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Byron Shire
March 28, 2024

A unique fusion of blues

Latest News

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?

Other News

Carrying and passing the torch

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. 

Could the future of the Richmond River be a clean and healthy one?

Imagine a drinkable, swimmable, fishable Richmond River? That is the aim of the Richmond Riverkeepers Association.

Queer family visibility

Did you know that, statistically, if you’ve met a redhead, you’ve also met a trans person? Over 800 trans and gender diverse people live in the Byron Shire, which includes at least 200 children. They’re often a bit hidden though, so come on down and celebrate with them this Trans Day of Visibility!

Iconic Lennox beach shed upgraded –  not demolished

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

Protecting nature and naturism from prejudice in Byron Shire

A new regime of social repression is imposing itself over the Byron Shire. Supported by local conservatives, the NSW National Parks Wildlife Service is attacking diversity and a particular minority group in Byron Shire – naturists.

NORPA’s wild ride at Lismore Showgrounds

NORPA is taking audiences on an adventure outside the theatre once again, announcing it will stage its original work Wildskin in a warehouse space at the Lismore Showgrounds. A sensory, destination theatre experience, Wildskin inhabits an outrageous and unpredictable world that’s part bush-thriller, part road-trip and a whole lot of NORPA’s signature theatrical style.

The Dillion James Band is a blues collective of multi-instrumentalists originating from Brisbane. Although the group’s roots lay inherently within the blues, their original fusion draws from a wide range of musical influences.

The band’s unique and open approach to blues is consistently heard throughout their debut album Tone Baked Goodness (released in March 2011), which is currently enjoying considerable national airplay with its inclusion at number 4 in the Australian Blues/Roots Radio Airplay Charts. The band also received the accolade of winning the BASEQ (Blues Association of South-East Queensland) 2010 Blues Performers of the Year award.

DJB formed almost three years ago after an impromptu jam session at Brisbane’s Indigenous Art Gallery. Over the following twelve months experimentation ensued as an eclectic mix of musicians honed a sound destined to carve its own niche within the Australian blues arena.

After a number of well-received gigs, the door was opened for them to perform at the Brisbane Blues Festival. One year on and DJB are introducing packed audiences around Australia to their stimulating blend of blues and roots.

Deeply rooted in the blues and demonstrating a musical maturity far exceeding his years, Dillion has frequently been invited to augment the lineup of established Australian blues bands Mojo Webb and Blind Lemon for numerous gigs including the East Coast Blues & Roots and Woodford Folk festivals. Fulfilling a long-standing musical ambition, in 2010 he travelled to New Orleans to jam with and learn from the local musicians. The experience had a strong influence on his playing and is prominent in his band performances as his Hammond organ leads the groove and breathes the blues as the accompanying musicians of DJB envelop the vibe with reggae and funk overtones rising to an infectious performance.

Since their recent southeast-coast tour of Australia (which included the Australian Blues Music Festival in Goulburn, Queenscliffe’s Blues Train and performances in Melbourne, Sydney and Newcastle) DJB has appeared at the Broadbeach Blues Festival, Brisbane Blues Festival and Twin Towns Blues Festival as well as iconic blues and roots venue The Rails in Byron Bay and Nimbin’s legendary Mardi Grass.

See Dillion James Band at the Sphinx Rock Cafe on Sunday.


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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.

Saddle Road group home DA decision this week

Plans to build Byron Shire’s first permanent group home for women and children in housing stress are moving ahead, with the development application for the project coming before Council this week.