THE BYRON SHIRE LOCAL Volume 23 #44 RUGBY LEAGUE Tuesday, April 14, 2009 SEASON PREVIEW – page 27 Mullumbimby 02 6684 1777 Byron Bay 02 6685 5222 Fax 02 6684 1719 [email protected] [email protected] www.echo.net.au 21,000 copies every week ONE SMALL LEAP FOR WHIMSY Tree removals prompt local concerns Hans Lovejoy court and had it approved. To Chase was removed was done so based on Blues fully sick Property’s credit, since they have been the requirement of the RTA to have Concerned residents mobilised last involved they have gone out of their four lane access to the roundabout. Wednesday to highlight concern over way to work with Council to keep the It is our understanding that the RTA the removal of a Melaleuca tree on the existing trees. They approached us was adamant that four lanes exist at roundabout on Fletcher Street next and wanted to work with us to main- the roundabout despite objections to the Byron Bay library. Coordina- tain the aesthetic of the street.’ from Council.’ tor of the action Cheze Malaika told Concerns this could prompt the In related news, a mature Eucalyp- The Echo that the developers of the RTA to use the DA to widen the road tus and Paperbark tree were cut down new construction behind the Great and remove the trees are also un- at Byron Bay primary school last Fri- Northern Hotel, Chase Property, have founded, according to Cr Barham. day. According to Ms Malaika, the the legal right to remove five trees on ‘The DA is specific to this develop- Department of Education contracted the street. Her concern was that there ment and any roadworks and tree a private company for the job. ‘Parents would be more trees removed. removal would have to be a new sub- were advised there would be exten- The claims are refuted by Bart Elias mission to Council.’ sions to the classrooms, but were not from Chase Property and Mayor Jan Mr Elias reiterated Cr Barham’s alerted to the tree removal.’ Barham. Cr Barham said, ‘The origi- comments that there will be no more A Fig tree and Poinciana are also nal DA for the development – before trees removed from Fletcher Street. ‘It earmarked for removal at the school Chase Property were involved – asked was our initiative along with Council on Tuesday, weather permitting. for permission for the removal of five to preserve these trees despite the ap- Ms Malaika has appealed to the trees on the street. provals.’ community to be on alert for any ‘After it was rejected by Council, the When asked who gave the go ahead more tree removals around Byron then developer Tom Mooney went for the first tree to be removed, Mr Bay. An SMS can be sent to her on to the The Land and Environment Elias responded, ‘The only tree that 0411 843 384. Nimbin’s Polite Force case the joint in Byron Bay
Neither mud nor rain nor sniffer dogs could stop enthusiasts from wading into the Bluesfest to see the likes of Seasick Steve, pictured above. Now in his sixties, Seasick Steve won this year’s Mojo Best Breakthrough Act award. According to his agents Bronzerat.com, ‘Steve Wold left home at 14 to a lengthy freight-train-hopping and migrant-working hobo lifestyle, before eventually “settling” in Tennessee (via San Francisco, UK, Hawaii, Tennessee, Washington State and god knows where else – he married his Norwegian wife 25 years ago and they’ve lived in 56 different houses). ‘He became Seasick Steve fairly recently, so nicknamed after an ill-advised ferry journey… He released the first album by Seasick Steve & The Level Devils in 2004, and just as things started rolling along quite nicely he suf- fered a massive heart attack and lost his studio. No biggie, makes for a good song or two.… We all love a good story and a good song, and Seasick Steve Nimbin’s Polite Force showed off its new inflatable Big Joint at Byron Bay last Friday, while issuing Mellowness is king of the yarn, duke of the hot blues lick.’ Cautions as a prelude to the Mardi Grass on May 1-2. Inhale more at www.nimbinmardigrass.com/2009 and see Photo Jeff ‘Blind Avocado’ Dawson. See more Bluesfest 09 photos in the Comment, page 10. Photo Jeff ‘Mmmm:… Inflatable’ Dawson. Events section of our gallery at www.echo.net.au.
enrich your spirit
www.crystalcastle.com.au Open 7 Days 10am-5pm (NSW time) 81 Monet Drive, Mullumbimby 40 mins from Tweed Heads 20 mins from Byron Bay (02) 6684 3111 Local News ‘Fringe dwellers’ call for more councillor input Hats on parade A new action group called orders or instigating any legal by absentee real estate interests can be demolition, removal of a ‘Byron FringeDwellers’ is call- action. who seem unconcerned about sole income source and the forc- ing on Byron Shire council- ‘The information we have is the effect on local housing stock. ing of people out of the area. lors to limit staff action on that Council during 2008 is- Rural landowners may be asset- ‘We ask elected councillors illegal dwellings. In a press sued minor fines over noise rich but they are often income- that instead of shooting the release last Monday the group infringement but no orders to poor, while their tenants just messenger or hiding in em- said, ‘We’ve become aware desist from further holiday let- want somewhere to live. barrassment they move a reso- that Council in 2006 passed ting. This amounts to a mora- ‘the impact of Council’s com- lution so that after the initial a resolution to prevent staff torium where holiday letting pliance regime is disproportion- staff investigation, any further from acting off their own bat is de facto legal as long as the ate where in the case of holiday action must have the prior ap- in relation to holiday letting renters behave themselves. letting the worst-case result is proval of the elected Council, and requiring them to report ‘Such a moratorium would merely lower rental income, but with appropriate submissions to Council before issuing any be the result of loud lobbying with illegal dwellings the result from those affected.’ Local man dies following attempted surf rescue A Main Arm man died last on Sunday a 14-year-old girl attempt to help her friend but the shore where two passing Sunday after attempting to entered the waters of an unpat- also began to struggle. registered nurses commenced save his sister and a friend as rolled beach at New Brighton The 35-year-old brother of resuscitation until the arrival of they struggled in surf at New apparently became caught in a one of the girls then entered the ambulance. Officers contin- Brighton beach. According to a rip. The second 14-year-old girl the water and also encountered ued to perform CPR, however police report, shortly after 2pm then entered the water in an problems in the turbulent wa- the man died at the scene. ters. A number of people walk- One of the girls was treated ing along the beach noticed the and released at hospital and the Need a Hammer? trio signalling for assistance and other was not injured. Over 400 trade services helped them from the water. A brief will be prepared for listed at www.echo.net.au The man was dragged onto the information of the Coroner. UÊ Over 2300 online listings already Surfboard helps Uncle Project UÊ Basic Listings are free and in- clude name, short description, The Uncle Project has kindly a Brett Munro a 6’2” x 2.0’ x 2 Ocean Shores Public School children got into the swing of the contact and category UÊ Featured Listings available been donated a surfboard by ¼ retro style new age perform- Easter season last Thursday when they took part in the school’s – your very own uniquely local shaper Brett Munro to ance surfboard. If there are any annual hat parade. Feathers, floppy ears and all things fluffy designed web page, complete raise funds for the organisation. buyers keen to support Uncle adorned the headgear of children in the parade for family and with maps, images, logos and banner The board has been signed by just go to eBay, type in Brett teachers and kinder students Josh, Holly and Jordan all went for current world surfing cham- Munro/Kelly Slater and make the chirpy chick and chocolate theme or their festive toppers. www.echo.net.au | phone 6684 1777 or 6685 5222 pion Kelly Slater. The board is your bid! Photo Eve Jeffery.
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FOR THOSE WHO LIKE THE DETAILS, WE’VE GOT THEM HERE: ^Next G™ coverage depends on your location, device type and whether it has an external antenna. 1. 300min/month & 15min/session usage limits apply. *Network unlocking fee applies. Limit 1 handset per customer (except SA). While stocks last. No trade sales. ®The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. ® and ™ - Registered trade mark and trade mark of Telstra Corporation Limited. ABN 33 051 775 556. BWMTEL9750/BSE_BN 2 April 14, 2009 The Byron Shire Echo www.echo.net.au Local News Close call for mum on flooded road YOUR ONE Story & photo Eve Jeffery STOP When Natasha Gooch was woken up in the early hours to the coughing of her 22 month GAS old baby, she made a decision that may have saved the life of her other two children. Rath- er than wake baby Kaiden’s HEATING siblings and take them with her to the emergency room at Mullumbimby hospital, she SHOP called someone to come and sit with the kids while she made the trip. The downpour during Mon- RINNAI CONVECTION day night caused Natasha to be wary of driving conditions MADE IN and when she approached t3FNPUFDPOUSPM Mullumbimby Road she was JAPAN t%VBMQSPHSBNNBCMF cautious. ‘There was a lot of UJNFST rain, but not a huge amount of t-PXFNJTTJPO SIONS TECH water on the road, just enough IS NO M L UFDIOPMPHZ E LESS O W THAN G Y to make you slow down,’ said O Ms Gooch. ‘After Kaiden was t&DPOPNZNPEF L 2.5 treated at the hospital, I left to t5IFSNPTUBU go home in the rain. I drove at Kaiden Gooch was happy to play in puddles on the weekend, a very different story from the t7BSJPVTTBGFUZ about 40 kilometres an hour early hours of Tuesday morning when he was carried by mum Natasha through the pouring rain GFBUVSFT through Mullum and stopped and flood water up to her thighs on Mullumbimby Road twice due to heavy downpour. .PEFMTGSPN$799UPTVJUN2 ‘As I was coming down the I climbed out of the car win- ‘Council’s advice regarding to upgrade flood-warning SBOHJOHUP$1399UPTVJUN2 hill to Uncle Tom’s I noticed a dow. I saw a house nearby and the crossing of floodwater over signs across the Shire. van driving up ahead of me. I waded through the rising water roads is the same as the SES. ‘Naturally the impact of 5 YEAR WARRANTY had no warning or indication to get help.’ Do not cross floodwater over the most recent rainfall, the that I was heading into trouble ‘I guess my screaming alert- roads. Even if a road has a wa- intensity and the damage to RINNAI RADIANT and before I knew what was ed those in the house, they let ter depth indicator, and the in- the roads will be included,’ he happening, I was stuck in the us in and helped us get dry. dicator is showing low, do not said. water. I didn’t see the hazard When the police arrived they cross the floodwater. ‘Unfortunately Council re- t$PTZSBEJBOU lights of the van ahead until I were also flooded in for a while ‘If you cross the flood water ceived advice in March from XBSNUIXJUIGBO was already stalled.’ and one of them commented you are making the assump- the state run Natural Disaster t1PSUBCMFDPNQBDU Having no mobile phone on the lack of signage.’ tion that the road is still actu- Mitigation Program that it was EFTJHO with her, Ms Gooch thought Byron Shire Council’s man- ally there,’ Mr King said. unsuccessful in its funding ap- t&MFDUSPOJD the best thing to do would be ager for infrastructure and Ms Gooch would have heed- plication for permanent water- BVUPNBUJDJHOJUJPO to stay in the car with her haz- planning Michael King said ed this advice if there had been over-road signage.’ ard lights on and try to be calm staff received a call in the early a water level indicator letting Ms Gooch, who says her un- t7BSJBCMFIFBU TFUUJOH and wait it out. hours of Tuesday morning her know that the water on the insured car was written off, be- It wasn’t until she felt wa- that water was over the Mul- road was more than a shallow lieves that water level indicator t7BSJPVTTBGFUZ ter rising at her feet that she lumbimby road. covering. She said putting up signs are a necessity and could GFBUVSFT thought she was in serious ‘Staff responded immedi- signs after the road was flood- save lives. ‘The car is gone and I .PEFMTGSPN$699UPTVJUN2 trouble and she made the deci- ately to the site and road clo- ed is too late. With no street can’t afford to buy another one,’ 2 sion to get out of the car. sure signs were put in place.’ lighting and no signage to she said, ‘but more importantly, SBOHJOHUP$899UPTVJUN ‘At first I panicked and was said Mr King. ‘The rainfall on warn of danger, she continued I don’t know what would have screaming for help, flashing my Tuesday morning was intense along Mullumbimby road and happened if my other two kids 3 YEAR WARRANTY lights and honking the horn. and resulted in a number of became trapped. were in the car. I don’t know if Then I grabbed my son and roads throughout the Shire be- Mr King went on to say that I could have dragged all of us EVERDURE RADIANT/ while he was hanging off me, ing closed. Council is reviewing the need through the water to safety.’ CONVECTION Is this your new business? SALE! SALE! SALE! MADE IN t$PNCJOBUJPOSBEJBOU AUSTRALIA BOEDPOWFDUJPO t1VTICVUUPODPOUSPMT t'MBNFGBJMVSF TIVUPGG t8JMMPQFSBUFJOB QPXFSCMBDLPVU
