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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

State inquiry into cat management

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

Wanderlust come to Mullum

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

Double trouble as Byron High fundraiser hits $20,000!

A thousand dollars was enough to put Byron Bay High School’s principal in the barber’s chair. Twenty thousand means she’ll have company.

Let’s not sell the only CBD carpark

The ongoing logistics disaster that is the ‘affordable’ housing proposed to be built on the public carpark at 57...

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.

Byron needs a pause and review on development

Byron might be complex, disparate, and sometimes misunderstood, but if there is one thing the community seems to agree on, it’s the height limit.

Coorabell Hall Spring Fever

Spring Fever Fashion Parade celebrates a stream of flower-powered, funky, upcycled, reloved and new fashion for gals, guys and some kidswear along with jewellery, hats and reloved accessories twirling on the Coorabell Hall runway on Friday, 16 October at 7pm. Music from DJ MLC and co MC Dr Baz.

Emma Hurst MLC is leading the new cat inquiry.

A new parliamentary inquiry has commenced to inquire into and report on the management of cats in New South Wales.

The Chair of the Legislative Council’s Animal Welfare Committee, Emma Hurst MLC, said ‘This inquiry will examine how NSW can better manage and care for cats and cat populations in the state by considering the effectiveness of cat containment policies, community education programs about caring for companion cats, the effectiveness of large scale desexing programs to reduce the number of homeless cats, and any impacts cats may be having on threatened native animals.’

Ms Hurst said the committee will also look at welfare outcomes for cats under contained conditions, implications for local councils in implementing and enforcing cat containment policies, the potential impact of cat containment measures on the pound system, as well as broader options for reducing future numbers of homeless cats.

The committee is calling for public submissions, which may be lodged via the committee’s website until 22 November 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.

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?