‘This is an Australian problem’: local Jewish voices respond to Bondi tragedy
Ballina’s Shai Chason and Vikki Bembridge say the Bondi attack has devastated their community, and call for stronger national action to stop rising hate.
Local News
Special honour for Alstonville nurseryman Ray Parker
Still happiest propagating plants, the patriarch of the Parker family nursery has no plans to retire and is honoured for nurturing the industry itself.
Renovation Reality: Councillors back $17.7m Cultural Centre upgrade despite risks
Ballina Shire Councillors were forced to accept what many home owners know- renovations are risky and can end up costing more than new builds
‘Hatred must stop’: Ballina Mayor urges national leadership after Bondi attack
Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader has called for national leadership, saying the Prime Minister should have acted sooner to confront rising hatred, following the deadly Bondi shooting.
Two New Officers Join Ballina as Former Cops Warn of Critical Policing Gaps
New Probationary Constables arrive this week, while former police officers say more needs to be done to address policing shortfall
Man’s Best Friend Lost — And Found After Two Years
A Ballina man has been reunited with his long-lost Labrador, Arty, who vanished two years ago but has now been found safe and well.
Exclusive: Big Rob speaks out — ‘Sue Higginson has done me a huge favour’
Controversial Councillor Big Rob breaks his rule of silence, opening up about politics, floods, law, and media power
Ballina News Classics
Council keeps the door open to talks on land deal for Ballina Central Shopping Centre expansion
A proposal linked to a future expansion of Ballina Central Shopping Centre has been kept alive by Ballina Shire Council, despite some objections.
House destroyed in Kerr Street fire, suspected lithium battery blaze
A Kerr Street home has been destroyed in a suspected lithium battery fire, with hazmat teams and traffic controllers called as the road remains closed.
Police Reinforcements Deployed as Hunt for Fugitive Intensifies
The search for Ballina’s most wanted has escalated, with TRG officers deployed across South Ballina and Wardell as concerns grow over the fugitive’s safety and community risk.
Rare piebald great white tagged off Ballina
Ballina has drawn global scientific attention after a possibly world-first piebald great white shark was tagged off Sharpes Beach
‘We’re Sitting Ducks’: Fear Grows as Fugitive Keeps Slipping Through Police Net
A Ballina mother of two says she has spent nearly a month sleeping with the lights on, terrified that a man fitting the description of wanted fugitive Ochre Wood will return to her rural property.
Riot Squad Support Call Out as Media Removed from Closed-Door Ballina Crime Meeting
A closed-door crime meeting in Ballina revealed riot squad–trained officers may be deployed as rural thefts and street crime escalate.
Ballina’s Christmas wrapping angels return to rescue another festive season
Volunteer wrappers from SCOPE and Lions are back, turning chaotic gift piles into neat parcels while raising funds for local charities.
Marine Rescue Ballina honours volunteers with highest service award
Marine Rescue Ballina has honoured three long-serving volunteers with Life Membership, recognising more than seven decades of service protecting local boaters.
Community recognises former Deputy Mayor Eoin Johnston
Ballina Shire and NSW Parliament have honoured former Deputy Mayor Eoin Johnston, remembering his remarkable life of service, sport and community leadership.
The little walk that changed Ballina — and then the world
Ballina will turn purple again this week as the community gathers for the sixth annual Walk Against Domestic and Family Violence, a home-grown show of solidarity that has become one of the town’s most meaningful traditions.
Why Che Bon’s Pascale Kokin is backing Ballina’s emerging Muay Thai talent
The French restaurateur with a lifelong love of martial arts helped bring a major fight night to Ballina — and the crowd loved every minute.
Ballina’s Liz Ellis Elevated to NSW Sporting Legend Status
Ballina’s favourite netball champion, Liz Ellis AO, has been officially elevated to Legend status in the NSW Hall of Champions — placing her among the most celebrated athletes in the state’s sporting history.
Exclusive: Big Rob speaks out — ‘Sue Higginson has done me a huge favour’
Controversial Councillor Big Rob breaks his rule of silence, opening up about politics, floods, law, and media power
Has the Minns Government quietly killed off the Dunoon Dam?
Shock and frustration after dam disappears from water review – with Ballina most exposed
