Emergency talks: Cadwallader takes Ballina rescue concerns to Minister
Five months after the Ballina Bar tragedy, the town’s purpose-built jet rescue boat is sitting idle without a crew and Ballina is relying on neighbouring units in an emergency. Now the Mayor has taken the growing concerns directly to the Minister.
Teen, 16, hit with 109 charges over North Coast crime spree
A 16-year-old arrested at Grafton faces 109 charges, with police alleging 39 vehicles were stolen during a series of offences across Northern NSW.
Mayhem at Clarence Council: GM sacked after mayoral vote debacle
A draw from a hat, the wrong mayor declared, a resignation and now the general manager has been sacked with a $272,000 payout. It’s been quite a week at Clarence Valley Council.
Grafton hospital redevelopment moves into main construction
Main construction has started on Grafton Base Hospital’s $283.8 million redevelopment, with new emergency, surgical and maternity facilities due by 2029.
Cannabis, Tinder and two-minute noodles: Tweed Mayor owns colourful profile
Tweed’s new Mayor has confirmed a colourful Tinder profile after political rival Kimberly Hone circulated concerns and encouraged residents to complain.
Hickey to retire, Loone re-elected as Deputy Mayor
A new general manager search, a contest for Deputy Mayor and a failed attempt to reopen the 2030 net-zero target dominated today’s Ballina Council meeting.
Best and worst: Ballina swimming spots rated for summer
The red and yellow flags go up this weekend as Ballina's patrolled beach season begins, just as a new report reveals the cleanest local swimming spots.
Measles alert issued after infectious person visits Ballina
An infectious measles case has visited Ballina as health authorities warn the North Coast’s unusually low vaccination rates leave communities vulnerable to outbreaks.
Community rallies around family of much-loved Lennox restaurateur
Hundreds have rallied around the family of Lennox Head restaurateur Blake Rogers following his sudden death, with a fundraiser drawing an outpouring of support.
One kingfish per boat: Fishers push back against proposed new limits
Recreational fishers face a one-kingfish-per-boat limit under controversial new rules, as the NSW Government extends consultation following pushback over the science.
Coalition promises automatic fuel tax cut as diesel hits $3 locally
Diesel is hovering around $3 a litre locally as Kevin Hogan backs a Coalition plan to automatically slash fuel tax during major global oil price spikes.
All we want for Christmas: Ross Lane reopening
The Christmas wish for Ross Lane residents and businesses is now clear: get the major upgrade finished and the road reopened before the festive break, weather permitting.
UPDATE: Lights back on as Skennars Head power fault finally fixed
More than 24 hours after the lights went out, some Skennars Head homes are still relying on generator power, but crews believe they have finally found the problem.
Ballina-Lismore commute gets slower as highway safety work begins
The Ballina-Lismore commute will get slower from November as a speed reduction and safety works begin at the notorious Alphadale crossroads.
Bailey wins Nationals preselection, puts crime front and centre
Michelle Bailey has won Nationals preselection for Ballina, putting tougher bail laws, sentencing and community safety at the centre of her campaign.
Pre-Christmas road chaos looms as Ross Lane closure dates confirmed
Ballina faces a pre-Christmas traffic squeeze as Ross Lane closes for nine weeks, but good weather should see the important route reopened by December 18.
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.
‘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.
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.
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: Why I’m in favour of a little pork-barrelling
Pork-barrelling has a terrible name, but election promises are part of democracy. And Ballina has no shortage of projects worth promising.
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.
90 years on air: 2LM celebrates a remarkable milestone
From floods and outside broadcasts to some of the region’s best-known radio voices, 2LM has celebrated a remarkable 90 years on air.
Ballina’s shoplifting problem goes from bad to worse
SPECIAL REPORT: We dig into Ballina’s latest crime figures, revealing big increases in shoplifting, fraud and assaults, while home break-ins and car theft fall.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
