20.3 C
Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Gale force winds expected as wet weather continues

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.

Music overtones at Byron Bay International Film Festival

From the extraordinary life and legacy of Marianne Faithfull to the raw energy of Australia’s 1995 Summersault tour, a larrikin road trip through the Australian bush and the next generation of music video makers, music runs through this year’s Byron Bay International Film Festival. 

Lismore seeks feedback on waste rethink as disposal choices remain unresolved

Lismore residents are being asked to comment on a revised waste strategy as Council works towards diverting rubbish from landfill while leaving its long-term disposal options unresolved.

No short-term solutions

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

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.

Bruns residents and Reflections struggle to find common ground

Brunswick Heads residents called on their local MP Tamara Smith for a meeting to discuss the fences that Reflections Holiday Parks have erected around the park area where the community planted native cypress pines commemorating the Battle of Lone Pine in WWI, which has been utilised by the community for over 60 years for recreation.

Forecasters are warning that NSW will experience hazardous surf and high winds today. Photo Bennett/WSL

The Bureau of Meteorology predicts heavy surf and continued wet weather as a deepening coastal trough extending from south-east Queensland over the North Coast combines with a strong high pressure system over the Tasman Sea.

These systems are bringing strong to gale force winds to the Northern Rivers.

Very heavy surf, which may lead to localised damage and coastal erosion, is possible along the far north coast on Monday (October 15).

Conditions are expected to ease late Monday/early Tuesday as the trough moves slowly eastwards.

Beach conditions in these areas could be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas.

Locations which may be affected include Tweed Heads, Hastings Point, Byron Bay, Ballina and Brunswick Heads.

Wet weather is expected to continue around the region, with rain falling in diminishing amounts over coming days.

Byron Bay is predicted to receive 20-40mm of rain today and a further 10-20mm tomorrow, Lismore and Ballina are expected to get 10-20mm today and 5-10mm tomorrow, while Tweed Heads can expect 20-40mm with 1-5mm tomorrow.

* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500. 

 



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?