16.5 C
Byron Shire
July 16, 2026

Group E – Jack Dods – Bright Future Byron

Latest News

What was once comes again

The Byron Shire has been renowned for its music, its festivals, and its innovation that has had a huge impact on the Australian music scene.

Other News

Great Koala National Park feedback report released

Feedback around the NSW government's Great Koala National Park (GKNP) proposal has been published – what are the main themes?

Community responds to detention dams proposal

More than 110 residents gathered at Rock Valley Hall on Sunday 12 July and rejected claims that the recently released CSIRO report on flood mitigation was informed by strong community consultation.

Data shows biggest danger to wildlife is people, not cats

Human-created hazards are responsible for most wildlife rescues in New South Wales, and researchers are calling for more prevention strategies to save threatened species.

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: How the Phone Stole Us

When I was a child we didn’t have a phone. We couldn’t afford it. If we needed to make a call we went next door to the Clancys’ house and sat at their kitchen bench, lifted the receiver, turned the Bakelite handle three times, and waited for the operator.

Try pickleball and support a great cause

Northern Rivers Pickleball Club are holding a marathon day of pickleball on Sunday, 19 July at the Goonellabah Tennis and Pickleball Club on Reserve Street, Goonellabah.

Where to from here for a healthy future?

Sometimes it is hard not to lose hope, with the depth and breadth of the challenges that have faced the Northern Rivers. From the droughts, fires, Covid, and the 2022 floods it’s sometimes hard to see a way forward.

Group E – Jack Dods: Dr Niamh Dove, Jack Dods, Dr Meredith Wray and David Michie.

Bright Future Byron is a group of progressive independents giving voters an alternative to voting Green or Labor, free from party politics. Our vision is of a Byron Shire connected by cycleways with the rail trail as the backbone. We advocate for pedestrian-friendly towns, world class place- making, and improved, sustainable public transport. We will establish more affordable housing, and a greater diversity of housing types that young families and key workers can afford. We support better health and education services by supporting the establishment of a new secondary college and better mental health services in Byron Shire.

Jack Dods was born and raised in Bangalow and is an urban designer with degrees in architecture, urban design, and extensive experience on numerous Byron Council committees.

Dr Meredith Wray has a PhD in sustainable tourism and lives in Byron Bay. She will contribute to improved destination management planning and sustainable tourism planning.

David Michie lives in SGB and has been one of the Shire’s strongest advocates for the rail trail, cycleways, and walkable towns.

Dr Niamh Dove is a doctor and new mum from Eureka with a passion for improving local healthcare, education and childcare.



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CSIRO mega dam report supported by Lismore mayor

The inclusion of a recent controversial CSIRO Richmond River flood report into Lismore City Council’s Flood Risk Management Plan has been defended by Mayor Steve Kreig, with him telling ABC North Coast, ‘It’s about having the most up to date scientific info and preparing for future flooding events’.

Help establish a First Nations bush-food nursery

A First Nations-led bush food nursery that will create Indigenous employment, training pathways, food sovereignty, and cultural knowledge sharing for future generations is getting underway in Myocum and you can help get it established.

Inspiring arts, culture, business collaboration

Byron Fest, a multi-week festival in June 2027, will be a festival for the Shire, say Destination Byron as they finalise the $200,000 grant from the Regional Night-Time Economy Program.

Palestine community action day Sunday

Have you been wondering how to make a change in Palestine? This Sunday, Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine (NRFP) are inviting people to join in a community action day at Marvell Hall, Marvell Street, Byron Bay from 12 noon to 4pm and find out how they can get involved to make positive change in Gaza and the West Bank.