The Byron Shire Echo Issue 40.53 – June 10, 2026

Paul Bibby

Mullumbimby’s proposed hybrid water supply scheme is in serious doubt after Byron Council staff warned it faces significant public health, regulatory, and cost risks, and recommended Council not proceed with the project in its current form.

A report to Byron Council’s Water and Sewer Advisory Committee on 28 May found the hybrid proposal – adopted by Council in October last year – may struggle to secure the state government approval required to proceed, and could even trigger a review of the town’s water extraction licence.

Proposals on the fly

The hybrid model was intended to combine a permanent connection to the regional Rous water network with a supplementary local water source drawn from Lavertys Gap weir on Wilsons Creek and treated through a new packaged water treatment plant.

But staff say the proposal was adopted without the strategic planning and options assessment usually required for major water infrastructure projects, weakening Council’s ability to justify the scheme to regulators.

‘Pursuit of the “hybrid” scheme was adopted without a full options assessment which weakens strategic justification if not addressed,’ the report states.

Under Section 60 of the Local Government Act, Council must ▶ Continued on page 4

Bruns Old & Gold brings community together

Stranded kayakers rescued at Broken Head

Volunteers from Marine Rescue Brunswick battled darkness and deteriorating conditions last Tuesday to save three men stranded on Cocked Hat Rock, part of the Three Sisters, at Broken Head south of Byron Bay.

Volunteer radio operators at Marine Rescue Port Macquarie received multiple calls reporting people in distress, and lights visible near the Three Sisters just before 9pm on Tuesday, 2 June.

Marine Rescue Brunswick was then requested to assist by the NSW

Police Marine Area Command.

Marine Rescue Brunswick Unit Commander and rescue vessel skipper Glen Parker said his volunteer crew used thermal imaging technology and floodlights to locate the three men on Cocked Hat Rock.

‘We communicated with them through the hailer. They were relieved to see us but clearly distressed.

‘The men told us they had paddled out to the rock, but their kayak had been swept away by the swell, leaving them stranded.’

Initially, rescuers were going to

wait until daylight to extract the men due to the rocky surroundings; however, deteriorating conditions and risk of hyperthermia ensured a night rescue was initiated.

‘Deteriorating sea conditions slowed the journey back to Brunswick Heads Boat Harbour, with Brunswick 30 arriving shortly after 4am, where NSW Ambulance paramedics were waiting to assess and treat the men,’ said skipper Parker.

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

Catalano’s twin Wategos mansion DA wins court approval

Hans Lovejoy

A controversial dual-mansion development at Wategos Beach has been approved by the NSW Land and Environment Court (L&EC), ending an 18-month battle between media entrepreneur Antony Catalano’s company and Byron Shire Council (BSC).

In December 2024 BSC unanimously refused the development application (DA), with Mayor Sarah Ndiaye saying the plans didn’t meet ‘environmental, planning, or community expectations.’

The L&EC issued consent on 4 June for the construction of two detached dwellings at 1 Julian Place and 8 Brownell Drive. The approval was part of a conciliation process, in which Catalano’s company Raes Residences Pty Ltd amended the DA to address BSC’s objections.

The approved development remains substantial. The main house on Julian Place will exceed Byron’s nine-metre height limit by up to 2.35 metres – a 26 per cent variation – with the smaller garden house on Brownell Drive also breaching the height limit. Both exceedances were approved under a planning variation mechanism that allows height limits to be set aside where compliance is deemed ‘unreasonable or unnecessary’.

The development attracted 204 objection submissions during notification, compared to 47 in support. Arakwal – the Bundjalung of Byron ▶ Continued on page 5

Bangalow Film Festival opens

Mark Lewis, a filmmaker, is one of the judges of the Green Frame Award, Christian Pazzaglia, the Festival Director and Sarah Beard, producer of two films on the program, Trade Secret and The Plastic Country. Jeff ‘Freeze Frame’ Dawson

The Banglow Film Festival opening night is this Thursday, 11 June and has already sold out.

The festival is celebrating a wide range of films and the launch of a brand new Nature Documentary Award in Australia, the Green Frame Nature Documentary Award which stands alone in Australia as the only award devoted entirely to nature and environmental film.

‘It brings audiences closer to the voices, beauty and fragility of the natural world. These films weave together the human experience with

nature and science in ways that inform, move, and ignite both action and imagination. The conversations they open are ones we can no longer afford to delay,’ said Christian Pazzaglia, Founder and Director of the Bangalow Film Festival.

11 days of film

You can enjoy a great diversity of films throughout the 11-day festival, including the discovery of cheese in Shelf Life, to an expose on the polar bear fur trade. The final night moviegoers will get to enjoy an unforgettable

night of cinema, music, food, drinks and community.

They are encouraging everyone to embrace their inner cowgirl or cowboy and join in an evening which will feature DJs, a Husk Rum cocktail bar, food trucks, special activations, prizes for the best dressed cowgirls and cowboys (courtesy of Pony Rider), and the announcement of the winners of Australia’s first Green Frame Nature Documentary Award.

Find out more and get your tickets at: www.bangalowfilmfestival.com.au.

Community call to stop demolitions

This Saturday, 13 June the community is gathering in Lismore and calling in the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) to stop demolishing heritage homes.

‘Houses are being demolished while people remain without stable housing. Materials are being wasted.

Deadlines are driving decisions that should be driven by people,’ said House You in a press release.

‘The 2022 floods took so much from our community.

Just as we are rising and finding our feet, our community is being literally demolished around us. The waste of these heritage

The Echo celebrates 40 years

Awad took out the The

Without an inch or even a centimetre to spare, Club Byron was dressed up to the nines and packed with funsters on Saturday evening for The Echo’s 40th anniversary and community awards.

The community pulled out all stops for the ‘Swinging Through the Decades’ theme and dressed to impress.

hardwood homes is a crime and must be stopped,’ said Hannah Robertson.

‘500-year-old trees were felled a hundred years ago to build them. This is an absurd and reckless act,’ said Alex Clarke.

The rally will take place at The Quad in Lismore this Saturday at 11am.

and

Community awards

The Pain in the Ass Award went to former Byron Shire councillor Duncan Dey; the Only Hope We Have Award went to the Byron Youth Theatre; the Community Action Award went to the Mullumbimby & District Neighbourhood Centre; the Most Loyal Advertiser went to First National Byron; The Decolonsing Award went to Ella Noah Bancroft from The Returning;

the Seeding Change Award went to Karen Gross from Mullumbimby’s The Paddock Project; the Cultivating Culture Award went to the legendary Brunswick Picture House; the Raising The Bar Award went to David Heilpern; the Courage Under Fire Award went to Subhi Awad; and the Rebirthing Award went to the Coorabell Hall Committee. Check out the photo gallery in The Echo online: www.echo.net.au.

Coolamon Baby supports Aboriginal mothers

Aslan Shand

Coolamon Community supports new Aboriginal mothers by providing a nostrings-attached baby bundle via culturally-sensitive health workers.

From small beginnings in Ballina and Lismore, the program has spread throughout the Northern Rivers and beyond, and the organisation now supplies baby bundles in the Northern Territory, the whole of the

Kimberley region in WA as well as locally.

Everything they supply is new, Sleep Safe, and ACCC compliant. They use First Nations designers and suppliers where they can.

Coolamon Baby

They have now launched Coolamon Baby products that include facewasher sets, blankets, hooded towels, and muslin wraps that are available to purchase (www. coolamonbaby.com.au).

‘We hope you will share Coolamon Baby with anyone in your life who is expecting a new addition, already has a bundle of joy or perhaps you need the perfect gift to help celebrate,’ said Coolamon Community founders Evie Woods and Pam Brook.

All profits from the sale of Coolamon Baby products flow straight back into Coolamon Community and helps them grow and support Aboriginal mothers around the country.

School is the beating heart of Bruns

Paul Bibby

From floods to festivals, Brunswick Heads Public School has long the been the anchor of village life.

And never was that more evident than during last weekend’s Old and Gold festival, when the school grounds filled with market stalls, food, live music from Mullumbimby High School students, and a steady stream of familiar faces.

Set in the centre of Brunswick Heads and dating back to 1888, the school has long been a gathering point for generations of local families, with former students often returning years later as parents, volunteers and business owners.

Among them was Brunswick Heads Bait and Tackle owner Matthew Hardy, known locally as ‘Lammy’, who once attended the school and now has three children enrolled there.

Alongside running the local bait and tackle shop, Mr Hardy regularly closes the business to take students fishing as part of the school’s sports program, donating bait and sharing his knowledge with local children.

‘He’s a big part of the community,’ principal Jodi Lambert said. ‘Everyone knows him.’

For Ms Lambert, who has worked at the school for 11 years and led it for the past five, those enduring ties are one of the things that make the school special.

‘That’s one of the highlights of the job,’ she said.

‘You see them leave here, and then you might run into

them working at one of the local businesses, or they come back and visit us and update us with what they’re up to.’

Part of the Brunswick village

During Old and Gold, the school hosted 30 stalls, curries run by the Parents and Citizens Association (P&C), cakes and desserts from local Lilly Pilly preschool, and live entertainment from Mullumbimby High School music students.

Ms Lambert said the school’s connection to the broader community extended well beyond the classroom, with much of Brunswick Heads effectively becoming an extension of the campus.

‘We’re right in the heart

of the community, literally,’ she said.

‘Even though our school site is small, we have the luxury of utilising all the wonderful things the village has. We do sport down at the river and the beach, run cross country along the beach, and kids can choose fishing, kayaking, surfing and beach games for sport.’

Students also perform drama productions and musicals at the Brunswick Picture House, giving every child the opportunity to appear on a professional stage complete with lighting and sound.

‘Not many schools can offer that,’ Ms Lambert said.

The school’s importance has also been evident during more difficult periods for the community.

Following the 2022 floods,

Brunswick Heads Public School hosted displaced students from Mullumbimby and Crabbes Creek schools, accommodating around 150 extra children on site as families recovered from the disaster.

‘It was a wild time,’ Ms Lambert said. ‘We were utilising the whole community to have spots for everyone to learn.’

Out of that experience came the school’s Breakfast Club program, which still runs three mornings a week in partnership with Foodbank, providing toast, cereal and fruit to students before classes.

‘Being a school is more than just the academic side of things,’ Ms Lambert said. ‘It’s about looking after kids socially and emotionally, and their wellbeing too.’

The Pocket Winter Festival bringing you music, food and fun

The Pocket Winter Festival is set to return on Sunday, 21 June, from 10am to 2pm, bringing together the community for a day of music, food, entertainment and family fun at The Pocket Public School.

A much-loved local tradition, the festival showcases the vibrant spirit of the Northern Rivers, with live music, children’s activities, delicious food and drinks.

Organised by the school’s Parents and Citizens Association (P&C), the event is their largest annual fundraiser, with proceeds supporting the schools’ performing arts program which has gone from strength to strength in recent years.

‘The Winter Festival is a

raise

Discovering Byron’s influence on Australian music

Aslan Shand

For a small regional area the Byron Shire and Northern Rivers have had an outsized impact on the culture and music in Australia.

Local author Tricia Shantz is launching her latest book Musicland. When the Music Came to Byron 1970-1995 at this year’s Byron Writers Festival, a follow on from her first book Neverland about Australian and American surfers in Byron Bay from the 1960s and ’70s.

‘Musicland is unashamedly a follow-on to Neverland,’ Tricia told The Echo Neverland finishes in 1974 with Danny Doeppel buying the old Norco piggery in Byron Bay with the dream to start an arts factory. Then around 1975 Gary Deutscher, the Melbournian musician purchased land at Coorabell with a dream to create a music recording studio, now known as The Music Farm which celebrated its 50th birthday in May.

‘Rusty (Tricia’s husband) and I lived next door to the Music Farm for 30 years. I’m always wanting to tell the story of who the unsung movers and shakers were, the contemporary people who were part of our social history and the cultural shift. About how we got to the big music festivals like Bluesfest, Splendour in the Grass, and the Mullumbimby Music

What is the future of the

▶ Continued from page 1

obtain approval from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water before constructing and operating new water treatment infrastructure. To secure approval, Council would need to demonstrate the hybrid scheme is technically sound, financially sustainable, and the best long-term option compared with alternatives.

Staff warned the proposal may struggle to meet those requirements.

‘Staff do not recommend that Council proceeds with the “hybrid” scheme given its shortfalls against Section 60 criteria,’ the report says.

A key concern raised in the report relates to public health risks associated

with water sourced from Lavertys Gap weir, which staff describe as a ‘high-risk’ source vulnerable to rapid deterioration in water quality following rain events.

The report says the source has a likelihood of pathogens such as cryptosporidium – a microorganism that can cause serious gastrointestinal illness and is resistant to normal chlorine treatment.

Water safety

According to the report, safely treating water from Lavertys Gap would likely require advanced filtration and ultraviolet disinfection, increasing both costs and operational complexity.

Staff also warned that reinstating water extraction from Lavertys Gap may prompt regulators to review

Festival – what’s the genesis of that? You don’t go from zero to 100 in one go.

‘It was the interconnectedness of everyone that was involved, the friendship networks, and the networks of creation. The first music festival happened in Mullumbimby in 1973, then there were the Fowlers Lane concerts which started in 1976 and went for about six years, they were the Woodstock of our area.’

‘Danny and Gary brought big names, not just Australian bands, they were bringing big names like B B King and Blondie to Lismore.’

As Tricia points out this is a significant part of our area’s history and it was an extraordinary hotbed of music in the ’70s and ’80s.

‘We ended up being on the world stage for music. So, I wanted to discover why? How did we get there, and who were the people? It’s not all the stars, it’s the people who came here and built lives and brought their influences that changed the place and created the culture.

‘It’s not just the story of music here, it’s part and parcel of the music story of the ’70s and the ’80s in Australia. We’re a part of it, and all the big names were here.’

To come along and enjoy the launch, get your tickets at www. byronwritersfestival.com.

Mullum water supply?

Council’s water access licence, potentially affecting the long-term viability of the source.

The hybrid model emerged after Council backed away from a far more ambitious plan centred on Mullumbimby developing greater water self-sufficiency.

In 2024, Council voted to permanently connect Mullumbimby to the regional Rous water supply, effectively ending reliance on the ageing Lavertys Gap system. But after community backlash and political support for retaining a local water source, councillors reversed course in October 2025 and unanimously endorsed the hybrid approach as a compromise.

The Water and Sewer Advisory Committee stopped

Questions remain over future of Bangalow Bowlo

The Save Bangalow Bowlo Steering Committee (SBBSC) are seeking clarification on a number of issues in relation to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that formed the basis of the amalgamation between the Bangalow Bowlo and Norths Collective.

The MoU set out commitments by Norths in relation to maintenance and upgrades as part of them taking over the Bangalow Bowlo.

After two years and four months Norths closed the club citing ‘substantial and costly repairs and refurbishment to meet compliance, safety and operational standards’ as the reason for closure. Norths claimed they had done a three-year review of trading at the former Bangalow Bowlo that led to the decision.

short of recommending Council abandon the idea entirely. Instead, members unanimously supported a motion acknowledging the risks raised by staff and recommending Council seek advice on the additional work and cost required for a strategic assessment of the proposal.

Committee members also endorsed a revised concept involving full physical separation of the two water systems, rather than mixing local and regional water supplies through the same network.

The committee further recommended Council write to the NSW government seeking an urgent update on regional water planning policy and infrastructure funding programs.

‘The community is struggling to understand how a review based on three years of trading can be relied upon when the club had operated under Norths for approximately two years and four months,’ a spokesperson for SBBSC told The Echo

The committee said that, ‘no Council closure order, building prohibition notice, fire safety order or publicly released engineering report requiring immediate closure has been produced’ by Norths in relation to the closure.

The SBBSC says they havre sought independent legal advice and representation and have requested Liquor & Gaming NSW examine matters relating to governance, transparency, and compliance with commitments made during the amalgamation process.

‘The community voted for amalgamation on the understanding that the Bowlo would be repaired, upgraded and protected for future generations,’ the spokesperson said.

‘Today the club remains closed, and many members and residents are still seeking answers about how those commitments were delivered and how a three-year review could be used to justify closure after only two years and four months of operation.’

‘This is particularly relevant because the MOU itself contains financial viability provisions that refer to events occurring after the third anniversary of amalgamation.’

Serious assault in Byron

NSW Police say detectives have commenced an investigation after a man was seriously assaulted in the local area on Sunday, 7 June.

Police say that at about 11.40pm Sunday a patrolling police car was flagged down by a 28-year-old Canadian man along Butler Street, Byron Bay, who reported being assaulted.

The man was transferred to Tweed Valley Hospital in a serious but stable condition with a fractured skull, bleeding on the brain, and spinal injuries.

The man was consuming alcohol with about five other males not known to him in a park on Jonson Street before he was assaulted by them. Two of the males involved in the fight are believed to be aged about 16 or 17.

Anyone with information or relevant dashcam/mobile phone footage is urged to contact Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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

Dr Bronwyn Bancroft wins prestigious Ochre Award

Aslan Shand

Bundjalung woman and artist

Dr Bronwyn Bancroft AM has received the Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Artistic Excellence.

With a career that spans over five decades, Dr Bancroft is a celebrated and highly acclaimed First Nations artist and illustrator.

Dr Bancroft is the youngest of seven children and the daughter of Bundjalung man, Bill Bancroft, and Dorothy Moss, who is of Polish and Scottish descent. She began creating from a young age and at 17 attended the Canberra School of Art.

Setting up her shop

‘Designer Aboriginals’ in Rozelle, Sydney in 1985 Dr Brancroft provided training for young Aboriginal women in all facets of business from selling to creating handmade jewellery, sewing and silk screening, and mentoring the principles of self-determination.

Bancroft was one of the first Australian designers to showcase her work in Paris in 1987 as part of the ‘Australis Down Under’ fashion show at the Printemps department store. She has written and illustrated over 50 children’s

books, including illustrating for Oodgeroo Noonuccal and Sally Morgan as well as her own titles. Dr Bancroft was the recipient of the Lady Cutler Award in 2024 as well as being nominated for numerous prestigious international literature awards.

‘The award was the culmination of 50 years of artistic resilience and recognition for the work I have done across the arts sector in Australia, and in particular, the mentoring and advancement of First Nations Artists,’ Dr Brancroft told The Echo

‘My career as a single mother and artist, illustrator, and academic has never been easy but this award was one of the highlights in my artistic career.’

Controversial Wategos DA gets approval

▶ Continued from page 1

Bay Aboriginal Corporation

– made both oral and written submissions given the site’s known Aboriginal heritage.

Conditions imposed are far more extensive than those typical for residential development. The developer must provide 79 threatened species and ecosystem credits before

a sod is turned, fund five years of groundwater monitoring, and implement a vegetation management plan with annual reporting obligations that run in perpetuity – all registered on the property title. An Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit must also be granted before construction begins, with Arakwal monitors

required on site during all ground-disturbing works.

