Council Helps Save Tonnes of Rubbish from Landfill at Byron Writers Festival

By Jeff Gibbs

The Byron Writers Festival made a significant environmental impact this year, thanks to Byron Shire Council’s ‘Move to Reuse’ initiative, which successfully prevented 26 wheelie bins worth of rubbish from ending up in landfill. Over the three-day festival, an impressive 18,000 items were washed and reused, underscoring the effectiveness of the initiative.

In partnership with Green My Plate, the Council replaced single-use packaging with reusable plates, cups, and bowls throughout the event. This move not only reduced waste but also garnered positive feedback from festival-goers, who appreciated the shift towards sustainability.

“We were excited to have the Byron Writers Festival work with us to make this happen, and we’ve received so much positive feedback about it,” said Sarah Child, Council’s Resource Recovery Strategy and Engagement Officer. “People don’t want to be given takeaway cups or plates anymore. They told us they felt relieved and happy to be offered reusable cups and plates at the festival, and it was easy to return them to have them washed.”

Ms. Child highlighted the environmental costs of single-use food packaging, noting that such items are used for only a short time but require significant resources to produce, only to end up in landfill.

This initiative aligns with the Council’s new Single-use Packaging and Materials Policy, which took effect in June 2024 for internal Council operations. Starting December 2024, all events held on Council-owned land will be required to comply with this policy, marking a significant step towards sustainability in the region.

“Through this Policy, Byron Shire Council will be leading the way in the transition to circular systems,” Ms. Child added. “Events like the Byron Writers Festival show what’s possible on a large scale, and when you can stop 18,000 throwaway items from being used and going to landfill, it’s pretty exciting.”

Looking ahead, the Council plans to collaborate with local Farmers Markets and the Sample Festival to implement similar reusable initiatives, encouraging the broader community to join the move towards reuse.

For more information on Byron Shire Council’s Single-use Packaging and Materials Policy, please visit the Council’s website.

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Byron Writers Festival 2024 Wraps Up with Resounding Success

The Byron Writers Festival 2024, held from August 9-11, concluded on a high note, celebrating a remarkable turnout and an impressive lineup of events. Hosted at the picturesque Bangalow Showground on Bundjalung Country, the festival welcomed eager crowds with a warm introduction from Arakwal woman Delta Kay. With the theme “From the Ground Up,” the festival featured over 160 writers and speakers across six stages, making it one of the largest programs in its history.

This year’s festival attracted nearly 10,000 attendees, marking an 18% increase in box office takings compared to the previous year. The event offered 130 sessions on the festival grounds, five workshops, eight feature and satellite events, and a two-day schools program catering to primary and secondary students.

The festival bookstore, The Book Room Collective, saw impressive sales, with the top ten bestsellers being:

1. The Alternatives by Caoilinn Hughes
2. Question 7 by Richard Flanagan
3. Balcony Over Jerusalem by John Lyons (reissue)
4. The Forever War: America’s Unending Conflict with Itself by Nick Bryant
5. Thera by Bob Brown
6. Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood (2024 Booker Prize longlisted)
7. The Forest Wars: The Ugly Truth About What’s Happening in Our Tall Forests by David Lindenmayer
8. Bright Shining: How Grace Changes Everything by Julia Baird
9. Prima Facie by Suzie Miller
10. Sassafras by Rebecca Huntley (launched at the festival)

Trent Dalton’s Lola in the Mirror and Chigozie Obioma’s The Road to the Country tied for 11th place.

Jessica Alice, the festival’s new Artistic Director, expressed her delight with the event’s success: “I’m thrilled with this year’s festival, my first as Artistic Director. It was a joy to bring some of the world’s best writers to the festival and see so many delighted readers in packed marquees, enjoying stimulating conversations and great vibes. I thank the writers, our fantastic volunteers and staff, and the wonderful Northern Rivers community for coming out in droves and making the weekend truly magical.”

