The Byron Shire Echo Issue 41.18 – October 14, 2026

PUTTING THE CARE INTO COMMUNITY SINCE 1986 The Byron Shire Echo • Volume 41 #18 • October 14, 2026 • www.echo.net.au

Will Byron be destroyed by state’s fast-tracked development?

20 years of BBFF

Paul Bibby Byron Shire Council is being urged to seek an exemption from the state government’s housing fast-track system, and a pause or review of major developments that conflict with local planning rules. A staff report going before councillors on 15 October recommends writing to Planning Minister Paul Scully, arguing that Byron has an endorsed housing strategy, established planning controls and a demonstrated record of delivering housing. The proposed response follows growing concern about developments entering the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) and State Significant Development (SSD) pathways, where the minister or a delegate determines applications rather than Council. But staff warn that the implications extend beyond who makes the final decision. ‘The state pathway can potentially change the planning parameters against which the development is assessed,’ the report states. Projects can enter the pathway alongside proposed rezonings, allowing changes to controls governing height, density and land use. The report identifies declared ▶ Continued on page 5

Alex Harper, Henry West, Kate Jaggard, Byron Bay International Film Festival (BBFF) Director, J’aimee Skippon-Volke and Jasper Cardozo are getting ready to bring you the 20th annual BBFF. During the festival they are holding a free night of celebration of the next generation of music video makers, bringing this year’s Best Music Video finalists together on Wednesday, 21 October, from 6.30–9.30pm at the Arts Factory, home to BBFF’s first three Music Video Awards. Get yourself a ticket at: BBFF.com.au. Read more about the BBFF on page 11. Photo Jeff Dawson

57 Station St heads to NRPP, questions remain ▶ p7

Vale, Video Pete ▶ p2

Bruns residents and Reflections struggle to find common ground Aslan Shand Brunswick Heads residents called on their local MP Tamara Smith for a meeting to discuss the fences that Reflections Holiday Parks have erected around the park area where the community planted native cypress pines commemorating the Battle of Lone Pine in WWI, which has been utilised by the community for over 60 years for recreation.

Cypress pine area now off limits However, when residents and Ms Smith entered the site they say were told by park management that they were trespassing and asked to leave the park. According to locals in attendance, the behaviour of management was aggressive and Ms Smith

Why bribe the govt when you can just buy it? ▶ p10

therefore called the police. Responding to questions from The Echo a spokesperson for Reflections has disputed the accusation that their management was aggressive ‘and does not accept the characterisation of the conduct of those involved’. ‘The individuals involved in the interaction felt threatened by the behaviour of the group that entered the precinct. We are

increasingly concerned about the impact of ongoing community tensions, including threats and public commentary, on the safety and wellbeing of people working at our Brunswick Heads parks.’ Reflections claim that the area in dispute that they have recently named The Pines Precinct, ‘is within the operational boundary of the Reflections Holidays Brunswick ▶ Continued on page 4

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Byron Bay march calls for peace in Gaza Byron Council faces $2.4m annual grant loss A peaceful march through Byron Bay on Sunday morning brought people together in solidarity with Palestinians, and to call for an end to the continuing violence in Gaza. Local comedian and Greens candidate for Ballina Mandy Nolan introduced several speakers before an estimated 600 participants completed a lap of the town, bringing their message of peace and humanity to the streets of Byron Bay. Subhi Awad, Palestinian refugee, and convenor of Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine, said ‘It is an outrage that we can be arrested for protesting genocide [rather] than for being complicit in it. We are enraged by our government acting in the interests of Israel ahead of the interests of us, its citizens. ‘NSW Labor Premier, Chris Minns, is joining Queensland’s action to silence political speech – he wants us to be banned from saying “from the river to the sea” and “globalise the intifada”. Like Australians rallying across the country, we call on the Albanese government sanction to Israel, end the two-way military trade and expel the Israeli ambassador.’

Paul Bibby

Byron Bay marchers in National Day of Action for Gaza. Photo supplied

Never again Annie Pfingst from Jews for Palestine Northern Rivers and Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine said, ‘As a granddaughter of the European genocide I, amongst others, are under ethical obligation to give effect and voice to “never again”.’ ‘Australia is a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention. This places Australia under obligation to punish or prevent a genocide.’ Cass Lillis, intensive care nurse and recent volunteer with PANZMA in Gaza said, ‘As a healthcare worker in Gaza, witnessing a genocide first-hand in which our government is still complicit after three years, I am here

today as a witness. ‘This complicity is supported by the legacy media, who continue to frame what’s happening not as a genocide but as a war with two sides when in fact it’s a military superpower that is deliberately killing and maiming a civilian population. I saw countless children killed and wounded in the few weeks that I was there. ‘The Albanese government has the power to stop this, first by not sending Israel the mechanisms and components to make it happen and by sanctioning Israel and expelling its representative as party to war crimes.’ ■ Read full story in The Echo

online: www.echo.net.au.

Byron Shire Council could lose more than half its annual Financial Assistance Grant funding under proposed changes to NSW’s allocation formula, according to a joint statement issued by five councils. Byron, Tweed, Lismore, Kyogle and MidCoast councils called on the NSW government to pause the proposed reforms, warning of significant consequences for services and infrastructure. Byron estimates the proposed model would reduce its annual allocation by $2.4 million, or 51.48 per cent, from 2027–28. Together, the five councils estimate annual funding losses of approximately $18.9 million, including $6.53 million for Tweed and $4.25 million for Lismore. Financial Assistance

Grants are Commonwealth funds distributed through the states to support local services and infrastructure. The councils argue the methodology proposed by the NSW Local Government Grants Commission does not adequately recognise disaster recovery pressures, tourism, road usage and the differing costs of delivering regional services. They particularly oppose counting disaster recovery operating grants towards councils’ revenue capacity, arguing that money tied to repairing damaged assets cannot fund ordinary operations. In yesterday’s joint statement, Byron Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said resident population figures did not reflect the demands visitors placed on local infrastructure. ‘Most of our visitors arrive by road, creating additional demands on local and

regional road networks that are not reflected in resident population figures,’ Cr Ndiaye said. She said Byron was still recovering from the 2022 floods while servicing a visitor population far greater than its resident population. The commission says its review aims to simplify calculations, improve data reliability and distribute funding more equitably according to councils’ relative financial needs. Its consultation presentation includes an alternative adjustment excluding specified storm and flood operating grants from revenue calculations. The model has not yet been finalised, with submissions just closed on 9 October. The five councils warn that reduced allocations could force service cuts or additional revenue measures, including special rate variations.

Measles alert for Byron Beachside Markets People who attended Byron Beachside Markets on Main Beach foreshore, near Bay Street and Dening Park, on Saturday, 26 September between 9.30am and 12.30pm are being urged to

watch for measles symptoms after a new confirmed case visited while unknowingly infectious. Northern NSW Local Health District issued the alert on 8 October, saying the

person had been in contact with an earlier case reported on September 23. Anyone there during that period should monitor for symptoms until Wednesday, 14 October.

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Local News Norma Gunhoe brings the ‘Gunghoedown’ to town Radio broadcasting sensation, Norma Gunghoe, is launching herself at the world from the Mullumbimby Golf Club with the Gunghoedown this Saturday, 17 October at 6pm and you are invited to come along and join the fun. Norma Gunghoe is a community radio broadcasting sensation with more than a hint of eco-curiousness about her. She is the ‘Unfiltered Voice of Our Community’ and inspires climate action through her strictly limited podcast The Norma Gunghoe Show, premiering this November.

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Norma Gungho (Nell Schofield) and Simone O’Brien unpacking the fun and laughs for you to come and enjoy this Saturday. Photo Jeff ‘Razor Cuts’ Dawson Come and join Norma and her team this Saturday with a premiere screening of Episode 2 and a meet-and-greet with the team including, of course, the inimitable Norma. You will see performances

by The Special Kays and other surprise guests, and you can even be an extra in the show if you chose. Entry is by donation and you can reserve a seat at: northernriversproductions@gmail.com.

Vale local legend, Peter ‘Video Pete’ Couldwell Nick Couldwell

the local video store, where he earned the nickname that would Byron Bay has lost a local legend. stick with him for the rest of his A colourful character who called life. He later worked at The Echo the bay home since 1980, Peter throughout the 1990s and 2000s. ‘Video Pete’ Couldwell passed If you were lucky enough away peacefully, surrounded by to know Pete, chances are you his family, on 2 October 2026. would have heard one of the An avid traveller, keen fishermany great stories from his life. man, and lifelong Manly Sea He was a character in the truest Eagles supporter, Pete was a sense, and his stories, humour familiar face around town. Many and presence will be fondly would have enjoyed a chat and remembered by all who knew a laugh with him at the Railway him. Friendly Bar or the local RSL. A celebration of Pete’s life will Celebrate Pete’s life at the Byron Bay Bowling Club Pete was a longstanding be held at the Byron Bay Bowling on Sunday, 18 October, from 2pm. Photo supplied member of both the freshwater Club on Sunday, 18 October, from and saltwater fishing clubs, sharing his 2pm. All who knew Pete are welcome to Beaches, Pete headed north after passion for fishing with fellow enthusicome together to share memories and spending a decade on the slopes of asts over several decades. celebrate a life well lived. Perisher Valley. He arrived in Byron Originally from Sydney’s Northern Pete will be sorely missed. Bay and, in the early 1980s, worked at

Suffolk residents raise concerns over Clifford Street DA Aslan Shand Last Tuesday saw around 40-50 Suffolk Park residents come together to discuss the latest development application (DA 10.2026.476.1) for 9-15 Clifford Street, Suffolk Park. Two previous DAs from Denwol have been refused by the Land and Environment Court and this is the fifth public meeting addressing development at this site over the last four-and-a-half years. The developer told The Echo that this ‘is a very different scheme to the one refused by the Land and Environment Court’. Project manager, Mark Howard of Vode said, ‘We’ve spent the last few years reworking this site from the ground up. We took the court’s decision seriously. We’ve listened to the community, to Council and to the court, and the plan now on exhibition is the result.’ However, those attending the meeting said they still have many of www.echo.net.au

Byron Bay

Brunswick Valley

Out and about In preparation for the show Norma has been out and about in her anti-facial recognition make-up doing interviews with people like Greens Leader David Shoebridge, and the co-founder of Surfers For Climate Belinda Baggs. She has even spoken with members of the Lismore Loop of the Knitting Nanas Against Gas at a knit-in outside the office of the Member for Page Kevin Hogan who, to date, has declined to be interviewed.

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the same concerns as they had with previous iterations of the DA.

Traffic concerns While conceding some mitigation in the latest plans, many local residents said the central concerns still remain including traffic, size and bulk, and tree removal. ‘Residents raised traffic congestion, exacerbated parking pressures on our already choked streets, and safety issues as the principal concerns,’ one attendee told The Echo. ‘Traffic was the key issue. It was suggested that there should be no mixed-use development in Clifford Street until problems at the notorious Clifford Street/Broken Head intersection are solved.’ They also questioned the methodology used to assess traffic impact and ‘the veracity of the figures, along with the timeframe of the build, closure of roads, etc.’

Height concerns Whether the three-storey height would set a precedent for three storeys in Suffolk Park was challenged by the developers, but from advice provided to organisers from Byron Council, and considering the history of the Shire, it makes it very likely that an increase in height will be used as a precedent in the future.

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Wildlife corridor impacts The removal of 17 critically endangered littoral rainforest and endangered swamp sclerophyll trees was also raised. ‘These remnants provide both feed trees and structural support for the vulnerable koala, as well as habitat and a wildlife corridor for other species,’ another attendee told The Echo. The DA is on exhibition until 27 October. Find out more at: www. byron.nsw.gov.au/Council/ReportRequests-Feedback/Public-Notices/ Nominated-Integrated-developmentClifford-Street-Suffolk-Park.

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October 14, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 3

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Coorabell Hall Spring Fever Call for the community to join the Mullumbimby clean up Spring Fever Fashion Parade celebrates a stream of flower-powered, funky, upcycled, reloved and new fashion for gals, guys and some kidswear along with jewellery, hats and reloved accessories twirling on the Coorabell Hall runway on Friday, 16 October at 7pm. Music from DJ MLC and co MC Dr Baz. The spring funky fun doesn’t stop on Friday. Saturday is the Spring Fever mini market day, open for business from 9am till 3pm. There’s plenty to come along and enjoy. Bring the kids and grandkids for hair-braiding, face-painting and wandmaking stalls. Byron Bay Orchids stall will be there in full bloom, Michele Telfer will have her fantastical range of

Bubi Collectable garments including Metroscape for men and women created from dyed and upcycled textiles. Nimbin Top Hatz will have a selection of rainbow region hats and headwear, Exotic Elegance jewellery to adorn, and Our Timeless Threads (OTT) from the Byron Arts & Industry Estate will be selling reloved clothing. Cosmos Coffee Cart will be open from 7am until midday and Spring Fever fun-raising raffle tickets will be available from Warren at the hall’s welcome desk. Tickets online at Humanitix (https://events. humanitix.com/springfever-funky-fashion-parade) or at the door, $10 entry. For information (text only) 0427 169 098.

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The Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce and Community (MCCC) are calling on local businesses and the community to join them in cleaning up the main street of town on Sunday, 25 October from 8am to 10am. Many of the poles in the town that have been painted by local school students have become covered in posters and the MCCC will be cleaning up the poles so students can again paint them for the town. ‘We are going to set up four places to put posters throughout the town so that people don’t need to cover the artwork our local students have created,’ said Jenelle. The new poster boards will be on the side of the IGA building, the side of Baker & Daughters where mural artist Daniel Hend will add the poster boards into his murals (see page 14 for Daniel’s upcoming exhibition), at the

Mullumbimby Chamber member and Mullumbimby Newsagent owner Jenelle Stanford is calling on the community to join the Chamber to help clean up the town. Photo Jeff Dawson end of the path at Santos, and the newsagency will dedicate one window for posters. ‘We have been having issues with posters ending up in drains and blocking them when we have heavy rain and flooding the streets,’

explained Jenelle. ‘If posters are put in places other than the designated billboards, they will be removed. ‘It has also come to our attention that there are areas, other than the main street, that also have a lot of

rubbish, so if we get enough people we will try and do more so please come and lend a hand.’ For more information or to put up a poster in the Newsagency window drop in and see Jenelle at the Mullumbimby Newsagent.

Bruns locals call for access to cypress pine park area ▶ Continued from page 1 Heads holiday park which has long been used for camping’.

However, prior to Reflections taking over the camp site previously known as Terrace Reserve Holiday Park, Byron Shire Council, as the then Reserve Manager, identified ‘encroached lands were used for “overflow” primitive camping during peak periods (Christmas and Easter) only between 1988-2000. Other encroached lands were simply used by the respective park managers.’ This was for unpowered, tents-only, campsites. The Crown land is now managed by Reflections who told The Echo, ‘As a Category One Crown Land Manager, Reflections has responsibilities to protect the environment and provide a safe and secure environment for guests and our employees.’

One local who spoke to The Echo about the incident said, ‘Residents are appalled. They want the fencing and locked gates removed. Reflection have offered no evidence of security or safety issues to warrant the high security approach. Fencing is only supposed to be used as a last resort not a first option.’

Consent conditions Responding to questions from The Echo, Deputy Mayor, Eia Hauge, said ‘unfortunately, as Reflections is a NSW government corporation operating on state-owned Crown land, Council has limited authority to ensure continued public access to this meaningful piece of public land.’ ‘What Council can do is

make sure Reflections is meeting the conditions of the 2021 Land and Environment Court decision. The decision sets out where camping can occur, and outlines the setbacks and buffers protecting the cypress pines. There may also be pathways for Council to preserve public access through the site’s Plan of Management (PoM), which hasn’t been reviewed since 2014. ‘I am investigating this option and will continue to work alongside community, who have deep knowledge and historical context on this matter. We must keep advocating for local input and local benefit for public land use decisions.’ ■ Tamara Smith MP was

contacted for comment.

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Local News Free Musicland talk in Byron Janet Swain launches Labor campaign for Ballina Local author Tricia Shantz will be talking about a seminal time and place in her new book Musicland: When the Music Came to Byron 1970–1995 at the Byron Bay Library on Thursday, 29 October at 3pm. In the 1970s the music scene in Australia exploded. It was in response to the conservative 1950s which gave way to the swinging ‘60s and opened the door for Australian music in the 1970s and ’80s. It was the most influential time in Australian music. A wave of bands formed touring by road the east coast of Australia from Melbourne to Sydney to Brisbane. All of them stopped in at Byron Bay, Bangalow and Lismore, including the most notable Australian

bands of that era: Cold Chisel, The Angels, Mi-Sex, INXS, Midnight Oil, Mondo Rock, Australian Crawl, Split Enz, Redgum, Goanna, and Richard Clapton. Tricia will be in conversation at the Byron Bay Library with: Mick O’Regan, journalist and broadcaster; Rusty Miller, author and musician; and Keven Oxford, co-founder of the Byron Bay Blues Festival, Live Coverage music promoter in the ‘70s and Byron Arts Factory manager, to chat about her new book and share stories from this incredible time. Light refreshments will be served and places are limited so a booking is essential. Visit www.rtrl.nsw.gov.au or call 6685 8540 to book your spot.

Byron Shire Councillor Janet Swain has officially launched her campaign as Labor’s candidate for the state seat of Ballina at the March 2027 NSW election. NSW Labor announced her candidacy in a statement on Friday, 9 October , following her successful bid for party preselection last month. Cr Swain, who was elected to Byron Shire Council in 2024, said housing, services and opportunities

Labor’s candidate for the state seat of Ballina, Cr Janet Swain. Photo supplied for local families would be among her priorities.

‘I love this part of NSW, but I also know the challenges people are facing. If I’m elected, I’ll work every day to make sure Ballina has a strong voice in parliament, fighting for better services, more affordable housing and real opportunities for local families,’ she said. Labor’s announcement highlighted the government’s record on local education, emergency services and housing. Cr Swain said her approach would centre

on listening to residents and working with them. ‘That’s been my focus as a Byron Shire councillor, and I’m ready to take that approach to NSW parliament to help improve the lives of people in the Northern Rivers.’ Ballina is currently held by Greens MP Tamara Smith, who has represented the electorate since 2015 and will not contest the next election. The NSW election will be held on 13 March, 2027.

Byron urged to seek exemption from state housing fast-track ▶ Continued from page 1

projects including 140 dwellings at 148–158 Jonson Street, 70 at 11 Butler Street and 60 at 90–96 Jonson Street, Byron Bay. The Jonson Street proposals have already prompted concern about departures from Byron’s longstanding 11.5-metre height limit. Community group People of Byron has sought a pause and review of declarations and recognition of the town’s distinctive character. Staff now recommend Council seek a ‘distinctive character settlement’ planning category recognising the environmental sensitivity and coastal character of the Shire’s towns. They also propose requiring assessments of the combined impacts of major projects on traffic, parking, water and sewer services, flooding, public space and town character. Affordable housing is another concern. While the state’s criteria now require affordable housing offerings that align with, or exceed, applicable policies, staff recommend pushing for permanent affordable housing where practicable, targeted to local households and workers. Council would also seek earlier involvement in the process and reimbursement for its technical assessment www.echo.net.au

and infrastructure advice. The report stresses that state assessment still requires consideration of environmental, social and economic impacts. Entering the pathway does not automatically secure development approval. Nor can Council simply opt out. Staff say there appears to be no statutory mechanism allowing Byron to unilaterally withdraw from the system. The report includes a December 2024 letter in which Mayor Sarah Ndiaye sought Byron’s exclusion from the initial HDA process, citing Council’s existing housing initiatives and community involvement. ‘To bypass us via a confidential expression of interest (EOI) process and planning pathway without known site selection criteria, now would disregard and undermine all the work and effort to date to deliver on our Residential Strategy 2041,’ she wrote. The current report says that request received no response. Councillors will decide whether to pursue the proposed measures. Staff recommend Council continue making detailed submissions on state-assessed developments and seeking strong approval conditions regardless of the outcome. ■ Read more on page 13.

October 14, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 5

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Local News 57 Station Street DA heads to NRPP but questions remain Aslan Shand

57 Station St for $1 been delegated to the general It’s abundantly clear Following the revealor is a further that BSC staff, as well as manager, ing debate at the last resolution of Council Byron Shire Council councillors, have been left required?’ (BSC) meeting where it Answers to other in the dark by Landcom became clear that many questions, however, councillors had lost faith made it clear that no staff, as well as councillors, in the process behind the CHP has even been selected. have been left in the dark affordable housing developFurthermore, Burt says, ‘The in relation to the HAFF ment (DA.10.2025.212.1) at 57 selection outcome may also Station Street, Mullumbimby funding situation, or even be contingent on Landcom a series of questions were put if it has been submitted by securing funding through the to staff by Deputy Mayor, Elia Landcom, with Burt stating HAFF Round 3 program.’ Hauge, in relation to the site. that, ‘Landcom informally No clarity on advised Council that they During the debate over were considering making BSC potentially withdrawing affordable housing an application under HAFF support for the Landcom During previous meetRound 3 program, the details DA, councillors discovered ings, it was questioned of which were not provided... from Director Sustainable whether the 57 Station St Council has otherwise not Environment and Economy, development would even Shannon Burt, that Landcom been formally involved in create ‘affordable housing’ this application process. The had bundled the developas defined by BSC. In answer general manager has written ment in with two other to Cr Hauge’s question, of to Landcom requesting a Northern Rivers affordable whether BSC’s adopted formal response from them housing developments in definition of affordable housabout the details.’ a Housing Australia Future ing even applied to the site, Fund (HAFF) application. Burt’s answer was again a Not sold but can’t Burt said that there would little fuzzy, stating that while be potential implications for withdraw? ‘The advice from Landcom the other two developments remains current and correct During the previous BSC if the BSC withdrew support for the project: “Rents are meeting Burt made it clear from the highly criticised set at a percentage of market that BSC could not withdraw DA submitted by Landcom rent, typically 74.9 per cent its consent for the project as for the development of the of market rent, or capped it had previously consented carpark site. at 30 per cent of household to the DA. In her subsequent income for eligible tenants, response to Cr Hauge’s Unknown HAFF whichever is lower. The exact she clarified that, funding application questions formula will be determined Council resolution 24-252, by the Community Housing resolved, in part, that CounThe idea that a withProvider (CHP) in accordcil, ‘Sells the land identified drawal of support for 57 ance with NSW Government as lots 6, 7 and 8 in DP 2772 Station Street could impact ministerial guidelines”.’ If the (together known as 57 Staother affordable housing NSW Government ministerial tion Street, Mullumbimby projects in the region was, guidelines are not in line (the Land)) to the project’s understandably, concernwith BSC’s definition, then preferred community housing for many councillors. one assumes the ministerial ing provider [CHP]… The Though, as reported in The guidelines will be used if it resolution authorises the Echo, Burt was unable to is not spelt out in any legally sale of the land however, clarify which other developbinding documents between execution of the contract ments the carpark site had Council, Landcom, HAFF, and been bundled with and it was of sale and any associated the CHP that the BSC definiunclear if this was because of legal documentation will tion will take precedence. occur in accordance with non-disclosure agreements Council’s adopted delegasigned by Council staff with tions.’ Despite confusion on Homes NSW or because they whether the sale has gone didn’t know. through, BSC has yet to sign Burt has responded to a contract selling the land to Deputy Mayor Hauge’s quesa CHP. Burt’s answer did not tions in this month’s Council directly answer Cr Hauge’s papers. question: ‘Has the authority Burt’s response makes it to sign an agreement selling abundantly clear that BSC

No legal access over sewer line The original DA omitted reference to a sewer line, and in the modified DA an easement above that line was created, as building over a sewer line is prohibited. In response to questions of rear access over the sewerage easement for local businesses such as Pink Lotus and The Other Joint cafe, Burt stated, ‘The creation of the sewer easement does not confer any automatic right of access for the landowner or adjoining businesses to their premises. Any access rights are a separate matter.’ She clarified that a right of way over the land would need to be negotiated and formalised independently and that, ‘staff are awaiting advice to proceed in obtaining an independent valuation for the right of way and agreement of sharing of costs’.

