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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Laura Tingle

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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.

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Domestic violence: Lismore

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Culvert remediation works

Byron Shire Council says repairs to the damaged culvert on Coolamon Scenic Drive, between Dudgeons Road and Synotts Lane, will commence tomorrow (20 October 2026). The remediation works will address damage that has restricted traffic to one lane through the affected section.

McAuleys estate changes approved, but pet ban and cycle path stay

Developers have secured approval for changes to a contentious Myocum subdivision, but requirements banning pets and providing a cycle path and vehicle turnaround will remain.

Found – Missing Robert Craig, last seen at South Golden Beach

Police are searching for 72yo, Robert Craig, last seen on a bush track at Helen Street, South Golden Beach, about 7.30am this morning.

To the Most Honourable Professor of Good Sense, David Lowe, I’ve just read your opinion in our beloved Byron Echo, on the Tingle Issue – from predominantly the Murdoch press.

Thank you for dealing out the cards of actualised truth. Yes we do live in a predominantly racist country.

Your reasoning of that fact remaining in perpetuity while a ‘holier than thou’ attitude remains, is very true. The simple understanding of how the human brain, in general, operates is clear evidence of this. The truth of the lies we live are within.

Another piece of related interest I’ve noted is that one of our most respected historian writers and thinkers, on this very subject of the Australian brand of racism, is David Hill, whose recent documentation of the truths of our invasion of this continent are described accurately within the pages of his monumental research into 1788 The Brutal Truth of the First Fleet.

Under the guise of a penal colony to get rid of the huge overcrowding of jails in England, they chose a landing site on a faraway place that was thought to be very sparsely populated and up for grabs, where they could dump these worthless criminals and solve their problem.

So they thought! In fact, it only caused another problem and a huge lie.

The irony of this comment I make on David Hill’s remarkable research, is that he is a previous chair of the ABC and, to my understanding, the present ABC have not been supportive of Laura Tingle and the true rationale behind her brave statement.

What is it with our ABC? That it can’t stand its ground for its choice of high-performing journalists who speak the truth and defend their level of integrity, that is unbeknownst or undervalued by the ABC, when obviously it’s upholding the integrity of their service to Australia! It must be a too-hard-a-call for them to allow some truths to prevail?

Another example of this is Stan Grant, who may at times have been a loose cannon, he was turned from his respected place as a high-profile journalist and international political commentator, for speaking his mind on racial discrimination. He of all people has seen and experienced it at first hand. But to turn their backs on these bravehearts is, I think, counterproductive to the reeducation. It borders on censorship or suppression. When in fact the point has been missed. This racism I speak of is alive and well deepened in our psyche, below our conscious awareness and seeps out from most, in ordinary conversations. The trick is to listen to yourself.

We have come a long way so far since settlement in 1788, and as you’ve said David, we are the most successful multicultural nation, and in many respects as one moves around this country we are doing our best to respect everyone’s rights and democratic freedoms of expression. Education and the practice of its learnings is crucial to the understanding of its benefits. Democracy is not an easy cake to eat and many suffer with chronic indigestion.

Thank you again David, I would appreciate reading more of your thoughts from our Tiny Tinsel Town’s Echo. The only true independent democratised newspaper in Australia, I think?

Savaad Churcher-Wells, Byron Bay



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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?