The Northern Rivers: Why Our Beloved Hometown is Popular Tourist Destination

By Liam Jennings

Let me take you on a personal journey to the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, our cherished hometown, and a beloved tourist destination. Nestled between the lush green hills and pristine beaches of Australia’s east coast, this region is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. From our beaches to inland rainforest, to rolling hills and everything in between, it’s no wonder why we call the Northern Rivers home, and why so many people from around Australia, and across the globe, travel far and wide to share our experiences in this beautiful region.

One of the most compelling reasons why the Northern Rivers is a sought-after tourist destination is its unique natural beauty. From the rugged cliffs of the coastline to the rolling hills of the hinterland, this region offers a diverse landscape that captivates the soul. Picture-perfect beaches in Byron Bay, Lennox Head, Ballina (and let’s be real, all our beaches) draw surfers, sun seekers, and nature enthusiasts alike. Inland, the fertile valleys are dotted with macadamia farms, subtropical rainforests, and serene rivers, making it an idyllic setting for relaxation and adventure. Heading out west towards Casino and the Richmond Valley, you come to a huge land mass of rolling hills stretching as far as the eye can see.

Evans Head

And then we come to Byron Bay, the most famous part of our area, is a name known to travellers worldwide. It’s known for its relaxing vibe, Hippy roots, laid-back atmosphere, and stunning beaches make it a magnet for tourists seeking the perfect coastal getaway. The iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse stands as a sentinel over the easternmost point of Australia, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and a prime spot for whale watching during migration season.

For surfers, the Northern Rivers is nothing short of paradise. The region boasts an abundance of world-class surf breaks, catering to riders of all skill levels. The Point at Lennox Head, The Pass at Byron Bay, and Yamba are some of the renowned surf spots that lure wave-riders from across the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice eager to learn, the Northern Rivers waves beckon with open arms.

Beyond its natural allure, the Northern Rivers is a thriving cultural and artistic hub. Byron Bay is home to a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, music festivals, and cultural events throughout the year. But it’s not just Byron that has this culture. With any direction you travel, you’ll find something amazing. Lismore, the home of the community arts, holds an array of different events and festivals, such as the Lantern Parade and many more.

Nightcap National Park

Foodies and gastronomes will find their heaven in the Northern Rivers. The region’s rich volcanic soil and subtropical climate nurture a bounty of fresh produce. From macadamia nuts and avocados to tropical fruits and freshly caught seafood, the local cuisine is a delight for the taste buds. The farm-to-table dining experience is alive and well here, with a plethora of farmers’ markets and gourmet restaurants offering delectable dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

The Northern Rivers is a gateway to several World Heritage-listed national parks, including the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. Exploring these pristine rainforests is like stepping back in time, with ancient trees, rare wildlife, and cascading waterfalls creating an enchanting setting for bush walks and eco-adventures. The Border Ranges National Park and Nightcap National Park are must-visit destinations for nature lovers. But remember, with our community working hard to protect and conserve this rainforest over the years, it is important to leave no trace and respect the land in which it is on.

What truly sets the Northern Rivers apart is its strong sense of community and the countless festivals that celebrate life, music, and art. Events like the Byron Bay Bluesfest, Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival, and the Mullum Music Festival draw visitors from all corners of the globe. These festivals showcase the region’s spirit of inclusion, creativity, and appreciation for the arts. With some huge international headliners, to some of our smaller opening acts, it is a great representation of our regions artistic culture.

Nimbin

The Northern Rivers is dotted with charming small towns, each with its unique character and history. Places like Bangalow, Nimbin, and Mullumbimby offer a glimpse into the region’s past and a taste of its distinct culture. Out west, you have towns such as Casino, Tenterfield and Bentley, then down south we have the beautiful coastal towns of Evans Head, Yamba, Iluka and so many more. Whatever direction you follow, you’ll find a small town or village with true beauty and unique local people.

The Northern Rivers of New South Wales, our beloved hometown, is a popular tourist destination for good reason. Its unparalleled natural beauty, world-class surf breaks, vibrant arts scene, and strong sense of community create a tapestry of experiences that leave visitors enchanted. Whether you’re here to soak up the sun on pristine beaches, explore ancient rainforests, or immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, the Northern Rivers offers something for everyone. As locals, we are all continually grateful to call this incredible region home, and we invite anyone to discover its magic for yourself.

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New twist in council defamation case saga

By Tim Howard

The saga of Clarence Valley Council’s defamation action against a community group has taken another twist, with reports council’s general manager Laura Black will pay legal invoices arising from the action.

Council mayor Peter Johnstone did not the deny the claim, but would not comment further because it was an ongoing legal matter. Ms Black was on leave and unavailable for comment.