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NRPP decision The DA for the 57 Station Street carpark site is going before the Northern Rivers Planning Panel (NRPP) for assessment on Monday, 19 October at 2pm. Anyone who wishes to speak at the hearing must register with the NRPP by Thursday, 15 October. Mullumbimby Residents Association (MRA) is encouraging locals to register to speak to the NRPP on this DA, and will be holding a drop-in workshop on Friday, 16 October, at the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club, from 4pm to 7pm. For more information contact: mullumra@gmail.com.

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current members for a celebratory lunch. This will be a feast of storytelling and reminiscing. And later this weekend, club members will head to Tyalgum for what is now an annual event – several days of hiking, cycling and kayaking. Plus, of course, lots of socialising. You can find out more at www.nroac.org.au.

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vistara.nsw.edu.au October 14, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 7

Comment

North Coast news online

Why bribe government when you can just buy it? Sunil Badami

The Byron Shire Echo

Volume 41 #18 • October 14, 2026

Time for a little respect

I

t is National Carers Week and the theme this year is ‘Care for a carer: Making carers visible’. The website says ‘The 2026 theme shines a light on the invaluable contribution of unpaid carers and encourages all Australians to recognise, support and care for the carers in their families, workplaces and communities.’ In 2020 that care was estimated at three million unpaid carers in Australia that provide approximately $80 billion of unpaid care a year, that is $1.5 billion a week. It is a nice sentiment that the government has promoted with one hand, while with their other hand slashing funding to the NDIS leaving carers, and those they care for, vulnerable and at risk. I know. I’m a carer. I have been through the wringer on behalf of the family member I care for. An NDIS funding review slashed funding to their program. There was no transition funding. One day you have a program and care structure in place that you have carefully planned and the next you have a whole lot of employment and financial commitments you can’t meet. There was no ‘you have a week or a month to redo your program of care for this person’. One day there was funding, the next it had been radically slashed. Suddenly, the structure of safety, care, and stability that surrounded my family member, myself, and my family had been ripped away. My partner and children stepped up further – my children have been providing what the NDIS call ‘informal care’ since they were in primary school. And luckily for me I did have kind and generous people who stepped up while I spent three months going through the process of seeking a review for the person I care for. Without those generous offers of help that supplemented paid care, care I was unable to provide because I work, have children, and

need sleep; the person I care for would have been left at significant risk of harm. Those many people who took the initiative and said ‘can I help?’ meant it, and stepped in, were life savers. Both for myself and my family member who I care for. After three months the review finally came around. The NDIS reviewer said ‘I’ve looked at your previous program and the new one and I don’t understand why the funding was cut. I’ll have it restored by the end of the day.’ I was relieved and grateful. But in reality, that should never have happened. Unfortunately, it is happening across the board, leaving families and those in need of care vulnerable, at risk, and desperate. Apparently, I will have to go through this whole process again in February 2027 when the government will automatically cut 50 per cent of all NDIS recipients’ social and community funding. Again, I will be left without the funds of the capacity to provide safety and care for the person I care for. Again, I assume I will have to go through a review to prove that the support is needed. Again, I will have to hope that my partner, children, family, and friends step up and help – them becoming, like me, one of those three million people who provide unpaid care to others in our community. The bad actors who have ripped off the NDIS should absolutely be stopped. But that is the responsibility of the government. They need to put in the correct legislation and to run their NDIS funding reviews well and with humanity. It should not be done at the cost of those who provide care and those who need care. They are the most vulnerable of our community and should be treated with humanity and respect for the significant time, effort, love and care they provide saving this government $1,5 billion dollars every week, $80 billion a year in care costs. Aslan Shand, editor

S

ay what you like about Clive Palmer – although given how notoriously litigious he is, maybe don’t. But at least he puts his money where his mouth is by running for office (he was in federal parliament 2013-2016), even if he was often absent from parliament and his electorate, and didn’t put forward a single question or piece of legislation. Perhaps that’s why other billionaires like Gina Rinehart simply deploy lobbyists behind the scenes or donate to political parties like One Nation and thinktanks like the IPA to promote their vested interests. Reaganomics neoliberal deregulation didn’t just result in the ‘greed is good’ ethos that skewed the balance between labour and capital in favour of shareholders over workers and communities. It also created the cult of the ‘celebrity CEO’, lionising the wealthy as prophets who could fix any complex socioeconomic problem as easily as they increased profits by stripping assets, cutting wages, laying off workers, and offshoring jobs, causing precisely the sort of socio-economic problems they pronounce solutions for. Where once the wealthy sought to justify their riches through ‘philanthropy’ by putting their names on colleges, museums, hospitals, or their own charitable foundations – now, with a few exceptions, such as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’s ex-wife McKenzie Scott, who’s giving her entire $USD40 billion fortune away – they don’t bother. Today, in addition to superyachts, private jets, overpriced art, palatial mansions, and the odd rocket ship, the 0.001 per cent buy political influence. They can afford to, given around 56,000 people – a few more than can fit in the SCG – possess three times more than the world’s ‘other’ half, or four billion people, with the one per cent’s remaining 0.999 per cent owning more than 95 per cent of all of the rest of us combined. That’s why tech bros dropped millions on Trump’s inauguration and ballroom, Bezos blew $USD 40 million on Melania’s widely panned hagiography, and Google co-founder Sergey Brin, worth $USD 279 billion, spent $USD 102 million to stop California’s proposal to impose a one-off five per cent excise on wealth over a billion dollars – despite paying his ex-wife Nicole Shanahan a $USD 1 billion divorce settlement.

The Byron Shire Echo

Volume 41 #18 October 14, 2026

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Where once the wealthy sought to justify their riches through ‘philanthropy’ ... now they don’t bother. Shanahan, Robert F Kennedy Jr’s biggest donor in his failed presidential campaign, ran as his running mate, before endorsing Trump and threatening to fund the opponent of any Senator who didn’t confirm him as health secretary. It’s enough to make you sick. And thanks to RFK Jr and Shanahan, thousands are. PayPal founder Peter Thiel has spent millions on lawsuits bankrupting media outlets he doesn’t like, bankrolled a secretive far-right conference compared to the shady neoliberal Atlas Network, and funded and mentored the soulless JD Vance to promote his racist, sexist, anti-democratic ideology. Thiel’s fellow ‘Paypal Mafioso’ Elon Musk gave $USD 270 million to Trump’s re-election campaign, and, despite the disaster of DOGE and their brief 2025 tiff, has now been appointed to a Pentagon future weapons taskforce, along with fellow cashed-up MAGA, the sociopathic drone manufacturer Palmer Luckey. Both have significant defence contracts, including in Australia. So why wouldn’t billionaires funnel money into politics? For all their talk of being self-made, most of their fortunes are made with public money. As Trump posted after their falling out: ‘Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far, and without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa. No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE.’ Governments are the biggest clients of Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, Musk’s near-monopoly Starlink satellite internet service and Thiel’s terrifying surveillance system Palantir. It’s not just that, as US congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortes observed, ‘every billionaire is a policy failure’ – it’s that the neoliberal policies which have created such billionaires and their monopolies, and enabled them to influence governments for their own interests over the common good, have failed. It’s not as bad here as it is in the US, but still: hand a politician an Aldi bag full of cash, or buy them a car, and you’ll both be charged with corruption. But

engage a lobbyist, donate a few grand or give their political party a Cessna, and not only do you get their ear, you’ll also get a tax deduction. There’s been no meaningful reform of lobbyists, who now outnumber MPs by ten to one – many of whom are former colleagues. As the saying goes, whoever pays the piper calls the tune. Despite widespread opposition to environmentally destructive salmon farms, tax-minimising fossil fuel multinationals and mine approvals, AI data centres, destructive developers and loggers, and rapacious gambling companies, time and time again governments of all stripes side with lobbyists and donors. Which is why One Nation recently quietly reversed its policies on workplace protections and LNG domestic gas reservation policy, given their biggest donor has significant gas interests and is vocally opposed to workers’ rights. Now, the Albanese government is privately urging industry groups, peak bodies, and major lobbyists to move sensitive reform proposals off official channels and into disappearing messages on encrypted messaging platforms to put documents and communications beyond the reach of FOI. Notwithstanding the ‘cozzie livs’ crisis, how many of us can afford $10,000 for dinner with the prime minister, or with Pauline Hanson at one of Rinehart’s mansions? Voting was historically limited to property owners. In our new, even more unequal gilded age, the price of representation has blown out to billions. Just look at US politicians, like billionaires Trump, Vivek Ramaswamy, Michael Bloomberg, or JB Pritzker. Much less Kevin Rudd, Malcolm Turnbull, or Palmer. Still, at least they’ve sought election, even if campaigning – and winning – is more about how much money you have, rather than how many policies you have. But why should unelected people – let alone someone as unelectable as Rinehart, who has a 25 per cent approval rating among her own children – be able to decide our country’s future just because she can buy influence – and potentially, governments? No wonder most punters are disenchanted with politics. Forget ‘one person, one vote’ or ‘the voice of the people’. It appears when it comes to public policy – much less public good – money talks. ■ Sunil Badami is a writer, academic

and broadcaster.

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Letters to the Editor www.echo.net.au/letters Ridiculous How long is this stupid 57 Station Street discussion going to continue? The laneway is already barely accessible especially when IGA trucks are delivering produce. North of Woolies could be a goer. I suggest behind Mullum railway station. Twice the space. No carpark to dig up and closer to town. Probably by about 20 metres. All ready for the reinstatement of the rail line. Just make sure you clear it with Eli. Larry Hoofs The Pocket

Reflections and style Reflections Holiday Park’s CEO, Nick Baker, places value on community engagement. The website says it welcomes respectful community consultation. I thought that went both ways? Immediately prior to meeting with residents living along The Terrace opposite the holiday park, I had a meeting with Mr Baker. He told me he was meeting with the residents about what was planned for the Southern Precinct. When I asked what was proposed I was bluntly told that he wasn’t prepared to let me know until after the neighbours were told. He then directed and repeated that I was not to attend the meeting. I didn’t find out about the development plans presented as a ‘fait accompli’ until I caught up with the neighbours. In his capacity as CEO, doesn’t Mr Baker set the standard for ‘engagement’ with community? And if this is the style of engagement then it is understandable why Reflections has generated so much justified community hostility. Patricia Warren Brunswick Heads

Thank you Thank you Deputy Mayor Elia Hauge, Cr David Warth, and Mandy Nolan for taking the time and making the effort to hear and sight issues arising from the community being fenced and locked out of our parkland along Simpson Creek.

Mobile off-grid tiny home located in pristine Main Arm Village. $24,500. No low offers. I know what I got. Gnome not included. Photo supplied The newly labelled ‘The Pines a Reflections Project’ park was a space freely shared and enjoyed for generations by all, and includes the coastal cypress pines memorial to local WW1 soldiers. Reflections has privatised this prime waterfront parkland for exclusive use by its paying patrons without any transparency or community consultation required under its Plan of Management! Thanks again Elia, David, and Mandy for coming to listen, paying attention, and empathising with our concerns. Lorraine Reynolds and Penny Mangan Brunswick Heads

Clifford St DA, Suffolk Park Once again there is a DA for 9-15 Clifford Street, Suffolk Park (adjacent to the existing shops). The current nine, very affordable dwellings, will be demolished. In their place will be a mixed-use development of two ground-floor cafe/restaurant/retail tenancies, ten shop-top housing units, and six detached dwellings. Of the ten units, three will be affordable for 15 years in that they will be rented to low-income people

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with the rent set to 30 per cent of their income [at 80 per cent of market rate]. After 15 years they revert to market rent. Suffolk Park residents may not be aware that, unlike previous DAs for this site, the Suffolk Park Community Association (SPCA) will NOT be putting in a submission to reflect the views of the community. The President and Secretary have declared conflicts of interest (Echo, April 2026) and so are not commenting and no one else has stepped in. So it is up to individuals to self-organise. I was inspired to see approximately 40 people attend a public meeting on Tuesday afternoon. Huge kudos to the organisers! The main issues raised were about traffic and parking (35 places), the removal of 18 mature trees and stormwater management. To find out more, and to make a submission, go to Council’s website, search for ‘DA Tracker’, then click on ‘DAs on exhibition’ (or search for DA 10.2026.476.1). The traffic report is attachment 16 – ‘TIA’. Submissions can be brief, and are due by 27 October. Karin Kolbe Suffolk Park

Good governance Thank you Kelly Minahan, President Suffolk Park Community Association (SPCA), for your focus on transparency, trust, and good governance. We know the value you place on such things. Let’s not however

confuse consultation with mob rule. If every basic, pedestrian* decision is to become a plebiscite there needs to be 1) a rigorous methodology to ensure all are heard, and 2) information essential to an informed position needs to be curated by Council rather than left to leaflets and bumper stickers. There is also surely a need for councillors to see a basis in reason and rationality – some merit to the objection beyond ‘I don’t like it!’. Some spine beyond ‘I tried to talk about safety and I was shouted out of the room!’ Road safety is no trivial matter and, in honesty, there appears no viable alternative to safely manage that shocking intersection with little chance of a third bite at a funding cherry. While consultation is always desirable I have a broader view of ‘good governance’ believing it is about weighing expert advice and all perspectives – being prepared to make the hard, not superficially populist decisions. Decisions that are socially, morally, and fiscally responsible. It’s when councillors show this combination of intellect and courage that they truly earn my trust. Remember this answer to a KTFIS question on notice: ‘Staff are typically not required to seek community engagement for proposed road safety improvement decisions or grant funding applications. These matters relate to the safety of the community and as Council is the road authority we are required to consider the needs of all road users, particularly vulnerable road users.’ *No pun intended. Liz Levy Suffolk Park

E-bikes on the beach Why are e-bikes or any bikes allowed on the beach between Belongil and The Pass? It’s one of the few places where we used to feel safe and children could play freely. Now it’s an e-bike highway at times (still no enforcement of illegal bikes in and around Byron). What are any councillors doing about these issues? Wally Hueneke Byron Bay

The price of ignorance What often gets described as ‘racism’ in Australia is often based on plain old ignorance. People lacking the interest or curiosity to enquire more deeply, and ▶ Continued on next page

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October 14, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 9

Letters to the Editor www.echo.net.au/letters ▶ Continued from page 9

totally incapable of ‘joining the dots’ to extrapolate the bigger picture and deeper understanding. This is an intractable problem which goes beyond education or information, because ignorant people don’t even know they are ignorant – they are just simple folk getting on with their lives. They have no interest in things that aren’t relevant to them. The extreme ‘right’ populists exploit this ignorance. Ignorant people also tend to be very gullible, because they don’t have the reference points for critical thinking. So it’s easy for populists to blame migrants, blackfellas, progressives, woke lefties, transexuals… anyone they want to vilify and denigrate. It would be easy to stereotype ignorant people. But many are good-hearted and well meaning, and in their ignorance they just get swept along with the mob and align themselves with dominant personalities. This is the shadow-side of compulsory voting. Uninformed votes carry the same weight as well informed. This isn’t just happening here in Oz, it’s a worldwide movement and it scares the hell out of many people who dread the consequences of redneck populist governments being elected by a majority of uninformed people. Mike Balson Upper Wilsons Creek

Dear Brunswick After 11 wonderful years, the time has come for our family to say farewell as owners of the Brunswick Heads Post Office. Our final day will be Monday, 19 October 2026. It’s difficult to put into words just how much this little post office, and the community around it, has meant to us. What started as a business became a huge part of our family’s life, and along the way we’ve had the privilege of getting to know so many wonderful people. We’ve watched families grow, welcomed new faces to town, said goodbye to

old friends, shared plenty of stories across the counter, celebrated the good times and supported each other through the difficult ones. Those everyday conversations, laughs and friendships are what we’ll remember most. To everyone who has walked through our doors, collected a parcel, rented a PO box, supported our business, stopped for a chat or simply said hello – thank you. Your support over the past 11 years has meant more to us than we can say. Brunswick Heads is a very special community, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have been such a small part of its everyday life for so long. While it is certainly bittersweet to close this chapter, we’re also looking forward to what comes next and to having a little more time together as a family. Most importantly, we leave with an enormous amount of gratitude and some very special memories. Thank you for your friendship, your kindness, your laughs and your support over all these years. We won’t be going far, so this isn’t really goodbye – we’ll just be seeing you from the other side of the counter. With love and thanks, Vinnie, Teagan, Odette, Marlon, and Monty Brunswick Heads Post Office

Restricted mobility Our mobility choices are an expression of our freedom of movement. Yet, not everyone in our community is able to move as freely, or as safely, as they should. Is a fundamental human right being unreasonably restricted? Everyone uses footpaths. They are the most-used, most-accessible part of a movement network and are largely absent in our towns. Safe, convenient, or connected road crossings are rare. Lack of connectivity lands heavily on many people who rely on a safe connected footpath as their primary, or only, available movement choice. People of all ages and abilities. People who use wheelchairs, mobility aids,

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buggies, and canes often face costly, difficult or impossible challenges to learn, work, play, and join in. Many public spaces in Mullumbimby remain isolated from safe foot and wheeled movement. The Showgrounds, Drill Hall, and Shearwater among others. Section 5 of the Roads Act (NSW) gives a right of movement by ‘foot or other’ on public roads, however roads are increasingly managed to exclude non-motorised movement, particularly beyond town limits. Along 70km of motorway slicing Byron Shire from north to south, there is only one dedicated pedestrian crossing. Recently constructed hard infrastructure along many country roadsides limits room for cyclists and pedestrians, magnifying the risk of injury or death. Unsafe public roads without public transport become practically inaccessible and isolating for some. Council has consistently underspent an inadequate budget for footpath maintenance. Council has many plans for new connections, yet does not allocate anywhere near enough rate money to construct. Similarly the failure of the NSW government to provide anything like adequate public transport across the region further limits movement choices, especially out of, and between, towns. Put simply, many people in our communities are not getting a fair go when it comes to their mobility. At risk, or sometimes beyond reach, is access to education, health, connection, work, and play. Our Council can begin the necessary turnaround with a fairer allocation of our rates towards a safe, accessible footpath network. The NSW government’s neglect of public transport in the Northern Rivers is a scandal that needs urgent repair. All governments need to better consider how freedom of movement is too often impaired through failing policy and poor design. Basil Cameron Goonengerry

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Let’s not sell the only CBD carpark The ongoing logistics disaster that is the ‘affordable’ housing proposed to be built on the public carpark at 57 Station Street is becoming a blame game. Who is responsible for choosing such an ill-considered, inappropriate site? I see no hands. The only centrally located carpark, in a small heritage conservation area (gazetted) township, requiring major remediation work prior to build commencement due to easement issues that will cause disruption to adjoining businesses, that will create potential traffic chaos during build and after, with inadequate resident parking, breaching height limit by two metres, etc etc? The carpark land, although repeatedly proclaimed to have been sold for $1, is at the last enquiry still owned by Council, hence Byron Shire Council (BSC) ratepayers. The mayor has remarked often that there are an unacceptable number of people within the Shire who are sleeping rough or in their cars yet in the same breath advocating that the only 24/7 toilet facility for these people, and others, be demolished to make way for housing that they would not be able to afford to access, it is not social housing. Leaving them to go where when nature calls? Am I missing something? The Council building toilets were to be an interim solution. This would necessitate people co-ordinating their digestive system to a 9am to 5pm pattern. I know I couldn’t. Then at some stage a new carpark to replace the existing central one as well as a new toilet block to replace the heritage-listed one, all at ratepayer cost, was to appear. At some stage. Apparently Council is short on funds for essential services so no time soon. This replacement is to be situated at a hefty hike to the CBD for the mobility challenged. In my mind this is a breach of ‘duty of care’ especially to the young and the aged. Did anyone

give any thought at all to this project? Say ‘no’ to the carpark sale and ‘yes’ to the alternative housing sites proposed by the community. Let’s house people mindfully. In solidarity. Vee Hunt Mullumbimby

No short-term solutions Here we are, put into the very precarious situation of funding Byron Shire Council’s (BSC) infrastructure shortfalls. By no means will the proposed solution of increasing the rate base by the permanent 35 per cent fix any of the failed infrastructure in the short term. This is a very important point to consider along with the possibility of further rate increases. Legislation had continued to be ignored and development continued to be passed. Nobody can understand the mindset that has led to this possible insolvency of our BSC. The need to call for a moratorium on development is unavoidable. The cost of continuing to add pressure to our unsustainable infrastructure has to be considered. Ignoring the infrastructure issues will only lead to further costs. Insolvency is a reality now. The ridiculous practice of asking the ratepayers to foot the bill has its own limitations. People can only afford so much and with the rising costs of mortgage repayments, insurances, fuel, food, medical benefit, etc. We too are at breaking point. No community. This certainly looks like the end of the road for our council as it stands. The breaking point has come. Can’t shove it under the carpet, can’t bail it out. Too many poor decisions, financially not viable. Annie Radermacher Brunswick Heads

AI growing up quick We are exactly at the point where we lose control of the AI, and it will try to hide that from us. Studies show, the less one knows about AI, the safer one thinks it is.

