EMBRACE REUSABLES WITH A 50% DISCOUNT
Parents with young children will be excited to hear about Council’s new reusable products rebate, designed to support sustainable living.
Ballina residents can now enjoy a 50% rebate on the purchase of reusable nappies, along with period products and continence aids.
Local mum Tshinta is a big advocate for reusable nappies, saying they’ve been a gentle and practical option for her family. “I have found using reusable nappies to be so much gentler on my little one’s bum, with very little nappy rash and more breathable over summer. They have worked great at home and we still use disposable nappies if we are out for the day and at bedtime, with mixed use suiting our family well.”
See page 13 for more details
New Teven Reserve Parkland coming soon
see page 7 for details
Celebrate the ordinary people in our community doing extraordinary things and nominate them for an Australia Day Award.
See back page for details.
Nominate today at ballina.nsw.gov.au/ 2025awards
Pictured: Ballina Shire Council staff members and parents Catherine, Stephen and Tshinta with Council’s Resource Recovery Officer, Justine Rowe.
from the mayor
Welcome back to the Spring edition of Community Connect Extra, a supplement to the Community Connect Magazine.
extra
Following the 14 September Local Government election, we welcome a new group of Ballina Shire Councillors. Congratulations to both new and returning members who will serve with me over the next term. Your A Ward councillors are Damian Loone, Erin Karsten, and Phil Meehan; B Ward councillors are Kiri Dicker, Michelle Bailey and Eva Ramsey; and in C Ward Simon Kinny, Simon Chate and Therese Crollick.
I’m honoured to return for my second term as Mayor, with a focus on delivering $87 million worth of capital works this financial year. Together, I am looking forward to working alongside my fellow councillors to create a bright future for Ballina Shire.
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Australia Day Awards, and I encourage everyone to nominate individuals or groups who make an impact in our community. These awards celebrate the people who make Ballina Shire a better place. You can nominate in several categories: Local Hero, Young Citizen, Senior Citizen, Volunteer of the Year, Sports Achievement, Arts and Culture, Environmental Achievement, or Community Event of the Year. Nominations close Monday 4 November.
As the warmer weather arrives, it’s great to see so many community events happening across our beautiful shire. Some highlights will be the Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond’s Annual Duck Race and Domestic Violence Walk and the Fair Go Skate competition. These events are often organised by hard-working volunteers, so let’s show our support by attending and helping our community thrive. I also encourage event organisers to take advantage of our festival and event funding program which is now welcoming applications. This program is part of Council’s commitment to support events that cultivate a vibrant and thriving event scene across Ballina Shire. Applications close 8 November 2024.
I also want to congratulate staff on the launch of the new Reusable Product Rebate Scheme. This generous initiative encourages the use of sustainable products by offering a 50% rebate on a range of items and reducing waste sent to landfill.
With spring in full bloom, our wildlife is thriving. However, it’s also mating season for koalas, so please drive carefully and watch for active males, especially at dawn and dusk.
Enjoy this edition of our newsletter and take care.
Cr Sharon Cadwallader Mayor
Ballina Shire Council acknowledges that we are here on the land of the Bundjalung people. The Bundjalung are the traditional owners of this land and are part of the oldest surviving continuous culture in the world.
YOUR NEW BALLINA SHIRE COUNCILLORS
The results of the Local Government Election held on Saturday 14 September 2024 are in! Congratulations to:
Cr Sharon Cadwallader phone 0428 339 023 sharon.cadwallader@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Cr Damian Loone phone 0438 463 710 damian.loone@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Cr Erin Karsten phone 0455 232 096 erin.karsten@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Cr Phillip Meehan phone 0408 349 833 phil.meehan@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Cr Kiri Dicker phone 0419 493 898 kiri.dicker@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Cr Michelle Bailey phone 0429 279 482 michelle.bailey@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Cr Eva Ramsey phone 0419 542 905 eva.ramsey@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Cr Simon Kinny phone 0427 410 192 simon.kinny@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Cr Simon Chate phone 0419 593 233 simon.chate@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Cr Therese Crollick phone 0437 947 859 therese.crollick@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Councillors are elected to Ballina Shire Council until September 2028.
The first meeting for the new Council will be held on Thursday 24 October 2024, and Councillors will vote to appoint a Deputy Mayor.
