Ballina repeat offender on knife charge has sentence extended — but only slightly
Clay Widdows has had his time behind bars extended by weeks, not months, after sentencing over a knife offence.
Jali elders off to UN Forum in New York
Ballina-based elders will raise concerns on the global stage, warning proposed laws could weaken Aboriginal land rights and impact displaced communities.
That sagging feeling: Awning gives way at Ballina Homemaker Centre
An awning outside Harvey Norman at Ballina Homemaker Centre on Boeing Avenue has sagged in calm conditions, prompting safety checks and engineering inspections.
Ballina Brothers in Court: One Jailed as Two Face Charges
A Ballina man has been sentenced over stealing and a police pursuit, while his younger twin brothers remain before the courts over separate alleged offences.
Chaos in Byron as bike shop blaze shuts down CBD
Thick smoke and traffic diversions have brought Byron Bay to a standstill, with firefighters warning the operation could continue into the night.
Anger as Ferngrove Park Targeted for Archery Move
Another row over sporting space is brewing in Ballina, with Ferngrove residents questioning a proposed archery move.
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.
Greens push to lock in cheap housing at Lennox Head rejected
Council votes down push to guarantee affordable housing at Lennox Head, with councillors warning coastal land values made low-cost homes unrealistic.
Croquet Club Blames ‘Big Money’ as Council Turns Its Back
President says the 90 year-old club has been left with “nothing” as the Greens back a push to find players a new home away from Cherry Street Sports Club.
Ballina solicitor accused of sexual relationships with jail inmates granted bail
A Ballina solicitor accused of inappropriate relationships with inmates and accessing confidential files has been granted bail after five months in custody, as suppression orders are lifted.
Mayor Unloads on Greens’ Croquet Push — Then Kills It
Extraordinary meeting fails as Mayor uses her casting vote to stop Green's push to overturn Cherry Street Sport's management decision.
New trains, old problems: North Coast left riding retro XPT fleet
North Coast passengers face years waiting for NSW’s $3bn train fleet, instead riding refurbished 1980s carriages — as delays and rising fuel costs drive demand.
Ballina Beach Flasher – women in fear after string of incidents
Police are yet to locate a man repeatedly reported for exposing himself, despite multiple incidents at East Ballina beaches over the past six months.
Croquet Greens Get Ugly Ahead of Extraordinary Council Meeting
Alleged abuse and looming bans have escalated Ballina’s croquet dispute ahead of an extraordinary council meeting.
Ballina Shire out to bring tourism crown back to the North Coast
After a third-place finish last year, locals are being urged to vote and help lift the region above South Coast rivals in the race for statewide tourism honours.
Baby turtles smashed just days before hatching
Volunteers who spent months protecting a nest have been left devastated after it was destroyed just ahead of their expected hatching.
‘Mini’ Ballina council votes ‘no’ to 300-home estate
A reduced council has taken a firm stance against a 300-home CURA C estate, citing infrastructure risks and potential costs to ratepayers.
‘Gobsmacked’: Ballina veteran warns Roberts-Smith case risks serious damage to ADF
Prominent Ballina veteran Dick Wills says the Ben Roberts-Smith case could harm ADF morale and recruitment, warning the impact is already being felt within the ex-services community.
ON THE RUN: How Ballina CCTV helped track alleged ‘wanted man’
A 33-year-old accused is before the courts after police linked a stolen vehicle and stolen number plates to incidents across Evans Head, Lawrence, Ballina and Mullumbimby.
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.
Council report backs Greens’ push to block Tintenbar Housing Estate
Council staff have recommended blocking the CURA C housing estate near Tintenbar, despite it being earmarked for growth for decades.
COMMENT: Ballina Shire shows exactly why the state is sidelining local councils on housing decisions
The Greens-led push to block the construction of 300 new homes near Tintenbar shows Premier Chris Minns is on the right track in taking planning decisions away from local councils.
From Lennox to disaster zone: Matilda crosses the country to answer cyclone crisis
Australia’s only mobile wildlife hospital has crossed the continent to help sick and injured wildlife in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
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.
