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Byron Shire
August 29, 2026

Eltham Hotel funded to get ‘gig-ready’

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Mullumbimby puts new governance models first, and now wants to build it

Imagine Northern Rivers says Mullumbimby is the only community across the region to rank new models of governance and decision-making as the number one element of its preferred future, and last week locals gathered to work out how to make it real.

Another North Coast Mud Trail triumph

Four days of clay, creativity and community have just concluded for another year, with ceramic artists from across the Northern Rivers showing off their latest creations.

Peek behind the scenes of ‘Love for One Night’

Directed and devised by Julian Louis, NORPA's acclaimed production 'Love for One Night' returns to the Eltham Hotel this Thursday, running until 12 September.

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Turn and Face the Change

‘Changes’ – It’s my favourite Bowie song. How do we change? And I don’t just mean personally. I mean as a large community of humans. As a species? Because we have to change. Now.

The Eltham Hotel is included in a list of 39 venues announced for funding as part of $5.1 million in state government grants.

The government says its Venue Upgrade Grants scheme is aimed at helping operators pay for sound proofing, equipment and professional advice needed to host live music without impacting on neighbours.

Head of Sound New South Wales Emily Collins says projects will includeupgrades to lighting and sound systems, accessibility and energy, improvements in ventilation and air-conditioning.

Most of the other venues approved for funding are in and around Sydney.

They include The Enmore Theatre and Marys Underground in Newtown, The Factory Theatre and The Red Rattler in Marrickville, the Metro Theatre and City Recital Hall in the Sydney CBD.

Sound-proofing, AV and consultants funded

The government says its 2024/25 Venue Upgrade Grants are being delivered across two streams, with most, or $4,950,114, allocated via the Venue Upgrade Infrastructure Development stream.

Funds have been delivered to 30 dedicated live music venues to support sound proofing, energy efficiency upgrades, and the purchase of audio-visual equipment, the government said in its announcement last week.

Another $117,366 has been delivered to nine venues to support access to best-practice advice from consultants and experts, including guidance on development applications and planning expenses, legal services, licensing consultants, energy efficiency audits, and acoustic reports.

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham says the government focussed last year on sound proofing grants and has this year tripled the grants program help venues get ‘gig ready’.



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Greens urged to back pathway to end native forest logging

Some of NSW’s most respected and long-standing forest campaigners and scientists have today urged the Greens not to support the Nationals' attempt to disallow the Improved Native Forest Management (INFM) method.

Ballina Council makes decision on Ross Lane

With the absence of all four of its progressive councillors for various reasons, Ballina Council pushed ahead with its agenda at yesterday's monthly meeting, including a decision which is likely to close Ross Lane for months while the road is upgraded.

Mullumbimby puts new governance models first, and now wants to build it

Imagine Northern Rivers says Mullumbimby is the only community across the region to rank new models of governance and decision-making as the number one element of its preferred future, and last week locals gathered to work out how to make it real.

Appeal to locate man missing from Broadwater

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a local missing man.