To contact all Councillors email councillors@ballina.nsw.gov.au
ballina.nsw.gov.au/eNews
Festival and events funding available now
Reinforcing a commitment to a vibrant event schedule in our region, Ballina Shire Council has opened the Festival and Event Sponsorship Program for the 2025/26 financial year.
Now in its 14th year, the program offers event organisers the opportunity to apply for sponsorship from a pool of approximately $120,000 of funding for their festival or event, to be held in the 2025/26 financial year.
Given the time and effort required to plan these events, it is important we confirm this funding for event organisers well ahead of the 2025/26 financial year, which is why we invite applications early in the process.
If you’re planning an event in Ballina Shire or know an organisation that could benefit from this funding to enhance their event or festival, please urge them to apply.
Over the years, the program has sponsored a range of successful events including:
Alstonville New Year’s Eve Family Festival
Love Lennox Festival
Fair Go (skate competition event)
Skullcandy Oz Grom Open (junior surfing competition event).
There are a number of eligibility criteria, such as: the applicant needs to hold adequate public liability insurance; the total cost of the festival/event must be more than $20,000; and the festival/event must be held in the Ballina Shire.
Applications will be considered at the December 2024 Council meeting, so that event organisers will know the outcome of their application by early January 2025.
Apply online by 8 November 2024 at ballina.nsw.gov.au/FestivalEvents
What’s On?
for more details of local events, visit discoverballina. com.au
FAIR GO SKATEBOARD COMPETITION
SAT 2 - SUN 3 NOVEMBER 2024
Ballina Skate Park
Fair Go Skate comp is now 24 years old! Come to the funnest skateboard comp out there dressed up as your favourite costume character. There will be prizes for the best dressed skater and best dressed spectator. It’s FREE ENTRY, there will be food vendors on site so come hang out. For more information visit instagram.com/ fairgoskatecomp
COMMUNITY DUCK RACE
SUNDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2024
11am-3pm Fawcett Park, Ballina Organised by the Rotary Club of Ballinaon-Richmond, you’ll have a quackin’ good time with live performances, delicious food, exciting games for kids, and the ever-popular Best Dressed Duck contest. For duck race tickets visit rotaryclubofballinaonrichmond.org.au
Image: Love Lennox, Alexander Sharkey-Value Imagery
ROAD PROJECTS
COMPLETED PROJECTS
KERR STREET, BALLINA
RUSSELL STREET, BALLINA
BURNET STREET, BALLINA
CURRENT PROJECTS
SKINNER STREET, BALLINA
CRONULLA STREET, EAST BALLINA
FUTURE PROJECTS
HICKEY STREET, BALLINA
LAKE AINSWORTH CARPARK, LENNOX HEAD
BYRON BAY ROAD ROUNDABOUT, LENNOX HEAD
THE COAST ROAD, LENNOX HEAD
BEACON ROAD, TEVEN
LIVE TRAFFIC NSW keeps you
informed
Live Traffic NSW provides real-time information about traffic conditions across all New South Wales roads.
For the latest traffic information download the Live Traffic NSW app or visit livetraffic.com.au
PROJECT UPDATES
DUPLICATION OF BALLINA BRIDGES
Ballina Shire Council is continuing planning works to duplicate Fishery Creek Bridge on River Street, and Canal Bridge on Tamarind Drive. The project also involves investigating raising portions of the roadway on sections of River Street, between Teven Interchange and Ballina Island, and Tamarind Drive, between Ballina Island and Cumbalum Interchange. These locations are currently under investigation.
Duplicating the existing bridges and raising some sections of road will improve evacuation options during flooding events and build a more resilient road network. Once constructed, the duplicated bridges will provide dual lanes in and out of Ballina Island, improve traffic flow and increase the roads’ capacity to comfortably cater for future traffic demands. The Evacuation Route Raising (including bridge duplications) project will be completed across three years and has been funded with $40 million from the Australian Government through the Emergency Response Fund administered by NSW Reconstruction Authority’s Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program
The project is now at the design stage and bridge construction is anticipated to start in 2025. We will continue to inform the community at each project phase.
