The Byron Shire Echo
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THE BYRON SHIRE Volume 23 #16 Tuesday, September 23, 2008 p19-21 Mullumbimby 02 6684 1777 Byron Bay 02 6685 5222 Fax 02 6684 1719 [email protected] [email protected] www.echo.net.au 22,700 copies every week PARTICIPLE ACCELERATOR Byron councillors elected Civic hall reopened Michael McDonald cess for Jan and the Greens and con- gratulations to them. The NSW Electoral Commission ‘My fi rst observation of the elec- started and completed the Byron tion in general is that a vast number Shire councillor vote count on the of people came to the polls knowing weekend and the results are in. exactly how they were going to vote. Along with Mayor Jan Barham the Th ey needed no assistance – how-to- Greens picked up three other can- vote tickets or explanations of policy didates – Simon Richardson, Tom – on the day. Tabart and Richard Staples. Group ‘I do think there is merit in clarify- F led by Ross Tucker was successful ing some of the fi nancial elements in getting Tony Heeson and Diane that were raised in the campaign. Woods up as well, and the other two Not for any political advantage now places went to Patrick Morrisey of that the poll is over, but more to Our Sustainable Future and Basil clarify the situation with the state of Cameron of Group C. public monies which generally is of Richardson was the fi rst to get elect- interest to the public, seeing that it is ed on preferences, followed by Tucker, their money. Tabart, Heeson, Staples, Morrisey, ‘I predict the road – or is that rail- Woods and Cameron. The Greens way track? – ahead will be busy. Th e group received 5,764 votes or 37.6% new shirewide LEP is a priority and of the total primary vote, followed by requires considerable input and di- Group F with 4,812 (31.3%). rection from councillors. Coastline MP Justine Elliot, Neta McKinnon and Mayor Jan Barham enjoy the ribbon cutting. management and tourism manage- ‘For all residents’ ment will need attention early in this Story & photo Eve Jeff ery as he spoke of the hall’s regenesis in portant to for the opening to be an Byron Ballina Greens convenor term of Council. what he says is stage one of a two inclusive event. John Bailey said the result ‘brings ‘I see the political make-up as be- Almost eighty years ago, 11 year old part process, the second being the ‘The committee has embraced with it both opportunities and re- ing 6-3 which should permit, with Neta McKinnon watched as her fa- renovation of the Neighbourhood the notion of refurbishing the Civic sponsibilities. With four Greens contra views being at least expressed, ther, the mayor at the time, cut the Centre. Hall and all power to them,’ said councillors elected, joined by two the Greens to progress their agenda ribbon opening the front doors of Justine Elliot and Jan Barham un- Julie last Friday, ‘but the community others standing on platforms of sus- which is what the majority of last the new Mullumbimby School of veiled a wall plaque commemorat- needs to see that the we here at the tainability, it seems that the intention weekend’s vote indicated it wanted.’ Arts Memorial Hall. ing the day, before Neta put scissors Neighbourhood Centre are impor- of the voters was that most citizens Last Friday, almost 80 years later, to ribbon and led the way into the tant as well.’ want development to be appropriate A diff erent council much to her surprise and delight, main hall. Julie said she felt that opening the to the special nature of our commu- The new council is different in the current mayor Jan Barham asked Invited dignitaries and guests were centre to patrons during the offi cial nity and be in accord with environ- many ways. Only fi ve of the previ- Neta to do the honours and cut the the fi rst to see the results of fi ve years ceremony and allowing the homeless mental values. However the Greens ous ten-member council have been ribbon to open the doors on the re- planning, design and rebuilding as access to the venue’s facilities would also accept that it must govern for reelected. With only nine councillors furbished Mullumbimby Civic Hall. the Byron Shire Council hosted a be less disruptive to the event than all the residents of the shire, in all this time the mayor’s casting vote to morning tea after the official cer- keeping the doors closed. locations, and not just those who break deadlock will not come into Signifi cance emony, while still photos from yes- voted for us. play very oft en. In the room that was for so many teryear were screened on the stage. Important services ‘Th e challenge for the council is to