Business
More competition brings greater taxi choice to Ballina
A year after launching his own taxi business, Jesse Pamment has won approval to work local ranks and says Ballina passengers are embracing the extra choice.
Why Paige chose Ballina for her dream tea house
The day Ballina was labelled Australia's worst place to start a business, entrepreneur Paige Brierley quietly opened the tea house she had spent years dreaming about.
Plateau steps out of Ballina’s shadow with bold new brand
Alstonville and Wollongbar have unveiled the Plateau Hinterland brand and a new website, marking the first unified identity for the region as it emerges as one of the Northern Rivers' fastest-growing business communities.
Cooked to perfection: how a 100 year-old building tempted a retired chef to bake again
A century-old building, a chance encounter and a love of old-fashioned baking inspired Cherie Bevan to create HOME, the award-winning Alstonville bakery now attracting visitors from across the region and beyond.
‘We’re checking hives every five days’: Local beekeeper fighting Australia’s biggest threat to bees
A Ballina beekeeper says the varroa mite is forcing many beekeepers out of the industry, with constant hive inspections now needed to protect colonies.
New era for Plateau businesses as Chamber unveils fresh vision
The Alstonville Wollongbar Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community to celebrate its award-winning businesses, while also unveiling big plans for the future.
Mixed school holiday trading leaves Ballina businesses searching for certainty
Ballina businesses experienced an unpredictable school holiday trading period, with Chamber president Joeline Hartley pointing to wet weather, cost-of-living pressures as key factors.
More than 9,200 Ballina homes and businesses eligible for easier nbn fibre upgrade
More than 9,200 Ballina homes and businesses can now access an easier upgrade to full fibre after nbn removed the requirement for FTTC customers to purchase a high-speed internet plan before becoming eligible.
Ballina Shire property market remains resilient as million-dollar sales continue
Ballina Shire's property market continues to show strength, with million-dollar sales across coastal and hinterland suburbs highlighting ongoing demand for quality homes despite higher borrowing costs and economic uncertainty.
Innovation shines at Ballina Business Excellence Awards
ENV Solutions claimed six awards, including Ballina Shire Business of the Year, as innovation, leadership and outstanding employees were recognised at the 2026 Ballina Business Excellence Awards.
Rare care – Ballina now has a dedicated menopause clinic
Ballina GP Dr Emma Harvey established the Remi Menopause Clinic after discovering how difficult it could be for women to access care.
Quiet beer, unexpected fame: Ballina men become award-winning pin-ups
Some Ballina pub regulars have become unlikely pin-ups in an award-winning photography project that celebrates masculinity, the coast and men's mental health.
Record field named for Ballina Shire Business Excellence Awards
In a challenging economic climate, Ballina businesses will come together next month to celebrate success after a record number of finalists were named in the 2026 Business Excellence Awards.
Rous settles into Ballina as first council meeting held at new HQ
he organisation says its $25 million complex is set to become a major meeting and training venue for councils across the Northern Rivers.
Liquidator finds Bluesfest debts could total almost $9 million
Dozens of Northern Rivers businesses are among creditors facing losses after liquidators revealed only a minor dividend is likely from the collapsed festival.
As AI reshapes careers, Ballina mum becomes a tradie
Ballina carpenter Abbey Paxton says changing careers and entering the building industry has given her a rewarding hands-on future.
Statewide push for airport funding welcomed in Ballina
Business NSW wants stronger government support for regional airports, with Ballina highlighted as one of the state's busiest aviation gateways.
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.
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.
