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Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

Don’t isolate men

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Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

A man has been charged following a pursuit near Tweed Heads on Monday.

Other News

A seasoned bard

Guy Kachel had an idyllic entry to the world of music. Born in Tamworth, he was raised on the banks of the Peel River. The landscape was a fertile ground for his imagination. Seeing this rustic world change, as Tamworth developed into an inland city and friends grew to sometimes troubled adulthoods, provided insights for the artistry that later powered his career as a performer.

‘Smooth stroking’ Rainbow Dragons earn trophies

Rainbow Dragons (Lennox Head Ballina) won three trophies and had a fantastic weekend of fun, fitness and friendship at Grafton Dragon Boat Club’s regatta earlier in March.

Mullum pods

They look so uninviting and dismal. It would not cost a lot to change the name to ‘tiny homes’...

Dynamic, rustic yet polished

Animal Ventura is the brainchild of Byron Bay-based singer-songwriter Fernando Aragones. Growing up playing punk and reggae in noisy garage bands in Southern Brazil, Aragones ventured to Australia where the eclectic sounds of the Sydney music scene beckoned.

We just love him!

If you’re over 50 you might not be a fan of Tom Jones, but you can bet your mum is. If you’re under 40 you might not even know who he is, but your grandmother probably wet her pants at the mere mention of his name.

Community grants on offer

Ingrained Foundation is running its fifth annual grants program, with a funding pool of $150,000.

Rainer Glasker, Mount Burrell

I was pleased to learn that Lyn Dickinson is suggesting alternate sites for Pottsville Men’s Shed and highlighting the important issues for consideration in choosing a location.  I hope the committee will keep an open mind when considering the pros and cons of various options.

While I strongly favoured the southern end of the market site in Pottsville for its central location, I understand that there are difficulties with that site. The Barry Sheppard sports field in Hastings Point has also been suggested, and as the Men’s Shed will be servicing areas north of Pottsville, that site appears to offer clear advantages.

I am concerned at suggestions that Black Rocks sports field could be used temporarily. It is isolated and distant from the majority of those who might use the facility.

There are serious security issues due to poor visibility and past activity by vandals and hoons. It would be devastating for men to have equipment and part-completed projects stolen or trashed, and it is surely not in line with the group’s objectives to put men in a position of having to confront mischief-makers.

How will the shed be guarded outside the limited hours of operation (approx 12 hours per week), especially if the field is opened up for sporting activities? Looking at the surrounding bushland, I also have grave concerns about the potential fire risk if vandals access flammable commodities.

How can such a remote location be considered suitable for a group whose stated objective is to foster links to the community and address problems of social isolation?

Everything I read about the Men’s Shed objectives reinforces my view that locating it at Black Rocks sports field (albeit by erection of a removal shed for use for a few years) runs contrary to everything the Men’s Shed stands for.

 


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Where should affordable housing go in Tweed Shire?

Should affordable and social housing in the Tweed Shire be tucked away in a few discreet corners? Perhaps it should be on the block next to where you live?

Making Lismore Showground accessible to everyone

The Lismore Showground isn’t just a critical local community asset that plays host to a number of major events each year, but has also been used as an evacuation centre during past natural disasters in the region. 

Iconic Lennox beach shed upgraded –  not demolished

Lennox Park and the shelter shed has now been upgraded and reopened.

Govt cost-shifting ‘erodes financially sustainable local government’

Byron Shire Council looks set to add its voice to the growing chorus calling on the state government to stop shifting responsibilities and costs onto local government.