All aboard: Ballina’s newest whale-watching venture launches
Ballina Byron Marine Adventures has launched its new $800,000 whale-watching catamaran, Cetacean One, with cruises set to begin this Friday.
Judge Grants Bail After Six hour Police Pursuit Near Byron Bay
An six hour police manhunt ended with the arrest of a 26 year-old man after an alleged pursuit ended in a crash near Byron Bay
State budget includes new M1 upgrade funding
The NSW Budget has committed $30 million to plan upgrades to the M1 between Tweed Heads and Byron Bay, while continuing key school projects in Ballina Shire.
Byron and Tweed police destroy 35 seized e-bikes in crackdown
Police have destroyed 35 seized e-bikes in the Byron-Tweed region, with another 23 forfeiture applications still before the courts.
Bestiality Accused Back in Byron Bay Court
A Brunswick Heads man facing child abuse material and animal sexual abuse charges has had his bail conditions varied in Byron Bay Local Court.
Byron Councillor David Warth first to enter Ballina race
He could be described as Byron Bay's answer to Sir David Attenborough, but don't expect independent candidate David Warth to be easily pigeonholed — particularly when it comes to climate change politics.
Ballina seabird rescuers adopt strict protocols as bird flu reaches Australia
Ballina's Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue has adopted strict biosecurity protocols, with volunteers suiting up with protective gear as Australia prepares for the spread of H5N1 bird flu.
Boats as a last resort: Peak body wants inquiry into hidden homelessness
Australia's peak homelessness body is calling for an investigation into people living on boats, warning the practice is a growing symptom of the nation's housing crisis.
New restrictions, captains quit: fresh crisis for Ballina jet boat
Two veteran operators have quit, new restrictions have been imposed and fresh questions are being asked about the future of Ballina's iconic jet boat.
Ballina Rotary’s Dave Harmon recognised in NSW Parliament
Ballina MP Tamara Smith has praised community leader Dave Harmon in the NSW Parliament, highlighting his decades of Rotary service and work tackling domestic violence.
Flood warning upgrade to give Ballina residents more notice
New flood forecasting services at Burns Point and Wardell will give Ballina communities earlier, more localised warnings and extra time to prepare for rising floodwaters.
Guilty plea ends toilet video case, but Jones’ criminal past runs much deeper
Shane Roy Jones has pleaded guilty to filming 11 women inside public toilets at Tamar Village, with court documents revealing a serious criminal history.
25 years on air: Paradise FM looks to the future
Paradise FM has celebrated its Silver Anniversary, with founding manager Jenny Ellenbroek announcing her retirement after helping guide the station since 2001.
Watchdog clears police of misconduct over Ballina death response
A police watchdog has cleared Ballina officers of serious misconduct over their response to a 000 call before Lindy Lucena's death, but found systemic failures and an inadequate search.
From Alstonville agent to stranded yacht owner: The trials and misfortunes of James Latta
The stranded yacht was only the latest chapter. Ballina News Daily examines the twists, controversies and misfortunes that have shaped the public life of James Latta.
Man accused over toilet secret video bashed by masked men
A convicted child sex offender accused of filming women in Ballina public toilets has been taken to hospital after an alleged attack by masked men at a Ballina motel.
One Nation eyes Ballina as three more starters emerge
One Nation is building support in Ballina as the Greens prepare for a three-way pre-selection contest and independent candidates begin circling the race.
‘Surely he’s not going out there’: The tragic final journey of sailor Matthew Clayton
Exclusive photos taken at Yamba reveal sailor Matthew Clayton’s final known hours before the tragedy that claimed two Ballina Marine Rescue volunteers.
Woman ‘left for dead’ in KFC hit and run issues own plea for help
A Ballina woman remains bedridden with multiple fractures after a dark-coloured ute allegedly struck her and drove away without stopping.
Honouring the lives and legacies of loved ones from Ballina and the Northern Rivers.
Ballina farewells Marine Rescue volunteer who died trying to save a stranger
Marine Rescue volunteer Bill Ewen was remembered as a devoted family man, friend and community servant during an emotional farewell attended by hundreds in Ballina.
COMMENT: NBN’s weekend farewell was decades in the making
NBN has aired its final local weekend bulletin after decades on air. Ballina News Daily editor Rod Bruem reflects on the long decline of regional television.
Medicinal cannabis driving reforms spark backlash over patient register
What looked like a major win for medicinal cannabis patients has sparked fresh anger, with drivers objecting to a proposed prescription register and THC limits.
COMMENT: Alleged vigilante attack exposes growing anger at justice system
When people begin calling alleged vigilantes "heroes", it says less about the attackers and more about the level of frustration many feel towards the justice system.
COMMENT: Ballina can’t afford another “invisible” MP
Tamara Smith’s departure has exposed growing frustration over visibility and local representation — and raised serious questions about who should lead Ballina next.
Rous settles into Ballina as first council meeting held at new HQ
he organisation says its $25 million complex is set to become a major meeting and training venue for councils across the Northern Rivers.
Liquidator finds Bluesfest debts could total almost $9 million
Dozens of Northern Rivers businesses are among creditors facing losses after liquidators revealed only a minor dividend is likely from the collapsed festival.
As AI reshapes careers, Ballina mum becomes a tradie
Ballina carpenter Abbey Paxton says changing careers and entering the building industry has given her a rewarding hands-on future.
Statewide push for airport funding welcomed in Ballina
Business NSW wants stronger government support for regional airports, with Ballina highlighted as one of the state's busiest aviation gateways.
Lennox Head educator awarded Order of Australia Medal
Lennox Head education leader Michele McDonald has received an Order of Australia Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours for service to education.
Cleared for take-off: Ballina students chase aviation dreams
More than 200 Northern Rivers students explored aviation careers at Ballina’s annual expo, highlighting the region’s growing status as a major aviation hub.
Classic car convoy honours fallen rescuers
A special convoy of classic cars brought moments of joy and reflection to Ballina as the community honoured its fallen Marine Rescue volunteers.
James sets sail on epic Trans-Tasman crossing
Ballina businessman and sailor James Foster is setting off from New Zealand on one of the Southern Hemisphere's toughest offshore races.
Ballina hosts next generation of Olympic climbers
Hundreds of climbers have arrived for the National Junior Championships - an event that organisers says could us on the map ahead of Brisbane 2032.
