDNESDAY 3

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM JASON MCGREGOR

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

■ THE PADDOCK PROJECT, MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM CURRY JAM

■ OTTILIES, MULLUMBIMBY, 6PM MONDO JAZZ CATS

THURSDAY 4

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 8PM JON STEVENS + THE VANDASTRUTS

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM SARAH GRANT DUO + DJ QUENDO + DUELING PIANO BAR

■ GARDEN BAR, BYRON BAY, 7.30PM TEMPLE OF FIRE

■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM INO PIO

■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 4PM BYRON ENVIRONMENT CENTRE SCREENING – EARTH’S GREATEST ENEMY

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

■ THE TOP PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 6PM TOP JAM NIGHT WITH THE MAX PAZ

■ ELTHAM HOTEL 4PM HANA STRETTON

■ LISMORE CITY BOWLO 7PM THE SUPPER CLUB SOUL BAND

■ COOLANGATTA HOTEL 7PM THE ANGELS

FRIDAY 5

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 5PM AMBER ROSE & JACK REEVES

■ BYRON THEATRE 7.30PM TIRRA LIRRA BY THE RIVER

■ NORTH BYRON HOTEL 5PM DJ NAT WHITE

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM JB’S BLUES BREAKERS + DJ LONGTIME + DUELING PIANO BAR

■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM ARC PLAYS THE EAGLES

■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM ARTE KANELA FLAMENCO

■ WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM DJ SALVE JORGE

■ MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 5.30PM BALCONY BEATS FT. LOSTBOY LUDO + KRAPPYOKEE WITH JESS

■ MULLUMBIMBY CIVIC HALL 7PM WEDNESDAY + ROYAL RATBAGS

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

■ CLUB LENNOX 7PM ADAM HARPAZ

■ SHAWS BAY HOTEL, BALLINA, 6PM LILY-GRACE GRAN

■ REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH, 5PM REGENT REMIX FT RAHEL

■ MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6PM PHIL GUEST

■ CONDONG BOWLS CLUB BRETT GANNON

■ CLUB TWEED 7.30PM TOMMY MEMPHIS & THE TREMORS

■ TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, 8PM THE FABULOUS CAPRETTOS

■ QCWA HALL, COOLANGATTA, 7PM SWING SYNDICATE

■ COOLANGATTA HOTEL 7PM DRAGON

SATURDAY 6

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 3PM JOSH LEE HAMILTON + JEROME WILLIAMS DUO + JAM HOT LIVE

■ BYRON THEATRE 2PM & 7.30PM TIRRA LIRRA BY THE RIVER

■ NORTH BYRON HOTEL 4PM DJ PEPA

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM Z STAR TRINITY + DJ OREN SELECTA + DUELING PIANO BAR

■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4.30PM PETE MURRAY + FELIPE BALDOMIR AND LUKE BENNETT

■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM MARTY SHEARGOLD

■ OCEAN SHORES COUNTRY CLUB 7.30PM PAUL FENECH, ELVIS SPECTACULAR

■ WANDANA BREWING CO., MULLUMBIMBY, 12.30PM DJ XUJA

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

■ BILLINUDGEL HOTEL 4PM NUDGE NUDGE WINK WINK – SEASON FINALÉ FT DJS AFRODISEA, HIGH HAT, DALE STEPHEN, LORD SUT & THE HOODLUM BALLET LIVE

■ WILLIAMS STREET KITCHEN & BAR, LENNOX HEAD, 5.30PM JOE CONROY

■ CLUB LENNOX 4PM LUKE YEAMAN + DAN HANNAFORD

■ BALLINA RSL 6PM MATT DAY

■ CHERRY STREET SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, 8PM PINK ZINC

■ BLAH BAR, LISMORE, 7PM FUN WITH EXPLOSIVES + PUNKTILIOUS + GUSSET RATS + AD NOISEIUM

■ REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH, 6PM BIG VOICE CHOIR PRESENTS ANTHEM

■ MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6PM LEIGH JAMES

■ CONDONG BOWLS CLUB 6PM SWEET TONES

■ THE BURROW, CABARITA, 6PM BURNING HANDS

■ SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 5.30PM OLE FALCOR, 7PM FUN WITH EXPLOSIVES + PUNKTILIOUS + GUSSET RATS + AD NOISEIUM

