20.3 C
Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Culture Roundup: 29 August 2018

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

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.

No short-term solutions

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

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.

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?

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.

Nuclear hypocrisy

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

Circus Rio at the Lismore Showgrounds from Thursday, with full show running through until 9 September!

Circus Rio

Lismore Showgrounds | Thursday til 9 September | 7pm

Circus Rio bring their electric energy to Lismore Showgrounds for an action-packed season in what is to be their north coast debut!

Circus Rio unites diverse culture and dance with rare circus acts performed by few others in the industry. This combination is sure to delight the people of Lismore and surrounds, from toddlers to grandparents – there’s something for everyone! Classics like clowns, rolla bolla and juggling will be paired with innovative new favourites such as tightrope and aerialist tricks.

This group can’t get enough of travelling around some of Australia’s unique towns. The crew can’t wait to live as the locals and are asking for your opinion on the best destinations for them to visit during their stay. Fans are encouraged to send them a message on our social media with the hashtag: #circusriotakesnorthcoast.

Circus Rio at the Lismore Showgrounds from Thursday, with full show running through until 9 September! Show at 7pm

Find out more: circusrio.com


Yothu Yindi & The Treaty Project at Lismore City Hall for NORPA on Saturday 15 September

Yothu Yindi and the Treaty Project 25 years on

Lismore City Hall | Saturday 15 September | 7.30pm | $65

Hot on the heels of their sensational NAIDOC Week performance in Kalgoorlie then at Queensland’s new outback event, Gulf Country Frontier Days Festival, Yothu Yindi & The Treaty Project bring their new, electronica-driven show to Lismore City Hall on Saturday 15 September. The current national conversation surrounding Indigenous affairs and recent wave of new-generation artists keeping the message and culture alive – such as A.B.Original, Baker Boy, Kardajala Kirridarra, Electric Fields, not to mention the recent successful reformation tour of Midnight Oil, stalwart supporters of the cause – have made it clear that now is the time for this iconic outfit to renew their involvement in that protest. Yothu Yindi & The Treaty Project was inspired by the new remix package celebrating the 25th anniversary of Treaty (Filthy Lucre Remix), which resulted in ARIA Hall of Fame inductees Yothu Yindi reuniting with Gavin Campbell of production outfit Filthy Lucre, in a reinvigorated formation. The outfit features original Yothu Yindi members, along with emerging First Nations artists and special guests performing new remixes of classic Yothu Yindi hits (courtesy of producers Nubreed, Lostep and Filthy Lucre), plus brand-new material, all with an electronic twist in a cross-generational celebration of cultural diversity. lismorecityhall.com.au.| 1300 066 772


Cheeky Cabaret

Cheeky Cabaret

Brunswick Picture House | Friday & Saturday 1 Sept | 7pm | $35-45

Two years in, people continue to talk about the Cheeky Cabaret and we are thrilled that some of the most incredible international artists from around the world are beating down the door to come and perform at the Brunswick Picture House. Bold, brash, sexy and dangerous, with tongue laced firmly in cheek, this is one party you will not want to miss! Smashing together circus, vaudeville, comedy and everything in between, the Cheeky Cabaret has rightfully become the talk of the town. brunswickpicturehouse.com.au


Mandy Nolan

Court House Comedy w Mandy Nolan

Court House Hotel, Mullumbimby | Thursday 6 September | 8pm | Free

The Court House in Mullumbimby has the area’s longest-running comedy open mic. Its been nearly nine years now that the pub has offered new and emerging comics the chance to stand up and get some stage time. Thurs 6 Sept sees comics from around the region, including pros like Greg Sullivan (featured in our interviews this week) get up and try our new material. This month boasts travelling comics, industry professionals, absolute newbies, and our core comic group who are really putting out the magic.


Chris Radburn headlines at the Big Gig on Thursday and Ocean Shores Country Club Comedy on Tuesday

Big Gig w Chris Radburn, Mandy Nolan MC

 Ocean Shores Country Club | Tuesday | 7pm | FREE
Ballina RSL | Thursday | 8pm | Free

Former lawyer and now comedian Chris Radburn has earned a reputation for clever and cheeky observations that are relatable, original and hilarious. Chris has appeared as a comedian on more than 15 TV shows including The NRL Footy Show, Last Comic Standing, CNN International, Stand Up Australia, Thursday Night Live, Getaway, Joker Poker and Sydney Comedy Festival Gala.

Over the last 15 years, this funny Aussie bloke has performed at every major festival including the Sydney Comedy Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Adelaide Fringe, Woodford Folk Festival, Just for Laughs Comedy Showcase and Sydney’s World’s Funniest Island.   

Chris is an award-winning writer/actor/director with his short film Embellish and his two comedy web series The Guide to Being a Successful Man and The Parents.

He headlines at the Big Gig at the Ballina RSL on Thursday at 8pm and Tuesday at Ocean Shores Country Club at 7pm. Both shows feature Mandy Nolan as MC.



For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling.

If you are a local business owner help us and in turn we help you. All The Echo asks for is advertising, not a free ride. It is every advert in The Echo and on www.echo.net.au, which creates the space for all the stories and coverage of community events, happenings and concerns.

If you are a reader you can become a sponsor of The Echo. Your support keeps the us independent.

Even a small one-off or regular donation from you will help keep the echo’s independent voice alive and strong.

Support Us

Become one of the supporters who helps keep independent, local journalism alive in the Byron Shire by contributing anything from as little as the cost of a coffee each month.

You're Wonderful, Thank you for supporting independent journalism in the Byron Shire

You’re supporting The Echo, thank you

Your contribution is keeping independent, local journalism alive in the Northern Rivers.

Because of supporters like you, we can keep every story free for everyone — no paywall, no exceptions. Your money goes directly to funding our newsroom of 40-odd local workers covering the stories that matter to this community.

Tell us what you think, give us your opinion

The Echo loves your letters and comments and is proud to provide a community forum on the issues that matter most to our readers and the people of the NSW north coast. So don’t be a passive reader, email us your epistles at editor@echo.net.au.

The letters deadline for The Echo is noon Friday. Letters longer than 200 words may be cut. The publication of letters is at the discretion of the letters editor. Please remember to include your full name, address and telephone number.

Online comments are no longer available.

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?