New LIGHT PAINTING night photography workshop has only a few spots left.
BOOK NOW : www.trybooking.com/311174
Sat Sept 23rd 6-11pm in Byron Bay.

$59.50 includes all lighting equipment & expert tuition, BYO camera (with BULB setting), remote shutter release, tripod & head torch.

Lets venture out into the darkness of a New Moon, star gaze and light up the landscape with a new array of specialized light painting tools that my amazing assistants and I will expertly handle and demonstrate for you to enjoy and creatively photograph with long exposures. All details in the link above. Photo Credit : The amazing Stewart Dodd.

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A 28-year-old Goonellabah man will appear in the Lismore Local Court today after allegedly threatening and assaulting people at the Five Loaves Soup Kitchen in Lismore yesterday.

Police said the man attended the food van at the Lismore Transit Centre about 6.15pm while holding a glass bottle.

He has approached people and tried to start fights, and then started abusing volunteers.

Police allege he also punched a person in the face twice, and chased other people while turning over crates of food.

After the man was arrested, police say he kicked a senior constable in the thigh back at the police station.

The man was charged with Affray, Assault Police and Resist Police. He was bail refused and will appear in Lismore Local Court today.

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Jennifer Porter, Receding flood 2017, oil on canvas, 81x54cm

Greg Mulheran, Lost & lonely 2017, linoprint with watercolour, pen and ink, 60x45cm

Works by six artists passionate about preserving the Tweeds rich natural beauty will be on show next week as part of Caldera Art 2017 exhibition at the Tweed Regional Gallery.

This unique biodiversity within the regions shield volcano (caldera) inspired the works, on exhibition from 22 September till 3 December.

Gallery director Susi Muddiman said the varied interpretations of Kim Godfrey, Janet Hauser, Heidi Ledwell, Greg Mulheran, Greg Newland and Jennifer Porter all seek to gene...

A Mobula Ray caught in a shark net off Shelly Beach. Photo contributed

An environmental group has accused the Federal Environment minister of invoking a rarely-used national interest exemption when shark nets were installed on the north coast last year.

And the group says Josh Frydenberg has once again ignored science by his decision not to include shark culling programs in a list of priority nominations he wants his scientific committee to assess for their impact on threatened species.

Humane Society International head of campaigns Nicola Beynon said her group had nominated shark nets and drumlines for listing as a Key Threatening Process (KTP) under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act).

But when Mr Frydenberg announced his final list of things to be examined by the committee, shark nets and drumlines were not included.

Lethal shark nets and drumlines are killing threatened species in significant numbers warranting urgent scientific assessment, Ms Beynon said.

There have been 23 critically endangered grey nurse sharks killed in NSW nets in the last five years alone.
This is not the first time the Minister has allowed shark nets to evade proper scientific scrutiny. Last year the Minister invoked a rarely used national interest exemption so that the installation of lethal shark nets on the NSW North Coast did not have to undergo usual environmental impact assessment processes. Humane Society International considered that an abuse of the exemption.

Now, with the enormous public controversy and concern over the impact of lethal shark nets and drumlines, it would have been appropriate for the Minister to respond by referring them to the Threatened Species Scientific Committee for priority scientific assessment..

The NSW Shark Meshing Program is already recognised as a Key Threatening Process under NSW threatened species laws for its impact on the critically endangered grey nurse shark. The criteria for listing a key threat under Commonwealth law is very similar and would include consideration of the impact of culling programs in both NSW and Queensland.

Shark culling programs in Q...

Nina Bishops passive solar home.

Four sustainable and cleverly-designed homes and gardens around the northern rivers will be open to the public this weekend as part of Sustainable House Day.

Sustainable House Day, a national event that showcases sustainable building materials, household goods and practices that can be used in everyday home and lifestyle, was established in 2001.

This year, two events celebrate the event in the northern rivers, the open homes day on Sunday, 17 September, and the Living for the Future Home Expo tomorrow (Saturday, 16 September) at the Seagulls Club in Tweed Heads West.

As part of this annual open-home showcase, the four open-day homeowners will share their stories and tips to create sustainable homes that are comfortable to live in, cheaper to run and better for the environment.

