Ballina Information Blog

On Thursday 3 and Friday 4 August, Lennox Head’s first Mental Health First Aid Course will be held at the Lennox Community Centre.

Mental health first aid is the help provided to a person who is developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of a mental health problem, or is in a mental health crisis.

“As we now know, one in three people will be affected by mental illness in their lifetime,” said Mr Trent Chapman, Mental Health First Aid Australia’s Course Co-facilitator.

“So it has become the responsibility of everyone in the community to educate, empower, and support ourselves and each other,” explained Mr Chapman.

Participants in this course will learn skills and gain confidence to assist friends, family and co-workers experiencing mental health problems, including signs and symptoms, where and how to get help, and what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective.

The Mental Health First Aid course will be held at Lennox Community Centre on Thursday 3 and Friday 4 August from 9:30am – 4:30pm.

New public art sculptures created by local artist, Leith Walton are being installed this week on two roundabouts in Ballina town centre.

The artworks on the Tamar/Cherry Streets and Moon/Fawcett Streets roundabouts depict iconic local seabirds and are held aloft by reclaimed timber posts from the old Teven Bridges.

“These attractive new artworks are a fantastic representation of our local environment and have been inspired by the beauty of our local bird life, waterways and coastline,” said Mr Matthew Wood, Manager Strategic Planning.

The sculptures of an osprey and a sea eagle that sit atop the timber posts are made from stainless steel and corten, a weathering steel material. The birds’ wings have intricate detail on the metal wings inspired by our local waterways and coastline.

Council commissioned the artworks for the roundabouts instead of traditional landscaping works.

The installation of the sculptures is expected to be completed by Friday 14 July 2017.

News from around the web from last week. Remember, if you have a comment to make about any of these stories, please leave us a message below.

A fine day for wine and food in Ballina

The 7th Ballina Fine Wine & Food Festival was held on the weekend, with a gala dinner on Friday night and the main festival day held at the Ballina Racecourse on Sunday.

https://www.echo.net.au/2017/07/fine-day-wine-food-ballina/

Retirement boom: $10m expansion of St Andrews Ballina

CONSTRUCTION is set to begin next week on a major expansion of St Andrews Ballina Retirement Villages worth an estimated $10 million.

https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/10-million-expansion-of-st-andrews-ballina-retirem/3195606/

Ballina surf club gets $15k towards new facilities

The Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore Surf Life Saving Club has received $15,000 from the state government to assist to construct their new storage facility and gymnasium.

https://www.echo.net.au/2017/07/ballina-surf-club-gets-15k-towards-new-facilities/

New shark detection technology ready for summer

A NEW shark detection prototype, designed to set off an alarm in the presence of large animals may be ready in time for summer, according to Byron Bay inventor Ric Richardson.

https://www.ballinaadvocate.com.au/news/smart-drumlines-the-future-of-shark-mitigation/3196114/

News from around the web from last week. Remember, if you have a comment to make about any of these stories, please leave us a message below.

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First drones with sirens on NSW beaches
Shark-spotting drones and helicopters are set to again patrol northern NSW beaches over the upcoming school holidays, but, for the first time, some of the drones will be fitted with a siren.
http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/first-drones-with-sirens-on-nsw-beaches/news-story/5a14d353650fae105d99461aedb5cb59

Go the Groms at Skullcandy surf event
SOME of the best Far North Coast junior surfers will be among the favourites when the sixth annual Skullcandy Oz Grom Open comes to Lennox Head next week.
https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/go-the-groms-at-skullcandy-surf-event/3194745/

Cane Crush Season in Full Swing
Northern Rivers residents may notice more plumes of smoke in the sky – but they’re being told, not to worry.
http://www.nbnnews.com.au/2017/06/29/cane-crush-season-in-full-swing/

