‘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!

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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.

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Strengthen Your Community: Volunteer with a Local Community Resilience Hub

By Jeff Gibbs

As storm season looms, the recent wet weather serves as a timely reminder of the importance of preparedness. Across Byron Shire, 11 Community Resilience Hubs (CHUBs) are actively working to support their communities in preparing for emergencies and recovering from disasters.

The CHUB volunteer teams are part of the Byron Shire Community Resilience Network, a collaborative effort involving local organisations, government agencies, and emergency services. These dedicated volunteers provide vital support in areas such as emergency preparedness, planning, and recovery.

Active CHUB Locations

The CHUBs are spread across the Byron Shire, ensuring localised support in the following areas:

• Main Arm
• South Golden Beach, New Brighton, Ocean Shores
• Wilsons Creek, Huonbrook, Wanganui
• Federal, Goonengerry, Eureka
• Mullumbimby
• Bangalow
• Minyon (Upper Coopers Creek)
• Broken Head
• Suffolk Park
• Coorabell

Building a Resilient Byron Shire

“The aim of the CHUB groups is to strengthen the overall resilience of the Byron Shire by making the community better prepared and connected in localised pockets, making them more equipped to face future challenges,” said Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye.

Since the 2022 floods, CHUB volunteers have been working tirelessly, planning, training, and building their capacity with support from Council, emergency services, Plan C, and the Australian Red Cross.

How You Can Get Involved

Volunteering with your local CHUB is an opportunity to:

• Help your community prepare for and recover from emergencies.
• Build strong connections with neighbours and local organizations.
• Gain valuable training and experience in community resilience.

If you’re interested in joining an existing CHUB or starting one in your area, reach out to Sarah Boulle at Byron Shire Council via council@byron.nsw.gov.au.

Together, we can make the Byron Shire stronger, safer, and more resilient to future challenges.

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Authorities Unite to Keep Byron Shire Safe and Enjoyable This Holiday Season

By Jeff Gibbs

Byron Shire Council is teaming up with Tweed Byron Police District, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Reflections Holiday Parks, and Crown Lands this Christmas and New Year to ensure public safety and protect the natural beauty of the region.

The holiday season sees a sharp rise in visitors to the Byron Shire, placing immense pressure on local towns and villages. In response, compliance teams will be working extended hours, including weekends and public holidays, to monitor public areas, enforce regulations, and ensure safety.

Crackdown on Illegal Camping and Parking

Council Rangers will be focusing on parking compliance and illegal camping, particularly in residential streets, beach car parks, national parks, nature reserves, and Crown land.

“Camping in these areas is against the law, and visitors caught doing so will face fines,” said Sarah Nagel, Byron Shire Council’s Manager of Public and Environment Services.

Responsible Pet Ownership

Another key focus for Rangers will be managing dogs in public spaces. “There is an increasing issue with dogs roaming or being walked off-leash in prohibited areas,” Ms.

Nagel said. “Companion Animal OPicers will be patrolling to ensure pet owners comply with regulations.”

Alcohol-Free Zones and Police Patrols

Tweed Byron Police District is reminding everyone that parks and the Byron CBD are alcohol-free zones. Officers will be patrolling these areas to curb alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour, helping to keep the community and visitors safe.

National Parks and Road Closures

The National Parks and Wildlife Service has announced road closures for New Year’s Eve to manage crowds and protect the environment. Roads affected include:

• Lighthouse Road to Cape Byron Lighthouse
• Black Rock Road in Tyagarah Nature Reserve
• Tallow Beach Road

A Call For Respect

“The Byron Shire is a beautiful area, and we all have a role to play in preserving it,” said Ms. Nagel. “We’re asking visitors and residents to respect our community, its people, and the natural environment.”

Information on parking regulations, dog off-leash areas, and other guidelines is available on the Byron Shire Council website.

Let’s work together to ensure this holiday season is safe, enjoyable, and respectful of the stunning Byron Shire.

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Byron Bay Takes Silver as 2024’s Second Most-Visited Destination for Coach Travellers

By Robert Heyward

Byron Bay has climbed the ranks to become the second most-visited destination in Australia for coach travellers in 2024, moving up one spot from last year. This achievement highlights the growing allure of the iconic coastal hotspot, which continues to captivate both domestic and international visitors.

Greyhound Australia’s Contribution

Australia’s leading long-distance coach company, Greyhound Australia, revealed that over 50,000 passengers are expected to disembark at Byron Bay by the end of the year. With seven daily services arriving at the Byron Bay Interchange, these visitors contribute an estimated $14.5 million annually to the local economy.

One full Greyhound busload spends approximately $6,000 per night in Byron Bay, showcasing the significant economic boost tourism provides to the region.

A Backpacker Favorite

Backpackers make up 63% of Greyhound’s passengers arriving in Byron Bay, primarily using travel passes that allow them to explore Australia’s top destinations. Greyhound’s marketing and communications manager, Michael Leard, emphasised the town’s appeal:

“We are thrilled to announce that Byron has claimed silver as the second most-visited destination for Greyhound Australia passengers in 2024. This achievement is a testament to the hard work of the local tourism industry as we build back after Covid.”

With the return of international tourists, Byron Bay is gearing up for a bustling summer season as the town reclaims its spot on travellers’ itineraries.

Local Benefits

Beyond tourism, Greyhound’s frequent services benefit Byron Bay locals by providing affordable, reliable transport for commuting, family visits, medical appointments, and other travel needs.

National Rankings

Byron Bay trails only Brisbane in Greyhound’s Top 10 Most-Visited Destinations for 2024. Queensland dominates the list, with popular spots like Airlie Beach, Townsville, and Noosa rounding out the rankings.

Greyhound Australia’s Top 10 Most-Visited Destinations in 2024

1. Brisbane
2. Byron Bay ↑1
3. Townsville ↓1
4. Airlie Beach
5. Noosa
6. Surfers Paradise ↑1
7. Cairns ↓1
8. Sydney
9. Toowoomba
10. Rainbow Beach

For backpackers, Byron Bay also secured third place, while it ranked third for ticket holders, underscoring its broad appeal across different traveller segments.

For more information on visiting Byron Bay and Greyhound’s travel options, visit greyhound.com.au.

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