The festival was filled with memorable moments, including a sold-out evening feature with Bob Brown and Jan Fran, and a standing ovation for the “For The Earth” panel featuring Richard Flanagan, David Lindenmayer, Ali Cobby Eckermann, and Sue Higginson. John Lyons also received high praise for his discussion of Balcony Over Jerusalem.

Food writing was a festival highlight, with Kon Karapanagiotidis’s Greek cookbook A Seat at My Table: Philoxenia and Bundjalung chef Mindy Woods’s Karkalla At Home resonating with audiences. Bruce Pascoe’s sessions on his new novel Imperial Harvest and his insights on literary cultural touchstones were also well received.

Trent Dalton captivated audiences with his discussion of Lola in the Mirror alongside Julia Baird, and Kate Ceberano’s spontaneous performance with Mandy Nolan added a musical touch to the festival.

Caoilinn Hughes’s The Alternatives topped the festival’s book sales, with Hughes engaging in a lively conversation with Bri Lee and later interviewing Nam Le about his poetry collection 36 Ways of Writing a Vietnamese Poem.

Other standout sessions included ABC Chair Kim Williams’s candid interview with Kerry O’Brien about the national broadcaster, and O’Brien’s conversation with Richard Flanagan on Question 7. International guests Leo Vardiashvili and Chigozie Obioma provided powerful insights into the civil wars in their homelands of Georgia and Nigeria, respectively.

Sports fans enjoyed a session with AFL legend Nicky Winmar and cultural leader Rhoda Roberts discussing “Aboriginal Sporting Heroes,” with Winmar also sharing stories from his memoir My Story.

The festival concluded on a high note with the “Kids Big Day Out,” keeping families entertained despite Sunday’s rain. The weekend ended with a harmonious singalong led by Midnight Oil’s Jim Moginie and the local Shire Choir, leaving patrons with unforgettable memories.

The Byron Writers Festival 2024 has once again proven itself to be a cornerstone event in Australia’s literary calendar, bringing together a vibrant community of writers, readers, and thinkers in a celebration of literature and culture.

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Byron Writers Festival 2024 Program Announced

Australia’s largest regional writers’ festival, the Byron Writers Festival, has announced its full program for 2024, scheduled for August 9-11. This year’s theme, ‘From the ground up,’ will be explored by 160 writers, including notable figures such as Trent Dalton, Richard Flanagan, Jane Harper, Melissa Lucashenko, Charlotte Wood, Bruce Pascoe, Bob Brown, Julia Baird, Nam Le, Ali Cobby Eckermann, Lynette Noni, Bryan Brown, Tony Birch, William McInnes, Chigozie Obioma, Caoilinn Hughes, Tayi Tibble, Meena Kandasamy, Louise Milligan, Kim Williams, Kerry O’Brien, and many others.

The festival, set in the picturesque Bundjalung Country in Bangalow, near Byron Bay, offers writing workshops, book launches, a children’s program, and events across the Northern Rivers region. Jessica Alice, the incoming Artistic Director, curated the 2024 program, emphasising the theme’s focus on community mobilisation and new beginnings.

International and Bestselling Authors

Among the international guests are Chigozie Obioma, a two-time Booker Prize finalist; Caoilinn Hughes, a significant Irish literary voice; Leo Vardiashvili, a UK-based novelist; Meena Kandasamy, an Indian activist; and award-winning Maori poet Tayi Tibble.

Featured Conversations and Panels

• Trent Dalton in conversation with Julia Baird
• Charlotte Wood and Ailsa Piper on grief and forgiveness
• Richard Flanagan on his memoir Question 7
• David Marr on colonial myths
• Steph Tisdell on writing with humor
• Crime Writers: Jane Harper, Candice Fox, Matthew Condon, Bryan Brown in conversation with Jennifer Byrne

Memoir and Music

• Kon Karapanagiotidis‘s Greek kitchen
• Priya Nadesalingam’s Home to Biloela
• Nicky Winmar‘s stand against racism
• Gideon Haigh on his brother’s loss
• Rebecca Huntley‘s memoir Sassafras
• Jim Moginie and Kate Ceberano on the music industry
• Suzie Miller on her play Prima Facie
• William McInnes‘s memories of Australia

L-R (Row 1) Tayi Tibble, Trent Dalton, Kate Ceberano, Bob Brown, Meena Kandasamy, Bruce Pascoe. (Row 2) James Bradley, Steph Tisdell, Richard Flanagan, Jennifer Byrne, Chigozie Obioma, Julia Baird.

