Rex to begin Newcastle-Ballina flights
September 30, 2011
Regional Express (Rex) has announced that it will commence Newcastle to Sydney and Newcastle to Ballina/Byron services 7 days a week from Sunday, 30 October 2011.
Rex will provide three return services between Newcastle and Sydney Monday to Friday on a schedule that is convenient for the business traveller wanting to make a day-return trip, as well as those needing to connect on to Rex’s NSW regional network as well as other domestic/international flights.
Saturday and Sunday flights are also provided, making a total of 38 weekly flights between Newcastle and Sydney.
Rex will also commence a new daily return service between Newcastle and Ballina/Byron Bay.
A promotional fully-inclusive one-way web fare of $99 for both Newcastle to Sydney and Newcastle to Ballina will be available from service commencement until Feb 2012.
Rex said it sees substantial growth opportunity between Newcastle and Sydney as the route used to have 100,000 passengers annually, a far cry from today’s 30,000.
Reservations can be made via the internet (www.rex.com.au), phone (13 17 13) or your local travel agent.
Happy poems from Brunei
September 17, 2011
Gayathri Sama-rakoon, an author and contributor to Far North Coaster, is presently teaching in Brunei and she sent us these poems from students …
INTRODUCTION
Happy poems are simple lines of poetry which are used for self-expression. They are aimed at encouraging feelings of joy and sometimes are thought-provoking.
These happy poems are from Sekolah Menengah Rimba, a secondary school in Brunei Darussalam which is located on the island of Borneo. English is taught as a foreign language in Brunei by teachers from Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada and other countries. The teachers work for CfBT, a worldwide educational charity and consultancy based in the UK. Students in Brunei have a strong awareness of people from other cultures and countries and study English alongside their national language which is Malay. These poems are from students in Years 9 and 10. We hope you enjoy them.
Happy poems!!!
The colour Blue makes me happy because it reminds me of the cloudless skies,
Green colour makes me happy because it reminds me of tall green trees,
Pink colour makes me happy because it reminds me of my mother’s rose garden,
Fried noodles make me happy because it reminds me of my 100-year old grandma,
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY CARE TO SHARE?
- Azmon Ahmad, 9a Rimba
Red Roses make me happy because it reminds me of my Ferrari back at home – Diyaulhaq, 5R2
Melody makes me happy because it reminds me of a ‘flowing’ day – Murni 10E PMB
Swings in the park make me happy because they remind me of my days as a child – Nabillah, 5R2
The Green fields make me happy because they bring peace to my mind – Farah 5R2
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? CARE TO SHARE?
The pink colour makes me happy because it softens my heart with its softness - Nur N’ Matul Sapar, 9sps
Green Koran makes me happy because it brings peace to my mind
Old pianos make me happy as it reminds me of old melodies
Melted brown makes me happy as it reminds me of ‘yummy’ chocolates,
Nor Nazratul- 9sps2
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? CARE TO SHARE?
The blue ocean makes me happy because it reminds me of my favorite teen cartoon
Azure skies make me happy because of my peaceful country
A toothy smile makes me happy because it reminds me of my naughty friends – Nur Aidatul Yusuf, 9sps
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY CARE TO SHARE?
Saffron yellow makes me happy because it reminds me of SpongeBob’s square pants
Multicolor make me happy because it reminds me of rainbow in a cloudy sky – MD Afiq Hasif 9sps2
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? CARE TO SHARE?
Sushi makes me happy because it reminds me of home, memories and ‘a normal day’
Jokes make me happy because it gives me joyful feelings
Stars make me happy because they remind me of life and freedom – Muhammed Hazim Juhari, 9sps2
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? CARE TO SHARE?
Schools make me happy because it makes me think of my future
Drums make me happy because the ‘dum-dum’ beat gives me a boost
Football makes me happy because it reminds me of freedom – Ak Muhd Yahya
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? CARE TO SHARE?
‘Boom’ noise makes me happy because it reminds me of my MP3 player
Speed makes me happy because father always drives fast
Candy makes me happy because it reminds me of the ‘sweetness’ of life
Muhd Wafiuddin Sohari- 9sps2
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? CARE TO SHARE?
Breeze on the beach makes me feel happy because it reminds me of ‘niceness’ of life
Indigo, pink, yellow rainbows make me happy because they remind me of God Almighty
Sound of violins make me happy because think of days alone
Hari Raya makes me happy because it brings me money – Nora Aboulaih, 9SPS 2
SO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? CARE TO SHARE?
PICTURE: Some of the teachers at the school.
Jetstar to increase Melbourne-Ballina flights
October 22, 2010
Low fares leader Jetstar has delivered another windfall for northern NSW tourism with the re-introduction of direct low-fare Melbourne services to Ballina Byron Gateway Airport timed to commence pre-Christmas.
