Community Connect | Ballina Shire Council | Issue 36 | September 2019

ISSUE

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B A L L I N A

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36 SEPT 2019

C O U N C I L

SPRUNG!!

Explore the 'Virtually Impossible' with Sprung!!

Integrated Dance Theatre at the Northern Rivers Community Gallery, Ballina.

See page 26 and 28 for details...

featured stories...

Future Road Network

Australia Day Awards Nominate Now!

Second Hand Saturday 28 September

from the mayor's desk

contents

engaged leadership

From the Mayor's Desk

The September Community Connect showcases just how much is going on in the Ballina Shire at the moment.

I believe that residents and visitors alike will be blown away with the BISC (Ballina Indoor Sport Centre) when it opens shortly. The quality of the building’s interior will provide an indoor sporting venue equal or better than any in the state.

The work continuing on the foreshores of Lake Ainsworth will provide green space for families in the upcoming Christmas period as well as providing up to date facilities to enhance the experience of the lake and Seven Mile Beach.

The Ballina Byron Gateway Airport looks absolutely amazing; with the new departure area providing spacious and modern facilities for passengers. The new bar and café facilities are first class. I am looking forward to the new Boulevard Road, the completion of Boeing Avenue, and new businesses in the Southern Cross Industrial Estate, which is being expanded near the Homemakers Centre.

Progress on the new housing estates is continuing with high demand for blocks as they come onto the market. The new shopping centre at Epiq has commenced, while roadworks and a new roundabout on the coast road are underway as part of the Aureus Estate.

I find it hard to believe the number of new people arriving to either visit or stay in the shire. Even the number of people attending our Citizenship Ceremonies to become Australians has grown so much that two ceremonies are being held on one day in September to cope with the demand (45 people from a dozen countries).

Two of my favourite Council sponsored events are coming up shortly. The Country Music Festival and the Ballina Food and Wine Festival are extremely well run and well attended events that provide entertainment and showcase local produce. They are a MUST to attend and enjoy.

Please keep a watch out for the Centenary of the Ballina RSL SubBranch activities taking place soon. This group has an amazing story to tell and Colleen Wills has compiled a detailed history of people and events which have defined the Sub-Branch through to the present.

Once again, I would like to thank all the service clubs and other volunteer groups who continue to do so much to enhance the lives of those less fortunate in the shire. It is an absolute pleasure to attend your functions.

Please enjoy the current and proposed new facilities in the shire in your spare time.

Ballina Shire is really the place to be.

Cr David Wright

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THE MAGAZINE OF BALLINA SHIRE

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport Terminal Upgrade Improving Pedestrian Access Coastal Shared Path – Constructing the Final Link Ballina Indoor Sports Centre Complete River Street Upgrade Lake Ainsworth Foreshore Improvement Works Sharpes Beach Roundabout Skate Parks Get a Shiny New Look eRates Competition Winner Skennars Head Sports Fields Expansion Projects in the Pipeline Future Road Network for Ballina Shire Digital Bootcamp for Business Is Your Pool Registered?

Splash into the Community Pools Flat Rock Tent Park Market Calendar Achievements 2018/2019 Stats & Facts 2018/2019

3–4 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 10 – 11 12 12 13 13 13 14 – 15 16 – 17

prosperous economy Ballina Coast and Hinterland Local experiences Lennox Village Vision – project update Two Ways to Purchase 4WD Permits

18 – 19 20 21 22

connected community Australia Day Awards – Nominations Give a Warm Welcome to our New Citizens What's On? Community Events Arts Connect – Northern Rivers Regional Gallery Community Spaces Community Halls – Places to Connect Lennox Lions Club Photography Competition

23 23 24 – 25 26 – 28 29 30 30

healthy environment Love it or Lose it – The Little Things Matter 31 Waste Watch 32 – 33 Selling or Giving Away a Cat or Dog 34 Paws for Thought – Cats and your Local Urban Bush 34 Wolfie is Now Back Home 34 Rainwater Tanks a Mozzie's Dream Home 35 Spring Has Sprung and the Wildlife is Active 35 Healthy Waterways 36 – 37 Landcare and Coastcare Profile 14 – 15 Water Talk 20 – 21 Paddling Powers Community Spirit 42 Students Learn to Paint Big 43

Community Connect eNews is Ballina Shire Council’s electronic newsletter. Sign-up today to receive your Community Connect and other council news via email.

To subscribe visit ballina.nsw.gov.au (search eNews).

subscribe now to co unity conmnm enewesct

terminal upgrade

BALLINA BYRON GATEWAY AIRPORT TERMINAL UPGRADE The upgraded and expanded terminal building is now complete. The departure lounge has tripled in size and now comfortably accommodates 350 people, equivalent to two passenger jets.

Work will soon start on the carpark upgrade to increase the number of spaces from 500 to 650 spaces. A boom gate system will be installed so that passengers can pay when leaving the airport rather than on arrival.

engagedleadership

B A L L I N A B Y R O N G AT E WAY A I R P O R T

This project has been delivered thanks to $4.5 million from the NSW Government’s Regional Tourism Infrastructure Program, and $2.4 million in funding from Ballina Shire Council.

Business After Hours Networking Event Ballina Shire Council recently hosted a Business AfterHours Networking event, to bring industry and business leaders in the Ballina-Byron region together to showcase the expanded and upgraded terminal.

SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE 36

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road & civil PROJECTS UPDATE B A L L I N A B Y R O N G AT E WAY A I R P O R T

AIRPORT BOULEVARD, SOUTHERN CROSS INDUSTRIAL ESTATE

PASSENGERS

Strong growth in passenger numbers continue The Ballina Byron Gateway Airport continues to experience strong growth with passenger numbers increasing from 260,000 in 2011 to 533,000 in 2019.

We are the third busiest airport in NSW, and ranked in the top ten regional airports in Australia. Not bad considering the list also includes Cairns, Darwin, Hobart and Launceston.

Ballina Shire Council sees the Airport as a catalyst to create business opportunities and jobs. We are in discussions with the Federal Government to assist us in funding an upgrade to the runway to cater for the next generation of Regular Public Transport (RPT) aircraft.

Welcome to RELAY,

The construction of Airport Boulevard a new entrance road to the Airport is underway.

This new statement road will unlock future industrial land in the Southern Cross Industrial Estate.

Once complete, the road will provide a visually enhanced gateway road, provide an efficient traffic corridor and access to industrial land.

Project outcomes include: EXTENSION OF AND CONNECTION TO BOEING AVENUE CONNECTION TO NORTH CREEK ROAD CONSTRUCTION OF THREE ROUNDABOUTS The total cost of the project is $6.7 million, and is made possible thanks to $3 million in Australian Government funding under the Community Development Grants Programme. Council will contribute $3.7 million to meet the project’s total cost.

The project kicked off in February 2019 with the installation of environmental fencing. We are now undertaking the bulk earthworks along the extension of Boeing Avenue and the new Airport Boulevard. These works are expected to continue into early 2020.

one stop shop before you fly…

ORT AIRP INAL TERM

EXTENSION OF SOUTHERN CROSS DRIVE

We are pleased to welcome the new RELAY Travel Essentials shop to the PRESS RELEASE expanded terminal.

FUTURE ROAD – AIRPORT BOULEVARD FUTURE INDUSTRIAL LAND DEVELOPMENT

AIR

The vibrancy of the shop fitout and goods on offer add Lagardère Travel Retail brings RELAY todeparting Ballina Byron to the travel experience of passengers the Gateway Airport Ballina Byron Gateway Airport.

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533,000

Offering a wide range of products and one-stop travel essentials. The 110sqm RELAY store features marketLagardère Travel Retail has opened its global leading brand in Travel Essentials, RELAY, in the Ballina Byron books, Gateway Airport, a keyand leisureconvenience market in New South items, Wales. leading news stationery, snacking, beverages and key travel As the gateway toconfectionery, the heart of the Northern Rivers Region, the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is a regional airport servicing areas such as Richmond River, Byron Bay, the Ballina Coast and the Far essentials such as headphones, adaptors, tech, neck North Coast hinterland of New South Wales. pillows and souvenirs.

8 August 2019 – For immediate release

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#supportingagrowingcommunity JOINTLY FUNDED BY THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT AND BALLINA SHIRE COUNCIL

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THE MAGAZINE OF BALLINA SHIRE

supporting a growing community

Improving pedestrian access When it comes to pedestrians, access and safety are top of the list. The Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan, otherwise known as the PAMP, looks to improve safety, access and walkability in Ballina Shire.

The PAMP prioritises footpath projects for the next ten-years and takes into consideration the types of pedestrians, predicted usage, popularity of routes, linkages, future development, feasibility and costing of projects.

In 2018/19 the following PAMP projects were completed: BENTINCK STREET, BALLINA ISLAND – two new kerb ramps and centre median refuge RIVER STREET, WEST BALLINA – New 123m footpath from Bunnings to bus stop SOUTHERN CROSS DRIVE, NORTH BALLINA – New 400m footpath, three kerb ramps and two centre medians CRANE STREET, BALLINA ISLAND – Upgrade to existing kerb ramp plus one new kerb ramp and centre median refuge KALINGA STREET, WEST BALLINA – New 570m footpath and 14 kerb ramps CHERRY STREET, BALLINA ISLAND – Upgrade to 410m of footpath between Bentinck Street and Crane Street LINKS AVENUE, EAST BALLINA – New 182m footpath CORNER OF TAMAR STREET AND KERR STREET – Pedestrian safety fence painted to improve visibility CRANE STREET, BALLINA ISLAND – New 20m footpath, two kerb ramps and one centre median BENTINCK STREET, BALLINA ISLAND – New 182m footpath between Cherry and Moon Streets.

To view the PAMP visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/pamp

SKENNARS HEAD

COASTAL SHARED PATH – CONSTRUCTING THE FINAL LINK Works are underway to complete the final link of the shared path, between the Skennars Head roundabout and the Pat Morton carpark.

engagedleadership

C O M P L E T E D, C U R R E N T A N D F U T U R E P R O J E C T S I N T H E S H I R E

This will be the final link to our shared path and will allow locals and visitors to walk, run, cycle or skate all the way from Ballina to Lennox Head. The completed path will be a unique recreational asset for our shire and will allow locals and visitors to enjoy our beautiful coastline.

Funding for this section of the shared path is thanks to $880,000 from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund and $880,000 from the Federal Government’s Regional Jobs and Investment Package.

Council would like to thank the community for their patience during this time and anticipates the path will be completed by the end of 2019 (weather permitting).

For more information visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/ coastalsharedpath

#supportingagrowingcommunity JOINTLY FUNDED BY THE AUSTRALIAN AND NSW GOVERNMENTS

supporting a growing community

SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE 36

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road & civil PROJECTS UPDATE

communityconnect

COMPLETED PROJECTS

project snapshot

COMMERCIAL ROAD, ALSTONVILLE – Carpark reconstructed and expanded.

MARTIN STREET, BALLINA (SEG 150) – Road reconstruction.

BALLINA INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE (BISC) – Works are now complete.

CURRENT PROJECTS RIVER STREET UPGRADE (BETWEEN GRANT AND MOON STREETS) – See story on page 7 for details.

LAKE AINSWORTH FORESHORE IMPROVEMENT WORKS – eastern precinct and stage 2. See page 7 for details).

SKINNER STREET , BALLINA (SEG 30) – Road Reconstruction.

AIRPORT BOULEVARD – Road construction. See page 4.

HUTLEY DRIVE NORTH – Road reconstruction and

BALLINA INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE COMPLETE Council is excited to confirm that the construction of the Ballina Indoor Sports Centre (BISC) is complete.

Thanks to $3.5 million in NSW Government funding and approximately $5 million from Ballina Shire Council the new centre will cater for netball, basketball, futsal, Lifeball, indoor hockey and a range of other sports and activities. Meeting rooms will also be available for commercial and community hiring.

Council’s two-court facility is connected to Ballina Coast High’s new two-court facility by an enclosed passageway.

Council has received many enquiries for the hire of the facilities and is working with local sporting associations and Ballina Coast High School on future bookings. Sports infrastructure is essential for creating an active community and boost participation in sports.

Look out for future news on Community Open and Sports

Sign-On Days.

BALLINA INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE

installation of new roundabout on The Coast Road.

See pages 10 – 11 for details.

FUTURE PROJECTS REGATTA AVENUE, BALLINA (SEG 30) – Road reconstruction.

MARTIN STREET, BALLINA (SEG 10) – Road reconstruction.

GIBBON STREET, LENNOX HEAD (SEG 10/20) – Road reconstruction.

