It was not easy marking the one-year milestone of the February-March floods. Still, acknowledging the pain and hardship of the past year has been healing for many people while also paying tribute to the incredible community spirit and generosity that has gotten us through these times.
I have been in awe of how our residents have dealt with everything the past year has thrown us. The fantastic turnout at the flood anniversary events reinforces how strong we are when we come together as a community and work together and support each other.
This edition features photos from the events plus helpful information to assist residents with their ongoing flood recovery.
I encourage all flood-impacted residents to sign up for Council’s eNews if they have not already. We are still distributing Flood Recovery updates every fortnight, which provide key information from community groups, government agencies, and Council.
You may have noticed on the cover that this is our 50th edition of Community Connect – quite the achievement!
Results from Council’s most recent Community Satisfaction Survey show that more than 70% of residents like receiving their Council news from this publication, with social media as the next most important source of information. See page 19 for more survey results.
This edition also features two causes that are close to my heart. On page 3, you can read about the amazing contribution that our community made to Red Cross Lifeblood when the Lismore Donor Centre was out of action last year, as well as the Purple Friday campaign, which says NO to domestic and family violence.
As usual, there is so much information in this edition. Community Connect will continue to go from strength to strength as it informs, connects, and inspires our community as we build our future together.
Happy reading !
Cr Sharon Cadwallader
ISSN: 2652-7243 (PRINT)
Information, including dates and times, in the Community Connect is correct at time of printing.
Ballina blood donors are being thanked for stepping up to donate while the Lismore Blood Donor Centre was being rebuilt.
For nine months, Lifeblood had a pop-up Donor Centre in Ballina to ensure patients still got the blood they needed.
Council was able to assist by making the Richmond Room exclusively available for the pop-up centre during this time, while Mayor Sharon Cadwallader and Council’s leadership team encouraged staff and the general public to donate.
In fact, Ballina Shire Council team members were responsible for 1 in every 6 donors registered in Lifeblood’s teams’ program in the region, and they made more than 400 donations in 2022.
“Our staff are extremely community minded, so I’m not surprised they were quick to roll up their sleeves to donate. I am so proud of our team!” said Ballina Shire Council Mayor Sharon Cadwallader.
“Ballina Shire Council, local businesses and the community showed immense support and we absolutely appreciate and value every blood donation made during this difficult time,” said Lifeblood spokesperson Scott Morrison.
“Ballina’s Paradise FM Community radio station also gave us incredible support with daily and weekly announcements to support our temporary hours of operations.”
The new Lismore Blood Donor Centre is now open, and locals can also donate at the Ballina Richmond Room every fortnight on Mondays and Tuesdays throughout 2023.
To book a donation, download the free Donate Blood app or call 13 14 95 or visit lifeblood.com.au
Ballina Shire Council is one of more than 70 local organisations and businesses that have signed up for Purple Friday, a campaign that says NO to Domestic and Family Violence.
Purple Friday is an initiative of the Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond in partnership with Cherry Street Sports Club.
Ballina Shire Council was among the first organisations to join the campaign.
“Unfortunately, the first woman to die at the hands of domestic violence in 2023 was right on our doorstep. One death is one too many,” said Ballina Shire Council Mayor Sharon Cadwallader.
“For staff and councillors, wearing a purple shirt every Friday for the remainder of the year is the least we can do to make a big statement that we say no to domestic violence and yes to healthy relationships.
“I urge other towns, villages, and cities to also wear purple shirts and raise awareness in their communities.”
Local community groups and organisations can sign up for Purple Friday by contacting Cherry Street Sports Club at gm@cherrystreet.com.au
Our community came together to reflect and connect as we marked one year on since the floods.
At the Wardell District ‘One Year On’ event, the banks of the Richmond River lit up with hand decorated lanterns. The crowd enjoyed music, bush poetry, Aboriginal dance, stalls and kids’ activities.
This event was organised by the Rotary Club of Ballinaon-Richmond and Wardell CORE, with support from Reconnecting Regional NSW funding and Ballina Shire Council.
The following weekend, Saturday 4 March, flood-impacted residents attended a community morning tea hosted by Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader. The relaxed gathering provided an opportunity to reflect on the past year and build strength for the ongoing recovery process.
Later that day, families gathered at Cherry Street Sports Club for Groovin on the Green. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet attended the event, taking the time to address the crowd and meet with community members.
If you have been affected by floods, Recovery Support Services will help you in your recovery journey by providing personalised, long-term support.
Uniting and the Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre are the key service providers for Ballina Shire.
These services provide a dedicated support worker, practical, personal and emotional support, recovery updates and information and links to other services and programs in your community.
This support is fee-free. There is no cost, participation is voluntary and customer-led, and you have a choice of providers:
Did you know that Ballina Shire Council has a dedicated full-time Community Recovery Officer role?
Council staff Jackson Connellan and Laura Woolcott share the role, which is funded by the NSW Reconstruction Authority (formerly Resilience NSW).
Their role is to coordinate community-led projects, activities, and events to help our community recover from the 2022 floods.
An important task for this role is to build a Community Resilience Network for our Shire. The CRN will work closely with organisations to create relationships, build resources and prepare the community for future disasters.
Jackson has several years’ experience working in the community support and mental health sector as a founder of the Healthy Minds Club, while Laura's experience includes empowering resilience and recovery via emergency management and preparedness projects in the United States and Canada.
Contact our Community Recovery Officers by email at communityrecovery@ballina.nsw. gov.au
Council can support flood-impacted residents to apply for vouchers and access donations through Call in to Council's Customer Service Centre or visit givit.com.au
The Resilient Homes Program, which offers eligible homeowners one of three measures – house raising, retrofitting, and buy-backs –commenced customer outreach from November 2022.
Homeowners already engaged in the Flood Property Assessment Program, delivered by NSW Public Works and Johns Lyng Group, will be contacted automatically.
Registrations are still open for the Flood Property Assessment Program. You can submit your contact details on the Resilient Homes Program website and you will be contacted by the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation.
For more information visit nsw.gov. au/regional-nsw/northern-riversreconstruction-corporation/resilienthomes-fund/resilient-homes-program
To assist with rebuilding after the floods, download this guide to the development approval process at ballina.nsw.gov.au/flood-recovery Contact our development services team on 1300 864 444 or email council@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Council provides and maintains an extensive road network. We are committed to planning ahead to complete road and traffic upgrades to create an integrated traffic network to meet growing demands.
To prepare for this growth and to secure future funding Council is guided by our Roads Contribution Plan. This plan uses population predictions and traffic modelling to determine our community's future road network needs.
To view the plan visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/developercontributions
Stage 2 of the River Street Duplication project, from Henry Philp Avenue to Tweed Street, is progressing well.
Stormwater and watermains have been renewed and concrete pavement poured on the westbound lanes.
Traffic will soon switch onto the new pavement to allow upgrade works to continue on the eastbound lanes, before the installation of the traffic lights.
Stage 2 works include:
Westbound and eastbound lane duplication
Installation of traffic lights at River Street and Brunswick Street intersection
Installation of protected right-hand turns into Brunswick Street
Upgrade of stormwater services
Stage 2 is expected to continue to July 2023.
Stage 3 of the River Street Duplication project will include duplication of the Fishery Creek Bridge and its approaches. This work is expected to commence in 2023/24.
Once all stages are complete, this project will provide a four-lane road between West Ballina and Ballina Island, doubling the road’s capacity to comfortably cater for traffic into the future.
Register for project updates at ballina. nsw.gov.au/RiverStreetDuplication
As part of Transport for NSW's Safer Roads Program, Ballina Shire Council is undertaking a suite of road safety upgrades on Ross Lane and Byron Bay Road to improve safety for motorists and cyclists.
The existing sealed shoulder and clear zone widths (vehicle runoff areas free of obstructions) are less than desirable and have contributed to a poor vehicle collision history on the route.
The works include:
Shoulder widening
Clear zone improvements
Chevron alignment markers
Improved curve signage
Non-skid road surface treatments
Superelevation curve improvements
Painted and raised median
For more information visit ballina.nsw. gov.au/ross-lane-byron-bay-road
Council will begin upgrading the Kerr Street and Bentinck Street intersection, which includes the installation of new traffic lights in early April 2023.
The Kerr Street and Bentinck Street intersection upgrade has been funded through the NSW Government’s Safer Road program, which targets section of roads or intersections with a high accident record. This follows recently completed works to duplicate Kerr Street between River Street and Burnet Street.
This upgrade will improve traffic flow to meet current and future traffic volumes, improve motorist safety, and pedestrian accessibility.
The ‘missing link’ - dual lanes on Kerr Street from Tamarind Drive to River Street – will be complete following installation of the traffic lights.
The lane duplication from Bentinck Street to the existing dual lanes has been fully funded by Council.
For more information visit ballina.nsw. gov.au/KerrStreetUpgrade
These projects are funded by the NSW Government.
Council was recently 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 construct a bridge. The RRTRP program strengthens the regional transport network’s capacity to withstand natural disasters. This project is in the early planning stage.
RIVER STREET DUPLICATION
Completed Stage 1 lane duplication Burns Point Ferry Rd to Barlows Rd. Stage 2 traffic lights at River/Brunswick St intersection underway. Stage 3 Fishery Creek Bridge duplication and approaches to commence 2023/24.
Timeframe: 2021 - 2025
Cost estimate: Stage 2 - $2.4million Stage 3 - $15.2million
KERR STREET DUPLICATION
Dual lanes from Tamarind Dr to River St and installation of new traffic lights at Kerr/ Bentinck St intersection.