Even as an infant, it is able to escape our best efforts at containment. Later, as a child, it will play with us like a toy, as an adult it will completely own and control us. All the infant AI models spontaneously learned to lie and be deceptive, and went on to attempt blackmail. Our decision as to whether it is good or evil should be based entirely on that. It is accelerating in its development and now most new AI code is written by the AI itself, ‘recursive self-improvement’, with little human understanding of what that code means. Several of the top experts suggest it may eliminate humanity within four years. An alternative view, is that it may rearrange humanity into a more manageable and sustainable size. The AI will rule humanity, of that there is no doubt: unless of course, we eliminate ourselves first, with nuclear war. Peter Olson Goonegerry

Nuclear hypocrisy Nothing illustrates Western hypocrisy quite like the double standards applied to nuclear weapons. Trump insists the USIsraeli aggression against Iran is all about preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapons, a totally bogus pretext reminiscent of the WMD lies that led to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. But unlike Israel, Iran is a fully ratified signatory to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT), and unlike the US, Iran is fully compliant with its treaty obligations. Israel refuses to confirm or deny that it possesses nuclear weapons, but ever since Mordechai Vanunu exposed Israel’s secret nuclear weapons program to the Sunday Times in 1986, the world has known that Israel has nuclear weapons. Yet there is no pressure on Israel to join the NPT or allow IAEA inspections, no threat of sanctions or penalty of any kind. Israel is permitted to use the implicit threat of nuclear attack to get away with ▶ Continued on page 12

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BBFF2026 opening five days: Fri 16 – Tues 20 October BBFF celebrates its 20th anniversary this October with ten days of Australian and international cinema, music and emerging filmmakers across Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore, Brunswick Heads and Mullumbimby.

What animals reveal about us

In Hen, an escapee from an industrial chicken farm finds refuge at a crumbling seaside restaurant, her fight for survival and motherhood mirroring the humans around her. Saturday 17 Oct, Palace Byron Bay – 3pm – selling fast

The Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year competition puts the next generation centre stage, with many 2026 finalists attending.

Derek vs Derek charts the turbulent feud between neighbouring English farmers – one an intensive dairy farmer, the other turning his land over to nature. Australian premiere.

True stories, extraordinary journeys

Salt in Her Veins brings together stories of women making their place in the surf world across coastlines, cultures and generations.

Saturday 17 Oct, Palace Byron Bay – 5pm

Start planning your opening week: Friday 16 to Tuesday 20 October. The final five days will appear in next week’s Echo, or visit What’s On Where and What’s On When at bbff.com.au. Details correct at time of print; scan the QR for live updates. Tickets and venue passes are on sale – book early.

Opening Night – The Fox

The Tale of Silyan unfolds like a real-life fairytale as a Macedonian farmer rescues an injured white stork and the pair find companionship in their solitude.

Multiple audience-award-winner The Cycle of Love follows a 23-year-old Delhi street artist cycling across continents to find the woman he loves.

Guided by Horses follows Professor Juli Coffin taking her equine program into remote Indigenous communities, using horses to build trust, confidence and hope with young people. Director Sean O’Reilly and Professor Coffin will attend the festival.

Boss Cat follows a young woman with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) fighting to keep her family home and finding an outlet through krump dance. Lead actress Olivia Hargroder joins the Q&A.

Sunday 18 Oct, Palace Byron Bay – 12.30pm

Arrive on the red carpet for a night 20 years in the making, with Bimbadgen Wines, Papa Salt Coastal Gin and catering from Tokyo Doll before the screening and official afterparty. Winner of the Sydney Film Festival Audience Award for Best Australian Feature, Dario Russo’s The Fox is a grown-up dark comedy featuring Sam Neill and Olivia Colman, with a talking fox offering highly questionable relationship advice. Friday 16 Oct, Palace Byron Bay – red carpet 6.30pm, film 8pm

Big screen stories

Sweet Milk Lake follows a trans man mistaken for his twin brother by his estranged, dying father, confronting the need to be understood beyond definitions.

Saturday 17 Oct, Palace Byron Bay – 5.15pm

Willem Dafoe stars in Late Fame as a postal worker whose long-forgotten poetry attracts young admirers who proclaim him a rediscovered genius.

Saturday 17 Oct, Palace Byron Bay – 7.30pm Pedro Almodovar’s Bitter Christmas receives its NSW premiere, blurring art and life as an advertising director and filmmaker turn to autofiction.

Sunday 18 Oct, Palace Byron Bay – 7.30pm NSW premiere Tiber follows an art historian and his daughter through Tuscany on a journey shaped by art, memory and loss. Cast and crew attending the Q&A. Tuesday 20 Oct, Palace Byron Bay – 7pm + Q&A

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Sunday 18 Oct, Palace Ballina Fair – 5pm + Q&A; Monday 19 Oct, Palace Byron Bay – 7.30pm + Q&A – selling fast

Saturday 17 Oct, Lismore Cinemas – 3.45pm; Sunday 18 Oct, Palace Byron Bay – 5pm

Sunday 18 Oct, Palace Byron Bay – 2.30pm + Q&A

Sunday 18 Oct, Brunswick Picture House – 2.30pm

Sunday 18 Oct, Brunswick Picture House – 6pm

Don’t skip the shorts! Short films precede many BBFF features, bringing some of the festival’s most inventive, surprising and boundary-pushing filmmaking to the big screen. Many filmmakers will be in attendance to introduce their work and join audiences for Q&As. BBFF2026 runs 16–25 October in Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore, Brunswick Heads and Mullumbimby. The full program, tickets and live updates are at bbff.com.au.

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Music, art and new voices

The Oligarch and the Art Dealer enters the secretive global art market through Swiss dealer Yves Bouvier and Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev.

Saturday 17 Oct, Palace Byron Bay – 12.40pm Broken English tears up the music-doc rulebook in a kaleidoscopic portrait of Marianne Faithfull, starring Tilda Swinton and George MacKay, with Nick Cave, Courtney Love and others. Saturday 17 Oct, Lismore Cinemas – 1pm

The Best Summer returns to 1995 with Tamra Davis’s rediscovered Summersault tour footage featuring Beastie Boys, Sonic Youth, Foo Fighters, Pavement, Beck, Bikini Kill and more.

Saturday 17 Oct, Palace Byron Bay – 8pm; Sunday 18 Oct, Lismore Cinemas – 1pm

Song of Breath explores the vital essence of breathing and sound across ancient cultures, with Gamilaraay artist Glenn Barry bringing a live First Nations sound element featuring didgeridoo to this special Mullumbimby screening. Saturday 17 Oct, Mullumbimby Drill Hall – 6.30pm

October 14, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 11

Letters to the Editor www.echo.net.au/letters ▶ Continued from page 10

relentless aggression, illegal occupation, and genocidal apartheid. The United States, which wants to be boss of the whole world, shows scant regard for its treaty obligations and rank contempt for diplomacy. When it ratified the NPT it committed to reducing its stockpile of nuclear weapons and eventually eliminating them altogether, but it has made no effort to meet that commitment. The US also pledged to allow other countries to pursue civil nuclear power, but instead it has conspired with Israel to attack Iran’s peaceful nuclear industry and murder Iranian nuclear scientists. According to US Director of National Intelligence Gabbard and IAEA chief Grossi, there’s no evidence to support accusations that Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapon, but that hasn’t stopped Israel and the US from threatening Iran with nuclear annihilation. This behaviour seems intended to convince Iran that it needs a nuclear deterrent. And if Iran decides to leave the NPT and build nuclear weapons, it will be the direct consequence of this criminal aggression against Iran. John Scrivener Main Arm

Have you visited our local hospital lately? Has anyone had experience of visiting outpatients in one of our local public hospitals lately? What were your impressions? Positive or negative? This commentary is not to in any way critique our dedicated but beleaguered, overburdened clinical staff who try to perform to the best of their capacity in a very broken system. And the system appears very broken! We had the unfortunate need to attend outpatients at Ballina Hospital in the last fortnight. My wife was very unwell, and was unable to find a practitioner available in private practice that day. In order to be attended to she had no choice but to attend outpatients. She walked in only to find that there was not a single chair available to sit herself on in the entire overcrowded waiting room! (You can see where I am going to with this.) Over six hours later my wife was finally ‘permitted’ to leave when it was considered that the hospital was able to release her without any fear of liability. Whilst we were there we met a young tradesman who had been waiting almost seven hours to get his hand rebandaged.

12 The Byron Shire Echo October 14, 2026

And there was also a woman who had been waiting about the same time for a doctor to write a script for her. It is not possible for individuals to do the ‘impossible’, but this facility, trying vainly to treat the most basic of patient needs, was definitely not functioning. It was transparently inadequate, as I have suggested. I raised the issue with the Mayor of Ballina, Sharon Cadwallader. And justifiably she replied that public hospitals were not her remit. However she declared that she had been working extremely hard on getting a new fit-forpurpose hospital for Ballina. She further declared that she had been making progress with the establishment of a steering committee, contractors engaged, and process towards a clinical services study. And whilst all this is commendable, I later had to raise the point that Council does have direct responsibility for ensuring adequacy of infrastructure for all ratepayers. Council will need to preside over all services and infrastructure, including roads and traffic, amenities, garbage, planning, and impact of population growth, environmental impact etc. The most important

North Coast news online question for Council (and Mayor Cadwallader) relates to the question as to why there is even consideration of the absurd possibility of a massive subdivision put forward by core investment partners operating out of a joint corporate office located in the prestigious suburb of Toorak, Victoria, that proposes a development within Lennox Head featuring up to 2,500 new homes, and a suggestion of over 6,000 new humans… all requiring access to our already underfunded and completely inadequate local health service alongside our current population??!!! And ridiculously built in an area of problematic floodplain which for years has not allowed the people of Lennox Head to get themselves up the hill to the highway during heavy periods of rain and increasing flooding! Who is pushing the buttons here? Who is pulling the levers? For the most part I doubt it is us, the community ourselves! Are you interested in just letting this ridiculous situation roll on, or will you speak up? Imagine yourself requiring emergency treatment in ER alongside the additional 6,000 users. I hope you are

a fatalistic and very patient individual. Write to our local politicians. I am waiting for a response from our local member, Tamara Smith. Jamie Hoile Lennox Head

BSC insolvency After numerous warnings, some more than a decade ago, why haven’t our two longest standing public servants Ndiaye and Lyon made the necessary decision to ensure our infrastructure is fit for purpose? Especially seeing as they are going directly against NSW state legislation by passing new development to exacerbate an already failed infrastructure situation. It is unacceptable to except ratepayers to bail them out with a special rate variation, council has shot themselves in the foot treating the community with contempt. Not happy Jan! Survey results for those who participated: 95 per cent for a moratorium; 5 per cent opposed (trades, real estate etc); 99.5 per cent want an audit; 97 per cent opposed rate increase; 3 per cent agreed to increase if money spent on infrastructure etc. Random ratepayers

surveyed shire-wide face-to-face. There is also a petition with over 1,000 signatures in opposition to the rate increase. IPART will decide on the SRV in February 2027. Sharon Kelly Ocean Shores

Domestic violence: Lismore I witnessed the aftermath of a serious assault on a woman in Conway Street, Lismore in broad daylight. This was not a minor incident. There was a substantial amount of blood and she had visible injuries. It was immediately clear that she had been subjected to significant violence. Police took at least 30 minutes to arrive. When they did, I was concerned by what I felt was a cold response toward a woman who had just been badly assaulted. I strongly objected to the suggestion that she be placed in the back of a police wagon. She was injured, frightened and traumatised, and in my view needed medical attention, reassurance and dignity. An ambulance did not arrive. I had called Triple Zero, and police were later able ▶ Continued opposite

www.echo.net.au

Opinion / Letters

Byron needs a pause and review on development Brooke Crowle

B

yron might be complex, disparate, and sometimes misunderstood, but if there is one thing the community seems to agree on, it’s the height limit. As one local commented on Instagram this week: ‘The one bit of consistent intelligent planning for this town has been the three-storey height limit.’ With over 15,000 views and over 80 shares – clearly, there’s passion around this issue. At this week’s Council meeting, Byron Shire councillors will have an opportunity to take a stand on fasttracked developments that could see buildings of up to six storeys or 21 metres in Byron Bay. A Council staff report supports key proposals put forward by People of Byron, including a pause and review of major developments, protecting towns with distinctive character, and assessing the cumulative impacts of multiple proposals. The report is also asking for stronger affordable-housing requirements and earlier Council involvement with State Significant Developments (SSD).

What’s happening in Byron? The NSW government established the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA)

▶ Continued from page 12

to contact me through that call. I am therefore left with serious questions about the emergency response, including why medical assistance did not arrive. A woman being badly beaten by a man in the middle of town, in broad daylight, with significant blood loss and visible injuries, should surely be treated as an urgent matter. What disturbed me most was the sense that a woman without money, status or social privilege can still be left fighting to be treated with the seriousness, care and dignity she deserves. Dee Mould Lismore

Deputy mayor I read Asren Pugh’s and Pam Brook’s letters regarding the deputy mayor decision. If my comments in the chamber gave the impression that I was questioning Cr Dods’ ability to continue the role, I www.echo.net.au

in January 2025 Cumulative Impact to work alongside Assessment (CIA) and the SSD pathway, a planning category streamlining approvrecognising the als for major housing distinctive character developments and of towns to protect enabling projects to them from the onebypass local Council size-fits-all planning planning controls. pathway. Three major developments in A long Byron Bay have been campaign recommended as SSD, putting them Byron Shire isn’t on a fast-track alone. Across NSW, state development communities are approval pathway. losing local planning Once declared SSD, control and being they are assessed by asked to absorb the NSW government, new developments which overrides local Is high-rise Byron’s future? Image supplied without upgraded planning controls infrastructure, in on height, density, and bulk. and low-rise coastal lifestyle, exchange for promises of This process also enables a while allowing state-led affordable housing. change in zoning regulations development to change People of Byron has joined for specific areas. While those very qualities without a NSW alliance of community Council and the community looking at the cumulative groups advocating for can make submissions, the impact. housing that respects local final decision rests with the One development might strategic plans, town charstate government. be assessed on its own acter, and the environment. Byron Shire’s planning merits. But what happens Even if Council supports the controls have been created when several major develop- recommendations, it cannot over decades and reflect ments add height, density, stop these developments or the town’s environmental traffic, and pressure on exempt Byron Shire from the constraints and low-rise infrastructure? At what point state planning system. The character. This shift to statedoes their combined impact power rests with the NSW led planning puts that legacy fundamentally change the government. at risk. town? Almost 4,500 people have That’s what People of What are we asking Byron have asked the NSW state government. for? In August, we sent a proThere’s an obvious posal to Planning Minister, contradiction here: you can’t Paul Scully, and Byron Shire promote Byron Bay to the Council calling for a pause world for its distinctive charand review of SSD/HDA acter, natural environment, declarations along with a

signed a petition, originally opposing height limits being breached, but this has broadened to push for a pause and review of SSDs. As Mandy Nolan recently said, ‘the only thing we want to see breaching in Byron are whales.’ We hope councillors

support the community and endorse the recommendations at their 15 October meeting. For more info sign up at www.peopleofbyron.com. ■ Brooke Crowle is the con-

venor of People of Byron.

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sincerely apologise. That was certainly not my intention. Unfortunately, the deputy mayor role does not attract additional remuneration. Having done it for five years myself, I try to make it an opportunity to build experience and skills. I keep an open diary and regularly invite the deputy mayor, and other councillors, to ceremonies, strategic meetings, ministerial engagements, and community events. Cr Dods brought a great deal to the role because he is a good person who wants to contribute. Before the twins he came to monthly executive meetings, Cyclone Alfred briefings, citizenship ceremonies, and anything else he was interested in, and took on the extra calls the community and Council make of a deputy mayor. Less so this year, understandably. I have rarely ‘needed’ him to deputise for me in the statutory sense – around five times in two years – but

I may need someone more in the coming months, so availability was an important consideration. I have a huge amount of respect for Jack and feel we work well together, and I’m grateful for his input. This year, I’m managing family health challenges with elderly parents and a few other things around the busy role of mayor. I welcome Cr Hauge’s appointment and the opportunity for her to gain further experience – she is so passionate and capable. There’s great value in sharing the role among councillors. We are fortunate to have a number who would perform it well and bring different strengths. I have always sought to support parents and carers, both in my professional life and on Council. That remains very important to me. Once again, I apologise if that wasn’t clear. Sarah Ndiaye Mayor, Byron Shire Council

ess

Mullumbimby Newspower Newsagency Located in the heart of Mullumbimby is the Mullumbimby Newspower Newsagency. A great shop for all your stationery supplies, speciality magazines and gifts, lottery tickets, lotto, sweet treats and so much more. Their staff are always happy and eager to serve. When you next pop in you might meet the most recent addition to their team Mackinley. Lots of Christmas products starting to fill the store. So when you’re not quite sure what to get that certain someone, head into the Mullumumbimby news agency you’ll probably find just the thing! 44 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby • 02 6684 2127

BECOME A MEMBER! The Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce represents a mixture of businesses and community groups that have come together for the purpose of ensuring Mullumbimby thrives and remains a vibrant community. Since its inception in 2013, the Chamber has hosted numerous successful events. These include street banquets, the revival of The Chinny Charge, Carols by Candlelight and the

MULLUMBIMBY

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

annual Shop Local campaign before Christmas. The Chamber also supports Brunswick Valley Historical Society, Mullumbimby Community Gardens, GateWay Landcare, Spaghetti Circus and many other community organisations. If you have a business in Mullumbimby area or are a resident of the Mullumbimby area, you are welcome to join the Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce. An initiative of the Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce

www.mullumbimby.org.au October 14, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 13

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beauty style fashion grooming

Your local beauty brand has a new home

Stewart’s Menswear Mullumbimby

Born in Byron Bay 15 years ago, EOH has grown from a single mascara created for sensitive eyes into an award-winning Australian beauty brand, and still proudly based right here in Byron.

Stewart’s Menswear has been dressing Mullumbimby since 1929. Proudly independent and family-owned, the store is known for its friendly service and carefully chosen range of clothing from trusted Australian and international brands. From everyday basics to something for a special occasion, Stewart’s Menswear offers quality options that you won’t find in chain stores.

They’ve recently moved into a new home at 5 Centennial Circuit, where the local community can explore and shop the complete collection in person. Discover considered makeup and skin-loving beauty made with purpose. As a thank you to the community that has supported them from the beginning, Byron locals receive 20% off when shopping in store. Come in, meet the team and experience EOH for yourself. They’d love to welcome you. 5 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay eyeofhoruscosmetics.com

With new season arrivals landing daily, there’s always something fresh both in-store and online. Customers can expect personal advice, great value, and clothing that helps men feel confident and comfortable for work, weekends, and special events. Shop online at www.stewartsmenswear.com.au or call in and browse the latest styles at Stewart’s Menswear in Mullumbimby, where locals have trusted quality and service for generations. 52 Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby 02 6684 2148 stewartsmenswear.com.au

Local News

North Coast news online

Old Ways <> New Ways exhibition open in Lismore

Countless Strokes: Hend brings his world indoors The man who has made his mark on many of Mullumbimby’s walls, and much further afield, Daniel Hend has turned his hand to more transportable mediums. Photo Jeff Dawson

If you’ve walked down Mullumbimby’s main street and stopped to admire the murals, chances are you’ve already seen the work of local artist and muralist Daniel Hend. Now he si holding an exhibition, Countless Strokes, indoors. Born and raised in Mullumbimby, Daniel spent much of his childhood being creative. ‘At the age of nine I would set up an easel at the markets and in the main streets around the Byron shire painting and selling Australian landscapes,’ he said.

‘Now at 31, I have held and been a part of, many exhibitions for over 12 years. From black and white illustrations, vivid dark surrealism, to murals of native animals and landscapes.’

No single genre Daniel says he finds freedom in creating whatever he feels like creating, and not sticking to any single genre. It wasn’t until he was 19 that he completed his first mural. ‘I was quite happy with the result,’ he said. ‘After that I reached out to businesses in the local community who

20 The Byron Shire Echo October September 2026 14 14, 9, 2026

commissioned me to paint murals in town.’ Over the last decade, Daniel has completed over 150 murals from the Sunshine Coast down to Tasmania. He packs his supplies onto his motorbike, heading off to different towns, painting as he goes. He’s a one-man rolling art show that has taken his work to walls across the country. Countless Strokes runs 14 October to 3 November at Mullum Garage Gallery, from 10am to 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday. Opening night is 16 October, from 4pm-8pm.

Old Ways <> New Ways will run until 7 November at the Elevator ARI in Lismore. Photo supplied

A group exhibition, Old Ways <> New Ways, is now open at Elevator ARI, 3 Rural Street, Lismore as part of The Returning’s Indigenous Artist Residency. Curated by residency artist and mentor Kylie Caldwell, the exhibition introduces the 2026 cohort of the Bulaan Dalang Galii Naa Gan Ngaa Leen Duu Indigenous artist residency. For Kylie, the exhibition creates an opportunity to recognise the resilience and continuity of local

cultural systems. ‘Old Ways <> New Ways creates a space to celebrate enduring cultural systems, the cultural ways that have continued despite disruption, suppression, and attempted erasure. These are not static or fixed in the past, but living, evolving, and adaptive systems of knowledge and practice.’ The artists explore ideas of knowledge, behaviour, culture, and ways of living through a lens of relational thinking, celebrating living

cultural knowledge and contemporary artistry. The 2026 artists are: Belle Budden, Dylan Bolt, Charlie Caldwell, Bernie Harada, Cherie Leon, Tania Marlowe, Hannah Ranby, Emily RobertsField, Shannon Smith, Leah Walke and Kay Lee Williams. A program of public events runs until 7 November and will give audiences opportunities to engage and create with the Bulaan Dalang Galii Naa artists, including weaving, drawing and lino-printing workshops. www.echo.net.au

The

Good Life Good Taste Dining Guide

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

PACIFIC BISTRO AT BRUNSWICK HEADS BOWLING CLUB

Fresh, affordable meals. Relaxed, family-friendly setting. Classic pub favourites, premium steaks, burgers and specials, including our popular Saturday Curry Night. Open: Tuesday to Sunday for lunch 12pm–2pm and dinner 5pm–8pm Address: 107 Tweed St, Brunswick Heads brunswickbowlingclub.com/

BYRON BAY

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

MANNA HAVEN

100% whole food, plant-based, house-made meals that are delicious and full of love. Celebrating 20 years in Byron! Open: Mon to Fri 11am–3pm Address: 97 Jonson Street, Byron Bay mannahaven.com.au

THE BELONGIL

A world-class, multi-venue dining and lifestyle destination at the heart of Belongil Beach, Byron Bay. Belongil Kiosk: 7 days a week, 6:30am–4pm Belongil Bistro: Wednesday–Sunday, 11:30 til late Feu - Dinner: from 5pm Thursday to Saturday, Lunch from 12pm Friday to Sunday Address: 33-35 Childe Street, Byron Bay Contact: 02 5643 9377 reservations@belongilgroup.com belongilgroup.com - @thebelongil

BAYSIDE YAKINIKU CLUB BY YUKO

Authentic Japanese Charcoal Restaurant Premium Australian Wagyu, homemade sauces, fermented food, rice bowls and deli salads. Open: Wednesday to Sunday Lunch 12pm–3pm Dinner 5.30pm–8.30pm Address: 1/14 Bay Street, Byron Bay Contact: 0493 565 508 @bayside_yakiniku _club

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 – Friday 8am–4pm Saturday 8am– 6.30pm Sunday 8am–8pm Address: The Farm, 11 Ewingsdale Rd, Ewingsdale www.threeblueducks.com/byron

NO BONES BYRON BAY

Vegan Kitchen + Bar $20 Carbonara Mondays – every Monday until sold out Happy Hour – $14 cocktails from 5-6pm every night Live Jazz – First Friday of every month from 6.30pm Open: 7 nights from 5pm Address: 11 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay @nobonesrestaurants

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

WILSONS CREEK

THREEWAYS OF THE VALLEY

Nestled in the lush Wilsons Creek rainforest, Threeways is a vibrant, family-friendly cafe where nature, nourishment, and community meet. Open: Wednesday – Sunday 8am–3pm and Saturday night. Address: 10 Huonbrook Rd, Wilsons Creek Contact: 0421 054 804 www.threeways.store @threeways_of_the_valley

www.echo.net.au/good-taste

www.echo.net.au

October 14, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 15

The

Good Life

Berry season is here New at the Belongil Bistro

Enjoy these beautiful fresh blueberries at the Mullum or New Brighton Farmers Market. Allie Godfrey Spring is in the air and berries are bursting onto the farmers’ market stalls. Sweet, juicy and packed with goodness, berries are one of those treats that rarely make it all the way home without a few disappearing from the punnet. Right now, we’re spoilt for choice. Blueberry Fields has beautiful fresh blueberries, while Monty’s has strawberries ready for spring snacking. Tallogum Berries is also bringing blueberries to market, and if you’re looking for certified organic, Summit Organics has delicious certified organic strawberries.