PERRY STREET, ALSTONVILLE (SEG 10) – Road reconstruction.

#supportingagrowingcommunity For updates on road closures visit myroadinfo.com.au

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THE MAGAZINE OF BALLINA SHIRE

JOINTLY FUNDED BY THE NSW GOVERNMENT AND BALLINA SHIRE COUNCIL

supporting a growing community

River Street Upgrade The River Street upgrade project, between Moon and Grant Street, is progressing well with two of the four zones almost complete.

#supportingagrowingcommunity

FUNDED BY BALLINA SHIRE COUNCIL

supporting a growing community

The rejuvenated River Street is starting to take shape with wider footpaths, underground services and new paving now being laid.

Council is completing the project in four zones to help minimise disruption to pedestrians, motorists and businesses. Footpath works will be done outside business hours so customers can still access retailers and food premises.

Works on the third zone, on the eastern side of River Street, started in late August. The final zone, on the western side of River Street will begin after the October school holidays.

Please continue to support the River Street traders during the upgrade works. You may not be able to park right out the front, but there’s still plenty of parking in other locations within the town centre. The bus stop adjacent to the RSL has now been permanently moved to create extra parking within the upgrade area. Park the car and take a stroll, you may be surprised at the vast array of choice available.

For more information visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/ riverstreetupgrade

business as usual

stop by and support your loca l traders

RIVER STREET

LAKE AINSWORTH FORESHORE IMPROVEMENTS

L AKE AINSWORTH

engagedleadership

C O M P L E T E D, C U R R E N T A N D F U T U R E P R O J E C T S I N T H E S H I R E

The eastern precinct and stage 2 of the Lake Ainsworth Foreshore Improvement Works are well underway and almost complete.

This stage includes a three-metre accessible pathway, barbeques, picnic tables, sandstone block seating, formalised parking, erosion rehabilitation and landscaping.

Stage 3 is also underway and will include roundabout construction adjacent to the Lennox Head & Alstonville Surf Life Saving Club to ensure better traffic flow. #supportingagrowingcommunity FUNDED BY BALLINA SHIRE COUNCIL

The $1.7 million project is funded by Ballina Shire Council and is expected to be completed in time for the summer swimming season. supporting a growing community

Council would like to thank the community for their patience during this upgrade project.

For more information visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/lakeainsworth

SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE 36

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road & civil PROJECTS UPDATE

communityconnect

SKATE PARKS GET SHINY NEW LOOK

S H ARPES BE ACH

Sharpes Beach Roundabout As the new beachfront Aureus community breaks ground, associated roadworks on The Coast Road and Headlands Drive are also underway. Once complete, the works will help traffic flow and pedestrian safety.

WHAT'S CHANGING? The existing southern access into Skennars Head via Headlands Drive will ultimately close. This section of road just before Killarney Crescent will be remodelled into a carpark.

A new southern entrance into Skennars Head will be built across from the entrance to Sharpes Beach. A roundabout on the Coast Road will facilitate smoother four-way traffic flow. This new road will meet up with Headlands Drive just before Killarney Crescent.

A new underpass will be constructed beneath this new road which will connect by paths to the existing underpass under The Coast Road.

The works are approved by Council, but are undertaken by the developer.

The works are scheduled to take approximately six-months.

Scheduled works were completed across two weeks in August and included concrete grinding, repairs and resurfacing of the parks. These works have improved the safety and long term condition of these important recreational assets.

“We are committed to maintaining our recreational assets and this scheduled maintenance has been important for our community’s safety and enjoyment,” said Luke Marshall, Ballina Shire Council’s Open Spaces Development Officer.

“It’s been great to see so many people out enjoying the beautiful weather and the improved skate parks since we did the works,” added Luke.

We would like to thank the community for their positive response and patience while the works were carried out.

If you have any enquiries please contact the developer on email info@ aureus.com.au or call 02 9160 6484.

Existing Headlands Drive

Aureus (New) Headlands Drive Underpass

To Ballina

eRates Competition Winner

To Lennox Head Sharpes Beach Car Park

Wollongbar resident, Ashlee has won $1,000 off her rates and charges for being an eRates subscriber in our recent competition.

Ashlee, pictured with Eddie our eRates mascot, says she finds the service very convenient. Thank you to everyone who entered the competition by subscribing to eRates. We now have over 3,000 subscribers to the service. These sustainably savvy residents are helping save over 25,000 sheets of paper each year.

Subscribe at ballina.nsw.gov.au/eRates

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The Lennox Head and Ballina skate parks have recently received some TLC just in time for the warmer months and the Fair Go Skate Competition.

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THE MAGAZINE OF BALLINA SHIRE

SKENNARS HEAD

g upcomin projects

PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE for 2019/2020 Major projects planned for 2019/2020 include: CONSTRUCTION OF THE COASTAL

SHARED PATH (SKENNARS HEAD TO LENNOX HEAD VIA THE COAST ROAD) CONSTRUCTION OF THE COASTAL

RECREATIONAL WALK (FROM SKENNARS HEAD OVER THE HEADLANDS TO PAT MORTON LOOKOUT) EXTENSION OF HUTLEY DRIVE TO BYRON

BAY ROAD (AND CONSTRUCTION OF ROUNDABOUT) UPGRADES TO THE LENNOX HEAD

SKENNARS HEAD SPORTS FIELDS EXPANSION

COMMUNITY CENTRE INCLUDING AIR CONDITIONING CONSTRUCTION OF AIRPORT BOULEVARD COMMENCE CONSTRUCTION OF

The $2.2 million Skennars Head Sports Fields Expansion project was identified as a key priority in the Ballina Shire Open Space Strategy to help cater for our community's growing population and participation demands.

The improvement works will include:

WOLLONGBAR DISTRICT PARK

Capital Expenditure allocations for 2019/2020: $22M FOR ROADS AND BRIDGES

NEW SENIOR PLAYING FIELD AREA NEW JUNIOR PLAYING FIELD AREA

$2.3M FOR SPORTS FIELDS

SPORT FIELD LIGHTING AND IRRIGATION

$2.5M FOR FOOTPATHS AND SHARED

IMPROVED DRAINAGE

PATHS

ADDITIONAL PARKING WITH NEW SITE ENTRY

$3.6M FOR AIRPORT

This project is possible due to $990,000 thanks to NSW Government Stronger Country Communities Fund with $1,285,000 from Ballina Shire Council.

#supportingagrowingcommunity JOINTLY FUNDED BY THE NSW GOVERNMENT AND BALLINA SHIRE COUNCIL

engagedleadership

C O M P L E T E D, C U R R E N T A N D F U T U R E P R O J E C T S I N T H E S H I R E

$5M IN WATER INFRASTRUCTURE $6.5M IN WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE These projects are included in the Delivery Program and supporting a growing community

Operational Plan 2019/2020. This document is reviewed annually and reported to Council quarterly.

To view the document visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/ipr

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FUTURE ROAD NETWORK FOR BALLINA SHIRE 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 from 2019 to 2036.

To view the plan visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/roadscontribution

FUNDING OUR ROADS

identifies future traffic volumes

New roads cost a considerable amount of money. Ratepayers’ annual rates do not cover the cost of new roads. The proportion of your rates allocated to roads only covers the cost of annual maintenance to our existing road network along with some improvements. This leaves council with a significant shortfall. To help fund new roads, councils across NSW rely on state and federal government grant funding and developer contributions.

is based on approved and proposed land rezoning

Developer contributions build new roads A developer of new residential or commercial land is required to make a contribution to council in accordance with the Roads Contribution Plan. This contribution is used by council to resource the additional and ongoing services attributed to the growth associated with development.

The total amount of developer contributions for roads, open space and community facilities is capped by the NSW State Government at $20,000 per residential lot, and $30,000 for new greenfield development subject to NSW Government approval.

COMPREHENSIVE TRAFFIC MODELLING AND DATA Council’s roads plan is based on data and traffic modelling. This modelling:

RMS PROJECTS Cumbalum interchange

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is based on the predicted 2036 population.

The modelling predicts the Ballina Shire road network will experience considerable traffic growth, especially around Ballina and Lennox Head as planned urban development occurs.

Traffic modelling shows that by 2036 population growth will cause an overload on some of our existing roads. A two-lane road (one lane each way) has the capacity to carry 18,000 vehicles per day. Vehicle numbers beyond this will cause delays and reduce the efficiency of the overall road network.

Most major urban road corridors will need to carry more traffic and some of these corridors will be overloaded unless additional capacity with duplication of lanes is provided. In some areas, new road corridors will need to be established to service specific development.

PRIORITISING ROAD PROJECTS Traffic modelling helps us prioritise road construction projects but the rate of development also impacts the amount of road funding available. We adjust the priority of projects to find the balance between the project cost and the funding available from contributions and government grants.

Western arterial versus duplicating Tamarind Drive and River Street Council’s priority is to duplicate our Ballina Island entry roads (Tamarind Drive and River Street) before starting work on the western arterial. This decision has been made based on a number of factors.

We can get it done sooner River Street and Tamarind Drive are existing roads and it is less expensive and simpler to widen an existing road than construct a new major road. We are also a lot further along with planning these projects and are now finalising the concept design phase.

The western arterial project is expected to take a lot longer because it: needs to progress through the investigation, concept and design stages the road cannot be constructed in stages will cost significantly more and Council cannot currently fund the road construction without impacting other road projects requires the acquisition of several hectares of land not currently owned by council requires a range of environmental and development approvals.

Wider community benefit A new four-lane River Street and Tamarind Drive will significantly improve the traffic flow in and out of Ballina. This will take pressure off existing congestion while council investigates a western arterial.

Council continues to receive requests from residents regarding the construction of a south-bound Pacific Highway entry at Cumbalum. Council continues to lobby the NSW State Government, local members and the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) for this on-ramp. To date, the RMS have said this request will not be considered until they complete the Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Motorway upgrade. Council understands there is a growing desire and demand for this interchange and we will continue to lobby for the interchange construction.

THE MAGAZINE OF BALLINA SHIRE

FROM 2019 – 2023 CURA B

River Street duplication (four lanes) Pacific Motorway interchange to Kerr Street, including duplication of Fishery Creek Bridge. Concept design to be exhibited November 2019. Final report to December 2019 Council meeting.

Estimated cost: $21.8 million.

Tamarind Drive duplication (two to four lanes)

engagedleadership

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Hutley Driv e

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Ballin a Heig hts Dr ive

PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE

CURA A

BALLINA HEIGHTS

North Creek Road to Kerr Street, including duplication of Canal Bridge.

Estimated cost: $13.4 million. r th No

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Hutley Drive North Extension

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Northern extension Estimated cost: $4.3 million.

Extend the merging lanes of the roundabout adjacent to Ballina Central and connect Sheather Street to Angels Beach Drive.

Estimated cost: $1.5 million.

FROM 2023 - 2036

Ross Lane improvements, western arterial, North Creek Road and bridge are included in the Roads Contribution Plan. These projects are scheduled after the above projects are completed.

#supportingagrowingcommunity

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Bangalow Road duplication (between Kerr Street and Angels Beach Drive)

RIVER STREET DUPLICATION (four lanes) TAMARIND DRIVE DUPLICATION (two to four lanes) HUTLEY DRIVE NORTH EXTENSION BANGALOW ROAD DUPLICATION (between Kerr Street and Angels Beach Drive)

supporting a growing community

SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE 36

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communityconnect

DIGITAL BOOTCAMP FOR BUSINESS

is your po registere ol d?

Learn how to win more leads, customers and create success.

This is a must-attend event for professionals, who are serious about growth and innovation. Learn innovative strategies to compete, win customers and increase sales.

This program is tailored to the digital needs of retail, professional and the services industry.

What you will learn

SMALL BUSINESS DIGITAL READINESS – learn how to become a digitally ready business in the fastest possible time within a small business budget.

CUSTOMER PERSONAS AND BUYING CYCLES – understand who your ideal customers are, their needs and their buying behaviour.

DESIGN THINKING AND LEAN STARTUP – learn practically how to convert your business idea into a tested product or service.

GROWTH HACKING FOR SMALL BUSINESS – Use a variety of marketing channels and strategies to identify the most effective and efficient ways to grow a business in a digital world.

WHEN:

Tuesday 17 September | 1pm-6.30pm Wednesday 18 September | 8am-1.30pm

WHERE: Riverside Function Centre, Ballina RSL Club, 1 Grant Street, Ballina COST:

mp Owners

$99 per person (10 Hours of Digital Readiness + 4 hours of Customised Digital Advisory)

Register now as seats are limited: netstripes.com/bootcamp-ballinaseptember-2019

Business Connect is a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program that provides trusted advice to help start or grow small businesses.