The developer will also pay Council $60,000 in costs.

The site sits within the Byron Bay Sanctuary Zone of Cape Byron Marine Park, it was originally an area set aside to manage stormwater catchment runoff and contains critically endangered

littoral rainforest, factors that generated the complexity and duration of the approval process.

Construction cannot begin until a separate construction certificate is issued, which requires Council sign-off on a further suite of technical reports including geotechnical and groundwater assessments.

Past and present collide at Byron Theatre

Paul Bibby

A classic Australian novel is getting a contemporary makeover at the Byron Theatre this week, with Tirra Lirra by the River brought to the stage using cutting-edge audio-visual effects.

The play, Byron Theatre Company’s second major production following its 2025 debut Displace I Call Home, is running now.

Adapted from Jessica Anderson’s Miles Franklin Award-winning novel, the production follows Nora, who reluctantly returns to the Australian house where she grew up and finds memories of her past waiting for her.

Forced to reckon with the choices she has made, Nora revisits a life shaped across decades, with the story weaving a timeline from jazz-age Sydney to post-war London.

While the novel itself has long been regarded as an Australian classic, the Byron production promises a distinctly modern take, combining live performance with projection mapping, live cinema and immersive sound design created specifically for the Byron Theatre space.

The production stars Byron Bay-based actor Toni Scanlan, known for roles in Water Rats, The Newsreader and Packed to the Rafters, alongside Murwillumbah performer Pirie Outridge and actor, writer and director Tom Anderson.

Co-director Heather

Fairbairn said bringing a production of this scale to the Northern Rivers was especially meaningful.

‘It’s rare to be able to make work at this level in your own community,’ Ms Fairbairn said.

‘I spend much of the year working away from home, so to return to Byron and make a second work here this year feels significant.’

Ms Fairbairn recently directed NORPA’s acclaimed

Prima Facie, which premiered at Byron Theatre before touring throughout the Northern Rivers.

The adaptation has been written and directed by Ms Fairbairn and Kate Wild, whose theatre work spans Australia and the United Kingdom.

Byron Theatre Company Creative Producer Bianca Sirianni said the company was focused on creating ambitious work while supporting local artists.

‘We’re listening – to artists, to audiences, to what’s needed here – and creating space for meaningful work,’ Ms Sirianni said.

Performances run until 13 June at Byron Theatre, 69 Jonson Street, Byron Bay, with evening performances at 7.30pm and Saturday matinees at 2pm.

Sandhills Wetlands wins award

The Sandhills Wetlands restoration project in Byron Bay has won another major award, with Byron Shire Council taking first place at the Local Government Professionals 2026 NSW Excellence Awards. ‘This is a proud moment for Council and our community because it’s such an honour for our Sandhills Wetlands project to be recognised at these highly regarded awards,’ Mark Arnold, Council’s General Manager said. Photo supplied

Byron local Stephan Schnierer receives the Order of Australia

Hans Lovejoy

Stephan Schnierer, a Byron local, has been awarded an Order of Australia (OAM) from the 2026 Kings Birthday honours list.

His contributions were recognised for Fisheries Management, Biodiversity, and Indigenous Education in the Northern Rivers area.

Stephan’s sister, Karen, told The Echo, ‘Our mother was one of the Watego family who grew up at what is now known as Wategos Beach. Our dad was a Hungarian refugee, Imre Schnierer. Our parents stressed the need to get an education, and they also showed us how important it was to contribute to community by being involved in community activities, in

particular the Byron Bay Football Club and local politics’.

‘Stephan has exceeded our parents expectations by devoting much his life to his work with the support of his own family,’ said Karen.

‘He has never sought out kudos for his achievements, but it seems only fitting to acknowledge what he did achieve, and still does, for the wider community, especially as he is a local identity who is probably better known more recently for his surfing prowess and musical talent.’

Mr Schnierer list of achievements is significant. His is currently a coinvestigator for the review of national and international approaches to the incorporation of Indigenous rights into all facets of fisheries practices, 2025–2026. He has been an expert on a range of panels for the environment and water, Indigenous practices, and was the Adjunct Associate Professor, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, 2015–2021.

Rainbow Guy recovering from serious car accident

On Sunday, 24 May one of the Northern River’s most beloved and legendary figures Rainbow Guy, aka Guy Feldmann, was involved in a car accident on Tandy’s Lane by Uncle Tom’s.

‘He has multiple compound fractures to both legs and pelvis, broken ribs, and broken vertebrae in his back, and serious lacerations to both of his arms and a punctured lung,’ his son Ishiyah told The Echo

‘Due to the extreme skill, patience and care of all of the emergency personnel and hospital staff, he is still, well, alive and well.

‘You’d be forgiven for thinking alive and well was

a stretch. Yet for those of us who know this man. Who know the conviction, the life, the sheer indomitable spirit that he possesses, alive and well is almost an understatement.

‘He was barely 30 minutes awake from a four-day induced coma, in which

time he underwent nearly 20 hours of intensive surgery for his injuries, and his first words were “blessed” and “meant to be somehow”.

‘For those of us fortunate enough to have experienced the Rainbow Temple, and had the pleasure of meeting Guy, his ordeal has been a reminder to keep gratitude as a core value in which we live our lives. The fragility of life is what makes the love of our families and community such a wondrous gift to be cherished.’

Guy is wanting to rally volunteers to tackle the growing Devils Fig problem in Rosebank when he is out of hospital.

Honouring Arakwal native title

Sculptors Nickolla Clark and Rebekah Seriah Webster with Samantha Moss from the sculpture walk committee and Mayor Sarah Ndiaye. Photo Jeff Dawson

On 30 April, 2019 the Federal Court of Australia recognised the Native Title rights of the Bundjalung People (Arakwal) of Byron Bay. This week Byron Shire Council purchased the three-piece sculpture Holding Strong by Nickolla Clark (Arakwal) and Rebekah Seriah Webster located in South Beach Park, Brunswick Heads to commemorate that important recognition.

The historic Native Title Determination saw 30o people gather at Torakina Reserve including participating Elders Lorna Kelly,

Yvonne Graham, Linda Vidler and Dulcie Nicholls.

The sculptural forms were inspired by the shape of the leaves of the Bambaa (Banksia), a floral marker signalling the change of season and indicating to the Arakwal people that it is time to move, gather, and live within different areas across Country.

The markers are aligned to face Bundjalung sacred sites: Wollumbin (Cloud Catcher) to the west, Balun (Brunswick River) to the east and Walgun (Cape Byron shoulder) to the south.

Do you want the rail trail completed? Sign the petition

Aslan Shand

The local Byron and Mullumbimby chambers of commerce, and the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Supporters (NRRTS) are asking everyone who supports making the rail trail happen to get on board and sign up to support the rail trail at www. northernriversrailtrail.com. au/support.

Speaking to The Echo, Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, said that at the 18 June Byron Shire Council (BSC) meeting she will move a notice of motion (NoM) to find out exactly why they didn’t meet the criteria for the previous grant application and what they can learn.

Cr Ndiaye said they want to fully understand what they need to do to have the project ‘shovel ready’.

‘The NoM will also look at grant funding opportunities or other funding models for all sections of the rail trail in Byron Shire as well as look at the development of a publicly available Rail Trail Masterplan for the Shire,’ she said.

‘The knockback has only strengthened my resolve and that of many others to make this happen.’

‘We’ve been waiting for

this for so long,’ said Craig Barnham who runs the Billinudgel Hotel with his brothers Mitchell and Jorden, and Andrew (Panda) Maloof.

‘A few months ago, when the Council finally decided to go ahead and build on formation it felt great. We felt so much relief, finally, common sense seemed like it was going to prevail.

‘This is our chance to connect our area to everything else that is local to us. People could travel the area without needing to use a vehicle and rely on taxis later at night,’ he said.

‘Billinudgel came about because the station got put here and the town grew from that. For the last 20 years it sat there dormant, and we’ve sort of sat here a little dormant as well. It’d be awesome to have it open in this new form as a rail trail. It would once again be the lifeblood bringing the town back to life like it has done for Burringbar, Stokers Siding, and Mooball.

‘The rail trails in Tweed and Lismore shires and may other places around the world have proved how much they activate local towns and busiensses,’ said Janelle Stanford from the

Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce (MCC).

Pat Grier, President of the NRRTS agreed, telling The Echo that, ‘This project is already delivering for our region, and we are seeing first-hand the benefits it brings. Completing the trail will take that impact to the next level, creating a connected experience that attracts more visitors and drives long-term economic growth.’

Support the rail trail

Pat said they are collecting signatures to demonstrate to the state and federal governments that the local community is strongly behind the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT).

Good for business and getting around

The existing rail trails in Tweed Shire, and from Lismore to Bentley, have demonstrated how effective they are at activating towns, businesses, and working as a corridor for people to transit between villages and towns both walking and on bikes.

‘It is incredibly disappointing to see the funding not come through for the

next sections of the rail trail,’ Tweed Mayor, Chris Cherry, told The Echo

‘The NRRT has the potential to be an internationally significant tourist attraction and it moves tourism away from the coast which is great for resilience and sustainability. We can see from the success of the Tweed section that the economic benefit it generates is much broader than bike hire and coffee. We have seen the flow on impacts to all of our hinterland villages and towns it passes through.’

Jane Laverty, NSW Business Regional Director for the Northern Rivers told The Echo that Business NSW has supported the Northern Rivers Rail Trail for many years.

‘Business NSW will continue to work alongside local chambers, councils, and regional stakeholders to advocate for investment in projects that create longterm value for the Northern Rivers.

‘While this funding outcome is disappointing, we do not see it as the end of the conversation. Regional projects of this scale often require persistence, strong evidence and continued regional alignment,’ she said.

North Coast News

Drug driving reform introduced to NSW Parliament

Long waited reform to drug driving laws for medicinal cannabis patients has finally be introduced into NSW Parliament.

Love Lennox Festival returns June 13

The all day Love Lennox Festival returns Saturday, 13 June, with organisers saying they expect more than 10,000 attendees to gather across town for one of the region’s most loved community events.

Flood-free land and houses hit the market for Lismore buyback residents

In what the government has described as a step forward for the region’s housing recovery, flood-affected homeowners will get the first opportunity to buy into Goonellabah’s Mount Pleasant estate.

Building sites ‘blitzed’ between Coffs and Tweed

More than 100 building sites from Coffs Harbour to Tweed Heads have been inspected, which has been described as a ‘blitz’ by the NSW Labor government. They say ‘While most builders welcomed inspectors onto site and exhibited high standards of work, the visits saw 35 fines and 40 Written Direction Notices (WDNs) issued for a range of non-compliance issues’.

Ballina Council wrap

With local government meeting practice across the state returning to confusion following the NSW Legislative Council’s recent decision, Ballina Shire Council’s last meeting included a lot of unanimous decisions and an argument about the remnants of the Big Scrub, in which Mayor Cadwallader used her casting vote to squash Cr Simon Chate’s motion. Councillors voted unanimously to support Cr Cadwallader’s mayoral minute calling for increased Commonwealth financial assistance to local governments, under the banner ‘Invest in Us’. This campaign is being pushed statewide by the Country Mayors Association of NSW.

Conversations in the Pub starts with Janelle Saffin

Conversations in the Pub –

Lismore’s new civic meet-up

– kicks off on Friday, 19 June with its inaugural special guest, the NSW Minister for Small Business, Minister for Recovery, Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin MP.

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

Under the proposal by NSW Labor, medicinal cannabis patients – who are registered with Transport for NSW and have a prescription, would be allowed to drive with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in their blood stream.

The threshold would be if a laboratory test found their saliva had more than 50 nanograms per millilitre of THC.

The new laws would excludes L or P plate drivers and commercial drivers.

NSW Greens MP Cate Faehrmann says she introduced a bill to provide a medical defence for cannabis on 12 November, 2021.

She says, ‘The bill was the subject of an Upper House inquiry, but was voted down in the House 29 votes to 6 on 12 October, 2022’.

‘I’m yet to see the details of the legislation, and will work with all sides of politics to

NSW Labor are to allow medical cannabis patients to drive, provided they have less than 50 nanograms per millilitre of THC in their system. Photo supplied

improve it if need be, but the Greens support this reform.

‘The inability of people who are prescribed medicinal cannabis containing THC to drive without the risk of losing their licence, even if they aren’t impaired, is not only grossly unfair but has clogged up our courts system.

Meanwhile, Lismore Greens councillor Virginia Waters said, ‘As a Nimbin local, and someone who has lived in a community that has been discriminated against since the 1970s

because of its stance on cannabis law reform, I’m pleased to see this progress’.

‘Nimbin has long been at the forefront of advocating for sensible drug law reform, medicinal cannabis access and harm minimisation approaches.

‘Hats off to all those who have worked tirelessly over many years to get us to this point, including the Hemp Embassy, Michael Balderstone, Professor David Heilpern, [lawyer] Steve Bolt and the many activists,

patients, advocates and supporters who refused to give up. This progress didn’t happen overnight’.

In a statement by the NSW Labor government, they say, ‘Under the reforms, drivers taking prescribed medicinal cannabis containing THC will no longer be automatically penalised under the current drug presence offence framework in certain circumstances’.

‘The government recognises these are significant changes and will implement them cautiously, with strong safeguards and road safety protections built into every stage of the new system.

One million users

‘There are around one million medicinal cannabis users in Australia, with up to a third (over 300,000) estimated in NSW and growing, with the number of cannabis medicines dispensed each month in NSW almost doubling in a 12 month period.

The government say, ‘If

the laboratory result shows THC below the maximum threshold there will be no charge or further action.

‘If the laboratory result shows THC at or above the threshold, the driver will receive a warning letter for a first or second detection, within two years.

‘This will give drivers the opportunity to adjust their dose and driving behaviour after medicine use.

‘A third detection above the threshold within the two year period will result in penalties, including a fine of $704 and a minimum threemonth licence suspension.

‘If the driver has alcohol present, or the lab result shows multiple illicit drugs, or any drug other than THC, the driver will face the standard drug driving offence.

‘Registered users will continue to be subject to postcrash blood and urine testing following serious crashes and will still face serious charges if they are found to be driving while impaired’.

Assistance extension for flood-impacted homeowners

Flood-impacted homeowners across the Northern Rivers will have more time to make decisions to raise or retrofit homes, says the NSW government, with an extension to the Resilient Homes Program announced.

‘Under the updated timelines, buyback settlements will continue through late 2026, while resilient measures – including home-raising or retrofitting – can now be completed up to December 2028’, the media release says.

‘For homeowners considering resilience measures such as raising or retrofitting, the extension provides additional time to obtain advice, secure builders, finalise designs, and complete construction, responding to the well-documented capacity constraints in the Northern Rivers building market.

‘For those looking to relocate homes, the extension allows more time to secure land and approvals for private relocations, including

the delivery of land through the Resilient Lands Program.

Land releases

They say planned land releases in Lismore under the Resilient Lands Program, which provide first preference to Resilient Homes Program buyback participants, include Mount Pleasant Estate, for sale now; North Lismore (Dunoon Road), pre-sales in mid to late 2026; and East Lismore (Crawford Road), pre-sales

in mid–late 2026.

‘The NSW Reconstruction Authority is engaging program support services to help homeowners make the most of their resilient measures grant funding all the way up to the new deadline.

‘Homeowners will receive direct communication about the changes, along with access to information sessions and concierge support to help them understand their options and next steps.

‘Updated information,

including key dates, will be available on NSW government channels.

‘The Resilient Homes Program, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, supports flood-affected homeowners to buy back, raise or retrofit homes’, they say.

For more information on the program, visit www.nsw.gov.au/ resilienthomesprogram.

NBN News reduces local content, sparks MP concerns

Local federal MP Justine Elliot (Labor) has voiced concerns after NBN News announced a reduction in local TV news quality and service.

Her comments echo other elected officials – the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Gavin Morris, said, ‘I cannot emphasise enough the importance of local media telling our stories, from our perspective’.

‘I’m saddened to hear about the loss of the NBN weekend news bulletin and a shortened Monday to Friday bulletin’, he said.

Mrs Elliot told her social media followers she is ‘appalled by the decision of the WIN Network (which has just bought NBN News from the Nine Network) to take

After WIN Network acquired NBN News, it reduced its services. Photo supplied

a wrecking ball to our local NBN News service’.

‘From the end of this month, we will be shown Sydney’s Nine News at 6 instead of our long-running local NBN News. NBN News

will be shortened to a 30-minute bulletin at 5.30pm – and completely axed on weekends. Local jobs and our community’s access to news will be severely affected’.

‘NBN News is consistently the highest-rating TV program in our region, and has held strong in the digital era. In fact, it regularly has higher ratings than capital city bulletins in Adelaide and Perth.

Trusted source

‘Last year, NBN News actually posted a 14 per cent increase in total viewership – and an increase of 33 per cent among under-40s – as locals turn to trusted sources for real news.

‘Hundreds of thousands of us tune in to NBN every night at 6pm. For decades, NBN News has been us.

‘We need quality local journalism to tell our stories. Without it, we lose one of our biggest voices. Just look

around your social media feed – in an era where social media is full of fake news and AI, real local news is more important than ever.

‘I call on the WIN Network to reverse this decision and back our local news’, Mrs Elliot said.

The Newcastle Weekly reported that, ‘Journalist and ex-frontman John Church described the WIN Network’s decision to slash the local service as devastating and questioned the logic of reducing one of the region’s most successful TV products.

‘Sports presenter and promotions manager Mike Rabbitt echoed those sentiments, stating NBN had always been much more than a television station’.

Raising funds for BYS

Russell Shaw, Michael Shaw, Rosalie

Byron Youth Service (BYS) supports young people across the Byron Shire through a diverse range of creative, educational, and wellbeing initiatives, while continuing significant improvements to The YAC (Youth Activity Centre).

Last week they ran a silent auction to raise funds for the organisation.

The organisation’s work is built around two key pillars: youth culture and wellbeing – creating opportunities for young people to express themselves creatively while

ensuring they have access to trusted support when challenges arise.

As demand for youth services continues to grow, BYS remains focused on strengthening both individual wellbeing, creativity and community connection, ensuring young people have the support and opportunities to reach their full potential.

It runs programs at the YAC in Byron and The Cottage in Mullumbimby.

Find out more and donate at: www.bys.org.au.

Call to end damaging native logging agreements

Aslan Shand

North East Forest Alliance (NEFA) is calling on the NSW state government to reassess the Wood Supply Agreements (WSA) that facilitate native forest in NSW’s state forests.

NEFA spokesperson Dailian Pugh, OAM, told The Echo that native logging WSAs that currently exist for north-east NSW have not been able to be met since before 2003.

‘The WSAs were renegotiated in 2003 and reissued for reduced, but still unsustainable volumes, for the next 20 years (until 2023),’ said Mr Pugh.

