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BALLINA SES VOLUNTEER TAKES TOP HONOURS
Ballina local, Ezekiel Knight (Zeke), has been named 2025 Citizen of the Year at the annual Ballina Shire Australia Day Ceremony.
Zeke has been a dedicated member of the Ballina SES unit for eight years. As both an In-Water Operator and a Senior Road Crash Rescue Operator, Zeke is known for his quick thinking, bravery and ability to stay calm in emergencies.
He was awarded the NSW SES Commissioner’s commendation for courage for his efforts rescuing two people from a vehicle during the 2022 floods. He is also a driving force behind the ongoing success of Ballina SES young volunteers’ program.
More than 40 nominees were recognised at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre. The ceremony also featured a Welcome to Country from Uncle Ricky Cook and entertainment from Katie Rutledge, Narelle Harris, Ian Davies and Ray Arnott.
Lennox Head Roundabout works now underway see page 5 for details
Your
Ballina Shire Australia Day Award winners!
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Ezekiel Knight
LOCAL HERO
Jodie Shelly
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Lachlan Trease
SENIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Rik Dillon
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Diane Parker
SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT
Denise Cooper (Outrigger Paddling)
ARTS/CULTURAL AWARD
Mariah Cavnaugh-Roberts
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS
Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue and The Late Shirley White
COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR
Ballina ANZAC Day 2024 Commemorations
Ballina RSL Sub-Branch
For a full list of nominees and winners bios visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/ australiaday
from the mayor
Welcome to our first edition of Community Connect EXTRA for 2025!
Congratulations once again to all the winners and nominees in this year’s Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards. The ceremony held at Lennox Head Cultural Centre put the spotlight on those individuals and groups who are doing extraordinary things for our community.
I really enjoyed welcoming our new Aussie citizens during the ceremony, as it is always such a privilege to be part of this memorable day in their lives. Thank you to our fantastic MC, Sandy Jackson, to Uncle Ricky Cook for his warm Welcome to Country, and to Katie Rutledge, Narelle Harris, Ian Davies and Ray Arnott for their wonderful music performances.
It’s shaping up to be another busy and productive year for Ballina Shire, with plenty of major projects on the agenda. Roundabout construction is kicking off at the intersection of Byron Bay Road and Byron Street in Lennox Head and the Community Green Space is taking shape in Wardell.
Thank you to everyone who submitted their feedback for Council’s Community Strategic Plan –the 10-year blueprint that outlines the community’s desired future for Ballina Shire. Staff will now prepare the Draft Community Strategic Plan, which will be reported to the 24 April Council meeting and then placed on exhibition for community feedback in May 2025.
Don’t forget to read beyond the project updates for details of community events, gallery exhibitions, community spaces, plus water and waste tips to help our environment.
Take care, stay safe, and happy reading!
Cr Sharon Cadwallader Mayor
NEW COUNCIL WEBSITE
Ballina Shire Council has launched a brand new public website, offering a modern and user-friendly experience for the community.
Designed specifically for local governments, the new site features a fresh design, improved navigation and enhanced functionality to help residents find information more efficiently.
New features include:
What’s Around Me? an interactive map allowing users to enter an address and discover nearby projects, parks, facilities, bin collection days, local Councillors and more.
Enhanced search function with predictive search and keyword filtering for simpler, fast access to information.
Integrated community engagement the website is now integrated with YourSayBallina.com.au, making it easier to stay informed and provide feedback on current projects.
Council will continue to improve and optimise the new site. If you have feedback, please complete the Customer Feedback form on the website or call 1300 864 444.
Explore the new website at ballina.nsw.gov.au
Ballina Shire Council acknowledges that we are here on the land of the Bundjalung people. The Bundjalung are the traditional owners of this land and are part of the oldest surviving continuous culture in the world.
Hampton Park, Ballina
Have your say on Hampton Park Reserve
Ballina Shire Council has been engaging with the community to prepare a Draft Master Plan for part of Hampton Park Reserve in Ballina.
