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Byron Shire
June 3, 2026

Champion master chef set to share knowledge

Latest News

Ballina Council wrap

With local government meeting practice across the state returning to confusion following the NSW Legislative Council's recent decision, Ballina Shire Council's last meeting included a lot of unanimous decisions and an argument about the remnants of the Big Scrub, in which Mayor Cadwallader used her casting vote to squash Cr Simon Chate's motion.

Other News

Highway night works around Tweed Heads South from Sunday 31 May

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions on the Pacific Motorway’s northbound off ramp and on ramp at Darlington Drive, Tweed Heads South for essential vegetation maintenance work from Sunday, 31 May.

Severe weather threat downgraded, but rain to persist

The threat of severe weather for Urbenville, Kyogle and surrounds is now reduced, according to the SES.

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Saying Goodbye to a Very Handsome Man

Last week an old friend of mine died. His name was Gary Cook. We met here in Byron Bay, when I was 23. He would have been in his early 30s. He was handsome. And funny. And weird. And self-involved. He used to come to Ringos, where I worked as a waitress. He’d sing to himself, bludge cigarettes, and shine up the serviette holder. He loved looking at himself. He’d laugh and say, ‘God, I’m a handsome man,’ and then he’d laugh this really infectious laugh

Police chase e-bike thieves in Byron Bay

Two men faced court on last Thursday following an alleged pursuit near Byron Bay on Wednesday morning.

Australian classic comes to Byron Theatre

A major new stage adaptation of Jessica Anderson’s Miles Franklin Award-winning novel Tirra Lirra by the River will come to Byron Theatre in a limited season from 5 to 13 June.

Interview with Pacific Avenue

South Coast rockers, Pacific Avenue, have left an indelible mark on the music industry, their debut studio album Flowers secured a spot as a number one Australian album earning two ARIA nominations. Now, their recently released second studio album, Lovesick Sentimental, looks to be heading in the same direction.

Champion master chef  Gary Smith shares his knowledge North Coast TAFE student Damien Mejan-Fripp.
Champion master chef Gary Smith shares his knowledge North Coast TAFE student Damien Mejan-Fripp.

Commercial cookery students at Kingscliff TAFE are about to benefit from the knowledge of expert chef Garry Smith, who was recently awarded the title of ‘World Champion Master Chef de Cuisine Salonculinaire’.

A large network of executive and working chefs competed in the World Championships in the Art of Cuisine Knowledge, which evaluates the current standards of cooks and chefs from around the world.

‘It is an honour to receive this award practically when judged against my industry peers, all of whom are like-minded in the focus on improving industry standards, by pursuing and promoting excellence in the operation of a commercial kitchens and training facilities,’ says Garry.

Mr Smith completed his apprenticeship at world renowned Gleneagles Resort in Scotland, which led to an extensive career within the hospitality industry both in Australia and abroad.

‘One of the benefits of being a chef is that it allows you the freedom to travel the world and be assured of finding work along the way,’ says Garry.

On completion of his apprenticeship Garry moved to London where he secured work in several well-known hotels, before moving to Australia to take up the position as executive chef at Harbord RSL in Sydney.

‘After many years of working in the industry I was excited to embark on a teaching role with TAFE, enabling me to share my knowledge and expertise with new apprentices,’ says Garry.

‘My aim is to encourage my students to embrace the opportunities that are presented to them through TAFE’s training facilities, inspirational teachers and industry mentors, to help shape and develop the skills they will need to launch a successful and fulfilling career,’ says Garry.

‘Australian chefs are sought after worldwide, so work opportunities both here and abroad are many and varied,’ says Garry.

For more information visit:  northcoasttafe.edu.au.



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Conversations in the Pub starts with Janelle Saffin

Conversations in the Pub – Lismore’s new civic meet-up – kicks off on Friday 19 June with its inaugural special guest, the NSW Minister for Small Business, Minister for Recovery, Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin MP.

Bungawalbin Levee repair to improve flood resilience

A critical section of Bungawalbin Levee is proposed to be partially relocated to build its long-term resilience, benefitting the community, environment and agricultural industries in the Richmond Valley.

Aussie MPs celebrate World Bicycle Day

The leaders of the Parliamentary Friends of Cycling have joined in front of Parliament House in Canberra to celebrate the United Nations’ World Bicycle Day.

Lennox headland tree planting day this Friday

Ballina Shire Council, GeoLINK and Rous Council are inviting the community to roll up their sleeves and help restore the iconic Lennox Headland, at the 21st Lennox Head Community Tree Planting Day on Friday 5 June.