Climate and Environment

Special events feature Bob Brown, Richard Flanagan, David Lindenmayer, Ali Cobby Eckermann, and Sue Higginson discussing environmental topics. Other speakers include James Bradley, Joelle Gergis, and Daniel Harrison.

Politics and Media

• Nick Bryant, John Lyons, and Meena Kandasamy on the ‘Mega Election Year’
• Kim Williams AM and Kerry O’Brien on the ABC’s future
• Amy McQuire, Louise Milligan, Nick Bryant, and Julianne Schultz on press freedom

Northern Rivers Writers

Over 40 local writers are featured, including Daniel Browning, Mykaela Saunders, Jodi Rodgers, Isabelle Reinecke, Mindy Woods, Annika Johansson, Mandy Nolan, and Rhoda Roberts AO.

Feature Events

Evening events include ‘Bob Brown in Conversation’ with Jan Fran and the festival keynote ‘Gala: From the ground up’. Other events feature William McInnes, Steph Tisdell, Ali Cobby Eckermann, Jim Moginie, and ‘Electric Poetics’ with Tayi Tibble, Meena Kandasamy, Nam Le, Jazz Money, Mitch King, and Nicole Smede.

Young Adult and Kids Programs

YA fiction fans can look forward to appearances by Lynette Noni, Lili Wilkinson, Steph Tisdell, and Graham Akhurst. The Kids Big Day Out program on Sunday morning features presentations by Bob Brown, Kate & Jol Temple, Peter Carnavas, and Matt Stanton, along with StorySpace workshops.

Festival Dates and Tickets

Byron Writers Festival 2024 will take place from August 9-11 at the Bangalow Showground and various venues.

Tickets are now on sale now.

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Balloon-Free Byron Shire Initiative

We are committed to making Byron Shire a balloon and single-use decoration-free zone! To protect our environment and marine life, we are banning balloons and other single-use decorations from all Council-owned or managed sites and road reserves.

Our Goals:

• Protect Sea Birds and Marine Life: Preventing balloon debris from harming wildlife.
• Minimise Landfill: Reducing waste that contributes to landfill.
• Reduce Litter: Keeping open spaces and beaches clean.

What Does the Ban Include?

• All Balloons: Including biodegradable, helium, latex, and water balloons.
• Accessories: Plastic disks, ribbons, and strings attached to balloons.
• Decorations: Glitter, confetti, streamers, tinsel, party poppers, and glow sticks.

Why Ban Latex and ‘Biodegradable’ Balloons?

Studies show that latex balloons do not degrade significantly even after 16 weeks in various environments. They persist in nature and pose threats to marine life.

Where Does the Ban Apply?

The ban covers all Council-owned or managed sites, including:

• Parks and playgrounds
• Community halls
• Sporting facilities like the Cavanbah Centre and swimming pools
• Road reserves (including letter boxes and street poles)

Alternatives to Balloons and Single-Use Decorations:

It’s easier than you think to celebrate sustainably. Here are some creative, reusable, and eco-friendly alternatives:

• Bunting: Reusable and can be made from scrap materials or recycled paper.
• Plants and Flowers: Great for table settings and arches, and can be composted afterward.
• Fairy Lights, Festoons, and Lanterns: Use them year after year.
• Bubbles, Kites, Pinwheels, and Ribbon Wands: Fun and colorful alternatives.
• Chalkboards, Artwork, and Paintings: Make your event visible and artistic.
• Leaf and Flower Confetti: An eco-friendly substitute for plastic or paper confetti.
• Party Kits: Borrow reusable party kits from local libraries or community groups. Learn more about Party Kits

Why Are We Banning Balloons?