Some of the key messages we heard during the consultation included:
Protect the fig trees and provide new shade trees
Drainage and flooding impacts are of concern
Improve car parking and footpath connections
Community green space is important
Many sporting groups aspire to expand their facilities at Hampton Park.
The draft master plan is now on public exhibition for further community feedback.
The draft master plan focuses on balancing amenity and functionality, while building capacity for existing sporting activities. This proposed scenario makes provision to grow tennis, retain significant fig trees, formalise car parking to the perimeter streets and provide a new vehicle access point off Moon Street.
We invite you to complete an online feedback form. Please read the Draft Master Plan in full before completing the form.
Have your say online by Friday 28 February 2025 at yoursayballina.com.au/hampton-park-reserve-master-plan
Opportunities for local contractors
Council is encouraging local contractors to tender for the following supplier panels:
PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (WET) HIRE
ARBORICULTURAL SERVICES (TREE AND VEGETATION MANAGEMENT)
TRAFFIC CONTROL SERVICES
The panels will provide Council with access to pre-qualified contractors to support its ongoing service and maintenance activities. Tenders are open between February and April 2025 and submissions welcomed from experienced, qualified and insured service providers that can offer for hire plant and services such as tipper trucks, excavators, graders, cranes, vacuum trucks, water carts, arborist services, stump grinding, woodchippers and traffic control crews.
Subscribe to Council’s e-tendering portal at ballina.etenderbox.com.au to receive notifications of tenders as they are published.
TENDER INFORMATION SESSIONS
Counci’s Procurement team will deliver information sessions that explain the tender process and operational requirements.
To register your interest in attending an information session email procurement@ballina.nsw.gov.au
ROAD PROJECTS
COMPLETED PROJECTS
CRONULLA STREET, EAST BALLINA
SKINNER STREET, BALLINA
HICKEY STREET, BALLINA
THE COAST ROAD, LENNOX HEAD
CURRENT PROJECTS
BEACON ROAD, TEVEN
RIVER DRIVE, SOUTH BALLINA
BYRON BAY ROAD ROUNDABOUT, LENNOX HEAD
FUTURE PROJECTS
LAKE AINSWORTH CARPARK, LENNOX HEAD
PIMLICO ROAD, PIMLICO
LIVE TRAFFIC NSW keeps you informed
Live Traffic NSW provides real-time information about traffic conditions across all New South Wales roads.
For the latest traffic information download the Live Traffic NSW app or visit livetraffic.com.au
PROJECT UPDATES
DUPLICATION OF BALLINA BRIDGES
Ballina Shire Council is continuing planning works to duplicate Fishery Creek Bridge on River Street, and Canal Bridge on Tamarind Drive.
Duplicating the existing bridges and raising some sections of road will improve evacuation options during flooding events and build a more resilient road network.
This project also involves investigating raising portions of the roadway on sections of River Street, between Teven Interchange and Ballina Island, and Tamarind Drive, between Ballina Island and Cumbalum Interchange.
Once constructed, the duplicated bridges will provide dual lanes in and out of Ballina Island, improve traffic flow and increase the roads’ capacity to comfortably cater for future traffic demands.
The project is now at the design stage and bridge construction is anticipated to start in the second half of 2025. Road surface investigations were recently carried out to inform the project design. Pre-construction work has started and will continue during early 2025. This includes relocating underground services and placing earthworks to allow settlement of the embankments prior to commencing bridgeworks. We will continue to inform the community at each project phase.
The Evacuation Route Raising (including bridge duplications) project will be completed across three years and has been funded with $40 million from the Australian Government through the Emergency Response Fund administered by NSW Reconstruction Authority’s Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program
For more information or to sign up for updates visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/BallinaBridgeDuplications
concept design subject to change concept design subject to change
ballina.nsw.gov.au/eNews
BYRON BAY ROAD LENNOX HEAD ROUNDABOUT
Council is constructing a new permanent roundabout at the intersection of Byron Bay Road and Byron Street at Lennox Head. Works are expected to continue to the end of June 2025, weather and site conditions permitting. The roundabout will improve traffic flows and safety for all road users. The new concrete roundabout will replace the existing T-intersection and temporary arrangement. The project includes concrete kerb and medians, asphalt road surface, a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists, linemarking and signage.
