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Program Artwork for the now-cancelled 2021 Byron Writers Festival

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Byron Writers Festival cancelled

SYDNEY’S COVID-19 OUTBREAK CLAIMS FIRST REGIONAL NSW FESTIVAL

The 2021 Byron Writers Festival has been cancelled in light of Sydney’s unpredictable COVID-19 outbreak.
Devastated organisers made the announcement this morning after an emergency meeting of the Byron Writers Festival board.
“It is with a heavy heart we have made the decision to cancel Byron Writers Festival 2021, which was scheduled to run from 6-8 August. We have come to this extremely difficult decision in light of the developing Covid-19 situation in NSW as well as border and travel restrictions,” an official statement from Edwina Johnson Festival Director and the team at Byron Writers Festival read.
Escalating case numbers, the virulence of the Delta strain and Byron Bay’s popularity as a destination for metro visitors were all factors considered in the decision.
“We have been following Covid developments in Greater Sydney and nationally very closely over the last few days. As positive cases continue to emerge and borders are closed to NSW, it has become clear that the current restrictions will push too close to the festival to make it feasible to proceed in early August. Especially given a large portion of participating writers are located in either Greater Sydney or interstate and are subject to travel restrictions. In addition, of course, is growing community hesitancy to travel in such volatile circumstances,” the statement added.
“Our primary and abiding concern is, as ever, the health of everyone involved in the Festival – presenters, attendees, volunteers, staff and of course the safety of the wider Northern Rivers community .. we believe cancellation is the only responsible course of action.”
In what was meant to be its 25th anniversary year of the festival, more than 150 authors, commentators, entertainers and powerful new voices were scheduled to appear at the 2021 Byron Writers Festival across 115 panels during the three day event.
According to the 2021 program, at the core of the festival is,
‘ .. the belief in the power of story as a means to connect, heal and make change,’ it read.
The 2021 Byron Writers may reschedule programming for later in the year, a decision is still pending.
Anyone with a ticket to Byron Writers Festival 2021 will automatically receive a refund within the next 14 days. Tickets to satellite events or festival workshops are asked for patience as refund arrangements are worked through with event partners and venues.
“We offer our sincere thanks for your support and please, stay safe.” Edwina Johnson Festival Director said.
It is the second time in two years Byron Writers Festival has been forced to cancel due to risks from Covid-19.
Photo: writers cancelled program
Caption: Program Artwork for the now-cancelled 2021 Byron Writers Festival
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The cancellation of Writers Festival comes as Regional NSW recorded its first case of COVID-19 in Goulburn in the Southern Tablelands, after a construction worker travelled from Sydney to work in a regional hospital.
The male worker was deemed an ‘essential’ worker permitting him to travel to the region.
NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, said Sydney workers can’t be complacent when working in regional areas and reminded all workers of the requirement to return to their accommodation straight after work,
“You can’t go to pubs, clubs, hospitality, anything else, you can only go there and do your essential work and get your essential food and groceries, the restrictions in greater Sydney apply to you.” Dr Chant said.

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Tweed Heads Man Revs Up Excitement with $50,000 Keno Win

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Tweed Heads Man Revs Up Excitement with $50,000 Keno Win

Jeff Gibbs

A Tweed Heads man is ready for high-speed adventures after winning $50,000 in a Keno Classic draw. The lucky winner hit the jackpot in draw 968 on Thursday, 13 February 2025, with his winning ticket purchased at Ivory Waterside, 156 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads.

The New South Wales resident said he discovered the exciting news during a night out with a friend.
“It was quite the surprise,” the winner shared. “We put on a few games and completely forgot about them. We weren’t watching the screen, so it was only when I checked my ticket that I found out about the win.”

Overjoyed with the unexpected windfall, the pair stayed out to celebrate. The winner already has plans for his prize:
“I’ll probably buy a new motorbike and put some towards the house. I’ve only played Keno about five times, so it was pretty amazing to win like this.”

The man revealed he used a selection of special numbers and couldn’t be more grateful for his good fortune.
“Thanks so much!”

Keno Players Enjoy Big Wins Across Australia

In FY24, Keno players across Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, and Victoria celebrated more than 78.5 million wins, collectively worth over $1.16 billion.

Among the major winners were 18 millionaires and multi-millionaires, including a Shelly Beach dad who took home a $5.92 million windfall. Eight major winners were from New South Wales and the ACT, with total winnings of $588.5 million across the region.

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Adam Gilchrist Pavilion Lismore Honours an Aussie Cricketing Legend

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Adam Gilchrist Pavilion Lismore

Adam Gilchrist Pavilion Honours an Aussie Cricketing Legend

Jeff Gibbs

Lismore’s reputation as a premier regional sporting hub has reached new heights with the unveiling of the Adam Gilchrist Pavilion at the Lismore Regional Sporting Hub. Named in honour of Adam (Gilly) Gilchrist, one of Australia’s greatest cricketers, the pavilion is part of a $12.4 million upgrade to Oakes Oval and Crozier Field.

