#bellingen — Public Fediverse posts

Scenic Drives in the Bellingen area

#cars #roads #Thedrive #Gleniffer #scenic #IdyllicCoutryside #RoadUpgrades #RoadWidening #NSW #NeverNever #PromisedLand #WaterfallWay #Bellingen #GlenifferRd #RoadTrauma #wildlife #BellingenShire #climate

Scenic Drives in the Bellingen area

#cars #roads #Thedrive #Gleniffer #scenic #IdyllicCoutryside #RoadUpgrades #RoadWidening #NSW #NeverNever #PromisedLand #WaterfallWay #Bellingen #GlenifferRd #RoadTrauma #wildlife #BellingenShire #climate

"Bird Life Australia
president Hugh Possingham said a global living planet index showed about a 2 per cent decline in birds all around the world, and Australia was "no better".

"Sadly, we have lost around about 25 different bird species since the arrival of Europeans to Australia," Professor Possingham said."

"Queensland's former chief scientist said habitat destruction, invasive species like cats and foxes and climate change had all played a part."
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-22/drones-and-ai-help-bring-birds-back-from-brink/106749592
#birds #biodiversity #destruction #loss #FossilFuels #cats #pets #EuropeanColonisation #TechSolutions #conservation #DB #Bellingen

Image: Noisy Pittas, these rainforest dwellers just moved back to Bellingen. Looking for worms and spiders on the ground. They'll have to deal with the abundance of roaming pet cats. (Bellingen mural)

"Bird Life Australia
president Hugh Possingham said a global living planet index showed about a 2 per cent decline in birds all around the world, and Australia was "no better".

"Sadly, we have lost around about 25 different bird species since the arrival of Europeans to Australia," Professor Possingham said."

"Queensland's former chief scientist said habitat destruction, invasive species like cats and foxes and climate change had all played a part."
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-22/drones-and-ai-help-bring-birds-back-from-brink/106749592
#birds #biodiversity #destruction #loss #FossilFuels #cats #pets #EuropeanColonisation #TechSolutions #conservation #DB #Bellingen

Image: Noisy Pittas, these rainforest dwellers just moved back to Bellingen. Looking for worms and spiders on the ground. They'll have to deal with the abundance of roaming pet cats. (Bellingen mural)

Traffic jams? Consider underground tunnels to ease congestion on the hot roads

Elon Musk "really profits from a kind of terra nullius environment, where there’s as few regulations as possible, and he can quickly move into a relatively empty space and dominate it,” Slobodian says. Just as he achieved that with SpaceX’s rockets and Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellites, so Musk doubtless saw the underground realm as territory for the taking."

We urgently need an uncongested tunnel underneath Hyde St in car-dependent #Bellingen >>
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/jun/17/neoliberal-nightmare-my-ride-on-vegas-loop-elon-musk-answer-to-traffic-jams
#cars #congestion #traffic #cardependent #MobilityDesign #TerritoryforTheTaking #tunnels #climate #ExtremeHeat #EmptySpace #UndergroundRealm #TerraNullius #environment #deregulation

Traffic jams? Consider underground tunnels to ease congestion on the hot roads

Elon Musk "really profits from a kind of terra nullius environment, where there’s as few regulations as possible, and he can quickly move into a relatively empty space and dominate it,” Slobodian says. Just as he achieved that with SpaceX’s rockets and Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellites, so Musk doubtless saw the underground realm as territory for the taking."

We urgently need an uncongested tunnel underneath Hyde St in car-dependent #Bellingen >>
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/jun/17/neoliberal-nightmare-my-ride-on-vegas-loop-elon-musk-answer-to-traffic-jams
#cars #congestion #traffic #cardependent #MobilityDesign #TerritoryforTheTaking #tunnels #climate #ExtremeHeat #EmptySpace #UndergroundRealm #TerraNullius #environment #deregulation

Es ist immer wieder schön, mit dem Fahrrad oder zu Fuß durch die #Altmark unterwegs zu sein. Umso ärgerlicher ist es, wenn einem dann so ein blauer Scheiß – pardon my french – wie hier an der Dorfstraße in #Bellingen begegnet. 🤮

Es ist immer wieder schön, mit dem Fahrrad oder zu Fuß durch die #Altmark unterwegs zu sein. Umso ärgerlicher ist es, wenn einem dann so ein blauer Scheiß – pardon my french – wie hier an der Dorfstraße in #Bellingen begegnet. 🤮

Star-studded line up:
#Bellingen, #NSW
Image: #galaxies, #stars, #MilkyWay, #SolarSystem #Earth #Iphone

Star-studded line up:
#Bellingen, #NSW
Image: #galaxies, #stars, #MilkyWay, #SolarSystem #Earth #Iphone

"The Indian myna
was released in Victoria in the 1860s to eat insects but has become one of the highest-ranking pests on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List."

