25.4 C
Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

Laugh off the drought, bushfire, global pandemic…

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

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.

Way of the dog

One of the more disappointing aspects of the decline of Byron Bay, and I have a long list, is...

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.

Records galore!

Byron Bay Easter Record Fair returns again to Ewingsdale Hall. Now in its 15th year, the Byron Bay Easter Record Fair is one of the biggest and best in this country. Matt the Vinyl Junkie has spent years on buying trips to the US and Japan scouring dusty warehouses, shops, flea markets and private collections. He can offer an astounding 30,000 records in one place covering most genres.

Casuarina cricketers too strong for Mullumbimby Brunswick in grand final

Mullumbimby Brunswick Cricket Club (MBCC) had a very successful season finishing second on the ladder at the end of the home and away season with 13 wins and 4 losses, but fell short of winning the grand final against the Casuarina Crocs.

We just love him!

If you’re over 50 you might not be a fan of Tom Jones, but you can bet your mum is. If you’re under 40 you might not even know who he is, but your grandmother probably wet her pants at the mere mention of his name.

Laugh-a-Minute founder Richard Jones with Ms Yardley who runs Ballina’s weekly Laughter Yoga classes. Photo supplied.

In tough times, Laugh a Minute for Mankind has never been more needed.

The idea was brought to fruition by Richard Jones, who came up with the idea of broadcasting a minute of laughter over the radio after pausing for a minute’s silence on Remembrance Day in 2014.

‘No doubt you’d be feeling a little unsettled considering all that’s being going on already in 2020,’ he says.

‘Bushfires, flooding rains and now a virus pandemic, not to mention gloomy economic forecasts and toilet roll turmoil’. But now, he is teaming up with another local laugher, Meredith Yardley, and they both firmly believe that we must make time in our lives for a laugh.

‘Laughter has so many physical and mental health benefits that people don’t realise just how important it is for our wellbeing’ says Ms Yardley, who runs Ballina’s weekly laughter yoga classes.

Laugh-a-Minute for Mankind

The Laugh-a-Minute for Mankind idea has been ratified by the UN as an activity to celebrate the International Day of Happiness, on March 20, and 2020 marks its sixth year.   

‘We all know just how contagious the Coronavirus is, but one thing’s for sure, laughter is even more infectious, and thankfully spreads joy and happiness to all those in earshot,’ said Mr Jones.

Bay FM will again be playing a minute of laughter over the radio at 1pm on Friday, March 20.

Mr Jones and Ms Yardley encourage all those near a radio or streaming device to tune into 99.9 BAY FM and join in the laughter.

‘It’s free, it’s fun and it makes you feel good – if only for a minute,’ said Mr Jones. ‘And it’s one community unity event that the Coronavirus can’t shut down.’


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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.