Community Connect EXTRA June 2025

Page 1


BALLINA YOUTH FORUM A SUCCESS

Young minds, big ideas! In May, Council welcomed 75 local high school students to our inaugural Ballina Shire Youth Forum, and the students were an absolute inspiration.

Students shared their ideas and visions for the future to help inform our 2025–2035 Community Strategic Plan that was recently on public exhibition.

This event gave young people a real opportunity to influence the long-term direction of their community. We would like to thank the students and teachers from Ballina Coast High School, Emmanuel Anglican College, Alstonville High School, Richmond Christian College, and Xavier Catholic College for taking part. Thanks to this fantastic group of students, the day was a huge success.

This event was organised by the Advocate for Children and Young People (ACYP), Social Futures and the Ballina Youth Interagency in collaboration with Council.

Ballina Pump Track works now underway see page 6 for details

from the mayor

It was inspirational to attend the inaugural Ballina Shire Youth forum last month.

extra

It’s such a privilege to hear directly from 75 local high school students about their hopes and ideas for Ballina’s future. Their contributions provide important insight into the priorities of our younger generation and will help shape our planning for a more inclusive, connected, and sustainable community, particularly as we prepare the 2025–2035 Community Strategic Plan. A special thank you to the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People, the Ballina Youth Interagency and our Council staff for their support with this forum.

In more good news for our youth, work is underway on the new pump track at Kingsford Smith Reserve in Ballina! The pump track was a key feature of the Kingsford Smith Reserve Master Plan, developed through community consultation and adopted in 2021.

It’s also exciting to see that the new Community Green Space in Wardell will open this month, as well as the new beach access ramp and improved emergency vehicle access at Lighthouse Beach.

Funding has also been approved for more Community Connections Expos which provide opportunities for community, business, and sporting groups to showcase their organisations and sign-up new members. The first expo held in Lennox Head earlier this year was an enormous success, and now A-Ward councillors are organising an expo to be held in Ballina in August. Stay tuned for details.

Last but definitely not least, I would like to take a moment to talk about e-bikes. There is no doubt e-bikes have great benefits including fewer car trips, which is great for our environment. But safety is paramount. If you own an e-bike, please familiarise yourself with the road rules and access the resources from Transport for NSW (see page 14.) Council continues to educate the community on e-bike safety and is working with local police and regional partners to address shared path risks and help keep everyone safe.

Take care, stay safe, and happy reading!

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.

Council meetings at a glance

A great number of items and issues get discussed at Council meetings. Here are some items discussed at the Ordinary Council meeting on 22 May 2025.

HAMPTON PARK MASTER PLAN

The final Hampton Park Master Plan was adopted which includes two additional hard-surface tennis courts, new driveway and parking area off Moon Street, pathways, formalised rear to kerb parking around the block, picnic shelters, landscaping and shade trees, along with protection of existing fig trees.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS EXPO

Event funding was approved for future Community Connections Expos across the shire, where community, business and sporting groups can showcase their organisations and sign-up new members.

EPIQ DEVELOPMENT

New live/work development was approved for Epiq at Lennox Head. The proposal provides for 26 x two-storey units where the ground floor of the dwelling is designed to be used for home businesses.

LIGHTWING LANE

Council will seek approval from the Geographical Names Board to name the access road near Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, Lightwing Lane.

To view the full agenda and minutes visit ballina.nsw.gov. au/agendasandminutes

ballina.nsw.gov.au/eNews

Planning for our Shire’s future

Ballina Shire Council recently sought feedback from the community on our key draft strategic documents.

The following plans shape how Council will deliver services, manage budgets, and prioritise major projects across Ballina Shire:

Community Strategic Plan

Delivery Program and Operational Plan

Long Term Financial Plan and Budget

Fees and Charges

Workforce Management Plan

Asset Management Strategy.

This year, the plans also include information on a proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV) that, if approved, would gradually increase general rates by 6% per year (made up of an estimated 3.25% rate peg + 2.75% additional increase) over four years (2026/27 to 2029/30) allowing Council to increase investment in roads, footpaths, stormwater, sports fields, community facilities, and operational services.

The initial phase of consultation has been about raising awareness and gathering early feedback. Council will consider all submissions at its June 2025 Ordinary meeting and may move forward with a second phase of engagement, giving the community further opportunities to provide input before any formal application is submitted to to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW (IPART).