All pool owners are required to register their pool on the NSW Online Swimming Pool Register.

Ballina - We’re coming back!

Tailored to the Digital needs of Retail, Professional Services and the Service Industry.

Council staff are reviewing all swimming pools in Ballina Shire to ensure all pools are registered to maintain safe swimming pools in our community.

This program provides a rich understanding of what it takes to drive traffic, convert customers and increase sales within your business.

What you’ll learn

and

When: Tuesday September 17th | 1:00pm - 6:30pm Wednesday September 18th | 8:00am - 1:30pm

SMALL BUSINESS DIGITAL READINESS

Where:

Learn how to become a digitally ready business in the fastest possible time within a small business budget.

Riverside Function Centre, Ballina RSL Club, 1 Grant Street, Ballina NSW 2478

CUSTOMER PERSONAS & BUYING CYCLES

Price: $99

Understand who your ideal customers are, their needs, their purchasing habits, and how to win their business.

Seats are limited so reserve yours now!

DESIGN THINKING AND LEAN STARTUP REGISTER HERE

This practical session will teach you how to convert your business idea into a tested product or service.

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When:

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GROWTH HACKING FOR SMALL BUSINESS

Enquiries THE MAGAZINE OF BALL I N A S H I:R E

Growth Hacking is a widely-used process by the fastest growing businesses for rapid growth using a variety of marketing channels and strategies.

Properties with a pool or spa must have a valid pool certificate of compliance or final occupation certificate (valid for three years). The certificate must be attached to the sale contract or tenancy agreement before promoting your property for sale or lease.

Help us to maintain safe swimming pools in Ballina Shire

The Digital Bootcamp for Small Business Owners

nal

Are you thinking of leasing or selling your property?

Saadia De Silva - Netstripes T 0410 579 824 | E sdesilva@netstripes.com

Tuesday September 17 | 1:00pm - 6:30pm th

Landowners with unregistered swimming pools or spas will receive a letter from council requesting registration on the NSW Swimming Pools Register.

It’s a simple two-step process to register your pool. Visit swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au or telephone council's Compliance Section on 1300 864 444.

engagedleadership

View the North ern Rivers Market Guide at discoverballi na.com to see where the markets are th is week!

Market Calendar into the Community Pools With the warmer weather approaching the Community Pools in Ballina and Alstonville are the ideal places to cool down and catch up with friends and family.

If warmer water is your idea of fun, then you will be pleased to know that both pools are heated with the undercover pools warmed up to 30 degrees – making it an ideal temperature to ease away your stresses, learn to swim, and get great exercise.

There’s plenty of aquatic sports and activities at the pools; making them great locations to host a family BBQ or kid's birthday party.

Ballina Memorial Pool & Waterslide Lee and Vicki Fitzgerald | 02 6686 3771 Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 6am - 7pm Saturday 8am - 6pm Sunday 9am - 5pm Find them on Facebook

Alstonville Aquatic Centre Greg and Kelly Fettell | 02 6628 0826 Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 6am - 7pm Saturday 8am - 6pm Sunday 10am - 6pm Find them on Facebook

flat rock tent park

Want to escape for a few days but don't want to travel too far or be stuck in traffic? Then look no further than Flat Rock Tent Park.

There’s a craft market, a carboot market or a farmers market, somewhere in the Northern Rivers, every weekend.

Discover 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

EAST BALLINA LIONS CLUB COMMUNITY MARKET (Monthly)

Every third Sunday of the month 7am – 1pm Canal Road (between Saunders Oval and Ballina RSL Bowling Club), Ballina

LENNOX HEAD COMMUNITY MARKET (Monthly)

Every second and fifth Sunday of the month 8am – 2pm Williams Reserve, Lennox Head

The place that stays with you

The Park is located between Ballina and Lennox Head alongside Angels Beach and is surrounded by coastal bushland. It is the ultimate beachside hideaway that caters for tents and camper trailers and boasts grassy sites, modern amenities and BBQ facilities.

Flat Rock Tent Park offers the good old-fashioned camping experience of sitting around the campfire at night with the waves crashing in the distance.

If this sounds like an experience you would like to have then give managers Kellie and Dave a call on 02 6686 4848 or book online at flatrockcamping.com.au

SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE 36

13

achievements 2018/2019 This is a snapshot of achievements in Ballina Shire for 2018/2019, it includes works commenced and completed. For a complete look at our progress visit ballina.nsw.gov. au (search delivery program).

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communityconnect |

connected community

prosperous economy

We feel safe

We attract new business and visitors

Delivered three mobility scooter safety workshops Facilitated the Local Emergency Management Committee for Ballina

Developed unique experiences marketing activities

Delivered three educational ‘Safety on the Road Over 65’ workshops

Welcomed over one million visitors to our shire Trialed one-way traffic arrangements in Lennox Head Awarded a tender for the Shelly Beach Café site

We feel connected to the community

My business can grow and diversify

Provided $100,000 in Festival and Event funding: – Ballina Food and Wine Festival

– Ballina Country Music Festival

– Alstonville New Year’s Eve Family Event

– Skullcandy Oz Grom Open

– Riverside Carols

Participated in the NSW Government's Easy to do Business program Commenced River Street Upgrade, between Moon and Cherry Streets, Ballina.

Sold six industrial land lots on North Creek Road in the Southern Cross Industrial Estate

Provided public art and installed Rusty Plank on the Ross Lane roundabout Provided $90,000 to various community and sporting groups with major beneficiaries being:

– Lennox Head Christmas Carols Event

– Ballina Shire Concert Band

– Ballina Hockey Club

– Christmas on the Plateau Event

– Crawford House Museum

– Cabbage Tree Island Rugby League Football Club

– Land Care Groups

Improve liveability in Ballina Shire Completed the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BBGA) terminal upgrade

Commenced the construction of Airport Boulevard (connecting road from BBGA to North Creek Rd) Shaws Bay access, recreational and water quality improvements

Services to meet your needs Designed and constructed the Ballina Indoor Sports Centre Opened the upgraded Alstonville Aquatic Centre and Ballina War Memorial Swimming Pools Commenced the expansion of the Skennars Head Sports Fields

THE MAGAZINE OF BALLINA SHIRE

Council works with the community Continued four yearly reviews of all council policies Representations made to state and federal ministers regarding major projects Commenced live streaming of Council meetings to maintain accessibility Delivery Program community information sessions in Alstonville, Ballina, Lennox Head and Wardell

healthy environment We understand the environment Implement the Lake Ainsworth Coastal Management Plan (over 450 surveys complete) Upgraded the Chickiba wetlands weir with monitoring and rehabilitation continuing Installed new flood gates on Burns Point Ferry Road Convened a community information session for floodplain management

We use our resources wisely Implemented the Koala Management Strategy, working with Office of Environment and Heritage to trial Koala Management Roadside Toolbox Talks underway Launched an electronic rates marketing campaign to reduce council’s use of paper (with over 3,000 people registered for e-rates) Investigated and mapped unaccounted water loss for the shire

Council’s finances and assets are well managed

engagedleadership

engaged leadership

Achieved operating surplus and an asset renewal ratio of 100%. Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) forecasts shows that Council is Fit for the Future.

Developing easier to understand Asset Management Plans.

Generated operating surplus on our water and wastewater operations.

Our built environment blends with the natural environment Prepared the Wollongbar Planning and Environmental Study and Strategic Plan

We are all valued citizens

Consulted the community on the Ocean Breeze Reserve Community Garden

Initiated a community satisfaction survey and received an overall rating of 3.46 out of 5.0

Continued with implementation of the Ballina Major Regional Centre Strategy

Continued to develop council's Project Management Framework

Updated the Roads Contributions Plan to include the Hutley Drive north extension.

SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE 36

1 15 5

STATS & FACTS 2018/2019

communityconnect

engaged leadership

connected community 44,208

54 NEW

POPULATION

GROWN BY 728 FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR. POPULATION FORECAST FOR 2036 IS 51,238

485km2

63.6%

HECTARE

31.8% LIVE IN THE SHIRE, BUT WORK OUTSIDE.

667km

OF ROADS IN BALLINA SHIRE

YEARS

PROVIDE VOLUNTARY

100%

OF BARKING

DOG COMPLAINTS

RESPONDED TO IN

LIBRARY LOANS

7-DAYS.

59 EVENTS

SUPPORTED/APPROVED

27,615

VISITORS TO THE NORTHERN RIVERS

COMMUNITY GALLERY

19,310

ACTIVE LIBRARY

MEMBERS IN BALLINA SHIRE

16

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OVER

CUSTOMER

REQUESTS RESOLVED WITHIN SERVICE DELIVERY TARGETS

BUILDING CERTIFICATES

DETERMINED WITHIN 10 DAYS

85%

COMPLYING

DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATES

THE MAGAZINE OF BALLINA SHIRE

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS

DETERMINED UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY

OF

MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS ARE 10%

WITHIN BUDGET

29 GRANT

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED TO NSW AND AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENTS

EXTERNAL VISITS TO

COUNCIL'S WEBSITE

100%

OF

FOOD PREMISES AUDITED PER YEAR.

165

HOURS LOST DUE

TO WORKERS

COMPENSATION

76 FOOD

PREMISES INSPECTED

OF

STAFF UNDERTAKING FORMAL TRAINING PER ANNUM

INCREASE)

264,762

97%

89%

11,000

POTHOLE DEFECTS REPAIRED (20%

99%

94%

ISSUED WITHIN 10 DAYS RESIDENTS

(REGIONAL NSW AVERAGE IS 21%)

OF SHIRE POPULATION

(25% ABOVE THE SET TARGET). PRIOR TO THE POOLS REDEVELOPMENTS 164,750 PATRONS IN 2016/17.

23% WORK

MEDIAN AGE

SWIMMING POOL PATRONS

RESIDENTS

LIVE AND WORK IN BALLINA SHIRE.

PEOPLE PER

253,000

OF PEOPLE

BORN OVERSEAS.

0.91

369,571

11%

IN BALLINA SHIRE WERE

TOTAL AREA

44

CITIZENS FROM 29 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES.

93%

HEALTH INSPECTIONS OF

48

HAIR/BEAUTY/SKIN PENETRATION PREMISES

healthy environment 38,300 BINS

4,472

LOCAL BUSINESSES

533,000

PASSENGERS

THROUGH THE BALLINA BYRON GATEWAY AIRPORT

1,000,000 DOMESTIC VISITOR NIGHTS TO BALLINA SHIRE

98%

SATISFIED VISITORS TO

THE BALLINA VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

$2.243

99.14%

LOCAL JOBS.

LARGEST INDUSTRY - HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL ASSISTANCE, FOLLOWED BY RETAIL TRADE, EDUCATION AND TRAINING, THEN CONSTRUCTION.

20,199

EMPLOYED RESIDENTS

IN BUILDING

SURPLUS AT

BALLINA BYRON GATEWAY AIRPORT

ZERO VACANCY RATE ON COUNCIL OWNED

OF

17,621

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

NET OPERATING

EVERY WEEK

BALLINA VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

$150

36%

COLLECTED

CUSTOMERS SATISFIED WITH

MILLION

GENERATED FROM

KERBSIDE

MILLION

APPROVALS

300

NUMBER

OF BUILDING

APPROVALS

190kl

OF WATER PER HOUSEHOLD (TARGET IS 200KL

1,890

HOMES CONNECTED TO RECYCLED

WATER (UP 30% ON LAST YEAR)

100%

COMPLIANCE WITH RECYCLED WATER MONITORING

77

APPROVALS

ISSUED FOR ONSITE

SEWERAGE SYSTEMS

17 years

JOINTLY HOSTING WITH GEOLINK THE LENNOX HEAD COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING DAY PLANTING

16,000 NATIVE SEEDLINGS

CO2 EMISSIONS FROM COUNCIL'S BUILT ASSETS ENERGY CONSUMPTION ACHIEVED TARGET OF

<9,800 TONNES

569 KW/PA RENEWABLE ENERGY

GENERATED ON COUNCIL SITES

engagedleadership

prosperous economy

188 KL/PA AVERAGE WATER

CONSUMPTION PER WATER CONNECTION

Want to know more Visit the following sources:

forecast.id.com.au/ballina profile.id.com.au/ballina economy.id.com.au/ballina atlas.id.com.au/ballina Ballina Shire Council 2018/2019 Annual Report (to be published 30 November) discoverballina.com.au

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE 36

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communityconnect

ballina coast & hinterland

NORTHERN RIVERS VISITOR GUIDE LAUNCH The Ballina Tourism Team would like to thank everyone involved in the Northern Rivers Visitor Guide publication. The guide was officially launched at the Ballina Visitor Information Centre on Monday 5 August in a fun expo style event.

