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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Two poles

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.

‘Coal mines are writing the laws’

The Minns government has announced it will bypass the independent planning process and legislate an increase in coal production at MACH Energy's Mount Pleasant mine, following the landmark High Court decision that found the mine's expansion approval was invalid because the climate pollution from exported coal had not been properly considered.

BSC insolvency

After numerous warnings, some more than a decade ago, why haven’t our two longest standing public servants Ndiaye and...

Restricted mobility

Our mobility choices are an expression of our freedom of movement. Yet, not everyone in our community is able...

Spring into summer with local Dorper Lamb

As we move from spring into summer, it’s time to fire up the barbecue, enjoy long lunches with family and friends, and make the most of fresh, local produce. I recently spoke with Warren from Boorabe Dorper Lamb about the different cuts of lamb and how to get the best out of them.

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.

Two letters appeared in The Echo regarding the terrible shooting in Sydney a couple of weeks ago. One followed a concise and accurate summary of the situation from Bruce Porter. The other, from Dr Nicole Phillips, was a hectoring and overlong statement of perceived injustice, where The Echo, leftists, the ‘fake’ media and the Shire in general were the main culprits, along with people I know are not antisemitic.

They are aghast at the 70,000 Palestinians killed by Netanyahu and the IDF, and at the moment view Israel through that lens. It seems the Jewish diaspora do not want to hear that. Because we are against the Israeli government we are also antisemitic.

Along with Albo, Greens, local councils, teals, universities and the media, the good doctor points the pejorative finger at ‘hate marches’. I assume she means the hundreds of thousands of Australians who peacefully marched in support of the Palestinians. Why was this hateful doctor? Because Israel was being criticised? Because of the support of Palestinians? Or because everyone that marched was an antisemitic?

Two insane jihadists should not be used by anyone in pursuit of a cohesive argument against the government, many institutions, or Australians in general. Frydenburg, Howard, Hanson and now Dr Phillips have used this strategy. It’s an illustrious crew, to be sure, but it’s going for the lowest common denominator.

I believe if Israel acted as a responsible global citizen and stopped the apartheid system In place, stopped the neverending rate of expanding settlements and theft of Palestinian land, the absolute reliance on the US for their assistance, and maybe considered a Palestinian state, then this perceived antisemitism may end. How about the onus going on the UN (not Old Testament biblical) mandated Israel for a change?

John Donnellan, Ocean Shores



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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?