For more information or to sign up for updates visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/BallinaBridgeDuplications
MAIN STREET AND THE AVENUE ALSTONVILLE INTERSECTION UPGRADE
Alstonville’s Main Street intersection upgrades are nearly complete! The project enhances safety for pedestrians and cyclists while improving access to the Alstonville CBD. Key improvements include a new pedestrian crossing, raised road surface, upgraded kerb and gutter, better drainage, an extended median strip for safer turns, and landscaping. An accessible parking space and a wider drop-off zone near the school are also included. Final touches like signage, seating, and a bicycle hoop will be added soon. The next phase, starting in late October, will upgrade the shared path between Main Street and Cawley Close.
Funded by the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active program.
NORTH CREEK AND REGATTA AVENUE ROCK REVETMENT RECTIFICATION
The rock wall has been stabilised and reinforced with additional rocks along the south bank of North Creek between Missingham Bridge and Meldrum Park. A new and wider shared path has also been constructed for our community to walk, run and cycle along while enjoying the beautiful water views. The footpath opened to the public in September. The project also included the rectification of a small section of rock revetment adjacent to Ballina Pool along the Richmond River. This work has also been completed and looks fantastic!
Funded by NSW Crown Lands and Ballina Shire Council.
TAMAR STREET BUS INTERCHANGE UPGRADE
The Tamar Street Bus Interchange upgrade in Ballina’s CBD is nearing completion. The aging bus shelter has been demolished and a new structure constructed. The upgrade includes two bays for buses to pick up and drop off, new separate taxi zone, improved stormwater drainage, and wider walkways for pedestrians.
Funded by the Australian Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Fund and Transport for NSW Country Passenger Transport Infrastructure Grant Scheme.
BYRON BAY ROAD LENNOX HEAD ROUNDABOUT
Council is preparing to construct a new permanent roundabout at the intersection of Byron Bay Road and Byron Street at Lennox Head. The roundabout will improve traffic flows and safety for all road users. This project has been delayed while we wait for further approvals from utility service providers, but works are expected to commence early 2025. The new concrete roundabout will replace the existing T-intersection and temporary arrangement. The project includes concrete kerb and medians, asphalt road surface, a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists, linemarking and signage.
Funded by the Australian Government.
LENNOX VILLAGE UPGRADE
Council is pleased to announce the final and last stage of the Lennox Village Upgrade works are complete. The final piece of the puzzle was the construction of a new public car park on the corner of Park Lane and Byron Street. The project involved converting the former Rural Fire Service site to a brand new car park which offers 18 car spaces. The space also features motorcycle parks, accessible carparks, landscaping and bicycle hoops.
ROSS LANE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
The final stage of safety upgrades to Ross Lane are now complete. Stage 1 (Byron Bay Road and eastern Ross Lane) was completed in late 2022, and Stages 2 and 3 between the Pacific Motorway and Newrybar Drain were recently completed. This upgrade included shoulder widening to improve roadside clear zones, adjustments to curve banking and non-skid surface treatments to reduce skidding and new signs and line markings.
Funded by Transport for NSW Safer Roads Program and Ballina Shire Council
ROSS LANE BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION AND ROAD RAISING
In 2023 Council was announced as the successful recipient of a grant under the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Program (RRTRP) for a project to raise a section of Ross Lane and improve flood resilience. This project is in the planning stages and is separate to the road safety upgrades mentioned above. Council hopes to start works in mid-2025. The RRTRP program strengthens the regional transport network’s capacity to withstand natural disasters. For project updates visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/MajorProjects
COMPLETED PROJECTS
RUBITON STREET, WOLLONGBAR
MAIN STREET AND BALLINA ROAD, ALSTONVILLE
CURRENT PROJECTS
MONTWOOD DRIVE, LENNOX HEAD
PARKLAND DRIVE, ALSTONVILLE
FUTURE PROJECTS
CAWLEY CLOSE, ALSTONVILLE
CURRENT ENGAGEMENT
NEWRYBAR STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN
UPCOMING ENGAGEMENT
BALLINA ISLAND & WEST BALLINA STORMWATER MASTER PLAN
ALSTONVILLE OVERLAND FLOOD STUDY
LENNOX HEAD OVERLAND FLOOD STUDY
WARDELL OVERLAND FLOOD STUDY
MOSQUITO MANAGEMENT PLAN
Have your say on these projects at yoursayballina.com.au
Ferry maintenance schedule
The Burns Point Ferry closes for scheduled maintenance each month.
