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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Local artist Zion needs a helping hand

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

Push for free conservation rezoning as report reveals Byron habitat protection gap

Byron Shire landholders could be offered a free pathway to stronger conservation zoning under a proposal coming before today’s Council meeting, following a report identifying significant gaps in protection for the Shire’s valuable habitat.

One river, many voices

It's the final week of Richmond RiverFest, with events from Ballina to Lismore, and the upper catchment to the coast.

Countless Strokes: Hend brings his world indoors

If you’ve walked down Mullumbimby’s main street and stopped to admire the murals, chances are you’ve already seen the work of local artist and muralist Daniel Hend.

Bruns residents and Reflections struggle to find common ground

Brunswick Heads residents called on their local MP Tamara Smith for a meeting to discuss the fences that Reflections Holiday Parks have erected around the park area where the community planted native cypress pines commemorating the Battle of Lone Pine in WWI, which has been utilised by the community for over 60 years for recreation.

Deputy mayor

I read Asren Pugh’s and Pam Brook’s letters regarding the deputy mayor decision. If my comments in the chamber...

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.

Zion Levy takes the art of Mullumbimby to the streets of Mullumbimby. Photo Jeff Dawson.

Well known local artist Zion Levy recently had a large dog, chasing a ball thrown by its owner, run into him on New Brighton beach, leaving him with a serious injury.

Zion was walking with his carer, as he does regularly, and the impact caused him to have a bad fall. Zion’s left leg sustained a tibial plateau fracture (his kneecap area). This required surgery and a metal plate to be inserted.

‘Zion is very brave, and he seems to be recovering, and his fractured knee is repairing but he needs extra equipment and support,’ Christine Levy, Zion’s mother, told The Echo.

‘During this time, he needs to hire special equipment and it is not covered by NDIS, because his injury is not related to his disability so we need some help to cover this.

We are asking for people to either donate to the GoFundMe campaign or buy a painting. His website is www.zionart.com.au.’

Dog owners are also asked to be in control of their pets when out and about, with other injuries to children and people having also been reported.

To report a dog incident to Byron Council, call the main office at 6626 7000 or after hours 6622 7022.



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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?