As the world faces existential problems such as pandemics and climate change, Australian scientists are facing a dilemma about the best way to connect with the wider public.

The Ballina RSL is hosting an all-ages event this weekend with a mesmerising journey through the cinematic soundscapes of the silver screen and gaming nostalgia with the Lismore Symphony Orchestra.

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.

Venus Fly Trap is a three-piece band from Byron Bay with Tim Degen (vocals/guitar), Matt DeWit (bass) and Andrew Wilkinson (drums), who play a mix of psychedelic surf rock, rock, and blues.

A small but staunch group gathered at Main Beach Byron on Saturday to put their voices behind a call for a ceasefire in Palestine and an end to the Israel-Hamas war.

The Byron Shire Council is looking to retain a community asset, Mullumbimby's old Scout Hall, after being flood-damaged and in need of repairs.