All councillors spoke, but none were willing to oppose the rate rise, saying the Shire had no choice if it wanted to keep services running into the future.

Cumbalum residents say 20 years of waiting for the North Ballina shopping centre has left the suburb without a true meeting place, as delays and contribution disputes continue.

Ochre Wood, the man widely spoken about as “Ballina’s most wanted,” is in custody after being arrested in West Ballina yesterday afternoon.

Sixteen new social homes have been completed in Alstonville, with more coming next year as the 2022 flood rebuild gathers pace

Ross Lane could soon stay open far more often, after councillors backed a long-awaited plan to raise the road and build a new bridge at Deadmans Creek.

New data shows Ballina trailing well behind neighbouring Byron Central Hospital, renewing long-running community pressure for a full hospital upgrade.

Residents describe terrifying near-misses as a damaged vehicle sped through Alstonville and Wollongbar before being stopped by a quick-thinking truck driver.

Volunteer wrappers from SCOPE and Lions are back, turning chaotic gift piles into neat parcels while raising funds for local charities.

The French restaurateur with a lifelong love of martial arts helped bring a major fight night to Ballina — and the crowd loved every minute.

New statewide shark monitoring measures coincide with an alert at Seven Mile Beach at Lennox Head.

Locals jump the gun at Kingsford Smith Reserve as Ballina’s new competition-grade pump track nears its formal opening.

Popular East Ballina pharmacy back in business after robbery causes major damage and a day of lost trade

A proposal linked to a future expansion of Ballina Central Shopping Centre has been kept alive by Ballina Shire Council, despite some objections.

Australia’s largest home-care provider opens a new Ballina hub as 2,000 locals wait for support

Minister Ron Hoenig praises Ballina Shire’s leadership as councillors prepare for a final decision on a proposed 26 percent rate rise.

A Kerr Street home has been destroyed in a suspected lithium battery fire, with hazmat teams and traffic controllers called as the road remains closed.

UPDATED - Officers injured, man critical, second arrested following stabbing at Cumbalum

Calls for clarity as Special Rate Variation debate intensifies ahead of December vote.

Marine Rescue Ballina has honoured three long-serving volunteers with Life Membership, recognising more than seven decades of service protecting local boaters.

A landmark report reveals a $4 billion economic hit to the Northern Rivers and soaring insurance premiums after six years of fires, floods and Cyclone Alfred.

Ballina Shire and NSW Parliament have honoured former Deputy Mayor Eoin Johnston, remembering his remarkable life of service, sport and community leadership.

In a tough year from small business, Plateau Tyres has become one of the quiet success stories of the region.

Flight chaos has hit Ballina Byron Gateway Airport on the first weekend of Schoolies Week after Jetstar cancelled all of its services

The search for Ballina’s most wanted has escalated, with TRG officers deployed across South Ballina and Wardell as concerns grow over the fugitive’s safety and community risk.