We have been waiting for you

We have been waiting for you …
Letter from the Editor
What makes the Northern Rivers of Australia so special? Why do people come here for a holiday year after year and eventually relocate? Is it the easygoing coastal attitude? The
exquisite beaches and surf? The alternative and creative people who reside here? We are indeed an ocean-loving and artistic community, just over 100 years young.
I can’t deny that there is something special about this area. Known as ‘the meeting place’, it is said that the traditional custodians of this land, the Bundjalung people, would come
to Byron Bay in times of sickness. The ‘energies’, they say, are a powerful healing force. It was also traditionally a birthing place. The tea tree lakes on Tallows Beach held a protective
and sacred force that supported the women in childbirth. That is my experience of this area, having moved here over 15 years ago, exhausted and burnt out by my professional
life as a psychiatric nurse. I was in desperate need of deep rest and rejuvenation. I was drawn here like a magnet and did indeed rejuvenate and now I cannot imagine being
anywhere else.
So why is this area so special? A geologist friend recently shared that this whole region sits on huge base of black obsidian under the crust of the earth. From the air you can see
most definitely a circle of, well, lusciousness surrounding Wollumbin (otherwise known as Mount Warning). It is the central plug of a volcano that erupted over 20 million years
ago. The rainforest in this area is alive with birds and insects, flowers, trees and native animals. Perhaps this is one reason why this place is ‘special’.
With the most recent upgrade of the Pacific Highway, areas like Pottsville, Kingscliff and Cabarita are also attracting more attention. They are equal in
beauty, yet still quaint, underdeveloped and natural.
There’s always plenty to do here. Outdoor activities, bush walks, swimming, surfing, shopping, massage and healing sessions... but make sure you
leave some time aside to just be. You might get a surprise.
Melanie Spears
Editor
Contents
PLACES TO VISIT
22 BYRON BAY
39 ARTS AND INDUSTRY ESTATE
56 BANGALOW
68 BRUNSWICK HEADS
74 MULLUMBIMBY
99 KINGSCLIFF
109 MURWILLUMBAH
112 TYALGUM
FOODIES DELIGHT
83 ALL THINGS FOOD
84 CHOCOLATE YOGA
The history of cacao and what the hell is Chocolate Yoga?
By Sjha’ra Taylor
87 THE JOY OF VEGAN COOKING
Awareness, food and Anthea Amore
93 MY TOP FOODIE PICS
A good food review
By Victoria Gosford
2
FEATURES
11 OCEANS OF LOVE
Answering the call of the heart
Three passionate whale activists discuss their lifetime missions
in an interview with Victoria Millar-Wise
25 LOCATION, LOCATION
Byron Bay, Byron Bay
Local buyers agent Michael Murray discusses
real estate with a crystal ball
28 VISION OF A RAINBOW TRIBE
Introducing Uncle Lewis Walker
34 JULIAN ROCKS
The sanctuary zone of Cape Byron’s Marine Park
With diver enthusiast Giacomo Cavazzini
37 MODALITIES
A snapshot of the alternative healing modalities in the region
43 CREATING SOUL SANCTUARY
How to manifest your own heart-inspired sanctuary
By more than just an interior designer, Victoria Millar-Wise
54 FROM THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN
A true and heartwarming story about the creative
essence of Byron Bay
By Damon Bereziat
61 A HARD ACT TO FOLLOW
An interview with jazz musician Leigh Carriage
By Louise McCabe
72 TRUE ORIGINAL
Ma Ring and the last of the good ol’ country pubs
78 DIVORCE AS A RITE OF PASSAGE
By John Douglas
100 KINGSCLIFF
With Damon Bereziat
105 LOVE LIVING
A guide to the active outdoors of the Tweed Coast
With the watersports guru, Tim Jack Adams
3
Shikoba Natural Art Gallery
You’ll find an eclectic collection of natural art, photography, unique jewellery, oneof-a-kind handmade decor objects and more at Shikoba Natural Art Gallery.
Four major themes tie our wares together: the beauty of Byron Bay and its
surrounds, the beach and its natural treasures, the spirituality that pervades this
region of our planet, and the rich symbolism and spirit of Native American culture.
Shikoba also designs and makes many pieces locally in Byron Bay, including
handmade dream catchers, driftwood wall and table art, and other unique
decor items.
Shikoba Natural Art Gallery is located at 38 Fletcher Street, Byron
Bay ( just off the corner of Marvel and Fletcher Streets) and online
at http://shop.shikoba.net.au
Byron Bay (Forgotten Beach) photography (left and below), which depicts nature in
all its glory, is available on canvases in a variety of sizes.
Above: Necklaces designed to enhance your spirit
as well as your look
Below: Decorated skulls
Above: Handmade dream catchers made locally in Byron Bay
Below: Handmade jewellery from a very creative Los
Angeles designer USA.
Above: Carved items are done by talented local carvers in Bali
implementing Shikoba’s designs and finished here in Byron.
Below: Hand painted skull art from the American Southwest/Mexican
Northeast border region, USA.
6
7
8
enrich your spirit
A short scenic journey into Byron’s hinterland lies a faraway magical place. Walk among gods through the famous Buddha Walk,
lined with rose quartz, hand carved statues and home to four metre blessing Buddha. Breathe in the stunning gardens, rainforest
and find yourself in the ancient labyrinth. Behold the southern hemisphere’s only Kalachakra World Peace Stupa, an amazing
monumental project blessed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Everyday at 3.10 pm, find peace with ‘The Crystal Castle Peace
Experience’, a unique free offering that deepens sense of wellness with enriching sound healing baths, meditations and sacred
‘Kora’ walks. Marvel at the exquisite jewellery and amazing crystals from all corners of the globe. With an extensive collection of
books, CDs, body products and unique gifts ideal to suit any occasion. Relax at the Lotus Café and drink in the breathtaking views
of the Byron hinterland while enjoying amazing healthy food and tempting treats. Only 20 minutes from Byron Bay and 40 minutes
from the Gold Coast airport.
Ignite the senses, enrich your spirit. Discover the jewel of Byron.
81 Monet Drive, Mullumbimby www.crystalcastle.com.au Open 7 days 10am - 5pm (NSW time)
9
Oceans of Love
Answering the call of the heart
Would you like to connect with whales and
dolphins? Do you want to be inspired by their songs
and awe-inspiring presence? Are you interested in
proactive, conscious actions to conserve Planet Blue?
We meet three activists whose life mission is to do
just that.
forever blown wide open in pure love and deep
reverence. For when a connection between human
and sea mammal is created, there is no returning
to an unconscious existence on this planet. It is
like a telepathic telephone line to Planet Ocean’s
inhabitants.
Awakening
The challenge
In the stillness of being at one with the raw power
of the ocean, you are vulnerable yet in awe of its
natural energy. Free from expectation, you tingle
with aliveness as your senses are on alert. The
deeper you surrender into connected union with
the ocean, the more a stillness washes over your
whole being and you open to nature’s purest
elements where the cycles of life’s creations are
constantly being birthed or decaying, ebbing and
tiding like the ocean herself.
As technology has evolved, the human race has become
increasingly separated from the natural environment.
When you are blessed by encounters with sea creatures
such as whales, dolphins, sharks, seals, turtles and so on,
you naturally reconnect through your heart to a deeper
level of consciousness. The miraculously beautiful aweinspiring creations of Planet Ocean and Mother Earth
mirror your soul’s radiance.
Imagine how you would feel if an ancient giant,
a gracious whale were to rise from the deep and
look you directly in the eye, peering lovingly into
the window to your soul. When this happened
to me, I was taken away in awe, fear, ecstasy and
joy, all at once. My heart was instantly activated,
10
As humans, this connection to cetaceans and the
cleansing properties of the ocean allows you to open
up and breathe, to feel at one in the rawness of the
ocean’s pure gifts. When you let go of all expectations
and surrender to simply being ONE with all, miracles
happen. When you aspire to be in a state of peaceful
union and LOVE with yourself, others and nature,
hearts are activated and expansive. Then you can
drink in the stillness and bask in the peace that being
at one with nature brings. It gives you the courage
and strength to take the action for balance in life.
To speak out and raise awareness to protect and
preserve the Planet Blue is a great gift, for now and for
future generations.
I must be a mermaid. I have no
fear of depths and a great fear
of shallow living.
—Anaïs Nin
The gift
Growing up as a young girl surfing off New Zealand’s
remote and wild coastline, I experienced many heartstopping moments with dolphins, seals and sea lions.
Seeing a sea lion rising from the deep and eyeballing
me and dolphins flying out of the water or gracefully
riding the face of a wave were magic moments that
took my breath away. I felt so exposed and vulnerable
yet ecstatically alive, like I’d just been downloaded with
ancient wisdom, with complete faith and trust in the
ocean’s divine loving embrace.
HELP SAVE
THE WHALES
Designer Lisa Burke, pictured
here, donates 100%
profit from the sale of these
whale tail bracelets to the
Australian Whale Conservation
Society www.awcs.org.au
To purchase go to
www.lisablue.com.au
11
opportunity to experience their world and to feel pure
unconditional love,” he says.
Although Dean has been involved in environmental
activism for many years, this profound experience
stayed deep within his being. One day while listening
to humpback whale songs he had recorded, a vision
developed about sailing an ocean conservation vessel
along the east Australian coastline to bring awareness to
the changes on the planet. Dean teamed up with Happy
Herb Company owner Ray Thorpe and bought a 45-foot
fibreglass ketch they named ‘Migaloo 2’, after the albino
humpback whale who was first spotted at Byron Bay off
the east coast of Australia. Migaloo means ‘white fella’ in
the local Aboriginal indigenous language.
For over 40 years, my journeys to and encounters with
the ocean and animal, plant and ocean kingdoms
have been a natural progression. I have been guided
to channelled messages in books, experienced
miraculous real life encounters with sea creatures. I
even had a deep calling that my daughter was to be
born by water-birth 25 years ago, and so I studied the
subject intensely.
Once you have been touched with your soul
connection to the nature realm often there is no
explanation, it is simply a calling from your heart
beyond intellect. The ongoing visions, dreams and
experiences that I have with these ancients of the
deep, our guardian angels on Planet Blue, inspire me
to the deepest core to share these heart-awakening
stories with you.
12
SAILING THE WINDS OF CHANGE: Meet Dean Jefferys
One fine day off the beautiful sandy beaches of Byron
Bay, activist and documentary filmmaker Dean Jefferys
went for a surf. Out of the expansive deep blue ocean,
a massive humpback whale appeared beside him.
The magnificent creature stared into his eyes, offering
deep reflection and expressing unconditional love. The
encounter activated Dean’s heart and soul, awakening
a humble gratitude for these gentle giants and a new
passion for their plight.
Dean was inspired to become involved in campaigns
to help the whales and spend more time with them
in their natural environment. “The more contact I had
with the whales, the more I realised that it was actually
them who were activating my heart by giving me an
On the epic journey sailing the ketch back to
Australia from Samoa, Dean swam and connected
with humpback whales in Tonga. He lights up as he
recounts the story of a mother whale who guided her
newborn baby to within a few metres of him, then
winked playfully as they swam by. This profoundly
touching experience confirmed Dean’s vision and
inspired new plans of action to bring about awareness
of the urgent need to protect the ocean environment
and its inhabitants.
Dean’s latest campaign, ‘Sailing The Winds of Change
2012 and Beyond’, saw him sailing Migaloo 2 alongside
the humpback whale migration from Byron Bay
to Cairns. En route, Dean sailed through the Great
Barrier Reef and explored many of the urgent issues
currently threatening this World Heritage area and its
inhabitants.
Dean was inspired from this trip to make a series of six
half-hour documentaries. Sailing The Winds of Change,
a beautiful yet informative sailing adventure along the
Great Barrier Reef, during the humpback migration.
Dean exposes and explores many of the environmental
issues that have shaped society over the last 30 years,
such as the impact of the massive expansion of coal
and gas seam ports along the Queensland Coast. This
includes exposing the dumping of toxic sludge from
the dredging of the harbours and increased shipping
activity, all catastrophically impacting the reef. The
documentary series also highlights the irreversible
damage occurring on the reefs through agricultural
runoff caused by toxic nutrient and sediment deposits
that are depleting natural coastal fish nurseries and
mangroves.
Creating sanctuaries for all sea creatures and cetaceans
is one of Migaloo 2’s primary activities, as well as raising
awareness on critical issues facing whales, dolphins
and the marine environment. Dean passionately and
actively targets issues like beach pollution, cetaceans
in capture, and shark injuries or deaths caused by nets.
Dean also supports Sea Shepherd in bringing an end
to the needless slaughter of whales and dolphins.
Migaloo 2 is set up with hydrophones and recording
equipment so musicians and foundation members can
interact with whales and dolphins directly and create
live recordings of these profound, often life-changing
experiences of the heart.
“Every interaction with whales and dolphins is a unique
experiential awakening. When you have a close-up
and personal encounter with whales or dolphins,
something unexplainable happens within and your
heart bursts wide open. Whales, as subtle creatures,
exude unconditional love and a total presence of
being. They invoke a humility akin to what I felt when I
met the Dalai Lama,” says Dean.
Dean’s vast experience as an activist and
compassionate soul creates a vision that is deeply
inspiring and practically achievable. The dedicated
father of two is genuinely and actively making a
difference for today and for future generations.
Spending time with Dean on Migaloo 2 recently sailing
up to Hervey Bay from Brunswick Heads was beyond
words. Every morning and evening we were blessed by
visits from dolphins, turtles and whales. This year the
whales were in the sandy waters off Fraser Island, the
first Dean had seen in this area. “They came to us and
dived right underneath Migaloo 2’s bow, appearing
blowing out a breath underneath us as our hearts burst
open and spirits were ignited.
Stay in touch with Dean and Migaloo 2’s marine
conservation work and media activities on
www.migaloo2.com. To find out more about Sea
Shepherd visit www.seashepherd.org.au
CALL OF THE WHALE FROM THE DEEP BLUE:
Introducing Lisa Burke
Lisa is a divine soul whose heart-expanding encounter
with a mother and baby whale in Tonga changed her
life forever. “When I was in the water there, a baby
whale came so close to me, as if to touch me, that I
backed up. Its eyes, only half a metre away, looked
straight into my soul and my heart burst open. In
that moment, I promised to help protect them and
their environment. In spite of the history of humans
killing these angelic beings, they look at us with such
immense unconditional love,” says Lisa.
Then, about two years after she made that
commitment, she said she had been feeling a deep
13
Lisa Burke swimming with the whales in Tonga.
sadness with her energy at an all-time low. Lisa had not
been in the ocean for a few months due to illness.
Walking on the beach near her home in Byron Bay, she
spotted whales near the horizon, about six kilometres
out. Overwhelmed by her yearning for connection
with these magnificent mammals, she found the
strength to paddle out for a closer look.
Although she was frail, underweight and had lost her
surfing fitness, she managed to get out about two
kilometres from the shore. Lisa says, “I could see the
whales breaching several kilometres away. From my
heart, I began to call the whales as I longed to be close
to them. After about an hour, I decided I was kidding
myself and began to head back to shore. I turned to
paddle in and wondered how on earth I got out so far.
“After several strokes, I stopped to rest. Just three
metres away, a whale surfaced and looked at me. I
screamed with joy! As a sea eagle circled above me
and a stingray floated by, I was so elated that I powered
back to shore.
“I got my sign. I remembered my promise. It was time
to take action. I decided to not give into my illness and
I flew to Bali to surf.”
Lisa had surfed for just two seasons in Australia but felt
she was ready for Bali. “I was dropped off by a canoe
two kilometres out in the ocean, at a reef break named
Airport Middles, to be faced with 15-foot waves. I
was shaking with fear and excitement,” she recalls.
“I managed to ride a 10 footer and then got wiped
out. It felt like I was underwater forever. No wonder
there were only five blokes out there. It was one of the
greatest moments of my life. And the fact that I was a
37-year-old single mother and a relative beginner was
sensational. That day, I felt I could do anything.”
In that moment she remembered her promise to
the baby whale in Tonga. Sitting on her surfboard in
the liquid love of the ocean, she pondered how she
could deliver on it. Surfing, fashion, whales, dolphins,
swimwear and modelling were the words that
surfaced. A vision appeared and she started to plan
and create the Lisa Blue swimwear label to help protect
whales and dolphins. From the deep blue, from her
heart, a dream was born.
Lisa’s range of exquisite swimwear is a vessel to raise
awareness and funds for whale conservation, including
the Australian Whale Conservation Society. Her newfound love of surfing and her life-changing whale
experience led to an exquisite range of swimwear as a
way to give back to the whales, with 25 per cent of net
profits of Lisa Blue donated to the cause.
“The Lisa Blue swimwear range represents the girl of
the future who can be sexy, beautiful, powerful and
environmentally aware at the same time. She is not
afraid to share her beauty with the world and shows
others that they too can shine.”
Last year Lisa was invited to open the prestigious 2013
Mercedes-Benz Swim Fashion Week in Miami, in the US,
a first for an Australian label. “Doing the opening night
elevated Lisa Blue’s status to a new height,” says Lisa.
“This enabled us to spread the message to help save
the whales on a bigger scale.”
Lisa and her team showed a short film of whales
swimming in Tonga while Lisa told how whales
and dolphins were being slaughtered and the
importance of protecting these divine sea angels
who love us unconditionally. The showing moved
the audience to tears.
For more about Lisa or to become involved in ocean
conservation, visit www.lisablue.com.au and
www.awcs.org.au
SURFERS AND ART FOR CETACEANS: Meet Howie
Cooke
Howie Cooke might look like a laid-back hippie but he
is a renowned and enigmatic individual inspired by the
celebration and protection of marine life, especially
whales and dolphins. He is an artist and marine
conservationist who over the last 40 years has had his
paintings, cartoons and outdoor wall murals exhibited
worldwide. Howie’s ocean-inspired creations allow
others to develop an affinity and love for whales and
dolphins. Through his passion, he has been motivated
to organised street protests outside embassies all over
the world and crew on the Sea Shepherd fleet in the
Antarctic. Howie works tirelessly to tell the truth about
What did the Irish dolphin
say when he was asked if he
wanted to work at SeaWorld.
‘Tanks but no tanks’.
—Howie Cooke
15
the health of the sea and raise awareness of the urgent
need to be proactive in the protection of cetaceans
through organisations as well as his art.
“The ocean has always been an alluring source of
adventure and rejuvenation throughout my life. These
days body boarding takes me to the moving wave, salt
on my skin, encounters with dolphins, and the sound
of the surf booming under the stars,” he says.
Howie shares his many stories with me while we are
sitting in the backyard of his beachside home with
fruit trees and an inviting vegie patch, while only a few
kilometres away the humpback whales are migrating
north. He tells me of the time in the mid 70s when he
was living on an island cliff top in New Zealand, and his
soul was moved, sparking a deep affinity in his heart
with the ocean and its inhabitants.
“At age 22 I had a kind of mystical epiphany about
whales and dolphins, our ocean kin, that inspired me
to take up painting large canvases of them and to
work towards the full protection of cetaceans. All the
wondrous encounters I’ve had with cetaceans have
confirmed to me that we are indeed privileged to
be in the company of this ancient and noble race of
profoundly wise, joyful and ultimately forgiving people
of the sea.”
“There’s a fascination with whales. They are so
intelligent and so compassionate and live in a realm
where they’ve managed to remove themselves from a
lot of the issues that continually confound humans, like
territory and shelter. They are able to demonstrate back
to us our highest ideal,” says Howie.
As an active supporter of Sea Shepherd, Howie has
been on the frontline in Antarctica and Japan when
the whale and dolphin killers have been in full action.
He tells heart-breaking stories of the marine mammal
deaths he has witnessed first hand. He says we are
not told the full extent what happens to our oceanic
brothers and sisters, both in captivity and in the wild.
Howie had a first-hand experience in 2006 with the
beached baby whale known as the Cabarita Calf, who
was poisoned to death in a tangle of red tape and
bureaucratic bungling.
Through direct observation of coastal issues, Howie has
developed strategies of direct action and communitybased initiatives, confronting issues such as cigarette
butts and plastic on beaches, through to working
alongside local council and incorporating his art into
campaigns.
In 2004 Howie co-founded Surfers for Cetaceans (S4C)
with professional surfer and deeply oceanic soul Dave
Rastovich. S4C follows a vegan philosophy. “It does not
matter whether it is whales, orangutans, tigers and
Cabarita Calf
LISA BLUE IS A LABEL WITH HEART
25% of the profit is donated to helping save the whales & dolphins
The Lisa Blue swimsuit featured on the front cover
and here are available locally in Girl Overboard 2/7 Lawson St,
Byron Bay NSW 2481, online and in stores across Australia.
www.lisablue.com.au
so on, we should live lightly on the planet, not be a
burden. The privilege of living in the first world is not
having to eat animals or support cruel animal practice,”
says Howie.
activists and politicians have gathered to discuss
solutions to end the slaughter. “One time a Japanese
priest in Shimonoseki, a whaling town, asked me if he
could pray there for world peace,” says Howie.
