Ballina Shire Shines at 2024 North Coast Tourism Awards

Ballina Shire Council is elated to celebrate the remarkable achievements of local tourism businesses and initiatives at the 2024 North Coast Tourism Awards.

The awards ceremony, held on Thursday, August 1 at Sails Port Macquarie, was a splendid evening honouring the dedication and innovation within the region’s tourism sector.

The excitement for Ballina Shire kicked off with the Lennox Head Cultural Centre securing the Gold award for Event Venue of the Year. This accolade underscores the centre’s pivotal role in boosting the visitor economy, enriching the local community, and attracting signifcant conferences to the area.

The Ballina Tourism Team celebrated multiple awards, including Gold in Excellence in Tourism Services, Silver in Excellence in Innovation, and Silver for Outstanding Young Tourism Business Leader, awarded to Alanah Ward, Team Leader Visitor Services. These awards highlight the team’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership in the

The writing is on the wall, and in books and paintings, in the calligraphy exhibition which opens at the Cassino Art Gallery on Saturday 10th August.

The exhibition runs from 10th to 31st August with beginners and advanced calligraphy workshops during the show. Details below.

Curators of the exhibition, Barbara Austin from Casino and her Gold Coast friend Judith Kilburn are experienced calligraphers who have held major exhibitions and been teaching for over 20 years.

“There will be traditional calligraphy pieces, decorated small and large books, our popular ‘junk journals’ – decorated recycled books, tribute cards for all occasions, and tourism industry.

Sugar Beach Ranch, South Ballina, earned the Silver award for Excellence in Wellness Tourism, recognizing its unique and compelling wellness-focused visitor experiences.

Additionally, Let’s Go Surfng, Lennox Head, achieved multiple accolades: Gold in Excellence in Wellness Tourism, Silver in Excellence in Specialized Tourism, and Silver in Tour and Transport Operator of the Year.

Mayor Sharon Cadwallader, who attended the event, expressed her pride and congratulations, stating, “The success of our winners and fnalists is a testament to their hard work and innovative spirit. These achievements not only elevate their own businesses but also enhance Ballina Shire’s standing as a premier tourist destination – we are incredibly proud!”

Other accolades and recognitions from the night include the Ballina Contemporary Art Market (Northern Rivers Community Gallery) being a fnalist for Festival/Event of the Year and Bonito Peruvian Eatery being a fnalist for Excellence in Food Tourism.

Participating in these prestigious awards has been a rewarding journey for all involved, providing valuable insights that drive growth and ensure the longevity of their ventures. Ballina Shire Council extends its heartfelt congratulations to all winners and fnalists, whose achievements continue to enhance the vibrancy and appeal of our region.

For more information about the 2024 North Coast Tourism Awards, visit dncnsw.com.

Invasive Aquatic Weed Removal

This week, an aquatic weed harvester is actively working on the lake at Waterlily Park in Ocean Shores, targeting the invasive Salvinia molesta and parrot’s feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) weeds.

Salvinia, known for its rapid spread, had formed a dense mat over the lake’s surface, while parrot’s feather had also become well established.

Salvinia has been a recurring issue at Waterlily Park, and the Council typically employs special weevils, bred by the NSW Department of Primary Industries, to manage the weed.

“The Salvinia weevil has been successfully used at Waterlily Park several times, but it doesn’t fare well in cold weather,” explained Mr. Erskine.

“These 2mm-long weevils thrive in hot conditions but cease breeding when temperatures drop below 17 degrees. Given the current density of the weed, immediate action was necessary, prompting the use of the aquatic harvester,” Mr. Erskine added.

The removed Salvinia and parrot’s feather are being stockpiled on-site for several weeks and covered with black plastic to facilitate decomposition. Once decomposed, the material will be transported to the Council’s Resource Recovery Centre.