26 C
Byron Shire
March 28, 2024

Aquarius Festival founder farewelled

Latest News

Where should affordable housing go in Tweed Shire?

Should affordable and social housing in the Tweed Shire be tucked away in a few discreet corners? Perhaps it should be on the block next to where you live?

Other News

What the duck!

Most days I ask myself ‘what the duck’ is happening here? How could Trump be president again if he...

Peter Garrett gives Bluesfest the nod

If I say the words ‘US Forces give the nod’, I can pretty much guarantee that you will hear the unmistakable voice of Peter Garrett ringing in your ears. Your head may even start to bob up and down a bit. 

Terania blockade film to support Wallum cause

A film about Australia’s first environmental confrontation, which occured at Terania Creek near Nimbin, will screen on Friday, 22 March from 7pm at Brunswick Picture House as a fundraiser for the Save Wallum campaign. 

It’s a biggest little town festival! 

Supporters, performers, and volunteers gathered to launch the Mullum Laneways Festival 2024 last Friday. 

Richmond Valley Rail Trail grand opening

The latest leg of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail opened in style on Saturday, with hundreds of two-wheeled travel enthusiasts spinning along the newly opened 13.4 kilometre section from Casino to Bentley.

Democracy on the ropes?

The ancient idea of democracy is under threat around the world. Today, there are only 63 democracies compared to 74 autocracies, and many of these democracies are highly problematic.

Photo Cloudcatcher Media
A kaleidoscope of colour and song sent Paul Joseph toward the stars in a final farewell on Saturday in Nimbin. Photo Cloudcatcher Media.

Vale Paul Joseph

Story, photos & video – Cloudcatcher Media

After a prolonged illness, the soul of a local icon slipped into the ether last week and Paul Joseph was interred at the Nimbin cemetery last Saturday to the sounds of songs and stories of his life.

Around 300 people gathered to say a fond farewell to a much loved man known for his larger than life personality and the music that he shared for so many years.

Paul Joseph came to the northern rivers before the life-changing 1973 Aquarius Festival, which he helped to promote.

He was one of the founders of the Bush Co-Op and Tuntable Falls Community, staying in the area he re-named the Rainbow Region and changing it in many positive ways.

Songman, film-maker, diplomat, organiser, possum-stirrer, he was a strong presence at countless benefits, concerts and rallies.

An environmentalist who walked the walk and talked the talk, Paul was an important part of the battle to save Terania and in recent years fought the gasfield invasion in his own creative way from Casino to the Pilliga.

In the midst of his final battle against cancer, the community came together to thank and honour him in music at the Nimbin Bush Theatre earlier this year.

After a moving service at the cemetery, dozens walked and danced from the town hall to the Bush Theatre of in a kaleidoscope of music and colour in honour of a deeply missed comrade.

Paul is survived by his three children and partner Paula.

May the long time sun shine upon you, all love surround you, and the pure light within you guide your way home.


Support The Echo

Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

3 COMMENTS

  1. Paul was an inspiration to many people. It was hard to stand around open-mouthed and do nothing when Paul had a project in hand. You had to participate and in so doing pulled out the most remarkable effort. I will miss you, Big Man, Little Brother. May the longtime sun shine upon you, all love surround you, and the pure light within you guide your way home.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Making Lismore Showground accessible to everyone

The Lismore Showground isn’t just a critical local community asset that plays host to a number of major events each year, but has also been used as an evacuation centre during past natural disasters in the region. 

Iconic Lennox beach shed upgraded –  not demolished

Lennox Park and the shelter shed has now been upgraded and reopened.

Govt cost-shifting ‘erodes financially sustainable local government’

Byron Shire Council looks set to add its voice to the growing chorus calling on the state government to stop shifting responsibilities and costs onto local government.

Saddle Road group home DA decision this week

Plans to build Byron Shire’s first permanent group home for women and children in housing stress are moving ahead, with the development application for the project coming before Council this week.