Get off your phones: Surf rescue hero’s blunt advice to parents
A six-year-old boy was being swept out to sea while adults nearby were distracted by their phones. The drone operator who raced to his rescue has a blunt warning for parents.
Emergency talks: Cadwallader takes Ballina rescue concerns to Minister
Five months after the Ballina Bar tragedy, the town’s purpose-built jet rescue boat is sitting idle without a crew and Ballina is relying on neighbouring units in an emergency. Now the Mayor has taken the growing concerns directly to the Minister.
Hickey to retire, Loone re-elected as Deputy Mayor
A new general manager search, a contest for Deputy Mayor and a failed attempt to reopen the 2030 net-zero target dominated today’s Ballina Council meeting.
Best and worst: Ballina swimming spots rated for summer
The red and yellow flags go up this weekend as Ballina's patrolled beach season begins, just as a new report reveals the cleanest local swimming spots.
Measles alert issued after infectious person visits Ballina
An infectious measles case has visited Ballina as health authorities warn the North Coast’s unusually low vaccination rates leave communities vulnerable to outbreaks.
Community rallies around family of much-loved Lennox restaurateur
Hundreds have rallied around the family of Lennox Head restaurateur Blake Rogers following his sudden death, with a fundraiser drawing an outpouring of support.
One kingfish per boat: Fishers push back against proposed new limits
Recreational fishers face a one-kingfish-per-boat limit under controversial new rules, as the NSW Government extends consultation following pushback over the science.
Coalition promises automatic fuel tax cut as diesel hits $3 locally
Diesel is hovering around $3 a litre locally as Kevin Hogan backs a Coalition plan to automatically slash fuel tax during major global oil price spikes.
All we want for Christmas: Ross Lane reopening
The Christmas wish for Ross Lane residents and businesses is now clear: get the major upgrade finished and the road reopened before the festive break, weather permitting.
UPDATE: Lights back on as Skennars Head power fault finally fixed
More than 24 hours after the lights went out, some Skennars Head homes are still relying on generator power, but crews believe they have finally found the problem.
$5,000 tool haul as thieves target new Ballina medical centre
More than $5,000 worth of tools and copper have been stolen from Ballina’s new Bullinah medical centre, with CCTV capturing a hooded man at the site.
90 years on air: 2LM celebrates a remarkable milestone
From floods and outside broadcasts to some of the region’s best-known radio voices, 2LM has celebrated a remarkable 90 years on air.
Ballina’s shoplifting problem goes from bad to worse
SPECIAL REPORT: We dig into Ballina’s latest crime figures, revealing big increases in shoplifting, fraud and assaults, while home break-ins and car theft fall.
Top jobs and net zero on Ballina Council agenda
Net zero, Council’s two top jobs and major decisions about Ballina Shire’s future road network are on the agenda for the September meeting this week.
Ballina-Lismore commute gets slower as highway safety work begins
The Ballina-Lismore commute will get slower from November as a speed reduction and safety works begin at the notorious Alphadale crossroads.
Check your cash: Police issue counterfeit warning for $50 notes
Police are warning local businesses and residents to check their cash after counterfeit $50 notes were detected circulating across the region.
Raise a glass: Ballina’s tap water named the best in NSW
You might appreciate that next glass of water a little more. The water supplied by Rous County council has been judged the best tasting in NSW.
M1 reopens after fiery two-truck crash near Ballina
A truck has been destroyed by fire after two prime mover collided on the M1 south of Ballina, with both drivers involved escaping injury.
Five rescues in a month as Ballina boaters urged to prepare for spring
Ballina Marine Rescue was one of the Northern Rivers’ busiest units in August, responding to five incidents as the spring boating season approaches.
Ballina’s $1m CCTV grant caught up in Labor ‘rorts’ row
Ballina's $1 million CCTV network is caught up in a growing row over Federal Government grants targeted at Labor-held and marginal electorates.
Bailey wins Nationals preselection, puts crime front and centre
Michelle Bailey has won Nationals preselection for Ballina, putting tougher bail laws, sentencing and community safety at the centre of her campaign.
Pre-Christmas road chaos looms as Ross Lane closure dates confirmed
Ballina faces a pre-Christmas traffic squeeze as Ross Lane closes for nine weeks, but good weather should see the important route reopened by December 18.
Teenagers flee on e-bikes after alleged machete threat at Ballina pub
Three teenage boys allegedly threatened staff and patrons at a Ballina CBD hotel before fleeing on e-bikes, with police saying one produced a machete.
Ballina’s most dedicated workers celebrated
Who is Ballina’s best barista, pharmacy worker or bingo caller? Rotary has recognised seven everyday workers who quietly go above and beyond.
$17.4m rebuild begins to make Ballina Shire roads flood-proof
More than four years after the 2022 floods, work has begun on a $17.4 million program to permanently rebuild and strengthen 11 damaged Ballina Shire road sites.
