Local News
Peace pole carved in unity Free green home talks continue
It’s unity time! Master Polynesian wood carver, educator (University of Hawaii) and environmental activist Tonu Shane, right, is pictured with Uplift co-producer Chris Decker and the six-metre Uplift Unity Pole Tonu is carving for this week’s Uplift Festival. Photo Jeff Dawson
Hinterland collective welcomes members A group of business operators across the hinterland have come together to form the Byron Hinterland Collective ‘to help support visitor growth in the area in a sustainable way,’ says co-ordinator Francesca Esposito-Rose. ‘Even though our group name has the word Byron in it, that’s just for the benefit of visitors so that they know which hinterland we are talking about. Our group has over 50 members from the Ballina, Tweed, Byron and Lismore LGA’s and we are steadily growing in membership each week.’ The group’s formation was sparked by the recent state government RVEF (Regional Visitor Economy Fund) scheme, which aims to extend the stay of existing visitors, but also to create new markets for regional areas. Esposito-Rose says, ‘We would love all the hinterland businesses to be involved in this exciting cross-district collaboration.’
‘Our growing membership believes that hinterland visitors are very different from the coastal visitor and we want to reach that more adventurous traveller. ‘These are the 42 per cent of Australian travellers who want to take the time to explore new places and people and immerse themselves in all that a region and an alternative culture have to offer.’ For more information email ByronHinterlandCollective@gmail.com.
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Free home sustainability talks continue through December at the Green Building Centre. Local experienced home owners share their insights into creating more energy efficient, comfortable and sustainable homes over lunch on Wednesdays from 12.15 to 1.15pm. Nina Bishop’s talk takes place at the Green Building Centre this Wednesday December 11. A sustainability educator, auditor and owner/ builder, Nina demonstrates how everyone can build a passive solar designed home with some easy-to-learn principles. Learn about the best deciduous plants and other DIY tricks to keep your house cool.
Nina Bishop’s mudbrick passive solar home.
Richard Swinton’s talk is at the Green Building Centre on Wednesday December 18. Learn how Richard and his wife converted a very average brick AV Jennings home (facing in the wrong direction and with no shading and limited air flow) into a sustainable, comfortable dream.
Both houses have been open for Sustainable House days and talks are accompanied by slideshows. Those wishing to attend can call the Centre on 0427 701 653, emailinfo@greenbuldingcentre.net.au or visit at 1 Brigantine Street in the Arts & Industry Estate, Byron Bay.
Federal unveils new church window The Federal community is unveiling a tribute glass window in the old church saved for public use. ‘Illumination’ by artist Helen Fawell will be unveiled in the old church at Jasper Corner, Federal, at 5.30pm on Thursday December 12. Viewing is from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. Artist Helen Fawell will be present and wine and cheese will be served.
The window marks the effort that individuals, local businesses and the community at large made to acquire the church for future generations. In 2011/2012 residents of Federal and surrounding communities successfully ran the ‘Save the Heart of Federal’ campaign to purchase the old church building. While the purchase price of $200,000
was considerable, the acquisition complemented the neighbouring community hall and provided Federal with a guarantee of public space for future generations. The new precinct comprising the old church, the adjoining Federal Hall and the land on which they sit was renamed ‘Jasper Corner’ to acknowledge the original Parish of Jasper.
Photo courtesy of Byron Food Tours
Café Philo begins The first Café Philo discussion will examine ‘Consume, Be Silent, Die: is this our destiny?’ It will be held at the Succulent Café, 8 Byron St, 6pm on Friday December 13. For more visit www. meetup.com/byronbayphilocafe.
The Byron Shire Echo December 10, 2013 9