The vibe was relaxed as members of the public and tourism industry enjoyed the sunshine and experienced the guide being brought to life by 17 of the 153 businesses who feature within the guide.

A big thanks to all the businesses who offered an engaging experience at the launch.

The Tourism Team now have 50,000 copies of the guide and are confident it will help visitors enjoy their time and explore whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on offer while they are in the region.

get your copy

Discover over 260 authentic Northern Rivers experiences Get your copy of the Northern Rivers Visitor Guide and start discovering experiences in your own backyard. Use the guide to become a tourism expert when friends and family are in town.

The guide features helpful tags on each listing so you can easily navigate to your interests to build a personalised itinerary.

Collect your copy of the Northern Rivers Visitor Guide at the Ballina Visitor Information Centre or view it online at discoverballina.com.au/ visit/northern-rivers-guide

Discover 'What's On' across the Northern Rivers and download the fortnightly guide at discoverballina.com.au #northernriversnsw

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THE MAGAZINE OF BALLINA SHIRE

The volunteer Tourism Ambassador Program has been operating for seven years at the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport. With the upgrade of the airport terminal the Ballina Tourism Team, who manage the program, are looking to progress the volunteer program to the next level.

Best role in the world

The Ballina Shire Tourism Team is seeking a volunteer Tourism Ambassador Coordinator to assist with their volunteer visitor information program.

As the coordinator you will be the chief funster for our team of volunteer ambassadors.

Some of your duties will include:

Organising and attending events and product knowledge tours Assisting with rosters Tweeting, #tagging and sharing visitor information Assisting visitors plan their itineraries Uncovering hidden gems and sharing them with visitors and your colleagues Assisting with ambassador meetings and championing the volunteer program.

Essential Requirements: Commitment to a regular weekly volunteer roster Available to discuss matters with volunteer ambassadors and the tourism staff Understand the interests and needs of visitors and meeting them with local experiences.

For a position description and further information on applying visit discoverballina.com.au/visit/corporate/volunteering

Donna is pictured with fellow volunteer Trevor Dancer.

Meet volunteer Tourism Ambassador Donna Williams We caught up with volunteer Tourism Ambassador, Donna Williams who enjoys helping visitors and making a difference to their time in the region.

Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN VOLUNTEERING? I have been volunteering at the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport Visitor Services Desk and the Ballina Visitor Information Centre for 18 months.

prosperouseconomy

VACANCY FOR BEST ROLE IN THE WORLD

Q: WHAT WAS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR VOLUNTEERING? After retiring and moving to a new town I missed the feeling of making a difference and socialising with others. I have embraced this opportunity to learn more about the special shire we have chosen to call home.

Q: WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE ROLE? I have met some wonderful people, including interesting visitors to our shire. I enjoy helping them to plan their itinerary and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great to see them head off on their Northern Rivers escape with anticipation and enthusiasm.

I have also formed some new friendships with lovely and likeminded volunteers and the Visitor Information Centre staff.

Everyone is so friendly and welcoming and I always feel my contribution is valued and appreciated.

To learn more about volunteering in the Tourism Ambassador Program visit discoverballina.com.au/visit/corporate/ volunteering

SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE 36

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communityconnect

Local Experiences Celebrate

LOVE IS IN THE AIR Whether you love local produce, warm and friendly service, or like to support local businesses – the Lighthouse Beach Café is a celebration of all things local.

Locally owned and operated by Peter and Karen Sinclair, Karen along with their head chef Scott Bennett, both grew up in Ballina. Their focus on supporting local suppliers and showcasing the region’s produce makes this café, and its million-dollar view, shine.

A popular venue for celebrations of all kinds, it is now one of the North Coast’s most popular wedding venues and it is easy to see why. They've just launched their new function packages, so get in touch and enjoy the view!

THE LIGHTHOUSE BEACH CAFÉ Ballina Surf Club, 65 Lighthouse Parade, East Ballina lighthousebeachcafe.com.au

Shop

FANCY A FRESH NEW LOOK?

LOCAL LADIES SHOE HEAVEN

The Chez Maree Boutique in River Street Ballina has a new, modern look and fashion labels to match. The store has some standout Australian and New Zealand labels, offering everything from casual to elegant wear.

Have you discovered Red Lane Shoes in Ballina’s River Street? This local store has the most amazing range of women’s shoes and accessories!

Their in-store stylist can help sort your wardrobe needs and style you for any occasion – it’s all part of their service. If you want to know what styles suit you best, Chez Maree can help you feel and look great. Or simply pop in, say hello and enjoy a good browse. And it’s right next door to a little slice of shoe heaven – Red Lane Shoes!

Why drive to the Gold Coast or shop online when you can choose from a range of beautiful shoes in-store locally!

We are talking quality shoes and a wide selection from casual to formal wear.

This is one little find you’ll treasure and keep coming back to time and time again.

They have something here for everyone and their knowledge and local service is hard to beat. If you hurry, you may just pick up a winter bargain or two!

CHEZ MAREE BOUTIQUE

RED LANE SHOES

185 River Street, Ballina f chezmareeboutique

185 River Street, Ballina f redlaneshoes

WEB: Discoverballina.com ballinacoastandhinterland

Local Experiences are profiled as part of the Unique Experiences marketing campaign.

communityconnect |

coast & hinterland

Shop

Connect with us and discover a unique experience or what’s on...

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ballina

THE MAGAZINE OF BALLINA SHIRE

BLOG: ballinabyronlife.com.au discoverballina

prosperouseconomy

share your thoughts L E N N OX H E A D

What do you think about short-term rental accommodation?

A team of researchers led by Dr Tania von der Heidt from the School of Business and Tourism, Southern Cross University (SCU) are investigating residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; views of Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA), including Airbnb, within the Northern Rivers.

They would like to hear your views and are inviting the community to provide their feedback.

Sharing your experiences through this survey will give councils across the Northern Rivers a better understanding of the impacts of STRA in your residential street, neighbourhood and across the shire. This new knowledge will contribute to policy decision making and strategic planning.

SURVEY discoverballina.com.au/visit/shortterm

Council is now onto the next stage of the Village Vision project and we need the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s help.

We are now working with research company, Place Score, to understand what our community really cares about. By sharing what is most important to you, you can influence how we make our village centre and main street a better place!

The Ballina Visitor Information Centre also has hard copies of the survey, which can be completed and returned to the centre.

Council staff will be conducting surveys around the village centre and along Ballina Street in Lennox Head on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 September. These surveys will ask respondents about what they value in a place and to rate how well the main street is performing.

MORE INFORMATION

We want as many people as possible to participate in the surveys - residents, local workers and visitors. You can tell us what you care about, or rate your experience of Ballina Street.

Dr Tania von der Heidt, Lead Researcher, School of Business and Tourism, Southern Cross University Email tania.vonderheidt@scu.edu.au

Survey closes: 29 September 2019.

The result of this place-based survey will help council plan a great village centre for everyone to enjoy now and in the future.

Staff will be set up in front of Ross Park (opposite the ice cream shop) and walk around the community market on the Sunday. Look for the council marquee and our friendly staff!

SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE 36

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communityconnect

How well do you know the parking rules?

Most of us probably think we know all there is to know about parking.

But our parking rangers see motorists parking incorrectly over and over again, which means we might need a little parking refresher. It’s also good to remember most parking rules exist to ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists, especially children.

Let’s have a look at three of the most common parking mistakes made in our community.

TWO WAYS TO PURCHASE 4WD PERMITS

1. INTERSECTIONS It is an offence to stop within 10 metres of an intersection (with no traffic lights) unless a sign is present that indicates you can park closer.

For an intersection with traffic lights don’t park closer than 20 metres unless a sign indicates you can park closer.

nsw road rule #170

By ignoring this rule you create a hazard for other motorists and pedestrians as vision is obstructed and space for turning vehicles is restricted.

The fine is $344 and the loss of two-demerit points. This increases to $457 with the loss of two demerit points in a school zone.

3. DOUBLE PARKING nsw road rule #189

It also creates an obstruction to other motorists and presents a real danger to children getting in and out of the car.

The fine is $268 but increases to $344 with the loss of two-demerit points in a school zone.

THE MAGAZINE OF BALLINA SHIRE

2. Via the EasyPark App Download the app before accessing the beach, enter the location code (Seven Mile Beach is 402021), your registration number and choose your permit and payment option. For more information visit easypark. com.au or telephone 1300 734 070.

Fine is $268.

communityconnect |

1. At the automated kiosk

OR nsw road rule #169

No stopping zones can be indicated by a no stopping sign, yellow line, or both.

It is dangerous to stop beside vehicles already parked on the side of the road.

This an offence that often occurs in school zones and is particularly dangerous when children are arriving or leaving school.

Seven Mile Beach 4WD permits can be purchased in two ways: located opposite the Lennox Head Surf Club approaching Camp Drewe Road.

2. YELLOW LINE PAINTED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD A continuous yellow line indicates you cannot stop on that stretch of road.

22

er mit p D 4W yment pa ions opt

2019/20 FEES: 1 DAY PERMIT $15 30 DAY PERMIT $45 6 MONTH PERMIT $65 ANNUAL PERMIT $110.

For more information about 4WD access within the Ballina Shire visit ballina.nsw.gov.au

Australia Day NOMINATIONS 26 JANUARY 2020

So far this year we have welcomed 57 new Australia Citizenships from 18 countries through the citizenship ceremonies hosted by Ballina Shire Council.

In August we welcomed 20 new citizens from Italy, Canada, France, Brazil, India, New Zealand, Great Britain and Columbia.

There is so much community spirit in Ballina Shire with individuals and groups making a difference locally, nationally and internationally. Now is the time to starting thinking about nominations for the 2020 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards.

We hope all our new residents find Ballina Shire an ideal place to make their home.

The annual awards program is an opportunity to recognise the accomplishments, generosity and contributions of our local individuals and groups.

Do you know someone who makes a significant contribution to the Ballina Shire through their involvement in community based activities, sport or the arts?

Nominate someone, or a group, who showcases, promotes or acts as an ambassador for Ballina Shire.

1. YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR (30 years of age or under) A young resident who has made a significant contribution to the Ballina Shire.

2. SENIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR (60 years of age or over) A senior resident who has made a significant contribution to the Ballina Shire.

3. VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR An individual who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support an organisationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities.

4. SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD A team or individual who has excelled and represented their chosen sport at a local, regional, state, national or international level.

Nominations can also be sports administrators and coaches who have made a significant contribution to sport.

connectedcommunity

ballina shire

Give a warm welcome to our newest citizens

5. ARTS AND CULTURE AWARD An individual who has made a significant contribution to the creative arts.

6. COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR An individual or group who has hosted an outstanding community event in Ballina Shire.

The Citizen of the Year Award will be selected by the Australia Day Committee from all of the nominees across the six categories.

To nominate visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/australiaday, or contact council's Communications Section on 1300 864 444.

Nominations close Monday 2 December 2019.

SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE 36

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communityconnect

What’s on? COMMUNITY EVENTS 21ST ANNUAL BIG SCRUB RAINFOREST DAY 19 – 22 SEPTEMBER VARIOUS LOCATIONS

bigscrubrainforest.org | #bigscrub | @bigscrublandcare

Join in over 15 activities across four days in idyllic locations learning about our critically endangered lowland subtropical rainforest ‘The Big Scrub’ and its magnificent biodiversity.

Activities include: Nature connection, landholder field days, community tree planting, guided rainforest walks, science and ecology talks, fun family activities.

Presented by Big Scrub Landcare in association with Rous County Council.

BALLINA LIONS CLUB 14 ANNUAL FUN RUN WALK 22 SEPTEMBER MISSINGHAM PARK AMPHITHEATRE

ballinalions.com

The Annual Fun Run Walk caters for everyone. Walk or run as a familiy or individual. Enter in the 5km or 10km course. Entry forms are available from Athletes Foot Ballina Central and the Ballina Lions website.

Proceeds will be donated to Heartfelt House, Biala Support Services and the Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation.

The event commences at 9am with registrations from 8am.

BALLINA RSL SUB-BRANCH CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS 12 - 13 OCTOBER For more than a century we have commemorated ex-service personnel and the fallen on Anzac Day and now the Ballina RSL Sub-Branch invite the community to join them in their centenary celebrations.

Bringing veterans and the community together for the centenary dinner to be held 6pm Saturday 12 October at the Ballina RSL. Entertainment includes Dean Doyle and the Headliners Chorus. Tickets are $65.

