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Byron Shire
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

Fish kill follows Belongil Creek opening as Council reviews protocols

A fish kill at Belongil Creek has prompted warnings to avoid the affected area, with Byron Shire Council and government agencies investigating the incident following an artificial opening of the creek.

Police seize 22 e-bikes in Sydney

As part of a crackdown on e-bikes across the state, 22 illegal e-bikes have been seized following a NSW Police Force and Transport for NSW joint operation across southern Sydney and the Illawarra.

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'.

AI growing up quick

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

Double trouble as Byron High fundraiser hits $20,000!

A thousand dollars was enough to put Byron Bay High School’s principal in the barber’s chair. Twenty thousand means she’ll have company.

Big meeting for Ballina Council this week

The agenda for Thursday's meeting includes six notices of motion from four councillors, with issues including missing persons, volunteer recognition, and arts funding.

Stories about "The Australia Institute":

1.1 million landlords with tax breaks

New polling data from The Australia Institute and the Everybody’s Home housing rights alliance shows most Aussie voters want reduced tax breaks for property investors and more money for social housing.

Swimming in think tanks

As conviction becomes rarer in politics, and politicians become sales people for the ideas of others, in too many cases, the role of think tanks and those funding them deserves closer investigation.

Justine Elliot responds to tax cut announcement

Richmond Labor MP Justine Elliot said that the Albanese Labor Government is delivering a tax cut for every taxpayer on the North Coast starting on 1 July 2024.

Plastic packaging waste tax could raise billions

New research from the Australia Institute shows a European Union-style tax on plastic packaging could raise nearly $1.5 billion each year. The analysis finds the federal government could raise $1,300 per tonne of 'virgin' or un-recycled plastic through a levy on businesses that import or manufacture plastic packaging.

Corporate welfare gone mad? $10.3 billion to prop up fossil fuels

According to new research from the Australia Institute, fossil fuel subsidies cost Australians a staggering $10.3 billion in financial year 2020-21, with one Commonwealth tax break alone exceeding the $7.82 billion spent on the Australian Army.

Unconventional gas bad news for business and jobs

A new report by The Australia Institute shows that local businesses in unconventional gas regions in Queensland believe that gas development led to deterioration in their finances, local infrastructure, social connections and labor force skills.

Will Julie Bishop be remembered as Australia’s stingiest foreign minister?

Australia is one of the richest nations in the world, at arguably the richest point in our history. Yet our commitment to foreign aid is declining. The Coalition government plans to cut aid funding by $1.4 billion per year or 33 per cent by 2017-18.

A very inconvenient report on RET

Richard Denniss Economics and politics don’t really have much in common. While it is the job of politicians to decide what is fair and what is...

Fossil fuel subsidies could have ‘revitalised regions’

Revelations yesterday that the NSW government spent close to $1 billion on supporting the coal, gas and oil industries were not lost on Lock the Tweed’s Michael McNamara.

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?