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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Moderate to heavy rainfall expected Sunday to Monday

Latest News

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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.

Lismore March 2, 2022. Photo David Lowe.

Flood levels are easing along the Richmond River, Wilsons River and the Clarence River as rainfall rates having eased to below heavy thresholds.

However, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has warned for Northern NSW that ‘moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast from Sunday into early next week which may result in renewed rises and flooding. 

Richmond and Wilsons Rivers

‘This may cause renewed river level rises and flooding from Sunday afternoon in the upper Richmond and the Wilsons catchments,’ said the BOM 

‘Major flooding is occurring along the Richmond River at Woodburn, moderate flooding is occurring at Bungawalbyn and minor flooding is occurring at Coraki.

‘The Richmond River at Coraki is currently at 4.69 metres and falling, with minor flooding. The Richmond River at Coraki is expected to remain above the minor flood level (3.40 m) during Sunday.

‘The Richmond River at Bungawalbyn is currently at 4.58 metres and falling, with moderate flooding. The Richmond River at Bungawalbyn is expected to fall below the moderate flood level (4.50 m) around midday Sunday.

‘The Richmond River at Woodburn is currently at 4.28 metres and falling, with major flooding. The Richmond River at Woodburn is expected to fall below the major flood level (4.20 m) Sunday afternoon.

Clarence River

‘Minor flooding is likely at at Maclean around 1pm Sunday on the high tide.,’ say the BOM.

‘Minor flooding is occurring along the Clarence River at Grafton and Ulmarra, and likely at Maclean.

‘The Clarence River at Grafton (Prince St) is currently at 2.28 metres and falling, with minor flooding. The Clarence River at Grafton (Prince St) is likely to fall below the minor flood level (2.10 m) around midday Sunday.

‘The Clarence River at Ulmarra is currently falling below the minor flood level (2.10 metres).

‘The Clarence River at Maclean is currently at 1.49 metres and rising. The Clarence River at Maclean is likely to reach the minor flood level (1.60 m) around 01:00 pm Sunday with the high tide.’



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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?