In 2006 the Humpback Icon project was co-created
by S4C. The project sees Australian coastal towns
adopting specific humpback whales and celebrating
their return from the Antarctic each year. Individual
whales are identified by their unique tail markings.
Celebrated by 70 coastal towns on the east and
west coasts of Australia, an increasing awareness of
the whales’ unique personalities and family histories
is growing. Nala has been adopted by Hervey Bay,
Yumbalehla by Byron Bay and Venus of Sydney, to
name a few.
The Australian and California-based not-for-profit
group aims to mobilise surfers, the international
surf media and ocean crews worldwide against the
harassment, capture and killing of cetaceans and other
marine mammals, and has also spoken out against
shark finning.
Through initiatives such as the Visual Petition,
TransparentSea voyages and video documentaries,
S4C has a presence outside of the International
Whaling Commission (IWC) meetings. Howie has
personally attended 11 IWCs, six of them with his
Whaletipi art project. A lot of magical moments have
happened around the Whaletipi, where local people,
18
In October 2007 22 surfers paddled out in the killing
cove in Taiji in Japan to alert the world to the annual
dolphin slaughter, as shown in S4C films ‘Minds in the
Water’ and ‘Transparent Sea’. “For me one of the most
dramatic moments caught on film in ‘Minds In the
Water’ is when Hayden Panettiere collapses in anguish
at the Cove, having been so close to those pilot whales
who were going to be killed. For me, that exemplifies
compassion in the face of the dark side of patriarchy,”
says Howie.
A final Howie gem sums up his philosophy:
“Not enough time to do everything,
Plenty of time to do anything,
Just enough time to do something.”
Find out more at:
www.howiecookeart.com; www.s4cglobal.org
Understanding and preserving our planet's
environment for future generations with purposeful
passion is a choice.
You too can be part of the journey in bringing a
voice to causes and acting consciously. May you be
inspired by this article to connect with the ancients of
Planet Ocean in a way that resonates with you. Your
action and heart expansion are much needed waves
to heal, inspire and expand global consciousness in
unconditional purity through love.
—Victoria Millar-Wise
Did you know that we donate 10%
of our turnover to social enterprise.
Supporting the protection of whales
by sponsoring Migaloo 2,
Sea Shepherd and Howie Cook
Now over 50 shops in Australia
and 8 in the USA
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Byron Bay
Photo: Pawel Papis
Byron Bay
Named Cavvanbah, meaning meeting place, by the local Arakwal people, and that’s exactly
what happens here, with a meeting and melding of international tourists, holiday makers,
healers, professionals, tree changers and soul seekers.
Cape Byron headland is Australia's most easterly point and, from the lighthouse, you can
spot whales sailing past on their annual migration from August through to November.
A plethora of cafes, fashion boutiques and nightlife venues makes Byron a great place to be,
while the beaches have been noted as some of the most beautiful in Australia.
Byron Car Hire
NetworkRentals
Cnr Butler & Lawson Sts, Byron Bay NSW 2481
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Ph/Fax: 02 6685 6638
Email: servo@simmonsbyronbay.com.au
www. simmonsbyronbay.com.au
H e ar t
Mala
Heart Mala showcases an exquisite collection
of Sacred Jewellery which harness the power
of ancient knowledge, sacred geometry and
healing gemstones.
Sacred
Jewellery
Inspired by the ancient mystics, these divine
jewels are created by the local Byron Bay
designer Haidee Turner for the modern yogi.
Every piece of sacred jewellery in the Heart
Mala collection is hand made with loving
intention and carries specific healing and
energetic qualities. You may use these sacred
jewels in your spiritual practice, healing or for
the pure joy of wearing a necklace of beauty.
Heart Mala believes by simply wearing a mala
prayer bead necklace, you are setting an
intention to align with joy, healing and love.
www.heartmala.com
Mala Prayer Beads, Yoga Jewels,
Sacred Charms & Goddess Jewellery
Look for the Heart Mala stall at the Byron Bay
and Bangalow markets.
Hand made with loving Intention from Healing Gemstones
to Nurture your Soul and Inspire you on your path
Planet Corroboree
supporting Indigenous Artists for over 10 years
Beside the Post Office, Byron Bay
Unique local and handmade artisan
crafts and gifts sourced directly
from the makers and other ethical
traders.
It is a privilege to be standing in
Bundjalung country.
Looking for that piece perfect for
your home or a special gift. Visit us
for arts and crafts you won’t find
anywhere else.
Come say hello and experience our
gallery vibe and energy.
Listen to and enjoy local and
Indigenous music.
Artefacts
Boomerangs
Home wares
Jewellery
Hats & Clothing
Bush tucker
We ship world wide
1/69 Jonson St,
Byron Bay NSW 2481
02 6680 7884
www.planetcorroboree.com.au
info@planetcorroboree.com.au
Acknowledging the
Bundjalung People
Crystals & Books
Cards & Prints
Paintings
Didgeridoos
Educational
resources
We would like to acknowledge the Bundjalung
people, the traditional custodians of this land. From
this beautiful corner of the planet we offer our
respect and support the vision of all Australians
creating a positive and harmonious future together.
Location, Location
Byron Bay, Byron Bay
The tide is turning in Byron Bay, as property presents
a brighter picture. At the high-end of the beach,
property prices are starring in a comeback while
more affordable homes are playing a support role at
the family end of the market.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a crystal ball to see what
the property market will do in the next few years? Even
more so if you love holiday destinations like Byron Bay,
on the far north coast of New South Wales. Are prices
coming back and is it time to snap up your own piece
of paradise? These are the questions on the minds of
some visitors. Over the last few years, owners of topend property among Byron’s rolling green hills and
white sandy beaches have taken a hit. They would also
like to know what the future holds.
Sadly, I am not the owner of a crystal ball nor
foolhardy enough to offer predictions on which way
the dice will roll in the future. I can say that it has
been an interesting time to be an observer of real
estate in this area. The property market in Australia is
no longer uniform but a patchwork quilt of different
regions and circumstances. The NSW Northern Rivers
region has had its ups and downs like all areas, but
as of the first half of 2013, some stability looked to be
coming back into the market.
Top-end properties over $2 million have come off as
much as 20 to 40 per cent since the GFC. Some locals
had been diligently working their way up the property
ladder for some time to become proud owners of a
great home in a terrific location. It was once possible
to buy a few hectares within 20 minutes of Byron
Bay, renovate or build, put in a pool and expect a
handsome capital gain. Property churning is now a
thing of the past. Like participants in a game of musical
chairs, the music stopped and some were left with no
chair and a hefty mortgage. They were the distressed
sellers at the sharp end of the recent price downturn.
So if the tide goes out, does it always come back in?
Wategos Beach, one of Australia’s most sought-after
residential locations, and a great place to watch the
tide turn, experienced its own ebb. This small, exclusive
peninsula is Australia’s most easterly point. The gentle
north-facing valley sloping down to a crescent beach
is home to some of Australia’s most expensive regional
real estate. Until recently these tightly held properties,
with prices consistently above $3 million, have now
Photo: OZinOH
been selling in the “twos”. But as 2012 came to a close,
the mood became more buoyant with iconic boutique
hotel Rae’s on Watego’s selling for somewhere over $20
million. A couple of other larger private homes sold for
over $10 million each, improving the confidence of both
buyers and sellers.
properties selling below replacement value. Most of the
luxury properties with multi-million price tags that were
languishing on real estate websites have now found
someone to love them. An example is Paul Hogan’s
mansion in Possum Creek, which he built in the mid
1990s and sold in October 2012 for $6.5 million.
The same has been true in the Byron hinterland.
Retirees and bohemian baby boomers have long
desired a postcode between 2479 and 2483. A house
with a peaceful view within spitting distance of the
beaches, shops and cafes is a fine thing. Sensing
bargains to be had, savvy buyers have swooped on
And what about more affordable homes for the rest
of us mere mortals? Yes, there are lots to choose
from and not all of them require you to sell your
listed company or star in hit Hollywood movies. In
the unique and interesting towns outside Byron
Bay, dwellings can be found for prices equivalent to
suburban homes in any city – $400,000 to $500,000.
There just have never been enough of them.
Demand has always outstripped supply due to our
understandably protective policies restricting overdevelopment. However, a reasonable number of new
house sites have just been released in Mullumbimby
and Bangalow. More land releases are planned in both
Byron Bay and Brunswick Heads, which will ease some
of this pressure and improve affordability.
As 2012 came to a close, local auction clearance rates
were much higher than any time in the previous three
years. Whether that will be sustained for the near future
is anybody’s guess. Byron Bay has not been without
its problems and the passionate local population love
squabbling with each other over ways to fix them and
make them better. After all, it’s not the real estate or the
beautiful landscape that makes Byron what it is—it’s
the people.
© Michael Murray 2012
Michael Murray is a property buyers
agent, mortgage broker and longtime resident of Byron Bay. He is
the general manager and owner of
Byron Property Search, which has
been operating since 2001.
M: 0428 555 501
P: 02 6684 1744
F: 02 6684 1744
michael@ byronpropertysearch.com.au
www.byronpropertysearch.com.au
26
Vision of a rainbow tribe
Introducing Uncle Lewis Walker
man to walk through the ancient songlines and
corroboree grounds.
mother. Together we are one in pure love energy of the
divine universal spirit,” he says.
Uncle Lewis is a deeply insightful man with quick
wits and who speaks straight from the heart. You feel
his presence before you see him. I have spent many
hours sitting around the campfire in his earth-floored
bamboo yurt, on the edge of the cliff at Tabulam.
Through his heart, he is following the path to unity
and sanctuary on this earth. He goes about his journey
patiently and passionately teaches those who are
willing to learn about healing and living in harmony,
respectful in the union of the sacred land upon which
we walk. Slowly yet surely, he is creating a Rainbow
Tribe community.
Metres away, the Rocky River rushes by in this pure,
untainted surrounds. It is easy to become mesmerised
and immersed in the stories of the past, laughter of the
present and visions of the future with Uncle Lewis. He
tells me of times running for his life, dodging the white
man’s bullets.
Uncle Lewis flows from his spirit’s calling, as he moves
from storytelling to playing the guitar (he can play left
or right-handed) to deep channelling of spirit’s song on
the didgeridoo.
Often called the prince of Bundjalung, Uncle
Lewis Walker is a keeper of Bundjalung country.
As a Githabul Bundjalung man, he is the last
28
Uncle Lewis has a vision of a rainbow tribe where
indigenous and non-indigenous may live in harmony,
at peace with themselves, respecting and in unity with
the land. “We are all brothers and sisters from another
Uncle Lewis dedicates much time to appearing
at community events as a wise storyteller and a
cultural reclamation leader. As a sacred indigenous
language holder, he is a unifying force between
separated peoples.
“Understand and respect the elders and the culture.
Practice it every day, like a religion, and share the love
with everyone from the heart.” Uncle Lewis Walker
The Rainbow Corroboree
Twice a year on the equinoxes, the Bundjalung Elders
and Wahrla-bal custodian Lewis Walker open their hearts
and homeland at Tabulam’s Jubullam Community,
for three days of sharing Dreamtime culture, sacred
language, stories, songs, dances and lore.
With live performances from Wahrla-bal Djunagun
Dance Troupe and invited guests, the Rainbow
Corroboree is celebrated in traditional style on the
banks of the Rocky River, Tabulam, NSW, Australia. This
is the heartland of the Bundjalung people and the
elders of the tribe open their hearts to welcome all
who come to celebrate as one mob.
This event is an eclectic fusion of cultures. From
ceremonial corroborees to soul inspiring talented
bands, fireside jam sessions, storytelling, delicious
chai and invigorating swims in the Rocky river, you are
guaranteed to be touched by the connection to spirit
of our ancestors and this beautiful land.
The spellbinding performances and natural yet
breathtaking location leaves one in bliss. By the Rocky
River the Rainbow Tribe gathers. Artists electrify and
unite, while indigenous musicians such as Bunna
Lawrie take you to the deepest place within your heart
while whispering songs of love to our oceanic cousins,
the whales and dolphins.
We are blessed to be welcomed by the Bundjalung elders
Poppy Harry and Aunty Annabel and Warhla-bal and
families to a magical event in of culture on sacred land.
For more information, email:
rainbowcorroboree@gmail.com
Or write to Plains Station Road
ROCKY RIVER, TABULAM, NSW
—Victoria Millar-Wise
30
•A gallery experience like no other
•Custom made and unique designs
•Come in and view our extensive range of
exotic gems set in silver and gold
•Renowned for serving the Bay and its
visitors for over 20 years
7 Jonson Street—Byron Bay—02 6685 6976
Anna
Middleton
Elegant designer clothing
From young, fresh and casual,
right through to maturely hip
and the unexpected, this store is
an essential shopping experience
for those who like to indulge in
fashion’s best.
27 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay
Ph 02 6680 9493
www.annamiddleton.com.au
www.ixtlan.com.au
We'll keep you covered
on land or water
AT TEQUILA SUNNIES we have the
largest selection of Women's and Men's
Fashion/Sports sunglasses in Byron Bay.
We provide quality value and service.
7/13 Lawson Street
Byron Arcade
Byron Bay NSW 2481
ph - 02 6685 6033
e - info@tequilasunglasses.com
w - tequilasunglasses.com
The Jewellers Workshop
®
The only limit is your imagination.
" Where qu a lity i s m ad e by ha n d"
Shop 5/13 Lawson Street, Byron Bay Ph: 02 6685 6988 www.jewellersworkshop.com
K A C H I N A
Precision cutting
Expert colouring
Weddings
Byron Arcade
Lawson Street
Byron Bay 02 6685 5339
Hair by Belinda Clarke
Ocean Village Shopping Centre
Rajah Road
Ocean Shores 02 6680 4139
Julian Rocks
The Sanctuary Zone of Cape Byron's Marine Park
Sitting just over 2.5 kilometres out to sea from the Pass
in Byron Bay, Julian Rocks is a rocky outcrop that can be
seen from the sandy beaches of the Northern Rivers. It
is an important sanctuary zone within the Cape Byron
Marine Park and of significant cultural importance
Photograph: John Natoli
34
to the indigenous Arakwal people, who know it as
Nguthungulli, father of the world.
Several important dreaming stories are associated with
Julian Rocks. In one story Nguthungulli, who created
the land, waters, animals and plants, is said to rest in a
cave there. Elders have instructed over the generations
that Nguthungulli must be protected from any misuse
or it will cause destruction. Some 7000 years ago when
the ocean water levels were lower and the area was
Photograph: Lyton Burger
still accessible land, Nguthungulli was used by Arakwal
people to hold sacred ceremonies.
Today ‘the Rocks’, as they are affectionately called by
the locals, are known as one of the top 10 dive sites
in Australia and were rated by Australian Geographic
magazine as the number two snorkel location in
Australia. What makes the diving and snorkelling so
special there is the marine life. With over 1000 recorded
species, there is an abundance of fish that is truly
remarkable and that changes seasonally.
congregate around the Rocks. During winter, the mix
of marine life changes as temperate water species
migrate to the area. Most notable of these winter
visitors are the grey nurse shark and the migrating
humpback whales. There are very few places in the
world where you can dive with multitudes of grey
nurse sharks while listening to humpback whales
singing their beautiful songs. The Rocks is a magical
and special place and an integral part of the Byron
area’s natural beauty. Just a handful of visitors take the
opportunity to explore the waters around Julian Rocks
but those who do find it a truly amazing experience. In the warmer summer months, manta rays, leopard
sharks, turtles and many other tropical species
—Giacomo Cavazzini
Photograph: Matt Shepherd
Daily
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OKK
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TelTel
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Byron Bay
DAILY
DAILY
CONDITION
CONDITION
DAILY
DAILY
REPORTS
REPORTS
CONDITION
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REPORTS
Furniture and Homewares
inspired by the beauty of
the sea, a mix of washed
up pieces recreated
with bohemian luxe . . .
Free Spirited and
Feminine Fashion . . .
Inspired by nature’s
beauty, created with love
and passion. The bohemian
and elegant unite.
Shop:
Lawson
Street,
Byron1:22
Bay
NSW
248111 |
byron
byron
bay
bay11/15–19
140X110
140X110a_Layout
a_Layout
1131/07/13
31/07/13
1:22PM
PMPage
Page
PH: 02 66808323
www.myeecarlyle.com.au
Showroom: 1/12 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay NSW 2481
|
PH:02 66809323
108-110
108-110Jonson
JonsonStreet,
Street,
Byron
ByronBay
Bay6680
66808555
8555
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www.sweetpapillon.com.au
31a Fletcher Street Byron Bay NSW 2481 Australia
tel 02 6685 7700
Modalities
What draws people to the Northern Rivers region?
Some say the area sits on a large base of obsidian
rock, said to be powerful in its ability to activate
body, mind and emotions.
Could this be the reason Byron Bay has become
famous for its pursuit of alternative therapies,
the new age and progressive practices.
Some of the most reputable ‘practitioners of the
soul’ now reside in the area.
Looking for guidance?
Ask yourself what it is you are seeking, and then
trust your intuition on which modality to choose.
Giving thanks every day…
Gratitude Diary and Daily Planner www.diarygratitude.com
••
Clairvoyant
Buddha Gardens
Day Spa
Intuitive Readings by Bianca
Intuitive Readings
available by phone or in person
The Reconnection
Reconnective Healing
For bookings please call Bianca 0431 983 864
email: bb.onestar@gmail.com
web. www.thereconnection.com
Connect your Body,
Mind & Soul
Nurtured at Byron
•
•
•
•
•
Byron Bay mobile massage
and spa service
Enjoy a luxurious massage or
spa treatment in the comfort of
your own home
or holiday space.
massages * facials * body
treatments * cranio sacral
therapy * energetic healing
* beauty therapy * pre and post
natal care * divine packages
and more ...
at Byron Bay’s longest
established Healing Centre
Servicing Byron Bay and
surrounding suburbs
0405 351 641
www.nurturedatbyron.com
www.facebook.com/nurturedatbyron
MASSAGE
HEALING
NATUROPATHY
PSYCHIC READINGS
OSTEOPATHY
Cherish your mind, body & spirit.
Cherish your soul
Located in the town centre - Open 7/7 all year round
84 Jonson Street, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Tel. (02) 6685 8366
www.byronmedicinewheel.com.au
info@byronmedicinewheel.com.au
Arts and Industry Estate
While you’re in the area, a must-see is a visit to the Byron
Bay Arts and Industry Estate, a thriving hub of artists,
photographers, designers, sculptors, jewellery makers and
specialty food providers. Buy that special gift, watch the
artists at work, stock up at the organic food co-op, Santos
Wholesale Foods, see the latest Apple Macs at Lightforce
Computers (our local Mac professionals) or simply stretch
out at Red Tent Yoga. Just take the five-minute drive along
Ewingsdale Road and you’ll find another delightful Byron
Bay experience.
FOODS
Luscious Foods, quality catering services in Byron Bay
Open Mon–Thur 9am–4pm, Fri 9am–9pm P: 6680 8228 F: 6680 8229
Unit 1/6 Tasman Way, Arts & Industry Estate, Byron Bay 2481
lusciousfoods@bigpond.com
www.lusciousfoods.com.au
garden café dining
fabulous feasts
celebration cakes
gourmet delectables
quality creative catering
fresh local products
wood fired pizza
Home of the original Byron Bay chopping board
100% Australian Grown and 100% Australian Made
Visit our showroom at the Arts and Industry Estate Bryron
Bay or at the Byron and Bangalow Monthly Markets
Sculpture Garden
The ‘Camphor Laurel’ timber used to make these chopping boards has been scientifically
tested and is proven to reduce and kill potential bacteria. Purchase of this product assists
in native forest re-generation and re-creating natural habitat
Wholesale and retail sales Australia wide and overseas
48 Acacia St - Arts & Industry Park - Byron Bay
outtheresculpturegarden@gmail.com
www.sculpturegarden.com.au
14 Banksia Drive Byron Bay NSW 2481
Phone 02 6680 8655
www.ecochoppingboards.com.au
Custom made leather accessories
handcrafted in Byron Bay
by Terry Cronin
www.buffalogirl.com.au | terry@buffalogirl.com.au | 0415752286 | instagram: Buffalogirllife | Facebook: Buffalo Girl
Anne Leon
Designs
Presenting a collection that
celebrates the delicate and unique
beauty of nature, using innovative
plant dying techniques and waterbased screen printing.
This hand crafted range of home
wares, exquisite scarves, flowing
garments and artworks are made
from the finest wools and silks.
After your wedding, we can also
transform your bridal bouquet into a
silk, and/ or wool shawl, as a lasting
memento of your day.
