Byron Shire is home to dozens of dingoes that play a vital role in the health of our native ecosystems, and have a vital place in the creation stories of some of our First Nations people.

But these native animals are too often dismissed as wild dogs and, in some cases, are caught up in trapping and other culling practices that target non-native species.

Now, steps are being taken to walk the fine line between protecting our dingoes without allowing feral dogs and foxes off the hook.

Motion recognising that dingoes are native

Byron Council passed a motion at last weeks meeting, recognising that dingoes are native to the Shire, have an important ecological role, and are worthy of protection and care.

Councillors will hold a dedicated workshop in the coming weeks to explore non-lethal tools and practices to manage dingoes on private property.

The workshop will also explore ways to avoid trapping, baiting, shooting and otherwise killing dingoes whilst still controlling other animals that are pests or are creating environmental damage.

Significance of dingo in creation story

During the public access section of the meeting, Minjungbal descendant, Lionel Currie, spoke of the significance of the dingo in his creation story.

The dingo is a very significant animal for my people, Mr Currie said.

Independent councillor, Sama Balson, who moved the dingo protection motion, described them as a keystone species in the Shire. 

She told the chamber, When we kill and trap dingoes, we are also taking out the apex predator that helps keep down the fox and feral cat population.

Councillor Alan Hunter, also an Independent, said that local farmers needed to be part of the conversation.

I dont think were truly representative here theres not enough representation of the farmers whove had to deal with dingoes for a long time, Cr Hunter said.

The post Steps taken to save our native dingoes appeared first on The Echo.

but they need more trees

Friends of the Koala is excited to have been granted $199,980 from the Australian Government for its Hanging out at East Coraki: koalas thriving in an agricultural landscape, project and to be running the first Community Tree Planting Day on Saturday May 20.

Project Manager, Maria Matthes said the area is being overpopulated. There are so many koalas living in the East Coraki area and there is not enough koala food trees to sustain the local sub-population.

It is an area where Friends of the Koala rescue several koalas with extremely poor body condition, often as a result of not enough quality leaf available.

Weed control in koala habitat

Ms Matthes said the project includes weed control in koala habitat along the river and tree planting koala habitat on several properties, as well as koala habitat assessment, and monitoring of the koalas. Many of the favourite food trees suffered during the drought, and then many of the smaller trees were hammered by the flood.

These riparian areas are critically important to the koalas during dry times, with mo...

Magpie Currie passed away peacefully.

Magpie was born into Kuku-yalanji (Cape York) and Minyungbal (Tweed) bloodlines, freshwater and salt water Mother and Father. 

He grew up in both areas, surrounded by extended family, and spiritual and cultural people. Magpie spent his life learning, practising and sharing Culture. 

For decades, Magpie was a Cultural Consultant, artist, Elder and Songman. 

Throughout his life and career, he worked for Minjungbul Museum and Cultural Centre, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park (Cairns).

He collaborated, co-organised events, sung and danced, performed smoking ceremonies and Welcome to Country for community events such as Kinship and Renew Fest, and major festivals such as Bluesfest, Falls Festival and Splendour. 

His daughter, Lillian Currie, was often under his wing.

Magpie always said: Our stories and songs run right through nature so nature has always been an art teacher....

With the Bureau of Meteorology issuing wind and hazardous surf warnings for much of the NSW coast today, boaters are asked to play it safe and stay off the water as low pressure system deepens.

Marine Rescue NSW Acting Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott says that boaters planning to cross shallow waters and ocean bars should consider changing or delaying their voyage. Boaters already on the water should carry the appropriate safety equipment and always wear a lifejacket.

Log On with Marine Rescue

Boaters should remember to Log On with Marine Rescue via the Marine rescue app or via their local radio base.

Storm Force wind warnings are in place for the Hunter, Sydney, Illawarra, Batemans and Eden Coasts today with southwesterly winds forecast to reach up to 50 knots (92km/h) offshore.

A Gale Warning is forecast for the Coffs and Macquarie Coasts while strong winds are expected for the Byron Coast and Sydney Enclosed Waters.

The Marine Rescue NSW Acting Deputy Commissioner said hazardous surf is also expected with warnings in place for the Byron, Coffs, Macquarie, Hunter, Sydney, Illawarra, Batemans and Eden Coasts.

Hazardous surf conditions

Hazardous surf conditions and high winds will be present across the state which creates a higher risk for boaters, said Mr Schott.

Please be careful and avoid going boating if possible.

Significant wave heights of five to six metres are also possible. Spring tides may also compound the wave impa...

In what looks like a cross between the Partridge Family and an art gallery, the Tweed Regional Museums colourful Museum on Wheels, aka the MoW, will be a star feature at the Flotsam Film & Photography Festival on the Goal Coast this weekend.

Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the history of coastal culture born by dipping into a unique gallery of images some taken by local photographer Mal Sutherland that capture the essence of the coastline and the people who have called it home.

Jaw-dropping surfboard collection

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Celebrating its 39th anniversary, Primex will run from this Thursday to Saturday in Casino and this year Richmond Valley Council is including residents from Lismore in the free shuttle bus service

Richmond Valley Council has been providing a free Primex shuttle service for Casino residents since 2017 following last years horrendous flooding events, Council has decided to extend this service to its Lismore neighbours.

The Lismore service will operate between 9am and 4pm over the three days with pick up and return points being the car park at Goonellabah Sports & Aquatic Centre, Wallerawang Drive, the Lismore Shopping Square taxi rank, Brewster Street, and the South Lismore Train Station, Union Street.

Casino pick up and return points are: Casino Information Centre, 84A Centre Street; Casino Post Office, Barker Street; and the Canterbury Street taxi rank.

Target audience agriculture, forestry, fishing and natural resources

Gates open at 9am each day and while the Primex target audience is in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and natural resource industry sectors, there is plenty to do and see for all interests.

Pick up and return points and times for both Lismore and Casino can be found on Councils Facebook page.

Richmond Valley Council has renewed its sponsorship partnership with Primex this year, which covers the years 2023, 2024 and 2025.

General Manager Vaughan Macdonald said Council decided to continue its partnership with Primex because the whole Richmond Valley takes pride in its agricultural heritage. The very roots of the Richmond Valley related to food production, and the Primex Field Days helped kept the passion, the knowledge, and the experiences alive.

Mr Macdonald says the event brings great economic benefits to the whole region, with many visitors and exhibitors not only using Richmond Valley hospitality services, but also those of neighbouring areas.

Past research has shown people come to Casino specifically for the event, and they are not just from NSW; they are travelling from Queensland, and to a lesser extent, Victoria.

This brings new money to the area.

Everyone should attend Primex townies and bushies alike as it was a great agricultural experience.

Primex exhibitors

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