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Byron Shire
March 28, 2024

Watson skippers first Sydney to Hobart

Latest News

Where should affordable housing go in Tweed Shire?

Should affordable and social housing in the Tweed Shire be tucked away in a few discrete corners? Perhaps it...

Other News

Splendour 2024 cancelled

It's official, Splendour in the Grass 2024 has been cancelled.

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.

Urgent appeal

At last Thursday’s Byron Council meeting a long and dedicated campaign to save rail tracks and restore trains in...

How the coral crisis affects other marine wildlife

Marine heatwaves are killing coral and denuding reefs of their colourful beauty – but in a world where everything is food for something else, these heatwaves also pose a major threat to biodiversity.

Mullum pods

They look so uninviting and dismal. It would not cost a lot to change the name to ‘tiny homes’...

New report highlights gaps in rural and remote health

The second annual Royal Flying Doctor Service ‘Best for the Bush, Rural and remote Health Base Line’ report has just been released. Presenting the latest data on the health of rural and remote Australians and evidence on service gaps, it identifies issues in urgent need of attention from service providers, funders, partners and policy makers.

Craig aboard his racing yacht Coopers. Photo supplied

Mullum pharmacist and publican, Craig Watson, is captaining his first Sydney to Hobart boat race, which kicked off on December 26.

Watson is an experienced skipper, with 23 Hamilton Island Race weeks; 12 Airlie Beach Race weeks; and three Brisbane to Gladstone races under his belt. For that race, he won in 2018, and 2021, and came third in 2022. 

Watson told The Echo Coopers is still his main sponsor, however Diageo also sponsor the yacht with three Genoa sails: Johnny Walker; Captain Morgan and Bundaberg Rum. 

He said, ‘Half our crew of ten have competed before’. 

628 nautical miles

‘The 628 nautical miles will be challenging, especially if we get hit by the forecasted 50knot winds while crossing Bass Strait. 

Coopers is a Jeanneau 53, and should handle all conditions and be competitive’. 

Crew members are Lindsay Atherton, Simon Griffiths, Brian Jackson, Jason Muir, Christopher O’Shannessy, Andrew Wells, and Casper White.


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Making Lismore Showground accessible to everyone

The Lismore Showground isn’t just a critical local community asset that plays host to a number of major events each year, but has also been used as an evacuation centre during past natural disasters in the region. 

Iconic Lennox beach shed upgraded –  not demolished

Lennox Park and the shelter shed has now been upgraded and reopened.

Govt cost-shifting ‘erodes financially sustainable local government’

Byron Shire Council looks set to add its voice to the growing chorus calling on the state government to stop shifting responsibilities and costs onto local government.

Saddle Road group home DA decision this week

Plans to build Byron Shire’s first permanent group home for women and children in housing stress are moving ahead, with the development application for the project coming before Council this week.