Ballina’s most dedicated workers celebrated
Who is Ballina’s best barista, pharmacy worker or bingo caller? Rotary has recognised seven everyday workers who quietly go above and beyond.
Saffin to reimburse travel expenses after audit finds administrative error
Janelle Saffin will reimburse her Ministerial office budget after her travel audit confirmed some Sydney expenses were inadvertently charged to the wrong allowance.
Labor picks Janet Swain for Ballina
Byron Shire councillor Janet Swain has entered Labor's race for Ballina, arguing the electorate deserves a stronger voice inside the NSW Government ahead of the 2027 election.
Ballina RSL gives record $533,000 back to community
Ballina RSL has delivered a record $533,000 in community support this year, helping local charities, sporting clubs and essential community services.
Saffin expenses row escalates as Opposition calls in Auditor-General
Political pressure is mounting on Janelle Saffin, with the Opposition seeking Auditor-General scrutiny of her taxpayer-funded travel and accommodation.
$17.4m rebuild begins to make Ballina Shire roads flood-proof
More than four years after the 2022 floods, work has begun on a $17.4 million program to permanently rebuild and strengthen 11 damaged Ballina Shire road sites.
BOOMING BALLINA: Lennox closes in on Byron as Lismore plays catch-up
Ballina Shire's population is surging, Lennox is closing in on Byron Bay, and traditional rival Lismore now has ambitious growth plans of its own.
Now finish our ramps: PM’s M1 pledge puts Cumbalum back on agenda
The long-running fight to complete Cumbalum's M1 interchange has new momentum after the Prime Minister put fixing motorway interchanges firmly on the agenda.
Ballina Hospital records big improvement in emergency treatment times
Wait times for patients presenting to Ballina Hospital’s Emergency Department have improved significantly, with new figures showing more patients are receiving timely treatment.
‘Vilified’ contractor cleared as Ross Lane tree works resume
A State Government investigation has delivered a significant finding after a bitter Lennox Head tree-clearing dispute erupted in the Council chamber.
FROM TRAGEDY TO GIVING BACK: Citizen of the Year Geoff’s remarkable year
Citizen of the Year Geoff Hutchinson knows what recognition can mean and is encouraging locals to nominate Ballina’s unsung heroes for the 2027 Australia Day Awards.
KEEP POLITICS OUT: Councillor pushes for tighter rules after expo controversy
A Ballina councillor wants clearer rules around political activity at council community events after controversy overshadowed a volunteer expo that attracted more than 70 prospective volunteers.
‘My dad is not a bike thief’: Son speaks out after homeless man loses everything
Marley Mitai has defended his homeless father against online accusations after a fire destroyed the truck he lived in and most of his possessions.
RSL convention centre could transform rundown River Street block
Ballina RSL has emerged as a potential home for the town's proposed 1200-seat convention centre, with the Mayor saying it could transform a rundown River Street block.
RIVER FIX: Government acts on promise to clean up the Richmond
Six months out from the NSW election, the Minns Government is acting on its promise to help “fix” the Richmond River, appointing a dedicated coordinator and funding work at Tuckean Swamp.
Homeless man’s camp torched as Ballina wrestles with rough sleeping crisis
A homeless man escaped unharmed after his Canal Road camp was destroyed by fire, days after Ballina Council debated its response to rough sleeping.
Ross Lane to close for nine weeks as Council backs cheaper flood fix
Ross Lane will close for about nine weeks after Ballina Shire Council backed a cheaper flood resilience upgrade expected to save up to $800,000.
Mayor refuses to give up on 350-home Ballina Marina vision
Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader is continuing to push the State Government to unlock the West Ballina marina site for up to 350 homes and waterfront renewal.
$50,000 spend on water tower mural put on hold
Ballina Shire Council has deferred a proposed $50,000 mural for the Lennox Head water reservoir after a debate over water rates, public art and cost-of-living pressures.
Honouring the lives and legacies of loved ones from Ballina and the Northern Rivers.
A day of grief, gratitude and ‘Amazing Grace’
Under half-mast flags, Ballina remembered Bill Ewen and Frank Petsch in a moving service that became a powerful tribute to volunteering and community.
COMMENT: RSL convention centre could be a masterstroke for Ballina
Putting a proposed regional convention centre at the RSL could be transformative for Ballina — combining a stunning riverside location with proven commercial expertise.
COMMENT: From Terania to Bentley and now the Richmond — communities can win
For Ballina News Daily’s Rod Bruem, the new push to restore the Richmond River has personal meaning — and brings back memories of a campaign beginning a decade ago.
COMMENT: Give them somewhere safe to sleep — but don’t make residents pay the price
Ballina needs properly managed places for people sleeping rough — funded by the NSW Government, not ratepayers or residents living beside public parks.
COMMENT: A $50,000 mural ratepayers could do without
The proposed $50,000 mural for the Lennox Head water reservoir raises broader questions about council priorities, public spending and whether ratepayers deserve better value for money.
REVEALED: The next big-name retailers coming to Ballina
Harvey Norman and Harris Scarfe are now trading — and three more big-name retailers are preparing to join Ballina’s rapidly expanding Homemakers Centre.
More competition brings greater taxi choice to Ballina
A year after launching his own taxi business, Jesse Pamment has won approval to work local ranks and says Ballina passengers are embracing the extra choice.
Why Paige chose Ballina for her dream tea house
The day Ballina was labelled Australia's worst place to start a business, entrepreneur Paige Brierley quietly opened the tea house she had spent years dreaming about.
Plateau steps out of Ballina’s shadow with bold new brand
Alstonville and Wollongbar have unveiled the Plateau Hinterland brand and a new website, marking the first unified identity for the region as it emerges as one of the Northern Rivers' fastest-growing business communities.
Big hair, big laughs as Ballina Players heads back to the ’80s
Ballina Players has a hit on its hands, with The Wedding Singer about 95 per cent sold and delivering plenty of laughs, colour and ’80s nostalgia.
15,000 reasons Love Lennox will be back in 2027
Love Lennox will return in 2027 after a record 15,000 visitors, with an impact report revealing the scale and community value of this year's festival.
Neighbourly spirit: Ballina community asked to help children in PNG
Ballina-on-Richmond Rotary is calling on the community to help fill a second shipping container of donated goods for children, families and hospitals in Papua New Guinea.
Oceania Cup back at full strength in Alstonville
Hundreds of players and supporters from across the east coast are heading to Alstonville for three days of female football at the Oceania Cup.
Ballina trainer flexes his muscle with triple bodybuilding win at 50
Ballina personal trainer Michael Bosman has won three Classic Physique bodybuilding titles at age 50, just two years after taking up the sport competitively.
