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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Victory for the Common People

Latest News

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.

Other News

Byron Bay wins Wallace Shield

For the past 63 years Byron Bay and Ballina lady golfers have had a fierce but friendly rivalry for the Wallace Shield. Even COVID couldn't spoil the party, although the competition was played with certain restrictions.

Domestic violence: Lismore

I witnessed the aftermath of a serious assault on a woman in Conway Street, Lismore in broad daylight. This was...

Deputy mayor

I read Asren Pugh’s and Pam Brook’s letters regarding the deputy mayor decision. If my comments in the chamber...

Old Ways New Ways exhibition open in Lismore

A group exhibition, Old Ways <> New Ways, is now open at Elevator ARI, 3 Rural Street, Lismore as part of The Returning’s Indigenous Artist Residency.

Australia’s biggest culinary tourism economy

NSW is serving up a feast for visitors, with new data confirming the state is Australia’s number one destination for food tourism and attracting billions of dollars in visitor spending.

Foreshore Italian

Foreshore Italian brings the warmth, generosity and simplicity of Italian cooking to Elements of Byron, celebrating the pleasure of good food, fresh ingredients and shared dining experiences.

Bottom: L-R – Sam Tourle (brewer), Sophie Kempnich, Drew Tourle (brewer) Top: L-R – Janelle Morse, Jay Kempnich
The two brewers at Common People are brothers, raising the question of exactly how many brew teams in Australia are brothers? Sam is a highly experienced brewer with over 12 years of experience in the industry, and has shown his brother Drew the ropes over the last few years. Drew is now a very competent brewer in his own right.
Sam, Drew and Jay all grew up in Kyogle, all went to live in various places in their younger years, but in more recent times have returned home to the Northern Rivers with their partners to raise their families, although luckily for us they use their time off to brew award-winning beer.

Small, Bangalow independent brewery Common People Brewing Co. received medals for five of its beers at the recent AIBA beer awards, as we mentioned briefly last week. Held in Melbourne each year, the AIBAs (Australian International Beer Awards) are the world’s biggest beer competition. Beers from breweries around the world are entered into specific categories and judged blindly by industry experts.

Needless to say, the Common People crew were stoked, saying ‘Our Villager’s Pale Ale, Moonless Midnight Stout, El Sabro Hazy IPA, La Grande Belgian Strong and Protesters IPA were all awarded medals in their categories this year. Given that we are a very small, independent brewery, run by family and friends, we are very pleased with this result.’

‘All our award-winning beers are currently available in our taproom, in the industrial estate in Bangalow. All beers are lovingly brewed, canned and packaged on site between Monday and Wednesday, then the taproom and kitchen is open for business from 12pm till late from Thursday to Sunday.

‘Common People Brewing Co is your home away from home, and is a great place to relax with friends and family. There’s an ever-rotating range of thirst-quenching craft beers and wines to enjoy. The kitchen offers authentic woodfired pizzas, shared plates and more. There’s a breezy garden deck, cosy fireplace for the colder days, board games, Friday happy hours, special events, great tunes and dogs are welcome too!’



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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?