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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

One in five NSW young people vaping

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.

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Free Musicland talk in Byron

Local author Tricia Shantz will be talking about a seminal time and place in her new book Musicland: When the Music Came to Byron 1970–1995 at the Byron Bay Library on Thursday, 29 October at 3pm.

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

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Old Ways New Ways exhibition open in Lismore

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Two forums on vaping are being held in Northern NSW. Photo Wikimedia Commons

The number of people in NSW who smoke cigarettes has fallen to its lowest level on record while vaping rates are said to be stabilising.

NSW Health has published the latest data in the lead up to World No Tobacco Day.

The 2024 Population Health Survey showed around one in 10 adults (11 per cent) smoked daily or occasionally, a reduction from 14 per cent in 2015.

Meanwhile, people aged 16-24 years had the highest rate of vaping of any age group with one in five, or 20 per cent, reportedly vaping.

The government said there was a rapid increase in rates among this age group from 2018 to 2023 but that vaping rates had started to stabilise.

Data from Cancer Institute NSW showed the telephone information and counselling service Quitline had received more than 27,000 calls in the past 12 months.

More than 15,000 calls reportedly related to smoking and 5,000 calls to vaping.

Free quit support

A new Pave app to support people quitting vaping had been downloaded by 5000 users since its launch in February, the government said.

The app provides users with tips, tracking tools, distractions for when cravings hit, and activities and information to navigate common barriers to quitting vaping.

Anyone needing support to quit smoking or vaping was advised to talk to their GP or call the NSW Quitline on 13 7848, a free and confidential telephone counselling service that provides customised assistance to help people quit.

Aboriginal counsellors are also available via the Quitline, providing culturally sensitive and customised support.

The iCanQuit website also provides information about smoking and vaping and resources and support to quit.



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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?