A Tribute to a Cricket Icon
Adam Gilchrist, renowned for his aggressive batting and wicketkeeping prowess, is deeply connected to Lismore, where he spent his formative years and attended school in Goonellabah. As a key member of three World Cup-winning teams (1999, 2003, 2007) and a Wisden Cricketer of the Year (2002), his contributions to Australian cricket are legendary. His induction into the International Cricket Council’s Hall of Fame cements his place in cricket history.

Reflecting on the honour, Gilchrist said:
“It’s an incredible honour to have a pavilion named after you. Growing up in Lismore, I never imagined this day would come. I hope it serves as a reminder of the community that supported me and how much this place means to me.”

Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg described the pavilion as a fitting tribute:
“Gilly brought joy and amazement to cricket fans across the world. It’s an absolute honour to have this high-quality facility named after one of Lismore’s most iconic sporting figures.”

A Multi-Purpose Sporting Venue

The Adam Gilchrist Pavilion is a modern, multi-purpose venue designed to host sporting and community events. Key features include:

  • Function room with internal seating for 100
  • Commercial kitchen and bar
  • Office space and meeting rooms
  • Viewing deck overlooking Oakes Oval and Crozier Field
  • Modern amenities including air conditioning, Wi-Fi, accessible toilets, and a lift

The flexible space can be divided into three separate areas, making it suitable for meetings, private functions, conferences, weddings, and corporate events.

A Major Investment in Regional Sport

The $12.4 million upgrade to the Lismore Regional Sporting Hub has transformed the facility, delivering:

  • New change rooms
  • Upgraded grandstands
  • Enhanced spectator areas
  • Cricket training nets built to national standards
  • Additional amenities blocks

Funded through contributions from the Australian Government ($6 million), NSW Government’s Regional Sport Infrastructure Fund ($4.5 million), Stronger Country Communities Fund ($400,000), and Lismore City Council ($1.5 million), the upgrades ensure that Lismore remains a top-tier destination for high-profile sporting events.

The Adam Gilchrist Pavilion is now available for hire, offering an ideal setting for community gatherings, corporate events, and social celebrations.

For bookings and more information, visit the Lismore City Council website at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au.

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Forestry Corporation Under Fire for Amended Sustainability Reports

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Greens MP and environment spokesperson Sue Higginson Forestry Corporation

Forestry Corporation Under Fire for Amended Sustainability Reports

 

By Ian Rogers

The NSW Forestry Corporation is facing serious scrutiny after it was caught quietly revising three years’ worth of sustainability reports, significantly reducing the reported timber yield from native forest logging since 2021. The revised data shows a 28% decline in yield across NSW, raising questions about the corporation’s reporting practices and the broader sustainability of native forest logging.

The discrepancy was uncovered in 2024 by members of the North East Forest Alliance and South East Forest Rescue. The discovery has prompted Greens MP and environment spokesperson Sue Higginson to call on the NSW Auditor-General to investigate the Forestry Corporation for maladministration.

“The reported yield from native forest logging is a cornerstone of so-called ecologically sustainable forest management,” Ms. Higginson said. “For this data to be revised down by 28% without any public announcement calls into question the entire justification for continuing native forest logging.”

Misleading Data Raises Alarm

Ms. Higginson described the changes as a case of maladministration, highlighting that the original data—now proven inaccurate—had been tabled in NSW Parliament as part of Forestry’s sustainability reports since 2022.

“The fact that these reports were altered without formal recognition or public explanation is deeply concerning,” Ms. Higginson said. “The Forestry Corporation has a legal obligation to ensure that yields are accurately measured and sustainable. This data revision confirms what we’ve known for decades—that neither of these obligations has been met.”

Industry Losses and Environmental Concerns

According to the Forestry Corporation’s own annual reports, the native forest logging industry in NSW has incurred $73 million in losses since 2020. Ms. Higginson argues that the revised data reflects not only the declining profitability of the sector but also the deteriorating health of the state’s native forests.

“If timber yields are 28% lower than what the Government was originally told, it’s clear that the forests are in a far worse state than the Forestry Corporation is willing to admit,” she said.

Calls for Immediate Action

Ms. Higginson urged the Minns Labor Government to act swiftly and end native forest logging in NSW.

“The writing is on the wall,” she said. “The native forest logging industry is collapsing. We already know what it will cost to transition workers and communities out of the industry, and it’s significantly less than the ongoing destruction of our precious native forests.”

Environmental advocates have long called for an end to native forest logging, arguing that it is both economically and ecologically unsustainable. Ms. Higginson’s call for a formal investigation could further intensify pressure on the government to reconsider its stance.

 

For more local news, click here.

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3G Shutdown Senate Inquiry Public Hearing

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3G Shutdown

3G Shutdown Senate Inquiry Public Hearing

 

By Ian Rogers

Opening Statement by Charlotte Wundersitz, National Farmers’ Federation General Manager of Rural Affairs – Date: Feb 5, 2024

Thank you for the opportunity to appear today.

The livelihoods of Australian farming families are intrinsically tied to accessible, reliable, affordable, and high-quality connectivity.

