‘Sensational’ support lifts injured skipper as mayor pushes for action on river and bar
Geoff Hutchinson is recovering in hospital, thanking the community for its support as calls grow for action on the river and bar.
VIDEO: Northern Rivers man charged over firearms, child abuse material
A 36-year-old Tweed Heads man has been refused bail after police allege they found illegal firearms and child abuse material during a Bilambil Heights raid.
Regional meth use exposed as communities face the costs
New analysis of wastewater shows regional communities continue to record higher per-person use of methylamphetamine, cannabis and oxycodone, exposing the challenges facing police and health authorities.
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.
Weekend police blitz on alcohol and drugs underway
Police have launched Operation RAID targeting drink and drug driving with the goal of getting impaired drivers off the road.
Should Ballina become a city? Big ideas emerge from economic strategy talks
The question of whether Ballina should become a city emerged during community strategy talks that also heard repeated calls for less red tape and stronger promotion of the region.
New rescue boat promised for Ballina as dredging flagged after tragedy
Ballina will get a replacement Marine Rescue vessel and a review of dredging at the river mouth after Monday night’s tragedy that claimed the lives of two volunteers.
Why was the yacht even there? Police hunt for answers after bar tragedy
Marine Rescue ‘heroes’ who died in the Ballina tragedy have been named, as police prepare to examine the sunken yacht for answers.
‘Darkest day’: Ballina mourns as tributes grow at Marine Rescue tower
Ballina is in mourning as tributes grow at the Marine Rescue tower, with the tragedy described as the organisation’s darkest day.
Ballina unites in grief as push begins to replace lost rescue vessel
Mayor Sharon Cadwallader says Ballina will stand together as Cherry Street Sports Group launches a $25,000 appeal to replace the lost rescue vessel.
Two Ballina Marine Rescue volunteers confirmed among dead in bar tragedy
Two members of Marine Rescue NSW’s Ballina unit are confirmed to be among three people killed in last night’s boating tragedy off Ballina.
No Plates, No Rush: Man in custody after slow-speed M1 police pursuit
Drivers were left scratching their heads after finding themselves caught up in an M1 police pursuit that seemed more like a Sunday drive.
Ballina Greens MP Tamara Smith to exit politics after three terms
Tamara Smith has confirmed she will not contest the 2027 NSW election, ending a 12-year run as Ballina’s Greens MP.
Built by apprentices, sold for lives: $40K+ boost for Rescue Helicopter
Restored by Wollongbar TAFE apprentices over 15 years, the iconic Holden Commodore caps off a major community fundraising effort
Tradition and quiet protest meet at Alstonville Anzac Day service
Olive ribbons and applause for a Roberts-Smith reference added a subtle edge to a well-attended community commemoration.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Big ideas wanted as Ballina launches first major economic talks in 20 years
Mayor calls for bold ideas to shape the shire's economic future, as neighbouring Lismore plans a population comeback, while avoiding Ballina's 'mistakes'.
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.
Breaking barriers: First regional disability health workshops launch in Ballina
New Ballina workshops aim to give people with disability the tools to manage their own health, with a strong focus on self-advocacy and women’s wellbeing.
Young courage at heart of Ballina’s Our Kids Day Out
A big crowd marked 21 years of Our Kids Day Out in Ballina, with a powerful bravery award reminding families why the charity the annual event celebrates matters so much.
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.
Paddle power: Ballina dragon boaters bring home national medals
A seven-year return to the national stage has paid off for the Rainbow Region Dragon Boat team, with a strong medal haul in challenging conditions.
Game on: Ballina’s squash revival eyes Olympic spotlight
Finishing touches are underway on state-of-the-art glass courts built by locals determined to bring the sport back after losing their home base
