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Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

Future generations

Latest News

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.

Other News

Carrying and passing the torch

If I say the words ‘US Forces give the nod’, I can pretty much guarantee that you will hear the unmistakable voice of Peter Garrett ringing in your ears. Your head may even start to bob up and down a bit. 

Murwillumbah’s Rebecca Whan recognised for tireless work post 2022 floods

Murwillumbah was severely impacted by the 2022 floods and it was a huge community effort to support, rescue and inspire everyone to move forward. 

Caper Byron Bay Food & Culture Festival

Caper Byron Bay Food & Culture Festival returns to Byron Bay in May, and this year ‘locals favourite’ pub...

Dynamic, rustic yet polished

Animal Ventura is the brainchild of Byron Bay-based singer-songwriter Fernando Aragones. Growing up playing punk and reggae in noisy garage bands in Southern Brazil, Aragones ventured to Australia where the eclectic sounds of the Sydney music scene beckoned.

Floodplains

We need a serious talk about development on floodplains with more creativity and sophistication. The recent discussion about development...

Community grants on offer

Ingrained Foundation is running its fifth annual grants program, with a funding pool of $150,000.

Jo Faith, Newtown

Over the years sitting in Byron Council meetings I was astounded by the presentation of photos depicting ecological degradation, neglect, and in-depth questions by a young man named Matthew O’Reilly. Matthew had a nickname ‘Cleva,’ which had been given to him by First Nations peoples during a period of in his life when he was travelling Australia.

This nickname was not lost on me. I watched Matthew present his concerns with photos and extremely well researched knowledge, which addressed ecological rights and wilful and destructive Anthropocentric behaviour. He sought an answer from Council, indeed he touched the soul of many present who were also affected by the facts that had been presented. The questions lingered in the air, never addressed by Power.

I was so impressed by Matthew. One could tell that he was not attracted to power but to over all service to the rights of nature and human rights. As the years passed I got to know Matthew and was aware that he was passionate, earnest, honest and an extremely caring young man. He also took the time to deeply research issues. I attended CABS meetings and his leadership, organisational skills and ability to listen further comforted and impressed me. Like most folks with a passionate green soul I am aware that he has, over the years, suffered from the ‘barbs’ of those lacking a deep green soul. So be it. Great spirits always shine.

The planet is in dire distress and climate change presents many challenges to future generations. These challenges are now very apparent in Byron Bay with the loss of nature, uncaring development resulting in structural homelessness for many sentient beings. We live in a dominant political culture that changes legal environmental guidelines to aid power and development.

To the future generations I look and wish to inform the Byron community that Matthew is standing in the upcoming Byron Council elections. He is more than qualified for the job and will be a great asset to voters seeking integrity and care from their Greens representatives. He comes highly recommended as a person who has done the deep spade work for community, and I know he projects great vision.

As a Sydney Elder who was active in forming the Greens Party decades ago; with over 50 years of activism for RIGHTS (sentient and ecological) I count myself as very fortunate in meeting and admiring the active values practised by Matthew who also displays independent thinking. Younger people will find resonance with his leadership. Your vote will be honoured.


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1 COMMENT

  1. Totally agree with your description of Matthew O’Reilly . He is an amazingly hard working , knowledgeable and effective individual. Byron Shire is fortunate to have gained Matthew as a resident and community advocate.

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