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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Raising funds for Charlie

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.

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Police seize 22 e-bikes in Sydney

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Suffolk residents raise concerns over Clifford Street DA

Last Tuesday saw around 40-50 Suffolk Park residents come together to discuss the latest development application (DA 10.2026.476.1) for 9-15 Clifford Street, Suffolk Park. Two previous DAs from Denwol have been refused by the Land and Environment Court and this is the fifth public meeting addressing development at this site over the last four-and-a-half years.

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?

Mayor Sharon Cadwallader announces bid for state seat of Ballina 

Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader will contest the state seat of Ballina as an independent, arguing that local ratepayers are carrying costs that should be met by the NSW government.

Local fella Ash Grunwald headlined a gig that raised over $6,000. Photo Tree Faerie.

Furthering the fundraising efforts to get local, Charlie Emery, much-needed surgery to treat Parkinson’s disease, two of the events that were held last week raised over $7,000 to help out with the huge medical bill.

A friend of Charlie and his partner Lisa, local comedian Ellen Briggs, says that Parkinsons Disease is a hideous degenerative disease that affects the brain and causes tremors, fine motor skills issues, speech and really the whole body, and has no cure.

Life changing results

Who won? Who cares? More than 55 players from the C.U.N.T.S. crickets league raised dollars and a cheer for Charlie. Photo Tree Faerie

‘Charlie has consulted with a surgeon who specialises in brain surgery that can have huge, life changing results, and he has been approved for surgery in 2024 but of course, it’s an incredibly expensive surgery. The health care fund will only pay up to $100,000 and Charlie and Lisa have to make up the rest, and the rest is approximately $60K- $80K.
Briggs says this in itself has caused Charlie distress. ‘Who can possibly come up with that sort of money? So now after years of Charlie always being the guy who helps everyone else, it’s our turn as a community help him.’

Fun at the Billi

The supports for Ash and Charlie were Glenn Mossop, Kelly Brouhaha, Danni Carr and Beau Young. Photo Tree Faerie.

An estimated 55 Cavanbah United Nice Trademans Society (C.U.N.T.S.) cricketers converged on Lofts Oval in Brunswick Heads last Friday for the purpose of drinking too many beers, having way too much fun and doing some fundraising.

The event raised approximately $1,000 through a surfboard raffle that will go towards surgery to help mitigate the effects of Parkinson’s disease on local man Charlie Emery.

The winner of the surfboard raffle was Justin Bullen, while the best performance on the day was  awarded to the delightful Foxy.

Charlie’s fundraiser can be found at www.gofundme.com/f/charlie-emery-needs-our-help.



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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

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Thirty-six unmissable films

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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?