"It competes with native birds and wildlife, damages crops, can spread avian malaria and cause dermatitis, allergies and asthma in humans."

"There are calls for more councils to offer bounties, or for the state or federal governments to implement a coordinated management program. Grassy lawns and leftover pet food sustain Indian myna populations."

"There are calls for more councils to offer bounties, or for the state or federal governments to implement a coordinated management program." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-05/frustration-indian-myna-bird-driving-grassroots-action/106651956
#birds #InvasiveSpecies #native #wildlife #councils #pets #lawns #BellingShire #Bellingen

"The Indian myna
was released in Victoria in the 1860s to eat insects but has become one of the highest-ranking pests on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List."

"It competes with native birds and wildlife, damages crops, can spread avian malaria and cause dermatitis, allergies and asthma in humans."

"There are calls for more councils to offer bounties, or for the state or federal governments to implement a coordinated management program. Grassy lawns and leftover pet food sustain Indian myna populations."

"There are calls for more councils to offer bounties, or for the state or federal governments to implement a coordinated management program." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-05/frustration-indian-myna-bird-driving-grassroots-action/106651956
#birds #InvasiveSpecies #native #wildlife #councils #pets #lawns #BellingShire #Bellingen

Logging the Promised Land, Bellingen/ Gleniffer

Promised Land Forest! Tuckers Nob, 250 ha, 130ha clearfall, 120 ha thinning.

Stakeholder Consultation - Remnant Forest Protection & Tuckers Nob Forestry Operations Compartments 8, 10, 11, 12, 17 18 >>
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TuckersRemnantsSurvey-Residents

How NSW Forestry converts native forest to plantations , Dr Tim Cadman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wY9HzWwEvs

Unfortunately most residents and Friends groups use (closed) proprietary social media platforms, owned by the parent company of Meta Platforms
#SaveTuckersNob #FriendsOfTuckersNob #BellingenLogging #NSWLogging #NSWForestry #loggingIndustry #loggingIndustry #loggingImpacts #biodiversity #remnants #wildlife #koalas #harm #Gleniffer #Bellingen #PromisedLand #NSW #MIdNorthCoast #SaveChristmasHoles

Logging the Promised Land, Bellingen/ Gleniffer

Promised Land Forest! Tuckers Nob, 250 ha, 130ha clearfall, 120 ha thinning.

Stakeholder Consultation - Remnant Forest Protection & Tuckers Nob Forestry Operations Compartments 8, 10, 11, 12, 17 18 >>
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TuckersRemnantsSurvey-Residents

How NSW Forestry converts native forest to plantations , Dr Tim Cadman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wY9HzWwEvs

Unfortunately most residents and Friends groups use (closed) proprietary social media platforms, owned by the parent company of Meta Platforms
#SaveTuckersNob #FriendsOfTuckersNob #BellingenLogging #NSWLogging #NSWForestry #loggingIndustry #loggingIndustry #loggingImpacts #biodiversity #remnants #wildlife #koalas #harm #Gleniffer #Bellingen #PromisedLand #NSW #MIdNorthCoast #SaveChristmasHoles

Free to roam - Councils are too poor to manage roaming cats that kill 96 million native animals each year in New South Wales

"Animal rescuers across New South Wales say they're struggling to cope with a surge in surrendered cats, warning legislative gaps are fuelling a growing stray "crisis"."

"Under the Companion Animals Act in NSW, cats can only be seized if found in a dedicated food preparation or wildlife protection area, otherwise they are free to roam. "This 'free to roam' is perpetuating a constant breeding cycle that all of us rescuers are overwhelmed with."..."Until cats are treated the same as dogs and have to be desexed and contained, this is just going to get worse and worse." "

"On average the Invasive Species Council estimates each roaming pet cat kills 186 animals per year...We need council and the government to step up."

"In September the NSW Greens introduced a bill proposing to introduce cat containment laws, which would require pet owners to keep their cats inside. The state government is expected to finalise its review within the coming months."

"We would encourage people to keep their cats inside all the time, especially at night." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-18/stray-cat-crisis-new-south-wales/106595620

"Cats kill approximately 96 million native animals each year in New South Wales, including millions of mammals, birds, and reptiles." >>
https://invasives.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Pet-cat-impacts-June-2023.pdf
#cats #pets #dogs #ContainmentFailures #biodiversity #wildlife #mobility #NSW #law #values #councils #Bellingen #Gleniffer #BellingenShire

Free to roam - Councils are too poor to manage roaming cats that kill 96 million native animals each year in New South Wales

"Animal rescuers across New South Wales say they're struggling to cope with a surge in surrendered cats, warning legislative gaps are fuelling a growing stray "crisis"."