.PEFMTGSPN$699UPTVJUN2 SBOHJOHUP$899UPTVJUN2
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4 April 14, 2009 The Byron Shire Echo www.echo.net.au Local News
Jaimini’s shrine seems safe for now You can cuddle Victoria Cosford our baby bunnies, but you
For years local identity Jaimini can’t take them home. has meditated in his make- shift shrine on Belongil Beach. Fifty metres from the carpark, this innocuous construc- MACADAMITHE A tion – wooden platform, large CASTLE tethered umbrella, rugs and mats – has often been used by backpackers, tourists and other 10 minutes south from Byron Bay along the Pacific Highway 6687 8432 locals as a space for peaceful contemplation. Quality systems, built to last Such is its inoffensive and benign nature that the owner of the property which stands behind it has never objected to the arrangement whatsoever. Only twice in the past four years has the shrine been van- dalised; it has otherwise been HOT WATER POWER left alone, a sweetly eccentric s Solar hot water systems s 1KW solar power relic of the mostly-departed his name – told the owner of this threat has made him very tion’ on the part of a council installed from $950* systems installed Byron Bay spirit. the property that shortly the inclined to leave town. worker and that as far as she from $2650* Recently, however, someone shrine would be pulled down. Council spokesperson was aware, there was no reason s FREE Power Tracker claiming to be a council worker Jaimini, understandably upset, Donna Johnston said that for Jaimini’s construction to be with Conergy systems s High quality German Limited time only – though not prepared to give contacted The Echo, saying that she was ‘unaware of any ac- removed. systems s Heat Pump water heaters s $8000 rebate Virtuoso pianists grace Byron Bay stage installed from $250* fi nanced by us!
Brian Mollet recitals across Europe. achieved the highest levels in music all through this time Gradually their mutual love each. and that such different pieces This Sunday sees the appear- of music became mutual love, ‘The connection you get with of music came from one man ance of two of the best creden- and music. Natasha’s father an audience when performing is amazing.’ '3&&2605&4t*/%&1&/%&/5"%7*$&t.6-5*1-"/%4 tialled pianists to ever grace the Lev, who died in 1996, spent is something special. I can tell The Steinway at Byron will ** stage at the Byron Community the last two years of his teach- you though it is just as dif- then swing when both pianists -0$"-&91&354t.5) /0%&1 */5&3&45'3&&'*/"/$& Centre, Oleg Stepanov and ing life in Queensland at the ficult when it is one of your play a selection of music from Natasha Vlassenko, and their Griffith University in Brisbane. students performing or being modern Russian composer PH13 2113 story is one of music and love. Now married and with a ten examined in competition, the Valery Gavrilin, written for Natasha was born in Mos- year old girl in tow, they did a nervousness, and the thrill is two pianists at the keyboard. *After eligible rebates ** Fees and conditions apply Preferred brands cow, the daughter of the man series of concerts in Australia the same.’ ‘We learned this series of pieces described as the greatest Rus- in the early 90s. Natasha will play music in Australia but now they have sian pianist of his generation, ‘We were booked to play for from Chopin and Beethoven become somewhat of a sig- Lev Vlassenko. In Russia the six weeks or so, but that be- including the moving Moon- nature tune for us,’ says Oleg. top classical musicians are on came three months, then a bit light Sonata, and her touch and ‘They are rustic, lively and very the ‘A-list’ of the famous and longer. Then our daughter sud- sensitivity was described by a Russian, and a great way to end there must have been plenty of denly started talking English. German reviewer as ‘a control- the evening.’ scrutiny on the daughter who Not a word one moment, then led dive into a miracle composi- Thanks to the Byron Music ! " #$%& & '#" also showed promise. out it came. We looked at each tion’. Oleg will present a contrast Society, after the concert these ( # ) %&# Awarded the prestigious other and agreed it was time to in styles with one of Chopin’s renowned teachers will conduct Tchaikovsky scholarship, she settle down.’ contemporaries, Liszt. a masterclass for local students qualified for the exclusive Oleg proudly adds that his ‘Liszt started out as a bit of that will be open to the public. Tchaikovsky Conservatory, daughter is now a successful a free spirit, a bad boy if you Tickets to the concert are rated by most as the most strin- lawyer in Brisbane and Syd- like. By the end of his career he available from the Byron Com- gent and exacting piano course ney, and says neither has ever had become a monk. He wrote munity centre. ( available worldwide. There she regretted their decision to stay. !" started post graduate courses Patriarch Lev’s last years were ( # under her father, Lev. spent invigorating the local ( /( $ %&'#( 0 Oleg Stepanov was born in cultural scene. ) ( (( Riga, Latvia. ‘It is about as far ‘Lev Vlassenko always said ( from Riga to Moscow as Sydney that the talent produced in *) to Brisbane’, he says, ‘but these Australia was the equal of any- days you would pass through thing in the world. What we three countries to get there.’ lacked was the sort of interna- 0(1 He won the right to a place at tional standard competitions the Tchaikovsky Conservatory Europe has to prepare top stu- ( (2 ( by audition. The out of town lad dents for the elite level.’ (2 ( # ((3 had to compete against other Both Oleg and Natasha went ( 4 students from schools like the from studies to success in com- Moscow Central Music School, petitions across Europe, and ( + the highest rated prep course. have convened an Australian 4 3 ( ( ( Oleg and Natasha met in the and New Zealand piano com- ( first year at the Conservatory. petition to provide the same "&' , ( ‘In Russia at the time all the opportunity for local talent. , $ students, no matter where they The Lev Vlassenko piano ( # were from were required to competition sees 20 of the best ( #--*. * help bring in the harvest. We young pianists selected by live ( ( ended up working on the same audition, and Oleg points out farm for three weeks. At the that past winners of the bien- time I had a girlfriend and she nial Vlassenko prize have gone had a boyfriend, but that was on to win honours in the top where we met.’ European competitions. Both excelled at their studies Teaching and performing are and won international honours very different disciplines, but at competitions and plaudits at both Oleg and Natasha have www.echo.net.au The Byron Shire Echo April 14, 2009 5 Local News Make Waves back on DSA marks end of season C’ty centre open day Byron Shire Council’s Make program… The timing is tight Waves Youth week event is with the swimming season back on for Saturday April 18 ending soon, but we think it’s from 6pm to 10pm. Council’s great that it’s fallen within the youth development officer Rita school holiday period. Youssef-Price said despite the The event is for young peo- event being postponed the first ple aged between 12 and 18 time round, organisers are de- years and it will have free pool termined to put on a fabulous entry, free food and free Batbus night for young people. transport. ‘It was an obvious decision Young people will also have to cancel last week’s event an opportunity to perform when many of us were actually through the open mic sessions flooded in, but hard when Sat- and to talk with Councillors urday came and it looked like and Council staff about how it was clearing,’ Ms Youssef- we can make the Shire even Price said. more youth friendly. ‘We’re sticking with the same Enquiries 6685 9342. The Disabled Surfer’s Asso- waves. Teams of trained and ciation will be holding its last experienced volunteers cater event for the season on Satur- for any level of disability. day April 18 at Clarkes Beach. ‘If you’ve surfed with us be- MICHAEL CURRIE Sign-on begins at 9am, and the fore, come on down and hang participants will hit the water ten,’ says the group. ‘If you from 10am. There will be a sau- haven’t surfed before, but al- FUNERALS sage sizzle for hungry surfers ways wanted to give it a go, we Local timber eco coffins $400 afterwards, and prizes for all guarantee to blow your mind!’ Full funeral (cremation) service $2900 the participants. Volunteers are welcome too, The DSA is a volunteer or- the more the merrier. Volunteer Trish Denoon at the Byron Bay community centre. ganisation of surfers wishing For more information call 6684 6232 to share their love of the ocean. Ted Kabbout on 0427 804 480 Story & photo Victoria Cosford The day will end with a soiree The Shire’s Local Funeral Director They provide people living with or Ralph Schultejohann on on the upstairs balcony with 15 Towers Drive, Mullumbimby disabilities the opportunity to 0421 373 630 and visit the web- How well do you know your music and refreshments. experience the joy of riding site www.disabledsurfers.org. community centre? In a bid to Trish Denoon has been a enable locals and visitors to see volunteer at the Centre for exactly what is offered at the By- about seven years. She says she Becton site on offer ron Community Cultural Cen- started doing it because, new to Property group Becton’s con- entrance to the site. The site tre, the doors will be flung open the area, she thought it would : 5/ 5.?@:+A troversial 90 hectare North also includes an existing hotel- on Monday April 20. From 4pm be an excellent way of meeting . < ! B, &! Beach site north of Belongil is ier’s liquor licence, a dormant onward, guests are invited on people – which proved correct. 5.//C>, " up for purchase by expression motel liquor licence as well as a guided tour of the facility to According to Trish, the best . - of interest. Colliers Interna- substantial grounds/mainte- find out about programs, serv- part about being a volunteer , ! 6 ( ) tional is handling the expres- nance and operational plant ices and events available in this is the huge amount of respect 2 " ) sions of interest until May 7. and equipment.’ amazing space. Did you know, accorded to everyone – volun- 2 According to Colliers, ‘The Becton’s North Beach devel- for example, about the multi- teers, community and those in 1 most recent development ap- opment failed to happen when cultural afternoons, or the preg- need – and that there is a tre- 9 45 & ! " " proval for this resort which is the bottom dropped out of its nancy support? mendously inspiring positive && ! 4>B 2 " ! " still active is to incorporate a share price and it began a fire Other services available are energy around the place. B.C,4 & ! " " resort facility totalling approxi- sale of assets. financial counselling, com- ‘It’s exciting having Paul mately 225 dwellings, associ- munity breakfasts, emergency there’, she says of recently-ap- 1 6%&& ' ! 1 6'() ated support facilities together Heartfelt steps relief, drop-in service as well pointed manager Paul Spoon- && (& & ! & ! - er. Being a volunteer includes + %)7 %89"2 %45 with external works and infra- as the Centre’s superb theatre, structure. There is also a pre- Heartfelt House in Alstonville an intimate venue for some of ushering at theatre produc- $ %&& ' ! $ '()! vious development approval is running an 18 week noon the best live acts brought to the tions, waiter-ing at functions, " * & + '), - ' . ') ! /0/' & which is also active and allows residential group program for Shire. Organisations operating emergency relief, answering - 1 2345 for the expansion of the cur- female adults who were sexu- through the Centre include the enquiries, booking the rooms : ;< = 8, > rent resort which would total ally abused as children. Taking Northern Rivers Writers Cen- and showing people around 455 habitable rooms. the First Steps Plus is spon- tre, Bay FM, Byron ACE and the premises. ‘In addition to this there is a sored by Newcastle Perma- the Southern Cross University. Volunteers are always being current development approval nent Charitable Foundation. For those interested in finding sought, so if you are new to for an art gallery and restau- Limited places are available in out ways of becoming directly the area and would like to meet rant located at the entrance of the program, to commence in involved in the Centre’s opera- interesting people, this might ! ! " Northbeach Byron enabling April. Please phone 6628 8940 tions, there will be a volunteer just be the job and the place " # # the owner to establish a grand for more information. orientation session at 4.30 p.m. for you.
