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October 20, 2026
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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

Early works finished for Byron’s $8.2 million fire station

Early works have been completed for Byron Bay’s new $8.2 million fire station, with construction of the building set to begin.

Tobias Moran sues police over Simone Strobel murder prosecution

Tobias Moran has launched legal action against NSW Police for malicious prosecution over the withdrawn charge that he murdered his girlfriend, German backpacker Simone Strobel, in Lismore in 2005.

Reef-building corals face elevated risk of extinction

A new paper from Dr C. Isabel Núñez Lendo shows nearly half of reef-building corals face elevated relative risk of extinction.

Courtney Act puts Gerwyn Davies’ colourful world in the spotlight

Sequins, spandex and seaside souvenirs will be up for discussion when Courtney Act takes the interviewer’s chair in Murwillumbah next month.

Music overtones at Byron Bay International Film Festival

From the extraordinary life and legacy of Marianne Faithfull to the raw energy of Australia’s 1995 Summersault tour, a larrikin road trip through the Australian bush and the next generation of music video makers, music runs through this year’s Byron Bay International Film Festival. 

BBFF Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year

Melbourne writer-director Jake James Whitford has been named the 2026 Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year at the Byron Bay International Film Festival (BBFF), for his short film 'The Squatters and the Fairy Princess'.

Stories about "new year":

Chinese ‘Lion’ cubs flash dance in Byron

Lunchtime visitors to Byron Bay’s Jonson Street were treated to a surprise performance by two cheeky, very fancy-looking lions on Friday.

Rhythms of Resolution set to uplift, inspire and connect

Byron Shire will welcome the new year with a vibrant celebration of music, culture and community as Sensory Blender – Rhythms of Resolution takes over the North Byron Hotel on New Year’s Day.

Operation Christmas New Year

Operation Christmas New Year has begun, with NSW police stepping up visibility and cracking down even further on reckless driving behaviour. Double demerits came into effect on 12:01am Wednesday 24 December 2025 and will continue until 11:59pm Sunday 4 January 2026.

New Year’s revolution

Happy new year’s revolution! Another orbit of our beautiful Earth home around our life-giving Sun.

A lovely Loveys New Year’s Evening in Bruns

While Soul Street got under way in Byron Bay and the strains of McGregors Family Carnival wafted along the Brunswick River, the band struck their first few chords at the hotel and The Loveys busked a few songs at the Sound Shell and it was a perfect start to the New Year's Eve celebrations.

Call to respect the Byron Shire this holiday season

Byron Shire Council says it will be working closely with the Tweed Byron Police District, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Reflections Holidays and Crown Lands this Christmas and New Year to keep public areas safe.

New Year, new you?

We all want to move on and leave 2022 behind. Maybe 2023 will finally be a good year, without a disaster like a bushfire, pandemic, or flood.

Frankly 2020…

Twenty-twenty was welcomed in the usual way across the country and the idea of having a refreshed 2020 clear vision became a theme for many as we stepped into the second decade of the 21st century – little did we know…

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?