Sustainable House Day co-ordinator Andia Cally said the event was invaluable for anyone looking for practical, sustainable solutions and information on what works, what doesnt, and how to transition toward greener living.

Included in this years showcase is Michael Leungs six-star energy rated family home, SkyFarm, recently featured in Sanctuary magazine: Michael Leung and his company Balanced Earth won this years Energy Efficient Building Award at the Master Builder Awards in NSW for another hempcrete-designed home in Possum Creek.

Leung and his partners used a blend of recycled timber, natural paints and finishes, and hempcrete rendered with non-toxic lime and clay to create a breathable, termite resistant, non-toxic home in Mullumbimby that has great thermal properties and is brimming with character, Ms Cally said.

Also in Mullumbimby, Andrew Wadsworth will open his hemp house at Tallowwoods Estate. Designed by Jaye Irving from Barefoot Sustainable Design, the three-bedroom house features the best of passive solar design and sustainable building materials made by local hemp builder Xylosinuous.

Also on display will be the recently added studio and permaculture gardens.

Over on Brushbox Drive in Mullumbimby, Nina Bishop will be ho...

Byrryll Creek bridge south of Uki was reopened to traffic after the March floods which washed it away, but council salvaged much its frame for temporary repair. Photo Tweed Shire Council

Tweed Shire Council has welcomed more than $2 million in federal funding to help build a new bridge across Byrrill Creek  to replace one damaged in the march flood.

The new bridge will replace a temporary one-lane timber bridge washed away by this years big flood which council staff managed to salvage in part and rebuild.

Tweed mayor Katie Milne welcomed the news saying council had wanted to replace the timber bridge for many years, and now with the federal funding contributing half the cost of $4.35 million, we can get on with providing this upgraded link for the community.

The announcement was made yesterday by Nationals Senator John Williams and involved funding from the Australian governments Bridges Renewal Program.

The timber bridge fording Byrrill Creek at Terragon was washed away in the 30 March floods. Not only did the bridge lose its deck, but parts of the abutments also went downstream.

Within weeks, council purchased additional bridge girders and recovered sufficient quantities of the washed-away bridge to build a temporary one-lane structure to restore access for the residents of Byrrill Creek and Cedar Creek roads.

Council then applied for funding under Round Three of the Bridges Renewal Program, knowing the temporary bridge also would be prone to flooding and a more permanent solution was needed for the residents who use this bridge every day, Cr Milne said.

The new concrete bridge will be two metres higher and will be designed to allow floods to go over the deck without damaging the structure.

It will be built downstream of the existing timber bridge and construction will start around 2019.

The bridge will be 40-metres long, have an 8.2-metre-wide deck (two standard-width traffic lanes plus shoulders) and traffic barriers on either side.

The alignment of both approaches to the bridge will be improved.

Council&#8217...

George Ellis has relocated thousands of deadly eastern brown snakes, many of them from Byron Bays CBD. Photo www.byronsnakepatrol.com

By Rod Stevens

When George Ellis rescued a carpet python from the road and tucked it inside his jacket in 1996, he never imagined he would wrangle thousands of highly venomous reptiles and respond to 10,000 phone calls for assistance.

This Tuesday marked the 10,000th call out milestone for the 65-year-old Byron Bay based snake catcher, who saved a family of Guinea Pigs from being a carpet pythons lunch at Bottlebrush Crescent, Suffolk Park.

But Mr Ellis would never have relocated a reptile if he didnt visit renowned snake catcher Russ Maslen for advice after capturing his first carpet python, only to learn he had retired.

Concerned about who would serve the community and help out elderly people with snake issues, after training and mentoring from Mr Maslen, Mr Ellis responded to his first call out on November 8, 1996.

His task, to relocate the worlds second most venomous snake, an eastern brown, from a property at McAuleys Lane, Mullumbimby.

I still remember that call, there were three brown snakes there, Mr Ellis said.

Since that baptism of fire, for almost 21 years, Mr Ellis has relocated more than 10,000 snakes from around the Byron shire.

Often when I am called out I find there are two snakes that need to be relocated, he said.

Delving into his records reveals Mr Ellis has caught various species of snakes that measure a total of almost 15km in length, on more than 6,000 days, including almost 4,000 eastern brown snakes.