Weddings
Bridal bouquets transformed
—a lasting memento.
We can meet your individual
needs for your special day. Talk
to us about personal, individually
crafted dresses, shawls and more
for your entire wedding party.
3/ 2 Tasman Way, Byron Bay NSW 2481 (Byron Bay Industrial Estate)
0407 030 122
www.anneleon.com
Byron Bay’s Apple Mac Store!
Lightforce Computers has been serving the community for over
21 years as your Apple Authorised Reseller and Service Centre.
Professional and knowledgeable staff ready to assist with all your
Mac and iPad needs, including Authorised iPhone Repair Agent.
Receive free training when buying your Mac or iPad from us.
We also stock a great range of peripherals and products that
work with all your Apple items.
3/84 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay
Phone: 6685 8796
Shikara
Design
SHIKARA DESIGN is a warehouse full of mystical art, magnificent tribal rugs,
exotic furniture and décor from the East.
Also featured is a magnificent range of Tribal rugs and Persian carpets from
the Middle East—Imperial Kazakhs, Khal Mohammedi vege dyes, Balouch,
Chobi, Turkoman, Nain, Tabriz, Shiraz village rugs and others … all hand
crafted from pure wool, all authentic spectacular carpets in a range of
vibrant colours.
Camel bags, harem pillows, cushions, old sari cloths and curtains will
add exotic colour to any décor situation with a style and richness born of
cultures thousands of years old.
Old doorways, and our huge range of rustic furniture provide a unique
definition of style for the new home or an artistic transformation for the old.
Shikara Design is a continuously changing presentation of art, sculpture,
rugs, and rustic décor items from the East, specializing in designs unique to
our business.
As the mythological essence of the East melts with the décor of the West we
celebrate life, art and style with a touch of the mystic.
SHIKARA DESIGN
17 Banksia Drive
Arts and Industry Estate
Byron Bay–Tues–Sat 10am–4pm
Phone/ 02 6685 5588
www.shikaradesign.com
http://www.facebook.com/shikaradesign
TRIBAL RUGS
EXOTIC FURNITURE
HOMEWARES
ha’veli
of Byron Bay
recycling the past
Unique wooden furniture from India, Morocco, Turkey and Burma.
Gallery owner Heidi is passionate about ethical recycling. Maintaining a sustainable
philosophy with everything she sources, selects and re-designs, she creates unique
pieces of “furniture with a history”.
Heidi incorporates silver, ethnic, bohemian and tribal work to create modern
industrial urban style furniture, while maintaining individuality and craftsmanship
of an organic nature.
ha’veli
of Byron Bay
All pieces are beautifully functional
and socially responsible.
Furniture feels more comfortable
Open: Monday to Friday, 10 am –5 pm
Weekends 11 am–4 pm.
Heidi DaBurger
0408 186 007
Shop 1/5 Centennial Circuit and
Cnr Brigantine Street,
Arts and Industrial Estate, Byron Bay
geudaun@gmail.com
http://haveli.net.au/
CREATING SOUL SANCTUARY SPACES
How to manifest your own heart-inspired sanctuary
Manifest your dream environment by having clear
intentions and holding a vision of a harmonious and
heart-inspired sanctuary.
Do you want to live in a space that nurtures your spirit,
enables the flow of energy and is in harmony with
your purpose? You can create your own soul sanctuary
by embracing methods and products that are in
alignment with the natural environment and your own
heart. So when you decorate, design or build a home
or workplace, you can create an environment in sync
with a higher vibrational flow of spirituality, health,
abundance, relationships and nature.
The best place to connect with your heart and soul’s
needs and desires is to see the reflections of yourself
with nature. Take yourself physically or meditatively
to a place that inspires you and activates your heart,
whether it’s by the sea, in a rainforest or beside a river.
Be still in this place. Close your eyes and awaken all
your senses to see the colours, smell the aromas, feel
the textures, hear the sounds and taste the nectar.
Figure out what it is that you truly want before moving
into the practical design process and it becomes a
natural progression.
Follow a step-by-step process to visualise your soul
sanctuary space. Imagine what your house, flat,
caravan or boat looks like. How you would live? Off the
grid, on a large or small property, in a mansion or in a
community township? Who would you be living with?
What are their needs, wants and desires? Are there pets
or a vegie garden?
Imagine every aspect of your soul sanctuary, starting
with the block of land, the structure of the house and
the front door. Then as you walk inside, imagine what
each room looks and feels like? As you go through this
process, write down your visions in a journal.
The kitchen should be a highly functional yet nurturing
zone, for instance. So ensure you have cooking utensils
and oils centered around the cooking area. Keep the
triangle between your cooktop, fridge and sink clear of
through traffic. Have the fridge easily accessible from
eating areas.
Consider what storage you require, look at waste
disposal and access to the purest water you can source.
If you are not close to a natural spring, look at options
for water filtration systems that seamlessly fit into your
kitchen design and are easily accessible. Your home
is a uniquely special place and the overall health of
your home is also vitally important. By setting clear
intentions during the design or decoration process,
you bring into existence a sanctuary space that truly
reflects your unique style and personality.
Do the same with your bathroom. This area is all about
nurturing and cleansing, so if bathing soothes your
senses, make it your focus with a comfortable stylish
bath, mood lighting and music. If an invigorating
shower is more to your liking, then install a pulsating
showerhead.
Now you are ready to design your individual project, be
it building a house or redecorating the interiors. Start
looking through magazines or travel brochures and cut
out pictures that appeal to you. Identify what it is that
resonates with you and lifts you into higher states of
being. Be specific!
Next, collect samples and research your products,
building a vision board for your project so you are able
to visually see and feel your design’s style, colour and
texture. Look at your space in a practical floor layout
and be open to how that room or structure evolves as
you move through the project.
Identify what it is that resonates
with you and lifts you into higher
states of being.
Seek out items that are environmentally sound and
long-lasting so choose stone (man-made or natural) or
timber benchtops over laminates. Or buy Australianmade tapware with a warranty over cheaper imports
for the sake of saving a few dollars. These items
become must-haves and pivotal pieces as the space
develops. You may find a unique basin, artwork or
simply a colour that speaks to your heart.
When you are clever with your selections, creative with
your finishes and clear on your outcome, you save
valuable time and money. One of my clients was a
wealthy single entrepreneur, who was so busy that he
often ate out. He longed to attract a soul mate to share
his life with and a partner he could come home to, and
wanted somewhere their love could flow in a healthy,
supportive and nourishing way. Using a harmonious
design and thoughtfully selecting quality, coordinated
products, we created a practical yet stunning gourmet
kitchen. Within a few months he met the love of his
life, who by no coincidence was a chef. They are now
happily married.
j u l e s
s t u d i o
“I am truly inspired & in awe of the colours, nature
and geometry that surrounds us all and feel the
creative possibilities are endless.”
Mon-Fri 10-4 pm, Sat 10-2 pm
h u n t
g a l l e r y
elegance handcrafted
in byron bay
10 Brigantine St Byron Bay A&I
Jules delicately hand carves & paints exquisite
patterns & motifs to accentuate the earthly
curves of her ceramic pieces which beckon to
be touched. She is an award winning ceramicist
& photographer who exhibits throughout
Australia & sells her work internationally.
Purchase original works direct from the gallery
or discuss commissioning a piece.
0408 766 546
www.juleshunt.com
Another of my clients had supported her husband and
children for years selflessly and unconditionally. When
I was called in to help with a complete makeover of
their tired 90-year-old home, my client was a shadow
of her former vibrant self. Her husband was working
long hours and their children hardly visited anymore.
The gloomy, dark and outdated interior was reflecting
her energy.
We had so much fun as we opened up spaces to let in
more natural light and turned dark-timbered kitchens
and laminated bathrooms into light-coloured, elegant
yet nourishing spaces. She started to radiate with a
renewed passion and confidence. Soon her husband
was working less and the kids were coming back home
for dinner. The heart of their home was restored back
to balance through shifting the physical and spiritual
energy of the space. My client learnt that she was
worthy of happiness, joy and bliss in all areas of her life,
and it started with her own sense of self-worth.
World-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright inspired
many original, now iconic, spaces and lived by these
principles.
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An honest ego in a healthy body.
An eye to see nature.
A heart to feel nature.
Courage to follow nature.
A sense of proportion (humour).
Appreciation of work as idea and idea as work.
Fertility of imagination.
Capacity for faith and rebellion.
Disregard for commonplace (inorganic) elegance.
Instinctive cooperation.
How do you create an eco-friendly soul
sanctuary space?
When you embrace responsible attitudes when
renovating or building, you enhance wellbeing for
yourself, others and the planet. You know intuitively
what nourishes you in your home environment.
Often your thoughts become clouded when you are
surrounded by objects and materials that do not nourish
your soul. When your senses are not being stimulated
enough by Mother Nature, your home can have a
profound negative impact on your physical, emotional
and spiritual wellbeing. Be inspired by the natural beauty
that surrounds you to create sacred spaces where you
can cook, dance, sing or meditate in total bliss.
A lack of natural light impacts your nervous and
endocrine systems, circadian cycles and pineal and
pituitary glands and colour has the ability to enhance
or depress your moods and feelings on a subconscious
level. Cluttered spaces can affect your clarity of mind
and energy levels, while for some people sparse spaces
can create a sense of loneliness. Every person and
every space are unique and should be treated as such.
Make a concise plan for your overall vision on a roomby-room spreadsheet. When you have this blueprint
for creating a soul sanctuary, your journey will be joyful
and inspired. From design, fixtures, furniture,
Form follows function—that has
been misunderstood. Form and
function should be one, joined in
a spiritual union.
—Frank Lloyd Wright
We’re a people friendly paint shop in the Arts and Industry Park
of Byron Bay, selling the best range of healthy house paints and
wood finishes you’ll find in Australia. Healthy for you, the planet,
and your pocket. We cater for both homes and commercial
projects with products you’ll love - carefully selected from over
ten different manufacturers.
We’ve been selling eco friendly and non-toxic paints and finishes
since 2002, so we know our products and can help you find the
best ones for your project. We also have a great online shop at
www.house-paint.com.au.
Mon-Fri 9-5.30pm, Sat 10-2pm 1 Brigantine St Byron Bay A&I 6685 7522 www.house-paint.com.au
colours and art, the effort you spend to tune into
your heart’s core needs, will well and truly save you
potentially costly mistakes and valuable time.
Embracing responsible design and living in harmony
with nature
Do you want to save energy, time and money? By
becoming aware of the volume of resources you
consume, you can make simple yet effective changes
in your daily living and sanctuary space planning.
Creating your soul sanctuary directly affects our
environment. By consciously learning to embrace and
reflect Mother Nature in all her complexities in your
space, you will achieve lasting balance and harmony.
So how can you use design principles found in nature
to create your dream sanctuary—one that enriches
you spiritually, physically and yet respects the planet
at the same time?
Appreciate the beauty and strength of natural raw
materials when you are decorating, building or
renovating. Look past the “oldness” of worn timber
boards and see that nature has provided you with
a stunning base material. Earth is abundant with
natural inspiration and just like a new season’s gifts
of changing colour and form can lift your spirits,
a coat of paint can invoke a new ambience with a
colour change.
Look locally for suppliers and trades who are qualified
in colour selection and application of paints and
creative finishes. By using low-VOC paints and natural
Earth is abundant with natural
inspiration and just like a new
season’s gifts of changing colour
and form can lift your spirits …
products, you are looking after your wellbeing and
the health of the environment. The manufacture of
petrochemical-based paint is energy-intensive, and
the production of solvent-based paint can produce
toxic waste, much of which is non-degradable.
Remember, your choices will impact those living
seven generations from now, so help avoid long-term
irreversible and harmful consequences. Stay away
from quick-fix solutions.
Often, clients who want to create a sanctuary to
reflect their personality, lifestyle and environment
may be overwhelmed by choice. I helped a client
to update his dark two-bedroom flat in Perth. His
furniture was mismatched and falling to pieces and
his bed was a mattress on the floor! We custom
designed built-in furniture to store messy stereo and
TV equipment and invested in a new lounge, rug and
artwork. The flat was transformed into a light-filled
home with an indoor-outdoor kitchen extension,
inspiring living rooms and landscaped spa area. Only
a couple of weeks later, he met the love of his life
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as he was radiating and feeling his soul’s sanctuary
retreat, both internally and externally.”
Stimulating your soul’s senses
By incorporating nature into your aesthetic design
scheme, you’re going to feel more at home and
centred so find a natural design theme that works
for you by experimenting with different textures,
finishes and colours. Colour and light have a profound
impact on your emotional responses. So bring in
nature’s bursting colours—fiery foliage, breathtaking
rock facades, crystal-blue waters and soft-green
grasses. When you add colour to indoor space, you
mimic what’s going on outside, adding energy and
the natural power of the planet. Choose shades that
create a thread consistent with that room or style. For
example, you may use a very neutral palate yet have
a vibrant feature wall, which you pick up again in the
colour of the cushions or a rug. Artwork can be the
inspiration for a room’s colour scheme or a client’s
passion for the ocean or tropical plants.
stunning views due to poor design guidance. Seek out
advice on solar orientation and glazing options with
your designer. Other clients built from scratch and,
after an 18-month process of design with the emphasis
on balancing a masculine and feminine union that
was safe and opening, the couple became very at
peace within their relationship. This lead to their first
pregnancy and their adorable soul child was born into
this balanced loving environment!
Use natural materials like wood and stone as insular
building mediums and for their visual beauty.
Breathable clay wall coverings look stunning, while
glass tiles reflect light and invoke feelings of watery
immersion. Hemp and bamboo are brilliant building
materials that are becoming recognised for their
unique design and practical qualities. Natural textiles
on furniture nurture and comfort tactile senses as
well as look beautiful. Pure silks and cottons are more
likely to give you longer lasting vibrancy in colour and
greater wearability.
Natural light also boosts your mood, increases
productivity and promotes sound sleep, so be sure
to design your sanctuary with ample windows. At
night you will need to consider practical lighting for
cooking and ‘doing’ activities. Then, switch down to
a lower footprint in your electricity consumption by
using mood lighting on dimmers. Unique art lamps
and low-energy fixtures are stylish and cost-effective
ways to light a space and save on money and
environmental load.
Choose reclaimed and recycled natural materials
or options that have been sourced sustainably for
flooring, cabinetry and building materials. Source
your tiles and stone from local areas so these heavy
materials don’t have to travel so far. Considering the
seasonal climate of your local area is vital. If heat is
your primary concern, design a building that remains
cool without air conditioning. Energy efficiency is key,
so do your research and save energy, money and our
environment.
Enhance your home’s outlook by taking advantage of
any vistas. So often people fail to take advantage of
The outdoor landscape should show respect for the
land around you. Choose native plants that invite
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wildlife and enhance water-saving irrigation. Always
use natural pesticides or fertilisers and plants that
coexist and thrive in harmony. What’s more, you can
create an outdoor environment that produces organic
food, which is far healthier for you and the planet!
There are so many more ways you can incorporate
Mother Nature into your soul sanctuary design scheme.
But your decisions must come from your heart. Only
choose the pieces and designs that you truly resonate
with or simply love. Ensure that they have a consistent
thread of colour, texture or style that relates back to
your vision. By choosing wisely you’ll be part of the
environmental movement working to preserve and
enhance the planet, rather than part of the problem
that’s destroying it. You will create a soul sanctuary space
that nurtures and supports yourself and all beings.
—Victoria Millar-Wise
Victoria Millar-Wise is an award-winning interior
designer, lifestyle mentor, intuitive healer and author of
Create Your Dream Sanctuary.
Contact VMW Worldwide Designs on +64 (0) 413 911 210
or visit www.CreateYourDreamSanctuary.com
while you’re here …
drop in and see the company that brought
alkaline balance to the world. Our HQ
is right here in Byron Bay.
At AlkaWay we specialise in assisting people
to return to a natural alkaline balance.
If you haven’t heard of us, we understand.
Alkaline health is not mainstream medical
theory, mainly because there’s no money
in it for Big Pharma.
If you are here for a week we suggest
availing yourself of our AlkaWay2Go
24/7 alkaline ionised water dispenser.
If you are travelling, you’ll be interested in
our alkaline water filter bottle giving you
clean alkaline water anywhere, anytime.
If you just want to know more about us
but the beach is more important right
now, we understand.
(After all, we ARE Byronites.) You can learn
all you need to know about this exciting
new (and old) health philosophy at
www.alkaway.com.au
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Open: Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 5pm
Saturday 9.30 am to 4 pm
Phone: 02) 6685 5420
Ahh shoes!
MEPHISTO
CROCS
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INO
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Drive
Ce n t e n
1/20 Brigantine Street, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Just a 3km drive from Byron at the Arts & Industry
Estate. There’s lots of parking.
b ar D
rive
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lo
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Drive
ol
W
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Banskia
Brigantin
ZETA
Grevillea
St
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Baysho
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ENST
Tasman Way
BIRK
E
Ewingsdale Road
Pacific Hwy
Byron Bay
The ocean’s clear blue and the amazing creatures it holds bring love and joy into our lives.
CONNECTING IN: Immerse yourself in natural environments then create your lifestyle through
supportive fail-proof methods. Are you ready to embrace a holistic eco-living lifestyle?
YOUR SANCTUARY: Your home or place of rest often reflects your state of being. It supports
and encourages your soul purpose. Is your sanctuary space ready for an upgrade?
BALANCE and ABUNDANCE: Unlock and release all barriers that are stopping you from living
a full and loving life. Are you ready to love?
•One-on-one lifestyle mentoring
•Eco-living, design consulting for boats,
homes and retreats
Oceans of Love
•Facilitating worldwide journeys of the heart
•Ethical, sustainable networking and marketing
strategies
Unlock your heart space and live with clarity and direction!
Oceans of Love to you,
ToriG
Victoria Millar-Wise
www.oceansoflove.com.au https://www.facebook.com/oceansofloveliving +61 (0) 413 911 210
Abundant eco-lifestyle designer,
award-winning interior designer,
entrepreneur, author and
light bearer who designs for living.
Consciously Creating Change
Evolving Creators Essences are a gift for all of creation. They can be sprayed and dropped
on bodies, food, chakras, crystals, plants, water, jewellery, and Earth—Truly Infinite Uses!
Evolving Creators Essence range
speak to the highest aspect of all beings.
They awaken communion
with our Infinite selves.
Within us is the knowing of our
true creative potential.
What if we all choose to use this?
What contribution to change can we be?
Our essences invite embodiment,
ignite potency and expand awareness.
They acknowledge and facilitate you to
be an ‘Evolving Creator’!
‘These essences support me
to open, be present, have clarity,
and embody love.’
Dev, Chef, Byron Bay
‘I discovered new depths to
my inner knowing,
wisdom and guidance,
through using these essences.’
Josie, Kinesiologist, Kirra
connect@evolvingcreators.net
To contact the Evolving Creators team please
email us at: connect@evolvingcreators.net
From the outside looking in
A true and heartwarming story about the creative essence of Byron Bay
My perspective on Byron is somewhat unique and
unbiased. I’m on the outside looking in. I have no
social, familial, political or financial affiliations with the
shire, but I absolutely adore the place. If anywhere
in Australia could be referred to as a shire, it’s got to
be the shire of Byron. ‘Shire’, God I love that word.
Whenever I hear it I think of Lord of the Rings. Luscious
pastures, gentle rolling hills, majestic rivers, green
forests, magnificent mountains—all the mirth and
mystery of Tolkien’s Middle-Earth. To a visitor, your shire
looks like a utopian paradise, a kind of modern-day
Shangri-La. It’s a very special place that draws people
from both near and far and who could blame them for
wanting to visit or stay.
What I love the most are the people who live within
the shire. By that I mean the various factions of society,
all the different types of folk. But to me you’re all one
in the same. You all wear Byron like a badge—it’s your
identity. Indeed, it’s who you are. “I’m from Byron,” you
say. Those four short words say it all, don’t they? To
me, Byron’s not so much a place as a state of mind.
I’m getting a little dreamy and high right now just
thinking about it. Natural beauty is the first thought
that comes to mind. Your shire is drop-dead gorgeous,
blessed; it is simply stunning, something that cannot
be denied. My next thought is ‘laid-back’, followed by
freedom, acceptance, bliss, creativity then spirituality.
54
I also think of wealth and affluence. I think of sex and
lust, too. I dream of an era long gone and before my
time. I imagine and fantasise about a world of free love,
sharing, community, respect and peace. I don’t know
why my mind’s eye sees these things. Has it ever been
like that in Byron? I’d like to think it once was and wish
again that it were so.
You know something? I have my own claim to
Byron Bay. It mightn’t count for much among the
most local of locals, but in the summer of 1971 two
beautiful, natural, free and creative young lovers made
something special in the back of a VW Campervan right
in the Byron Bay beach car park one balmy evening in
March. They made me… I don’t tell many people my
little secret, but now you know. I think it’s pretty cool!
