Our June Rituals & Rhythms

Welcome to Winter! One of the best seasons in the Northern Rivers (in our opinion)–the mornings and evenings are cooler, but the sun still shines during the day. We’ve had a very rainy Summer and Autumn, so we are hoping that with the change of the seasons, and as we enterthe Bundjalung season of Waringu, the rains will ease and we can all dry out a little.

Here’s what we’re doing this month:

• The winds can tend to blow from the west in winter, bringing with them a chill on the breeze. On westerly days, we like to head to Belongil Beach where we can lie at the base of the high dunes and enjoy the winter sun.

Belongil Beach on a sunny winter day. Photo by Byron Beach Retreats

• Byron Writers Festival will be announcing their full 2025 festival line-up on 11 June. Keep an eye out on their socials and for the release of one-day festival tickets. With nature warrior woman and author, Gina Chick, already on the line-up, we can’t wait to see who else will be there.

Julia Baird in conversation with David John Roland at the Byron Writers Festvial 2024

• We’re intrigued by the concept of rewilding – the idea that if we step back and release control over land, nature will bring back the plants and animals it needs. This is what Isabella Tree did with her partner in the English countryside, creating one of Europe’s most significant rewilding experiments. On 14 June, Byron Theatre is screening the documentary Wilding which takes audiences on the journey of the Isabella Tree and the Knepp Estate in West Sussex.

• Embracing the cooler weather, we’ll be cooking up big batches of Four Corners Lentil Soup. This simple and quick soup is like a warm hug in a bowl with plenty of ginger, garlic and lemon to ward off any winter sniffles.

Four Corners Lentil Soup, nourishing goodness perfect for the Ovulatory phase. 

• On 27 June we’ll be heading to Eltham Pub to catch indie-folk songwriters Didirri and Rowena Wise. Both acclaimed artists in their own right, as well as partners in life, who are touring together for their first collaborative single No Cure for Love.

The iconic Eltham Hotel Pub, where classic country charm meets laid-back local vibes.

• We’re heading to Hotel Brunswick on 29 June for the Brazilian Winter Festival of Festa Junina. Head along for this free celebration to savour brazilian foods and dance all night to the rhythms of forró. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate the start of winter!

Festa Junina, Brazilian Winter Festival.

What we’re reading:

To celebrate the arrival of cooler months, we’re revisiting the 2021 book Wintering by Katherine May. Katherine describes the power of embracing a slower pace during winter, to rest and recuperate (which can often be hard when the sun is still shining in Byron Bay!).

Wintering: The power of rest and retreat in difficult times

What we’re watching:

This month we’re taking a moment to watch the newly released film Motherhood in the Colony, a First Nations and Palestinian production which was recently released on Mother’s Day and is now available to stream online at home or with your community. 

Storytellers weaving together in circle. Photo by motherhood in the colony

All the best, 

The Sienna team
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