All of the snakes Mr Ellis catches are relocated locally, in a safe spot, close to where they were caught.

With its restaurants and cafes attracting a favoured food for eastern browns, rodents, Byron Bays CBD is a hot spot for the deadly serpents.

The busiest area for brown snakes is the Byron Bay CBD and in descending order Jonson, Marvell, Lawson, Fletcher and Middleton streets and Gillmore Crescent, Mr Ellis said.

The Byron Bay CBD and the greater Byron area has more than twice a...

A support after suicide group will be starting up in Lismore from late September to mid-December. Photo supplied.

Lifelines Northern Rivers centre will be offering a Support After Suicide group in Lismore from late September to mid-December this year. They are encouraging people of adult age who have experienced the loss of someone close to them through suicide to contact Lifelines Lismore office if they are interested in being part of such a group. Anybody interested in joining will have an opportunity to discuss their situation and get more information about the group during an individual conversation with the group facilitator before the start of the program.

The aim of the group is to help people bereaved by suicide to work through their grief, to manage their emotions and to better cope with everyday life by sharing, listening and giving mutual support in an understanding, safe and confidential environment. Complex feelings that may emerge following the sudden and traumatic suicide of someone close to you can include sadness, guilt, fear, relief, confusion, rejection and isolation; it is often felt that only someone who has gone through a similar experience can fully understand the depth of emotions felt by family and friends.

The group will be led by a trained facilitator with significant experience in working with groups of this kind, additionally the group will also be supported by another trained counsellor. The group will meet on Saturday mornings at Lifelines Conway St. Counselling Centre in Lismore.

These workshops have received financial support from Lismore City Councils Community Grants Program.

 For further information call Jan Fedley on 6622 4133 or email mso.lifeline@lis.net.au

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Byron Bay FC V Lismore Thistles. Photo supplied.

The Northern Hotel Rams Reserves reserved their place in next Saturdays Football Far North Coast Grand Finals with a thumping 4-0 win over Lismore Thistles at the Rec Grounds on the weekend.

Despite completely outclassing the young Lismore crew from the opening whistle, it took the Rams until the last minutes of the first half to find the net. After countless runs on the Thistles goal, a neat side foot cross from Herick Schuenemann to WIll Ennis and an unstoppable finish from the Golden Boot finally broke the drought.

Fifteen minutes into the second set, Toms do Prado Coelho finished a sweet flanking combination with a curling, long range strike into the top right corner to give the Rams a2-0 lead. With 15 to go, Jono Pierce made a flanking run and drove another long ball from out wide that skimmed the inside of the far post, rolled back across goal and  finally turned into the net to make it 3-0. With three minutes on the clock Pierce snapped a cross to his brother Nolan on the penalty spot. Nlans shot was deflected by the keeper onto the feet of Sam Owens who buried goal four for the Rams.

The win sends the Reserve Grade Rams into their fifth consecutive Grand Final, joining the Prems and the Byron Second Division in triple header.

With Oakes Oval being renovated, this years Grand Finals will be held at Lismore Workers Richars Oval Next door to Lismore Square. The Seconds meet Lennox Head at 11am, the Reserves take on Rovers at 3pm and the Premiers do battle with fiery neighbours Bangalow Bluedogs at 5pm.

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Were packing up the beer truck and cruising South.

This spring as the weather heats up, were taking Clyde (our trusty beer truck) on an East coast road trip from Byron to Sydney. Dropping in on coastal towns along the way, well be spreading good vibes and putting on a few Karma Kegs for the locals

Clydes set to attend over 10 epic events from 20 September 27 October. Kicking off the tour in Yamba, hell be rolling into towns for tap takeovers, a few festivals, beer dinners, frothy catch-ups and one grand finale at this years Sydney Beer Week (more details to be announced).

Come and escape the grind, gather a crew and join Clyde as he cruises the coast! With the promise of cruisey live tunes, delicious tucker, cold frothies and a few Karma Kegs to support local charities, join us as we welcome the warmer months

KEEN TO CRUISE WITH US? Check our website for TOUR DATES & DETAILS

The post STO...