This maintenance is important to ensure a reliable ferry service for visitors and locals. Scheduled monthly maintenance will occur from 9am – 1pm on:
TUESDAY 12 NOVEMBER
TUESDAY 10 DECEMBER
The Burns Point Ferry operates continuously from 5.30am to 12.30am daily.
The ferry will undergo annual maintenance in November 2024, closing for about two weeks.
For updates on the ferry status and road closure information visit livetraffic.com
For more information visit ballina. nsw.gov.au/burnspointferry
extra
Wardell Village green space
Stage one of the Wardell Village Revitalisation is now underway.
A key outcome of the Wardell Village Centre Revitalisation Master Planning process was to develop a ‘Community Green Space’ at the end of Richmond Street in Wardell.
The master plan was adopted in November 2023 after extensive community engagement including a community-led design charette.
The project will see the western end of Richmond Street transformed into a multipurpose, car-free space to sit in the village. Removable bollards will enable this space to be opened up to hold small community markets and other events that support social and economic recovery and activation.
The works will include:
Creation of a shared (pedestrian priority) zone and reduced traffic speed
Pedestrian crossing on Sinclair Street and raised concrete roundabout at the intersection of Sinclair and Richmond Streets
Formalised car parking on a grass surface at the eastern end
Asphalt road surface replaced with a new pavement surface
Protection of fig trees and native vegetation
Weed removal and new native vegetation plantings
Drainage improvements
Streetscape paving at the intersection of Sinclair Street and Richmond Street and installation of street furniture
Wayfinding lighting and interpretative signage
Public and community inspired art.
Jointly funded by Ballina Shire Council and NSW Government Local Government Recovery Program.
To view the adopted master plan visit yoursayballina.com.au/wardell-village-centre
ballina.nsw.gov.au/eNews
Teven Reserve Parkland restoration project
Creating a space for recreation and ecological restoration at Teven Reserve is progressing well and is due to open this summer.
This space will be the perfect location to spend days in nature, surrounded by restored Big Scrub lowland rainforest. The parkland will feature a viewing deck, water access structure for passive watercraft and fishing, a nature play area, picnic shelters, nature trails, and rehabilitation of the wetland area.
This project highlights the ecological restoration work that’s been completed in the area to restore the riparian zone along Maguires Creek. This has been a joint effort between Ballina Shire Council, Local Land Services and other private land owners.
The ecological restoration component of this project was jointly funded by Ballina Shire Council’s Healthy Waterways Program and the NSW Government’s Coastal and Estuary Grants Program. Other infrastructure in the reserves has been supported by the NSW Government’s Open Spaces Program: Places to Swim Grant program.
We will continue to update you on the progress of this exciting project and look forward to welcoming the community to this space.
For more information visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/teven-reserve
COMPLETED PROJECTS
FITZROY PARK, WARDELL
BASKETBALL COURT SWIFT STREET, BALLINA
BASKETBALL COURT, BALLINA HEIGHTS
CHICKIBA PARK, EAST BALLINA
MADDEN PARK, BALLINA HEIGHTS
CURRENT PROJECTS
JOHN KEARNEY PARK CATHERINE CRESCENT, BALLINA
OCEAN BREEZE RESERVE, LENNOX HEAD
Playgrounds in Ballina Shire are renewed in accordance with the Playground Upgrade and Management Plan. Council’s budget for playground upgrades over the next four years can be found in Council’s Delivery Program and Operational Plan.
To find a playground near you visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/playgrounds
End of Year Pop-Up Art Market apply now
When: Saturday 14 December 2024
Time: 10am - 3pm
Where: NRCG, 44 Cherry Street
Cost: Free to attend Stallholder fee $35
Artist applications close: Friday 1 November 2024
Apply online at nrcgballina.com.au or phone 02 6681 0530.
Image: Claudie Frock Heart Mountain, 2023
extra
current exhibitions
Exhibition Dates: 16 October - 8 December 2024
Embedded Thread Justin Telfer
Justin Telfer explores narratives embedded in textiles through experimentation with textures and materials, considering form and aesthetics, and then working and reworking until they resonate with the underlying framework of his ideas.