Support a short parade on Sunday 13 October at 10.30am along River Street from Fawcett Park through to Memorial Park, followed by a commemoration service. Stay on for lunch at the Ballina RSL. Cost is only $30.

Tickets can be purchased from the Ballina RSL Sub-Branch Office. Opening hours 9am to 12noon Tuesday to Thursday.

Enquiries: Dick Wills 0414 618 793

BALLINA FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL GALA DINNER 18 OCTOBER | FESTIVAL DAY 20 OCTOBER BALLINA JOCKEY CLUB AND BALLINA RSL CLUB ballinafoodandwine.com.au Celebrating 10 years. It’s the longest running festival of its type in Ballina.

The festival kicks off on Friday night 18 October at the Ballina RSL Club with the Asahi - After Dark Gala Dinner, featuring superb food, teamed with De Bortoli wines and Asahi Premium beer.

Live entertainment by Rachael Beck, David Cameron & Jed Zarb.

Sunday 20 October is the main Festival Day, held at the Ballina Jockey Club, featuring exhibitors, demonstrations and quality entertainment.

We have a great line up of talent performing including singing, stage and TV sensation Rachael Beck accompanied by renowned pianist David Cameron, along with The Mumblers, Kathryn Jones and Jed Zarb.

There will be a top line up of chefs in the cooking marquee including Sean Connolly.

Entry to the festival is for 18 years and over only. Buses are running around the region.

This festival is run by the Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond.

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communityconnect |

THE MAGAZINE OF BALLINA SHIRE

ALSTONVILLE SHOW IS ON AGAIN! 25 – 26 OCTOBER ALSTONVILLE SHOW GROUNDS

alstonvilleshow.net

The 131st Alstonville Show promises an affordable and fun family day out for everyone.

Thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers, and the generous support of local sponsors, the longest running Agricultural Show on the North Coast is on again and is jam packed with entertainment.

The program includes horse events, fireworks, circus, wood chopping, Crack Up Sisters, monster trucks and much more!

So come along and help make the 2019 Alstonville Show one to remember!

2019 BALLINA COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL 1 – 3 NOVEMBER

ballinacountrymusic.com

The 2019 Ballina Country Music Festival, now in its 8th year, is gearing up to be the best year yet. This year visitors and local festival goers will be singing and dancing to over 100 free performances, on seven stages and in six locations. Plus one paid feature concert.

First day of the festival will feature the Festival’s free concert, and Saturday will host the major feature concert Travellin’ Still – The Songs of Slim Dusty. Both shows will be staged at the Cherry Street Sports Club.

Saturday 2 November will also feature a free kids play zone at Cherry Street Sports Club including jumping castles, rides and mechanical bull.

BALLINA WHITE RIBBON DAY WALK 22 NOVEMBER 2019 - 1PM LEAVE FROM LAS BALSAS PLAZA CARPARK

whiteribbon.org.au

(next to the Ballina Swimming Pool) Walk with us along River and Cherry Street to the new Ballina Indoor Sports Centre (BISC) to help end Domestic Violence in our town. At the BISC there will be guest speakers to highlight the need for collective action to stop violence against women.

connectedcommunity

Events liste correct at time d are of publication.

Visit discover ballina.com or telephone 18 00 777 666 for event deta ils.

Schools, sporting groups, service organisations and community members are welcome to join us. This walk is run by the Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond and the Ballina Domestic Violence Liaison Committee.

Enquiries: Dave Harmon – 0401 956 996

Ballina Cup Change of Date The Ballina Jockey Club will be hosting the next Ballina Cup on 17 January 2020.

The Jockey Club do not wish to apply for a Local Event Day for the new date. The NSW Government revoked the Local Event Day for Thursday 5 September 2019.

SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE 36

25

current exhibitions Exhibition Dates: 28 August - 20 October 2019 | Launch: 29 August 2019

You Don't Know Me Like That | Jack Griffin

Matt O’Brien lives and works locally visiting various coastal locations. His studio process documents these visits in an attempt to discover a relationship with a place within a wider context.

In a metaphorical sense the premise behind this exhibition is the documentation of travelling light, that is, leaving preconception on how to make works about landscape behind. It can be futile to adopt and carry new experiences when you are laden already - explained further by the title of this exhibition - what to unpack on a journey.

Image: Matt O'Brien, Wander, fire ants, spiderwebs, birdsong, 2019

Virtually Impossible | Andrew Christie + Sprung!! Integrated Dance Theatre Sydney artist Andrew Christie and Northern Rivers-based SPRUNG!! Integrated Dance Theatre have come together to produce a series of spaces within augmented reality that reflect the influences of these dancers with disabilities, both as individuals and a community. Through these and other new-media methods, Virtually Impossible prompts the audience to engage in their own performative acts, moving through digital environments that are reflective of these dancer’s everyday lives but imbued with a sense of ambiguity and even instability at times.

As settings for a non-linear and undefined narrative, the worlds experienced by participants do not behave as anticipated, these sensationalised realities encouraging acts of discovery and play but also introspection and heightened consideration for the co-creators of these works, who consistently prove that their capabilities exceed the expectations of broader society.

Image: Andrew Christie, Transition No.1 Liam (detail), 2019

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communityconnect |

THE MAGAZINE OF BALLINA SHIRE

O C T O B E R

What to unpack on a journey | Matt O'Brien

/

Image: Jack Griffin, Dunk (detail), 2018

S E P T E M B E R

You Don’t Know Me Like That joins the dialog between queer artists reflecting on a new generation where society increasingly recognises non-binary gender identities.

Combining playful colour compositions with sensual figures, this series explores gender fluidity and androgyny from a youthful perspective, questioning what a modern definition of gender is and if there is one.

workshops

Exhibition Dates: 23 October - 15 December 2019 | Launch: 24 October 2019

Workshop Date: Saturday 14 September | 10am - 12pm

Private Gods and the Yielding | Jo Olive

CULTURE & CLAY with Emma Walke

/ D EC EM B ER

Image: Jo Olive, Mast-bones, 2018

N OV EM B ER

An exhibition in which Jo investigates a shift in her personal belief structures about spirituality and the self. This shift is interpreted as a “softening” or a surrender; finding herself in a place of non-resistance to all possibilities.

Deeply autobiographical in content, Jo’s works are led by a love of process and spontaneous responses to the “directions” that arise within contemplative states.

TIN | Bridie McKelvey + Melanie Miller + Shani Miller Three Intrepid Novices (T.I.N) take on the concept of tin: Tin in content, concept, or material. 90 pieces by the three contributing artists: Bridie McKelvey, Melanie Miller and Shani Miller.

Image: Bridie McKelvey, Platypus with Flowers in Vintage Biscuit Tin, 2019

Celebrate NAIDOC Week 2019. **Note this workshop has been rescheduled from NAIDOC Week in July. Spend a memorable morning with Indigenous ceramic artist, Emma Walke learning glazing techniques for stoneware clays.

Fine Line | Anna Swain Drawing a fine line in the sand, this body of work examines the delicate ecological balance of the world’s oceans through a tactile and visual exploration of ocean topography.

Fine details and unobtrusive inconsistencies are introduced to textile and photographic works through a variety of techniques and mixed media.

Image: Anna Swain, Sonar-detail, 2019

Alaska to Oaxaca: A Surf Journey by Bike | Tom Wolff Over the course of about a year and a half, Tom Wolff rode his bike from the wild, open spaces of the Alaskan interior to the warm-water and sandbottom point breaks of Southern Mexico. This exhibition of 35mm photos will display some of the places he went and people he met during the 10,000km journey.

Image: Tom Wolff, The Long March Home, 2018

Create your own personalised designs on functional works. Suitable for all skill levels and inclusive of all studio materials, glazes and firings.

When: Cost: Where:

Saturday 14 September 10am – 12pm $45 (Materials included) Ignite Studios @ NRCG 60 Crane Street, Ballina

connectedcommunity

upcoming exhibitions

Bookings are essential to secure a place.

BOOK ONLINE nrcgballina.com.au or call the Gallery on 02 6681 0530 Image: Emma Walke, Culture and Clay Workshop, 2019

thanks to our sponsors The Ballina Shire Council and Northern Rivers Community Gallery gratefully acknowledge our exhibition sponsors: Stone & Wood Brewing and The Cellar.

THE

44 cherry street, ballina nsw 2478 | ph 02 6681 0530 open wed – fri 10am – 4pm | weekends 9.30am – 2.30pm (closed public holidays)

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VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE

SCULPTING JOY Sprung!! Integrated Dance Theatre

During September and October visitors to the Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) are being invited to explore the virtual worlds of dancers from Sprung!! Integrated Dance Theatre in a specially commissioned exhibition, Virtually Impossible.

Virtually Impossible is a collaborative project between Sydney based multidisciplinary artist Andrew Christie, and SPRUNG!! Integrated Dance Theatre, a not for profit community organisation providing dance and theatre training and workshops for people with a disability.

During his time as a Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) Ignite Studio artistin-residence in 2018, Christie became acquainted with SPRUNG!! and participated in weekly rehearsals, even taking preliminary 3D infrared scans of the dancers’ bodies in anticipation of further collaboration. And though Christie’s time with SPRUNG!! was relatively brief, the impressions left on both parties proved to be too deep to ignore.

Over the past nine months they kept in contact in any way possible, discussing via email and Skype what a SPRUNG!! – inspired artwork might look like alongside the organisations current work-in-progress, Things Impossible – from which this exhibition derived its adapted title. What resulted from these early discussions was the conclusion that Christie would apply his experience with 3D technologies to develop sculptural and digital works for NRCG inspired by SPRUNG dancers. Coupled with Christie’s multidisciplinary practice involving performance, sculpture and digital media, the result is a series of virtual worlds where visitors to the Gallery can navigate using a Virtual Reality headset to translate real movements within the gallery in the dancers digitally constructed ones.

The result of the combined works is a shared, ongoing and experimental interaction that does not divert attention away from critical issues but embraces them as surmountable challenges best addressed with optimism and even humour. The increased participatory agency that virtual reality lends also emphasises the role of each viewer to help empower those who might be overlooked and underappreciated due to arbitrary and uncontrollable factors which have no effect on the capacity for change and compassion that is common regardless of our cultural or political classifications.

‘Virtually Impossible’ is showing at NRCG from Wednesday 28 August through until 20 October 2019 and is made possible from funding from the NSW Government through Create NSW.

Spring is a time to Dance into the Gallery!

This September come to the Northern Rivers Community Gallery and join the Dancers from Sprung!! Integrated Dance Theatre to explore kinaesthetic memories of joy from childhood through movement, voice and text.

This acclaimed workshop “Sculpting Joy” is led

by Michael Hennessy, Artistic Director of Sprung!!

Integrated Dance Theatre and ex Sydney Dance Company, with Robyn Brady and Tara Coughlan.

During the workshop participants are invited to explore kinaesthetic memories of joy in childhood as an entry point to authentic and vivid experiencing.

“We work with these expressions through movement, voice, clay, and text to re-discover our ever-evolving individual and communal stories.” – says Michael Hennessy.

The workshop coincides with the exhibition Virtually Impossible by Sprung!! Integrated Dance Theatre and Andrew Christie showing in the gallery during September and October.

The workshop is offered to all ages at any skill level (children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult).

When: Cost: Where:

Saturday 21 September 9.30am – 12.30pm $45 (Materials included) Ignite Studios @ NRCG 60 Crane Street, Ballina

Bookings are essential to secure a place.

BOOK ONLINE nrcgballina.com.au or call the Gallery on 02 6681 0530 This project is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW Image: Sprung!! Integrated Dance Theatre dancers, 2019, (Image credits: NRCG)

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THE MAGAZINE OF BALLINA SHIRE

HAVING FUN AND STAYING YOUNG! The Alstonville Allstars Lifeball team are celebrating 15 years of health, fitness and belly laughs.

If you come to Alstonville Leisure and Entertainment Centre (ALEC) on a Monday morning, you are likely to hear the laughter of the Alstonville Allstars ring out from the sports hall.

Lifeball is a team sport invented in Australia to be inclusive, safe and fun. The game is played by men and women of all ages, fitness levels and mobility. It eliminates running, jumping, contact and over extending.

Alstonville Allstars Group Leader, Julie Denison was one of the founding members of the Alstonville Allstar’s back in 2004, “Northern Rivers Area Health originally started the competition with around seven players. By 2011, we had grown to around thirty members.”

Lifeball is now a popular sport across the Northern Rivers. Julie explains why, “Lifeball gives us the opportunity to play a sport in an active team environment but the social side of Lifeball is what keeps us coming back.”