Funded by the Australian Government.
To find out more visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/ Byron-Bay-Road-Lennox-Head-Roundabout
ROSS LANE FLOOD RESILIENCE
This project will raise portions of Ross Lane and includes improved flow for Deadmans Creek under it. This is the final stage of the Ross Lane/ Byron Bay Road upgrades.
Council has completed a concept design for various levels of flood immunity. Designers are exploring two different levels of flood immunity, and each may have the creek crossing as either a bridge or culvert. Once designs are further progressed, consultation with neighbouring properties and key stakeholders will commence. Final detailed designs will be complete in the second half of 2025. Council will commence works in the first half of 2026.
This project is funded through the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Program (RRTRP), which aims to strengthen the regional transport network’s capacity to withstand natural disasters.
To find out more visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/ Ross-Lane-Flood-Resilience
WARDELL VILLAGE GREEN SPACE
Construction of the ‘Community Green Space’ at the end of Richmond Street in Wardell is progressing well. Council’s contractor has completed essential stormwater upgrades along Sinclair Street as part of this project and they are now focused on concrete works to support the construction of a shared zone and streetscape paving. The project will see the western end of Richmond Street transformed into a multipurpose space. The Wardell Community Green Space is expected to be open by the end of March 2025.
Jointly funded by Ballina Shire Council and NSW Government Local Government Recovery Program.
To find out more visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/ wardell-village-centre-revitalisation
FOOTPATH PROJECTS
COMPLETED PROJECTS
MONTWOOD DRIVE, LENNOX HEAD
CAWLEY CLOSE, ALSTONVILLE
CURRENT PROJECTS
JAMESON AVENUE, EAST BALLINA
ROBERTSON STREET, ALSTONVILLE
CEDAR STREET, WARDELL
FUTURE PROJECTS
HORIZON DRIVE, WEST BALLINA
never miss important Council news and updates again!
For project updates visit our website ballina.nsw.gov.au/MajorProjects
Ferry maintenance schedule
The Burns Point Ferry closes for scheduled maintenance each month.
This maintenance is important to ensure a reliable ferry service for visitors and locals. Scheduled monthly maintenance will occur from 9am to 1pm on:
Tuesday 11 March
Tuesday 8 April
Tuesday 13 May
Tuesday 10 June
The Burns Point Ferry operates continuously from 5.30am to 12.30am daily.
For updates on the ferry status and road closure information visit livetraffic.com
For more information visit ballina. nsw.gov.au/Burns-Point-Ferry
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Join the Ballina Community Resilience Network
The Ballina Community Resilience Network (Ballina CRN) strengthens community capacity to navigate disasters, by increasing community preparedness and resilience.
Ballina CRN members represent organisations that bring specialist knowledge about the needs of the local community, particularly those groups who are most vulnerable to the immediate and longer-term impacts of disaster events.
Topics discussed at the recent January meeting included Housing Transition Planning for people living in pod villages, Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (P-CEP) training, funding grants, Red Cross Emergency RediPlan workshops and the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s Resilient Homes Program.
This initiative was launched in 2023 by Council in collaboration with NSW Reconstruction Authority.
GET INVOLVED
Ballina CRN currently has around 90 members, with new members always welcome. Membership is open to organisations, community groups and sporting clubs who provide services within Ballina Shire or have an interest in community preparedness and resilience. Ballina CRN meets bi-monthly and members can attend in person at Council’s Customer Service Centre at 40 Cherry Street, Ballina or via Microsoft Teams.