"Under the Companion Animals Act in NSW, cats can only be seized if found in a dedicated food preparation or wildlife protection area, otherwise they are free to roam. "This 'free to roam' is perpetuating a constant breeding cycle that all of us rescuers are overwhelmed with."..."Until cats are treated the same as dogs and have to be desexed and contained, this is just going to get worse and worse." "

"On average the Invasive Species Council estimates each roaming pet cat kills 186 animals per year...We need council and the government to step up."

"In September the NSW Greens introduced a bill proposing to introduce cat containment laws, which would require pet owners to keep their cats inside. The state government is expected to finalise its review within the coming months."

"We would encourage people to keep their cats inside all the time, especially at night." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-18/stray-cat-crisis-new-south-wales/106595620

"Cats kill approximately 96 million native animals each year in New South Wales, including millions of mammals, birds, and reptiles." >>
https://invasives.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Pet-cat-impacts-June-2023.pdf
#cats #pets #dogs #ContainmentFailures #biodiversity #wildlife #mobility #NSW #law #values #councils #Bellingen #Gleniffer #BellingenShire

Waterfall erosion across road disrupts local businesses
https://bellingenshirenews.com.au/2026/05/07/new-waterfall-way-survey-details-economic-disruption/
#erosion #roads #SupplyChain #Dorrigo #Bellingen #Thora

Waterfall erosion across road disrupts local businesses
https://bellingenshirenews.com.au/2026/05/07/new-waterfall-way-survey-details-economic-disruption/
#erosion #roads #SupplyChain #Dorrigo #Bellingen #Thora

Bellingen!

Helsinki Kruunuvuori Bridge opens to pedestrians and cyclists

"Kruunuvuori bridge an exceptional project by international standards. Bridges of this scale are rarely built exclusively for public transport, pedestrians and cyclists."

"From the outset, the focus was on pedestrian and cyclist safety, a comfortable travel experience, and barrier-free accessibility...Opening the bridge to light traffic marks an important milestone, providing a safe and distinctive route across the surrounding urban landscape." >>

https://www.wsp.com/en-au/news/2026/helsinki-kruunuvuori-bridge-opens-to-pedestrians-and-cyclists
#bridges #pedestrians #ActiveMobility #PublicTransport #cyclists #CarCentric #Bellingen #LavendersBridge #safety #walking

Image: Young people on Bellingen's Lavenders Bridge. A dangerous space for pedestrians.

Bellingen!

Helsinki Kruunuvuori Bridge opens to pedestrians and cyclists

"Kruunuvuori bridge an exceptional project by international standards. Bridges of this scale are rarely built exclusively for public transport, pedestrians and cyclists."

"From the outset, the focus was on pedestrian and cyclist safety, a comfortable travel experience, and barrier-free accessibility...Opening the bridge to light traffic marks an important milestone, providing a safe and distinctive route across the surrounding urban landscape." >>

https://www.wsp.com/en-au/news/2026/helsinki-kruunuvuori-bridge-opens-to-pedestrians-and-cyclists
#bridges #pedestrians #ActiveMobility #PublicTransport #cyclists #CarCentric #Bellingen #LavendersBridge #safety #walking

Image: Young people on Bellingen's Lavenders Bridge. A dangerous space for pedestrians.

Slips, trips and fall risks from ubiquitous dogs

In dog-friendly Australia it seems the non-native canine is the most dominant species. They are allowed to roam the (dog-free) beaches, the national parks and (pet-friendly) workplaces, flats, cafes, restaurants etc. If not straying, then they are on long or flexible, extendable leashes stretching across hallways and footpaths.

This trip-and-fall risk is human-unfriendly. The health, safety, and well-being of the bipedal companions is not considered. Pet dogs pose hygiene issues, potential zoonoses and allergy risks. The mental well-being of bite victims and phobia affected can trigger distress.

Foreman, A.M.; Glenn, M.K.; Meade, B.J.; Wirth, O. Dogs in the Workplace: A Review of the Benefits and Potential Challenges. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 498. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14050498
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/14/5/498

Image: Dog-friendly Coffs Central Shopping Centre, trip and fall hazard for customers

#Dogs #hazards #pets #PublicSpaces #Workplaces #falls #Food #zoonoses #hygiene #CoffsHarbour #cafes #Bellingen #PetRelatedInjuries #hospitalisations #DogFriendly

Slips, trips and fall risks from ubiquitous dogs

In dog-friendly Australia it seems the non-native canine is the most dominant species. They are allowed to roam the (dog-free) beaches, the national parks and (pet-friendly) workplaces, flats, cafes, restaurants etc. If not straying, then they are on long or flexible, extendable leashes stretching across hallways and footpaths.

This trip-and-fall risk is human-unfriendly. The health, safety, and well-being of the bipedal companions is not considered. Pet dogs pose hygiene issues, potential zoonoses and allergy risks. The mental well-being of bite victims and phobia affected can trigger distress.

