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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Cabarita Beach powers up with new EV fast charger

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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New fast EV chargers at Cabarita Beach. Photo supplied.

The future of sustainable transport is rolling into northern NSW with the opening of a new electric vehicle fast charging station at Cabarita on the weekend.

The high-power chargers at the new Cabarita Beach station will fill EV batteries faster and will allow 4 EVs to be charged at once.

Motorists will benefit as multiple EVs can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 10 to 15 minutes. These are the most powerful type of EV charger and are designed to help time-poor drivers.

The new station was co-funded by the NSW government’s Fast Charging grants program, a $149 million investment to develop a world-class fast charging network across the state.

The NSW government will co-fund the construction of approximately 275 fast charging stations around the state, which will provide well over 1,000 new ultra-fast charging bays for the growing number of EVs in New South Wales.

Round 1 allocated $38.9 million in co-funding that will deliver 86 EV charging stations across New South Wales. Round 2 allocated $44.8 million and a third round is expected to open later this year.

Following the launch of the station on Saturday, there was a free electric vehicle event for the community at the Cabarita Beach Bowls and Sports Club with opportunities to learn from EV experts; explaining fast charging infrastructure and showcasing EVs.

Woman with Jaguary EV. Photo supplied.

Growing network

NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said, ‘NSW is co-funding the most extensive fast charging network across the country, which will supercharge the shift to Electric Vehicles and enable EV travel right across the state.

‘Addressing range anxiety is key to increasing EV uptake in New South Wales, which is why the government is investing in fast and ultra-fast charging stations right across our state.’

The CEO of NRMA Energy, Carly Irving Dolan, said ‘The rollout of these new fast-chargers in partnership with the NSW Government is an exciting development in the charging network.

‘As EV uptake increases across Australia, drivers expect to be able to navigate our connected network and find a charge with ease. The rollout of the new fast chargers in Cabarita Beach sees vital connections established and blackspots addressed.

‘The NRMA knows the importance of connecting communities, whether it’s those in the city or the bush. With our expanding network of EV chargers, we are empowering people to move whenever, wherever they want safely and confidently.’

Information on the roll-out of EV fast charging across NSW is available online here.

More Electric Vehicle Community Events will be staged in the coming months, with details available online here.



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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.

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