I secretly wear Bryon like a badge, too. It’s my heritage
and I’m proud of it. Byron’s forever in my blood. Part
of my soul is tied to Byron and always will be. I’m sure
I’m not the only one to be conceived in your special
place—we must be everywhere, I would imagine. Now
I’m wondering how many ‘Byron spawn’ there might be
scattered around this wondrous Earth.
People of the shire, please look after your special and
beautiful place. Take care of the land, wildlife, beaches,
rivers and the sea. Whether it’s real-estate riches,
freedom, solace, healing, health or enlightenment
you seek in Byron Shire, be mindful, respectful and
tolerant of each other—locals and bona-fide visitors
alike—and remember what the beautiful Byron shire
is all about. This summer, don’t be too quick to frown
on those visiting lovers cavorting by the sea. You just
might disturb two lovely migrating human creatures in
making a lovely (and at least a little bit special) Bryon
Bay baby like me… Peace.
—Damon Bereziat.
Bangalow
lunch: 12 midday–3 pm
dinner: 5.30 pm–9 pm
pub selection all day from 12
Bangalow
Derived from Bangalla, the
Aboriginal word for low hill or
palm tree, the small historic town
of Bangalow is a most appealing
destination. The main street is lined
with popular cafes and boutiques
housed in quaint heritage buildings.
Don’t miss the popular farmers
market, held every Saturday morning,
and sip on a locally grown Bangalow
coffee while you’re there.
dining
rooms
Bangalow Dining Rooms
at
The Bangalow Hotel
6687 1144
www.bangalowdining.com
professional catering available
large groups welcome, please book
Excellent food from
wonderful local produce
at reasonable prices
Matthew Farrell Glass
Beautiful Pearl Jewellery
Steve Tillman by Scott Bridle
Front Window of Gallery
Carolyn and Peter
Artwork and Sculptures from local and internationally renowned
Australian Artists; Australian made Knitware; Beautiful Pearl Jewellery;
Stunning Jewellery from Mexico and Brazil; Locally handmade Toys and
Breadboards; Australian Handcrafted Pewter; An amazing collection of
scarves and much much more …
25 Bryron Street,
Bangalow NSW 2479
P: (02) 6687 1933
contact@windhorsegallery.com
www.windhorsegallery.com
BANGLOW Lounge
HOME COMFORTS
Ph: 02 6687 2622
An emporium in the heart of Bangalow where you will discover chic women's
wear, funky bub's fashion, elegant home wares and must have accessories.
34 Byron St, Bangalow, NSW 2479
sales@bangalowlounge.com
The Bangalow Rug Shop
11 Byron Street, Bangalow
|
Open everyday 10 am–5 pm
|
www.bangalowlounge.com
Born in Byron Bay
www.orientalcarpets.com.au
|
02 6687 2424
ISLAND LUXE
Be inspired by the collection of quality products at Island Luxe
At Island Luxe, we travel the world for
inspirational pieces that offer an experience of a
nomadic existence, creating a sensual feel of
a luxurious but unpretentious ‘gypset’ lifestyle.
In store, we focus on giving every client an
experience of a lifestyle that has been created
from within our being, a glimpse into a world
we cherish. Each detail in our store has been
created to stimulate the senses, from exotic
music to the scent of fresh coconut and aged
leather, and the textures of the finest fabrics
we have gathered.
Our locations avoid the usual high traffic areas
in favour of more out-of-the-way sites, so as to
not compromise our concept thereby creating
a destination of itself and a sense of journey for
those individuals who search and go beyond
the commonplace.
Once inside the store, our clients find our interior
style is inspired by a deep love of nature and of
humble but noble objects, like a peasant’s bed
from Pakistan, an old leather oilpot from a gypsy
tribe in India or a battered workbench from a
disused workspace.
We collaborate with local artisans wherever
possible to produce exclusive one-off
accessories and furniture, making each piece
unique for every client.
Our highly skilled Island Luxe team knows
that true style transcends fashion and can
assist clients to find their individual expression.
We hope you enjoy sharing in our Island Luxe
vision.
Tw o d i s t i n c t l o c a t i o n s ,
two unique experiences
Exclusive fashion,
accessories, homewares,
and furniture that
recreate a bohemian
holiday lifestyle
Island Luxe Bangalow
02 6687 1605
62 Byron Street, Bangalow
info@islandluxe.com.au
• • • • • •
Island Luxe Tribe Byron Bay
02 6680 9600
1/11 Marvell Street, Byron Bay
tribe@islandluxe.com.au
A hard act to follow
Renowned jazz singer Leigh Carriage is a force to
be reckoned with as a vocalist and performer—
and she’s no lightweight when it comes to life’s
challenges either. Leigh shares her musical journey,
and a transformational event that has taken her to
another level as a performer and human being.
Leigh Carriage welcomes me into her spacious,
cheerful Byron Bay home with a warm hug. I sit at her
large kitchen table while she makes tea. She looks in
the fridge and apologises for not having any milk (I
take mine black, so I’m unperturbed).
Having seen Leigh perform at the launch of her
stunning new album, Mandarin Skyline only weeks
earlier, I’m struck by the fact that her warm, witty, down
to earth presence on stage is exactly how she is in real
life. There seems to be no artifice about her at all—
something she confirms when I ask her if anything’s
off limits in our interview. “I’m an open book,” she says,
smiling warmly. The only time she hesitates while we
talk is to consider whether what she is saying will affect
friends or relatives who are part of her story.
One of seven children, Leigh grew up in a town near
Bega on the New South Wales south coast. Music was
always part of her life. “My parents loved music. My father
61
As Leigh grew up and studied she started broadening
her musical tastes to include soul, gospel, jazz and
improvised music. “I loved artists like Sarah and Ella,
but also Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Bobby McFerrin
and Michele Morgan, music that was more like
soundscapes—emotional landscapes of sound rather
than lyrical short stories. I found myself wanting to
reflect the land around me in music.
technique and really enjoy it now—I like to feel matchfit and, vocally, you need to have a conditioned voice
to be able to sing what you hear."
“I took every gig that came along—I’d just do it. A
wedding? Learn 17 songs in a few days? Sure! I took big
band, small combos; I started teaching. You just throw
yourself in the deep end when you’re young because
you don’t know that it’s difficult!”
“I started transcribing music early on. In those preYouTube days, you had to order a record and, if it was
from America, you had to wait for it to arrive then get
it home and play for hours. Then, to transcribe the
tracks you loved, you had to listen over and over again,
trying to get the needle back into the right spot on the
record,” she says, laughing at the memory.
Through doing this Leigh discovered types of music
that would inform her musical journey—world music,
jazz fusion and improvised vocal styles. “I wanted to
learn as many songs as I possibly could. No one told
me but I just felt this was the right step to take before
I began to write my own songs. You also need time to
trial writing a lot of songs first!
was an ambulance office who played the accordion
and organ—he played and sang wholeheartedly, and
I always sang with him or just around the house and
in the garden,” she said. Singing was part of the school
curriculum at the Catholic school that Leigh attended
(“We all sang from the ABC songbook!” she laughs). She
also played guitar and piano.
62
“When I started out in Sydney, I went to a lot of
gigs—anything I could afford. I was studying, so I was
cleaning houses for some prominent people of the
day. I was lucky because they let me practice on their
pianos so long as I cleaned the house properly.”
While Leigh admits she has a good ear and is a natural
singer, it took her years of hard slog to become
the accomplished, beautiful vocalist she is today. “I
practiced hard for 10 years,” she says. “I still practice
Photographer: Suzie McLeod
“I worked with an incredible young woman at this
time, a guitarist, named Maddy Young, a brilliant
human being and fine musician,” she said. “We
were the support for English jazz fusion guitarist
Allan Holdsworth at The Basement in Circular Quay.
Every guitarist in Sydney was there: Allan, a monster
guitarist playing intense fusion, Billy Cobham, a
jazz drummer, and there we were these two young
women, playing jazz standards as a duet! Maddy
would say: ‘Let’s just do this’. She taught me so much,
she was always so kind and her enthusiasm about
music was infectious. She also had this incredible
fearlessness as a musician.”
As well as learning from her peers, Leigh also had some
formidable mentors. “I took lessons from legendary jazz
vocalists Kerrie Biddell and Joy Yates. “They challenged
me on lots of levels, certainly technically. They
encouraged me to integrate my theory. ‘You can’t just
know the melody’, they’d say, ‘you need to understand
what ingredients the music is made of, and you need
to know the depths of it to be a contributor’.”
Leigh moved to the Northern Rivers when she
received a scholarship to study music in Lismore.
“I had the opportunity to performance and learn
from amazing musicians such as John Hoffman, Paul
McNamara, Juliette Bradley Buchanan, Greg Lyons,
Jim Kelly and Tony Buchanan,” she says. At that time,
Leigh also started teaching singing. She has been a
lecturer at Southern Cross University for almost 15
years, where she is now Head of Vocal Studies. “All in
all, I’ve been teaching for 20 years and I love it. It’s not
just about the music; it’s also about mentoring, and
how you share your passion about music, creative arts
and about life.”
It was on the way home from teaching at the university
one afternoon in late 2005 when an event occurred
that changed Leigh’s life forever—including the way
she sang. “I was driving home to have dinner with my
beautiful stepson, Julian. It was 4pm and there was lots
of traffic. Suddenly, I spotted a red 4WD losing control.”
The next thing she knew, Leigh woke up and the 4WD
had ploughed in the driver’s side of her small Subaru.
What followed is the stuff of nightmares. “I’d woken
up with a mouthful of glass, which was terrifying as
I thought I was going to swallow it. I was in and out
of consciousness. I had a broken leg, ribs, sternum,
fingers toes, sacrum, cheekbones—the lot! I had
dislocated my shoulder and I had a punctured lung
and lacerated my liver.”
I had on my favourite black short boots—ones I’d
had for over 20 years. They were irreplaceable!“ Leigh
begins to laugh despite the horror of the story. “I
remember seeing my boot facing toward me outside
the car, then I realised that it was attached to me.
Somehow my leg got caught outside the opening of
the door and it was broken pretty badly.”
Leigh was trapped in the car. Throughout the ordeal,
people outside helped her. “A beautiful woman held
my hand through the car window. She said she was
a nurse called Annette. The weirdest thing is that my
sister’s called Annette and she’s also a nurse. So, in my
mind, I’ve got my sister holding my hand and looking
after me so I’m going to be fine.”
In an incredible stroke of luck, a paramedic helicopter
that had been called out for another accident saw
her car and landed to help. However, Leigh had an
agonising 90-minute wait while a team of paramedics
worked frantically to cut her out of the car. “You’re in
pain but not in pain. Honestly, it’s terrifying. But you’re
in and out of consciousness—it’s like this intense rush
of shock,” she says.
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Susie Dove Web & Graphic Design
Susie Handran-Smith, aka Susie Dove, has been creating beautiful
websites and graphic design in the Byron Shire for over 13 years.
An expert in web design and construction, e-commerce,
WordPress and organic SEO through to branding and logo design,
brochures, flyers, advertisements and more, Susie has supported
many local businesses in achieving greater success in the virtual
marketplace.
With her wealth of experience and an intuitive understanding of
clients’ needs, Susie’s clear communication makes a refreshing
change for business owners in this often challenging world of
geek-speak and techno jargon.
Susie is also an artist and long-term meditator and has been
walking the healing path for over 20 years. You are invited to
www.susiedove.com to view a diverse portfolio of creative design
solutions for past and present clients.
Call Susie at Blue Lotus Creative Design
Studio to see how she can help you on:
(02) 6684 4459 or 0422 685 258
or email: susiebluelotus@gmail.com
“Mother and Calf ” by Susie Handran-Smith
www.susiedove.com
“A paramedic got into the other side of the car and gave
me pain medication. He just put this line in and I was
out to it. I remember them drilling as they cut me out of
the car and I remember hearing the helicopter—but I so
don’t remember any of the trip!” she laughs.
Leigh’s injuries were so serious that, had she not been
flown to the hospital she would have died. She was
taken to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital
where she had surgery. “I didn’t have a mobile then
and nobody knew where I was,” she says. But fate again
intervened, as one of Leigh’s neighbours drove past
the scene of the accident and saw what he thought
was her car. When he got home he alerted Leigh’s
neighbour, who called Leigh’s husband, jazz pianist
Steve Russell. He left his gig and went to the hospital,
where he waited for hours.
Leigh’s next memory was of excruciating pain. “I
woke up at about 4am thinking, Ok, where am I and
what has happened. This really hurts, it’s serious," she
says. “Then something happened, and I just made a
decision—I don’t know where the resilience came
from—but I thought, I could continue to be frightened
here because with multiple rib breaks every breath is
so painful. Then I realised I could either be in my fear,
which seemed to make everything worse, or I could try
to find another way. So I thought, OK, this is what it is,
I’m just going to surrender."
“One thing I learned is that pain is so noisy. I’m a
country girl, I’ve had a few injuries, but this …" She trails
off. “But you do cope. Thanks to the outstanding staff in
the ICU. With those kinds of injuries you’re at your most
animal, your most primary, vulnerable self. The people
there were incredible; they know how to be with you.
I went back afterward and thanked everyone — the
police, the ambos, everyone.”
65
It took about a year for Leigh to physically heal and
she had to learn to walk again. “I had years of physio
with Libby Nelson, I think she’s the best physio on the
planet!” she says. “As part of my emotional healing, I
went back to the scene (actually I have to drive past
this spot every day to and from work), saw photos of
the car and even visited it. I documented my whole
recovery process and had counselling for PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) which was so helpful.”
“I have some facial scars. Thank goodness I have
long hair and a fringe to hide them. My fingers don’t
function in the same way so I had to adjust and play
the piano differently. There are things I miss—the
fluidity of my body’s movements, for example. I just
can’t run any more and I used to love it—but I can still
walk, and I’m so grateful for that. I was really tenacious
about practicing all my exercises afterwards, but my
body was really tight and I limped for many years.
“Recovery took years. I was fine recuperating; I was
determined and had a lot of support. I went back
to work in a wheelchair after just three months. On
reflection, this was ridiculous!”
During the process, she released a live album, tellingly
titled: On Impulse. “Steve supported me daily for many
months as did many friends. I am very fortunate and
grateful that I am so loved. We grabbed a copy of gig I’d
done earlier and put out a live album. I needed a focus
and a project.”
Leigh exhales, then, incredibly, laughs. “So after all that,
well, you sing differently! I had put in a lot of practice
for the decade before that, so I had good control of my
instrument. But after the accident, I simply had a new
instrument as a result of a punctured lung and ribs that
were set crookedly”.
66
Then after three years, she felt lost. “I couldn’t perform
for about two years. I lost a lot of the feeling on one
side of my mouth and I had some speech therapy,” she
explains. “I felt like I needed a big shift to move forward
and it came. I read Thomas Moore’s Dark Night of the
Soul (a book about honouring and moving through
times of grief ).
“That’s where this album Mandarin Skyline came
from—this period when I got lost. Some songs were
written very quickly on this latest album, while some
had been bubbling away waiting.”
The album was mixed and mastered by US producer
and engineer Helik Hadar, who has worked with Norah
Jones and Joni Mitchell, and features musicians Hamish
Stuart on drums, Steve Russell, Matt McMahon and
Sam Keevers on piano, Matt Smith on guitar, Phil Slater
on trumpet and Jonathan Zwartz on bass.
“I put my whole savings behind it and I had Steve’s
support the whole time. He is simply a remarkable,
loving person and brilliant to collaborate with, and he’s
loyal—he always has my back!” said Leigh.
“I actually think I sing better now. I’m a better person
after the accident. It was a gift.” Tears flow and Leigh
pauses. “As a musician, I believe my job is to help
people feel and forget about anything that is troubling
them and, for the hour or so, just to take them on a
journey. I am no longer frightened to sing about grief
and sadness, or write the difficult songs and to hold
the space for this. We all have great depths of sadness,
and loss and grief and joy. Some singers are very
joyful and they’re brilliant, and I also hope to bring joy
and elation about being alive to my performances.
I’m enjoying the dance of live performance and the
intensity of spirit—now I want to walk in, welcome the
audience in and make them feel at home.
“I just want to be a generous and loving performer,
invite the audience into my world for a moment and,
with any luck, my artistry and the musicians I play with,
well, we make this happen. “Its all about sharing some
love and joy!” She breaks into her infectious, generous
laugh. “It’s so Byron Bay, I know. But it’s the truth!”
—Louise McCabe
Wisdom
Herbal
Ba
n g a low
64 Byron Street,
Bangalow NSW 2479
Tel: 02 6687 0457
www.herbalwisdom.com.au
Herbal dispensary, holistic clinic, naturopathic consultations, massage, Ka Huna.
Organic foods, bulk superfoods and whole foods.
Sophisticated Eclectic Design
One stop shopping for designer gifts
and homewares with a difference. A
beautiful, must see store carrying well
chosen products to suit everyone. Even
chocoholics will be pleasantly surprised.
Bangalow Pharmacy
AESOP ~ ABBEYHORN ~ ACCA KAPPA ~ MISSONI
ASTIER DE VILLATTE ~ CIRE TRUDON ~ CREED
DR HAUSCHKA ~ MARVIS ~ JULIETTE HAS A GUN
L’ARTISAN PARFUMEUR ~ LUBIN ~ PENHALIGONS
ROBERT PIGUET ~ SAVON DE MARSEILLE ~ WELEDA
HENRY DEAN ~ SYLVAIN LE HEN ~ LAURA MERCIER
Shop: 1a/36 Byron St Bangalow 2479
Phone: +61 02 66870779
Email: info@micasatucasa.com.au
http://www.micasatucasa.com.au
23 BYRON STREET, BANGALOW 2479
PHONE / FAX: 02 6687 1104
EMAIL: BANGALOWPHARMACY@BIGPOND.COM
Brunswick Heads
This small coastal holiday village is situated at the mouth of the Brunswick River. The sheltered
Torakina Beach can be found nestled in the breakwater and makes a great place for children to
paddle. For those wanting more action, a white sandy beach lying to the south of the breakwater serves
up excellent surf. Shopping is a must in Bruns, with designer boutiques such as Lazybones for
clothing and homewares, Silver Dragon for jewellery, gifts and clothing and Fabulous Mrs Fox for
treasures in the form of knick-knacks and jewellery. Bruns has cafes aplenty, offering outdoor dining
for breakfast in the sun or a place to chill with an organic juice. Try the cakes at the Brunswick
Heads Health Foods or a falafel at Yami Vegetarian Kitchen. The Fishermen’s Co-op is also a
nice place to sit and watch the boats mooring while you eat your ultra-fresh fishy bits.
Come evening, there is a huge choice of dining options. My favourites are Dominique’s
Ristorante for Italian specialties and Rice for authentic Indonesian dishes.
Mina Mina
Paddy Japaltjarri Sims, Star Dreaming, 122 x 61cm
fine
art
and
giftware
A colourful boutique gallery,
which specialises in Aboriginal
Fine Arts and Crafts, complemented
by sophisticated pieces from
local artisans, unusual home wares
and quirky gifts.
Cnr Park & Mullumbimbi Streets,
Brunswick Heads NSW 2483
Ph 02 6685 0229
www.minaminagallery.com
Semi d’ore
2/1Park Street
Brunswick Heads NSW 2483
p/f 02 6685 1153
sharron@semidoro.com.au
If you love your kitchen you,ll love us.
Shop 1, 10 Park St , Brunswick Heads NSW 2483
T 02 6685 0236 Trading 7 days Like us on Facebook
Oh my Goddess
Always the Latest for Goddesses of All Ages
A combination of well stocked
swimwear, lingerie, fashion and
accessories makes this elegant,
eclectic and sexy boutique
a unique shopping experience.
7 Park Street, Brunswick Heads 2483 P:02 6685 1307
Mon to Fri 10.30 am–4.30 pm and Sat and Sun 11 am–4 pm
Unique textiles
clothing, jewellery,
& accessories.
Silver Dragon
02 6685 1617
26 Mullumbimbi Street,
Brunswick Heads, NSW 2483
David Shaw created what is now Brunswick Heads Health Food over 15 years ago. With
over 23 years of experience as a practicing Naturopath and Herbalist, he started with an
ethos that is simple to follow: Health has to be approached holistically. David uses his
shop as his pantry for life and promotes all his family, friends and customers to do the
same for the maximum benefit for a long healthy life for all. As such, the store is stocked
with a huge amount and variety of healthy food. The store has grown in size over the
past 15 years and now takes up the whole corner block of Fingal and Park Streets.
Kristina has been catering for the north coast community for many years under her
‘Kristina’s Tasty Kitchen’ banner, which specialises in vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and
raw food. Kristina is well known as a lady who cooks from her heart and has a strong
following in the Brunswick /Byron region.