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Indigenous languages in the spotlight for NAIDOC
NEXT week’s NAIDOC celebrations will focus on the theme “Our languages matter”. The theme aims to emphasise and celebrate the unique and essential role indigenous languages play in both cultural identity, linking people to their land and water, and in the transmission of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, spirituality and rites, through story and song.
https://www.ballinaadvocate.com.au/news/languages-in-spotlight/3194314/

Shark numbers surge ahead of Lennox Head junior surf contest
One of the country’s biggest, most prestigious junior surf contests will be held next month on a stretch of coast where fishermen are seeing large great white sharks “all the time”.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/shark-numbers-surge-ahead-of-lennox-head-junior-surf-contest/news-story/d510b0bf2f8699bd98e40bfe0bfccdad

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Ballina Council Backs Push for Full-time Firefighters
The Ballina Shire Council will proceed with its plans to build a skatepark at the Wollongbar sports field site after an attempt to overturn the decision failed at Thursday’s meeting.
http://www.nbnnews.com.au/2017/06/27/ballina-council-backs-push-for-full-time-firefighters/

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Ballina hotel’s secret to success
ONLINE customer reviews can mean make or break hotel businesses in this ever-evolving digital world with bad ratings on social travel websites weighing heavily in the minds of tourists when booking their holiday accommodation.
https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/ballina-hotels-secret-to-success/3193037/

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Ballina council sticks with sports field site for skatepark
The Ballina Shire Council will proceed with its plans to build a skatepark at the Wollongbar sports field site after an attempt to overturn the decision failed at Thursday’s meeting.
https://www.echo.net.au/2017/06/ballina-council-sticks-sports-field-site-skatepark/

22
Ballina brewery getting ready to serve cold ones
Seven Mile Brewing Company’s plans for the craft beer watering hole in Southern Cross Dr industrial estate were approved by Ballina Shire Council
https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/ballina-brewery-getting-ready-to-serve-cold-ones/3192232/

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Ballina Food and Wine Festival
The festival is fast approaching. The main festival day is Sunday 2 July and entry costs $25, but for those who wish to claim a quick tax deduction, or celebrate a great financial year, Friday 30 June is the gala four-course dinner at Ballina RSL, featuring Kelly Knight and her jazz/funk ensemble. Tickets $95.
http://www.echo.net.au/2017/06/ballina-food-wine-festival-2/

The final stage of the Skennars Head Road and The Coast Road roundabout works will commence Monday 3 July and will include changes to the current traffic detour.

From Monday 3 to Monday 17 July, south and north bound motorists travelling along The Coast Road will be diverted through Headlands Drive and via Skennars Head Road.

To avoid traffic congestion, the Headlands Drive diversion will only be in place during the NSW school holiday period. Boulders Beach will still be accessible via The Coast Road and during work hours traffic controllers will be on site managing motorist safety.

Recent weather events have impacted on the project’s timeline, which Council now anticipates will be completed on Monday 17 July, again this is dependent on weather.

The Roads and Maritime Service (RMS) identified this intersection as a black spot under their ‘safer roads’ initiative and allocated $2 million to the upgrade.

Council thanks motorists for their ongoing patience and understanding. These works are necessary to make this arterial road and intersection safer and prevent future fatalities.

Further information on the construction works can be viewed on Council’s website ballina.nsw.gov.au

News from around the web from last week. Remember, if you have a comment to make about any of these stories, please leave us a message below.