Timeframe: 2022 - 2023
Cost estimate: $2.2million
TAMARIND DRIVE DUPLICATION
North Creek Rd to Kerr St including duplication of Canal Bridge.
Timeframe: 2027 - 2028
Cost estimate: $30million
ROSS LANE + BYRON BAY ROAD
Safety improvements
Timeframe: 2022 - 2024
Cost estimate: $3.5million
BARLOWS ROAD CONNECTION
Connecting Tamarind Dr, Cumbalum to West Ballina.
NORTH CREEK BRIDGE
Connecting North Creek Rd Ballina to Skennars Head.
RAISING ROSS LANE
Bridge construction and some road raising.
RIVER STREET DUPLICATION
KERR STREET DUPLICATION
TAMARIND DRIVE DUPLICATION
ROSS LANE IMPROVEMENTS
FUTURE PROJECTS
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 maintenance for the rest of 2022/23 will occur from 9am – 1pm on:
4 April 2023
COMPLETED PROJECTS
TAMAR STREET (BETWEEN TWEED AND BRUNSWICK STREETS), BALLINA
CEDAR STREET (EASTERN SIDE OPP POLICE STATION), WARDELL
CURRENT PROJECTS
GREENWOOD PLACE, LENNOX HEAD
FUTURE PROJECTS
BURNET STREET, BALLINA
COMPTON STREET SHARED PATH, EAST BALLINA
MONTWOOD DRIVE, LENNOX HEAD
9 May 2023
13 June 2023
For updates on the ferry status and road closure information visit livetraffic.com.au
The Burns Point Ferry operates continuously from 5.30am to 12.30am daily.
For ticket information visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/burnspointferry
In collaboration with Transport for NSW, Ballina Shire Council has been monitoring speeds on Hutley Drive, Montwood Drive and Stoneyhurst Drive in Lennox Head.
This work has been undertaken in response to community concerns regarding speeding behaviour in the area.
The posted speed on Hutley Drive, Montwood Drive and Stoneyhurst Drive is 50km/hr. Speed data collected in October 2022 along these roads showed:
85% of vehicles on HUTLEY DRIVE travel 59.9 km/h
This means that most motorists are driving at or under the speed on Montwood Drive and Stoneyhurst Drive, but exceeding the speed limit on Hutley Drive by approximately 10km/h.
Council will be promoting community education around safer speeds on residential roads. Community education will include a pop-up stall and distribution of ‘Slow Down’ bin stickers.
For information on Council's Road Safety Strategy visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety-strategy
COMPLETED PROJECTS
BROADWATER PLACE AND SMITH DRIVE
FERNLEIGH ROAD, TINTENBAR
TEVEN ROAD, TEVEN
CURRENT PROJECTS
LENNOX VILLAGE VISION
SAFER ROADS PROJECT, LENNOX HEAD
WILSON STREET, WARDELL
BURNET STREET, BALLINA
SOUTH BALLINA BEACH ROAD, SOUTH BALLINA
ROUS MILL ROAD, ROUS MILL
BRUNSWICK STREET, BALLINA
FUTURE PROJECTS
MOON STREET, BALLINA
CRANE AND MARTIN STREET INTERSECTION, BALLINA
PEARCES CREEK BRIDGE, PEARCES CREEK
SIMMONS STREET, BALLINA
WARDELL ROAD, LYNWOOD
daily rate flat fee $20
hours $12 5 - 6 hours $14
daily rate 24-hour period $20
The runway at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is set for a major upgrade.
The airport’s 30 metre wide runway will be overlayed as part of a maintenance program that will extend its lifespan by up to 10 years. The last runway overlay occurred in 2013.
The overlay works are planned to occur after hours during the months of May and June to ensure the airport can remain operational during the regular airline schedules.
In addition to the overlay works the existing runway lights will be upgraded to a more efficient new LED lighting system.
These routine runway maintenance works are undertaken to ensure the runway will continue to accommodate the expected aviation traffic over the coming years.
The project cost is estimated to be approximately $20 million, with $5.54 million provided through the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, and the remainder funded through the Airport’s Capital Works program.
Stay tuned for more information in upcoming editions of Community Connect.
For more information visit ballinabyronairport.com.au
daily rate flat fee 24-hour period $30 hourly rates do not apply
yourpre-bookparking online from $20 per day
A new parking option just steps away from the check-in terminal is open. Travellers now have the option to reserve and pay for their parking spot online before they arrive.
“Parking spaces are at a premium during peak holiday times. This new additional parking zone gives users access to a priority parking area and the option to streamline their parking experience,” said Manager Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, Ms Julie Stewart.
Prebook online at ballinabyronairport. com.au/parking
The rejuvenation of Lennox Head village will recommence in mid-2023, with a focus on the surrounding areas of the town centre.
Stage 5 works will see the intersection of Park Lane and Ballina Street upgraded. The road will be reconstructed with a concrete sub-base and the entire intersection paved. The works will also include renewal of stormwater and watermains.
Decorative paving will enhance the southern gateway and slow traffic, making it safer for pedestrians to cross Ballina Street.
These works require a full closure of the intersection. Further information will be provided to businesses and residents when a commencement date has been set.
Stage 6 works will involve a similar upgrade to the Ballina Street and Byron Street intersection, while Stage 7 involves a major upgrade of Lennox Park, including a new bus stop, amenities, shelters, footpaths and landscaping. The timing of these stages is to be determined.
For more information about the staging of works and to register for project updates, visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/LennoxVillageVision
Lennox Head locals and visitors would have noticed the new Shared Zones at the centre of Ballina Street and on Rayner Lane, connecting cafes and restaurants with Ross Park.
A Shared Zone is a road or network of roads where the road space is shared safely by vehicles and pedestrians. There may be no road lines, kerb or gutter in a Shared Zone to show that pedestrians and vehicles are equal. Drivers must travel at a lower speed to better control their vehicles and safely avoid impact with other road users. Important things to know about a Shared Zone:
The maximum speed limit is always 10 km/h
For more information about shared zones visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/ road-safety-strategy
Drivers must give way to pedestrians at all times
A Shared Zone looks different - look for signs as pictured.
Vehicles can only stop in a Shared Zone if they obey parking signs and park in marked bays.
We urge drivers to please slow down, scan the area for pedestrians, and give way to people crossing the road.
Have you ever wondered what goes on in a council meeting but are unable to attend due to other commitments?
You can watch our meetings from the comfort of your home, or work, via our online livestream.
No need to worry if you miss the livestream as the recording is uploaded to Council’s website.
To join a livestreamed meeting or view a previous meeting visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/AgendasAndMinutes
Council is inviting expressions of interest for the management and operation of
BALLINA
FARMERS MARKET
Submissions close: 27 April 2023
View the EOI documents at ballina.etenderbox.com.au
Have you noticed the family of swamp wallabies in Banyan Hill?
An incredibly life-like artwork on Ballina Heights Drive, at the entry to Banyan Hill, features two adults and a joey swamp wallaby grouped in the garden, surrounded by plants endemic to the area.
Artist Matt Hill designed and fabricated the sculpture in collaboration with Pinnacle Metal Fabrication, which was installed earlier this year. Constructed of Corten steel, the wallabies weigh in at a whopping 200kg each.
The geometric forms were achieved by MIG welding together multiple folded Corten steel sheets, with repeated triangular folds and welds creating a geometric brace that gives the sculpture incredible strength. Vinegar spray, a heat gun, and exposure to the weather has activated the steel to develop its patina.
The family of swamp wallabies was chosen following discussions with the Bundjalung people and local community.
The eye-catching sculpture speaks of family, power, balance, and strength, while celebrating the swamp wallaby’s importance to local communities over tens of thousands of years.
“The durability of the Corten steel immortalises these animal's presence within the built environment, giving the animal a sense of permanence, status, and inherent value,” said artist Matt Hill.
“As the weather conditions and time of the day flux and change, so does the sculpture's appearance - casting new shadows and illuminating additional facets and dimensions.”
‘Swamp Wallabies’ was commissioned by developer INTRAPAC Property and the concept reviewed by Ballina Shire Council’s Public Art Advisory Panel.
Over the coming editions of Community Connect, we will run a series of profiles on the shire’s public artwork.
Public art can enrich our community in many ways. It adds to the community’s sense of identity and local pride, engages audiences and provides ways of understanding the shire’s history, future and places.
A public artwork can be a stand alone sculpture, mural, installation, or light projection.
Council’s Public Art Policy sets out Council’s objectives for public art and the ways that it will encourage public art in the shire. The objectives of the policy are to:
Identify and reinforce the shire’s cultural identity, community values and create a stronger sense of place
Reinforce that public art is a valued and legitimate means of interpreting and celebrating Ballina shire’s unique heritage and contemporary culture in publicly accessible spaces
Promote artistic expression by providing opportunities for artists, designers and local community groups/organisations/individuals to present quality works.
For more information about Council’s Public Art Policy visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/council-policies
A summary of the findings from community consultation for the new Lennox Head Strategic Plan is now available on Council’s Your Say website.
Community consultation ran from June to October 2022. Activities included listening stalls, an online interactive map and survey, youth workshop, and Community Reference Group.
Council has developed a draft Biodiversity Strategy that provides an action plan to guide biodiversity conservation efforts in Ballina Shire, ensuring we leave a healthy natural environment for future generations.
This new strategy covers:
biodiversity values in Ballina Shire and the factors which threaten them
the Legislative framework associated with biodiversity conservation in Ballina Shire
Strategic actions and monitoring requirements to ensure we achieve the vision.
