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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

COVID-19 outbreak in Ballina aged care facility

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

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.

New koala strategy leaves local priorities to later implementation plan

Northern Rivers residents are being invited to help shape a new NSW koala conservation strategy, with specific local actions and investment priorities to be detailed in a separate implementation plan.

Push for free conservation rezoning as report reveals Byron habitat protection gap

Byron Shire landholders could be offered a free pathway to stronger conservation zoning under a proposal coming before today’s Council meeting, following a report identifying significant gaps in protection for the Shire’s valuable habitat.

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.

Courtney Act puts Gerwyn Davies’ colourful world in the spotlight

Sequins, spandex and seaside souvenirs will be up for discussion when Courtney Act takes the interviewer’s chair in Murwillumbah next month.

‘Coal mines are writing the laws’

The Minns government has announced it will bypass the independent planning process and legislate an increase in coal production at MACH Energy's Mount Pleasant mine, following the landmark High Court decision that found the mine's expansion approval was invalid because the climate pollution from exported coal had not been properly considered.

New South Wales Health reports that COVID-19 activity remains stable at a high level as Bupa Aged Care Ballina experiences an outbreak.

Though not in lockdown, the Ballina facility has asked residents to stay in their rooms to help minimise transmission. 

A Bupa rep says that visitors are still welcome but are asked to complete a rapid antigen (RAT) test before entering the home and to wear a mask during their visit. All team members are in full PPE and providing full care to residents.

New South Wales Health says that influenza activity is also at a high level and continues to increase, with the number of presentations to emergency departments increasing and the number of influenza notifications also increasing. 

Test positivity for influenza, which is a key indicator of activity, has increased to 18.9 per cent in recent weeks. 



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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?