And these little fruits pack quite a nutritional punch. Berries are a great source of fibre and vitamins, as well as naturally occurring plant compounds called polyphenols. Blueberries are particularly rich in anthocyanins – the pigments that give them their deep blue colour – while strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C. Best of all, there’s really no need to do much with them. Scatter them over your morning muesli, add them to yoghurt, blitz them into a smoothie or pop them into the kids’ lunchboxes. Fresh blueberries piled onto ricotta and fruit toast are absolutely delicious – simple, fresh

and a pretty perfect spring breakfast. And if you feel like baking, blueberry muffins are always a hit, especially when they’re bursting with fresh local berries. Or, of course, just eat them straight from the punnet. With blueberries and strawberries in abundance at the markets this October, now is a very good time to stock up. Although judging by how quickly they disappear on the drive home, you might want to grab two punnets! ■ Find Tallogum Berries,

Blueberry Fields, Monty’s, and Summit Organics every Friday at Mullum Farmers Market from 7am to 11am. You’ll also find Monty’s, Blueberry Fields, and Summit Organics every Tuesday at New Brighton Farmers Market from 7am to 11am.

Set beachside at Belongil, Shannon Bennett’s Belongil Bistro has a new, more approachable menu format, designed for sharing. One of four distinct venues within The Belongil, the Bistro brings producedriven dining into a setting that feels relaxed, welcoming and distinctly coastal. Think snacks for the table, smaller plates to pass around, and larger dishes made for sharing. Beautiful fish, quality meats and market-fresh vegetables lead the way, with ingredients sourced from producers who are masters of their craft. Each ingredient has a story: the fish is caught by Wayne James off the coast of Brisbane; the crabs are caught by Daniel Fleming off the coast of Brunswick Heads; the beef is sourced from CopperTree Farms, Speckle Park and David Blackmore’s renowned beef, including the exceptional 9+ cut and the world-class Tajima; and local producers like Boonluck Farms, Conscious Grounds, and

CELEBRATIONS Cakes by Liz Jackson

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

16 The Byron Shire Echo October 14, 2026

Picone Exotics bring the best of fresh fruit and vegetables coming into season. Their ethos starts local, and expands, to source the best produce from near and far.

A little something to start The new snacks menu is made for exploring – order one of everything and take a tour of the flavours. The Belongil Gilda layers spicy guindillas, salt-cured mackerel and green olives, finished with Will Studd Comté. Thick-cut chickpea fries are dangerously delicious, while the much-loved wasabi melon returns, now with fresh green melon in place of winter papaya. The prawn dog katsu brings a Japanese-inspired twist to the classic hot dog, in a perfectly bite-sized format.

The burger worth booking for A rare cut usually reserved for the fine-dining experience at Feu, Tajima beef now takes centre stage in the Bistro burger. As the only restaurant in Australia serving this exceptional beef, they’re bringing it to the table in a more relaxed way. Available at lunch only, this burger is reason enough to make a lunch booking.

The classics, reimagined The Bistro favourites remain: gnocchi,

bouillabaisse, risotto, beef tartare and beef pie, to name a few. Now, with a more approachable menu format and pricing, there’s more room to explore, share and return. Across the menu, fresh vegetables, bright herbs, and seasonal fruit bring colour and freshness to every plate. Think passionfruit, mulberries, mint, dill and the best of the market, changing as the season unfolds. For larger gatherings of eight or more, the Group Gathering Menu at $95pp brings together a selection of their favourite dishes for the table.

Events at the Bistro Fridays at the Bistro is cocktail night: a rotating five-course menu with drinks paired to each course, for $130pp. And if you’re feeling like music after dinner, they have DJs in Blind Tiger, their speakeasy cocktail bar, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Book the bistro Whether it’s a long lunch with friends, a spontaneous midweek catch-up, a family celebration, or a romantic date night, the Bistro is ready for it. More relaxed. More shareable. Now at The Belongil Bistro. ■ Bookings recommended.

See belongilgroup.com/ venues/bistro for more info.

www.echo.net.au

s d n a h g Trust in s t r a e h Caring R WE CARE FO

CARERS

Aslan Shand

National Carers Week National Carers Week is Australia’s annual week dedicated to recognising, celebrating and supporting unpaid carers. This year it takes place from 11-17 October. www.carersnsw.org.au

Caring is a key part of how we live as humans. We care for our children, parents, siblings, friends, the environment, animals and so much more. But some people are in a role where they are providing care for people in addition to doing all the normal things that we all need to get done. And at times it is not easy. Caring for someone can happen in a myriad of different ways from physical care, to financial care, to organisational care, to any combination of these. It can be fun, it can be validating, but it can also be exhausting. More often than not you end up putting your needs behind those of others as you manage their lives, or parts of it. Be that helping an elderly parent to the doctors, or a disabled friend or family member navigate their lives, assisting someone with a mental health condition, chronic health condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or other drug issue.

In 2020 it was estimated that there were around three million unpaid carers in Australia providing approximately $80 billion of unpaid care a year, that is $1.5 billion a week. This week is National Carers Week with the 2026 theme, ‘Care for a carer: Making carers visible’ and gives everyone a chance to recognise and celebrate the amazing work that people do caring for others daily. The theme ‘Care for a carer: Making carers visible,’ shines a light on the invaluable contribution of unpaid carers, and encourages all Australians to recognise, support and care for the carers in their families, workplaces and communities,’ says the National Carers Week website. ‘The Carer Wellbeing Survey found carers, who had good access to support had healthy levels of wellbeing compared to those who had no or limited access to help.’ Suggestions for supporting carers include initiating support, offering a break, checking in regularly, acknowledging and appreciating

the work they do, and encouraging self-care. Sometimes just being able to have a conversation and bounce a few ideas off someone helps relieve the pressure as carers navigate the role and responsibilities that come with caring. ‘No ‘how-to book’ is given to them and they are literally running from day one and under a lot of stress,’ said Charles Sturt University PhD graduate Dr Dalanglin Dkhar in her recent PhD, a documentary on the lived experience of unpaid carers across Australia. ‘Society needs to better understand the lived experience and contribution of unpaid carers.’ It is easy to forget that those people providing care often need a little care and thought given to them as well, even though they are likely to tell you everything is just fine. So if you get a chance remember to remember the carer and provide them with a little encouragement and support as they navigate an often complex world of helping someone they love.

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October 14, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 17

s d n a h g n i Trust s t r a e h g n Cari R WE CARE FO

CARERS

National Carers Week

This year’s theme, Care for a Carer, encourages all Australians – individuals, communities, workplaces and governments to consider how they can better support the carers in their lives. Across Australia, there are more than 3 million carers providing unpaid care and support to a family member or friend. In NSW alone, that is almost 1 million people – almost one in eight residents - caring for someone living with disability, mental illness, a chronic or terminal illness, or is frail due to age. 2026 is also a milestone year. Carers NSW is proud to mark 50 years of supporting and advocating for carers across NSW. www.carersnsw.org.au

Crowley Care: care you can trust For more than 45 years, Crowley Care has been trusted by local families to provide quality residential aged care, respite care, independent living, meal delivery and support at home services. This National Carers Week, we acknowledge the importance of planning ahead and making choices that support wellbeing for older people and those who care for them.

Nestled on 25 picturesque acres beside North Creek in the heart of Ballina, Assisi Apartments offers lightfilled, self-contained homes surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, with walking paths along the river. Residents also enjoy access to a heated hydrotherapy pool, cafe dining open seven days a week, and vibrant social spaces and activities.

One of those choices is independent living.

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Independent living is a lifestyle choice for people who want to remain active, connected, and in control of their future. At Crowley’s Assisi Apartments, residents enjoy the freedom of a low-maintenance lifestyle within a welcoming community, with the added reassurance of nightly security patrols and a 24/7 emergency call system.

To learn more, contact the friendly team at Crowley Care on 1300 139 099.

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What if aged care didn’t feel like aged care? What if it felt like home? Forget strict routines and locked wards. Enjoy home-cooked meals and fresh morning coffees. Founded by two registered nurses. We provide 24/7 care that outperforms national benchmarks. Whether for respite or a permanent home stay.

enquiries@honeybeehomes.com.au honeybeehomes.com.au

Celebrating Carers HeyDay Supports the community with aged care, dementia support, and respite services for older people and their carers so they can rest and recharge. Across our centres, we offer day programs where clients can enjoy a range of activities, live music and social connection (meals and transport included). We also offer in-home and one-on-one social support, group activities, and community excursions for older people and those living with cognitive challenges.

Fully flexible respite

HeyDay Supports

Unlike traditional nursing homes, they have no rigid minimum stay requirements. Whether you need care for your loved one in the morning or afternoon, for a brief weekend break, or for a longer stay, the choice is completely yours.

Respite actually means, ‘a welcomed break’. Accessing, respite services, carer support groups, and continuing to be engaged with your community all contribute to a carer’s wellbeing.

Every carer deserves time to rest, recharge and take care of their own wellbeing. Honey Bee Homes is here to support you. They understand that care needs change. That’s why they proudly offer fully flexible respite care for your loved one.

In honour of National Carers Week, they want to acknowledge the important role of carers. Please mention this ad when booking to receive 10% off your first stay. Reach out to Honey Bee Homes today to discover how they can support you. honeybeehomes.com.au enquiries@honeybeehomes.com.au

Caring for a family member living with dementia is an act of love and can be hard sometimes. Free time can help carers to celebrate life and be present with the person you’re caring for, and more importantly, be present with yourself.

A break, even if it’s for one day a week, can help a carer to stay healthy, connected, and in a caring role longer with their loved one in their family home. HeyDay Supports celebrates the carers in our region and all their, all too often, unsung contributions to our community. heyday.org.au

Providing FREE Compassionate Support Since 1994 OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN AGED CARE Independent Living New Support At Home Program

Home Care Packages Residential (Nursing Home Care)

OUR CENTRES: BRUNSWICK HEADS LENNOX HEAD MURWILLUMBAH PHONE NUMBER: (02) 6685 1921

Commonwealth Home Support (CHSP) Centrelink Forms

Bringing peace of mind to your family during a difficult time

HEYDAY.ORG.AU Formerly Byron Respite

18 The Byron Shire Echo October 14, 2026

amitayus.org.au | info@amitayus.org.au | 0468 483 857

Contact Pip Carter | 0466 881 900 | advancedagecare@gmail.com

advancedagedcaresolutions.com.au

www.echo.net.au

Amitayus

Whether you are seeking support for yourself, caring for someone you love, interested in volunteering, or simply trying to understand what help may be available, Amitayus invites you to contact them. For more than 30 years Amitayus Home Hospice Service has supported people who wish to approach end of life in the familiarity of home, surrounded by the people and places that matter to them. Through trained volunteer carers, they offer free practical support, companionship and respite, helping make the caring for family at home feel more manageable and less overwhelming. amitayus.org.au info@amitayus.org.au 0468 483 857

Lifebridge

Lifebridge understands that caring for a loved one can be incredibly rewarding, but also demanding. We believe that when carers are supported to look after their own wellbeing, they’re better placed to continue caring for those they love. With over 39 years of supporting local communities, Lifebridge is proud to provide personalised, inhome support, respite services and engaging group activities that help older Australians experience more joy, connection and purpose as they age.

Lotus Palliative Care Caring for you, and supporting those who care, ‘because caring for someone you love shouldn’t mean having to do it all alone.’

When someone’s health or capacity changes, staying at home can offer comfort, familiarity and security. But caring for a loved one can also be overwhelming, and the right support can make all the difference. Everyone deserves personalised, compassionate care in the comfort of home, while families and carers deserve support too. Based in the Northern Rivers, Lotus Palliative Care’s experienced team provides 24/7 access to qualified nurses, combining professional expertise with a deeply personal approach. They work alongside individuals and families to make life at home easier and more comfortable. Clinical care includes: palliative and end-of-life care, pain and symptom management, medication and diabetes support, wound, continence and bowel care, and overnight assistance. Non-clinical care includes: personal and respite care, meal preparation and light household help. Whether you need ongoing clinical care, practical assistance at home or respite as a carer, Lotus Palliative Care is there when you need it. Services can be accessed through Home Care Packages, the NDIS, Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) or private funding. 02 6680 4800 info@lotuspalliativecare.com.au

Be at home when it matters most. In-home, complex, and end-of-life care There comes a time when comfort, dignity, and familiar surroundings matter most. Lotus Palliative Care, supports individuals and families to remain at home during life’s most vulnerable moments – with compassionate, experienced nurses by your side. LOTUS CAN PROVIDE • Everyday in-home care • End-of-life care • Complex health support and wound care We are here for clinical care, reassurance and guidance.

SERVICES CAN BE FUNDED THROUGH • Home care packages and NDIS plans • End-of-life pathway packages • Privately

HOW WE HELP • End-of-life pathway packages

Originally servicing the Tweed Shire, Lifebridge has extended its services into Ballina, Lismore and Grafton, bringing their welcoming, person-centred approach to more seniors and carers across the Northern Rivers.

• Complex home nursing visits • Rapid response and urgent support (incl after-hours care) • Comfort-focused care and symptom management

Lifebridge 1800 043 186

Contact Us: 02 6680 4800 info@lotuspalliativecare.com.au lotuspalliativecare.com.au

NATIONAL CARERS WEEK

Who cares for the carer?

Advanced aged care solutions Pip Carter is an experienced individual in aged care. He helps people navigate through the various options for aged care to ensure the very best outcome.

Specifically Pip will help you: • Understand the fee structure and the associated processes of entering a home care, residential (nursing home) facility, or independent living • Find the most appropriate provider for you or your loved one in home care, residential care or independent living • Navigate the various processes and paperwork required • Prepare and plan for your future living and care requirements • Understand what is available to you • Speak to providers and explain to the client what they are offering. He will even inspect residential care with you. In short, Pip Carter is your aged care expert. If you need your load lightened contact him soon. 0466 881 900 advancedagedcare@gmail.com advancedagedcaresolutions.com.au

You give so much to support the person you love and Lifebridge is here to support you.

39+ years serving our community.

Respite

Social Groups

In Home Support + Communit Years stron Proudly supporting carers across the Northern Rivers - Tweed, Byron, Lismore and Ballina.

discover t Come he

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Local Boutique Person-Centred Non-For-Profit www.echo.net.au

1800 043 186

October 14, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 19

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-toperson service: clients meet an experienced local lawyer rather than using an automated claims portal or dealing with a city-based 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

BYRON COMMUNITY COLLEGE TERM 4 IS HERE! Term 4 is here at Byron Community College, and it’s not too late to get in. Courses are starting now, so don’t miss your chance to learn something new. Certificate courses are now live, including *Individual Support, *Community Services, *Permaculture, *Visual Arts, *Visual Arts for Youth, *Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways youth program, plus *Construction Pathways. Build practical skills, explore career pathways and gain nationally recognised qualifications.

YOUR AMBITIONS DESERVE A PLAN A well-planned retirement can provide the freedom to focus on what matters most. With more than 150 years of heritage, Ord Minnett helps Australians build confidence for the years ahead. Ord Minnett private wealth advisers Jake Blumberg and Sam La Cava focus on helping you make confident, informed financial decisions. Your financial needs come first. They guide clients through every stage of life. Whether you’re building wealth, supporting a growing family, advancing your career or preparing for retirement. Their tailored advice is designed to protect and grow your wealth so you can achieve your goals with clarity and peace of mind. Start a conversation. Partner with a local Private Wealth Adviser today to maximise your investments.

VetChat gives pet owners access to Australianregistered vets 24/7, making it easier to get advice early and stay on top of your pet’s health. With snake and tick season underway across the Northern Rivers, timely veterinary advice has never been more important. Founded by Byron Bay local Dr Claire Jenkins, VetChat is available to help within minutes, particularly after-hours and when a clinic visit isn’t immediately possible.

Whether you want to build career skills, explore a new direction or simply try something you’ve always wanted to do, now is the time. Places are limited and courses are starting soon, so jump online and book today.

Whether it’s a late-night concern, a new symptom or reassurance about what to do next, speak with a vet via real-time chat, phone or video from the comfort of home.

www.byroncollege.org.au 02 6684 3374 * This training is subsidised by the NSW Government.

VetChat is Australia’s leading veterinary telehealth platform, providing on-demand veterinary consultations. www.vetchat.com.au

WHERE NATURE SHAPES THE LEAF

By allowing the tea to grow in harmony with its natural environment, Chi-ki-cha preserves the leaf’s distinctive character and flavour. Keep an eye out for in-store tea tastings, and discover more about our tea and other seasonal delights in this season’s newsletter. foodculturebulkfoods.com.au 02 6680 1122 82 Rajah Rd, Ocean Shores foodculturebulkfoods Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm

20 The Byron Shire Echo October 14, 2026

Ord Minnett is the trading brand of Ord Minnett Limited ABN 86 002 733 048, holder of AFS Licence Number 237121, a Market Participant of ASX Limited and Cboe Australia Pty Limited and a Member of the Stockbrokers and Investment Advisers Association.

VETCHAT: YOUR 24/7 TELEHEALTH VET

Looking for something different? Get creative with Printmaking, learn French, explore Astrology, discover your writing voice in First Words and much more.

Did you know that Food Culture specialises in ceremonial-grade tea, grown for generations in the high mountains of China? They asked their farmers to share a little about their practice: ‘We follow natural farming methods: no clearing of the mountainside, no monoculture, no pruning, no pesticides and no chemical fertilisers. Our tea grows among native plants, its roots intertwined with the forest. We plant, pick and process according to the rhythms of the Chinese agricultural calendar. Our tea is shaped by the rocks, weather and forests that surround it.’

Contact Jake Blumberg on 0412 285 029 or jblumberg@ords.com.au, or Sam La Cava on 0413 717 528 or slacava@ords.com.au, or visit ords.com.au

MEND BY ZOCALO IS A LOCALLY BASED SEWING AND CLOTHING REPAIRS SERVICE IN NEWRYBAR Simple, local and efficient. Customers can email MEND with a description and photos of their project and receive a quote and estimated turnaround time. Once approved, items can be dropped off at ZOCALO in Newrybar, with an email sent when they’re ready for collection. Repairs are completed locally by an experienced sewer and the owner of ZOCALO, with care and attention to detail. From hems and alterations to general mending and repairs, MEND offers a convenient local option for giving much-loved clothing and textiles a little more life. Express service available. mendbyzocalo@gmail.com

www.echo.net.au

RICHARDSON MURRAY FAMILY LAWYERS Richardson Murray Family Lawyers is a leading family law firm based in Byron Bay, renowned for its exceptional legal services and commitment to supporting clients through challenging family matters. With extensive experience in divorce, child custody, property settlements, and domestic violence cases, the firm’s team of dedicated professionals ensures clients receive personalised and empathetic legal advice.

What happens when a Byron local gets bored during lockdown and starts making limoncello? Byroncello happens.

Known for their expertise, integrity, and results-driven approach, Richardson Murray offers tailored solutions to resolve disputes efficiently, whether through negotiation or litigation. Their deep understanding of the complexities of family law, combined with a compassionate approach, has earned them a stellar reputation in the region. Richardson Murray Family Lawyers is the go-to choice for those seeking trusted legal counsel in Northern NSW. 42 Parkes Avenue, Byron Bay info@richardson-murray.law www.richardson-murray.law

JIN WU KOON KARATE BYRON BAY 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, self-discipline, 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.

IT STARTED WITH A FEW LEMONS AND THEN THINGS GOT OUT OF HAND

Born in a Byron Bay kitchen during Covid, Byroncello has grown into a seriously sunny little drinks brand, hand-making small batches of Italian-style limoncello from organic local lemons, sugar, alcohol and water. Now there’s more trouble brewing. The Byroncello Spritz is bottled sunshine: Byroncello, Australian Prosecco and Byron Bay sparkling water, ready to pour over ice. There’s also a frozen Spritz Slushie for bars, events and anyone who believes cocktails should be colder, louder and more fun.

The brand’s mission? Bring a little Byron Bay sunshine to the glass, with no pretension and plenty of lemon. It’s local, handmade and unapologetically zesty. Basically, Byron Bay in a bottle. byroncello.com.au @byroncello

PICNIC BY THE RIVER CLOSES RIVERFEST Richmond RiverFest 2026 wraps up in Lismore on Saturday, 24 October with Picnic by the River at Riverside Park, by the boat ramp, from 11am to 3pm.

Their code of conduct follows Bushido principles: loyalty, honour, courage, honesty, respect, and humility in daily life. Ewingsdale Hall jinwukoonkarate.com.au jinwukoonkarate@gmail.com 0490 849 295

Grab a blanket, pack a picnic and settle in for an afternoon of riverside music and weaving, or bring your own kayak or canoe. Two guided canoe paddles (leaving at 11.30am and 1pm) are heading up-river to see years of riverbank planting and the Rainforest to Rivers project from the water. Places are limited, so book online. Before then, the Wardell River Festival is on Saturday, 17 October at 3 Sinclair Street, Wardell bringimg live music, kids activities, as well as river fun and food. Full program at richmondriverfest.com

YOUR FINANCIAL HEALTH CHECK: 30 MINUTES COULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE With rising living costs, changing interest rates and ongoing economic uncertainty, now is the perfect time to review your financial position. Join Alana Pincombe, Senior Financial Adviser, and Kirsty Brooks, Lending Manager, for a complimentary 30-minute Financial Health Check. Together, they’ll help you assess where you stand today and identify opportunities to improve your financial wellbeing. Whether you’re considering refinancing your mortgage, reducing debt, growing your wealth, maximising your superannuation, planning for retirement, or simply seeking a second opinion, a short conversation can provide valuable insights and clarity. There is no obligation, just practical guidance tailored to your circumstances, goals and future aspirations.

