20.4 C
Byron Shire
June 23, 2026

Birds Of Tokyo drummer joins teaching staff at Lismore Con

Latest News

Eclectic Selection for the week beginning 24 June 2026

Eclectic Selection: What’s on this week is a taste of some of the events that can be found in the Byron Shire and beyond this coming week.

Other News

Putting their money where their mouth and conscience is

Climate action group Rising Tide say they will disrupt business at Tweed City ANZ today, as local long-term customers withdraw their life savings from the bank.

Dancing and fundraising for our children’s future

The recent premeditated killings of several children in Australia by their fathers has raised the issue of filicide (the deliberate act of a parent killing their own child) alongside the issue of domestic violence (DV) and femicide (the intentional murder of women or girls) as key areas that need research to help understand why these things happen.

Shark culls not the answer

It has been a confronting and devastating year with a 12-year-old killed by a shark in Sydney and another shark attack in Coogee over the weekend. The NSW government has said there is nothing off the table in response to the latest shark incident. But it is vital that we don’t just start going out there and randomly culling sharks.

Will council support community participation in MHS development?

This Thursday (today), Byron Shire Council (BSC) will be discussing the establishment of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Byron Shire Council and Homes NSW (HNSW) as well as the potential for a Community Assessment Panel for the old Mullumbimby Hospital site.

Vale William ‘Bill’ Ewen

The funeral service for Marine Rescue Ballina volunteer William ‘Bill’ Ewen was held on Monday at Ballina RSL Club.

Winter Warmer fundraiser for homelessness

The annual Winter Warmer Homelessness Relief campaign, hosted by Dharma Care, will return for 2026 with cabaret at Salt, Kingscliff, on Thursday 2 July, headlined by comedian Mandy Nolan, interactive performance artist The Space Cowboy and the Kinship Doobai Dancers, with a Welcome to Country from Aunty Jackie.

Michael Hardy. Photo supplied

The Northern Rivers Conservatorium managers say they are thrilled to welcome acclaimed Australian drummer and producer Michael Hardy to its teaching faculty.

They say, “Michael is a producer, multi-instrumentalist and the drummer for iconic Australian rock bands Violent Soho and Birds Of Tokyo, bringing with him an extraordinary breadth of industry experience spanning touring, recording, performance and music production”.

“Now based in the Northern Rivers, Michael will teach at the Conservatorium every Wednesday, offering students the opportunity to learn from one of Australia’s most accomplished contemporary musicians.

“Since picking up his first pair of drumsticks at the age of five, drums have been Michael’s lifelong passion. After completing a Bachelor of Contemporary Music at Southern Cross University in 2012, he spent more than a decade in Sydney building an impressive career as a touring session musician, performing with some of the biggest names in Australian music, touring internationally and appearing at Australia’s leading music festivals.

“Michael is proudly endorsed by Zildjian, Vic Firth, Ludwig and Remo.

Executive Director Anita Bellman said Michael’s appointment marks an exciting opportunity for aspiring young musicians in the region.

“Michael brings an incredible depth of real-world industry experience to the Conservatorium. Not only is he an exceptional drummer and musician, but he also understands what it means to build a sustainable and creative career in music at the highest level.

“To have someone with Michael’s experience choosing to live and teach in the Northern Rivers is very special, and we’re absolutely thrilled to welcome him to the Con community.”

Lessons with Michael Hardy are now open for enrolments.

 



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No Small Thing: NRCF Women’s Giving Circle event, Murwillumbah

Cheek Media founder, Hannah Ferguson, will headline a panel of prominent women leaders at the Regent Theatre in Murwillumbah next Thursday, in an event the organisers say brings, 'the kind of line-up you'd usually travel to Sydney for' to the Northern Rivers.

Consultation closes Friday on Lismore’s 60,000 population plans

The future of Lismore is now up for discussion, with Council's Strategic Planning Framework currently out for public exhibition. Now is your time to have your say – consultation closes 26 June.

Science in the Pub, Lismore, 16 July

An engaging and informative Science in the Pub event is planned on Thursday, 16 July, from 5pm at Two Mates Brewing, South Lismore.

Six dwellings proposed on flood-prone Mullum block

Six units are proposed at the eastern end of New City Road, Mullumbimby, on a site that was inundated during the 2022 floods. Submitted by Duncan Band's Kollective, Development Application (DA) 10.2026.269.1 at 73 New City Road is on public exhibition with Byron Shire Council, and sits within the Shire's flood planning area.