Single largest donation for Men’s Shed
AT A recent meeting of Lodge Ballina United the Worshipful Master Allan Ridgewell presented a cheque for $10000 to Graeme Eggins, Co-ordinator of the Ballina Men’s Shed.
https://www.ballinaadvocate.com.au/news/single-largest-donation-for-mens-shed/3187260/

Sharing the stories of leaving their homelands
TO COMMEMORATE Refugee Week between June 18 to 24 a gathering at Lennox Head will take place to hear stories by people being held in community, on and offshore detention.
https://www.ballinaadvocate.com.au/news/sharing-the-stories-of-leaving-their-homelands/3186814/

Ballina Jet Boat gets new emergency response vehicle
Surf Life Saving Far North Coast Branch and Ballina Jet Boat Surf Rescue have received a $30,000 grant for a 4WD rescue vehicle and today Ballina Greens MP Tamara Smith presented them with the keys.
https://www.echo.net.au/2017/06/ballina-jet-boat-gets-new-emergency-response-vehicle/

Highway koala exclusion fence ‘killing’ wildlife
BAGOTVILLE residents say a new koala exclusion fencing designed to prevent the endangered animal being killed by vehicles has become a death trap for other wildlife.
https://www.ballinaadvocate.com.au/news/highway-koala-exclusion-fence-killing-wildlife/3187723/

Ballina Senior Citizens mark 50th birthday
THE Ballina Senior Citizens Club last Sunday celebrated its 50th birthday.
https://www.ballinaadvocate.com.au/news/ballina-senior-citizens-marks-50th-birthday/3187556/

Wahng Ngullboo | Karridjarrkdurrkmirri | Working Together
Bundjalung Wake Up Time & Kunwinjku Women textile artist collaboration

Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG), Ballina will launch a vibrant cross cultural exhibition in July celebrating a unique collaboration between two groups of remote Indigenous women textile artists.

This vibrant exhibition showcases the artistic and cultural similarities and differences between two distinct language groups of Indigenous women artists, the Bundjalung Wake Up Time Women from Casino and the Kunwinjku women artists from Injalak Arts & Crafts, in Oenpelli, Arhnem Land.

Earlier this year, the two group of women artists participated in a cross cultural exchange, sharing culture, weaving, dying and printing techniques. This exhibition showcases the textiles work of both groups of artists as well as some collaborative pieces created during the project. Stunning hand printed and naturally dyed lengths of silk, linen and cotton will be displayed, alongside intricately woven fibre pieces, created from natural local materials dyed in the respective natural dyes from each region.

Casino Wake Up Time Group will be hosting a weaving workshop in conjunction with the exhibition to showcase traditional and contemporary baskets using age-old techniques and natural materials. Participants will spend the session learning about natural fibres used locally by Bundjalung Women and how to start and finish a small basket or bracelet. To secure a place in this exciting workshop contact the Gallery or visit the ‘What’s On’ section of the website, www.nrcgballina.com, to book online. A wonderful workshop not to be missed!

This exhibition will be opened by Peter Wood (Executive Director, Arts Northern Rivers) with opening address by project facilitators Jude White and Kylie Caldwell.

The official launch event is Thursday 29 June from 5.30pm – 7.30pm and all are welcome to attend.

The exhibitions open Wednesday 28 June 2017 and continue until Sunday 23 July 2017.

The Northern Rivers Community Gallery is located at 44 Cherry Street Ballina and is open Wednesday to Friday from 10am until 4pm and weekends from 9.30am until 2.30pm. For further information contact the Gallery on telephone 02 6681 6167. www.nrcgballina.com.au

Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG), Ballina will host two exciting workshops in July that celebrate traditional Indigenous artmaking practices.

Art of Language – Painting Workshop | Saturday 8 July 2017 | 10am – 12pm
Local Lismore based artist Michael Philp will take participants on a journey to explore language through painting. Drawing inspiration from personal story, Michael will instruct students in the use of symbols and open space to evoke powerful, emotive responses within the artwork.

Michael Philp is a Minjungbal man. His paintings explore what it is like for younger Aboriginal people today living in a mainstream world. He studied music in Adelaide before moving to Lismore in 1996. Michael is a self-taught artist and finds painting healing.

This workshop costs $20 (includes all materials) and is open to all ages. Places are limited and bookings are essential.