“Being a member of the Ballina Community Resilience Network allows me to connect with passionate individuals and other service providers who are dedicated to making our community stronger and more resilient.”
“It’s inspiring to see how we can collectively support each other and build a safer, more connected future.”
To find out more or become a member please contact Brett Belot, Emergency Management Resilience Officer at Ballina Shire Council on 1300 864 444 or email communityrecovery@ballina.nsw.gov.au
subscribe to council’s eNews
ballina.nsw.gov.au/eNews
BALLINA-BYRON GATEWAY AIRPORT NEWS
Using the Airport Drop off and Pick up Zone
Our Ballina Byron Gateway Airport team and airline partners are here to ensure all our passengers with specific accessibility needs travel through our airport with ease and comfort.
HELP IS AT HAND
Passengers requiring airport assistance from the Pick Up and Drop Off Zone at the front of the terminal including check-in assistance can arrange this by contacting our Airport Facilities team before they travel.
To ensure a team member is ready to assist on passenger arrival or departure, please email us at airportcarparking@ballina.nsw.gov.au
DROP OFF PICK UP LANE
Attended vehicles can remain in the Pick Up and Drop Off Zone for up to two minutes while unloading or collecting passengers. To help minimise congestion and keep things running smoothly when collecting passengers, only enter the zone when all passengers are kerbside with their luggage and ready to depart.
Due to aviation security requirements vehicles must not be left unattended at any time. Any vehicle left unattended in the security drop off zone may receive an infringement notice and be subjected to security screening processes.
Thank you for helping us create a smooth and safe experience for everyone. We’re here to help.
For more information visit ballinabyronairport.nsw.gov.au/parking
COMPLETED PROJECTS
JOHN KEARNEY PARK CATHERINE CRESCENT, BALLINA
MADDEN PARK, BALLINA HEIGHTS
CURRENT PROJECTS
OCEAN BREEZE RESERVE, LENNOX HEAD
UPCOMING PROJECTS
CALOOLA PARK, LENNOX HEAD
MELDRUM PARK, BALLINA
MISSINGHAM PARK, BALLINA
Playgrounds in Ballina Shire are renewed in accordance with the Playground Upgrade and Management Plan. Council’s budget for playground upgrades over the next four years can be found in Council’s Delivery Program and Operational Plan.
To find a playground near you visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/playgrounds
workshop space
Workshop spaces for hire enquire now
For more information, or to arrange a booking, visit nrcgballina.com.au or contact our Creative Programs Producer on 02 6686 1217
Image: Elise Derwin, Creative Workshop Ignite Studios Engine Room, 2023
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current exhibitions
Exhibition Dates: 9 January - 2 March 2024
The Meteorologist’s Daughter – Watching the Skies Lesley Ryan
Influenced by a love of Japanese woodblocks, simple lines, and the reduction of landscape to basic forms, Lesley creates ambiguous landscapes that invite the viewer to imagine the setting of their place and time.
Image: Lesley Ryan Run Off, 2024
passing place Col Mac
Taking its title from the point in a singletrack road where travellers briefly converge before moving in the opposite direction. passing place explores the ways in which boundaries of time, place, biography and history can poetically overlap creating a brief plurality of cultural memory.
Image: Col Mac stopping place, 2024 photo by Louis Lim
The Black Lake Shanti Des Fours
A collection of monotypes conceived in response to the lingering visual and emotional resonance from visits to a lake near where the artist once lived. The work serves as symbols of the grief that comes after life has transitioned and chapters have concluded.
Image: Shanti Des Fours Dark Matter, 2022
subscribe to gallery news
Visit nrcgballina.com.au and sign up to eNews or follow us on Facebook or Instagram @nrcgballina
Princess of the Night
Holly Ahern & Eden CrawfordHarriman
Drawing from Australian and Sri Lankan perspectives, Princess of the Night explores existential narratives, cultural spirituality, and the ephemeral beauty of nocturnal blooms. This is an immersive, technology-driven enquiry of the Epiphyllum oxypetalum.
