Greens Unveil Ambitious Plan for Accessible Beaches in Northern Rivers

Representatives from the Greens across all levels of government have come together to launch an innovative initiative aimed at fnancing accessibility upgrades for local beaches. This initiative comes in response to fndings from Accessible Beaches, which indicate that not a single beach in the Northern Rivers region is fully accessible to individuals with disabilities. The plan was offcially introduced at Seven Mile Beach, where Joel Taylor, World Para Surfng Champion and 2023 Ballina Shire Citizen of the Year, joined the Greens for the announcement.

Abigail Boyd, NSW Greens spokesperson for Disability Rights and Inclusion, emphasized the urgent need for dedicated funding in the upcoming NSW budget to facilitate accessibility upgrades at beaches statewide. Ms. Boyd advocated for an allocation of $25 million to assist councils in implementing these vital improvements.

Accompanied by Greens candidate for Richmond, Mandy Nolan, Ballina Shire Councillor Kiri Dicker, and Byron Shire Council candidate Elia Hauge, Ms. Boyd conducted an extensive tour of Northern Rivers beaches to assess accessibility frsthand.

In addition to seeking funding at the state level, the Greens are proactively engaging with local councils. Motions will be proposed in both Ballina and Byron Shire Councils to encourage greater disability access to their respective beaches. Furthermore, Mandy Nolan urged the federal Labor government to contribute funding towards this crucial cause.

Addressing the pressing issue, Abigail Boyd underscored the fundamental right of all individuals to access and enjoy the state’s pristine beaches. She criticized the historical neglect from various levels of government, which has resulted in the exclusion of people with disabilities from experiencing these natural wonders. inclusive public spaces, stressing that beach access should be available to all individuals regardless of their physical abilities.

Elia Hauge highlighted the comprehensive nature of accessible beach infrastructure beyond mere ramps or mats. She underscored the need for accessible parking, safe pathways, permanent beach wheelchairs, and adequate facilities to ensure inclusivity for the entire community.

Mandy Nolan echoed these sentiments, expressing dismay over the lack of accessibility for older individuals and wheelchair users in the Richmond electorate. She called for proactive leadership and tangible solutions to rectify this longstanding issue.

Kiri Dicker emphasized the importance of universal design principles in creating

In conclusion, the Greens reiterated their commitment to working across all levels of government to secure funding and accountability measures necessary to make Northern Rivers beaches fully accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Unveiling ‘Zines: The Exhibition’ in Kyogle: A Celebration of DIY Culture

Discover the vibrant world of independent publishing at the ‘Zines: The Exhibition’ hosted by Kyogle Readers & Writers Festival in collaboration with Northern Rivers Artist, Writer, and Zine Ambassador, Benjo Kazue. Running from April 19th to May 26th, 2024, this ground-breaking event at Roxy Gallery in Kyogle celebrates the creativity and freedom of expression found within zines, artbooks, and DIY publications.

Curated by Benjo Kazue, the exhibition features an eclectic array of works from local, national, and international artists, including Holly English, Chris Lego, Paul Shields (Northern Rivers), Nat Blom, Luke You (Melbourne), Kate Dunn, Aphrodite Delaguiado (Sydney), Lee Mitchell (Blue Mountains), Aaron Cometbus (San Francisco), and more.

The grand opening on Friday, April 19th, starting at 6pm, promises an immersive experience with complimentary popcorn, champagne, and a screening of the infuential DIY art documentary, Beautiful Losers, at 6:30pm. Admission is free to all.

With over 50 zines on display, the exhibition traces the evolution of zine culture from its origins in the 1930s to the present day. Visitors are invited to engage directly with the art, breaking away from the traditional gallery experience. From vintage prints to contemporary publications, every piece encourages interaction and exploration.

Benjo Kazue, a passionate advocate for zine culture, remarks, “The Zine Exhibition challenges the conventional norms of art spaces, fostering an environment where creativity thrives. Visitors are encouraged to dive into the world of zines, exchange thoughts with fellow enthusiasts, and even contribute to the exhibit through our workshop and makers space.”

BENJO KAZUE: ZINES

11 of the Kyogle Readers & Writers Festival.

Benjo will lead free zine making workshops on select dates throughout the exhibition, providing a hands-on opportunity for participants of all ages to unleash their creativity.

Workshops will take place on April 27th, May 4th, and May 11th at the gallery, and on May 17th at Kyogle Library as part

In addition to the exhibition, attendees can enjoy a range of activities, including a free zine table where they can stock up on their favourites, multimedia displays showcasing zine-related events, and screenings of documentaries from zine fairs nationwide.

Don’t miss this unique celebration of DIY culture and artistic expression at Roxy Gallery, located upstairs at 161 Summerland Way, Kyogle. Opening hours are Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 3pm, and Sunday from 10am to 2pm. Join us in exploring the diverse and dynamic world of zines!