Byron Bay News

BYRON SHIRE AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD WINNERS

Published

2 years ago

25 January 2022

JeffG

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.

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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.

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Byron Bay News

Byron Bay RDE – Regional Disability and Seniors Expo 2024: Call for Exhibitors

Published

3 days ago

15 May 2024

Liam

Byron Bay RDE – Regional Disability and Seniors Expo 2024: Call for Exhibitors

In regional New South Wales, individuals with disabilities and seniors, along with their caregivers, often encounter difficulties in accessing the essential resources and support that are more readily available in larger urban centres. This disparity is frequently due to a lack of awareness about the local services and support systems, compelling many to undertake unnecessary travel to metropolitan areas or, worse, to forego critical assistance altogether.

Sharon Fulwood, an event manager, and parent to two children with disabilities, understands these challenges from personal experience, particularly in navigating the complexities of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) within her community. To bridge this gap, Sharon is spearheading the inaugural Byron Bay Regional Disability Expo (RDE), which will also feature a Seniors Expo, providing a much-needed platform for accessing a plethora of services locally.

Set for July 5, 2024, at the Cavanbah Centre in Byron Bay, the expo aims to empower, educate, and connect individuals with disabilities, seniors, and caregivers with the latest resources, technologies, and services available to them. This event promises to be a pivotal resource, eliminating the need for long-distance travel by consolidating a wide range of services under one roof.

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Exhibitor Invitation: To ensure the success of this vital initiative, Sharon invites providers of products and services related to developmental delays, health conditions, congenital disabilities, aging, and more to participate in this enriching expo. Exhibiting at the Byron Bay RDE offers a unique opportunity to network with other organisations, collaborate on solutions, and engage directly with end-users—thereby playing an active role in enhancing the lives of the local disability and senior communities.

Event Details:

Date: Friday, 5 July 2024
Venue: Cavanbah Centre, 249 Ewingsdale Rd, Byron Bay

Exhibitors at the Byron Bay RDE will gain invaluable exposure and direct feedback from the community, enhancing their ability to serve and support. This event is not just an expo but a community effort to bring local and regional resources to the forefront, ensuring that those who need them most are well-informed and supported.

For more information on how to participate or register as an exhibitor, please visit the official Byron Bay RDE website or contact the event management team directly. Join us in making a significant impact in the Byron Bay community—your expertise and services can make a real difference.

For more Byron Bay news, click here.

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2022 Floods

$300,000 funding agreement to help deliver flood resilient land in the Byron Shire

Published

4 days ago

15 May 2024

Liam

Janelle Saffin, Paul Scully, Michael Lyon Resilient Lands Program Saddle Road Precinct

$300,000 funding agreement to help deliver flood resilient land in the Byron Shire

The NSW Government is providing Byron Shire Council $300,000 through the Resilient Lands Program to provide safe, flood resilient land for new housing at the Saddle Road Precinct in Brunswick Heads.

The funding from the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) will allow Council to complete a Structure Plan, Infrastructure Priority Plan, technical studies, and community engagement to investigate suitability for new housing and public infrastructure in the precinct.

Located on the western side of the Pacific Motorway, the site is just five minutes by car to Brunswick Heads and eight to Mullumbimby. It is well above projected flood heights which will provide opportunities for new homes off the flood plain.

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Saddle Road is the third site to be identified under the RA’s Resilient Lands Program (RLP). The site is also the first to be identified outside of the Lismore LGA under the program, and has also been flagged in Byron Shire Council’s Residential Strategy as a key site for future residential development.

It follows the recent announcement of 400 new lots in East Lismore and up to 50 new households in the Mount Pleasant Estate at Goonellabah.

While the final number of homes at Saddle Road will be determined following detailed planning and community engagement, based on site-specifications, it is estimated between 500-800 homes could be delivered.

The RLP is accelerating the delivery of new land and housing options, linking with the $700 million Resilient Homes Program (RHP), giving flood impacted homeowners a pathway to move to a safer location.

The RA will work with RHP buyback participants to secure suitable and affordable land and will provide further support to those eligible who wish to relocate their existing homes.

For more information, visit NSW Reconstruction Authority.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This funding is a win-win for the community and Byron Shire Council.

“Not only will it help to unlock flood-resilient lots for people to build on, it also helps Council and the NSW Government deliver on its promise of more homes for our growing population.

“The land is positioned near existing services and an established community and will provide a beautiful, safe place to live for those affected by the nearby flood plain.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“The announcement of this third site under the Resilient Lands Program is the first one outside of Lismore.

“Locals communities and Councils can be assured that the wheels of the RLP are starting to turn right across the Northern Rivers.

“This announcement will be followed by others in our local government areas and will see more land become available, giving people accepting buybacks in the Resilient Homes Program a variety of places to choose from.”

Byron Shire Council Mayor Michael Lyon said:

“We are thrilled to receive this initial funding support which will not only benefit members of our community displaced by the natural disasters in 2022, but also address the housing crisis that has existed since before the floods.

“Council can now get on with the important job of structure planning for this site on The Saddle Road and get the land ready for building flood-resilient houses more quickly which is a huge win.

“The work ahead includes an Aboriginal Heritage and Environmental Sensitivity Assessment, a Structure Plan that includes a vision and concept plan for the site, a Planning Proposal to amend Council’s LEP and an Infrastructure Priority Plan that addresses the infrastructure required to support a new community such as roads, sewer and water.

“As these works are progressed, we look forward to working with our community to achieve the best outcomes.”

For more Byron Bay news, click here.

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Bangalow News

Have Your Say on Byron Shire’s New Active Transport Plan

Published

1 week ago

9 May 2024

Liam

Have Your Say on Byron Shire’s New Active Transport Plan

Byron Shire Council is inviting feedback from all residents who walk, roll, and ride within the community. The council has undertaken a significant review of its existing Bike Plan and Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan, both of which were initially developed in 2018 after extensive community input. Six years on, it’s time to evaluate the plans’ effectiveness, set new priorities, and celebrate the achievements thus far.

Shelley Currie, the Council’s Road Safety Officer, highlighted a major update in the review process: the merging of the two previous plans into a singular, comprehensive document dubbed the Active Transport Plan. “The goals, objectives, and outcomes of the previous plans closely align, so consolidating them into one unified plan is a strategic move to streamline our efforts and resources,” explained Ms. Currie.

Objectives of the Active Transport Plan include:

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Enhancing opportunities for active travel.
Boosting the connectivity of paths and cycleways throughout the Shire.
Designing and implementing high-quality infrastructure to ensure maximum safety and accessibility.
Providing amenities that enhance the attractiveness of walking, rolling, and riding.
Encouraging the use of bicycles for shorter trips.

A draft of the Active Transport Plan is currently on public exhibition, and Byron Shire Council is seeking input from the community to refine and enhance the proposal. Residents are encouraged to review the draft plan and contribute their perspectives and suggestions.

Details for Public Feedback:

Read the Draft: The draft Active Transport Plan is available for public viewing.
Provide Feedback: Residents can submit their comments and suggestions to help shape the final plan.
Deadline for Submissions: Feedback must be submitted by 31 May 2024.

For more information and detailed instructions on how to make a submission, please visit Byron Shire Council’s official website at Have your say on our Active Transport Plan – Byron Shire Council.

For more Byron Bay news, click here.

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