Image: Holly Ahern & Eden Crawford-Harriman Princess of the Night (video still), 2024
ballina.nsw.gov.au/eNews
To book the Lennox CommunityHead Hall visit communityspaces .com.au
New defib for Lennox Head Community Hall
The Lennox Head Lions Club has donated a new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to Council, now installed at Lennox Head Community Hall, off Hutley Drive.
The new defib is mounted next to the First Aid Room, on the outside of the building so that it is accessible 24 hours a day.
The club has donated defibs and encouraged their installation in various places across the shire, including the IGA in Lennox Head, Tintenbar Tennis Club and sports fields at Lennox Head. They also have an AED on their Lennox Lions trailer, which travels with them to various fundraising events throughout the year.
The club raises funds through BBQs, raffles, sausage sizzles, and their can recycling project. This year they will once again support the Town and Gown Art Show for the Lennox Head Primary School and will hold the Charity Golf Day at Byron Bay. The Club is also commencing a new initiative, the Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP), which is an eye screening program for local primary schools.
To find out more about the club and their activities visit lennoxheadlions.com or facebook.com/lennoxheadlions
Become a GoodSAM volunteer
If you are 18 years or older and willing and able to perform CPR, you can help save lives by signing up to GoodSAM and downloading the GoodSAM app. The GoodSAM app will send you an alert when someone nearby needs you to perform CPR while paramedics are on their way. You can choose to accept or decline an alert. If you accept, the app will tell you where to find the patient and the location of nearby Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
To sign up visit ambulance.nsw.gov.au/get-involved/ goodsam/become-a-volunteer
Planning an event in 2025?
Looking for a venue for your next workshop, class, or special occasion?
Council offers a range of modern, versatile spaces to suit your needs:
Lennox Head Cultural Centre
Ballina Indoor Sports Centre
Ballina Surf Club
We also have the Richmond Room located next to the beautiful Richmond River, or for a more intimate space check out the Kentwell or Northlakes Community Centres.
Whether you need a one-off venue or a regular meeting space, our Community Facilities team is here to help.
To book a community space call 02 6681 0599 or visit communityspaces.com.au
LENNOX PLAYGROUP
9.30 - 11.30AM MONDAYS
Lennox Head Cultural Centre
Lennox Head Playgroup is part of Playgroup NSW, a community program that gives families a place to connect and grow through play and socialising. Suited to children aged 0-5 years, playgroup is held in the Activities Room every Monday morning. $5 per family.
Clean Up Australia Day
Have you registered?
Clean Up Australia Day is fast approaching!
CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY
Sunday 2 March 2025
This annual event gives you a chance to come together as a community and give back, all while protecting our beautiful natural environment!
A big shout out to the groups already registered at Ballina Public School, the North Creek Boat ramp, and the park near Lighthouse Marine Rescue Tower.
Find a clean-up near you and register online at register.cleanup.org.au
Lake Ainsworth upgrades
Council is continuing a range of works at Lake Ainsworth to provide both environmental and recreational benefits for our community and visitors.
These works align with the actions identified in Lake Ainsworth’s Coastal Management Program (CMP).
The improvement works include:
Car park upgrade including a stormwater infiltration strip to improve control of run-off into the Lake Aquatic weed harvesting and control
Bush regeneration and tree planting
Beach nourishment and bank stabilisation
New pedestrian footpath and boardwalk
New park furniture and bollards
Improved irrigation and landscaping.
These works are expected to be finished by May 2025. The car park works will be completed in stages to help manage parking demands in the area.
For more information visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/ lake-ainsworth-improvements
Temporary toilets are in place near the Lennox Head Surf Club while the existing toilet block gets a revamp
ballina.nsw.gov.au/eNews
Check the signs in public places to see if dogs are allowed in that location.