The pairing of David and Kristina seemed inevitable. The food that Kristina supplies to
Brunswick Health Foods is quite often purchased in its ingredient form from Brunswick
Health Foods, be that fresh organic fruit and veg or almond meal, organic spelt flour,
chemical free almonds or dried rose petals. Kristina started as a customer and now
supplies around 80 percent of the freshly prepared food at Brunswick Health Foods.
Yum Yum Tree café
Yum yum is Aboriginal for meeting place so it’s the perfect place to
meet friends. Great coffee and delicious food, using locally grown
produce where possible. Contemporary Australian cuisine. Friendly
table service from Manfred and his pleasant staff.
I’ll meet you at the Yum Yum Tree.
Open for breakfast and lunch seven
days a week from 8am to 2pm.
Dinner summer months only from
6 pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday
50 River Street,
New Brighton NSW 2483
P: 02 66803368
www.yumyumtreecafe.com.au
Kristina's Tasty Kitchen
Organic Produce and
Natural Products
Cafe
•Organic Coffee
•Teas
•Vegetarian Food
•Gluten Free Food
•Fantastic Cakes
•Healthy Treats
Cafe
•Juice and
Smoothies
•Salads
•Pies
•Hot meals
•Quiches
Herbal
Dispensary
Naturopath and
Supplements
Cafe
Cafe
Cafe
We offer a large variety of raw, organic dairy, allergy and gluten free
food, pies, cakes and salads etc. All vegetarian and vegan.
Cafe
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday 8.30 am–5.30 pm
Saturday and Sunday 9 am–4 pm
2/20 Fingal Street, Brunswick Heads
Ph: 6685 1338
E: admin@brunshealthfood.com.au
Catering for functions, retreats and gatherings.
Cooking classes available on request.
Kris Campbell 0429 456 299
True original
The last of the good old country pubs
This genuine Aussie pub has been
serving up cold beers and hot food
for more than a century.
The historic village of Billinudgel, in the beautiful
Brunswick Valley in Northern New South Wales, is
home to the famous Ma Ring Billinudgel Hotel. Since
1906, it has been serving beer through fires, floods and
famines in its current premises.
Providing a unique cultural experience with a historic
view of the Valley’s pioneering days, the hotel is most
famous as the home and business of Ma (Margaret
Alice) Ring, who at the time of her death at 101 was
the oldest licensee in Australia and, most likely, the
world! The pub is still in the family, with the current
licensee being Ma’s great-nephew, Ken. Today,
Billinudgel is a thriving industrial estate providing
much-needed goods and services for the Valley. The
historic main street also provides a gateway to the
picturesque farming district.
Once, the East Coast was covered in highly soughtafter red cedar, mostly felled and shipped to England
for furniture. After the ‘big scrub’ was removed, on
came the dairy farmers, whose labours provided the
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Margaret Alice Ring, who at the time of her death at 101 was the oldest licensee in Australia
Valley’s major source of income and lifestyle until the
last quarter of the 1900s.
While maintaining the heritage look and feel, the Billi
provides first-class bistro food, great entertainment in
The Barn, a TAB, ice-cold beer, and friendly locals ready
and willing to tell you a tale or two!
n
o
i
t
a
x
a
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re
o
c
s
e
r
f
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A
Liquid amber
Friendly service
k
c
u
l
r
u
o
y
y
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T
Games room
Sunday jam
sessions
Live music every Friday night
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10 am to 12 am Sunday 10 am to 10 pm
Bistro hours:
7 days a week for lunch and dinner
Sky TV an
d TAB
Poker on Saturday nights from 6 pm
Sunday Jam session from 3 pm
We cater for all types of functions Contact details (02)66801148
Website https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Billinudgel-Hotel/159583624087186?fref=ts
Wilford Street, Billinudgel NSW 2483; (02) 6680 1148
Mullumbimby
Travel just four kilometres
left off the Pacific
Highway, and you’ll find
Mullumbimby where the town
and its surrounds are home
to a thriving counterculture.
Affectionately known as
Mullum, here you will
find excellent food choices,
herbal dispensaries, health
food shops, bulk food stores
and good shopping. A local
farmers market is held every
Friday morning and the
monthly Mullum markets on
the third Saturday. Check
the Byron Bay gig guide for
unique evening events at the
Durrumbul Hall and the
Drill Hall Theatre.
Right : Weaving a community web,
photo by Robert Hart
Lavender Blue Day Spa
La Belle Lumiere Skin& Body Retreat
Take a stroll to Murwillumbah and be pampered…
La Belle Lumière Skin & Body Retreat
10 Commercial Rd, Murwillumbah 2484
02 6672 3910 | www.labellelumiere.com.au
FRANKIE – international style-meister
has worked in world renowned hair studios
in berlin, brazil, london and sydney
as a style director and educator.
Lavender Blue Aromatherapy Day Spa
68 Main St, Murwillumbah 2484 | 02 6672 6133
www.lavenderbluedayspa.com.au
LOCATION
Shop 1B,
55 Burringbar Street
Mullumbimby
(next to Rock & Roll Cafe)
Sunshine Alley
Discover the alley …
Jewellery . Art . Garden . Funky Hats
Located next door to the
Rock n Roll Coffee Co.
Rear 59 Burringbar Street
Mullumbimby
Open Tuesday—Saturday
phone: 0429 191 106
APPOINTMENTS
m. 0423 165 699
experience divine hair…
www.facebook.com/sunshinealleymullumbimby
supporting our talented local artists
Sue
M’s
BOUTIQUE
Business Hours
Mon–Fri 9.30–5.00
Sat 9.30–2.00
Phone/Fax 02 6684 2366
40 Burringbar Street
Mullumbimby NSW 2482
Michael’s Guitar Studio
v i n tag e a n d u s e d g u i ta r s
|
p r i vat e g u i ta r l e s s o n s
email:guitar@mullumonline.net
Shop 2, Dalley Street Plaza
music: http://cdbaby.com/cd/michaelcolch2
Mullumbimby NSW 2482
web site: http://www.michaelsguitarstudio.com.au/
Phone 02 66841800
Mullumbimby Herbals
effective, holistic health care using organic herbal medicines
Dispensary and Clinic
Naturopathic, Homoeopathic and
Ayurvedic Consultations and Massage
79 Stuart Street, Mullumbimby
02 6684 3002
www.mullumherbals.com
Gallery Casamexico and Mullum picture framers
Mexican and Gothic Artefacts
Day of the Dead arts and crafts— “Catrina” skeleton figures • Frida Kahlo self portrait posters and prints
Cushions • Ceramic skulls • Decorative tin mirrors • Candle holders • Mexican silver jewellery.
Mullum Picture Framing
Professional picture framing
services at Byron’s most
competitive prices.
• Free frame advice
• affordable prices
• mount boards and
moulding range
• artists reduced rates
105 Stuart St, Mullumbimby.
Ph: 02 6684 1647
M: 0403 734 791
gallerycasamexico@bigpond.com
MOKEA~DESIGNS
All styles individually designed or sourced by the designer.
OPEN: Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat 9.30 am–1.30 pm
Thur–Fri 9.30 am–5.00 pm
by our local designer
A fusion of classic coastal and travel wear
and bohemian beachwear and accessories.
Shop 2, 52 Stuart Street, Mullumbimby
Phone: 02 6684 1881
www.mokea.co
DIVORCE AS A RITE OF PASSAGE
opening to the unknown
People move to Byron Shire because they are attracted
to the laid back lifestyle, the alternative culture, the
beauty, the beaches and the sense of paradise. Watch
out! There is also a vortex of energy here that attracts
us on some level as well. There is a swirling intensity
that blows through these quiet verdant valleys—an
energy that creates a catalyst for change. A story that
we see repeated often is that families move here from
the city where their relationships have been relatively
stable and within a few months or years they are
separating and getting divorced.
… through the mist of confusion
one door was closing but others
would eventually open.
That is also my story. After living in the region for six
years, my wife told me she had fallen in love with
someone else. It came out of nowhere. I think it
shocked her almost as much as me. It threw me into
an emotional tailspin that lasted months, years really.
I was simply devastated. In desperation, I abandoned
my family and made a three month pilgrimage to India
78
hoping to be able to reinvent myself as a ‘me’ after
twenty years as a ‘we’. In truth, I was consumed by my
story every day. Then I met Ramesh Balsekar, a ninetyyear-old man who had been president of the Bank of
India. On hearing my story he announced, “John, it is a
happening that is happening.” Momentarily, my mind
stopped. “You mean I don’t have to wallow through all
this blame and guilt that threatens to drive me insane?”
Some little door in my consciousness started to open
just a crack.
At some point after I returned home, I experienced
a moment of inspiration that allowed me to make a
shift from ‘this should not be happening to me’ to ‘I
am going through a rite of passage’. It was a re-frame
that allowed me to move from a sense of helpless
victim to a feeling of empowerment. Somehow,
through the mist of confusion one door was closing
but others would eventually open. Perhaps there was
even a purpose to this ‘dark night of the soul’. At the
time it was an utter revelation. It helped me shift from
the personal to the universal because humans have
been engaged in rites like this since the dawn of time.
Rites of passage traditionally have three phases. The
first is when we leave our old life behind. The second is
the ordeal phase, the ‘betwixt and between’. This is the
dark night of the soul when we are challenged to face
aspects of ourselves that we have perhaps never faced
before. Jesus going into the wilderness for forty days is
an example of this. The Native American Vision Quest is
another. Most tribal cultures practiced rites of passage
and the ceremony was often overseen by a shaman.
The third phase is stepping into a new life or a new
way of being with our life. The
whole journey is characterized
by the fact that we cannot
know what lies ahead. In
phase one we have no idea
what is coming in phase two,
and phase three cannot be
revealed until we have completed
phase two. This is an integral part of the
structure. It is very archetypal.
In divorce, the process can stretch out over years
and the edges between the phases can become
more blurred. Essentially the basic structure is the
same. The place where we get caught is needing to
understand, needing to take control when all the
forces of the universe are hell bent on inviting us to
let go. Resistance. For me there was so much about
the breakup of my marriage and the cataclysmic
feelings that accompanied it, that I could not
comprehend or explain that eventually after years of
struggle I have been forced to simply let go of. This
seems to be the last resort of mind. To let go. And
in the letting go there is profound liberation and
transformation because mind is saying, “I can’t figure
this out”, which is a huge admission given its previous
form. Once this admission has occurred it can never
return completely to its previous state. There is a new
spaciousness that has arrived. The spaciousness of the
heart doesn’t need to understand. It simply receives,
accepts and creates space.
This is a profound initiation into the mystery of life. We
look up into the starry night sky in wonder. How can
we
fathom
that? Or
the miracle
of birth, or
the mystery of death or
the enigma of divorce. How two
people who shared so much love
and tenderness, who brought their lives together in
a sacred marriage and raised children could end up
hating each other and savaging each other in court. It
is truly humbling.
When my wife first started seeing another man, a
shock-wave hit me carrying many intense feeling
states in its wake. After she became intimate with him
it became a tsunami. I cried and screamed hysterically.
I couldn’t sleep. Adrenaline pumping. Thinking
obsessively. Rage. Blame. Terror. Shame. Jealousy. Grief.
It felt like death. I was crying uncontrollably in front
of my children, driving to work, literally falling apart. I
couldn’t make decisions or parent effectively. I fully lost
all sense of myself for a while.
79
This was the most terrifying phase. I was lost, in total
despair, consumed, out of control, my life unravelling
before me. Everything I held dear was falling away.
Looking back, I see that this was the beginning of
the ordeal phase. It can be very frightening because
it churns up all our unresolved primal feelings and
trauma. In a sense a part of us is dying, and this is
where the healing lies. Part of us is dying so that
something new can be born. Like a phoenix rising
80
out of the ashes of our old self. There is also a deeper
purpose to the ‘dark night of the soul’. It is to crack
the very structure of the ego that thrives on control,
security and identity.
beast is better unleashed than locked up. Personally
I never thought I would go to court but rites of
passage take us places that we never dreamed of.
There is power in that too.
Australians spend roughly twice as much money on
divorce as we do on marriage. This is a testimony
to the power of the ego, kicking and screaming,
desperately trying to cling to control, using anything
in its power. Divorce can unleash the beast! But the
For me it was my intense identification with my role
as husband, father and family man that caused me so
much pain. There were many layers to let go of. Each
stage I was being asked to accept another level of
what my mind was judging unacceptable. As much
as I wanted to fast forward through the pain I just
wasn’t able to. Each stage I had to go deeper and
deeper until there was nothing left to cling on to.
Eventually, my whole sense of previous identity was
shredded. Later, I saw that this is where the power
is. We have periods of gloriousness in our lives when
everything we touch turns to gold. It seems the
universe is smiling on us, and everything just flows
magnificently. Then there are periods of wretchedness
when our whole world comes crashing down. The
truth is that we need both these aspects because
if everything was glorious all the time we would
become arrogant. If we were wretched all the time
we would be depressed. Wretchedness softens us and
humbles us and plants in us the seeds of compassion.
Through our own suffering we are able to hold space
for other people’s suffering.
Through divorce we experience intense feelings
of being ripped away from what we have felt so
connected to. Primal separation from the universal
oneness. It’s an opportunity to explore if this is
the truth or is it merely an illusion that we could
ever be disconnected from the Oneness. In a way
our whole life is a quest to find that connection.
We find it when we fall in love then gradually it
slips through our fingers in the compromise, codependence and complacency of marriage. It’s part
of what keeps drawing us back into relationship. For
me this inquiry has deepened since my marriage
dissolved, not that it has been easier. I feel more
raw, ‘at the edge’, confronted by life. There is always
this tendency to seek our comfort zone whether we
are single or in relationship. It is experiences such
as the pain and confusion of loss and grief or being
seriously confronted by life where we get jostled out
of our comfort zone.
Our challenge is to hang out at the edge … And
the edge here is actually the unknown. For me the
initiation has been to keep opening to the unknown,
trusting the unknown. Life is a mystery.
Now I feel eternally grateful for the profound
teachings I received through this journey. I woke
up to the realisation that I am not my story. My
big drama that seemed so important is another
identification to let go of. I discovered that we
are all doing the best we can with what we have
at any given time. Blame is another mental loop
that keeps us stuck. If we can fully surrender to
the intense feelings that threaten to consume us
at these moments of life change we can allow
them to dissolve and reconstruct our emotional
and psychological ecology, in a similar way to a
tsunami impacting the physical ecology. From the
perspective of the evolution of the soul, as when we
look back on our life at the moment of death, we will
probably see that we grew more through pain and
intense challenge than we did through pleasure and
comfort. And perhaps we might see that the person
who we thought had abandoned and betrayed
us was actually our ‘soulmate’ giving us a gift that
only they could give. Letting go gracefully is one
of life’s greatest lessons and every time we practice
this through deep loss we prepare ourselves for the
greatest letting go of all—surrendering into death.
—John Douglas
hot spas • sauna • plunge pool
• massage • skin rituals
Byron’s premier garden spa, nestled in a bamboo
grove down a quiet lane in Mullumbimby.
The ideal place to de-stress at the start of your
holiday. Hot Spas, Wood Fired Sauna and Plunge
Pool in a secret tropical garden from $20 !
We also offer awesome Massages and spectacular
Skin Treatments from Eminence Organics, plus
all day packages for those who want the full
pampering.
The bathhouse is warming in winter and cooling
in summer and magical in the rain. Relax, unwind
and nurture yourself as you immerse yourself in
Nature and Ritual at the spa where the locals go.
A favourite destination for visitors and
locals for 12 years.
02 6684 4811
info@thekivaspa.com
www.thekivaspa.com
Food has a measurable vibrational frequency. A freshly picked
peach will have a higher frequency than canned peaches, for
example. Likewise, an organically grown peach will have a higher
vibration than one farmed with chemicals.
Eating locally raised and grown produce adds to the integrity
of your health—choosing eggs from a ‘happy chicken’ instead of a
caged one or purchasing grass-fed free-range beef over meat from
grain-fed cattle. Ultimately, not eating animals is my ideal, but
I’m not at that stage of my evolution yet. Meanwhile, I source
the best quality, most loved-up sausages I can find!
Food is also a medium where a person’s feelings can be
transformed. When prepared with intent, a lovingly cooked
dinner can nourish a soul on a deeper level than takeaway
food. Cooking and preparing food with love raises its
energetic vibration.
If I am feeling down, a breakfast smoothie made with raw cacao
(the basis of chocolate) and a few nuts will pick me up. If
my brain is foggy, I add coconut oil. If I am premenstrual, I
add macca. My food is my medicine. There is nothing in my
medicine cupboard apart from Rescue Remedy and bandages.
Where once packets of antibiotics, aspirins and Mylanta lived,
now reside apple cider vinegar, reishi powder, raw cacao and
rosella powder! With regenerative nutrition, the reactivation of
our minds occurs simultaneously with the reconnection of our
bodies to our environment, and to each other. You can literally
eat yourself into health, consciousness and connection.
—Melanie Spears
Farmers' Markets
Explore the region’s famed produce at one of the local
markets! You’ll find freshly caught seafood, just-picked
organic produce, creative raw food, a range of super
foods, along with locally grown coffee, macadamias,
bananas and mangoes. It is easy to eat delicious local
food here, so visit one of the weekly markets and taste
the Northern Rivers at its heart.
Market guide
Tuesday 7–11 am New Brighton
Thursday 7–11 am Byron Bay
Friday 7–11 am Mullumbimby
Saturday 7–11 am Bangalow
Reach for the stars with cacao
Chocolate is getting a lot of good press lately for its
super-food qualities in promoting heart health, blood
cleansing and even assisting with weight loss. But few
people know of the spiritual value of chocolate. It wasn’t
until we met and worked with a chocolate shaman,
while travelling in Guatemala, that we experienced
cacao (chocolate in its purest form) as a gateway to the
heart of higher consciousness. From the magic of these
experiences, Chocolate Yoga was born.
Looking back over the history of chocolate, ancient
civilisations in Central and South America have used
cacao ceremonially for centuries to connect to the
gods. Evidence of cacao being used in religious rituals
was found in Olmec, Aztec and Mayan cultures from
relics at sacred sites and recipes found on manuscripts.
Cacao beans (the seed of the cacao tree) were ground
and added to water and cereals—unsweetened with a
little chilli—to make sacred beverages and food.
In the Mayan and Aztec cultures, cacao was used
exclusively by royalty and society’s elite. In their
language, cacao meant ‘food of the gods’. The Mayans
even used the cacao bean as currency as it was like
gold to them! So why did they hold cacao in such
reverence? Legend had it that Quetzalcoatl, the
feathered serpent, descended from heaven on the
beam of a morning star, carrying with him a cacao tree
stolen from paradise.
Keith, the Chocolate Shaman, who lives in a sleepy
town on the edge of Lago de Atitlán in Guatemala, has
84
rediscovered cacao’s secret that was almost lost when
the Spanish overthrew the Mayan empire in their
conquest of Central America. Keith showed us that
cacao holds a very special vibration that can be used
as a facilitator to connect with the higher energies of
All That Is.
Not all cacao is created equal, however. There are
many different types of cacao bean on the market
today. Almost all of the cacao beans we see, even in
the health food shops, are the forestero variety, or a
hybrid thereof, called bulk cacao. Forestero and hybrid
beans make up over 95 per cent of the world’s cacao
production. These are the beans that are heavily traded
on the world commodity markets and cause much
of the poverty seen today among Third World cacao
farmers. These beans may have a good chocolatey
taste that we all love so much, but they hold a much
lower vibration than the sacred beans prized so highly
by ancient civilisations.
Keith exclusively uses the criollo cacao bean in sacred
ceremony for facilitating inner work. The criollo bean is
a rare variety of cacao that is difficult to grow, has low
crop yields and mainly grows wild in the Guatemalan
Chocolate Yoga Workshops
Cacao Ceremonies
Visionary Cacao Dance Parties
Cacao Creation Circles
Cacao Dance Workshops
Using the Highest Quality Ceremonial Grade Cacao
Sourced From a Cacao Shaman in Guatemala
Online Shop and Sacred Mayan Cacao Sales
The divine fusion of Cacao Ceremony with Kundalini Yoga to shift your practice into a whole new dimension!
www.chocolateyoga.com.au
|
info@ chocolateyoga.com.au
|
0432 084 090
|
facebook.com/ilovechocolateyoga
Now in our 7th year serving good food to
the Byron Shire. Continually providing a
service for the community while striving
towards a sustainable future.
Offering pure, wholesome food
with only the best ingredients at an
affordable price. Ready to eat in or
takeaway in compostable packaging.
