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.
COUNCIL REPORT BACKS GREENS’ PUSH TO BLOCK TINTENBAR HOUSING ESTATE
Council staff have recommended blocking the CURA C housing estate near Tintenbar, despite it being earmarked for growth for decades.
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.
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.
Retail theft keeps climbing as Ballina chemist speaks out
“It happens every day now”: A Ballina chemist says rising shoplifting is taking a toll on staff and small businesses.
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.
Hogan and Greens on unity ticket over PM’s ‘nothing burger’ national address
Kevin Hogan and David Shoebridge both slammed the PM’s national address before engaging in a colourful TV debate over how Australia should secure its energy future.
COMMENT: This is no April Fool’s Day joke — and ratepayers are entitled to better.
COMMENT: Ballina Croquet Club had everything laid out for them, with the only requirement being to share the space - and they couldn't even manage to do that. Ballina deserves better than that and ratepayers are entitled to expect it.
COMMENT: Why communities must face child abuse openly
Protecting children is not the responsibility of the legal system alone. It requires communities willing to acknowledge difficult truths and remain vigilant.
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
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.
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Ballina News Classics
Extraordinary meeting called to debate croquet dispute — with no power to alter outcome
Greens councillor forces special meeting of Ballina Shire Council, as Cherry Street Sports says its decision is final
New underwater reef could transform fishing off Ballina
A new offshore reef south of Ballina is set to attract snapper, mulloway and mackerel — creating a major new fishing hotspot.
Convicted Ballina child sex offender could be eligible for release within 10 months
A 49 year-old Ballina man convicted of sexually touching a child could be eligible for release in less than a year following a failed appeal.
BALLINA GROWTH FREEZE FACES ROADBLOCK — FOR NOW
A high-stakes council debate over future housing expansion on land near Tintenbar has temporarily halted plans to scrap the project.
Cadwallader v Tate: Mayors clash over homeless ‘send them south’ claim
Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader has hit back at Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate after repeated comments suggesting rough sleepers head south.
‘We’re not all addicts’ – homeless man reveals what it’s really like sleeping rough in Ballina
INSIDE STORY: A 58-year-old Ballina man living in his car says public assumptions about homelessness in Ballina are too often shaped by judgement rather than understanding.
From Wallabies to real estate — Matt Gibbon’s big Ballina career shift
A career-ending knee injury forced the former Wallaby prop into early retirement — now he's starting again in Ballina real estate.
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.
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.
Remembrance
Honouring the lives and legacies of loved ones from Ballina and the Northern Rivers.
From Ballina to Canberra: Tributes flow for much-loved Lismore Mayor Jenny Dowell
Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have paid tribute to Jenny Dowell who has died aged 74.
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.
Ride from Ballina to Alstonville a step closer — have your say on the best route
Four routes are now on the table — but with a price tag up to $35 million, which one should get the green light?
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.
‘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.
