Geoff Hutchinson named Ballina Shire Citizen of the Year
Marine Rescue Ballina captain Geoff Hutchinson has been named Ballina Shire Citizen of the Year on Australia Day, with community achievers and volunteers honoured across seven categories
An update for our readers
Ballina News Daily is pressing pause on publishing while exploring sustainable options for the future of independent local journalism.
‘We share it’: Dick Wills reflects on Australia Day honour
Ballina veteran Dick Wills has received an Order of Australia Medal for service to veterans and their families, sharing the honour with wife Colleen as they approach 60 years of marriage.
FOUND! Missing elderly Ballina woman found ‘safe and well’
Geo-targeted SMS alert issued across Ballina as police appeal for help locating 83-year-old last seen two days ago in West Ballina.
Intense fire destroys two businesses at Alstonville industrial estate
Workers arriving for duty this morning were shocked to find their Alstonville workplace destroyed after an intense overnight fire marked by extreme heat and small explosions.
UPDATE: Coalition facing split over gun laws and hate speech divisions
The Federal Coalition is facing split in the aftermath of post-Bondi gun laws and hate speech debates. Read the statement from Kevin Hogan
VIDEO: Beach explosion at Lennox Head — this was no WWII relic
It was an explosive start to Monday morning for Lennox Head residents after a beachgoer found dangerous military device washed up on the sand.
Ballina News Classics
Byron Bay’s serial protestor launches yet another hateful attack on Jewish-owned business
Locals say an online dispute shows a pattern of anti-semitic behaviour that continues to divide the community at a time many are mourning
Six times over the limit: Ballina crash among worst holiday driving cases
A Ballina crash involving a driver allegedly six times over the legal alcohol limit has been highlighted as one of the worst cases during the Christmas–New Year police operation.
Family hopeful missing Ballina woman will be found safe, grateful for public support
The family of missing woman Cicily Spiers explains why there was a delayed public appeal for help, saying disappearance has happened before
From break-ins to pursuits: how a night of crime unravelled across Ballina
Residents were terrorised as homes were targeted, cars stolen and a high-speed police chase woke Ballina overnight, sparking calls for action.
Meet the Couple Who Decided to Stage an anti Jewish protest in Ballina – days after Bondi massacre
A River Street protest outside a Jewish café ended today only after Ballina News Daily intervened, as community shock and anger erupted following the recent Bondi attack.
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.
Remembrance
Honouring the lives and legacies of loved ones from Ballina and the Northern Rivers.
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”
Developer commits to Cumbalum shops as Council backs push for timeline
The Catholic Church confirms it will proceed with a supermarket and 11 shops at Cumbalum, while councillors – backed by all but one – seek firm construction dates after years of delays.
Why Ballina’s Op Shop Trail is Paradise for Thrifty Shoppers
Ballina’s CBD op shops are back in action for 2026 -our guide to the what may be the world's best concentration of charity thrift stores
Fight Brewing Over Supermarket Giant’s Alstonville Bottle Shop Plan
A national retailer’s plan to open a Liquorland inside Alstonville Plaza has sparked
Ballina’s Business of the Year: Chamber Celebrates Local Excellence
Ballina’s business community put on its best for the annual Business Excellence Awards
Pet of the Week: Chai is looking for a home
Chai is a five-and-a-half-year-old domestic short-haired cat currently looking for a permanent home through Northern Rivers Animal Services.
Brother and sister act takes centre stage at Northern Rivers Community Gallery
REVIEW: Jacqueline and Dane Scotcher bring Boundary Rider to the central gallery space, anchoring NRCG’s first 2026 exhibition program through calm, place-driven works.
Headliners Chorus strikes the right note after big festive season
Ballina women’s chorus wraps up festive performances and prepares for national competition in Hobart.
Locals dominate the track as visitors lift the fashion stakes at Ballina Cup
The Ballina Cup mixed racing, fashion and colour, before an unexpected blackout briefly threw a spanner into proceedings.
Back on home greens, Indi Conlan claims Summerland doubles
The Summerland Series doubles have wrapped up at Cherry Street Sports, with Ballina-bred bowler Indi Conlan shining back on familiar turf
COMMENT | How long will the Coalition split last?
Kevin Hogan’s ABC interview explains why the Nationals walked from the Coalition and why the fallout could force Canberra to pay closer attention to regional Australia.
‘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.
