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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Teething problem

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

Treasurer Jim Chalmers on facts and feelings

Logan boy made good Jim Chalmers fronted up to the Australia Institute in Canberra last week to give a memorable and candid speech about the challenges facing his government, and the nation.

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.

Calls on NRPP to defer consent for Mullumbimby’s 57 Station Street DA on Monday

At Thursday’s Byron Shire Council meeting there were multiple calls for a deferral of the 57 Station Street, Mullumbimby car park development application.

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.

Found – Missing Robert Craig, last seen at South Golden Beach

Police are searching for 72yo, Robert Craig, last seen on a bush track at Helen Street, South Golden Beach, about 7.30am this morning.

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.

I think it’s really stupid and potentially dangerous that the concept of an absorption period of charging a lead acid battery has been transferred across to charging of lithium batteries.

Lithium batteries don’t need an absorption period, and in fact the absorption period, with its raised voltage, is likely to overfill the negative electrode with lithium ions. This overfilling can create cracks in the crystal structure of the electrode which will decrease the battery’s lifespan.

On top of that, in extreme circumstances the absorption period can risk the formation of dendrites that can cause a short circuit. Fortunately, lithium iron phosphate batteries have a significantly higher ignition temperature than other lithium-ion batteries. That’s probably why we haven’t been having too many problems.

In my opinion the absorption voltage provided by charge controllers should be reset at the same voltage as the resting voltage (54.4V for a 16 cell LiFePO4 ‘48V’ battery; 13.6V for ‘12V’; 27.2V for ‘24V’.)

It’s just teething problems for new energy.

Sapoty Brook, Main Arm



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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?