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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Kyogle adopts $64.6m budget, promises big investment for the future

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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Editorial – Time for a little respect

In 2020 unpaid care was estimated at three million unpaid carers in Australia that provide approximately $80 billion of unpaid care a year, that is $1.5 billion a week.

Kyogle councillors

Kyogle Council has adopted its 2026/2027 budget, with Mayor Danielle Mulholland saying it delivers a clear commitment to strengthening essential services, supporting emerging needs, and positioning the community for the future.

“Council is laying the groundwork for the future with this budget,” Cr Mulholland said.

“Council wants to secure a future where our infrastructure keeps pace with community needs and where the Kyogle LGA continues to attract people seeking both lifestyle and opportunity.”

Council say, “The $64.6 million budget was unanimously adopted by Council at its June meeting on Tuesday (9 June) and includes an allocation of $5 million over the next two years to fast track Council’s watermains replacement program to fix ongoing issues with discoloured water”.

“This will see Council progressively replace problematic mains, most of which are old cast iron pipes.

“Council has already installed new watermains in Roxy Lane and Gardener Lane, with Bundock Lane and Bundock Street, Morphett Street and Cambell Road North (Morphett Street to Kyogle Road) and Fairy Street next on the list. Another 32 sites will be scheduled after that.

“Other features of the budget adopted by Council on Tuesday include:

  • almost $10 million for roads and bridges including $2 million for the Clarence Way this year and a further $3 million in the forward estimates,
  • $1.013 million parks, gardens and village maintenance
  • $191,000 for heavy patching and resealing program in Woodenbong, Bonalbo and other villages.
  • $7 million this year and $17 million in the forward estimates to build a new sewerage treatment plant for Kyogle,
  • $1.793 million for landfill improvements and quarry rehabilitation works
  • $992,300 for community and cultural services which includes the Roxy Gallery, the Visitor Information Centre and community services
  • $187,146 in financial assistance and community donations
  • $614,285 for the library and mobile library
  • $4 million in the forward estimates for main street upgrades in the villages
  • $13.5 million in the forward estimates for Tabulam, Mallanganee and Wiangaree sewerage schemes”


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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?