‘Boral took the Forestry Corporation to court every year thereafter for failure to supply; then in 2014 the NSW government paid Boral $8.55 million to buy back 50,000m3 per annum for the remaining nine years. In the 2019/20 fires many trees were killed, and yields declined.’

The timber industry is calling on the NSW government to extend their WSAs past their December 2028 expiry date. This raises concerns over the ability of the state forest to supply the timber with IPART (Independent Pricing and Regulatory

More hands up for the seat of Ballina in 2027

Aslan Shand

More candidates are putting up their hands to run for the seat of Ballina at next year’s state election.

Current Greens MP Tamara Smith has annouced that she will not be contesting the 2027 state election.

Ballina Greens Councillor Kiri Dicker has announced that she will join Mandy Nolan and Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, in the preselection battle for the Greens to determine who will run.

Cr Dicker said that the future of the Richmond River is a key issue she would raise if she was selected by the Greens to represent them in the next state election.

‘In 12 years, the best we’ve managed on the Tuckean Swamp is clearing agricultural drains, despite knowing how damaging they are for river health,’ Cr Dicker wrote.

Cr Dicker said she wanted to ‘put a candidate from Ballina on the ballot,’ to make sure issues facing the Shire were front and centre.

Current Byron Shire Councillor Daivd Warth has also decided to run for the state election telling The Echo that,

‘I feel I can support our community better at state level’.

‘In my time in our area, and as a councillor, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of the needs of our community. I consider genuine community engagement and participation to be the cornerstone of local government and needs to be brought meaningfully into state and federal policymaking,’ he said.

‘As an Independent candidate I am able to act without the constraints of party lines or ideology. I feel that I can represent a broad cross section of our community. I believe in being proactive. I am working on a flood mitigation project with

Tribunal) emphasising that timber was being sold to sawmillers below the cost of harvesting and hauling that timber in 2022.

‘Since the 2019-20 black summer fires, actual yields of all products have declined by 49 per cent, including a 46 per cent decline in large high quality sawlogs, 47 per cent decline in small high quality sawlogs, and 61 per cent decline in low quality logs,’ explained Mr Pugh.

‘Over the five years 2020/21 until 2024/25, Forestry Corporation’s actual yields of high-quality logs from native forests have only been 55 per cent of predicted yields, with yields from hardwood plantations increased to 228 per cent of intended yields to help make up the deficit.’

The Echo sent questions on the WSA to Janelle Saffin, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Recovery, and Minister for the North Coast, asking if she continues to support logging in NSW native forests.

A response was received from ‘a government spokesperson’ claiming that, ‘Revenue from timber production does cover the costs of harvesting, haulage

and administration’.

They went on to tout timber as the ‘most renewable building product available’ stating that ‘state forests are managed sustainably in line with the robust NSW government regulations’

Independent?

Responding to the assertion that the ‘independent forestry panel’ is biased, they doubled down and stated that, ‘The NSW government has established an Independent Forestry Panel to lead consultation and to inform the development of the Forestry Industry Action Plan (FIAP), which will outline the path NSW will take to support a sustainable timber industry while aligning with the government’s key environmental priorities.

‘The NSW government has published the Forestry Panel’s Stakeholder Consultation Report, which is the product of a broad consultation process across industry, environmental groups, unions, local government, regional communities, and researchers. The panel has been tasked with developing a Considerations Report, which will accommodate consultation findings and

identify opportunities to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the NSW forestry industry and support jobs.’

NEFA says the NSW government needs to do a proper independent assessment of the recent downturns and the impacts of the 2019/20 wildfires. Do the overdue five-year reviews of actual yields compare to predicted yields and the Regional Forest Agreement and Coastal Integrated Forestry Operations Approval. As well as provide an assessment of the alternative economic benefits of managing public forests for carbon credits, tourism and water.

‘The timber industry is calling on the NSW government to extend their WSAs past their December 2028 expiry date to lock in logging of specified volumes of timber from public native forests for at least another decade,’ said Mr Pugh.

‘This is intended to frustrate the campaign for an end to logging of public native forests, or at least require massive compensation payments to the sawmill owners should any future government end logging of public native forests.’

a working group in the north of the Shire, Mullumbimby’s water supply from Lavertys Gap, an audit of coastal habitats, land tax reform, and the promotion of Byron Shire for its natural attractions.’

No Labor or Nationals so far

Neither Labor or the Nationals have announced their candidate for the seat of Ballina. It is understood that Kevin Loughrey is once again running but this time as a One Nation candidate. He has previously run for federal, state, and Ballina Council as an independent but not been successful in any of those attempts.

The Byron Shire Echo

Volume 40 #53 • June 10, 2026

Fear and ignorance should not drive abortion debate

Idid not think I would need to defend the right to safe abortions again. Abortion is no longer a criminal offence in Australia. There are well-reasoned and effective legal structures around abortions based on healthcare and women’s choice. It is broadly accepted that if you’re pregnant, it’s your decision to have children, or not.

But it appears that is not the case with extremists now proposing a range of ways to reduce women’s choices regarding their lives and reproduction. The overturning of Roe v Wade in the US has continued to embolden anti-abortion activists who are attempting to reduce women’s choices by introducing legislation in several Australian states that lacks factual basis and curtails women’s rights to make their own decisions.

Currently Queensland’s state MP Robbie Katter (Katter’s Australia Party) is proposing to stop nurses and midwives from providing the medication MS-2. In South Australia, state MP Sarah Game (who describes herself as Australia’s ‘unofficial Minister for Men’) seeks to only allow abortions after 24 weeks where the pregnant person’s life is at risk. NSW Upper House MLC John Ruddick is a key member of the so-called Libertarian Party (libertarian is someone who champions individual liberty and personal sovereignty as the highest political principle). Nevertheless Ruddick has introduced a bill to ban abortions performed for sex selection and introduce penalties of up to $22,000 and up to five years imprisonment for healthcare providers.

None of these proposals are about protecting life, they are (even Ruddick’s proposed bill) about restricting women’s choices in a clear attempt to incrementally roll back or restrict abortion across Australia.

Their arguments rely on emotion, fear, the idea of sexism, and child protection – but the evidence does not support their proposals.

I agree with Ruddick that terminations based on gender should not be taking place unless there is a good reason for it. And under NSW health policies and decriminalisation laws, abortions for the sole purpose of gender selection are already prohibited.

Voters are not ‘always right’

The mantra ‘voters always get it right’ is repeated after every election by winners and losers. The decision of voters must be respected, blah, blah.

Well, hello, voters sometimes get it disastrously wrong, as Hungarians did with Viktor Orban and Brazilians with Jair Bolsonaro.

Perhaps the worst example is the re-election of Donald Trump.

‘Gina campaigned against the minimum wage, workers’ rights and unions, and Pauline opposed the recent minimum wage increase. – Richard Jones

primaries, level pegging with Labor.

However, sometimes there are very valid medical reasons to have a termination based on gender including to not pass down particular gender-based genetic diseases such as hemophilia or Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Evidence in Australia does not support the idea of any significant use of gender-based abortions. According to an article by the University of Technology (www. uts.edu.au) ‘The South Australia Law Reform Institute found “little, if any, evidence that abortions purely on the basis of gender are a real issue in Australia”. A 2020 NSW review similarly found sex-selective abortions “are rarely performed for the sole purpose of sex selection”.’

The Australian Medical Association (NSW), Family Planning Australia, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the New South Wales Nurses and Midwives’ Association, along with many others oppose these bills.

The arguments to restrict women’s choices are based on fear and moral outrage, not on the facts. You cannot get a termination after 24 weeks in South Australia without a significant reason, and the decision to have a later-term abortion is not an easy one. They are rare, they are based on complex medical reasons, and are heartbreaking and challenging decisions for the people having to make these difficult choices in their lives.

Restricting abortion does not result in better health outcomes, nor happier families, nor lives saved. The real provable outcomes of restricting abortion are: an increase in unsafe and illegal abortions that risk women’s lives and future reproductive health; delays to needed and essential care especially in relation to miscarriage treatments; exposure of patients to greater infection risks and complications; making women poorer – and more likely to live in poverty, remain unemployed, and living on social welfare. None of these are positive outcomes – women are entitled to decide when, how and with whom they want to have a child, or to choose not to have one. The result of that is positive outcomes for everyone from parents, to children, to society.

Aslan Shand, editor

His MAGA fans were totally mesmerised and truly believed he would Make America Great Again.

Even his most besotted devotees are finally becoming disillusioned, as the price of petrol, health costs, and essentials rocket, and institutions are gutted.

He is stuck in a war he can’t win yet cannot afford to lose. In the process he has demolished America’s standing in the world and alienated allies.

While the rest of the world reels back in horror, Australia goes humiliatingly cap in hand to the Trump regime expressing gratitude for being permitted to buy three second-hand submarines for nearly a mere half-a-trillion dollars.

Hopefully the enquiry into AUKUS, headed by former Labor Minister Peter Garrett and supported by Labor luminaries such as Paul Keating, as well as former Liberal PM Malcolm Turnbull, will expose this outrageous deal.

In the UK, Brexit has proven a disaster for the country and now everyone is talking about ‘Broken Britain’.

Voters got that terribly wrong too.

Brits were conned into leaving the EU and the key architect of this was Nigel Farage who, with his Brexit party, spearheaded the push for a referendum.

That morphed into Reform UK, and they now lead in the polls, averaging 27 per cent, followed by Conservatives and Labour on around 19 per cent each. Nigel Farage would end up PM if an election were held now, thanks to the undemocratic first-past-the-post electoral system.

Pauline Hanson, like Farage, is an outspoken Trump supporter.

One Nation is also leading in the

She was disendorsed by John Howard as a Liberal Party candidate prior to the 1996 election, because of her outspoken racism. Ballot papers had already been printed and she won Oxley as an independent.

The leopard has not changed its spots in 30 years.

The Coalition made the serious error of directing preferences to One Nation candidate, David Farley, in the Farrer by-election, thus giving legitimacy to this far-right party.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers joked that Pauline is a fully-owned subsidiary of Gina Rinehart, who did after all give her a new aircraft worth over a million dollars that Pauline describes as ‘sexy’. Gina also flew Pauline to Mar-a-Lago for Trump’s ‘The Great Gatsby’ themed Halloween party last year.

Australia’s conservative media give One Nation an inordinate amount of coverage and legitimacy whilst constantly bashing the ‘communist’ Greens.

Gina campaigned against the minimum wage, workers’ rights, and unions, and Pauline opposed the recent minimum wage increase. Birds of a feather.

Her voting record shows she has never been on the side of battlers any more than Trump, plus she was excoriated for skipping Budget Estimates hearings.

The irony is much of her support comes from people feeling hard done by, living mainly in regional and rural areas. They bemoan lack of services and claim they have been neglected by Labor and the Coalition.

Pauline, like Farage, is tapping in to this dissent and sadly migrants are her easy target.

It is racist despite those who

protest it isn’t. It echoes Pauline’s first parliamentary speech in 1996, ‘We’re being swamped by Asians’. It’s easy, but fundamentally wrong, to whip up fear of foreigners, of people who are different from us.

One Nation will make promises that are impossible to keep if they ever stumble into government.

One of their proposed policies had a disastrous debut last week. Barnaby Joyce told conservative commentator Andrew Bolt that One Nation would force hundreds of thousands of permanent residents without Australia citizenship to sell their homes within two years. That caused panic and confusion in One Nation and was jettisoned within 24 hours.

Anyone considering a protest vote for One Nation should take a good look at their hardline policies.

Don’t be surprised if One Nation fields candidates in both the local government elections and the state election next March.

You can guess that one of their false promises might be to fill all the potholes in Byron Shire within a month of winning Council.

‘I’ll vote for that!’ many will say, as we all suffer from these appalling roads. That’s the first promise they will break. The money is not there, even though it absolutely should be.

As Albo and Jim discovered, breaking promises, even for a very good and valid reason, is politically hazardous. One Nation would be lucky to keep any promises, especially with a hostile Senate.

It would be chaos.

Let us all hope Australian voters don’t get it wrong and wreck the country in the process.

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

The Byron Shire Echo

Volume 40 #53 June 10, 2026

Established 1986 • 22,000 copies every week

Phone: 02 6684 1777

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

Manager: Ziggi Browning

Echo Love Awards

Last Saturday night, Yuti and I had the privilege of attending the 40th anniversary celebration of The Echo

The trip down memory lane, the incredible music, Mandy as MC, and The Echo Awards – a wonderful celebration of commitment, courage, caring and community in this beautiful region.

Among The Echo award recipients was Chris Hanley, whose contribution to this region through his real estate and philanthropic work spans nearly four decades as well. In accepting his award, Chris said something that has stayed with me. He said it twice, so I know he meant it: that there have been times he has disagreed with The Echo – but that this has never stopped him from advertising with them, and it never will.

I found myself asking: what exactly was Chris saying? Here is what I heard.

He was saying that a local newspaper worth its name is not a publication you only support when you agree with it. It is a publication you support precisely because it holds the space in which disagreement is possible –where different voices, different perspectives, and yes, sometimes uncomfortable stories, can be heard.

The value of The Echo is not that it always gets it right. The value is that it keeps asking.

I heard this sentiment echoed across all the acceptance speeches of the other recipients.

A young man named Noah Eckstein stood before Harvard University’s graduating class last month and said something that has since echoed around the world.

He spoke of his two grandfathers – one a Pakistani Muslim who grew up in the middle of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947, the other, a Jewish refugee of the Holocaust – who met many times over the course of their lives.

As Eckstein told it: As you might imagine, they disagreed on a great many things. And yet, one of the main memories I have of them growing up was seeing them sitting together at

a coffee table, discussing everything under the sun.

There are many differences they never resolved. But still, they acknowledged each other, they cared for each other, they stayed in contact, and they debated with each other. Their vast disparity in life experience, viewpoints, ideology, faith and beliefs – a point of contention, yes, but not a point of division.

Eckstein’s conclusion was this: the counter to division isn’t necessarily agreement, it’s understanding. Peace through understanding can survive conflict, while peace through agreement lasts only as long as everyone keeps agreeing. And his one simple practice for a divided world: Whenever you meet someone you disagree with, state your case, yes. Stand up for what you believe in, absolutely. But also, ask the other person about their beliefs. Ask them how they got there. Place yourself in their shoes and ask, ‘Why do I believe this?’

Listen like you might be wrong. That it’s not a weakness or betrayal of your own ideals. That it’s the hardest and most important thing you can do in a world that is constantly telling you, ‘pick a side.’

Chris Hanley has been living that principle quietly for nearly 40 years. He has disagreed with The Echo and kept advertising. That is not contradiction. That is exactly what

Letters to the Editor

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

■ The Echo is committed to providing a voice for our whole community. The views of letter writers are their own and don’t represent the owners or staff of this publication.

it looks like when a person chooses understanding over agreement – when someone decides that a community conversation is worth sustaining even when it doesn’t always go the way you’d like.

In a time when the reflex is to lash out or disengage from anything that doesn’t reflect our own views back to us, that kind of sustained commitment is both rare and precious.

The Echo Awards reminded me of why this region is worth fighting for.

And Chris Hanley’s quietly spoken observation – said twice – reminded me of what it actually takes to hold a community together.

Thank you to The Echo for the evening, and for four decades of keeping the conversation alive.

Dale Emerson Mullumbimby Residents Association

Greens silence ‘lacks integrity’

In response to Ian Clements’ letter last week, we wish to clarify a few things.

Firstly, on the pools debate, both the Byron and Mullum pool tenders were on the same report.

There was consensus among councillors on the decision to award the Mullum pool to Belgravia, and given the significant difference in price, it was unfortunately the only responsible course.

There was a desire for further debate on the Byron pool, however the majority voted against further debate as, though the price differential wasn’t as much, it was still significant. What really lacks integrity though, is the fact that, despite there being significant online discussion following the decision, not one Greens councillor, nor the Greens mayor, owned this fact, or faced the music for the decision, instead

Career Guidance

remaining silent, allowing them to seem like the good guys and letting other councillors take the heat.

This lack of integrity extends to the ignorance of due process in favour of special interest groups, another theme of this term which erodes trust in fair and equitable process.

So yes, on all issues, please take note of who voted, who didn’t and who has the strength of character to explain and own their decision-making afterwards.

Crs Michael Lyon and Jack Dods

■ Online ‘discussions’ have limited audiences and are carefully curated by large foreign corporations for maximin outrage. Making an effort to be transparent with the electorate engenders trust, and that is lacking across the entire councillor spectrum, regardless of political allegiances. Despite the claimed ‘consensus’, the four Greens all voted against the loss of local jobs which you both voted for, so it’s not surprising they didn’t defend it. – Letters ed

Pool tender

Why! Why! Why! Can some one – in particular one of our councillors – tell me, us, the community, why five council lors voted to award the tender of the Mullumbimby pool to Belgravia Leisure (a private investment and hold ing company with a diverse portfolio of businesses throughout Australia and New Zealand) rather than to a local (Craig Davidson) who I, as a regular pool user, can attest has been overwhelm ingly an exemplary manager for the last few years?

I have no criticism of Bel gravia Leisure, but why take business ($) out of Byron Shire when we have perfectly suitable people here?

And why was this decided in a ‘confidential session’ –please explain?

And also why were we, the community and regular pool users, not given any chance to have some input, or comment on this move?

And I’m also curious to know how many of the five councillors who voted for this motion, have ever used the pool – or been to it?

Most importantly – can this decision be overturned? What is the status of the land here – is it publicly-owned or what? This seems to be yet another case of a decision ‘being forced on the community’ by our Council, as another reader has said.

I note that all the Greens councillors voted against this motion – perhaps they subscribe to the notion ‘Think globally act locally’.

Michele Lacroix Mullumbimby

Congratulations, Council

I am an old bloke of 85 years, and have travelled extensively around all Australian states and territories, including some off-shore islands. I have also travelled overseas visiting many counties, including a time living in India.

But Byron Bay easily beats all of the above for the extremely high standard of shopping district potholes.

Moreover, our driver claimed that they have been like it for some time. As a result, we avoided the shopping district, cut short our stay and went to our next destination. So, I heartily congratulate all concerned for the marvellous collection of potholes in your town.

John Sullivan  Waikerie, SA

Struggling Byron biz

I appreciate the difficulties facing Byron businesses regarding the drainage works, but with all due respect to those affected, dare I suggest that t-shirts would hardly be on top of the locals’ shopping list in these extremely challenging economic times.

Perhaps Byron Council could consider compensation, as it is evident that lessors are inflexible. Nudge, nudge, wink, wink, say no more.

Dennis ‘Boggo’ Petruszka Sale, Vic E-bikes rule

Teenage gangs on e-bikes now rule our roads at night in Byron Bay.