Balloons are among the most lethal debris for ocean animals and the biggest killers of Australian sea birds. Turtles often mistake burst balloons for jellyfish. This issue is prevalent in our community, with local wildlife frequently affected by balloon and plastic debris.

Local governments across Australia are taking the lead by banning balloon releases and the use of balloons on Council-owned sites. Reducing waste is a crucial step in minimising our environmental footprint and keeping Byron Shire clean and healthy.

This initiative supports our Single-Use Packaging and Materials Policy, emphasising our commitment to environmental sustainability.

For more information about reusable and waste-free alternatives to single-use decorations, see here.

Let’s work together to make Byron Shire a cleaner, safer, and more beautiful place for all!

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Northern Rivers Koala Hospital needs funding: Urgent appeal for support

By Sarah Waters

Koalas are becoming an increasingly rare sight in NSW and the one organisation that is dedicated solely to their care in the Northern Rivers is desperately trying to keep operating as normal.

The Northern Rivers Koala Hospital, operated by Friends of the Koala, has made an urgent plea for financial support.

A decline in donations and available funding has threatened the hospital’s ability to operate effectively.

The hospital is specifically designed for the medical treatment of koalas and is the only wildlife hospital in NSW licensed to vaccinate all treated koalas against Chlamydia – the number one cause of death for koalas in the Northern Rivers.

General manager of Friends of the Koala Silva Everaers said more than 350 Koalas are treated at the hospital each year.

“From July last year we’ve seen a 20 per cent increase in koalas coming in, versus the year before,” Ms Everaers said.

“It will continue to increase as the threats to koalas are increasing with climate change, natural disasters, habitat being destroyed causing more koalas on the road, which leads to car hits, dog attacks and more diseases due to stress.

“So that’s obviously concerning, and it has been really, really busy for our volunteers rescuing and caring for them,” she said.

The Northern Rivers Koala Hospital was formed in 2019 and is part of the wider Friends of the Koala (FOK) organisation.

The FOK organisation receives government grants for certain projects including a recent grant to vaccinate 300 koalas against chlamydia.

But no government money is received for the operational cost of the koala hospital.

General Manager of Friends of the Koala Silva Everaers

Half a million dollars needs to be raised by Friends of the Koala each year to cover the hospital’s annual operating expenses.

It is set up with diagnostic and treatment tools including ultrasounds, x-rays, a blood bank, as well as surgical and pathology equipment to provide specialised 24/7 veterinary care to koalas.

Until more funds become available the hospital may not be able to continue in its current capacity.

Ms Everaers said the priority was to keep the hospital funded and veterinary staff paid.

“That really is where the research and the magic happens,” she said.

“We work with over 300 volunteers, who do an absolutely incredible job rescuing and rehabilitating the koalas treated in our hospital, and because of that we are able to keep operational costs really, really low.

“But we can’t do it without financial support, in the end, there’s medicine, veterinary staff, the equipment we need, research facilities – it’s not free.”

Friends of the Koala have set up a special donation drive, appealing to the public’s generosity to help keep the hospital in operation and maintain their high standards of care.

Anyone with a heart for wildlife, including business owners and philanthropists, can become a ‘Friend of the Northern Rivers Koala Hospital’ at: friendsofthekoala.org or support by donating to the organisation.

Friends of the Koala are a grassroots organisation with more than 35 years of experience working on critical, on-the-ground activities to conserve habitat and protect koalas individually and as a species.

It originated as a charity focused on planting trees but has evolved into a multifaceted organisation that also provides 24/7 koala rescue, medical treatment, research, advocacy and community education.

Friends of the Koala has successfully rehabilitated and released over 2000 koalas back into the wild since its inception.

The Northern Rivers is home to one of the last significant, genetically diverse koala populations.

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