6 April 14, 2009 The Byron Shire Echo www.echo.net.au Local News
Mr Prior puts down the chalk BAMBOO FLOORING Christina Larmer
After 19 years of dedicated service, the much-loved prin- cipal of Goonengerry Public School, Dennis Prior, is hang- ing up his hat, putting down his chalk and retiring from teaching this Easter. When Dennis began his ten- ure in 1990, there were just 16 students, one teacher and an • The most stable, exotic, environmentally friendly & second strongest hardwood in the world! old classroom. Today, there • Termite resistant • Free from toxic fumes are 66 students, three full- • Affordable with an added value to your investment time teachers, another three • 25 year residential warranty • Free measure & quote part-time teachers, three class- rooms, a library and a brand- HUTCHISONS new kitchen. 63 Wollumbin St, Murwillumbah 02 6672 1493 But perhaps Dennis’s great- est legacy was his belief in the importance of art and music in the learning program, and thanks to endless funding ap- plications and sheer determi- nation, he helped foster what is now considered one of the and lessons for every student dents and families at a spe- laughs and just a few tears. He best school musical programs from Years 4 to 6. cial musical luncheon at the will be replaced in Term 2 by in the region. Dennis was farewelled last school that included plenty of Jane Cottee, formerly of Pearc- This includes a free guitar week by past and current stu- favoured Irish classics, lots of es Creek Public School. Spaghetti on the road to the Easter Show The Spaghetti Circus Youth Performance Troupe is per- forming at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney this year. The fifteen young perform- ers, aged between 11 and 20, were invited to do shows in the street performance area as well as roving characters in the pa- 5 MINS FROM rade and throughout the show- THE HIGHWAY grounds. After the long drive in the Spaghetti Circus bus, the 6685 5212 troupe has a hectic perform- 16 BRIGANTINE ST, ARTS & INDUSTRY ESTATE BYRON BAY ance schedule with four shows UÊÊ, 6 -Ê a day for two weeks. PRESSURE The cabaret style show in- TROUBLE UÊÊ, 1 -Ê DISTURBANCE cludes acts adapted from the SLEEPING? UÊÊ7""Ê ‘The Super Hero’s Show’ per- " ",/Ê9 ,Ê TRY A ‘TRANQUILITY’ UÊÊ£äÊ9 ,Ê7,, /9 formed in 2008, and some NASA DEVELOPED brand new acts. MEMORY CELL QUEEN ‘The kids are so excited to be MATTRESS $ performing at the Show,’ said 13 9 9 Simon Adams, Artistic Direc- The Spaghetti Circus crew jostle for the best seats for the long drive to the Royal Easter Show in SPINAL SUPPORT tor. ‘They have been working Sydney. Photo Lou Beaumont. really hard and coming up with UÊÊ7""Ê " ",/Ê LATEX some great ideas. The group Arts have assisted the process balance, mind bending contor- For more information about LAYER has been fantastic to work by funding specialist coaches. tion, sassy hula-hooping, dia- circus classes and upcoming UÊÊ/,<" Ê SPRINGS with. They are so talented and Performances will feature tee- blo, stilt-walking, and dynamic performances visit www.spa- UÊÊ£äÊ9 ,Ê work really well together.’ terboard (a very dangerous tumbling all in true Spaghetti ghetticircus.com or call 02 WARRANTY Arts NSW and Regional see-saw), breathtaking acro- style. 6684 3038. INNER SPRING MATTRESS QUEEN $ $ QUEEN 19 9 999 strangetrader THIS ‘AMBASSADOR’ The most beautiful objects from around ONE’S UÊ/ 8 the globe now have an online home. GOT UÊ*"7Ê/"*Ê THE LOT UÊ*" /Ê-*, Ê UÊÊ7""Ê SAVE " ",/Ê9 , $300 UÊÊ£äÊ9 ,Ê WARRANTY POINCIANA .com QUEEN F o o d b a r c a f e m u s i C $ $ BREAKFAST, LUNCH & A WHOLE LOT MORE! RRP 1999 16 9 9 We’re open from 8:00am for Breakfast & Lunch seven days a week. Why not drop in & kick back in our WINTER WARMERS verdant courtyard with a cup of the best coffee this side of anywhere? Or maybe check your email on our free wireless QUILTS SHEET network while taking in some sweet tunes. Or maybe catch up 20% OFF UÊ ", Ê , SETS on or dish out a little gossip? An affordable varied menu awaits UÊÊ "7 Ê UÊ£ää¯Ê "//" UÊ*"7- you with daily specials & excellent Wine, Beer & Cocktail Lists. www.strangetrader.com EÊ / , UÊ", Ê PURE UÊ+1/- Open seven days for Breakfast & Lunch from 8:00am. UÊ7""Ê UÊ ""ÉÊ Dinner & Cocktails most Friday & Saturday nights from 6:00pm. Shop 3, 14 Bay Street, Byron Bay, NSW 2481. Tel 02 66 855 888 UÊÊ //, --Ê UÊ "//" COTTON Fifty Five Station Street Mullumbimby 02 6684-4036 [email protected] UÊ ," , UÊ"/ SILK PROTECTORS www.poincianacafe.com www.echo.net.au The Byron Shire Echo April 14, 2009 7 Local News
*`>ÌÀÞ Discover the mystery of mangroves Ê/ Brunswick Valley Landcare >Þ (BVL) will be holding a com- munity workshop on local Andy Jenkins BSc. estuary issues at Brunswick Heads on Saturday April 18 UÊ}iÌi]ÊivviVÌÛiÊ«`>ÌÀÞÊ from 9am to 12 noon. UÊ}ÀÜÊÌi>ÃÊUÊÀÌ ÌVÃÊ ‘The Brunswick River estu- UÊ iiÊEÊ>ÀV Ê«>ÊUÊii]Ê «ÊEÊL>VÊ«> ary is a dynamic and rich mo- saic of habitats, treading the Holdsworth House Medical Practice line between land and sea,’ says 37 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay 02 6680 7211 the BVL. ‘Come and learn more about some of our valuable but lesser known estuarine ecosys- tems: seagrass, mangroves and EARTHMOVING saltmarsh and important issues such as water quality, bank ero- ROADWORKS sion and the Brunswick Estu- ary Management Plan. ‘This is one of a series of DRIVEWAYS workshops in the BVL project ,ÕÀ>Ê>`ÊÀiÃ`iÌ>ÊUÊÊLÃÊL}Ê>`ÊÃ> “Protecting biodiversity in a ÓxÊÞi>ÀÃÊÊV>Ê>Ài>ÊUÊÀiiʵÕÌiÃÊ coastal development hotspot” Peter Gibney won the BVL ‘Visions of the Valley’ photo competition 2008 with this photo of ,ÊÊ ÞÀi which aims to raise awareness mangroves at Brunswick Heads. of our Shire’s rich biodiversity x{ÊÀ`>ÞÊÕÌÊ,>`]Ê ÀiÌ and assist residents help pro- Trust education program.’ and Byron Shire Councils as $5 donation for non-Landcare * iÊ VÊ6687 8418 / 0412 831 944 tect and maintain our special Twelve threatened eco- estuary management officers, members. Memberships can environmental heritage. systems are to be found in will be presenting the work- be taken out on the day for ‘Byron Shire is on the south- Byron Shire and workshop shop. They are both gradu- those wanting to support or ern edge of the Border Ranges participants will be looking at ates of Southern Cross Uni- become more involved in local biodiversity hotspot which is six of these during the morn- versity’s Coastal Management Landcare. the most biologically diverse ing. Three sites will be visited Program. Bookings are essential. Con- area in NSW. The three year around Brunswick Heads. Morning tea will be provid- tact the BVL Project Officer project is funded by the NSW Tom Alletson and Ben Fit- ed and the workshop is free Judy MacDonald 6684 5390 government’s Environmental zgibbon, who work for Tweed for Landcare members with a (Wednesdays and Thursdays). Mullum pest controller fined over crayfish kill Mullumbimby identity Harold been engaged by the makers of mosquito treatment, having ad- As a result of the incident, M Ross, owner of Brunswick the British television show, I’m opted precautionary measures. the Court also ordered an ‘ad- Byron Pest Control (BBPC), has a celebrity, get me out of here, Mr Ross also said he was verse report form’ on the prod- been fined $18,000 and ordered to rid the filming location of sorry for the damage caused uct Country Bifenthrin Aqua to pay $35,000 in costs in the mosquitoes to stop the cast and and greatly regretted the en- be lodged with the Australian Land and Environment Court. crew being bitten. vironmental damage. He said Pesticides and Veterinary Medi- Mr Ross pleaded guilty to In sentencing, Justice Pain the incident is a source of great cines Authority. polluting waters of Dungay took into account Mr Ross’s embarrassment and shame and Pesticide pollution incidents Creek, on a property near Mur- early guilty plea, efforts to clean assured the Court there will be can be reported to the Environ- willumbah, during a mosquito up the site and assistance with no repetition of the incident. ment Line on 131 555. spraying operation in 2007. the investigation. The Court heard Mr Ross In an affidavit to the Court, Discovery holiday program applied the mosquito control Mr Ross said he undertook pesticide Bifenthrin, which is training in the use of Bifenthrin The National Parks and Wild- cide with the International very toxic to aquatic life, around in about 1996 from Ensystex life Service (NPWS) Discov- Year of Astronomy 2009. Dungay Creek, some of which Australia, a company specialis- ery Summer school holiday For more information visit entered the waters, killing ing in pest treatment products. program is in full swing with www.environment.nsw.gov.au around 1,000 native crayfish He said he did not anticipate astronomy activities featuring or call Northern Rivers Region and some insects. Mr Ross had the adverse consequence of the highly this summer to coin- NPWS on 6627 0200.
