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
Ballina man located on warrant linked to KFC brawl
A Ballina man linked to a brawl at a local fast food outlet is back before the courts after being located by a police warrant appeal.
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.
COMMENT: Bluesfest’s collapse is a loss for the region — but the warning signs were there years ago
Allegations of bullying by festival impresario Peter Noble were obvious years ago - and had been called out
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.
Cyclist Critically Injured on Popular Cumbalum to Ballina Path
A 55-year-old man is in a critical condition after a serious fall on the shared path between Cumbalum and Ballina.
Ballina News Classics
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
Greens-led planning revolt puts brakes on Ballina Shire growth
The Greens have exercised their muscle on Ballina Shire Council, winning key independent support to severely limit future development of housing, industry and business.
Fly direct to Adelaide? New flights breathe life into Ballina’s convention centre bid
Potential new direct flights to Melbourne and Adelaide could strengthen Ballina’s case to host a major North Coast convention centre worth up to $284 million.
PANIC STATIONS: Servo staff cop abuse as drivers rush to fill up
Drivers are hunting for the cheapest fuel as prices surge — and our check shows it pays to shop around.
Four years on: the science is nearly done — will politicians act?
SPECIAL REPORT- PART THREE: CSIRO flood modelling is nearing completion, leaving governments to decide whether large-scale mitigation works can be funded and built.
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
Last loaves as Alstonville’s sourdough siblings begin their next chapter
After six years of baking from Alstonville, young entrepreneurs Lucy, Lachlan and Noah Trease prepare to take their next big step.
Remembrance
Honouring the lives and legacies of loved ones from Ballina and the Northern Rivers.
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”
COMMENT: A murky river and mounting questions: Ballina deserves clarity
Police shortages and growing concern over missing persons investigations on the North Coast deserve answers.
COMMENT: Why is Ballina still waiting for answers in high-profile human remains case?
Questions are growing in Ballina over delays in the investigation after remains and a vehicle linked to the Cicily Spiers case were discovered near the Richmond River.
Ballina Shire Weather
Voices of comfort: rare 40-voice ‘song bath’ coming to Lennox Head
Threshold Singers from around the country will gather for a rare event, inviting the community to be immersed in calming harmonies.
From roadside rescues to rehab: how you can help native wildlife
Ever wanted to help injured wildlife? A local training day will show you how to safely rescue and care for native animals.
From rubbish pile to gallery wall: Ballina artist’s bold transformation
Old puzzles, cigar boxes and even a broken rocking horse have been transformed into art by Ballina artist Dean Stewart
Ballina on the path to Aussie gold at Brisbane 2032 Olympics
Cherry St Sports Club will host part of a national “Long Roll” event pushing for lawn bowls to be included in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
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.
