Greens councillors lost two key housing votes, with a casting vote saving growth areas and a Wollongbar land giveaway social housing proposal rejected.

Community groups and councils have until May 8 to apply for a share of $450,000 in funding for local infrastructure, equipment and vehicle projects.

A statewide police operation is underway, with double demerits in force and officers targeting risky driving behaviours during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

A government-backed program helping staff relocate to the Northern Rivers is being expanded, with Ballina among the areas already seeing new arrivals.

A call for a single authority to manage the Richmond River, as new research highlights upstream sediment as a major driver of its declining health.

Ballina volunteers say ANZAC sales are booming, with some shoppers boycotting Nine and buying up in support of veterans ahead of Saturday.

A Byron Bay bike shop owner says looters struck after a devastating fire destroyed more than 100 e-bikes, warning faulty batteries from cheap imports pose serious risks.

A former Ballina man tied to the Polly the Pig animal cruelty case and a fatal Ballina assault could be back in the community within weeks.

Police allege Christopher Allan Hollis sailed from the Tweed River, switched off a catamaran’s transponder and collected cocaine at sea before the vessel was intercepted on its return.

A major retail move by 175-year-old family business signals Ballina’s rise as the region's top shopping hub.

Clear out your wardrobe without leaving your car, while helping local causes and keeping textiles out of landfill.

A Coraki man charged over 15 alleged fuel drive-offs has been granted bail, as community backlash grows and a statewide fuel crackdown intensifies.

A 52-year-old man has been charged after allegedly threatening a family member at a home. Strict bail conditions imposed ahead of a Ballina Local Court appearance

North Coast national parks recorded 6.8 million visits last year, as record tourism and $49 million in upgrades boost the region’s appeal.

Northern Rivers viewers who watched his shock TV exit now see the familiar weather face sweep into City Hall

Paradise FM is still on air in Ballina, but major equipment failures have knocked out live broadcasting and triggered a rescue effort from someone who know a lot about rescues.

A man will face court after what police say was a series of drive-offs hitting service stations across Ballina and Lismore.

COMMENT: Eight Jali leaders head to New York for a two-week United Nations forum — but how will that sit with locals still sleeping rough?

Clay Widdows has had his time behind bars extended by weeks, not months, after sentencing over a knife offence.

Ballina locals gathered to honour David Brown, remembered for his quiet kindness, love of music and deep connection to community and nature.

Ballina-based elders will raise concerns on the global stage, warning proposed laws could weaken Aboriginal land rights and impact displaced communities.

Ballina’s top businesses, leaders and workers are being recognised again, with nominations open ahead of this year’s awards and gala night.

An awning outside Harvey Norman at Ballina Homemaker Centre on Boeing Avenue has sagged in calm conditions, prompting safety checks and engineering inspections.

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.