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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Friday’s 4 the Locals

Latest News

Cinema: NAZA

A must-see, award-winning documentary investigating AI warfare in Gaza. Fresh from winning the Special Jury Prize at the 2026 Venice International Film Festival, NAZA, the latest documentary from Academy Award-winning filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor (No Other Land), examines artificial intelligence and surveillance in Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

Other News

Northern Rivers Bushwalkers Club celebrates their 50th

Little did a small group of bushwalkers know, when they went on their first club walk to Salty Lagoon back in 1976, that their club would still be thriving 50 years later.

Fish kill follows Belongil Creek opening as Council reviews protocols

A fish kill at Belongil Creek has prompted warnings to avoid the affected area, with Byron Shire Council and government agencies investigating the incident following an artificial opening of the creek.

McAuleys estate changes approved, but pet ban and cycle path stay

Developers have secured approval for changes to a contentious Myocum subdivision, but requirements banning pets and providing a cycle path and vehicle turnaround will remain.

Big meeting for Ballina Council this week

The agenda for Thursday's meeting includes six notices of motion from four councillors, with issues including missing persons, volunteer recognition, and arts funding.

One river, many voices

It's the final week of Richmond RiverFest, with events from Ballina to Lismore, and the upper catchment to the coast.

Nuclear hypocrisy

Nothing illustrates Western hypocrisy quite like the double standards applied to nuclear weapons. Trump insists the US-Israeli aggression against...

For the songwriters

The historic Ewingsdale Hall will host the second North Coast Songwriters Group Song Session this weekend.

This event will be an intimate, engaging and inspiring showcase of some of the most talented and cherished singer/songwriters from around the north coast – this month will get inside the songs and heads of Guy Kachel, Kyle Lionhart and Danni Carr from Mr Cassidy.

wp-GK-II-Guy Kachel has just produced his first album, Innocent Screams, a work of timely, mature introspection that reverberates with the sounds of his varied and manifold influences. There is the grace and soul of the blues interspersed with the country strains of his youth – and the tempering power of rock and roll.

Kyle Lionhart is a folk rock artist who has quickly gained a formidable reputation for stopping crowds in their tracks. So much so that he was invited to play at this year’s Splendour in the Grass music festival. Lionhart has shared the stage with legends Jeff Lang and Ash Grunwald, and played at the 2012 Byron Bay Surf Festival.

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Danni Carr formally Sweet Painted Ladies and currently or Mr Cassidy is a formidable talent. No stranger to recording or the live circuit, Danni has recorded several albums and toured Australia and the USA.

Danni has carved a reputation as a dynamic and accomplished artist. She plays a mean harmonica, a wild guitar, has a voice that takes you to the intended places of her songs and lyrics that will have you thinking and maybe even crying. 

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 All three artists take to the stage together to discuss and perform their songs in turn. Completely interactive and engaging, the audience is encouraged to ask questions of the artists and initiate discussion. With special guest performances by Luke Morris and Evelina Piga, this is a rare chance to see a fantastic range of great artists all in the one show.

The inaugural session was held last month at Kohinur and was an amazing and memorable experience for all involved. This show is sure to follow beautifully in its footsteps.

Plenty of delicious food, great music and wonderful community spirit. Doors open at 5pm. Show kicks off at 6. Entry is $15. Kids under 12 are free.



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Interview with Genevieve Clay-Smith, director of Boss Cat showing at the Byron Bay Film Festival

When Sonja (Olivia Hargroder) loses her mother without warning, the only steady presence left in her life is her grandmother, Doris. But Doris’s idea of stability means dismantling everything Sonja has built. For Sonja, who lives with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and has spent her life fighting to be underestimated by no one, Doris’ plan feels less like protection and more like erasure. Directed by Genevieve Clay-Smith, Boss Cat is a vibrant, big-hearted Australian dramedy about independence, family and self-determination, anchored by a fearless lead performance.

Something for everyone at the Picture House

From Australian superstar musos, to brand new documentaries, to comedians at the top of their game, there really is something for everyone at the Brunswick Picture House.

Thirty-six unmissable films

The 2026 Russell Hobbs British Film Festival features an unmissable line up 36 films, including five retrospectives which will screen from 28 October to 29 November at Palace Byron Bay and Ballina Cinemas.

A timeless story of self-discovery

A husband with a promotion, two adorable children and a lovely new house. Nora thought she had it all. But did she? What was the discontent that was whispering to her in the shadows?