Council will consider community feedback on all the above plans at the 26 June 2025 Council meeting.

For more information about the proposed Special Rate Variation and the draft strategic documents visit www.yoursayballina.com.au

n a.

Council named Employer of the

Year

Ballina Shire Council has had huge success at the 2025 Novaskill Excellence Awards held in May.

Council was named GTO Employer of the Year, which recognises an organisation with 20 or more staff that has achieved excellence in the provision of nationally recognised training to its employees and shows a commitment to the apprenticeship and traineeship system.

Council currently hosts 11 and employs 29 apprentices, trainees and cadets. Apprentice Electrician Callum Stewart took out GTO Apprentice of the Year, while Apprentice Carpenter Zoe Buckley Lennox won the Student Excellence Award Congratulations Callum and Zoe!

Ballina Shire Council had several other finalists in the awards including; Connor Smith, Apprentice Welder/Metal Fabricator – nominated for GTO Apprentice of the Year; Callan West, Apprentice Civil Construction – nominated for GTO Apprentice of the Year; Harry Welch, Apprentice Heavy Vehicle Mechanic –nominated for Student Excellence Award; and Lleyton Stevenson, Apprentice Fitter –nominated for the Rising Star Award. Well done to our amazing winners and finalists!

ROAD PROJECTS

COMPLETED PROJECTS

BEACON ROAD, TEVEN

RIVER DRIVE, SOUTH BALLINA

PIMLICO ROAD, PIMLICO

CURRENT PROJECTS

BYRON BAY ROAD ROUNDABOUT, LENNOX HEAD

LAKE AINSWORTH CARPARK, LENNOX HEAD

BENTINCK STREET IMPROVEMENTS, BALLINA

FUTURE PROJECTS

HOUGHLAHANS CREEK ROAD, PEARCES CREEK

SHARPES BEACH CARPARK

POP DENISON CARPARK, EAST BALLINA

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

Planning and design works are progressing for the duplication of Fishery Creek Bridge on River Street, West Ballina and Canal Bridge on Tamarind Drive, North Ballina.

Pre-construction is continuing until mid-2025 and bridge construction is anticipated to start in the second half of 2025.

Water main and underground communications have been relocated at Canal Bridge on Tamarind Drive. Works to relocate water main and communications at Fishery Creek have commenced and are expected to be complete in July 2025.

Council is inviting feedback on the Review of Environmental Factors (REFs) for the Fishery Creek and Canal bridge duplication projects, which assess potential environmental and community impacts and outline how these will be managed. Submissions are open until Friday 13 June 2025.

The 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

BYRON BAY ROAD LENNOX HEAD ROUNDABOUT

Council is making great progress on the major intersection upgrade at Byron Bay Road and Byron Street, Lennox Head. Despite recent wet weather, works remain on track for completion in June 2025. Council crews have now commenced the fourth and final stage of the works, which will include construction of the central roundabout, installation of concrete medians and asphalt pavement, shared path connection for pedestrians and cyclists, pedestrian refuges, line marking and signage.

Funded by the Australian Government.

To find out more visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/ Byron-Bay-Road-Lennox-Head-Roundabout

WARDELL COMMUNITY GREEN SPACE

The new Community Green Space at the western end of Richmond Street in Wardell is nearing completion and will open to the public in June.

This area has been transformed into a welcoming community space in the heart of Wardell. Removable bollards allow the space to be easily opened for small markets and local events, supporting Wardell’s ongoing social and economic recovery.

The works include a shared pedestrian-priority zone and reduced traffic speed, streetscape paving at the western end of Richmond Street, new street furniture and interpretative signage, a pedestrian crossing on Sinclair Street, grass-surfaced formal parking at the eastern end, landscaping with protection of fig trees and native plants, drainage, lighting and electrical upgrades, a major stormwater upgrade on Sinclair Street, and public art inspired by the local community.

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

BENTINCK STREET SAFETY UPGRADES

Works to improve pedestrian safety and access on the Bentinck Street side of Kingsford Smith Park is nearing completion. These upgrades support the growing markets at Commemoration Park and include a new footpath to improve connections between the sports fields, car parks, and nearby parklands. Key improvements include a pedestrian refuge for safer street crossing, a new ‘No Stopping’ zone on the south side of Bentinck Street, new kerb and guttering, upgraded stormwater drainage, and relocation of the bus stop further west. These works are part of the Kingsford Smith Reserve Master Plan (2021) and aim to improve safety, accessibility, and the overall amenity of the park.