Mt Chincogan seen up close from a hot air balloon. Photo Ziggi Browning

For the first time in 16 years the Chinny Charge is on again!

This Saturday September 16, 500 people will be running and walking up Mount Chincogan to win prizes or in many cases just to enjoy the view.

While places are now fully booked, those running are reminded that there are to be no dogs or smoking on the mountain.

The race will start at the Mullumbimby Memorial Petria Thomas Swimming Pool at 2pm. It will be started  by race winner Colin Creighton, who won the  second Chinny Charge in bare feet with four stitches in his big toe in 1967.

After doing the mountain dash, the keenest of runners will charge back into town and cross the finishing line at the Mullumbimby Post Office.

Dont forget you can confirm your place in the race from 12 noon at the Mullumbimby Swimming Pool.

If you would like to win a $200 prize from Mullumbimby IGA you can try and guess the winning time. Fill out the form (on page 10) and make your best guess.

Pop your entry into the box at the IGA and the Mullumbimby Newsagents. The entry box will move to the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club on the day. You will be able to submit your guess up until the beginning of the race.

Special effort

Do you know anyone who is running the race who deserves recognition for special effort and encouragement of others? If you do, or if you are in or watching the race and notice anyone who does something that makes you think they should get recognition for their actions, then let the organisers know.

You can give them suggestions in writing at the table where the race begins or where the race ends.

Kevin Moran Memorial

...

Fifty sculptures line the beautiful stretch of beach at Currumbin on the Gold Coast until September 17. The SWELL sculpture festival is celebrating its fifteenth year as it transforms the golden sands of Currumbin Beach into a dazzling landscape of interactive and inspiring public art amid a carnival atmosphere of live entertainment, street food, artist talks and masterclasses for all ages.

There are up to 50 Australian and international artists who are displaying thought-provoking works plotted along a 1km stretch of coastline, highlighting a range of social, environmental and contemporary issues.

Sculptures by local artists Alison Allcock, Jeanette Krohn, Gabriel Rosita and Lance Season form an important part of the exhibition.

Make sure you take the chance to head up the coast and feast your eyes on these fantastic works.

Tweed Shire Council has found unauthorised clearing in the Environmental Protection Zone in Limpinwood by landowner, Hewittville Holdings.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) have confirmed with Echonetdaily that they have asked the landholder to cease logging operations on the property, said an EPA spokesperson.

The EPA has become aware of recent allegations about the harvesting operation, and will be conducting a joint site inspection with Tweed shire council as soon as it can be organised.

Locals had raised the alarm in early September and Tweed shire council then unanimously supported action to ask the EPA and state government to investigate the site on September 7.

Concerns were raised about logging in environmental protection zones, specifically in relation to koala habitat trees being felled, previous unauthorised works by the landholder creating significant environmental damage and noise and dust impact on neighbours from the logging trucks.

The EPA has stated that they have been monitoring the operation since it started and it has included three site visits since May 2017.

Site inspection

The North East Forest Alliance (NEFA) inspected the property on September 9 and documented logging and roading within the 7(d) Environmental Zone and roading and tree removal within the 7(l) Environmental Zone. Extensive operations had occurred within the 7(d) zone and they were still active, they said in a statement today.

NEFA also found that there was grossly inadequate drainage of roads and snig-tracks, with extensive erosion and stream pollution likely in the next rainfall event. The EPA had also apparently not noticed the widespread failure to implement erosion mitigation works, and that was their responsibility.

NEFA have identified high use koala trees, extensive use of grey gums on the site, the presence of a mother and baby identified by scat sizes, marbled frogmouths and a masked owl. On September 12 a koala was found on a nearby property near Boormans Road that has no surrounding forest or koala trees. Friends of the Koala were notified to ensure the koalas safety along with the previous koala, Paris, that was also displaced...

Lismore City Councillors Darlene Cook and Elly Bird with marriage equality supporters (l-r) Nora Vidler-Blanksby, Suzie St Julian, Kristy McNeil, Rosemary Bourne and Maura Chambers. (supplied)

The Lismore City Council has this morning raised the rainbow flag in support of marriage equality while an unauthorised rainbow crossing has appeared in Nimbin.

The council decided at its 13 June meeting to raise a flag as part of a broader resolution on marriage equality that included lobbying Federal MPs and political parties.