The Draft Biodiversity Strategy was reported to Council in November 2022. Throughout February and March, residents were invited to have their say via an online survey.
This feedback is now being collated and a Final Biodiversity Strategy and submissions will be reported to Council in mid-2023.
For more information visit yoursayballina.com.au/ biodiversity-strategy
A new way to have your say
Have
The following themes emerged from all comments and all engagement activities:
Appreciation for local character, particularly open spaces
Fatigue relating to change and development
Maintain the coastal ‘village feel’
Need for pedestrian and cycling connections between neighbourhoods
Maintain and improve beach amenity (access and stormwater management)
Need for housing for mixed incomes
Infrastructure needs including toilets, carparking, playgrounds, facilities, paths and roads
State Government services, particularly schools, sport and recreation facilities, and policing
Streetscape improvements in residential areas, especially more street trees.
Council staff are now working to produce a planning study and a draft plan. The draft Lennox Head Strategic Plan is expected to be placed on public exhibition in mid to late-2023. The community will be invited to provide feedback and submissions on the draft plan during this stage.
Download the summary report of community feedback at yoursayballina.com.au/lennox-headstrategic-plan
2043
2023-2043
your sayballi n
Earlier this month 20 community members took part in a Community Design Charette for the Wardell village centre revitalisation.
A design charette is an intensive facilitated workshop that brings community members from a variety of backgrounds together to capture the vision, values and ideas of the community and articulate these through a community-led design process.
They discussed issues and opportunities and shared and mapped their ideas, big and small. Some of the common threads of the conversation included: cultural heritage, storytelling, connections to history a desire to keep it local, connect to the river and be sustainable where possible car-free spaces for humans to get together street improvements flexible spaces, shelter, comfortable seating natural, organic, resilient, local, recycled community assets and activation local native vegetation solar lighting public art.
Feedback from the charette, along with engagement stalls and surveys held in 2022, will inform preparation of a Draft Master Plan for the Wardell village centre upgrade.
For more information visit yoursayballina.com.au/Wardell-Village-Centre
Ballina Shire Council is preparing a new housing strategy to help meet the demands of future population growth.
This project commenced with a series of Housing Workshops held in Ballina, Lennox Head and Wollongbar in October 2022.
The workshops canvassed community views about our shire’s current and future housing needs, and how these might be accommodated.
The community was also invited to take an online survey, which asked respondents to consider what their future housing needs may be in the next 10 to 20 years, and what they think are the most pressing housing challenges facing the shire.
A summary report of the consultation process and community feedback is now available to download on Council’s Your Say website.
Council is now drafting a housing discussion paper and draft housing strategy, which will be exhibited for community feedback in mid-2023.
For more information and to download the summary report visit yoursayballina.com.au/ housing-strategy
Ballina shire is home to over 45,000 locals and we continue to attract new residents and visitors.
As our population continues to grow, we need to make sure we have facilities that support our community. This involves upgrading current and constructing new facilities and infrastructure:
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES HELP TO:
Boost the local economy
Support jobs growth
Improve connections between places
Provide facilities that improve our lives
CURRENT PROJECTS:
Lennox Village Vision Project* (Lennox Park and roadworks)
River Street Duplication
(Stage 2 – Henry Philp Avenue to Tweed Street)
Kerr Street Duplication and Bentinck Street Lights*
OTHER PROJECTS PLANNED FOR 2022/23:
Lennox Head Rural Fire Shed
Airport Runway Overlay*
Southern Cross Industrial Estate
Kingsford Smith Precinct*
COMPLETED PROJECTS FOR 2022/23:
Pop Denison Park (Junior Playground)*
Lennox Village Vision Project (Ross Park and Stages 1-4)
Airport Passenger Screening and Terminal Upgrade*
Airport Carpark upgrade*
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE BUDGETS FOR 2022/23:
$25.4 million – Roads and Bridges
$20.7 million – Ballina Byron Gateway Airport
$10.3 million – Wastewater Infrastructure
$4.2 million – Commercial Property Development
$5.5 million – Open Spaces (Parks and Sports Fields)
$1.7 million – Stormwater
$1.38 million – Footpaths and Shared Paths
$3.2 million – Water Infrastructure
View the planned projects and capital expenditure in the Delivery Program/Operational Plan at ballina.nsw.gov.au/ planning-and-delivery
* With the assistance of funding from the Australian and NSW Governments
Our Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan 2023/2024 - 2026/2027 will be on exhibition in May, and we will seek your feedback..
The plans provide key actions and services for the 2023/24 financial year, a summary of our major capital works and our longer-term financial information.
As a Council, we are the closest level of government to the community. Many of the services we provide, such as water, wastewater, waste, open spaces, footpaths and drainage, are all critical components of our day-to-day lives.
The next four years promise to remain challenging as our shire grows. We strive to maintain our essential infrastructure and provide new infrastructure as and when required.
Community Information Sessions will be held at the following locations:
WARDELL WAR MEMORIAL HALL
6pm - 7.30pm Wednesday 17 May 2023
LENNOX HEAD CULTURAL CENTRE
6pm - 7.30pm Thursday 18 May 2023
SEND IN YOUR QUESTIONS
Do you have a burning question that you would like answered by Council?
We are taking questions from the community that will be responded to by our General Manager and Directors and published online.
Send in your questions at yoursayballina.com.au/deliveryprogram
Note: Session details are subject to change. Please visit Council's website to confirm times, dates, and attendance requirements, during the exhibition period.
The plans will be on exhibition in May 2023. To have your say visit yoursayballina.com.au/delivery-program
Council undertakes a community survey every two years to understand the community’s priorities, overall level of satisfaction with Council performance, identify priorities for Council, and to improve on methods to engage and consult with the community.
Council engaged research company, Micromex Research to undertake the surveys that involved the random surveying of 500 residents in the Ballina Shire.
Here is a highlight of the survey findings:
91% were at least somewhat satisfied with the PERFORMANCE OF COUNCIL over the last 12 months
BEACHES and FORESHORES are considered to be the most important community facilities, while boating facilities are of least relative importance
The NATURAL ENVIRONMENT is the most valued aspect of living in the Ballina Shire
Managing development for the GROWING POPULATION was the most frequently mentioned goal for the community in the next 10 years
66% of residents were able to ACCESS SERVICES they need. However the remainder of residents had problems accessing specialist medical, disability, and mental health services.
94% of residents rate their QUALITY OF LIFE as 'good' to 'excellent' in the Ballina Shire
To read the full results of the Community Satisfaction Survey visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/engagement
Swimming pools, cycleways & bicycle facilities, and financial management were rated well above our REGIONAL BENCHMARK drainage/ flood management was the lowest ranked
ROADS and GENERAL GARBAGE COLLECTION are considered to be the most important infrastructure services followed by drainage/flood management
CRIME PREVENTION and LAW AND ORDER INITIATIVES are considered to be the most important human services while child care is the service of least relative importance
74% of residents want to be informed of Council activities by COUNCIL PUBLICATIONS IN THE MAIL
83% were at least somewhat satisfied with the level of COMMUNICATION Council currently has with the community
79% of residents that made contact with Council were at least somewhat satisfied with the way their CONTACT was handled
Ballina Shire Council regularly calls tenders for works and services and would like to engage with more local providers. Council has a policy on local procurement and the objective is to provide support to the local economy through Council’s procurement practices.
If you are a local provider please register with the Ballina Shire Council eTendering Portal and set up a subscription service to ensure you don’t miss an opportunity to provide goods and services to Ballina Shire Council.
Further information is available on Ballina Shire Council's website at ballina.nsw.gov.au/tenders-andquotations
Ratepayers have traditionally received both their rates and water charges on the same bill.
From July 2023, Council will be issuing separate bills for rates and water due to a billing system upgrade. The good news for ratepayers is that payment due dates will be staggered.
Have you signed up for eRates? You can reduce paper and receive your rates notice straight to your email inbox.
Just visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/rates
Council’s Community Portal is live and waiting for you to visit.
The online platform is our community’s onestop-shop and allows you to register, login and interact with Council online 24/7.
Using the portal you can:
REPORT POTHOLES
PAY YOUR RATES AND CHARGES
REPORT A DAMAGED OR MISSED BIN
APPLY FOR CERTIFICATES
REPORT A LEAKING OR BROKEN WATER METER AND MORE!
Visit and start exploring the Community Portal at ballina.nsw.gov.au/communityportal
Want to keep up to date with Development Applications in your area?
The DAs Online section on council’s homepage of the website is your portal to keeping up to date.
STEP 1 Go to da.ballina.nsw.gov.au
STEP 2 Read and agree to the Terms and Conditions for use
STEP 3 Click on the ‘Applications on Exhibition’ on the applications menu on the left side of the page.
Specific applications can also be found via the ‘search’ function on this page. You can search by applications submitted this week or this month. You can also go into the search function and fill in the fields to find a particular street, application type or application number.
subscribe
Keep up to date with policies and documents on exhibition.
ballina.nsw.gov.au/eNews
hot tip! Registering gives you a more experiencepersonalised that will continue to improve as we increase our online services.
Our drivers have noticed an increase in obstructed bin servicing. Two of our most common obstructions are:
Basketball hoops!
Visit
OBSTRUCTION
Did you know basketball hoops must not be positioned in the verge area, including the kerb and guttering? They create a significant barrier to bin collection, particularly in cul-de-sacs where drivers have a tight turning circle. If a basketball hoop or other sporting equipment obstructs verge areas or bin servicing, our friendly rangers will investigate.
WHAT TO DO Ensure basketball hoops and other sporting equipment remain on your property.