■ KINGSCLIFF BEACH HOTEL 7.30PM 360

■ EARTH BREWERY, CUDGEN, 3.30PM X-PORT

■ CLUB TWEED 7.30PM BRIT BEAT MANIA

■ TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, 8PM THE JOHNNY CASH & JUNE CARTER SHOW

■ BROADWATER HOTEL 5PM SIMO KING & THE FLAMING RAINBOWS

■ COOLANGATTA HOTEL 7PM THE SUPERJESUS

SUNDAY 7

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 4.30PM TIKI TAANE + EMPRESS KATIA & THE 420 SOUND

■ NORTH BYRON HOTEL 12.30PM DJ PEPA + DJ SCOTT WOLFE

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 5PM KANE MUIR + VINYL SUNDAY FT SUNNY SIDE UP + DUELING PIANO BAR

■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4PM SUNDAY LEMONADE

■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 10.30AM TEENY TINY STEVIES, 4PM BYRON ENVIRONMENT CENTRE SCREENING – EARTH’S GREATEST ENEMY

■ OCEAN SHORES COUNTRY CLUB 1PM CARLY MACKERRAS

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

■ CLUB LENNOX 3PM ADAM GARDINER + INO PIO

■ BALLINA RSL 10AM THE BALLINA COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB, BOARDWALK 2.30PM BALLINA BLUES CLUB FEAT FEDERAL BLUES INC

■ WHARF BAR, BALLINA, 2PM GOODRICH

■ ELTHAM HOTEL 3PM ANDREW MORRIS

■ SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 2PM NASHVILLE ROAD

■ CLUB TWEED 1PM ROSE POWELL + ANGUS HOLMES

MONDAY 8

■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 2PM BENNY O’DWYER ■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM ERIN SHAY + DJ DAVI BANGMA + DUELING PIANO BAR

■ MULLUMBIMBY EX-SERVICES CLUB 6PM VIRGIN SACRIFICE WITH MANDY NOLAN

TUESDAY 9

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM TIM STOKES

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM MARSHAL OKELL + DUELING PIANO BAR

■ TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, 11AM BACK TO THE TIVOLI

WEDNESDAY 10

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM INO PIO

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM MATT ARMITAGE + DUELING PIANO BAR

■ THE PADDOCK PROJECT, MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM CURRY JAM

■ OTTILIES, MULLUMBIMBY, 6PM MONDO JAZZ CATS

■ QCWA HALL, COOLANGATTA, 6PM GOLD COAST JAZZ JAM

Tues: 10:50AM, 8:20PM

(M) Daily: 1:10PM, 3:30PM, 6:00PM, 8:20PM

I S FOR HAWK (M) Thurs, Mon: 11:10AM. Fri, Sat: 10:45AM, 8:20PM. Sun: 10:45AM. Tues: 11:10AM, 6:00PM MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE (M) NFT Daily: 10:45AM, 1:10PM, 4:00PM, 7:15PM MICHAEL (PG) Daily: 10:45AM, 1:45PM, 4:30PM, 7:00PM OBSESSION (MA15+) Daily except Sat, Sun: 1:30PM, 3:30PM, 5:50PM, 8:15PM. Sat: 1:30PM, 3:30PM, 5:45PM, 8:15PM. Sun: 1:30PM, 3:30PM, 5:45PM POWER BALLAD (M) Thurs, Mon, Tues, Wed: 3:50PM. Fri: 4:00PM

SCARY MOVIE (CTC) NFT Daily: 1:40PM, 4:20PM, 6:20PM, 8:10PM SOUND OF FALLING (MA15+) Daily except Sun: 4:00PM, 7:00PM. Sun: 4:40PM, 7:40PM STAR WARS: THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU (M) Daily except Sat, Sun: 11:00AM, 3:10PM, 8:10PM. Sat, Sun: 11:00AM, 3:00PM, 8:00PM THE CHRISTOPHERS (MA15+) NFT Daily: 10:45AM, 1:20PM, 3:45PM, 6:00PM THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 (M) Daily except Sun: 11:15AM, 2:00PM, 8:30PM. Sun: 11:15AM, 2:00PM, 8:15PM THE NORTH (M) NFT Daily except Sun: 11:15AM, 5:50PM. Sun: 11:15AM, 8:00PM THE RICHEST WOMAN IN THE WORLD (M) Thurs, Mon,

ECHO CLASSIFIEDS – 6684 1777

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Ads can be lodged in person at the Mullum Echo o ce: Village Way, Stuart St, Mullumbimby EMAIL ADS

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Ad bookings only taken during business hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm. Ads can’t be taken on the weekend. Account enquiries phone 6684 1777.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

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Adobe Tutoring

On The Horizon

DEADLINE NOON FRIDAY

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

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 homemade soups with crusty bread will be on offer. For information on Mullumbimby CWA, call secretary Jenny Barlow on 66 847 282.

