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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Shitbox MKII heads to Perth in 2024

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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.

A couple that drives together, thrives together? Russell and Alison, with the 2024 Shitbox, are having a garage sale this Sunday to raise funds for the Cancer Council. (Note, oil-drum bass NOT for sale). Photo Tree Faerie.

Dunoon mechanic Russell Wilson had so much fun at the Shitbox Rally last year, he has asked his wife Alison to join him and head out to the back blocks of Uluru next April for another go at making a $1,500 car attempt the almost impossible. 

Russell and Alison will drive for approximately 46 hours (depending on the Shitbox) over 3,842 km from Adelaide to Perth via Uluru to raise money for the Cancer Council.

Russell and Alison will drive for approximately 46 hours (depending on the Shitbox) over 3,842 km from Adelaide to Perth via Uluru to raise money for the Cancer Council.

The Shitbox rally is a challenge to achieve the unthinkable – to drive cars worth up to just $1,500 across Australia via some of its most formidable roads, all in the name of charity.

Last year Russell and co-driver Ulf Steinvorth drove from Rockhampton to Tassy and raised around $10,000 for the Cancer Council.

An ’83, ’84, ’85-ish Toyota Hiace

This year the Wilsons would like to double that amount for a good cause, and they even have a new ‘car’ for the event. Gone is last year’s 1989 Red Roadrunner and taking up space in the Wilsons’ workshop is an ’83, ’84, ’85-ish Toyota Hiace complete with a mattress and rust spots.

Neither of the couple have been to this part of Australia before so they have no idea what to expect. ‘But, we’ve got solar panels, a bed, a deep-cycle battery. This will be our house on wheels.’

The Wilsons are hoping to attract some sponsors – someone with $20k would be perfect – with all of the funds raised going to the Cancer Council, as the couple fund the car and the trip themselves.

Russell with last year’s Shitbox, which will be raffled off to raise money for this year’s event. Photo Tree Faerie

Garage sale on Sunday

To help things along there will be a garage sale at the Dunoon workshop on Sunday with lots of bits and pieces ready to be offloaded in the name of cancer research, including raffle tickets – the winning prize being last year’s Shitbox.

The garage sale is at the Dunoon Automotive workshop at 111 James Street (the main drag), Dunoon.

You can follow the adventure in Instagram at: @rustymotorhead or on the Shitbox Rally website.



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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?