A Ballina councillor wants clearer rules around political activity at council community events after controversy overshadowed a volunteer expo that attracted more than 70 prospective volunteers.

Marley Mitai has defended his homeless father against online accusations after a fire destroyed the truck he lived in and most of his possessions.

Wildlife experts, conservation groups and citizen scientists will come together for a free family festival celebrating the threatened Glossy Black-Cockatoo.

Police allege a 47-year-old woman recorded 0.240 after a Friday morning crash, as hundreds of impaired drivers were detected across NSW.

Council is stepping up its investment push, with major opportunities at the airport, Tuckombil Quarry and its vacant Tamar Street offices all back in play.

The family of Sam Singh has given police permission to publicly identify and release a photograph of the 81-year-old following his death at Teven.

A bird found north of Coffs Harbour has tested positive for H5 bird flu, bringing the spreading virus significantly closer to the Northern Rivers.

The almost 300-acre Tyagarah property that became the permanent home of Bluesfest is being offered for sale for the first time since 2007.

A police investigation at a Teven Road property has escalated dramatically, with a 51-year-old woman now charged with murdering an 81-year-old man.

Regional councils used a major Ballina conference to secure a $5 billion commitment to secure future NSW water supplies — in what's been a big week for water promises from both the Government and Opposition.

An experienced former police rescue operator is rallying volunteers for a major weekend ground search around Mt Nardi as the effort to find Stephanie Cordery continues.

Another knife-related incident has unfolded in Ballina, with a man arrested at the busy airport after police allegedly seized a knife and saw.

Police responding to a welfare concern made the grim discovery in a creek before arresting a woman at the Teven property.

Ballina RSL has emerged as a potential home for the town's proposed 1200-seat convention centre, with the Mayor saying it could transform a rundown River Street block.

Putting a proposed regional convention centre at the RSL could be transformative for Ballina — combining a stunning riverside location with proven commercial expertise.

For Ballina News Daily’s Rod Bruem, the new push to restore the Richmond River has personal meaning — and brings back memories of a campaign beginning a decade ago.

The search is on for the Richmond River’s first catchment coordinator, with the NSW Government promising a budget, staff coordination and cross-government clout.

Six months out from the NSW election, the Minns Government is acting on its promise to help “fix” the Richmond River, appointing a dedicated coordinator and funding work at Tuckean Swamp.

An Alstonville Rotarian is responding to Nepal’s devastating flood tsunami by helping get emergency shelter and supplies into remote mountain communities.

MP Janelle Saffin says she was “mortified” by the expenses controversy as she officiated at an event in Ballina marking the start of the $85 million Twin Bridges project.

Another 50 flood buyback homes will be made available for housing and community use across the Northern Rivers, with relocation funding also on offer.

Four residents escaped a fierce South Murwillumbah fire after a smoke alarm sounded, with about 60 e-bikes and batteries stored in the garage.

Another knife-related incident has unfolded in Ballina, with a man arrested at the busy airport after police allegedly seized a knife and saw.

Harvey Norman and Harris Scarfe are now trading — and three more big-name retailers are preparing to join Ballina’s rapidly expanding Homemakers Centre.