20.3 C
Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

43,000 homes and businesses without power on Far North Coast

Latest News

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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.

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Essential Energy outages 11am 7 March, 2025.

There are currently 43,000 homes and businesses without power in the Northern Rivers and Far North Coast.

‘Conditions in the Northern Rivers and Far North Coast continue to be extremely dangerous, hindering restoration efforts for the over 43,000 homes and businesses without power,’ said a spokesperson for Essential Energy. 

‘The largest impact at this stage are in communities between Tweeds Heads and Yamba. 

‘Crews were stood down at 3am this morning (Thursday 7 March) for safety reasons with no work to recommence until the weather caused by cyclone Alfred has passed. The safety of our crews is paramount. 

‘Customers need to be prepared to be without power for several days due to the severity of the damage to the network, the amount of vegetation debris and the locations of flood waters.’ 

Essential Energy on generators

Customers should be careful when connecting small home generators and be aware of the following:   

  • Do not connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring system. An incorrectly connected generator has the potential to cause serious injury   
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions   
  • Operate the generator outdoors and away from windows   
  • Do not overload the generator with appliances   
  • Switch the generator off when refuelling or not in use   

For up-to-date information on impacted locations and estimated restoration times (when known), visit our website outages page. 

If you see fallen powerlines or powerlines in water, please stay away and call Essential Energy on 13 20 80 to report the damage. In an emergency always call 000. 



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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

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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?