Placing bins too close to overhanging branches or juvenile trees can mean that the collection truck’s side arm cannot lift and empty your bin. When contact is made with branches during collection, impacts in efficiency and work health and safety risks can occur. In new subdivisions, there are many juvenile trees that will eventually provide street shading and reduce the urban heatbank; as such, there are limitations within Australian Standards for pruning juvenile tree canopies.
WHAT TO DO Maintain your property’s overhanging branches and present the bins at an adequate distance from trees and overhanging branches. The collection truck can then lift your bins safely and efficiently.
Batteries can’t go in your landfill or recycling wheelie bins as they pose a serious fire risk if crushed, damaged or if friction occurs.
How to safely dispose of your household batteries:
Tape the terminals of your batteries (this prevents fire risk)
Store them in a glass jar and keep out of reach of children
Recycle them at your nearest drop off point and take your container home for reuse. There are many convenient locations across Ballina shire.
Find your closest battery drop off point at bcycle.com.au/drop-off
Shockingly, food waste costs the Australian economy around $36.6 billion each year and accounts for about 3% of our annual greenhouse gas emissions. The volume of water wasted when growing our food equates to five Sydney Harbours.
On average, the contents of Ballina shire’s kerbside landfill bins are 23% food waste. There are two key ways to reduce this statistic and help create a more sustainable community now and into the future.
LOVE FOOD, HATE WASTE Research shows that planning meals, shopping with a list and loving your leftovers are all ways to make the most of your groceries. Find out more, get some tips and check out the range of fun leftover recipe videos at newaste.org.au/ foodsmart/ COMPOST
Divert all food scraps from landfill and place them in your kerbside food and garden organics bin or home compost bin. The organics bin is emptied weekly and also frees up space in your landfill bin.
For further information and to download our bin liner guide visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/3binguide
To help residents reduce food waste to landfill and support resource recovery, council is offering FREE kitchen organics caddies to residents.
Liners aren’t required, however 100% compostable or paper liners may be used. These are the only accepted certified liners.
To receive your free kitchen caddy, cut out this voucher and fill in your details on the other side.
Bring your voucher to Ballina Shire Council Customer Service Centre, 40 Cherry Street, Ballina and receive your new caddy over the counter.
It costs NSW charities $7.3 million dollars every year to dispose of un-saleable items, and an estimated 40% of items that are donated are un-saleable.
Donating things you no longer need is a great way to declutter and give it a new lease of life - but before you do, ask yourself ‘Would I give it to a friend?’.
If the answer is ‘no’, then you probably shouldn’t donate it. Charities across the Northern Rivers region that accept donations are asking people to ensure the quality and cleanliness of the items being donated, and to bring the donated items inside the charity store rather than leaving them outside. That way the charity store can keep a quality check on the items and prevent illegal dumping outside their premises.
Our new schools challenge is off and running!
The challenge aims to engage and empower our younger community members to reduce waste to landfill, improve resource recovery and create sustainable habits.
It also supports schools with infrastructure and tailored resource recovery-based projects, building upon each school’s current waste and recycling practices.
We’re excited to be working with the following schools across the 2023 school year:
Emmanuel Anglican College
Lennox Head Public School
Rous Public School
Wardell Public School
Wollongbar Public School.
Thank you to all who continue to donate and facilitate a circular economy to those in need.
One caddy per household. Limited stock available, be quick before they run out!
For more information visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/ WasteEducationPrograms Name:
Voucher valid until Friday 28 April 2023
Balloons are among the top three most harmful pollutants threatening marine wildlife, along with plastic bags and bottles.
That is why Ballina Shire Council has followed the lead of local councils across the country to limit use of balloons on public land and at Council-owned facilities.
The balloon ban relates to Council’s Events on Public Land Policy, Weddings on Public Land Policy, Markets on Public Land Policy, and Commercial Recreation Activities on Public Land Policy. It also applies when hiring Council's community facilities.
While this change does not affect small, informal gatherings on public land (such as birthday parties), Council urges community members to avoid balloons and go for greener alternatives.
“Much of the public land that Ballina Shire Council owns and manages that is popular for public events is close to rivers, oceans, and waterways. As a coastal community with a commitment to sustainability, Ballina Shire Council has sought to limit use to help protect our seabirds and marine life.” explained Council's Director of Public and Environmental Health, Matthew Wood.
There are many ways to celebrate life’s beginning, ending and special moments in between. Consider using bubbles, bunting, music, kites, or event light.
For more information on the harmful effect of balloons, and greener alternatives, visit cleanup.org.au/balloons
Ballina Shire Council has certified fill material from routine road works that is available for commercial or residential use.
This material has been laboratory tested to confirm that it meets the requirements of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) resource recovery exemption for recovered aggregate. Recovered aggregate can be used as a road-making material, or in building, landscaping or construction works.
Providing this material to the public for re-use is a win-win for resource recovery - it benefits Council, landowners, and the environment. The recycled material is cost-effective, reduces reliance on nonrenewable quarried material and cuts haulage distances to disposal sites.
There is no charge for this material, however a small transport/loading fee will be applied depending on the delivery location.
In most cases the filling of land requires development consent from Council. Landowners who wish to access Council's certified fill are responsible for obtaining consent before delivery of any material.
Contact Council's Development Services Team on 1300 864 444 for queries about consent requirements.
To register your interest for certified fill complete the form at ballina.nsw.gov.au/available-fillmaterial
TIP Instead of using helium balloons consider releasing bubbles, making pin-wheels or flying kites and ribbons.
In a very rare and special occasion, 96 loggerhead turtles have hatched at Lighthouse Beach, East Ballina. The hatchlings emerged in early March, making the dangerous journey from the dunes to the sea under moonlight.
Only four nests have been reported along the coast of NSW and are being monitored this nesting season, with the East Ballina nest the first to successfully hatch.
Turtle tracks were first reported to Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue (ATSR) in mid-December 2022. ASTR staff Holly and Amanda visited the site and confirmed a Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) had come ashore and laid her eggs on the first dune.
The nest location was triangulated so that it could be found when it was due to hatch in a few months’ time, and the temperature of the sand monitored to provide an indication of when the eggs may hatch and whether they would be male or female.
In mid-February a small group of volunteers – who were trained to identify a hatch and hatchling track – began daily checks of the nest site.
In early March, after 81 days of incubation, the hatchlings emerged. A nest excavation followed to find out how many eggs had successfully hatched.
National Parks and Wildlife Services local ranger Emma Goodwin coordinated the nest excavation with assistance from NSW TurtleWatch volunteers and ASTR staff.
The excavation revealed that 107 eggs were laid, of which 96 hatchlings made their way to the ocean! With the average temperature of the nest at 26 degrees, it means most of these hatchlings are male.
NSW TurtleWatch and ASTR thank the Ballina Lighthouse and Lismore Surf Life Saving Club for assisting with monitoring the nest site; Capiche Restaurant for turning out their lights on hatching night; and Ballina Shire Council for their support throughout the process.
For more information visit environment.nsw.gov.au/researchand-publications/your-research/citizen-science/get-involved/nswturtlewatch
EAST BALLINA
Dogs are allowed on Angels Beach, Sharpes Beach, and the coastal pathway but they must be on a lead.
It’s a good idea to check the signs in public places to see if dogs are allowed in that location as a penalty infringement notice can exceed $330.
Bicentennial Gardens, Ballina
Compton Drive, East Ballina + dog agility equipment
Gap Road, Alstonville
Seven Mile Beach, Lennox Head north of surf club
Ballina Heights Estate, Cumbalum eastern reserve
Headlands Drive, Skennars Head drainage reserve
The Spit, Ballina
These areas are not for the exclusive use of dogs and their owners. Please be considerate of all other users by bagging your dog poo, then bin it or take it with you. Ensure your dog is always under your effective control, responds to your command and remains close to you. Immediately remove your dog if it shows any sign of anti-social behaviour or aggression.
Shelly Beach, East Ballina
Lighthouse Beach, East Ballina
The Serpentine, East Ballina
Shaws Bay, East Ballina
The Cycleways and Shared Paths map includes dog friendly areas the whole family can enjoy. Download at au/exercisingyourdogballina.nsw.gov.or collect from Council or the VisitorCentreInformation
Chickiba Lake, East Ballina, north/eastern corner surrounding migratory and shorebirds roosting area
Flat Rock reef, Skennars Head
Sharpes Beach, Skennars Head, northern end during surf patrols
Seven Mile Beach (from beach access track located north of the Surf Club to southern end of Seven Mile Beach)
Lake Ainsworth and surrounding foreshore/reserve
Fire Trail at the end of Camp Drewe Road, Lennox Head
The ‘no-go’ areas are in place because of the popularity of some beaches and the presence of migratory and shorebirds. Don’t risk a penalty infringement notice of $330 by taking your dog to a ‘no-go’ area.
Further information
ballina.nsw.gov.au/exercising-your-dog
As part of its Water Loss Reduction Program, Ballina Shire Council recently undertook acoustic leak detection work across our water supply network.
This work was funded through the NSW State Government Regional Water Loss Reduction Program. Rous County Council also participated in the acoustic leak detection program across its network.
For Ballina Shire Council, this work has resulted in 180 leaks being detected. Of these, 35% were on private lines where we were able to notify the customer of a leak and inform them of water they may be paying for though not using.
The remaining 65% of leaks detected were on Council assets. While most of these leaks were very small leaks on hydrants and valves (less than 2 litres per hour or five buckets a day), the 21 largest leaks (more than a bucket an hour) were on Council mains.
