Hello, Tuesday readers

This week I spoke to Byron Bay social geographer, researcher and author Tricia Shantz about her book Neverland, a social history of the transformation of Byron Bay. It was the roving surfers of the late 1950s, 60s and 70s who helped to transform the once quiet abattoir town into the bustling tourist destination that it is today. Tricia conducted more than 70 interviews and has included more than 40 stories of the Australian and American surfers who brought their eccentric lifestyle and business acumen to Byron Bay, and she'll be sharing some of these stories with guests on March 1 at Ryan's Hotel in Thirroul.

In more celebrations of pride on our beaches, Bulli SLSC become the first Illawarra surf club to participate in Rainbow Beaches Day on Sunday, February 19, decking out the patrol gazebo with LGBTQIA+ flags. Maria Caldwell, director of member services at Surf Life Saving Illawarra, shares with us what the Lifesavers with Pride initiative represents.

Finally, this week's Beach of the Week is Towradgi. President of Towradgi SLSC Paul Lumby shares what we need to know before we go, as new hazards on the beach prompt an increased number of rescues.

Catch you later,

Caitlin Sloan

The Tuesday Editor

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