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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Byron Shire Council elections still being counted

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

BBFF Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year

Melbourne writer-director Jake James Whitford has been named the 2026 Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year at the Byron Bay International Film Festival (BBFF), for his short film 'The Squatters and the Fairy Princess'.

Why bribe government when you can just buy it?

Say what you like about Clive Palmer – although given how notoriously litigious he is, maybe don’t.

Let’s not sell the only CBD carpark

The ongoing logistics disaster that is the ‘affordable’ housing proposed to be built on the public carpark at 57...

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.

Old Ways New Ways exhibition open in Lismore

A group exhibition, Old Ways <> New Ways, is now open at Elevator ARI, 3 Rural Street, Lismore as part of The Returning’s Indigenous Artist Residency.

Two men charged following alleged robbery

Two men have been charged following an alleged robbery in Casino last week.

There are 25,414 registered voters in the Byron Shire local government area (LGA) who are responsible for electing a mayor and eight councillors.

In the Byron mayoral vote has 17,373 votes counted with former Greens councillor and interim mayor Michael Lyon sitting at 22.98 per cent of the vote. He is followed by newcomer Mark Swivel who has 18.43 per cent then Green Duncan Dey at 14.58 per cent and Cate Coorey at 14.30 per cent of the vote. Lyon and Swivel had recommended to voters that they cross preference each of them ensuring that Lyon is heading into the position of Mayor for the upcoming two year local council period.

Councillors

The council is at 17,198 votes counted and the voting for councillors has played out slightly differently to mayoral voting with The Greens ticket taking out 21.07 per cent of the vote with Michael Lyon’s ticket coming in second at 19.38 per cent. This has been followed by Mark Swivel’s ticket at 17.07 per cent and then Cate Coorey at 14.79 per cent and Asren Pugh’s Labor ticket at 12.80 per cent. Sitting conservative councillor Alan Hunter’s ticket is at 7.27 per cent of the vote so far.

It is likely that the new Council will include Cr Lyon and perhaps two from his ticket; former councillor Duncan Dey, and current Cr Sarah Ndjaye (both Greens); Mark Swivel; Cr Cate Coorey, and Labor’s Asren Pugh. The final outcome will be determined by preferences over the coming weeks.



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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?