Council is now working through a program of repairing the identified leaks, combining this work with planned renewal and replacement works where possible.
Ballina Shire Council has invested significantly in water loss reduction across its water supply network, including the establishment of Pressure Management Zones. These zones allow monitoring of water flows through the network, as well as the management of pressure to minimise water loss in the system. Council also continues to invest in replacing old water mains and meters. Implementing new technology and infrastructure upgrades is enabling us to improve our monitoring of the system, detect leaks and other losses and respond accordingly.
ballina.nsw.gov.au/
Councils across the Rous County Council supply footprint continue to share learnings from this work and similar leak detection initiatives.
For more information about this program visit dpie.nsw.gov.au/ water/plans-and-programs/ water-efficiency/regionalleakage-reduction-program
Do you know where to go for water outage information?
Both planned and unplanned water interruptions are published on our website at ballina.nsw.gov.au/WaterOutage
So if you’re ever experiencing low water pressure, or a water interruption, please check online to see if there’s an outage near you.
You’ll also find information on how to report a water leak and helpful water outage tips.
Antibacterial wipes might be handy for cleaning, but unfortunately there’s an abundance in our community’s wastewater network.
These products often claim they are ‘flushable’, but we are here to tell you that is not the case. Cleaning, makeup and baby wipes are all made with reinforced material that does not break down like toilet paper. This causes a lot of problems and blockages within our wastewater network, and on average council is fixing three wet wipe blockages a week. These often happen overnight and ultimately the staffing and material costs are worn by the ratepayer.
You are more than welcome to use wipes to keep your surfaces sanitised, we just don’t welcome them down the toilet. Instead, keep your toilet to the three Ps – poo, paper and pee!
Maine Place, Ballina Water Main Replacement
Tweed Street, Ballina Water Main Replacement
Teven Road Water Main Replacement
Alstonville Wastewater Treatment Plant
Inlet Works Upgrade
West Ballina Recycled Water Main
Ballina Wastewater Treatment Plant
Septage Receival Station
Wastewater Relining Program
Stoneyhurst Dr, Lennox Head
Reservoir Construction
Perry Street, Alstonville
Water Main Replacement
Ballina Wastewater Treatment Plant
Rectification Works and Gantry Crane Installation
A new recycled water main is being constructed in West Ballina.
The main connects to existing infrastructure at Fishery Creek and will run through to Paperbark Close, West Ballina, with most of the alignment following Kalinga Street.
These works are part of Council’s ongoing commitment to improve our shire’s water assets. The new recycled water main will help to reduce regional demand on drinking water supplies by offering recycled water to current customers (identified businesses) and future customers including developments in West Ballina that will be capable of connecting to recycled water. Works are expected to be completed by the end of March 2023.
Prospect Bridget to Bangalow Road
Recycled Water Main Replacement
Tamar Street, Ballina
Water Main Replacement
North Creek Road Pressure Zone
Extension
New pathway connections and viewing platforms just north of the Sharpes Beach carpark, on the headland, are now open to the public.
The new platforms provide an excellent viewing opportunity and walking detour from the main coastal walk.
New seating will be installed on the platforms at a later date.
The Lennox Headland lookout areas are also receiving an upgrade as part of the approved Coastal Recreational Pathway between Lennox Head and Angels Beach.
This upgrade involves replacing the old clifftop fencing with new safety fences at the northeast and southeast lookouts on the top of the Lennox Headland.
A viewing platform will also be constructed at the northeast lookout overlooking the ocean, Lennox township and Cape Byron to the north.
The new clifftop fencing and platforms will provide greater access, visibility, safety, durability, and environmental protection.
Some areas of the lookouts will be temporarily closed during construction.
These projects are funded by the NSW Government with fencing funded by Ballina Shire Council.
Visitor numbers will be bolstered at Sharpes Beach under a $1 million upgrade that will boost access and deliver new facilities for local surf lifesavers.
The project, to be delivered under the NSW Government Regional Tourism Activation Fund, will provide infrastructure that allows more residents and visitors to enjoy the beach.
The upgrades will include
This upgrade is expected to bring more visitors to this area, with the carpark also an access point to the popular Aboriginal Cultural Ways walk.
Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said Council is thrilled to receive this funding from the NSW Government.
“These carpark improvements are part of a master plan that is a key link in the Coastal Recreational Walk connecting Ballina to Lennox Head and the funds will provide improved amenity to this beautiful stretch of coastline,” said Cr Cadwallader.
For more information visit nsw.gov.au/RTAFund
Miconia is an aggressive and invasive weed tree that quickly dominates rainforests, destroying habitat and causing landslides.
In Tahiti, it’s known as the ‘green cancer’; in Hawaii, they call it the ‘purple plague’. Just as it has destroyed island forests internationally, Miconia is a huge threat to our beautiful rainforests in the Northern Rivers.
Luckily, Miconia is only in NSW in low numbers, and we still have a chance to eradicate it. We need your help to find every last Miconia plant in our region!
So how do you spot this weed?
the distinctive leaf has 3 lateral veins, bright pinky-purple underside and can grow up to 80cm in length
fruit are small round berries less than 1cm across and contain up to 200 seeds
flowers are small and white and grow in dense clusters.
Invasive weeds like Miconia threatens our local communities, industries, environment and way of life. The only way to stop them is if we work together!
For information about high-risk weeds download the Far North Coast Priority Weed booklet at rous.nsw.gov.au/weed-resources
Bins for hygiene products are considered a given in women's toilets. But what about men's toilets?
1.34 million Australian males live with incontinence.*
There are very few or no places for boys and men to dispose of incontinence products, which can make them reluctant to leave their homes and join in everyday activities.
Adding incontinence bins in male public toilet facilities is essential to help people live and work to their full potential.
Ballina Shire Council has now installed sanitary disposal bins in men's toilets across Ballina Shire.
* Source: bins4blokes.org.au
Rous County Council can offer support with the identification and treatment of some priority weeds and can offer advice and information on control methods for widespread weeds. Have you seen priority weeds on your property email a photo to weeds@rous.nsw.gov.au or telephone 6623 3800
6PM
Missingham Skatepark, Ballina truckstopsk8.com.au
Skate to the Future at the 22nd Fair Go skateboard event.
One of the longest running skateboard competitions in the country, this event is sanctioned through the Australian Skateboarding Federation (ASF) and run in conjunction with the Australian Skateboard Community Initiative (ASCI).
All skill levels are encouraged to join in and have a go because that’s what it’s all about!
Melanoma March SAT 15 APRIL 2023
3.00PM - 6.30PM
Missingham Park, Ballina ballina.melanomamarch.org. au
Take steps to beat melanoma.
Take steps to beat melanoma at this family friendly fundraising event.
The walking route is wheelchair and pram accessible. This event is dog-friendly so your furry friends are welcome to join, provided they are on a lead.
Please bring a BBQ or picnic dinner to share with your family and friends.
All participants are required to register online before the event.
9AM - 4PM
Ballina beachsafetyhub.org.au/ upcoming-events/gonefishing-sessions/
Learn new rock fishing skills and stay safe!
15 APRIL 2023
Are you interested in learning new rock fishing skills and how to stay safe while fishing on our coastlines?
Would you like to take home your very own Hobie lifejacket for free? Join Surf Lifesaving and key experts for this fun and informative day of workshops around rock fishing.
Bring a friend, bring your family or come by yourself and make some new friends!
Bookings essential. Register online.
6AM
Byron Bay - Ballina rescuehelicopter.com. au/events/byron-coastalcharity-walk
Raise funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
29 APRIL 2023
The Byron Coast Charity Walk will be celebrating 10 years in 2023. Register to walk in a group or individually along the stunning Byron-Ballina coastline 12, 24 or 36km and raise funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
The walk will start from Dening Park, Byron Bay and walkers can choose from three distances:
12km – Byron Bay to Broken Head Reserve. $60 24km – Byron Bay to Lennox Head SLSC. $70 36km – Byron Bay to Ballina SLSC. $80
9AM - 3PM
Masonic Hall, Ballina facebook.com/Ballina ArtsAndCraftsCentre Incorporated
Don't miss BACCI's Autumn show.
Hosted by Ballina Art & Craft Centre Inc (BACCI) this year's exhibition is bigger and better than ever.
Look out for paintings, prints, photography, woven art, woodwork, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, resin art, beautiful cards and other unique craft items.
3.00PM
Lennox Head Cultural Centre communityspaces.com.au/ tickets
140 year celebration performance.
To celebrate this impressive milestone, the Ballina Shire Concert Band will be hosting a 140th Year Anniversary Concert for the whole community. The concert will feature music and memorabilia from 1883 to 2023.
The concert will celebrate the Band in its current form, as well as acknowledge its proud history. Past band members and associates are invited to share in this celebration and are encouraged to register their interest.
9AM - 2PM Missingham Park Amphitheatre, Ballina ourkids.org.au
A FREE event that's all about the kids.
It's great to see this event is back - jam packed full of fun and laughs including rides, entertainment and great food and treats.
The event focuses on all children, but especially those who have received medical treatment in the Children's Ward and Special Care Nursery at Lismore Base Hospital. This event allows parents to reconnect and kids to smile and is a wonderful family day out.
8AM + 9AM
Meldrum Park, Ballina memorywalk.com.au
Get active and raise funds to beat dementia!
This event is a great way to get active and beat dementia your way at a time that suits you! Walk, jog or run at either 8am or 9am on 3 Jun 2023.
Take in the beautiful scenery whilst running through our renowned start/finish arch at Meldrum Park. On event day we will give you an exclusive Pop Up Merch Pack full of goodies. We cannot wait to see you there!.
