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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Coalition doomed to eternal opposition

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

Old Ways New Ways exhibition open in Lismore

A group exhibition, Old Ways <> New Ways, is now open at Elevator ARI, 3 Rural Street, Lismore as part of The Returning’s Indigenous Artist Residency.

Free Musicland talk in Byron

Local author Tricia Shantz will be talking about a seminal time and place in her new book Musicland: When the Music Came to Byron 1970–1995 at the Byron Bay Library on Thursday, 29 October at 3pm.

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.

Norma Gunhoe brings the ‘Gunghoedown’ to town

Radio broadcasting sensation, Norma Gunghoe, is launching herself at the world from the Mullumbimby Golf Club with the Gunghoedown this Saturday, 17 October at 6pm and you are invited to come along and join the fun.

Deputy mayor

I read Asren Pugh’s and Pam Brook’s letters regarding the deputy mayor decision. If my comments in the chamber...

AI growing up quick

We are exactly at the point where we lose control of the AI, and it will try to hide...

How good was that?

Twenty years of culture wars, corrupt neoliberalism, and an ideology denying government’s role in improving society has smashed the Liberal Party’s dunny door to pieces.

Over the last four elections, Australia’s vote has crystallised into three blocs:

  • ALP: ~35 per cent
  • Greens + independents: ~20 per cent (progressive, no going back)
  • Liberals + Pauline Hanson + other right-wing: ~39 per cent

Combined, the progressive bloc holds ~55 per cent. ALP can govern, but only by working with Greens and independents – or sometimes crossing the aisle with Liberals to block progressive change.

The Liberal Party has become an opposition-making machine for the rich, sucking up corporate votes but unable to win. Without radical reform, it stays unelectable: a crony capitalist zombie stuck in culture wars, divorced from the electorate.

Will donors double down, fund Labor, or try to remake a ‘softer’ teal-flavoured Liberal Party? Hard to see the passion or creativity for real change.

Without it, they’ll likely flail in fake media crises, economic scares, or war distractions – all the old tricks – and just keep losing.

How good is this?

Nicholas Houston, Mexico



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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?