CHRIS HEMSWORTH SUPPORTS THE HOMELESS AT FLETCHER STREET COTTAGE

from The Northern Rivers Times Edition 137

TWEED COAST PRO SHOWCASES STUNNING NEW SURF TALENT

Local Chris Hemsworth has made a significant donation to Fletcher Street Cottage with a further commitment to help raise much needed funding. This donation will provide critical resources and support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the Byron Shire.

The Byron Community Centre is dedicated to giving back to the community and has a strong commitment to supporting those in need. Chris Hemsworth’s donation to Byron’s homeless hub aligns with the organisation’s mission to help improve the lives of locals who are living in tents, cars, couch surfing or on the streets.

“The Fletcher Street Cottage team are extremely grateful to Chris for this generous donation,” says Helen Hamilton, Acting Manager at Fletcher Street Cottage. “It will enable the service to keep running and provide certainty for the months ahead. We know the changes in people’s lives that these funds will facilitate because we see it every day.”

Fletcher Street Cottage provides a safe and supportive environment where people can get back on their feet and rebuild their lives. With over 6,000 visitors to the service since opening in April 2022, numbers of people seeking help have drastically increased.

In the Byron Shire, the high cost of living and limited availability of affordable housing has contributed to the rise in homelessness.

“We provide connection and support for community members from all walks of life,” explains Helen. “For example, a safe home for a mother and child close to medical services. A clean, fresh pod for an older woman living in damp and mould for 12 months after the floods. Assistance for a young man to travel down the coast to start a new job. Temporary accommodation for a young woman camped in the bush with access to support services.”

There is assistance with housing, mental health, physical health, legal advice and counselling, plus other basics like providing a safe place to enjoy a meal, have a shower and do some washing. With no ongoing government funding, Fletcher Street Cottage relies on community support to continue providing these vital services to those less fortunate.

“We are grateful for Chris’ support and his commitment to making a difference in the lives of our community’s most vulnerable,” says Louise O’Connell, General Manager at the Byron Community Centre. “We are seeing locals seeking help that have never come to us before, people with jobs and young children who are struggling. We can only provide this desperately needed service through the generosity of donors, which keep the doors open.” or Scan the QR Code and make a Donation from the heart.

Chris Hemsworth’s donation is a testament to his commitment to giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

The Byron Community Centre encourages others to join him in supporting this important cause.

For more information or to make a donation, visit fletcherstreetcottage. com.au.

Happiness and Fun for All!

The Kalbar Sunfower Festival is entering its 3rd year this year. It is a great boost to the local economy, with visitors travelling from around South East Queensland and Northern NSW making a weekend of it, booking out local accommodation, eateries and attractions, taking in all that our beautiful area has to offer.

There’s lots of free activities to keep the kids happy, and a great variety of food and drinks available for everyone.

Come along and enjoy the majesty of the felds, the sunfowers have a special presence about them and you can’t help but be happy in the feld of one million sunfowers.

Sunfowers bring a unique type of joy to those who wander amongst them. At the Kalbar Sunfower Festival we want to give you an up close experience in felds full of them.

“I fnd comfort in contemplating sunfowers”….Vincent Van Gogh.

Tickets go on salegeneral public 12pm Sunday 19th February.

Tickets are limited so will sell out fast - run don’t walk to buy them!

This year’s attractions: One million sunfowers to enjoy!

Bring your family, bring your bestie and your camera there are lots of new photo props throughout the felds for you to get that amazing insta shot.

Long lunch in the sunfower feld – chef Richard Ousby – Scenic Rim local produce themed.

Sunset Soiree –featuring some special surprise guests (you won’t want to miss this).

Plus Laura Frank will be our feature artist at all the long table events – just won most promising new talent at the TMA and is our local girl made good.

Painting, iphone photography class, edible food workshop.

Mini photo shoots, helicopter rides are all extras you can prebook.

On the weekend – drop in and make your very own sunfower crown with Maria from Sohum Heart $25. Or make your own sunfower coaster with Jess from Grounded

We acknowledge the Yuggera people as the Traditional Custodians of the Country where we meet and conduct our festival (Kalbar Sunfower Festival). We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waters, and thank them for protecting this country since time immemorial. We pay our respects to elders past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations People.

Village $11

Free children’s activities include –plant a sunfower pot with Urban Utilities, face painting, sandpit area, paint a sunfower, carissa the bubble princess will be here to entertain on Sat and Sun.

Cancer Council, our charity partner, will be on site all weekend manning the sunfower cutting area, raffes and handmade sunfower items for you to purchase and support this great cause. Pick your own sunfowers $2 a stem.

Lots of food and bar on site all weekend. Our partners Brasshound Distillery will have tastings and gin & vodka available to purchase by the bottle, and cocktails available at the bar. We will have lots of shade areas available for lunch and enjoying the live music.