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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Paddling for our rivers’ health

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

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.

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.

Culvert remediation works

Byron Shire Council says repairs to the damaged culvert on Coolamon Scenic Drive, between Dudgeons Road and Synotts Lane, will commence tomorrow (20 October 2026). The remediation works will address damage that has restricted traffic to one lane through the affected section.

Suffolk residents raise concerns over Clifford Street DA

Last Tuesday saw around 40-50 Suffolk Park residents come together to discuss the latest development application (DA 10.2026.476.1) for 9-15 Clifford Street, Suffolk Park. Two previous DAs from Denwol have been refused by the Land and Environment Court and this is the fifth public meeting addressing development at this site over the last four-and-a-half years.

Have you visited our local hospital lately?

Has anyone had experience of visiting outpatients in one of our local public hospitals lately? What were your impressions?...

No short-term solutions

Here we are, put into the very precarious situation of funding Byron Shire Council’s (BSC) infrastructure shortfalls. By no...

The Rivers Run participants at Wategos. Photo Jeff Dawson

Last Saturday more than 60 ocean lovers, adventurers, surfers and river advocates took part in The Rivers Run – a 48km journey from the Richmond River to the Brunswick River.

It wasn’t about racing, but about connection and commitment.

Some people went the whole distance, others teamed up, paddling, running, kayaking, longboarding, or even wind foiling their way along the route.

Together, they traced the waterways that sustain the Cape Byron Marine Park, raising funds and awareness for river health while celebrating a shared love of our coastal and river systems.

As spokesperson for the group, Dave Rastovich said, ‘because the rivers are brown and choked again, because hundreds of thousands of fish died, because we are getting sick every time it rains, because country is hurting, because we know we can do better – let’s dive deep.’

Positive change

The day was a show of solidarity – individuals who usually surf and paddle in their own corners came together as a new community, united by water and purpose.

Alongside groups like Positive Change for Marine Life, Richmond Riverkeepers, OzFish Australia, and Revive the Northern Rivers, the message was simple: we are here to use our strength for the health of country, to restore wetlands, protect mangroves, revive fish nurseries, and care for the rivers that care for us all.



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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?