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.
Work on Ballina’s Harvey Norman Homemaker Centre to start soon
August 30, 2010
Construction of the Harvey Norman Homemaker Centre in Ballina is due to begin soon.
Ballina Shire Council said tenders had been called and the successful contractor had been appointed.
“The development has encountered many months of delays due to legal action taken against Ballina Shire Council which has since been settled in council’s favour,” the council said.
“Earthworks on the site and the Boeing Avenue extension are well-advanced and the successful builder is expected to take possession of the site mid-September.
“The tenders, which included submissions from local builders, were very competitive and whilst prices were very close, the time for construction was the determining factor. Harvey Norman has selected Mainbrace Constructions as the successful contractor and they will move on site mid-September.”
Michael Shay, principal of LJ Hooker Ballina, assisting with the local leasing of the project, said: “The Harvey Norman-anchored development will provide for both national and local retailers.
NRRRL semi-final results, August 28-29
August 29, 2010
Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League semi-final results:
SATURDAY 28/08/10
ELIMINATION SEMI-FINAL
NED BYRNE FIELD, KINGSCLIFF
1ST CUDGEN 44 DEF GRAFTON RHINOS 30
RES CUDGEN 22 DEF GRAFTON GHOSTS 20
18S MULLUMBIMBY 36 DEF TWEED COAST 0
SUNDAY 29/08/10
QUALIFYING SEMI-FINAL
OAKES OVAL, LISMORE
1ST BALLINA 30 DEF NORTHERN UNITED 28
RES BYRON BAY 26 DEF MARIST BROTHERS 6
18S BALLINA 10 DEF CUDGEN 2
NEXT WEEKEND
Promoting The Legendary Pacific Coast
August 29, 2010
Tourism industry stakeholders on the NSW North Coast are invited to take part in a new initiative to promote the popular touring drive along and surrounding the Pacific Coast corridor – The Legendary Pacific Coast.
Russell Mills, Deputy Chair of Pacific Coast Touring Route and CEO for Northern Rivers Tourism, said: “Collectively industry and stakeholders are encouraged to be involved in The Legendary Pacific Coast project to strengthen the vibrant brand conceptualised for the road itself and in turn maximise the economic potential for the coastal and hinterland towns and communities along this legendary stretch of road.
“Together, as part of the self-drive campaign, travellers along The Legendary Pacific Coast will be encouraged to travel at their own pace and create personal memories and legendary experiences to increase the prominence of this popular touring route, establishing The Legendary Pacific Coast as a top tourism drive in Australia.
“Partnership workshops, for the tourism industry, will be held in four locations and provide industry the opportunity to learn first-hand the innovative developments secured for this project and also take part in a ‘traveller’s technology’ presentation.”
The workshop for the Northern Rivers will be held at the Ballina Beach Resort on Tuesday, 31st August. Places are still available – call 66870695 or rsvp@northernriverstourism.com.au
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.
Joshua lands the dream job bringing junior cricket to PNG
August 29, 2010
Joshua Mapstone is living the dream to which many young men aspire – getting a great education and leaping into an early career opportunity that combines business with adventure and travel.
The Goonellabah-based Southern Cross University Bachelor of Business in Sport Tourism student has won a prestigious internship with the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD) program. The 12-month internship has taken him to Papua New Guinea to help establish junior cricket as a sport.
A weekend of celebrating diversity in Australia’s Green Cauldron
August 29, 2010
The UNITY festival and the Caldera Artfest may share the same weekend – and a common goal of celebrating the amazing diversity within Australia’s Green Cauldron – but organisers say that each provides an exceptional insight into the uniqueness and complexity of region.
The UNITY festival on 2 October at the Murwillumbah Showground is all about celebrating the dance, music, cuisine and culture of the Tweed’s diverse heritage.
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.”
FNC Rugby Union major semi-final results
August 29, 2010
Far North Coast Rugby Union major semi-final results and draw for next Saturday’s preliminary finals at Lismore:
First Grade
Lennox Head 39 (Matt Aherne 2, Adam Gordon, Harry Witt, Braidon Boniface, Sam Stewart tries, Adam Gordon, Mathew Barnes, Braidon Boniface conversions, Adam Gordon penalty goal) d Wollongbar Alstonville 3 (Lachlan Crockett penalty goal)
Half-time: Lennox Head 10 – Wollongbar Alstonville 3
Reserve Grade
Ballina 25 (Matt Bordin, Chris Lynch, Danny Lickiss tries, Chris Lynch 2 conversions, 2 penalty goals) d Wollongbar Alstonville 10 (Ray Nean, Simon Perkins tries)
Half-time: Ballina 22 – Wollongbar 5
NSW Fishing Monthly editor Tony Zann’s weekend report
August 27, 2010
Andrew at Dave’s Bait Shop in Ballina says a lot of tailor and some big salmon have been chasing pillies on South Ballina Beach, with some jew and lots of flathead as well.
The closer reefs have been good for reds but too many jackets out wide.
The headlands also have good tailor and the occasional jew, with some big bust-offs on GTs off Lennox Headland. The breakwalls have tailor, salmon and school jew. Also a few bream about.
The Richmond River has plenty of small bream, flathead and the occasional jewfish. One or two blackfish but weed is pretty scarce.
Windy at Evans Head today (Fri) and the surf’s been flat as all week but is tipped to come up over the weekend.
