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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

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.

‘Coal mines are writing the laws’

The Minns government has announced it will bypass the independent planning process and legislate an increase in coal production at MACH Energy's Mount Pleasant mine, following the landmark High Court decision that found the mine's expansion approval was invalid because the climate pollution from exported coal had not been properly considered.

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.

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.

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.

People’s Choice Awards announced for Lismore sculpture show

Over 500 visitors came to see the wonderful recycled and natural sculptural works at the Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens, in the ReCreate Sculpture Exhibition.

Stories about "Social Futures":

Final Ballina Council meeting for 2025

Ballina Shire Council will be back around their big circular table tomorrow for the final meeting of 2025.

Businesses seeking a strong voice for the Northern Rivers launch Lismore Alliance

Lismore Alliance, a group of Northern Rivers (and Lismore-based) businesses, was launched last week to ‘create a unified voice for positive change’.

NSW Reconstruction Authority responds

In response to the ongoing situation at Pine Street, Lismore, a NSW Reconstruction Authority spokesperson has made the following statement to The Echo.

Vacant aged care facility in Lismore to be transformed into crisis accommodation

The Minns Labor government says it is taking immediate and innovative action to tackle the housing crisis, converting the disused Fromelles aged care facility in Lismore into safe and secure crisis accommodation for those most in need.

Byron CoLab opens on old Byron Bay Hospital site

Five years after community representatives and Byron Shire Council put a case to the NSW government to gift them the old Byron Bay Hospital site on the fringe of the CBD, the new Byron CoLab on Arakwal Country was officially opened this morning.

Tackling homelessness – an update by Social Futures

A pilot program in Tweed Shire aimed at helping homeless people find long-term accommodation has seen more than 160 people housed, says local not-for-profit organisation, Social Futures.

After the fall: Mr Andersen’s rise from the streets to mature-age study through Tweed outreach program

Richie Andersen is excited and grateful. After years spent suffering substance dependency, relationship breakdowns, health crises and sleeping rough, the Tweed-based grandfather is about to become a mature-aged student.

$75,000 to $150,000 grants available for youth mental health

The Impact of the 2022 floods across the Northern Rivers continues to be felt and and for many young people it continues to impact...

Long lease offer approved for old Byron Hospital site

Local not-for-profit Social Futures is set to be offered a 20-year lease for the management of the Old Byron Hospital site.

$10 million-dollar Resilient Kids program for Northern Rivers

Thousands of Northern Rivers youth and at least 75 schools are expected to benefit from a $10 million-dollar federal government grant aimed at strengthening community resilience.

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?