Jeff Gibbs
Byron Bay’s strong sense of community will be on full display when Bayleaf Café hosts its ‘Raffle with Heart’ on Friday 5 September, celebrating 130 years of connection, culture and local spirit.
The event, part of the Byron Community Centre’s 130 Years of Community Spirit festivities, will feature cocktails, tapas and a raffle filled with prizes generously donated by beloved local businesses including Patagonia, Spell, Stone & Wood, Byron Bay Candles, Loco Love, and Crystal Castle.
Adding to the celebrations is the unveiling of a new mural by local artist Valentina Di Blase on Bayleaf’s exterior wall. Known for her vibrant works, Valentina is also exhibiting at Byron Spaces Gallery. The evening also marks the official opening of Jan Rae’s exhibition at Bayleaf Café, featuring her Byron Café Society and Byron Hinterland collections. Rae, one of the artists behind the original 1984 Byron Community Centre mural, is donating her painting Beach Track (2024) as a raffle prize.
Bayleaf owners Tom and Dani Popovic said supporting the community centre was a natural fit for their café’s values. “It’s about celebrating the creativity and generosity that makes Byron so special,” they said.
Byron Community Centre Relationships Manager Bec Robinson said the fundraiser will directly support programs and services that enrich local life.
The Raffle with Heart will be drawn at Bayleaf Café, with every ticket sold helping the Byron Community Centre continue its vital role at the heart of the town.