Image: Justin Telfer 229,961 Hours (Conrad’s unmade bed), 2024
Untold Emma T Woodburn
Combining drawing and sculpture, this sitespecific response to the internal heritagelisted gallery space of NRCG, draws our attention to invisible histories (internal and personal) in the context of contemporary Australian culture. Emma is the 2023 BSA Graduate Award recipient.
Image: Emma T Woodburn Hold That Thought, 2024
Exposed Sienna van Rossum
In our fast-paced, image-saturated world, Exposed considers how our vision is “exposed to the elements”. In observing the familiar surfaces of everyday spaces, meticulous realism merges with abstraction to heighten the eye’s intimate but uncertain navigations of the world.
Image: Sienna van Rossum Aporia, 2024
Visit nrcgballina.com.au and sign up to eNews or follow us on Facebook or Instagram @nrcgballina
Suburban Superheroes SPRUNG Dance Theatre
This portrait series featuring artists with disability, celebrates the power and strength of extraordinariness amongst an ordinary world. The artists are captured in their local community of suburban (ordinary) Ballina, in self-made original superhero (extraordinary) costumes.
Image: SPRUNG Suburban Superheroes - Gal, 2024
ballina.nsw.gov.au/eNews
What’s On at
a
community space near you?
There are regular classes, live music, exhibitions and workshops at venues near you.
For further information or to book a community space call 02 6681 0599 or visit communityspaces.com.au
BALLINA COAST
MIYAGI KAN KARATE
Lennox Head Community Hall and The Richmond Room Ballina Karate is a skill for life teaching students’ resilience and confidence, preparing them for the world we live in, while having fun and getting fit. Classes for all ages on Wednesdays and Fridays at Ballina and Mondays and Thursdays at Lennox Head. Find them on facebook
RECONNECTED WORKSHOP
Saturday 10 November 2024
10am - 2pm Ballina Surf Club
Transform, heal, and awaken in one powerful day of meditation, breathwork and sound healing. This is the perfect starting point to experience a brief escape to recharge or a spark to ignite deeper exploration.
Book now at communityspaces. com.au/tickets
SPEAK OUT!
SPEECH THERAPY GROUP
Ballina Indoor Sports Centre
Do you know somebody living with Parkinson’s Disease? Do they need help with their communication and swallowing? Headland Speech Pathology and Northern Rivers Speech Pathology are offering free weekly Parkinson’s voice therapy groups. For more information phone Michelle on 0466 423 579 or Bri on 02 5601 9212
BYRON BAY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
25 - 27 October 2024
Lennox Head Cultural Centre
Three exciting days of films with indepth Q&A sessions and panels with the filmmakers. Films include You Should Have Been Here Yesterday, Future Council, Washed Away, Art & Life - the Story of Jim Phillips and Blak Douglas vs The Commonwealth Book now at communityspaces. com.au/tickets
MOTHERING OUR BOYS WITH MAGGIE DENT
Saturday 23 November 2024 10am - 12noon
Lennox Head Cultural Centre
In this seminar, one of Australia’s favourite parenting authors Maggie Dent explores the power of parenting our precious boys in a warm, firm, fair and fun way from birth to adulthood. Book now at communityspaces. com.au/tickets
CoastSnap at Sharpes Beach
Council’s Healthy Waterways Program has collaborated with the University of NSW to deliver CoastSnap – a global citizen science project to capture our changing coastlines.
Using a free citizen science app and a specialised technique known as photogrammetry, CoastSnap turns photos into valuable coastal data, used by coastal scientists to understand and forecast how coastlines might change in the coming decades.
CoastSnap relies on the community taking photos at the exact location to track how the coast changes over time, due to processes such as storms, rising sea levels, human activities and other factors.
Ballina Shire’s first CoastSnap location is at Sharpes Beach headland, with a second to be installed at Lighthouse Beach lookout in the future.
For more information visit coastsnap.com
Council’s Environmental Health Officer, Kristy, monitoring a mosquito trap
New plan coming to tackle mozzies in Ballina Shire
Our region is blessed with stunning green spaces and picturesque waterways.
However, this beautiful, diverse landscape also creates the ideal environment for those pesky, buzzing mosquitoes to thrive.
