Shmuel Tal, a Melbourne fashion boss, is on trial in New South Wales for 14 charges including sexual assault, allegedly occurring during a four-hour encounter with a sex worker at his Byron Bay villa in November 2023. He denies all charges, with the defense arguing consensual sexual contact.
Bluesfest Byron Bay may have traded insolvent since October 2025, with debts over $10 million, primarily owed to unsecured creditors. The liquidator investigates potential breaches by founder Peter Noble.
Creditors owed over $7 million after the cancellation of Byron Bay's Bluesfest are unlikely to recoup their losses, according to a new financial report. The festival company entered liquidation with only $300,664 in assets to cover debts to over 900 creditors.
Media mogul Antony Catalano, 59, had his bail conditions changed to allow interstate travel to Byron Bay to see his wife, whom he is accused of assaulting in March. He faces charges including threats to kill, assault, and false imprisonment.
The clock is ticking for a skipper scrambling to avoid a hefty fine by refloating a yacht beached at Byron Bay.
The NSW state coroner recommends the death of van-packer Jackson Stacker near Byron Bay be referred to the Unsolved Homicide Squad.
