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Byron Shire
August 29, 2026

Peace and war in Afghanistan

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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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