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Bangalow Industrial Estate Open 10am – 5pm Phone 6687 2275 3 ti-tree plce. arts & industry estate byron bay 66855714 8 April 14, 2009 The Byron Shire Echo www.echo.net.au Local News
Art goes on the road in the name of theatre Take a break The three hand theatre comedy ships. The beauty of it being a Art cleverly written by French French play is that, most Aussie from cyberspace. playwright Yasmina Reza – the men wouldn’t talk about their rights owned by film star Sean friendships as a relationship Play mini-golf. Connery – having played for but the French do. One of the eight years in London’s West lines is from Mark where he End and a long stint on Broad- says: “I couldn’t love the Serge THE way, New York, was performed who bought a painting like MACADAMIA three weeks ago to an enthu- that”, an Aussie bloke wouldn’t CASTLE siastic audience at the Mul- say that. Mark’s character feels lumbimby Civic Centre. like he’s being left behind.’ 10 minutes south from Byron Bay along the Pacific Highway 6687 8432 Recently returned to her home town of Mullumbimby from Sydney, Avair Powell was so impressed by the quality of the performance of Art that Warehouse Collective she immediately wanted to get involved with the Byron Bay Theatre Company. ‘It was a last minute decision to see the show, and I had no idea it was going to be so good. I just thought: how can I be a part of this?!’ SALEStock includes designer clothing, shoes, childrenswear, Local businesswoman Daisy bed quilts, homewares, bags and accessories. Sturn from Oh My Goddess in Brunswick Heads also loved the From left, Iris Ray, producer of Art, Daisy Sturn, Art sponsor, PRICES START AT JUST $10 humour and calibre of the play. and Avair Powell, assistant producer. Coming from a theatrical back- ground herself Daisy knows the Inky Business, Printworks, By- first for the company. The play PAY LESS, PAY CASH concerted effort it takes to bring ron Art Supplies and Horizon stars actors Simeon Tinsley, a show to life. ‘It is just too good Foods. The kind of financial Rick Collings and Avikal. Sale starts Saturday April 11 a production to be presented and active support needed to See ‘Art by Yasmina Reza only in Mullumbimby. It has to keep Art on the road. at the Byron Bay Community go to a wider audience.’ Suitable for all mature audi- Centre on Thursday April 23, Producer Iris Ray and Direc- ences not just theatre lovers, Friday 24 and Saturday 25. tor Sandesh Gibney welcome Art is set to entertain again Doors 7.30pm, show starts at the support of these local god- this month in Byron Bay (with 8pm. For ticket enquiries call desses and other generous in- the possibility of touring the 6684 3613. dividuals and businesses such show to the Gold Coast and Actor Avikal says, ‘‘The play as Santos Trading, The Echo, Brisbane later this year). Tour- is about the misunderstandings 31 Lawson St Byron Bay (next to LJ Hooker) North Coast Cooking Oils, ing the production will be a that can happen in relation-
Enrich your spirit
Visit the enchanting Crystal Castle. Wander the magical gardens of mystic statues, walk the ancient labyrinth, and marvel at the exquisite jewellery, crystals, books and treasures on offer. Indulge in www.crystalcastle.com.au delicious food and coffee as you Open 7 Days 10am-5pm (NSW time) relax, breathing in the hinterland 81 Monet Drive, Mullumbimby 20 mins from Byron Bay views while the children play. (02) 6684 3111 www.echo.net.au The Byron Shire Echo April 14, 2009 9 Comment Kevin’s popular broadband plan nce again Malcolm from people like myself as we polls he is getting perilously when they see one, are inclined Turnbull is appealing fell out of our chairs.’ close to the point at which even to dismiss Turnbull’s critique as O to Gough Whitlam for Rudd’s project is not quite on his most dedicated supporters just another whingeing, carp- Volume 23 #44 April 14, 2009 help. that scale, but it is certainly on start thinking about cutting ing piece of negativity. Kevin Rudd’s proposal to the large side of colossal; he is their losses. It’s true that John The very word ‘Broadband’ broadband Australia is, he right in saying that it ranks with Howard hit the same depths sounds good; it connotes ex- says, on the same scale as the the Snowy River Scheme and and went on to greatness, but pansiveness and generosity. Drugs of choice wish-list of the great spend- the Sydney Harbour Bridge, he had to wait six years and And in the present context it The merry pranksters who organise the Mardi Grass festival thrift, and we all know where both epic feats of nation build- suffer under three other lead- makes Turnbull look very (www.nimbinmardigrass.com) are gearing up for their 17th that left Australia. ing which have become nation- ers before he did so. Such en- small and narrow. annual outing on the weekend of May 1 and 2. The local police Well, we all know where it al treasures. The Howard years durance requires both patience This, of course, is not enough command and the specialist squads will be treating it with all the left Malcolm Turnbull; sail- produced nothing remotely and persistence, two qualities to explain Rudd’s astronomical seriousness of a G20 summit, on the lookout for offences such as ing through a free university comparable: the only major not apparent in the Napoleonic popularity. But one reason it possess prohibited substance, indulge stoned rave and consume course to a life of unimaginable piece of infrastructure from Turnbull. He desperately needs has endured so seamlessly may multiple Tim Tam. opulence. You’d think he would be that after a year and a half Cannabis is not really my cup of tea – my drugs of choice are be more grateful. Turnbull may or may not be an his government is yet to expe- coffee, alcohol and chocolate, and a ritualistic psychotropic once But in any case he is wrong. rience any serious accusation every five years or so. However it seems ridiculous that people It’s true the Whitlam govern- expert in telecommunications, of rorting. But what about Joel I meet every day – those who take cannabis in one form or an- ment had some grandiose Fitzgibbon’s trips to China, I plans, but few of them were but he is rapidly becoming one hear you (or at least Malcolm other – are regarded as outside the law. ever implemented. Rex Con- Turnbull) cry. What about Historical prejudices aside, the only legitimate reason for on unsaleable products. nor’s grand scheme for a na- Craig Thompson’s credit card? outlawing a substance is to minimise community harm. I would tional pipeline grid came to Certainly both have attracted contend the criminalisation of cannabis creates more harm grief as a result of the loans af- by Mungo MacCallum a great deal of media attention, than good, marginalising a group of users who in general are fair, national superannuation but the point is that neither law-abiding citizens, and providing another profitable business and compensation ended up the last decade was the Alice a big win, and he needs it soon. has anything to do with Rudd’s for criminals. You could cut into the revenue of various criminal in the too hard basket and at- Springs to Darwin rail link and But with the great broadband government. Fitzgibbon’s trips outfits considerably by allowing the cultivation of marijuana for tempts at serious overhaul of even that had its detractors. announcement, Rudd has once were taken in opposition; personal use. With use comes responsibilities, however. NORML the federal-state log jam were Chris Corrigan, Howard’s gain stolen the political high since taking office he has been (http://norml.org), the American organisation for the reform of strangled by the public service. loyal ally during the waterfront ground. Turnbull’s problem is squeaky clean. And Thomp- marijuana laws, offers five principles of responsible use – adults The only really costly monu- dispute, warned it would not that despite his self-proclaimed son was not even a member only, no driving, use in an appropriate setting, avoid drug abuse, ment was Medibank, since re- produce a tick’s testicle of profit expertise in the field, most of of parliament at the times of and respect the rights of others. constituted as Medicare, and and he may have been right; the current players seems to the alleged misuse of his un- It would be folly to assume that cannabis is harmless – smok- even Turnbull isn’t game to at- the demand for rail freight be- disagree with him. There are ion credit card. Both incidents ing it comes with side effects to begin with. All drugs – and their tack that. tween Adelaide and Darwin a few doubters, but most of were at best embarrassing, but abuse – come with levels of danger and the National Drug & This is not to say Whitlam is just not there. But the line the more important service to the individuals concerned Alcohol Research Centre (http://ndarc.med.unsw.edu.au) outlines did not have secret ambitions: has proved to be a huge tourist providers are enthusiastically rather than to the administra- the downside well. (The freakier take on drugs and their associ- his last Treasurer Bill Hayden drawcard and is providing a on side. Even Telstra, which tion as a whole. The govern- ated culture is available at www.erowid.org.) recalled that even as things major boost, both economic deliberately took itself out of ment remains impeccable. NDARC also reports, ‘Cannabis is the most widely used illicit were falling apart in 1975 and social, to the Northern the game and has lost most This may just be because its drug in Australia. According to the 2004 National Drug House- Whitlam wanted to buy a huge Territory and its remote town- as a result, says it is looking members are better at hiding hold Survey, 34% of the Australian population reported using shipping line. Horrified Treas- ships like Katherine and Ten- forward to participating in stuff than their predecessors, cannabis at some time, with 11% having used it in the last 12 ury officials, still reeling under nant Creek. the new arrangements. And but it is a gigantic political plus; months.’ That’s a large proportion of the population breaking the the impact of the loans affair, As far as the record shows, Liberal leaders in the far west John Howard must be looking law. The ‘first resuts’ of the 2007 National Drug Strategy House- argued vigorously against the Turnbull is yet to condemn the and the remote south, not to on in envy. Nothing undermines hold Survey available from the Australian Institute of Health and proposal. Whitlam exploded: rail link as a megalomaniac mention quite a few Nationals support for a government faster Welfare (www.aihw.gov.au) show the usage dropping to 9%, ‘Jesus Christ, you Treasury failure; but he has passed this led by Barnaby Joyce have also than proven rorting, the snuf- while Ecstasy remained steady (3.5%) and Speed dropped (3.2% people lack imagination, you instant judgement on Rudd’s given their approval. fling of privileged snouts bur- to 2.3%). Those mad raving hallucinogen users clocked in at 0.6%, lack creativeness. What I want $43 billion broadband vision. There may be a degree of self rowing a bit too deeply into the down from a 1998 peak (experience) of 3%. More worryingly is ideas. What I want is the dra- It’s just not viable, he says, and interest involved in these en- public trough. Malcolm Turn- in the 2007 survey, 19.4% of the population used tobacco and matic gesture like Disraeli buy- no one will want to invest in it. dorsements, but they remain bull, unable to make progress 82.9% alcohol. ing the Suez Canal!’ Hayden He knows, because he was once politically potent. In the cir- on the big issues, must be keep- Home-grown ingested cannabis is among the least of our said that it was the only time he involved in the industry. cumstances it will not be sur- ing his ears cocked – but so far drug problems in terms of economic cost to society, drug-related had seen the faces of the whole Well, Turnbull may or may prising if the general public in vain. deaths and sustainability. Locally-grown cannabis would have the Treasury group fall apart: ‘You not be an expert in telecom- who may not have the knowl- Rudd’s government remains smallest ‘footprint’. And unless you know a local backyard phar- could hear the clunk as all their munications, but he is rapidly edge to judge the technical or the least tarnished in living macologist, you support criminal gangs by purchasing the likes jaws simultaneously hit the becoming one on unsaleable economic niceties of the pro- memory. Perhaps the man re- of cocaine, crystal meth, and ecstasy, not to mention the carbon floor. The louder thumps were products. At 18 percent in the posal, but can recognise a loser ally is a saint. emissions involved in transporting the product. And of course there’s a case for not taking drugs at all, a matter for education rather than compulsion. Explain and demonstrate Now open even wider the benefits and associated highs of alternatives such as sport, UNBELIEVABLE yoga, lucid dreaming or morris dancing (www.morris.org.au). Saturdays 9 to 5 Whatever floats your boat. But there’s no need to be complicit BUT TRUE!! in the sinking of other people’s boats without considering the implications of what you’re doing. Have this brand new – Michael McDonald, editor Solar Star (solar hot water without the panels)TM The Byron Shire Echo hot water service valued at Established 1986 $4,475 for only Publisher David Lovejoy ADVANCEDADVANCED ETHICALETHICAL DENTISTRY DENTISTRY $279*fully installed Editor Michael McDonald UÊÊÃÌVÊ iÌÃÌÀÞÊqÊ->viÊ>>}>ÊÀiÛ>]ÊLV«>ÌLÌÞÊ. quality holistic care Photographer Jeff Dawson . safe amalgam removal procedures • Save hot water energy costs by ÌiÃÌ}]ÊÕÌÀÌ]Ê i«>Ì Þ]Ê>ÀÊw. nutritional program available ÊÌÀ>ÌÊÃÞÃÌi up to 70% PA Advertising Manager Angela Cornell Ê UÊ>ÃiÀÊ iÌÃÌÀÞÊqÊ« ÌÊ>VÌÛ>Ìi`Ê`ÃviVÌ Simon Haslam . biocompatible fillings and crowns • Save up to 3000 litres of water PA Accounts Manager Ê UÊÊ ÃiÌVÊ iÌÃÌÀÞÊqÊiÌ>ÊvÀiiÊVÀÜÃÊ>`ÊLÀ`}iÃ]Ê. diagnosis and holistic treatment of gum disease Production Manager Ziggi Browning ÛiiiÀÃ]ÊÌiiÌ ÊÜ Ìi}. family orientated dentists • Save jobs buy Australian Made ‘The job of a newspaper is to comfort the Ê UÊ>ÞÊV>ÀiÊÜÌ Ê>ÊvVÕÃÊÊ«ÀiÛiÌ. cosmetic dentistry . focus on prevention Authorised Byron Bay and Ballina
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HigViVEajbW^c\ OPENING HOURS: Mon-Fri 8.30am-6pm Sat 9am-5pm 6685 3943 / 0428 878 474 Unsolicited contributions are welcome but, given the volume of material we brunswick6/18 Mullumbimbi holistic Street Brunswickdental Heads centre receive, not all submissions will be acknowledged. Email to [email protected] e: [email protected] is the preferred means of receipt. * \ÊÈÈnxÊ£ÓÈ{ÊÜÜÜ°LÀÕÃÜV`iÌ>°iÌPh: 6685 1264 www.brunswickdental.net 10 April 14, 2009 The Byron Shire Echo www.echo.net.au Letters Different takes on holiday letting ÀiÊi>`Ê+Õ>ÀÀÞÊ >ÀÌ ÜÀà 7iÊV>Ê`Ê>ÞÌ }Ê>`ÊiÛiÀÞÌ }°Ê ■ Once upon a time a house was we left with? A soulless hodge- festation’ to ‘soulless unsmiling changes to ensure that neigh- "ÕÀÊÊiÝV>Û>ÌÀÊiÛiÊ >ÃÊ>Ê}À>LÊvÀÊÀVÊÜ>à a home, rather than a property podge, dominated by generic pissheads’ never go on holidays bours would not be disturbed investment. Ah, those were the chain stores, fast food joints, themselves? If they do, are they in any way. A couple of weeks ÕÃiÊÃÌiÃ]Êv>ÀÊÀ>`Ã] days, the days before the real and upmarket gift stores, then not tourists in other peo- ago I received an email from estate virus had morphed into that does not a tourist mecca ple’s communities? Maybe their one of my neighbours thank- >ÊiÝV>Û>Ìðà a viciously replicating cancer make. judgement of tourists is impul- ing me for the ‘much improved *ÀÕ`ÊÌÊÃÕ««ÀÌ cell that has sucked the life out How galling then for holiday sive and too generalised? clientele’. Ì iÊ*Ê>`iÃÊ of hitherto healthy communi- letting apologists to call for an Some argue that holiday let- What we need is not more >`ÊÌ iÊÀi`ÃÊ ties all over the planet. economic impact study before ting is to blame for the loss of rules and regulations. We need vÊÌ iÊLÀ>ÀÞ° Byron Bay, sadly, has suc- Council belatedly quarantines community feeling. Then why more self responsibility. Over- >ÊvÀÊ> cumbed to a particularly vir- their noxious trade to specific does Council allow horrible regulation creates disempow- vÀiiʵÕÌi ä{£n ÈÈÈ x{È ulent strain, with over twenty precincts. That is akin to the monstrosities to be erected in ered and resentful people and per cent of the towns hous- fox demanding to know what the middle of Byron Bay? These a split community. Taking re- ing stock given over to short- happened to the goose that laid developments do exactly what? sponsibility empowers us and Local Solar Power Offer term holiday letting. Result? the golden egg while greedily for the community feeling? brings us together as a com- A devastating loss of char- licking his bloodstained lips. I am the owner and manager munity as we are creating solu- $8000 solar power rebate ending 1st July 09 acter and community that is Varij (Wayne Stuart) of a holiday house in Byron tions that benefit us all. painfully obvious to all except South Golden Beach Bay and I take personal offence Owners and managers of cynics who know the price of at the awful comments made holiday houses do need to op- everything and the value of ■ Over the past few weeks I about the tourists. Almost all erate under a Ccde of practice, Household nothing. have been following the discus- my guests are respectful and such as the one from the HLO. Appliances Blinkered by self-interest, sions about holiday letting in friendly. These comments are I am not happy to be judged these affluenza afflicted prof- the Byron Shire. insulting and should not even and penalised for the actions iteers refuse to see or care that I have been a local to this be published unless the inten- of those who won’t comply by the people and businesses that area for over 20 years and I tion is to further inflame the these rules. Mairéad 0458 085 009 gave the town its heart and soul wholeheartedly agree that resi- situation. Furthermore, I would re- www.ausenergy.com.au and unique branding appeal dents have a right to a peace- Yes, in the first few months ally like to hear some feedback can no longer afford to live or ful neighbourhood and a good of holiday letting I had com- from all those who directly operate here because of the night sleep. And I, too, have plaints about noise and be- and indirectly benefit from the usurious rents they demand for been saddened by the changes haviour. As a member of the holiday letting economy. Many HYPNOTHERAPY their over-valued investment in Byron over the past twenty HLO I very quickly familiar- jobs will be lost and many fam- MATTHEW FAVALORO properties. years and the resulting loss of ised myself with their code of ilies will lose their income if
Absent the hippies, ferals, character and atmosphere. practice and had several very Council’s proposed Holiday Stop Smoking Gambling bohemian fringe-dwellers, ex- I am, however, confused helpful conversations with Letting Model gets adopted. Drinking Anxiety urban creatives, and a dwin- about two things: John Gudgeon, their president. It will affect you and me and Stress Recall & more... dling minority of businesses Do those people who de- My learning curve was steep many of our friends. that reflect the shire’s previous scribe the tourists to our Shire and I decided to take responsi- Beate Sommer alternative ethos and what are as anything from ‘noxious in- bility and make the necessary Bangalow Specialised Programs for All Ages and Most Conditions Deserving of rail Bangalow. Blockage of the Pa- the political fence is in govern- working for the people of By- 0416 272 142 I was totally amazed to read cific Highway could happen at ment in NSW, northern NSW ron Shire, and promising no about a chap so happily saying any time.That’s why the rails deserves better than this. more rate hikes. www.alternatives.com.au he was using buses as his trans- system should be reinstalled M Carruthers Ephraim Sella port and being over the moon immediately. Those people Bangalow Byron Bay they were always half empty. who are plumping for a horse Exactly! Doesn’t he realise they or bike track in lieu of the rail Council rates Wildebeest parable Byron Dental Surgery were nearly empty because are not very far-seeing. A par- Thank you to Council for de- African wildlife TV programs Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm most people who travel like to allel track alongside would be claring that they will not seek often show great herds of wilde- have comfort, and especially great; but once our rail is taken another ‘extra’ rate hike. beests and deer – such as elands Providing all the dental care you those who have any form of it will never be put back. Even Can we now ask that Coun- – thousand upon thousand of and your family may need infirmity simply cannot mount third world countries have de- cil promise to freeze rates for them and the small prides of s -!8)-5- #!2% the buses? For those who can, cent rail services. Why should the balance of its term? lions and cheetahs that prey s -).)-!, ).4%26%.4)/. they find the seats are far too a bunch of little Hitlers have This would be appropri- upon them. This demonstrates s -!8)-5- 02%6%.4)/. small; those who feel the call of the say in whether tax paying ate given the tough econom- the natural balance; every car- s -%2#529 &2%% 2%34/2!4)/.3 nature simply cannot manage citizens, who are increasing in ic times we face today, and nivore needs hundreds of her- to walk the aisle in surety on a this area by the minute, should should be easily feasible, given bivores for their life support Call (02) 6680 7774 for your next appointment moving bus. be without a reliable mode of the many assurances we have continued overleaf Call to mind the traffic ac- travel when emergencies re- had that Council’s financial po- cidents this week from around quire them to be on the move? sition is strong. Chinderah to the environs of Irrespective of which side of We look forward to Council Letters to the Editor THE RAILS Fax: 6684 1719 Email: [email protected] Deadline: Noon, Friday. Letters longer than 200 words THE RAILWAY FRIENDLY BAR, BYRON BAY may be cut; letters already published in other papers will not be considered; pseudonyms not RAILS kitchen acceptable. Please include your full name, address and phone number. 6685 7662 THE FAMOUS Need Staff? Need Work? Wednesday 15th 6.30pm call 1800 670 914 CHRIS ARONSTEN Thursday 16th 6.30pm or check out SPOT THE DINGO