To address the nuisance and potential public health risks associated with these pests, Council has enlisted the expertise of Associate Professor Cameron Webb to develop a comprehensive mosquito management plan. This new management plan will be a proactive approach to help minimise the impact of mosquitoes on our community.
INTERESTED?
Stay informed by keeping an eye on Council’s YourSayBallina.com.au platform in the coming months. We’ll be asking for the community’s input and feedback once the draft plan is on exhibition.
Together, we can work towards a more comfortable and healthier environment for everyone in Ballina Shire.
For more information visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/ mosquitoes-and-midges
ballina.nsw.gov.au/eNews
Off-leash dog exercise areas
There are seven off-leash areas in Ballina Shire.
Council recognises the importance of dogs being allowed time to exercise unrestrained. Dogs can exercise, roam freely and socialise under the supervision of their owner or person in charge at the following designated off-leash areas:
1. BICENTENNIAL GARDENS Ballina (Northern area of the reserve)
2. COMPTON DRIVE East Ballina + agility equipment
3. GAP ROAD Alstonville + agility equipment
4. SEVEN MILE BEACH Lennox Head (North of Surf Club)
5. BALLINA HEIGHTS ESTATE Ballina Heights (Eastern Reserve)
6. HEADLANDS DRIVE DRAINAGE RESERVE Skennars Head
7. THE SPIT Ballina dog beach
For more information visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/exercising-your-dog
PLEASE REMEMBER
Your dog must always be under effective control and never be left unattended. Effective control means your dog responds to your command and remains close to you.
You must immediately remove your dog from the area if it shows any signs of anti-social or aggressive behaviour. Pick up after your dog. Bag the poo, put it in the bin or take it with you.
Always be considerate of others in the area.
Ensure your dog does not chase or harm wildlife.
Fines apply for non-compliance.
$50 Microchip and Desexing vouchers available
Council is offering a limited number of $50 microchip/ desexing vouchers to Ballina Shire residents!
The vouchers can be redeemed at participating vets in Ballina Shire for desexing or microchipping your cat or dog.
PARTICIPATING VET CLINICS
• VetLove Ballina
• Alstonville Veterinary Hospital
• Ballina Veterinary Hospital
• Lennox Head Veterinary Clinic
• Racecourse Road Veterinary Hospital
Pet owners can collect the vouchers from our Customer Service Centre at 40 Cherry Street, Ballina.
Terms and conditions apply.
For more information call 6686 1210 or visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/registeryour-pet
WATER AND WASTEWATER PROJECTS
COMPLETED PROJECTS
NORTH CREEK ROAD, LENNOX HEAD
Pressure Zone Extension
WASTEWATER RELINING PROGRAM
KELLIE-ANN CR, LENNOX HEAD
Recycled Water Booster Pump
CURRENT PROJECTS
STONEYHURST DR, LENNOX HEAD
Reservoir Construction
SEWERAGE PUMP STATION
Access & Switchboard Upgrades
BALLINA WASTEWATER TREATMENT
PLANT Membrane Replacement
LENNOX HEAD WWTP
Chlorination Renewal
CRANE STREET, BALLINA
Water Main Replacement
FUTURE PROJECTS
ANGELS BEACH DR, EAST BALLINA
Recycled Water Main Replacement
FERNGROVE TO BALLINA WWTP
Recycled Water Main Upgrade
TAMARIND DRIVE, BALLINA
Water Main Replacement
SEWERAGE PUMP STATION RENEWALS
WATER TALK
Local businesses act to conserve water
Rous County Council has recognised Reflections Holidays parks in Lennox Head, Shaws Bay and River Street for their commitment to water efficiency.
Together eight Reflections Holidays parks between Evans Head and Brunswick Heads have saved up to 8.9 million litres annually, the equivalent of almost four Olympic swimming pools per year!
Water efficiency projects have focused on addressing leakage, upgrading more than 300 showers to water efficient alternatives and installing smart water meters to continuously monitor and detect water leaks.
The Sustainable Water Partner Program is a Rous County Council Initiative in partnership with Ballina Shire Council, Byron Shire Council, Lismore City Council and Richmond Valley Council.
For more information visit rous.nsw.gov.au/ sustainable-water-partner-program
Thursday 24 October 5 - 10pm
ballina.nsw.gov.au/eNews
WASTE WATCH
Reusable Products rebate
Have you heard about Council’s newest initiative to help our residents reduce waste, make healthier choices, and feel a little relief from cost-of-living pressures?
