THE BYRON SHIRE Volume 25 #25 Tuesday, November 23, 2010 Mullumbimby 02 6684 1777 Byron Bay 02 6685 5222 Fax 02 6684 1719 editor@echo.net.au adcopy@echo.net.au www.echo.net.au 21,000 copies every week
Music Festival 2010 Thursday 25 – Sunday 28 November
SPECIAL SOUVENIR LIFTOUT! D I S I N F E C TA N T F O R T H E D I S A F F E C T E D
Hosing down the News Ltd schoolies brawl report
see centre pages
Mullum gears up for festival
allowed and empty their drinks.’ Inspector Connors from Byron Bay Local police, Schoolies organisers and police told The Echo Schoolies has the Mayor have all slammed national been going well. News Limited reports of brawling in Police disappointed Byron Bay last weekend. ‘It’s been pretty good so far, howLocal youth worker and Schoolies HUB coordinator Nicqui Yadzi said ever I did want to go on the record about the Main Beach incident. Police it was completely overblown. ‘The result of the reporting is that are disappointed by the media coverparents from all around Australia are age – it highlighted a minor incident needlessly worried and have been in an otherwise positive weekend. It ringing us asking if everything is al- negates the hard work done by this right,’ she told The Echo. ‘Even the community.’ Byron Shire mayor Jan Barham schoolies are upset – they have come and asked us why are they (the media) also denied that she was ‘horrified’ to see the area invaded by thousands doing this?’ Ms Yadzi claims the mood is ‘very of young people. ‘I was there and I wasn’t at all horrified,’ Cr Barham told chilled and relaxed.’ ‘Everyone is enjoying themselves the ABC. ‘I thought it was a really and their time off. Byron is a chilled pleasant and well-behaved crowd.’ Ms Yadzi says free entertainment out destination, and has no big party. It’s a beautiful vibe in the hub, and can be found every afternoon from a lot of the volunteers have hung 3pm on Main Beach. ‘BYS are providing DJs, plus there will be competiaround after their shifts.’ Ms Yazdi says there has been very tions, and performances by the Red Having set out a year ago from the Uncle Tom’s turnoff, Helix and his wife Trichia are on target to reach Mullum by little alcohol on the beach and praised Frogs. next weekend to catch the Mullum Music festival. Festival director Glen Wright caught up with them at the far end For more contact Nicqui Yazdi on of Argyle Street for a cup of tea and a photo call. Photo by Jeff ‘Snail trail Dawson. the police presence. ‘The kids have also been very respectful. If found 0402 013 177 or email byronschoolieswith alcohol they understand it’s not safetyresponse@yahoo.com.au. tival. We have a tree planting initative defined identity. It’s a very casual atHans Lovejoy and encourage bicycles as it’s flat here mosphere also. There are no “Green Festival Director Glenn Wright, along in Mullum. There are also places to Rooms”– as a result the performers find themselves mingling with the with his assistant Nino, are all set to refill your drink bottles. Another bonus is the relatively inex- crowds and attending others’ perforpresent a world class roster of music pensive drinks and food, says Glenn. mances.’ in Mullumbimby this weekend. ‘If you do want a drink, it’s all at Glenn claims past demographics Now in its third year, Glenn told club prices.’ The Bowling and Services are around the 41 year old mark, and The Echo it’s his best line up yet. ‘This is the size and type of festival clubs are among the venues partici- maintains a healthy local attendance rate. ‘Around a third are all local I have been trying to achieve since pating. ‘The great thing about this festival acts too.’ we began.’ For more visit www.mullummuFrom Thursday, much of Mullum- is the point of difference. Woodford, bimby’s licensed venues and commu- Bellingen, for example have a very sicfestival.com. nity halls will be transformed into performance stages accommodating over 60 acts. ‘The support of the town and coun- The local working group of the hopes to finish construction before cil has been fantastic,’ he says. I have Bangalow Wetland Reconnecting to the funding from NSW EnvironmenCountry project hosted an open day tal Trust runs out early next year. really had no complaints.’ Last week’s news item incorrectly Glenn says council have gone out of on Saturday at the proposed site. The Byron Schoolies HUB in Apex Park by the beach swung into action last Members of the community had an gave the impression that the wettheir way to facilitate a smooth runweekend. Co-ordinator of the schoolies response group Nicqui Yazdi was ning festival. ‘By utilising the existing opportunity to view plans for, learn land had already been constructed. very pleased with the response to the call for volunteers to help man the infrastructure, everyone benefits. We about and provide feedback on the Find information about the project at HUB 24/7 untill Dec 6. Over 100 volunteers shifts have now been covered. are trying also to be a low impact fes- wetland. The local working group www.sustainablefutures.com.au. Photo Jeff ‘Zoolie’ Dawson. Hans Lovejoy
Bangalow Wetland update
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