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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Théo’s dad says he’ll be back

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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.

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Laurent Hayes. Photo Tree Faerie.

Eve Jeffery

It’s six weeks today since Belgian backpacker Théo Hayez disappeared during a night out in Byron Bay, and after weeks of searching, his parents Vinciane Delforge and Laurent Hayez will head home to Belgium tomorrow.

Echonetdaily spoke to Laurent who said he will be back in Australia soon. ‘We are leaving on Saturday,’ he said. ‘It is important that we go home and see family and spend time with Théo’s little brother Lucas.’

Laurent said this is not the end of the search for him, he will be back soon.

Laurent, Vinciane and Théo’s cousin Lisa have become very much part of the Byron Shire community in recent weeks and they are beyond grateful for the love and support and physical help they have received.

With the aid of the locals they have tirelessly scoured the area looking for any trace of Théo, but Laurent says it’s time to go home and connect with family and regroup before returning to Byron Bay. ‘This is not the end. I will be back in early August and will continue looking for Théo.’

Théo was last seen about 11pm on Friday May 31 at Cheeky Monkey’s on Jonson Street. If you have any information, no matter how insignificant you think it might be, even if you just saw a glimpse of Théo on the night of May 31 or the previous few days, the family implore you to make contact. Any and all details can help in the overall ongoing investigation.

Anyone with any information about Théo is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.



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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

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Thirty-six unmissable films

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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?