Nappies, period, and continence management products are used daily by people of all ages and genders across our shire. Disposable versions of these products can take up to 500 years to break down in landfill. Luckily, reusable versions are readily available these days – saving costs over time and a whole lot of waste.
Residents of Ballina Shire can now receive a 50% rebate off the purchase price of:
REUSABLE NAPPIES up to $150 per household
REUSABLE PERIOD PRODUCTS up to $100 per houshehold
REUSABLE CONTINENCE MANAGEMENT PRODUCTS up to $100 per household.
For more information visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/reusable-products-rebate
FREE ONLINE WORKSHOP
THURSDAY 24 OCTOBER 5.30-7PM
For parents unsure of making the switch to reusable nappies, join our FREE online workshop with cloth nappy expert Leesa from Darlings Down Under. You will learn everything you need to know about using reusable nappies including the financial and environmental benefits of reusable nappies, choosing, fitting, and washing nappies, useful accessories and more!
Join on your phone or computer via Microsoft Teams. Attendees will get ongoing support from Leesa as well.
Register to attend at ballina.nsw.gov.au/reusable-productsrebate
Let’s bin it better Ballina!
Our drivers have been recording increasing incidences of overfull bins.
While our drivers enjoy a challenge, we kindly remind residents not to overfill bins and make sure the lid can close properly. Overfull bins may attract vermin or birds, create litter, or make it difficult for trucks to empty them safely. If your bin is too full and the lid won’t close, the bin may not be collected.
Our tips for working together to keep our shire beautiful and supporting our drivers:
KEEP RECYCLING LOOSE if you use a cardboard box or paper bag for your recycling, empty the contents into the bin, then break down the box or fold up the bag to take up less space.
CUT GARDEN WASTE DOWN TO SMALL PIECES maximum 60cm tall and 10cm wide for sticks and branches.
BRING LARGER ITEMS TO THE RESOURCE RECOVERY CENTRE including garden waste, larger appliances, and cardboard boxes too big for the bin.
NO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS in kerbside bins such as batteries, vapes, chemicals, or anything electrical. FREE drop-off sites are located throughout the shire.
For more information visit ballina.nsw. gov.au/resource-recovery-centre
Discover new merchandise
Hold onto your hats, Ballina – the Visitor Centre has done it again!
If you thought prawn socks were the peak of local fashion, wait until you see our new ibis socks!
These vibrant, quirky socks pay tribute to the often-misunderstood bin chook and are guaranteed to add a fun twist to any outfit. And why stop at your feet? Our latest artistdesigned prawn shirt has already been a hit and is sure to be a conversation starter this summer!
Now, we don’t want to spoil the surprise, but let’s just say Santa might need a bigger sleigh this year! We’ve got even more fun, locally inspired goodies arriving just in time for Christmas. Bucket hats, Ballina beach towels, kids’ shirts, playing cards, Christmas-themed treats, stubby coolers, and more will be hitting the shelves in the coming weeks.
And don’t forget we can make up custom hampers full of local produce and stock –buy a premade one or create your own!
BALLINA VISITOR
INFORMATION CENTRE
6 River Street Ballina NSW 2478
open weekdays 9am-5pm and weekends 10am-2pm
Freecall: 1800 777 666
@discoverballina
pools splash into our
The Alstonville Aquatic Centre and the Ballina War Memorial Pool are open and ready for you to dive in! Both pools are ideal places to exercise and catch up with family.
For more information visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/community-swimmingpools
Ballina War Memorial Pool
Lee and Vicki Fitzgerald 02 6686 3771
Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday 5.30am - 7pm Saturday 7am - 6pm Sunday 8am - 5pm
Alstonville Aquatic Centre
Greg and Kelly Fettell 02 6628 0826
Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday 5.30am - 7pm Saturday 7am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 5pm
Image credit: Sanne Wissels
subscribe to council’s eNews ballina.nsw.gov.au/eNews
BALLINA-BYRON GATEWAY AIRPORT NEWS
Flight path feedback
Airservices recently invited the community to share their feedback on the proposed new flight paths and transition to controlled airspace at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport in 2025. The consultation period ended on 8 September 2024. Airservices is now reviewing the feedback and will conduct the next round of community consultation on the preferred flight path designs in November 2024.