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CONVENIENT OFFICES IN: t Southport t Nerang t Coolangatta Tuesday 21st 6.30pm t South Tweed Heads t Kingscliff t Murwillumbah t Mullumbimby t Brunswick Heads t Byron Bay t Ballina t Lismore t Casino t Kyogle BEN CAMPAIN t Grafton t Maclean t Yamba t Coffs Harbour t Bellingen t Woolgoolga www.echo.net.au The Byron Shire Echo April 14, 2009 11 Letters
continued from page 11 smaller plantings could be con- ping down the trees so there is system. There is a limit to the sidered. Some can be as low as no fear of fire. It is the thinking number of herbivores that the the 50cm high Lilly Pillies or of a society that is pro-death, environment can feed, espe- the the one metre Matt Rush rather than for proliferation cially in a drying continent. (Lomandra). (pro-life-ration). The carnivorous habits of us It seems silly to continue Geoff Dawe humans are supported by the mowing verges as the society Uki great herds of domesticated comes up against the twin chal- herbivores – cows and sheep – lenge of peak oil and climate Ism criticism and we are beginning to blame change that call for thought on Re the discussion ‘Israeli-Pal- them for the contribution that oil alternatives. Furthermore, estinian conflict’ (Letters, April their gaseous emissions make mowed lawns are soil degrad- 7). People should keep in mind to global warming! ing practice in that soils are that Zionism is a political ideol- As Tony Heath pointed out provided more by plants com- ogy (as is conservatism, social- (Echo, March 31), we need 10kg pleting their cycles rather than ism, liberalism, democratism, of grains and pulses to raise 1kg having their full expression republicanism, monarchism, of meat plus loads of water and prematurely ended. The num- communism, socialism and energy to foster the conversion. ber of animals such as snakes, any other political ‘ism’) and is Consuming meat really is an mice, frogs and lizards using a little over 100 years old. environmental burden, as Tony the verges would also tend Judaism is a religion thou- explained so well. to increase with other than sands of years old and has Moral: if you wish to do one mowed vegetation. nothing to do with the policies thing to save the planet, go Sure, roadkill may increase, of the Israeli Zionist govern- vegetarian. Much cheaper and but the increasing number of ment although the lines be- more effective than a Prius, so- roadkill are indicators of the tween the two seem purposely lar hot water or PV panels. But building up of species, and the blurred for political reasons. you could do all four – not too expansion of habitat is what ev- We are all at liberty to criti- sure about the car though! ery conservationist hopes for. cise with impunity the policies Colin Cook Roadkill is not a problem of of any government should we Bangalow the expansion of habitat but of deem that they do not comply road use by Homo sapiens. We with humanitarian principles. Plant the verges are all now well aware that it is For instance, if we criticise the Perhaps a better option than necessary to fit in with, rather Chinese communist govern- the mowing of verges that than overload and dominate, ment’s policies we don’t get Donald Drinkwater mentions the environment. It is possible accused of being Opium War (Letters, March 24) might be to reduce speeds on country deniers and anti-Sinoists. their planting with trees so roads. On the day I want to Criticising the policies of that weeds are largely shaded go to town I can get up half an any country’s government has out and mowing becomes un- hour earlier for the sake of the nothing whatsoever to do with necessary. roadside animals. the religion or race of its citi- On inner bends where line Creating lawn area road- zenry. Most of us were guilty of sight is a priority or on side deserts (Bill Mollison of giving the Bush Republican verges on the northern side of called lawns ‘green cancer’) as government a serve or two but properties where the owners a means of lessening animal that did not cast any aspersions do not want to be shaded out, deaths is equivalent to chop- on US citizens’ races or reli- win $$$ with your Recycling Bin... in the ‘Recycle Right’ Jackpot Solo Resource Recovery and Byron Shire Council are rewarding residents for correctly recycling with a RECYCLE RIGHT JACKPOT initiative. Each week an address within the Byron Shire will be randomly selected to have their recycling bin inspected upon collection. If the bin is found to be FREE OF CONTAMINATION the resident wins $100. If ‘contaminants’ are found in the bin, the prize will not be awarded and will jackpot to $200, and so on. As a resident, for your chance to win all you have to do is put your yellow-lidded recycling bin out on the usual day, ensuring that you have ‘Recycled Right,’ with no ‘contaminants’.
Acceptable Materials Unacceptable Materials ONLY the following items can go into your If these materials are found the bin will yellow-lidded bin: be deemed ‘contaminated’. Glass Bottles & Jars Plastic Bags Milk and Juice cartons Garden or Food Waste Plastic Bottles and containers with the Appliances code 1 2 3 4 5 or 7 on them Building Materials including Aluminium cans Scrap metal, Timber etc. Steel Cans Clothing fabrics or Shoes Empty Aerosol Cans Styrofoam Trays or Boxes Paper & Cardboard General Waste Newspaper & Magazines Containers should be rinsed, with lid removed.
For more information phone Solo Resource Recovery on 6687 0455 2357153aa/lmb 12 April 14, 2009 The Byron Shire Echo www.echo.net.au Letters Dealing with sea level rise NEEDING HELP WITH Council General Manager warns that ‘the upper values A more important issue long gone and is not likely to A MEDICAL MATTER? Graeme Faulkner’s explana- of the ranges are not to be con- from the planning perspective return. Have you had an unsatisfactory experience tion of Council’s policy on sea sidered upper bounds for sea is that Council’s policy ignores The Belongil spit was subdi- with the healthcare system or a doctor? level rise (Echo, April 7) ignores level rise.’ what happens after 2100. Sea vided about 120 years ago, and some important issues. Any estimates of sea level level will continue to rise for the original fishers’ huts and Have you suffered loss as a result of negligence? He refers to ‘data supplied by rise from melting of Green- centuries and possibly mille- workers’ cottages have turned Lisa Powell is an accredited the Intergovernmental Panel land and Antarctic ice are little nia, and a Council espousing into multi-million dollar prop- specialist lawyer with expertise in on Climate Change (IPCC)’, more than guesses, so there is ‘sustainable development’ can- erties and a major headache for litigation. Over 15 years experience but the IPCC has not provided currently no scientific basis for not ignore the implications of Council. in a Sydney fi rm handling any predictions of future sea any firm predictions of total this if they want to be taken We should not be leaving a level rise. They do provide a sea level rise to 2100. seriously. legacy of such inappropriate negligence claims. range of computer model es- The figure of 90cm being In the ‘greed is good’ 1980s, developments to future gen- I will be visiting your area in the timates, but warn that ‘this re- used by Council may be a when anything more than 20 erations - they will have quite near future, so contact me on free call 1800 855 port does not . . . provide a best reasonable estimate, but then years old was ripe for demo- enough to do trying to cope 975 to arrange an appointment. estimate or an upper bound for again it may not be. Any re- lition, there might have been with the effects of several me- sea level rise.’ alistic policy for sea level rise an argument that any devel- tres sea level rise on existing Your fi rst consultation is free. These computer model esti- must take account of these un- opment approved now will be developments. No advance or progress payments. mates do not include any con- certainties, and should err on long gone by 2100 and any Matthew Lambourne Don’t delay, as statutory limitations may apply. tribution from future increased the side of caution - residents new development would have Mullumbimby ice flow from Greenland and property and lives may depend to comply with any new re- Antarctica, and the report on it. strictions, but that decade is gions. If Protestants followed are being saddled with the Strategy is not a road map we similar axiom as the Zionist consequences of ‘suburban’ should follow. government they could still be style subdivisions, done on Nino MacDonald accusing the Catholics of being the cheap and driven by good Billinudgel Spanish Inquisition deniers. old fashioned capitalism’s sin- Peggy Balfour gle bottom line – not by the Desensitised culture Mullumbimby intentional communities or The use of drones to attack triple bottom line of social, people is an abomination and Failed strategy economic and environmental an affront to civilised sen- Partly in response to Fast harmony that the strategy en- sibilities. The use of remote Buck$: the only reason the visioned and was supposed to controlled, unmanned aircraft Rural Settlement Strategy has engender. to fire high explosive, armour never been a success is because The question is not, is the piercing missiles at people in its credibility was destroyed strategy a dud? But rather, why homes, or travelling in cars, is the moment Councillors voted is the community being con- vicious and cowardly. to approve it in 1998. Perhaps tinually dudded ? Yet this is what western pow- you were one of them? And A pattern has emerged of ers do, on a routine basis, in can enlighten me how it came Council incompetence and Iraq, Gaza, Afghanistan, the to be that a strategy, put on weakness in dealing with de- tribal border region of Paki- public exhibition after three veloper greenwash, at the same stan and elsewhere around the years of extensive consulta- time as demonstrating indif- world. tion, and generally accepted ference to legitimate commu- If this is defence, it is ulti- by the community, was then nity concerns. Developers get mately counterproductive. dramatically changed without the green light, greening their What does it say about our bali antara the community knowing it, proposals to gain approvals for desensitised culture that this and approved by Council in rezoning, then watering them abhorrent practice is permitted the space of one week? down at the development stage, and promoted as an advanced lifestyle imports It is hardly surprising that while the community is put on way to deal with others? those communities who were permanent hold and left to flap John Scrivener identified for new CT land re- in the wind. Main Arm TOTAL CLOSING DOWN SALE leases in the strategy’s rural As you have perhaps hap- land release program – when lessly pointed out, why should ■ Letters received from Hayo previously they had not been – the strategy allow one ru- van der Woude, Ocean Shores, were upset by this outcome and ral landowner to (massively) A Fox, Ocean Shores, Rene today, still remain implacably develop his/her land and yet Thalmann, Ocean Shores, opposed. After all, we are not not another? Why not let us Michele Grant, Ocean Shores, talking about a dwelling here all massively develop our land Trevor Trew, Bangalow, M or a dwelling there, these are together? Frost, Myocum, Duncan Ship- concentrated numbers of new There are more equitable ley-Smith, Upper Coopers houses being proposed around and more affordable and more Creek. Some of these letters are existing settlements like Main sustainable ways of catering to on our website www.echo.net. Arm. our rural housing needs and au. Letters about Woolworths FINAL 2 WEEKS The result? Communities a debased Rural Settlement are overleaf. AND A TIME FOR ABSOLUTE SUPER BARGAINS Websites at a EVERYTHING MUST BE SOLD cost fraction of the OFF
