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Byron Shire
June 30, 2026

Skills to make it in the industry

Latest News

Youth court diversion initiative given a boost

Murwillumbah youth advocacy and training organisation, RiverTracks has secured $20,000 in one-off state government funding to run its Youth Court Support and Diversion Initiative as a pilot program over the next 12 months.

Other News

Casino Suspension Bridge opens

Minister For Small Business, Recovery and North Coast Janelle Saffin joined Mayor Robert Mustow and Member for Page Kevin Hogan to officially opening the Casino Suspension Bridge today (Saturday).

Greens say NSW budget ‘locks in pokies misery’

Cate Faehrmann MLC says the NSW government has knocked any hope of gambling reform on the head in yesterday’s state budget, with tax concessions to clubs with poker machines totalling $1.252 billion, while revenue from taxes on poker machine losses have been revised upward by a whopping $638.2 million over the forward estimates.

Sustainable infrastructure

I attended the last Byron Council meeting – thanks to the community members who were able to come. The frustration...

Youth internship program inspiring new volunteers

Students gaining practical emergency response skills while helping build the next generation of volunteers has been the focus of the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Youth Internship Programs across the state during this school term.

Man in court today after alleged pursuit near Kingscliff

A man will face court today after an alleged pursuit in December last year.

Iran: honest, sincere

When Israel and the US launched their illegal, unprovoked aggression against Iran at the end of February, they unintentionally...

SAE Creative Media Institute understands creators, and provides students with the experience, skills, equipment and connections to succeed in the industry.

Did you know that some of the live local events are real-world classrooms where up-and-coming creatives learn as part of their work placements for their degrees at SAE Creative Media Institute?

SAE General Manager, Dr Luke McMillan said that, ‘SAE’s partnerships with industry, and the time staff spend preparing students for work placements, sets them up for once they graduate. SAE is delighted that festivals are back on the cultural calendar for everyone to enjoy. This is especially true for our students, who are once again getting the opportunity to sharpen their skills.’

‘Last academic year, 499 SAE students successfully completed their work placements.’

From the beginning of her Bachelor of Audio degree, one of Emily Turner’s goals was to work at Bluesfest. With busy schedules supporting acts on stage, Emily said she has nothing but positive memories from what she learnt. ‘It was so exciting to be a part of. I was stimulated with new experiences and always learning. Being in that sort of atmosphere and being exposed to all these incredible professionals, like George Benson and The Wailers, it just fed my soul.’

Bachelor of Songwriting and Music Production student, Callum Peutrill got involved in production and stage management over the three day Rabbits Eat Lettuce festival.

Callum said it was a great experience because he was in a small crew with some SAE graduates, who had done their work placement at the festival last year, and they did so well they were asked back to do paid work this year. ‘I certainly think going to SAE gave me the skills and knowledge to be the best I could over the weekend.’

Bachelor of Graphic Design and Visual Communication student, Lena Rothe, who received a Destination Australia scholarship, was delighted to be able to fulfil her passion for photography at Flotsam Surf and Photography festival. ‘It was an amazing experience. Since I moved to Australia I’ve been building a reputation as a surf photographer, and to have worked at Flotsam was incredible.’

Dr McMillan said the partnerships are very valuable for students. ‘We are incredibly grateful to our industry partners; Bluesfest, Rabbits Eat Lettuce and Flotsam for providing our students with the necessary real-world experience to seamlessly transition into the workplace.’

SAE Creative Media Institute understands creators, and provides students with the experience, skills, equipment and connections to succeed in the industry. 

Find out more at sae.edu.au.



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New fish hatchery planned for Chinderah

A Chinderah aquaculture business is set to receive $2 million in state government funding to build a new fish hatchery, according to a NSW government media release.

Global Ripple steps up to assist Fletcher Street Cottage

A long-standing supporter of Byron Community Centre, Global Ripple, has stepped forward with a generous 'EOFY Matched
Giving Challenge'.



Fresh ink: new releases making their festival debut

This year’s Byron Writers Festival is a first-look destination, with several of Australia’s most anticipated new books arriving at the festival before the ink has barely dried.

The ghosts of generations – Siang Lu at Byron Writers Festival 2026

The Byron Writers Festival talks to author Siang Lu about his book, Ghost Cities, which won the Miles Franklin Award in 2025.