Watchdog clears police of misconduct over Ballina death response
A police watchdog has cleared Ballina officers of serious misconduct over their response to a 000 call before Lindy Lucena's death, but found systemic failures and an inadequate search.
Wrong-way M1 Tweed police pursuit, no licence: Accused faces court
A Chinderah man accused of driving a stolen Holden Commodore the wrong way on the M1 during a police pursuit has been refused bail.
Northern Rivers chosen for new program to tackle loneliness among seniors and carers
Community Gateway will lead a new three-year pilot in Ballina and across the Northern Rivers aimed at helping older people and unpaid carers stay connected, access services and avoid social isolation.
Lennox Head osteopath charged with child abuse material and animal sex abuse offences
A police investigation has led to a series of child abuse material, animal sexual abuse, drug and firearms-related charges against two Northern Rivers residents.
Weapons, extremist material seized in Northern Rivers AFP operation
A Northern Rivers man has been charged after AFP officers allegedly linked him to offensive emails sent to a Royal Commission witness and seized prohibited weapons and explosive-making instructions.
As Ballina farewelled Bill, the world mourned with us
As Ballina farewelled Bill Ewen, search-and-rescue crews around the world lowered flags in tribute to him and fellow volunteer Frank Petsch.
Fifth Time Unlucky: Accused Toilet Video Suspect Now Behind Bars
After four previous grants of bail, the man accused of secretly filming women inside Tamar Street Village public toilets has now been remanded in custody.
Ballina farewells Marine Rescue volunteer who died trying to save a stranger
Marine Rescue volunteer Bill Ewen was remembered as a devoted family man, friend and community servant during an emotional farewell attended by hundreds in Ballina.
Curtain call averted: Ballina Players spared from rent hike
Ballina Shire Council has amended a proposed rent hike for local not-for-profit tenants after hearing it could threaten the future viability of Ballina Players.
From Alstonville agent to stranded yacht owner: The trials and misfortunes of James Latta
The stranded yacht was only the latest chapter. Ballina News Daily examines the twists, controversies and misfortunes that have shaped the public life of James Latta.
Cancer centre upgrade increases treatment capacity by 50 per cent
Cancer patients will benefit from faster treatment, fewer hospital visits and expanded access to advanced care following an $8.2 million upgrade.
Marine Rescue launches independent review as hopes fade of recovering yacht
Five weeks after the Ballina Marine Rescue tragedy, the first formal review into the disaster is underway, while hopes of recovering the yacht at the centre of the incident are fading.
As AI reshapes careers, Ballina mum becomes a tradie
Ballina carpenter Abbey Paxton says changing careers and entering the building industry has given her a rewarding hands-on future.
One Nation eyes Ballina as three more starters emerge
One Nation is building support in Ballina as the Greens prepare for a three-way pre-selection contest and independent candidates begin circling the race.
‘Surely he’s not going out there’: The tragic final journey of sailor Matthew Clayton
Exclusive photos taken at Yamba reveal sailor Matthew Clayton’s final known hours before the tragedy that claimed two Ballina Marine Rescue volunteers.
Woman ‘left for dead’ in KFC hit and run issues own plea for help
A Ballina woman remains bedridden with multiple fractures after a dark-coloured ute allegedly struck her and drove away without stopping.
Higher density, higher tensions: Residents battle building boom
Ballina Island residents say higher-density development is eroding privacy, blocking views and leaving homeowners feeling powerless against rapid urban infill.
Five Ballina Women Alleged Victims in Sexual Massage Case
A Ballina Central massage business owner has pleaded not guilty to alleged sexual touching offences involving five local women.
Wanted fugitive fighter spotted in Ballina
A highly trained martial arts fighter wanted over an alleged sexual assault has been spotted camping in carparks at Northern Rivers beaches.
Honouring the lives and legacies of loved ones from Ballina and the Northern Rivers.
Parliamentary tributes for Ballina’s Marine Rescue heroes
Moving tributes to Ballina Marine Rescue volunteers Bill Ewen and Frank Petsch have been delivered in both the Federal and NSW parliaments.
COMMENT: Alleged vigilante attack exposes growing anger at justice system
When people begin calling alleged vigilantes "heroes", it says less about the attackers and more about the level of frustration many feel towards the justice system.
COMMENT: Ballina can’t afford another “invisible” MP
Tamara Smith’s departure has exposed growing frustration over visibility and local representation — and raised serious questions about who should lead Ballina next.
How close I came to giving thousands to a fake bank scammer
A convincing fake ANZ security caller nearly tricked Ballina News Daily editor Rod Bruem into transferring thousands of dollars before one small detail exposed the scam.
Tamara Smith’s statement in full
Tamara Smith has confirmed she will not contest the 2027 NSW election, ending a 12-year run as Ballina’s Greens MP.
More whales, more tourists: Ballina’s marine tourism sector grows
Ballina’s whale watching sector is growing, with a new local operator preparing to launch as the annual migration begins.
Alstonville’s changing face draws boutique retailer to the Plateau
A new boutique menswear and lifestyle store has opened in Alstonville, with business leaders saying it reflects the growing sophistication of the village retail scene.
Ballina’s historic mullet run hit by tough conditions
Dirty river water, poor weather and fuel prices are making life difficult for Ballina’s mullet fishermen during the annual Richmond River catch.
Alstonville markets suspended as tough times hit community events
The Alstonville Community Market has been suspended after falling stallholder numbers and weaker public support hit the once-booming monthly event.
Cleared for take-off: Ballina students chase aviation dreams
More than 200 Northern Rivers students explored aviation careers at Ballina’s annual expo, highlighting the region’s growing status as a major aviation hub.
Classic car convoy honours fallen rescuers
A special convoy of classic cars brought moments of joy and reflection to Ballina as the community honoured its fallen Marine Rescue volunteers.
Hope amid horrifying domestic violence figures as Purple Friday spreads
Six years after Purple Friday began in Ballina, confronting domestic violence figures show the crisis remains severe — but the movement born here is now spreading hope and change across NSW.
James sets sail on epic Trans-Tasman crossing
Ballina businessman and sailor James Foster is setting off from New Zealand on one of the Southern Hemisphere's toughest offshore races.
Ballina hosts next generation of Olympic climbers
Hundreds of climbers have arrived for the National Junior Championships - an event that organisers says could us on the map ahead of Brisbane 2032.