Foreman, A.M.; Glenn, M.K.; Meade, B.J.; Wirth, O. Dogs in the Workplace: A Review of the Benefits and Potential Challenges. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 498. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14050498
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/14/5/498

Image: Dog-friendly Coffs Central Shopping Centre, trip and fall hazard for customers

#Dogs #hazards #pets #PublicSpaces #Workplaces #falls #Food #zoonoses #hygiene #CoffsHarbour #cafes #Bellingen #PetRelatedInjuries #hospitalisations #DogFriendly

Slips, trips and fall risks from ubiquitous dogs

In dog-friendly Australia it seems the non-native canine is the most dominant species. They are allowed to roam the (dog-free) beaches, the national parks and (pet-friendly) workplaces, flats, cafes, restaurants etc. If not straying, then they are on long or flexible, extendable leashes stretching across hallways and footpaths.

This trip-and-fall risk is human-unfriendly. The health, safety, and well-being of the bipedal companions is not considered. Pet dogs pose hygiene issues, potential zoonoses and allergy risks. The mental well-being of bite victims and phobia affected can trigger distress.

Foreman, A.M.; Glenn, M.K.; Meade, B.J.; Wirth, O. Dogs in the Workplace: A Review of the Benefits and Potential Challenges. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 498. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14050498
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/14/5/498

Image: Dog-friendly Coffs Central Shopping Centre, trip and fall hazard for customers

#Dogs #hazards #pets #PublicSpaces #Workplaces #falls #Food #zoonoses #hygiene #CoffsHarbour #cafes #Bellingen #PetRelatedInjuries #hospitalisations #DogFriendly

Slips, trips and fall risks from ubiquitous dogs

In dog-friendly Australia it seems the non-native canine is the most dominant species. They are allowed to roam the (dog-free) beaches, the national parks and (pet-friendly) workplaces, flats, cafes, restaurants etc. If not straying, then they are on long or flexible, extendable leashes stretching across hallways and footpaths.

This trip-and-fall risk is human-unfriendly. The health, safety, and well-being of the bipedal companions is not considered. Pet dogs pose hygiene issues, potential zoonoses and allergy risks. The mental well-being of bite victims and phobia affected can trigger distress.

Foreman, A.M.; Glenn, M.K.; Meade, B.J.; Wirth, O. Dogs in the Workplace: A Review of the Benefits and Potential Challenges. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 498. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14050498
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/14/5/498

Image: Dog-friendly Coffs Central Shopping Centre, trip and fall hazard for customers

#Dogs #hazards #pets #PublicSpaces #Workplaces #falls #Food #zoonoses #hygiene #CoffsHarbour #cafes #Bellingen #PetRelatedInjuries #hospitalisations #DogFriendly

Slips, trips and fall risks from ubiquitous dogs

In dog-friendly Australia it seems the non-native canine is the most dominant species. They are allowed to roam the (dog-free) beaches, the national parks and (pet-friendly) workplaces, flats, cafes, restaurants etc. If not straying, then they are on long or flexible, extendable leashes stretching across hallways and footpaths.

This trip-and-fall risk is human-unfriendly. The health, safety, and well-being of the bipedal companions is not considered. Pet dogs pose hygiene issues, potential zoonoses and allergy risks. The mental well-being of bite victims and phobia affected can trigger distress.

Foreman, A.M.; Glenn, M.K.; Meade, B.J.; Wirth, O. Dogs in the Workplace: A Review of the Benefits and Potential Challenges. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 498. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14050498
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/14/5/498

Image: Dog-friendly Coffs Central Shopping Centre, trip and fall hazard for customers

#Dogs #hazards #pets #PublicSpaces #Workplaces #falls #Food #zoonoses #hygiene #CoffsHarbour #cafes #Bellingen #PetRelatedInjuries #hospitalisations #DogFriendly

Bellingen urged to swap diesel for electric buses as fuel costs soar

“Every bus running on Australian-made electricity is a bus that isn’t dependent on the strait of Hormuz, isn’t spewing exhaust into our communities, isn’t contributing to lung cancer or childhood asthma, and they’re so much quieter – for commuters and communities alike.” >>
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/mar/26/australia-electric-buses-transition-from-diesel-fuel-crisis
#EV #buses #Bellingen #NSW #transport #EnergySovereignty #transport #war #climate

Image: Polluting school buses on small country roads, Bellingen

Bellingen urged to swap diesel for electric buses as fuel costs soar

“Every bus running on Australian-made electricity is a bus that isn’t dependent on the strait of Hormuz, isn’t spewing exhaust into our communities, isn’t contributing to lung cancer or childhood asthma, and they’re so much quieter – for commuters and communities alike.” >>
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/mar/26/australia-electric-buses-transition-from-diesel-fuel-crisis
#EV #buses #Bellingen #NSW #transport #EnergySovereignty #transport #war #climate

Image: Polluting school buses on small country roads, Bellingen

Bellingen shire favours roaming cats over biodiversity
The council is too poor to manage the overpopulation of cats

"Management of wandering cats was in the spotlight at the Bellingen Shire Council’s Ordinary meeting last week. That caution stems from a lack of council resources and the results of a NSW parliamentary inquiry into management of pet cats held last year. "

"While the inquiry found “there is an urgent need to implement cat management strategies in NSW to address the overpopulation of cats, both in urban environments and in the wild”, they also found NSW “may not be ready to adopt mandatory cat containment laws”.