Safety is also another big advantage of the game. “A lot of our members are in their seventies or eighties. In Lifeball we can't walk backwards, run, or throw overarm, this means we are unlikely to trip or over extend ourselves,” added Julie.

The Alstonville Allstars are looking forward to the Ballina Team moving to the Ballina Indoor Sports Centre (BISC) and have issued a friendly challenge them once they settle into the new facility.

Congratulations to the Alstonville Allstars for their 15 years of fun, health and Lifeball laughter!

If you would like to play Lifeball, call Julie on 0413 086 325 from the Alstonville Allstars, or Yvonne on 0448 004 161 from Lennox Head and Ballina Lifeball.

Alstonville Leisure and Entertainment Centre has never been so affordable!

Look at our new room hire rates...

SPORTS HALL $50 PER HOUR MULTI-FUNCTION HALL $40 PER HOUR MEETING ROOM $28 PER HOUR Weekend, daily and half day package deals available!

25% OFF FOR REGULAR COMMUNITY BASED ACTIVITIES 50% OFF FOR NOT FOR PROFIT GROUPS ALEC is the perfect venue for parties and celebrations, community events, meetings, exercise classes and sports groups. It can even be used for your 'pop-up shop' idea, or therapy space.

Call us today on 02 6681 0528, or speak to the staff at reception about how we can help you find the perfect space for your needs.

Need a venue?

Ballina Shire Council’s Community Spaces have a venue to suit all your room hire needs.

LENNOX COMMUNITY CENTRE

Ideal venue for dance, yoga and zumba classes, sporting activities, playgroups and health clinics.

PARK LANE THEATRE

A hire venue of choice for live performances, theatre, bands and large scale community events.

NORTH LAKES HALL

A great venue for private parties, community group meetings and social club functions.

BALLINA SURF CLUB

connectedcommunity

To find out w hat is happenin g in your local comm unity space visit communitys pac or Like us o es.com.au n Facebook .

The perfect wedding venue, with views over Lighthouse Beach. Great conference venue, private parties or celebrations.

ALSTONVILLE LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE Everything including a sporting venue for gymnastics, indoor soccer, trade shows or community functions.

RICHMOND ROOM

This venue lends itself to everything from dance classes to community group meetings, funerals, wakes and private parties.

KENTWELL COMMUNITY CENTRE

A great venue for business meetings, community groups and workshops.

For all enquiries please contact: council's Community Spaces Team, Phone: 02 6687 6291, Email: communityspaces@ballina.nsw.gov.au Web: communityspaces.com.au

SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE 36

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communityconnect

Jeff Cook ICE By lete, m comp feet, in unifor upon his parade today, clean boots shiny too, I saw a man upon his head, belt was d neatly used to do. ed, and his His hat cocke s highly polish ers back, like I once His button high, his should , he made held His head every move never fade, in t eviden would shoulder, that time in him was The pride twinkle in his eye, his gun upon his grow older. with him and ent, with smile confid The see his mates and fit and So young that he would never have been, would never have seen, And I prayed rs I y the wars alter histor to face the horro s and the bombs. .

For if I could ever have with the bullet wrong of should s, so full No-One y jungle ng, sweat s, in a world In the stinkifever and the insect g heat, ng searin And the too, in blindi not a thing to eat, desserts fear, or g in the believe, thirst, or I saw fightin with the no-one could of leave. go mad ges that ut a day Saw men n” witho es and dama I saw injuri s of non-stop “actio arine, month and subm And saw in a ship obscene, warfare memory , of ocean souls – a ats upside down .

I was part g other tortured lifebo or drown oil, and either burn Part of sinkinfull of burning s who would I saw ocean “other ranks” s and in the skies, And officer ed from likewise, and I bomb and airmen, too, a bomber well, to earth I piloted or crash it mighty hell. explode r and I flew coincide with I saw planesalso flew a fighte could war I of , what I saw to health them back And I reckon to bring onwealth, broken men d, t the Comm g sick and do to protec sailed and nurse ed. and I was nursin all that I could days revers and rode And I did and flew I’d see those and fed I fought fall, a dying wish, cobbers could have mates or And if I it all, time, no of y next el! be hurt the futilit e would understand will be just a sentin Then no-on ne would I saw the R.S.L. And everyo that young man for I am that group, orated.

Now I pray that I’m a dying nsland) incorp And I pray ittee (Quee C Day Comm @2019 ANZA Copyright AFTER

NT COVENA ERANS’ NCE VET all who IAN DEFE thanks to AUSTRAL ct and give families. alia, respe and their le of Austr ce force and the We the peop d in our defen ry service n. have serve of milita d our natio e nature it to defen e the uniqu comm wledg all who of all who We ackno deeds of demanded ory and ace, sacrifice the mem preserve ise to welcome, embr rtake to as We unde served and prom ry veterans have all milita members ort and supp and valued respected community. of our

t they have For wha

done, this

we will do.

THE SERV

Community Halls – places to connect Halls play an important role in connecting communities by bringing people together to socialise and unite for a common purpose or interest.

In this issue of Community Connect we venture to the south-west of Ballina Shire to visit a group of local writers and storytellers who regularly meet in the historic hall of Meerschaum Vale.

Everyone has a story to tell

Celebrating 100 Years of the Ballina RSL Sub-Branch

A vital stage in the creative writing process is finding an audience.

The Ballina RSL Sub-Branch is celebrating its centenary this year.

The voluntary monthly writing topic is deliberately open-ended (for example: ‘Hands’, ‘Voices’, ‘Tracks’, ‘Yarn’), inviting the opportunity for unique interpretations and styles of writing – emotive, philosophic, humorous or informative.

To commemorate 100 year of supporting ex-service personnel, veterans and their families the Ballina RSL Sub-Branch has published a book.

Writers in the Valley, is a Ballina Shire writers’ group that offers keen writers a forum in which to showcase their work and receive supportive constructive feedback.

The group meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 10am to 12noon at the Meerschaum Vale Hall, a cultural venue which celebrates community connection and whose walls exude a history of locals coming together for stories and storytelling.

Writers in the Valley welcomes new members. To join contact Simon Chate on 0401 022 927 or simonchate@gmail.com | writersinthevalley.com

The centenary publication "Ballina Will Never Forget Them" includes photos, stories and records of the Ballina RSL Sub-Branch and their subsidiary entities working within and for the Ballina Community for the past hundred years.

This informative book can be purchased for $20 from the Ballina RSL Sub-Branch office in the Ballina RSL. Office hours 9am to 12noon Tuesday to Thursday.

Enquiries: Dick Wills, 0414 618 793 see page 24 for details of the Centenary Celebrations

M E E R S C H A U M VA L E

Lennox Lions Club

Lens on Lennox Photography Competition This year the Lennox Lions Club ran the first Lens on Lennox Photography Competition to help capture the essence of Lennox Head.

The inaugural competition was a success and showcased the local landscape, people and lifestyle of Lennox.

Twelve photos, from the winners and public choice awards have now been selected to feature in a beautiful 2020 calendar. The Lennox Lion Club are proud to be selling the calendars for $10 each with all profits going directly back into the community.

To buy a calendar visit lionslennoxhead.org or telephone Janelle 0421 734 222 or Chris 0435 548 490.

Calendars will also be available at a variety of Lennox Head retailers.

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THE MAGAZINE OF BALLINA SHIRE

(...and so do you)

3

1

2

The river bank is the cows’

Nasty river bank weeds and

Northern River’s residents are

favourite place for a cocktail and

native clearing has turned the

sad. The river’s water quality is

a gossip. But they’re a little too

river brown! And next door’s

now very bad, and the fish that

relaxed as cow poo floats down

broken sceptic tank isn’t helping!

are still alive have two heads!

the river, unfortunately for the

The resident hippy watches in

What to do?

fishies living in the river. Oh yeah,

disbelief as last night’s curry

and a fallen comrade cow floats

makes a reappearance and heads

passed RIP.

straight for the waterway... yuck!

4

5

6

It’s cocktail hour once again

Our resident hippie has splashed

Improved water quality is a

for our sociable cows, but this

out on a beautiful new septic

happy ending for everyone in the

time they are out of the water,

tank, much better for the river!

Northern Rivers… well almost!

behind a fence and away from

Sorry fishy this pelican needs

the riverbank. No bank erosion or

lunch!

engaged leadership healthy environment healthyenvironment

THE LITTLE THINGS MATTER

floating cow poo in sight!

LOVE IT OR LOSE IT Help us keep our waterways clean. Making positive changes in your backyard, business or on the land will ensure future generations can continue to enjoy clean drinking water, healthy fish and beautiful waterways.

For more information visit loveitorloseit.com.au

SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE 36

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waste

watch

communityconnect

SECOND HAND SATURDAY REGISTRATIONS OPEN If a good spring clean is on your agenda this year, then put Saturday 28 September in your calendar as registrations have just opened for the North Coast’s biggest day of garage sales - Second Hand Saturday!

Hosted by Northern Rivers Councils and North East Waste, Second Hand Saturday provides a great opportunity to bring the community together to celebrate and support reuse over landfill.

Registered garage sales receive free online and print advertising, and if you think you have too much for just one day, there’s an optional second date the following Saturday 5 October for those who participate on the first date.

Plus with over 800 garage sales last year across Tweed, Byron, Ballina, Richmond Valley, Lismore, Kyogle and Clarence Valley, this year is sure to attract the pre-loved shopping crowds once again!

For more information and to register, visit secondhandsaturday. com.au, like the mysecondhandsaturday Facebook page or phone council.

Registrations close 18 September, 2019.

Second Hand Saturday is coordinated by North East Waste and Northern Rivers Councils, funded by the NSW EPA's Waste Less Recycle More initiative.

Kerbside Bin Stickers available for pick up Our kerbside bin stickers continue to be applied to residential bins across the shire, however please be patient as it’s a big job!

If you are a resident peeking through the blinds each day in the hope that it is your street’s turn, you may wish to pick up your own kerbside bin stickers to apply yourself.

Garage Sale Signs Did you know garage sale signs are only permitted on private property?

This is to reduce litter on light poles and street signs and avoid driver distraction on our local roads.

Signs in public spaces will be removed by our rangers and fines may be issued.

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THE MAGAZINE OF BALLINA SHIRE

Stickers can be collected from council’s Customer Service Centre at 40 Cherry Street Ballina, Alstonville Leisure and Entertainment Centre and the Lennox Community Centre.

WASTE MANAGEMENT CENTRE

“It’s only one cup” – said 2.7 million Australians

(excluding public holidays) Southern Cross Drive, Ballina ph 02 6686 1287

Lennox locals to lessen landfill one cup at a time In an exciting environmental initiative, a number of Lennox Head cafes and generous locals are joining forces to trial a ‘borrow cup’ system to reduce reliance on disposable cups.

The idea for the initiative was suggested by several residents following the wonderfully successful Love Lennox Festival where a huge increase in single use coffee cups were seen overflowing from public place bins.

Single use coffee cups It’s estimated that Australians use 2.7 million disposable coffee cups every day, despite the fact the cups have an average lifespan of just 15 minutes.

Bioplastic, biodegradable, polystyrene or not, all single use coffee cups must be sent to landfill.

DID YOU KNOW? Despite their labelling, no single use coffee cup is compostable or recyclable through our kerbside bin system. Unfortunately, confusing labels can lead to the contamination of our recycling and composting collections.

WHY? Most paper-based cups are lined with a thin layer of polyethylene plastic so that they’re waterproof and the hot liquid won’t seep through. This means they they can't be recycled with paper and cardboard, nor composted.

Cups that are labelled biodegradable or compostable generally use PLA lining, an acronym for polylactic acid. PLA is a fermented plant starch ‘bioplastic’, primarily made from corn. It is not recyclable and can only be composted in stringent industrial compost conditions.

Currently, there are only seven composting facilities in Australia that are capable of composting PLA. None of these facilities are located in our region.

Interested cafes are provided with a wicker basket individually sized to suit each café’s space requirements. The wicker baskets are then filled with a supply of donated preloved coffee cups. Locals and visitors alike who do not have a reusable cup can borrow a cup instead, returning it to any participating cafe or to the cafe of origin.

The Lennox Head Community Centre is supporting the project by being a drop off point for donations of good quality preloved coffee cups (no chips or cracks please). Cups are accepted in the labelled basket in the foyer and can then be distributed to participating cafes.

Kiosk, located at the Lennox Head-Alstonville Surf Life Saving Club, are already running a borrow cup system and have seen a significant decrease in single use coffee cups. According to Kiosk, they have gone from two boxes of takeaway cups per week to one box per month. They're impressive and encouraging figures! Well done Kiosk.

