Alstonville doggy day out

Ballina Shire Council made a lot of local Alstonville dogs very happy on Saturday 10 August with the opening of the new dog exercise area on Gap Road. The pups and their owners enjoyed free puppucinos and coffee.

agreements with other providers allow the community to access additional support for housing, food recovery, and social activities such as local BBQs or network meetings. Safe Havens offer a place to connect, which is important for wellbeing.”

Dee, a Peer Worker at one of the Safe Havens, echoed these sentiments: “It’s great news that the Safe Havens are being continued in the heavily food-affected communities we work in. Mental health services are both valued and needed. The drop-in, no-appointment-needed space that people can access without referral is a refreshing and muchneeded approach in mental health, especially with the easy access to Peer Workers.”

For more information, visit safehavennc. org.au or visit your community’s Safe Haven:

• Lismore | 46 Magellan Street (next to Lismore Regional Gallery)

• Mullumbimby | 15 Tincogan Street (Behind the Mullumbimby and District Neighbourhood Centre)

• Murwillumbah | Shop 10-12/41-45 Murwillumbah Street

• Woodburn | 114 River Street

They also had the chance to chat with Council rangers, learn dog training tips from local trainer, Andrew

Clarke and try out the agility equipment. Thanks to everyone who came along!

For more information, please scan the QR Code below.

Second Hand Saturday 2024

Registrations are now open for Second Hand Saturday - the North Coast’s BIGGEST day of garage sales! Register to hold your garage sale on Saturday 21 September 2024 online or give Council a call. Why register?

• FREE local paper and online advertising

• De-clutter and support re-use over landfll

• Be part of the great community spirit this event brings

• Choose to host your own garage sale, or a joint sale with friends, family, your street or at your local community group, school or church!

Register Online, scan the QR Code below:

Ballina Shire Pre-Poll

Where you can vote

The 2024 Local Government Elections will be held on 14 September 2024. Enrolling and voting is compulsory if you are 18 years and over. You can choose to vote at a pre-poll venue, vote in person on the day or via postal vote.

Pre-polling opens on Saturday 7 September and locations include:

• Lennox Head Community Hall (corner of Hutley Dr and Daybreak Way, Lennox Head)

• The Richmond Room (5 Regatta Ave, Ballina)

You can read more by scanning the QR Code below or use the following url: www. elections.nsw.gov.au/ elections/fnd-myelectorate/councils/ ballina

By Tim Howard

The Northern Rivers Times has asked all of the candidates for the September 14 local government elections to introduce themselves to voters identify the issues they want to address and policies they would pursue if elected.

A Ward Kay Oxley

If elected to council I will work hard to fnd a solution for the upgrade of the Cumbalum Interchange, campaign for Ballina regarding food mitigation and emergency management, support local businesses and focus on community safety, connection and wellbeing.

I will work with council and fellow councillors in ensuring that Ballina is moving forward and providing the necessary sustainable infrastructure for our growing community.

This includes securing our future water supply.

My career has been predominantly in NSW State Government holding senior roles in the planning, environmental assessment, regulation and remediation of major projects.

Additionally, I have worked with executives in Ministerial liaison, emergency management in developing operational policies, procedures and improving services for the community.

While working for Crown Lands, I managed a regional bushfre mitigation program, supported community Trusts, liaised with landholders, managed Crown Land assets including natural resources. I was awarded the National Emergency Medal for my efforts in the 2019 bushfre crisis.

My relevant