Open 8am to 8.30pm. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Mon–Sat (Closed Sundays)
Shop 4/14 Corner of Byron
& Middleton Sts (underneath
Byron Bayside Motel
02 6685 6685
www.heartandhalo.com
the time we were running kundalini yoga classes
at a local hostel five days per week, and when
word spread that we were running a chocolate
yoga workshop, aspiring yogis popped out of the
woodwork from all corners. The feedback was
sensational and we knew that this was something
that we had to share with the world.
and Mexican rainforests. The criollo bean holds the
highest vibration of all the cacao varieties. It has been
said that the ancient Mayans infused their prized bean
with divine energies so that the gateway to the realm
of spirit was more accessible.
Keith travels all over Guatemala under the guidance of
the ‘cacao deva’ to source the highest vibration cacao
available. His sources are local farmers who grow this
very special cacao in harmony with the goddess of
Mother Earth, Pachamama, using organic farming
methods, to produce this superior quality bean. The
cacao deva makes herself available to all who connect
with this very special cacao. This is a new grade of
cacao, far superior to any raw cacao on the market
today. We call it ‘ceremonial grade’ cacao.
This cacao offers you a creative journey. Its effects
can be subtle enough to give you an energy boost,
but with focused attention in meditation or sacred
ceremony, it can take you further, even into other
dimensions.
86
It was in ceremony with the Chocolate Shaman that we
were introduced to the spirit of cacao. We experienced
her as a beautifully soft, yet extraordinarily powerful,
presence. She guided our meditation journeys into
the heart of the universe, through past lives and into
higher dimensions to meet hidden parts of ourselves,
bringing wisdom and healing. We had no idea that
what we thought was humble chocolate actually has
a depth and dimension that goes beyond words! It is a
true heart medicine.
A Mayan myth tells us that whenever the balance
between humans and nature becomes threatened,
cacao comes from the rainforest to open people’s
hearts and return the planet to a state of harmony.
On the front porch of the Chocolate Shaman’s
casita, divine inspiration came to us through the
cacao ceremony, and so ‘Chocolate Yoga’ was born.
Our passion for yoga spans 15 years and it was at
Keith’s bidding that we combine them. “Try the two
together, try the two TOGETHER,” he urged us. At
Chocolate yoga is a deeply profound journey that
allows the student to experience the magical and
medicinal properties of ceremonial grade cacao
moving through the body in a specially designed
kundalini yoga practice, involving ceremony,
pranayama, asana, dance, relaxation, chanting and
meditation. We bring all this into union with the
magic of cacao so students can anchor and embody
that deeper connection to their soul nature. By
working with the cacao, students can gain a direct
experience of how their kundalini (potential) energy
can bring profound mental, physical, emotional and
spiritual healing.
It’s impossible to put into words how profound
chocolate yoga can be. If you are looking to experience
the depths of your inner being, or journey into the
realms of the heart, then we are inviting you to come
and explore magic and mystery with chocolate yoga.
Reach for the stars with your very own block of Sacred
Mayan Ceremonial Grade cacao, available from the
Chocolate Yoga website
www.chocolateyoga.com.au
or from Naked Treaties Rawganics in Byron Bay.
— Sjha’ra Taylor
The Joy of Vegan Cooking
Passion is the essential ingredient in
producing and creating vegan and
raw food that whispers of love and
bursts with vitality, writes Anthea
Amore from Mullumbimby-based
caterers Organic Passion Catering.
My passion for cooking runs deep in my bloodlines.
Growing up with Italian roots on my paternal side
ignited my love for food. My nona is the source of my
love affair with cooking and sharing food with others.
As both my parents went out to work in the early '70s
when I was young, I was left with nona, who seemed
to cook all day long.
Those early memories of being in the kitchen really
stand out. Nona would have me, at the age of two or
three, standing up on a stool where I would peer into
steaming pots or hissing frying pans with wonder
and glee, watching her every move over her shoulder.
She would cry those loving maternal words, “Mangia,
mangia”, to all who entered her home. As kids, my
sisters and I loved going to visit. She would open this
giant cupboard in the larder that was packed with
chips, lollies, biscuits, Mars bars and tins of chocolates,
and ask us what we wanted. It was our own private
candy shop and she was the magical angel with the
key.
When I had my first spiritual awakening at 14, a large
part of that was becoming a vegetarian. As I had been
a lover of meat and distinctly not vegetables, my
family found this very amusing and placed bets on
how long I would last. Well, 26 years later my passion
for a healthy vegan life style and food is still strong
and a rich part of my life.
Good organic vegan or raw food that is healthy but
tasty is my driving force. Turning people on to just how
good vegan food can be is one of my secret pleasures
and I love to teach people how to cook healthy vegan
meals. At first, I wasn’t sure if I could teach my lifelong
passion because how can you get inside someone
else’s head and switch on the passion button? But I
soon realised it happens by osmosis, it’s infectious and
spreads through people like a sunrise flooding the
land, creeping over each square inch with rich pink and
gold light. If I can impart my joy for food to others, then
I’m sharing what I love.
If you cook with love and flair, then the food you offer
is a winner every time. No matter whether you’re a
professionally trained chef or a home cook for your
family and friends, the food will be good. The difference
between a foodie and someone who eats to live is that
foodies have awakened tastebuds that are switched on
every day.
Awakening others to what good food really is and
what makes a dish truly nourishing on all levels is my
passion. From the textures, subtle flavours and bold
notes of a dish, to the way it’s lovingly presented
and crafted on a plate. It’s lovely watching someone
chasing the missing ingredient that they can’t put their
finger on. Is it cinnamon or is it love they can taste?
Food is an expression of love. When it’s cooked with
the intention to nourish, inspire and wow someone
from the inside out, it’s pure magic.
When food is cooked with love there’s something
about it that anybody who wants to can detect. The
movie Like Water for Chocolate explored this notion
so clearly. Whatever Tita, the passionate Mexican cook
in the film, was feeling when she prepared food for
her family, also had a profound effect on their moods.
When she was sad, they all began to cry, when she was
passionate, they all felt passionate and lustful. In my
journey as a cook, I have also come to see the subtle
energy in food and how powerful it is. Where food
comes from and how it is grown adds another layer of
subtlety. Eating organic food that is grown with love
and awareness seems to make a difference. You can
taste it and sense the loving vibration. It can easily
be felt by the sensitive or tuned-in people, or simply
enjoyed by everyone as it tastes so good and vital with
that special something.
Living in the Byron region has been so inspiring in
meeting the local producers and being a part of the
local farmers markets. I have come to know all the
farmers who supply Organic Passion Catering regularly
for our retreats, weddings and functions. There is
something so special about chatting with the farmer
who has lovingly grown the food you are about to
cook. I have the greatest respect for them as they often
work very hard for little money and at the greatest risk
from the elements, for one.
I can also see how evident their love and passion for
the Earth and the food they grow. Their fresh, lovingly
cared-for produce just beams and jumps off their
wooden trestle tables into my shopping bag!
Even the ethics of health food shops or organic food
producers can affect the food that one produces in the
kitchen. From the local organic farmers and onto our
table is the key and essence to love and life force that
goes into our food.
The people Organic Passion cooks for seem to get
switched onto food in a new way with a noticeable
level of passion and excitement. It’s as if they have
discovered something magical or something they’ve
never quite felt before. I love watching people’s eyes
light up, when they ask me with an innocent curiosity
what it is that they have tasted as they try to work it
out. What we do is to prepare simple fresh food with
When you eat a mostly plant-based diet, you reduce
your carbon footprint and energy consumption as
well as increasing your health and vitality. It’s one
of the single most potent choices you can make to
reduce the impact your life has on the planet. We’ve all
heard how it takes 100,000 litres of water to produce
steak and how growing vegies or grains take as little
as 500 litres of water. So by reducing your meat
consumption alone makes an enormous impact.
Food is alchemy in that it brings many elements
together to feed and nourish ourselves, our families
and our community. All we need to do is to think
about what we eat, how we prepare it and where we
get it from. What really matters in life is simple—the
people we love and the food we eat! Food is life, it’s
medicine and it can be magic!
simple flavour combinations but nothing too fussy. I
can only put the ‘special ingredient’ down to love—
corny as it may sound!
Food is by far one of the most powerful ways to make
a difference in this world. It can also be the simplest
but with the greatest impact. Because we all eat every
day, what we eat, how it’s packed, where it comes
from and how it’s grown has an effect on our planet.
When you buy organic food, you invest in a chemical-
free future, biodiversity, healthy alive soil, small-scale
farming and unpolluted waterways.
You are investing your money whenever you buy.
Organic food is a fantastic daily investment with such
positive effects. Once you commit to the organic
path, you soon realise that the health of your friends
and family, and the health of the Earth, is a natural
consequence and that’s a pretty nice feeling and
empowering.
89
Millet patties with beetroot relish
Who knows what to do with millet? Some of
you might be able to reach to the back of you
cupboard and pull out a packet. For those not
in the know, it’s the best grain as it’s so good for
you. This recipe is a little beauty to share with the
uninitiated or just for your lunch. Patties are such
an accessible way to experience millet. These
are lightly pan-fried, and I usually serve with a
relish or chutney and a side salad but they can
also make a hearty canapé and they do well on
the barbecue when you feel like something different. Often when I cook millet or any
other grain, I make extra for my lunch or dinner the next day. That way half the meal is
prepared. Sometimes I might make the full patty mixture up, and pan-fry a couple for
lunch and some for my hubby’s lunch the following day, and leave the mixture in the
fridge for my use the next day too. I don’t mind having the same lunch twice in a row
because I can just vary the salad or the chutney I serve with it. When you’re busy and
hungry, all healthy food tastes pretty good!
Recipe makes 18 mini patties
Method
Beetroot relish
Sauté onions, cracked pepper and caraway seeds on a medium heat until the onion is soft.
Add the remaining ingredients and gently simmer for approximately 45 minutes or until
the beetroot is soft. Sometimes I make just enough for the dish I’m planning to eat with the
relish or chutney but when there is a glut of fruits or vegetables I might make a few extra
jars. Be sure to sterilise the jars thoroughly. Wash in hot soapy water until clean, and then
use either the oven method or the boiling method below. To keep for longer than a week,
place the hot relish or chutney in the heatproof jars, cover with water and boil for 5-10
minutes depending on sugar or salt content (if low in sugar or salt, boil for 10 minutes).
Oven method: Wash all the jars and lids thoroughly in soapy water and rinse. Place
jars on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Set oven for 160°C and cook for 10 minutes.
Allow jars to cool slightly and fill with hot relish or chutney. Handle with a clean tea towel
to be sure not to burn yourself!
Boiling method: Wash all the jars and lids thoroughly in soapy water and rinse. Then
place the heatproof canning jars in a deep pot and cover with boiling water. Boil rapidly
for 10 minutes. Drain upside down on paper towel or leave immersed until ready to use.
* Remember to sterilise lids and rubber seals too (only at 100°C).
Ingredients
Beetroot relish
Millet patties
1 small onion, finely sliced
Freshly cracked pepper, to taste
1 tsp caraway or cumin seeds
1 cup beetroot, grated, loosely packed
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1/2 cup water or apple juice
1 cup millet (cooked in 2 cups water)
1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for frying
1 small onion, very finely diced
1 cup zucchini, grated and loosely packed
1 cup carrot, grated and loosely packed
1/2 cup tahini (mix with 1/4 cup water and 1
tsp sea salt)
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 bunch fresh coriander or parsley, finely
chopped
2 Tbsp sesame seeds
1 Tbsp dried mixed herbs
1/4 cup besan (chickpea) flour
1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
Millet patties
Bring the millet to the boil in 2 cups of water then reduce heat to low. Adjust the lid of
the saucepan slightly to allow the millet to simmer and not boil over. Leave the millet
to simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes or until soft and the centre of the grain is
swollen and cooked. Turn the heat off and leave while you prepare the other ingredients.
Sauté the onion on a medium heat with the spices until the onion is soft. Add the
carrot and cook for a further minute. Then add the zucchini and soften slightly on the
heat for another minute. Both the carrot and the zucchini should be lightly cooked and
soft but not mushy. Spoon the millet into a large mixing bowl and break up and spread
around the bowl to cool slightly.
Add the rest of the ingredients and mix by hand if cool enough! The patties should
come together when you squeeze them and not be crumbly. Shape into small medallionshaped patties about 1.5cm thick and 3.5–4cm in diameter. Pan-fry on a medium heat
until patties are golden on both sides. Serve with salad and beetroot relish.
Choc-chip banana power smoothie
Makes 3–4 small servings
Ingredients
2–3 Tbsp cacao powder (or as chocolatey as you like!)
1–2 Tbsp maca powder
1 Tbsp mesquite powder
2–3 Tbsp hemp oil *
1/2 tsp vanilla bean powder
1 tsp cinnamon, plus extra to garnish
2 tsp reishi mushroom powder
4 medium-sized frozen bananas
3 cups of milk of your choice
1 Tbsp cacao nibs, plus extra to garnish
Method
Add all ingredients into a blender except the cacao nibs and blend
until smooth and creamy. Stir in cacao nibs and pour into glasses.
Garnish with a sprinkle of cacao nibs and cinnamon powder.
* Hemp food products are illegal to consume in Australia—add
hemp oil only if you live in US, Canada or Europe.
Mini lemon cheezecakes
On our last night in Copenhagen staying
Method
with our friends Tina and Gunnar, I wanted
The base
to cook them something a bit special. We
Blend the cashews in a food processor until they resemble a fine meal but before they
had eaten in a few raw food cafes during
turn into cashew butter!
the week and I took my inspiration from
Remove cashews and place in a bowl while you chop the dates in the food processor.
the fact that they both seemed to like
Return the cashew meal to the food processor, add coconut and process for another
lemon cheezecaky treats. I noticed in their
minute. Add the coconut oil and process for approximately 30 seconds or until the
pantry that they had little patty pans (for
mixture looks a little crumbly but not soft and mushy!
cupcakes) and thought they could help
make a perfect after-dinner morsel. After a
day cycling around Copenhagen, the small patty pans meant dessert would set quickly.
Spoon a dessertspoon of mixture into each of the 10 patty pans. Then gently press
down the mixture to form a base. Place on a tray and put into the fridge to set while you
make the filling.
Caspar made the main dish of roast vegetables with steamed broccoli on a bed of herby
quinoa topped with almond pesto (yum) while I made these mini treats, which were
The filling
ready just in time for us to eat after dinner and were delicious the next day too.
Using a food processor, blend the cashew nuts into a very fine meal until it starts to form
a little butter-like consistency around the edges.
Makes 10 little cupcakes 5.5cm in diameter
Ingredients
Filling
Add all the ‘wet’ ingredients (except the melted cacao butter), the coconut oil, agave
syrup and the lemon juice and zest. Process for approximately 1 minute or until it is
wet and smooth. Throw in the banana, vanilla paste and a pinch of salt, and process for
75gm cacao butter
1/3 coconut oil, soft or semi melted
1/3 light agave
1 lemon, zested and juiced
another 30 seconds.
2/3 cup cashews (just under)
not let condensation drip into the melting cacao butter.
1 medium banana
1 tsp vanilla powder or ½ bean, de-seeded
Pinch sea salt
Melt down the cacao butter by roughly chopping or shaving it into a little stainlesssteel bowl, then pour boiling water into a larger stainless-steel bowl and float the smaller
bowl in it. I sometimes fit a lid over the large bowl to speed up the process but be sure to
Add the melted cacao butter to the mixture and process until well blended.
Pour mixture into patty pan moulds and fill to the top. Be sure to spread them out
evenly on the tray or plate so they retain a nice round shape.
Allow to set for approximately one hour or until firm to touch.
Base
To serve, scatter with a few blueberries just before they fully set but not when first
100g cashews (1/3 cup)
poured into the mould or they will sink. Serve straight from the fridge when you are
4 semi-dried medjool dates, (or 2 fresh Californian dates)
ready to eat them.
1/3 cup desiccated coconut
1 Tbsp coconut oil
MY TOP 30 FOODIE PICKS
Victoria Cosford
Touring Byron Shire, Victoria Cosford follows her nose on the foodie trail to search out the pick of the crop.
A mandarin shared at the top of a waterfall, somewhere near Alstonville, with a relationship still forming and a beautiful man separating the segments of fruit and passing them to me
while below water poured and roared down to a deep, dark pool. Not every food moment in the country will be as simple as this but while the above might seem an extreme example,
many others will make up in charm what they may lack in sophistication, variety and choice compared to big city dining.
On the New South Wales Far North Coast we may be short on three-hatted restaurants and food trucks, but we are rich in so much else, not least the plethora of farmers markets springing
up like mushrooms that are proving to be more than fashion or fad.
Listed below are 30 of my favourite local food experiences. I have been writing about food for various publications, interviewing local producers and farmers and manufacturers, reviewing
restaurants and cooking for over a decade. I have talked endlessly about food and thought obsessively about it; I have eaten in as many establishments as possible. In compiling this list I
was aware of many venues I may have overlooked or not yet discovered: so let this serve as a useful point of departure.
1
2
Exciting my every sense is the Spice Den
at Casuarina. Housed in the Grand Mercure,
this sultry, dimly lit restaurant presents startling
food—try the duck sticky with a mandarin and yellow
bean sauce—in an intimate setting. Great wine list, bar
and prices ludicrously low.
For fish and seafood, head to Fins. Settle
down to one of chef Steven Snow’s superlative
Portuguese-inspired dishes or the sublime
simplicity of his pan-fried fish cooked in riesling. His
wife Morgan is the consummate hostess and the wine
list a joy. Come prepared to spend and be lavish.
Dinner Thurs—Sun; lunch weekends
9 Dianella Drive, Casuarina, (02) 6674 8924
Dinner 7 days; lunch Fri—Sun
Salt Village, Kingscliff, (02) 6674 4833
3
Catch a movie—generally foreign or arthouse—at Kingscliff’s Cinemax and find
yourself in what feels like somebody’s living
room. Seating only 50, this tiny cinema includes light
meals and drinks delivered by the owner to your little
lamp-lit table. Devonshire teas, coffee and muffins,
yum cha platter, hot dogs.
Open 7 days
60 Marine Parade, Kingscliff, (02) 6674 4422
4
Byron Gourmet Foods is a wonderful
showcase for much of the best produce
offered by Byron Shire: breads, cheeses, meats,
pastries and condiments to name a few. Linger for one
of their beautifully brewed coffees as well.
Open 7 days, 7am—4.30pm
2/36 Marine Parade, Kingscliff, (02) 6674 5259
7
5
On top of the Kingscliff pub is Babalou,
accessed by a flight of stairs that transport you
into a wacky world of eclectic furniture, from
the Veuve Clicquot love seat and intimate booths to the
boudoir-like Ladies and window seats looking out to
the ocean. Go late afternoon for a bowl of warm olives
and a bottle of something special from the excellent
wine list. Sheer fun.
Open Weds—Sun
1/102 Marine Parade, Kingscliff, (02) 6674 8764
8
The Tweed River Art Gallery just outside
Murwillumbah—soon to be much enlarged—
not only boasts regularly changing exhibitions
by local and national artists but also a very smart cafe
whose deck looks out on the pastoral splendour of
gently rolling hills and sheep sculpture by Sydney
artist John Petrie. Linger over good coffee, huge apple
crumble muffins or a proper lunch.
Tumbulgum is the prettiest riverside village,
all antique shops, cosy cafes and local art and
craft outlets, and home to a wonderful tavern,
Tumbulgum Tavern . Book (or you won’t get in) for
Sunday lunch, grab a seat on the front deck opposite
the river and settle in for big serves of lovely country
food, as old-fashioned as lambs fry with onion gravy
and mash or as contemporary as house-cured salmon.
Open Weds—Sun
2 Mistral Road, Murwillumbah, (02) 6670 2790
Open 7 days.
Riverside Drive, Tumbulgum, (02) 6676 6202
6
Book Sunday lunch at Mavis’s Kitchen in a
beautiful old Queenslander set in lush grounds
near the base of Mount Warning. Imagine the
views as you sit out on the wrap-around verandah
and eat gorgeous homely food, much of it sourced
from the ample kitchen garden below. Booking is
mandatory; this place has a large and loyal following.
Lunch Wed—Sun; Dinner Fri, Sat
64 Mt Warning Road, Mt Warning, (02) 6679 5664
9
Sweep into the grounds of the BrunswickByron Fishermen’s Co-op and order
fish and chips, grilled or crumbed. Then sit
at an outside table and hoe in while seagulls wheel
overhead, the little marina before you offering up the
soothing vision of calmly bobbing boats.
Old Pacific Highway, Brunswick Heads,
(02) 6685 1773
10
Unless it is pouring with rain, drinks in
the vast beer garden of the Brunswick
Hotel should never be missed. The
shimmering river over the road, the family-friendly
facilities, the live bands (generally covers) playing for
free and impelling people out of their comfy chairs
and on to the dance floor, fish-of-the-day smothered
in Greek salad and chips: a series of simple pleasures.
4 Mullumbimbi Street, Brunswick Heads,
(02) 6685 1236
13
Try the Court House Hotel if you are
still in Mullum. The menu may surprise
with dishes like the sublime slow-roasted
lamb; a vending machine dispensing hot nuts is
another lure as are the organic wines.