FOOTPATH PROJECTS

COMPLETED PROJECTS

KINGSFORD SMITH PARK, BALLINA

CURRENT PROJECTS

CULVERT REPLACEMENT HERMANS LANE, PIMLICO

JAMESON AVENUE, EAST BALLINA

FUTURE PROJECTS

STEWART STREET, LENNOX HEAD

HORIZON DRIVE, WEST BALLINA

PARK LANE TO COOPER CLOSE, LENNOX HEAD

PLAYGROUND UPGRADES

COMPLETED PROJECTS

OCEAN BREEZE RESERVE, LENNOX HEAD

CURRENT PROJECTS

PUMP TRACK, BALLINA

UPCOMING PROJECTS

CALOOLA PARK, LENNOX HEAD

MELDRUM PARK, BALLINA

MISSINGHAM PARK, BALLINA

CAMPBELL PARK, WOLLONGBAR

PROSPECT PARK, EAST BALLINA

The brand-new playground at Ocean Breeze Reserve in Lennox Head is now open and ready for fun! Shaped by community feedback, this nature-themed play space is designed to spark adventure and suit kids of all ages. Features include a dry creek bed, rock boulders, balance logs, steppers, a timber swing, mound slide, and a fun agility and climbing course.

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

Works kick into gear for Ballina pump track

Good news for Ballina Shire’s residents – construction has started on a new competition-standard pump track at Kingsford Smith Reserve in Ballina.

The new facility will transform the southern end of the reserve into an exciting recreational hub, offering fun and active spaces for riders of all ages.

The project includes:

National-standard pump track

Junior pump track and alternate advanced line

Trackside areas with seating, shelters, bike stands and drinking fountains

Landscaping, shade trees, and stormwater improvements.

The pump track was a key feature of the Kingsford Smith Reserve Master Plan, developed through community consultation and adopted in 2021. It supports Council’s goal to promote healthy, active lifestyles and provide youth-focused recreational spaces.

The new facility is expected to open in October 2025 (subject to weather and site conditions).

This project is funded by Ballina Shire Council and NSW Government Stronger Country Communities Fund.

For more information visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/ballina-pump-track

ballina.nsw.gov.au/eNews

BALLINA-BYRON GATEWAY AIRPORT NEWS

Do It for Dolly Day

The Ballina Byron Gateway Airport team proudly supported Do It For Dolly Day held on 9 May. On this special day, communities across Australia come together to spread kindness, take a stand against bullying, and create a safer world for kids.

Alongside thousands of Australians, the airport team and staff at the Beach Grill and Salt Bar and Relay wore blue to:

Speak up for those who can’t

Spark important conversations

Raise funds to support families in need

Thank you to everyone involved in supporting this wonderful cause. If you would like to support the airport team, donations can be made at dollysdream.org.au/ fundraisers/airportteam until 30 June 2025.

Aviation Expo

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 10 June

Tuesday 8 July

Tuesday 12 August

Customers are requested to travel via the M1 Pacific Motorway and River Drive, Wardell, when the ferry is closed.

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

More than 100 high school students from across the Northern Rivers gained first-hand experience of what a career in aviation looks like.

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport’s Aviation Expo brings together representatives from across the aviation industry including the Australian Defence Force, Airservices Australia, Avisure, White Star Aviation, TAFE NSW, MSS Security, Southern Cross University and The Hotel School. The expo is an initiative between the NSW Department of Education and Ballina Byron Gateway Airport.

Colour Lino Block Printing with Steven Giese

Saturday 21 & Saturday 28 June 2025

Time: 9am – 3pm

Age: 16+

Where: Ignite Studios, Ballina

Cost: $210 tools and materials provided

This one-day workshop is suitable for entry level and intermediate artists. Participants will produce at least one edition of prints involving both black and white and printed colour.

