13.2 C
Byron Shire
June 2, 2023

Byron and Mullum students build homes in Cambodia

Latest News

Tweed Council to start nappy rebate scheme but defer Cudgen Creek Masterplan

The last Tweed Shire Council meeting saw the Reusable Nappy Rebate Scheme adopted by councillors, the rail trail impacts...

Other News

Call to recognise value of wetlands and stop developing floodplains

The clearing of the flood prone development site at 60 Tringa Street, Tweed Heads appears to have been completed by developers MAAS Group Holdings who then pulled out from the site on 24 April. 

Francisco’s table

A thick hunk of toasted sourdough, a joyous tumble of braised tomatoey capsicum and onion and beans, a perfect fried egg to crest it all – and there it is on the counter waiting for whoever ordered it and I’m so tempted to claim it!

New initiative to enliven Lismore’s CBD

Lismore City Council, the Lismore Regional Gallery and vacant shop owners, have announced the launch of the Lismore City ArtVenture.

Bangers on the Green

Bangers on the Green promises to be an absolute treat for the local music community. Bringing together a day of awesome live...

Burst main forces temporary water supply cut in Lennox Head

Ballina Shire Council’s crews are attending to a water main break that has occurred on Allens Parade in Lennox Head this morning.

Traffic interruptions around Lismore Base Hospital – Sunday

Some streets will be blocked off and others reduced to one lane on Sunday 4 June around Lismore Base Hospital and Lismore Shopping Square.

Byron Bay High School students and staff hand over the keys of the two houses they built in Cambodia in January 2016, together with some important household goods they donated. Photo contributed
Byron Bay High School students and staff hand over the keys of the two houses they built in Cambodia in January 2016, together with some important household goods they donated. Photo contributed

Earlier this year Byron Bay High School student members of Volunteer Building Cambodia (VBC) handed over the keys to two new homes they helped to build in a rural village there.

Byron Bay High School relieving principal Mark Smith* says the activity ‘obviously made a huge difference to the lives of two families in Cambodia.’

‘At the same time VBC has provided the youth in in the Byron community a very special opportunity to see a very different way of life to ours. The experience is life changing for the givers of the gift, as well as the receivers,’ Mark says.

So not to be outdone, Mullumbimby High students are now raising money for what they hope will be two more homes. And they’re kicking it off with a fundraiser at the school on May 5.

Titled Songs for Cambodia, the evening will feature some very talented Byron and Mullumbimby students, including Indigo Gebbett who won a young songwriter award in 2015.

Also singing for your joy and entertainment will be the Mullumbimby Biggest Little Town Choir. They have been singing up a storm in Mullumbimby for more than five years, and this show will come straight from their hearts as a gift to VBC and the Byron Community.

The aim is to raise $4,100, which is enough to buy a house in Cambodia, and every cent raised will go towards the cause.

‘I think it’s an achievable goal for a privileged community like ours – please come along and enjoy a great night out and support this great organisation!’ Mark says.

VBC members will be attending the event and will make a brief presentation with a Q&A about their amazing work.

Check out the event’s Facebook page or, if you can’t attend, consider making a donation to such a good cause.

*This article originally stated, incorrectly, that Mark Smith was relieving principal at Mullumbimby High.

 


Support The Echo

Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

1 COMMENT

  1. Two bad factual errors unfortunately
    Firstly Mr Mark Smith is the relieving Principal of Byron Bay High School.
    Secondly the students come from Byron Bay High School, not Mullumbimby HS.
    Thanks

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

60% of Ballina Council investments in fossil fuel aligned companies

The Ballina Shire Council had more than $60 million invested in fossil fuel aligned companies on behalf of ratepayers as of the end of April 2023.

Flood trauma? Free women’s mindful healing workshops available

It has been a tough run in the Northern Rivers from drought to fire to pandemic to flood – so there is quite a bit to deal with for many of us. 

Grant for innovative Birthing on Country program

Birthing on Country can be very important for many Aboriginal women, but many face the challenge of leaving Country to access medical care when their babies come. 

When western medicine doesn’t work 

Once I finally admitted I needed help with vicarious trauma, I tried a few techniques to ease my troubled mind.