Open daily
31 Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby,
(02) 6684 1550
11
A fairly recent addition to the Brunswick
Heads cafe scene is Footbridge, whose
quirky interior includes booths down
one side, old-fashioned school tables and chairs, a
wonderful cartoon mural on one wall and very good
food. Much of it utilises organic ingredients—try their
dukkah eggs with halloumi or the house-made cakes,
pies and tarts.
14 The Terrace, Brunswick Heads, (02) 6685 1991
14
Don’t miss sampling the Thai food at
the Rock & Roll Coffee Company
in Mullumbimby where, in spite of its
name, you will be blown away by exciting modern
and traditional mostly-Thai dishes in a funky no-frills
setting—with prices to match. The dry red curry of
brisket is sensational.
Open Mon—Sat
3/55 Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby,
(02) 6684 4224
12
In Mullumbimby, a stopover at the
Poinciana Cafe is mandatory. Its big
garden, shaded by the eponymous
tree, possesses such a laid-back atmosphere it’s hard
to tear yourself away. Lovely wait-staff, great music,
respectable coffee and excellent banana bread are
only some of the reasons you’ll want to stay. As funky
and hippie as the town itself.
Open daily
55 Station Street, Mullumbimby, (02) 6684 4036
15
Byron Bay is most gloriously at its best
when viewed from a table on the deck at
the Byron Beach Cafe. Breakfast and
lunch go without saying—but the best thing to do is
to go early evening and watch the sunset as you sip
wine and browse the menu. Then give yourself up to
plates of deliciousness as the waves darken before you.
Open daily
Clarkes Beach, Lawson Street, Byron Bay.
(02) 6685 8400
16
Yes, it’s a ‘scene’; yes, it is heaving with
impossibly beautiful young things
(including the girl who takes your order)—
but at The Top Shop in Byron Bay there is no
denying the beauty of their coffee nor the greatness of
their freshly-baked-on-the premises bread, muffins and
pastries. In fact, ignore the ‘scene’ and head straight
there for takeaways: the bread’s better than you will
find almost anywhere else.
65 Carlyle Street, Byron Bay, (02) 6685 6495
19
Big is the mantra at Twisted Sista cafe
in Byron Bay’s Lawson Street. For over a
decade this ever-popular street-front cafe
has been turning out gargantuan breakfasts, hearty
lunches and the biggest muffins in the world studded
generously with local macadamias. You will gain
weight just by looking at the cake display.
Open daily
1/4 Lawson Street, Byron Bay, (02) 6685 6810
17
The Railway Friendly Hotel (‘The Rails’)
in Byron Bay is an institution whose formula
has remained unchanged for decades.
Fantastic live music (free) most nights, gutsy greatvalue food from the tiny kitchen, benches to share with
strangers, a decent wine list and no one batting an
eyelid if you get up to dance.
Open daily
86 Jonson Street, Byron Bay, (02) 6685 7662
20
A very groovy place to meet friends for
drinks is the Spanish-accented St Elmo
in Byron Bay. Here the tapas is the real
deal, the wine list an exciting foray into old world gems
and a sensational cappuccino dessert.
Open daily
22 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay, (02) 6680 7426
18
A deep bowl of steaming polenta
supporting wilted spinach, perfect
poached eggs and shaved parmesan
sets Byron’s Cafe One One One apart from the
plethora of eateries in the town. Expect big-flavoured
Mediterranean dishes here along with interesting
wines and arguably the best coffee around.
Open daily
111 Jonson Street, Byron Bay, (02) 6680 7388
21
Byron Bay’s Targa is a little out of town
but worth tracking down for superb
Italian fare at reasonable prices. There’s
a sexy bar, ceiling mural and outdoor seating on tall
stools.
Open daily.
11 Marvell Street, Byron Bay, (02) 6680 9960
22
The Roadhouse is a whisky bar,
which explains the walls of whiskies from
all around the world, but also a laid-back,
increasingly hip place for an inexpensive lunch from
the tiny menu (several choices only, which may include
snapper with house-pickled vegetables or a pumpkin
risotto) and a bottle of decent rosé. Sunday nights they
do a mean organic roast with a glass of wine for $20.
Open daily.
6/142 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay, 0413 966 618
25
For a truly special occasion reserve a
table at Bangalow’s Uptown restaurant,
where husband and wife Karl and
Katrina Kanetani will surprise and excite you with their
degustation-only menus. Bring a group of friends and
book the private room for an extraordinary dining
experience.
Open Thurs—Sat
33 Byron Street, Bangalow, (02) 6687 1010
23
Opposite Belongil Beach is one of
the best restaurants in the area, the
Belongil Bistro. On a soft summer
evening there are fewer pleasures greater than dining
alfresco on chef Christian Poulsen’s technically brilliant,
fabulously flavoured contemporary dishes. Low-key
and relaxed, it’s as lovely for breakfast and lunch, and
blissfully bereft of the Byron throngs.
Open Wed—Mon
33 Childe Street, Belongil, (02) 6680 9007
26
With its glorious palm-fringed deck out
the back, the cosiest bar area complete
with open fire and comfy seating and its
dining rooms with a most delicious menu to one side,
the Bangalow Hotel is a definite crowd-pleaser. Try
their wonderful chicken liver parfait with apple gel.
Open daily
1 Byron Street, Bangalow, (02) 6687 1314
Bangalow
dining
rooms
24
Harvest deli, cafe/restaurant and
bakery is a package of edible hedonism
packed into two old houses and a 100year old bakery whose wood-fired oven turns out
superlative bread as well as roasts and seafood. If your
heart’s set on a picnic, head to the deli for perfectly
matured French cheese or local smallgoods by the
incomparable Salumi Australia team based at Billinudgel,
and a loaf or two of that bread.
Open daily.
18 Old Pacific Highway, Newrybar, (02) 6687 2644
27
Lennox Head is lucky to have Ellenix,
a fish and seafood-focused eatery across
the road from the beach. Apart from the
odd Thai dish thrown in—head chef Andy Wheeler is
ex-Rae’s on Watego’s—the menu is big on slow-roast
meats, fabulous tapas and huge share platters.
Open daily
Beachside, Ballina Street, Lennox Head
(02) 6687 7337
28
Plunged into the heart of lush and leafy
Tintenbar is Che Bon, a lofty space beside
an old church wherein you will dine on
lusty French food utilising ingredients largely locally
sourced. Expect butter and cream, snails and garlic
and affordable French wines, a little Gallic quirkiness,
ridiculously low prices, refreshingly old-fashioned
touches and utter charm. It’s popular, so best to book.
Open Tue—Sat
5 Fernleigh Road, Tintenbar, (02) 6687 8221
30
29
Then there are the pop-up restaurants. Generally advertised via social media or through word-of-mouth, the
main two attracting both attention and fervent followers are Francisco’s Table and the 100 Mile Table.
The former is held every 2–3 weeks on Sunday evenings at either the Coorabell or the Federal Hall, glorious
old hinterland venues where charismatic Argentinian chef Francisco sends out big-flavoured rustic food on shared plates to
diners who sit at long tables. The latter, also Sunday events, are at selected country venues and cooked by ex-Rockpool chef
Sarah Swan. As the name suggests, these events are based on menus whose ingredients are sourced as locally as possible.
Bring your own wine and a group of friends and be prepared for lavish generosity at both. Francisco’s Table, 0416 057 705
100 Mile Table 0413 634 858
Last but definitely not least are the farmers' markets. The Byron Bay one (Thursdays) is often cited as one of the best, with its strict adherence to a authenticity and
transparency as far as organic and locally-grown are concerned and its high number of stall-holders. Many of these will, however, also be found at the delightful
Mullumbimby one out at the Showgrounds (Fridays), New Brighton (Tuesdays) and Bangalow (Saturdays)—not to mention Lismore, Murwillumbah, Yamba and others. Stock
up on salad greens and herbs, Coopers Shoot tomatoes, Bangalow Cheese Company award-winning Nashua Washed-Rind cheese, mushrooms from the effervescent Donna Harper at
the Witches Broomstick stand, Summerland olives, Byron Muffin Men muffins and cakes, Kenrick Riley’s exotic Asian herbs, Nimbin pecans and brown rice, bread from Heart Breads and
Scratch Patisserie then drive to a waterfall for the best picnic you will ever have.
Kingscliff
Kingscliff
Barely a stone’s throw south of Tweed Heads lies the
vibrant coastal town of Kingscliff. To say this part of
the world is ‘pretty’ would be an understatement.
Centred around the crystal-clear waters of Cudgen
Creek, the small tight-knit beachside community is
steadily developing as a popular tourist and holiday
destination, well worth a day trip or an extended stay.
all budgets and tastes. While the area has long been
renowned for its surfing, the beach fishing is also
fantastic, with tailor, bream, flathead, whiting, trevally
and mulloway commonly found in these waters.
Apart from the area’s easy and unlimited access to
both surf beaches and the pristine shallows of a
calm water estuary for swimming, the village is also
becoming well known as a bit of a foodies’ paradise.
There’s a smorgasbord of boutiques, gourmet cafes and
restaurants to choose from, all adding to the healthy
lifestyle vibe of the town.
Apart from surfing and fishing, the district could be
described as an aquatic playground. Just about every
type of water sport known to man, woman, and child
can be found, including spear fishing, scuba diving on
the Pinnacles, wind and kite surfing, or simply lazily
floating around Cudgen Creek on a personal inflatable
flotation device of your choice. The higher vantage
points of Cabarita headland and the like are premier
east coast whale-watching spots, especially in the
cooler months.
Never fear, though, if it’s good ol’ fish and chips on
the beach that floats your boat, Kingscliff caters for
Surfing is, and has always been, a big drawcard for
the area. The Kingscliff-Cabarita stretch has long been
a favourite semi-secret retreat for in-the-know Gold
Coast surfers eager to escape the maddening hordes
of marauding crowds that descend on the worldfamous southern Gold Coast point breaks. Kingscliff’s
most popular break, The Point, is a sand-bottom,
reasonably long right-hander that caters for average
to experienced surfers, especially the latter when the
swell’s big! The northerly sweep can be so strong at
times that it’s almost impossible to paddle against,
so it’s common to see streams of sated, smiling and
stoked surfers of all shapes and sizes merrily jogging
back up to The Point to catch yet another wave.
The point break set-up at Kingscliff is well known as a
cruisy, mellow, friendly surf spot, a far cry from what
a holidaying surfer could expect when entering the
line-up anywhere on the Gold Coast. Just remember,
be patient, wait your turn, share the waves and enjoy!
Sé Bliss
Become part of the Se Bliss family.
Discover genuine helpful staff and unique
items for every woman at reasonable prices.
Labels include:
Sash
V Design
Orientique
Gabriella Frattini
Holmes and Fallon
Jersey Girl
Contrast
Zaya
and many more
Shop 2/ 88 Marine Pde, Kingscliff NSW 2487
(02) 6674 4800
There’s a pumping reef break on the southern side
of the point but please only attempt to surf this spot
at high tide as it’s so gnarly on the low tide with
bone-crunching reef lurking just below the water.
But like The Point, the reef can be SO good with the
combination of the right tide, wind and swell direction.
Here’s a tip, too. It pays to park the car, pack a lunch,
don a hat and stretch the legs, then trek off north
or south of the township. On a light west wind and
moderate swell, an adventurous soul may just stumble
upon a little private slice of A-frame, beach-break
heaven shared with just you and a friend. Explore, reap
the rewards and enjoy the serenity!
The most special thing about the Kingscliff-Cabarita
stretch is it’s exactly that: special. No high-rise
developments, and clean water, pristine beaches and
friendly locals—and why wouldn’t they be after living in
such a lovely part of the world. Dean and Kay Paterson
of Brisbane, childhood friends of mine and recently
married, shared why Kingscliff is so dear to them and
why they visit several times every year without fail.
“Now that we’ve started a family, we want our children
to experience what we had as kids growing up in
the 70s. We live in suburban Brisbane, so Noosa, the
Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Byron Bay are all
within two hours’ drive for us, but those places are too
busy and crowded and we just don’t want to know
about it,” the couple explain.
“At Kingscliff and Cabarita, even further south, it’s
like the places are in a time warp stuck back in the
late 70s or early 80s. Everything’s there—great food
and accommodation ranging from modern luxury
holiday apartments like Salt to the caravan park. It’s
a laid-back, friendly community where we can walk
to everything. We love it and so do the kids. Every
year we meet up with other families we’ve met on
holidays before, people from all over. It’s just like it
was when we were kids, that’s why we like it and we
hope it never changes.”
So, there’s a big appeal about this part of the Northern
Rivers region for more reasons than one. It’s another
precious coastal gem still relatively untouched by
‘progress’. Take a drive along the old coast road, now
much less travelled, and discover for yourself some of
the many reasons why this locale is such a unique part
of the world. Enjoy this unsung part of the east coast
nestled away in an even greater part of the world—the
Northern Rivers of the far north of New South Wales.
—Damon Bereziat.
We moved to Kingscliff from the Gold Coast in 1999 for a change of lifestyle, after
I had been through a serious battle with cancer. We liked the more relaxed feel,
the friendliness of the people and the laid-back lifestyle. Here, there’s more of
a village atmosphere than city, and when you’re strolling on the beach, people
actually acknowledge you and stop and speak.
Then, one of our investment properties (a shop at 36 Marine Parade, Kingscliff )
happened to become vacant. Soon after, I was unable to sleep one night and
Byron Gourmet Foods was born from my desire for a pie at 3:30am. Not just any
pie, however, I wanted a Byron Bay pie. From there, our thoughts turned to other
Byron products and where to source them.
By 9am that morning, we were in the car heading for Byron Bay to find
theseproducers. Several of the people we spoke to were like open books, spilling
forth products and the names of people we should contact. And everyone we
spoke to was passionate, both about their own products and the products of
the whole region. This enthusiasm spilled over to include the Tweed area as well.
Hence our new business was born—Byron Gourmet Foods. Since we opened, we
BYRON
GOURMET FOODS
Speciality Products from the Tweed & Byron Region
Our produce is predominantly from the local Byron and Northern Rivers region. We
stock local chocolates, spices, chutneys, coffee, tea, cheeses, dips and meats. We bake
handmade fresh organic breads, cakes and pies—and brew an awesome coffee!
constantly have new manufacturers contacting us to introduce their products.
Also, we source a number of items from local farmers’ markets.
These people are genuinely passionate about their products and are keen to
share them with others—everything from sauces, chutneys, jams and spreads
to salami, muesli, chocolates, assorted drinks (mostly healthy) and coffee, tea
and chai.
We also stock several locally produced cheeses, dips and even real milk from the
Nimbin Valley. Locally baked sourdough bread is delivered weekly, along with
an assortment of pastries and cakes. Most of these products are organic and/or
gluten-free. We even carry a range of handmade ice blocks. Generally, we steer
away from products sold in the major supermarkets.
And then following this same concept … Huey's Sunroom was born.
And, yes, we do make the best coffee in the region!
—Pete
Surf god Huey, ruler of good weather and
mad waves. Since the dawn of surfing,
surfers have had a love/hate relationship
with the man in the sky—Huey.
When the waves are good we praise his
generosity, kiss his feet and apologise for
any sin we may have committed in his
garden of Eden. When the waves are bad,
we come to Huey's Sunroom for great food,
drinks and fun.
Huey's Sunroom is a local restaurant
offering a daily menu that celebrates
quality ingredients, seasonally sourced and
locally grown, with an emphasis on freerange, organic and sustainable produce.
We enjoy working with the region’s smaller
growers and producers, who like us, share a
passion for quality food.
36 Marine Parade, Kingscliff, New South Wales; Phone: 02 6674 5259
36 Marine Parade, Kingscliff, NSW
Phone: 02 6674 8499
The Sushi Bar
•Sushi
•Take away
•Organic Ingredients
•MSG free Miso Soup
•Organic brown rice
option
•Catering
Takeaway Sushi made fresh
every day and using the best •Party Platter
organic ingredients available
•Markets
and MSG free foods
Sambara Spa
Honouring the spirit within
Experience the pleasure of total surrender
of mind, body and spirit.
Choose any 2 treatments for just $110!
Our special ‘It Takes 2’ allows you to combine
any 2 x 45 min treatments listed to give you a
total of 1 1/2 hrs to surrender, relax and unwind!
Shop 7, 60 Marine Parade,
Kingscliff, NSW 2487
Ph: 02 6674 8858
•Remedial massage •Hot stone massage
•Body scrub •Dreamy facial •Reflexology •Feet treat
•Pedicure •Manicure •Eyebrow wax and lash tint
•Bikini wax •Half-leg wax •Back wax (men)
$10 Surcharge applies when remedial massage is combined with hot stone massage
excludes ‘French’ paint
Mon to Sat: 9.30 am–5.30 pm
Open 7 days, 10.30 am to 5 pm
Markets: every Saturday,Open
7am–1pm,
Burleigh
Heads
7 days
10.30
amState
to 5School,
pm School Hall at Burleigh
every Sunday, 6 am –11:30 am, Gold Coast Organic Farmers’ Market at Miami
Three great studios: Kingscliff, Murwillumbah and Woolgoolga.
See our folio online: www. absolutetattoo.com.au
Follow us on: www.facebook.com/absolutetattooaustralia
Call us at the Kingscliff studio: 02 6674 8864
82 Marine Parade, Kingscliff • Bookings 02 6674 4668
www.sambaraspa.com.au
Love Living
Local Tweed Coast
For more than 10 years now I have been lucky
enough to guide people in the outdoors and show
them the best of what the Tweed Coast has to offer.
Being born on the coast and having always been an
outdoorsman, I have had the opportunity to scour
every nook and cranny this great green cauldron has
to offer.
It’s these memories that stick with us, the ones where
we laugh with friends and family or go exploring
somewhere new. Our favourite memories aren’t those
of work but of play. Sometimes I feel that we forget
that life is for living and on such beautiful days we
are roaming shopping centres rather than our local
beaches and parks, soaking up the sunshine and
digging our toes into the sand. We seem so caught up
in living that we forget to live!
So here are some of my most enjoyable local ‘things to
do’. Oh, and of course I may be a little biased!
• Cycling the Tweed Coast to Cabarita from Kingscliff
and walking up Norries Headland.
• Walking along the beach especially (June-November
when the whales are visiting).
• Kayaking the local creeks.
• Walking along the Kingscliff foreshore and exercising
on the outdoor gym equipment.
• Rolling out my picnic rug and reading a good book
on Hastings Point headland.
• The markets from Kingscliff to Pottsville.
• Snorkelling with the turtles at Cook Island (one for
the bucket list).
• Paddle boarding through the Cudgen Creek
mangroves at high tide.
• Socialising with a morning coffee from one of many
local cafes.
So, now that I have given you a bucket list, grab your
family and friends and start crossing them off. And
the best thing about being active outdoors, is that it is
extremely healthy for both body and mind.
Tim Jack Adams, Watersports guru
0430 082 890
tim@watersportsguru.com
www.watersportsguru.com
the house
Ladies and Mens Fashion
|
of zebra
Gifts and Homeware
|
Espresso Bar
Browse our various rooms for an amazing selection of clothing and accessories for women and men, and quirky gifts. Don’t
miss the room of goodies for children. Step back in time into The Sea Gypsies for amazing surf and vintage collectables—a
must-see. Then enjoy a relaxing light lunch or snack in the garden followed by an aromatic coffee from the old copper-piped,
hand-made coffee machine.
Open seven days a week
4 Seaview Street, Kingscliff 2487
NSW 02 6674 8538
Cakes By The Moon
Custom Cakes
Birthdays
Anniversaries
Themed
Kids
Cup cake towers
shop 4, 32 Marine Parade, Kingscliff 2487
kathy@cakesbythemoon.com.au
02 6674 2338
www.cakesbythemoon.com.au
Jimmy Stuart | Von Weirdos | Silent Theor y | St Goliath | Loop Leather
Stocking locally made products as well
as mainstream fashion and accessories
the atmosphere created is a ‘retro/old
school’ vibe.
While there, be sure to check out some
of Bridgette’s own pieces on display,
including her dad’s Malibu from the
early ‘60s.
ce
a p la
…
e
C a v en can
where m e’.
‘ jus t b
90a Marine Parade, Kingscliff NSW 2487
(02) 6674 8006 instagram@cavekingscliff
info.cavekingscliff@bigpond.com
https://www.facebook.com/CaveKingscliff
Status Anxiety | Pinny | Folke | Found
Weddings
Ben Sherman | Comrade | Green Ukulele
Cakes By The Moon,
where amazing creations happen.
KING SCLI FF
RIES
UNIQ UE MEN ’S FASH ION & ACC ESSO
Zacalu Zoo is your one stop shop for unique clothing, shoes, toys and
accessories for ladies and children using only natural fabrics and materials.