Dog ‘No-Go’ areas in Ballina Shire include:
SHELLY BEACH, EAST BALLINA
LIGHTHOUSE BEACH, EAST BALLINA
THE SERPENTINE, EAST BALLINA
SHAWS BAY, EAST BALLINA
CHICKIBA LAKE, EAST BALLINA north-eastern corner migratory and shorebirds roosting area
FLAT ROCK REEF, SKENNARS HEAD
SHARPES BEACH, SKENNARS HEAD northern end during surf patrols
LAKE AINSWORTH, LENNOX HEAD and surrounding foreshore/reserve
CAMP DREWE ROAD FIRE TRAIL, LENNOX HEAD
The ‘No-Go’ areas are in place because of the popularity of some beaches and the presence of migratory and shorebirds. Don’t risk a fine of $330 by taking your dog to a ‘No-Go’ area.
There are additional public areas where dogs are not allowed such as in or within 10 metres of children’s play areas, wildlife protection areas, school grounds and child care centres.
For more information visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/exercising-your-dog
$50 Microchip and Desexing vouchers available
Council is offering a limited number of $50 microchip/ desexing vouchers to Ballina Shire residents!
The vouchers can be redeemed at participating vets in Ballina Shire for desexing or microchipping your cat or dog.
PARTICIPATING VET CLINICS
• VetLove Ballina
• Alstonville Veterinary Hospital
• Ballina Veterinary Hospital
• Lennox Head Veterinary Clinic
• Racecourse Road Veterinary Hospital
Pet owners can collect the vouchers from our Customer Service Centre at 40 Cherry Street, Ballina.
Terms and conditions apply.
For more information call 6686 1210 or visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/registeryour-pet
WATER AND WASTEWATER PROJECTS
COMPLETED PROJECTS
SKENNARS HEAD
Pressure Reduction Valve
NORLYN AVENUE, BALLINA
Water Main Replacement
BALLINA WWTP Sludge Bypass
CURRENT PROJECTS
STONEYHURST DR, LENNOX HEAD
Reservoir Construction
SEWERAGE PUMP STATION
Switchboard Upgrades
RACECOURSE ROAD, BALLINA
Sewer Rising Main Replacement
MARTIN STREET, BALLINA
Water Main Replacement
FUTURE PROJECTS
RAMSES STREET, WOLLONGBAR
Sewer Main Upgrade
ANGELS BEACH DRIVE
Recycled Water Main Replacement
FERNGROVE TO BALLINA WWTP
Recycled Water Main Upgrade
SEWERAGE PUMP STATION RENEWALS
TEMPLE STREET, BALLINA
Sewer Rising Main
WATER TALK
No Wipes in Pipes
Did you know that flushing wipes down the toilet could lead to expensive plumbing repairs?
Cleaning, makeup, and baby wipes might seem harmless, but they’re made with reinforced materials that don’t break down like toilet paper. And while there are some wipes labelled as ‘biodegradable’, these CANNOT be flushed down your toilet. The biodegradable label only means that the product will degrade over time in landfill.
Every week, Council’s Wastewater team clears an average of three blockages caused by wet wipes in our wastewater network. These blockages are costly to remove, and if they happen in your own pipes, you could face an expensive plumbing bill. The solution is simple:
Dispose of wipes in your landfill bin, not the toilet. Help keep our pipes flowing freely - think before you flush!
For more information visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/wastewater
check online for WATER OUTAGES
If you’re ever experiencing low water pressure or a water interruption, please check online to see if there’s an outage near you.
Both planned and unplanned water interruptions are published on our website at ballina.nsw.gov.au/WaterOutage
You’ll also find information on how to report a water leak and helpful water outage tips.
For more information visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/WaterOutage
LANDFILL
ballina.nsw.gov.au/eNews
WASTE WATCH
Ballina Shire Council has signed up to The Great Unwaste challenge and we’d love residents to join us.
NSW households waste an average of 5kg of food each week, costing about $50 a week.
WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?
Observe your household’s habits to see what gets wasted. Once you have an idea of what food is being wasted, make some simple changes to reduce it.