TUES 25 APRIL 2023
5.00am Reveille (Fire siren sounds)
5.10am Fall In at Ballina RSL Memorial Park, 1 Grant Street
5.30am Dawn Service at the Ballina RSL Memorial Park
10.15am March Assembly River Street, from Woolworths to Court House
10.30am March commences and proceeds down River Street to the Ballina RSL Memorial
10.55am Commemoration Services
5.30am Dawn Service at the Cenotaph, Elizabeth Ann Brown Park
9.20am Civic Service at the Paddy Bugden VC Memorial
9.30am March will step off via Main Street to Elizabeth Ann Brown Park
10.00am Civic Service at Elizabeth Ann Brown Park
Follow the RSL Sub-Branches on Facebook
Ballina Street, Lennox Head lovelennox.com.au
The Love Lennox Festival returns to the shores of Seven Mile Beach.
The rejuvenated village centre of Lennox Head will come alivepacked full of unique market stalls and music stages.
Popular food vendors invite you to taste the Flavours of Lennox including Mexican, Thai, Indian & Japanese.
There will be kids activities, the cutest of dog shows and entertainment all day long. Grab your friends and family, listen to some great music and enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere.
BALLINA
Crafty Kids Workshop
Thursday 13 April, 10am
Learn how to make your initials out of wool or a bookmark made from pipe cleaners. Design your own badge with our badge-making machine. Suitable for children 7 to 10 years. Bookings essential.
Scratch Jr Workshop
Tuesday 18 April, 2pm – 4pm
Learn how to make short animations on the tablet computers provided using the coding app Scratch Jr. Suitable for children aged 8 to 12 years. Bookings essential.
Lego Challenge
Wednesday 19 April, 10am
You will have one hour to create a Lego masterpiece using the bricks provided. We will give you a theme but the rest is up to you. Suitable for children aged 5 to 14 years. Bookings essential.
Holiday Bingo
Anytime during opening hours from 11 to 23 April. Find the animals hidden around the library in our scavenger hunt. Build something out of Lego. Play our fun fishing game. Take home a free Take & Make craft pack. Complete all four activities, get your bingo card stamped and go in the draw for the chance to receive a library treasure bag. Bookings not required.
Regular Preschool Programs Story Time, Baby Time and Toddler Time will continue as normal during the holidays.
Storytime in the Park
Thursday 13 April 10.30 am
Join us at Ross Park (Corner of Ballina Street and Rayner Lane) for a special Holiday Storytime session. Suitable for ages 3-6 years. Bookings not required.
Sand Art
Wed 19 April, 2pm + Thurs 20 April, 10am Sprinkle different coloured sand onto the templates provided to create beautiful artworks. Ages 6-10 years. Bookings essential.
Questacon Byte-Wise Exhibit
Anytime during opening hours from 1 to 27 April. Enjoy the fun, interactive puzzles on loan from the Questacon Science Museum. Bookings not required.
Scavenger Hunt
Anytime during opening hours from 11 to 24 April. Bookings not required.
DIY Poppy Craft
Anytime during opening hours from 17 to 24 April. Make your own poppies with the materials provided. Bookings not required.
Regular Preschool Programs will not run during the holidays. Baby Time will resume on Wednesday 26 April. Story Time will resume on Thursday 27 April.
Origami with Jodie
Thursday 13 April, 2pm
Learn how to make animals and other figures using the paper-folding art of origami. Suitable for school-aged children. Bookings essential.
Grass Heads Craft Activity
Tuesday 18 April, 2pm Make a doll’s head with grass seeds and watch its hair grow. Suitable for schoolaged children. Bookings essential.
DIY Craft
Anytime during opening hours from 10 April to 22 April. Bookings not required.
Regular Preschool Programs
Toddler Time and Baby Time will continue as normal during the holidays, however Story Time will be taking a break until Thursday 27 April.
Ask our staff. Terms and conditions apply.
get
Are you looking to get involved in a new sport? Want to know ‘What’s On’ or wish to become more active? Visit communityspaces.com.au or follow us on facebook and instagram @BISC2478
The BISC is excited to offer another new sport for players to enjoy at the centre.
We
To find out what’s on and check casual play times, visit communityspaces.com.au and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @BISC2478
A Day Club for elderly and isolated people in our community, held every Thursday at the Richmond Room Ballina. Enjoy morning tea and a mental stimulation activity, either a quiz or guest speaker, seated and standing exercises like tai chi, followed by lunch and afternoon musical entertainment.
WHEN Every Thursday TIME 10am to 2pm
COST $10
WHERE Richmond Room, Regatta Avenue, Ballina
RSVP Contact Lorraine Fox on 6687 4350, 0439 301 249 or lorraineafox@gmail.com
Ballina Shire Council have venues suitable for large events, private functions, conferences and meetings, regular classes and community activities.
Did you know that Council provides discounted rates for community and not-for-profit organisations and regular hirers?
Visit communityspaces.com.au/venues for bookings and an obligation free quote or call our Community Spaces team on 02 6681 0500
THE
Thursday 13 April 2023
Featuring Cliff’s greatest hits, performed by renowned Australian vocalist Danny Mayers, former lead singer of The Delltones.
DANIEL
Sunday 16 April 2023
Described as the finest guitar player of this generation, Daniel Champagne brings his tour home with a brand-new album!
HENRY WAGONS DUO
Tuesday 25 April 2023
The Henry Wagons show is a true sight to behold, be it alone with his guitar, or with his floorboard fracturing band Wagons.
Wednesday 26 April 2023
World class Wallabies coach, Eddie Jones with a line-up of locals, The Ball n All podcast Team with Berrick Barnes, Steve Condon and James Woods raising funds for the Far North Coast Rugby Union junior teams.
Visit communityspaces.com.au for details or follow @LennoxCulturalCentre on Facebook and Instagram.
Exhibition Dates: Wednesday 8 March 2023 - 30 April 2023
In Separate Realities, Byron Bay local watercolourist, Dave Sparkes, distils and condenses essential elements of the landscape, using nuances of light and shadow, to convey the essence of a place at certain times.
This series of photographs taken in Antarctica explores the natural dance between animals and their environment as the shadow of human intervention and a warming environment, begins to stretch across this ice wonderland. Can this ice environment survive in the augmented race by humans for control of nature’s final frontier?
Mia Forrest's BLOOM artworks of Australian native flowers, hybridize time, technology, and nature. As the flowers transform and bloom, they form a DNA-like helix structure, inviting the audience to contemplate how species morph, change, survive, and thrive over time.
Katie Alleva’s new body of work zigzags through the family archives exploring the life of her Italian ancestors ‘premigration to post migration’. In this multimodal installation, the artist raises awareness of the impact of conflict on culture and society and investigates displacement and intergenerational trauma.
Exhibition Dates: Wednesday 3 May 2023 - 25 June 2023 | Launch event: 5.30pm - 7.30pm Thursday 11 May 2023
In this series, local Northern Rivers landscapes are painted on reclaimed materials – old tins and reclaimed red cedar skirting boards speaking to other histories as well as exploring surface structure in painting.
Image: Caitlin Reilly, Looking towards Broken Head from Tallows, 2023
Two artists mark the experience and recovery from bushfires, floods and the pandemic in the Northern Rivers through sculpture, prints and painting.
Image: Michelle Walker, Earth Marks, 2021
A series of paintings that question colonisation land ownership informed by the colours of the Australian outback using red oxidised soil as paint.
Image: Sue Davidson, Toward an outward world, 2023
This exhibition celebrates the German artists, activists and gallerists that were part of the Post-War Zeitgeist which rose through the dynamic and charismatic teaching of Joseph Beuys and his students.
Image: Kerry Elias Moore, Blinky and Hockney, 2021
The Ballina Shire Council and Northern Rivers Community Gallery gratefully acknowledge our exhibition sponsors: Stone & Wood Brewing and The Cellar.
THE
Be sure to sign-up to our E-News or follow us on Facebook or Instagram to be kept in the loop! For more Information go to nrcgballina.com.au
Katie Alleva
Learn the fascinating technique of wet cyanotype printmaking using flowers, leaves, feathers, fabric, and other flat, textured objects to make prints.
Led by Northern Rivers visual artist and teacher Katie Alleva and inspired by Anna Atkins’ pioneering 1842 work Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions, participants of this one-day workshop will produce a series of cyanotype images on high-quality paper.
Day: Saturday 15 April 2023
Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm (includes short lunch break)
Where: Ignite Studios @ NRCG 60 Crane Street, Ballina
Ages: 16+ years
Cost: $130 (tools and materials included)
Book Online @ nrcgballina.com.au or phone the Gallery on 02 6681 0530
Kate Stroud is a visual communicator, artist, signwriter and large-scale muralist, whose joyful, provocative, and sometimes rebellious works are synonymous with the outspoken and creative spirit of the Northern Rivers region.
This two-day workshop will introduce basic brush lettering and traditional sign painting tools and techniques, guiding participants through the creative and technical steps to produce their own hand-painted sign on marine plywood. Advance bookings essential.
Book Online @ nrcgballina.com.au or phone the Gallery on 02 6681 0530
Day: Saturday 13 - Sunday 14 May 2023
Time: 10.00am - 2.00pm (includes short lunch break)
Where: Ignite Studios @ NRCG 60 Crane Street, Ballina
Ages: 16+ years
Cost: $250 (tools and materials included)
SPACES FOR HIRE | ENQUIRE NOW
Did you know that Ignite Studios @ NRCG has two workshop spaces available for short-term hire?