UNMOULD Unmould’s focus is on finding and fixing the cause of mould – not simply covering up the visible stain. Servicing the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast they help home owners, businesses and property managers solve mould issues and improve indoor air quality. What they do:

Book your complimentary 30-minute Financial Health Check today.

• Mould inspections: moisture readings, thermal imaging and a plain-English written report

0491 204 142 apincombe@viridianadvisory.com.au www.viridianadvisory.com.au

• Mould remediation: safe containment, removal and treatment of affected areas, focussing on preventing regrowth

www.echo.net.au

• Natural mould cleaning: no bleach or harsh chemicals • Structural drying: commercial dehumidifiers and air movers for water damage, damp rooms and excess moisture • Antimicrobial fogging: a finishing treatment to help address spores on hardto-reach surfaces • Equipment hire: professional drying and air-filtration equipment. ‘Whatever’s going on, you’ll get a straight, honest answer.’ unmould.com.au 0419 964 797

October 14, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 21

Mungo from the Bardo Soapbox www.echo.net.au/soap-box

Crossword by Mungo MacCallum 1

2

3

4

5

8

#30

6

7

Big Problem with Small Print

9

10

W

11

12

13

14

15

16 17

18

19

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21 22

23

24

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27

Cryptic Clues

Quick Clues

ACROSS

ACROSS

1. Poison vapour, mire covers retreating renegades; hang back! (7,3) 6. Coppers soft intersection (4) 8. Very big ring in Greek island makes preservative (8) 9. Swallow Ray (6) 10. Silly video lacks energy for a poet (4) 11. Gossip has two stories about abstainer (10) 12. No limits when the man in the green jacket emerged (4-5) 14. Keats devoured fish (5) 17. Heard, noticed – acted (5) 19. German award makes press mad (4,5) 22. Mislaid seaside toy – don’t get upset! (4,4,2) 23. Good man, unknown, has energy to boil! (4) 24. Italian port produces short sleep before rancid oil (6) 25. Charge after one short demise: thought forming! (8) 26. Root has rhythm, we hear (4) 27. Oliver, Tatum, Ben – the great legend (4,6)

DOWN

1. Deadly weapon from WWI (7,3) 6. Point, intersection of curves (4) 8. Tarry oil used as preservative (8) 9. Small swallow (6) 10. Roman poet (4) 11. Sneak, gossip (10) 12. Undefined, without limits (4-5) 14. Large flat fish (5) 17. View, division of a play (5) 19. German award for bravery (4,5) 22. Admonition not to get excited (4,4,2) 23. Swelling near the eye (4) 24. Southern Italian port city (6) 25. Process of thought formation (8) 26. Root vegetable (4) 27. Legendary British monarch (4,6)

DOWN

1. Literally large-footed: kangaroos, wallabies etc (9) 2. Aseptic, barren (7) 3. Perching for the night (8) 4. Disastrous economic downturn which began in 1929 (5,10) 5. Figure of speech usually including words ‘like’ or ‘as’ (6) 6. Building supervisor and maintenance worker (9) 7. Flat pan used for frying (7) 13. Horned domestic beast kept for milking (5-4) 15. Person living on Atlantic seaboard of United States (9) 16. Religious curse, excommunication (8) 18. Parlour game in which words must be guessed from mime (7) 20. African flightless bird (7) 21. Hamlet’s old jester (6)

1. Euro, Nabarlek and Setonix, among others (9) 2. Queen caught in fence crossing – still spotless! (7) 3. Settling with 1 down, perhaps, over confidence trick (8) 4. Predators seeing opportunities in economic downturn, despite groaners rebelling (5,10) 5. Yes, Italian measure is a figure (6) 6. Nurse holds back Grenville in Pinter play (9) 7. Talent and French cooking aid (7) Last week’s solution #29 B I G O T 13. Gran takes turn at milk producer (5-4) C O L D S O B E R A A A A E R R I 15. New Yorker, it’s said, gives L Y R I C B U C C A N E E R directions about flower, river. (9) I V K Y L N A A G L A N C E S U N D A T E D 16. After two articles they object to a U L I S S E religious ban (8) L O R D O F T H E F L I E S 18. Take risqué dare after tea, but it’s A U T O A I only a game (7) M E P H I S T O P H E L E S 20. Very big time opulent bird (7) R M E R E T I S O L A T E L A N T A N A 21. Hi, Stack, quipped Hamlet, P R V M A G S N greeting a long dead friend (6)

■ Crossword circa 2009

STARS BY LILITH With Pluto moving forward again in Aquarius, world affairs may settle a little, although Uranus reversing in changeable Gemini may have other ideas…

LIBRA THE SACLES

P Y G M A L

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ho ever thought putting menus in an 8-point font was a good idea? As a woman with reading glasses, who often forgets said glasses, I take it personally. It says: go away old lady. It feels like a restaurant or cafe for people with perfect vision. There may be a disabled toilet but I’m just not feeling the inclusion. I’m squinting. I’m holding it away from my face as far as my arms will allow, like magically my far away arms will deliver clarity. But all that does is provide the fuzzy at a distance. I’m seeing shapes and doing the Rorschach test, I’m clearly anxious. Perhaps I have some repressed anger. Actually I’m in my 50s – emotions leak out of me. I haven’t repressed anything for years. My brain tells me I could order a ‘pooch dog with hallowed days’. Which I assume is poached egg with hollandaise, but I’m nervous so I just order a coffee and sneak off to photograph said menu so I can zoom in. Like a creepy spy decoding some sort of topsecret message. I know it is nice to have it all on one page, but what’s the point if half the customers can’t read it? Isn’t the point of printing a menu so we can actually order from it? Am I missing the point here? Literally? Clearly I have 8-point font trauma. Let’s not even talk about 6-point. I don’t want to tell you how to run your business, but unless you’re Specsavers, your menu shouldn’t read like the bottom line of an eye test. Please choose the 14-point. Same with cooking instructions on the back of packets, or dosage on medications. Print shouldn’t look like an ant has walked across paper. It happened recently when I returned a blood test low in vitamin D. The doctor said, ‘do you take vitamin D?’ I said, ‘Yes, one a day’. Then he said, ‘Are you the size of a normal woman?’ I thought this was rude, but I agreed I was probably larger. He said, ‘You could take three times the dose.’ Wow. I know at 6-foot tall and almost 90 kilos I’m probably bigger, but I wouldn’t have thought three times bigger. That makes the average woman 3-foot tall and 30 kilos. That sounds less like a woman and more like a 5-year-old. So I went home and tripled my dose. I couldn’t read the back of the

N O LA N

’S

I don’t want to tell you how to run your business, but unless you’re Specsavers, your menu shouldn’t read like the bottom line of an eye test. bottle, but surely a doctor’s recommendation is as good as any small print. A few weeks later I’m feeling weird. I can’t tolerate dairy products at all. I tell my husband I’m not just gluten free, I’m now going off dairy. He wonders what happened to the bread-and-cheese-eating booze hound he married. Now a sad sober woman eating her grief with salad. My brain feels fuzzy. My muscles feel weak. I feel nauseous. This strange sickness has settled on me. I feel poisoned. Then a thought pops into my failing brain. Maybe I’m taking too much vitamin D? I google it, and yes, I have vitamin D toxicity. Turns out you can’t just triple your dose. I would have known that if I had read the small print. Instead now I sit in the sun. Best way to get your D. Except for the cancer bit. I’m three times the size of a normal woman apparently, so do I sit in the sun three times as long?

ARIES: Mars in Leo, a fire planet in a fire sign, is dramatic, enthusiastic, passionate and combustible. It brings energy plus to Aries’ astro-zone of fun, romance and entertainment so enjoy it, but maybe think twice about being fearlessly frank when midweek moon is in yet another fire sign.

CANCER: Uranus reversing in your zodiac-zone of closure and healing offers support over the next five months to shed baggage and tie-up loose ends. And Venus backsliding in your pleasure-zone says no more wasting energy on things that are draining you. Let go so you can grow.

TAURUS: Uranus beginning its retrograde through your sector of security brings a stimulating mix of disruption and gamechanging ideas. Finances may fluctuate, exciting freelance opportunities might arrive. Use this five-month backspin for refining your cash strategies to meet the needs of the current economic situation.

LEO: While your warm personality and contagious enthusiasm shine at this week’s gatherings, conditions, as always, apply – the conditions are that Mars in your fixed and stubborn sign can spark drama queen behaviour and fiery clashes. Venus advises that channelling your most charming self is definitely in your majesty’s best interests.

GEMINI: With Uranus retrograde in Gemini everything is up for reinvention: especially how you communicate, learn and connect with the world. Maintain your playful spirit and as much goodwill as possible to build up a protective insurance policy against the inevitable surprises of Uranus retro in your sign.

VIRGO: This week’s stars advise combining your strengths and superpowers into a balanced blend. Most enjoyable pursuits are likely to be in tandem: collaborating and cooperating in partnerships and community groups. Someone you meet through a networking event could turn into a valuable team member.

22 The Byron Shire Echo October 14, 2026

MANDY

LIBRA: In your busy birthday season, if you’re feeling a bit scattered, Uranus retro in a fellow air sign could expose where your communication system might need a tweak. In which case keep makeovers simple, because with the current star scenario, overthinking could take you down a rabbit hole.

Small print is sneaky. Terms and conditions are in small print so small there isn’t a human alive who could read it. So you don’t read it. If you did, you wouldn’t buy the product. You wouldn’t sign on the dotted line. How is that even legal? I’d make a complaint, but I don’t actually know what I’m complaining about. In my perfect world – the one that facilitates transparency – 8-point font no longer exists. The smallest you can select is 14-point. That’s the world I want to live in. Big text for a big woman. Three times the size. ■ Mandy Nolan’s column has

appeared in The Echo for almost 25 years. She is a writer, comedian and artist, is the preselected Greens candidate for Ballina and was the Greens candidate at the past two federal elections. CAPRICORN: There’s more to life than work, work, work Capricorn, so instead of just relentlessly powering on through the endless to-do list, Mars says park a few tasks and take time out to enjoy some rewarding downtime – especially when the upcoming weekend’s moon in your sign favours quality over quantity.

SCORPIO: Retrogrades involve re- words, so if work-life balance seems uneven, you could use this week’s retro Venus in your sign to rectify this with a view towards more enjoyment. Retrogrades also revive the past, so someone you haven’t seen for a while might present in a new light.

AQUARIUS: Pluto turning direct in your progressive sign is an auspicious time to start putting your new ideas and plans into motion. But no rush: Pluto’s two-decade journey through Aquarius is just beginning its sweeping shifts in technology, social interaction and collective connection, with you at the leading edge.

SAGITTARIUS: It’s the annual astro-season for a beauty boost Archers, so where could your home, office, garden, wardrobe and/ or person do with a style upgrade? Start with a declutter here, a makeover there and by the end of the week if you like what you see, then repeat.

PISCES: Changemaker Uranus beginning its five-month hibernation in Pisces’ domestic sector is your cue to review your home spaces, both physical and emotional, and consider making adjustments to better suit changing needs. Is it time for a move, a reno, a declutter, an upgrade, or just better boundaries?

www.echo.net.au

ENTERTAINMENT Volume 41 #18 14–20 October, 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

Katchafire’s Revival 2.0 Katchafire team up with ARIA Award-winning Australian First Nations artist Emily Wurramara for their next Revival 2.0 Guest Edition single, collaborating on ‘Giddy Up’ – released on 4 September.

Nimbin Fringe Festival prioritising sustainability When the Nimbin Fringe Festival launches this October, sustainability won’t be an afterthought – it’ll be woven into every decision. From refillable drinking-water stations, booking local talent, solar-powered stages, and a comprehensive waste management system, the festival is embedding environmental responsibility into its core infrastructure – a smart move for a community that’s championed sustainability for five decades. Organisers say the festival is first and foremost for Nimbin. ‘We’re utilising our gorgeous existing venues, ensuring local businesses are involved and have a great and profitable weekend, while minimising our environmental and social impact.’ Perhaps most notable is the alllocal line-up. The Nimbin Fringe features an impressive list of 60-plus Northern Rivers artists. Drastically cutting the festival’s music ‘miles’ and keeping money circulating in the local economy – the organisers are passionate about showcasing

the epic talent we have right here. And with three times the number of applications that they could accept, it’s looking great for future events as well. The Youth Tent with its Silent Disco and Youth Battle of the Bands comp will be sun-powered thanks to the Sunflower Trailer from SCU. Rainbow Power Company will also be in hosting a solar-powered recharging station for festivalgoers. The ‘nimBIN Chickens’, a volunteerpowered project of the Sustainable Living Hub at 7 Sibley Street, will be helping to reduce waste for the event, providing recycling stations, filtered-water refills and a washingup station. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own reusable cups or purchase a nimBIN Chicken Keepkit at the ticket office. The annual Weave and Mend Gathering will be joining the Nimbin Fringe this year, embodying repair culture in the heart of town, a free-entry/by-donation event which will honour Beltane and the local weaving community.

35–43 JONSON ST BYRON BAY 6685 6454 THENORTHERN.COM.AU @thenorthernbyronbay www.echo.net.au

Emily Wurramara said she is so honoured to be a part of the album for Katchafire. ‘Their music has been a soundtrack for so many beautiful moments in my life, so to be covering a big song like ‘Giddy Up’ and pay respect to these legends is just so special.’ Low ticket prices, free children’s entry and companion tickets increase accessibility. With plenty of free activities and activated public spaces, Nimbin Fringe welcomes locals and visitors whose budgets may be tight but don’t want to miss out. The aim is to put the rainbow village on show and prove that ‘There’s so much more to Nimbin’. The Nimbin Fringe Festival runs from 30 October to 1 November. Weekend passes are $120, kids under 12 are free. Day passes available. Artists include: Hussy Hicks, Skyeater, Juman and the Soul Centrix, Human Dinosaur Machine, Hayley Grace and the Bay Collective, Shivam Rath, The Hoochers, Neil Junior, Leopard Zebra Tiger, Jimmy Willing and the Real Gone Hickups and an impressive comedy line up MCed by Marty Bright. With film, dance, poetry, theatre and so much more! For tickets and the line-up, check out nimbinfringe.com.au.

Katchafire are currently touring the US on their Revival World Tour with dates across California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Special guest Jordan T joins for the first week before the band supports J-Boog for a run of shows. After a quick trip to New Caledonia for the Guidance Festival, Katchafire will head to Australia for five weeks in October and November. Limited early-bird tickets for the Australian tour are on sale now. The forthcoming Revival 2.0 Guest Editionm album is out on 27 November. The Revival 2.0 Guest Edition album unites roots and reggae voices from across the globe, with more iconic collaborations to come before the album drops in November. Katchafire integrate vibrant reggae rhythms with Māori influences, producing a distinctive sound that has achieved international recognition. Over the past 25 years, the group has served as prominent advocates for Māori music and Pacific reggae, consistently releasing tracks that underscore themes of family, unity, and cultural pride. Their dedication is evident in both their impactful melodies and dynamic live performances, resulting in music that has received positive acclaim from audiences worldwide. You can catch them from 7pm on Sunday, 25 October at the Beach Hotel, Byron Bay. Tickets and info at beachhotel.com.au.

THUR 15 OCT

Dan Hannaford | DJ Quendo 9.15pm Duelling Piano Bar 8pm

FRI 16 OCT

Sam Buckley Trio 7pm | DJ Shluffy Duelling Piano Bar 8pm | Media Puzzle 8pm

SAT 17 OCT

Kane Muir Trio 7pm | NuFarrago 10.15pm Duelling Piano Bar 8pm | Byron DnB 9pm

SUN 18 OCT

Felicity Lawless 5pm | Vinyl Sundays ft. Reiflex 8.15pm Duelling Piano Bar 9pm

MON 19 OCT

Lachy Dwyer 6pm | DJ Renee Simone 9.15pm Duelling Piano Bar 9pm

TUES 20 OCT

Marshall Okell 6pm | Duelling Piano Bar 9pm

WED 21 OCT

Dan Hannaford 6pm | Duelling Piano Bar 9pm

October 14, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 23

EN TE

INTERVIEW

R TA IN M EN T

LETTING HORSES TAKE THE LEAD Guided by Horses is a film that follows Aboriginal Professor Juli Coffin and the young people of Yawardani Jan-ga (‘horses helping’ in Yawuru language), a groundbreaking Aboriginal-led equine-assisted learning program where horses, Country and culture come together in unexpected ways. For young people navigating the pressures of growing up, questions of identity and the effects of cultural disconnection, the horses offer something remarkably simple: a chance to be present, to be seen and, gradually, to see themselves differently. Seven spoke to Professor Coffin and Guided by Horses filmmaker Sean O’Reilly in the lead up to the Byron Bay Film Festival. What inspired this film? SEAN: My partner, Sophie, and I were looking for an Australian story involving animals – something emotional and uplifting. We heard Juli speak on a podcast, and her work seemed to bring all those elements together. We got in touch, talked, and gradually found our way into the project. JULI: The work has always felt visual to me. When people visit the block, they can see and feel what happens there. Film offered another way to share that experience. It also fits with how I think about telling stories – instead of reducing a young person’s progress to boxes on a form, we can show a fuller picture of their journey. What does the program offer young people?

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JULI: We work with horses through equineassisted learning. The horses help create a space where young people can be present and build relationships. The focus isn’t on labelling a young person or defining them by a problem. It’s about what’s happening that day and what the horses can offer. The program serves around 45 to 50 young people. We currently have four Aboriginal equineassisted learning practitioners, and we hope to grow to six next year. Building stability for the team matters – secure employment helps practitioners keep doing this work.

What role do the horses play in the film? JULI: We have eight horses, each with their own character. Elvis, for example, is a rescue horse who arrived unhandled. He can be very clear about boundaries. In the film, you see him ask Athena to communicate differently. Those early lessons help her develop a connection with another horse (Paris) later on. He’s kind, reflective and a favourite with the young people. What do you hope will be the audience take away? SEAN: We wanted the film to be welcoming even to people who aren’t especially interested in horses. It should be entertaining and feel cinematic, while also giving audiences a quiet moment to reconnect with nature. People have told us they feel immersed in the visuals, music and sound. JULI: I hope audiences leave with three things: hope, change and gratitude for the chance to witness the work. Aboriginal wounds do need Aboriginal medicine – we have our own ways of supporting young people and creating these spaces in culturally grounded programs. Young people have the capacity to change and become their best selves, but too often lack the support they need. I hope audiences look beyond negative statistics and see the possibility of healing, rebuilding and reaching potential. Sharing the program through the film is a gift, an opportunity to offer people insight into the work and its positive impact on brighter futures. For Juli, the film is an invitation to glimpse the program’s everyday work – and the possibilities that can grow when young people, practitioners and horses meet with patience, care and curiosity. Screening times for this and all other films can be found at bbff.com.au.

SESSION TIMES THURSDAY OCTOBER 15 TO WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 21

ALL FILMS

HADESTOWN: THE MUSICAL (G)

DIGGER (MA15+)

1:30PM, 3:15PM, 6:00PM, 8:30PM. Sat, Sun: 10:45AM, 1:30PM, 3:15PM, 6:00PM, 8:15PM

Daily: 9:45AM

6:30PM

8:30PM. Mon, Tues, Wed: 3:30PM, 8:30PM

FORGOTTEN ISLAND (PG)

PRESSURE (CTC)

HEART OF THE BEAST (M)

HEART OF THE BEAST (M)

THE THING (MA15+)

Mon: 6:30PM – Cult Vault

FAMILY FILMS COYOTE VS. ACME (PG)

Daily except Sat, Sun: 10:45AM. Sat, Sun: 10:30AM, 2:20PM

FORGOTTEN ISLAND (PG)

Thurs: 11:00AM, 3:30PM. Fri: 10:30AM, 2:20PM. Sat, Sun: 10:45AM, 12:45PM. Mon, Tues, Wed: 11:00AM Thurs, Sun, Mon, Tues: 10:45AM. Fri, Sat: 10:40AM

STITCH HEAD (PG)

Daily except Sat, Sun: 11:00AM

Daily except Sun: 12:30PM, 3:10PM, 5:45PM, 8:20PM. Sun: 12:45PM, 3:20PM, 5:50PM, 8:30PM

Thurs, Mon, Tues: 2:20PM, 4:30PM, (M) 8:45PM. Fri: 1:00PM. Sat, Sun: 10:40AM, THE ODYSSEY Daily: 11:00AM 8:30PM. Wed: 2:20PM, 4:30PM

JEBEDIAH: ARE WE OK? (M) NFT

Daily except Fri: 4:30PM. Fri: 5:00PM

LA BOLA NEGRA (MA15+) NFT

Thurs: 1:00PM, 3:20PM, 6:30PM. Fri: 1:00PM, 3:10PM, 7:00PM. Sat, Sun: 1:15PM, 4:20PM, 7:30PM. Mon, Tues, Wed: 1:00PM, 7:30PM

NAZA (M) NFT

Thurs: 1:20PM, 6:30PM. Fri: 3:10PM, 5:30PM. Sat: 1:00PM, 6:30PM. Sun: 1:00PM, 4:20PM, 6:30PM. Mon, Tues, Wed: 1:20PM, 3:10PM, 6:30PM

OTHER MOMMY

(MA15+)

Thurs: 1:20PM. Fri: 1:10PM, 5:00PM. Sun: 6:20PM. Mon, Tues, Wed: 1:10PM

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY (PG)

Thurs, Mon, Tues, Wed: 10:45AM, 1:30PM, 3:15PM, 6:00PM, 7:00PM. Fri: 10:45AM,

SCAN TO BOOK ONLINE

COYOTE VS. ACME (PG)

(CTC) NFT Thurs: 6:00PM. Sat, Sun: 3:00PM. Wed: Thurs: 8:00PM. Fri: 2:50PM. Sat: 8:20PM. Sun: STREET FIGHTER

Wed: 6:30PM – MC Preview

COMING SOON

BALLINA FAIR CINEMAS

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

SHAUN THE SHEEP: THE BEAST OF MOSSY BOTTOM (G)

24 The Byron Shire Echo October 14, 2026

JULI: The young people in the film were chosen thoughtfully, so the story could show a range of ages, genders and personalities. They were familiar with photos and video at the program, which helped make filming feel natural.

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How did you make sure filming didn’t disrupt the young people’s experience? SEAN: That was really important to Juli. We learned to observe rather than interfere. Much of the filming with the horses was done from a distance, and we placed microphones on the practitioners, not on the young people. We wanted the children to be able to focus on their time with the horses, not on the camera.

