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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Water diversity

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

McAuleys estate changes approved, but pet ban and cycle path stay

Developers have secured approval for changes to a contentious Myocum subdivision, but requirements banning pets and providing a cycle path and vehicle turnaround will remain.

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.

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.

Double trouble as Byron High fundraiser hits $20,000!

A thousand dollars was enough to put Byron Bay High School’s principal in the barber’s chair. Twenty thousand means she’ll have company.

Early works finished for Byron’s $8.2 million fire station

Early works have been completed for Byron Bay’s new $8.2 million fire station, with construction of the building set to begin.

Fish kill follows Belongil Creek opening as Council reviews protocols

A fish kill at Belongil Creek has prompted warnings to avoid the affected area, with Byron Shire Council and government agencies investigating the incident following an artificial opening of the creek.

John Revington, The Channon

A big thank you to Rous County Council (RCC) for acting quickly on the preliminary planning and implementation of the diverse water options in its revised Future Water 2060 plan.

With this new plan, and further uptake of new programs and technologies, RCC and this region could become leaders in innovative water management that does not rely on outdated, expensive and risky solutions. I hope that in the near future RCC will review the rules governing its application of water restrictions during dry times and implement an advanced water efficiency program. These initiatives could significantly reduce the demands placed on new supply sources, and this would greatly reduce the tensions that have divided the community.

The recent talk at Primex Field Day by Rous’ Future Water Project Manager, Michael McKenzie, (www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnrS98ECd2Y) explains the numerous scalable and cost-effective options that RCC is now pursuing. He also provides clear rebuttal of the misinformation circulated recently by a local pro-dam lobby group. It is a pity those who signed the pro-dam group’s petition and submission forms did not access the information provided by RCC.

With the local government elections coming up in September, candidates will have to show that they are fully across the new direction for water security in this region. Anyone proposing a return to ‘big new dam’ options will be a laughing stock.



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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?