"Cr King said management of wandering cats should be a “top of the list” issue for Council. “It feels like it’s a do nothing, too hard basket response to a really concerning issue we have in our shire,” Cr King said." >>
https://bellingenshirenews.com.au/2026/03/26/council-favors-education-over-cat-curfews-in-bellingen/

"Domestic cats are estimated to kill many of our native animals each year, including an estimated 53 million reptiles, 61 million birds, and 67 million mammals. Keeping cats home and wildlife safe " >>
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/keeping-cats-home-and-wildlife-safe
#cats #CatCurfews #Bellingen #InvasiveSpecies #pets #biodiversity #Wildlife #BellingenShire #NSW

Image: 'Missing cat' roamed too far, Bellingen poster

Bellingen shire favours roaming cats over biodiversity
The council is too poor to manage the overpopulation of cats

"Management of wandering cats was in the spotlight at the Bellingen Shire Council’s Ordinary meeting last week. That caution stems from a lack of council resources and the results of a NSW parliamentary inquiry into management of pet cats held last year. "

"While the inquiry found “there is an urgent need to implement cat management strategies in NSW to address the overpopulation of cats, both in urban environments and in the wild”, they also found NSW “may not be ready to adopt mandatory cat containment laws”.

"Cr King said management of wandering cats should be a “top of the list” issue for Council. “It feels like it’s a do nothing, too hard basket response to a really concerning issue we have in our shire,” Cr King said." >>
https://bellingenshirenews.com.au/2026/03/26/council-favors-education-over-cat-curfews-in-bellingen/

"Domestic cats are estimated to kill many of our native animals each year, including an estimated 53 million reptiles, 61 million birds, and 67 million mammals. Keeping cats home and wildlife safe " >>
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/keeping-cats-home-and-wildlife-safe
#cats #CatCurfews #Bellingen #InvasiveSpecies #pets #biodiversity #Wildlife #BellingenShire #NSW

Image: 'Missing cat' roamed too far, Bellingen poster

Americana meets the Aussie bush

Trying to get some bread in a cafe on Bellingen's main drag. Once the obstacle course of the packs of dogs on extendable leads are overcome it is time for waiting in a long queue on a Saturday. Many hipster families are there to have breakfast done for them.

One set was showcasing their three toddlers in a full 'American Western-inspired aesthetic', cowboy hats and boots. Mum had that Instagrammable ‘Mar-a-Lago face’.

Wide-brimmed hats are ideal to protect oneself from Australia's sun, but this was in the comfort zone of a cafe.

The "cowboy core" aesthetic facade harks back to the wide‑open‑spaces where cattle-herders (cowboys, stockmen/ringers) managed grazing livestock, for the pastoral industry, particularly in the Australian outback or American Western frontier.

Already in the 16th century, the Conquistadors and other Spanish settlers brought their cattle-raising traditions to Mexico and Florida.

The Western portrayed the cowboy as an enduring cultural figure representing freedom.

So why are these urban folks from the suburbs running around in 'costumes' looking like pastoralist workers from a mythical past? What 'sense of belonging' do they buy?

Maybe the fashionable habitus points to a vibe shift of the wannabe cowboys expressing preemptive subordination or imperial obsequiousness?

The rise of cowboy core: What's behind it.>>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-10/dr-karl-how-things-work-cowboy-core-fashion/106336574

Plastic surgeons wrestle with requests for ‘Mar-a-Lago face’:
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/nov/18/mar-a-lago-face-plastic-surgery

Image :
In 1859 European wild rabbits were introduced into Australia so they could be hunted for sport. Now hats are made out of some of the invasive species.
https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/rabbits-introduced

#cowboys #pastoralism #SettlerSociety #fashion #WesternWear #CattleHerders #belonging #Bellingen #culture #MiddlePowers #subordination #RupturedGlobalOrder #BellingenObservations

Americana meets the Aussie bush

Trying to get some bread in a cafe on Bellingen's main drag. Once the obstacle course of the packs of dogs on extendable leads are overcome it is time for waiting in a long queue on a Saturday. Many hipster families are there to have breakfast done for them.

One set was showcasing their three toddlers in a full 'American Western-inspired aesthetic', cowboy hats and boots. Mum had that Instagrammable ‘Mar-a-Lago face’.

Wide-brimmed hats are ideal to protect oneself from Australia's sun, but this was in the comfort zone of a cafe.