The raising of the flag comes as Australians wait for their postal survey on the issue.

Councillor Darlene Cook, who moved the motion, said raising the rainbow flag was an important gesture.

As we head into the yes/no campaign for marriage equality and the postal survey, there is no better time for our LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, and Intersex)
community to know that Council supports their fight for equal rights in our society, Cr Cook said.

This is a clear statement that Council embraces our LGBTQI community and believes they should have the right to marry who they wish. This debate is a no-brainer. Love is love.

A rainbow crossing has appeared in the main street of Nimbin.

The flag-raising resolution followed earlier attempts by Greens councillor Adam Guise to have a rainbow pedestrian crossing installed somewhere in the CBD.

But that motion failed as the state authorities claimed that such a crossing could be a traffic hazard.

Obviously that note was not passed on to the residents of Nimbin.

Sometime this week, someone has created a rainbow crossing in the main street of Nimbin, which proudly proclaims One Love.

The po...

Ten years ago the first Mullum Music Festival pioneered a very different type of music event. No gates. No big headlines. No VIP areas. Basically a No hassle festival. A festival where artists and performers mingled, where shows are held in halls, clubs and pubs rather than tents, and instead of driving hours to park in a field and trudge on site, patrons became enmeshed in the spirit of a vibrant village. It worked.

Its not just about one act, but rather all the performers says Festival Director Glenn Wright. Mullum Music Festival is about the experience. Everyone knows that. Its all about the people. All of the people. Everyday People!

This year the Festival tips its hat to the line up ten years on by including many of the artists who were on the first bill. Its a Festival Homecoming with patrons Suzannah Espie, Mama Kin and Harry James Angus all returning to perform along with Tinpan Orange, Jojo Smith, Liz Stringer, Hussy Hicks, Oka and a swag of acts everyone has grown to love.

In the decade since its inception Mullum has a reputation for booking new acts. Many of these acts have gone on to play bigger stages all over the world. Like NZ artist Marlon Williams who has been selling out shows throughout the US, UK & Europe and returns for this years program with his beloved Yarra Benders.

With big headlines like Jon Cleary the funkiest of the funkiest (I mean hes from Funky town New Orleans) bringing his Absolute Gentlemen, a four-piece riot of gospel harmonies and foundation rocking grooves.

Perhaps nothing typifies the unconventional joy of the program more than All Our Exes Live in Texas. A festival favourite, these four songwriters with four unique voices return to deliver their four-part indie slice of folk heaven.

Canadian singer-songwriter Frazey Ford brings her smooth, opulent and electric voice to our 10th Mullum Music Festival, Mama Kin Spender feeds the soul when she delivers heart stopping ballads and percussive beats, this time around in collaboration with Melbourne musician Spender. From tender to brooding, the...

Lismore Base Hospital. (file pic)

A health union has threatened to boycott the opening of two wards at the Lismore Base Hospital unless staffing levels are increased.

The Health Services Union is demanding that an extra thirteen hospital positions are created, including security people, wards people and X-ray operators.

Greens MP Dawn Walker has raised the issue of staffing at the Lismore Base Hospital in state parliament following safety concerns raised by the union.

Its appalling that the NSW Government is failing to listen to concerns about excessive staff workloads at Lismore Base Hospital, which is risking patient care, stretching the capacity of hospital staff and jeopardizing the opening of new wards at the Hospital, Ms Walker, who is the health spokesperson for her party, said.

When I questioned the Government over staffing at Lismore Base Hospital on Wednesday, they failed to even answer the question. Yet we know that under-resourcing of hospital staff is an ongoing problem at Lismore Base Hospital.

Only last month mental health nursing staff were forced to consider closing beds due to major concerns over patient safety following planned cuts to clinical nursing staff levels.

The Lismore Base Hospital redevelopment should position the Hospital as a state-of-the art facility for the North Coast, but the Liberal-National Government seem determined not to resource it adequately.

The Government and Northern NSW Local Health District must consult with the Health Services Union, NSW Nurses and Midwives Association and other bodies over staffing levels so patient care isnt compromised..

