“Australian lightweight champion from lil ol’ Swan Bay”

By Samantha Elley

Maddog boxing’s Sunny McLean has been going from strength to strength this past year, grabbing titles from each of the events he has been fighting in.

Sunny McLean and his coach, Scott Smith, who runs Maddox Boxing, were recently picked to represent Queensland as the fighter and coach team to compete in the national titles in Gosford.

Sunny won all his elimination bouts and beat the NSW champion in the gold medal fight, to become the newly crowned Australian champion in the lightweight division.

They were surprised with a visit from Jason and Andrew Moloney, world champion professional boxers.

“Every state in Australia was there with all the best fighters and the (Moloney brothers) came to support us, so we felt so special,” said Scott.

“They came to help me prepare Sunny for his last two fights in this event.”

Sunny was competing for Queensland as he already holds the title of QLD/NSW interstate champion.

“His first opponent, the referee stopped the fight in the 3rd round,” said Scott.

“His second opponent was the favourite from Tasmania and Sunny won that fight to go through for the gold medal against the NSW champion.

“Andy (co-trainer) and I worked out a plan to beat him and Sunny did exactly what he was asked and never last control of the situation.

“He is now the Australian lightweight champion from lil ol Swan Bay.”

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Byron’s Waverider Buoy Set for Return After Critical Repairs

By Ian Rogers

Byron Bay’s iconic yellow Waverider buoy, a crucial tool for monitoring real-time wave conditions, is set to be redeployed later this week after undergoing urgent repairs by coastal engineers from the Manly Hydraulics Laboratory (MHL). The repair timeline remains weather dependent.

The buoy has been offline since early November after its antenna was snapped, halting the transmission of live wave data vital to the North Coast region. The disruption highlights the vulnerability of the buoy’s sensitive instruments, which can be damaged when recreational water users tether their boats or watercraft to it.

MHL is urging the community to avoid using the buoy as a mooring point and to maintain at least a 20-metre distance to protect the equipment. Damage not only impairs the buoy’s functionality but can also cause widespread loss of wave data relied on by water users, marine emergency services, and coastal management professionals.

Key Features of the Waverider Buoy

• Design: A 1m-diameter yellow spherical buoy equipped with radar reflectors, a 1.5m white antenna, a light, and a black flag.
• Location: Moored about 10 km offshore from Byron Bay.
• Function: Uses an accelerometer to measure wave motion, producing data on wave height, period, and direction.
• Significance: Supports safety, navigation, coastal management, and climate change adaptation for the North Coast.

The buoy is one of seven Waveriders operated by MHL, monitoring a 2,000 km stretch of coastline from Byron Bay to Eden. MHL has been providing real-time wave data for the NSW coast since 1974 and specifically for the Byron Bay region since 1976.

A Reminder for the Community

MHL Director Edward Couriel emphasised the buoy’s importance, stating, “Our wave buoys have been operating in NSW for over 50 years, offering invaluable data for everyone from surfers to emergency services. Repairing and redeploying them is complex and weather dependent. We urge locals to keep their distance and avoid contact to prevent further disruptions to this critical service.”

Real-time wave data from MHL’s network can be accessed at MHL’s website.

Pending favourable conditions, the repaired buoy will soon resume its role as the “live and listening ear” to the ocean, restoring a vital resource for water users and professionals managing NSW’s dynamic coastline.

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$52 Million Boost to Accelerate Byron Shire’s Disaster Recovery

By Ian Rogers

The Albanese and Minns Governments have jointly approved $52.5 million in additional disaster recovery funding to help the Byron Shire Council restore essential road infrastructure damaged by past natural disasters. This funding, part of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, will enhance the safety and resilience of key roads across the region.

Scope of the Project

The funding will support extensive repairs to landslips and damaged roads, including:

• Coolamon Scenic Drive (2 locations)
• Left Bank Road (2 locations)
• Wilsons Creek Road (3 locations)
• Coopers Creek Road (2 locations)
• Huonbrook Road (5 locations)
• Johnsons Road (4 locations)
• Main Arm Road, Frasers Road, St Helena Road, Goonengerry Road, The Pocket Road (3 locations), Monet Drive, Dry Creek Road, Wanganui Road, Possum Shoot Road, and Tristran Parade.

Eight funding packages, ranging from $506,000 to $15.89 million, have been allocated to address these repairs. Given the extensive nature of the work, the project is expected to span several years.

Federal and State Leadership

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister:
“The 2022 floods had an enduring impact on the community of Byron Shire. We’re restoring roads to help families stay connected and businesses access reliable transport routes. This is about recovery and long-term resilience.”

Federal Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot:
“These road upgrades are about building back better. I’m proud to see the Albanese Government partnering with the Minns Government to ensure locals have safer, more reliable roads.”

NSW Minister for Planning, Paul Scully:
“Recent weather events have taken a heavy toll on the Byron Shire. This investment will restore travel routes and improve resilience.”

Local and Regional Support

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison:
“The North Coast is particularly vulnerable to severe weather. This funding helps ensure Byron Shire residents can reconnect faster after disasters.”

NSW Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin:
“This significant investment improves road safety for residents and visitors alike, and I’m pleased to collaborate with my colleague, Tamara Smith, to secure these funds.”

Byron Shire Council Manager of Infrastructure Recovery, Phil Warner:
“While we’re thrilled to receive this funding, some repairs will take years due to planning, approvals, and securing resources. We thank the community for their patience and will provide updates on project timelines.”

Building Resilience for the Future

The funding not only addresses immediate recovery needs but also ensures the region is better prepared for future natural disasters. By repairing and reinforcing critical infrastructure, the Byron Shire will benefit from safer, more resilient transport routes, strengthening connections for residents, businesses, and visitors.

For more details, visit the NSW Government Disaster Recovery page.

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