Driving, or even walking, in the hours of darkness has become very risky.

Teenagers, mostly male, are speeding up and down roads and footpaths with no lights, no helmets, wearing dark clothes, often heads blocked by headphones, causing havoc and putting lives, including their own, at risk.

No regard for road rules, trying to do gymnastics on a speeding e bike at 40-50 km/h is asking to be run over, or going to severely injure pedestrians.

I ask elected community leaders and local police to act and bring this behaviour to a standstill before there is a fatality on our once calm streets.

Michael Goodwin Byron Bay

Underbelly in Byron Byron has long had a dark underbelly.

Many places do, but Byron has sold itself as a young person’s ‘party central’ for decades.

Parkway Drive and its members highlight an ugly issue which must be brought face first into public debate.

How do young people learn how to be happy and functional adults?

The appearance-based sexualisation of young females and the violent sexualisation of young males is frightening. Young people deserve much better. I grew up in the punk era. I get expressing anger, but for us, it was directed at inequity, social upheaval, cruel policies and warmongering.

Healing from the dark times in our world must start with learning respect for all life. Starting with respect for our natural world and one another. And anger should be channelled into activism. Young people need our love and guidance. And they need us to listen. It’s time for us to behave like the future we all hope for.

Francesca Stahlut  Armidale

Taxing labour vs capital

Catherine Cusack (Echo, 27 May) says she believes ‘Australians are fine with fairness for housing. The issue is messy because Labor went a step too far by increasing capital gains tax on nonhousing investment’.

At no time does she justify her belief. She doesn’t explain why it’s fine to tax earned income [from labour] at a higher rate than unearned income [from investments]. Why a PAYE taxpayer should pay more tax than an investor on the same income. Why there should be fairness in housing

investments but not in nonhousing investments.

Most investors in the stock market, for example, are wealthy individuals, family trusts, etc, because they have the funds available to invest after they have housed, fed, clothed and cared for their families which most people who earn their income do not.

Consequently, it seems reasonable to argue that unearned income should be taxed at a higher rate than earned income.

What she should have said is ‘I believe Australians are fine with fairness in taxation. Fairness means unearned income should be taxed at the same rate as earned income. Labor got it right’.

Warren Kennedy Mullumbimby

Compassion missing

Predictably, Marianne McCormack (Letters, 3 June) chooses to ignore my personal claims that I am not a racist, to support her vitriolic right-wing agenda.

As recently raised in Senate Estimates, the Australian citizens who went to Israel to join the IDF and have contributed to the genocide should be investigated. Marianne needs to get an attitude adjustment and learn compassion.

Rod Murray  Ocean Shores

High-speed rail

I was extremely disappointed to hear that the federal government had decided to scrap the section of the high-speed rail from Forbes to Brisbane. My reasons are twofold. Firstly, so much money has already been invested in this project and this will largely be wasted. Secondly, the long-term financial benefit of reducing the amount of freight transported by road together with the low carbon footprint of rail compared with road will be lost. It seems that governments are focusing too heavily on short-term solutions, instead of more ambitious longer-term projects where many substantial benefits will only become apparent in the future and could not have been anticipated now.

The cost to date of the project seems very large, and should be examined, together with the cost to complete if the current decision was reversed. Using my experience as a civil engineer, it seems that the cost of all major infrastructure projects in Australia is too high and we need to compare our costs with those of similar

projects overseas taking into account the difference in wages, salaries and material costs. Armed with this knowledge we might find ways of reducing costs in Australia. There will be a major backlash in the community should the decision of the federal government not be reversed. To make matters worse, I have heard that much of the funding saved may be spent on major road projects in Melbourne.

Far too much funding is being invested now in roads and rail in cities compared with what is spent on infrastructure outside the major cities. Transport bottlenecks in cities could be reduced by decentralising future planning and creating satellite developments.   I urge you to take the concerns of many Australians to the termination of this project to parliament, some of which are expressed here. It would be beneficial if our parliamentarians were more visionary and courageous in their deliberations. Any suggestions as to how this can be achieved?

Chris Abraham Mullumbimby

Avoiding ‘great reset’ Energy is the lifeblood of civilisation.

When the energy powering our civilisation is disrupted for an extended time, it means our civilisation can no longer fully function, and our economy must slow down in proportion to the extent that its energy is restricted. This has never happened before at this scale, so we have never experienced what is coming. So, please consider what happens when there is no fuel for you.

Our electricity is sort of okay, but needs fuel to keep it maintained and it is the fuel that will experiencing a restriction before the end of this year and then into next year. The parties at war in the Middle East are well aware of this, yet pay no attention to it. History shows that cutting off a nation’s energy supply is indeed an act of war and history shows that it’s very easy for civilisations to collapse.

Owing to long lags in fuel transport and processing, we are now passing the last chance to escape from the energy trap which has been set. National security means energy independence and implies modular fuel refinery construction around Australia. Avoiding the coming ‘Great Reset’ now seems impossible. Peter Olson Goonengerry

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Israel’s assault on Global Sumud Flotilla – a first-hand account

Juliet Lamont

It hit me like a lightning strike. It was the latex gloves that did it.

Those pale blue five fingered clinical sheaths made me want to vomit.

Last Tuesday, having just been repatriated from my time on the Global Sumud Flotilla, I was at Tweed Valley Hospital getting a forensic medical examination for my sexual assault at the hands of the Israeli occupation forces.

The soldiers in balaclavas and gloves, three times my size, screaming ‘Welcome to Israel. You are going to really enjoy this!’

And now I knew why.

No DNA. No evidence of their crimes. They broke my coccyx as they punched, kicked, slapped and dragged me, cable-tied and ankledshackled, through the darkened hell of the torture chamber on their prison boat.

And now I realised, as the nurses examined my body, taking swabs, that these type of latex gloves were worn by the perpetrators to hide their crimes. This was planned, was systematic, and came from the top.

Albanese’s friends and allies were enacting their genocidal violence on the 430 of us, just as they do every day to the 10,000 Palestinians in prison without charge, 350 of them children.

I felt a calm in that examination room that I hadn’t felt during the weeks I was sailing towards Gaza. The tenderness and care of the nurses. The cheese sandwich they gave me after my

hunger strike. The fact that they believed my story. The way the doctor moved my matted hair out of my eyes.

It was not the calm of peace, but a calm that arrives after the violence has finished introducing itself. The screams of broken ribs. Tasers to the face. Rubber bullets shot at close range. The barks of prison dogs. Of fluorescent lights that never truly sleep.

Of shipping containers straining with huddled freezing bodies wailing, air that thrums with every horrific sound except the ones you most need to hear. Your daughter. Birds from home. Lawnmowers. Kettle boiling.

Refuse indifference

When I joined the Global Sumud Flotilla, I carried with me a simple belief: that human beings have a responsibility to refuse indifference. I carried hope, outrage, solidarity, and the conviction that borders built on suffering should never be allowed to become invisible. I did not carry the expectation of torture and rape.

The journey began on the open azure water of the Mediterranean Sea.

The sea was vast, breathing beneath us like a living thing. There was something sacred about being surrounded by 51 other flotilla boats. We sailed with hope. But we could taste the imminent risk.

Our stubborn dream that ordinary people could challenge extraordinary injustice.

We came from different countries, different

languages, different lives.

Some were seasoned activists. Doctors. Journalists. Mothers.

Others had never done anything like this before.

But on that flotilla, we became something larger than ourselves. We became witnesses. But bearing witnesses is dangerous.

Brutal interception

Our interception on 18 May was shocking and brutal. It happened with the suddenness of a storm.

The Israeli soldiers careered towards us in high powered Zodiacs. They opened fire above our heads. Then came the commands, the weapons, the khaki uniforms, the crazed, breathy confusion.

Our bodies slammed on to the deck. Cable ties. Smacks to the head. Humanity reduced to procedure.

The sharp realisation that the world can change completely in an instance.  Minutes dragged like anchors. I stopped measuring time by the sun and

began measuring it by sounds: The howls of comrades in our makeshift hospital. Gunfire. ‘Head down, shut the fuck up, behind the black line or I’ll kill you.’

Sang in whispers

But human beings are stubborn. Our spirit is difficult to imprison. We sang in whispers. Glanced at each with love. Held onto each other in freezing wet cramped containers to ward off hyperthermia.

I found a paracetamol deep in my pockets and was able to give it to Engin, a young German artist, whose ankle was shattered from the impact of a rubber bullet.

There is a Palestinian word that encapsulates our ability to survive this killing machine. Sumud.

Resiliance. Steadfastness is not a grand gesture. It is not the roar of a crowd or the headline in a newspaper.

Sometimes Sumud is simply refusing to let your humanity be taken from you. It is saying your friends’ names over and over when

you are delirious and terrified. It is sharing the scant amount of water that they threw at us. It is offering comfort when you have little comfort to give. It is laughing when laughter might incur another beating. It is singing ‘Bella ciao’. Very quietly.

What is freedom

On that prison boat I met parts of myself I had never met before. Fear, certainly.

But there was also clarity. The kind of clarity that arrives when everything unnecessary has been stripped away.

The important things.

The voices of people I love. My daughter’s smiles. The sky. The smell of rain.

I thought often about freedom. Not as an abstract principle, but as something physical. Something intimate. Freedom is sunlight on your face. Freedom is deciding when to sleep. Freedom is calling your mother just to say hello. Freedom is opening a door and finding that it opens. Freedom stopped being a political concept and became a human one.

And I thought constantly about Gaza. That was the paradox that haunted me.

Even in detention, I knew my experience was temporary. I knew there were people enduring realities far harsher than my own.

I knew there were families trapped beneath siege, beneath bombardment, beneath the relentless machinery of dehumanisation. My prison had an exit. The thousands of Palestinians in prison live without release dates, without

international attention. That knowledge sat heavily in my chest. It still does. When news reached us that people around the world were speaking our names, demanding our release, refusing to forget us, something shifted. Solidarity crossed the walls. That is the remarkable thing about solidarity. It travels. It slips beneath doors. It moves across oceans. It survives censorship. It reminds isolated people that they are not actually alone. I felt connected to strangers I would never meet. People marching. Raising their voices. Writing letters. Making phone calls. Holding vigils. Demanding sanctions.  In prison, those acts were not symbolic. They were lifelines.

Eventually, the doors opened. The killing machinery that had swallowed us released us. I walked out carrying the same body, but not the same self.

Some experiences divide life into before and after. This was one of them. I left with deeper grief than I had arrived with. But I also left with deeper conviction. Because the Israeli prison system and their use of torture failed in the way systems of repression often fail. It revealed too much. It exposed the fear that power has of witnesses. It exposed the lengths institutions will go to silence conscience. And it revealed something else: The extraordinary resilience of ordinary people. The refusal to surrender dignity.

What sovereignty?

The gravest threat to Australia’s sovereignty comes from the security doctrine and foreign policy of strategic dependence on the United States.

Precisely this concern is at the core of Dangerous Allies, Malcolm Fraser’s treatise on the history of Australia’s national security strategy, in which he examines our relationship with imperial powers.

The phrase ‘strategic dependence’ appears in his book more than a hundred times, including five times in the table of contents alone, with headings such as: Colonial foundations of strategic dependence, The cost of strategic dependence, and Part III, A time to end strategic dependence.

Dangerous Allies contains the sort of wisdom and insight that’s sorely lacking in today’s polity. Published in 2014, it contains a postscript about Ukraine that proves remarkably prescient in its prognosis for that US-sponsored regimechange operation.

This book explains the dangers arising from our intimate integration with the US military and the presence of US bases. A policy of strategic dependence deprives us of sovereignty over the

most important questions of national security, and makes us a target in US-led wars. We’d be much better served by a foreign policy based on sovereignty, neutrality and respect for international law.

John Scrivener

Main Arm

Byron stormwater strategy

Has anyone read the Engeny report supplied to Byron Council on the stormwater strategy for Byron Bay?

There are several worrying issues raised in the report.

One being the contamination of the Belongil Estuary, it is stated that one of the main contributors to the contamination is the treated effluent leaving the Byron sewage treatment plant (STP). This is the effluent leaving the constructed wetlands.

As a  member of Council’s Water Waste & Sewer Advisory Committee (WW&SAC), I was at the meeting held on 31 May, 2018. A man named Mr David Pont was introduced to the committee as the foremost expert on wetlands in NSW by the then utility manager.

Mr Pont was flown out from Indonesia, supplied with a hire car at Brisbane airport to drive to Byron to attend the meeting.

I did work with Mr Pont as the sewer operator in charge of West Byron STP. Mr Pont was asked by the utility manager to confirm a constructed wetlands existed at Ocean Shores STP. Mr Pont stated that no constructed wetlands existed at the STP. Mr Pont was then left sitting for the rest of the meeting without being asked any other question.

When the chair asked if there was any other comment before the meeting closed Mr Pont said he would like to comment on an issue, Mr Pont proceeded to say that Council had paid for him to attend today, and stated he had got to Byron earlier in the day and gone to the West Byron Wetlands and walked around.

Mr Pont stated the wetlands was in a terrible state, and there was no way it would be supplying the quality of treated effluent it was designed to, and whoever was meant to be maintaining the wetlands should be removed. No questions asked. The chair closed the meeting.

Is it possible that no action has been taken in the wetlands since 2018 to remedy the wetlands issue, despite the foremost expert in wetlands who also was involved in the design and construction of the wetlands

flagging there were serious issues pertaining to the wetlands maintenance? What was done to investigate this, anything?

I understand some members of Byron Bird Buddies had expressed concerns earlier this year about the same issue.

We have some of the residents of Bayside Brunswick questioning the performance of their stormwater collection system for the last eight years. One response to them was along the lines that ‘I was not here when the system was constructed – so not my problem’.

Earlier this year, Council staff finally used CCTV to inspect the stormwater system at Bayside Brunswick, and reported it was full of gravel and tree roots. Now what, Council?

Alan Dickens Byron Bay

Do more, Labor!

Senator Penny Wong (Labor) said on 4 June: ‘My principal position is to always believe women when allegations of sexual assault are made… [T]he treatment is unacceptable. I express my empathy to those women to whom that was done.’

Belief and empathy are

fine, as far as they go. But what will our government *DO* about these crimes?

Diplomatic representations and condemnations are *NOT* enough; Israel does not seem to change its actions.

It is time Australia DOES something: Recall our Ambassador to Israel for consultation; expel Israel’s Ambassador to Australia; cease all business with Israeli companies; ban donations to Israel-related charities. Do something. Anything. How many more Australians must be sexually assaulted – or endure other crimes/abuse at the hands of the Israeli government, before we take action?

Judy Bamberger (Jewish, Australian, American) O’Connor ACT

Here’s to the Flotilla

The Global Sumud Flotilla is about brave people doing exceptional things with skill, compassion, colour, spirit and gruff chutzpah.

Would I leave my comfy chair to rush to the aid of two million humans I don’t know? Unlikely.

Would I stare down the merchants of death and their weapons systems?

Not too keen on stirring them up, really.

Would I throw myself out, way past poverty to have the few things I do own, taken by a rich, angry army?

Would I even face ocean storms on creaky boats with a team of random sailors? Again no.

Would I throw myself under squeaking and grinding machinery of ‘national security’?

I’d really rather not.

Would I fundraise for vessels that are going to be trashed? Would I sing like no-one is watching? Would I swear like Captain Haddock on national TV?

Tempting… but unlikely. Has it been a privilege to observe? Oh yes. And to watch truth sometimes win?

Absolutely. We are all the better for the honesty. Thank you, Global Sumud Flotilla participants. Be proud.

Jane Salmon Killara, NSW ▶ More letters online: www.echo.net.au/letters.

Would I try to hold the world to account for systematic abuse of an entire population out of sheer fear of dire cruelty becoming the new normal globally? Would I risk an Israeli gun in an orifice or worse? Nope. Not too fond of trauma. Takes ages to get over, if one can.

Navigating business debt & insolvency

Hans Lovejoy

Financial literacy – without it, no business, can survive, let alone proposer.

It’s especially true in times like these, where world leaders are unpredictable, chaotic and batshit crazy.

So with every man and woman for themselves, The Echo asked Ben Kirkpatrick, director of BDK Risk Management, questions around the state of small businesses, and how to navigate debt and insolvency.

Which type of local businesses do you see struggling and which businesses appear to be doing okay?

‘Local businesses that would be struggling are likely ones that are discretionary/non-essential, that typically cannot pass on costs – such as higher fuel prices. These would include restaurants and cafes, retail, transport and building and construction.

‘Businesses with defensive qualities are probably okay, these include pharmacies and medical practices.

‘The other issue is that, like the rest of Australia, we are dominated by oligopolies. In my view, this has weakened competition in many areas, especially in the grocery and alcohol industries, where Woolworths and Coles dominate.

‘This allows incumbents to adjust their pricing, which is typically difficult for smaller operators.

‘Woolworths and Coles also control most of their supply chains, enabling them to adjust to rising input costs, especially fuel’. What types of businesses in the region are most at risk right now?

‘Businesses at most risk in the region are those carrying ATO debt, this accounts for eight out of ten businesses in this position.

‘This led to a blowout in ATO debt. The interest on this ATO debt alone is growing by billions per year.

‘Given the above pressures, we are seeing so many businesses in distress, and as mentioned, it is best to act early.

with collectable debt estimated at $50bn.

‘There are also over 300,000 Director Penalty Notices (DPNs) outstanding, and small business accounts for more than 65 per cent of this debt.

‘Since Covid, the amount of outstanding ATO debt has skyrocketed.

‘We have seen ATO collections increase over the last two quarters – a trend we expect to continue.

‘There are a variety of options for restructuring, so early intervention is critical.

‘We advise companies on restructuring, especially following ATO debt issues’. What’s the single biggest mistake a struggling business can make?

‘That’s a really good question and there is one answer: Take action early.

‘The biggest single mistake a struggling business can make is thinking everything will get better.

‘Living in denial and not addressing the problem is the biggest problem.

‘The earlier you engage with a firm like ours, and have that conversation, the more opportunities you will have to fix your situation.

‘We see businesses every day that have not dealt with their issues, suddenly finding their options very limited.

director and the courtappointed liquidator, and negotiated a settlement for literally cents on the dollar.

‘Take action early.’

How have interest rate rises and tighter lending conditions changed the type of cases you’re seeing?

‘Higher interest rates have had a deleterious effect on business; further, tighter lending conditions are causing further strain on balance sheets.

‘With inflation pushing higher, we believe interest rates will only increase – and we may see stagflation in Australia for the first time in 50 years – this typifies where the economy is at.

‘With credit access tightening and the cost of money increasing – we are seeing businesses of all industries in peril. Access to capital is critical for business, and many companies have struggled to attract funding.

‘Thankfully, we have various specialist lenders who work with us and provide funding to businesses – even if they are in administration.

‘Essentially, higher interest rates and tighter lending conditions have only increased the types of cases we are seeing’.

