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Byron Shire
March 28, 2024

Latest News

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.

Other News

Safety and preparation saves lives on the water

A large number of boaters are expected to hit the water over the Easter long weekend and Marine Rescue NSW is reminding boaters to be prepared and log on to the Marine Rescue NSW app.

Carrying and passing the torch

If I say the words ‘US Forces give the nod’, I can pretty much guarantee that you will hear the unmistakable voice of Peter Garrett ringing in your ears. Your head may even start to bob up and down a bit. 

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Why Being Seen is Beautiful

There is something profound about being seen. Being accepted and loved for exactly who you are. It’s life changing. It’s simple. It’s transformative. But some people don’t get to experience this. Nearly half of transgender Australians have attempted suicide.That data tells the very real impact of discrimination, stigma and lack of access to gender-affirming surgery. I write this as a woman who was born a woman, who identifies as a woman. I’ll admit, that even in that gender role, that fits within the societal binary, I’ve had my own challenges.

Roller derby rocks the Cavanbah Centre

The Red Kennedys have once again dominated the Northern Rivers Revolt Roller Derby Tournament held at the Cavanbah Centre over the weekend of March 16-17.

Urgent appeal

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

Premier yet to respond to Albo’s offer of disaster recovery funds

Northern Rivers community groups are renewing calls for the NSW premier to formally ask the Commonwealth to fully fund the region's 2022 disaster recovery.
Robin Saunders

Artist in Focus
A small town’s big idea: Pat Miller

The Murwillumbah Art Trail (MAT18) promises ten days of artistic life in surprising places all over the town centre.

Coopting venues including shopfronts, laneways, old furniture factories and loading docks, creative director Dev Lengjel has created an engaging fun space for everyone.

Embedded in the smorgasbord of art, music and events are group exhibitions featuring artists whose paths have crossed; the creative spark fired exciting exhibitions.

One such is a group is planting the seeds of ideas with ‘Sow’. Reflecting MAT18’s theme Moving On artist Judy Oakenfell said, “Our exhibition is called ‘Sow’ to reflect moving on, to take new action after loss. Some of us lost work in the big flood. When art is what you do, you need to simply make more art, grow new projects, and sow new creative seeds and connections.”

The five artists comprising ‘Sow’ connected via various local art groups including the Murwillumbah Community Printmakers, Stafford Street Studios and M-Arts.

Celebrating human interaction with the natural world, artists Rebecca O’Connell, Robin Saunders, Tara Dyson Holland and Jo Biles  joined Judy Oakenfell in developing the group exhibition.

The ‘Sow’ group reflects the diversity of MAT18 cleverly using a raft of media to reflect and reinterpret.  www.themurwillumbaharttrail.com


Northern rivers Pottery

Artist in Focus
Northern Rivers Pottery

Northern Rivers Pottery Supplies have been the region’s premier pottery suppliers for more than 30 years. Madeleine and Ove are the third owners and are excited to be entering their fifth year in the business.

They offer a range of professionally led workshops and courses taught by very talented local ceramic artists Brooke Clunie, Penny Evans and Gyan Daniel Wall.

‘We’ve loved getting to know the many local creatives and students who have passed through our doors.

‘We work out of a 100-year-old beautiful rustic shed in Lismore, which is very quickly establishing itself as the main arts hub of the northern rivers. Many visitors comment on the shed’s charming atmosphere and inviting energy.

‘We stock a large range of clays, glazes and tools, pretty much everything you need to be a potter. We also offer a courier service that delivers clay from Coffs Harbour right up to Brisbane.’

Last year Madeleine and Ove purchased a big brand-new kiln. Since it was first switched on it has been running hot. ‘We think of this kiln as a “community kiln” and are pleased to be able to offer a firing service to anybody who needs it.’ www.nrpotterysupplies.com.au


Byron Shire needs public artists

Two Saturdays with Suvira McDonald, Joey Ruigrok and a panel of experts in the field introduce the process and language of art making for the public realm. Taking place at Byron Community College, this is a course is for artists and sculptors who wish to take their work out. Having 3D art on a street corner or in a public park involves a whole other set of skills often not associated with making art: risk assessments, engineering to standards, communicating with other design specialists and much more.

