Retirees conference boosts Ballina’s economy
Ballina’s economy benefitted to the tune of an estimated $1 million this week as the town hosted the biannual Association of Independent Retirees conference.
Almost 350 delegates from throughout Australia attended, with chief organiser Doug Sutherland saying that many intended to spend additional time holidaying in the region after the completion of the conference.
The conference, held at the Ballina RSL Club, wound up today.
Speakers during the three days included local MPs Don Page and Ian Causley, Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer Peter Dutton, Assistant Commissioner Taxation Superannuation Centre of Expertise Stuart Forsyth, Simon Master of the Commonwealth Bank, and Shadow Minister for Superannuation and Intergenerational Finance Nick Sherry.
Senator Sherry quipped, after spending a night in Ballina, that he understood why the town needed a bypass. He said his motel room ‘was on the trucking route’.
Association of Independent Retirees president Bob Swords told the conference that the target was for the association to have 50,000 members within the next three to five years.