‘We work at the coalface of business solvency, and are seeing huge numbers of insolvencies that are now accelerating. One of my mentors (a 40-year veteran in the sector) said he hasn’t seen anything like what we are seeing since the GFC, and cannot believe the media is not reporting the real picture.

‘The economy during the GFC was protected by taxpayers, especially because the government provided banks with “deposit guarantee”. This single act protected Australian banks - and I believe, to the detriment of the consumer/taxpayer/ mortgage holder.

‘Today’s economy has been somewhat protected by rampant government spending (increasing government debt), specifically related to Covid. This shielded many businesses, especially from collection activity by the ATO.

‘With Commonwealth and state debt at high levels, higher interest rates are starting to impact solvency.

‘The state of Victoria is technically insolvent, with debt forecast to be approximately $200bn by 2030. Interest payments are expected to be around $32m per day! This is a repeat of the late 1980s and early 90s.

‘ATO debt stands at $105bn, with $50bn estimated recoverable’.

‘We have seen everything.  We had a case where the director had not paid tax for seven years, and now owed the ATO $1.8m.

What specific economic pressures are currently pushing more businesses into distress right now?

Is the ATO becoming more aggressive in debt recovery, and what changes have you observed in the past 12 months given the economic uncertainty?

‘The total amount of ATO debt is more than $105bn,

‘We worked with the

‘Australian businesses face the worst economic picture in five decades.

‘The biggest issues are higher fuel costs, higher taxes, inflation, higher interest rates, global unrest and government policy.

‘Covid has been the biggest disruptor in the last five years. The way governments reacted to, and dealt with the virus has caused a myriad of issues. During Covid, there was a moratorium on companies paying tax, and ATO collection and enforcement.

‘The ATO is on the warpath for non-compliant businesses – and rightly so.

‘However, the ATO understands business conditions, which is why we continually recommend engaging with risk management firms early.

‘We have seen a significant increase over the previous 12 months in collections and enforcement activity by the ATO.

‘Again the more severe enforcement actions – windup notices and liquidations – have increased greatly. We see this trend increasing’.

How to stop the erosion of our human rights

Russell Eldridge

Let’s celebrate Refugee Week, 15–21 June, initiated in Australia 40 years ago and now observed worldwide.

This year, ‘A Million Stories’ is the theme in Australia, recognising that we have issued one million permanent humanitarian visas since 1947.

The Refugee Council of Australia has recorded the stories of many refugees highlighting their significant role in Australia.

For example, Marcus tells of his grandparents’ and parents’ escape from Vietnam in the 1980s and its impact on him as the child of two refugees.

Shankar, a Sri Lankan Tamil talks about his parents’ decision to leave everything they knew to give their children a future. Emee, a Yazidi, escaped with her six daughters from Iraq in 2014 because ISIS were enslaving women and girls.

Diversity is a strength and an essential part of Australia’s heritage. According to SBS News, figures from

2024 show that 31.5 per cent of Australians were born overseas and nearly half (48 per cent) had at least one parent born overseas.

RACS reports many people came to Australia to seek asylum because they were forced to flee brutal regimes.

Australia’s offshore detention camps

Instead of being welcomed, they have been sent to detention camps such as on Nauru where they saw things that no child or adult should ever have to witness.

Some, after more than a decade in Australia, don’t have permanent visas.

Instead, every six months they are forced to reapply for visas, starting them back at ground zero. How would you fare if this were your fate?

How did we get from the 1951 Refugee Convention that Australia signed to where we are today?

This can be sheeted home to authoritarian governments, who quash those who speak the truth, exploit the law against dissent, concentrate power and undermine

Northern Rivers for Refugees (NRFR) is looking for people interested in forming a group to welcome and help settle a refugee family. NRFR has already supported nearly 50 refugees, and has a wealth of experience to share. Email Russell Eldridge at president@nrfr.org.au to arrange an information session. Photo www.nrfr.org.au

legal protections, crush opposition before it can organise, and make scapegoats of vulnerable groups to spread fear and division.

How does Australia measure up?

While Australia is recognised as a strong democracy, Businessman and public commentator, John Menadue, writes that our human rights record has been seriously eroded.

The UN, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the Australian Human Rights Commission itself

have documented systematic and worrying erosion of our human rights record across a wide front.

Among these there has been sustained international condemnation of our immigration failures including mandatory and indefinite detention, offshore processing, and the documented cruelty of offshore facilities. There are limited domestic legal remedies for individuals affected by the Commonwealth when it acts in ways that violate human rights. They must rely on

slow and often ineffectual political accountability and UN treaty body review.

Immigration, and especially vulnerable groups of immigrants, has been weaponised by conservative Australians. The 2025 Australian Bureau of Statistics’ General Social Survey of residents aged 15+ from 13,302 households showed declines in many areas of Australian life, including trust and social inclusion.

While multiculturalism still has 75 per cent support, there was a 10 per cent decline since the previous survey in 2020.

The government says new measures in the 2026–27 Budget will cut migration.

Now migrants will be less likely to get a permanent visa, while older, lowerskilled and less educated migrants will have less chance under changes to Australia’s points system.

According to Crikey’s Bernard Keane, Opposition Leader Angus Taylor, in his reply to the 2026-27 budget, wants to create a binary Australia – one for citizens; one for non-citizens – with a

blanket exclusion of permanent residents and humanitarian visa holders from 17 commonwealth benefits. When governments fail us, it is up to individuals to step up.

Take Barbara, part of the A Million Stories project, for example. She supports many Yazidi refugees living in her local area. She has become a mother for many, a mentor for others and been embraced as a family member by local families.

From 2018, Barbara has worked tirelessly to assist people including twelve Yazidi girls rescued from the horrors of sex slavery.

We may not be able to do as much as Barbara but as a starting point we can reflect on Northern Rivers for Refugees’ vision – think globally, act locally – and contact politicians about Australia’s human rights shortcomings, challenge the status quo, lobby for a human rights act, continue to share stories, challenge stereotypes, and build a more inclusive society.

To support refugee settlement in our area, go to www.nrfr.org.au.

You probably won’t like this… but your estate plan might be broken

Let me explain

For years, Australians have been told the same thing when it comes to passing on wealth: set up a trust. It’s neat, it’s flexible and importantly it’s been tax effective.

Or at least, it was.

Because after the latest Federal Budget (May 2026) proposed changes, a lot of those plans may not work the way people think they do anymore, if all proposed changes are passed. At the centre of it all is a proposed 30% minimum tax on discretionary and testamentary trust income. Now, that might sound like technical tax jargon — the sort of thing most people switch off from — but the real-world impact is simple.

It means income can’t be split around the family as easily. It means lower-income beneficiaries may lose the advantage they once had. Trusts are still incredibly valuable - particularly where control, asset protection and family complexity matter.

The bigger issue isn’t just the tax change itself. It’s the way many estate plans were set up in the first place.

For years, people have asked the same question: “How do I pay less tax?” But that’s the wrong place to start.

The better question and the one that matters now more than ever is: “What am I actually trying to do for my family?”

Because tax is only one piece of the puzzle. And if your entire strategy relies on the tax rules staying the same, you’re building on shaky ground. As we’ve just seen, those rules can and do change.

Bay

What often gets overlooked is that how your money is invested and how it flows through to the next generation — can be just as important as the structure it sits in.

A well-thought-out investment strategy doesn’t just focus on returns today.

It considers what happens over time, and ultimately, what lands in the hands of your beneficiaries

Assets held within a trust still rely on how they are invested

A poorly constructed portfolio can:

• Erode value over time

• Create unnecessary volatility

• Undermine the very outcome the structure was designed to achieve

Whereas the right investment approach can:

• Deliver sustainable income

• Preserve and grow capital

• Support multiple beneficiaries over time

In other words, the structure sets the framework, but the investment strategy still does the heavy lifting

And when you combine the two properly, that’s where real intergenerational wealth planning starts to take shape. None of this means trusts have lost their place – far from it.

They remain one of the most powerful structures available, particularly for families who value control, protection and flexibility across generations. But using a trust purely for tax benefits? That’s a much harder argument to make.

So where does that leave people?

It’s not about throwing everything out and starting again. It’s about broadening the way we think.

One option that’s becoming more relevant is the investment bond. These are often overlooked, but they offer something many people are now looking for: simplicity and certainty. Tax is paid internally, and if held long enough, there may be no additional personal tax. There’s no annual reporting burden, and they can often be passed directly to beneficiaries.

In other words, fewer moving parts. And when it comes to estate planning, that can be a big advantage.

Another shift is more fundamental.

Instead of focusing only on what happens after you’re gone, more families are starting to think about planning while they’re still alive.

This is particularly important where there are vulnerable beneficiaries involved. Relying on a complex structure in the future can create uncertainty, especially if laws change again or circumstances evolve.

In some cases, putting the right arrangements in place now can be simpler, clearer and far more effective than leaving everything to be sorted out later.

There are also more targeted options available, such as structures designed specifically to support individuals with disabilities, offering both protection and certainty that funds will be used as intended.

What’s becoming clear is that there’s no longer a one-size-fits-all solution.

Where a trust may have once done the job on its own, today’s planning is more layered. It’s about using the right structure for the right purpose — whether that’s maintaining control, simplifying administration, supporting beneficiaries, or managing tax outcomes in a more balanced way.

And perhaps the most important change is this: estate planning is becoming less about clever strategies and more about clear intent.

What do you actually want to achieve?

Who needs to be looked after?

How simple can you keep things for the people you leave behind?

Because at the end of the day, that’s what really matters.

The rules will continue to change, they always do. But a plan built around clear objectives, rather than just tax outcomes, is far more likely to stand the test of time.

And when the time comes, the last thing any family needs is to deal with a structure that no longer works the way it was intended.

It’s not about having the most sophisticated plan. It’s about having one that still works when it matters most.

Morgans Ballina/Byron Bay ballina@morgans.com.au 02 6686 4144

Mono wins in Hawaii and Japan Matthew Laverty recognised with OAM

Australian adaptive surfing champion Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart has once again celebrated success on the international stage.

Mono claimed victory at the Hawaiian Adaptive Surfing Championships at Queen’s Beach, Honolulu, the second stop of the AASP World Championship Tour.

Building on that success, he followed up with another impressive win at the Japan Open Adaptive Surfing Championships.

Top world ranking

The back-to-back victories have propelled him to the top of the world rankings in his division as he sets his sights on an unprecedented seventh world title.

Stewart, who attended the Japanese event alongside his wife Deb, praised the hospitality and professionalism of both events but described the Japanese experience as one of the highlights of the

adaptive surfing calendar.

‘Japan continues to be one of my favourite places to compete,’ Stewart said. ‘The people are incredibly welcoming, the food is fantastic, and the atmosphere throughout the event was outstanding.’

Competing against a talented field of athletes, Stewart delivered another strong performance to secure the win in near-perfect wave conditions provided by the state-of-the-art wavepool, PerfectSwell, Shizunami facility.

Beyond his own success, Stewart acknowledged the efforts of everyone involved in making the competition a success, including athletes, officials, volunteers, sponsors, and organisers.

‘The quality of the event and the waves was exceptional,’ he said. ‘It’s always special to compete in an environment where athletes can perform at their best.’

The Echo wants to support you.

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

Recognising his passion for golf and long-term commitment to community service, Mullumbimby’s Matthew Laverty received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) from the 2026 King’s Birthday honours list.

Matthew began his career as a Professional Golfers Association (PGA) professional at the age of 16 at the prestigious Concord Golf Club in Sydney. He has since built one of Australia’s most respected corporate golf, golf club consulting, and event management businesses Laverty Golf.

personal relationships.

‘The commitment and hard work that goes into producing an event of this calibre is remarkable,’ Stewart said. ‘Everyone involved should be congratulated.’

Showcase for

adaptive surfing

The annual competition continues to attract adaptive surfers from across the globe and has become a showcase for the sport’s growth and inclusivity.

With another title added to his impressive resume, Stewart said he is already looking forward to returning to Japan next year to reconnect with friends and once again compete in one of adaptive surfing’s premier events.

With strong performances on these two major international stages, Stewart continues to cement his reputation as one of the most successful adaptive surfers in the sport’s history.

In 1999, Matthew partnered with Gary Dawson OAM to establish the Charity Challenge Golf Series, creating a unique fundraising platform that would harness the power of golf to support charities throughout Australia. The series was officially launched in 2002 and has since become one of the nation’s most successful charity golf initiatives, raising many millions of dollars for charitable organisations and worthy causes. Under Matthew’s leadership and vision, the Charity Challenge has brought together corporate Australia, sporting identities and community leaders to create sustainable fundraising outcomes while fostering valuable business and

Following a near-fatal accident involving his brother Peter in October 1980, Matthew, Peter and his father, George Albert ‘Sandy’ Laverty, established the annual Laverty Charity Golf Day at Mullumbimby Golf Club to support the Brunswick Valley Rescue Squad.

Family footsteps

He follows in the footsteps of his grandmother Dot Mules OAM, who was recognised for her dedication to helping others and was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her instrumental role in establishing Meals on Wheels across the North Coast. His grandfather, Bob Mules, served as President of Byron

Shire Council and was a highly respected community leader, and Matthew’s mother, Gae Laverty (née Mules), devoted more than 30 years as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels, providing care and assistance to countless members of the community.

Through his leadership, generosity and ability to inspire others, he has demonstrated how sport can be used as a vehicle for positive social impact. Whether supporting national charities through the Charity Challenge Golf Series or championing local causes through the Laverty Charity Golf Day, Matthew has dedicated countless hours to improving the lives of others.

Tweed Gold Coast 2026 annual sports lunch

The Tweed Gold Coast Committee of the Family of League is running its 2026 annual sports lunch on 12 June with MC Steve ‘Chimes’ Gilles and other sporting guests on the menu.

Former players Scott Sattler, David Hosking, Jarrod Crocker, Matt Moylan, and current dual international, Queensland State of Origin representative and Titans

player Jessika Elliston will be there.

Lots of laughs

‘Be entertained by our MC “Chimes” as he probes our guests into revealing humorous and unknown facts from their sporting careers,’ said a spokesperson.

The lunch will take place at the Coolangatta Hotel from 11.30am with plenty

of laughs coming your way with Australia’s foremost stand-up comedian Paul Martell.

Book a table

To book contact, via email, text or phone, Tom Cassin, 0407 457 661 or tweed@familyofleague. org.au or Stephen Sim 0419 275 275 or stephensim@ bigpond.com.

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

Bombay to Byron: 12 years of modern Indian on Jonson Street

This June marks 12 years since Bombay to Byron first opened its doors on Jonson Street, and husbandand-wife team Rahul and Radhicka Thacker are still at the heart of it.

Family-owned and locallyoperated since 2014, Bombay to Byron has built a loyal following by doing things its own way. The menu reimagines Indian cooking through a modern lens, drawing on classic technique but leaning into the produce, climate and pace of life on the North Coast. It’s Indian food that feels at home in Byron.

Local sourcing has always been part of the picture. Yulli’s beers pour fresh on tap, and the cocktail list showcases some of the region’s best independent distillers, with spirits from Byron Spirit Company,

Brookie’s and Lord Byron Distillery. Every cocktail is handmade behind the bar, built to complement the bold, layered flavours coming out of the kitchen.

The menu is designed to welcome everyone to the table. Alongside the traditional favourites, diners will find a wide selection of vegetarian and gluten-free

options, all crafted with the same care and attention as the rest of the menu. Whether it’s a quick weekday lunch, a long dinner with friends, or a Friday night

Ayusa Tea: clarity, energy, calm focus

Allie Godfrey

At the New Brighton Farmers Market, it’s not just coffee drawing a crowd – there’s also growing interest in healthier, more balanced alternatives like Ayusa Tea. Known for its natural caffeine and calming properties, this tea offers a different kind of energy boost, supporting focus and wellbeing without the usual side effects.

Ayusa Tea is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, which help balance the effects of caffeine. Instead of spikes and crashes, it delivers steady mental clarity and sustained energy. This makes it ideal for people who want to stay focused throughout the day—whether working, studying, or simply managing a busy schedule – without the jitters often associated with coffee or energy drinks.

One of its biggest benefits is the sense of calm focus it provides. The body remains relaxed while the mind stays alert, helping reduce feelings of stress or overstimulation. This makes it especially useful for those sensitive to caffeine or looking for a smoother, more controlled energy lift.

It’s also well suited to fasting. Gentle on the stomach and easy to digest, Ayusa Tea can be consumed on an empty stomach without discomfort. It may even help curb appetite, making it a practical choice for those following fasting routines while still wanting mental clarity and light energy.

Versatility adds to its appeal. It can be enjoyed hot, served as an iced tea, or even made into a sparkling drink.

It’s also a great ingredient for cocktails, adding a refreshing, lightly energising twist without relying on sugary mixers or artificial stimulants.

In a community focused on wellbeing and connection, Ayusa Tea stands out as a natural, balanced way to stay

energised, focused, and refreshed throughout the day.

■ Find Ayusa Tea at New Brighton Farmers Market every Tuesday from 7am to 11am at Tom Kendall Oval, River Street, New Brighton.

cocktail and curry, there’s a place for everyone.

Bombay to Byron offers dine-in, takeaway, and home delivery, open for both lunch and dinner. The fully licensed

cocktail bar makes it a natural spot for date nights, group bookings or a relaxed solo meal at the bar.

Twelve years in, Rahul and Radhicka remain as hands-on as ever. What started as a small modern Indian restaurant has grown into a genuine Byron institution, but the values are the same: great food, great drinks, real hospitality, and a deep connection to the community that has supported them every step of the way.

You’ll still find them at the restaurant most days, welcoming locals and visitors alike. Here’s to the next twelve.

■ Bombay to Byron, Jonson Street, Byron Bay. Dine in, takeaway and delivery. Lunch and dinner. bombaytobyron.com.au

While The Echo hosted its community awards on 6 June, peak NSW body Clubs NSW makes its own awards to clubs that do good things in their community. Although a relatively small club by NSW standards, Club Lennox Sports is a finalist in the ClubsNSW awards for their work in getting young people off screens and engaged with the community.

The Club’s impactful ‘Connection Club’ program brings together kids from around the Ballina Shire, boosting their wellbeing through activities like baking, pizza-making, lawn bowls, soccer/rugby skills and much more. The program also includes breathwork, meditation and cold therapy on the bowling greens – equipping participants with the skills to self-regulate their emotions. Connection Club is currently paused for the winter as a lot of the activities are weather dependent, but will return during the spring school holidays. The awards will be announced with a ceremony at the ICC Sydney on Thursday, June 11. Good luck, Club Lennox.

WHAT YOUR GRANDMOTHER KNEW ABOUT SHARING MEALS

Long before nutrition became complicated, our grandmothers understood something important: a meal was never just about food.

