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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Inaccurate assertions

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

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.

Foreshore Italian

Foreshore Italian brings the warmth, generosity and simplicity of Italian cooking to Elements of Byron, celebrating the pleasure of good food, fresh ingredients and shared dining experiences.

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.

Why bribe government when you can just buy it?

Say what you like about Clive Palmer – although given how notoriously litigious he is, maybe don’t.

Cheaper school pool access proposed as Byron faces financial squeeze

Byron Shire’s schools could receive cheaper access to Council pools for swimming and water-safety programs under a proposal going before councillors on October 15.

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.

Dear Mr Murray, your recent statements contain factual inaccuracies and misleading assertions.

First, claims that Israel deliberately targets schools and hospitals ignore the fact that Hamas has long used civilian infrastructure to launch attacks – turning those places into military targets. This tactic has been well documented by independent sources apart from Israel.

Allegations of genocide are not only inflammatory but legally unsubstantiated. Even the International Court of Justice – no friend of Israel, found no evidence of genocide or intent to commit it. If they, as legal experts, couldn’t prove it, how can you?

Your claim that most deaths in Gaza are women and children, but Hamas itself has said that 72 per cent of the casualties are men of combat age. Civilian loss is tragic, but distorting figures doesn’t help the truth.

What ‘Australian Jewish lobby’ are you referring to? And what ‘arms deal’ with Israel? These sound more like conspiracy theories than credible claims. If you have real evidence, present it.

Meanwhile, you seem eager to vilify Israel while ignoring actual despots like Putin, Assad, the Iranian regime, Hamas and so many more since Hitler.

Lastly, even if you oppose Israeli actions, how does that justify the rise in antisemitism in Australia? Criticism of a state never excuses hate against a people.

Please ground your arguments in facts, not fiction.

M McCormack, Billinudgel

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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?