Prostate cancer support

Who gives a Cluck?

Adopt

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

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

Byron Dog Rescue

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

If

on 0428 335 766. www.whogivesacluck.org/shop/ roosters-to-adopt/ whogivesacluck.org @whogivesacluck

to night. Joelene is looking for an active home that can match her zest for life and keep her busy. If you’re ready for nonstop entertainment, come meet Joelene today.  Rehoming Number R251000060

The Echo’s Market Guide

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

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

1st SUN: Byron Community Market – 8am–3pm

Pottsville Beach Markets – 7am–1pm

2nd SUN: The Channon Craft Market – 9am–3pm

Chillingham Markets – 8am–1pm Coolangatta Arts & Craft Markets – 8am–2pm Tabulam Community Market – 9am–1pm

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

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

Lismore City Bowlo Markets – 9am–1pm

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

4th SAT: Kyogle Bazaar – 9am–2pm

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

3

4 TH 6:32 16:56 20:04 9:35 10:31 1.14 23:07 1.68 05:08 0.53 15:58 0.50 5 F 6:32 16:56 21:01 10:13 11:16 1.13 23:47 1.63

7

6:33 16:56 22:55 11:19 00:31 1.58 13:08 1.16 07:22 0.54 18:30 0.65

8 M 6:34 16:56 23:52 11:49 01:19 1.54 14:15 1.22 08:10 0.51 19:40 0.69

9 TU 6:34 16:56 12:18 02:14 1.49 15:20 1.32 08:58 0.47 20:57 0.69

10 W 6:34 16:56 0:51 12:49 03:12 1.44 16:21 1.46 09:45 0.41 22:13 0.66

TH 6:35 16:56 1:53 13:22 04:11 1.40 17:17 1.61 10:30 0.35 23:25 0.59 12 F 6:35 16:56 2:59 14:01 05:11

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

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

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

The next meeting of the Northern Rivers Day Prostate Cancer Support Group is to be held on Wednesday 10 June from 10am until 12 noon at the Alstonville Plateau Sports Club. Men previously and newly diagnosed with prostate cancer are urged to join with the group to experience the personal cancer stories told which give a great opportunity for all to share, learn and benefit from each other. Partners and carers are also most welcome to attend as family are very much involved with the process and treatment of those with this diagnosis. Members are also reminded to bring a friend or someone you know who may be in need of support. This will again be a morning of quality sharing updates. Enquiries phone Bob Corney 0493 075 612.

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. Bangalow Community Association meets The next general meeting for the Bangalow Community Association will be held on Tuesday, 16 June at 6pm, Heritage House, 4 Ashton St, Bangalow. All postcode 2479 residents and business owners are invited to attend BCA quarterly general meetings to discuss currently active development and infrastructure matters. Informed feedback from an engaged and collaborative community helps to achieve significantly better outcomes for our village, so come along and join the conversation.

Free song circle/chi gung and meditation

Everyone is welcome to come and join us for a beautiful heart-opening free song circle on Tuesday, June 9 from 10 till 11am, undercover at Mullumbimby Netball Courts, Byron Street. It’s a relaxed space to connect through music. No experience is needed. There will be free chi gung and meditation session On Monday, 15 June from 10.30am–12pm at Ewingsdale Hall, 18 William Flick Lane. Everyone is welcome to join us for a journey of movement, breath and energy alignment. It is a layered somatic and energetic embodiment practice designed to support calm, clarity and inner connection. No experience is needed.

Refugee Week event

A special Refugee Week event with Muzafar Ali will be held at the Regent Cinema, Murwillumbah on 14 June from 5pm. Many will remember Muzafar’s visit to us last June on his incredible 4,000km Ride for Education from Maleny to Adelaide. His latest film We are not Powerless will screen. Tickets at https://events.humanitix. com/we-are-not-powerless/tickets

Regular As Clockwork

DEADLINE NOON FRIDAY

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

Zonta group

Zonta Northern Rivers, will be holding monthly meetings at Ballina RSL commencing on the 17 June. Meetings will be held on the third Wednesday of each month, commencing at 6pm, and welcome anyone interested to come to meetings at Ballina RSL, or contact directly for further information: 0409 248 822.

