Ballina Council's October meeting opened with Mayor Sharon Cadwallader acknowledging the attack on Dr Helen Haynes and calling for respectful public service. She said, 'Democracy depends on people being able to participate freely, respectfully, and without fear'.

As the weather warms up, so too are community volunteers. In mid August regional volunteers gathered at Clunes for the quarterly Interhall Committee meeting.

Volunteering fosters meaningful connections and Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre creates a shared space where people from all backgrounds and circumstances gather.

Volunteers and two vessels from Marine Rescue Point Danger safely assisted thirteen people to shore on Saturday afternoon after a commercial dive vessel experienced engine issues and was unable to safely cross the Tweed Bar.

Border Ranges - Richmond Valley Landcare Network has put out a call for volunteers to help beautify the Casino to Bentley Rail Trail this Saturday, by assisting with weeding around the plantings near Naughtons Gap.

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers say they carried out 37 search and rescue missions across the Northern Rivers last month.

Geoff Hutchinson has taken out Ballina Shire's Citizen of the Year Award for his exceptional service, leadership and dedication as a volunteer with Marine Rescue Ballina, saving lives on local waterways.

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers say the team at Point Danger has reached a new record, having carried out nearly 150 rescue missions in 2025.

While many people were enjoying time with family and friends over the Christmas and New Year period, care for the 20 koalas at the Northern Rivers Koala Hospital continued without pause, thanks to the commitment of Friends of the Koala’s volunteers and staff.

With more injured wildlife coming into care across our region than ever before, The Echo caught up with Kerry-anne Manning, who is a carer and training officer with Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers, to find out what we can all do to help.