Elloise Farrow-Smith

Mar 12, 2025 | abc.net.au | Elloise Farrow-Smith |Bridie Tanner

Charmaine Hatch never imagined getting hitched would involve so many hitches. But that was what happened when Tropical Cyclone Alfred became an unwanted guest at her wedding on the NSW north coast. The Narrabri woman had meticulously planned her Yamba wedding, arriving a week before their big day, only to see their plans crumble. One by one, accommodation providers began to cancel her wedding guests' reservations. Ms Hatch began to panic.

Mar 9, 2025 | rnz.co.nz | Elloise Farrow-Smith

By Elloise Farrow-Smith, ABCEx-Cyclone Alfred is stirring up the past with stormy seas at Ballina uncovering a ship from the 1890s. It's believed the ship, uncovered at a popular swimming beach, is the remnants of a paddle steamer The Comet. Curator and manager of the Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum, Ron Creber, said the area around Ballina and Byron Bay were shipwreck graveyards, and The Comet could be the first of many to be uncovered by the wild seas whipped up by Cyclone Alfred.

Feb 25, 2025 | abc.net.au | Elloise Farrow-Smith

Police will allege a man who crashed a car onto the roof of a house on the NSW Mid-North Coast refused to take a breath test. Officers were called to Hindman Street in Port Macquarie at about 9:30pm last night, where they allegedly found a 38-year-old man still trapped in the vehicle. Police said the car crashed through a safety barrier and boundary fence before flying through the air and smashing onto the house. A 62-year-old man who was inside the home was not injured.

Feb 8, 2025 | abc.net.au | Elloise Farrow-Smith |Julie Ray

Byron Bay businesses are frustrated that some companies are using the town's name despite no local connection. The Byron Bay name has even been used by offshore 'ghost' stores, which only exist online. The Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce wants to protect the use of the Byron Bay brand, but a trademark lawyer says that can be difficult.

Jan 10, 2025 | abc.net.au | Emma Rennie |Elloise Farrow-Smith

After hearing about a spate of break and enters and stolen cars, the Ballina Shire mayor is calling for firm and proactive steps to tackle youth crime. Sharon Cadwallader made a stand outside Lismore courthouse on Friday, saying the community was fed up. "These juveniles committing these horrendous crimes right across Ballina shire, the region, the country in fact … we're saying enough is enough," she said.