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.

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.

Byron Council will this Thursday debate the introduction of a wildlife corridor system that is designed to help local landowners prioritise the restoration of native habitat.

The state’s planning department has approved Ballina’s first conservation zone, although it’s unclear how the land will stay protected given the council’s recent vote for an ‘opt-in’ policy.

Greg Lyon’s Hip Operation are playing this Sunday afternoon at Ballina RSL. The Blues Club is excited to present this highly acclaimed outfit with Greg Lyon (vocals/bass), who brings together some outstanding players including Aaron West (vocals/guitar), Kirk Lorange (vocals/slide guitar) and Scott Hills (drums), delivering some of the best sounds and grooves you’ll hear anywhere.

In 2003, when I introduced myself as an MP with my maiden speech in parliament, I articulated my centralist, small ‘l’ liberal principles. I argued that values are not something to be on display in the morning and forgotten in the afternoon.