Mayor Michael Lyon voices support as Byron Chess Club rallies for installation of big and small beachfront chess sets

Northern NSW tourism haven Byron Bay could soon have a new drawcard on the beachfront – but not everyone is quite on board. Find out more about the proposal.

Chess being played at Apex Park, Byron Bay this year. Picture: Peter Hanna

Byron Chess Club has rallied in a fresh bid to have big and small community chess boards available for all on the beachfront of the northern NSW tourism hub.

Mayor Michael Lyon has voiced his support for the proposal, but said more work needs to be done to gauge whether the wider community is in favour.

Some on social media have knocked the idea, however, describing Byron Shire Council as already stretched as it is.

The club has suggested installing a large set and smaller tables at Dening or Apex Park on the beachfront.

Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon playing chess with his step son Brooklyn. Picture: Provided

A Change.org petition to the council titled Beachfront chess set for Byron Bay by Dominic Shine has 130 of a target of 200 signatures.

“The community of chess players is growing in the Shire, and we need permanent outdoor chess facilities to bring them together and encourage new players,” the petition reads.

“Chess brings people together whilst offering people of all ages and abilities an opportunity to develop confidence, focus and creativity. Byron Chess Club has had a regular presence at the beachfront for many years.

September 27 marked the first time Byron Chess Club founder Peter Hanna achieved checkmate with a bishop and knight since he began playing in 1966. Picture: Supplied

“Such facilities would create a healthy space for people to enjoy, reflecting the values our community has in critical thinking and the beautiful natural environment.”

Byron Chess Club founder Peter Hanna, 73, said he has been playing since 1966.

He said chess helps keep the mind active and leads to more serious thinking.

“It’s a great hobby, it doesn’t cost any money and I’m still learning things and I’ve been playing since I was 16,” he said.

“You look at problems more deeply and don’t react, you just try to figure things out. It’s very good that way.”

Mr Hanna joked: “Chess is good for dieting – I could play all day and not even think about food.”

Cr Lyon is an avid chess player and said while he backed the initiative, he needed to figure out if the motion had broader support.

People playing chess at Apex Park, Byron Bay. Picture: Peter Hanna

“As part of the redesign of the foreshore, I would be happy to throw this idea into the mix,” he said.

“If it was supported we could fund the purchase of the larger installation and pieces, including having a storage space for the pieces, as well as having a few tables.

“I have seen this in other locations, particularly overseas and it is a great addition in my view.

“Whether our community feels this is a valuable addition will need to be determined.”

People playing chess at Apex Park this year. Picture: Peter Hanna

Some in the community are not in favour, or not wholly convinced.

One woman said in a local Facebook group the council had enough going on dealing with “genuine community programs”.

“Why should they spend money on a giant chess board and also have to deal with the obvious headaches of managing that too?” she said.

“Tourists tend to not behave themselves in Byron and massive chess pieces would never be able to be left for people to use responsibly and would end up either being stolen or dumped around town.

A chess board set up at Apex Park, Byron Bay on June 17. Picture: Peter Hanna

“I’d rather see them putting more money into managing the issues of homelessness than paying for a giant chessboard, even though I’ve always thought a chessboard would be a great addition to the Main Beach parklands area.”

Mr Hanna said adding unique outdoor tournaments at a park in the off peak tourist times will also attract more visitors for longer periods.

“I want to emulate the positive cultural aspects of the Byron Music Society, so eventually visitors and residents will move here for cultural stimulation as well as for the beach and nightlife,” he said.

“Chess encourages soberness, seriousness and civility.”

Mr Hanna began the Byron Chess Club in 1983 and it’s been running (on and off) since.