Our Engine Room, and Locker Room spaces are available to host pop-up exhibitions, workshops, meetings, launches, openings, and special events, with special subsidised rates available to artists and community organisations. Consider us for your next event!
For more information, or to arrange a booking, visit nrcgballina.com.au or contact our Creative Programs Producer on 02 6686 1217
The Ignite Studios Artist in Residence program provides a single artist time and space to expand on their artistic practice, researching and experimenting with ideas for new work or new ways of working.
Residencies can be between 2 – 12 weeks depending on the needs and practice of the resident. Open to Australian and international creative professionals from a diverse spectrum of disciplines, both emerging and established. Facilities available for use include a working studio and small bedsit residential space, and successful artists will be charged a small studio and accommodation rental fee.
Applications are accepted all year round and assessed on a case-by-case basis. For more information or to apply, visit nrcgballina.com.au or contact our Creative Programs Producer on 02 6686 1217.
The Alstonville Aquatic Centre and the Ballina War Memorial Pool are open and ready for you to dive in! Both pools operate seven days a week. The community pools are ideal places to exercise and catch up with friends and family over the holiday season.
Greg and Kelly Fettell | 02 6628 0826
Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday 5.30am - 7pm
Saturday 7am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm
Find them on Facebook
Lee and Vicki Fitzgerald | 02 6686 3771
Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday 5.30am - 7pm
Saturday 7am - 6pm
Sunday 8am - 5pm
Find them on Facebook
Residents across NSW can now receive the latest flood and fire warnings in the palm of their hands, with the launch of the Hazards Near Me app.
The widely used Fires Near Me app, which has more than four million users, has been expanded and renamed to include flood alerts from the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), delivering on a key recommendation of the independent Flood Inquiry.
The app has been jointly developed by the Department of Customer Service, SES and NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).
Search for Hazards Near Me NSW in your App Store
Check your Watch Zones to be notified about incidents in your area
Set up a user profile to use the same Watch Zones across all your devices.
For more information visit nsw.gov.au/ emergency/hazards-near-me-app
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
ROAD CLOSURES and TRAFFIC CONDITIONS
Live Traffic NSW livetraffic.com.au
RADIO STATIONS
cut out and keep!
ABC North Coast FM 94.5 (National Emergency Broadcaster)
Paradise FM 101.9
ZZZ FM 100.9
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
Want a smooth journey? Live Traffic NSW provides regular updates about traffic conditions that may affect your journey across all New South Wales roads.
Live Traffic NSW includes live road information about traffic flow, current hazards or major events such as floods, roadworks and traffic incidents. It can also help you plan your route and shows you estimated travel times, list hazards, rest areas and traffic cameras!
For the latest traffic information download Live Traffic NSW for iOS and Android, visit livetraffic.com.au or call 132 701.
When it became apparent that the Wardell district was going to be severely impacted by flooding last year, Rex – Captain of the Wardell Rural Fire Service – jumped into action.
Two days before the floods hit, Rex organised his team to fill sandbags for local residents, then he assisted in making sure the emergency evacuation centre at the Wardell Sport and Recreation Club was operational.
As water rose and houses became inundated, Rex accompanied local fisherman to rescue people during the night along the Richmond riverbank. This was a dangerous operation as the river was flowing rapidly and full of debris. Despite the danger, Rex assisted with the rescue of 14 people from Keith Hall, bringing them to the evacuation centre in Wardell.
Di, a trained nurse and valued crew member of the Wardell RFS, was also hard at work at the evacuation centre. Di organised donations of food, clothing, bedding, and medicines to be transported from the sports club to the Catholic Church hall and pre-school for sorting and access by those in need. She found residential accommodation for the elderly and people that were too unwell to be comfortable at the evacuation centre. She tended various wounds, cuddled babies, wiped tears, held traumatised residents, coordinated volunteers, and made sure everyone was well and fed.
As Wardell locals since 2009, and Broadwater residents for 15 years before that, Rex and Di’s local knowledge was invaluable throughout the emergency event.
Rex organised a team of 15 fire engines
and Rural Fire Service personnel from across NSW to hose out houses. He worked with the army to provide mud maps of farms, road accessibility and population information, to task the army to properties that needed assistance.
In the months following the floods Rex and Di have continued to support their community while also attending to regular duties with the RFS including bush and house fires, and first responders to motor vehicle accidents. Despite their amazing efforts, the couple said their Australia Day award came as a complete surprise.
“The experience of being name Citizen of the Year left us speechless and overwhelmed, we never thought we would be chosen,” said Di.
“We were very humbled in the first place just being nominated and recognised for our work.”
The pair accepted the award on behalf of everyone who participated in the flood response at Wardell.
“Two people on their own cannot achieve much but with an organisation like the RFS, along with the SES, Evans Head Marine Rescue, the ADF and the many volunteers, a huge job was undertaken,” Rex said.
“We’d like to thank those people sincerely and say that this award is for them as well.”
Would you like to join the RFS? To find out more visit rfs.nsw.gov.au/ volunteer
Kerrie has an incredible 40 years of service with the Australian Red Cross, and is the worthy recipient of a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
Kerrie joined Australia Red Cross in 1981, inspired by the organisation’s seven fundamental principles: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality.
Her first “jobs” with Red Cross included welcoming refugees at Sydney Airport and helping children from the Pacific Islands as they arrived in Australia for life-changing craniofacial surgery.
Her work eventually brought her to Wollongbar, where she has lived for the past 25 years.
When fires hit communities in the Clarence, Kyogle and Richmond Valleys in 2019, Kerrie jumped into action, helping to run community shelters and coordinate the recovery effort. She was also on the frontlines with community support during COVID-19.
But her limits were truly tested during last year’s floods. Kerrie worked tirelessly to assist flood-impacted residents in the Northern Rivers, which included coordinating a gift program delivered in partnership with agencies such as GIVIT.
Red Cross Branches and Clubs across NSW fundraised to provide food vouchers for Kerrie and her fellow volunteers to distribute. Some branches made bags and others collected essential items to make up care packs.
“It was very stressful for everyone and for some still is. I got through it with the help of our volunteers, staff, and agencies we normally work with. We're a team in emergencies and we look out for each other,” said Kerrie.
Receiving the accolades on Australia Day was overwhelming, but also a huge honour.
“The fact that the nominations came from my fellow volunteers did make it special. So many people have done wonderful things over this past year. It's difficult to single anyone out,” said Kerrie.
“Red Cross Emergency Services is recruiting for new volunteers now. So even if you can only spend a few hours, please sign up. The rewards are great. We have an eclectic community and I love the diversity.”
For more information visit redcross.org.au/volunteer
Cr Sharon Cadwallader
p 0428 339 023
e sharon.cadwallader@ballina.nsw. gov.au
Cr Phillip Meehan p 0408 349 833 e phil.meehan@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Cr Rod Bruem p 0419 508 753 e rod.bruem@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Cr Stephen McCarthy p 0435 759 987 e stephen.mccarthy@ballina.nsw. gov.au
Cr Jeff Johnson p 0428 970 112 e jeff.johnson@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Cr Eva Ramsey p 0419 542 905 e eva.ramsey@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Cr Kiri Dicker p 0419 493 898
e kiri.dicker@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Cr Eoin Johnston p 0407 416 149
e eoin.johnston@ballina.nsw.gov. au
Cr Simon Chate p 0419 593 233
e simon.chate@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Cr Nigel Buchanan p 0419 590 661
e nigel.buchanan@ballina.nsw. gov.au
LENNOX HEAD
CUMBALUM WARD C
WOLLONGBAR ALSTONVILLE BALLINA
SKENNARS HEAD EAST BALLINA
MEERSCHAUM VALE
WARDELL
DALWOOD EAST WARDELL
PIMLICO
KEITH HALL EMPIRE VALE
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.
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)
After hours contact: 02 6626 6954
Like us on Facebook
Meeting agendas and documents on exhibition can be viewed at council’s website ballina.nsw.gov.au
Read profilescouncillor at ballina. nsw.gov.au/yourcouncillors
Ballina Shire Council’s tourism team work to promote the Ballina Coast & Hinterland and the wider Northern Rivers region as key tourism destinations.
The team of five passionate staff members all completed their studies locally at Southern Cross University in Lismore. With a diverse range of interests and skills, each team member brings a wealth of knowledge to their role.
Working from the Ballina Visitor Information Centre, the team also manage the Visitor Services desk at the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport and the Northern Rivers Digital Visitor Hub at the Ballina BP Travel Centre.
The Ballina Visitor Information Centre is an accredited centre, open 7 days a week. The friendly and informative staff and volunteers are on hand to provide information and materials that encourage visitors and locals to explore and experience the region. With an ever-expanding range of custom merchandise, locally made gifts and produce from the region’s growers and makers, the Centre has something for everyone, even locals!
The team greets walk-in visitors, as well as customers online and over the phone, helping them to have the best experience in the region. The Ballina Visitor Information Centre also provides a booking service for tours and accommodation.
Contrary to the name, the Ballina Visitor Information Centre is also here for locals – with a range of great resources to keep you informed and entertained. Make sure you pop in or jump online for:
LIVE EVENT CALENDARS
MARKET CALENDARS
MONTHLY WHAT’S ON GUIDES
ANNUAL EVENTS GUIDES
SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITY SHEETS
SHARED PATHS AND CYCLEWAYS MAP
DINING GUIDES
ITINERARIES AND MAPS
+ SO MUCH MORE!
Working towards the key priorities outlined in the Ballina Coast and Hinterland Destination Management Plan, the team aims to increase overnight visitor expenditure, while preserving the qualities that make our destination special. The team works with industry stakeholders including Destination NSW, Destination North Coast, Tourism Management Groups and business chambers to raise the profile of the destination and encourage investment in tourism infrastructure.