The "cowboy core" aesthetic facade harks back to the wide‑open‑spaces where cattle-herders (cowboys, stockmen/ringers) managed grazing livestock, for the pastoral industry, particularly in the Australian outback or American Western frontier.

Already in the 16th century, the Conquistadors and other Spanish settlers brought their cattle-raising traditions to Mexico and Florida.

The Western portrayed the cowboy as an enduring cultural figure representing freedom.

So why are these urban folks from the suburbs running around in 'costumes' looking like pastoralist workers from a mythical past? What 'sense of belonging' do they buy?

Maybe the fashionable habitus points to a vibe shift of the wannabe cowboys expressing preemptive subordination or imperial obsequiousness?

The rise of cowboy core: What's behind it.>>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-10/dr-karl-how-things-work-cowboy-core-fashion/106336574

Plastic surgeons wrestle with requests for ‘Mar-a-Lago face’:
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/nov/18/mar-a-lago-face-plastic-surgery

Image :
In 1859 European wild rabbits were introduced into Australia so they could be hunted for sport. Now hats are made out of some of the invasive species.
https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/rabbits-introduced

#cowboys #pastoralism #SettlerSociety #fashion #WesternWear #CattleHerders #belonging #Bellingen #culture #MiddlePowers #subordination #RupturedGlobalOrder #BellingenObservations

The CAT-astrophic hazards roaming cats face and responsible cat ownership

"Australians love their cats. In 2019, roughly a quarter of Australian households owned a cat. By 2025, that figure had risen to a third. Over the same period, households reporting they kept their cats indoors rose from 36% to 48%."

"Your cat is likely to live longer if you don’t let them roam – new study
Australia’s 5.3 million domestic cats kill a total of 546 million animals each year in Australia. About two-thirds of all Australian cat owners have had a cat die while out roaming. The top risks are road traffic accidents, fighting and falls."

"The simplest way to protect your cats is to contain them on your property, just as Australians do with other domestic animals."

It appears that cat owners in the Bellingen/Gleniffer area do not care for their pets or respect their neighbours, as their cats are roaming 24/7 killing wildlife in the bush and gardens. >>
https://theconversation.com/your-cat-is-likely-to-live-longer-if-you-dont-let-them-roam-new-study-276282
#cats #pets #InvasiveSpecies #wildlife #biodiversity #cars #roads #trauma #Bellingen

The CAT-astrophic hazards roaming cats face and responsible cat ownership

"Australians love their cats. In 2019, roughly a quarter of Australian households owned a cat. By 2025, that figure had risen to a third. Over the same period, households reporting they kept their cats indoors rose from 36% to 48%."

"Your cat is likely to live longer if you don’t let them roam – new study
Australia’s 5.3 million domestic cats kill a total of 546 million animals each year in Australia. About two-thirds of all Australian cat owners have had a cat die while out roaming. The top risks are road traffic accidents, fighting and falls."

"The simplest way to protect your cats is to contain them on your property, just as Australians do with other domestic animals."

It appears that cat owners in the Bellingen/Gleniffer area do not care for their pets or respect their neighbours, as their cats are roaming 24/7 killing wildlife in the bush and gardens. >>
https://theconversation.com/your-cat-is-likely-to-live-longer-if-you-dont-let-them-roam-new-study-276282
#cats #pets #InvasiveSpecies #wildlife #biodiversity #cars #roads #trauma #Bellingen

In Bellingen all space seems devoted to parking for combustion machines. Every lawn, river banks, footpaths - everywhere space is eaten by cars with an expensive need for petrol from the Middle East. Carparks litter the landscape of the small town that has very few footpaths.

Image: Bellingen, Church street, Public toilet pathway blocked by oil guzzlers
#Bellingen #access #accessibility #AccessibleAmenities #footpaths #cars #SUVs #storage #hazards #MobilityDesign #walking #climate

In Bellingen all space seems devoted to parking for combustion machines. Every lawn, river banks, footpaths - everywhere space is eaten by cars with an expensive need for petrol from the Middle East. Carparks litter the landscape of the small town that has very few footpaths.

Image: Bellingen, Church street, Public toilet pathway blocked by oil guzzlers
#Bellingen #access #accessibility #AccessibleAmenities #footpaths #cars #SUVs #storage #hazards #MobilityDesign #walking #climate

Constellations: new, decentralised writers' festivals are emerging

"I feel like lots of the local writing community haven't necessarily had a place in (Adelaide) Writers' Week for a while."

"Organisers reckon there are lessons to be learned in the opportunities of "bottom-up", inclusive programming and extending festivals beyond city hubs, including attracting a more diverse audience." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-07/constellations-not-writers-week-adelaide/106420422

Only the suppressed word is dangerous. - Ludwig Boerne

#writers #books #PublishingIndustry #events #FreedomOfSpeech #MuzzleWriters #WritersFestivals #Constellations #BRWFest #Bellingen

Constellations: new, decentralised writers' festivals are emerging

"I feel like lots of the local writing community haven't necessarily had a place in (Adelaide) Writers' Week for a while."

