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Byron Shire
June 19, 2026
Uncategorised

A grand farewell

By Aslan Shand

Latest News

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Paul Barrett, founder of the Samba Blisstas. Photo Kurt Peterson
Paul Barrett, founder of the Samba Blisstas. Photo Kurt Peterson

Celebrations of the life of Samba Blisstas founder Paul Barrett will take place on February 4, 2017 from 10.30am on the beautiful grassed reserve, beachfront Cabarita Beach Hotel. Paul passed away during the early hours on January 13, 2017 at the Prince Charles Hospital Brisbane following heart failure late last year. ‘Paul’s life journey was fulfilled as a professional artist, musician, team builder and entrepreneur spanning over three decades of pure dedication. Contributing his unique magic, craft and vision, heartfelt impressions and tributes are flowing through the hearts of our communities. Saturday the 4th February the Barrett Family, Friends and Community will collectively come together to celebrate the legacy this magnificent Leader has instilled as he is celebrated for connecting and igniting the rhythms of our soul,’ shared a family friend.

Paul’s mother Bettina has released the following words in memory of her beloved son:

‘The moment you left me my heart was split in two, one side filled with memories, the other side died with you. Rest in peace my beautiful son, you fought so hard to stay. Remembering you is easy, I do it everyday. Love always Mum x’

All future events for the Samba Blisstas have been canceled inclusive of The Rails this Australia Day. 

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Local News

Gambling harm recognised by Tweed Council, supported by Wesley Mission

The Echo - 0
Faith-based, not-for-profit organisation providing community services in NSW, Wesley Mission, has welcomed Tweed Shire Council’s decision to publicly recognise the impact of gambling harm and advocate for stronger harm-minimisation measures.
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Local News

Winter Warmer fundraiser for homelessness

The Echo - 0
The annual Winter Warmer Homelessness Relief campaign, hosted by Dharma Care, will return for 2026 with cabaret at Salt, Kingscliff, on Thursday 2 July, headlined by comedian Mandy Nolan, interactive performance artist The Space Cowboy and the Kinship Doobai Dancers, with a Welcome to Country from Aunty Jackie.
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Local News

Tweed Shire Council presents flood resilience series – part one

The Echo - 0
Over the coming weeks, Tweed Shire Council will present a flood resilience series, which looks at how 'Tweed's story is different from the standard flood recovery narrative and what happened next'.
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Community housing industry call for major expansion in upcoming NSW budget

The Echo - 0
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Time to beat that drum

Local News The Echo - 0
Have you ever thought to try your hand at a little drumming? Well now is your chance...
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RePercussion – born out of a joy of drumming

Local News Aslan Shand - 1
When Paul Barrett, founder of Samba Blisstas, passed away he left his drum collection to the Byron Bay community centre. It is with the memory of the pleasure that people received from drumming with Paul that has brought together members of Samba Blisstas to form the drumming troupe RePercussion.
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Sending Paul off with a Blisstas bang

Local News Eve Jeffery - 0
His life truly was celebrated as much loved local Paul Barrett was sent off with a bang on Saturday – a sea of red washed...
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Send-off for Samba Blisstas founder this Saturday

Local News The Echo - 0
The funeral for Paul Barrett, founder of Samba Blisstas, will be held Saturday February 4 at Cabarita Beach Hotel from 10.30am.
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Support Us

Become one of the supporters who helps keep independent, local journalism alive in the Byron Shire by contributing anything from as little as the cost of a coffee each month.

You're Wonderful, Thank you for supporting independent journalism in the Byron Shire