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.

Court documents revealed the Ballina man was suffering from an acquired brain injury and mental health issues when he was sentenced over a police pursuit, drug driving and repeated licence breaches.

Northern Rivers leaders have slammed the Albanese Government after funding for the Rail Trail’s missing link was rejected, sparking accusations Labor has abandoned the region.

Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin says the state’s damning flood recovery audit is “not a bombshell”, arguing governments have learned major lessons from the troubled rollout.

Dirty river water, poor weather and fuel prices are making life difficult for Ballina’s mullet fishermen during the annual Richmond River catch.

A Ballina woman remains bedridden with multiple fractures after a dark-coloured ute allegedly struck her and drove away without stopping.

A damning Auditor-General’s report has blasted the NSW Government’s flood recovery response, revealing one flagship housing scheme has failed to deliver a single lot four years after the floods.

Ballina Island residents say higher-density development is eroding privacy, blocking views and leaving homeowners feeling powerless against rapid urban infill.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a Woolworths staff member was seriously injured in a bottle attack in Goonellabah.

MP Jeremy Buckingham says families deserve answers as parliamentary inquiry examines homicide cold cases, including missing persons and car wrecks found in the Richmond River.

Heavy rain and high tides have closed roads, isolated communities and forced three flood rescues across the Northern Rivers.

The Alstonville Community Market has been suspended after falling stallholder numbers and weaker public support hit the once-booming monthly event.

Marine Rescue Ballina says the community will have an opportunity to honour Bill Ewen and Frank Petsch at a public memorial expected in late June.

Ballina businesses have been given an extra week to enter the 2026 Ballina Shire Business Excellence Awards, with past winner Sistability urging operators not to miss out.

Mullumbimby SES volunteer Scarlett Rushton is being recognised during National Volunteer Week for her dedication to helping the community.

Moving tributes to Ballina Marine Rescue volunteers Bill Ewen and Frank Petsch have been delivered in both the Federal and NSW parliaments.

Thousands are expected to head to Kingscliff next month as the world’s largest women’s surfing festival returns to the North Coast with fresh NSW Government backing.

A man in his 20s was airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital after a serious fall on a rural property at Keith Hall this afternoon.

A special convoy of classic cars brought moments of joy and reflection to Ballina as the community honoured its fallen Marine Rescue volunteers.

Hundreds of climbers have arrived for the National Junior Championships - an event that organisers says could us on the map ahead of Brisbane 2032.

Flood buyback land across the Northern Rivers could soon be transformed into parks, community facilities and even some commercial uses under a major change announced by the NSW Government.

A heritage cottage has been destroyed in a fierce Byron Bay fire overnight, the second dramatic CBD blaze in less than a month.

Ballina RSL has launched cheaper meals, drinks and family deals as venues respond to tighter household budgets and cautious consumer spending.

Ballina basketballer Kellie Coates will represent Australia in Greece this year, earning her first green and gold selection just months before turning 50.