Firefighters, NRL stars and other top athletes are urging households across the state to make sure they have working smoke alarms fitted in their homes, as Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) launches its annual Winter Fire Safety Campaign.

A national campaign to raise falls awareness is being supported by local Rotary Clubs of Lismore West, Ballina on Richmond, and the Satellite Club of Ballina Lifestyle.

A rise in the severity of house fires due to an increase in popularity of rechargeable lithium-ion battery products in homes has prompted a warning for Aussies to learn more about the safety risks this Christmas.

A new version of a large development application affecting Camden and Norton Streets in Ballina has been submitted to Ballina Shire Council, but neighbouring residents say their major concerns have not been addressed.

Workers installing solar panels on rooftops can expect a visit from SafeWork NSW Inspectors, who are undertaking a six-month state-wide operation to ensure safety in this busy industry.

Communities across the Northern NSW region are being urged to be aware of the risk of lead poisoning as they repair and rebuild after this year’s floods.

A large group of West Ballina residents are alarmed about a DA which has been submitted to Ballina Shire Council by the Emmanuel Anglican College in Horizon Drive. The proposal, for a STEM and Digital Technology Centre, is planned for a well-known flood-prone area which previously acted as part of a large retention pond.

Insurance experts and climate scientists are predicting a rationalisation of the primary insurance market, with some companies going out of business and others withdrawing from areas they no longer believe to be profitable.