"Organisers reckon there are lessons to be learned in the opportunities of "bottom-up", inclusive programming and extending festivals beyond city hubs, including attracting a more diverse audience." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-07/constellations-not-writers-week-adelaide/106420422

Only the suppressed word is dangerous. - Ludwig Boerne

#writers #books #PublishingIndustry #events #FreedomOfSpeech #MuzzleWriters #WritersFestivals #Constellations #BRWFest #Bellingen

PFAS contamination sites and dead platypus
Mapping "hazardous concentrations" of PFAS plumes on NSW waterways

A study "found alarmingly high levels of PFOS in the livers of eight dead platypuses, collected from waterways across NSW."

"…Due to the shape of the valley, groundwater from beneath the landfill "ultimately flows towards the Ourimbah Creek catchment”.

"When you look at some of the research that's coming through, clearly it's raw water, our waterways, that we also need to be concerned about because we know PFAS gets into wildlife."

"The research that I've seen, not just in platypus, but in some other species, is really frightening. If that isn't enough to get the government to act on looking at PFAS in waterways, not just drinking water, then I don't know what is."
>>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-07/pfas-contamination-investigation-ourimbah-creek-catchment-nsw/106037472

"Scientists...have discovered PFOS in the livers of eight deceased platypuses collected from numerous eastern NSW rivers, from the north coast in Bellingen to the alps of Jindabyne." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-20/australia-forever-chemicals-pfas-drinking-water-platypus/104244072

#rivers #water #pollution #biodiversity #wildlife #platypus #wetlands #NSW #roads #crashes #spills #landfill #runoff #petrol #PFAS #PFOS #FirefightingFoam #OurimbahCreek #Bellingen #governance

PFAS contamination sites and dead platypus
Mapping "hazardous concentrations" of PFAS plumes on NSW waterways

A study "found alarmingly high levels of PFOS in the livers of eight dead platypuses, collected from waterways across NSW."

"…Due to the shape of the valley, groundwater from beneath the landfill "ultimately flows towards the Ourimbah Creek catchment”.

"When you look at some of the research that's coming through, clearly it's raw water, our waterways, that we also need to be concerned about because we know PFAS gets into wildlife."

"The research that I've seen, not just in platypus, but in some other species, is really frightening. If that isn't enough to get the government to act on looking at PFAS in waterways, not just drinking water, then I don't know what is."
>>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-07/pfas-contamination-investigation-ourimbah-creek-catchment-nsw/106037472

"Scientists...have discovered PFOS in the livers of eight deceased platypuses collected from numerous eastern NSW rivers, from the north coast in Bellingen to the alps of Jindabyne." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-20/australia-forever-chemicals-pfas-drinking-water-platypus/104244072

#rivers #water #pollution #biodiversity #wildlife #platypus #wetlands #NSW #roads #crashes #spills #landfill #runoff #petrol #PFAS #PFOS #FirefightingFoam #OurimbahCreek #Bellingen #governance

Traumatic landscapes of plastic, pollution and exploitation

The coastline of Spain is known as the ‘Sea of Plastic’ ("Mar de Plástico”) It is the world’s largest plastic greenhouse complex with 350 square km of fruit and vegetables grown by immigrant labour for the horticultural industry. >>
https://www.behance.net/gallery/22272681/Mar-del-Plastico#

Could we do the same thing to the coast of NSW?
NSW Greens to move bill to let councils better regulate berry industry as it continues rapid expansion

“People move into these beautiful valleys for the lifestyle and the environment but then wake up one day and within months they are looking at an industrial-scale blueberry farm."

"Faehrmann’s bill will call for mandated buffers between intensive horticulture farms and homes and waterways, as well as strict controls on spraying, runoff and irrigation and greater monitoring of produce for pesticides."

"Blueberry farming is rapidly expanding beyond Coffs Harbour, where it began several decades ago, into the Nambucca Valley and the Kempsey area to the south, and west toward Grafton and Bellingen."
>>
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jan/31/australia-berry-industry-bill-nsw-greens
#rivers #water #extractivism #pesticides #MidNorthCoast #ChinasOrchard #horticulturalIndustry #regulation #runoff #pollution #plastic #PALM #blueberries #SeaOfPlastics #TraumaticLandscapes #NSWCoast #NSW #CoffsHarbour #Nambucca #Kempsey #Grafton #Bellingen #residents #habitability #NSWLogging

Traumatic landscapes of plastic, pollution and exploitation

The coastline of Spain is known as the ‘Sea of Plastic’ ("Mar de Plástico”) It is the world’s largest plastic greenhouse complex with 350 square km of fruit and vegetables grown by immigrant labour for the horticultural industry. >>
https://www.behance.net/gallery/22272681/Mar-del-Plastico#

Could we do the same thing to the coast of NSW?
NSW Greens to move bill to let councils better regulate berry industry as it continues rapid expansion

“People move into these beautiful valleys for the lifestyle and the environment but then wake up one day and within months they are looking at an industrial-scale blueberry farm."