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Photo Jeanie McKillop, Coordinator of North East Waste and Tash Morton, North East Waste project co-ordinator. Photo supplied.

The increase in DIY household renovations has highlights the importance of how to identify asbestos. It was the increasing quantity of asbestos that was unknowingly being taken to waste facilities in the northern rivers that lead to the development of the North East Wastes Household Asbestos Testing Program. Delivered to six local councils the program is now a finalist in this years Local Government NSW Excellence in Environment Awards.

Home owners undertaking their own renovations were turning up at the landfill unaware that the materials they had removed contained asbestos. This was not only a posing a health risk for the home owners but also the staff at the waste facility who sort the waste, said Tash Morton, the North East Waste project co-ordinator.

The asbestos testing program was an extension of the Household Asbestos Disposal Kit program that was initiated in 2015 to assist householders with disposing of small quantities of asbestos safely. Both programs are now run by Byron, Ballina, Lismore, Kyogle, Clarence Valley and Richmond Valley Councils.

Residents are provided with a mask and sample bags, instructions and a pre-paid satchel to post their samples to the asbestos testing company. The results of the test are then emailed to the resident with information.

The program is the first of its kind in Australia being run by Local Government Im incredibly proud of the work Tash has done and happy to be recognised for our initiative, says North East Waste coordinator, Jeanie Mckillop.

For further information on where to pick up the household asbestos testing or disposal kits contact your local Council or visit the council websites. You can also contact joanne@newaste.org.au

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A Lismore man who was arrested last week for allegedly stalking three women who live in the vicinity of Lismore Shopping Square has been previously jailed for assaulting two women.

The post Alleged Lismore stalker was jailed for assaulting two females appeared first on Echonetdaily.

A 30-year-old Casino man is charged with using a carriage service to groom a person under 16 for sex. (File pic)

Expert computer evidence will be given against a married Casino father who allegedly used social media to groom a 15-year-old girl for sex from his home.

Jacob Lee Benn appeared in Lismore Local Court this week and was represented by solicitor Peter Walsh.

The 30-year-old father is charged with using a carriage service to groom a person under 16 years for sex.

Police allege between November 20, 2016, and the day before his arrest, June 14, Mr Benn sent various message via Facebook messenger to the 15-year-old girl with the intention of having sex with her.

During their communications, it is alleged Mr Benn told the girl not to reveal his identity.

After the girl complained to police an investigation was launched and Mr Benn was arrested by detectives from the State Crime Commands Child Exploitation Unit on June 15.

He was granted strict conditional bail to reside at Casino and not to contact or approach the girl or go to her school.

Mr Benn must not use the social media websites Facebook, Snapchat, Facebook messenger or Instagram for any reason what so ever.

He was also ordered not to have direct contact with any person younger than 16 except for his immediate family.

This week Magistrate David Heilpern heard police were waiting for an electronic exhibit to be prepared and expert evidence to be given on the case.

Mr Heilpern ordered the brief of evidence to be served on the defence by October 23 and adjourned Mr Benns matters until November 13.

He was excused from appearing at court on the next occasion by Magistrate Heilpern if legally represented.

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A Wardell woman was arrested for stealing after one of the victims used the find my phone app to track down their stolen iPhone.

Police will allege that the 21-year-old woman broken into two vehicles at the Wardell Caravan Park and stole property in the early hours of September 12.

A short time later the woman broke into a cabin which was occupied by a sleeping victim. It is alleged that the woman has stolen an iphone and other property.

Police said the victim had a find my phone app installed on the stolen phone, and was able to tell police where the phone was.

Ballina police then executed a search warrant at a Wardell address where they located the 21-year-old and the stolen property.

The 21 year old was charged with aggravated break, enter and steal, and two counts of steal from motor vehicle. Bail was refused.

Police said if the victim did not have a phone finder app installed on her phone police may not have been able to make the arrest and return the stolen property.

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In a media release on September 6 the Australia Institute revealed that Australia's peak scientific body the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) was paying $10,000 a year for associate membership of the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA), a mining lobby group known for its campaigns against effective action on climate change.

The Minerals Council has been on the fringe of the climate and energy debate in Australia, opposing policies that would tackle emissions effectively, Executive Director of The Australia Institute, Ben Oquist said.