2024: A Year of Kindness, Creativity and Community at Byron Community Centre

As we wrap up 2024, we reflect on an incredible year filled with achievements, community connection and inspiring moments. Here are some of the highlights across all areas of the Byron Community Centre, showcasing the difference we’ve made together.

Byron Theatre

Byron Theatre celebrated its 21st Birthday in 2024 with special events and performances from talented local and international acts, including Music, Dance, Cinema, Theatre, Talks and Ideas, with 148 events throughout the year.

• The team received well-deserved recognition, featuring on the cover of the Byron Coast Times first edition and winning the Outstanding Evening Economy Experience at 2024 Byron Business Awards, acknowledging the huge effort everyone put in this year.
• Artistic highlights included the launch of the new cabaret set-up with Prinnie Stevens alongside incredible performances such as The Sunshine Club, White Rabbit Red Rabbit (thanks to NORPA), the debut of The Justifications, Soweto Gospel Choir, Vince Jones and the continuing astounding success of The Road to Patagonia.
• Community favourites included Into the Woods by Bangalow Theatre Company, Shorty's Kids’ Discos, Bright Lights and The Alphabet of Awesome Science.

Byron Markets

Our markets continue to thrive, bringing together locals, visitors and creative talents, providing a platform for over 500 local businesses which supports our local economy, and fosters community spirit.

• Partnered with the Byron Surf Festival for the first time to deliver the Byron Surf Festival Market, strengthening our community connection.
• Successfully launched the Winter Holiday Fun and Byron Summer of Markets series attracting thousands of visitors.
• The monthly Byron Markets Instagram competition along with the return of the Featured Stallholder initiative and the Market Musician Appreciation Program spotlighted the incredible creativity and talent within our community.

Byron Spaces

Byron Spaces has had a record year of activity and support for the community, providing versatile spaces for hire for workshops, meetings and celebrations, as well as sponsoring various community groups and activities with free or subsidised space.

• Hosted more than 1,000 events and meetings, including repeat sessions at the Byron Community Cabin.
• Sponsored 18+ local groups and services, including Byron Youth Theatre, Harm Prevention Programs, Epic Employment and counselling services.
• Highlights included the Loveworks 4-day event in September, SIT Study Abroad and the PIA Essential Skills Workshop in October, which attracted attendees from the UK, Hong Kong and other international locations.

Byron Volunteers

Our volunteers continue to be the heart of the Byron Community Centre giving their time, energy and expertise, from serving breakfast at Fletcher Street Cottage to ushering and box office at Byron Theatre and graphic design for Communications.

• Produced a heartwarming Volunteer Film with DCJ (NSW Department of Communities and Justice) for Volunteer Week 2024.
• Hosted Seasonal Tea and Play events with lawn games and shared food, creating opportunities for connection and celebration.
• Contributed hundreds of volunteer hours to support essential services and programs.

Fletcher Street Cottage

Fletcher Street Cottage continues to be a vital sanctuary of support, delivering 9,800 service visits and providing critical support through breakfasts, showers, laundry and wraparound care facilitated by Community Support Workers and 15 visiting specialist services.

• Celebrated its 2nd Anniversary in April with a donor event featuring keynote speaker Dr Gregory Smith and ABC's Angela Catterns as MC.
• Launched Friends of Fletcher Street Cottage, an advocacy group engaging fundraising donors including Chris Hemsworth's media visit for Homelessness Week.
• Hosted a series of successful fundraisers, including The Great Northern, Big Byron Sleepout, 10 Day Challenge, Yoga Community Day, Winter Warmer Gala, Festival of the Stone and Bayleaf.

Community Services

Our Community Services team delivered essential programs to support the wellbeing of staff, volunteers and the wider community, through Byron Counselling, Tax Help and our information and referrals service through reception.

• Byron Counselling provided free and subsidised counselling for staff, volunteers and community members experiencing distress and in need of support.
• The Tax Help program, run by our dedicated tax help volunteers, supported low-income earners to submit their tax returns.
• Byron Seniors offered regular activities promoting fun, connection and wellbeing, including African Dance, Chair Yoga, Drama and Drumming. The program culminated in the annual Byron Seniors Festival, which saw 200+ attendees and 19 activities over five days.

A Season of Kindness

Our Be Kind Christmas Appeal is thriving, with the Kindness Tree beautifully adorned with heartfelt messages from our community. We are delighted that all families have been adopted through our annual Adopt a Family Christmas Hamper Appeal, ensuring those in need will experience the joy and care of the season.

Thank You

Thank you to our incredible staff, volunteers, donors, partners and the wider Byron community for making 2024 such a success. Together, we’ve created meaningful impact, celebrated the arts, supported those most in need and strengthened the fabric of our community.

Here’s to another year of kindness, connection and positive impact in 2025!