Ballina Brothers in Court: One Jailed as Two Face Charges
A Ballina man has been sentenced over stealing and a police pursuit, while his younger twin brothers remain before the courts over separate alleged offences.
Jali elders off to UN Forum in New York
Ballina-based elders will raise concerns on the global stage, warning proposed laws could weaken Aboriginal land rights and impact displaced communities.
Business Awards Nominations Now Open
Ballina’s top businesses, leaders and workers are being recognised again, with nominations open ahead of this year’s awards and gala night.
Clothes Swap wins Council grant
A Lennox Head initiative helping families and cutting waste has secured council funding after diverting tonnes of clothing from landfill in under a year.
Chaos in Byron as bike shop blaze shuts down CBD
Thick smoke and traffic diversions have brought Byron Bay to a standstill, with firefighters warning the operation could continue into the night.
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 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.
Greens push to lock in cheap housing at Lennox Head rejected
Council votes down push to guarantee affordable housing at Lennox Head, with councillors warning coastal land values made low-cost homes unrealistic.
Croquet Club Blames ‘Big Money’ as Council Turns Its Back
President says the 90 year-old club has been left with “nothing” as the Greens back a push to find players a new home away from Cherry Street Sports Club.
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.
Mayor Unloads on Greens’ Croquet Push — Then Kills It
Extraordinary meeting fails as Mayor uses her casting vote to stop Green's push to overturn Cherry Street Sport's management decision.
New trains, old problems: North Coast left riding retro XPT fleet
North Coast passengers face years waiting for NSW’s $3bn train fleet, instead riding refurbished 1980s carriages — as delays and rising fuel costs drive demand.
Ballina Beach Flasher – women in fear after string of incidents
Police are yet to locate a man repeatedly reported for exposing himself, despite multiple incidents at East Ballina beaches over the past six months.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
‘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.
