To my friends, thank you for your friendship and genuine concern for my wellbeing, something I’ve felt over the years, especially since leaving Chiang Mai to visit Mullumbimby these past few weeks.
Yes, Mullum’s still a special place, though we can’t call it a hideout anymore.
‘You can’t stop progress’. No – but you can steer it – if you want.
An obvious ageing population with nowhere to sit, rest, or chat on their walk to town? Let’s not talk about that – tourists need seats – carry on with the meeting.
I toss date palm seeds and pawpaw seeds along the road to town, especially in the wet season. You’ll end up in jail for that – carry on with the meeting.
For those who don’t know, some years ago, life became a nightmare for me when they decided it was time for a massive tumour to be cut from my brain. I survived, thanks to everyone who guided me through it. I asked the surgeon to wind back my clock while they were in there. You can go to jail for that too, carry on with the meeting.
My place on Mount Chincogan’s slopes belongs to my son Tim now. He’s made all the renovations and improvements it needed. You might still spot my name at the gate – let’s say it’s there to deter carpetbaggers – carry on with the meeting. Cheers.
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. 
