Byron Bay News
BYRON SHIRE AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD WINNERS
BYRON SHIRE AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD WINNERS
Jacqui Boyett is Byron Shire’s 2022 Citizen of the Year
Jacqui Boyett, founder of the not-for-profit Global Ripple charity and op shop is the Byron Shire 2022 Citizen of the Year.
The announcement was made at Byron Shire Council’s Australia Day awards that were held virtually on 25 January.
Ms Boyett is well known in the community, and further afield, making true her organisation’s name, Global Ripple.
Global Ripple raises money through an op shop in the Byron Arts and Industry Estate with proceeds used to support people in need locally and in places including India and Bali.
Ms Boyett’s Global Ripple charity has supported the Hot Showers project in partnership with the Byron Community Centre and the Women’s Collective.
It has also helped people in India cope with COVID-19 and provided funds to help rebuild a family home on Savu Island in Indonesia after it was destroyed by a cyclone.
Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, said people like Jacqui Boyett are the true heroes in the community, always putting others ahead of themselves.
“The Australia Day Awards are our way of thanking and honouring the incredible people in our Shire who make such a difference to the lives of so many,” Mayor Lyon said.
“We all have such busy lives and still there are these incredible people who have such a passion for the Byron Shire that they donate countless hours to look out for the needs of others, to improve things where they can, however they can and these acts of kindness have the ability to transform communities both locally and abroad,” he said.
“On behalf of our community and the Council congratulations to all our Australia Day award winners.
“Your contribution to our Shire is very much valued and appreciated,” Mayor Lyon said.
Byron Shire Council’s Australia Day awards recognised the outstanding efforts of people in eight categories:
Citizen of the Year – Jacqui Boyett
Jacqui Boyett is the founder of the not-for-profit Global Ripple charity.
Global Ripple raises money through an op shop in the Byron Arts and Industry Estate with proceeds used to support people in need locally and in places further afield including India and Bali.
Ms Boyett’s Global Ripple charity has supported the Hot Showers project in partnership with the Byron Community Centre and the Women’s’ Collective.
It has also helped people in India cope with COVID-19 and provided funds to help rebuild a family home on Savu Island in Indonesia after it was destroyed by a cyclone.
Senior Citizen of the Year – Kathy Norley
Kathy Norley has worked tireless for many years for the South Golden Beach community, including serving as President of the South Golden Beach Community Association.
Kathy was instrumental in helping to design and secure money for a major renovation of the South Golden Beach Community Centre and was the driving force behind a playground, exercise area and skatepark in the area.
She maintains a Facebook page with regular updates on events that concern local residents and visitors.
Young Citizen of the Year – Ella Whan
Ellla Whan, who finished her HSC last year, has already notched up many years of community work, taking on the challenge of raising awareness of the importance of the environment in 2017, working with two other young women to organise the Climate Strikes in the Byron Shire.
As School Captain of Byron Bay High School in 2021, Ella worked with the P&C committee to represent the needs of the student body and was instrumental in lobbying for funds to get a dedicated Senior study and recreation area.
Ella was a Rural Ambassador for the Northern Rivers and received the Academic Excellence Award, the Principal’s Award and the Long Tan Citizenship Award.
Volunteer of the Year – Narelle Anderton
Narelle Anderton has provided outstanding service to the sport of netball in the Byron Shire for 31 years, particularly with the Brunswick Byron Netball Association and the Mullumbimby Netball Club.
She averages more than 20 hours each week volunteering for the netball community in various roles including coaching, administration/organisation, umpiring, meetings and the canteen.
Through her efforts to keep the canteen functioning for the past 10 years, it has raised more than $150,000. She is a tireless worker, arranging and participating in working bees to clean the courts and maintain the clubhouse.
She has also worked with many players at all levels to help them reach their potential including coaching several teams to win State Championships, coaching players who were accepted into the North Coast Academy and working with other coaches and umpires.
Creative Artist of the Year – Kiahn Ladkin
Kiahn Ladkin
Dancer Kiahn Ladkin is a proud Awabakal woman who has danced on Arakwal land for seven years. Kiahn has been involved in the Secondary Aboriginal Dance Company for five years and has also been selected to dance with Bangarra Dance.
She was a valued student at Byron Bay High School and was a mentor and volunteer tutor for the ATSI homework club.
Kiahn has been involved in teaching indigenous dance and culture across a variety of platforms including mentoring Indigenous primary and high school students in dance and culture. She represented her people and culture at school assemblies for seven years and promoted justice and celebrated the achievements of First Nations People.
Kiahn achieved academic excellence in 2021 and was received a Year Advisor’s Award as well as an Indigenous Excellence Award in recognition of her commitment to culture, study and friendship.
Community Event of the Year – Nina’s 100th Birthday Celebration
One of Byron Bay’s most popular residents, Nina Mazri, celebrated her 100th birthday last year and the event was a true community celebration.
More than 200 people turned out to honour Nina and celebrate the joy of living, the benefits of engaging with your community, acknowledging the contribution of the elderly and the importance of remaining connected with family and friends, especially through the pandemic.
As Nina would say “Why walk through life when you can dance.”
Community Initiative of the Year – the Library of Stuff
The Library of Stuff is a community operation that shares infrequently needed items with its members who are mainly households and local not-for-profit groups.
The library’s aim is to reduce consumption and waste and help create a sharing culture in the community. It does this by encouraging people to “borrow” not “buy” and advocates for good maintenance and repair of items rather than throwing them out.
The range of items in the inventory has grown to include non-fiction books, sporting equipment, camping gear, games, kitchen appliances, power and hand tools.
