NAPLAN success: How one local school is changing the way children learn
What looks like a return to traditional teaching has delivered record NAPLAN results at St Joseph's Alstonville. Now other schools are visiting to learn the secrets behind its success.
Skip bin operator ordered to clean up illegal waste dump
More than 320 tonnes of waste, including asbestos and lead-contaminated material, must be removed from a rural property near Grafton following EPA action.
Ballina volunteers part of record winter rescue effort
Marine Rescue Ballina volunteers helped the Northern Rivers record its busiest July ever, with 35 rescue missions and 82 people returned safely to shore.
Police appeal to help find missing woman with medical condition
Police are searching for the 42-year-old, who was last seen in Lismore and is known to frequent Ballina, Lismore and Nimbin. She has a medical condition and requires medication.
Woman located alive after extensive overnight search
A 30-year-old woman has been found alive after apparently spending the night in the water following an extensive search off Dreamtime Beach at Fingal Head.
Passenger runs from stolen vehicle before firearm seized
A firearm, ammunition and drug pipe were allegedly seized after Highway Patrol officers stopped a stolen Queensland vehicle in Ballina's CBD.
Mayor refuses to give up on 350-home Ballina Marina vision
Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader is continuing to push the State Government to unlock the West Ballina marina site for up to 350 homes and waterfront renewal.
60 years on: Ballina remembers the courage and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans
Around 120 people gathered at Ballina’s cenotaph to honour Vietnam veterans and their families on the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.
Man arrested over Ballina warrant for alleged child sexual offences
A 57-year-old man arrested in Griffith has been remanded in custody over a Ballina warrant relating to alleged sexual offences involving children.
15,000 reasons Love Lennox will be back in 2027
Love Lennox will return in 2027 after a record 15,000 visitors, with an impact report revealing the scale and community value of this year's festival.
Almost two weeks missing: Family desperate for answers about Stephanie
Stephanie Cordery’s mother has issued a heartfelt plea for help as the police search winds down, urging residents around Mt Nardi and Nimbin to check properties.
Inside the crisis threatening the NSW Nationals
A long-time Nationals insider has sounded the alarm over declining membership, disappearing farmers, the One Nation threat and the party's future in regional NSW.
Ballina trainer flexes his muscle with triple bodybuilding win at 50
Ballina personal trainer Michael Bosman has won three Classic Physique bodybuilding titles at age 50, just two years after taking up the sport competitively.
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.
New restrictions, captains quit: fresh crisis for Ballina jet boat
Two veteran operators have quit, new restrictions have been imposed and fresh questions are being asked about the future of Ballina's iconic jet boat.
Guilty plea ends toilet video case, but Jones’ criminal past runs much deeper
Shane Roy Jones has pleaded guilty to filming 11 women inside public toilets at Tamar Village, with court documents revealing a serious criminal history.
Watchdog clears police of misconduct over Ballina death response
A police watchdog has cleared Ballina officers of serious misconduct over their response to a 000 call before Lindy Lucena's death, but found systemic failures and an inadequate search.
From Alstonville agent to stranded yacht owner: The trials and misfortunes of James Latta
The stranded yacht was only the latest chapter. Ballina News Daily examines the twists, controversies and misfortunes that have shaped the public life of James Latta.
Man accused over toilet secret video bashed by masked men
A convicted child sex offender accused of filming women in Ballina public toilets has been taken to hospital after an alleged attack by masked men at a Ballina motel.
Honouring the lives and legacies of loved ones from Ballina and the Northern Rivers.
Ballina farewells Marine Rescue volunteer who died trying to save a stranger
Marine Rescue volunteer Bill Ewen was remembered as a devoted family man, friend and community servant during an emotional farewell attended by hundreds in Ballina.
COMMENT: Alleged vigilante attack exposes growing anger at justice system
When people begin calling alleged vigilantes "heroes", it says less about the attackers and more about the level of frustration many feel towards the justice system.
COMMENT: Ballina can’t afford another “invisible” MP
Tamara Smith’s departure has exposed growing frustration over visibility and local representation — and raised serious questions about who should lead Ballina next.
How close I came to giving thousands to a fake bank scammer
A convincing fake ANZ security caller nearly tricked Ballina News Daily editor Rod Bruem into transferring thousands of dollars before one small detail exposed the scam.
Tamara Smith’s statement in full
Tamara Smith has confirmed she will not contest the 2027 NSW election, ending a 12-year run as Ballina’s Greens MP.
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.
Alstonville’s famed quilt exhibition celebrates 20 years of airing
Alstonville’s historic 116-year-old Crawford House is hosting its traditional Airing of the Quilts exhibition this weekend, featuring exceptional stitch work from 27 regional quilting groups spanning from Tweed to Yamba.
Ballina community gives over $58,000 to Marine Rescue families
The cheque presentation comes as the community prepares to gather this Sunday in remembrance of those lost in the Ballina Bar tragedy.
‘The best Rotary club in the world’: Ballina on Richmond marks major milestone
Ballina on Richmond Rotary has celebrated 40 years of service, with emotional tributes to charter member Col Lee, who returned after a life-saving kidney transplant donated by wife Julie.
Ballina athletes dominate North Coast Academy of Sport Awards
Fresh from becoming Australia's youngest Commonwealth Games medallist, Ayla Kowalczyk led a stellar night for Ballina Shire as seven locals were honoured at the North Coast Academy of Sport Awards.
Bronze at 15: Wollongbar’s Ayla Kowalczyk soars to Commonwealth Games podium
Wollongbar teenager Ayla Kowalczyk has won a Commonwealth Games bronze medal on debut, producing a personal best jump of 4.71 metres for Australia.
