Ballina News Daily

23/10/2025

Congratulations Jim and Dick and thanks for all the entertainment.

At our AGM last night we celebrated Jim and Dick's many years of service with the band.
Can you believe Jim has been part of the band for 43 years, and Dick almost 30?
Wow what a contribution they have made to the band over the years, we appreciate everything they have done. Thank you Jim and Dick!

16/10/2025

Ballina RSL Club proudly hosted its annual Community Recognition Evening this week, bringing together representatives from 39 local organisations, alongside the full RSL Board, to celebrate the remarkable community impact achieved through the ClubGRANTS program, sponsorships, and donations, totalling a record $420,000.
76 community leaders turned out, sharing moving stories on how their grants have helped connect people and improve lives.
Ballina RSL CEO Guy Diven opened the night by reflecting on the Club’s deep community roots, acknowledging former CEO Bill Coulter’s 36 years of service, and announcing the Club’s total community contribution of $398,129 in ClubGRANTS, plus $23,225 in donations and sponsorships.
Mayor Sharon Cadwallader opened the event, recognising the vital role community organisations play in building a stronger and more connected Ballina Shire.
Chair Darren Murnane praised the commitment of local volunteers and community champions in attendance, while also acknowledging the leadership of the RSL’s ClubGRANTS Sub-Committee, chaired by Director Kirk Trease and supported by Lisa Smith and Kelly Brown.
Each of the Club’s Directors took part in presenting certificates to this year’s grant recipients, concluding with a shared message to the community:
“If you know a group that needs support, tell them about us. We want to raise the bar even higher next year.”
The 2025–2026 ClubGRANTS round is open until 31 May 2026.
Community organisations can find more information and apply via the Ballina RSL website.

09/10/2025

Congratulations Geoff Hutchinson and thanks for your contribution to our community

Marine Rescue Ballina's rescue vessel master Geoff Hutchinson was nominated for NSW Volunteer of the year, Northern Rivers Emergency Volunteer.
"It was humbling to be nominated, thanks Sharon, but did not get the big prize but to be there is reward enough." Geoff said.

02/10/2025

A Miracle Nobody Was Seriously Hurt- Here’s the official police report on yesterday’s Bank Crash:

About 10.30am (Thursday 2 October 2025), emergency services were called to River Street, Ballina, following reports of a crash.



At the scene, police located a hatchback that had crashed into the facade of a bank.



The driver, an 84-year-old woman, and her passenger, a 46-year-old woman, were assessed at the scene and did not require medical treatment.



The driver underwent a roadside breath test which returned a negative result.



Engineers attended the scene and have since deemed the building safe.



The vehicle has been towed from the building.



Inquiries are ongoing.

Photos- Facebook

02/10/2025

🚨 Have Your Say on Ballina’s Proposed Rate Rise 🚨

Ballina Shire Council is asking residents and businesses to share their views on the proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV) that would see general rates rise by 6% each year from 2026 to 2030.

Council says the increase is needed to keep roads, parks, footpaths, stormwater systems, community buildings and other essential services properly maintained as costs continue to rise.

💬 How to Have Your Say
👉 Visit yoursayballina.com.au
to complete the survey, use the rates calculator, and access info packs.
👉 Drop into a 'listening post' at the Council offices, 40 Cherry Street:

Wed 8 Oct (10–11.30am)

Thu 30 Oct (2–3.30pm)

Tue 4 Nov (12–1.30pm)

🗓️ Consultation is open until Friday 14 November 2025.

This is your chance to help shape how Council funds the services and infrastructure that keep Ballina Shire a great place to live, work and visit.

02/10/2025

Fatal Crash Closes M1 at Bangalow as Holiday Traffic Brought to a Standstill

A man has died in a serious two-vehicle crash that brought school holiday traffic to a halt on the M1 at Bangalow this afternoon.

Emergency services were called just after 2.30pm to the southbound lanes, where an SUV and a four-wheel-drive collided.

Police confirmed the driver of one vehicle died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified.

The driver of the other vehicle, a 44-year-old man, was taken to Lismore Base Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

A crime scene has been established, with the Crash Investigation Unit now leading inquiries. Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District are appealing for witnesses or dashcam footage to help piece together what happened.

The crash forced the closure of southbound lanes and traffic is expected to remain heavy for several hours, with police urging drivers to slow down, prepare to merge and follow traffic control directions.

For live traffic updates visit Live Traffic NSW:(https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/251367).

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000*

30/09/2025

Congratulations - always loving your work. An awesome prize!

🫶 Omg—I won! 🎉 I’m so proud to have received the “Human Connection Award – People and Planet” at this year’s Ocean Photographer of the Year in London.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who continues to support my photography year after year—it truly means the world.
This image is especially meaningful. It tells the story of a stranded humpback whale that, despite not surviving, was given its very best chance thanks to the extraordinary dedication of volunteers, local wildlife veterinarians from the Ballina / Byron shires, marine animal professionals from the Gold Coast, and our tireless local rangers. Your efforts were nothing short of inspiring.

28/09/2025

Catamaran Found Outside Search Zone, Two Men Rescued Safe and Well

Latest here:
https://ballinanewsdaily.com.au/2025/09/28/search-underway-off-ballina-coast-for-missing-catamaran/

28/09/2025

Adventurers Steve Posselt and Graeme Gibson received a warm farewell today as they set off on their quest to head up the Richmond, in a bid to draw public awareness over the plight of our waterway.
Waving them off at the Riverfest festival at Fawcett Park, Mayor Sharon Cadwallader wished them well for a safe trip.
“May the current be kind and the locals be inspirational”
See our earlier story: https://ballinanewsdaily.com.au/2025/09/25/two-men-and-a-tinnie-lead-the-charge-to-fix-the-richmond

28/09/2025

🚨 Search Underway off Ballina Coast 🚨

A major search is underway for a missing catamaran, the Mangrove Jack, believed to be carrying two men.

The vessel left Yamba Harbour yesterday morning bound for Southport but never arrived. Emergency services were alerted last night and the search has since moved into waters off Ballina.

A large-scale search is underway off the Ballina coast for an 8.4-metre white catamaran, the Mangrove Jack, believed to be carrying two men. The vessel left ...