To book visit nrcgballina.com.au or phone 02 6681 0530

Image: Steven Giese, Red Backed Wren, 2024 workshop

extra

upcoming exhibitions

Exhibition Dates: 26 June - 17 August 2025

Visit nrcgballina.com.au and sign up to eNews or follow us on Facebook or Instagram @nrcgballina

Wagtail at the Picture Palace Robin Saunders

An exhibition of relief monoprints on Japanese Kozo paper by regional artist, Robin Saunders. In this series she imagines a wagtail’s nostalgic flight through the colours and patterns of an Art Deco Picture Palace.

Image: Robin Saunders, Spearmint Leaves, 2024

2024 SCU Graduate Award River Mueller

Presented in partnership with Southern Cross University (SCU), this exhibition showcases the work of a recent graduate from the Bachelor of Art and Design (BAD) Undergraduate program. The award presents exciting emerging art practices to local audiences.

Image: River Mueller, It could be you; it could be us. (it is you; it is us), 2025

I will not regret hope Belinda Smith

An expanding body of sculptural work by artist Belinda, who uses figurative sculpture as a means of expressing her personal outlook and experience. This exhibition presents a series of small slip cast female busts, glazed and patterned to express her personal and hopeful optimism.

Image: Belinda Smith, Figure with Yellow Flowers, 2023

Nyangbal NAIDOC Group Exhibition

Four local emerging First Nations artists from the Nyangbal clan of the Bundjalung Nation - Daniel Roberts, Loren Del Signore, Savannah Hickling and Levi Roberts, celebrate 2025 NAIDOC Week and this year’s theme - The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy

Image: Savannah Hickling, Strong Aboriginal Women, 2025

subscribe to council’s eNews

ballina.nsw.gov.au/eNews

Book the Lennox Head Cultural Centre

The Lennox Head Cultural Centre features a large multipurpose auditorium, four separate meeting rooms, an interview room, catering kitchen and CWA hall.

It can cater everything from small gatherings to large-scale events and is perfect for live performances, conferences, and community functions. The spacious foyer and open-air courtyard are also ideal for delegate registration, breakout areas, or functions.

It’s so good, it was voted Event Venue of the Year at the 2024 North Coast Tourism Awards!

Contact our friendly team to book your space on 6681 0528 or visit communityspaces.com.au

PLAYSCHOOL CONCERT ONCE UPON A TIME

Saturday 5 July 2025

Lennox Head Cultural Centre

Join Jemima, Big Ted, Little Ted and Humpty as they travel through an enchanting adventure filled with stories, songs and dance. Tickets $30 each.

To book tickets visit communityspaces.com.au

What’s On

There are regular classes, live music, exhibitions and art workshops at venues near you.

To book tickets visit communityspaces.com.au

SEEN DOCUMENTARY SCREENING

2pm Saturday 19 July 2025

Lennox Head Cultural Centre

‘Seen’ is a moving and insightful film that powerfully explores healing, connection, and the ripple effects of emotional wellness in parenting. Tickets $15.

YOGA FOR MENOPAUSE WORKSHOP

10am Sunday 22 June 2025

CWA Hall, Lennox Head

This yoga workshop is ideal for women 35 years and up who experience interrupted sleep, anxiety and feelings of overwhelm. Join Inge Ruigrok, and learn how to feel better and relax with gentle yoga, breathwork and Yoga Nidra. Get practical tools to manage symptoms with ease. Tickets $55.

New beach access ramp

Council has constructed a new beach access ramp and improved emergency vehicle access at Lighthouse Beach, East Ballina.

The works include:

Concrete ramp with stainless steel handrails and tactile surface indicators to provide universal access to the beach

Extension of the existing emergency vehicle concrete ramp

Concrete block retaining wall with stairs leading up to the relocated beach showers.

This project is funded by the Australian Government and NSW Government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement.

Fishing tackle bins protect marine wildlife

To protect local wildlife and reduce marine debris, Ballina Shire Council has installed fishing tackle bins at three popular fishing hotspots.

This initiative is a collaboration between Ballina Shire Council, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue and WIRES.

OzFish and the community have played a vital role in advocating for tackle bins to be installed in the Shire, and Council will continue to work with Ozfish to identify key locations.

Fishing tackle such as lines, hooks, and plastics can cause serious harm to marine creatures when left behind in the environment. The new bins are strategically placed to encourage the community to dispose of used tackle safely and responsibly, reducing the risk of injury or death to local wildlife. Fishing tackle bins are currently installed at:

Gawandii Beach, East Ballina

North Wall, East Ballina (near Marine Rescue tower)

Fishery Creek Boat Ramp, West Ballina

Council staff will be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the bins throughout the trial period, including regular audits of waste to assess the effectiveness of the initiative. If successful, Council plans to work with our collaborators to expand the program to other locations in the future.