Shop 2 96A Marine PDE, Kingscliff, NSW 2487 • 02 6674 2420 • Shop online www.zacaluzoo.com.au
Breathe
SWIMWEAR KINGSCLIFF
Breathe swimwear Kingscliff favours Australiandesigned and made swimwear. Major stockists of
ranges including: beautiful Baku, edgy Ginja, and
unique Jets. All use superior Italian Lycra® to sculpt
the body.
B
R
E
A
T
H
E
Visit Breathe for local label Jaymes and its daringly
itsy-bitsy swim separates in exclusive limited
editions!
We have a huge selection of cup sizes in bras, tankinis
and one-pieces, with a style for every age group:
• Go boldly bright or classic black and white
• Find retro for the ones who like a vintage leg, or
for the more modest, a lower leg
• Huge range of kidswear
• Running Bare, Australian sportswear using
superior Supplex® fabric
• Rival and Speedo for when you hit the pool.
We are expert fitters with a huge stock to choose
from. Visit us in the mood to try and time to buy.
B
A
K
U
Breathe Swimwear: keeping your beach body
looking hot!
YT
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and be in the
swim to win a swimsuit!
Yours Truly Lingerie
Shop 9/60 Marine Parade Kingscliff, N.S.W 2487
02 66742866
Luxurious Lingerie
Just For You …
www.yourstrulylingere.com.au
66745915 | www.breatheswimwear.com.au
EB & IVE
KITCHY KU
TRUESE
ELLE M
MOLLINI
FINDERS KEEPERS
COOPER ST
SASS
DESIGN & HOMEWARES
Dune Design & Homewares is
located in the main street of the
beach side village of Pottsville.
Here you’ll find the ultimate
shopping experience. Beautiful
designer labels that you know &
love as well as some new exciting
designs. Dune offers personalised
styling to complement your
season’s wardrobe plus a full
range of accessories to complete
your look.
MANZONI
RELIGION
DUNE
HONEY & BEAU
STYLE STAKKER
We also have an extensive range
of homewares where you can find
that perfect gift. Here at Dune we
don’t do things by halves! So why
not relax and enjoy a delicious
cappuccino (Illy)
Homewares
Gifts
Fashion
Come and meet the friendly team
at Dune and enjoy a whole new
shopping experience. We look
forward to meeting you.
Love Dune xx
5/5 Coronation Avenue
Pottsville Beach NSW 2489
Mon to Fri 9.30am–5pm
Sat 10am–2pm
1st and 3rd Sunday each month
P 02 6676 4453
F 02 6676 4459
facebook
www.facebook.com/dunedesign.onlineshop
Coffee
Murwillumbah
MURWILLUMBAH is the cornerstone to one of the most beautiful parts of the world—and
the gateway to Wollumbin, the World Heritage-listed national park of Mount Warning.
I consider myself blessed to live and work in the Tweed. The area’s natural beauty is
overwhelming, starting from the coast and winding up the Tweed Valley and along the
river to Murwillumbah. The town is the gateway to the caldera where Mount Warning lords
it over the area with such majesty, commanding a highly diverse cultural population and
strong spiritual community. Is it any wonder the Tweed Valley is one of the fastest growing
regions in Australia as more and more people are drawn here?
The small country town of Murwillumbah is going through quite a transformation as
funky little cafés pop up and a great local farmers’ market is packed to the seams with an
abundance of organically grown food. Add to that a multitude of talented musicians as
residents and a calendar of numerous festive events, the town certainly has revealed itself
to be a colourful place.
My passion is for Chantilly Lace boutique and its brother boutique, Paddington of Tyalgum,
both of which I started from scratch and have grown organically by responding to the
needs of people who have walked through the door. I feel these boutiques are a reflection
of the town’s diversity in that rustic, old-world charm that Paddington offers, with its eclectic
ranges of gifts and clothing for men. It reminds me of the wholesome life I had growing up
in a small country village and later moving to the city and travelling where I was exposed to
diverse cultures, music and architecture. In this way I developed an eye for well-cut clothing
and am driven to find the most glorious collection of clothing for women from all over the
world and bring it here to Murwillumbah, a town I now call my ‘big smoke’!
I left London in my early 20s to search for a more fulfilling life, leaving behind the life I knew
in search of a more spiritual one. This journey took me all around the world and ended here
in the Northern Rivers. When I first came to this area, I had an inner knowing that this was ‘it’
and my search was over.
Helping women to dress in beautiful feminine clothes is my way of nurturing the free
radiance of the heart to love and be loved. My desire is that every woman feels that freedom
and truly celebrates their femininity where they come alive and express that innate quality
of beauty from within.
—Lightly
Mokshanna, a unique residential or day retreat situated in the stunning Caldera valley.
Ideal for health, wellbeing and artistic workshops and performances, private or corporate group functions,
photo-shoots or filming, intimate wedding parties and group/family bed and breakfast occasions.
Options for dance, sports, art, team building, indigenous and walking programs available on request.
• 53 acres with walking trails
• Accommodation for up to 18 guests
• Large entertaining deck overlooking spring dam and natural
amphitheatre
286 Nolans Road, Stokers Siding (appointment only)
Limpinwood Lodge
Bob and Robyn Rowney
•
•
•
•
8 person undercover outside spa
Stage or dance podium on request
Event management available
Horse riding trails, equestrian arena and round house
|
P: 0420 249 925
531 Zara Road, Limpinwood NSW 2484
www.limpinwoodlodge.com.au
info@limpinwoodlodge.com.au
phone 0266793805 fax 0266793804
Can you place yourself in this picture with your loved one?
Limpinwood Lodge is set on 9 acres. All chalets are private and secluded, have king size beds, wood fires, air
cons, two person spas on the balcony and full kitchen. Continental breakfast with our free range eggs, milk,
juice, condiments and freshly baked bread, delivered each morning, is included in the tariff. Delicious two
course home cooked evening meals and massages are available on request at time of booking.
Perfect for a honeymoon, a cosy romantic getaway or for couples wanting to relax and unwind.
|
• Outstanding acoustic for singing or music workshops
• Quality audio visual and sound system
• Self-cater or quality catering options available covering
all dietary requirements
E: info@mokshanna.com.au
|
W: www.mokshanna.com.au
The Orpheum Bookshop
Local Tyalgum musician and book
aficionado, Hoel Durand, has
established a culture shop with a
selection of lovingly curated books,
vinyl LPs and DVDs. The store offers
quality literature including a great
children’s section and a collection of
books on developing creativity. Hoel
has a passion for creative writing
and poetry and is excited to bring
to Tyalgum a literary experience,
including workshops and classes
with professional writers, book clubs,
play readings and the like. A touch
of Charing Cross Road right here in
Tyalgum!
10 Coolman Street, Tyalgum
Hours of trading: 10am to 4pm
Wed to Sun
M: 0408 314 607
email: hoeldurand@gmail.com
Tyalgum
the open secret …
a village like no other
The rural village of Tyalgum, population 300, is surrounded by the beauty of the Border Ranges and Mount Warning, and just 18 minutes’ drive south-west
from Murwillimbah. The village sits at the junction of the Pumpenbil and Tyalgum Creeks, once used by settlers to transport the giant red cedars felled
during the early 1900s.
Built in the 1920s the Tyalgum Hall is home to the annual classical music festival, held over three days in the first week of September. Rated as one of the
country’s premier classical music events, the festival offers the chance to listen to some of the finest Australian and international musicians. Rumour has it
that the acoustics of the hall are the best around.
Perhaps it has to do with the quaint old buildings that have been lovingly rescued, restored and transformed into cafes, galleries and gift shops, but this
village is simply a special place. What was once a remote timber town is now one of the valley’s most popular day trip destinations, a pleasure to visit on any
day of the week.
Take the main street stroll
THE TYALGUM HOTEL
First stop is this historic pub, built in 1926, where the
locals gather for modern Australian food and great ale
and visitors can stay in its recently refurbished rooms.
There are not many pubs boasting a swimming pool by
the garden bar.
THE OLD NORCO BUTTER FACTORY
Step across the road from the pub and you’ll find the
old butter factory built in 1913, most recently home
to Bartrim's Garage.
PADDINGTON OF TYALGUM
Once home to the town’s billiards rooms, this handsome
building houses a quirky store packing the latest men’s
and women’s fashions.
THE TYALGUM GENERAL STORE
The general store and post office celebrated 100 years
of service in 2008 and is steadily clocking up another
century.
FLUTTERBIES COTTAGE CAFE
Once the town bakery back in 1926, this charming
establishment now serves up great coffee and tea, and
tasty food.
THE LITTLE SHOP NEXT DOOR
Nestled next to Flutterbies is its nearest neighbour,
opened as a butcher’s shop in 1931, now stocked with
delightful gifts and gorgeous homewares.
And last, but certainly not least …
THE TYALGUM HALL
Built in 1908 with the grand title of the Tyalgum Literary
and Mechanics Institute, this gracious space hosts
musical events and other gala events as well as housing
the local artisan gallery.
Flutterbies Cottage Café
lut t e rbie s
Our signature dessert, the world-renowned
Flutterbie cake, is like no other cupcake!
Featured on the Top Ten Desserts listed
in the Gold Coast Bulletin in 2012, this
magical delight is lovingly prepared fresh
each morning and perfectly encapsulates
Flutterbies’ old world charm. With lashings
of Chantilly cream and fresh, local strawberry
jam, they are simply divine!
The Little Shop Next Door
Enjoy the finest country hospitality at Flutterbies Cottage Café. With its warm, friendly
service and wholesome meals reminiscent of grandma’s baking, you are sure to feel right
at home. We are open seven days for breakfast and lunch, and are fully licensed so you
can enjoy a glass of French Champagne or wine with your meal. Our food is fresh and
homemade, and our organic coffee is roasted right here on the premises! And remember to
ask for one of our world-renowned Flutterbie cakes.
Flutterbies is the perfect venue to book your special occasion high tea function—we have
an exquisite tearoom that can be exclusively booked for morning or afternoon tea, and a
regular high tea service every Thursday afternoon (bookings required). Flutterbies has its
own signature pink and gold merchandise for that special reminder of its magic.
Open daily: 8:30am to 5pm (Tuesdays 10am to 3pm)
23 Coolman St, Tyalgum
(02) 6679 3221
www.flutterbies.com.au
Discover a slice of heaven at the end of a country drive
Adjacent to Flutterbies is The Little Shop Next Door, a charming gift shop
full of the best of French Provincial furnishings and homewares, as well as
the enchanting Fairy Shop and Lavender Shop. You can find the perfect gift
or memento among the fineries on display, including beautiful teddy bears,
organic skincare, jewellery and local preserves.
Garden of Light
Flutterbucks
Tucked away in what was an old shed is this hole-inthe-wall style barista servery and coffee roastery that
transforms itself into a pizzeria each Friday night and also
provides great entertainment by talented local musicians.
Micro-roaster Archaeus roasts under the label Even Up
The Score, a boutique coffee roaster exclusively offering
100% genuine roasted organic coffee since 2010. The allconsuming attraction of this little boutique coffee business
is the variety of coffees that are available to enjoy. Every
single origin is well defined with its own characteristic
flavour profile. It will take more than one visit to experience
what these coffees have to offer. You'll find Flutterbucks
tucked away in the rustic coffee area down the middle of
Flutterbies Cottage Cafe. Just follow the aroma!
Orders: (02) 6679 2014 Bookings: (02) 6679 3221
www.flutterbucks.com.au
Garden of Light is a beautiful property in the heart of Tyalgum that has
been lovingly created over the past 10 years and has inspired a collection
of books, paintings, organic skincare and other wonderful products. These
encapsulate the essence of this beautiful place, with each hand-drawn
illustration featured on the packaging reflecting the beauty of the gardens
and the animals that exist on the property.
All of the organic skincare products created at Garden of Light are handblended and energised with love, using the purest of ingredients in a
certified organic processing space. There are three ranges of skincare
products available: Mother, Child and Baby Range, Sandalwood Range and
Lavender Range.
Proceeds from the sale of these products are given to support the
Huckleberry Finn Circle of Home Schooling Cooperative and the Noah's
Ark Zoo.
Garden of Light Tours will be commencing in October.
flutterbiesgardentours@gmail.com
0456 156 340
www.gardenoflight.com.au
Earth Heart Beat
Earth Heart Beat showcases a number of small local
businesses, drawn together by a shared passion—to
serve people and the planet at this time of great change,
creating and promoting life-positive products to inspire,
support and nurture wellbeing and conscious living.
Our aim is to educate and communicate options for this
healthy, sustainable lifestyle by creating, sourcing and
providing Certified Organic, Fair Trade and various
other conscious-lifestyle products. These include
organic bedding and clothing, skincare, wellness
products and nutritious superfoods, biodegradable
cleaning products, meditation tools, books and more!
(02) 6672 3454 info@earthheartbeatshop.com.au
http://earthheartbeatshop.com.au
Tyalgum is my Tuscany
Tiny Shoppe of Memories
Tyalgum’s first artisan gallery is housed
in the 100-year-old original general store
that is the perfect location for its wares.
This beautiful historic little building is the
perfect backdrop for handmade pottery,
glassware, soaps, woodwork as well as
stunning local photography and paintings.
The perfect place for lovers of handmade
art and craft!
From its humble beginnings in the little
side verandah of Tyalgum’s original bank,
the Tiny Shoppe has expanded now into
a wonderful world of nostalgia items,
amid beautiful hardwood timber floors,
high ceilings and the original fireplace
of the bank building. Take a step back in
time and be delighted by the abundant
collection of hand-selected vintage wares,
retro furniture, clothing and collectables.
Open daily 10am to 5pm
29a Coolman Street, Tyalgum
0458 571 373
Open 10am to 4pm from Thursday to
Sunday and holidays or by appointment
21 Coolman Street, Tyalgum
0416 019 757
Paddington of Tyalgum
Tyalgum Wellbeing Centre
Set in one of Tyalgum’s historic buildings,
Paddington of Tyalgum was originally
created for the gentlemen visiting the
village, with an elegant range of menswear
and gift items, including fine leather-bound
journals, men’s accessories, elegant office
decor and more. It has since expanded to
include ladieswear, including contemporary
women’s fashion labels that you would not
expect to find in a country town.
Tyalgum Wellbeing Centre sprang
from the success of the recent Wellness
Festival. It houses a collection of talented
and experienced practitioners from
a wide range of modalities, including
acupuncture, chiropractic, structural
integration, reflexology, shiatsu massage,
photonic treatment and transformational
sessions. Included in this building is a
beauty therapist who specialises in hot
stone massage, organic skincare facials
and a psychic clairvoyant tarot reader.
Open daily 10am to 5pm
10 Coolman St, Tyalgum
(02) 6679 2075
Sessions are by appointment
21 Coolman St, Tyalgum
0458 537 950
ILLUMINATI STUDIO
Yet another unique secret of Tyalgum is House of Canelli, a boutique fashion design
studio retailing an array of gorgeous garments and accessories for that ahead-of-thetrend, fashion-conscious label lover.
From his inspiring studio Narendra has created “Illuminati Studio”, a label that brings
form, structure and unconventional materials together in a new manner, combining fine
handiwork with futuristic digital technology.
With clever use of light, Narendra creates exceptional pieces that
make Illuminati the unique and exquisite label that it is. “What I
design has to engage light in some way, whether it be translucency,
light emanating or shapes and shadows. My trademark and key
conceptual pieces feature my unique and original custom-woven
fibre-optical fabric.”
Illuminati’s primary mantra is of a daring experimentalism
that transcends all limits. “My vision is to create another reality,
driving diametrically opposed concepts together to forge up-todate silhouettes and create a sensual, futuristic look.”
By applying the use of new technologies and fabrications,
Narendra enjoys creating everything from cutting-edge everyday
fashion to outrageous upscale shapes and unconventional concepts!
Narendra has refined and strengthened his trade over many years to
develop a style that continues to evolve and innovate. “I have always
expressed my enthusiasm for art ever since I was a child, and have
often measured myself by the sheer dimension of pure creativity.”
Designing is an organic process and often the pencil is replaced
with the draping or moulding of the fabric itself, allowing both
the materials to reveal shapes and the designs to manifest in their
own right. “I enjoy taking elements that are often perceived as
polar opposites, and embrace the challenge of fusing them together
to produce finished products of stunning visual and wearable
representation. Each garment represents a moment or reflection
frozen in time. They are the material expression of my inspiration.”
Narendra is always pleased to serve new clients so whether it’s a garment for a
special occasion or the most unique custom-made costume you can imagine, or
just the thrill of seeing a designer in action, come in and visit House of Canelli
and Mr Illuminati himself and to view this season’s Men’s and Women’s fashion
collections, fresh off the press.
PH: 0430 700 303
EMAIL: NAC318@GMAIL.COM
WEBSITE: WWW.ILLUMINATISTUDIO.COM.AU
FIND US ON
light. love. beauty. spirit.
"There is something quite magical
about these Synthesis products,
and it's not just that they are organic …"
Sharon Davis, Editor, British Medical Journal
At Synthesis our passion is to support your life’s journey,
to nurture your body and spirit with love and care, inviting
your light and beauty to shine as brightly as possible.
With our certified organic, vegan, energy imbued® skincare and
wellbeing products, coupled with healing arts, ancient and modern
wisdom, holistic treatments and workshops, Synthesis takes care of
you as a ‘whole body and being’ approach.
We do not believe that one way fits all so we invite our guests
to experience our meditative practices and holistic treatments,
bringing together the restorative benefits of nature, universal
healing influences and the unique capabilities of our remarkable
practitioners in the fields of aromatherapy, beauty therapy, structural
integration, ayurveda, alchymie and more. By engaging Synthesis
products, your being is infused with a multitude of life-positive
benefits, nurturing both beauty and spirit, supporting you on all
levels to shine your light into the world.
Our organic laboratory
We created our organic lab in the picturesque village of Tyalgum,
where rivers meander through the rolling green fertile hills of the
surrounding valleys, nurturing plants, wildlife and humans. The
profusion of life is a constant inspiration for us to promote harmony,
sustainability and wellbeing from universal energy and nature.
firstloveorganics.com.au
The heart of organics
Our vision is to promote conscious beauty, so naturally we adhere
to the meticulous process of creating products that are certified
organic, cruelty free, vegan, sustainable and environmentally friendly.
We are proud to have gained endorsements from independent
authorities and a growing worldwide movement demanding
accountability, integrity and care.
The heart of organics honours every part of this process—from the
planting of the first seed, to the moment you are touched by the
energy of real life imbued within our products. We celebrate the
radiance of your natural beauty and your conscious choice to be
part of making a difference.
Our product ranges
We currently produce three successful organic product ranges:
First Love Organics
As the name suggests, our First Love range was and always will
be our ‘first love’. This stunning certified organic range focuses on
nurturing the radiance of the heart as the essence of beauty, with
the keynote of organic rose otto running through the range.
First Light Organics
Following the success of First Love, our Asian clients called out for a
mother and baby range and First Light Organics was born in 2011 and
is now found in high-end stores in Hong Kong and Taiwan. This range
again adheres to our strict ethos of being certified organic, energy
imbued®, eco-friendly—it’s so pure you could literally eat it!
firstlightorganics.com.au
Synthesis Organics
The crème de la crème is our certified organic spa range, Synthesis
Organics. These highly active formulations, coupled with practitioner
tools that are also energy imbued® with a vibratory current to
nurture and uplift, support the flowering of your whole being.
Treatment rituals and five key product lines merge energetic and
physical disciplines to magically transform wellbeing and skin. Used
by the world’s best spas, destination hotels, healing retreats and
wellbeing centres.
Private manufacturing
In addition to having our own product ranges, we also offer private
manufacture to other product houses and have clients based in
Hong Kong, China and Australia, with distribution throughout Asia
and into Europe. We do this as part of our vision and mission to be
able to help raise awareness and encourage others to follow in our
footsteps to deliver exceptional organic products that are made
in harmony with our Earth and adopting these principles in every
aspect of their business.
Synthesis products are available in Tyalgum shops and are used by
many of the practitioners at the Tyalgum Wellbeing Centre. Why
not drop in to Earth Heartbeat shop to discover our limited-edition
products, or visit our websites and join our newsletter to keep up to
date with all our latest events, offers and discoveries.
synthesisorganics.com
Phone: +612 8091 4345
Editor: Melanie Spears
Creative editor: Helen Elward
Design: Best Legenz Pty Ltd www.bestlegenz.com.au
Copy editor: Janice Hogg
Sales manager: Victoria Millar-Wise
Image editor: Kim Dixon www.kimdixon.org
Photographic Contributions
Cover image by Lisa Blue
Kim Dixon www.kimdixon.org
Peter Gibney www.surfingart.com.au
Printed in China by Everbest Printing Co Ltd
For advertising enquiries, please contact
www.northern-exposure.com.au
0433 880 405