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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.

Last chance to be among Ballina’s best businesses for 2026

Ballina businesses have been given an extra week to enter the 2026 Ballina Shire Business Excellence Awards, with past winner Sistability urging operators not to miss out.

COST-OF-LIVING CRUNCH: RSL cuts prices to coax people out

Ballina RSL has launched cheaper meals, drinks and family deals as venues respond to tighter household budgets and cautious consumer spending.

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.

Ballina Economy Gets Major Vote Of Confidence With NAB Upgrade

Ballina’s banking sector has officially entered a new era, with National Australia Bank unveiling its completely rebuilt River Street branch following a multi-million-dollar transformation.

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.

Qantas now paying passengers to help beat global fuel crisis

Normally you pay to change flights - but now Ballina passengers are being offered $20 vouchers to switch between Jetstar and Qantas flights in a bid to keep planes flying full.

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.

How the Feddy is changing the face of Alstonville

A major upgrade to Alstonville’s Federal Hotel highlights a broader shift, as Northern Rivers pubs evolve to meet changing expectations from locals and visitors.

Retail theft keeps climbing as Ballina chemist speaks out

“It happens every day now”: A Ballina chemist says rising shoplifting is taking a toll on staff and small businesses.

From Wallabies to real estate — Matt Gibbon’s big Ballina career shift

A career-ending knee injury forced the former Wallaby prop into early retirement — now he's starting again in Ballina real estate.

New $7 million retail precinct opens at Epiq as Lennox Head growth continues

The ribbon has been cut on a new commercial building at Epiq, although details on who will take on the eight new shops is still under wraps.

IKEA comes closer to home – but not quite close enough

Despite Ballina’s size and retail muscle, the global king of flat packs and Allen keys has chosen Lismore as its local hub — we found out why.

Bottle shop backlash: Alstonville stops Liquorland

A proposed Liquorland at Alstonville Plaza has been rejected after overwhelming community opposition, with locals rallying behind existing small businesses.

Treasure hunting pauses as Ballina’s Salvage Shed shuts its doors

Ballina’s tip shop prepares to close as operator enters administration, but council explores reopening under new management

Last loaves as Alstonville’s sourdough siblings begin their next chapter

After six years of baking from Alstonville, young entrepreneurs Lucy, Lachlan and Noah Trease prepare to take their next big step.

Intense fire destroys two businesses at Alstonville industrial estate

Workers arriving for duty this morning were shocked to find their Alstonville workplace destroyed after an intense overnight fire marked by extreme heat and small explosions.

Developer commits to Cumbalum shops as Council backs push for timeline

The Catholic Church confirms it will proceed with a supermarket and 11 shops at Cumbalum, while councillors – backed by all but one – seek firm construction dates after years of delays.