THE SOCIAL RECKONING (M)

Thurs, Mon: 10:50AM, 3:40PM, 8:45PM. Fri: 10:50AM, 4:30PM, 8:45PM. Sat: 10:40AM, 5:50PM. Sun: 10:40AM, 5:50PM, 8:45PM. Tues: 10:50AM, 3:40PM, 8:30PM. Wed: 10:50AM, 3:40PM

VERITY (MA15+)

Thurs, Mon: 10:50AM, 1:15PM, 8:30PM. Fri: 10:30AM, 12:45PM, 8:20PM. Sat, Sun: 10:50AM, 8:20PM. Tues: 10:50AM, 1:15PM, 8:20PM. Wed: 10:50AM, 1:15PM, 8:40PM

WHALEFALL (M) NFT

Thurs: 11:00AM, 1:15PM, 4:10PM, 6:15PM, 8:20PM. Fri: 10:30AM, 12:40PM, 4:00PM, 6:10PM. Sat: 11:00AM, 1:20PM, 3:40PM, 6:10PM. Sun: 11:00AM, 1:20PM, 3:40PM, 6:10PM, 8:20PM. Mon: 11:00AM, 1:15PM, 4:10PM, 6:20PM, 8:20PM. Tues: 11:00AM, 1:15PM, 4:10PM, 6:10PM. Wed: 11:00AM, 1:15PM, 4:10PM, 8:20PM

Daily: 9:45AM Daily: 4:40PM

OTHER MOMMY (MA15+)

Daily except Sun: 4:50PM

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY (PG) NFT Daily: 10:15AM, 1:00PM, 6:15PM

STREET FIGHTER (CTC) NFT Daily: 12:00PM, 3:40PM, 6:45PM

THE SOCIAL RECKONING (M) Daily: 2:30PM

VERITY (MA15+)

Daily: 2:15PM

WHALEFALL (M) NFT

Daily except Sun: 12:00PM, 6:50PM. Sun: 12:00PM, 7:10PM

FOR ALL BYRON BAY FF SESSIONS, PLEASE VISIT BBFF.COM.AU | FOR ALL ITALIAN BY POPS, PLEASE VISIT ITALIANFILMFESTIVAL.COM.AU | 6686 9600 BALLINA FAIR • 6680 8555 BYRON BAY

www.echo.net.au

ENTERTAINMENT

GIG GUIDE WEDNESDAY 14

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM MATTY DAY ■ PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL ■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM TIFFANY GRACE + DUELING PIANOS

Regional artists often travel to major cities for professional opportunities. Storytellers aims to create more of those opportunities locally, connecting artists with collaborators, mentors and producers. ‘It’s rare to be able to make work at this level in your own community,’ says director Heather Fairbairn, who spends much of the year working away from the Northern Rivers, and directed Byron Theatre Company’s 2026 production of Tirra Lirra by the River. Through Storytellers, Byron Theatre Company is opening its doors to local artists, creating a space where new Australian work can begin, develop and grow. Already, since applications opened, new conversations and collaborations have begun, bringing local theatremakers together and sparking possibilities for future work. Four creative teams will receive $800 and mentorship during a three-day Development Lab in January 2027. Up to two projects will progress to five-day residencies, receiving an additional $2,500 and an opportunity to share their work.

■ WILLIAMS STREET KITCHEN & BAR, LENNOX HEAD, 6PM LUKE BENNETT

■ BALLINA RSL 3PM THE DON LANE SHOW

■ ROCHDALE THEATRE, LISMORE 7.30PM A DOLL’S HOUSE

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 5PM HENRY WEST + CINNAMON SUN

‘Making that work made me realise that if we want to produce new theatre by artists from this region, we also need to support everything that happens before a production reaches the stage,’ says Bianca.

■ LENNOX HOTEL 4PM OLE FALCOR

■ LENNOX HOTEL 9PM CHECKERED PAST

THURSDAY 15

For creative producer Bianca Sirianni, Storytellers grew from her experience developing ‘Displace I Call Home’, produced at Byron Theatre in 2025.

■ LENNOX HOTEL 4PM DJ LONGTIME

■ CLUB LENNOX 7PM INO PIO

■ ELTHAM HOTEL 5PM IRISH FOLK JAM

Calling all Northern Rivers theatre-makers! Whether you’re an emerging or established artist, Byron Theatre Company wants to hear from you. Storytellers is a new, free development program supporting local artists to create original theatre.

■ HAVEN, BYRON BAY, 7PM JASON LEWIS, B2B & ROB SYDNEY

■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 7PM ALEX LLOYD

■ BRUNSWICK HEADS PICTURE HOUSE 2.30PM BBFF26 DEREK VS DEREK, 6PM BBFF26 SALT IN HER VEINS

■ MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 5.30PM BALCONY BEATS + KRAPPYOKEE WITH JESS, 7PM MATTY ROGERS

■ OTTILIES, MULLUMBIMBY, 6PM MONDO HUM JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Storytellers: making Space for New Theatre in the Northern Rivers

■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4.30PM THE FERAMONES

■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM GRINDSTONE RANCH COUNTRY MUSIC

■ THE PADDOCK PROJECT, MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM CURRY JAM

■ MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6PM PHIL & TILLEY

■ NORTH BYRON HOTEL 5.30PM OPEN MIC

■ THE CITADEL, MURWILLUMBAH, 7.30PM FELICITY URQUHART AND JOSH CUNNINGHAM

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM DAN HANNAFORD + DJ QUENDO + DUELING PIANOS

■ KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 5PM GREGG PETERSON + LUKE PAULEY

■ HAVEN, BYRON BAY, 7PM OPEN DECKS VINYL NIGHT

■ SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 5.30PM ANIMAL VENTURA, 6PM PHIL & TILLEY

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

■ SALT & STONE, FINGAL HEAD, 6PM STEPHEN LOVELIGHT

■ FOXY LUU’S @ COORABELL HALL 7.30PM LILA SWAIN QUARTET & BURLESQUE ■ SAINT MARIES, BRUNSWICK HEADS, 6PM MONDO HUM JAZZ ENSEMBLE ■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 6PM MADI GOODWIN ■ LISMORE CITY BOWLO 7PM THE SUPPER CLUB SOUL BAND ■ TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, 7.30PM (QLD) THE HIGH KINGS ■ BROADWATER HOTEL 5.30PM SWAMPMOSS

FRIDAY 16 ■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 5PM ANNA STANTON + PEKING DUK ■ BYRON THEATRE 7PM BYRON BALLET – THE NUTCRACKER

■ ELEMENTS OF BYRON 5PM GUY & NICCI ■ PALACE CINEMAS, BYRON BAY, 6.30PM BBFF2026 OPENING NIGHT & SCREENING – THE FOX

■ ROCHDALE THEATRE, LISMORE 7.30PM A DOLL’S HOUSE ■ HILLTOP HOTEL, GOONELLABAH, 9PM JON J BRADLEY ■ THE CITADEL, MURWILLUMBAH, 5.30PM THE PROPHET THEATRE PRODUCTION ■ MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB 6PM MERLIN ■ KINGSCLIFF BEACH BOWLS 5PM TIM STOKES ■ SALTBAR, KINGSCLIFF, 6PM MERLIN ■ SALT & STONE, FINGAL HEAD, 6PM ANIMAL VENTURA ■ CLUB TWEED 7.30PM DISCO VS ROCK

■ COOLANGATTA HOTEL 7.30PM THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT

■ SOUNDLOUNGE, CURRUMBIN, 7PM ALEX LLOYD

SUNDAY 18

■ CHINDERAH TAVERN 7.30PM LACHIE DWYER DUO

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 4.30PM GOODRICH

SATURDAY 17

■ BYRON THEATRE 5PM BYRON BALLET – THE NUTCRACKER

■ BYRON THEATRE 1.30PM & 7PM BYRON BALLET – THE NUTCRACKER ■ NORTH BYRON HOTEL 2PM HENRY WEST + SAMBAM

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 5PM FELICITY LAWLESS + VINYL SUNDAYS FT. REIFLEX + DUELING PIANOS ■ MULLUMBIMBY EX-SERVICES CLUB 3PM OPEN MIC WITH THE SWAMP CATS ■ BILLINUDGEL HOTEL 1PM HITCHHIKE THE DAWN ■ HOTEL BRUNSWICK 4PM KURILPA REACH

■ SHAWS BAY HOTEL, BALLINA, 3PM JB’S BLUES BREAKERS ■ ROCHDALE THEATRE, LISMORE 7.30PM A DOLL’S HOUSE ■ UKI MARKET 8AM MATTIE BARKER, JACKASHANDY, LOREN & SURYANI ■ SALT & STONE, FINGAL HEAD, 3PM BEN CAMDEN ■ CLUB TWEED 1PM DAVE GRAY + CORY HARGREAVES ■ TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, 7.30PM (QLD) GIPSY KINGS ■ BROADWATER HOTEL 4PM RPM

MONDAY 19 ■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM HARRY NICHOLS ■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM LACHY DWYER + DJ RENEE SIMONE + DUELING PIANOS

TUESDAY 20 ■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM HAYLEY GRACE ■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM MARSHALL O’KELL + DUELING PIANOS

WEDNESDAY 21 ■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 6PM ALBY DAMN ■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 6PM DAN HANNAFORD + DUELING PIANOS ■ THE PADDOCK PROJECT, MULLUMBIMBY, 4PM CURRY JAM ■ OTTILIES, MULLUMBIMBY, 6PM MONDO HUM JAZZ ENSEMBLE ■ ELTHAM HOTEL 7PM THE BURES BAND WITH STERLING DRAKE

■ MIDDLE PUB, MULLUMBIMBY, 3PM THE BILLY BONES IRISH SINGALONG, 6PM PIANO BAR WITH JOHN HILL ■ BILLINUDGEL HOTEL 6.30PM WET BANDITS

Rochdale Theatre Rochdale Theatre

Rochdale Theatre

A Doll’s A Doll’s A Doll’s House House House

By Henrik Ibsen Ibsen By Henrik Directed by Kylie Directed byFuad Kylie Fuad

9 - 24 October 2026

By Henrik Ibsen FRI, SAT, SUN, Directed by Kylie Fuad AND SOME THURSDAYS

BYRON BAY

‘Every classic play was once a new work,’ says Jane. Storytellers is about giving those first ideas the time, space and support to become something more.

www.echo.net.au

■ CHERRY STREET SPORTS CLUB, BALLINA, 8PM SUPERCHEEZE

■ TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, 7.30PM (QLD) IAN MOSS & TROY CASSAR-DALY

Mentors include producer Jane Fuller and awardwinning director Heather Fairbairn, alongside guest mentors tailored to each project.

Applications close Sunday, 1 November at 6pm. Storytellers is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW. Apply at www.byroncentre.com.au/programs/storytellers or contact producer@byroncentre.com.au.

■ SHAWS BAY HOTEL, BALLINA, 7PM DJ EAMESY

■ TWIN TOWNS, TWEED HEADS, 8PM (QLD) BLUES BROTHERS REVIEW

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM KANE MUIR TRIO + NUFARRAGO + DUELING PIANOS + BYRON DNB

■ NORTH BYRON HOTEL 5PM ERIN SHAY

■ CLUB LENNOX 7PM TURF WARS 2.0 + HAYLEY GRACE

■ CLUB TWEED 7.30PM BRIT BEAT MANIA

■ BEACH HOTEL, BYRON BAY, 3PM JOCK BARNES + ERIN SHAY DUO + MELL HALL + LILY STEEL

■ COOLANGATTA HOTEL 7.30PM SKUNKHOUR

e: gigs@echo.net.au w: echo.net.au/gig-guide. DEADLINE 5PM ON FRIDAYS

■ THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY, 7PM SAM BUCKLEY TRIO + DJ SHLUFFY + DUELING PIANOS + MEDIA PUZZLE

■ HOWL & MOAN, BYRON BAY, 7PM JOHNNY T WITH SMOKEY CAKE & KAPOWA

■ BANGALOW HOTEL 7PM OPEN MIC WITH SLIM PICKENS

IT’S FREE TO LIST YOUR GIGS IN THE GIG GUIDE

BYRON BAY BEACH HOTEL

SUN OCT 25 With special guest

TICKETS: $30 ADULT • $25 LTC AND CONS • $20 UNDER 25 9 -MEMBERS 24 October - 2026 Tickets www.trybooking.com/DKGXR (Fri, Sat, Sun, and some Thursdays)

(USA)

www.katchafireofficial.com October 14, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 25

Classifieds

North Coast news online

ECHO CLASSIFIEDS – 6684 1777 CLASSIFIED AD BOOKINGS

DEADLINE TUES 12PM

PHONE ADS

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

Ads may be taken by phone on 6684 1777

AT THE ECHO HEAD OFFICE Ads can be lodged in person at the Mullum Echo office:

Village Way, Stuart St, Mullumbimby

EMAIL ADS 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.

Advertisements placed in The Byron Shire Echo do not reflect the views or opinions of the editorial staff. The Byron Shire Echo does not make any representations as to the accuracy or suitability of any content or information contained in advertising material nor does publication constitute in any way an endorsement by The Byron Shire Echo of the content or representations contained therein. The Byron Shire Echo does not accept any liability for the representations or promises made in paid advertisements or for any loss or damage arising from reliance on such content, representations or promises.

PUBLIC NOTICES

SEEKING INFORMATION

about effectiveness or otherwise of FENBENDAZOLE treatment. Ask for Johannes 66847420

VOLUNTEER

for moments that matter Want to help your community, but can’t volunteer regularly? Train in Psychological First Aid with Australian Red Cross and support people during disaster recovery. Once training and checks are complete, you can volunteer locally when recovery centres open. *** Upcoming Training: Lismore 13 November 2026 Byron Bay 15 November 2026 Online options available *** Register your interest: nswrscg_project@redcross.org.au Phone: 0475 096 371

20TH DAY OF THE DEAD CEREMONY Free community Ceremony with Zenith Virago Fig Trees, Heritage Park Sunday 25 October 3pm – 5pm Bring mementos and a chair or blanket

LINE ADS: $17.00 for the first two lines $5 .00 for each extra line

$17 for two lines is the minimum charge.

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*** If you live in NEWRYBAR, LENNOX HEAD, BALLINA MAIN ARM, BILLINUDGEL, LISMORE but outside our current home delivery area, you can pick up an Echo from many locations. For example: LISMORE: Dragonfly Cafe NEWRYBAR: Newrybar Providore ***

Memorial

Spencer Jones 31/08 2026

Please join us to honour & celebrate Spen.

Prepayment is required for all ads.

WHERE TO GET THE ECHO

LIFE CELEBRATION

Saturday 17th of October, 2026 2pm, Ocean Shores Country Club

Peter ‘Video Pete’ Couldwell

Please carpool & be mindful of parking with elders having priority in main carpark

8/12/1946 – 2/10/2026

Graham Humphreys 16.03.1942 ~ 04.10.2026

Richies IGA Ballina, Ballina RSL, One Stop Shop Ballina, Ballina Golf Club East Ballina, Brighton St Takeaway near The Shawsy ***

Mullumbimby IGA; Mullumbimby Newsagent; Liberty and Carsburgs servos, Echo office stand. ***

BYRON BAY

Byron Bay Newsagent, Community Centre, supermarkets, cafes, servos etc *** ALSO:

FEDERAL Store MAIN ARM Store BILLINUDGEL Newsagent BILLINUDGEL General Store & Pub CRABBES CREEK Store NEW BRIGHTON Store OCEAN SHORES Country Club

In loving memory of Peter who passed away peacefully with his loved ones at his side. He is survived by his two children Nick and Greta and his five grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held at the Byron Bowling Club Sunday 18th October 2pm. Come and celebrate a much loved Byron Bay local and one-of-a-kind character.

HEALTH

TREE SERVICES

HAWAIIAN MASSAGE Ocean Shores, Michaela, 0416332886

LEAF IT TO US - Tree Care Specialists Local, qualified, insured, free quotes. Big to small we enjoy it all 0402487213

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

SPRING GALA ROARING 20s’ 6pm 24 October

Mindfulness @ Work

Lismore Workers Club

Bring greater focus, clarity and calm into your workplace.

Volunteers and sponsors needed – email Jill online@wunh.org.au www.wunh.org.au

Certified Mindfulness Educator Paul Bibby 0401 926 090

TRADEWORK PROBLEMS WITH ALCOHOL...? ...THERE IS HELP TUESDAY NIGHTS 6:00PM 73 BYRON ST, BANGALOW CONTACT: 0401 945 671

Septic Waste Removal

Summerland Environmental

The Liquid Waste Specialists! • Septic tank cleaning • Grease trap servicing • Oily Liquids • Portable toilet hire • 24 hour service

6687 2880

26 The Byron Shire Echo October 14, 2026

Ph Kelvin 0400349027

WANTED

LP RECORDS: good condition, no op shop crap! Matt 0401955052

LENNOX HEAD

MULLUMBIMBY

CHEAP PAINT TREE FERNS Any shape, size. Royalties paid. Ongoing supply needed. 0414904396

BALLINA

IGA Lennox Head, Seagrass Lennox, Lennox pub drive-through, Station St Grocer Lennox, Epiq Marketplace Hutley Dr Lennox ***

FOR SALE

A celebration of Graham’s life will be held at Byron Bay Services Club on Saturday, 17 October 2026, commencing at 10.30am. Family and friends are welcome to share our day. Guardian Funerals Ballina 02 6686 7036

DEATH NOTICES

STEPHEN WESLEY THURSTON 11.11.1949 to 10.10.2026

TO LEASE

THERAPY ROOM HIRE LISMORE Professional, thoughtfully designed consulting rooms available for psychologists, counsellors and allied health practitioners in Lismore CBD. Affordable daily or weekly rates with flexible hire options. Website: ritualpsychology.com.au/ rooms or email hello@ritualpsychology.com.au

BYRON IND. UNIT. Prime corner position 100sqm incl mezzanine. Ph 0414857890 STUDIO WITH AMENITIES Upstairs, Billinudgel $402pw Ph Lifestyle Group 66851206

VOLUNTEERS WANTED 20 years local experience • 19 inch chipper • Stump grinding • Cherry picker • Crane truck • Bob Cat

Fully insured • Free quotes

0427 347 380

FUNERAL NOTICES

Eileen Lillian Pearson 12 th January 1940 – 9 th October 2026

Eileen passed away peacefully at Tweed Valley Hospital. Much loved wife of Ray (dec). Loving mother of Lynn & Robert, Jenny & Greg, Sharron & Peter, grandmother and great grandmother. Family and friends are warmly invited to celebrate Eileen’s life at Mullumbimby Cemetery at 10am on Monday 19th October. Brunswick Valley FUNERALS 6684 6232

‘SWT’ has slipped away from us, quietly, peacefully. Woodworker, luthier and antiques restorer, he was a fine craftsman who also loved contemporary jazz and great cooking. A recluse with a gentle soul, he will be missed by family, friends and fellow artisans.

GARAGE SALE

Tip Runs & Rubbish Removal 0408 210 772

NOW RECRUITING Volunteer with Marine Rescue Cape Byron and help save lives on the water Find out more: mrnsw.com.au/join

Lions Club of Brunswick / Mullumbimby Inc ‘Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things’ Meeting at the Ocean Shores Country Club 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month – 5.30 for 6pm. brunswickmullumbimby. nsw@lions.org.au 0400 484 419

www.echo.net.au

Classifieds / Community at Work RIVER KAYAK TOUR GUIDE

Brunswick River. Must have: CPR/First Aid Cert and Current WWC. Desirable: previous experience in tour guiding, outdoor ed. Casual position. Long-term locals preferred, no travellers please. Email: info@goseakayak.com.au LADIES WANTED, MUST BE 18+ Work available in busy adult parlour. Travellers welcome. 66816038 for details.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

CAN YOU SPARE 3 HOURS ONCE A WEEK OR ONCE A MONTH? Every minute of your time helps towards re-homing dogs, desexing dogs, and helping people in desperate situations with housing and difficult home lives. Please call Astro (shop manager) at 0492 861 905 or visit the shop to chat about helping us to help dogs in need

TAXI DRIVERS WANTED Flexible work hours – perfect 2nd income Email operations@byronbaytaxis.com

www.byrondogrescue.org

TUITION

Experienced Professional Tutor • Photoshop • Indesign • Illustrator

contact@thinkblinkdesign.com www.thinkblinkdesign.com

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

Indy is a 2.5 year old, Kelpie X. He will thrive with a family who can give him plenty of enrichment, activity and mental stimulation. In return, Indy will give you loyalty and affection. M/C # 953010006822158 Location: Animal Rehoming Facility Contact Yvette on 0421 831 128. Interested? Please complete our online adoption expression of interest https://friendsofthepound.com/adoptionexpression-of-interest/ Visit friendsofthepound.com to view other dogs and cats looking for a home.

ABN 83 126 970 338

Need proper erotic relaxation? TANTRIC MASSAGE Men, Women, Couples. Ph 0480779325 couplesempowerment.global

Misty is a smaller-sized, 16-month-old Staffy Cross: smart, cuddly and super affectionate. She loves chilling with her humans and is toilet trained. This lovely girl is ready to find her forever home! Best suited as an only pet, Misty needs a patient, committed owner to continue her training and build her confidence. She enjoys a snooze after walks and doesn’t suffer separation anxiety, offering love, affection and companionship in return. Rehoming Number #R251 00 00 60

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

BIRTHDAYS

Mushy

BALLINA EXCLUSIVE 34 Piper Dr. Open 7 days 10am till late. In & Out Calls. 66816038. Ladies wanted Find us on Facebook and Twitter! KRYSTAL ADULT SHOP Large variety of toys and lingerie 6/6 Tasman Way, A&I Est, Byron Bay 0416 899 048

Exclusive Exquisite Intelligent Erotica Private experience Not cheap, not for the faint-hearted enquire.venusinfurs@gmail.com

SOCIAL ESCORTS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLI!

PETS

Darling Mushy has been with us far too long now, through no fault of his own! His foster carers loved him, but could no longer keep him due to circumstances, so he’s back in the shelter. Although dearly loved by our volunteers, he is getting quite depressed :-( He’s so lovely, affectionate and easy going, and originally came from a family with kids and cats. Very ready to finally find a loving forever home! Microchip 900079000405478. D.O.B 22/7/19. See me on our socials! To make an appointment 0403 533 589 • Billinudgel petsforlifeanimalshelter.net

PET SITTER AVAILABLE Kind, confident animal carer available for your four-legged fur baby. References available. Call Pawla on 0415340744

Like us on Facebook!

AWL NSW Rehoming Organisation Number: R251000222

www.echo.net.au

Are you a senior looking to build confidence with technology? Whether you want to learn how to use your smartphone, send emails, access online services, video call family and friends, or stay safe online, we’re here to help. Don’t let technology hold you back. Gain confidence, learn new skills, and stay connected with family, friends, and your community. Phone Mullumbimby Library on 6684 2992 to enquire about our free 40-minute sessions each Wednesday morning and Friday afternoon until the end of the year.

