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Byron Shire
July 7, 2026

Peace and war in Afghanistan

Latest News

Eclectic Selection for the week beginning 8 July 2026

Eclectic Selection: What’s on this week is a taste of some of the events that can be found in the Byron Shire and beyond this coming week.

Other News

As NSW govt boasts its support for festivals, let’s dive into where they haven’t

The NSW government today spruiked that Casino's CBD will host one of Australia's great transport events after Casino Truck Show secured funding under the state government's 2026/27 Regional Event Fund.

Dead whale towed back out to sea at Wooyung Beach

With a dead juvenile whale washed ashore near Crabbes Creek Beach south of Wooyung Road, Tweed Council say they are preparing to tow it back out to sea on tomorrow morning's high tide.

First Nations voices at the opening and heart of writers festival

Byron Writers Festival opens on Bundjalung Country on August 14 with a Calling to Country led by local Arakwal Bundjalung custodian, Delta Kay, and this year will feature the inaugural Rhoda Roberts Oration, honouring the late, beloved Rhoda Roberts AO.

Memorial to recognise fallen Marine Rescue volunteers

A Community Memorial, recognising the sacrifice and service of Marine Rescue Ballina volunteers, all first responders and to remember fallen Marine Rescue Ballina volunteers Bill Ewen and Frank Petsch who lost their lives during the Ballina 30 rescue tragedy on May 4, will be held on Sunday 5 July, 11am at RSL Memorial Park, Ballina (beside Ballina RSL club).

Vale Eve Sinton 20/11/52–30/06/26

In February this year, Eve Sinton was admitted to Tamworth Hospital. All tests and biopsies were taken. Before announcing the diagnosis to Eve, the doctor asked ‘First Please tell me what was your occupation?’ Eve replied, ‘I am a journalist’.

Pottsville Triathlon announced for 24-25 October

Entries are now open for the inaugural Pottsville Beach Triathlon, a fresh coastal multisport weekend, taking place on 24-25 October, 2026.

Author Mark Isaac Isaacs is a writer, photographer, researcher, and community worker. Photo supplied.

Later this month author Mark Isaacs and filmmaker Benjamin Gilmour will discuss their personal experiences of peace-building and conflict in Afghanistan, reflecting upon the situation in the country since the collapse of the Western occupation and the Taliban’s return to power.

The fundraising event will be held as a collaboration between the Northern Rivers Community Gallery and Ballina Region for Refugees.

Isaacs is a writer, photographer, researcher, and community worker. His work focuses on stories of conflict, displacement and forced migration, taking him to locations such as Afghanistan, Mexico, Myanmar and Nauru. He is the author of three books, and his journalistic work has been published in a range of Australian and international academic, literary and news publications.

Benjamin Gilmour is the writer, filmmaker and director of Jirga (2019), Australia’s entry in the 91st Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film. He also directed Paramedico (2012) and Son of a Lion (2019) and is the author of Warrior Poets and Paramedico – Around the World by Ambulance. 

The discussion will centre around what a post-occupation Afghanistan means for the Afghan people.

Donations can be made at the door or via the Humanitix event link .

Mark’s exhibition Imagining Peace: A portrait of modern Afghanistan is on display at the Northern Rivers Community Gallery from until August 20.



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Interview: Busby Marou

Busby Marou have cemented themselves as one of Australia’s premier musical acts, captivating audiences with their distinctly Australian storytelling, masterful musicianship, and undeniable onstage chemistry. For two decades, Tom Busby and Jeremy Marou have forged a musical partnership that blends rich harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and the kind of effortless synergy that only comes from years of playing together.

Interview with Trent Dalton

The Byron Writers Festival will once again be treated to the delights of author and journalist Trent Dalton, who will be featured at the Jonson Street Stage on Saturday evening, 15 August, as well as throughout the event. Celebrating its 30th year, the Byron Writers Festival will, for the first time, be taking place around the town of Byron Bay from 14 to 16 August, with a mix of free and paid events.

Cinema: Moana

The Academy Award-nominated animated film sails into its live action debut in Moana, directed by Tony- and Emmy-winner Thomas Kail (Hamilton).

For your wellbeing

On Saturday, in Byron, they are holding a Psychic Health and Wellbeing Expo, at the Cavanbah Centre, Ewingsdale Road – this is a community-based event and all are welcome.