Ballina Information Blog

Former Ballina Shire resident David Hollyoak has had his brewing skills recognised at the highest level — the World Beer Cup.
David’s Redoak brews won two gold medals and a bronze at the Beer Cup at Seattle in the United States.
In Seattle, Redoak won:

A gold medal for its Redoak Honey Ale (Specialty Honey Lager or Ale category)
A […]

The Burns Point Ferry service linking Ballina and South Ballina will remain in service despite it running at a loss, but users will face a fee rise.
Ballina Shire Council this week received a staff report which said and recommended:

The council should retain the service and continue its operation by council.
The current fee structure sees a gross imbalance […]

Entry forms are now available for the annual All Girls ICON Surf Showdown at Lennox Head on the June long weekend, June 10-12.
The contest will be mobile, surfing at the best spot on the day in the Ballina Shire area. Divisions to be contested are:

14 and under
16 and under
Open B grade
Senior 28 and over
Longboard (over 9 […]

The Lennox Head water reservoir is now more pleasing to the eye, thanks to the work of Californian artist Seth Womble.
Seth has painted the previously unsightly reservoir with a mural which Ballina Shire Council says has provided Lennox Head with a ‘fantastic piece of art’.
“The painting of the mural was approved by council last year […]

Smoke alarms will become compulsory for all residential properties on May 1.
The NSW Fire Brigade says smoke alarms have been proven to save lives by waking people and alerting them to a fire and then giving them time to escape before being overcome by toxic smoke and fumes.
The brigade says people rarely die from being […]

A moving speech by Ballina High School captain Sally Hunt was a highlight of the Ballina Anzac Day activities.
“I am 18. So were you,” said Ms Hunt in reflecting on the young Diggers who fought at Gallipoli.
“I go to school to receive an education. You went to war so I could do so.
“I wake up […]

Eleven Rotarians from New Zealand this week visited Ballina as part of a sister city link. Group spokesman Richard Metcalfe said the men and women from Matamata, on New Zealand’s North Island, had had a wonderful time.
Their visit included checking out local agricultural industries, a visit to Summerland House With No Steps and Riding for the […]

Ballina Seagulls’ poor start to the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League season continued today with a 38-26 loss to Casino Cougars at Kingsford Smith Park, Ballina.
The Seagulls have now lost all three games this season.
One positive from yesterday’s game was the form of fullback Brenton Cochrance. The speedster crossed for three tries.
In reserve grade, Ballina […]

Anzac Day commemorations in Ballina on Tuesday will begin with the Dawn Service at 5.30am at the RSL Memorial in Grant Street, after a 5am reveille.
There will be a pilgrimage to the East Ballina Cemetery, with a bus leaving the Ballina RSL Club at 8.45am for the 9.15am ceremony.
At 10.25am marchers will assemble at the […]

It used to be called swy, but now it’s known as two-up. It’s a distinctly Australian game, although these days it is mostly illegal — except on Anzac Day.
Criminal fortunes were made from the game, producing underworld legends such as Joe Taylor.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, two-up is thought to have originated in the early […]