UPDATED – Ochre Wood Arrested in West Ballina
Ochre Wood, the man widely spoken about as “Ballina’s most wanted,” is in custody after being arrested in West Ballina yesterday afternoon.
Local News
‘A community without a heart’ – Cumbalum residents call for long-delayed shopping centre
Cumbalum residents say 20 years of waiting for the North Ballina shopping centre has left the suburb without a true meeting place, as delays and contribution disputes continue.
New social housing for Alstonville part of state construction boost
Sixteen new social homes have been completed in Alstonville, with more coming next year as the 2022 flood rebuild gathers pace
Is Ross Lane open? Council signs off on plan to cut flood closures
Ross Lane could soon stay open far more often, after councillors backed a long-awaited plan to raise the road and build a new bridge at Deadmans Creek.
Better off going to Byron? Ballina scores lowest ED result of the region’s smaller hospitals
New data shows Ballina trailing well behind neighbouring Byron Central Hospital, renewing long-running community pressure for a full hospital upgrade.
Brave truckie brings dangerous police chase to an end on the Bruxner Highway
Residents describe terrifying near-misses as a damaged vehicle sped through Alstonville and Wollongbar before being stopped by a quick-thinking truck driver.
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.
Ballina News Classics
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.
61-Year-Old Disabled Woman Bashed in Broad Daylight on Kerr Street
A 61-year-old disabled woman was pulled from her tricycle and assaulted in broad daylight on Kerr Street. Her family is frustrated no charges have been laid
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 three people are pinning their hopes on a global medical breakthrough unfolding on our doorstep
As a world-first clinical trial prepares to begin on the Gold Coast, three people living with spinal injuries — two from Ballina and one from just over the border — are daring to believe movement might one day return.
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.
Has the Minns Government quietly killed off the Dunoon Dam?
Shock and frustration after dam disappears from water review – with Ballina most exposed