Environmental Project of the Year – Bangalow Koalas Community Wildlife Corridor
Linda Sparrow
Bangalow Koalas’ community wildlife corridor strengthens the connection between community and wildlife by enhancing koala habitat/rainforest remnants in a wildlife corridor that will connect to existing habitat in the Byron Shire, west to Tenterfield, north to the Queensland border and south towards Grafton.
What started as a handful of concerned neighbours wanting to protect a 400m stretch of 30-year-old koala food trees has grown into a community group with more than 120 members.
Led by Bangalow’s Linda Sparrow, Bangalow Koalas has planted 157,000 trees in three years. The original goal of planting 250,000 trees by the end of 2025 will be achieved early next year and it has set a new target of 500,000 trees by 2025.
The Bangalow Koalas’ Wildlife Corridor project, whilst aiming to protect and enhance koala habitat, has brought the community together through planting days, recording sightings and workshops.
‘Give It Your All’: Future Students Invited to SAE Byron Bay Info Night on January 16
By Robert Heyward
Future creatives, get ready to kick off the new year with inspiration and direction at the SAE Byron Bay Info Night on Thursday, January 16, 2025. This exciting event offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Australia’s top creative tertiary education providers and is set to be a night of discovery, learning, and connection.
From food trucks to student success stories, attendees will explore the vibrant world of creative media and technology at SAE’s six campuses across the country.
Discover Your Creative Path
Whether you’re a budding designer, filmmaker, animator, or aspiring music producer, SAE Info Night is the perfect opportunity to dive into your passion. Explore SAE’s wide range of creative courses, including:
- Design
- Film
- Music
- VFX & Virtual Production
- Animation
- Audio
- Computer Science
- Creative Industries
- Games
Guidance and Insight from Experts
SAE faculty will be on campus to offer one-on-one guidance, helping future students find the right course to match their aspirations and career goals. Attendees will also have the chance to connect with SAE’s student services team, who provide support ranging from academic assistance to career advice.
Bronte Dunning, a 2022 SAE Graduate and owner of Bronte Dunning Creative.
Real Stories, Real Inspiration
One of the highlights of the night will be the student and alumni speakers, sharing their journeys and achievements since studying at SAE. At the Byron Bay campus, guests will hear from Bronte Dunning, a Bachelor of Film Production graduate who has been running her own videography and photography business since graduating in 2022.
“My biggest career highlights are definitely filming Blues Fest Byron Bay for the past three years and working recently with NITV for the Australian Women in Music Awards,” Bronte shared.
“SAE gave me the skills and confidence to start my own business and connected me with a wide network of creatives. My advice for new students? Apply yourself in every class and give it your all. What you put in is what you get out. And most importantly, have fun with it!”
A Night to Explore and Enjoy
Attendees will get to tour the campus, enjoy delicious bites from local food trucks, and connect with faculty, staff, and current students. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the creative environment that SAE is known for and discover how to turn your passion into a career.
Join the Creative Community
Don’t miss this opportunity to step into the world of creative media and technology. SAE Byron Bay Info Night is open to all future students or anyone curious about a creative career.
For more information and to register, visit the SAE website.
Take the first step toward a career that lights you up!
For more local news, click here.
Court Orders Holiday Letting Business at Kinabalu Farm to Shut Down
A remote holiday letting operation in the bush at Middle Pocket has been ordered to close after the NSW Land and Environment Court ruled that its dwellings were unauthorised and did not meet safety or building standards.
The owners of Kinabalu Farm, located at 333 Skyline Road, had been operating since 2022, offering visitors a rustic experience with basic cabin-like dwellings, including a handmade treehouse called The Treepod. Described as “the ultimate nature lovers and wilderness experience,” the site was accessible only by four-wheel drive and was nestled deep in heavily vegetated bushland.
Council Takes Legal Action
Late last year, Byron Shire Council brought legal action against the owners, citing serious concerns over the safety and legality of the accommodations. The case was heard by Justice Nicola Pain, who found in favour of the Council.
On November 15, Justice Pain ordered the immediate cessation of all holiday letting activities at Kinabalu Farm, including the use of five unauthorised buildings: four cabins and The Treepod.
Serious Safety Concerns
In her judgment, Justice Pain noted that the property’s location posed significant risks, particularly with the imminent bushfire season.
“The location of the property is in a heavily vegetated area, with limited access,” Justice Pain said. “The main usable road access is by four-wheel-drive only. There is a potentially serious environmental issue.”
Photo courtesy of newsouthwaleshotels.net
An inspection by a building certifier revealed extensive non-compliance with building standards, including:
- Balconies without balustrades.
- Access ways lacking railings.
- Absence of fire-rated and ember-retardant materials.
- Windows opening directly to the ground.
Additionally, the court found there was no development consent for the dwellings to be used for short-term rentals, nor was there a publicly registered management plan to alert emergency services to the site’s existence.
Immediate Action Ordered
Justice Pain directed the owners to:
- Cease advertising the unauthorised dwellings.
- Remove all promotional materials.
- Allow Council to inspect the property with 48 hours’ notice to ensure compliance.
Failed Defence
While the owners’ solicitor suggested they intended to rely on existing use rights as a defence, no formal case was filed. Justice Pain noted that the business had been given ample time to substantiate this claim but failed to do so.
Community and Environmental Impact
The court highlighted the potential dangers posed by the remote, heavily vegetated location, particularly during bushfire season. The case underscores the importance of adhering to planning and safety standards, especially in environmentally sensitive and high-risk areas.
Kinabalu Farm has been ordered to halt all bookings and operations until the dwellings comply with regulations, marking a significant victory for Byron Shire Council in safeguarding community and environmental interests.
For more local news, click here.
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