For more information on our Healthy Waterways programs visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/healthywaterways

ballina.nsw.gov.au/eNews

Join the team new positions available

At Ballina Shire Council we are committed to offering opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and advance.

We currently have opportunities for:

Apprentice Heavy Duty Plant Mechanic

Trainee Bush Regeneration

Trainee Airport Facilities

Trainee Workplace Health and Safety (WHS)

Civil Designer Cadet

Environmental Health Cadet

The positions provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and a pathway to a nationally recognised qualification, making them ideal for those starting or changing careers.

Applications close Friday 13 June 2025.

For more information on each role and what you will study visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/careers

Find a fur-ever friend

By choosing adoption, you are giving a dog or cat a second chance and making a friend for life.

As well as being wonderful new furry family members, adopting not shopping for a pet reduces the burden on pounds and animal shelters and helps lower euthanasia rates. Registration is free for desexed cats and dogs adopted from an eligible pound, animal shelter or approved rehoming organisation, and your new pet will already be microchipped.

To adopt a pet, visit an animal shelter or one of the many approved rehoming organisations across NSW.

For more information visit petregistry.olg.nsw.gov.au

Find an off-leash dog area in Ballina Shire

WATER AND WASTEWATER PROJECTS

COMPLETED PROJECTS

SEWER MANHOLE RELINING

RACECOURSE ROAD, BALLINA

Sewer Rising Main Replacement

CURRENT PROJECTS

STONEYHURST DR, LENNOX HEAD

Reservoir Construction

MARTIN STREET, BALLINA

Water Main Replacement

TAMARIND DRIVE, BALLINA

Water Main Replacement

RAMSES STREET, WOLLONGBAR

Sewer Main Upgrade

SEWERAGE PUMP STATION RENEWALS

GEOFF WATT OVAL, ALSTONVILLE

Water Main Replacement

FISHERY CREEK BRIDGE, BALLINA

Water Main Duplication

FUTURE PROJECTS

ANGELS BEACH DRIVE

Recycled Water Main Replacement

FERNGROVE TO BALLINA WWTP

Recycled Water Main Upgrade

SOUTHERN CROSS DRIVE, BALLINA

Recycled Water Main

WATER TALK

Leak detection!

Will you become a water detective and help preserve our most precious resource?

It’s easy! Just follow these simple yet effective strategies:

VISUAL INSPECTION

Regularly scan taps, showerheads, and pipes for any visible drips, wet spots, or signs of corrosion. Don’t forget those less-used outdoor taps and garden hoses!

SILENT SUSPECTS

Listen carefully for the telltale sound of running water when no one is using it. A constantly running toilet, even a silent one, can waste a tremendous amount of water.

BILL CHECK Keep an eye on your water bills. A sudden and unexplained spike in usage can often be the first clue to a hidden leak. Compare current bills with previous ones and look for any anomalies.

METER MYSTERY If you have a water meter, it can be a powerful tool. Turn off all water-using appliances and taps, then check the meter. If it’s still moving, you likely have a leak.

TOILET TEST Add a few drops of food colouring to the toilet tank. If the coloured water appears in the bowl within 30 minutes without flushing, you have a leak.

Rous County Council manages the water sources, catchments, and distribution of water so councils across the region can supply 100,000 people with clean drinking water.

For more tips visit rous.nsw.gov.au

If you’re experiencing low water pressure or a water interruption, please check online to see if there’s an outage near you.

subscribe to council’s eNews

ballina.nsw.gov.au/eNews

WASTE WATCH

Say NO to plastic this July

Are you ready to join us and take up the Plastic Free July challenge? Participating can be as easy as choosing one single use item to avoid or swap for a reusable:

Register for the Plastic Free July challenge at ballina.nsw.gov.au/plastic-free-july

Waste survey results

Thank you to all the residents who completed our recent Community Resource Recovery Education Survey. This is what you told us:

100% are motivated to recycle and reduce waste because it’s the right thing to do or to help the environment

91% knew batteries or electronics do not belong in kerbside bins - well done! Learn more about battery recycling at newaste.org.au/batteries

50% weren’t sure where the contents of your FOGO bin go. It’s turned into compost at a local facility and helps grow food right here in the Northern Rivers!

