Byron Bay

Do you feel strongly about climate change? Then do your bit and join the fundraiser on Thursday November 2.
Al Gore’s movie An Inconvenient Truth about global warming will be shown at Byron Cinemas - and the North Coast Climate Action Group and the Rainforest Information Centre have purchased tickets for both the 6.30pm and 8.30pm sessions as a fundraiser.
Buy the tickets ($15 and $12 concession) from Santos stores at Mullumbimby and Byron.
The film, An Inconvenient Truth, is a documentary on Al Gore’s campaign to make the issue of global warming a recognised problem worldwide.
The film has got some great reviews:
It’s not a story of despair but rather a rallying cry to protect the one earth we all [...]

A Byron Bay surfer has created a wave of success thanks to a new water sports leg.
Ron Fidler, 56, has developed a waterproof prosthetic sports limb with a shock absorber that allows amputees to surf standing up.
The limb was developed over six months thanks to a Southport prostheticist.
Fidler’s leg was amputated above the knee after an industrial accident when he was 19, according to The Courier-Mail. From them, and until now, Fidler had been unable to catch a wave standing up.
He is now looking to start a disabled surfing competition, as part of the world surfing circuit.
“No one has ever done it,” he said.
“It will snowball, I know it will.”

If you are looking for some action this weekend, head to Lennox for the second annual Lennox Kite Surfing Classic.
The competition is for thrill seekers from New South Wales and Queensland.
There are reportedly between 60 and 70 competitors who are keen to show off their skills to the judges and spectators.
A freestyle session on Sunday afternoon will be judged by a panel of riders, with prizes on offer for big aerial manoeuvres.
The championships are run in divisions — junior men (Under-18), women, open men and masters (Over-35).
The sport is still in its infancy but is rapidly growing in popularity. In 1998, there were probably less than thirty kitesurfers worldwide. In 2006, the number of kitesurfers has been estimated [...]

Keep your dance card free for November 3 to 5 … because the Byron Latin Fiesta is going to shake up the town.
The fiesta describes itself as “the weekend feast of Latin music and dance”. The festival is going to light up Byron with street performances - including dance and live music from countries throughout the Latin Americas.
There are two days and two nights of Latin dance workshops and parties planned.
National teachers and performers will be showcasing the hottest moves around. Australia’s hottest Latino band “Mi Tierra” will be performing.
Check out the full program HERE.
For bookings and more information, email info@picantedance.com.au.

For music lovers out there, it’s time to add a new festival to your list!
The Bangalow Pacific Songwriters Festival 2006 is launching this weekend.
There’s some great acts lined up, including Midnight Oil’s Rob Hirst and Cruel Sea’s Tex Perkins.
Diana Anaid is also headlining the festival.
As well, Byron Vista Social Club recording artists will be showcased at the festival.
Organisers of the event imagine the festival turning into the musical equivalent of the Byron Writers’ Festival.
The Mission of the Bangalow Pacific Songwriters Festival is to display and publicise, support and promote, teach, impart and encourage songwriting in all its forms as a creative performing art.
Youth are also encouraged to get involved - the Bangalow RSL Hall will be a dedicated [...]

First Established in 1982 as a Motorcycle Hire and Mechanical workshop in Jonson St, Byron Bay, has become well known throughout the region, expanding into new and used motorcycle, ATV and scooter sales. The business has specialised workshop facilities equipped to service most makes and models, placing emphasis on quality repairs and servicing of the local market. Byron motorcycle centre  is an authorised inspection Station, issuing in house Registration Plates for the RTA, and provides insurance and finance products.
Goto byron bay byron motorcycle centre >>

Byron Bay has always been one of the hottest places for music festivals in Australia, but there are rumours that there could be a shift in venue.
A consortium of 15 people associated with Byron Bay’s Splendour in the Grass music festival have bought a huge parcel of land, with natural amphitheatre-like areas.
The land stretches across both sides of Jones Road in the north of Byron Shire towards Wooyung Road on the border of Tweed Shire.
Reports say that Council and real estate officials have stated that the site is the ideal venue for most of Byron’s music gigs, including the annual Blues and Roots festival.
The Blues and Roots Festival is on from the 6th to the 9th of April [...]

Do you live in the Byron Bay region and want to know more about climate change?
A new centre set up in the region is stepping up its research in the area of climate change.
The Southern Cross University’s Centre for Assessing the Effects of Climate Change on Coastal Communities provides scientific information and advice on the potential effects of regional climate change on local communities and industries.
The centre is also looking at finding sustainable solutions.
Centre director Associate Professor Graham Jones said it is important to find out about the impact of climate change on regional and coastal communities around Australia.
He told the ABC that he hopes the centre can address a lack of local information on the effects of [...]

A festival that promises to bring out the kid in all of us is fast approaching - the Brunswick Heads Kites and Bikes Festival.
In its fifth year, the popular festival is continuing to grow, with up to 6,000 people expected to attend on Sunday, November 5, according to ABC North Coast .
For kite lovers, this festival is a winner, with some of the world’s biggest kites set to make an appearance, including Romeo, a whopping 27 metre octopus kite. Now that has to be seen!
And for bike lovers, the bike program has doubled in size from last year and riders are invited to take part in a number of longer rides.
Make sure you bring your kite along.
There will be [...]

Byron Bay local Sara Tindley - a talented singer/songwriter - has been recognised, scoring a win in the Album of the Year Category at the Dolphin Awards in Byron Bay on October 10.
The 2002 album “Five Days” is proving to be a popular hit.
Her second album “Lucky The Sun” was launched this month in Byron Bay.
She told Australian Music Online that her aim was to produce a soulful, honest record.
“I guess I wanted to capture a sense of place with this album. I wanted it to somehow reflect the Australian landscape and its people.”
And if you are a struggling Byron Bay musician, you may want to heed Sara’s advice:
“Just be true to your own talent. Don’t try [...]