The secretary of Yamba Community Action Network, the target of the council’s action, Lynne Cairns, said it had been informed from a resident that there was a rumour about this.

Mrs Cairns said the group only has legal letters written by Sparke Helmore Lawyers on behalf of the council.

“The governing body of Clarence Valley Council are the elected councillors and therefore the legal action was taken in their name,” she said,

General Manager Laura Black

Yamba CAN has denied being responsible for any defamation and questioned why council took this action.

Mrs Cairns said the group was aware some councillors claimed the council never intended to take Yamba CAN to court.

Yamba CAN has requested councillors pass a written resolution stating that they have no intention to take Yamba CAN to court regarding the letter sent by Yamba CAN on July 12 2023 which stated that councillors had received some inaccurate information with regard to the Treelands Drive Community Centre project.

Mrs Cairns said Yamba CAN had not received formal notification about this matter.

The Northern Rivers Times is making no implication the council has acted improperly in these matters.

It does not seem likely the council plans to withdraw.

Prior to the September 26 council meeting, Cr Bill Day made three attempts to lodge a notice of motion to obtain copies of all correspondence surrounding the Concerns notice and potential litigation against Yamba CAN, but each one was rebuffed.

Cr Day said the general manager had “blocked him at every turn”.

Mayor Peter Johnstone

“I thought it was a fair and reasonable request,” he said. “But if you turn to the September 26 council business paper, there is no notice of motion in there.”

Cr Day said in his 12 years experience as a local government councillor, he had never been party to legal action against the community.

“It’s regrettable and could be seen as an attempt to dissuade members of the community from saying things some people don’t want to hear,” he said.

“It’s also distressing that councillors have been denied access to documents that allow them to fulfil their role on council,” he said.

Cr Day said he disagreed with the views of some councillors that the matter was not legal action.
“Yamba CAN has a concerns notice, which is a legal document that is the start of a defamation action,” he said.

“By any definition that constitutes legal action.”

The saga goes back to July when the group revealed at its first annual meeting it had received a concerns notice claiming Yamba CAN had defamed Ms Black.

Ms Black denied it was a legal letter and then Mayor Ian Tiley said he was not aware of any legal action council had undertaken.

Yamba CAN’s legal advisor told the group the concerns notice was valid and allowed the council 12 months to mount a defamation case.

Yamba CAN has consistently denied it has defamed Ms Black and would contest any claim it had.

For more local Clarence Valley news, click here.

Clarence Valley Monopoly comes to town

By Tim Howard

Clarence Valley residents who love a game of Monopoly are now able to play a version of the game designed for their neighbourhood.

Clarence-based company Westlawn Finance, Ashley Albert Performing Arts and the Lower Clarence Netball Association combined to fund the development of the local variant, which went on sale this month.

Westlawn Finance chief financial officer and company director Andrew Hayes said it has been popular, with the 500 copies of the local version of the board game well on the way to being sold out.

Mr Hayes said the Australian distributor of the game Winning Moves came calling several months ago to see if there was interest in a local version of the game.

“We had a meeting and decided it was something we could be part of,” Mr Hayes said.

He did not reveal the details, but said it was not a move that came cheaply.

“The cost was a factor,” he said. “But it was something we thought was too good not to be part of.

Westlawn became the gold sponsor of the project, earning itself the lion’s share of the promotion and getting plenty of bang for its bucks in the game, with Westlawn yellow featuring on the board and on the Monopoly money used in the game.

Two bespoke card and board games Clarence Valley Top Trumps and Clarence Valley Monopoly are selling like hot cakes.

“There’s plenty of local places all around the Clarence Valley,” he said.

“There’s the Clocktower, Grafton Bridge, the Pacific Highway, Maclean Lookout, Iluka Museum. Stacks of places locals would know.”

He said the move had struck a chord with Clarence Valley people with copies of the game selling fast.

There was also a card game version called Clarence Valley Top Trumps, which was also selling well.

A regionalised Monopoly has always been part of the game since it’s earliest variant, The Landlords Game, was invented around 1903 in the USA.

Mr Hayes said the game most Australians were familiar with was the English game, with places like Mayfair and Piccadilly.

“I’m sure the American version has properties they are familiar with,” he said.

The Clarence is not alone in Australia in having a regionalised version available.

Mr Hayes said he knew of versions for Wagga, Tamworth, Melbourne and and Gold Coast.

“But it’s still the same game it’s always been and a lot of fun to play,” he said.

He was also confident should the game sell out, Westlawn would seriously consider a reprint.

“If it comes to the I’m sure it’s something we consider worth doing again,” he said.

For more local Clarence Valley news, click here.