Heart circle singing

Heart Circle: Community led singing, uplifting songs, inspiring readings, short meditation, a different theme and leader every week. Nourish the soul. All welcome. Every Sunday 10 to 11.30am at South Golden Beach Hall. Suggested contribution $5 (to cover rent). Enquiries: text Linda 0415 412 514.

Vollies needed for toy library

Byron Shire toy library is looking for volunteers to help run the library. We have two sites, Suffolk Park and Ocean Shores. It’s an easy, fun way to spend a morning. You are required to do a two or three hour shift every week or every two weeks. If interested please contact Pippy Wardell; byronbayseniors@gmail.com.

A few hands can make a big difference!

On Monday and Friday mornings, a small group gathers at Coolamon Community to pack coolamons shared through Aboriginal Health Service midwives to Aboriginal mums and babies in regional and remote communities. It’s simple, hands-on work – done with care, respect and purpose. There’s always room for a few more. If you’d like to lend a hand and be part of something meaningful, contact Pam on 0417 393 168 or info@coolamoncommunity.org.au.

Byron Seniors

Join our friendly group for cards. We play 500 at a local venue. No charge. For enquiries, message Nancy on 0498 480 373.

Soul song

Community-led singing, devotional uplifting songs, short meditation, inspiring readings, non-denominal. Held first and third Sundays from 10am to 11.30am at the Scout Hall, Bangalow Showgrounds. All welcome. For more info call Sue 0402 052 457.

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

Prime Coastal Living with Endless Potential on a Large Land Holding Listed By Brad Rogan - Sotheby’s International Realty

Positioned on an expansive coastal acreage just moments from the pristine sands of Boulders Beach, this remarkable Lennox Head holding presents a truly rare lifestyle opportunity, combining space, privacy and future potential within one of the Northern Rivers most tightly held locations. Set across approximately 3.133 acres, the property offers relaxed coastal living with an exceptional blend of established infrastructure, including the extensive and professionally designed horse facilities, that allows for significant scope for further enhancement.

Defined by its unique versatility and premium landholding, the property has been thoughtfully configured to cater to a range of lifestyle pursuits, from equestrian interests through to the creation of a landmark hinterland-coastal residence.

Existing improvements provide an immediate and highly functional foundation, while the approved plans for an architecturally designed residence further elevate the long-term vision and appeal of the offering.

‘This is one of those exceptionally difficult properties to replicate within Lennox Head,’ Brad Rogan states. ‘The combination of acreage, privacy and proximity to the beach creates a lifestyle opportunity that is becoming increasingly rare throughout the region.’

A standout feature of the estate is its professionally constructed Olympic-grade dressage

arena with premium Martin Collins waxed surface, complemented by established stables, steel night yards and extensive workshop facilities. These inclusions create a truly unique offering for equestrian buyers, lifestyle seekers, or those wanting additional space and flexibility rarely available this close to the coastline.

Brad adds, ‘What makes this property so compelling is not only the land size and infrastructure already in place, but the future potential. Whether buyers choose to enjoy it as-is, build the approved architectural home, or further enhance the property over time, it offers enormous upside in an incredibly tightly held market.’

The existing three-bedroom residence provides immediate comfort and practicality, while the approved mid-century inspired home design has

been carefully positioned to capture sweeping ocean views and maximise the property’s elevated outlook and natural surroundings. The result is an offering that successfully balances lifestyle, functionality and long-term vision.

Whilst providing its peaceful and private atmosphere, the property enjoys close proximity to Lennox Head village, renowned cafes, schools and some of the region’s most celebrated beaches and coastal walks. Continued demand across the Northern Rivers has further reinforced Lennox Head’s standing as one of Australia’s most desirable lifestyle destinations.

When asked about the market, Brad notes, ‘Premium acreage opportunities within Lennox Head are becoming exceptionally difficult to secure, particularly those that offer this level of

usable land so close to the coastline. Buyers are increasingly recognising the long-term value and scarcity of properties like this.’

‘We continue to see strong interest from both local and metropolitan buyers searching for lifestyle-driven holdings that provide privacy, flexibility and genuine future potential within the Byron Bay region.’

Overall, 16 Tara Downs, Lennox Head represents a rare opportunity to secure a substantial coastal acreage holding of exceptional versatility and enduring appeal.