From 21 December 2010, Jetstar will operate three times weekly Melbourne-Ballina Byron A320 services on a year-round basis and offer the region its only direct interstate flight.
This new growth follows Jetstar’s recently announced expansion of Sydney-Ballina Byron flying by five more weekly flights to double daily (14 times weekly commencing 2 December) and represents a new high-water mark for Jetstar, offering over 300,000 annual seats for the first time in this market.
Jetstar group chief executive officer Bruce Buchanan said the decision to re-introduce a direct Melbourne service alongside growing Sydney frequencies to Ballina/Byron Bay reflected a renewed confidence in the market and a response to strong regional community and tourism industry support for an interstate air link.
Ballina Byron Airport welcomes five more weekly Jetstar services
August 29, 2010
Jetstar has added an extra five weekly flights from Sydney to the Ballina-Byron route.
Neil Weatherson, Ballina Byron Airport manager, was delighted to receive a phone call from Jetstar last Friday afternoon announcing the five additional weekly services.
“What a great way to end the week. We’re elated to have even more flights to offer our passengers and it also demonstrates Jetstar’s future confidence in the growth of the Sydney to Ballina-Byron route,” Mr Weatherson said.
“These additional flights coupled with the recently installed self check-in kiosks offer more flexibility and convenience for our customers.”
Jetstar introduces self-service check-ins at Ballina aiport
July 30, 2010
Ballina/Byron Gateway Airport is moving forward to another level of service with Jetstar introducing self-service check-in kiosks for the benefit of flyers.
The technologically advanced check-in solution, where Jetstar has partnered with IBM Global Business Services, will see three installed self-service kiosks to supplement existing customer check-in processes for the first time at Ballina/Byron Gateway Airport.
Airport Manager Neil Weatherson said the new self-service kiosks would further enhance the overall travelling experience at the airport, bringing it in line with major Australian airports which host this popular technology.
“This new facility at the airport takes us to next level of service. Jetstar passengers, whether regular or infrequent flyers, will have the choice to self-check themselves onto their flight, avoid queues and then relax in the terminal prior to travel,” Mr Weatherson said.
Read more
Byron at Byron celebrated by travel industry
April 2, 2010
The Spa and Wellness Centre at The Byron at Byron Resort has beeny announced ‘No 2 best Spa in Australia’ at the Luxury Travel Gold List Awards, held at the Sheraton on the Park in Sydney.
The Resort’s Marketing Manager, Holly Galbraith, attended the presentation.
The luxurious Spa was up against the country’s best and was eclipsed only by Angsana Spa in Palm Cove.
Another local spa, Gaia, was awarded No 5 Spa in Australia.
The Luxury Travel Gold List Awards, now in their sixth year, recognise “’he best travel experiences in the world’.
Tweed Tourism Activities & Attractions
December 19, 2009
Whale Watching
Every year from early June to late November, the majestic humpback whales make their annual migration to their northern breeding grounds, travelling close to the Tweed Coast. Regular ‘stars’ include Migaloo, the world’s only documented all-white humpback, and the occasional pod of killer whales. There are two whale watching boats operating from the Tweed Coast, each offering very different experiences:
Aquatic Blue Charters – www.aquaticbluecharters.com.au
46-passenger purpose-built whale watching vessel
Tweed Snorkelling & Whale Watching – www.tweedoceanadventures.com.au
10-passenger inflatable zodiac offering a unique up-close-and-personal experience
Online boost for new Northern Rivers Tourism promotional campaign
October 7, 2009
A major campaign to promote the Northern Rivers to potential visitors from south-east Queensland, regional NSW, Sydney and Melbourne kicks off this week.
A new co-operative marketing website www.riversoflife.com.au launches the Rivers of Life campaign and is being supported by extensive television, print and online advertising and destination publicity.
Air travellers to receive fairer, timelier compensation
January 29, 2009
Australians flying overseas will now receive fairer and timelier compensation in the event they lose their luggage, their flight is extensively delayed or they are involved in an airline accident, according to the Federal Government.
The new arrangements follow Australia’s recent ratification of the Montreal Convention. This multilateral agreement includes new, tougher liability regimes for:
- The death or injury of a passenger;
- The loss or damage to a passenger’s baggage;
- The loss or damage to a freight shipment; and
- Delays to the scheduled arrival of a passenger, baggage or freight.
Another big win for The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa
January 28, 2009
The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa has done it again, picking up another major tourism award. On January 17 the blue-ribbon winners of The Australian annual Travel and Tourism Awards were announced. The award for Best Resort Accommodation (under 100 rooms) went to The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa, which beat the country’s established greats in its category.
Other winners in the prestigious awards included the Bay of Fires Walk in Tasmania for ‘Best Eco Wilderness Experience’ and Vibe Savoy Hotel in Melbourne for ‘Best Value Accommodation’.
