20.3 C
Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Group C Michael Lyon – Byron Independents

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

Activists arrested on gas platform

Greenpeace activists boarded Woodside's Scarborough gas platform off Western Australia on the weekend. After staying overnight, police removed the last two yesterday (Sunday 18 October).

Wanderlust come to Mullum

Wanderlust invites the community to a magical evening celebrating connection and conscious living at the Wanderlust Night Market.

‘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.

People’s Choice Awards announced for Lismore sculpture show

Over 500 visitors came to see the wonderful recycled and natural sculptural works at the Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens, in the ReCreate Sculpture Exhibition.

Reef-building corals face elevated risk of extinction

A new paper from Dr C. Isabel Núñez Lendo shows nearly half of reef-building corals face elevated relative risk of extinction.

Mullumbimby Road to be temporarily closed

Byron Shire Council says Mullumbimby Road will be closed to outbound traffic for three days, except for buses and emergency vehicles, for three days from 16 to 18 November.

Group C – Byron Independents: Max Foggon, Cr Michael Lyon, Jeannette Martin and Rhett Holt.

Incumbent Mayor Michael Lyon (The Pocket) leads his team with Max Foggon (Wilsons Creek), Rhett Holt (Byron Bay) and Jeannette Martin (Mullumbimby).

Michael Lyon has been Mayor of the Byron Shire for three-and-half years, and has achieved much in a small space of time. Following the worst floods in recorded history, Michael led the response to provide temporary homes in three pod villages in the Shire and has fought hard for the funding to complete repairs like Federal Drive and Huonbrook Road.

Max Foggon is running for council to make a tangible impact and become a pillar in his community. He brings fresh perspective, innovative ideas and takes on issues that matter to younger generations. Growing up in Mullumbimby, he’s experienced the challenges youth and families face in our region.

Rhett Holt is the founder of a global software firm and a former Risk Coordinator for the Queensland State Government. His key priorities are the financial sustainability of local government, making tourism work for the Shire, helping local farmers to ensure local food quality an security and ensuring small businesses are supported in tough times.

Jeannette Martin is passionate about the Northern Rivers and in particular Byron Shire. She has family heritage in the region and found ‘home’ when she moved to Mullumbimby in 2006. Jeannette served on Council from 2016 to 2021 and is a team player, known on Council as a voice of reason.



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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?