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Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

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Blue skies for Bluesfest day 1

If yesterday at Bluesfest was anything to go by, it's going to be an incredible event and with the weather holding, (so far) the Easter weekend's future is looking bright.

Other News

Richmond Valley Rail Trail grand opening

The latest leg of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail opened in style on Saturday, with hundreds of two-wheeled travel enthusiasts spinning along the newly opened 13.4 kilometre section from Casino to Bentley.

Coveted Wollumbin Art Award open for young and old

Are you an artist in the Northern Rivers? Now is the time to get your art ready and submitted to the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre’s coveted biennial Wollumbin Art Award.

Urgent appeal

At last Thursday’s Byron Council meeting a long and dedicated campaign to save rail tracks and restore trains in...

Peter Garrett gives Bluesfest the nod

If I say the words ‘US Forces give the nod’, I can pretty much guarantee that you will hear the unmistakable voice of Peter Garrett ringing in your ears. Your head may even start to bob up and down a bit. 

Seize the Decade report outlines benefits of renewables

The Climate Council says many more Australian families can directly benefit from rooftop solar and batteries under a new plan that spells out how we can electrify the nation and cut climate pollution this decade.

Superbowls

Superbowls is your go-to spot for a burst of woodfired flavour! Nestled in Byron Arts and Industry Estate, the...

It can take being away from home, long hours spent in transit, a lack of sleep, and language barriers to make you realise how good our lives are in Australia

Riding the highs and lows of touring, Caravãna Sun, you could say, had a big 2014. They were just back from gruelling European tours, had a band member retire and replaced by the almighty Ken Allars, and the band are taking it all in their stride, finishing the year with a gig at the Hotel Brunswick.

Ant Beard is still catching his breath from the whirlwind that was 2014.

‘It’s been a pretty amazing year – it was our third trip to Europe. It was full on but really nice. Although it’s great to be back here; we have such an appreciation and gratefulness for our country and how lucky we are.

‘We had a few amazing experiences,’ said Ant. ‘In Vienna we were supported by a band from Austria with eight horns playing this authentic polka-styled music. When you get that really authentic music it’s incredible.’

caravana-sunCaravãna Sun could be from anywhere – their music traverses Spain, Greece, Mexico – anywhere the people really know how to party! ‘The reaction was awesome. Each country has its own culture of live music, from the Netherlands at outdoor festivals where they go crazy or in Austria where they are more reserved; the appreciation you get from people is awesome. The highlight was probably our last gig in Portugal at this tiny fishing village; we didn’t start till 4.30 in the morning! Even now online I think 80–90 per cent of the interest is coming from Portugal. It’s amazing to be here and have this huge market of people enjoying our music!’

Ant credits the magic of Caravãna Sun with the very natural way it all came together.

‘It all happened pretty organically and the actual band has been together for four years. It’s hard to underpin the chemistry. I could try and describe it in words but it’s hard. I think what comes through is that we have this respect for each other and the music. The four of us are walking in and dealing with other people’s energy so you have to stick together and look out for each other. I think you can see the respect and the love is a passed-around thing.’

The band are currently working on their third album.

‘We are in the process of getting all the songs together. In a way they are writing themselves. A lot are a bit more Australian themed, taking a look at what it means for us to be Australian after touring for four years, and focused on contacting and being part of these small communities.’

The band are particularly excited about playing Hotel Brunswick this New Years.

‘I am sure this has been a well said thing among musicians around Australia, but anyone who has the pleasure of gracing the stage at Brunswick would have to agree: the connection with the crowd is amazing. I am trying not to talk it up too much, but this is a New Years that is hard not to talk up! It’s going to be a great gig!’

At the Hotel Brunswick on New Years Eve with Pierce Brothers.

Doors open from 6pm and tix are $50.


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Retired local professor launches book on grief

A leading international thinker and researcher in the development of innovative sport coaching and physical education teaching has returned home to Byron Bay and is launching his first non-academic book, 'Grief and Growth', on April 4 at The Book Room in Byron. 

Resilient Lismore’s ‘Repair to Return’ funding

On the eve of the second anniversary of the second devastating flood in 2022, Resilient Lismore has welcomed the finalisation of its funding deed with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, which will enable the continuation of its ‘Repair to Return’ program.

Editorial – Joyous propaganda! 

The NSW Labor government marked its one year in office this week with a jubilant statement of achievements issued from Macquarie Street HQ.

Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

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