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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

East Lismore build to rent units underway

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.

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.

Address from national refugee leader

Anyone interested in helping settle refugees in our region is invited to hear an address on November 7 by Romy Vitalien, director of the national program for refugee sponsorship in Australia.

Music overtones at Byron Bay International Film Festival

From the extraordinary life and legacy of Marianne Faithfull to the raw energy of Australia’s 1995 Summersault tour, a larrikin road trip through the Australian bush and the next generation of music video makers, music runs through this year’s Byron Bay International Film Festival. 

Early works finished for Byron’s $8.2 million fire station

Early works have been completed for Byron Bay’s new $8.2 million fire station, with construction of the building set to begin.

Mullumbimby Road to be temporarily closed

Byron Shire Council says Mullumbimby Road will be closed to outbound traffic for three days, except for buses and emergency vehicles, for three days from 16 to 18 November.

Build to rent units

Fifty new ‘build to rent’ units are underway in East Lismore, say the NSW government.

In a statement, they say, ‘These homes will help to ease housing pressure in the region which has been grappling with increasing rental stress for years, further exacerbated by major floods’.

‘While around half of Lismore is made up of single or two person households there is currently a lack of smaller home options available to suit their needs.

‘This development will help adjust that mismatch, boosting housing diversity, by delivering a range of apartments from studios up to three bedrooms to suit different renters needs.

‘This is the first of its kind housing project for the Northern Rivers, demonstrating a new way of delivering rental housing in the area.

‘The new homes will be conveniently located close to shops, services, schools, Southern Cross University, open space and other community infrastructure.

‘Importantly twenty-per-cent of the homes will be dedicated to affordable housing for those on low and moderate household incomes, such as the essential workers who keep our cities and towns moving.

‘The project is being delivered by the NSW Government’s property and land developer, Landcom, who has appointed regionally-based construction company FK Gardner & Sons as Head Contractor to lead the construction.

‘Construction is expected to be completed in late 2026, pending weather conditions

‘The government will retain ownership of the build to rent property once complete.

‘Build to rent is purpose-built housing designed for rent, rather than sale. It is designed and built specifically for long-term renters to provide secure housing, typically in the form of apartments.

‘The Minns Labor Government has delivering 400 build-to-rent homes for essential workers in Sydney and construction is progressing on 60 new build to rent homes on the NSW South Coast’.

For more information about Lismore visit:  https://landcom.com.au/eastlismore



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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?