"Faehrmann’s bill will call for mandated buffers between intensive horticulture farms and homes and waterways, as well as strict controls on spraying, runoff and irrigation and greater monitoring of produce for pesticides."

"Blueberry farming is rapidly expanding beyond Coffs Harbour, where it began several decades ago, into the Nambucca Valley and the Kempsey area to the south, and west toward Grafton and Bellingen."
>>
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jan/31/australia-berry-industry-bill-nsw-greens
#rivers #water #extractivism #pesticides #MidNorthCoast #ChinasOrchard #horticulturalIndustry #regulation #runoff #pollution #plastic #PALM #blueberries #SeaOfPlastics #TraumaticLandscapes #NSWCoast #NSW #CoffsHarbour #Nambucca #Kempsey #Grafton #Bellingen #residents #habitability #NSWLogging

Two men have drowned in the Never Never River on the NSW Mid North Coast.

"Emergency services were called to John Locke Place at Gleniffer, north of Bellingen, at about 6:45pm on Sunday following reports of people struggling in the water. Police were told three men, all believed to be aged in their 30's, began to struggle soon after entering the river."

"The two men were pulled from the water but were unable to be revived and died at the scene. A crime scene has been established and a report will be prepared for the coroner."
>>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-26/two-men-dead-bellingen-drowning/106269014

AUDIO: Two die in drowning on NSW Mid North Coast >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-26/two-die-in-drowning-on-nsw-mid-north-coast/106269500

#Gleniffer #Bellingen #drowning #NeverNever #JohnLockePlace #NSW #rivers #NeverNeverCatchment #MidNorthCoast #tourism #CPRChart #swimming #heatwaves #crime

Two men have drowned in the Never Never River on the NSW Mid North Coast.

"Emergency services were called to John Locke Place at Gleniffer, north of Bellingen, at about 6:45pm on Sunday following reports of people struggling in the water. Police were told three men, all believed to be aged in their 30's, began to struggle soon after entering the river."

"The two men were pulled from the water but were unable to be revived and died at the scene. A crime scene has been established and a report will be prepared for the coroner."
>>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-26/two-men-dead-bellingen-drowning/106269014

AUDIO: Two die in drowning on NSW Mid North Coast >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-26/two-die-in-drowning-on-nsw-mid-north-coast/106269500

#Gleniffer #Bellingen #drowning #NeverNever #JohnLockePlace #NSW #rivers #NeverNeverCatchment #MidNorthCoast #tourism #CPRChart #swimming #heatwaves #crime

Bored fossil fuel enthusiasts are burning rubber, microplastics and toxic chemicals on the Mid North Coast.
#Cars #CarMinds #PetroMasculinity #pollution #noise #toxins #stormwater #BellingerRiver #roads #SchoolHolidays #climate #Bellingen #CoffsHarbour #MidNorthCoast #governance #antisocial #UnsafeBehaviour

Bored fossil fuel enthusiasts are burning rubber, microplastics and toxic chemicals on the Mid North Coast.
#Cars #CarMinds #PetroMasculinity #pollution #noise #toxins #stormwater #BellingerRiver #roads #SchoolHolidays #climate #Bellingen #CoffsHarbour #MidNorthCoast #governance #antisocial #UnsafeBehaviour

Dogs appear to have become our preferred species.
>>
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/02/dog-obsession-canine-exceptionalism-can-humanity-stage-a-comeback
#dogs #pets #biodiversity #extinction

Humans kneeling to touch up passing dogs. Often cafe staff fondle drooling pets. No one knows if they wash their hands afterwards. #Bellingen

Dogs appear to have become our preferred species.
>>
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/02/dog-obsession-canine-exceptionalism-can-humanity-stage-a-comeback
#dogs #pets #biodiversity #extinction

Humans kneeling to touch up passing dogs. Often cafe staff fondle drooling pets. No one knows if they wash their hands afterwards. #Bellingen

The sign on a Bellingen shop says it all:

DOG LIMIT Only two dogs in store at one time.

Most locals are herding more than two dogs.

And then the 'holiday season' arrives...

#Bellingen #biodiversity #dogs #limits

The sign on a Bellingen shop says it all:

DOG LIMIT Only two dogs in store at one time.

Most locals are herding more than two dogs.

And then the 'holiday season' arrives...

#Bellingen #biodiversity #dogs #limits

Amelia + Toby, quality coffee, style and views, Bellingen
https://ameliaandtoby.com.au/
#cafe #coffee #Bellingen