Must-Watch Video re draft Local Environmental Plan

Posted on October 30, 2012 by

We have until 23rd November to make submissions on the draft LEP. This video from the Byron Shire Council and Mayor Simon Richardson is very informative. Visit http://www.yoursaybyronshire.com.au/draft-lep for more information.

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Community Engagement in the 21st Century

Posted on October 30, 2012 by

Workshop and Review

Sunday 4th November 10am-2pm – Byron Bay Community Centre 

Local Greens groups are invited to a FREE  workshop for Greens and progressives in Northern Rivers to be held in the Veranda Room upstairs at Byron Community Centre this Sunday 4th November from 10am to 2pm.

Communications, public relations, marketing and political campaigning have changed dramatically in the past twenty years. Engaging with communities is more than ever about listening, responding and eliciting actions in real time.

Community and political organisations must develop multimedia literacy, foster these skills in volunteers and give serious consideration to moving from the election based campaigning of the past to the always on engagement of the present.

Christine Harris-Smyth and Glenn Stace assisted Byron Greens in the online component of the recent local election campaign working closely with Mayor Simon Richardson. On Sunday November 4th all three will share what they learnt from the campaign, give a broad overview of best practice in communications (with a focus on online) and look specifically at the following:

  • How did Byron Greens go from no Facebook presence to 900 followers in 8 weeks?
  • Why it is essential to be engaged in online communities.
  • Case Study: The Brand Byron Greens
    • What is the story of Byron Greens? What are the characteristics of the voice of Byron Greens? What are the best processes for managing the story? How does local Greens online presence sit in relation to State and Federal communications?

This workshop is not an opportunity to argue the merits of being online or of being engaged in social media. It is also not a technology workshop – it is about how to use the tools freely available to us.  We start from the premise that online activity including social media is now the norm and we will offer strategic insights and practical tips for integrating online into your communications practice including how to:

  • Listen to and target your communities online
  • Source and manage content appropriate for your community
  • Manage risk from disagreement to very bad behaviour
  • Use common sense and analytical tools to shape more effective communication
  • Be effective with limited time and resources

If you or a friend want to come, please contact Jim (jimbeatson@gmail.com). The room at best will hold 20 people so priority will be given to Greens and then other activists on how to use social media for environmental causes. 

Feel free to bring a laptop or tablet and if you have time browse the following articles on scoop.it curated by Christine Harris-Smyth for a more comprehensive back ground on current trends in content management for not-for-profits

Content Curation for Dummies

Not-for-profit Sector – Resources & Strategy

Managing Social Media Risks

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Solar thermal electricity model attracts interest at Mullum festival

Posted on October 29, 2012 by

Mayor Simon Richardson with Beyond Zero Emissions salt solar model at Mullum with Jim Beatson and makerGreens Mayor, Simon Richardson, gets excited by Beyond Zero Emissions  working model of Spain’s Solar Thermal electricity plant, Gemasolar,  alongside one of the models’ makers, Peter Wadams, and Greens member, Jim Beatson. They’re all at the Mullum Local Food and Living Soil Festival  held at Mullum’s Community Gardens on Oct 28th.   The Byron Greens had their stall next door to the Beyond Zero Emissions display.

Like the day itself the model was a real beauty. Simon echoed the views of those in the know wondering why no Australian state government has built one these salt tower solar thermal plants which are quickly growing in numbers (around 5 are currently operational). Although lobbying for one to be built in Port Augusta, South Australia is happening now.

The model’s mirrors, like the real thing, reflects the sun’s rays to a point in the tower where salt passed through turns to a liquid and which in turns converts the heat to steam which drives a turbine generating electricity. Easy. Spain has three such plants.

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Mayor Simon Richardson toasts 40 years of Byron Aged Care

Posted on October 26, 2012 by

Put one classic Jaguar, a lighthouse, Byron’s Mayor, Simon Richardson, a table full of residents from Byron Aged Care (BAC), champagne, a cake baked in the shape of 40 and what have you got? The 40th Anniversary of the Shire’s oldest residential care facility.

