A TAFE NSW animal studies teacher has dished up some tips to Northern Rivers locals to safeguard their pets against illness and accidents during the festive season.

Paul Wilson is telling me about their new chilli garlic halloumi and how it’s ‘fantastic over summer served with a green paw-paw salad,’ and my imagination is fired. It’s a rare thing for this hinterland business – around for some 17 years now, Paul and Kerry at the helm – to introduce a new cheese as ‘we try to stay focused on traditionally hand-made cheeses.’ And their stable of 12 – best sellers the Nashua washed rind and Tintenbar triple cream – include both cow and goat milk cheeses.

Historically, difficult women have been outlawed and called witches. That’s been the fate of ordinary women with extraordinary voices – women like singer/songwriter Áine Tyrrell and comedian Mandy Nolan.

As the summer heats up there has been an increase in the blue-green algae at Lake Ainsworth near Lennox Head and an ‘amber alert' has been flagged by Ballina Shire Council.

New Year’s Eve in Byron Bay is a time for both celebration and indulgence, and what better way to indulge than with a long lavish dinner at one of town’s best restaurants? Whatever your taste, be it champagne or cocktails, Byron Bay has something to offer for everyone on New Year’s Eve, from beachfront luxury to exotic flavours and unique culinary concepts, a romantic dinner for two or a lively celebration with friends, you’re sure to find the perfect dining venue to welcome the new year in style.