Police seize around $5m in cannabis during drug squad raids
February 7, 2010
Police have seized cannabis valued around $5m during a major drug squad operation on the State’s Far North Coast.
Strike Force Farrelly comprised detectives from the State Crime Command Drug Squad, the Tweed/Byron Local Area Command, the NSW Police Air Wing, the Dog Squad and the Radio Electronics Unit.
The Cannabis Eradication Program (CEP) targeted the areas of Burringbar, Murwillumbah, Mullumbimby, Uki and surrounding national parks over five days last week.
A total of 2446 plants, ranging from one to five metres in height, were located.
Woolworths Mullumbimby approval granted for five years
January 29, 2010
The Land and Environment Court has given approval for Woolworths to install and operate their proposed on-site sewerage management system which is to service the supermarket development at Mullumbimby.
Byron Shire Council’s executive manager of environment and land use Ray Darney said the approval was valid for five years and subject to conditions granted by the court.
“One of the conditions included is that installation cannot commence until the approval issued by the Minister has been modified to incorporate the redesigned on-site system,” Mr Darney said.
He said the council was yet to see a final copy of the court’s conditions of approval.
Clandestine drug lab uncovered at Bangalow; two men arrested
January 28, 2010
Two men have been arrested today following a joint interagency operation at Byron Bay after police uncovered the first ever clandestine laboratory manufacturing safrole oil, used in the production of MDMA.
Strike Force Barsden comprises investigators from the State Crime Command’s Drug Squad, Tweed/Byron Local Area Command and Queensland Police.
The Strike Force was established in June 2009 to investigate the supply of cocaine, as well as the manufacture of safrole oil, which can be used as a precursor in the production of MDMA.
Two men have been arrested by police today including a 23-year-old man at Bangalow and a 24-year-old man at Mullumbimby. Both men were taken to Byron Bay Police Station.
Memories sought for oral history of Northern Rivers
January 28, 2010
A Southern Cross University researcher is searching for older people living from Tweed Heads to Kyogle who can share their memories of the region’s early history.
Theresa Mason has embarked on her PhD research project – an oral history of the Northern Rivers – and already has many a fascinating tale to tell, thanks to locals sharing their stories for her earlier Honours project.
Her interest in the region’s history began when she was editing and writing for The Village Journal, a local newspaper based in Rosebank, serving the rural areas between Dunoon, Federal and Bexhill.
“I came across all of these older people who had fascinating stories to tell,” she said. “Many of the stories around people’s experiences during the Great Depression and in times of war were particularly interesting.
Byron Shire councillors don’t ‘live it up’
January 14, 2010
An article in the Daily Telegraph on councils ‘living it up’ does not apply to Byron Shire Council, the council’s general manager, Graeme Faulkner, said.
He said the Byron Shire’s councillors are a hard-working group of individuals dedicated to the community.
“They are paid less than $15,000 each per year, with an additional Mayoral allowance of $33,000,” he said.
The Daily Telegraph news article reported a figure of up to $47,000 spent on ’sustenance’ within Byron Shire for the period 2008-09.
Richmond electorate volunteer grants announced
December 10, 2009
Member for Richmond MP Justine Elliot has announced that 75 volunteer organisations in the electorate will receive funding from the Rudd Government’s Volunteer Grants 2009 initiative.
“Under this initiative, grants of between $1000 and $5000 are provided to non-profit organisations to support their volunteers and encourage volunteering,” she said.
Volunteer organisations in the Richmond electorate will benefit from volunteer grants totalling $236,834.
“Every day volunteers are out in our local community doing what they do best – helping those in need, nurturing our environment and fostering our nation’s sporting and cultural life,” Ms Elliot said.
Police again appeal for information on Jai Morcom’s death
December 10, 2009
Tweed/Byron Local Area Command detectives are again appealing for anyone with information about the death of Mullumbimby teenager Jai Morcom to come forward, as they continue to compile a report for the Coroner.
Sixteen-year-old Jai died in the Gold Coast Hospital on Saturday 29 August, two days after a melee in the playground of a high school at Mullumbimby.
Tweed/Byron Crime Manager Inspector Greg Carey said every effort to identify and interview witnesses was being undertaken, to the extent that an email address to investigators had been established.
“We have conducted interviews with literally dozens of students, teachers and community members,” Inspector Carey said.
The story of Christmas in words and song
December 3, 2009
The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is a format for a service celebrating the birth of Jesus which is traditionally followed at Christmas.
The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus is told in nine short Bible readings, interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols and hymns.
The format was based on an Order drawn up by Edward White Benson, later Archbishop of Canterbury, for Christmas Eve (24 December) 1880 in Truro, Cornwall.
It has since been adapted and used by other churches all over the world.
Illegal dumping of garden waste: campaign launched in Byron Shire
November 23, 2009
The NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) and Byron Shire Council have launched a campaign targeting the problem of illegal dumping of garden waste.
Operation Palm is an innovative campaign to reduce the problem, and involves DECCW and Byron Shire Council.
DECCW Manager Waste Management Section, Mark Gorta, said that illegal dumping of garden waste is a highly visible and costly environmental problem.
“Problems caused include threats to native bushland from environmental weeds and disease, and reduced habitat for native animals and birds,” he said.
Byron Arts Classic entry forms are now available
November 19, 2009
Entry forms are available from the Byron Community Centre for the Byron Arts Classic.
The planning is going ahead full steam for the exhibition.
There are four categories: painting, works on paper, photography and sculpture.
First prize in these categories is $1000, with $200 for second prize.
Byron Shire Council and the Mayor’s Fund are sponsoring a $2000 acquisition prize.