PLANNING PRO New to meal planning? Start with planning 3 meals a week. Check your fridge, freezer, and pantry first. Then write a list with what you need.
SMART SHOPPER Stick to your list, avoid overbuying or impulse buying. Make the freezer your friend for bulk purchases and leftovers.
STORAGE SUPERHERO Check your fridge is set between 3 and 4 degrees and your freezer to -18. Most fruit and veggies are happiest in the fridge, but some exceptions include bananas, avocadoes, tomatoes, garlic, onions and potatoes (keep these last two separate from each other).
LOVE YOUR LEFTOVERS Pack dinner extras into containers for tomorrow’s lunches. Repurpose leftovers into new dishes (e.g. too much rice becomes tomorrow’s fried rice or leftover mince transforms into a pasta sauce or tacos).
HOW WASTEFUL ARE YOU REALLY?
GET INVOLVED!
Join the 6-week Unwaste Challenge from 16 March and discover simple ways to save more, waste less, and make every bite count. With weekly tips, tasks, and support, it’s your step-by-step guide to a more sustainable kitchen.
Council will co-host workshops on avoiding food waste during Food Waste Action Week from 17 - 23 March, keep an eye on our socials!
To register for the challenge scan the QR code or visit thegreatunwaste.com.au
Make the most of your FOGO bin
Your Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) bin loves your food and garden scraps, including: leftover cooked food fruit and veggie scraps meat, bones, seafood, eggshells coffee ground and tea leaves grass clippings, weeds and garden prunings
Please keep out all plastic, cardboard, paper packaging, tissues, paper towels, serviettes, nappies, pet poo, kitty litter, and tea bags.
For more information visit ballina.nsw. gov.au/kerbside-bins
No liners for your caddies are best but you can use newspaper or certified compostable liners
fun finds at the
Ballina Visitor Centre
The Ballina Visitor Centre are excited to add to their musthave collection, kids ibis socks!
These fun and colourful socks, featuring Australia’s cheeky bin chicken, are a playful and practical way for little ones to celebrate our local wildlife. Made from comfy, high-quality material, they make a great gift or a quirky keepsake from your time in Ballina. And bonus, we have plenty of adult ibis socks so the whole family can own a pair.
Pop into the Visitor Centre to check out these adorable socks and explore the rest of our unique range. Whether you’re looking for a special memento or a fun gift, we’ve got something for everyone!
pools splash into our
The Alstonville Aquatic Centre and the Ballina War Memorial Pool are ideal places to exercise and catch up with family and friends.
For more information visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/community-swimmingpools
Ballina War Memorial Pool
Lee and Vicki Fitzgerald 02 6686 3771
Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday 5.30am - 7pm
Saturday 7am - 6pm
Sunday 8am - 5pm
BALLINA VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
6 River Street, Ballina NSW 2478
Freecall: 1800 777 666
E: discover@ballina.nsw.gov.au @discoverballina
Alstonville Aquatic Centre
Greg and Kelly Fettell 02 6628 0826
Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday 5.30am - 7pm
Saturday 7am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm
Image credit: Sanne Wissels
What’s On?
