Dear Supporters,
Our community campaign is gaining incredible momentum — and it’s all thanks to you!
Together we’ve reached over 950 signatures, and we’re well on our way to our 2,000-signature goal by mid-to-late November, ahead of Byron Shire Council’s vote on the proposed Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) Trial.
Every signature counts — showing that Byron supports vibrancy done right: safe, inclusive, and sustainable — not more alcohol trading after midnight.
🌟 What’s New
🔹 “At a Glance” section added
We’ve made the petition easier to read! A new At a Glance summary now appears at the top, highlighting key issues — violence, transport and fatigue risk, emergency pressure, and limited infrastructure — before flowing into the full petition.
🔹 Our new campaign website is live!
Explore our new hub featuring campaign updates, background info, and community voices — including a video to come with Byron Hospital Emergency Nurse Blake Eddington and other key locals on the real impacts of late-night alcohol trading.
https://linktr.ee/saynotothesep
🔹 Echo feature, ABC Local Radio, The Daily Mail & community flyers
We’re proud to confirm a four-week feature in The Byron Shire Echo, helping spread awareness across the community.
The Local ABC radio this morning aired the issue of the SEP and also the separate but associated issue of the Merivale / JHemmes development proposed in town. The revamped mega nightclub is proposed to dump 550 patrons out onto the streets at 1-2am with no effective safe way of getting home. Options being either walking in dark streets or driving to a hinterland destinations whilst fatigued.
We also made The Daily Mail recently. The attached article was reasonably “balanced” for a Daily Mail article. It covered some of our key issues so has helped widen our campaign exposure which is a good thing. Campaign leaders refused to be interviewed but they managed to cobble together a story in any case.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15172315/Byron-Bay-locals-alcohol-laws.html
Professionally designed flyers are also being circulated throughout the Shire.
Want to help deliver flyers or display them in your area?
📧 Email please as every bit of help counts!
saynotothesep@outlook.com
🔹 Community Forum — Sunday 3 November
Join us for a special community information session at the Byron Bay Community Centre, 6–8 p.m. Hear from local experts on safety, health, and planning. Councillors and staff are invited to join this respectful, evidence-based discussion.
Bring friends and be part of shaping Byron’s future.
🕊️ Still No Response from NSW Decision-Makers
It’s disappointing that, despite my personal formal submissions sent some 10 weeks ago now to the Premier and key Ministers, no written response or acknowledgement has been received. We will continue pushing for accountability and transparency on this crucial community safety issue.
Other campaign leaders like Jan Barham are working hard in the background to ensure key decision makers at all levels of government are taking notice of our concerns.
💪 Together, We Can Make a Difference
This campaign is about protecting what makes Byron special — its creative energy, its people, and its sense of safety and belonging.
Please continue to:
· Share the petition link across your networks
· Encourage others to sign before the Council vote
· Attend the community forum on 3 November
Let’s stand together for a vibrant, safe, and caring Byron Bay — not one that sacrifices safety for late-night alcohol.
Warm regards,
Anthony Stante
On behalf of the Keep Byron Vibrant & Safe campaign team