The dinner table was where families gathered to share stories, ease worries, and connect after the day was done. Food nourished the body, but eating together nourished the soul.

For many women, the table was the heart of the home. Through the simple ritual of sharing meals, they wove connection, belonging, and care into everyday life.

Today, life moves quickly, and meals are often squeezed between commitments. Yet there is still something timeless about gathering around a table.

At Food Culture, we’re proud to provide the ingredients that help bring people together, supporting the conversations, traditions, and moments of connection that make a house feel like home.

Shop@foodculturebulkfoods.com.au foodculturebulkfoods.com.au

02 6680 1122

82 Rajah Rd, Ocean Shores @Food Culture  foodculturebulkfoods

PERSONAL LEGAL SUPPORT NOW IN BYRON BAY, LISMORE AND THE NORTHERN RIVERS REGION

With a strong regional firm behind him and a dedicated local team, Josh McKay combines legal expertise with compassion and clear communication. He is particularly experienced in supporting trauma survivors and is known for building trust through empathy and straightforward advice. The Byron Bay office emphasises person-to-person service: clients meet an experienced local lawyer rather than using an automated claims portal or dealing with a citybased lawyer they may never meet. Josh can arrange home or hospital visits so clients can learn their legal entitlements without delay.

Don Cameron & Associates 1/19–21 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay 02 5643 9240 www.dcalaw.com.au

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARIES 4-DAY BOOK FAIR

Friends of Libraries Byron Shire, will once again host their annual fundraising Book Fair and ever popular raffle at the Byron Bay Surf  club. This landmark event attracts both regional and interstate visitors. There will be an abundance of good quality secondhand books for both young and old, covering favourite and well-known authors, special and rare editions and obscure and surprising treasures. Funds raised go towards the Brunswick, Mullumbimby Libraries in a multitude of ways. The fair covers four days of discovering, browsing and collecting, with so much to choose from.

Place: Byron Bay Surf Club

Date: Friday 10 to Monday 13 July

Time: 9am to 4pm

JIN WU KOON KARATE

Jin Wu Koon (JWK) Karate was established in Byron Bay in 1977 by Sensei Light. The club produced champions at regional, state, national, and international levels in karate, kickboxing, and kung fu, while positively shaping generations of Byron Bay locals.

When taught well, karate supports strong personal development, building concentration, confidence, selfdiscipline, resilience, and self-awareness. Training also helps students manage stress, find purpose, and live by clear values. JWK Karate supports both children and adults to achieve goals on, and off, the mat through commitment, perseverance, and striving to be their best.

Their code of conduct follows Bushido principles: loyalty, honour, courage, honesty, respect, and humility in daily life.

Ewingsdale Hall

0490 849 295 jinwukoonkarate@gmail.com jinwukoonkarate.com.au

Discover something new, and connect with your community at Byron Community College this season with a vibrant range of creative short courses designed to inspire learning at every stage. Whether you’re starting out in Guitar for Beginners & Level 2, expanding your skills in Guitar Level 3, or exploring rhythm and songwriting in How Music Works, these music courses encourage confidence and creativity in a relaxed environment. Hands-on learners can delve into artisan skills through Metal Fabrication & Welding, while flower lovers can refine their style in Intermediate and Advanced Floristry. Also on offer is Landscape Painting with Kim Beaton, exploring colour, composition and the beauty of the natural landscape. Learn new skills, meet like-minded people and be part of the Northern Rivers thriving creative community.

@byroncollege www.byroncollege.org.au 02 6684 3374

VIRIDIAN ADVISORY

WITH RATES ON THE MOVE, A SIMPLE FINANCIAL CHECK-IN CAN HELP

With the RBA interest rate rise, plenty of locals are already feeling it; higher mortgage repayments, tighter cash flow, and more pressure on day-to-day budgets are becoming the new normal. If there’s one upside, it’s this: moments like these are a good reminder to check in on your finances. Not later ‘when things settle’, but now.

A financial review can often uncover simple ways to ease the pressure. Meeting with Alana Pincombe for a financial review can help you take practical steps to gain peace of mind, confidence, and plan how to stay ahead if rates move again. This is where having a local adviser in your corner really matters.

One good conversation can make all the difference. Get in touch with Alana today: 0491 204 142 apincombe@viridianadvisory.com.au viridianadvisory.com.au

WILDBILLY BOOKS & BRUNS BOOKS

The seaside bookshops WildBilly Books in Byron, and BrunsBooks in Brunswick Heads, are two vintage-style coastal book havens, where magic becomes something you can hold in your hands. Both stores offer a beautifully created blend of mostly recycled, but also a selection of the latest literature. Believing books deserve more than one life, both stores welcome your pre-loved favourites in return for credit toward the recycled collection. Whether you’re a devoted collector, or a leisurely beach-day browser, Bruns Books and WildBilly Books invite you to linger, wander and discover stories as timeless as the tide.

WildBilly Books: 11 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay (50m down from the Surf Club)

BrunsBooks: 9 Fingal St, Brunswick Heads (On Fingal Street opposite the school) 0493 355 719 beachsidebookshops.com.au

LUXURIOUS ARTISANAL KNITWEAR

The Pampa Alpaca knitwear story was born in Arequipa, Peru, the result of a beautiful friendship between two families — one Australian, the other Peruvian – both with a passion for exceptional natural fibre and timeless craftsmanship. Each artisanal piece begins with ethically-sourced fleece from alpacas that roam freely across the Andean ‘pampa’. From shearing and cleaning, to spinning and handcrafting, no factories are involved… just a group of local people working with the fibre at a time, place and pace that fits in with daily family life. This community-level approach not only honours important cultural traditions, but also supports local families through fair and respectful employment. The result is luxurious, ethically-made knitwear that feels as good as it looks.

Old Billi Buthcher Shop 7 Wilfred Street Billinudgel @pampaalpaca

RIGHT NOW, YOUR DONATION GOES TWICE AS FAR FOR LOCAL WILDLIFE

This End of Financial Year, Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital is calling on the community to help save more native wildlife in our region.

Thanks to generous matched-giving partners, every donation made before 30 June will be doubled, helping provide urgent veterinary care for sick, injured and orphaned native animals when they need it most.

Since opening its doors to patients in April 2025, the hospital has already treated almost 2,000 native animals, including koalas, owls, lorikeets, wallabies and turtles.

Every donation helps provide lifesaving treatment, medication and rehabilitation for wildlife in need, giving our local native animals the best chance of returning home.

Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital www.nrwh.com.au/eofy fundraising@nrwh.com.au

TALK TO US ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE

Sometimes clarity starts with a simple conversation. Ord Minnett’s advisers are available for a no-obligation chat about your finances, whether you’re planning as a family, preparing for retirement, or looking to preserve and structure your wealth.

With superannuation changes coming into effect from 1 July, now is a good time to understand what they mean for you. Jake Blumberg and Sam La Cava can walk you through the key updates and discuss strategies tailored to your goals.

Reach out to Jake or Sam for a casual conversation and explore the right approach for your next chapter.

Clues

Quick Clues

ACROSS

1. Shoves (7)

5. Old West Germanic language (7)

9. Palm-like plant (5)

10. Tacit (9)

11. Notwithstanding (7)

12. Underwriter (7) 13. Gamble (5) 15. Autograph (9)

18. Satirical (9)

21. African carnivore (5)

23. Looking longingly (7)

25. Unpredictable (7)

27. Cause trouble (5,4)

28. Large nest (5)

29. Assemblages of correlated parts (7)

30. Especially (7) DOWN

1. Raven cousin (7)

2. Factions (5)

3. Chris De Burgh hit (4,2,3)

4. Small dishes (7)

5. Looking tired (7)

6. Sporadic bits (5)

7. Intervening period (9)

8. Awarded one (7)

14. Ornamental shrubs (9)

16. Tavern (3)

17. Utterly opposed (to) (9)

18. Part of Ursa Minor (7)

song (4,2,3)

4. Sometimes flying, hard liquor to run to pole (7)

5. At the end of the day, overhead protection is wide open (7)

6. Wild birds form part of an idiom for small amounts (5)

7. Elder unit excited for respite (9)

8. Special guest is on oxygen inside, around here (7)

14. Growing plot has one with arsenic for white flowers (9)

16. Skinned heart found in accommodation (3)

17. Manipulated Earthborn to become abominable (9)

18. Famous star is after direct opposite (7)

19. Entering singers in a mess (7)

20. Russian complex lost and gained a thousand to become a source of mechanical trouble (7)

22. Gore led to revolutionary with my magical transmutation (7)

24. Goddess of peace, anger and headless one (5)

26. Fourth robot buried intense beat (5)

STARS BY LILITH

Sun/Uranus in Gemini wants to go out, Venus/Mercury/ Jupiter in Cancer wants to stay in. In the season of the Twins, best do both…

19. Entryway (7)

20. Mischievous being (7)

22. Medieval science (7)

24. Byzantine empress (5)

26. Pulsate (5)

Let’s Disappear the Outrage Farmer

There’s super-offensive content making its way around the internet by someone who is NOT Indigenous and is NOT a comedian. I will not say her name. I will not identify her nor will I describe the content. If you think you know what I am talking about: good. And if you don’t: good. Let’s keep it that way.

I won’t amplify the profile or content of someone who is clearly farming outrage to max their profile. To drive engagement. To get views. To find her people.

Our loud offence, our horrified comments on socials - they don’t call injustice or hurt into line. They are what she wants. This was her wicked intention.

They just feed the beast. And the beast is the narcissism juggernaut where people use outrage to drive their algorithms, to find their audience, and to create a sense of authenticity that doesn’t belong to them. They couldn’t get it on their own terms, with intelligence or talent. They couldn’t get it with brilliance. They couldn’t get it with insight. They have no genius. They just have this aching need to be at the centre, but nothing to share when they’re there.

So they literally shat the bed. Or whatever the social media version of that is.

Now everyone is talking about them. Including me. Even while I try not to.

It’s a wicked problem. How do you speak out against what is unspeakable, if the very act of doing so finds an audience for hurt and hate?

Maybe it’s time we talked about the mechanism – and the failure of any regulatory systems, or general moral compass to keep humanity in check. And I want to make one thing clear.

This person I am talking about, is not Indigenous. As a non-Indigenous person I just feel shame when I see what she did. I feel shame that anyone needs attention that much that they are prepared to disrespect a culture they don’t understand. A culture, from my understanding, focused on community, not individual grandiosity.

And they are NOT a comedian.

The person posting this vile content calls themselves an ‘internet’ comedian. There is no such thing. A comedian stands in front of an actual audience and

ARIES: it’s worthwhile tying off loose ends as Chiron’s last week in Aries for another half century aligns with Neptune and Saturn, your sign. If you don’t feel like socialising, then pile on the self-care instead and indulge those creative urges, because your muse is definitely in the house.

TAURUS: If you’re collaborating with a team, community or institution, this week’s astral energy supports reviewing what’s working, and what’s not. Best approach? Combining thinking with feeling, as described by the lovely Spanish word sentipensante, which means both logical reasoning and emotional intelligence.

GEMINI: The once in a lifetime presence of Uranus in your sign is a big deal for the global community. And for you personally it helps close chapters that are over to open up space for a personal reboot, so use this vibrant time to explore the direction you want to take in the year ahead.

She hurts people for clicks. She kicks down for likes. She feeds on the argument about the pain she has caused.

has the guts to survive the storm. Not hide in their bedroom and press ‘post’. I can video myself making a lamb roast, it doesn’t make me a chef.

This person hasn’t stood backstage at hundreds of gigs waiting to go on. They haven’t earned their cred. And I can tell you - anyone performing content, as per the outrage farmer I am referring to would be booed off stage. I don’t know a single audience who as a public group would tolerate such bigoted hate. Even in the most conservative communities people don’t appreciate that kind of regressive, racist rant.

This person is a racist. There’s nothing new in this. They’re just a white sheet away from being a Klan member. It’s not funny. It’s disturbing. The comedians I know don’t do this. Because they don’t need to hurt and offend people for attention.

She’s an outrage farmer. She hurts people for clicks. She kicks down for likes. She feeds on the argument about the pain she has caused.

CANCER: With everyone talking over everyone else this week, it might be worth gently questioning what’s not being said and attempting to address the elephant in the room - good luck with that. On the bright side, the current Mercury/Venus/ Jupiter combo in Cancer could draw in someone who feels like family.

LEO: Gemini season prompts your majesties to think past me to we, while the Sun heating up your partnership sector suggests this week would benefit from some appreciative attention to team Leo. Mars currently showcasing your reputation and social status is an excellent time to network and crowdsource ideas.

VIRGO: With your mentor planet Mercury booked in for an extended stayover in sensitive, touchy mode, discretion is your superpower so resist this week’s temptation to gossip or share confidential information. That said, heartfelt exchanges and intimate conversations are available if you’re able to give others space to air their feelings.

LIBRA: A dazzling Sun/Uranus meetup in the sign of social butterflies is just your Libran cup of fun, though your mentor planet Venus in the sign of family and security sees this week’s balancing act juggling between vibrant socialising and taking care of business on the home front.

SCORPIO: The Sun in your sector of shared resources, Mars firing up your partnership department and Venus in your adventure zone sees you at your magnetic best this week, though Pluto stalling communications could see texting or messaging cause misunderstandings. Metabolise all this intensity by taking the occasional reflective stretch.

SAGITTARIUS: Innovative Uranus is taking a seven-year tour through your opposite sign on the astrowheel, which is your partnership sector. While you cherish independence, you’re now moving into a new cycle of supportive relationships, starting with Pluto’s backward spin helping you mend fences which may have been damaged by Sagittarian directness.

That’s why I won’t say her name. I won’t comment on her videos. And I won’t share her content - even if it is to dissociate from her.

What she deserves is silence. No attention. A big empty vacuum.

She needs to have her devices taken. Be banned from ever posting again. She needs mandated cultural training. She needs to be charged under hate speech laws. Shouldn’t they apply to her? We’ve just had a royal commission into antisemitism. I wonder how this would have been received if it was antisemitic content? She’d be in jail. This is racism on steroids. Why do we permit it?

■ 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: Capricorns as long-term people know that keeping relationships alive over time takes dedicated planning. As the celestial spotlight focusses on your work and relationship sectors, this week asks what new systems can you put in place for partnerships to last the distance? And what current ones need updating.

AQUARIUS: So much going on: Pluto retro in Aquarius conducting a review of your identity and public persona. Gemini season’s playzone offering creative collaborations. Venus wanting a revamp of work and health routines, Mars powering into your home zone. What to do? Stop procrastiscrolling. Think less chat, more action.

PISCES: This week will be talking up a storm, but if its follow through is less enthusiastic, pay attention to red flags and ask questions. Pause before any important decision-making and ask yourself those essential 10-10-10 questions: How is this choice likely to affect me in ten days, ten months, ten years?

Filter Off beauty style

Temple of the Sun

Temple of the Sun’s Byron Bay store offers a quiet retreat, where jewellery, story, and craft come together. Founded in Byron by Darren and Yonna, the brand draws inspiration from ancient symbolism, art and the natural world; a philosophy they describe as ‘ModernAncient.’ Inside the store, pieces are displayed in what is a museum-like setting, inviting visitors to slow down and explore the meaning behind each design. Collections range from sterling silver and gold vermeil to fine gold heirlooms, including ceremonial and engagement jewellery designed to mark life’s meaningful moments. Each piece is created to be worn daily and treasured for years to come. Whether discovering Temple for the first time or returning for another piece, the Byron store offers a place to pause and connect with jewellery that carries meaning beyond adornment.

3 Ti-Tree Place, Byron Bay templeofthesun.com.au

fashion grooming

ZÓCALO

Born in Mexico as an ethical collective, ZÓCALO brings its vibrant spirit to Australia with their third location in beautiful Newrybar in the Byron Bay hinterland. A bohemian, welltravelled haven, it’s filled with color, prints, and an ever-changing collection of ethical fashion, gifts, jewellery, and globally-inspired pieces –making it the perfect place for gifting. Every purchase gives back, with a portion of each sale supporting four local charities in Mexico, keeping ZÓCALO’S roots and purpose alive. Alongside artisanal Mexican finds, they stock Australia’s favorite brands, including Spell, Nine Lives Bazaar, The White Raven, Ottway, BOPO, Posie, Leif Products, Gentle Habits and more. Gift-wrapping available.

Shop ZÓCALO in store or online: 17 Old Pacific Highway, Newrybar 0493 382 497 shopzocalo.com.au shopzocalo

Stewart’s Menswear

As cooler mornings settle over the Byron Shire, Stewart’s Menswear in Mullumbimby has winter sorted. The family-owned store has stocked up on warm accessories for the season ahead.

There are 100% wool beanies and gloves, possum/merino gloves, and 70% alpaca beanies for the chilliest days. Cosy feet are covered too, with 100% wool socks, and a warm 60% alpaca and wool blend. Merino wool thermals add an easy extra layer under everything, and the original Ugg Australia boots are perfect for relaxed, toasty days at home.

Whether locals are staying put or travelling somewhere colder, there is something to keep everyone comfortable. Friendly advice is always on hand, in-store or online, to help find the right warmth for the season.

52 Burringbar St Mulllumbimby 02 6684 2148 stewartsmenswear.com.au

Volume 40 #53

10–1 6 June, 2026

Editor: Eve Jeffery

Editorial/gigs: gigs@echo.net.au

Copy deadline: 5pm each Thursday

Gig Guide deadline: 5pm each Friday

Advertising: adcopy@echo.net.au

P: 02 6684 1777

W: echo.net.au/entertainment

Seven

Eclectic Selection

What’s on this week

Tirra Lirra by the River tells the story of Nora, who reluctantly returns to the Australian house where she grew up, where she finds the past lying in wait. Forced to an urgent reckoning with the choices she has made, Nora sifts through the lives she has led to discover the woman she has become.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Byron Theatre. Tickets from $30 via byroncentre.com.au.

Ball Park Music are ready to kickstart the next chapter of The Rock ‘n’ Roll Adventure. Where every stage is electric, every song tells a story, and every crowd feels just like home. Expect an everchanging journey through every era: the anthems, the slow burners and the deep cuts that have somehow grown into fan favourites.

Saturday from 5.30pm at the Kingscliff Beach Hotel. Free show.

Anisa Nandaula dives headfirst into the chaos of her life – nearly getting into a fight, feuding with her next-door neighbour, and surviving her old workplace drama. Then, after a decade away, she returns to Africa and brings back a suitcase full of hilarious, unforgettable stories.

Saturday, 7pm at the Brunswick Picture House. Tickets from $28 +bf via brunswickpicturehouse.com.

Riley Marcon plays classic folk, country and blues song that he has grown up loving with influences including Bob Dylan, JJ Cale, John Lennon, Neil Young, Bob Marley, John Prine – all the greats. But his passion is in writing and playing his original work.