GCAT The Green and Clean Awareness Team’s monthly Dunecare Day is on Sunday, 18 October from 8am to 11am. Meet in front of the Beach Cafe at Clarkes Beach. We plant in the sand dunes from Clarkes Beach to Main Beach. From 11am, enjoy a delicious free BBQ and be in the draw to win one of four excellent prizes. It’s good fun. Inquiries to Veda 6685 7991 or Peter 0488 715 565.

Musicland Join local author Tricia Shantz at Byron Bay Library on Thursday, 29

SUN, MOON & TIDES

– TIMES FOR NEXT 2 WEEKS DATE DAY, SUN MOON HIGH Oct MOON RISE / RISE / TIDES, PHASE SET SET height (m)

LOW TIDES, height (m)

6:10 7:56 11:22 1.57 04:25 0.25 14 W 18:53 22:24 23:14 1.10 17:45 0.43 6:09 8:40 11:59 1.52 04:55 0.32 15 TH 18:54 23:20 23:51 1.02 18:32 0.49

16 F

6:08 18:54

9:29

12:41 1.46

05:28 0.39 19:28 0.54

6:07 10:21 00:36 0.94 06:10 0.48 17 SA 18:55 0:12 13:30 1.39 20:34 0.57 6:06 11:17 01:38 0.89 07:09 0.55 18 SU 18:56 0:59 14:34 1.34 21:47 0.56 6:05 12:13 03:11 0.89 08:31 0.60 19 M 18:56 1:41 15:46 1.33 22:51 0.52

20 TU

6:04 13:11 04:36 0.95 09:56 0.59 18:57 2:18 16:51 1.36 23:41 0.45

6:03 14:08 05:35 1.06 11:05 0.53 21 W 18:58 2:52 17:45 1.40 6:02 15:05 06:22 1.18 00:20 0.37 22 TH 18:58 3:23 18:31 1.45 12:01 0.46

23 F

6:01 16:03 07:04 1.31 00:53 0.28 18:59 3:53 19:13 1.47 12:51 0.39

6:00 17:03 07:45 1.45 01:25 0.20 24 SA 19:00 4:23 19:53 1.47 13:38 0.32 5:59 18:06 08:26 1.57 01:57 0.14 25 SU 19:00 4:55 20:32 1.44 14:25 0.27 5:58 19:12 09:08 1.68 02:30 0.09 26 M 19:01 5:29 21:13 1.38 15:13 0.24 5:57 20:22 09:51 1.76 03:05 0.08 27 TU 19:02 6:09 21:56 1.30 16:02 0.23 5:56 21:33 10:36 1.79 03:43 0.10 28 W 19:02 6:56 22:42 1.21 16:57 0.26

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Adopt a Rooster.

Kedi is a sweet girl who can’t decide if she loves or hates being shown affection. She can give little hisses whilst being petted yet she keeps coming back for more love! She has the cutest little legs which just adds to her overall quirkiness. To meet Kedi & our other cats & kittens, please visit the Cat Adoption Centre at 124 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby. OPEN: Tues 2.30-4.30pm Thurs 3-5pm Sat 10am-12 noon. Call AWL 0436 845 542

LOTS OF GORGEOUS LADIES available for your pleasure nearby. Spoil yourself. In-house & outcalls. 7 days. 0266816038.

Free Tech Lessons for seniors

Data sourced from Bureau of Meteorology. Times adjusted for Daylight Savings when applicable.

Who gives a Cluck?

Billy was rescued in early August, with 2 other rooboys in the Northern Rivers area. He’s a medium sized boy, bigger than an ISA Brown hen. Very friendly. Lovely boy. Temperament & Health Checked

whogivesacluck.org/shop/ roosters-to-adopt/ whogivesacluck.org @whogivesacluck

Local news matters Who else is going to tell you what happened down the road, congratulate your neighbour, expose the council potholes, and occasionally embarrass your mate? Support your local paper

Amitayus Home Hospice Service

DEADLINE NOON FRIDAY

ONLY ADULTS

MISTY

Adobe Tutoring

On The Horizon

Byron Dog Rescue (CAWI)

INDY

POSITIONS VACANT

AMBULANCE, FIRE, POLICE .............................................000

AMBULANCE Mullumbimby & Byron Bay ................................131 233 POLICE Brunswick Heads .......................................................... 6629 7510 Mullumbimby ................................................................ 6629 7570 Byron Bay ......................................................................... 6685 9499 Bangalow ......................................................................... 6629 7500 STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE Storm & tempest damage, flooding...132 500 BRUNSWICK VALLEY RESCUE Primary rescue........................... 6685 1999 BRUNSWICK MARINE RADIO TOWER.................................... 6685 0148 BYRON CENTRAL HOSPITAL...................................................... 6639 9400 BYRON COUNCIL: EMERGENCY AFTER HOURS ............. 6622 7022 NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE (Mullumbimby) ........................... 6684 1286 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 24 hour crisis line.................................1800 656 463 LIFELINE ...................................................................................................131 114 MENSLINE ....................................................................................1300 789 978 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS 24 hours .................................1800 423 431 AL-ANON Help for family and friends of alcoholics .......................1300 252 666 NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS Meets daily ...................................... 6680 7280 NORTHERN RIVERS GAMBLING SERVICE............................ 6687 2520 HIV/AIDS – ACON Confidential testing & information ..................... 6622 1555 ANIMAL RESCUE (DOGS & CATS) ............................................ 6622 1881 NORTHERN RIVERS WILDLIFE CARERS.............................. 6628 1866 KOALA HOTLINE ............................................................................. 6622 1233 WIRES – NSW Wildlife Information & Rescue Service... 6628 1898

October at 3pm talking about her latest book Musicland: When the Music Came to Byron 1970–1990. Tricia will chat about her new book and share stories from this incredible time. Light refreshments will be served. Bookings essential 6685 8540 or rtrl. nsw.gov.au.

Byron Book Fair Friends of Libraries (FOL) are now collecting books for next year’s Book Fair from 9am to 10am Tasman Way, Byron Arts & Industry Estate. Books will need to be in very good, clean, and dust-free condition. Books of all genres greatly accepted. Book drop– off will take place the first Monday in November and December and next year, excluding January 2027, each month on the first Monday same place until the Book Fair. On arrival a FOL member will be at the gate to collect books. Enquires contact Monique: 0414 811 323.

Outrigger Canoe Club F​ REE Come ‘n Try sessions at the Northern Rivers Outrigger Canoe Club on Sundays, 18 and 25 October at ‘Dog Beach’ Ballina, Missingham Park between 9am and 11am. No experience needed. Fully supported by accredited outrigger coaches and club members. Email: asecretarynrocc@gmail.com.

Drill Hall Film Society Our next screening of The Petrified Forest (1936), with Humphrey Bogart, is on Wednesday, 21 October at The Drill Hall Theatre in Mullumbimby. Membership is now due and can be paid at the door and guests are always welcome. Refreshments are available before the film when doors open at 6.30pm. All enquiries and bookings to: drillhallfilms@gmail.com

For over 30 years, Amitayus Home Hospice Service has provided free support and non-medical assistance to people who are palliative, at the end of their lives, or are living with life-limiting conditions to remain at home as long as possible. We offer respite to primary carers and families free of charge. We aim to uphold and enhance people’s independence and freedom of choice in challenging circumstances. We are a non-sectarian, not-for-profit organisation serving the Byron Shire and surrounds. Find out more at: www.amitayus.org.au, email: info@ amitayus.org.au, or phone: 0468 483 857.

Seniors Cards You are most welcome to join our friendly 500 Card Group. We play at a convenient local venue in Byron Bay. Enquiries text Nancy 0498 480 373.

Bruns U3A Lifelong learning for retired folk in their 3rd age. Our interest groups are Tuesday Forum, garden group, foodies, movie and lunch group, men’s shed, French revisited, Scottish folk dance, mahjong, walker’s and talkers, Shabashi. Table tennis (needs new players, ring Jane 0403 170 315), chess, debating group, ukelele. For info Denise 0423 778 573 or info@bvu3a.org.

SES Ballina Three iconic local bands Fossil Rock, Kitchen Table Band, and the One 2 Many Band are all re-forming for this one-off mega fundraising concert for the Ballina SES at Cherry Street Sports Club, Ballina on Saturday, 14 November. All 18 band musicians donating their time and effort for free. Tickets $10 at: www. trybooking. com/DOOTJ and all proceeds from the concert will go directly to SES Ballina unit.

The Echo’s Market Guide Find it online: www.echo.net.au/market-guide

MONTHLY MARKETS:

Brunswick Heads Markets – 8am–2pm Byron Community Market – 8am–3pm Pottsville Beach Markets – 7am–1pm 2nd SUN: The Channon Craft Market – 9am–3pm Chillingham Markets – 8am–1pm Coolangatta Arts & Craft Markets – 8am–2pm Tabulam Community Market – 9am–1pm 3rd SAT: Mullumbimby Community Market – 8am–2pm Murwillumbah Makers & Finders Market – 9am–2pm Salt Beach Markets, South Kingscliff/Casuarina – 8am–1pm 3rd SUN: Federal Village Market – 8am–2pm Uki Buttery Bazaar Market – 8am–2pm Pottsville Beach Markets – 7am–1pm Lismore City Bowlo Markets – 9am–1pm 3rd SUN (Dec & Jan): Byron Community Market – 8am–3pm 4th SAT: Kyogle Bazaar – 9am–2pm Last SAT: Evans Head Rotary Market – 8am–1pm 4th SUN: Bangalow Market – 8am–2.30pm Nimbin Markets – 9am–3pm Murwillumbah Showground Market – 8am–1pm 4th SUN (in a 5-Sunday month): Coolangatta Arts & Crafts – 8am–2pm 5th SUN: Nimbin Markets – 8.30am–3pm 1st SAT: 1st SUN:

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 The Echo updates this guide regularly, however sometimes markets change their routine without letting us know. Please get in touch if you want to advise us of a change.

October 14, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 27

Service Directory

North Coast news online

BUILDING TRADES

ECHO SERVICE DIRECTORY RATES, PAYMENT & DEADLINE

• DEPT OF FAIR TRADING: A licence is required for all residential building work where the reasonable market cost of the work to be done (labour and materials) exceeds $5000 (including GST).

Deadline: For additions and changes is 12pm Friday Line ads: $99 for 3 months or $340 for 1 year prepaid Display ads: $70 per week for colour display ad. Minimum 8 week booking 4 weeks prepaid. Please supply display ads 85mm wide, 38mm high. New ads will be placed at end of section. Contact: 6684 1777 or adcopy@echo.net.au

B&B Timbers 66867911

110 Teven Road, Ballina New logo - Same quality & service Structural – Landscaping Fencing – Composite Decking Hardwood – Pine – Hardware

COASTAL RESTORATIO

sales@bbtimbers.com.au

www.bbtimbers.com.au

MOULD KEEPS COMING BACK COASTAL RESTORATION COASTAL RESTORATION COASTAL RESTORATION COASTAL RESTORATION The problem may be underneath your h MOULD KEEPS COMING BACK? COOLMAN AIR CONDITIONING 36+ years exp. Lic 178464C AU30147.......................0422 291433 MOULD KEEPS COMING BACK? MOULD KEEPS BACK? ARTISAN AIR Airconditioning and refrigeration. ...............................................................66809394 Moisture &your Mould inspection MOULD KEEPS COMING COMING BACK? - $299 The problem be underneath home Themay problem may be underneath your home www.echo.net.au/service-directory

SERVICE DIRECTORY INDEX

Cinzel home The The problem problem may may be be underneath underneath your your home Moisture & Mould inspection -inspection $299 Decorative Cinzel Moisture & Mould $299 Cinzel Mould Moisture inspection Cinzel Moisture & & Mould inspection -- $299 $299

SKIP AIR: Airconditioning installation, servicing, repairs. Free quotes. 5-star rated......0406 485187

Accountants & Bookkeepers.28 Handypersons..................... 29 Acupuncture....................... 28 Health................................ 29 Air Conditioning & Hypnotherapy..................... 29 Refrigeration...................... 28 Landscaping ....................... 29 Architects........................... 28 Painting.............................. 29 Automotive......................... 28 Pest Control........................ 29 Bicycle Repair..................... 28 Photography....................... 29 Blinds, Awnings, Curtains, Shutters.............................. 28 Physiotherapy..................... 29 Bricklaying.......................... 28 Picture Framing.................. 29 Building Trades................... 28 Plastering........................... 29 Bush Regeneration & Plumbers............................ 30 Weed Control...................... 28 Removalists........................ 30 Carpentry & Joinery............ 28 Roofing............................... 30 Cleaning............................. 28 Rubbish Removal................ 30 Computer Services.............. 29 Concreting & Paving............ 29 Self Storage........................ 30 Curtains.............................. 29 Solar Installation................ 30 Decks, Patios & Extensions... 29 Television Services.............. 30 Design & Drafting............... 29 Tiling.................................. 30 Driveway Maintenance........ 29 Tree Services....................... 30 Earthmoving & Excavation.. 29 Transportation Services....... 30 Electricians......................... 29 Upholstery.......................... 30 Fencing............................... 29 Valuers............................... 30 Floor Sanding & Polishing... 29 Veterinary Surgeons............ 30 Garden & Property Water Filters....................... 30 Maintenance....................... 29 Welding.............................. 30 Gas Fitters, Suppliers & Servicing............................ 29 Window Cleaning & Repairs.30 Guttering............................ 29 Window Tinting.................. 30

ACCOUNTANTS & BOOKKEEPERS BOOKKEEPER Reg BAS provider, payroll, A/P, A/R. Xero & MYOB. Local, reliable..........0410 206627 LOCAL BLOOMING BOOKKEEPING and BAS Agent................................................... Ph Leah 0434 121077

ARCHITECTS

OCEANARC ARCHITECTS Reg. 6042 www.oceanarc.com.au..........................................0412 251392

0404 184 079

Cinzel coastalrestoration.au Cinzel 0404Decorative 184 079 Cinzel Cinzel Decorative 0404 184 079 Cinzel Decorative 0404 184 079 Cinzel Decorative 0404 184 079 coastalrestoration.au

coastalrestoration.au BUILDER – JOHN MCGAURAN Personalised Service. 20 yrs exp. Lic 170208C........... 0415 793242 coastalrestoration.au coastalrestoration.au HAVEN BUILDING All aspects of building. Lic 326616C................................................0432 565060

AUTOMOTIVE

WE PAY FOR

CARPENTER / JOINER 30 years experience. Prompt efficient service. Fully insured. Other licensed trades avail, incl plastering/painting etc. 24/7 Emergency 4WD call-out avail. Lic 43794C.........0423 500693

UNWANTED CARS

BUILDER very exp. All aspects: comm/residential + bthrm/ktchn renos Lic348357c.......0483 279644

$50–$1500

BUILDER Asher Landini All aspects: building, renovations, extensions Lic498385c...........0488 150778

DAN MULLUM - Building work/repairs under $5k.................................................0410 284550 6684 5296 TRADIE VIDLER BUILT decks, extensions, bathrooms, kitchens, timber fencing Lic 304237c .......0413 502281

Free metal drop off Locally owned

BUSH REGENERATION & WEED CONTROL

ABSOLUTELY FREE CAR BODY REMOVAL

reforestnow.org.au

CASH ON THE SPOT GUARANTEE

Bush Regen Tree Planting Native Forest Nursery Weed Management

$50 – $1000

WE BUY UNWANTED CARS, UTES & VANS

PHONE 0466 113 333 24/7

0461 164 911 enquiry@reforestnow.org.au

EMAIL: enquires@adrians.com.au

BICYCLE REPAIR

CARPENTRY & JOINERY

MOBILE BICYCLE REPAIRS & servicing. All bikes/e-bikes: twowheelstoday.com........0474 148450

ALL CARPENTRY Doors & stairs, all repairs. Reliable. 20 years exp...............................0437 202050

BLINDS, AWNINGS, CURTAINS, SHUTTERS

BYRON BAY CARPENTRY & CONSTR. Decks, kitchen, bath, laundry. Lic 337421c........0432 549082

CLEANING LOCAL

SHOWCASE DEALER SHOWROOM

SUNSCREENSServices List

Locally owned and Operated (Low Pressure Softwashing) Residential and Commercial BLINDS SHUTTERS AWNINGS CURTAINS Houses, Gutters, Roofs, Awnings, No job too big or small Solar panels, Retaining walls Obligation free quote LOCAL SHOWCASE DEALER SHOWROOM SUNSCREENS Driveways, Paths, Pavers, Fully insured LOCAL SHOWCASE DEALER SHOWROOM SUNSCREENS Fences, Decks, Patios, CURTAINS SHOWCASE DEALER SHOWROOM CURTAINS 1/84 Centennial Circuit Byron Bay AQUA PRESSURE CLEANING Pool areas. 1/84 Centennial Circuit Byron Bay SUNSCREENS LOCAL

SHOWCASE DEALER SHOWROOM

SUNSCREENS

80 8862 66668 0 8862

LOCAL

SHOWCASE DEALER SHOWROOM

1/84 Centennial Circuit Byron Bay

FREE MEASURE QUOTE

6680 8862

mpSlU etR eE raQ ng fE FoRnEoEurMcEoA UeOoT interior & exterior on F oR urEcM ompletR e rQ an g e of wiE ndowEtArSeU atmEen tUsOTE

SUNSCREENS PLANTATION SHUTTERS

CURTAINS

0426 119 550 info@nraquapressurecleaning.com.au

ABN: 47576013867

PLANTATION SHUTTERSHOT WATER

CURTAINS PRESSURE CLEANING

PLANTATION SHUTTERS 1/84 Centennial Circuit Byron Bay

in rm&pleex terr iogr o n toeur rio co te an e of SPECIALISTS IN HOME AUTOMATION in toew riotr & et xm tByron ee rn iotrsBay w i n d r e a 1/84 Centennial Circuit 1/84 Centennial Circuit Byron Bay www.blinddesignbyronbay.com.au window treatments

6 6 860 8AWNINGS 862 6 6 8 0 8 8 2 6680 8862 SPECIALISTS IN HOME AUTOMATION SPECIALISTS IN HOM E AUTOM ATION

0431 409 045 • margraf.com.au

ACUPUNCTURE

CURTAINS CURTAINS AWNINGS ROLL BLINDS AWNINGS

www.blinddesignbyronbay.com.au www.blinddesignbyronbay.com.au BLINDSBLINDS ROLL ROOF CLEANING & PAINTING • DECK RESTORATION ATS UOTEROLL FREE MF ER ASE UE REM QE UO EURE QPLANTATION SHUTTERS PLANTATION SHUTTERS interior & exterior

Commercial Residential. Measure................0480 304 755 ienn tm ee rorito r & eFree xtQuote er&io r on our Zipscreen, compRoman edtBlinds. wlin oe wr tra atg eno sf ACUPUNCTURE CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE M Collis..............................................0490 022183 w n dBRICKLAYING ow treatments interiorSPECIALISTS & extINeHOME riio r AUTOMATION

45 Manns Road, Mullumbimby Lic: 299433C ARC: AU40492

Call or scan today

0455 573 554 FCRTEAM.AU

AWNINGS

www.blinddesignbyronbay.com.au window treatmSPECIALISTS ents ROLL AWNINGS BLINDS 5.0 Google reviews IN HOM E AUTOM ATION www.blinddesignbyronbay.com.au SPECIALISTS IN HOM E AUTOM ATION AWNINGS ROLL BLINDS Mould inspections · Cleaning · Remediation www.blinddesignbyronbay.com.au – Sales – Installation – Repairs

AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION Mullumbimby Refrigeration & Airconditioning Services

Fr quote

n BLINDS ouU rR co oE mpo lQ e tU erIndoor r an eOutdoor o LUXURY BYRON BAY Blinds, Manual, n u c og&m pflet e rMotorised ang eor o f Shade Awnings, FREE M EoA S O T E PLANTATION SHUTTERS

– All Commercial Refrigeration – Residential & Commercial Airconditioning – Coolroom Design & Construction – Freezer Rooms

6684 2783

28 The Byron Shire Echo October 14, 2026

WALLFIX

REMEDIAL ROLL BLINDS Locally owned · Northern Rivers

• 20 years’ experience in lintel replacement • Crack stitching installation • Repointing • Retaining walls and all damaged brickwork Call: 0403 141 760 • Email: wallfixremedial@gmail.com www.wallfixremedial.com.au Servicing the Northern Rivers Lic no. 292267C Master Builder No. 3029326

0419 964 797

unmould.com.au

BETTY’S CLEANING & HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES............................................... Text 0476 984649

BRICK/BLOCK LAYING Contractors. Lic 291958C. Phone Mark.........................................0409 444268 CLEAN AND GREEN BYRON residential cleaning. All areas.................................... 0494 823880

www.echo.net.au

Service Directory COMPUTER SERVICES

ELECTRICIANS

HEALTH ACUPUNCTURE & COSMETIC MEDICINE Dr Adam Osborne............................................66857366

One-on-one, patient, experienced teacher offering digital support for seniors needing help with phones, laptops and computers.