For more information on this incredible home contact Brad Rogan, Sotheby’s International Realty. ■ Brad Rogan, Senior Sales Agent +61 420 529 112 brad@sirbyronbay.com.au

–Strong entry-level investments

–Owner-occupier and investment opportunities

–Owner-occupier and investment opportunities

–Units from 32 sqm to 471 sqm*

–Units from 32 sqm to 471 sqm*

–Retail and office uses –Award-winning

–Retail and office uses –Award-winning

AUCTION NOT TO BE MISSED - WILL BE SOLD ON OR BEFORE

59 COOPERS SHOOT ROAD, COOPERS SHOOT

10 BED | 9 BATH | 14 CAR | 2 POOL | SPA | STUDY | GYM | TENNIS COURT | 13.88 ACRES*

This landmark estate at “HERCULES” - 59 Coopers Shoot Road, Coopers Shoot - will be sold on or before auction. Do not miss this opportunity, because once it’s sold, you do not want to be the one saying, “I would have paid that.”

High above Byron Bay, where the hinterland meets the Pacific Ocean and the horizon stretches endlessly beyond the lighthouse, sits a property so rare, so commanding and so breathtaking that it stands in a category of its own. A landmark coastal estate of extraordinary scale, privacy and prestige - unquestionably one of Australia’s finest homes.

Perched approximately 110m* above sea level on approximately 13.88* acres of tightly held east-facing escarpment land, “HERCULES” captures breathtaking views across the ocean, pristine beaches, rolling hinterland, Broken Head and the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse. Yet within minutes, you can be surfing The Pass at sunrise, dining at Byron Bay’s celebrated cafés and restaurants, playing a round at the nearby golf course or wandering the boutique coastal streets of Byron Bay village.

AUCTION

Friday 12 June, 12pm On-Site th

AMIR MIAN 0401 470 499 amir@amirprestige.com.au

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

Property Business Directory

Backlash

To view visit Old Billi Butcher Shop, 7 Wilfred St, Billinudgel Fri to Sun 10–3 @pampaalpaca

Wales is set to become the first country to introduce rules that could remove politicians who intentionally lie to the public. The proposed measures target deliberate deception rather than mistakes or opinions, with penalties ranging from corrections and suspension, to removal from office. Supporters say the reforms could strengthen trust and accountability in democracy.

There is a former entertainer who became a political leader whose name you probably know. His love of gold is legendary, especially in his decor, and his story is littered with accounts of acrimonious disputes with the Senate and numerous allegations of sexual misconduct. Despite all of this, a bewildering number of ordinary people loved him. Yes, that’s right, it was Emperor Nero. The man who put his own face on currency of the Roman Empire only for those coins to be melted down after his rule. It is good to know that history doesn’t repeat.

The tenth Ballarat Beard & Stache Competition was held in Ballarat last Saturday with people making it and faking it in the divine universe of the beard and moustache! From fake plastic mos on kids, to the winning 101cm beard, there were no shortages of fitting and misfit facial whiskers gracing the charming visages on the day.

With the Federal Labor government entering into contracts with US hightech spy corp, Palantir (whose boss Peter Thiel is a hardright billionaire fascist Trump supporter), Greens MP David

Reigning Australian Marbles Champion, Xande Tenfen, here with his part-time coach and fulltime son Khyote, will take on some of the nation’s finest, this coming Saturday opposite the Bruns Pub from 11am to 2pm. The Australian Marbles Championship has run in parallel with Brunswick Heads ‘Old n Gold’ festival since 2008. Khyote noted he has his father on a fitness regime based on that of elite darts athletes. Photo Jeff ‘Roll Another One’ Dawson

Shoebridge didn’t get much from Labor MP Murray Watt when asked about Australia’s safety in a recent Senate hearing. Watt admitted there was no policy setting around our biometric data being handed to Palantir.

The Echo is celebrating Pride Month from 1 to 30 June. Lets celebrate diversity, and commemorate the global fight for equal rights for LGBTQIA+ communities.

The season ten finale of Nudge Nudge Wink Wink is on 6 June at The Shed at the Billinudgel Hotel.

From banning the ABC its election-eve press conference, to telling them to ‘shut up’, and Hanson describing a journalist as a ‘nasty bitch’ One Nation is truly advancing Australia Fair!

Triextra Carpet is an eco-friendly carpet that is perfect for your active household!

• Made in part from renewable plant-based ingredients

• Manufactured locally in Australia