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Byron Shire
October 23, 2026

Deadline extended for Uniquely Byron Business Awards

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Oh Byron Shire, the pipes, the pipes are calling…

Byron Shire Council largely does not know the condition of its $114 million underground stormwater network, with a draft infrastructure plan warning that limited inspections are creating a risk of pipe failure.

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Spaghetti Circus needs you!

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Preserve the green

Ocean Shores is a residential suburb bound by nature reserves. Billinudgel, Marshalls Creek, Jinangong, and North Head Reserve all...

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.

‘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.

Byron businesses have until midnight tomorrow, Saturday, October 24, to enter this year’s Uniquely Byron Business Awards after organisers extended the application deadline.

Uniquely Byron Business Awards from 2024

Run by the Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce, the awards recognise local businesses across 17 categories, with winners to be announced at an awards night and end-of-year celebration next month.

The chamber is encouraging entries from both new businesses and established operators, with awards recognising contributions across industries including hospitality, retail, the arts and professional services.

‘The Awards recognise, acknowledge and celebrate what it means to do business in Byron,’ the chamber said.

‘They capture the spirit of Byron in all its diversity.’

Entries opened on September 14 and were initially due to close on October 17.

The awards presentation will take place at Loft Byron Bay on Thursday, November 26, from 5.45pm to 10.30pm.

The event will include the ceremony, grazing boards and canapés, drinks, networking and music. The chamber says last year’s event sold out.

Entries can be made here.



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Editorial – The rise of the machines

When the last switchboard operator became extinct and the filing assistant closed the cabinet for the last time to join the lamplighters and ratcatchers we were, perhaps, mollified with the knowledge that newer, more interesting careers would open up before us.

Deadline extended for Uniquely Byron Business Awards

Byron businesses have until midnight tomorrow, Saturday, October 24, to enter this year’s Uniquely Byron Business Awards after organisers extended the application deadline.

Flash flooding advice follows days of heavy Northern Rivers rain

The NSW State Emergency Service has advised Northern Rivers residents to monitor conditions for possible flash flooding after more than 117mm of rain fell at Cape Byron and Ballina Airport over four days, with further falls overnight.

SCU exhibition marks the end of art and design degree

Twelve emerging Northern Rivers artists will exhibit their work in Lismore tonight at a graduation show marking the end of Southern Cross University’s Bachelor of Art and Design degree.