Bondi tragedy ignites political clash over gun law reform
The national debate after Bondi is playing out locally as Nationals and Greens MPs take starkly different positions on the sudden call for tighter gun controls.
‘This is an Australian problem’: local Jewish voices respond to Bondi tragedy
Ballina’s Shai Chason and Vikki Bembridge say the Bondi attack has devastated their community, and call for stronger national action to stop rising hate.
‘Hatred must stop’: Ballina Mayor urges national leadership after Bondi attack
Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader has called for national leadership, saying the Prime Minister should have acted sooner to confront rising hatred, following the deadly Bondi shooting.
Two New Officers Join Ballina as Former Cops Warn of Critical Policing Gaps
New Probationary Constables arrive this week, while former police officers say more needs to be done to address policing shortfall
Man’s Best Friend Lost — And Found After Two Years
A Ballina man has been reunited with his long-lost Labrador, Arty, who vanished two years ago but has now been found safe and well.
Introducing the 2026 Ballina Shire Australia Day Award nominees
Ballina Shire Council has announced the finalists for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising volunteers, leaders and community champions.
Another nail in the coffin for Ballina’s prawning industry
Ballina fishermen say an extension of white spot restrictions is the worst news - wiping out chances of reviving the river prawn industry.
Ballina Tobacconist Shut Down For Illegal Sales
The Tamar Street store has been closed for 90 days after NSW Health alleged ongoing illegal tobacco and vape sales.
Council Unites Behind Rate Rise Despite Public Opposition
All councillors spoke, but none were willing to oppose the rate rise, saying the Shire had no choice if it wanted to keep services running into the future.
‘A community without a heart’ – Cumbalum residents call for long-delayed shopping centre
Cumbalum residents say 20 years of waiting for the North Ballina shopping centre has left the suburb without a true meeting place, as delays and contribution disputes continue.
UPDATED – Ochre Wood Arrested in West Ballina
Ochre Wood, the man widely spoken about as “Ballina’s most wanted,” is in custody after being arrested in West Ballina yesterday afternoon.
New social housing for Alstonville part of state construction boost
Sixteen new social homes have been completed in Alstonville, with more coming next year as the 2022 flood rebuild gathers pace
Is Ross Lane open? Council signs off on plan to cut flood closures
Ross Lane could soon stay open far more often, after councillors backed a long-awaited plan to raise the road and build a new bridge at Deadmans Creek.
Better off going to Byron? Ballina scores lowest ED result of the region’s smaller hospitals
New data shows Ballina trailing well behind neighbouring Byron Central Hospital, renewing long-running community pressure for a full hospital upgrade.
Brave truckie brings dangerous police chase to an end on the Bruxner Highway
Residents describe terrifying near-misses as a damaged vehicle sped through Alstonville and Wollongbar before being stopped by a quick-thinking truck driver.
NSW boosts beach safety with expanded shark drone patrols
New statewide shark monitoring measures coincide with an alert at Seven Mile Beach at Lennox Head.
New million-dollar pump track declared ‘officially unofficially’ open
Locals jump the gun at Kingsford Smith Reserve as Ballina’s new competition-grade pump track nears its formal opening.
BREAKING: Police name man wanted over East Ballina chemist ram raid
Popular East Ballina pharmacy back in business after robbery causes major damage and a day of lost trade
Council keeps the door open to talks on land deal for Ballina Central Shopping Centre expansion
A proposal linked to a future expansion of Ballina Central Shopping Centre has been kept alive by Ballina Shire Council, despite some objections.
Help finally coming for older locals stuck waiting for care
Australia’s largest home-care provider opens a new Ballina hub as 2,000 locals wait for support
Mayor gets tick of approval from Minister ahead of crucial rate rise meeting
Minister Ron Hoenig praises Ballina Shire’s leadership as councillors prepare for a final decision on a proposed 26 percent rate rise.
House destroyed in Kerr Street fire, suspected lithium battery blaze
A Kerr Street home has been destroyed in a suspected lithium battery fire, with hazmat teams and traffic controllers called as the road remains closed.
UPDATE: Police arrest man after stabbing in Cumbalum
UPDATED - Officers injured, man critical, second arrested following stabbing at Cumbalum
Councillor warns of “misunderstandings” driving backlash to rate rise
Calls for clarity as Special Rate Variation debate intensifies ahead of December vote.
Landmark report reveals true cost of fires, floods and Cyclone Alfred
A landmark report reveals a $4 billion economic hit to the Northern Rivers and soaring insurance premiums after six years of fires, floods and Cyclone Alfred.
