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.
River wrecks issue escalated to police chief as new recruits head to region
Concerns about suspected river wrecks have been raised with senior police as new officers are set to join the local district.
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.
Fake GoFundMe pages appear after Ballina van fire tragedy
A verified fundraiser for Ballina man Glen Webster is gaining support after a van fire, but fake GoFundMe pages have sparked a scam warning.
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.
BOWSER BLOWOUT: Petrol hits $2.70 a litre locally as pressure mounts for tax cut
Federal MP Kevin Hogan is calling on the federal government to halve the fuel excise, a move he says would cut about 25 cents per litre.
Homeless worker loses everything in van fire — still turns up for shift
A Ballina worker has been left homeless after a motorhome fire at the BP Travel Centre in West Ballina destroyed everything he owned. Community support is now building.
Ballina News Classics
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.
3am break-in: Stolen BMW tracked live to Casino
A BMW stolen in a 3am break-in at Skennars Head was tracked live to Casino by the owner and police, with CCTV showing three alleged offenders, one carrying a weapon.
Mayor says its time to act on possible missing persons cars in river
Ballina mayor Sharon Cadwallader says the community deserves answers on car wrecks sitting at the bottom of the river and she plans to take it up with the Police Commissioner.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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: 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
Ballina Shire Weather
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.
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.