Bundjalung Weaving Workshop, | Saturday 15 July 2017 | 10am – 2pm
Casino Wake Up Time Group will be hosting a weaving workshop in conjunction with their exhibition to showcase traditional and contemporary baskets using age-old techniques and natural materials. Participants will spend the session learning about natural fibres used locally by Bundjalung Women and how to start and finish a small basket or bracelet.

Wake Up Time is renowned for supporting cultural renewal of traditional weaving and their artistic native plant dyeing of silk. In Northern NSW only a handful of weavers continue this practice. The women have transformed their passion for weaving into a gorgeous collection of garments, jewellery, bags and hats. The group have participated in several exhibitions and conduct numerous workshops locally, regionally and nationally.

This workshop costs $145 (includes all materials) for ages 12+. Places are limited and bookings are essential to secure you place.

To secure a place in either of these wonderful workshops contact the Gallery or visit the ‘What’s On’ section of their website, www.nrcgballina.com to book online.

The Northern Rivers Community Gallery is located at 44 Cherry Street Ballina and is open Wednesday to Friday from 10am until 4pm and weekends from 9.30am until 2.30pm. For further information contact the Gallery on telephone 02 6681 6167. www.nrcgballina.com.au

News from around the web from last week. Remember, if you have a comment to make about any of these stories, please leave us a message below.

Beloved RFS member was a true hero
FLAGS at the Rural Fire Services flew at half mast yesterday in respect to the passing of beloved member Jenny Hankinson.
https://www.ballinaadvocate.com.au/news/beloved-rfs-member-was-a-true-hero/3186735/

Ballina Food and Wine Festival
The Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond invites you to join them for their eighth Ballina Food and Wine Food Festival. The festival is a multi-day event that includes three separate events over three days.
http://www.echo.net.au/2017/06/ballina-food-wine-festival/

AT RISK: Thousands of children fall through cracks
THE Department of Family and Community Services is potentially failing Clarence Valley children, with less than a third of children identified as being at potential risk of harm in Northern NSW receiving face-to-face assessment from a caseworker.
https://www.ballinaadvocate.com.au/news/thousands-of-children-at-risk-as-services-decline/3184803/

Some of the gorgeous puppies NRAS (Northern Rivers Animal Services Inc.) has coming up for adoption made a very special appearance at the NRAS Shelter earlier in the week.

As part of a “cheque handover” from their wonderful partners at Melanie Stewart Real Estate, NRAS volunteers got to step out into the sunshine and have some serious cuddle time with sisters, Paris & Pepsi.

“We had only taken these two little bubs into care days earlier,” said NRAS President, Jo Parker.  “So, it was great to have the opportunity to show them off to Robyn Hunt from Melanie Stewart Real Estate when she visited to present a sponsorship cheque,” continued Jo.

“The photo shoot was coordinated to commemorate our 1 year partnership anniversary with the Melanie Stewart team so it was fitting that we could show first-hand the animals that their sponsorship dollars are helping us to support.”

Northern Rivers Animal Services has slated its next Adoption Day at Petstock Ballina for Saturday 17 June from 10:00am – 1:00pm

 Including Paris & Pepsi there are many gorgeous animals looking for their forever homes including 17 dogs & puppies and 14 cats & kittens who are all vet checked, flea & worm treated, vaccinated, de-sexed and microchipped prior to adoption.

All available animals can be viewed, or prospective adoptees can download an Adoption Questionnaire, at:  www.northernriversanimalservices.com or the friendly team of volunteers can be contacted weekdays between 10:00am & 4:00pm on T:  6681 1860

It will be a busy time as Ballina Shire Council will also be hosting two “Chip n Check” days on Saturday 17^th & 24^th June at their animal shelter in Piper Drive.  The Council will be offering FREE microchipping between 9:00am & 1:00pm and a $50.00 desexing voucher for the FIRST 100 people.

NRAS Adoption Day

Saturday 17 June  10:00am – 1:00pm at Petstock Ballina, Harvey Norman Centre, Boeing Avenue