Over half feel you don’t get enough info from us. you told us you want to stay informed online, in your inbox, and in print. We’ll make it happen!

You’re keen to help minimise waste! Here’s what you want most: drop-off days, repair cafes, and community swaps/workshops.

For more information visit ballina.nsw. gov.au/Waste-and-Recycling

E-bikes helping everyone ride safely

E-bikes are becoming more popular in Ballina Shire.

They make hill climbs easier, reduce car trips, and support a more active, sustainable lifestyle. But with increased use comes the need for safe and responsible riding.

Riders must follow the same road rules as other cyclists, and only pedal-assisted bikes that meet specific speed and power limits are legal.

For full details on e-bike rules and safety tips visit transport.nsw.gov.au/ roadsafety/bicycle-riders/ebikes

pools annual maintenance

The Ballina War Memorial Pool is closed for the month of June for essential annual maintenance.

Alstonville Aquatic Centre remains open during this period but will then close for annual maintenance for the month of July.

Passholders are reminded they can access both the Alstonville and Ballina pool facilities.

For more information visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/ community-swimming-pools

Ballina

War Memorial Pool

Lee and Vicki Fitzgerald 02 6686 3771

Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 5.30am - 7pm Saturday 7am - 6pm Sunday 8am - 5pm

Alstonville Aquatic Centre

Greg and Kelly Fettell 02 6628 0826

Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 5.30am - 7pm Saturday 7am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 5pm

BallinaNEWpool managers starting soon

WHATS ON?

LOVE LENNOX

SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2025 | Main Street, Lennox Head

for more details of local events, visit discoverballina. com.au

Come celebrate the best of Lennox with market stalls, live music, kids entertainment, the Doggy Fun Show, and the delicious Flavours of Lennox tasting comp, there’s something for everyone. New this year: a surf session with Surf Getaways and Let’s Go Surfing. Free entry. For more information visit lovelennox.com.au

SOUNDBOKS OZ GROM OPEN

3 - 8 JULY 2025 | Lennox Head

Top junior surfers from U14 to U18 will compete for national rankings and ISA World Junior Championship selection along with the WSL Traeger Grills Pro Junior surfers under 21 battling for a spot in the WSL World Junior Championships. Don’t miss the talent and professional competition at this premier surfing event. For more information visit @ozgromopen.com.au

RAINBOW REGION DRAGON BOAT CLUB REGATTA

30 - 31 AUGUST 2025 | Shaws Bay, East Ballina

Rainbow Region Dragon Boat Club will once again hold its regatta on the safe sheltered waters of Shaws Bay. Community groups including schools, sports clubs and corporate organisations are invited to participate in the community challenge event. All equipment is provided and training is offered during the month before the regatta. It’s a great way to enhance team building for your group. For more information visit rainbowdragons.com.au

NAIDOC WEEK

6 - 13 JULY 2025

The national theme for 2025 is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy. This year marks the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week, celebrating the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Get involved in this year’s events with the following activities planned for Ballina Shire:

ANNUAL CELEBRATION WALK

MONDAY 7 JULY 2025

River Street, Ballina

Meet from 10am at Ballina RSL and walk to the Visitor Information Centre.

ELDERS DAY/LUNCH

TUESDAY 8 JULY 2025

Details to be confirmed.

3 X 3 BASKETBALL

WEDNESDAY 9 JULY 2025

Ballina Indoor Sports Centre

Basketball competition for kids 8-18 years

GOORI CULTURAL ART AND MUSIC FESTIVAL

THURSDAY 10 JULY 2025

Missingham Park, Ballina

Details to be confirmed.

ARTIST EXHIBITIONS

8 - 13 JULY 2025

Northern Rivers Community Gallery and Ignite Studios, Ballina Nyangbal artists exhibition and pop-up exhibition by local artists.

For more information visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/naidoc-week

extreme weather conditions

where to get info...

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

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

EMERGENCY DASHBOARD

Stay informed and get real-time updates all in one place.

Visit emergency.ballina.nsw.gov.au

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

subscribe to council’s eNews ballina.nsw.gov.au/eNews

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.