Thanks to resident Jen Derricott for her tireless enthusiasm to bring the initiative to fruition, the Lennox Head Chamber of Commerce for donating wicker baskets, and to the many Lennox cafes and residents who have donated cups and support the borrow cup initiative.

engaged leadership healthy environment healthyenvironment

OPEN 8AM-4PM 7 DAYS A WEEK

borrow a cup

SOLUTIONS Use a reusable cup Support cafes with ‘boomerang’ borrow cup initiatives Take a seat and enjoy the cafe's fine china It’s simple – no reusable cup, no coffee! Challenge yourself.

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communityconnect

es the ruvle ha ed chang

SELLING OR GIVING AWAY A CAT OR DOG The rules have changed…

All advertisments will need to include either: 1. A MICROCHIP NUMBER 2. A BREEDER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 3. A REHOMING ORGANISATION NUMBER.

Paws for thought

It doesn’t matter:

CATS AND YOUR LOCAL URBAN BUSH

How old the animal is Where you want to advertise (could be the local paper or on Facebook)

Pets are part of the joy in many people’s lives. However, and this is particularly true for cats, owning a pet means coming to terms with some not so friendly aspects of their behaviour.

Whether you are a hobby or professional breeder, or your cat or dog has had an accidental or one-off litter

Cats are natural hunters, and may hunt whether they are hungry or not. You may not see the results of this hunting, but it is likely your cat has killed or hurt its fair share of lizards, birds and other animals.

Whether or not you bred the animal Whether or not the animal you are selling or rehoming has not been born yet.

To find out the changes visit dpi.nsw.gov.au/companionanimals

Responsible pet ownership means different things to different people, but as an absolute minimum you should keep your cat in at night.

Other things you can do as a responsible cat owner include microchipping and desexing your cat, placing a collar on your cat so it is easily identified (bells are helpful so you can find the cat), ensuring you clean up after them and not allowing them to roam. Also, take them to the vet for regular checkups and keep their vaccinations up to date.

Finally, be aware that your cat may also be a nuisance for your neighbours.

Visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/catownership for information and how to encourage behaviour that provides joy and companionship without impacting your neighbours or native animals.

Enjoy your cat, and take pride in your responsible ownership.

Wolfie is now back home…

After two-months of being lost from his home in Melbourne you can imagine how distressed Wolfie’s owners must have been.

Wolfie’s owner, Juliet, received a pleasant phone call from our rangers to say that her much loved pet was found, a little worse for wear but okay. Wolfie was hit by a car in Ballina and was brought into the Animal Shelter by a caring local so he could be reunited with his owner.

Thankfully Wolfie was microchipped and his owner's contact details were up to date.

We don’t know how Wolfie made it all the way from Melbourne to Ballina, but he got a return trip via a transport carrier back into the care of his loving owner.

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THE MAGAZINE OF BALLINA SHIRE

The spring weather has arrived and the warmer days mean more people are out and about using our parks, walking tracks and cycle ways. Local wildlife are also becoming more active so it’s important to remember some handy tips.

SNAKES Snakes are not naturally aggressive and always prefer to retreat. They will only attack if hurt or provoked. Most bites occur when people try to capture or kill a snake.

Remember these tips: If you come across a snake walk away calmly Wear long pants and boots Scan the ground ahead of you when bushwalking

RAINWATER TANKS A MOZZIE’S DREAM HOME

Keep yards clear of long grass and items that provide cover, such as timber stacks, rock or discarded household items

Everyone knows mosquitoes like hanging out in cool shady areas and they are always on the lookout for standing water to lay their eggs. This makes rainwater tanks the ideal breeding site for nuisance mosquitoes.

Walk your dog on a lead to help keep them safe.

If mosquitoes are buzzing and bothering your family, check your rainwater tank to see if they can get inside. Make sure the inlet and overflow are screened, the screens are installed properly with no gaps and are not damaged.

To help protect your family from annoying mosquitoes and the unwanted diseases they carry, be vigilant and inspect your tank regularly.

For more information visit ballina.nsw. gov.au or contact council’s Public and Environmental Health Section on 1300 864 444.

Aviaries also attract mice which attract snakes so try and keep rodent numbers down by keeping your bird enclosures clean Avoid areas with dense ground cover to prevent accidently stepping on a snake

If you find a snake in your home, and would like it removed, contact Wildlife Carers on 6628 1866 or WIRES Northern Rivers 6628 1898.

healthyenvironment

Spring has sprung and the wildlife is active

SWOOPING MAGPIES Swooping magpies rarely mean to strike people but intimidate and warn intruders off.

To avoid being swooped: do not provoke the birds if swooped stay calm and move out of its territory wear a hat or hold an umbrella or stick above your head to deter attacks avoid and hurry past nesting sites warn others about magpie territories.

If you feel a magpie is a serious menace, please report it to the Alstonville National Parks and Wildlife Office, telephone 6627 0200.

SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE 36

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communityconnect

our

ENVIRONMENT EAST BALLINA

Love it or Lose it

East Ballina Fauna Habitat Project It’s a good time to be a feathered or furry friend in East Ballina Wild things are stirring in East Ballina with restoration of local native habitat occurring over recent months.

Community planting events have been helping 1,900 plants find their forever homes, and many backyards and parks hosting nest boxes for urban wildlife.

Council’s recent survey of East Ballina residents cast a light on the natural neighbours of this riverside enclave, which is home to a host of urban wildlife. Residents have reported seeing pheasant coucal, blue tongue lizard, echidna, wallaby, azure kingfisher, many species of parrot and honeyeaters, pythons, fairy wrens, owls and much more.

East Ballina residents have shared how they support the creatures living in their neighbourhood, showing it doesn’t take much to be a wildlife warrior.

It can be as simple as: putting water out for birds installing a bird bath or native bee hotel allowing shrubs to grow densely to the ground leaving sticks and mulch in the garden to encourage insects controlling weeds and compost garden waste instead of throwing it over the back fence

MEET GARRY AND MARGARET After downsizing from a large rainforest property Garry and Margaret found themselves itching to build biodiversity locally. But living on a small block has limits, so after planting native gardens they turned their attention to Serpentine Park. With the support of council and Tuckombil Landcare, the duo began to remove weeds and replant native trees.

Two years on, and with the help of other residents, areas of the park are returning to their natural vegetation of littoral rainforest and Coastal Cypress Pine Forest; both endangered ecological communities. Spending just a few hours every now and then has produced impressive results and the effort has been appreciated by the local community.

“Many people ask why we do it, and our response is easy, we’re doing it because it needs to be done and it’s worth doing,” said Garry.

“The park belongs to everyone and it feels good to do things to help people enjoy the space. It also keeps us fit,” added Margaret.

Garry and Margaret will soon become nestbox guardians for hollow-dependent fauna in Serpentine Park. But they won’t be the only ones, other passionate residents have volunteered to host nestboxes on their properties, or look after boxes that will be installed by council in East Ballina’s parks and reserves over the coming months.

keeping cats indoors.

Local resident, Mrs Ross of George Pearse Place is looking out for the Eastern Water Dragons by keeping her cats on a leash during supervised daily outdoor exercise.

Urban gardens play a vital role in connecting established areas of critical habitat for native wildlife. Residents can help native wildlife by recreating habitats in their backyards that provide food, shelter, water, nesting materials, safe resting places and long-term homes.

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If you would like to join in the Serpentine Park Project or find out more about other Landcare Groups working in Ballina contact Richmond Landcare Coordinator on landcare.support@ richmondlandcare.org or telephone 02 6619 0115.

After living on the shores of Prospect Lake for nearly 15 years, Jo and Angus have compiled an impressive catalogue of local wildlife, both feathered and finned.

A keen fisherman, Angus says, “If you had told me when we first moved that I’d be catching over 20 species of fish in that lake, I’d have thought you were mad”.

It all started after a trip around Australia, when they bought a bird book to make sense of the unfamiliar landscapes. On return, they simply continued the habit of identifying and recording new species - the result?

A rich and rewarding record of the lake’s habitat and change over time.

“We’ve realised what an important habitat the lake is, as a nursery for fish and hunting ground for birds. When you spend a lot of time here you start to take care and become a bit of a custodian”, said Angus. Angus mostly fishes for the enjoyment of catching and releasing, taking note of species and only taking fish home when they are in abundance at that time of year.

Regularly collecting rubbish and plastic washed into the lake, Angus and Jo feel that caring for the lake is an important thing to do. “It is such a valuable asset, and as we get more development, these fragile lakes need to be looked after and nurtured,” Angus reflects.

WHY BAMBOO IS BAD FOR OUR CREEKS Council is planting native species across the Ballina Shire to stabilise creeks and rivers, to provide habitat for native animals and fish. But we can’t go it alone, we need residents to plant native plants over non-natives, like bamboo.

You may see bamboo being planted in urban gardens and larger land holdings. Bamboo is fast growing and considered attractive which is why some property owners like to use it.

But there are a number of reasons why it shouldn’t be planted, and why it is best to plant natives instead.

With a small family dog, they’ve learned to keep their backyard biodiversity improvements well beyond his reach. They maintain dogfree areas for the lizards, including tunnels to allow ground dwellers to move across the yard, native species plantings and nestboxes for the birds. “He has his domain, the wildlife have theirs. It can sometimes be a challenge to keep them separate, but at least we’re minimising the risk to native animals,” says Jo.

1. NATIVES FEED NATIVE INSECTS, WHICH FISH LIKE TO EAT

But for this family of accidental wildlife warriors, Prospect Lake is like an extension of their backyard, and as Angus says, “when it’s in your own backyard you tend to care about it more”.

2. NATIVE TREES ARE SUITED TO OUR LOCAL SOILS AND CLIMATE

By combining their interests this couple have found a way to connect with their local environment, and they are all the better for it.

Small creeks that don’t always flow still feed our larger creeks and rivers. Leaves and sticks from native trees drop into these waterways and provide food for insects. A diverse population of insects within these creeks help sustain a healthy fish population.

engaged leadership healthy environment healthyenvironment

Meet Jo and Angus

Natives grow quickly, especially if planted in Autumn or Spring, and will stabilise creek banks within a few months. If a quick fix is required natives can be planted through geotextile (permeable material) to provide protection while plants are establishing.

3. DIFFERENT SPECIES FOR DIFFERENT SITUATIONS If planting under power lines or next to a creek, avoid large trees and plant groundcovers or shrubs instead. This will still provide diverse vegetation to stabilise the creek bank and protect against erosion.

4. RUNNING BAMBOO IS A DIFFICULT WEED TO GET RID OF Bamboo is not a good neighbour. It doesn’t respect boundaries and requires constant maintenance to keep it contained.

For more information visit weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au (search bamboo) or contact council’s Public and Environmental Health Section on 1300 864 444.

SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE 36

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communityconnect

our ENVIRONMENT LANDCARE + COASTCARE

prof ile

Landcare volunteers take on vegetation restoration works and bring their skills, experience and dedication to target weeds and promote natives species in a number of locations throughout Ballina Shire.

In this issue of Community Connect we profile Lennox Head Landcare.

Lennox Head Landcare are an enthusiastic group who have been operating since 1999.

Although they boast strong numbers they enjoy welcoming new members to the team.

There are 10 locations currently being worked on by the group, stretching from Skennars Head to Ross Lane.

When we visited Lennox Head Landcare at Lake Ainsworth they were a little camera shy.

But once we weeded them out from their work removing a passionfruit vine which had tangled its way up the trunk of a Coastal banksia and dealing with an outbreak of fishbone fern, they had plenty of laughs, history and anecdotes to share.

It is no secret Lake Ainsworth is widely loved by many visitors and the local community.

Due to this love there are a number of issues that set it apart from other sites.

A HISTORICAL SUMMARY OF LAKE AINWORTH Lake Ainsworth is a significant Bundjalung site. According to Bundjalung Legend, one of the Founding Three Brothers, Yarbirri,

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L AKE AINSWORTH

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created the lake by thrusting a spear into the sand. Historically, the lake was also a sacred Aboriginal womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water hole and birthing place.

In more recent times, the lake was named after James Ainsworth (1843-1924), a farmer who was one of the first European settlers to the area. The Gibbon family also resided on the southern side until the late 1970s.

Today the lake continues to draw many visitors and locals who enjoy the ti-tree stained freshwater for relaxation, rejuvenation, swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. It is also a popular place for family and friends to gather on the grassy spots under the shade of the ti-trees.