Since Telstra and Optus commenced the shutdown of their respective 3G mobile networks in October 2024, promising equivalent or improved coverage, Australian farmers remain unconvinced that these major providers have fulfilled that commitment. Three months post-shutdown, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) continues to receive widespread reports of diminished service availability and quality.

Key Issues Raised

  • Reduced Service Quality: Farmers are experiencing more frequent call dropouts, inconsistent connectivity, slow download speeds, and, in some cases, a complete inability to access the internet.
  • Loss of Fortuitous Coverage: The shutdown has led to the disappearance of ‘bonus coverage’ areas, creating new blackspots in regions that previously enjoyed reliable service.
  • Increased Financial Burden: Farmers have had to invest heavily in expensive boosters, antennas, and software upgrades. Despite these measures, many still struggle with basic connectivity.

Impact on Safety and Productivity

This situation presents serious safety and productivity concerns, particularly during critical periods such as harvest and fire danger seasons. The NFF has documented several specific cases:

  1. Scott Loughnan (Muckadilla, QLD): Reports significant post-shutdown issues along the Warrego Highway, affecting communication during grain harvest transport—a critical, time-sensitive operation.
  2. Southern NSW Farmer: Despite being in a “guaranteed coverage area,” experiences persistent dropouts. Costs incurred from purchasing cel-fi boosters and upgrading farm equipment range between $10,000 and $20,000 due to the shutdown.
  3. Knuth Family (Charters Towers, QLD): Reliable call coverage has plummeted from 90% of their property to just 20%. This has severely impacted both operational efficiency and safety, especially during the calving season when immediate assistance is often required.

Challenges in Seeking Resolutions

Despite the severity of these issues, rural Australians are disillusioned with the prospect of reporting problems to their providers, citing long wait times, unhelpful responses, and suggestions to purchase additional equipment without guaranteeing improved outcomes.

A Call for Accountability

This is not the first major telecommunications transition in Australia, nor will it be the last. However, rural consumers must not be treated as collateral damage in a process designed primarily to benefit urban residents and boost providers’ profits.

The NFF remains committed to holding telecommunications providers accountable throughout this transition. We acknowledge the recent launch of Telstra’s 3G hotline, which represents a positive initial step. Nevertheless, we urge all providers to engage directly with rural communities, listen to their concerns, and implement meaningful solutions.

The current status quo is unacceptable. Rural Australians deserve better, and the NFF will continue to advocate fiercely on their behalf.

 

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Youth Bail Law Extension Sparks Outcry Over Rising Incarceration Rates

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Youth Bail Law Extension Youth Crime

Youth Bail Law Extension Sparks Outcry Over Rising Incarceration Rates

 

By Ian Rogers

The Minns Labor Government has extended its controversial youth bail law changes from the initial 12-month period to four years. Since the changes were introduced in March last year, 80% of young people charged with certain offences have been refused bail, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from legal and civil society groups.

The changes were opposed at the time by organisations including the NSW Bar Association, Law Society of NSW, and the Aboriginal Legal Service, who warned they would lead to more young people being incarcerated without addressing the root causes of crime.

Greens MP and justice spokesperson Sue Higginson slammed the decision, describing it as a “knee-jerk reaction” with damaging consequences.

“It’s entirely unsurprising that the rate of young people being denied bail has shot up to 80%—that’s exactly what Premier Chris Minns intended with these laws,” Ms. Higginson said. “These changes weren’t designed to reduce crime; they were purely aimed at making the government look tough on crime.”

Increased Criminalisation and Over-policing

Ms. Higginson welcomed the government’s commitment to increase funding for support and diversion programs, particularly those run by Aboriginal Controlled Organisations, but said the broader strategy is flawed.

“The problem is the Minns Labor Government is pursuing a response rooted in further criminalisation of young people—through police-led operations, over-policing, refusal of bail, and incarceration,” she said. “This approach entrenches cycles of criminality and undermines the positive work being done by communities. What’s needed are community-led, therapeutic responses that actually address the behaviours behind offending.”

Ms. Higginson pointed out that legal organisations had warned the government from the outset about the consequences of these changes.

“The NSW Bar Association and Law Society of NSW called for these laws to be withdrawn or amended. But the Premier ignored those warnings and pushed ahead. Now, 12 months later, we find ourselves exactly where they predicted—more young First Nations people in prison and no clear reduction in offending.”

Contrary to International Standards

Ms. Higginson highlighted that the laws violate international agreements and NSW laws on the treatment of young people, imposing harsher penalties on children compared to adults.

“These laws were unacceptable when introduced, and it’s unconscionable that Premier Minns is now extending them for another three years. They intentionally target vulnerable young people, especially First Nations children, further entrenching inequality and cycles of reoffending,” she said.

Populist Policies Lead to Higher Recidivism

Ms. Higginson argued that the government’s focus on punitive measures rather than prevention will drive up both crime rates and recidivism.

“The evidence is clear—this populist law-and-order agenda doesn’t work. Throwing more money at a broken system will only fail communities and service providers who are working tirelessly to help vulnerable young people,” she said. “The only way to reduce crime is to invest in diversionary programs and keep young people out of the criminal justice system wherever possible.”

 

For more local news, click here.

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