20.3 C
Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Death Conversations coming to Mullum

Latest News

Cinema: NAZA

A must-see, award-winning documentary investigating AI warfare in Gaza. Fresh from winning the Special Jury Prize at the 2026 Venice International Film Festival, NAZA, the latest documentary from Academy Award-winning filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor (No Other Land), examines artificial intelligence and surveillance in Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

Other News

Big meeting for Ballina Council this week

The agenda for Thursday's meeting includes six notices of motion from four councillors, with issues including missing persons, volunteer recognition, and arts funding.

Tweed sets out stronger shorebird protections after nesting failures

Tweed Shire Council is considering formal guidelines to protect threatened beach-nesting birds, following breeding failures linked to visitor disturbance at Hastings Point.

Deputy mayor

I read Asren Pugh’s and Pam Brook’s letters regarding the deputy mayor decision. If my comments in the chamber...

Call for the community to join the Mullumbimby clean up

The Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce and Community (MCCC) are calling on local businesses and the community to join them in cleaning up the main street of town on Sunday, 25 October from 8am to 10am.

BSC insolvency

After numerous warnings, some more than a decade ago, why haven’t our two longest standing public servants Ndiaye and...

Cheaper school pool access proposed as Byron faces financial squeeze

Byron Shire’s schools could receive cheaper access to Council pools for swimming and water-safety programs under a proposal going before councillors on October 15.

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.

Interview with Genevieve Clay-Smith, director of Boss Cat showing at the Byron Bay Film Festival

When Sonja (Olivia Hargroder) loses her mother without warning, the only steady presence left in her life is her grandmother, Doris. But Doris’s idea of stability means dismantling everything Sonja has built. For Sonja, who lives with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and has spent her life fighting to be underestimated by no one, Doris’ plan feels less like protection and more like erasure. Directed by Genevieve Clay-Smith, Boss Cat is a vibrant, big-hearted Australian dramedy about independence, family and self-determination, anchored by a fearless lead performance.

Something for everyone at the Picture House

From Australian superstar musos, to brand new documentaries, to comedians at the top of their game, there really is something for everyone at the Brunswick Picture House.

Thirty-six unmissable films

The 2026 Russell Hobbs British Film Festival features an unmissable line up 36 films, including five retrospectives which will screen from 28 October to 29 November at Palace Byron Bay and Ballina Cinemas.

A timeless story of self-discovery

A husband with a promotion, two adorable children and a lovely new house. Nora thought she had it all. But did she? What was the discontent that was whispering to her in the shadows?