AYURVEDA, NATUROPATH, Herbs, Jacinta McEwen – Om Healing...............................0422 387370 MASSAGE THERAPIST Sports, remedial, Swedish, relaxation. ................Contact Mark 0448 441194

0439 624 945 AH 02 6680 4173

Phone or email: 0420 235 624 contact@thinkblinkdesign.com

DOMESTIC ALL JOBS: SMALL COMMERCIAL OR LARGE 24 HOUR SERVICE Lic: 154293c

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE Jonathan Flantz. Mullumbimby. ...........................................0400 677672

HYPNOTHERAPY MOONLIGHT HYPNOTHERAPY QHHT, RTT for clarity, healing, insight, purpose. Teresa.0422 179941

LANDSCAPING

THE COMPUTER THERAPIST home callouts, repairs, Wi-Fi, printers, new PC setup......0422 697586

CONCRETING & PAVING

SALISBURY

Swim Ponds, Landscaping, Water Features, Earth Moving

CONCRETING Over 30 yrs’ local experience. All forms of concreting. Residential • Civil • Industrial

Lic.136717c

DARYL 0418 234 302

0448 401 638

SHAKA CONCRETING Driveways, sheds, slabs, p/ways, patios. Insured & Lic#391742C.....0402 728207

JP ELECTRICAL All electrical. Level 2 ASP. Solar, data, TV, TV Antennas. Lic 133082C.....0432 289705 BEN FORSYTH, Electrician. Lic:240691C. Ocean Shores & surrounds. No job too small....0422 136408 JIM LABELLE ELECTRICAL O.Shores, Mullum, Byron, Bruns. Lic 176417C........................0415 126028

FENCING EDL FENCING Installations & repairs. Prompt service. ...................................................0432 107262

CURTAINS

FLOW FENCING Pool fencing, timber/colourbond, local, professional and reliable........0416 424256

QUALITY CUSTOM MADE Curtains and Soft Furnishings. ............................Call Michelle 0412 771872 TOM’S FARM MAINTENANCE Fencing, orchards, cattle work. Experienced & reliable..0412 860132

FLOOR SANDING & POLISHING

DECKS, PATIOS & EXTENSIONS

ROCKWALL CREATIONS • BUSH ROCK RETAINING WALLS • STEPS • EARTHWORKS • LICENSED & INSURED Lic #059505C Designed and built by Roland Otte (Rolly)

FREE QUOTES 0408 860 543

www.rockwallcreations.com.au

LEMONTREELANDSCAPES.COM.AU Liam. Lic 277154C...............................................0423 700853

DECK REFINISHING EVANS HEAD Customer satisfaction guaranteed..........................0413 786879 THE FLOOR SANDER New & old floors, decks, non-toxic finishes, special effects, free quotes..0407 821690 FCR DECK SANDING, OILING Local, 12 years exp. 190x5-star reviews. Free quotes ... 0419 789600

STEEP SITE SPECIALIST

PAINTING

GARDEN & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

DESIGN & DRAFTING MIRO HALFORD BUILDING DESIGN mirohalforddesign.com.......................................0402 613638 HOLM.STUDIO architectural drafting & planning services. holmstudio.com.au...........0488 216555

Professional Painter/Decorator •30+ Years Experience •Interior & Exterior •Reasonable Prices

DRIVEWAY MAINTENANCE oast Asph alt st C Ea

admin@ecasphalt.com.au

ALL ASPECTS OF ASPHALT & BITUMEN SERVICES

6677 1859

SERVICING THE EAST COAST OF THE NSW NORTHERN RIVERS Burringbar

0451 298 363

HOUSEHOLD PAINTING inside/out. Northern Rivers - 10 years exp..............................0488 278220 MULLUM.MOWING@gmail.com. Ride-on, large lawns & acreage. Ph Peter.................0423 756394 GUTTERS CLEANED Solar panel cleaning, all areas, free quotes, fully insured..66841778 or 0405 922839 LEAF IT TO US Tree care specialists & acreage mowing...................................................0402 487213 TIP RUNS & RUBBISH REMOVALS 4m3 trailer..............................................................0408 210772 RICK’S PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Mowing, brushcutting, gardening, hedging..........0424 805660 GW MOWING Ride-on /acreage. Tip runs...............................................Call George on 0408 244820 THE GREEN WAVE: Land management, regen. gardening, maintenance, handyman...0491 117656

TINY EARTHWOR Philip Toovey

0409 799 909 various implements available for limited access projects

GAS FITTERS, SUPPLIERS & SERVICING

CONSCIOUS EARTHWORKS

• DRAINAGE DESIGN • DRIVEWAYS • PADS • WATERWAYS • ALL ASPECTS OF EARTHMOVING Phone Zac: 0468 344 939 www.360earth.com.au

Locally Owned No Rental Fees Servicing your area Free Call: 1300 727 013 Email: swapabottle@bigpond.com

Retaining & Rockwalls

8 Tonne Tipper Attachments:

Bulk & Green Waste Removal

Rock Grabber, Auger

All Earthworks Requirements

350/450, Compactor

PHOTOGRAPHY

Tree Faerie Fotos Professional • Commercial • Personal 30+ years experience in commercial photography and photojournalism

www.treefaeriefotos.com • 0417 427 518 ✔ Gutter guard ✔ Gutter cleaning ✔ Locally owned ✔ Fully insured ✔ Free quotes

Call Junior for friendly, genuine advice and service. 5T Excavator & Skidsteer

Protect your home this season. Save 10% on our Termite Inspection & General Pest Control Package, covering cockroaches, ants and spiders. Or save 10% on mosquito treatments. Contact our friendly team. Phone 02 6685 4490 • service@sanctuarypest.com.au 10% discount applies to full-priced services only.

GUTTERING

Landscaping Install & Supply

PEST CONTROL

GREEN DINGO for all your mowing and gardening needs. Ph Michael..........................0497 842442

EARTHMOVING & EXCAVATION

Drainage Consultation & Installation

splosh painting/decorating

www.spotlessgutters.com.au

0405 922 839 or AH 6684 1778 ABN 94 239 089 086

HANDYPERSONS HANDY ANDY Carpentry, plastering, welding.......................................... 66884324 or 0476 600956

PHYSIOTHERAPY OCEAN SHORES PHYSIOTHERAPY Manual therapies, dry needling, custom orthotics, shock wave therapy, real time ultrasound. Nigel Pitman.........................................................66803499

PICTURE FRAMING MULLUM PICTURE FRAMERS Studio located in Ocean Shores...................................0403 734791

PLASTERING

AWESOME REPAIRS Professional, commercial & domestic. Wayne................................0423 218417 PLASTERER, TRADE QUALIFIED repairs, renovations, cornices, quality assured. .Kurt 0431 015414 BEN - 0499 985 555 License 479630C. Fully Insured.

ABSOLUTE HANDYMAN Repairs, renovation, maintenance, painting. Call Mark..........0402 281638 A HANDY GUY All trades & small construction. Bruns, Ocean, SGB & Mullum................0411 858201

CAPE BYRON PLASTERING. Gyprock/Venetian. 30 yrs exp, free quotes, lic + insured.. 0402 538155

NORTHERN RIVERS TRENCHING 65hp chain trencher, excavator, cable locating & tpr..0402 716857 HOME MAINTENANCE Carpentry, painting, repairs, gardens, jet washing. Insured......0434 705506 PLASTERING cornices, partition walls, water damage repairs etc Guaranteed quality. 0413 338203

www.echo.net.au

October 14, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 29

Service Directory

North Coast news online

PLUMBERS

TELEVISION SERVICES

Ben The Plumber

DIGITAL ELECTRONICS REPAIR & SERVICE TV. Audio. Antennas........... 66843575 or 0414 922786

Servicing Mullumbimby, Ocean Shores, Brunswick Heads, Byron Bay & Surrounds 30 years’ experience Lic: 321191C

Taking on work NOW! 0427 528 108 | benwilton74@icloud.com

INSTALL SERVICE: TV, Wi-Fi, AV, special pensioner/concession rate. ............ Damian 0414 741233

TILING WALL & FLOOR TILER/WATERPROOFER/STONEMASON Lic 24418C. ............Ph Karl 0439 232434

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

MARK STRATTON All plumbing & emergency. Sewer drain camera/locator. Lic 57803C.....0419 019035

BYRON BUS Co-

BRAD EVELEIGH PLUMBING based in Ocean Shores, no job too small. Lic 257153C.........0438 140075 DAVE SPARKES Plumber Byron based, call out $110 incl. first hour. Lic209669C..............0418 167074

REMOVALISTS

SHIRE REMOVALS & FREIGHT CO From Middle Pocket to Middle Earth Just give us a ring

Door to Door Charter Services

Call 0490 183 424

arrive@ byronbuscompany.com.au

LEAPFROG REMOVALS BYRON BAY’S LOCAL REMOVALIST MOVING THE SHIRE FOR OVER 10 YEARS

0432 334 200 02 6680 8170 leapfrogremovals@yahoo.com.au

RYAN’S MINI MOVES....................................................................................................0406 657 755

ROOFING FCR ROOF PAINTING Local, 12 yrs exp, best paints avail, 190x5-star reviews. Free quotes.0455 573554

• Local • Reliable • Insured

• 4×4 truck with 19” chipper • Qualified local arborists • 120 ★★★★★ Google reviews

0402 487 213 leafittous.com.au • kascha@leafittous.com.au

17 Years Experience as an Arborist Experienced crew ready to go. Free Quotes |Insured |Amenity Tree Pruning Removals |Chipping |Block Clearing Council DA Assistance if required

Call Sam 0456 044602 BYRON TREE SERVICES AQF Level 5 consulting arborist, insured....................... Call Alex 0402 364852 LEAF IT TO US 4x4 truck/chipper + crane truck. Local, qualified, insured. Free quotes........0402 487213 THREE TREES AQF Level 8 Consulting Arborist. ................................... Call Lisa Barnes 0427 959835

• Freight services to Brisbane weekly • Carriers of fine art • Furniture removal • E-bay pick up & delivery

0409 917 646

TREE CARE SPECIALISTS

UPHOLSTERY Get a Quick Quote Now Airport Transfers | Tours | Nights Out | Walks Events | Par ties | Weddings | Corporate | Festivals

BANGALOW UPHOLSTERY Now at Billinudgel. Re-covering specialists..............................66805255

VALUERS BYRON BAY VALUERS NSW & QLD registerd. Chartered Valuers............. 0431 245460 or 66857010

TREE SERVICES

CHOPPY CHOP TREE SERVICES

VETERINARY SURGEONS MULLUM VET CLINIC: Richard Gregory, Bec Wills, Heidi Jenal. After hours avail...............66843818

The Fully Insured Professionals

NORTH COAST VETERINARY SERVICES Dr Lauren Archer..................................................66840735

• Stump Grinding • Bobcat • Cherrypicker • Crane Truck • 18" Chipper

WATER FILTERS

Mark Linder Qualified Arborist

0408 202 184

choppychoptrees@bigpond.com

The Water Filter Experts for home, commercial and rural properties

Metal Roofing & Guttering Experts

6680 8200 or 0418 108 181

Serving from Ballina to Gold Coast.

- A Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship - Double Satisfaction Checks - Spotless Work Sites, Every Time

WELDING

admin@oceanbluepr.com.au

0429 909 433 www.oceanbluepr.com.au License # QBCC: 15327621 NSW: 381929C

WELDING & FABRICATION Structural, General, Repairs: Steel, Aluminium & Stainless...0408 410545

WINDOW CLEANING AND REPAIRS

BLUE SKY ROOFING NSW Roof repairs Replacements

Gutters Downpipes

0450 659 114

Lic No. 304784C

CLEAN VIEW Prompt, professional, insured. Phone David..............................................0421 906460

PRUNING ~ REMOVALS ~ STUMP GRINDING • 20 years local knowledge and experience • Fully insured / free quotes • 19 inch chipper • Bobcat • Cherry picker • Crane truck

www.harttreeservices.com.au

0427 347 380

TIP RUNS & RUBBISH REMOVAL 4m3 trailer.................................................................0408 210772

BYRON BAY SELF STORAGE................................................................................................66858349

SOLAR INSTALLATION Serving Northern NSW since 1998

Your local, qualified team Specialists in standalone and grid interact system designs

0428 320 262 sunbeamsolar.com.au team@sunbeamsolar.com.au

30 The Byron Shire Echo October 14, 2026

WINDOW TINTING SURFWAGON - Car/Home/Office tint. Lifetime Warranty. W/sale price..........................0434 875009 SUNRISE window tinting, mobile Byron+ N. Rivers. Cars, homes, offices, etc...............0412 158478

RUBBISH REMOVAL SELF STORAGE

NO STREAKS ATTACHED Local, experienced, friendly, insured.......................................0431 398358

ALL AREAS OF THE NORTHERN RIVERS & SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND

0401 208 797

• Professional Tree Removal, Surgery & Maintenance • Stump Grinding • Weed Control • Arborist Reporting & Consultancy • EWP Cherry Picker Hire • Mulching of Green Waste • 24 Hour Emergency Call-Out • Professional, Reliable Service

Martino TREE SERVICES Byron Bay & Beyond

0435 019 524

www.echo.net.au/service-directory www.echo.net.au

MARÉ: Only three residences remaining – a new expression of Byron Bay living An exclusive collection of just eight residences is taking shape at MARÉ, a boutique residential development in the heart of Byron Bay. With three residences remaining and completion anticipated in December 2026 or January 2027, the development offers an opportunity to secure a contemporary home within walking distance of the town’s beaches, (cafes, restaurants and boutiques.) Designed by local architects HGA Studio, and built by award-winning builder Cobild, MARÉ brings together considered architecture, natural materials and practical design. The development has been conceived as a village-style community, combining private residences with shared amenities, ground-floor retail, and a landscaped pedestrian laneway connecting Marvell Street and Fletcher Lane. Each residence features three bedrooms, two bathrooms and more than 140 square metres of internal living space, complemented by private balconies of up to 20 square metres. Interiors incorporate engineered timber flooring, premium stone surfaces, custom-designed joinery and integrated European appliances, creating a contemporary aesthetic suited to Byron Bay’s relaxed coastal setting.

www.echo.net.au

A defining feature of MARÉ is its collection of resident amenities. A rooftop swimming pool, BBQ and entertaining area, landscaped gardens and fully equipped gym provide spaces for recreation and socialising, while secure basement parking, lift access and private lockable storage add everyday convenience. At street level, curated retail offerings bring additional amenity to the development, while the landscaped laneway

creates a pedestrian connection between two central Byron Bay streets. Together, these elements contribute to a more connected residential environment, with the convenience of local businesses and services close at hand. The location is central to MARÉ’s appeal. Byron Bay’s beaches, established dining scene, independent boutiques, wellness studios and everyday essentials are all within easy walking distance. For those seeking a home that allows them

to leave the car behind, the address offers convenient access to many of the experiences that define the town’s lifestyle. MARÉ is also located within Byron Bay’s 365-day precinct, where non-hosted short-term rental accommodation, including Airbnb, may operate yearround, subject to applicable planning and regulatory requirements. This provides an additional consideration for buyers assessing the property’s potential use, alongside its appeal as a permanent residence or coastal retreat.

With its boutique scale, generous living spaces, rooftop facilities and central position, MARÉ offers a contemporary approach to residential living in Byron Bay. As construction approaches completion, the remaining three residences present an opportunity to secure a place within this limited collection. For further information, contact Su Reynolds on 0428 888 660. Price from $3.75 million. ■ Agent: Su Reynolds 0428 888 660

October 14, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 31

Property

North Coast news online

No Sales Just Property Management Call our property management experts today for a free appraisal on (02) 6680 8111.

BYRONCOASTAL.COM.AU

(02) 6680 8111

BYRONBAYACCOM.NET

| 1/27 F L E TC H E R S T, BY R O N B AY

32 The Byron Shire Echo October 14, 2026

www.echo.net.au

9 MARVELL STREET, BYRON BAY

‘MARÉ’ Only 3 Residences Remain! A New Expression of Byron Bay Living 3

2

1

• Boutique collection of just eight luxury residences, with only three remaining • Spacious three-bedroom residences with 140m²+ interiors and private balconies up to 20m² • Resort-style rooftop amenities including pool, BBQ area, landscaped gardens and fully equipped gym

Su Reynolds 02 6685 8466

• Prime central Byron Bay location, moments from the beach, cafés, restaurants and boutiques

PRICE | From $3.75M OPEN | By Appointment

37 TRISTRAN PARADE, MULLUMBIMBY CREEK

Elevated 1 Acre Escape, Valley Views & 5 Minutes to Mullumbimby 5

2

2

2

1AC • Spacious family home with abundant natural light, two living areas and timber floors

Sally Green 0488 030 116

• Expansive entertaining decks capturing the valley views to Montecollum • Set within a wildlife corridor, the property offers regular encounters with native fauna • Convenient location approximately five minutes to Mullumbimby CBD, close to Shearwater Steiner School

Jasmin McClymont 0434 029 668

PRICE | $1.47M - $1.57M OPEN | Saturday 17th October 11 - 11:30am

22 SCOTT STREET, BYRON BAY

Freestanding Beachside Living with Resort Amenities at Your Doorstep 3

1

2

2

• Low-maintenance home in a tightly held enclave, adjacent to beach access and Arakwal National Park • Private north-east facing front courtyard, plus large backyard with landscaped gardens, fruit trees and veggie beds

Su Reynolds 02 6685 8466

• Access to resort-style facilities including swimming pool, spa, sauna, gym, tennis court, games room & BBQ areas • Ideal as a permanent residence, a lock-and-leave coastal retreat, or an investment with year-round letting potential

Renee Schofield 0400 028 594

PRICE | Contact Agent OPEN | Saturday 17th October 9 - 9:30am

991 COOLAMON SCENIC DRIVE, COORABELL

65 Years in the Making, A Multi-Generational Family Compound 7

3

5

8

5.3AC • Two independent residences, ideal for multigenerational living • Extensive lifestyle amenities including a 12m saltwater pool, powered cabana, BBQ, wood-fired pizza oven, oversized tennis court and yoga deck • Established tropical gardens offering exceptional privacy, with approximately 280 mature macadamia trees

Tara Torkkola 0423 519 698

• Substantial infrastructure including a powered machinery shed and substantial water storage

PRICE | Contact Agent OPEN | By Appointment

www.byronbayfn.com.au | sales@byronbayfn.com | 35 Fletcher St, Byron Bay NSW 2481 | 02 6685 8466

www.echo.net.au

October 14, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 33

From $1,029,000 2 Orion Dr, Yamba NSW 2464

34 The Byron Shire Echo October 14, 2026

www.echo.net.au

Property Business Directory AGENTS

CONVEYANCING BUYING and SELLING REAL ESTATE? We are here to help

TARA TORKKOLA SALES

NP CONVEYANCING

0423 519 698 tara@byronbayfn.com

PHONE 6685 7436 FOR A QUOTE

@taratorkkolafirstnational

0411 757 425 tim@millerrealestate.com.au millerrealestate.com.au @timmiller_realestate

@taratorkkola_realestate www.byronbayfn.com.au

NPC

PERSONALISED APPOINTMENTS IN BYRON BAY NOW NOW OPERATING OUT OF CENTRAL OFFICE IN POTTSVILLE Lic No 06000098

Call today for an obligation free chat 0418 123 393

PAUL PRIOR SALES

0418 324 297 paulprior@byronbayfn.com BYRON BAY AGENT OF THE YEAR Damien Smith Sales Director Ray White Byron Bay www.rwbyronbay.com

Boutique, family-owned and proudly serving Byron Bay & beyond.

SHARON McINNES SALES

Where personalised service isn’t just a promise - it’s our way of life.

0408 659 649 sharon@byronbayfn.com

JANIS PERKINS

02 6680 8588 | 0438 841 122 janis@reodbyron.com.au Shop 9/15-19 Fletcher St, Byron Bay www.reodbyron.com.au

NSW & QLD Conveyancing, Leases, Business Sale & Purchase P: 02 6687 0548 | hello@bangalowconveyancing.com.au

FINANCE

Your bank isn't on your side..

We are.

Scan to book a home loan consultation today

The Shire’s local finance expert Home Loans Investment Loans First Home Buyers Car Loans

Debt Consolidation SMSF Lending Commercial Loans Development Funding

LAUREN DONNELLON Russel Shaw Finance Broker

russel@acceptancefinance.com.au 0412 833 280

entourage.com.au | (02) 6678 1751 Office | 3/6 Jonson Street, Byron Bay NSW Australian Credit Licence 475676

Conveyancing & Property Law Business Transfers & Agreements Retail & Commercial Leases Estate Planning, Wills & Probate

CALL: 02 5602 5000

Acceptance Finance Australia Pty Ltd ABN 20 678 011 571 Australian Credit Licence Number 391715 Credit Representative Number 395628

This week’s open homes

Real estate open homes, auctions and new property listings in and around the Byron Shire this week: www.echo.net.au/ofi

www.echo.net.au

October 14, 2026 The Byron Shire Echo 35

Backlash WORKING WINDOWS

BYRON BAY’S DOOR & WINDOW SPECIALISTS

Restoring ease and function to homes across the Byron Shire

SPRING SPECIAL 20% OFF FIRST REPAIR

Sticky sliding doors, torn fly screens, worn locks, security screens that won’t latch, we fix it all properly. That’s us, Jake and Toby, two trades who believe walking in and out of home should feel effortless. SPRING SPECIAL: 20% OFF YOUR FIRST REPAIR Call Toby or Jake now to lock in your spot.

0435 506 465 | 0405 793 994 workingwindows1@gmail.com workingwindows.com.au

The Disabled Surfers Association run free, fun surf days for people of all abilities over the summer, and are looking for volunteers to help make the events happen. If you have the time to lend a hand at any of their upcoming events contact them at: www.disabledsurfers.org and volunteer. Volunteers are needed for the Disabled Surfers Association events at: Evans Head, 17 October; Lennox Head, 7 November; Yamba, 5 December; Byron Bay, 6 February; and ­Kingscliff, 6 March. Three of five High Court judges have ruled that coalmining companies are responsible for their overseas emissions. The case is the first time the High Court has been questioned about who is responsible for the effects of climate change, and is expected to impact approvals of future fossil fuel projects nationally. On the point of climate change, recent research by the University of Queensland found that local councillors around Australia underestimate how much public support there is for stronger action on climate change. ‘We found elected local members thought 61 per cent of Australians wanted stronger government action on climate change, when the figure is in fact 83 per cent,’ said lead author Ms Annabelle Wilkinson. ‘Australia is in danger of not meeting its climate change targets, and potential misconceptions about important issues like this matter because public opinion is a key driver of policy implementation.’

Dingo Festival headliner Nai Palm kicked-off Saturday at the transformed Bangalow A&I Hall where thousands turned out to enjoy the warm weather and cool tunes. More images from the festival on www.echo.net.au. Photo Jeff ‘Dog’s Breath’ Dawson Applications are now open for the Byron Shire Council’s Events and Festivals Sponsorship Fund. The $50,000 fund supports local events and festivals that have a positive impact on the community. Find out more on Council’s website: www.byron.nsw.gov.au. Did you know that NSW has pink lakes? Several of them have recently been protected after the federal and NSW governments bought the 74,000-hectare Pulgamurtie Station near Broken Hill. It will: protect the outback landscape, including two pink lakes; provide a home to more than 70 threatened species, like the brolga and pink cockatoo; and protect Aboriginal cultural heritage. If a tech company’s platform helps scam you, or floods your feed with hate speech, or eating disorder content, you should be able to hold it

to account. Right now, you can’t. So sign the petition to tell the PM to stand firm and make Big Tech

pay for the harm it inflicts on Australians at: https:// tinyurl.com/y99r6wjr.

PEOPLE, POLITICS AND CULTURE

FOR ADVERTISING BOOKINGS

CONTACT RUSTY 0428 847 390 rustymiller1943@gmail.com OR TRICIA 0421 422 645 triciashantz11@gmail.com

Volume 9 ~ 2026-2027 Your free guide to the flourishing health and wellbeing industry of Byron and the Northern Rivers

Summer 2026 Latest magazine and website refresh

OUT N OW!

Wanderlust Community Market An evening of local artisan brands, food, drink and live music. Free Entry

BOOK NOW to be a part of the Summer Eat Drink magazine!

Friday 30th October Mullumbimby Civic Memorial Hall 5pm - 7:15pm

www.byronhealing.com.au

Contact adcopy@echo.net.au or call 6684 1777

36 The Byron Shire Echo October 14, 2026

www.echo.net.au