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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Get your gloves on and register for clean up Australia Day

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

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.

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.

Norma Gunhoe brings the ‘Gunghoedown’ to town

Radio broadcasting sensation, Norma Gunghoe, is launching herself at the world from the Mullumbimby Golf Club with the Gunghoedown this Saturday, 17 October at 6pm and you are invited to come along and join the fun.

BBFF Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year

Melbourne writer-director Jake James Whitford has been named the 2026 Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year at the Byron Bay International Film Festival (BBFF), for his short film 'The Squatters and the Fairy Princess'.

Fish kill follows Belongil Creek opening as Council reviews protocols

A fish kill at Belongil Creek has prompted warnings to avoid the affected area, with Byron Shire Council and government agencies investigating the incident following an artificial opening of the creek.

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.

Photo cleanup.org.au

Registrations are now open for the nation’s largest environmental movement, Clean Up Australia Day, which returns on Sunday 1 March 2026.

Individuals, families, schools, and community groups across the country are being encouraged to register to get in on the action.

Organisers say, ‘Since its inception, over 23 million volunteers have joined the Clean Up effort’.

‘In 2025, over 800,000 people volunteered across 8,000 events nationally during the Clean Up Australia Day campaign period.

Pip Kiernan, Chair of Clean Up Australia said, ‘Our nation’s litter disposal and recycling challenges are continuously shifting but the one thing we know for certain, is that too much litter is still making its way into our streets, parks, bushlands and waterways.’ 

The media release says, ‘The FY24 Clean Up Australia Litter Report, which provides an annual snapshot of litter collected by volunteers in a calendar year, highlighted that plastics continued to be the number one litter type found in our national parks, bushlands and waterways, representing almost 81% of all counted litter. E-waste made its way into the top ten, with vapes and batteries making up most of the reported e-waste found in the environment.’

Pip said, ‘Now is the time to register, get your gloves on and get involved. Clean Up Australia Day is about coming together, as neighbours, as communities and as fellow Aussies for a common goal. Whether you’re hitting the beach, cleaning a creek, or picking up litter in your local park, your efforts count. When we come together, we create real, visible change. So, let’s get our gloves on and together, give back to the place that we call home’.

Photo cleanup.org.au

‘Volunteers who register for Clean Up Australia Day 2026 can receive a free Clean Up kit, containing gloves, bags and other resources, with packs for individuals, families, community groups and schools available (businesses are asked to pay a small fee to cover costs).

‘If you are unable to participate on the day, you can host or join a Clean Up, any day of the year, with donations to Clean Up Australia also welcome, with 100% of funds raised going directly to empowering Australians to take positive action for the environment and providing free Clean Up kits’.

Register now at cleanup.org.au for Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday March 1, 2026 

Business Clean Up Day on Tuesday February 24, 2026 and 

Schools Clean Up Day on Friday February 27, 2026.



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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?