Ballina News Daily

Homeless worker loses everything in van fire — still turns up for shift

A Ballina worker has been left homeless after a motorhome fire at the BP Travel Centre in West Ballina destroyed everything he owned. Community support is now building.

Latest News

BOWSER BLOWOUT: Petrol hits $2.70 a litre locally as pressure mounts for tax cut

Federal MP Kevin Hogan is calling on the federal government to halve the fuel excise, a move he says would cut about 25 cents per litre.

TRAGEDY ON THE M1: 20-year-old killed after stepping onto motorway

A man has died after being struck by a truck on the Pacific Motorway at Pimlico, with police appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage as investigations continue.

Cadwallader v Tate: Mayors clash over homeless ‘send them south’ claim

Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader has hit back at Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate after repeated comments suggesting rough sleepers head south.

Second disappearance sparks fresh fears for missing teen

A teenage girl known to frequent Ballina has gone missing again, with police confirming it is her second disappearance within a year.

‘We’re not all addicts’ – homeless man reveals what it’s really like sleeping rough in Ballina

INSIDE STORY: A 58-year-old Ballina man living in his car says public assumptions about homelessness in Ballina are too often shaped by judgement rather than understanding.

3am break-in: Stolen BMW tracked live to Casino

A BMW stolen in a 3am break-in at Skennars Head was tracked live to Casino by the owner and police, with CCTV showing three alleged offenders, one carrying a weapon.

Ballina News Classics

Mayor says its time to act on possible missing persons cars in river

Ballina mayor Sharon Cadwallader says the community deserves answers on car wrecks sitting at the bottom of the river and she plans to take it up with the Police Commissioner.

Special Report: The driving rule letting over-85s escape driving tests

EXCLUSIVE: It's as easy as ticking a box - We reveal how over 85's can keep their licence without ever taking a road skills test

Six cars in the river — could Ellen Wilson’s vehicle still be found?

Recent discoveries in local waterways are raising fresh questions about earlier search decisions in the long-running missing persons case.

Court hears not guilty plea in Ferngrove Park child touching case

A 69-year-old Ballina man has entered a not guilty plea over allegations a 12-year-old boy was approached on a North Creek walking path.

Submerged car discovery ends 16-month search for missing Alstonville woman

Family confirms the sad outcome in a funeral notice after a vehicle was recovered from Emigrant Creek earlier this month.

$105m GemLife seniors community approved for Ballina after court finalises conditions

A housing community with 110 homes and major recreational facilities has been approved in Ballina after a Land and Environment Court decision

New $7 million retail precinct opens at Epiq as Lennox Head growth continues

The ribbon has been cut on a new commercial building at Epiq, although details on who will take on the eight new shops is still under wraps.

IKEA comes closer to home – but not quite close enough

Despite Ballina’s size and retail muscle, the global king of flat packs and Allen keys has chosen Lismore as its local hub — we found out why.

Bottle shop backlash: Alstonville stops Liquorland

A proposed Liquorland at Alstonville Plaza has been rejected after overwhelming community opposition, with locals rallying behind existing small businesses.

Treasure hunting pauses as Ballina’s Salvage Shed shuts its doors

Ballina’s tip shop prepares to close as operator enters administration, but council explores reopening under new management

Remembrance

Honouring the lives and legacies of loved ones from Ballina and the Northern Rivers.

From Ballina to Canberra: Tributes flow for much-loved Lismore Mayor Jenny Dowell

Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have paid tribute to Jenny Dowell who has died aged 74.

Glitter dims at Mardi Gras following loss of Ballina-born diva

Tributes are flowing after the death of Ballina-born drag performer Maxi Shield, a star remembered for her warmth and community advocacy.

Vale Mary Davis: Rainbow paddlers honour a life of generosity and grit

Rainbow dragon boaters gathered on the water to farewell Mary Davis, honouring a much-loved coach whose legacy of inclusion and excellence lives on.

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.

State Funeral in Lennox Head for Esteemed Rural Fire Leader David Cook

A state funeral will be held next Monday in Lennox Head to honour Superintendent David Cook, a much-loved and highly respected leader of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Far North Coast Team. David “Cookie”