Byron Shire Winners Head to Sydney for State Business Awards

Two standout Byron Shire businesses are heading to Sydney after celebrating regional success at the Northern Rivers Regional Business Awards. The Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce took home the Outstanding Local Chamber Award, while Off The Rails earned the Micro Business Award for the second consecutive year.

Off The Rails (OTR), a reclaimed timber business, continues to lead in sustainability and community impact. Their innovative approach to sourcing and repurposing salvaged wood has earned them a nomination for a Sustainability Award, further highlighting their commitment to eco-friendly practices. By redefning the use of reclaimed timber, OTR is not only reshaping the Byron region’s landscape but also driving economic growth and promoting ecological resilience, setting new benchmarks for sustainable development.

The Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce, led by President Matt Williamson, has successfully tackled key local business challenges such as declining trade, staffng shortages, and high rents. With initiatives like the Value Proposition Workshop and involvement in the Federal Government Flood Inquiry, the Chamber has provided critical support and delivered meaningful solutions for the local business community. Both the Chamber and Off The Rails will represent Byron Shire at the Business NSW State Finalist Awards on October 30th, competing against top businesses across the state.

For more information about the awards, visit businessnsw.com.au.

Leemo has views on just about anything”

It’s ‘Leemo Cat’ here. Struth! I, plus my buddies ‘Pasqualie’, ‘Precious’ and ‘Brutus’ sucked up hugely to ‘Mum Jane’ to get her take us to the Lismore Show; we are NOW in strife; we got ‘escorted’ home from the Show (under guard) a er being hurled into a Paddy Wagon. Mum’s face was akin to that of a constipated hippo; not attractive on her pruney dial. We kitties will now face an Inquisition, kinda akin to the Spanish one. She spoke. ‘OK you lot if any of you has just ½ a brain I suggest you listen VERY closely. Gottit?’ (We feigned wide-eyed innocence.) Oooh, the old woman’s voice went up 10 octaves and emanated a sound like a Bass-Baritone Male Singer in a drunken stupor singing a tragic Opera that resonated sounds akin to a crabby hungry Lion. Eeeek! Shouting. ‘You lot sneakily cajoled, nagged & attered me to take you to the Lismore Show. YEP, in the end, I gave in; I found a pram thingie in which to take you all wearing cute baby masks with eye holes, & covered you all in swaddling clothes; you promised you’d all just quietly peek around & take in the sights. WELL, it didn’t turn out as you promised DID IT? All was calm ‘till I wheeled you into the ‘Best Feline in Show’ Pavilion; ‘Pasqualie’, pray tell, was there truly a need for you to shout ‘I’m more bewitching than that cat called ‘Dollyboo’ (dumb name) who won 1st prize? Well, her eyelashes? Obviously fake & her tail has been permed (Yuk) by the look of it.’ YOU were asked to leave. NEXT is YOU ‘Brutus’. WHY did you eat Fairy Floss & a ½ Hot Dog with mustard THEN hop on a ride called the ‘Phoenix’ resulting in you being sick over the nice humans sharing the carriage? YOU were asked to leave. AND, as for you ‘Precious’ words are beyond me. As a generally delicate female, why did it cross your tiny mind to think you could round up bovines & create mayhem by clawing them during the judging? YOU were asked to leave; AND, as for you ‘Leemo’ YOU were the worst. My disappointment in you is palpable. WHY did you encourage your buddies to escape the pram & take o ; you chucked away your baby masks & swaddling, then ran amok in the Show exhibits?’ Reports from Show O cials tell me you all tried to get into the CWA Cabinet & claw Audrey’s exquisite hand made quilt, stunning tea cosies & other stu en you moved on to the Baking area & poked your maws & claws into yummy home baked goods. en you tried to unravel a hand-knitted jumper (by 1st prize winner, my buddie Wendy) by rolling around all over & in it. THEN you dug up Prize plants. Finally, a Cat Wrangler named Morty lassoed & bought you home to ME. Well, thanks very bloody much the lot of you. I’m morti ed & embarrassed; AND, I had to pay a ne of $133.38 under the ‘Moggie Mayhem’ Act of 1902. Needless to say, you’ll be paying me back..gottit?’ I might add Leemo, the Show Society has banned YOU for life. is ban has NEVER been enforced, but was necessary a er the chaos you initiated as ‘Leader of the Gang.’ So, all of you; get out of my sight until you’ve learned to behave. AND you WILL make a public apology to me, the Show Society and a number of very upset Exhibitors. ink about it, & maybe call the Mayor or the Pope for advice.’ Ooooh! We’re OUTTA here. I reckon it’s nitey minus any purrs from any of us. Leemo & Buddies.