While the Greens have a strong years the home to hundreds of books, ‘We are bigger than a drop-in cen- remain fi nancially responsible, while voting bloc, the success of their reso- MP Justine Elliot and MLC Amanda Meanwhile, homeless tre,’ she said. ‘We are also run the implementing progressive policies, lutions will depend largely on the Fazio were guest speakers at the of- While those invited to the Civic Brighter Future Psychology Services and foster appropriate development views of Morrisey and Cameron; fi cial opening ceremony, held in the Hall opening soaked up the at- program here, we have women’s ser- which ensure that the town, villages some votes could go 6-3 in the old library. Both spoke about the im- mosphere and mini quiches, there vices, we are a domestic violence out- and rural areas of the shire retain Greens’ favour, others possibly 5-4 portance of community halls and of was a small group who enjoyed a reach, we have volunteer counsellors their special features which make against. While Tucker and Woods the signifi cance of memorial struc- cuppa and a bikky next door at the and provide emergency relief.’ this such a great place to live.’ are likely to vote together, Heeson’s tures in the form of buildings, parks Neighbourhood Centre. Ms Williams said that during the Ross Tucker told Th e Echo, ‘It is likely voting pattern is unknown. and pools. In the leadup to the grand event it renovations, Council staff had bent pleasing to get three of our team For those who have not seen our Former Byron Shire Councillor had been suggested that the centre over backwards to be helpful and elected. It would have been great to online report, Mayor Jan Barham Peter Westheimer was the last to ad- close its doors for the day to allow supportive of the centre and she was see Ken Barnham make it. I think was reelected with 7,973 votes on the dress the gathering. As a long time guests of the official event exclu- very appreciative of the time and ef- Group F’s achieving 31.36% of the fi nal count to Ross Tucker’s 4,841. campaigner and general nagger in sive access to the community pre- fort they put into consideration for primary vote in the councillor elec- ■ Full results are available online by favour of upgrading the community cinct, but Julie Williams from the the community resource and she was tion is a good result. local government area at http://vtr. space, Peter became quite emotional Neighbourhood Centre felt it im- continued on page 2 ‘Th e polls have been a great suc- elections.nsw.gov.au Local News THANK YOU Peace Day celebrated in the Bay Byron Ballina Greens would like to thank The United Nations’ ers joined in a parade of flags all the people who have contributed to International Day of Peace, through the stalls of a special the wonderful results from the local marked every year on Byron market in celebration government elections. September 21, is a global holi- of International Peace Day on day when individuals, com- Sunday. Singers, chanters and Firstly thanks to Jan and the Greens munities, nations and govern- a group who painted their fac- candidates for their commitment to serve ments highlight efforts to end es to highlight the issue of the conflict and promote peace. orangutan in Kalimantan and the community. Thanks to our campaign Established by UN resolu- other parts of south east Asia, committee, booth workers, letter-boxers, tion in 1982, Peace Day has wound their way to the centre market and street stall minders and letter grown to include millions of of the market where a circle of writers. Thanks to all the organisers of the people around the world and peace was created. many ‘meet the candidates’ events and each year events take place Visitors and market goers all around the planet for the were invited to participate in the local radio and press. Thanks to all International Day of Peace. Tomo and Yuzuki Isogai went all orangutan at Sunday’s Peace the chanting and dance and the independent candidates who gave the Every Peace Day event pro- March at the Byron Bay special market. Photo Eve Jeffery. many took the opportunity to voters a wide diversity of choice. Thanks vides an opportunity to inspire join in and some enjoyed the to the Council senior staff who readily set individuals and empower won throughout the year, and just and sustainable world all spectators view of festivities communities to celebrate vic- to rededicate the commitment year long. from shade of the peace tent. the record straight, when there was public tories for peace that have been to work for a more peaceful, A small band of peace lov- Very peace-ful.