After tense debate, Council decides fate of Spoonbill Reserve
A plan to allow housing on recreational land at Skennars Head led one councillor warning of possible political retribution ahead of the NSW election.
Ceremony marks official start on Alstonville Cultural Centre upgrade
A sod-turning ceremony has officially marked the next stage of the Alstonville Cultural Centre upgrade, with major redevelopment works now progressing onsite.
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.
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.
Fundraiser launched for KFC hit and run victim
Jodie Saunders remains bedridden three weeks after being hit and left unconscious outside KFC in a Ballina Fair shopping centre carpark.
Nationals to fire starting gun in race for Ballina
The Nationals are preparing to endorse Ballina Deputy Mayor Damian Loone for the 2027 NSW election as the race to replace Tamara Smith intensifies.
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.
‘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.
Mayors blast Albanese Government over Rail Trail snub
Northern Rivers leaders have slammed the Albanese Government after funding for the Rail Trail’s missing link was rejected, sparking accusations Labor has abandoned the region.
Minister rejects ‘bombshell’ tag as flood recovery fallout deepens
Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin says the state’s damning flood recovery audit is “not a bombshell”, arguing governments have learned major lessons from the troubled rollout.
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.
$980m flood recovery mess exposed by Auditor-General
A damning Auditor-General’s report has blasted the NSW Government’s flood recovery response, revealing one flagship housing scheme has failed to deliver a single lot four years after the floods.
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.
North Coast missing persons inquiry to examine unsolved cases
MP Jeremy Buckingham says families deserve answers as parliamentary inquiry examines homicide cold cases, including missing persons and car wrecks found in the Richmond River.
Heavy rain sparks flood rescues across Northern Rivers
Heavy rain and high tides have closed roads, isolated communities and forced three flood rescues across the Northern Rivers.
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.
Public memorial planned for Ballina Marine Rescue volunteers
Marine Rescue Ballina says the community will have an opportunity to honour Bill Ewen and Frank Petsch at a public memorial expected in late June.
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.
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.
Bruxner Highway reopens after cattle truck fire near Wollongbar
Traffic is moving again near Wollongbar after a B double caught alight, shutting all three lanes of the highway for several hours.
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.
Ballina massacre remembered as friends begin history-making walk
Two Goonellabah men have begun a confronting 474km journey linking sites connected to Australia’s frontier conflicts from Ballina to Myall Creek.
North Coast voters unload on Budget as housing fears dominate
Reaction to last night’s Federal Budget turned fierce today as North Coast voters questioned tax changes, migration levels and housing affordability.
Ballina welcomes Rous as staff move into new $25m offices
The massive Gallans Road complex brings together offices, depot operations and ultra-modern council chambers on one site — facilities likely to be the envy of councils across NSW.