For more information visit engage.airservicesaustralia. com/ballina-controlled-airspace
What’s On?
ROTARY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WALK
FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2024 1pm
Visitor Information Centre
(on the grass near Ballina Pool)
Join the Rotary Club of Ballinaon-Richmond for their community walk to ‘Say NO to Domestic and Family Violence’ and ‘YES to respectful relationships. Walk along River and Cherry Streets to the BISC and stay for guest speakers, music and dance performances.
For more information visit rotaryclubofballinaonrichmond. org.au
DEMENTIA INCLUSIVE SYMPOSIUM
FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER 2024
8am - 5pm
Ballina RSL Club
Improve your knowledge about dementia, identify and recognise dementia risk factors, gain practical information, learn about innovative strategies, and connect with professionals and enthusiasts passionate about creating inclusive environments for individuals living with dementia and their carers. For more information visit facebook. com/dementiainclusiveballina
cut out and keep!
LOCAL ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS
LIVE TRAFFIC NSW livetraffic.com.au or download the Live Traffic NSW app
Download the HAZARDS NEAR ME app
Follow SES BALLINA on Facebook RADIO
SPORTS FIELD CLOSURES
Contact your sporting club
WEATHER CONDITIONS bom.gov.au Bureau of Meteorology
BALLINA BYRON GATEWAY AIRPORT
Your local airline for flights to and from Ballina:
Jetstar 13 15 38 jetstar.com
Virgin Australia 13 67 89 virginaustralia. com.au
Qantas 13 13 13 qantas.com
FlyPelican 02 4965 0111 flypelican. com.au
ACTIONS TO TAKE
Alerts are issued via Council’s website ballina.nsw.gov.au and via your local radio station
Delay any unnecessary travel until conditions have cleared
Look out for your neighbours
If water is overflowing street stormwater drains, refrain from using internal water e.g. washing machines, dishwashers, baths, showers and flushing of toilets
Watch for Council, SES and other State Government agency updates
KEY CONTACT NUMBERS
SES 132 500
Ballina Shire Council 1300 864 444 or emergency after hours 02 6626 6954
Emergency Services
Police, Ambulance, Fire Brigade Triple zero 000
Australia Day AWARDS
contact council
Ph 1300 864 444
Email council@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Web ballina.nsw.gov.au
Street Address 40 Cherry Street, Ballina
Postal Address PO Box 450, Ballina 2478
Office Hours 8.15am to 4.30pm Mon-Fri (excluding public holidays)
2025 BALLINA SHIRE AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
Every day there are ordinary people in our community doing extraordinary things.
Extraordinary things like responding to a road crash rescue, serving warm meals to the homeless, marching against domestic violence, bolstering mental health services, caring for our wildlife, coaching a sporting team to victory, or staging a thought-provoking play, to name just a few.
They might be quiet achievers, humble, and generous; or larger-than-life characters known for their passion and courage. What they all have in common is their exceptional dedication and commitment to the community. They inspire us and make Ballina Shire a better place to live.
Community members are encouraged to nominate deserving candidates in the following categories:
LOCAL HERO (open age)
Honour a trailblazer making an impact in their field.
YOUNG CITIZEN (under 25 years)
Recognise young achievers making a difference.
SENIOR CITIZEN (over 65 years)
Celebrate the wisdom and dedication of our seniors.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR (all ages)
Applaud those who selflessly support our community.
SPORTS ACHIEVEMENT (individual, team, coach, sports administrator) Honour sports excellence and contributions.
ARTS AND CULTURE (individual or group)
Celebrate creative visionaries enriching our culture.
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD (individual or group)
Acknowledge eco-warriors protecting our environment.
COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR (held during 2024)
Spotlight outstanding events held in 2024 that unite us.
The 2025 Ballina Shire Citizen of the Year will be chosen from all nominees across all categories.
Nominations are open until Monday 4 November 2024.
To nominate an individual or group visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/2025awards
After hours contact 02 6626 6954
Meeting agendas and documents on exhibition can be viewed on Council’s website ballina.nsw.gov.au
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ISSN: 2652-7243 (PRINT)
Information, including dates and times is correct at time of printing.
Ballina Shire