WHARF RIVER CLUB
3 - 6pm FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH
Fawcett Park, Ballina
for more details of local events, visit discoverballina. com.au
Wharf River Club is held on the first Sunday of each month directly in front of Wharf Bar and Restaurant. Each event features a Northern Rivers band. This free community event is organised by the Wharf Bar with the support of local businesses, providing a place to go, meet, dance and enjoy. For more information visit wharfbarballina.com.au
AS TIME GOES BY: WEDDINGS OVER THE YEARS
7 MARCH - 22 JUNE 2025
Crawford House Museum, Alstonville
The latest exhibition features a cavalcade of wedding dresses from the laced-up discipline and handiwork of the Edwardian times to the post-war freedom of movement in the 1920s and onwards, through decades of decoration and styles that reflected our cultural changes. For more information visit aphsmuseum.org.au
thrillfest
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
THRILLFEST BATTLE OF THE BANDS
FRIDAY 11 APRIL 2025
Lennox Head Cultural Centre, Lennox Head Ballina Youth Network presents this free event for youth aged 12-18 years. From 5.30-8.30pm festivities kick off with the Battle of the Bands, where aspiring musicians hit the stage to compete for amazing prizes. Get ready to cheer for your favourites and witness the birth of the next big thing in music. For more information follow Social Futures on Instagram @socialfutures
MELANOMA MARCH
SUNDAY 9 MARCH 2025
Missingham Park, Ballina
Take steps to help save lives by joining the Ballina Melanoma March! Bringing together melanoma patients, their families, and local communities to raise awareness and funds for research to reach the goal of zero deaths from melanoma. The dogfriendly event includes a coffee van and BBQ with a wheelchair and pram accessible walking route. Remember to slip, slop, slap.
For more information visit ballina. melanomamarch.org.au
BALLINA NIGHT MARKETS
21 - 22 MARCH 2025
Missingham Park, Ballina
This family-friendly event is a feast for the senses, with an incredible array of food trucks serving up mouthwatering delights. Kids will love the rides and entertainment, including jumping castles, classic teacups, a mini Ferris wheel and sideshow games ensuring smiles all around. Come hungry and ready for a good time!
For more information visit aussienightmarkets. com.au
extreme weather conditions
where to get info...
LOCAL ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS
LIVE TRAFFIC NSW livetraffic.com.au or download the Live Traffic NSW app
Download the HAZARDS NEAR ME app
Follow SES BALLINA on Facebook
RADIO STATIONS
ABC North Coast 94.5
(National Emergency Broadcaster)
Paradise FM 101.9
ZZZ FM 100.9
SPORTS FIELD CLOSURES
Contact your sporting club
WEATHER CONDITIONS
bom.gov.au Bureau of Meteorology
BALLINA BYRON GATEWAY AIRPORT
Your local airline for flights to and from Ballina:
Jetstar 13 15 38 jetstar.com
Virgin Australia 13 67 89 virginaustralia. com.au
Qantas 13 13 13 qantas.com
ACTIONS TO TAKE
Alerts are issued via Council’s website ballina.nsw.gov.au and via your local radio station
Delay any unnecessary travel until conditions have cleared
Look out for your neighbours
If water is overflowing street stormwater drains, refrain from using internal water
e.g. washing machines, dishwashers, baths, showers and flushing of toilets
Watch for Council, SES and other State Government agency updates
KEY CONTACT NUMBERS
SES 132 500
Ballina Shire Council 1300 864 444 or emergency after hours 02 6626 6954
Emergency Services
Police, Ambulance, Fire Brigade
Triple zero 000
Cr Sharon Cadwallader phone 0428 339 023 sharon.cadwallader@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Cr Damian Loone phone 0438 463 710 damian.loone@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Cr Erin Karsten phone 0455 232 096 erin.karsten@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Cr Phillip Meehan phone 0408 349 833 phil.meehan@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Cr Kiri Dicker phone 0419 493 898 kiri.dicker@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Cr Michelle Bailey phone 0429 279 482 michelle.bailey@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Cr Eva Ramsey phone 0419 542 905 eva.ramsey@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Cr Simon Kinny phone 0427 410 192 simon.kinny@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Cr Simon Chate phone 0419 593 233 simon.chate@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Cr Therese Crollick phone 0437 947 859 therese.crollick@ballina.nsw.gov.au
contact council
Ph 1300 864 444
Email council@ballina.nsw.gov.au
Web ballina.nsw.gov.au
Street Address 40 Cherry Street, Ballina
Postal Address PO Box 450, Ballina 2478
Office Hours 8.15am to 4.30pm Mon-Fri (excluding public holidays)
After hours contact 02 6626 6954
Meeting agendas and documents on exhibition can be viewed on Council’s website ballina.nsw.gov.au Like us on Facebook
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