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October 20, 2026

Culture Roundup: Wednesday 5 October, 2016

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

No short-term solutions

Here we are, put into the very precarious situation of funding Byron Shire Council’s (BSC) infrastructure shortfalls. By no...

Culvert remediation works

Byron Shire Council says repairs to the damaged culvert on Coolamon Scenic Drive, between Dudgeons Road and Synotts Lane, will commence tomorrow (20 October 2026). The remediation works will address damage that has restricted traffic to one lane through the affected section.

New koala strategy leaves local priorities to later implementation plan

Northern Rivers residents are being invited to help shape a new NSW koala conservation strategy, with specific local actions and investment priorities to be detailed in a separate implementation plan.

Countless Strokes: Hend brings his world indoors

If you’ve walked down Mullumbimby’s main street and stopped to admire the murals, chances are you’ve already seen the work of local artist and muralist Daniel Hend.

The price of ignorance

What often gets described as ‘racism’ in Australia is often based on plain old ignorance. People lacking the interest...

Spring into summer with local Dorper Lamb

As we move from spring into summer, it’s time to fire up the barbecue, enjoy long lunches with family and friends, and make the most of fresh, local produce. I recently spoke with Warren from Boorabe Dorper Lamb about the different cuts of lamb and how to get the best out of them.

He Named Me Malala, a Documentary about the life of Malala Yousafzai, screening at Brunswick Picture House on Wednesday at 7pm
He Named Me Malala, a Documentary about the life of Malala Yousafzai, screening at Brunswick Picture House on Wednesday at 7pm

Malala’s story

He Named Me Malala is an intimate portrait of Malala Yousafzai, who was targeted by the Taliban and severely wounded by a gunshot when returning home on her school bus in Pakistan’s Swat Valley.

The film gives us an inside glimpse into this extraordinary young girl’s life – from her close relationship with her father who inspired her love for education, to her impassioned speeches at the UN, to her everyday life with her parents and brothers.

Brunswick Picture House on Wednesday at 7pm. For tickets and program info go to brunswickpicturehouse.com.

By short & curlies

Celebrate spring with The Curly Cousins these school holidays. With their trademark humour, multi-instrumental talents and sweet harmonies, Coco, Miss B and Sunshine invite audiences young and old to join them for a spring sing thing! A big dose of fun for children 2–8 years and their families. The Curly Cousins will be at the Drill Hall, Mullumbimby, Saturday with two shows: 10.30am and 2pm. Tickets $10 /30 for a family of four, available at the door from 10am. Enquiries: [email protected] or phone 6680 3411.

Mama & Me Markets

The Mama + Me community present their spring market on Saturday with a family-focused festival at the picturesque Mullumbimby Leagues Club. With an incredible lineup of 60 stalls, pony rides, a petting zoo, a free family yoga session, a free Spaghetti Circus workshop, musical performances, delicious market food, a craft zone, face painting and more, this family-focused event is one not to be missed. 9am–2pm.

Holding the Space

The holder of 38 Guinness World Records, The Space Cowboy leads the frontier of extreme performance. His bizarre demonstration highlights the incredible power of the human mind and the physical body.

Making international headlines and performing to sellout crowds, The Space Cowboy returns to Brunswick Picture House with an updated show and a few new surprises and twists.

Both shows sold out last time, so get in quickly — this is one performance you will never forget! Friday at 6pm and Saturday at 2pm and 6pm.

For tickets and program info go to brunswickpicturehouse.com.

Well sprung

Sprung!! Integrated Dance Theatre, led by Michael Hennessy, develops dance-theatre works that inspire mainstream audiences and promote a more inclusive society. The troupe present Encounters, exploring the journey of individuation and the quest for belonging with 12 dancers with and without a disability.

Drill Hall in Mullumbimby, Friday and Saturday at 7.30pm and Sunday at 5pm.

mandynolan
Mandy Nolan is the host of the open mic comedy night at the Court House Hotel in Mullumbimby on Thursday

The joke’s on you

Don’t miss the new talent on show at the Court House in Mullumbimby on Thursday when they take to the stage for the regular comedy night. Now held quarterly, and hosted by comedian Mandy Nolan, this is the best free giggle in town. 8pm.

Toni Childs introduces Sherpa

In 2013 news channels around the world reported an ugly brawl at 21,000ft as European climbers fled a mob of angry Sherpas on Mt Everest. In 1953, New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay had reached the summit in a spirit of co-operation and brave optimism but now climbers and Sherpas were trading insults – even blows. What had happened to the happy, smiling Sherpas and their dedication in getting foreigners to the top of the mountain they hold so sacred? Determined to explore what was going on, the filmmakers set out to make a film of the 2014 Everest climbing season, from the Sherpas’ point of view, but instead, captured a tragedy that would change Everest forever.

At 6.45am, 18 April 2014, a 14-million-ton block of ice crashed down onto the climbing route, killing 16 Sherpas. It was the worst tragedy in the history of Everest.

Sherpa tells the story of how, in the face of fierce opposition, the Sherpas united in grief and anger to reclaim the mountain they call Chomolungma.

Presented by Crystal Castle at the Byron Community Centre on Friday and introduced by Toni Childs, who was in Nepal recording her album at the time of the disaster. 6.30pm. $28. Tickets at byroncentre.com.au.

Screening Sculpture

Rachel Lane’s 30-minute documentary about the inaugural Brunswick Nature Sculpture Walk 2015 will be screening at the Brunswick Picture House, 2pm on Sunday, alongside a small sculptures exhibition.

The event is being held as a celebration of the huge success of last year’s exhibition and in recognition of the support of the local community and businesses. Entry is by donation.



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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?