Our Story
Our Story
The Next Century Ballina News Project
At Ballina News Daily, we’re not just reporting the news — we’re building something for the long haul.
Our Next Century News Project is to create a truly sustainable digital news service that will serve Ballina Shire for generations to come. Just like the printed newspapers that once anchored local life, we want this to be a trusted public institution — one that outlives all of us.
We’re structured as a profit-for-good social enterprise, reinvesting any surplus into local jobs for journalists, writers, and content creators.
Our focus is on stories that matter: civic issues, community wins, local heroes, and shared challenges.
Why We Started
My name’s Rod Bruem, and my passion for local news began early. I went straight into
journalism from school and later served as a Ballina Shire Councillor (2021–2024), where I saw firsthand the impact of weakened local media.
The closure of The Northern Star and Ballina Advocate newspapers in 2020 was more than the end of an era — it left a civic void. While other regional news brands have filled the gap in name, they’re no longer based here in our community.
That experience led me to start Ballina News Daily — a local, independent voice for this community. Along the way, I was fortunate to work with journalist Lara Leahy, whose creativity and editorial skill helped shape the publication.
Where We’re Headed
We’re proud members of LINA, Australia’s network of Local and Independent News publishers. As part of this growing movement, we’re committed to fair, accurate, and balanced journalism, grounded in community values.
We operate from Ballina Shire, for Ballina Shire — and we’re here to stay.
So whether you’re a reader, advertiser, contributor or supporter, thank you for being part of something bigger than all of us: a local media service with purpose, roots, and a future.
You can support us by sending in news tips, hello@ballinanewsdaily.com.au, subscribe to our free newsletter, share our stories, or simply spread the word.
Every little bit helps keep local news alive.