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO MANAGE THE BUSH AT THE LAKE AINSWORTH SITE? With the popularly of the lake comes the cost of heavy usage and the resultant introduction of environmental weeds that Landcare continually tackle. It is a common misconception that it is okay to throw food waste such as banana skins and passionfruit seeds on the ground but some food waste, particularly seeds, can easily germinate and cause havoc to natives.

Other weeds are introduced from a variety of

THE MAGAZINE OF BALLINA SHIRE

human activities around the lake. Seeds and weeds drop from vehicles and from watercraft that have visited other places, stormwater run-off can also introduce weeds and, sadly, we also see instances of blatant rubbish dumping.

When Landcare first began working around the lake the south-western corner lake was covered with lantana. The group have worked over many years and have managed to replace the lantana with native bush propagated from local seed.

The western side of the lake, along Camp Drewe Road, was also infested with weeds including another garden escapee, the Queensland Umbrella Tree. Landcare continually monitor this side of the lake to prevent reinfestation of this and a number of other weeds.

NOT JUST WEEDS AND VEGETATION ON THE LAND, BUT ALSO WATER QUALITY Not all of their work is done on land. They also manage outbreaks of Water Hyacinth, calling on members to break out their surfboards, kayaks and SUPs to spot and collect vast masses of this weed during the summer months. Water Hyacinth can double in size every five-days in a good growing

ENVIRONMENT

season and has been known to totally cover areas much larger than the lake. The group is helping to keep the water clear for the whole community.

IT’S A BALANCING ACT The lake is so popular and loved for it’s natural beauty that the challenge is balancing human recreation with preserving the vegetation to keep the lake and surrounds as natural, clean and healthy as possible.

Everyday actions can have a major impact on Lake Ainsworth and its surrounds so we respectfully ask visitors and locals to: dispose of picnic waste appropriately (including fruit and vegetable waste). Best to take your waste with you and dispose of it in the domestic kerbside bins. don’t let dogs swim in the lake. Use the off-leash beach area north of the surf club

HIDDEN ASBESTOS EXPOSURE

free asbestos testing kits available

Us Aussies love a DIY job and are always looking for ways to improve our castle. Recladding a property is a great way to give an old home a face lift.

But SafeWork NSW has noticed builders and home owners are installing new cladding over existing asbestos containing material (ACM). If the ACM is broken, damaged or disturbed, it can release airborne fibres which may lead to asbestos-related diseases including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

If you are thinking of recladding the exterior of your home and ACM is present you must remove it before the new cladding is installed.

Remember if you are removing more than 10 square meters of non-friable asbestos material you will need a licensed asbestos removalist.

For more information contact SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or visit safework.nsw.

Images of issues associated with and over cladding Health Section on gov.au.

Or contact council’s Public Environmental 1300 864 444.

leave vegetation, soil, sand and rocks where they are.

This will help to protect the lake and it’s surrounds today and for future generations.

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE CREW? Being involved in a Landcare group is a great way to learn about local landscapes and to connect with your community.

engaged leadership healthy environment healthyenvironment

our

But be warned, at the Lennox Head Landcare sessions, the conversation flows thick and fast, ranging over just about everything you can think of. There are many laughs and the locations are stunning!

They finish each session with coffee…and, on top of that, the feeling you have made a difference.

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE?…

Telephone: Shaun 0448 221 210 Email: lennoxheadlandcare@gmail.com lennoxlandcare.org Lennox Head Landcare

© State of New South Wales (SafeWork NSW). For current information go to safework.nsw.gov.au.

Figure 1:

Damage caused to asbestos sheeting when removing connecting strips

FREE asbestos testing kits are available for shire residents to identify asbestos before starting your renovation.

Kits can be collected from the Ballina Waste Management Centre on Southern Cross Drive or council's Customer Service Centre, 40 Cherry Street, Ballina.

SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE 36

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communityconnect

free community tour

Wastewater treatment: go behind the scenes Each year during National Water Week we open to the gates of our Wastewater Treatment Plant to the community. Come along to see where your wastewater goes and how it’s treated.

WHERE: West Ballina Wastewater Treatment Plant, 72 Fishery Creek Road, West Ballina

WHEN: 10am – 11.30am, Saturday 26 October 2019

BYO: Wear enclosed shoes, hat, water and bring and umbrella if it looks like rain.

RSVP: Numbers are limited, to book your spot please email Catherine.jost@ballina.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 864 444.

Here’s what Roslyn thought after last year’s tour: “It was a great tour and I loved the opportunity to learn so much about the good work being done by the Council and staff to make a valuable resource sustainable.”

NATIONAL WATER WEEK GOES GLOBAL

National

WATER WEEK 21-27 OCTOBER 2019

21 - 27 OCTOBER 2019

IT’S TIME TO

CHANGE

National Water Week – it’s time to change the world! So let’s start local.

THE WORLD

Each October, we refocus our attention on water and its importance to every aspect of our world. This year the Australian Water Association is taking a global approach and has been inspired by the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. This UN campaign introduces 17 sustainable goals to young people all over the world to unite them to take action to meet these goals by 2030.

We are encouraging our local community to think about the importance of water but to get the message flowing through the whole community! After all, children are our future. For more information or to download the colouring-in sheet visit nationalwaterweek.com.au.

#NationalWaterWeek www.awa.asn.au/nationalwaterweek

For more information about how our region is preparing for the future’s water demands download the Regional Demand Management Plan from our bulk water supplier Rous County Council at rous.nsw. gov.au

Our treatment plants are busy!

10.9 MILLION LITRES OF WASTEWATER EVERY DAY

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ALMOST 300KMS OF SEWER MAINS

4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS

THE MAGAZINE OF BALLINA SHIRE

SERVICING 42,000+ RESIDENTS

116 SEWER PUMP STATIONS

The 160 Litre Challenge Competition winners have been announced and we are pleased to see some Ballina Shire residents in the mix! Congratulations to the Southern Cross Public School students whose catchy tune caught the judges ear and to Lennox Head resident, little Edith McKenzie who took out the children’s category to win a Wet N Wild pass.

Rural wastewater a worry Our Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators at Alstonville have been hard at work unclogging thousands of wipes and other foreign objects from our wastewater processing equipment. But this wastewater hasn’t arrived via our wastewater network it’s been delivered from our shire’s sceptic tanks.

The region-wide initiative was launched by our bulk water supplier, Rous County Council, to help reach our regional target of 160 litres of water per day per person. Residents, schools and community groups were asked to share their creative ideas for saving water. Entries ranged from wildly original to simple changes in habit.

Although the competition is over the challenge is still on to reduce everyone’s personal water use. Currently across the region we each use about 194 litres a day per person.

For more information about the competition or for nine neat ways to save water visit rous.nsw.gov.au

If you live on one of our shire's beautiful properties, you would know how important it is to have a well-maintained septic tank. These onsite sewerage management systems do a great job of treating your wastewater on site but they’re not bullet proof. Residents and their visitors must follow the same rules as their urban neighbours – only put the three Ps down the toilet, pee, poo and paper. And when it comes to your kitchen sink remember fat is not your friend.

engaged leadership healthy environment healthyenvironment

160 LITRE CHALLENGE WINNERS

If you don’t follow these important rules you could clog your property’s pipes, damage your septic tank or cause real damage to our wastewater treatment plant equipment.

When a septic tank is pumped out by a licenced contractor within Ballina Shire it is taken to the Alstonville Waste Water Treatment Plant.

To keep our treatment plant and your septic tank happy follow these simple rules: Don’t let foreign materials (such as nappies, wet wipes or hygiene products) to enter your system Don’t allow vegetation to enter the septic tank Don’t put fats and oils down the drain Want more information about caring for your onsite sewerage management system? Contact council’s Environmental Health Officers on 1300 864 444 or visit ballina.nsw.gov.au (search OSSM).

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PADDLING POWERS COMMUNITY SPIRIT

“They will never take our freedom!”

If you heard this echoing across Shaws Bay on Sunday 25 August we can confirm it was not William Wallace (AKA Mel Gibson) in town to revive the 1995 movie, Braveheart. Instead, it was the Ballina Shire Council staff team getting ready to compete in their first Rainbow Dragon Boat Regatta.

After two training sessions, some face paint and even a few kilts the council lassies and laddies were transformed and ready for the 200-metre paddling sprint against their fellow community teams.

the ballina shire is safe with a connected community, a healthy environment and a thriving economy.

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Heat one was a breeze while heat two proved more difficult and resulted in a narrow win against the Bucketteers! Next up was the major final and the first meeting of council’s Bravehearts and reigning champions the Hillbillies. Alas the Hillbillies were a quarter of a second faster proving they couldn’t take the Bravehearts freedom, but they could take the win! But don’t worry the Bravehearts will be back in 2020 ready to disrupt the Hillbillies’ five-year winning streak.

Each year, the annual community event welcomes hundreds of Dragon Boat competitors from New South Wales and Queensland clubs. The clubs compete in a range of Dragon Boating events on Shaws Bay over the two-days of competition.

Congratulations to all the competitors and event organisers for a fantastic weekend that celebrated healthy competition and showcased our community spirit.

For more information or to get involved in this social sport visit rainbowdragons.com.au

Students learn to paint big

Ballina’s Ignite Studios came alive recently with two local high schools – Xavier Catholic College and Ballina Coast High School – taking part in Immersive Urban Art Workshops. Organised by the Northern Rivers Community Gallery in conjunction with Creative Road curatorial agency, the workshops are part of Banyan Hill’s public art program.

Internationally acclaimed Artist Emily Devers, who recently painted the water reservoirs at Banyan Hill, facilitated the workshops. Students collaborated to paint two sheds at the rear of Ignite Studios, responding to the theme “When land meets sea”.

“Emily shared her knowledge not just with students but with teachers, giving them tools to develop their own site-specific urban art projects in the future” said the Northern Rivers Community Gallery’s Lee Mathers.

The workshops gave students the chance to get involved in the conceptualisation and creation of large scale public art while also learning invaluable industry insights around material use, tools and methods to create meaningful large-scale artwork professionally.

“These students are getting hands on experience of working with a practicing artist which links their understanding of the visual arts with the wider art world” said Xavier Catholic College art teacher Jasmine Rogers.

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your councillors

phone 0415 965 403 david.wright@ballina.nsw. gov.au

MAYOR

Cr David Wright

what ward are you in?

Cr Phillip Meehan phone 0408 349 833 phil.meehan@ballina.nsw. gov.au

phone 0435 759 987 stephen.mccarthy@ballina. nsw.gov.au

WARD A

Cr Stephen McCarthy

WARD B

Cr Nathan Willis phone 0434 154 782 nathan.willis@ballina.nsw. gov.au

LENNOX HEAD

WOLLONGBAR

Cr Sharon Cadwallader

SKENNARS HEAD

phone 0413 091 440 sharon.cadwallader@ ballina.nsw.gov.au

WARD C

BALLINA

WARD A

Cr Jeff Johnson phone 0438 677 202 jeff.johnson@ballina.nsw. gov.au

Cr Sharon Parry phone 0408 683 052 sharon.parry@ballina.nsw. gov.au

phone 0415 482 412 ben.smith@ballina.nsw. gov.au

WARD C

Cr Benjamin Smith

WARDELL

Don’t dispose of me yet

Cr Eoin Johnston

Use this issue of Community Connect to wrap kitchen waste and dispose in the green organics bin.

phone 0407 416 149 eoin.johnston@ballina.nsw. gov.au

All councillors can be emailed at councillors@ballina.nsw.gov.au

connect T H E

Councillors are here to represent your views. Councillors are elected in Wards, however each Councillor represents the entire community and can be contacted on any matter.

You can contact Councillors in person, by phone or email.

council contact information 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 Council’s Community Access Points: Meeting agendas and documents on exhibition can be viewed at council’s Customer Service Centre; Alstonville, Ballina and Lennox Head Libraries and Council’s website ballina.nsw.gov.au Photo contributors: John Napper - Action in Focus, Bennetts Construction Pty Ltd, Ben Wyeth, Rainbow Region Dragon Boat Club.

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Q U A R T E R L Y

M A G A Z I N E

O F

T H E

B A L L I N A

S H I R E

SEPT 201 9

C O U N C I L

SPRUNG!!

Explore the 'Virtually Impossible' with Integrated Dance Sprung!!

Theatre at the Northern Rivers Commun ity Gallery, Ballina.

featured stories.. .

Future Road Network

ISSUE

36

See page 26

Australia Day Awards Nominate Now!

Second Hand Saturday 28 September

and 28 for details...

© NSW Spatial Services 2019. This map is illustrative and not to scale.

phone 0418 504 644 keith.williams@ballina.nsw. gov.au

ALSTONVILLE

WARD B

Cr Keith Williams

CUMBALUM