The unfairness of not being the mayor laid bare
Ballina council’s April meeting saw a clash over public forum rules, $400k bridge artworks approved and a dance space proposal revived.
Coroner Refers Byron Backpacker’s Death to Homicide Squad
A NSW coroner has recommended the 2021 death of Jackson Stacker near Byron Bay be referred to the NSW Police Unsolved Homicide Squad after finding the case could not be conclusively ruled a suicide.
$450,000 in community grants up for grabs across Ballina electorate
Community groups and councils have until May 8 to apply for a share of $450,000 in funding for local infrastructure, equipment and vehicle projects.
Double demerits in force as police launch Anzac road blitz
A statewide police operation is underway, with double demerits in force and officers targeting risky driving behaviours during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
Ballina gains 24 essential workers as state expands relocation program
A government-backed program helping staff relocate to the Northern Rivers is being expanded, with Ballina among the areas already seeing new arrivals.
$7 million cattle tick boost welcomed in Wollongbar
With ticks building resistance to treatments, farmers face a growing and costly fight to protect cattle herds in northern NSW.
Ballina brothers back before court as one returns to community despite long history
Ballina's Presbury brothers face domestic violence matters — with one still in custody and the other serving a sentence in the community.
Greens fail in housing block, land giveaway bid
Greens councillors lost two key housing votes, with a casting vote saving growth areas and a Wollongbar land giveaway social housing proposal rejected.
Roberts Smith controversy sees Ballina rally behind vets ahead of ANZAC Day
Ballina volunteers say ANZAC sales are booming, with some shoppers boycotting Nine and buying up in support of veterans ahead of Saturday.
From fire to looting: Bike shop owner’s nightmare after e-bike blaze
A Byron Bay bike shop owner says looters struck after a devastating fire destroyed more than 100 e-bikes, warning faulty batteries from cheap imports pose serious risks.
From Polly the Pig cruelty case to jail again: 10-year cycle continues
A former Ballina man tied to the Polly the Pig animal cruelty case and a fatal Ballina assault could be back in the community within weeks.
Northern NSW Search Warrants Follow Alleged 200kg Cocaine Plot
Police allege Christopher Allan Hollis sailed from the Tweed River, switched off a catamaran’s transponder and collected cocaine at sea before the vessel was intercepted on its return.
Ballina gets its first ‘real’ department store in boost to regional hub status
A major retail move by 175-year-old family business signals Ballina’s rise as the region's top shopping hub.
Gav falls on his feet after NBN News axing — now he’s Lord Mayor
Northern Rivers viewers who watched his shock TV exit now see the familiar weather face sweep into City Hall
Anger as Ferngrove Park Targeted for Archery Move
Another row over sporting space is brewing in Ballina, with Ferngrove residents questioning a proposed archery move.
Ballina solicitor accused of sexual relationships with jail inmates granted bail
A Ballina solicitor accused of inappropriate relationships with inmates and accessing confidential files has been granted bail after five months in custody, as suppression orders are lifted.
Baby turtles smashed just days before hatching
Volunteers who spent months protecting a nest have been left devastated after it was destroyed just ahead of their expected hatching.
From Lennox to disaster zone: Matilda crosses the country to answer cyclone crisis
Australia’s only mobile wildlife hospital has crossed the continent to help sick and injured wildlife in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
Farmers celebrate long-awaited drainage fix as Minister flags action on river cars
Farmers celebrate a long-awaited drainage clearing program as the Minister backs action on river cars and responds to calls for a Richmond River Commissioner.
COMMENT: The moral case for action on the Richmond River
A call for a single authority to manage the Richmond River, as new research highlights upstream sediment as a major driver of its declining health.
Jali jets off to New York: If they can make it there — can they fix it here?
COMMENT: Eight Jali leaders head to New York for a two-week United Nations forum — but how will that sit with locals still sleeping rough?
COMMENT: Top Tourist Town? For Ballina right now, it’s probably just a dream
Visitors do not come to a coastal town expecting to feel like they have wandered into some sort of bad episode of the The Benny Hill Show.
COMMENT: Ballina Shire shows exactly why the state is sidelining local councils on housing decisions
The Greens-led push to block the construction of 300 new homes near Tintenbar shows Premier Chris Minns is on the right track in taking planning decisions away from local councils.
Honouring the lives and legacies of loved ones from Ballina and the Northern Rivers.
A Celebration of a Life Well Lived – David Foster Brown
Ballina locals gathered to honour David Brown, remembered for his quiet kindness, love of music and deep connection to community and nature.
Ballina escapes Qantas cuts for now as Mayor backs airport growth
Ballina has avoided Qantas flight cuts affecting regional Australia, with new routes still planned and council backing airport expansion despite rising fuel costs.
Meet the rising entrepreneur unafraid of being called an ‘Airhead’
At a time when many businesses are cutting back, one Northern Rivers family company is doing the opposite — investing heavily in jumping good fun.
AGAINST THE TIDE: $6 schooners return in Ballina
A Ballina club has cut schooner prices to $6, bucking inflation and boosting sales as locals chase rare cost-of-living relief.
How the Feddy is changing the face of Alstonville
A major upgrade to Alstonville’s Federal Hotel highlights a broader shift, as Northern Rivers pubs evolve to meet changing expectations from locals and visitors.
Drive-thru clothing drop-off day coming to Ballina
Clear out your wardrobe without leaving your car, while helping local causes and keeping textiles out of landfill.
From Ballina to the big stage: Max’s inspiring showbiz journey is pure joy
A Northern Rivers performer is captivating audiences with a bold, joyful stage show, turning personal challenges into powerful entertainment as he prepares for a highly anticipated hometown performance.
Headliners hit the high notes ahead of Hobart showdown
Ballina’s Headliners Chorus is preparing for a major national competition, while continuing to perform across the local community.
‘A place to belong’: How Rainbow Roos is redefining kids soccer
A Northern Rivers parent’s idea is now helping up to 500 children a week experience sport without pressure, competition or exclusion.
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.