The residents travelled to our most easterly point from BAC, next to Byron Bay’s Police Station, in an as new, gleaming, white 1969 Mk11 Jaguar to celebrate the occasion. Barely was the champers in the glasses before Mayor Simon pointed out a couple of whales who appeared to join the occasion.

It was a special moment as BAC Chair Person of the Board, Jan Lang, explained the values of BAC. It was established by George Feros who collected money for it over many years by ringing a bell in pubs and streets with a collection box. And in his spirit BAC still does not turn away people because of financial circumstances. 88 year old Dot McMaster remembered “When I worked in Mrs Ryan’s Cafe (now WhyNot restaurant) I used to see George Feros collecting to set up what is now my home. He even sold breadcrumbs in packets with his bell and sign. I moved to Byron 77 years ago when I was 11 years old.”

Dot is one of many BAC residents who know the history of our Shire first hand. Well-known Jonson Street dispenser of flowers and welcomes, Beautiful All, now 74 moved into BAC a couple of years ago but is still seen most days in the Bay wearing one of his fabulous collection of Hawaiian shirts, wishing locals and visitors well. “By the time I was 15 I knew our world and its people were ‘really beautiful’” so later he changed his name. “I did it through a solicitor but you can do it through the Post Office these days” says Beautiful.

Photo supplied by Aqua

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Thank you from Mayor Simon Richardson

Posted on September 15, 2012 by

Thank you all.

Now that the dust has settled and it is clear I have gained the job as Mayor, it is with a very humble heart that I say thanks. Your comments of support and congratulations have been amazing- it clearly brings home the desire in so many of us to keep this Shire progressive and Green. The next four years will bring huge challenges, but I am determined to meet them with focus, compassion and energy. I’m prepared to let my skin harden, but not my heart.

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make our election campaign so successful; there are way too many to mention, though I would like to make special mention of Christine Harris Smyth for all her incredible Facebook and website wizardry and her partner in crime, Glenn Stace who created all the brilliant t-shirt designs, Facebook headers and visual material.

Thank you to all who spoke to friends and advocated for the Greens and myself. Building on from our Facebook presence, it was through word of mouth in the last weeks that we managed to get our message across. Thank you to the generous supporters who put their money where their hearts were by placing ads in support of Byron Greens in the final week of the campaign. We have had some great successes preserving our environment and community and we are dedicated to ensuring these successes continue and new ones are created.

I can’t wait to begin. I am committed to giving everything to the role and to represent this great Shire. A final and wholehearted thank you to all who helped me get here. I hope after four years you will feel your support was well invested.

Congratulations to all councillors on their election success. Campaigning is hard work as is being an effective member of council. It is also a privilege and I look forward to working alongside new Green Councillors Rose Wanchap and Duncan Dey and the energetic line-up of Sol Ibrahim, Diane Woods, Paul Spooner, Chris Cubis, Alan Hunter and Basil Cameron. I believe we have more values in common than differences and aim to work with you all to provide the best possible Byron Shire Council for all residents.

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Good Morning Byron Shire – Vote 1 Simon Richardson

Posted on September 8, 2012 by

How to Vote, Byron Shire, Greens, Byron Shire election 2012, polling booth locations

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Educators support Simon Richardson for Mayor

Posted on September 7, 2012 by

Mayoral candidate Simon Richardson is passionate about our region.  As a teacher, he is also passionate about youth, education and training.  Sustainable development in our Shire must include a vibrant well-resourced educational community.  Hear what local educators are saying about Simon Richardson:

Richard Vinycomb

Educator

Simon actively listens to all views when there are complex and difficult issues aired and then provides a strong passionate summary that is thoughtful and socially inclusive.

Ed Sinnot

Teacher and Surfboard Shaper

I taught with Simon at Mullumbimby High, he is enthusiastic and a positive influence. Don’t be fooled by political rhetoric and lies, this man is the REAL DEAL.

Sarah-jane Potts

Youth Permaculture Challenge

Australia and the world look to Byron Shire for creativity, innovation, healthy lifestyles and sustainable solutions. I know Simon. I know he stands for this.

Katrina Shields

Sustainability Officer, Byron Community College

I am supporting Simon because he is an experienced councilor and has consistently taken action on the issues I care about.

 

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