Sunday from 2.30pm at the Wharf Bar, Ballina. Free show.

All legends, all classic rock hits – the Filthy Animals are back with another all-star line up –the Filthys like to mix it up, but you’ll always get a stage full of legends and you’ll always get the best rock songs of all time – done right!

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

A memorial Open Mic Night event will be held for Peter Woolnough, soundman for 20 years at the Tuesday night Bangalow Brackets Open Mic. To honour Pete and celebrate his 20 years of dedication to Open Mic musicians –providing tailored sound expertise and a fantastic sound system. If you’d like to perform two songs, please arrive early to secure your spot on the board. We’ll also set aside time at the end for an all-in jam.

Tuesday from 7pm at the Bangalow Hotel. Free show.

A night out that

changes lives

Some fundraisers just ask you to give – Rafiki Royale asks you to come and have the best night of your year, and the giving takes care of itself.

On Saturday, 20 June, the Lennox Head Cultural Centre will transform into a Las Vegas-inspired playground in support of Rafiki Mwema, a Lennox-founded-and-run charity supporting Kenyan children – the name means ‘loyal friend’ in Swahili, and their work lives up to it.

Rafiki Mwema provides long-term, trauma-informed care for children who have survived abuse. Therapy, safe housing, and people who show up consistently and refuse to give up. In a context where resources are scarce and the need is enormous, that kind of sustained support is genuinely life-changing.

Last year, the inaugural Rafiki Royale brought more than 250 locals together and raised over $50,000 for the cause. One big, glamorous Saturday night in the Northern Rivers rippled all the way across the world. This year, the world looks different. The cost of living is on the rise and it’s not only the kids at Rafiki who are doing it tough – plenty of people here at home are struggling too. So they want to make sure your hard-earned ticket money is getting you a night where you can forget about the troubles of the outside world.

The event opens with a red carpet, and bubbles on arrival, before guests move into Vegas-style casino tables with prizes, a fun photo booth, Sideshow Alley games and a silent auction. Sam’s Burgers keep everyone fed with delicious food. Elvis is in the building, naturally!

For poker players, the Premier Poker Tournament run by Andy Pilkington and the Australian Poker League offers a $100 buy-in and the chance to win a seat at the APL Million 2026 in August, a prize valued at $1,500, with $1,000,000 on the table.

New this year is a limited VIP High Roller ticket with personal food and drink service throughout the night.

Ambassador Annaliese Todd from Mamamia hosts the evening with her signature warm and funny approach that has graced many Rafiki events in the past.

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

AS MENTAL AS PETER

Australia’s legendary band Mental As Anything made an historic comeback in 2026 – the first in 25 years – as original founding members Peter O’Doherty and brother Reg Mombassa reunited, leading an exciting new lineup to perform once again under the iconic banner Mental As Anything.

Known for their infectious melodies, sharp wit, and unmistakable sound, the ARIA Hall of Fame inductees have carved out an enduring place in Australia’s cultural and musical history. With 25 top-40 hits in Australia, Mental As Anything’s catalogue includes beloved classics such as ‘The Nips Are Getting Bigger’, ‘If You Leave Me, Can I Come Too?’, ‘Too Many Times’, ‘Come Around’, ‘Berserk Warriors’, ‘Spirit Got Lost’, ‘You’re So Strong’, and the international smash ‘Live It Up’ – a song that continues to receive regular airplay across the UK and Europe more than three decades after topping charts around the world. What began as a Sydney pub band formed by five art students has, over 50 years, grown into one of Australia’s most successful and beloved musical acts. Seven spoke to Peter O’Doherty last week.

Where are you Peter?

I’m in Sydney, and it is quite blue. It’s blue sky. It’s a bit cold, little bit windy.

This year is your 50th anniversary?

Yes, we thought we’d take the opportunity to blow our own trumpet for a whole year. The band basically kicked off 50 years ago, at the National Art School – it was called East Sydney Tech, back in those days – but the Mentals all met at the art school, and I was the only non-art schooler in the band. I was still in high school! I joined the year after when I left so I was the kid brother. I was sort of shoehorned into the band, because their bass player took a little holiday for two weeks, and that two weeks turned into forever. What’s the biggest achievement in that 50 years?

Oh it’s the legacy I think, of a pretty good song book. We’d write songs that became singles and hit singles. Then we had two guys who showed up to some of those early gigs, and they said, ‘Oh, we’re going to form a record label’, and they called it Regular Records, and we put an EP out with ‘The Nips are Getting Bigger’ and then we got a deal through them, and with Festival Records, made our first album, and released that in 1979 – That was Get Wet.

Do you think the Mentals, in some form, will continue after the 50th anniversary?

Yeah, I don’t think we’re going to be showing the door. No, we’ll just keep the door open. We still enjoy it, and we still get some offers of work. I think, you know, we’ll probably be out there for a while.

Has the reality of life come anywhere near the vision?

I knew that I wanted to do music, I knew that I loved playing guitar, and that my interest was in an artistic area of either playing music or visial art. I’ve had exhibitions, and that’s another chunk of my life, as I’ve got these two strands going on, but with the guitar playing now, as a 16-year-old – you have no idea where you’re going to go with it. I just knew that I was a pretty bad scholar. I lost interest in school. Before I landed in the Mentals I was playing a bit of jazz, and I’d played in a little rock band before that, it could have gone anywhere.

What is your current earworm?

I’ve actually just been reading a book

about the Beatles. It’s called The Beatles: An Insider Story – I actually found it on a throw-out, along my street – so I’ve actually been revisiting a lot of Beatles records as I’ve been reading.

What do you find inspiring in your life at the moment ?

Well, I’ve had this kind of rhythm, you know, over the many years where it’s painting and music, which is kind of my world, and my wife is also an artist, a visual artist, painter, and sculptor. So we kind of live in this little weird little world where we both just get up every day, have our coffee and our breakfast, and then we’re straight at work. We’re out painting in the studio, so it’s just a kind of real rhythmic thing, you know. And it’s kind of has its own forward momentum that carries you along, as long as you’re doing it, it’s great, you know. And every now and then, if I have to go away or I don’t get a chance to make art, I feel something is sort of wrong, and then you feel like you’re really rusty, and you’ve got to get it back, you know?

I just love that rhythm.

What do you think makes Mullum Roots Festival a great festival.

Look, I think it’s the town itself. Yep, first and foremost, it’s a great, great town –lovely, small, easy to get around, you’ve got all your venues within a short walk of each other, it’s beautiful part of the world, so I think those elements alone, and then it’s got it’s a really good lineup, they’ve got some really good acts, Busby Marou and Dave Graney, and the Pinks, which is a blues band, and both myself and Reg are in the Pinks.

Peter, are you having enough fun? Well. No, probably not. I don’t think anybody has enough fun, do they?

Reality is a bit too, sort of, real. Probably it’s a bit like saying, are you happy? You know, one of those words which is kind of not really the right word, you’ve just got to be engaged and have something to do, that’s what I get up for, you know. If I didn’t have something to do, then I definitely wouldn’t be having any fun. I’d be pretty miserable. I’m really lucky I get to do music, which is just like being a kid again. You get to, sort of play around.

Mental As Anything are playing at the Mullum Roots Festival , 11-12 July. See www.mullumrootsfest.com for more info.

Sweet Moon Language

Mazarine is a nine-piece ensemble performing original compositions influenced by Middle Eastern and Mediterranean traditions. With repertoire ranging from orchestral soundscapes to upbeat folk style tunes, Mazarine effortlessly combine rhythmic complexity with layered textures and timbres, taking the listener on an uplifting and inspiring musical journey.

On 20 June Mazarine will be launching their debut album, Sweet Moon Language at Mullumbimby Civic Memorial Hall. The album is a collection of original instrumental pieces composed by Michael Taylor, a multi-instrumentalist and composer specialising in the oud. He will be joined by a group of talented musical friends with a long history of performance in the Australian world-music scene, playing a plethora of instruments including oud, ney, kanun, riqq, bandoneon, cello, double bass and shah kaman.

Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Tea and cake are available during intermission and the album will be for sale on the night. Please note that this is a seated concert for your listening pleasure.

Pre-purchase tickets at $38 via trybooking.com/ DLRSI or mazarine-music.au, or available on the door at $45.

Seven

Seven days of entertainment

The Grigoryan brothers and others

The internationally-acclaimed Grigoryan Brothers –Slava and Leonardo, are set to bring their extraordinary musicianship to Brunswick Picture House on Thursday, with their captivating new program, Past, Present & Future

The concert promises an unforgettable evening of guitar artistry, celebrating a remarkable career that has seen the brothers become two of Australia’s most respected and influential classical musicians.

Renowned for their breathtaking technical skill, emotional depth and innovative programming, the Grigoryan Brothers have spent over two decades redefining what is possible on two guitars. Their performances effortlessly move between classical masterpieces, contemporary works, world-music influences and original compositions, creating a musical experience that appeals to both dedicated classical audiences and newcomers alike.

Their ability to communicate through music with warmth, precision and imagination has earned them standing ovations in concert halls around the world.

The Past, Present & Future tour reflects on the brothers’ remarkable journey while also looking ahead to new creative horizons. Audiences can expect a carefully curated selection of works that showcase the duo’s signature versatility, from intimate and reflective passages to dazzling displays of virtuosity.

The program highlights the unique musical connection that has made the Grigoryan Brothers one of the most celebrated guitar duos of their generation.

The concert’s setting adds another layer of appeal. Having wowed audiences last year with partner Sharon Grigoryan in a sold-out show at the Brunswick Picture House, Slava now returns with brother Leonardo in this new show. The intimate atmosphere of the Picture House makes it an ideal venue for experiencing the subtle nuances and rich textures of the Grigoryan Brothers’ music.

For music lovers seeking a truly special night out, the Grigoryan Brothers’ show is shaping up to be one of the standout live music events of the season.

Looking ahead, the Picture House has more dazzling shows coming up, including another guitar sensation, Alexandr Misko on Sunday, 21 June; the new collaboration between Richard Tedesco, The Cat Empire’s Felix Riebl and Ollie McGill on Saturday, 25 July; brand new shows from two of Australia’s biggest stars Lior on Saturday, 29 August and and Alex Lloyd on Saturday, 17 October; and an unmissable unplugged celebration, The Grunge Show presents MTV Unplugged Live on Friday, 21 August

Find out more at: brunswickpicturehouse.com.

CINEMA

Will the real Christopher please hang

From acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh, The Christophers is a sharp, darkly comic exploration of art, legacy and deception, led by Golden Globe winner Ian McKellen and Emmy winner Michaela Coel

At its centre is Julian Sklar (McKellen), a well-known painter based in London, elderly and eccentric, now living in reclusion.

In the 1990s, he completed two series of paintings called ‘The Christophers’ based on his lover at the time; a third series of ‘Christophers’ remained unfinished, and he has not worked on them in years. His reputation has faded as he has aged. His unscrupulous children Barnaby and Sallie, hire Lori Butler (Coel), a young artist who is a skilled art restorer, who has not exhibited in years, to pose as his assistant to quietly complete the paintings in his distinctive style behind his back, blurring the line between preservation and imitation. They plan to sell the finished ‘Julian Sklar’ paintings for a fortune after his death.

What begins as an act of forgery gradually unfolds into something more intricate, as Julian and Lori enter a shifting battle of intellect and influence. As their dynamic deepens, questions of authorship, authenticity and ownership come to the fore, revealing the uneasy relationship between artistic creation and commercial value.

Wry, intimate and layered, The Christophers offers a fascinating meditation on how art is created, valued and ultimately claimed, where legacy is as contested as the work itself.

The Christophers is screening at Palace Cinemas –palacecinemas.com.au.

GIG GUIDE

WEDNESDAY 10

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, JOCK BARNES

■ 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

THURSDAY 11

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, INO PIO

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM SAM BUCKLEY BAND

■ BYRON THEATRE 7.30PM TIRRA LIRRA BY THE RIVER

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM PINK ZINC DUO + DJ QUENDO + DUELING PIANO BAR

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

■ FOXY LUU’S @ COORABELL HALL 5.30PM DJ XUJA

■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM JASON DELPHIN

■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM GRIGORYAN BROTHERS

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

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

■ LISMORE CITY BOWLO 7PM THE SUPPER CLUB SOUL BAND

■ COOLANGATTA HOTEL 6.30PM FAULTY TOWERS THE DINING EXPERIENCE

FRIDAY 12

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, LEMON CHICKEN

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 8.30PM DANIEL AVERY + DJ INGRID

■ BYRON THEATRE 7.30PM TIRRA LIRRA BY THE RIVER

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

LEVITICUS (CTC) Fri: 8:30PM – Fright Night Preview

NETWORK (M) Mon: 6:30PM – Cult Vault

THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD (CTC) Wed: 6:30PM – Movie Club Preview

THE MUSICIANS (PG) Fri, Sat, Sun: 1:00PM – Adv Screenings

FAMILY FILMS

THE MAGIC FARAWAY TREE (G) Sat, Sun: 10:45AM

THE SHEEP DETECTIVES (PG) Daily: 10:45AM, 1:20PM ALL FILMS BACKROOMS (M) Daily except Wed: 1:30PM, 4:00PM, 6:15PM, 8:30PM. Wed: 1:30PM, 3:45PM, 6:15PM, 8:30PM COLONY (MA15+) NFT Daily except Mon, Wed: 12:50PM, 3:50PM, 8:30PM. Mon, Wed: 12:50PM, 3:40PM, 8:30PM DISCLOSURE DAY (M) NFT Daily: 11:00AM, 1:00PM, 2:00PM, 4:00PM, 5:00PM, 6:15PM, 7:00PM, 8:00PM MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE (M) Thurs, Sat, Sun, Tues: 10:50AM, 8:00PM. Fri: 10:50AM. Mon: 10:45AM, 8:00PM. Wed: 10:45AM MICHAEL (PG) Daily: 10:45AM, 3:40PM, 7:40PM

OBSESSION (MA15+) Daily except Wed: 1:45PM, 3:50PM, 6:00PM, 8:20PM. Wed: 1:30PM, 3:50PM, 6:00PM, 8:20PM

SCARY MOVIE (MA15+) Thurs, Tues, Wed: 1:00PM, 5:40PM, 8:30PM. Fri, Sat, Sun: 5:40PM, 8:30PM. Mon: 1:00PM, 5:40PM STAR WARS: THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU (M) Daily: 10:45AM, 3:20PM THE CHRISTOPHERS (MA15+) Daily except Mon, Wed: 10:45AM, 1:40PM, 6:20PM. Mon: 10:45AM, 1:30PM, 6:20PM. Wed: 10:45AM, 1:30PM THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 (M) Daily except Wed: 11:15AM, 3:10PM. Wed: 11:00AM, 3:10PM TRIFOLE (M) NFT Thurs, Fri, Tues, Wed: 10:45AM, 1:10PM, 6:20PM. Sat, Sun: 1:10PM, 6:20PM. Mon: 10:45AM, 1:10PM TUNER (MA15+) NFT Daily except Wed: 10:50AM, 3:20PM, 5:45PM. Wed: 10:50AM, 3:20PM, 6:00PM

■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM LUKE HEGGIE

■ NORTH BYRON HOTEL 5PM DJ MONSIEUR DIOP

■ ELEMENTS OF BYRON 5PM MATTHEW ARMITAGE

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM KANE MUIR BAND + DJ ZAC EWING + DUELING PIANO BAR

■ MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 5.30PM BALCONY BEATS FT. ROB SYDNEY + KRAPPYOKEE WITH JESS

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

■ MULLUMBIMBY EX-SERVICES CLUB 7.30PM TROY KINNE

■ CLUB LENNOX 7PM JOCK BARNES

■ LENNOX HOTEL 9PM BULLETPROOF

■ M-ARTS, MURWILLUMBAH, 5.30PM HAYLEY GRACE

■ REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH, 5.30PM REGENT REMIX FEAT LEME

■ MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6PM WOLFIE

■ SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 5.30PM JORDAN MAC

■ CLUB TWEED 7.30PM ROCKIN’ THE 70S

■ TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, 8PM THE AUSTRALIAN EAGLES SHOW

SATURDAY 13

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, FLUKES OF SENDINGTON

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM MICKA SCENE DUO + TSEBA

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

■ NORTH BYRON HOTEL 1.30PM DJ ALICE Q + DJ AFRODISEA

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM SARAH GRANT TRIO + DJ JAMIE LOWE + DUELING PIANO BAR

■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4.30PM RAGGA JUMP

■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM ANISA NANDAULA

BACKROOMS (M) Daily: 3:10PM, 5:00PM DISCLOSURE DAY (M) NFT Daily: 10:00AM, 1:00PM, 4:00PM, 7:00PM

6PM PIANO BAR W/ JOHN

■ LENNOX HOTEL 4PM BEN WHITING + THE TYLER DURDENS

■ CLUB LENNOX 4PM MATT ARMITAGE + JB’S BLUES BREAKERS

■ WILLIAMS STREET KITCHEN & BAR, LENNOX HEAD, 5.30PM LUKE YEAMAN

■ BALLINA RSL 6PM HAYLEY GRACE

■ CHERRY STREET SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, 8PM HARRY NICHOLS BAND

■ EVANS HEAD RSL 5PM SCREENING: ’MOORT CALLING DINGO BACK TO COUNTRY’ + ’WOOLEEN: UTILISING DINGOES AS A MANAGEMENT TOOL’ + PANEL AND Q&A

■ LISMORE WORKERS CLUB 7.30PM THE SYDNEY HOT SHOTS

■ KINGSCLIFF BEACH HOTEL 5PM BALL PARK MUSIC

■ KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 5PM SYSTEMATIC

■ SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 5.30PM JASON DELPHIN

■ TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, 7.30PM BJORN AGAIN

■ CLUB TWEED 7.30PM RIVERSHED

■ COOLANGATTA HOTEL 7.30PM DESCENDENTS + PINCH POINTS + THE LIZARDS

SUNDAY 14

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, MILO GREEN

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 4.30PM THE FILTHY ANIMALS

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM JAZZ DADS + VINYL SUNDAYS FT MONSIEUR DIOP + DUELING PIANO BAR

■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4PM WILD MARMALADE

■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 6PM LUKE HEGGIE

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

■ LENNOX HOTEL 4PM INO PIO

2.30PM BALLINA BLUES CLUB FEAT HOW DARE YOUS

■ WHARF BAR, BALLINA, 2.30PM RILEY MARCON

■ SHAWS BAY HOTEL, BALLINA, 3PM BASIX

■ PEARCES CREEK HALL 2.30PM KATIE BROOKE AND THOR PHILLIPS

■ ELTHAM HOTEL 3PM ROD MURRAY

■ REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH, 6PM SCREENING: WE ARE NOT POWERLESS

■ CLUB TWEED 1PM RHYDIAN LEWIS + CURT LUXTON

■ BROADWATER HOTEL 3PM SANTA ANA RODEO

MONDAY 15

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, CINAMON SUN

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM GUY KACHEL

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM LACHY DWYER + DJ JAMIE LOWE + DUELING PIANO BAR

TUESDAY 16

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, TIM STOKES

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM YAZMINDI

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

■ BANGALOW HOTEL 7PM PETE WOOLNOUGH MEMORIAL BANGALOW HOTEL OPEN MIC

WEDNESDAY 17

■ RAILWAY HOTEL, BYRON BAY, ISAAC FRANKHAM

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

■ OTTILIES, MULLUMBIMBY, MONDO JAZZ CATS

■ THE PADDOCK PROJECT, MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM CURRY JAM

■ ELTHAM HOTEL 7PM PHOEBE GO

Ads may be taken by phone on 6684 1777 AT THE ECHO HEAD OFFICE

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

Display (box ads) and line classi eds, email: classifieds@echo.net.au

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

DEADLINE TUES 12PM

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

RATES & PAYMENT

LINE ADS:

$17.00 for the first two lines

$5 .00 for each extra line

$17 for two lines is the minimum charge.

