Nominate Lismore’s Unsung Heroes for the 2025 Australia Day Awards

By Ian Rogers

Nominations are now open for Lismore City Council’s 2025 Australia Day Awards, honouring community members who make a positive impact through volunteering, community service, or excellence in sports, arts, and other fields.

2024 Lismore Citizen of the Year, Mieke Bell, received the award for her 33 years of dedicated service at The Winsome and Lismore Soup Kitchen. Reflecting on the recognition, Ms. Bell shared, “The award was a wonderful surprise that highlighted the work of our volunteers at the Soup Kitchen. We serve up to 100 meals daily and provide holistic support to those in need. Seeing the community rally behind us has been incredible.”

Mayor Steve Krieg emphasised the importance of acknowledging Lismore’s unsung heroes: “Our community is filled with individuals who give tirelessly, without seeking recognition. The Australia Day Awards are a meaningful way to celebrate those who strengthen our community through their selflessness and dedication.”

He encouraged everyone to consider nominating a friend, neighbour, or community member who stands out. “If you know someone who contributes to our community, nominate them. The process takes just a few minutes, but the impact of this recognition is immense.”

Ms. Bell echoed this sentiment, urging the community to submit nominations: “These awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and groups who often go unrecognized but do extraordinary things. Make a nomination in any category—you’ll be honouring their hard work and inspiring others.”

Award Categories:

• Citizen of the Year
• Young Citizen of the Year
• Aboriginal Citizen of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year
• Services in the Community (Individual)
• Services in the Community (Group)
• Sportsperson/Team (Junior)
• Sportsperson/Team (Senior)
• Environment
• Arts/Culture

To nominate, visit the Lismore City Council website.

Nominations close on Friday, 13 December 2024. Take a few minutes to recognise those who make Lismore a better place to live, work, and thrive.

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Major Milestone Reached for Coffs Harbour Bypass Project

By Jeff Gibbs

The transformative Coffs Harbour Bypass project has reached a significant milestone with the completion of the first phase of tunnelling. On 28 October, construction teams successfully broke through the northbound tube of the 410-metre Gatelys Road Tunnel, followed by the southbound tube soon after.

This achievement marks the initial stage of building three tunnels that are integral to the bypass, each featuring dual tubes designed to accommodate two lanes of traffic, along with provisions for cyclists.

Project Highlights:

• Investment: $1.76 billion from the Australian Government, with an additional $440 million from the NSW Government.
• Completion Date: The bypass is on track to open to traffic by late 2026.
• Shephards Lane Tunnel: Progress continues, with breakthrough expected by mid-April 2025.

Next Steps:

• Excavating tunnel floors.
• Installing permanent linings, drainage, and pavement.
• Fit-out of mechanical, electrical, fire, safety, and intelligent transport systems.
• Comprehensive testing and commissioning prior to public opening.

Economic and Community Benefits

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, emphasised the bypass’s impact:

“This project has created 600 jobs and will remove 12,000 vehicles from the CBD, reducing travel times and improving safety.”

Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King noted the project’s alignment with community desires:

“The people of Coffs Harbour made it clear they wanted tunnels, not cuttings, and it’s great to see progress in delivering what they envisioned.”

Transforming the Region

NSW Labor spokesperson for Coffs Harbour, Cameron Murphy, highlighted the bypass’s future benefits:

“The bypass will make Coffs Harbour an even better place to live, work, and visit.”

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Join the Byron Bay Masterplan Guidance Group: Expressions of Interest Open

By Jeff Gibbs

The Byron Shire Council is seeking passionate individuals to join the Byron Masterplan Guidance Group, a team of 22 community representatives working closely with the Council to shape the future of Byron Bay’s town centre.

This is your chance to influence what Byron Bay will look and feel like in 5, 10, and 20 years’ time.

What is the Guidance Group?

The Guidance Group represents the diverse voices of Byron Bay, contributing directly to projects that define the town’s character and community. From concept to execution, members provide valuable input on a range of initiatives aimed at preserving Byron Bay’s unique identity.

Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye described the group as a vital part of ensuring Byron Bay remains a community-focused destination.
“Despite its global recognition, Byron Bay’s heart is its people. The Guidance Group plays a key role in keeping the community at the core of every decision,” Mayor Ndiaye said.

Achievements of the Guidance Group

• Railway Park and Rail Corridor: Contributing to design and activation.
• New Byron Skate Park: Providing input to create a vibrant space for local youth.
• Old Hospital Redevelopment: Shaping plans for its transformation.
• Town Centre Enhancements: Including tree planting and additional seating.

Upcoming Projects

The group will play an integral role in delivering key projects over the next 12 months, including:

• Implementing adopted concept plans for the Byron Bay foreshore.
• Completing the Sandhills wetlands and boardwalks.
• Overseeing drainage upgrades and related traffic changes in Byron Bay.

Why Join?

“Being part of the Guidance Group is a hands-on way to make a meaningful contribution to the future of Byron Bay,” said Mayor Ndiaye. “Your voice will directly shape projects that impact the heart of our town.”

How to Apply

Expressions of Interest close on 29 November 2024. To learn more about the group or to submit your application, visit the Byron Shire Council website.

Help shape the future of Byron Bay—join the Guidance Group today!

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