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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Birds Of Tokyo drummer joins teaching staff at Lismore Con

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

Call for the community to join the Mullumbimby clean up

The Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce and Community (MCCC) are calling on local businesses and the community to join them in cleaning up the main street of town on Sunday, 25 October from 8am to 10am.

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.

‘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.

Have you visited our local hospital lately?

Has anyone had experience of visiting outpatients in one of our local public hospitals lately? What were your impressions?...

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.

Foreshore Italian

Foreshore Italian brings the warmth, generosity and simplicity of Italian cooking to Elements of Byron, celebrating the pleasure of good food, fresh ingredients and shared dining experiences.

Michael Hardy. Photo supplied

The Northern Rivers Conservatorium managers say they are thrilled to welcome acclaimed Australian drummer and producer Michael Hardy to its teaching faculty.

They say, “Michael is a producer, multi-instrumentalist and the drummer for iconic Australian rock bands Violent Soho and Birds Of Tokyo, bringing with him an extraordinary breadth of industry experience spanning touring, recording, performance and music production”.

“Now based in the Northern Rivers, Michael will teach at the Conservatorium every Wednesday, offering students the opportunity to learn from one of Australia’s most accomplished contemporary musicians.

“Since picking up his first pair of drumsticks at the age of five, drums have been Michael’s lifelong passion. After completing a Bachelor of Contemporary Music at Southern Cross University in 2012, he spent more than a decade in Sydney building an impressive career as a touring session musician, performing with some of the biggest names in Australian music, touring internationally and appearing at Australia’s leading music festivals.

“Michael is proudly endorsed by Zildjian, Vic Firth, Ludwig and Remo.

Executive Director Anita Bellman said Michael’s appointment marks an exciting opportunity for aspiring young musicians in the region.

“Michael brings an incredible depth of real-world industry experience to the Conservatorium. Not only is he an exceptional drummer and musician, but he also understands what it means to build a sustainable and creative career in music at the highest level.

“To have someone with Michael’s experience choosing to live and teach in the Northern Rivers is very special, and we’re absolutely thrilled to welcome him to the Con community.”

Lessons with Michael Hardy are now open for enrolments.

 



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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?