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Byron Shire
March 28, 2024

Alexander and the terrible … day

Latest News

Iconic Lennox beach shed upgraded –  not demolished

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

Other News

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!

Mayoral casting vote gets Lismore’s Affordable Housing Strategy over the line

At the recent Lismore City Council meeting former Mayor Vanessa Ekins and councillor Elly Bird moved the motion to introduce an Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme and submit it to the state government for a gateway determination. 

Mullum pods

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

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.

Laid-back but lively

Ooz is an acoustic roots reggae artist with a large, eclectic repertoire of crowd favourites. His unique, laid-back but lively style creates a relaxed atmosphere and his song choices have you remembering many of those forgotten classics.

Hiatus Beers

Launched to market in July 2022, Hiatus Beers is all about brewing crisp, refreshing, full-flavoured, non-alcoholic beer.  The founders...

If you think that Team Oz is doing it tough under the stewardship of the fork-tongued, knuckle-dragger and his mob of reptilian droogs, spare a thought for the Coopers and the calamities that befall them on an otherwise clear and sunny California day.

This is one of those Disney family movies that are so easy to mock but so difficult to not enjoy. It is neither more nor less than what it presents itself as – harmless but pithy in its observations, funny without being uproarious (though I did have a couple of laugh-out-loud moments), and smart enough to credit its audience, young and old, with at least a modicum of intelligence.

Twelve-year-old Alexander (the endearing Australian, Ed Oxenbould) feels alienated, put upon and depressed because his upcoming birthday party has been overshadowed by that of a hipper kid.

To make matters worse, he is also suffering from a crush on the unobtainable Becky (Sidney Fullmer). His wish to be understood comes true when everybody else in the household is plunged into utter chaos.

Unemployed Dad (Steve Carell) has a job opportunity put at stake, Mom (Jennifer Garner) sees her publishing project in a shambles, Emily (Kerris Dorsey), about to make her stage debut in the school play, is stricken with the flu and Anthony (Dylan Minette) blows his driving test only hours before he is due to be crowned Duke at the junior prom.

Watching it all unfold is baby Trevor, who eats green ink.

All of the threads of the story are neatly and logically entwined, the edit bounces along at a rate that avoids flat periods and the morality – of getting back up when you are knocked down – is inoffensively hopeful.

It’s no stretch for Carell, but Garner is wonderful, while the youthful support cast, including Bella Thorne as Celia, Anthony’s drop-dead gorgeous prom date, are immensely personable.

I liked it heaps, and the closing scene, involving an INXS number and a trio of raunchy Aussie drovers, is a hoot.

~ John Campbell


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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.

A health check as Medicare turns 40

If you’ll forgive the earnest tone, I’d like to propose a toast. To a friend who’s almost always there when you need them most. To a system that aims to treat people fairly and respectfully. 

Byron Council staff baulk at councillors’ promise of free parking for locals

Will Byron Council deliver on its pledge to make parking permits free for locals across the Shire when paid parking comes into force in Brunswick Heads?