Much-loved Ballina resident Ronald “Ron” Grieber has been found safe tonight after a major search effort and an emergency SMS alert that reached thousands of local mobiles.

Ron, 80, was located not far from Ballina District Hospital, where he was last seen around 10am.

He is now back in hospital receiving treatment for dehydration.

The news has brought enormous relief to the many involved in the search, along with the wider community who had been on edge since mass SMS alerts were issued at about 4.30pm.

Thursday’s heat, which climbed into the mid-30s with heavy humidity, had intensified fears for Ron’s wellbeing.

Police and family had been particularly worried as he lives with dementia.

Earlier in the afternoon, there was confusion among searchers due to conflicting reports about Ron’s clothing.

Some volunteers were advised he may have wandered off wearing a hospital gown, while an official NSW Police statement described him as wearing a green-and-white striped polo shirt, black shorts, slippers and reading glasses.

Despite the uncertainty, residents joined NSW Health staff, police officers and volunteers in door-knocking nearby streets and searching parks and pathways.

Community response praised

Ron is a well-known face in Ballina, remembered for his friendliness during his years working at a River Street bottle shop. Many locals expressed their concern online throughout the afternoon, sharing memories and urging others to keep an eye out.

Tonight, authorities and family have thanked the community for their vigilance and quick response once the emergency alert was sent.

Ron remains in hospital for monitoring, but is expected to be okay.