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

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

Prepayment is required for all ads.

MICHAEL WEATHERHEAD

There will be a memorial for Michael at 35B Argyle St Mullumbimby on Sunday 21st June 2pm-5pm. BYO

BRIAN A EARLEY

10.10.1961 - 30.05.2026

*

Sadly departed this life on Sat May 30th. Beloved partner of Kathryn. Father of Samira, Monisha and Kyle. Grandfather of Austin and Riah. Brother of Robin, Deb, Graham and Tim.

A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday July 2nd from 2pm at the Shaws Bay Hotel Ballina. All are welcome.

PUBLIC NOTICES

WHERE TO GET THE ECHO

If you live in Newrybar, Lennox Head or Ballina, but outside our current home delivery area, you can pick up an Echo from many locations, including: Newrybar Providore Newrybar; Richies IGA Ballina, Ballina RSL, One Stop Shop Ballina, Ballina Golf Club East Ballina, Brighton St Takeaway near the Shawsy, Seagrass Lennox, Lennox pub drivethrough, Station St Grocer Lennox

21.6.1935 - 26.5.2026

* Loving mother of Toni, and grandmother to Aaron, Matthew, Jasmine, Emma, Julian, Mehael and Lachlan. Great-grandmother to far too many to mention!

* Lois was extremely well-known locally for her work at the Mullumbimby school canteen, and for her involvement in Red Cross since she was a young child. She was a life member of the Mullumbimby Show Society, and worked tirelessly for other charities in our area.

* All family and friends who knew Lois are invited to celebrate her life at the Brunswick Heads Bowling Club at 11am on 18 June 2026

FESTIVAL OF THE STONE 2026

NOTICE

After

Byron Bay. We wish to inform you that the following changes will take place from 9am Saturday, 20th June to 12am, 21st June.

FESTIVAL TIMES:

SATURDAY, 21ST JUNE – GATES OPEN AT 3PM AND CLOSE AT 10PM

TRAFFIC:

• Centennial Circuit will be closed from 9am Saturday, 20th June until 12am Sunday, 21st June.

• Detours will be in place on Brigantine Street, Bayshore Drive and part of Centennial Circuit.

PARKING:

• Free parking located at Cavanbah Centre, 240 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay.

• A signed footpath will connect the Cavanbah carpark to the festival site.

• There will be no parking on Centennial Circuit for the

HEALTH

FREEDOM FROM ANXIETY

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

HAWAIIAN MASSAGE

Ocean Shores, Michaela, 0416332886

KINESIOLOGY

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

HYPNOSIS & EFT

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

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

VACANT

Classifieds / Community at Work

ARCHIE JOELENE

or apply via byrondogrescue.org MC: 991003002588255

TULLY IS

Tully is an 11 months old, Border Collie/ Kelpie X. He is a bright, energetic boy who is eager to learn and explore. He would be best suited to an active family who can provide structure, stimulation, and consistent guidance. A home on property would be ideal.

M/C # 991003002920225

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

and

Meet Joelene, a vibrant three-year-old

Who gives a Cluck?

a

the M1 at Tyagarah, on

small mosquito infested bit of land! He was so hungry and desperate for company. He’s such a gentle big boy that rode home with me in the front seat. He just wants a few girls to care for.

On The Horizon

DEADLINE NOON FRIDAY

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

Mullumbimby CWA

June 17 is 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 6684 7282.

Rehoming Number R251000060

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

Darling Jet, is an absolute smooch!!!

So adorable and affectionate, he just wants to share the love! Small to medium in size, with the softest jet black coat and big green eyes. This little man will definitely raise your oxytocin, and all the happy loving hormones!

Around 18 months old. Desexed, vaccinated and very ready for the most loving forever home now!

Microchip 900164002387294 See our FB for more photos and videos!

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

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

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

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

4th SAT: Kyogle Bazaar – 9am–2pm

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

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

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

5th SUN: Nimbin Markets – 8.30am–3pm

Seasonal: Byron Beachside Market – four times a year: Wed 7th Jan 2026, Easter Friday, Sat 11th July and Sat 26th Sept FARMERS/WEEKLY MARKETS:

Each TUE: New Brighton Farmers Market – 7am–11am

Lismore Organic Market – 7.30am–10.30am

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

Nimbin Farmers Market – 3pm–6pm

Newrybar Hall Twilight Market – 3pm–7.30pm

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

Lismore Produce Market – 3pm–6pm

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

Evans Head Farmers Market – 2.30pm–6.30pm

Each SAT: Bangalow Farmers Market – 7am–11am Duranbah Road Farmers Market (Tropical Fruit World) 8am–11am

Uki Farmers Market – 8am–1pm

Lismore Farmers Market – 7.30am–11.30am

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

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

Here’s the link to adopt him (he’s #76) or ask us questions. https://whogivesacluck.org/shop/roostersto-adopt whogivesacluck.org @whogivesacluck

Drill Hall Film Society

ONLY ADULTS

Our last film of the 2025/26 season is another classic! Federico Fellini’s 1957 Nights of Cabiria will screen 17 June from 7pm. This is the film that the long running Sweet Charity was based upon with many of the the original scenes retained (although the adaptation was less gritty.) The role of Cabiria was played by Fellini’s wife, Giulietta Masina, who won the best actress award at Cannes and the film won the Oscar for Best Foreign Film. Fellini’s signature style portraying social commentary, tough realism and a touch of lyricism is timeless. Guests are always welcome and renewals and new subscriptions will be accepted at the door prior to the screening. The program for 2026/7 is being selected and your input is welcome. The short- list is available for review and/ or additional suggestions. Please RSVP as numbers help us with catering. More information available on www. drillhalltheatre.org.au or facebook. com.

SOCIAL ESCORTS

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.

BV VIEW Club

Brunswick Valley VIEW Club welcomes Charline Emzin-Boyd as guest speaker at the luncheon on June 11. Her topic is dragon boat racing. The venue is Brunswick Heads Bowling Club. Guests are welcome to attend. Come along for a cuppa before the meeting starts at 11am. Our VIEW club is proud to support eight students in The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. More information from Rita on 0424 852 679.

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.

Together She Thrives

Together She Thrives is inviting women to join a free bushwalk to Whian Whian Falls on Saturday 27 June, from

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

2.04 02:30 0.35 13:42 0.21 16 TU 6:37 16:56 7:43 17:58 09:00 1.25 21:40 2.05 03:25 0.31 14:33 0.22 17 W 6:37 16:56 8:40 19:11 09:55 1.24 22:30 2.00 04:17 0.30 15:26 0.26

18 TH 6:37 16:56 9:28 20:22 10:49 1.23 23:20 1.92 05:09 0.32 16:19 0.33

19 F 6:37 16:56 10:08 21:28 11:45 1.23 06:00 0.36 17:15 0.42

20 SA 6:38 16:57 10:43 22:30 00:08 1.79 12:45 1.24 06:48 0.40 18:15 0.53 21 SU 6:38 16:57 11:14 23:29 00:55 1.65 13:48 1.27 07:35 0.43 19:21 0.63

22 M 6:38 16:57 11:42 01:43 1.50 14:54 1.33 08:20 0.46 20:35 0.71

23 TU 6:38 16:57 12:11 0:25 02:33 1.37 15:59 1.40 09:05 0.46 21:53 0.74

24 W 6:38 16:58 12:41 1:21 03:28 1.26 16:55 1.48 09:48 0.46 23:06 0.72

25 TH 6:39 16:58 13:14 2:17 04:26 1.19 17:44

Zonta Northern Rivers, will be holding monthly meetings at Ballina RSL commencing on 17 June. Meetings will be held on the third Wednesday of each month, commencing at 6pm, and we 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

9am to 1pm. This beautiful guided walk follows Rocky Creek through stunning rainforest scenery, waterfalls and natural boulder formations. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, enjoy some gentle exercise, and meet other women in a relaxed and supportive environment. Participants can carpool or meet at the falls. A reasonable level of fitness is required. Bookings are essential and can be made via togethershethrives. org.au. Together She Thrives also invites women to a free board games afternoon on Monday 29 June, from 1pm to 3pm at the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club. Come along for a fun and relaxed afternoon of board games, laughter, friendly competition, and connection. This is a free event, however bookings are essential. To register, visit togethershethrives.org. au.

The George Greenough Experience Show

A fundraiser for Liberation Larder will be held at Byron Theatre on Friday 19 June. The George Greenough Experience Show is an exclusive eight-pack of short films that have been brought together in one place by their creator. Sit back, relax and take a step back in time as you experience pioneering early Point Of View footage of riding waves, surfing deep within the tube and heading below the surface with the dolphins, along the dreamy coastlines of California & NSW! Much of the footage was filmed more than 50 years ago, but is absolutely timeless and more relevant than ever. It will be a night of positive feelings, guaranteed to put a big smile on your face. Bar opens 6.30pm, film screening 7.30pm, close 9.30pm.

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 .

Cake can save the world!

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. Seniors activities at the Byron Community Cabin

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

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

Bruns U3A

Lifelong learning for retired folk in their third age. Our interest groups are Tuesday forum, garden group, foodies, movie and lunch, men’s shed, French revisited, Scottish folk dance, Mahjong, Walkers and talkers, Shabashi, table tennis, chess, debating group, ukelele. For days, times email info@bvu3a.org or call Denise 0423 778 573.

Friends of Libraries

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

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Property Insider

For an idyllic lifestyle, consider a land lease community

Land lease communities offer a unique blend of financial advantages and lifestyle enhancements that appeal strongly to those seeking a comfortable and affordable retirement.

Envisage downsizing, and looking for a budget-conscious lifestyle? One that embraces active retires seeking an affordable, independent and social next chapter? Then a land lease community could be the answer.

Land lease living is now estimated to represent a $12 billion market in Australia, with approximately 130,000 residents already living in these communities. There are more than 44,000 purpose-built homes currently in operation, and demand from the over 50s is expected to require an additional 200,000 homes over the next two decades.

Thirty years ago, the land lease concept was closely associated with caravan parks and manufactured home estates. As these communities evolved, the developers incorporated luxurious shared amenities and landscaped environments.

Currently it is not possible to purchase in a land lease community with a traditional home loan or mortgage due to not owning the land. This model of home ownership enables you to own your home outright while leasing the land it’s built upon. This unique setup provides several compelling benefits including:

• Enhanced affordability – no stamp duty payable when you purchase a home – this can free up more cash for your retirement

• Possible lower overall housing costs – as you are not purchasing the land, the entry price point for homes in Land Lease Communities is more affordable than traditional housing options

• No council rates, further reducing your regular expenses

• Possible eligibility for government rent assistance which is based on your weekly site fee that can vary between villages

• Financial flexibility as there are no exit fees payable when you leave therefore freeing up extra funds

• Lifestyle villages offer resort style amenities such as swimming pools, club-houses, bowling greens, tennis courts, libraries and more; all within walking distance to your home – no car required

• All villages have pet policies that stipulate size and number of pets permitted

• Active social communities offering diverse interests that are ideal if you enjoy socialising and being part of a vibrant group

• Sense of community and extra security – many villages offer gated entry which provides peace of mind, knowing that you have friendly people nearby and an extra layer of security.

If you wish to downsize and desire a low maintenance lifestyle, financial flexibility, with resort style amenities then a land lease community could be the answer.

What was once considered a niche option is now attracting a wider audience of buyers who are actively planning the next chapter of their lives.

Mr Property Services was established in 2008 and offers a professional and dedicated service to ‘buyers’ and ‘sellers’ if you are looking to downsize into a land lease community on the Tweed Coast in Northern New South Wales.

Mr Property Services have a strong understanding of lifestyle villages and residential park living, regulatory and legal requirements, as well as current market trends and would love to be able to assist you on your journey to a new home.

■ For more information call Kelvin Price 0423 028 468 or Heike Wilson 0403 713 658 - mrpropertyservices.com.au

HERCULES

THIS IS THE AUCTION NOT TO BE MISSED BEST ESTATE IN THE BYRON REGION

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 NOT TO BE MISSED. WILL BE SOLD ON OR BEFORE.

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

Are

Have your property seen in the Echo newspaper and online at echo.net.au

Reach an engaged and affluent audience! Research shows that advertising is more effective placed within news content.

22,000 weekly Echo newspapers are distributed directly to homes and businesses across the Northern Rivers. Plus we have over 30,000 weekly readers online at www.echo.net.au.

for

Open For Inspection

DJ Stringer Property Services

6/2 Surf St, Bilinga. Sat 9–9.30am

2/38 Garrick St, Coolangatta. Sat 9.30–10.30am

33/5 Island Dr, Tweed Heads. Sat 10–10.30am

1/13 Parkland Pl, Banora Point. Sat 11–11.30am

7/20 Dutton St, Coolangatta. Sat 11–11.30am

First National Byron Bay

12 / 12 Browning Street, Byron Bay. Wed 12.30–1pm

6A Kumbellin Glen, Ocean Shores. Wed 12.30–1pm

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

8 Pastures Street, Cumbalum. Thurs 1–1.30pm

103 Paterson Street, Byron Bay. Fri 11–11.30am

2 / 122 Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay. Fri 11–11.30am

23 Ann Street, Mullumbimby. Fri 12–12.30pm

39 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby. Fri 1–1.30pm

134 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby. Fri 2-2.30pm

10 Mayfield Street, Eltham. Sat 9–9.30am

9 / 27 Kalemajere Drive, Suffolk Park. Sat 9–9.30am

25 / 88 Station Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 9–9.30am

3 Hayter Street, Suffolk Park. Sat 9–9.30am

6A Kumbellin Glen, Ocean Shores. Sat 9–9.30am

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

7 / 18 Newport Street, East Ballina. Sat 10–10.30am

1 / 7 Cooper Street, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

134 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 10–10.30am

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

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

20 Oakland Court, Byron Bay. Sat 10–10.30am

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

44 / 11-19 Cooper Street, Byron Bay. Sat 10.30–11am

4 / 182 Broken Head Road, Suffolk Park. Sat 10.30–11am

23 Ann Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 11–11.30am

26 Tennyson Street, Byron Bay. Sat 11–11.30am

18 Heritage Court, Suffolk Park. Sat 11.30am–12pm

6 / 1-5 Keats Street, Byron Bay. Sat 11.30am–12pm

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

39 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 11.45am–12.15pm

58 Butler Street, Byron Bay. Sat 12–12.30pm

10 Glasgow Street, Suffolk Park. Sat 12.30–1pm

3 Palm Place, Byron Bay. Sat 12.30–1pm

8 Pastures Street, Cumbalum. Sat 12.30–1pm

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

195 North Teven Road, Teven. Sat 1–1.30pm

3 Blue Water Place, Byron Bay. Sat 1–1.30pm

73 Alcorn Street, Suffolk Park. Sat 1.30–2pm

3 Cudgerie Court, Mullumbimby. Sat 2–2.30pm

31 Arkinstall Road, Tuntable Creek. Sat 2–2.30pm

www.echo.net.au/ofi

Tim Miller Real Estate

31 Charlotte Street, Bangalow. Sat 10.15–10.45am

42 Johnston Road, Eltham. Sat 12.45–1.15pm

MANA RE

7 Bulgoon Crescent, Ocean Shores. Sat 9–9.30am

9/33 Redford Drive, Skennars Head. Sat 9.30–10pm

16 Gloria Street, South Golden Beach. Sat 10–10.30am

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

146 Shara Boulevard, Ocean Shores. Sat 11–11.30am

59 Crabbes Creek Road, Crabbes Creek. Sat 12–1pm

10 Gin Gin Crescent, Ocean Shores. Sat 1.30– 2pm

Real Estate of Distinction

3/23 Poinciana Street, Mullumbimby. Sat 9.30-10am

6 Angus Kennedy Drive, Lennox Head. Sat 11-11.30am

81 Harwood Road, Burringbar. Sat 12.30–1pm

6439 Tweed Valley Way, Burringbar. Sat 1.30–2pm

New Listings

First National Byron Bay

26 Tennyson Street, Byron Bay

202 Wilsons Creek Road, Wilsons Creek

Property Business Directory

Backlash

The Trump administration is dismantling a $368 million deep-ocean observation system to monitor coastal environments, marine ecosystems and powerful currents that affect the global climate.

In better news on World Environment Day, Friday 5 June, NSW government scientists launched Australia’s first dedicated regional greenhouse gas (GHG) monitoring network, which will help inform emissions reduction as we head towards net zero.

It used to be anti-homosexuality and now it is anti-trans that the conservatives are saying should be excluded from the military. Have they never heard of the most brilliant code breaker Alan Turing? He played a crucial role in code breaking German ciphers and defeating the Germany and the Axis powers during WWII. In 1952 Turing was prosecuted for ‘homosexual acts’ and then chemically castrated leading to his suicide. Is this a history repeats? Who will be the next innocent victim of closedminded conservative groups such as Family First?

Porn stars brought a little too much awareness to their trade last week on the Gold Coast when ads featuring porn stars that had slept with hundreds of men turned up at primary school bus stops.

A QMS Media spokesperson said they had been placed there in error!

Pumping breast milk was hard enough – so when I heard the term ‘wearable breast pump’ I was intrigued as to how one might pop

these under an evening dress! Once I looked them up it turns out they are not for wearing to parties unless perhaps if you are going for a Madonna look!

Trump Writes Netanyahu Strongly Worded Check – The Onion.

2026 Our Kids Community Grants program applications are now open and can be completed online at www.ourkids.org.au, with applications closing on Wednesday, 1 July.

More than 400 scientists, young people, Indigenous leaders and conservation experts have written to the Prime Minister and Treasurer arguing the budget has gone backwards on intergenerational equity by cutting investment in nature. They say Australia is underinvesting in conservation despite having one of the fastest