Regional councils used a major Ballina conference to secure a $5 billion commitment to secure future NSW water supplies — in what's been a big week for water promises from both the Government and Opposition.

An experienced former police rescue operator is rallying volunteers for a major weekend ground search around Mt Nardi as the effort to find Stephanie Cordery continues.

Another knife-related incident has unfolded in Ballina, with a man arrested at the busy airport after police allegedly seized a knife and saw.

Police responding to a welfare concern made the grim discovery in a creek before arresting a woman at the Teven property.

Ballina RSL has emerged as a potential home for the town's proposed 1200-seat convention centre, with the Mayor saying it could transform a rundown River Street block.

Putting a proposed regional convention centre at the RSL could be transformative for Ballina — combining a stunning riverside location with proven commercial expertise.

For Ballina News Daily’s Rod Bruem, the new push to restore the Richmond River has personal meaning — and brings back memories of a campaign beginning a decade ago.

The search is on for the Richmond River’s first catchment coordinator, with the NSW Government promising a budget, staff coordination and cross-government clout.

Six months out from the NSW election, the Minns Government is acting on its promise to help “fix” the Richmond River, appointing a dedicated coordinator and funding work at Tuckean Swamp.

An Alstonville Rotarian is responding to Nepal’s devastating flood tsunami by helping get emergency shelter and supplies into remote mountain communities.

MP Janelle Saffin says she was “mortified” by the expenses controversy as she officiated at an event in Ballina marking the start of the $85 million Twin Bridges project.

Another 50 flood buyback homes will be made available for housing and community use across the Northern Rivers, with relocation funding also on offer.

Four residents escaped a fierce South Murwillumbah fire after a smoke alarm sounded, with about 60 e-bikes and batteries stored in the garage.

Another knife-related incident has unfolded in Ballina, with a man arrested at the busy airport after police allegedly seized a knife and saw.

Harvey Norman and Harris Scarfe are now trading — and three more big-name retailers are preparing to join Ballina’s rapidly expanding Homemakers Centre.

A homeless man escaped unharmed after his Canal Road camp was destroyed by fire, days after Ballina Council debated its response to rough sleeping.

Ballina needs properly managed places for people sleeping rough — funded by the NSW Government, not ratepayers or residents living beside public parks.

A devastating accident took away the future Anders Halvorsen expected. Faith, determination and love helped him build an extraordinary one instead.

Janelle Saffin has ordered a rapid review after a $4400 Sydney hotel stay during the Mardi Gras period was charged to the wrong taxpayer-funded account.

Work has begun on Ballina’s long-awaited CCTV network, just days after two knife-related incidents raised fresh concerns about serious crime in the town.

The family of missing Ballina woman Stephanie Cordery has questioned search resources after learning as few as six people were sometimes looking for her.

Ross Lane will close for about nine weeks after Ballina Shire Council backed a cheaper flood resilience upgrade expected to save up to $800,000.

Thick smoke swept across eastern Ballina as four fire crews battled an intense blaze at a Tamar Street unit complex this morning.

Northern Rivers beekeepers' battle with varroa mite has reached Federal Parliament, with Page MP Kevin Hogan warning declining commercial hive numbers could threaten Australia's food supply.