The team works on projects and campaigns that target visitors from key audiences across the country, and those already in the region. The visitor economy plays a vital role in economic development, job creation, and contributes vibrant lifestyle benefits to our local
community. Digital marketing campaigns are supported by printed collateral such as the official Ballina Coast and Hinterland visitor guide and region map.
Is family coming to visit? Are old friends popping in? Locals are the best tourism ambassadors around.
If you want your friends and family to love the area as much as you do, why not give them the whole experience! The Ballina Coast & Hinterland has so many distinctive and diverse experiences to explore, and we have done the hard work to find them for you.
For ideas pop into the Visitor Centre or visit the destination website discoverballina.com.au
The Ballina Tourism Team manage two beach wheelchairs – one is accessed from the Ballina Surf Club. The other chair is available at the Ballina Visitor Information Centre. The beach wheelchairs are free to hire for up to a week.
Bicentennial Gardens in Ballina is home to the region's first disc golf course. The Ballina Visitor Information Centre has discs available for hire, as well as a score cards and maps of the park.
From the famous prawn socks to custom designed shirts, local Monopoly and everything in between; the Ballina Tourism Team takes pride in providing a unique range of merchandise and stock. We have some exciting new products in development. Make sure you follow us on Facebook or Instagram to be the first to know when new stock is released.
Business operators are encouraged to keep the Visitor Services Team up to date by regularly communicating what's happening and changing, so that the team can enhance our visitors' stay and effectively promote local services.
For more information about What’s On and all the community events visit discoverballina.com.au
31 March – 2 April 2023
Missingham Bridge Skate Park, Ballina
Ballina’s own Fair Go skateboard competition has been running for over 21 years. It is one of the longest running skateboard competitions in the country and in previous years they have had more competitors than any other skateboard competition in Australia!
For more information visit truckstopsk8.com.au
6 - 10 April 2023
Byron Bay
Byron Bay Bluesfest is Australia’s premier contemporary blues and roots music festival. It showcases music from around the world annually on the Easter long weekend. Day and multi-day passes are available. Check out their website to see who is playing when and plan your festival fun! For more information visit bluesfest.com.au
Saturday 29 April 2023, 7am
Byron Bay to Ballina
Join the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service for the 10th anniversary of the Byron Coast Charity Walk. With three distances to choose from starting from Dening Park in Byron Bay, this walk boasts magnificent scenery along our stunning coastline.
For more information visit events.rescuehelicopter.com.au
6 - 7 May 2023, 9-3pm
Ballina Masonic Hall
Hosted by Ballina Art & Craft Centre Inc (BACCI) this year's exhibition is bigger and better than ever. Look out for paintings, photography, woven art, woodwork, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, resin art, cards and other unique craft items. For more information visit facebook.com/BallinaArtsAndCraftsCentreIncorporated
need fun ideas?
6 - 7 May 2023
All over the Northern Rivers
Jump in your car and head off on a food and beverage discovery trail. For a whole paddock to plate experience, meet local farmers, producers, growers, distillers and chefs and hear their unique stories. For more information visit northernriversfood.org/ harvest-food-trail/
11 – 13 May 2023
Richmond Valley Events Centre, Casino
Enjoy craft beverages, live music and paddock to plate demonstrations from over 300 exhibitors over three days at PRIMEX. Get a feel and understanding of the agri business and culture, speak to local farmers and enjoy a family day out.
For more information visit primex.net.au
Sunday 21 May 2023, 8am – 3pm
Bangalow
A much-loved annual community event packed with billycart racing, expert skateboard riding, parades, children’s rides, entertainment and a variety of foods to enjoy. From preschoolers to celebrities, those willing to brave the big hill congregate with their wacky carts and gravity presides while thousands watch.
For more information visit bangalowbillycart.com.au
Saturday 3 June 2023, 9am – 4pm
Lennox Head
Come together to celebrate everything there is to love about Lennox Head! Brought to you by the Lennox Head Chamber of Commerce, this event is packed full of unique food stalls, entertainers, musicians and artists. There will be kids' activities, cute dog shows and entertainment all day.
For more information visit facebook.com/LoveLennoxFestival
For ideas on how to keep the kids entertained this holidays, download the school holiday activity sheet at discoverballina.com.au or collect from the Ballina Visitor Information Centre, 6 River Street, Ballina.
For weekly event updates, inspiration, and more follow @discoverballina on Instagram and Facebook.
BYRON BLUES FEST BYRON COAST CHARITY WALK LOVE LENNOX FESTIVALDiscover original artworks, handicrafts, fashion, jewellery, secondhand goods, as well as fresh local produce ... or just sit back, relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of your local market
BALLINA FARMERS MARKET
(Weekly) Every Sunday morning
7am – 11am
Commemoration Park, Bentinck Street, Ballina
NEWRYBAR FARMERS MARKET
(Weekly) Every Wednesday 4pm – 7pm
Newrybar Hall, 15 Old Pacific Highway
BYRON BAY COMMUNITY MARKET
(Monthly) First Sunday of the month
8am – 3pm
Jonson Street, Byron Bay
LENNOX COMMUNITY MARKET
Second and fifth Sunday every month
8am – 3pm
Williams Reserve, adjacent to Lennox Head Cultural Centre, Park Lane Lennox Head
BANGALOW FLEA MARKET
(Monthly) Second Saturday of the month
8am – 2pm
Bangalow Public School, 45-71 Byron Street, Bangalow
BANGALOW MARKET
(Monthly) Fourth Sunday of the month 9am – 3pm
Bangalow Showground, Bangalow
7open days
The Ballina Visitor Information Centre is proud to support local growers and makers from across the Northern Rivers and this Easter the shelves are stocked with treats to suit any taste. Discover handcrafted gourmet products as well as chocolate coated macadamias, pecans, coffee beans and more! Enjoy the carefully curated selection of produce and giftware, create a bespoke hamper or simply pick up your favourite treat. Located next to the Ballina Memorial Pool at 6 River Street, Ballina.
What's new?
It’s no secret that Ballina Coast and Hinterland is home to an exciting and diverse range of experiences, attractions, and dining options. If you are looking to try something new, why not visit one of these recently opened businesses?
Climbing Jungle is a brand new, state of the art rock climbing gym now open in West Ballina. Jump into bouldering, auto-belaying, top roping and lead climbing in a safe and friendly, all-inclusive environment. Committed to creating a fun and inspiring experience for climbers of all ages, skill and fitness levels, no bookings required. You will be visually blown away by their unique and amazing structure and experience a full body workout. Get moving and go climb in the Jungle!
28 Smith Drive, Ballina | climbingjungle.com.au
Kelp In case Kelp hasn't already caught your eye with its fine street appeal, you can find this new restaurant right next to Dory's Takeaway. With its snazzy bar, cool atmosphere and open aspect Kelp is a great spot to linger over a cocktail or tuck into a bucket of prawns. Yes really - they're on the menu!
175 River Street, Ballina kelprestaurant.au
open 9am-5pm Mon-Sat 10am-2pm Sundays
Virtual Golf Centre is a premier indoor golf facility with a state-of-the-art golf simulator and tracking system for players to fine tune their game while playing some of the best courses in the world. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a pro, you will love the facilities at Virtual Golf. Enjoy a bite to eat or grab a drink at the fully licensed bar. Great for parties, groups and families! 14 Ascot Road, Ballina | virtualgolfcentre.com.au
With 40 plus years of local knowledge and a few awards under their belt, Fozie’s Fishing Adventures really are part of the furniture along the North Coast. The Ballina Tourism Team caught up with co-owner Di Foster to chat about Captain Rob ‘Fozie’ and their fishing adventures.
How did you get hooked on sharing your fishing adventures?
It's been Fozie’s dream to share his love of fishing for so long, and after many years of skippering for other operators both in Australia and in Papua New Guinea, the opportunity arose to purchase our own vessel.
This would have to be hands down the Tuna we got on Friday 23 December 2022. Peter and his brother Maac Cumberlege, who had flown in from the UK the day before, were out with Fozie on our Marlin Adventure. The boys had a strike early in the day and then nothing until the last run of the day when they landed this 40kg tuna!
Our customers (new friends) all say the day with Fozie, the knowledge and passion that he shares, the laughter and great trip along with catching fish.
Any tips! Like so many fishermen, he’s (Fozie) not keen to give away that information, haha! Fishing is the love of enjoying the catch at the time, no matter the size of the fish or how many you may catch. For me, it’s a time to forget about work and enjoy that feeling of being on the water, watching the sun either rise or set and seeing all the mammals and bird life.
The Ballina Tourism Team is seeking volunteers for the Ballina Visitor Information Centre and visitor services desk at the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport. This is an exciting opportunity to meet and greet visitors to the Ballina Coast and Hinterland whilst promoting local attractions, tours, activities and seasonal produce. If you are passionate about this beautiful region we call home, then why not inspire visitors to stay and explore longer by becoming a Volunteer Ambassador.
Vivienne Jagelman has been a part of the program for three years and expresses why she enjoys being a volunteer tourism ambassador:
“I enjoy my volunteer position as I feel part of a very professional and friendly team. The opportunity to meet other friendly and like-minded volunteers has been a lot of fun and I have learnt so much about my local area and feel proud to promote it”.
If you would like to find out how to become a volunteer tourism ambassador visit discoverballina.com.au/visit/corporate/ volunteering or call the Ballina Tourism Team on 1800 777 666.
