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Byron Shire
March 26, 2024

Black skies and low winds challenge Tweed River sailors

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Breakfeast, Bluesfest weekend

Victoria Cosford Oh to be a cow with a four-chambered stomach system! Farmers’ market, Bluesfest long weekend, a spot of...

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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. 

‘Smooth stroking’ Rainbow Dragons earn trophies

Rainbow Dragons (Lennox Head Ballina) won three trophies and had a fantastic weekend of fun, fitness and friendship at Grafton Dragon Boat Club’s regatta earlier in March.

Youth crime increase across Ballina, Tweed and Byron needs community engagement

Ballina has seen two meetings this month on the increase of youth crime and there has also been increasing reports of youth crime in some areas of the Tweed and Byron Shires. 

Democracy on the ropes?

The ancient idea of democracy is under threat around the world. Today, there are only 63 democracies compared to 74 autocracies, and many of these democracies are highly problematic.

The power of the people is much stronger than the people in power

‘I feel so powerless,’ a friend said. It’s an understandable sentiment in the face of tragic situations out of our individual control, but there are things people can do to effect change, especially when we come together as a community. 

Adaptive Surf Pro winds up in Byron

A week of mixed weather had seen almost 100 adaptive surfers take on the beaches of Byron Bay in the Byron first international adaptive surfing event to be held in Australia – the 2024 Australian Pro.

Mauri Meyer (Laser) drifting just before his slow-motion capsize. Photo Alison Blatcher
Mauri Meyer (Laser) drifting just before his slow-motion capsize. Photo Alison Blatcher

Alison Blatcher

Overcoming slight winds, Gary McCrohon was able to claim the last Laser race in the summer series held by the Tweed Valley Sailing Club the Sunday before last.

John Hayward (Laser) led the pack for a while, even ahead of the Sledder team (Hobie 16), but Gary McCrohon won out for the Lasers in the end, but only by 13 seconds on John. Mauri Meyer came in 65 seconds after, including the 60-second delay for the quick dip he took on the first leg!

The six Corsairs all had some good sailing in their final class championship. Congratulations to Monique Smith, Matt Andrews and Kate Yeomans for their win on Corsair Swell Lady with Bill Fenelon, Sienna Pullan and Deborah Flannery (Minnow) 38 seconds behind after overtaking Alison Blatcher, Marg Walgers and Karen Vidler (Melita III) at the final buoy, rounding with a clever starboard call.

Kevin Bourke, Syd Brown and new crew James Bartlett (Nimbus) were seconds behind again and Russ Timbs, Hayden Bech and Bob Ormsby (Dominatrix) and Mark Reynolds, Brad Pullan andCraig Foley (Keenas) fought for fifth and sixth.

The day started with a resounding ‘let’s go’ from at least 24 of the 25 sailors at the Tweed Valley SC’s race briefing early on Sunday March 19, but may have been regretted on the first leg with only about six knots and some nasty windless holes that half the fleet got caught in.

But spirits lifted, however, as the wind appeared from somewhere (everywhere at times) getting up to 12 knots, and the fleet battled on.

The Club will celebrate the season at their Annual Presentation Dinner in May.  Email [email protected]


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