Find out on July 21 and 28. It’s only $10 – almost free! Go to www.byroncollege.org.au


BSA weekend & evening workshops

Byron School of Art has a great selection of inspirational and challenging weekend and evening workshops starting soon. Students can gain experience or expand their skills with watercolour painting (en plein air), monoprinting, cyanotypes, experimental drawing and abstraction, mokulito wood lithography, and basketry. These popular workshops can fill quickly.

Visit the BSA website for more information and to join their mailing list. www.byronschoolofart.com


Flash your fiction with Byron Writers Festival

Flash Fiction is the umbrella term for the very short story – and it’s springing up everywhere – on postcards, bus stops, phones, zines, carved into bridges, and flashed across digital billboards. But there’s more to writing a pithy short story than scribbling a quick vignette. Every syllable must pull its weight.

Byron Writers Festival’s inaugural Flash Your Fiction competition will launch next month, with 2018 festival passes and publishing opportunities in the prize pool. Dive into the basics and hone your submission in a three-hour hands-on workshop – Short & Sharp: Writing Flash Fiction with Emma Ashmere, Saturday 2 June, 10am–1pm.

For details and to book go to byronwritersfestival.com/whats-on


MAT

The Murwillumbah Art Trail (MAT18)  from May 18 to 27 fires up a town with art and performance like you’ve never seen. Tango and fashion meet building projections and caravan art.

Founder and artist Annie Long’s smartly creative idea is now a major arts festival with wide appeal.

Organisers invite patrons to engage with the work of more than 90 artists exhibiting contemporary art designed to amuse, inspire and remember.

Enjoy a glass of Stone & Wood beer, Pickled Pig Cider and Husk cocktails in the MAT18 pop-up bars as you browse the biggest assembly of art the Tweed region has seen for years. www.themurwillumbaharttrail.com


Come visit us at Healing Art Design & New Age Gallery, Shop 2B Azura in Kingscliff.

As an holistic gallery we are unique, showcasing local artists where the main body of art taps in to colour therapy by Sylvia Meissner artist/psychic/owner. We also include a spiritual directory from our gifted professional healers offering: genuine psychic readings, The Liquid & Tree readings, Reiki and workshops, intuitive Pranic healing massage, colour acupuncture, chakra balance, The Star Child directive readings, wearable crystal energies and much more!

Telephone 6674 9216, www.healingartdesign.com


BBCA

As part of their Art on Screen series Byron Theatre presents a brand-new documentary on the life and work of Italian master Caravaggio and the birth of modern painting.

With commentary from leading art experts and historians, and unprecedented access to the masterpieces themselves, this immersive and visually stunning journey of light and shadow through the struggles and successes of this revolutionary and controversial artist is a must-see for any art lover.

And don’t miss Van Gogh: Of Wheat Fields and Clouded Skies on Sunday 1 July and The Louvre: Old Masters for Modern Art on Sunday 11 November.

Caravaggio: The Soul and the Blood  | Sunday 3rd June | 1:00pm | Full $20, Conc $18, BT Club $18, U18 $15 | www.byroncentre.com.au

A health check as Medicare turns 40

If you’ll forgive the earnest tone, I’d like to propose a toast. To a friend who’s almost always there when you need them most. To a system that aims to treat people fairly and respectfully. 

Byron Council staff baulk at councillors’ promise of free parking for locals

Will Byron Council deliver on its pledge to make parking permits free for locals across the Shire when paid parking comes into force in Brunswick Heads?

Carrying and passing the torch

If I say the words ‘US Forces give the nod’, I can pretty much guarantee that you will hear the unmistakable voice of Peter Garrett ringing in your ears. Your head may even start to bob up and down a bit. 

Splendour 2024 cancelled

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