20.4 C
Byron Shire
July 11, 2026

Death Conversations coming to Mullum

Latest News

Plastic not so fantastic

There is nothing healthier than drinking some water – or so I’ve always told my kids. It doesn’t contain sugar or colour additives – as one person used to tell us as children, ‘it’s sky juice’! What could be better?

Other News

Community rallies behind beloved Byron local facing cancer battle

Locals are rallying behind beloved Byron local Krystal Pillwein after she was diagnosed with stage 2 inoperable cervical cancer, launching a fundraising campaign to help ease the financial burden of her treatment.

Protests over ALDI supply chain safety issues

Hundreds of transport workers are protesting nationally at Aldi stores as the Transport Workers' Union highlights dangerous practices in the supermarket’s transport supply chain, from lack of maintenance on vehicles to underpayments and worker injuries.

Alleged native tree removal continues in Lennox, says councillor

With a government agency now investigating the alleged clear felling of natives on a large private block in Lennox Head, Ballina Greens councillor Kiri Dicker has told The Echo that contractors were felling trees all morning, ‘trying to get the job done’.

Deadly stories: powerful First Nations voices at Byron Writers Festival 2026

This year’s festival celebrates some of the most vital and impactful storytelling in Australian literature, with a dedicated program of First Nations writers whose work spans historical fiction, picture books and Indigenous knowledge and whose voices are reshaping how this country understands itself.

Mandy’s column 2

Congratulations, Mandy Nolan, on winning Greens preselection for the state seat of Ballina. As a swinging voter, I can’t...

Ocean Shores man charged with advocating terrorism online

Police say a 20-year-old Ocean Shores man is behind bars (refused bail) and will face court in Tweed Heads Local Court on 18 September, charged with advocating terrorism.  

Death Conversations coming to Mullumbimby.

In November, The Paddock Project in Mullumbimby will be hosting Death Conversations, a series of free community events presented by The Dying Well podcast, hosted by Death Walker Chi Chi Menendez, along with special guests.

Organisers say these gatherings will be a chance to explore ideas, ask questions, and exchange thoughts about end-of-life matters—whether this is familiar territory or something entirely new for you.

The aim of ‘Death Conversations’ is to cultivate a space that normalises talking about death and dying, with the hope to get these important conversations started in a way that feels thoughtful, engaging, and useful.

Each session will focus on a particular theme, with plenty of time to chat, ask questions, or just listen in. There’s no need to have all the answers or even know the right questions—this is about starting where you are.

Bring a pen and notebook if you like, or simply show up with curiosity and a willingness to explore ideas together.

First conversation: ‘Death Planning Matters’

The first session will dive into a series of topics around end-of-life preparation, including paperwork and essential documents, end of life matters, planning ahead, funerals and
legacy

Organisers say this is about more than just ticking boxes; it’s about giving yourself (and those you care about) clarity and peace of mind for the future. You’ll also receive a practical checklist to help you get organized and feel more prepared for what’s ahead.

Death Conversations session one will be held on Saturday 2 November 2024, from 9am-12pm at The Paddock Project, 64 Argyle Street Mullumbimby. Tea, coffee, and food will be available for purchase from Paddock. It’s a great chance to relax, connect, and continue the conversation over a warm drink or bite to eat.

While these sessions are not about grief counselling, organisers say they understand that talking about death may touch on personal experiences of loss. For those seeking further support, there will be details about local grief circles and other community initiatives that provide valuable spaces for connection.

You can also check out The Dying Well resource page for more information.

Places are limited, with the intention of keeping these gatherings personal. If you would like to attend, please reserve your place by emailing: [email protected].

 



For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling.

If you are a local business owner help us and in turn we help you. All The Echo asks for is advertising, not a free ride. It is every advert in The Echo and on www.echo.net.au, which creates the space for all the stories and coverage of community events, happenings and concerns.

If you are a reader you can become a sponsor of The Echo. Your support keeps the us independent.

Even a small one-off or regular donation from you will help keep the echo’s independent voice alive and strong.

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

You’re supporting The Echo, thank you

Your contribution is keeping independent, local journalism alive in the Northern Rivers.

Because of supporters like you, we can keep every story free for everyone — no paywall, no exceptions. Your money goes directly to funding our newsroom of 40-odd local workers covering the stories that matter to this community.

Tell us what you think, give us your opinion

The Echo loves your letters and comments and is proud to provide a community forum on the issues that matter most to our readers and the people of the NSW north coast. So don’t be a passive reader, email us your epistles at editor@echo.net.au.

The letters deadline for The Echo is noon Friday. Letters longer than 200 words may be cut. The publication of letters is at the discretion of the letters editor. Please remember to include your full name, address and telephone number.

Online comments are no longer available.

Ballina courthouse windows smashed, man charged

Police say a man will face court today, charged after 12 windows were allegedly smashed in Ballina last night.   Police say, 'About 10.35pm (Thursday 9 July 2026), police were called to Martin Street following reports of a man smashing windows'.

Alleged native tree removal continues in Lennox, says councillor

With a government agency now investigating the alleged clear felling of natives on a large private block in Lennox Head, Ballina Greens councillor Kiri Dicker has told The Echo that contractors were felling trees all morning, ‘trying to get the job done’.

Ocean Shores man charged with advocating terrorism online

Police say a 20-year-old Ocean Shores man is behind bars (refused bail) and will face court in Tweed Heads Local Court on 18 September, charged with advocating terrorism.  

Ballina king tide alert for 13–16 July

Ballina Shire Council is encouraging motorists to drive safely over the coming days with king tides leading to minor flooding of some local roads.