THE BYRON SHIRE Volume 25 #16 Tuesday, September 21, 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
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F R E S H LY S Q U E E Z E D F R O M W I L L I N G C O R T I C E S
Ewingsdale triple fatality My Byron Day draws big crowds Victoria Cosford
Three young men lost their lives on Thursday night when the car they were travelling in collided with a truck. The accident happened around 8pm on the corner of Woodford lane and the Pacific Highway in Ewingsdale. Todd Hepner, 25, of Tannum Sands in Queensland, Jarrah Blackett, 22, of Ocean Shores, and Byron Nicholson, 23, also of Ocean Shores all died at the scene. Inspector Darren Steele from By-
ron Police told The Echo ‘Obviously for the attendants at an accident as serious as this there is an impact on those at the scene. ‘On this occasion some of the officers knew the deceased and it has had a greater impact.’ Council’s executive manager of community infrastructure Phil Holloway said that Council had endorsed the closure of the Woodford Lane access and made the request to RTA back in 2007. He said he understood it was being considered by the RTA.
The String Spring Fair
Hans Lovejoy
Students at the Cape Byron Spring Fair kept audiences entertained with a wide musical selection – Grade four student Bronte was a member of her year’s ensemble who delighted the audience with their strings and ‘Dragonfly’. Story & Photo Eve Jeffery
Floral headwear was the order of the day as the Cape Byron Steiner School held their annual Spring Fair on Saturday. The weather managed to live up to its namesake and visitors were treated to great food and activities at a great event. This year the fair also included a Skateboard Clinic where riders got
their kickflips and their frontsides in a boardslide with their fakies and the Blues Festival’s Peter Noble was on hand to judge the return of the popular songwriting QUEST. A highlight of the fair was the wonderful entertainment from a selection of the school’s bands and orchestras with students playing all manners of instruments accompanied by talented dance and vocal arrangements.
The Byron business community came out in droves for last Tuesday’s ‘My Byron Day’ campaign launch at the Community Centre Theatre. Byron United (BU) President, Sevegne Newton said she was overwhelmed with the show of support. ‘We had over 300 business people in attendance and were disappointed to turn some 35 away because we were at capacity,’ she said. ‘This just shows how the business community can come together when called upon. ‘We were equally as thrilled to have representatives from Tourism NSW, Northern Rivers Tourism, Mayor Jan Barham and Councillors in attendance.’
TV ads proposed The launch included a 30 second TV campaign combined with a website and video and social media content that is aimed to air from February 2011 to South East Queensland and Brisbane.
‘This campaign is a response to a difficult trading year in Byron Bay,’ said Ms Newton. ‘Business is doing it hard and this impacts on our entire community. We have to work collaboratively to ensure the future prosperity of our community.’ The entire package will be managed by Bangalow based company Utopia Creative. Manager Adrian Nelson told The Echo Utopia Creative’s experience in producing for TV includes commercials for Utopian Cafe, Santos Trading and Cape Byron Steiner School. ‘We’re a long way from shooting the commercial,’ he said, referring to the 100 players needed for the budget to allow it to proceed. Asked if the arts community have been consulted, he said he hopes that it will be inclusive. ‘The arts industry underpins Byron Shire and it’s a point of difference for coming here,’ he said. Mr Nelson claims the categories within the website will accommodate the variety of tourism related industries and locations, including the hin-
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terland and surrounding towns. Once the proposed campaign gets up and running, the funding will also cover 12 months of website maintenance.’ ‘After that we would consider a new campaign.’ The commercials are planned to run for 40 weeks, according to Mr Nelson. The cost to participate is $1800 plus GST, payable in four instalments, and will include a one minute video production. ‘It is imperative that Byron Bay and its businesses are proactive in promoting themselves in a responsible manner,’ says Ms Newton, ‘That will encourage visitors who will enjoy, respect and contribute to the wonderful place we live in. We can no longer rely on our reputation.’ Ms Newton claims over thirty businesses joined up on the night. For more contact Byron United’s Diana Ricketts on 6680 8853/0417 331 826 or email info@byronunited. org.au. Photo Nigel Dornan.