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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

A month of Coast Road detours near Lennox

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

Big meeting for Ballina Council this week

The agenda for Thursday's meeting includes six notices of motion from four councillors, with issues including missing persons, volunteer recognition, and arts funding.

Call for the community to join the Mullumbimby clean up

The Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce and Community (MCCC) are calling on local businesses and the community to join them in cleaning up the main street of town on Sunday, 25 October from 8am to 10am.

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.

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.

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.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers on facts and feelings

Logan boy made good Jim Chalmers fronted up to the Australia Institute in Canberra last week to give a memorable and candid speech about the challenges facing his government, and the nation.

The Coast Road at Skennars Head is in danger of being blighted by strip development and traffic lights, according to Ballina Shire Cr Jeff Johnson. Photo Experimental Ghost

Part of The Coast Road in the Ballina Shire is to be closed from tomorrow, Tuesday 19 November.

The Ballina Shire Council says it’s reconstructing a section of The Coast Road, from Pat Morton Lookout to the North Creek Road/Byron Bay Road roundabout.

Detours are to be in place via Skennars Head Road and North Creek Road, with access to the Lennox Head town centre to stay open via the North Creek Road roundabout.

The council says the project should take four weeks, weather permitting.



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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?