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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Byron mayor urges blues fans to come anyway

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

Free Musicland talk in Byron

Local author Tricia Shantz will be talking about a seminal time and place in her new book Musicland: When the Music Came to Byron 1970–1995 at the Byron Bay Library on Thursday, 29 October at 3pm.

Coorabell Hall Spring Fever

Spring Fever Fashion Parade celebrates a stream of flower-powered, funky, upcycled, reloved and new fashion for gals, guys and some kidswear along with jewellery, hats and reloved accessories twirling on the Coorabell Hall runway on Friday, 16 October at 7pm. Music from DJ MLC and co MC Dr Baz.

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.

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.

Editorial – Time for a little respect

In 2020 unpaid care was estimated at three million unpaid carers in Australia that provide approximately $80 billion of unpaid care a year, that is $1.5 billion a week.

Dear Brunswick

After 11 wonderful years, the time has come for our family to say farewell as owners of the Brunswick...

Cr Sarah Ndiaye. Photo Tree Faerie.

Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, has a message for everyone wondering what to do with their Easter weekend plans following the cancellation of Bluesfest last week – come to Byron Bay anyway.

‘Lots of people already have flights and accommodation booked and we are encouraging people not to cancel and come anyway,’ Mayor Ndiaye said.

‘From sunrise swims and lighthouse walks to buskers on the street, bustling markets and music drifting out of our pubs and small venues, Easter in Byron has a rhythm all its own.

Main Beach, Byron Bay. Echo file photo.

‘Whether it’s bushwalking, cultural tours, kayaking, incredible food, hot air balloons at dawn or a massage and spa in the afternoon – it’s a beautiful time of year to be here and there’s always something happening in and around the Shire.

‘The rumour mill is already in full swing about artists who might be in the area and looking for an intimate gig – so who knows what special, one-off artist acts we’re going to be hearing about in the coming days and weeks.

‘Whatever happens, it’s going to make for some homegrown, organic magic in our Shire,’ she said.

Byron lighthouse and headland. Cloudcatcher Media

‘Aside from all the music and entertainment, Byron Shire is a delight with gorgeous swimming, surfing, sky diving and snorkelling conditions.

‘Brunch and lunch around our towns, shop, relax and explore everything the Byron Shire has to offer.

‘We’re good at dealing with disaster and adversity up here – we know how to turn things around and make something good come from it. We welcome everyone to come and join our community for what is going to be an Easter weekend to remember,’ Mayor Ndiaye said.



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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?