For as little as $5 per week, an Echo Featured Listing offers ALL OUR a uniquely designed web page for your business, complete REMAINING with an image gallery, detailed description, logos, banner STOCK and a map to pinpoint your exact business location. THEY WHO HESITATE MISS OUT! Perfect for small businesses just starting Open 7 days Monday to Friday 10am-5pm Sat & Sun until 2.30pm out and those who want a web presence. Call 6685 5222 2/7-17 Brigantine St (next to Santos), A & I Estate, Byron Bay www.echo.net.au Phone Ben or Klaudia 0423 159 198 www.echo.net.au The Byron Shire Echo April 14, 2009 13 Letters Woolworths, pollies urged towards acts of good faith
■ Is it arrogance or are Wool- meats until they are able to Do you really think BSC receive their approval. Woolworth’s pursuits across to our elderly folk and the main worths simply stupid? As stated connect to the town’s new can approve a system that Woolworths must know they our country. Is it, Woolworths street is slowly fading – with in last week’s Echo, Woolworths sewage system. fails to meet the performance have no chance of getting their – the arrogant people? shops closing and empty spaces expect to begin building soon Problem is, Woolworths, criteria it requires of all other ludicrously inadequate system Garry Scott opening for the street vandals. in Mullumbimby, acknowledg- that a toilet is a toilet – they applicants for onsite systems? approved by BSC and are sim- Mullumbimby As a final affront to our small ing that they first need to get collect crap and nutrients and Do you really think BSC is ply going through the motions village they faced the entrance Byron Shire Council’s (BSC) a frequently water-logged ur- ready to set a precedent that of appearing to be doing the ■ Woolworths opened in our of the facade away from the approval for their onsite waste ban site with high public usage accepts promises from veg- right thing. Is their claim to community of Sandgate in Feb- main street, thus making it dif- water system. is no place for an onsite sew- etarian households and ap- be starting building soon arro- ruary of this year. After nine ficult for the elderly and families The NSW Department age system of any sort. Even a proves discounted onsite sew- gance resting in the knowledge years of fighting and commu- with kids to cross the road and of Planning might be eas- grandma who goes to church age systems? that their friends in Sydney are nity opposition, finally the mul- support other local business. ily fooled. Spokesman might every Sunday and sleeps in a BSC in its reply to the ever ready to trounce local ap- tinationals prevailed. Not to mention the parking is a proudly claim that their toilets single bed couldn’t get a one NSW Department of Plan- proval processes? To date we have ‘lost’ our nightmare – and having to pay will be of the highest rating, room dog-house with onsite ning stated very clearly that It seems the rulings of local community noticeboard, the for the trolley! low-flush type and promise sewage approved by BSC on Woolworths sewage proposals councils and the views of com- street buskers have disappeared, The atmosphere of the village they won’t be preparing any such a site. are inadequate and would not munity are of little concern to they cancelled home-delivery has been compromised and the social fabric undermined since Advertisement Woolies opened. Keep fighting… the ‘wider aisles’ and ‘more product choice’ – simply not worth it! Kerrie Chandler ETR1M/10 Brighton QLD
■ While Woolworths awaits Byron Shire Council’s signa- ture on their S68 certificate, we all wait with bated breath. This is all Woolworths need to go ahead with their contentious development. The site of Woolworths’ proposed supermarket in Mullumbimby is floodprone land. Has a climate change impact assessment and flood review been undertaken? I understand that the Minister and councils can only disclaim responsibility for liability for flooding (S733) and impacts of climate change (such as death or disaster) if they act ‘in good faith’. Is it ‘in good faith’ to approve the Woolworths development on floodprone land (See Local Government Act 1993 no 30 Chapter 17 Part 3 Division 2) especially when Council has informed the Planning Min- ister (9.12.08) that ‘system failure [of the sewage] has the clear potential to create a pub- lic health risk’? Deborah Lilly Mullumbimby
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Open 9am to 3pm Mon – Fri, or by appointment. Monday to Friday 9-5 Tel 02 6680 9798 www.buncoffee.com.au Unit 4/1A Banksia Drive Byron Bay NSW 2481 0423 706 553 www.echo.net.au The Byron Shire Echo April 14, 2009 15 Articles Surviving in the line of fire, and beyond: the story of an With ANZAC Day approaching on April 25, Jeanette Krohn recalls her father’s hardships in World War II y father is going to turn ammunition and brave but in- able assistance of the Papuan Dad often told me stories 86 this year. He enlist- experienced troops. They nev- natives, who carried in supplies about his war experiences when M ed into the army, aged ertheless somehow managed and carried out wounded and I was a child. He still had per- 18, only one day after the Japa- to hold the Japanese back with who knew their country and nicious malaria even then and nese bombed Pearl Harbour, forced retreats, just in time for acted as guides and as a source sometimes we woke at night to December 1941. He was sent the 2/14 and 2/16 Battalions of of intelligence about Japanese his feverish ramblings while my up to the Palmerston Ranges, the 7th Division to arrive to re- movements. The Australians mother tried to wake and con- with the other young recruits, lieve them. They were down to called them the ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy sole him. One night we woke to do their basic training in the their last legs, only 180 men left, Angels’, with their big hair and to the sound of Mum desper- steep, wet rainforests of north including wounded, after two irreplaceable support. ately trying to wake him from Queensland, in preparation for months in continual action. At the end of the war, when a frenzied nightmare. Running warfare in the massive ranges In the 7th Division records the troops had to go back to the into my parents’ room, I saw my of the New Guinea Highlands. they described the 39th men coast, for transport home, there Dad crouched down beside my Dad had joined the 6th Divi- as ‘gaunt spectres, with gaping was a spontaneous event that Mum’s sewing table, shoulder- sion, which was to be sent to boots and rotting tatters of uni- illustrated profoundly the bond ing an imaginary rifle, in hyper- relieve the decimated remnants forms around them like scare- of love and respect that the two vigilant alert with sweat pour- of 39th (VIC), 49th (QLD) and crows. Their faces had no ex- different peoples had developed ing down his face and a look 53rd (NSW), who had just man- pression, their eyes sunk back for each other. With the New of such acute alarm on his face aged to hold the western edges into their sockets. They were Guinean women on one side that I could never forget it. of what became known as the drained by malaria, dysentery and the men on the other, they For many years he was un- Kokoda Track. The 39th had and near starvation but they had lined the track, as the troops willing to march in the ANZAC initially met what was a 10,000 had still stood firm and faced filed past. The women shook Parade because he said he felt strong, elite, well equipped down the firing lines of the every trooper’s hand while their so overcome with grief for all and trained Japanese landing powerful and well equipped men saluted. My father said, ‘It his lost friends and comrades force and were outnumbered enemy’. was quite a long line and by the that he could only participate in 6-1. The 39th comprised inex- Dad was recruited into the end, there were tears and many his own quiet, personal lament. perienced Homeland Forces, 16th Brigade of the 6th Division lumps in throats on both sides. He never ameliorated his pain WWI veterans and young raw as an Artillery Sergeant. They Harold Lindsay Ardill Rogers in uniform. It was so very sad to say good- with alcoholic self-medication recruits, who had been thrown dismantled their ‘25 Pounder bye to these brave and wonder- or ever denigrated peoples of into the New Guinea campaign Guns’ and carried them in piec- into the ridges of the Highlands the heat and the wet and the ful people who had enabled us other races – even those who with the news of an imminent es, over the massive Prince Al- of New Guinea, which are some flash floods and the fungus and to win the war. Who had saved had afflicted so much suffer- Japanese invasion force. exander and Torrestelli Ranges of the most rugged, wet, steep the dysentery and the malaria thousands of lives and who had ing on so many. He always said They were poorly equipped, to fight their war, pushing back and wild country in the world. and the war. A determining forged such a mutual bond of that there was good and bad in under-supplied, with meagre continual Japanese incursions Some men went ‘troppo’ in factor was definitely the invalu- respect with us.’ all peoples and you never knew
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16 April 14, 2009 The Byron Shire Echo www.echo.net.au Articles
