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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026
Byron EchoLetters

Death by phone?

By The Echo

Latest News

Entertainment NewsThe Echo - 0

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.
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Other News

The Good LifeAllie Godfrey - 0

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.
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National NewsDavid Lowe - 0

Activists arrested on gas platform

Greenpeace activists boarded Woodside's Scarborough gas platform off Western Australia on the weekend. After staying overnight, police removed the last two yesterday (Sunday 18 October).
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Local NewsThe Echo - 0

Norma Gunhoe brings the ‘Gunghoedown’ to town

Radio broadcasting sensation, Norma Gunghoe, is launching herself at the world from the Mullumbimby Golf Club with the Gunghoedown this Saturday, 17 October at 6pm and you are invited to come along and join the fun.
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Local NewsThe Echo - 0

Push for free conservation rezoning as report reveals Byron habitat protection gap

Byron Shire landholders could be offered a free pathway to stronger conservation zoning under a proposal coming before today’s Council meeting, following a report identifying significant gaps in protection for the Shire’s valuable habitat.
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The Good LifeThe Echo - 0

Foreshore Italian

Foreshore Italian brings the warmth, generosity and simplicity of Italian cooking to Elements of Byron, celebrating the pleasure of good food, fresh ingredients and shared dining experiences.
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Local NewsAslan Shand - 0

Suffolk residents raise concerns over Clifford Street DA

Last Tuesday saw around 40-50 Suffolk Park residents come together to discuss the latest development application (DA 10.2026.476.1) for 9-15 Clifford Street, Suffolk Park. Two previous DAs from Denwol have been refused by the Land and Environment Court and this is the fifth public meeting addressing development at this site over the last four-and-a-half years.
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Joel McPhee, Mullumbimby

To the irresponsible person who was looking at her phone whilst driving on Myocum Road on 21 January, causing her to cross to the wrong side of the road, nearly colliding with my daughter travelling in the opposite direction – you’re lucky!

If it wasn’t for the quick action of my daughter slamming on her brakes and the fact that you looked up at the very last second and were able to swerve back, there could well have been two more fatalities on our local roads.

I for one do NOT want to be the parent who answers the door to the police informing me of a devastating trauma that was totally out of my child’s control, and I’m sure your parents would think very much the same.

Please, do as my daughter does… put your phone in the glove box whilst driving.

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Entertainment News

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

Eve Jeffery - 0
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.
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Entertainment News

Something for everyone at the Picture House

The Echo - 0
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.
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Entertainment News

Thirty-six unmissable films

The Echo - 0
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.
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Entertainment News

A timeless story of self-discovery

The Echo - 0
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?
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Thousands of infringements during Operation RAID

National News The Echo - 0
More than 7,000 drivers will face enforcement action following a statewide traffic operation conducted by police over the weekend.
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Woman charged after fatal two-vehicle crash

Local News The Echo - 0
 A woman will face court charged after a fatal crash in Tumbulgum earlier this year.
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Back in the olden days we had Morse code

Local News The Echo - 0
If you were born after 1990 you probably won’t remember life without mobile phones and would possibly have no idea how soldiers communicated during the first or second World Wars.
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Ballina clubs support Rotary’s initiative to provide phones for DV victims

Local News The Echo - 0
Cherry Street Sports Group and Ballina RSL Club say they are proud to support Rotary Ballina-on-Richmond in their impactful partnership with DV Safe Phone, an initiative aimed at providing crucial communication tools to victims of domestic violence.
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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