Fluke Matcher uncovers a world of knowledge about whales
August 30, 2010
Southern Cross University has launched a powerful new software program that will enable researchers from around the world to collate humpback whale photographic catalogues and gain new understanding of the marine mammal’s biology, ecology and behaviour.
Fluke Matcher was developed by a team of researchers including Daniel Burns and Professor Peter Harrison, from Southern Cross University’s Marine Ecology Research Centre, and Dr Eric Kniest, from the University of Newcastle and was funded by the Australian Government.
Busy morning for lifesavers at Tallow Beach
August 29, 2010
Surf lifesavers from Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club and the Far North Coast Branch were kept busy this morning with two emergency call-outs to Tallow Beach.
The second was a serious incident and resulted in the successful rescue of a body-boarder who was swept around the point and on to rocks.
At around 7.30am surf lifesavers were called to respond to two swimmers in trouble at the northern end of Tallow Beach.
Rescue craft were dispatched to the scene but were stood down before they arrived after a boardrider managed to assist the swimmers back to shore.
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.”
You Are Here opens on August 27
August 25, 2010
Kelly Sullivan’s painting, You Are Here, is an impressive red triptych featuring cute retro cars and caravans, on a grid inspired by a 1970s London street map.
On closer inspection you can read the names of the streets and roads that make up this imaginary location…
Holiday Let Road; Bong Head Court; and Only People Who Practice Yoga Can Live Here Boulevard, are just a few examples that give a taste of the theme of the work.
Kelly says her painting is intended to be viewed as satirical, with the street names she has used inspired by a mix of her own experience as a Byron shire resident, and the Letters to the Editor she reads in the Echo.
Gus and Katie sniff out foxes
August 25, 2010
Two highly-trained English Springer Spaniels will be visiting the Northern Rivers Region next week as a trial to locate fox dens in Arakwal National Park, near Byron Bay, and Broadwater National Park, north of Evans Head.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Pest Management Officer Lisa Wellman said that the dogs can be trained to search for pests such as foxes, cane toads, rabbits and cats.
Baiting commences to protect potoroos in Tyagarah Nature Reserve
August 25, 2010
Foxes will be controlled in Tyagarah Nature Reserve, north of Byron Bay, in an effort to protect the vulnerable long-nosed potoroo.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Pest Management Officer Lisa Wellman said that baiting will commence on Tuesday 31st of August.
“Tyagarah Nature Reserve has been identified as a priority in the Statewide Fox Threat Abatement Plan,” Ms Wellman said.
“A 1997 survey estimated that 80-90 individual long-nosed potoroos inhabit the nature reserve. However, a 2009 scientific study failed to capture any. This study drew the conclusion that potoroos may have declined in the reserve due to foxes.
New group will co-ordinate shorebird management
August 18, 2010
As migratory shorebirds make their way south towards our shores, a new group has been formed to co-ordinate shorebird management across the Northern Rivers Region.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Pest Management Officer Lisa Wellman said that the group hopes to improve shorebird management by sharing resources and ideas and developing effective regional strategies.
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.
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Something to laugh about after the election
July 21, 2010
Post Election 10, celebrate Selection 10, a smorgasbord of stand-up comedy with musical undertones.
Join Sandy Gandhi, Alesha-Nicole (she makes Priscilla look like a desert), Cathy Martin and the fabulous Jackie Loeb who does Julia better than the PM herself!
Jackie brought the roof down several times at this year’s Big Joke Festival, and for those of you who missed it, here’s your chance to catch her (check her out - www.jackieloeb.com)
If you’re having a Birthday, come and party with the girls – discounts available for groups of 10 or more.
Whale watchers’ photographs can help research project
July 21, 2010
Whale watch tour operators and passengers will have the chance to contribute to a Southern Cross University research project which aims to provide valuable new data on the migration of humpback whales along Australia’s east coast.
Peta Beeman, who is completing a Master of Marine Science and Management and is part of the University’s Marine Ecology Research Centre, is aiming to bring together photographs of individual whales from Victoria north to the Whitsunday Islands.