1 Ê - -"Ê/ -/-ÊEÊ ,½-Ê /- "1- Ê* - Ê/"Ê "1 Ê-* /" - Australian soldier in wartime , "6/" - 8/ -" - V >i who people really were until iÞ they were under duress and ,1/- their real character showed 0( through. Last year, my siblings and I Top quality secondhand goods, noticed that Dad’s short-term memory was getting scram- furniture and electrical bled and confused. He has COMPANION ANIMALS since been diagnosed with WELFARE INC. early stages dementia. As his survivalist personality is slowly OP-SHOPO diminishing, there is appear- ing more and more, the tender, Building a dog shelter sensitive, funny and deeply car- in Byron Shire. ing person that my father truly #NR 4WEED 3T "OOYUN 3T "RUNSWICK (EADS is. One day last year, I arrived (next to supermarket) at his place to see him sitting in Mon-Fri 10am-5pm his chair by the window with WWW CAWIORGAU s INFO CAWIORGAU s tears streaming down his face. He was looking at the photos in a small book about one of his Regiment’s decisive cam- paigns towards the end of the war in New Guinea. On July 14, 1945, the 2/1st and 2/2nd Harold Rogers is standing centre back – torso facing, looking to the side. ‘2/1st Battalion are Field Regiments, fired a total having breakfast at Nimbun Creek. The jungle had been cleared the night before by Japanese JOUFSJPS!EFDPSBUJPO! of 4,500 25-pounder shells over shellfire in a surprise attack. The battle for the ridge continued for several weeks with the 2/1st a 45-minute period in a mas- suffering heavy casualties.’ Sfdzdmfe! sive bombardment that ‘broke the war was already over. He on his ‘revolutionary’ financial he would tip his hat to and say the back’ of the Japanese ad- didn’t manage to make it home structuring of corporate takeo- ‘G’day’, no matter who or what Ujncfs! vance in the Prince Alexander to Australia until April, 1946. ver bids in the early days of they were. Ranges at a place called ‘The Last year I marched in the emerging multinational corpo- He’s definitely my hero, that’s Xpslcfodi Blot’ by the Aussies. They had ANZAC Parade in Byron with rations. He had to face a lot of for sure and every year now, been in continuous action in my Dad. We marched together flak from two of his three chil- I want to hold his hand and xbt!%26:: the mountains for 12 months. in time. He refused to go in the dren, who were definitely more march beside him on ANZAC After the bombardment all bus with the other veterans. I left-wing/greenie sympathisers. Day. In 2005, after much nag- opx!%22:: the Gunners’ ears were pour- felt so proud. He has lived a When he retired at 60, my ging from family, he wrote his ing blood. My Dad’s eardrums heroic life. mother was diagnosed with autobiography. At the back he 68!tuvbsu!tusffu-!nvmmvncjncz!OTX!3593 were smashed and he lost 50% Parkinson’s Disease. He nursed has listed some anecdotes and of his hearing that day. One fter the war, he was in- her for 18 years until her death his philosophy of life. Two of q0g!13!7795!7667 month later, the Americans vited to a Christmas and even still managed to be them encapsulates the way my f!wjdupsjbAsbxtupsf/ofu/bv dropped the atom bomb. A party for returned offic- awarded the Premier’s Award father has lived his life: Because the Japanese com- ers. My mother was dancing for for Community Service. ‘He who remains uncon- munication and supply lines the troops with the Australian Many locals in Byron would cerned with the evil that befalls had been finally broken in that Borovansky Ballet and they fell remember him from the years his neighbour thereby passes defensive, there was still an- in love. With three children, when he still walked the Light- sentence upon himself.’ other nine months of difficult a war service mortgage, a full house track every second day ‘I complained because I had ‘mop up’ operations to be un- time job and studying account- for as long as he was able. Every no shoes until I saw a man who dertaken in New Guinea and ancy, he still managed to top person he passed on his walks, had no feet.’ its outer islands. Australia in his Taxation and Often starving and desper- Management Accountancy ate, the Japanese didn’t believe Examinations. He became the that the war had been lost and youngest finance director (37) Byron Bay fought on. During this time, in corporate history in Oz and 'EORGINA *AY !LLISON -ANDY .OLAN OF some of my Father’s friends was invited to lecture at the THE BIG JOKE FESTIVAL were still lost – even though London School of Economics Writers WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE, BUSINESSES & ORGANISATIONS Festival FOR THEIR SUPPORT IN HELPING MAKE OUR Estuary & FESTIVAL A SUCCESS 7-9 AUGUST 2009 Mangroves : NSW Tourism & GAIA workshops from 3 august -AJOR 3PONSORS workshop -EDIA 3PONSORS: The Echo, NBN, ABC North Coast Accommodation Sponsors: Victorias, The Sirens & The Beach Hotel SATURDAY 18 APRIL, 9-12 NOON Event sponsors: Byron Bay Writers’ Festival, George & Brunswick Heads Fuhrmann Real Estate, The Macadamia Castle, Byron Seachange Consulting, The Cellar, Creative Coffee, Harvest, Come and learn more about: Bangalow Real Estate, Byron Bay Ballooning, Obsession, s VALUABLE ESTUARINE ECOSYSTEMS INCLUDING SEAGRASS Epod Central, Green Garage, Beesley & Hughes, Xcede mangroves and saltmarsh Airport Transfers, Bangalow Chamber of Commerce, Timber Slab Factory, Byron Accommodation, Chase Byron s IMPORTANT ISSUES SUCH AS WATER QUALITY BANK EROSION & The Staff of the Urban/Bang Thai & Leah Roland s THE "RUNSWICK %STUARY -ANAGEMENT 0LAN Original logo design: Olivia Cooper Trainers: Tom Alletson and Ben Fitzgibbon, Printing: Mullumbimby Printworks Design: Stuart Street Design estuary management offi cers from Tweed Thanks to: Bridglands for couches, Northern Rivers Plant hire for plants The advice & support of: Jan Barham & Byron Shire Council, Jeff from the and Byron Shire Councils. Bangalow Market Committee, Russell Mills of Northern Rivers The workshop is free to fi nancial Landcare members Tourism, Glenn Wright of Mullum Music Festival AND FOR NON ,ANDCARE MEMBERS -ORNING TEA PROVIDED The skills of: Posie, Stuart Batten, Fred Cole, Tao Jones, Michelle Van Bookings essential: contact Judy MacDonald, Early Bird 3 Day Passes Raay, Noel Jeffries. BVL Project Offi cer on 6684 5390 And the incredible work of the volunteers: Sarah Jane, Rob, Paul, Phil, On Sale Now! Hila, Claire, Georgina, Bubaloo, Pavitar, Angie, Gabi, Lex, Sylvia, [Wednesday and Thursday] Tickets and information at Rich, Tracey, Cathy, Sally, Megan, Loki, Robyn, Dave & Ellen. www.byronbaywritersfestival.com A very special thank you to: Michael Malloy & the staff of Jetset This BVL workshop is funded by the or Jetset Byron Bay 02 6685 6262 Travel & all the performers, big and small, local and international! .37 GOVERNMENTS %NVIRONMENTAL We look forward to another amazing Big Joke in 2010! Trust education program. ADagency Photos up soon on www.thebigjoke.com.au www.echo.net.au The Byron Shire Echo April 14, 2009 17 2"'..+'.+(# 82 CHECK OUT THE PUZZLES & GIVEAWAYS!
A Spot of Paint Beading, Tie-dye, Batik, Circus Arts French Gourmet Fresca 22nd and Thursday 23rd Canvas Painting, Plaster Buffet at The April. Head to A Spot of Paint Ceramic Casting and loads more. The INDOOR Circus School Petit Snail We’re loving the feel of www.scarlettaffection.com and Art Studio are Bookings are essential, located in the Arts and changing seasons, and for more details. running their fun phone: 0410 343 646. Industry Park – is hosting Wed April 15 to Sat 18 and do believe this is a time and creative Kids Art Don’t want to be a part exciting Circus-themed Wed April 22 to Sat 25 to renew the love in all The Macadamia Workshops again this of the workshop? Adults workshops for children Don’t miss out it’s ‘as much as facets of life. Autumn Castle school holidays. The and children can come from 5-15yrs. Offering a you want’ For the duration of brings fabulous fruits and workshops run Monday along and paint ceramics broad spectrum of circus the school holidays, the Petit vegetables, and on our The Macadamia Castle is to Friday and are or a canvas any time skills and heaps of fun Snail is offering a hot & menu we are highlighting a favourite for visitors crammed with loads in the day! All levels and exercise! cold French Gourmet Buffet such flavours as seared to the Byron area and of fabulous creative welcome, simply relax, Available for full day w/ for $45. Those fortunate scallops, crisp pancetta, residents alike. Visit our activities for school have fun and be creative. lunch ($65) or half day enough to have attended truffled parsnip puree and Animal Park and hear our aged children, including: 9/18 Centennial Circuit ($35). Classes - Mon, Wed, their opening night will asparagus. Kipfler potato keepers talks morning Pottery, Ceramic Painting, Byron Arts and Industry and Fri from 9:30am no doubt remember the tortilla with spiced king and afternoon. Cuddle T-shirt Painting, Window Estate. **Special: 3 full days extraordinary buffet on prawns, coriander and a bunny. Play Mini Golf. Painting, Sculpture, Phone: 0410 343 646 $165/ 3 half days $95** offer that night ! Well it’s jalapeno salsa will warm Enjoy our great treehouse Flying Trapeze Intensives: on again ! Oysters, prawns, you up and duck confit, playground. See our large 5 classes for $120! fresh fish, Igor’s homemade duck fat roast potatoes, range of local fine food Call 6685 6566 or pâtés and terrines, beautiful beans and pomegranite products. Have a local www.circusarts.com.au fresh artichokes, roast pork, tarragon vinaigrette. Yum! barista made coffee and – RAIN OR SHINE extremely tender beef, Ph: 6687 1711 enjoy our pancakes and fish soup, their legendary www.fresca.net.au café daily specials. See Kong for Kids vegetables, French cheeses, you at the Castle. Swim School stuffed quails, chocolate Scarlet Affection 1699 Pacific Highway, mousse, and many more Knockrow 02 6687 8432. Kong For Kids Swim School surprises… You will still Let Scarlett Affection is unique in its ability be able to order entrées inspire and guide you these White Trash to train kids to swim in (snails anyone?) and desserts holidays with two fun and both the ocean and the (crème brûlée, mmmm!) à-la- exciting music workshops. White Trash is a new store pool. After a lifetime carte from the regular menu. ‘Present Yourself’ is for in Mullumbimby, offering in the ocean surfing at Their choice of wine (French performers who want to fabulous, funky and world champion level, Gary & Australian) is also amazing build their confidence on affordable clothing with a Elkerton (Kong) is now and at a very attractive stage and learn more about great range of $10 items. using his expertise in the price – including a fabulous combating nerves, while Selected vintage pieces, water to teach children to house red from Cassegrain - ‘Melodies and Songcraft’ is angora and cashmere WHITE TRASH swim. The school runs small so exceptionally there will be for emerging songwriters jumpers. Located behind classes geared towards no BYO for the 2 weeks of or those who just love to Lu Lu’s cafe, White Trash FABULOUS AFFORDABLE your children learning the buffet and it’s bookings play with music and words. is open: RECYCLED CLOTHING quickly, effectively and only. Bon appétit. Workshops will be held Mon-Fri 10 to 4.30 NOW IN STOCK enjoyably. Ph. 6685 8526 at the Bangalow A & I Sat 10 to 2.30 Ph: 6680 1614 www.thepetitsnail.com.au Hall on Wednesday Ph. 0458 596 594 VINTAGE FABRICS SPECIAL KIDS CLOTHES PURE WOOL & CASHMERE Holiday special: & ANGORA JUMPERS HEAPS @ $10 Dalley St plaza, Mullumbimby FRENCH M-F 10-4.30 Sat 10-2.30 GOURMET BUFFET ‘As much as you want’ $45 per person ,JET A huge choice of delicious French food Seafood galore, suckling pig, homemade "SU pâtés, beautiful vegetarian dishes, 8PSLTIPQT French cheeses and many more surprises… Renew 'VMM)BMGEBZ4DIPPM)PMJEBZ'VO Wednesday April 15 to Saturday April 18 & Wednesday April 22 to Saturday April 25 Canvas Painting Pottery / Sculpture 6.30-9.00pm. Bookings only. No BYO. Ceramic Painting Window Painting NEW AUTUMN FLAVOURS Mosaics Craft Work Plaster Casting Traditional the love T-shirt Painting Tie Dyeing / Batik Screen Printing French Cuisine &ULL