21 C
Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

Byron’s new phallic lighthouse

Latest News

Blue skies for Bluesfest day 1

If yesterday at Bluesfest was anything to go by, it's going to be an incredible event and with the weather holding, (so far) the Easter weekend's future is looking bright.

Other News

Biz confidence up, says Business NSW

The state's peak body for business says confidence in the sector has increased but cost of living pressures continue to impact customer spending.

Cinema: Wicked Little Letters

Based on a true scandal that stunned 1920s England, Wicked Little Letters centres on neighbours Edith Swan and Rose Gooding in the seaside town of Littlehampton.

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. 

Richmond Valley Rail Trail grand opening

The latest leg of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail opened in style on Saturday, with hundreds of two-wheeled travel enthusiasts spinning along the newly opened 13.4 kilometre section from Casino to Bentley.

Superbowls

Superbowls is your go-to spot for a burst of woodfired flavour! Nestled in Byron Arts and Industry Estate, the...

Breakfeast, Bluesfest weekend

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

Simon Alderton. Brunswick Heads

The ‘phallic symbol’ lighthouse sculpture on Ewingsdale Road is definitely the subject of a lot of chatter. 

As usual in Australia publicly funded art installations will invariably get the response ‘it’s a waste of money that could better spent elsewhere’. 

These arguments were used against the Sydney Opera House, Blue Poles and Federation Square… all since much admired. 

Sadly, public art is viewed as an expensive indulgence and, unlike defence spending, overseas detention centres or the many underused sportfields and stadiums (that get vastly more funding than the arts) it is the first thing to be cut if better roads or more hospital beds are needed. 

Public art in Australia is usually tucked away in some obscure location by the almost embarrassed governments that funded it. So it takes a bold government to support the arts. Our council should be commended for this. This sculpture is a big, bold beautiful statement. 

If art aims to get people thinking and talking, our sculpture has worked beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. In art controversy guarantees success! The intense local chatter about our sculpture is even attracting national attention. As Henri Matisse once said ‘creativity takes courage’. Well done, Byron Shire Council ,for your courageous innovation and foresight. 


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.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Retired local professor launches book on grief

A leading international thinker and researcher in the development of innovative sport coaching and physical education teaching has returned home to Byron Bay and is launching his first non-academic book, 'Grief and Growth', on April 4 at The Book Room in Byron. 

Resilient Lismore’s ‘Repair to Return’ funding

On the eve of the second anniversary of the second devastating flood in 2022, Resilient Lismore has welcomed the finalisation of its funding deed with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, which will enable the continuation of its ‘Repair to Return’ program.

Editorial – Joyous propaganda! 

The NSW Labor government marked its one year in office this week with a jubilant statement of achievements issued from Macquarie Street HQ.

Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

A man has been charged following a pursuit near Tweed Heads on Monday.